IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Nov 27 & 28, 2016

ANSWER: Cancer

Explanation:
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has developed a coded formulation AYUSH-QOL-2C to minimize side effects of Chemo and radiotherapy to improve quality of life in cancer patients.

The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) has undertaken study to assess usefulness of Homoeopathic medicine in cancer patients having side effects from Chemotherapy.

CCRAS also conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of AYUSH QOL-2C in improving quality of life in non-metastatic Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy/ radiotherapy.

The objective of the study did not include cure of cancer.

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:
The Government has decided to introduce Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertilizer subsidy payments.

Initially, the modified subsidy procedure under DBT system will be introduced on pilot basis in 16 select districts and after its due stabilization, the new payment system would be rolled out in all states in the second phase.

The DBT being implemented in fertilizer subsidy payment is slightly different from the normal DBT being implemented in LPG subsidy. Under the DBT in fertilizer sector, 100% subsidy on various fertilizer grades will be released to the fertilizer companies instead of the beneficiaries, after the sale is made by the retailers to the beneficiaries on submission of claims generated in the web-based online Integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System (iFMS) by fertilizer companies.

After implementation of DBT, it is expected that diversion/smuggling of fertilizers (especially urea) will be reduced to a large extent and the Government will save subsidy to great extent.

The proposed DBT for release of fertilizer subsidy to fertilizer companies has no direct relation with landholding of the farmers. The fertilizers will be available to all on ‘no denial’ basis.

ANSWER: 1, 2, 4

Explanation:
Steps taken by the Government to reduce the prices of pulses are given below:

• Export of all pulses is banned except kabuli channa and up to 10,000 MTs in organic pulses and lentils.
• Import of pulses is allowed at zero import duty
• MSP raised for kharif pulses as well as for Rabi pulses
• Government has approved creation of buffer stock of pulses for effective market intervention.
• Government has released pulses from the buffer stock to States/UTs at subsidized rates for retailing by them at not more than Rs 120/- per kg to improve availability and stabilize prices.
• Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has banned new contracts in Chana to dampen speculative activities in Chana.
• Setting up of a Group of Officers for regular monitoring and exchange of information on hoarding, cartelization etc.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
In order to reduce the price gap between producers and consumers through reduction in intermediation of supply chain, create alternative marketing channels and promote investment on development of marketing infrastructure with private sector participation, States have been asked to deregulate marketing of fruits and vegetables outside the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yards.

So far, 14 States have deregulated fruits and vegetables from APMC Acts, though in different models.

Since, the measure is intended to reduce supply chain and create competition in marketing of fruits and vegetables, therefore, it has inherent potential to make available these food items to consumers’ at reasonable prices along with to enhance farmers’ profit with their open choice of selling to anybody , anywhere, wherever get the better prices.

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous Organization under the Ministry of Culture, is engaged in establishment of Regional Science Centres/Science Cities throughout the country.

A Science City shall be conceptually similar to a Science Centre. However, it will be larger in dimension with a focus in frontier areas of Science and Technology and edutainment shall be financially self-sustainable.

It shall be conceptualized in such a manner that it is attractive and useful to students, families, tourist and general public.
It will use state-of-the-art communication tools and technology in its presentation.

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:
Main Objectives :

• To portray the growth of science and technology and their applications in industry and human welfare, with a view to develop scientific attitude and temper and to create, inculcate and sustain a general awareness amongst the people.
• To popularize science and technology in cities, urban and rural areas for the benefit of students and for the common man by organizing exhibitions, seminars, popular lectures, science camps and various other programs.
• To promote and enhance public understanding of the culture of science and technology.
• To supplement science education given in schools and colleges and to organize various out-of-school educational activities to foster a spirit of scientific enquiry and creativity among the students.
• To design, develop and fabricate science museum exhibits, demonstration equipment and scientific teaching aids for science education and popularization of science.
• To organize training programmes for science teachers /students /young entrepreneurs/technicians/physically challenged/housewives and others on specific subjects of science, technology and industry.

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:
The location of the Science City should be either a State capital or a city of the State having a sizeable population of not less than 50 Lakhs.

While deciding location for a Science City the primary concern shall be to ensure that it can draw at least 10 lakh visitors per year for self-sustainability.

The new Science Cities shall be set up preferably only in those places where no major Science Centre exists.

However, in locations where footfall to the science centre is substantial i.e., it qualifies for a science city, the science centre could be upgraded to a Regional Science City or a separate Science City could be set up depending upon the importance of the place.

ANSWER: Prof. Yu Long Yu

Explanation:
The President of India, will present the second ICCR ‘Distinguished Indologist’ Award to Prof. Yu Long Yu of the People’s Republic of China at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The annual ‘Distinguished Indologist’ Award has been instituted by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to recognize eminent Indologists working abroad who have made outstanding contribution to the study/teaching/research of India’s philosophy, thought, history, art, culture, languages, literature, civilization, society etc. The Award amount is US$ 20000/-.

The first ‘Distinguished Indologist’ Award was presented to Prof. Heinrich Freiherr Von Stietencron of Germany last year in 2015. A World Indology Conference was also organized by ICCR and hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan from November 21 to 23, 2015.

ANSWER: Kalpakkam

Explanation:
The Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Project (NDDP) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu is the largest operating hybrid nuclear desalination plant in the world.

Desalination of seawater is possible by using Thermal Desalination Technology and/or Membrane Technology like Reverse Osmosis (RO).

Thermal and/or Electrical energy from Atomic Power Station or Nuclear Research Reactor/s can be used for this purpose.

A total of 63 lakh litres per day capacity seawater desalination plant has been setup as Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Project (NDDP) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu and is under regular operation producing 45 lakh litres of water per day by Thermal Desalination process, drawing nuclear low pressure steam from the existing and operating Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS).

Also, 18 lakh litres of water per day is being produced using membrane based technology using grid electrical energy of MAPS. The sea water desalination plant set up at Kalpakkam is a demonstration plant.

The plant produces dual quality of water – water for high-end industrial applications of quality less than 10 mg per litre of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and potable water of less than 500 mg per litre of TDS for drinking and other applications.

ANSWER: India

Explanation:

• In 2005, India's National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, set up the world's first low temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) plant at Kavaratti in the largely coral Lakshadweep islands off the coast of Kerala state in the Arabian Sea.
• The LTTD is a process under which the warm surface sea water is flash evaporated at low pressure and the vapour is condensed with cold deep sea water.
• The LTTD technology does not require any chemical pre and post-treatment of seawater and thus the pollution problems are minimal and suitable for island territories.
• Since no effluent treatment is required, it gives less operational maintenance problems compared to other desalination processes.
• The LTTD technology is completely indigenous, robust and environment friendly. Using this indigenous technology plants have been built on Agatti and Minicoy islands too. One experimental LTTD plant using condenser waste heat from power plant was set up at North Chennai Thermal Power Station (NCTPS)