IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Oct 14 & 15, 2016

ANSWER: Flawless manufacturing and no negative impact on the environment

Explanation:

• The PM urged the industry, especially the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of India, to manufacture goods in the country with "zero defects" and to ensure that the goods have "zero effect" on the environment.
• The ZED scheme is an integrated and holistic certification system that will account for quality, productivity, energy efficiency, pollution mitigation, financial status, human resource and technological depth including design and IPR in both products and processes.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
Benefits of ZED

• Credible recognition of the industry for international customers seeking investment in India
• Streamlined operations and lower costs
• Superior quality, reduced rejection and higher revenues
• Increased environmental & social benefits
• Additional employment generation
• Other benefits as announced by the Government from time to time

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:

• There are 50 parameters on which the MSMEs will be assessed and rated.
• The MSME applicant is required to comply with identified 20 essential parameters and at least 10 other parameters (as per the MSMEs domain competency, i.e. sector of operation and type of industry). Hence, the MSMEs will be rated on a minimum of 30 parameters.
• MSMEs may seek ZED rating on more than 30 parameters as per the processes and systems available at the MSME.
• Each parameter has 5 levels.
• The Rating is based on a weighted average level.
• The company is encouraged, handheld and trained to achieve a higher level for each parameter and thus elevate itself in the maturity model.

ANSWER: QCI

Explanation:

• QCI, Quality Council of India is the National Monitoring and Implementation Unit for this Scheme.
• ZED Maturity Assessment Model is a unique & holistic certification system to assess and handhold processes of MSMEs to promote Zero Defect Zero Effect Manufacturing.
• The mission of the scheme is to develop and implement a ‘ZED’ culture in India based on the principles of:

1) Zero Defect (focus on customer)
Zero non-conformance/non-compliance
Zero waste
2) Zero Effect (focus on society)
Zero air pollution/liquid discharge (ZLD)/solid waste
Zero wastage of natural resources

ANSWER: Voter Education for Inclusive, Informed and Ethical Participation

Explanation:

• The first ever Global Conference on Voter Education titled “Voter Education for Inclusive, Informed and Ethical Participation” is being organized by the Election Commission of India in association with UNDP from 19th to 21st October, 2016 at New Delhi.
• The main purpose of the conference is to learn from the experiences of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), government and non-government by way of sharing the best practices, policies and initiatives of voter education.
• All EMBs recognize the need for inclusive participation of voters through the exercise of informed and ethical choice as the key to strengthening the fabric of democracy.
• The Voter is the central point of the electoral framework and every voter must be thoroughly aware and educated about the electoral processes and procedures, so as to ensure his or her informed and ethical participation.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
International Organisations that will participate are -

• UNDP
• International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)
• Malaysian Commonwealth Studies Centre
• University of Haifa
• Also, Election Management Bodies of 27 countries from across the globe will converge at this Conference to share experiences and develop novel practices.

ANSWER: Voter Education

Explanation:

• The first ever Global Conference on Voter Education titled “Voter Education for Inclusive, Informed and Ethical Participation” will see the launch of the ambitious project of VoICE.NET.
• It is a Global Knowledge Network on voter education with membership from participating Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and Organisation working in the field of elections and democracy.
• This network will provide an innovative wide platform to share knowledge resources, interact on discussion board, sharing platform for events and practices in member countries and also extend its knowledge and resource support to stakeholders e.g. CSOs, Departments and other organisations associated with elections besides Academic Institutions.

ANSWER: Lakshadweep

Explanation:

• Lava Dance, a folk dance mainly performed by the males in Lakshadweep, is a renowned traditional dance form performed on festive occasions.
• The word 'Lava' means beautiful dance, song and rhythmic movement. It is similar to the Maldive Bileh dhafi negun.
• The performers’ first line up themselves in pairs or singles carrying drums, and start a dance according to the beating of the drums. Then they form themselves in a circle as the dance gains momentum.
• They wear red trousers with a white scarf tied around the waist and a form of black and white headgear called bolufeyli.
• Lava dance is the most popular of the dances of the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep. Other specialized dances of the Minicoy Island are Dandi Dance, Bandiya Dance and Fuli Dance.

ANSWER: Martial Arts

Explanation:

• Kathi Samu martial art originated in Andhra Pradesh. This is an ancient skill which is mastered by the royal armies of Andhra Pradesh.
• The place where Kathi Samu is performed is known as 'garidi.'
• Today, this form of martial art prevails only as a pastime in the families of those who were once in the service of their Rajahs as soldiers.
• It was patronized in later years in the two principalities Vizianagaram in northernmost coastal Andhra, and Karvetinagaram in the southernmost Chittoor district.
• Stick fight known as 'vairi' has an important role in Kothi Samu and it is the prelude to the actual swordfight.
• The fighting takes place between two persons brandishing long and curved swords.
• 'Gareja' in which a participant holds four swords, two in each hand and 'Dal Farri Khadga' are other important aspects of the sword skills.

ANSWER: 2, 3

Explanation:

• Gatka martial art is art of the state Punjab. It is created by the Sikh of Punjab. This art is considered as physical as well as mental exercise.
• Silambam art is based on weapon or stick. This martial arts is the main game in the state Tamil Nadu.
• Kalarippayattu martial art is the oldest art. Kalarippayattu is also known as Chinese art because Bhodh Dharma took knowledge of this art from India to China. This art is very famous in Kerala.
• Mardani Khel martial art is one of most popular art in all parts of the state Maharashtra.
• Sqay is an ancient South Asian martial art created and practiced by the Kashmiri people of Kashmir.
• Thang Ta is a weapon based martial art from Manipur. It is created by the Meitei.
• Paika Akhanda is the martial art of the people of the state Odisha. This art is a combination of dance and combat.