1 & 2 FEB CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)

1. It is an Indian digital knowledge repository of traditional knowledge, especially about medicinal plants and formulations used in Indian systems of medicine.
2. It was initiated in India in 2014, as a collaboration between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of AYUSH.
3. It envisages covering information from traditional knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCE).
   Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
   a) 1 and 3 only
   b) 2 Only
   c) 1 only
   d) All of the above

Solution : a)
Explanation :- About TKDL:
• It is an Indian digital knowledge repository of traditional knowledge, especially about medicinal plants and formulations used in Indian systems of medicine.
• It was initiated in India in 2001, as a collaboration between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH)(Now an independent ministry), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, of
India.
• It envisages covering information from traditional knowledge such as disease diagnostics, veterinary medicine, agricultural practices, food, cosmetics, metallurgy, etc. and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCE) such as architecture, metallurgy, paintings, carvings, textiles, etc.

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Social Stock Exchange is a platform which allows investors to buy shares in social enterprises vetted by an official exchange.
2. Social enterprises operate for both Profit as well as Non Profit motive. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Both the statements are correct Social Stock Exchange:
• It is a platform which allows investors to buy shares in social enterprises vetted by an official exchange.
• It is a novel concept in India and such a bourse is meant to serve private and non-profit sector providers by channelling greater capital to them.
Social Enterprise:
• A social enterprise is a revenue-generating business. Its primary objective is to achieve a social objective, for example, providing healthcare or clean energy.
• This in no way means that a social enterprise can’t be highly profitable.
• In fact, most social enterprises look and operate like traditional businesses.
• The only catch is that the profit these entities generate is not necessarily used for payouts to stakeholders, but reinvested into their social programmes.

Q3. With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements/s is/are correct?

1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.
2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.
3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
   a) 1 and 2
   b) 2 and 3
   c) 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution : b)
Explanation :-
Option 1 is incorrect as Bitcoins can’t be tracked by any central Bank

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to Transparent Taxation

1. It is a platform launched by government to further digitize the Income Tax Department’s functioning, to reform and simplify tax system.
2. The new facilities launched are a part of the Government’s resolve to provide maximum governance with minimum government Which of the above statements is correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Transparent Taxation – Honouring the Honest Platform
It is new platform launched recently by PM of India to further digitise the Income Tax Department’s functioning, to “reform and simplify our tax system”
The new facilities launched are a part of the Government’s resolve to provide maximum governance with minimum government

Q5. Consider the statements below in regard to Budget:

1. Constitution provides that “Budget” be laid before both the Houses of Parliament every financial year.
2. The “Budget” is a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India in a financial year.
3. Ministry of Finance prepares the Budget. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   a) 1 and 2
   b) 1 and 3
   c) 2 and 3 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Article 112 of the Constitution refers to the budget as the ‘annual financial statement’. In other words, the term ‘budget’ has nowhere been used in the Constitution. Hence, statement (1) is wrong.
The budget is prepared by the budget division in the Ministry of Finance after consulting with other ministries and the Planning Commission.

Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Teesta River Dispute often in news

1. Dispute of Teesta river is between India and Bhutan
2. It originates in Sikkim
   Which of the above statements is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : b)
Explanation :- Teesta river dispute
The Teesta river originates in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal as well as Bangladesh. Teesta river dispute is between India and Bangladesh. India claims a share of 55 percent of the river’s water. Bangladesh wants a higher share than it gets now.

Q7. With reference to Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and
Development (IAPPD) consider the following statements

1. It is a national level Non-Governmental organization established in the year 1978
2. The organization was formed with an imperative of moderating the pace of population growth
   Which of the above statements is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
The Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (IAPPD) is a national level Organization established in the year 1978. The organization was formed with an imperative of moderating the pace of population growth for a smoother course of development so as to ensure an overall improvement in the quality of life of the people and maintain a proper balance between population and development.

Q8. Consider the following statements with reference to the Election Commissioner of
India:

1. The Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners hold office for 5 years or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
2. All the matters in the commission are decided by the majority amongst its members. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : b)
Explanation :-
• Office of Election Commissioner Article 324 of the Constitution provides for office of Election Commissioner
• Chief Election Commissioner is the chairman of the election commission; however, his powers are equal to the other election commissioner.
• All the matters in the commission are decided by the majority amongst its members. The Chief Election Commissioner and the two other election commissioners receive equal salary, allowances and other benefits
• The Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners hold office for 6 years or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Q9. With reference to Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) considered the following statements:

1. It has been listed among the top 10 priority diseases blue print by the World Health Organization (WHO)
2. It causes a disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), belongs to the Bunya virus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites
3. It is rapidly spreading in U.K
   Which of the above statements is not correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 and 3
   c) 1 and 2 only
   d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS)/ Tick- borne Virus
• This new virus is rapidly spreading in China
• It causes a disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), belongs to the Bunya virus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites
• While the disease is transferred to humans through tick bites, Chinese virologists have warned that human-to-human transmission of the virus cannot be ruled out
• The current case fatality rate rests between approximately 16 and 30 per cent
• Due to the rate at which it spreads and its high fatality rate, SFTS has been listed among the top 10 priority diseases blue print by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Q10. Consider the following statements with respect to Student Entrepreneurship Programme

1. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Facebook has launched SEP2.0 for young innovators of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)
2. Students will receive mentor support; prototyping and testing support; end-user feedback; intellectual property registration and patenting of ideas, processes, and products; manufacturing support; as well as the launch support of the product in the market
   Which of the above statements is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : b)
Explanation :-
Student Entrepreneurship Programme
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Dell Technologies has launched SEP2.0 for young innovators of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)
• It will allow student innovators to work closely with Dell volunteers
• They will receive mentor support; prototyping and testing support; end-user feedback; intellectual property registration and patenting of ideas, processes, and products; manufacturing support; as well as the launch support of the product in the market.

Q11. Consider the following statements with respect to Price Monitoring and resource unit

1. It has been set up recently in Karnataka under the aegis of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department of Pharmaceutical
2. It helps NPPA and State Drug Controller in ensuring viability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices Which of the above statements is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Price Monitoring and Resource Unit (PMRU)
It has been set up in Karnataka under the aegis of National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
• It is a registered society and shall function under the direct control and supervision of State Drug Controller of respective states.
• It helps NPPA and State Drug Controller in ensuring viability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices
• It Organize seminars, training programs and other information, education and communication (IEC) activities in the areas of availability and affordability of medicines for all.
• It Collect samples of medicines, collect and analyse data and make reports with respect to availability and over-pricing of medicines for taking action under the provisions of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO)

Q12. Consider the following statements with reference to National Health Authority

1. It is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’.
2. NHA is governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare
   Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
National Health Authority (NHA)

1. It is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’
2. National Health Authority is the successor of National Health Agency, which was functioning as a registered society since 23rd May, 2018
3. NHA is governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare

Q13. With reference to Parivar Pehchan Patra, consider the following statements

1. It is launched recently by Rajasthan Government.
2. It will provide a unique identity to complete family and it would have name of the head of the family on top. Which of the above statements is correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : b)
Explanation :-
Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP)
• It is launched recently by Haryana government
• PPP will provide a unique identity to complete family and it would have name of the head of the family on top.
• The name of family member will be added to the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ right after his birth and after marriage of a girl her name will be transferred to the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ of her in-laws
• PPP will enable the citizens to get the benefits of various central and state government.
• Bigger federal agencies such as state-run banks give the contract for supply and maintenance their data base sand other services to bigger Indian companies such as Infosys, TCS, or Wipro
• government schemes at their door-step in a fair and transparent manner.

Q14. Consider the following statements with regard to the 15th Finance Commission 1. The 15th Finance Commission was constituted under the chairmanship of NK Singh.

2. The share of states in the centre’s taxes is recommended to be increased by 1% to accomodate the needs of newly formed union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
3. The population parameter used to calculate the State’s share is based on both 1971 census and 2011 census.
   Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : a)
Explanation :-
Statement 2 is incorrect:
• Devolution of taxes to states: The share of states in the centre’s taxes is recommended to be decreased from 42% during the 2015-20 period to 41% for 2020-21.
o Reason for decrease: To provide for the newly formed union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh from the resources of the central government.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
Formula that decides a State’s share
Weight in 15th FC Parameters Weight in 14th FC
15 (2011 Census) Population 27.5 (17.5 – 1971, 10 – 2011 Census)
15 Area 15
10 Forest and Ecology 7.5
45 Income Distance 50
12.5 Demographic Performance –
2.5 Tax Effort –

Q15. Consider the following statements with respect to the Finance Commission of India

1. The Finance Commission is a Constitutionally mandated body that is at the centre of fiscal federalism.
2. The first Finance Commission was set up in 1951 and there have been fifteen so far. Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
About Finance Commission:
• The Finance Commission is a Constitutionally mandated body that is at the centre of fiscal federalism.
• Article 280 of the Constitution of India provides for a Finance Commission as a quasi- judicial body, which is to be constituted by the president of India every 5 years (or at such earlier time as he considers necessary) to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between Centre and states, and among states.
• The core responsibility of FC is o To evaluate the state of finances of the Union and State Governments, o To recommend the sharing of taxes between them, o To lay down the principles determining the distribution of these taxes among States.
• The first Finance Commission was set up in 1951 and there have been fifteen so far. Each of them has faced its own unique set of challenges.

Q16. Which of the following Indian states shares an international border only with Myanmar and not with any other country?

1. Assam
2. Nagaland
3. Mizoram
4. Manipur
   Choose the correct answer using the codes given below
   a) 1 and 3
   b) 2 and 4
   c) 1, 2 and 3 only
   d) 2 and 3 only

Solution : b)
Explanation :-

Q17. Consider the following statements:

1. Ethylene glycol is an industrial compound found in consumer products including automotive antifreeze and hydraulic brake fluids.
2. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste and is often accidentally or intentionally ingested.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : c)
Explanation :-
Eleven US soldiers fell sick after accidentally drinking ethylene glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze.
• Ethylene glycol is an industrial compound found in consumer products including automotive antifreeze, hydraulic brake fluids, some stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints, plastics, films, and cosmetics and is also used as a pharmaceutical vehicle.
• It is a synthetic liquid, which is odourless and is used to make antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes and boats.
• Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste and is often accidentally or intentionally ingested.
• Once ingested, ethylene glycol is chemically broken down into toxic compounds. These byproducts then affect the central nervous system (CNS), the heart and then the kidneys. CDC says that the ingestion of sufficient amounts can be fatal.
• Ethylene glycol can be disseminated through indoor air, water, food, outdoor air and agricultural products.
• Hence both statements are correct.

Q18. Matua community, often mentioned in news, is mainly located in which of the following state of India?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Gujarat
c) Punjab
d) West Bengal

Solution : d)
Explanation :-
The Matua community in West Bengal are upset about the cancellation of a rally Union Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to address.
• The Matua community has members on either side of the Bengal border.
• It is associated with a religious movement begun in the 1870s by Harichand Thakur of a Namasudra (SC) family, who hailed from Safaldanga in East Bengal.
• In the early 20th century, his son Guruchand organised the movement socially and politically. In 1915, the Matua Federation was established.
• Today, Matuas constitute the second largest SC population of West Bengal. Government sources put their number at around 17% of the state’s electorate.
• For years, the Matuas were demanding an amendment to the Citizenship Act of 2003, whose provisions made it difficult for refugees to get citizenship.
• Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q19. Which of the following statement is not correct about ‘Pattachitra’ painting?
a) It is based in the states of West Bengal and Odisha.
b) In Bengal tradition the theme is not much devotional.
c) In Odisha tradition the paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava sect.
d) All colours used in Odisha tradition Paintings are not natural.

Solution : d)
Explanation :-
During his Mann ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister cited the example of Bhagyashree Sahu, young student from Rourkela in Odisha for her keen interest in ‘Pattachitra’ painting.
• Patta means cloth, and Chitra means picture. Hence, Pattachitra is a picture painted on a piece of cloth. It is based in the states of West Bengal and Odisha.
• Bengal tradition: It is centered around Kalighat (in Kolkata). Theme is Not much devotional.
• Odisha tradition:
o It is centered around Puri. Almost all of the Chitrakar community hails from a small village in Puri district called Raghurajpur.
o These paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava sect.
o All colours used in the Paintings are natural and paintings. • Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q20. With reference to the National e-Vidhan project, consider the following statements:

1. e-Vidhan is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) included in Digital India Programme.
2. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is the ‘Nodal Ministry’ for its implementation in all the States/ UTs with Legislatures.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 Only
   b) 2 Only
   c) Both 1 and 2
   d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : a)
Explanation :-
Meghalaya State Assembly Speaker visited Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat in Itanagar to get first-hand information about the National e-Vidhan project implemented in the Assembly.
• e-Vidhan is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) included in Digital India Programme and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) is the ‘Nodal Ministry’ for its implementation in all the States/ UTs with Legislatures.
• Funding of NeVA is on the pattern of Central Sponsored Scheme i.e. 60:40; and 90:10 for North East & hilly States and 100% for UTs.
• The funding for e-Vidhan is provided by the MoPA and technical support by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Objectives
• Paperless Assembly or e-Assembly is a concept involving of electronic means to facilitate the work of Assembly. It enables automation of entire law making process, tracking of decisions and documents, sharing of information.
• NeVA aims to bring all the legislatures of the country together, in one platform thereby creating a massive data depository without having the complexity of multiple applications.
• Further, live webcasting of Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TVs is also available on this application. Doordarshan has already been enabled with provision to incorporate similar facility in respect of State Legislatures.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.

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