30 OCT CURRENT AFFAIRS (MCQ)

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to the Annual State of Education Report (ASER) survey1. It is a nationwide survey of rural education and learning outcomes.2. It has been conducted by the NGO Pratham since 2005. Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : c)

Explanation :-About ASER survey: • A nationwide survey of rural education and learning outcomes: In terms of reading and arithmetic skills which continues to be an important national source of information about children’s foundational skills across the country.• It has been conducted by the NGO Pratham for the last 15 years. • The 2020 survey was conducted via phone calls, reaching 52,227 rural households with school age children in 30 States and Union Territories.• ASER surveys use Census 2011 as the sampling frame.• Since 2016, ASER switched to an alternate-year cycle where this ‘basic’ ASER is conducted every other year (2016, 2018, 2020), and in alternate years ASER focuses on a different aspect of children’s schooling and learning.o In 2017, ASER ‘Beyond Basics’ focused on the abilities, experiences, and aspirations of youth in the 14-18 age group.o In 2018 ASER had data on enrollment patterns in age group 4 to 8.

Q2. SWAS, STAR and SAFAL, recently in news are the names of newly introduced

a) GI variety of green peab) Green crackersc) Face masksd) None of the above
Solution : b)

Explanation :-About Green crackers:• Developed by: The National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) lab.o Green logo as well as a Quick Response (QR) coding system has been developed for differentiation of green crackers from conventional crackers. This will avoid manufacture and sale of counterfeit products.• Formulations: The Nagpur-based NEERI substituted barium nitrate with potassium nitrate and zeolite. o The green versions of the ‘flower pot’, one of the most popular fireworks, has a mixture of water and lime that is chemically stored in the cracker. • Mechanism: When lit, the effulgence also triggers water and the makers claim that the moisture wets the dust-and-smoke particles.• Name: Scientists have given these crackers alternative names: Safe Water Releaser (SWAS), Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) and Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL).• Licence: Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) would ensure the sale of green fireworks giving a final manufacturing licence after emission tests.• Advantages: o As per the CSIR’s assessment, green crackers would reduce particulate matter pollution by 30%.o It also reduced a release of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.o When exploded these also emit similar levels of sound (100-10dBA) associated with traditional crackers.

Q3. SOFIA, recently in new, is a/an

a) NASA’s flying observatory that allows astronomers to study the solar system and beyond in ways that are not possible with ground-based telescopes.b) Passenger aircraft that used Hydrogen fuel along with ATF to run the aircraft.c) Humanoid to be sent to space as part of India’s Gaganyaan mission.d) None of the above.
Solution : a)

Explanation :-SOFIA: The flying observatory• The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), is a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a reflecting telescope. • Flying into the stratosphere at 38,000-45,000 feet puts SOFIA above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere.• This allows astronomers to study the solar system and beyond in ways that are not possible with ground-based telescopes. • SOFIA is made possible through a partnership between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to 2+2 dialogue1. It is a format of dialogue where the defence and home ministers meet with their counterparts from another country.2. India holds such talks with Japan and the US.Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : b)

Explanation :-2+2’ Dialogue • It is a format of dialogue where the defence and foreign ministers meet with their counterparts from another country.• India holds such talks with Japan and the US.• The US holds such dialogues with Australia and Japan also.

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to Quality Council of India (QCI)1. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal department for QCI.2. The Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister.Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : c)

Explanation :-The Quality Council of India (QCI):• It was set up as a non-profit autonomous society in 1997, registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 to establish an accreditation structure in the country and to spread quality movement in India by undertaking a National Quality Campaign.• Mission Statement: The Mission of QCI is to lead a nationwide quality movement in India by involving all stakeholders for emphasis on adherence to quality standards in all spheres of activities primarily for promoting and protecting the interests of the nation and its citizens.• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal department for QCI.• The Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the industry to the government.• QCI is governed by a Council of 38 members including the Chairman and Secretary-General. The Council has an equal representation of Government, Industry, and other Stakeholders.

Q6. The Electricity Access & Utility Benchmarking Report, recently seen in news, is released by

a) Ministry of financeb) NITI Aayogc) NGO Prathamd) None of the above

Solution : b)

Explanation :-NITI Aayog, Ministry of Power, Rockefeller Foundation, and Smart Power India recently launched the ‘Electricity Access in India and Benchmarking Distribution Utilities’ report.Key findings of the report• Overall availability of electricity: ‘o As much as 92% of customers have reported the overall availability of electricity infrastructure within 50 metres of their premises; o But, not all have connections, the primary reason being the distance of households from the nearest pole.• Grid based electricity:o Overall, 87% of the surveyed customers have access to grid-based electricity. o However, the remaining 13% either use non-grid sources or don’t use any electricity at all.• The hours of supply: It has improved significantly across the customer categories to nearly 17 hours per day.• Other details:o Nearly 85% of customers reported to have a metered electricity connection.o Access to electricity has been observed in 83% of household customers.A satisfaction index was also created to assess the overall satisfaction level of customers with utility services.The study has suggested that a total of 66% of those surveyed were satisfied––74% of customers in urban areas and 60% in rural areas.

Q7. Consider the following statements:1. All living things have a unique genome.2. The instructions in our genome are made up of RNA.Which of the following statements is/are correct?

a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution : a)

Explanation :-What is a genome?• A genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. • Each genome contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow and develop. • Our bodies are made up of millions of cells each with their own complete set of instructions for making us, like a recipe book for the body. This set of instructions is known as our genome and is made up of DNA. • All living things have a unique genome.• The human genome is made of 3.2 billion bases of DNA but other organisms have different genome sizes.• The instructions in our genome are made up of DNA.• Single strands of DNA are coiled up into structures called chromosomes located in the nucleus within each cell.• Within our chromosomes, sections of DNA are “read” together to form genes.• Genes control different characteristics such as eye colour and height.

Q8. With reference to the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2020, consider the following statements:1. As per the new rules, a patentee gets flexibility to file a single Form-27 in respect of single or multiple related patents.2. The time available to patentees for filing Form-27 has also been extended to six months, against the current three months, from the expiry of the financial year.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : c)

Explanation :-The Centre has streamlined the procedures to submit statements regarding the working of a patented invention on a commercial scale, giving additional flexibilities to the patentee.• The Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2020, which came into effect on October 19, 2020, has further streamlined the requirements related to filing of Form 27 and submission of verified English translation of priority documents, which is not in English language.• The rules were amended following a Delhi High Court order on the matter in April 2018.• As per the new rules, a patentee gets flexibility to file a single Form-27 in respect of single or multiple related patents. Where a patent is granted to two or more persons, such persons may file a joint Form-27.• Moreover, patentees would now be required to provide ‘approximate revenue/value accrue’ while authorised agents would be able to submit Form-27 on behalf of patentees, the release said.• The time available to patentees for filing Form-27 has also been extended to six months, against the current three months, from the expiry of the financial year. Patentees will not be required to file Form-27 in respect of a part or fraction of the financial year.• There are also important changes with reference to Rule 21 on filing of priority documents. If the priority document is available in WIPO’s (World Intellectual Property Organisation) digital library, the applicant would not be required to submit the same in the Indian Patent Office.• Hence both statements are correct.
Q9. GREEN initiative (Global Action for Reconciling Economic growth and Environment preservation) is by:

a) Japan Bank for International Co-operationb) IMFc) World Bankd) New Development Bank
Solution : a)

Explanation :-In the first funding for NTPC Ltd under Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC)’s GREEN initiative, India’s largest power producer today entered into foreign currency loan agreement with Japanese Government’s financial institution for JPY 50 billion (approx. USD 482 million).• GREEN initiative stands for Global Action for Reconciling Economic growth and Environment preservation initiative. The facility is extended under JBIC’s outreach for projects, which ensure conservation of global environment.• JBIC will provide 60% of the facility amount and the balance will be given by commercial banks (viz., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the Bank of Yokohama Ltd., the San-In Godo Bank Ltd., the Joyo Bank Ltd. and The Nanto Bank Ltd.), under JBIC guarantee.• The loan proceeds will be utilized by NTPC Ltd, the PSU under Ministry of Power, for funding its capex for Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) & Renewable Energy projects.• FGD, substantially reduces the SOx emission in the flue gases of thermal power plants and is a critical step towards environmental sustainability.• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Q10. With reference to the AIS (Automotive Industry Standard) 160, consider the following statements:1. The Centre has recently issued a notification laying down safety requirements such as visual display, handrail and seat belt anchorages for construction equipment vehicles (CEVs).2. The new norms will be rolled out in a phased manner Phase-I (April 2021) and Phase-II (April 2024).Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution : c)

Explanation :-The Centre has issued a notification laying down safety requirements such as visual display, handrail and seat belt anchorages for construction equipment vehicles (CEVs).• This is to ensure safety while these vehicles are running on public roads along with other vehicles, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said.• Certain safety requirements are already mandated for construction equipment vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.• The new norms will be rolled out in a phased manner — Phase-I (April 2021) and Phase-II (April 2024) — as per the notification.• This Standard aims to introduce AIS (Automotive Industry Standard) 160, to introduce several safety requirements including visual display requirements, requirements for operator station and maintenance areas, non-metallic fuel tanks, minimum access dimensions, and others.• Hence both statements are correct.
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