PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS-08/07/24

01. With reference to The National Human Rights Commission ,consider the following statements:

1. The Commission consists of a Chairperson, five full-time Members and seven deemed Members.
2. The Chairperson and Members of the Commission are appointed by the President
3. The commission reviews the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:  (c)All three

In News: Ministry of Labour and Employment Forwards State Governments’ Reports to NHRC

Explanation:

• In terms of Section 2 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (hereafter referred to as ‘the Act’), “human rights” means the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed under the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India. 
• “International Covenants” means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the 16th December, 1966 
• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has forwarded the report received from the Labour department of Tamil Nadu government in the matter of discrimination against married women by Foxconn to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).  
• The Commission consists of a Chairperson, five full-time Members and seven deemed Members. Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• The statute lays down qualifications for the appointment of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission.
• The Chairperson and Members of the Commission are appointed by the President. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• The commission reviews the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures.Hence statement 3 is correct. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031228

02. Consider the following statements:

1. National Career Service is a one-stop solution that provides a wide array of employment and career related services to the citizens of India.
2. The project is being implemented by the Directorate General of Employment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer:  (c)Both 1 and 2 

In News: Industry Interaction with Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India

Explanation:

• The National Career Service (NCS) portal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment was also showcased as a comprehensive solution for career counselling and employment networking. It was highlighted that more than 1 crore vacancies were mobilised on NCS portal during 2023-24. 
• The portal is also integrating the SIDH database from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to ensure availability of a rich pool of skilled job seekers on the portal to reduce the skill gap in the labour market. 
• The ongoing integration of databases of the two Ministries will effectively link the youth to both skills and employment, resulting in aligning the demand-supply gap in the labour market, it was informed.
• ​​​​​​​​National Career Service is a Five Year Mission Mode Project launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 20th July, 2015. 
• The project is being implemented by the Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment.Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• National Career Service (NCS) is a one-stop solution that provides a wide array of employment and career related services to the citizens of India.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
•  It works towards bridging the gap between jobseekers and employers, candidates seeking training and career guidance, agencies providing training and career counselling.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031223

03.Consider the following:

1. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India
2. National Cooperative Development Corporation
3. National cooperative consumer federation Limited

How many of the above are promoters of National Cooperative Organics Limited?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:(c)All three

In News: On the occasion of 102nd International Day of Cooperatives, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ program in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Explanation:

• The Government of India has established National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL) to promote organic products and ensure fair price for their produce to farmers practising organic farming. 
• Bharat Organic Atta has also been launched by NCOL. 
• The Amul has also launched a shop of Organic products in Delhi. He said that both Bharat Organic and Amul are reliable and 100 percent organic brands. 
• The Bharat brand stamp is put on organic products only after testing them using the world’s most modern technology.
• National Cooperative Organics Limited was registered on 25th January, 2023 under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 with the approval of the Union Cabinet and notified as a National Co-operative Society on 21st March 2023 by the Central Government under the Act.
• Promoted by prominent organisations of the country like NDDB, NAFED, GCMMF (Amul), NCCFand NCDC, the NCOL has resolved to extend quality, transparent and improved services to the entire nation through its member co-operatives and active member participation as per this CHARTER so as to realise the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’.Hence option(c) is correct.
• The establishment of the NCOL as an umbrella organisation for aggregation, procurement, certification, testing, branding and marketing of organic products of co-operative sector with support from relevant ministries of the Government is a significant step towards realising the vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” and strengthening the cooperative movement in India.

Source:

Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

04.Consider the following:

1. Farming Equipments
2. Mobile and Electronics
3. Consumer Durables
4. Automobile Equipments

How many of the above sectors are covered under Right to Repair Portal India?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer:  (d)All four

In News: Department Consumer Affairs meets Automobile Associations and partner companies to Onboard them on Right to Repair Portal India

Explanation:

• The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India has launched the Right to Repair Portal India (https://righttorepairindia.gov.in/) to provide consumers with an easy access to information for repairing their products and enabling them to reuse it, thereby contributing to the circular economy as well as reduction of e-waste in a hassle-free manner.
• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has set up a committee to come up with a Right to Repair framework. The framework is significant as it will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether. 
• The important sectors for the initial focus of the framework are farming equipment, mobile phones & tablets, consumer durables, automobiles & automobile equipment.
• Under this framework, it would be mandatory for manufacturers to share their product details with customers so that they can either repair them by self or by third parties, rather than only depending on original manufacturers.
•  The framework also aims to help harmonize the trade between the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), third-party buyers and sellers – thus also creating new jobs.
• Right to repair portal will serve as a single platform to provide easy access to necessary information on repair and maintenance of products to consumers.
• Portal covers 4 sectors i.e.
• Farming Equipments
• Mobile and Electronics
• Consumer Durables
• Automobile Equipments. Hence option(d) is correct.

Source:

Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

05. Consider the following:

Paintings                                               State

1. Phad paintings              –           Tripura
2. Thangka painting          –           Sikkim
3. Pithora Art                    –           Gujarat
4. Alpana art                      –          Odisha

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only  three
4. All four

Answer: (b)Only two

In News: Ministry of Culture initiates Project PARI for the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting

Explanation:

• Project PARI (Public Art of India), an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, being executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art seeks to bring forth public art that draws inspiration from millennia of artistic heritage (lok kala/lok sanskriti) while incorporating modern themes and techniques. 
• These expressions underscore the intrinsic value that art holds in Indian society, serving as a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to creativity and artistic expression.
• More than 150 visual artists from all over the country have come together to create the various wall paintings, murals, sculptures and installations being prepared under this project. The creative canvas includes but is not limited to artwork inspired by and /or drawn in styles of Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura) and more.Hence option(b) is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031268

06. Consider the following Diseases:

1. Lumpy Skin Disease
2. Ranikhet Disease
3. Nipah

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:(a)Only one

In News: Increasing Public Awareness on World Zoonoses Day: Not All Animal Diseases Are Zoonotic

Explanation:

• To mark World Zoonoses Day, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has organized an interactive session chaired by the Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (AHD) on the eve of World Zoonoses Day.
• Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, such as rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Hence option(a) is correct.
• However, not all animal diseases are zoonotic. Many diseases affect livestock without posing a risk to human health. 
• These non-zoonotic diseases are species-specific and cannot infect humans. Examples include Foot & Mouth Disease, PPR, Lumpy Skin Disease, Classical Swine Fever, and Ranikhet Disease. Understanding which diseases are zoonotic is crucial for effective public health strategies and preventing unnecessary fear and stigmatization of animals.
• India boasts the largest livestock population, with 536 million livestock and 851 million poultry, accounting for approximately 11% and 18% of the global livestock and poultry population, respectively. Additionally, India is the largest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of eggs globally.
• Recently, African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected in Madakkatharan Panchayath, Thrissur district, Kerala. ASF was first reported in India in May 2020 in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Since then, the disease has spread to around 24 States/UTs in the country. The Department formulated the National Action Plan for Control of ASF in 2020. 
• For the current outbreak, Rapid Response Teams have been constituted by the State AH Department, and culling of pigs within a 1 km radius of the epicenter was carried out on July 5, 2024. A total of 310 pigs were culled and disposed of by deep burial.
•  Further surveillance as per the action plan is to be carried out within a 10 km radius of the epicenter.
•  It is important to note that ASF is not zoonotic and cannot spread to humans. Currently, there are no vaccines for ASF.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031381

07. With reference to Digital Bharat Nidhi ,consider the following statements:

1. As per the Telecom Act, contributions made by telecom companies towards the Digital Bharat Nidhi will first be credited to the Public Account of India
2. The Centre will deposit the collected funds to the  Digital Bharat Nidhi from time to time.
3. It will fund schemes and projects for providing targeted access to telecommunication services for underserved groups of society such as women, persons with disabilities and economically and socially weaker sections.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:  (b)Only two

In News: What is Digital Bharat Nidhi, govt’s fresh attempt at improving rural telecom connectivity?

Explanation:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on July 4 released draft rules to operationalise the Digital Bharat Nidhi, in a fresh attempt by the central government at increasing telecom connectivity in rural areas.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi would replace the erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), which is a pool of funds generated by a 5 per cent Universal Service Levy charged upon all the telecom fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
• As per the Telecom Act, contributions made by telecom companies towards the Digital Bharat Nidhi will first be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).Hence statement 1 is correct. 
•  All revenues that the government receives, including loans raised and all money received in repayment of loans, are credited to the CFI.
•  The government also incurs its expenditures from this fund.
• The Centre will deposit the collected funds to the DBN from time to time .Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• Funds collected under the DBN will be used to support universal service through promoting access to and delivery of telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas; fund research and development of telecommunication services, technologies, and products; support pilot projects, consultancy assistance and advisory support for improving connectivity; and for the introduction of telecommunication services, technologies, and products.
• The DBN shall fund schemes and projects for providing targeted access to telecommunication services for underserved groups of society such as women, persons with disabilities and economically and socially weaker sections, as per the draft rules. Hence statement 3 is correct. 

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/digital-bharat-nidhi-rural-telecom-9438127

08.  Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary recently seen in news situated in the state of

1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Sikkim
3. Meghalaya
4. Assam

Answer: (b)Sikkim

In News :Tiger treks across international border from Sikkim to Bhutan

Explanation:

• Camera trap images have revealed that a tiger trekked from Sikkim in Northeast India to Bhutan, crossing the international boundary, according to the state government. 
• This validates the existence of essential wildlife corridors between India and Bhutan and underscores the need to protect them, a statement by the government on July 5 noted.
• The tiger moved from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim’s Pakyong district to Samtse district in Bhutan. Hence option(b) is correct.
• Pangolakha was established in 2002.
•  It spans 128 square kilometres and serves as a crucial corridor for wildlife, particularly tigers, between India and Bhutan.
• In collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, camera traps installed across Sikkim’s high-altitude regions documented three tigers in the sanctuary between 2018 and 2024. 
• This indicates the sanctuary’s vital role in tiger conservation and places Sikkim on the national Tiger Conservation map.
• The tiger’s movement was revealed during an international workshop on “Countering Wildlife Trafficking”, held from June 11-13, 2024, under the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) hosted by Bhutan, where officials from various South Asian countries participated.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/tiger-treks-across-international-border-from-sikkim-to-bhutan

09. Consider the following statements:

Statement -I: The National Commission for Women was set up as a constitutional body  in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.

Statement -II: It has power to review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I
2. Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is not the correct explanation for Statement – I
3. Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
4. Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct

Answer: (d) Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct

In News: Delhi Police files FIR against TMC MP Mahua Moitra over ‘derogatory’ post on NCW chief

Explanation:

The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 (Act No.20 of 1990 of Govt.of India) to review the Constitutional and legal safeguards for women; recommend remedial legislative measures, facilitate redressal of grievances and advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. 

The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 to :

review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women ; recommend remedial legislative measures;facilitate redressal of grievances and advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women. Hence statement 2 is correct. 

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/mahua-moitra-fir-ncw-remarks-delhi-police-9438555/

10.By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?(2023)

(a) The Regulating Act

(b) The Pitt’s India Act

(c) The Charter Act of 1793

(d) The Charter Act of 1833

Ans :(d)The Charter Act of 1833

Explanation:

Charter Act of 1833

• This Act was the final step towards centralisation in British India.
• It made the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor General of India and vested in him all civil and military powers. Thus, the act created, for the first time, Government of India having authority over the entire territorial area possessed by the British in India. Lord William Bentick was the first Governor-General of India. Hence, option (d) is correct.