Daily Current Affairs MCQ / UPSC / IAS / 03-06-19 | PDF Downloads

MCQ 1

1. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is an international financial institution which offers commercial risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees in developing nations
2. It is one of the 15 specialized agencies of UN

Choose correct
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

• The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is an international financial institution which offers political risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees. These guarantees help investors protect foreign direct investments against political and non-commercial risks in developing countries.
• MIGA is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

ADB and MIGA to expand Development Finance in Asia and Pacific to increase the flow of private sector investment

• Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the political risk insurance arm of the World Bank Group, have agreed to expand Development Finance in Asia and Pacific to increase the flow of private sector investment. They signed a Cooperation Agreement which will be effective for 3 years from signing. It replaced t? previous agreement signed between them.
• This was signed in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). iii. It will help to encourage more private investment in developing countries.
• About ADB:
• Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines
• President: Takehiko Nakao
• Founded: 19 December 1966
• Membership: 68 countries
• About MIGA:
• Headquarters: Washington DC, US
• Founded: 1988
• Parent Organization: World Bank
• The World Bank Group consists of
• the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), established in 1945, which provides debt financing on the basis of sovereign guarantees;
• the International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, which provides various forms of financing without sovereign guarantees, primarily to the private sector;
• the International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, which provides concessional financing (interest-free loans or grants), usually with sovereign guarantees;
• the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), established in 1965, which works with governments to reduce investment risk;
• the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), established in 1988, which provides insurance against certain types of risk, including political risk, primarily to the private sector.
• The term “World Bank” generally refers to just the IBRD and IDA, whereas the term “World Bank Group” or “WBG” is used to refer to all five institutions collectively.
• The World Bank Institute is the capacity development branch of the World Bank, providing learning and other capacity-building programs to member countries.
• The IBRD has 189 member governments, and the other institutions have between 153 and 184 members.The institutions of the World Bank Group are all run by a Board of Governors meeting once a year. Each member country appoints a governor, generally its Minister of Finance. On a daily basis the World Bank Group is run by a Board of 25 Executive Directors to whom the governors have delegated certain powers. Each Director represents either one country (for the largest countries), or a group of countries. Executive Directors are appointed by their respective governments or the constituencies.
• The agencies of the World Bank are each governed by their Articles of Agreement that serve as the legal and institutional foundation for all of their work.
• The activities of the IFC and MIGA include investment in the private sector and providing insurance respectively.

MCQ 2

1. Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy’ under the Chairmanship of Late Shri K. Kasturirangan , Former Cabinet Secretary, was constituted, which submitted its report in May, 2016
2. The Draft National Education Policy, 2019 is built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability.
3. The Committee has proposed to rename MHRD as Ministry of Education (MoE).

(A) 1 & 2
(B) 1 & 3
(C) 2 & 3
(D) All

• The K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the 484-pages draft report of National Education Policy to the new Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal. The report on the National Education Policy put on the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)’s website for suggestions from the public till June 30. The Committee has recommended renaming Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) as Ministry of Education (MoE).
• The Draft National Education Policy 2019 is based on the foundational pillars of five components of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability. The Kasturirangan Committee has also recommended major changes in the curricular and pedagogical structure with Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as an integral part of school education.
• The committee also proposed for the extension of Right to Education Act, 2009 to cover children of ages 3 to 18 instead of 6 to 14years.
• The committee has also recommended a 4-year integrated stage-specific B.Ed programme for teachers which will be the minimum degree qualification.
• The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. The extant National Policy on Education, 1986 modified in 1992 required changes to meet the contemporary and futuristic needs of our large youth population.
• For this, the MHRD initiated an unprecedented collaborative, multi-stakeholder, multipronged, bottom- up people-centric, inclusive, participatory consultation process. The extensive consultations undertaken across multiple levels of online, expert and thematic, and from the grassroots ranging from Village, Block, Urban Local bodies, District, State, Zonal and the National level, provided an opportunity to every citizen to engage in this massive exercise. Several in-person and in-depth deliberations across a wide spectrum of stakeholders were held. Subsequently, a ‘Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy’ under the Chairmanship of Late Shri T.S.R. Subramanian, Former Cabinet Secretary, was constituted, which submitted its report in May, 2016. Based on this report, the Ministry prepared ‘Some Inputs for the Draft National Education Policy, 2016’.
• The Committee had the onerous task of analysing and examining a humungous volume of suggestions, inputs, reports, and outcome documents that preceded its own efforts. The underlying spirit that dictated the Committee’s own course of crafting this significant document was primarily to bring out a vision document which will hold the test of time for at least another 20 years. The Draft National Education Policy, 2019 is built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability. The Committee has proposed to rename MHRD as Ministry of Education (MoE).

MCQ 3

1. Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) is a monthly publication by CSO
2. Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW),is the appropriate indicator of general inflation.

Choose correct
(A) Only 2
(B) Only 1
(C) Both
(D) None

• It is generally argued that WPI inflation is not an appropriate index to determine the impact of price rise on the cost of living of the common man. Rather, the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), which also includes selected services and is measured on the basis of retail prices, and is used to determine the dearness allowance of employees in both the public and private sectors, is the appropriate indicator of general inflation. In sharp contrast to the WPI, CPI-IW inflation has been stable and moderate This is because food items have higher weights in CPI-IW than in WPI, and in general the price increases of these items have been moderate in the current year.

MCQ 4

1. The objective of GSP is to help poorer countries develop further economically by eliminating tariffs on all exported goods
2. These are unilateral, non-reciprocal and non-discriminatory benefits extended by some developed countries to developing countries.

Choose correct
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

• The Generalized System of Preferences, or GSP, is a preferential tariff system which provides tariff reduction on various products. The concept of GSP is very different from the concept of MFN. MFN status provides equal treatment in the case of tariff being imposed by a nation but in case of GSP differential tariff could be imposed by a nation on various country whether it is a developed country or a developing country. Both the rules comes under the purview of WTO.
• GSP provides tariff reduction for least developed countries but MFN is only for not discriminating among WTO members.

MCQ 5
Country which is not a member of Quad Group

1. India
2. USA
3. Australia
4. China

• The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD, also known as the Quad) is an informal strategic dialogue between the United States, Japan, Australia and India that is maintained by talks between member countries. The dialogue was initiated in 2007 by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, with the support of Vice President Dick Cheney of the US, Prime Minister John Howard of Australia and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India. The dialogue was paralleled by joint military exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise Malabar. The diplomatic and military arrangement was widely viewed as a response to increased Chinese economic and military power, and the Chinese government responded to the Quadrilateral dialogue by issuing formal diplomatic protests to its members.

 India, US, Japan and Australia supports ASEAN led architecture mechanism

• India, US, Japan, and Australia came together to support ASEAN-led architecture mechanism for a rule-based order to promote the free, open, prosperous and inclusive indo-pacific region in a meeting held at Bangkok, Thailand.The meeting at Bangkok is to counter China’s military expansion into the Indo-pacific region.
• The Quad Countries:
• Senior officials of the four countries also highlighted their efforts to maintain universal respect for international law and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. They affirmed their strong support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led regional architecture including the Indian Ocean Rim Association and Pacific Islands Forum. They underscored their intent to continue close coordination and collaboration in support of sustainable, private sector-led development, maritime security, and good governance. The Quad coalition also discussed initiatives undertaken by each country to encourage transparent, principles-based investment in quality infrastructure in accordance with international standards and leverage the potential of the private sector.
• China’s military expansion:
• China has been trying to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, which is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have counterclaims over the sea.
• ASEAN countries:
• ASEAN is an association of the 10 countries which include – Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. India, US, Japan and Australia, and several other countries are it’s dialogue partners.
• ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations:
• Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
• Secretary general: Lim Jock Hoi
• Motto: one vision, one identity, one community

MCQ 6
A task force on project management led by Niti Aayog chief executive Amitabh Kant has pitched for a dedicated policy framework for

1. NPA resolution
2. Industry led education
3. Agrarian crisis
4. Public-private partnerships and public sector projects

• A task force on project management led by Niti Aayog chief executive Amitabh Kant has pitched for a dedicated policy framework for public-private partnerships and public sector projects to improve efficiency.
• It has proposed the formation of a high-level committee to draft the policy framework, oversee its implementation as well as review and monitor existing public-sector projects.
• Guidelines under the ‘National Project/Programme Management Policy Framework’ should be made part of all future contracts, it has suggested.
• The new government is expected to consider the proposal, aimed at creating world class infrastructure. According to the task force, poor project management leads to additional expenditure burden, which crowds out funding for more deserving projects, creates a culture of acceptance of delays and avoidable costs, and results in delayed return in investments.
• “Structured project management practices would not only (help) maximise limited resources and effectively respond to changing project requirements, but also bring in skills such as scoping, planning, scheduling, risk assessment, team building and quality control for getting complex projects completed with desired quality and budget, and on time,” it said.

MCQ 7

1. The invasive Kappaphycus alvarezii algae, which smothers and kills coral reefs, has spread its wings to coral reef areas in Valai island in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM)
   GoM is the only area where coral reefs are found in india
2. Choose correct

(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

• The invasive Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed, which smothers and kills coral reefs, has spread its wings to coral reef areas in Valai island in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM) and set to invade new coral colonies in the marine national park. Macrofaunal and fish density decreased when Kappaphycus cover increased.
• After invading Shingle, Kurusadai and Mulli islands in Mandapam cluster of the GoM, the red algae invaded Valai island along Kilakarai coast following its cultivation in south Palk Bay.
• Findings:
• In the report submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFC) by the Reef Research Team (RRT) of Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Thoothukudi, said that the destructive algae had invaded the reef areas of Valai Island, Palk Bay Gulf of Munnar.
• The research team counted 32 coral colonies of Acropora nobilis affected by Kappaphycus algae. The team said that the algae was firmly attached to the coral colonies and started forming a mat over them. It would eventually smother and kill corals.
• Steps taken:
• A 2005 Government Order had restricted cultivation of the exotic seaweed only to the seawaters north of the Palk Bay and South of Thoothukudi coast.
• The Forest department is to take up the issue with agencies, which promoted the cultivation of the seaweed. The department had been carrying out manual removal of the seaweed every year since 2014 to protect coral reefs.

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Situated in the Bay of Bengal, exclusively fringing reefs of about 572 islands, most of these islands have a healthy biodiversity.
• Gulf of Kutch
• Exclusively consists of fringing reefs. The reefs are relatively less developed due to large range of temperature and high salinity. The harbours have less biodiversity. The entire Gulf of Kutch is also known as a marine national park.
• Gulf of Mannar
•  Fringing reefs with a chain of 21 islands from Rameswaram in the north to Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in the south. This part of the gulf forms part of the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve.
• Lakshadweep
• Exclusively coral atolls with 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited. The islands range from less than 1 km (0.62 mi) to about 9 km (5.6 mi) in length, and do not exceed 2 km (1.2 mi) in width.
• Others

1. Tarkarli in Malwan, Maharashtra is a smaller reef. There are some coral reefs around small inlets in the western part of the Gulf of Khambat.
2. Angria Bank is a coral reef off Vijaydurg in Maharashtra.
3. There is a coral reef in Netrani Island in Karnataka.
4. Shell reef in Gulf of Kutch is a shell shaped reef made from bio rock and decorated with coral in the deep waters of Gulf of Kutch, off the coast of Gujarat. It helps Coral Polyps to get healed 20% faster than usual.

MCQ 8

1. The Quality Council of India was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry
2. It’s a statutory body

Choose correct
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

•  The Government is committed to propagate a culture of quality and boosting manufacturing. The emphasis is on products and manufacturing process with zero defect and least impact on the environment.
•  The Quality Council of India was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations i.e. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, Confederation of Indian Industry and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, to establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National Quality Campaign.
• QCI is registered as a non-profit society with its own Memorandum of Association. QCI is governed by a Council of 38 members with equal representations of government, industry and consumers.
•  The Council plays a pivotal role at the national level in propagating, adoption and adherence to quality standards in all important spheres of activities including education, healthcare, environment protection, governance, social sectors, infrastructure sector and such other areas of organized activities that have significant bearing in improving the quality of life and well being of the citizens of India.
•  The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal ministry for QCI.
• It functions through the executive boards in the specific areas i.e. Accreditation for – Conformity Assessment Bodies, Healthcare Establishments, and, Education & Vocational Training Providers. In addition to this, it has an exclusive Board for promotion of Quality.
•  The Council envisages to let India achieve and sustain total quality and reliability, in all areas of life, work, environment, products and services, at individual, organisational, community and societal levels.

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