Daily Current Affairs MCQ / UPSC 2020 / IAS / 16-12-19 | Free PDF

MCQ 1

1. The India Design Council (IDC) launched the Chartered Designs of India (CDI) and the Design Education Quality Mark (DEQM) in New Delhi
2. India Design Council is an autonomous body under the ministry of textiles

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

Ministry of Commerce & Industry India

• Design Council launches two Initiatives to promote Design Education and Standards
• Creative Manufacturing and Design Innovation Key Drivers in Make in India Initiative
• The India Design Council (IDC) launched the Chartered Designs of India (CDI) and the Design Education Quality Mark (DEQM) in New Delhi.
• These two initiatives of IDC and National Institute of design, Ahmedabad will help to address the 5 challenges of scale, quality of design, quality of education for design, raising the priority for design in industry and design for a public purpose.
• As Design Education gains momentum in India, it is necessary that commissioners of Design projects and designers are able to distinguish qualified professional designers as against hobbyists and non-professionals.
• India has a growing design ecosystem that has resulted in growth both in employment of creative skills and impact in the service sector. Creative manufacturing and design innovation will be the key drivers in the Make in India initiative of 2020 and beyond and further strengthening the brand “designed in India”.
• India Design Council is an autonomous body of the Government of India established under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• It is a national strategic body for multi-disciplinary design and is involved in promotion of design to make India a design enabled country.
• In 2007, India became one of the few countries to adopt a National Design Policy (NDP) and to enable the policy implementation the Government of India announced establishment of IDC in March 2009.
• IDC is mandated to implement the NDP and is committed to work towards raising the standards of design education in India and ensure that it meets global benchmarks.
• IDC is working with other government agencies, the design community, industry and educational institutions to promote design in business, society and public service.

MCQ 2
Choose among these, which are the major tea producing countries

1. Bangladesh
2. Pakistan
3. Sri Lanka
4. Afghanistan
5. Kenya

(A) 1,2,3
(B) 1,2,3,4
 (C) 1,3,5
(D) All

• International Tea Day is observed annually on December 15.
• It has been celebrated since 2005 in tea producing countries like
• India,
• Sri Lanka,
• Nepal,
• Vietnam,
• Indonesia
• Bangladesh,
• Kenya,
• Malawi,
• Malaysia,
• Uganda
• Tanzania.
• International Tea Day aims to draw global attention of governments and citizens to the impact of the global tea trade on workers and growers, and has been linked to requests for price supports and fair trade
• International Tea Day celebrations and related Global Tea Conferences are jointly organized by trade union movements.
• The first International Tea Day was celebrated in New Delhi in 2005, with later celebrations being organized in Sri Lanka in 2006 and 2008.
• In 2015, the Indian government proposed expanding the observance of International Tea Day through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
• May 21: Now International Tea Day
• In October 2015, Indian government moved a proposal at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Tea expanding the observance of International Tea Day through UN FAO. Thereby, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has now accepted India’s proposal and designated May 21 as International Tea Day. The month of May was selected as it’s the quality tea manufacturing season in most tea producing countries.
• UNGA has invited all Members and observers of UN, organizations of UN system, other international/ regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, private sector and academia, to observe International Tea Day in an appropriate manner, so as to ensure rural development and sustainable livelihoods.

What is FAO IGG on Tea?

• It is a forum for intergovernmental consultation and exchange on trends in tea’s trade/ prices/ production/ consumption, including regular appraisal of global market situation.
• considers changes in national policies and examines their international effects in relation to current and prospective market situation.

MCQ 3

1. The coal ministry announced that it is to establish “sustainable development cell” (SDC) to promote environment friendly and sustainable coal mining
2. The cell will also set up Mine Closure Fund.

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

• On December 15, 2019, the Coal Ministry announced that it is to establish “Sustainable Development Cell” (SDC) to promote environment friendly and sustainable coal mining.
• The main objective of the cell is to address environmental concerns that arise during closure of mines.
• The cell will mentor, advise, plan and monitor mitigation measures to provide better environment to the people residing near the mines.
• The cell will act as a nodal point to minimize the adverse impacts of mining.
• It will also formulate future policy framework focusing in environmental mitigation measures.
• The SDC will focus on sustainable mine tourism, mine water management, air quality and sustainable overburden management. The cell will also set up Mine Closure Fund.

Tasks of the cell

• In India 2,550 square kilometres of land is under coal mines.
• The cell will help the mines locate land areas where afforestation can be done.
• It will advise the mines on air quality, noise management and emission.
• The cell will also suggest reuse and recycle of overburdened dumps in sustainable manner.
• It will help the mines to manage tourism and frame policies. Mine Closure
• The guidelines for mine closure was issued by the Ministry of Coal in 2012 and the idea was mooted in 2009.
• According to the guidelines, the mining authority will have to work on two plans namely concurrent mine closure plan and final mine closure plan.
• Under concurrent mine closure plan, there are activities that are to be done continuously during the entire period of mining operations. Under the final mine closure plan, the activities will start towards the end of the mine life.

Mine Closure Guidelines

• The guidelines make it mandatory for the authority to mention the reason of closure such as lack of demand, exhaustion of minerals, uneconomic operations, etc.
• The authority should also include water quality management, air quality management, top soil management, management of coal rejects from washery, disposal of mining machinery, existing infrastructural facilities.

MCQ 4

1. World Economic Forum (WEF) gives the Crystal Awards recognizes as well as celebrates the achievements of leading artists and cultural figures whose leadership inspires inclusive and sustainable change.
2. No Indian won the award this year

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

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the Winners of 26th Annual Crystal Award for the year 2020.
• The Crystal Awards recognizes as well as celebrates the achievements of leading artists and cultural figures whose leadership inspires inclusive and sustainable change.
• The annual awards are hosted by World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum.

WEF’s 2019 Crystal Award Recipients

• Jin Xing– China’s media personality. She was recognized for her leadership in shaping inclusive cultural norms
• Theaster Gates– Chicago-based artist. He was recognized for his leadership in creating sustainable communities
• Lynette Wallworth– Australian artist. She won for her leadership in creating inclusive narratives
• Deepika Padukone– Indian actress. She won the award for her remarkable leadership in raising mental health awareness.
• The three awardees will be honoured at opening session of World Economic Forum’s 2020 Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on 21-24 January.
• The 2020 annual meeting will take place from 22-25 January under under the theme, ‘Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World’.
• The WEF Annual Meeting brings together leaders from international organisations, government, civil society, culture and media, business, foremost experts and young generation from all over the world, at highest level and in representative ways.

MCQ 5

1. Bougainville, a chain of islands is located in Indian Ocean
2. It is famous for copper mines.
3. It has become independent from Australia recently
4. UN recognises it as an independent nation

Choose correct
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 1 and 4
(C) 1,2,3and 4
 (D) Only 2

 

• Recently, Bougainville, a chain of islands voted for a referendum of independence from Papua Guinea.
• The referendum saw 85% voter turnout choosing Papua Guinea as second option. The referendum was introduced because the peace agreement signed before 20 years ended.
• The agreement was signed to end nine year conflict or civil war that killed almost 10% of the country’s population. Employment and land acquisition in the island by copper mines (owned by Papua Guinea, Australia and other foreign countries) were the major reason behind the war. The criteria for admission of new members to the UN are set out in Chapter II, Article 4 of the UN Charter
• Membership in the United Nations is open to all peace-loving states which accept the obligations contained in the present Charter and, in the judgement of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations.
• The admission of any such state to membership in the United Nations will be effected by a decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

• Implications
• The independence of the country sends strong signals to other movements across the Pacific, especially New Caledonia (a French collectivity) that is preparing itself for the second referendum.
• The other important message that the independence sends is for the so-called traditional partners of the Pacific namely US, UK, Australia, France and Japan.
• The referendum has taken place during the period when the strategic anxiety among the traditional partners of the Pacific is at its peak.

China’s interests

• The prevailing situation in the Pacific is advantageous to China. China seeks to influence an independent Bougainville.
• The political and economic presence of china in the country has increased already. China’s support to the island will increase its support among the Pacific islands against Taiwan.
• It is important to note that Taiwan recently lost two of its Pacific allies this year.
• Australia, UK and US believe that there are possibilities of China bringing Bougainville into its debt trap diplomacy.
• China is also interested in Bougainville for its rich fisheries, copper, gold and other resources. Building strong ties with the country will help China increase its presence in the Pacific.

MCQ 6
Araku valley is mainly famous for

1. Cashew
2. Cardamom
3. Green Tea
4. Green coffee

• Coffee was first introduced in Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh in 1898 by British in Pamuleru valley in East Godavari district.
• Subsequently, it spread over to Araku Valley in the early 19th century.
• After independence, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department developed coffee plantations in the valley.
• In 1956, Coffee Board appointed Andhra Pradesh Girijan Cooperative Corporation Limited (GCC) for promoting coffee plantations in the valley through local tribal farmers.
• In 1985, the plantations were handed to A.P. Forest Development Corporation and GCC promoted Girijan Coop.
• Plantation Development Corporation (GCPDC) exclusively to develop coffee plantations in tribal areas.
• All the plantations developed by GCC and GCPDC were handed over to the tribal farmers at two acres per family

MCQ
7 StrandHogg, recently in news is a

1. Endangered mammal
2. Endangered bird
3. C.A moth
4. NOTA

• Malware ( malicious software) is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network
• software bug -software that causes unintentional harm due to some deficiency
• A wide variety of types of malware exist, including computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and scareware.

MCQ 8

1. Bonn Convention is related to sustainable development
2. India is going to host its COP 13 in 2020 in new Delhi

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

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

•  Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
•  Bonn Convention is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species within their migratory ranges. The Agreement was signed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme and is concerned with conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.
• Signed in 1979 in Bonn, Germany, the Convention entered into force in 1983.
• As of September 2019, there were 129 Member States to the Convention.
• The depositary is the government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The CMS is the only global, and United Nations-based, intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.
•  The CMS, and its daughter Agreements, determine policy and provide further guidance on specific issues through their Strategic Plans, Action Plans, resolutions, decisions and guidelines.
• COP 13 2020 15 – 22 February Gandhinagar, India

MCQ 9
Consider the following statements :

1. A) Whales and squids are Nekton Marine Organisms.
2. B) Planktons either cannot swim at all or cannot swim faster than the currents.
3. C) Phytoplankton makes oceans to act as a carbon sink.

(A) A & C are correct
(B) B & C are correct
(C) Only C is correct
(D) All are correct

MCQ 10
 Consider the following statements

1. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar founded the Bethune school at Calcutta with the main aim of encouraging education for women
2. Prarthana Samaj of MG Ranade was an offshoot of Brahmo Samaj of India
3. Keshav Chandra sen’s campaign against Sati led to the formation of a law to ban Sati by the then Governor-General

Which of the above statements are correct

1. 2 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

• John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune {JED Bethune}, a British law member of Governor General’s Council established a school for girls {Hindu Kanya Vidyalaya} in 1849 in Calcutta.
• This was later known as Bethune school.
• One student of this school Kadambini Ganguly joined Calcutta Medical College as the first Indian girl student of a medical college and later she became first practicing lady doctor in India. **Anandi Gopal Joshi
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned for the abolition of Sati practice and was successful in getting a legislation enacted by the company.
• Efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar led to enactment of Widow Remarriage Act in 1856.
• Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901) and his wife Ramabai also contributed greatly to the cause of women.
• In 1869, Ranade founded the Widow Remarriage Association and encouraged widow remarriage and female education and opposed child marriage.
• He founded the National Social Conference, which became a pre-eminent institution for social reform.
• Prarthana Samaj was founded by Dr Atmaram Pandurang in 1867 when Keshab Chandra Sen visited Maharashtra. Another leader of Prarthana Samaj was R.G. Bhandarkar.
• In I870, Justice Mahadev Gobind Ranade joined this society and much of the work of this society was done by zeal and dedication of Ranade only. Under Ranade, it got all India character.
• Pandita Ramabai (1858-1922) was also a pioneer in women’s education and a rebel champion of women’s rights. She founded the Sharda Sadan, a school for widows, in Bombay and at Mukti, near Pune. Her greatest legacy was her effort, the first in India, to educate widows
• The two main planks of the Samaj were worship and social reforms.
• Ranade also launched a Purity Movement comprising anti-dancing and temperance agitation, admission of converts from other faiths and reduction in extravagant marriage expenses.
• Hinduism the faith of Prarthana Samaj but it needed to be purified and reinterpreted in the light of the modern theistic philosophy.
• His views regarding theism are set out in 39 articles which he drew up under the title “A Theist’s Confession of Faith“.
• Two other champions of social reform with him were Dhondo Keshav Karve and Vishnu Shastri.
• Ranade and Karve launched the Widow Remarriage Movement and started Widows’ Home Association, to provide education to widows.
• The Widows’ Home aimed at making widows self-supporting by giving them training as teachers, midwives or nurses.
• In no other part of India did the social reform movement work so successfully and create so profound an influence as in Maharashtra under the auspices of the Prarthana Samaj.

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