Daily Current Affairs MCQ / UPSC 2020 / IAS / 10-12-19 | Free PDF

MCQ 1

1. The BIS standard for bottled water, which is mostly produced by private companies In India, the standard for piped water, largely supplied by government agencies is also mandatory
2. Jal Shakti is the nodal Ministry for the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide functional household tap connections to 14.6 crore rural households by 2024.

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

Centre begins training States on piped water quality standard

• Ministry yet to respond on BIS draft quality control order
• The Bureau of Indian Standards is preparing the ground for enforcement of piped water quality standards with a workshop for State officials. However, it is not yet clear whether the Centre’s own flagship mission to provide piped water to all households by 2024 will implement the BIS standard.
• Providing safe drinking water to the common public is a primary requirement for ensuring health, Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Monday.
• He was speaking at a workshop organised by BIS to disseminate information about the requirements of IS 10500:2012, the quality standard. States were informed about the certification schemes and testing facilities required for compliance with it.
• Unlike the BIS standard for bottled water, which is mostly produced by private companies, the standard for piped water — largely supplied by government agencies — is not yet mandatory.
• Mr. Paswan emphasised that the Central government and BIS were ready to take all steps and provide handholding support to the State governments and various agencies. However, interacting with journalists after his inaugural speech, he admitted that there has been no response as yet from the Union Jal Shakti Ministry with regards to a draft quality control order to make the piped water standard mandatory.
• Senior Ministry officials and spokespersons failed to respond to The Hindu’s queries on the draft quality control order, and its adoption by the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Jal Shakti is the nodal Ministry for the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide functional household tap connections to 14.6 crore rural households by 2024.

MCQ 2

1. Human Development Report (HDR) is released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
2. Bhutan and China are placed on higher rank than India in latest report

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

• Human Development Index
• Human Development Report was recently released by UN Development Programme (UNDP).
• It unveils Human Development Index (HDI) which measures average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development,

1. Life expectancy,
2. Education and
3. Per capita income.

• According to its recent report, India ranks 129 out of 189 countries on the 2019 HDI, up by one position (130) from last year.
• Norway, Switzerland, Ireland occupied the top 3 positions followed by Germany & Hong Kong in 4th and Australia in 5th ranking.
• Among India’s neighbours, Sri Lanka (71) and China (85) are higher up the rank scale.
• Bhutan (134), Bangladesh (135), Myanmar (145), Nepal (147), Pakistan (152) and Afghanistan (170) were ranked lower on the list.
• Inequality-Adjusted HDI (IHDI) indicates percentage loss in HDI due to inequalities.
• In IHDI, India’s position drops by one position to 130.
• In the Gender Inequality Index (GII), India is at 122 out of 162 countries. Neighbours China (39), Sri Lanka (86), Bhutan (99), Myanmar (106) were placed above India.
• Report Highlights – South Asia was the fastest growing region in human development progress followed by East Asia and the Pacific.
• The world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030 as per the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• It forecasts that it may take 202 years to close the gender gap in economic opportunity.
• It presents a new index indicating how prejudices and social beliefs obstruct gender equality.
• It shows that only 14% of women and 10% of men worldwide have no gender bias.
• It also highlights that new forms of inequalities will manifest in future through climate change and technological transformation.

MCQ 3

1. According to the draft of Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), it seeks to give citizenship to persecuted minorities fleeing from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
2. It will be applicable in whole India including J&K

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

• The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) that seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
• The Bill was passed 311-80 with zero abstentions after the Opposition put up a spirited attack against it. The Bill carefully avoids the words ‘persecuted minorities’,

Manipur gets exemption

• Home Minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha that Manipur would be brought under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, thus exempting it from the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
• With Manipur joining the list of ILP-protected northeastern States, the Bill will apply only to some parts of Tripura and Assam.
• J&K is a UT now so it will be applicable there “Nagaland and Mizoram are protected by the ILP and it will continue to remain protected. Keeping in mind the feelings of Manipur, we’re including them into the ILP as well,”
• In short, the Bill chooses to open its citizenship door to non-Muslims from three nations with a Muslim majority — Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The ostensible reason: an opportunity to members of minority communities from these countries who had entered India prior to December 31, 2014, to apply for citizenship through naturalization. The residential requirement for this category for naturalization is reduced from 11 years to five.
• The Bill carefully avoids the words ‘persecuted minorities’, but the Statement of Objects and Reasons says “many persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities have faced persecution on grounds of religions” in these three countries.

MCQ 4

1. International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) is an intergovernmental organization established by the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
2. It is in compliance with International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) & Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

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

UPOV

• The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) is an intergovernmental organization established by the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.
• The convention was adopted in Paris in 1961 and it was revised in 1972, 1978 and 1991.
• It is headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland).
• It aims to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection, with the aim of encouraging the development of new varieties of plants, for the benefit of society.
• By this convention, member countries had to introduce restrictions on the free use and exchange of seeds by farmers unless the “breeders” were remunerated.
• In 2002, India joined this organization.
• It led to the introduction of some form of Intellectual Property Rights over plant varieties.
• UPOV Vs other Conventions
• UPOV is in contradiction with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in which India is also a member.
• CBD provided for “prior informed consent” of farmers before the use of genetic resources and “fair and equitable sharing of benefits” arising out of their use.
• International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) recognized farmers’ rights as the rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seeds.
• National governments had the responsibility to protect such farmers’ rights.
• So UPOV protects MNCs IPR rights & CBD & ITPGRFA protect farmer’s rights
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) provides for IPRs as an incentive for technological innovation.
• India is a signatory to CBD, ITPGRFA, TRIPS and UPOV.
• TRIPS, UPOV gives priority to breeders’ rights while CBD and ITPGRFA emphasises on farmers’ rights.
• Thus, there needs to be a delicate balance in Indian laws among these conventions.

MCQ 5

1. Spain, as its capacity as a president of COP25, has named COP 25 the ‘Blue COP’ because for the first time the study, protection and sustainable management of oceans was centred in a major climate action conference
2. ‘Because the Ocean’ Declaration was signed in 2015 UNFCCC COP held in Paris that focuses on objectives to advance action on climate change, oceans and sustainable development

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(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None
Chile, as its capacity as a president of COP25, has named COP 25 the ‘Blue COP’ because for the first time the study, protection and sustainable management of oceans was centred in a major climate action conference. Summit was to be held in Chile but due to protests in Chile, it was held in Madrid, Spain

Platform for Science-Based Ocean Solutions

• It was launched in 25th Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC.
• The platform is an alliance between all stakeholders of civil society and the research community to include the Ocean in solutions relating to climate change.
• It seeks to promote the necessity of addressing ocean and climate issues synergistically in climate commitments and strategies.
• It will engage many actors in ocean-climate action, including the public and private sectors, civil society and academia.
• Chile, as its capacity as a president of COP25, has named COP 25 the ‘Blue COP’ because for the first time the study, protection and sustainable management of oceans was centred in a major climate action conference.
• The COP will also feature several additional discussions on the importance of protecting the ocean. • The Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change (NWP) has facilitated experts to identify gaps and action on climate change and ocean linkages.
• ‘Because the Ocean’ Declaration was signed in 2015 UNFCCC COP held in Paris that focuses on objectives to advance action on climate change, oceans and sustainable development.

MCQ 6

1. The Paiks were the traditional landed militia in present West Bengal region
2. The Paikas rose in armed rebellion against Zamindars in 1817 under the leadership of Baxi Jagabandhu.

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

• The Paika Rebellion, also called the Paika Bidroha
• It was an armed rebellion against the British East India Company’s rule in Odisha in 1817.
• The Paikas rose in rebellion under their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu and, projecting Jagannath as the symbol of Odia unity, the rebellion quickly spread across most of Odisha before being ruthlessly put down by the company’s forces.
• It’s the 1st war of Independence that started in 1817 much before the sepoy mutiny of 1857
• The Paikas were the traditional militia of Odisha. They served as warriors and were charged with policing functions during peacetime. The Paikas were organized into three ranks distinguished by their occupation and the weapons they wielded. These were the Paharis, the bearers of shields and the khanda sword, the Banuas who led distant expeditions and used matchlocks and the Dhenkiyas – archers who also performed different duties in Odisha armies.
• With the conquest of Odisha by the East India Company in 1803 and the dethronement of the Raja of Khurda began the fall of the power and prestige of the Paikas.
• The attitude of the company to the Paikas was expressed by Walter Ewer, on the commission that looked into the causes of the Rebellion, thus:
• “Now there is no need of assistance of Paikas at Khurda. It is dangerous to keep them in British armed forces. Thus they should be treated and dealt as common Ryots and land revenue and other taxes should be collected from them. They must be deprived of their former Jagir lands (rent free lands given to the Paikas for their military service to the state.) Within a short period of time the name of Paika has already been forgotten. But still now where the Paikas are living they have retained their previous aggressive nature. In order to break their poisonous teeth the British Police must be highly alert to keep the Paikas under their control for a pretty long period, unless the Paika community is ruined completely the British rule cannot run smoothly.”

 Causes of the rebellion

• The Paika rebellion had several social, economic and political reasons. The Paikas were alienated by the British regime, who took over the hereditary rent-free lands granted to them after the conquest of Khurda.
• They were also subjected to extortion and oppression at the hands of the company government and its servants. Had conciliatory measures been adopted towards the paikas from the beginning, it is possible that they would have become a source of strength to the company rule in Odisha.
• The extortionist land revenue policy of the company affected the peasants and the zamindars alike. A source of much consternation for the common people was the rise in prices of salt due to taxes imposed on it by the new government.
• The company also abolished the system of cowrie currency that had existed in Odisha prior to its conquest and required that taxes be paid in silver. This caused much popular hardship and discontent.
• In 1804 the Raja of Khurda planned a rebellion against the British in alliance with the Paikas, but the plot was soon discovered and the Raja’s territory confiscated

MCQ 7

1. Taj Trapezium Zone was established in 1996 through an order of Supreme Court.
2. It comprises over 40 protected monuments along with 2 world heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri.

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

Taj Trapezium Zone

• Taj Trapezium Zone was established in 1996 through an order of Supreme Court.
• It is so named since it is located around the Taj Mahal and is shaped like a trapezoid.
• It is a 10,400 sq km area to protect the Taj Mahal from pollution.
• It is spread across the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur district of Rajasthan.
• It comprises over 40 protected monuments along with 3 world heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
• SC in its order declared it as an eco-sensitive area and banned the use of coal/coke in industries located in the zone with a mandate of switching over to natural gas.
• Recently, SC lifted its earlier interim order imposing a complete ban on construction, industrial activities and cutting of trees in the TTZ.

MCQ 8

1. Article 334 of Indian Constitution provides for reservation of seats and special representation of SC/STs only
2. Article 334, clause b provides for nomination of 1 person from Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha & Rajya sabha

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

Bill on extension of SC, ST quota in LS, Assemblies introduced

• A Bill seeking to extend by 10 years reservation to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and the Assemblies and remove the provision of nominating two members of the AngloIndian community to the Lok Sabha was introduced in the House on Monday.
• The reservation given to SCs, STs and the Anglo-Indian community for the past 70 years is to end on January 25, 2020.
• Trinamool opposes
• Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy opposed the introduction of the Constitution (126th) Amendment Bill, saying the Anglo-Indian community was being deprived of representation.
• Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that while the merits of the Bill could be gone into during the debate, the extension of reservation to the SC and ST communities was for representation, while the Anglo-Indian community was nominated.
• “According to the 2011 census, there are 296 members of the Anglo Indian community in the entire country. However, I would still maintain that we have not closed our minds to revisiting the issue,” he said.
• The Bill was then cleared for introduction by voice vote to be taken up for consideration and passing later

Reservations in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies

• Article 334 of Indian Constitution provides for reservation of seats and special representation of SC/ST’s and from AngloIndian community (by nomination) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• In the original constitution of 1949, it states that such special representation will cease to have effect after 10 years.
• Parliament through various constitution amendment has extended the time period of reservation for the communities.
• The period of reservation was extended to 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2010 by the 8th, 23rd 45th, 62nd and 79th Amendments respectively.
• The 95th constitution amendment extended the reservation upto January 26, 2020.
• Thus, the reservation for these categories in the lower House of Parliament and the State Assemblies was to expire on 25th January next year.
• So, Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to extend reservation for SC/ST’s in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for another 10 years.
• But a question mark prevailed over whether it has extended reservations for two seats in the Lok Sabha for the Anglo-Indian community.
• Article 334, clause b provides for nomination of 2 AngloIndian community in the Lok Sabha.
• Presently, there are 84 members from the Scheduled Caste and 47 from the Scheduled Tribe communities in Parliament.
• Related Articles
• Article 341 of the constitution define as to who would be Scheduled Castes with respect to any State or UT.
• Article 342 of the constitution define as to who would be Scheduled Tribe (ST) with respect to any State or UT.
• The President, in consultation with the Governor of a particular State, may notify the castes, races or tribes be deemed to be Scheduled Castes (A-341) and to be Scheduled Tribes (A-342).
• Article 333 states that the number of Anglo-Indians nominated by the governor to the State Legislative Assemblies should not be more than one.

MCQ 9
White Island Volcano is located in

1. Indian Ocean
2. Pacific Ocean
3. Atlantic Ocean
4. Mediterranean sea

White Island Volcano

• The White Island Volcano, also called Whakaari, in New Zealand has recently erupted.
• It is the country’s most active volcano situated in the east coast in the Bay of Plenty.
• It has been built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 1,50,000 years.
• It is a privately owned island and tourist destination. The large eruption resulted in atleast 5 fatalities.

MCQ 10

1. Skills Build is a digital platform developed by IBM along with Ministry of Skill Development.
2. India is the 1st country where this Skills Build platform has been launched

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

Skills Build Platform

• Skills Build is a digital platform developed by IBM along with Ministry of Skill Development.
• India is the 4th country where this Skills Build platform has been launched after in UK, Germany and France.
• The platform enables holistic learning and aligning it with Skills India initiative by Government of India.
• It will be accessible online through Bharat skills, a Learning Management System for ITI/NSTI Students and Teachers and free to use.
• It will focus on personalized coaching and experiential learning. It also provides personal assessment for cognitive capabilities

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