Daily Current Affairs MCQ / UPSC / IAS / 08-07-19

MCQ 1

India external debt to gross domestic product (GDP) is among the highest globally
The government has a tentative plan to introduce an Indian sovereign bond to the world. It can be used to mop up at least $10 billion, or about Rs 70,000 crore

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(C) Both
(D) None

The government has a tentative plan to introduce an Indian sovereign bond to the world. It can be used to mop up at least $10 billion, or about Rs 70,000 crore. The total sovereign debt at the end of March 2019 stood at $103.8 billion. It was a 3.8% of the GDP. India external debt to gross domestic product (GDP) is among the lowest globally at less than 5%. This will also have beneficial impact on demand situation for the government securities in domestic market. The Finance Bill showed that the net borrowing would be Rs.4.73 trillion, and the gross borrowing would be Rs.7.10 trillion.
This is same as the interim budget. The bond yields climbed back.

MCQ 2

The union government fixed the price at Rs 3,443 per 10 gram for the new series of sovereign gold bonds (SGBs)
The minimum investment in the bonds is one gram with a maximum limit of subscription of 500 gram per person per fiscal year (April-March).

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(C) Both
(D) None
MCQ 3
Miyawaki method is related to

Nuclear science
Molecular biology
Quantum physics
None

Telangana government has introduced the Japanese Miyawaki method of afforestation to grow urban forests and expand the green cover as well as to meet the stipulated plantation target under the Telanganaku Haritha Haaram (TKHH).
About Miyawaki: Miyawaki is a Japanese technique introduced by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests in a short time.
Miyawaki method helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years, while through conventional methods takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years.
It has revolutionized the concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.
This method includes planting trees, only native species, as close as possible in the same area The approach ensures that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.
Miyawaki Process: The native trees of the region are identified and divided into four layers namely shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy. The quality of soil is analysed water retention capacity, and nutrients in it, is mixed with it. A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density three to five sapling per square meter. The ground should be covered with a thick layer of mulch. These tress lack some qualities of natural forests, such as medicinal properties and the ability to bring rain.
Such fast-growing plantations can be used for wood lots, recreational uses like bird watching, bushwalking, and wildflower appreciation. Several environmentalists have accelerates the growth of trees as it is not a good idea to force plants to photosynthesize fast.
Telangana Ku Haritha Haram (TKHH): Telangana Ku Haritha Haram or Haritha Haram was launched by Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao on July 2015. TKHH is a large-scale tree-planting program implemented by the Government of Telangana. The plan aimed to increase the amount of tree cover in the state from 24% to 33%. The State has allocated Rs.5500 crores of its budget for the project. The flagship programmes aims to rejuvenate degraded forests, protecting these forests from threats such as smuggling, encroachment, fire and grazing

MCQ 4

Mt. Stromboli – West Indies
Mt. krakatao – Italy
Mt. Fuziyama – Japan

Choose correct Matches
(A) 1 & 2
(B) 2 & 3
(C)3 only
(D) All

A volcano on the Italian island of Stromboli has erupted on 3 July. The Volcanic eruption killed a person. Mt. Stromboli: Stromboli is known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” and has a population of around 500. The volcano is one of the most active on the planet and has been under a regular state of eruption since 1932. The last major eruption was in 2002, when a blast destroyed local buildings and piers, injuring six.

MCQ 5 1.
Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site located in Nepal 2. It has been declared WHS by UNESCO.
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(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D)None

Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, has been declared as a Monument and protected area of national importance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Chaukhandi Stupa: Chaukhandi Stupa is a lofty mound of brick whose square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower. It was built to mark the place where Lord Buddha met his first disciples as he travelled from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. The Chaukhandi Stupa is said to be originally a terraced temple during the Gupta period, that 4th to 6th Century. Govardhan,the son of Raja Todarmal gave the present shape to the Chaukhandi Stupa.
He built an octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of Humayun,the great Mughal ruler. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): ASI was formed on 1861, headquartered at New Delhi, India. ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage in India. It functions under the Ministry of Culture. ASI is responsible for the regulation of all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Antiquities and Art Treasure Act,1972.

MCQ 6

A digital literacy initiative named «Digital Udaan» is launched by MEITY
It is launched in all the states partnering with Facebook

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(C) Both
(D)None

Indian mobile network operator, Reliance Jio partnered with Facebook to launch a digital literacy initiative named “Digital Udaan”
The main aim is to empower first-time internet users with digital literacy and understanding of the Internet in real time.
The initiative is launched in nearly 200 different locations across 13 states. It is expected to reach over 7,000 locations in the country.
Through this program, it has audio-visual training in 10 regional languages Jio will engage with its users to help them learn about features of JioPhone, apps and Internet safety, including the use of Facebook.
Facebook is an ally in this mission to achieve 100% digital literacy in the country. At present Jio have 300 million users and it added 8 million users in April 2019.
About Facebook CEO: Mark Zuckerberg Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States. Founded: February 2004

MCQ 7
PMGDISHA scheme is for

Minority scholarships
Rural electricity
Skill development for industrial employment
Digital Literacy

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reported that 2.22 crore villagers are given Digital Education under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA).
The report was submitted by Minister Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad in Rajya Sabha. About PMGDISHA: To increase the Digital Literacy rate in India, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA) was launched as an integral part of the ‘Digital India’ initiative.
The vision of this scheme is that one person in every household digitally literate, and train them to operate digital devices such as Tablets, Smartphones etc. Bridge the digital divide, specifically targeting the rural population It also ensures high-speed internet access for all, though a secure ecosystem.
The Centre allocated Rs.100 crore in 2017-18, Rs.438 crore in 2018-19 and Rs.400 crore in 2019- 20 for the PMGDISHA scheme. The total outlay for this project so far has been Rs.2,351 crore. Benefits of the scheme: Under the scheme people will be able to search for education, career and job-related information, search for weather forecasts, fishing zones, market prices, government schemes, farming equipment. It makes utility bill payments online ,Book train and bus tickets online,Locate government information and schemes online citizen services.
MoUs: The government has partnered with NASSCOM Foundation, the United Nations Educational Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).To train the learners undr the scheme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between C-DAC centres and CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd

. MCQ 8

Brucellosis is a viral disease
It’s a zoonotic disease

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

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by ingestion of unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat from infected animals, or close contact with their secretions. It is also known as undulant fever, Malta fever, and Mediterranean fever.
Brucella species are small, Gram-negative, nonmotile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped (coccobacilli) bacteria. They function as facultative intracellular parasites, causing chronic disease, which usually persists for life. Four species infect humans: B. abortus, B. canis, B. melitensis, and B. suis. B. abortus is less virulent than B. melitensis and is primarily a disease of cattle. B. canis affects dogs. B. melitensis is the most virulent and invasive species; it usually infects goats and occasionally sheep. B. suis is of intermediate virulence and chiefly infects pigs. Symptoms include profuse sweating and joint and muscle pain. Brucellosis has been recognized in animals and humans since the 20th century.
The Centre has approved Rs.13,343 crore for the National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis for the next five years.
It was announced by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Sanjeev Kumar Balyan. The amount of Rs.2683 crore is proposed for the Financial Year 2019-20.
FMD: FMD control programme envisages 100% vaccination coverage of cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs at six months interval in the entire country. Further, animals will be identified using unique animal identification ear tags. The programme also includes deworming of targeted population of livestock twice a year as one of its activities. The vaccination will cover 30 crore bovines (cows-bulls and buffaloes) and 20 crore sheep/goat and 10 million pigs.
Brucellosis control programme: Under Brucellosis control programme, 100% vaccination coverage of female cattle and buffalo calves, of age 4-8 months, once in a lifetime. This is an existing vaccination scheme under which the Centre and State governments contribute funds in the ratio of 60:40.
The Central government will bear the entire cost.
FMD and Brucellosis: These diseases are very common among the livestock cow-bulls, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs etc. If a cow/buffalo gets infected with FMD, the milk loss is upto 100% which could last for four to six months. If it is affected with Brucellosis the milk output reduces by 30%, during the entire life cycle of animal. Brucellosis also causes infertility amongst the animals. The infection of brucellosis can also be transmitted to the farm workers and livestock owners. Both the diseases have a direct negative impact on the trade of milk and other livestock products

MCQ 9

Train 18 was rolled out in October 2018 at Kapurthala’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
It will be first long-distance train without separate locomotive (engine).

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(C) Both
(D) None
MCQ 10

The proposed Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2019, makes the District Magistrate (DM) the chairperson of an expert authority, or the District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA)
In 2006, the environment ministry came out with the EIA notification to regulate the process of environment clearance for any new project or expansion, clearance by sector-specific expert appraisal committees would be given.

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

In the midst of the election process, the central government has proposed to overhaul the Environment Impact Assessment notification 2006 which governs the environment clearance process for industries.
The proposed changes recommend the local urban bodies or municipalities to give clearance to building and construction projects. The zero draft notification also seeks the creation of a district level authority to consider the environment clearance rules related to the mining of minor minerals. • Environmentalists argued that instead of strengthening the implementation of the existing EIA notification, the changes would infact weaken it and leave loopholes to help the industrial projects. • In April, as India was busy in the 2019 parliamentary elections, the central government moved to “re-engineer” the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006, which governs environment clearance for industrial projects.
Experts, who have analysed the zero draft (a first attempt at the draft) of the EIA notification 2019, opined that it weakens the existing notification and favours the industry, without focusing on strengthening the monitoring and compliance mechanism of the environment clearance process.
The zero draft has been prepared by the Impact Assessment division of the central government’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It has been sent to all state governments and state pollution control boards on April 15, 2019, seeking their views to finalise the draft notification. The draft 2019 EIA notification will then be put in the public domain to consult all stakeholders.
In 2006, the environment ministry came out with the EIA notification to regulate the process of environment clearance for any new project or expansion related to the mining of coal or other minerals, infrastructure development, thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, hydropower projects, real estate projects, and other industrial projects. Under this notification, the projects are assessed on the basis of their potential impact on the environment before they are recommended or denied environment clearance by sector-specific expert appraisal committees. The 2006 notification was developed to replace the original EIA notification of 1994.