PAPER - 1 CLASS TEST-2 ANSWER KEY AND … · TARGET PRELIMS 2017 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1 CLASS...

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TARGET PRELIMS 2017 GENERAL STUDIES

PAPER - 1 CLASS TEST-2

ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATION

1. Answer (b) UExplanation Wasting is the phenomenon of low weight for their height among children. Child wasting, which is the proportion of children under the age of five who suffer from wasting (that is, low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); is one among the four indicators used by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to calculate The Global Hunger Index (GHI). The Other three are

1. Undernourishment: the proportion of undernourished people as a percentage of the population (reflecting the share of the population with insufficient caloric intake);

2. Child stunting: the proportion of children under the age of five who suffer from stunting (low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition); and

3. Child mortality: the mortality rate of children under the age of five (partially reflecting the fatal synergy of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments).

Reference- 1. NEO IAS Prelims WhatsApp Group (PWG), 2. IFPRI Website Mother Question- Question 18 (Import cover), Series-A, 2016

2. Answer (d) UExplanation The Global Competitiveness Report is a yearly report published by the World Economic Forum since 2004.The report assesses the competitiveness landscape of world economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity. The report analyses competitiveness along 12 pillars: institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, labour market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication and innovation. These are, in turn, organized into three sub-indices in line with three main stages of development: basic requirements, efficiency enhancers, and innovation and sophistication factors. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG 2. World Economic Forum Website Mother Question- Question 02 (Global Hunger Index) Series-A, 2016

3. Answer: (d) UExplanation The Syrian Civil Defense, known commonly as the White Helmets, is a volunteer corps of Syrians who act as first responders in the Syrian civil war. The group which was established in 2013 is carrying out search-and-rescue operations to save the maximum number of lives. The group has rescued thousands of people—a feat that earned them the Right to Livelihood Award, commonly known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” in recognition for their “outstanding bravery, compassion and humanitarian engagement in rescuing civilians.” It has also put them in contention for the Nobel Peace Prize. Reference- 1. NEO IAS Prelims WhatsApp Group Mother Question-Question 51 (MSF), Series-A, 2016

4. Answer: (b) Explanation Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All’ (UJALA) scheme is an initiative of the Government of India to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. UJALA scheme aims to promote efficient lighting, enhance awareness on using efficient equipment which reduce electricity bills and help preserve environment. Increasing revenue for the Government through higher electricity bills is not an objective of the scheme. The scheme was initially labelled DELP (Domestic Efficient Lighting Program)

Date: 16-10-2016

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Economic_Forum

and was relaunched as UJALA. The scheme aims to replace 200 million incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. The Electricity Distribution Company and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public sector body of Government of India is implementing the programme. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG, 2. UJALA scheme Website Mother Question- Question 26 (Stand Up India) Series-A, 2016

5. Answer (c) Explanation Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a centrally sponsored scheme which is being implemented with the objective of reducing maternal and infant mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women. Under the JSY, eligible pregnant women are entitled for cash assistance irrespective of the age of mother and number of children for giving birth in a government or accredited private health facility. The scheme focuses on poor pregnant woman with a special dispensation for states that have low institutional delivery rates, namely, the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Rajasthan, Orissa, and Jammu and Kashmir. While these states have been named Low Performing States (LPS) under the scheme, the remaining states have been named High Performing states (HPS). The scheme also provides performance based incentives to women health volunteers known as ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) for promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women. Reference: 1.NEO IAS prelims WhatsApp group, 2. Janani Suraksha Yojana pays dividends: Study– The Hindu (10/10/2016) Mother Question- Question 47 (Seed Question) series C, 2015

6. Answer (b) Explanation (a) Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 comes under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It is the apex body to accord approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The GEAC is also responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials (Biosafety Research Level Trial-I and II known as BRL-I and BRL-II). Reference: 1.NEO IAS PWG, 2. Global biotech firms positive on GM regulatory regime -Economic times. Mother Question- Question 20 (organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons) Series-A, 2016

7. Answer (a) Explanation GSAT-18 is India’s latest communication satellite, built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It aims at providing telecommunications services for the country by strengthening ISRO's current fleet of 14 operational telecommunication satellites. The satellite weighs 3404 kg and hence had to be launched from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana into the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) by a heavy duty rocket of Arianespace. It is the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by the European space agency and the mission is the 280th for Arianespace launcher family. Reference: 1.NEO IAS PWG 2. ISRO's GSAT-18 launched successfully on board Ariane-5 from Kourou-The Times of India (7/9/2016) and 3. ISRO's GSAT-18 launched successfully on board Ariane-5 from Kourou- the Hindu

8. Answer (c) Explanation The Cauvery rises in the Brahmagri range of the Western Ghats and it reaches the Bay of Bengal in south of Cuddalore, in Tamil Nadu. Total length of the river is about 760 km. Its main tributaries are Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati and Kabini. Its basin drains parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Reference- NCERT CLASS IX Text book, Chapter- Drainage

9. Answer (d) Explanation Somalia is located in the north east of Africa. All the other three are north-west African countries. Both Nigeria and Central African Republic (CAR) share border with Chad. All these three countries were in news recently for different reasons; Chad and CAR for their poor performance in IFPRI Global Hunger Index, while Nigeria featured in headlines for the attacks conducted by Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group.


Reference- NEO IAS PWG

10. Answer (a) Explanation Panama is a country on the isthmus linking Central and South America. Panama borders with the Caribbean Sea, the North Pacific Ocean, Colombia and Costa Rica. Panama has been consistently in news for being a tax haven. Reference- 1. Oxford School Atlas

11. Answer (d) Explanation The Union Cabinet approved the revised Model Text for the Indian Bilateral Investment Treaty in December 2015. The revised Indian model text for Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will replace the existing Indian Model BIT and will be used for re-negotiation of existing BITs and negotiation of future BITs and investment chapters in Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECAs)/ Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) / Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The new Indian Model BIT text will provide appropriate protection to foreign investors in India and Indian investors in the foreign country, in the light of relevant international precedents and practices, while maintaining a balance between the investor’s rights and the Government obligations. The essential features of the model BIT include an “enterprise” based definition of investment, non-discriminatory treatment through due process, national treatment, protections against expropriation, a refined Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provision requiring investors to exhaust local remedies before commencing international arbitration, and limiting the power of the tribunal to awarding monetary compensation alone. The model excludes matters such as government procurement, taxation, subsidies, compulsory licenses and national security to preserve the regulatory authority for the Government. Reference- 1. NEO IAS Bilateral Investment Treaty Module 2. NEO IAS PWG

12. Answer: (a) Explanation

First statement is correct. The AMRUT Mission is guided by the twin objectives of meeting the challenges of growing urbanization in the country in a sustainable manner as well as ensuring the benefits of urban development to the poor through increased access to urban spaces and enhanced employment opportunities. The purpose of AMRUT is to (i) ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage

connection; (ii) increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g.

parks); and (iii) reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport

(e.g. walking and cycling). All these outcomes are valued by citizens, particularly women, and indicators and standards have been prescribed by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs).

Second statement is wrong. Earlier, the Ministry of Urban Development used to give project-by-project sanctions. In AMRUT it has been replaced by area-based approach.

Reference - 1. NEO IAS Prelims WhatsApp Group, 2. AMRUT Mission Website Mother Question - Question 26 (Stand Up India Scheme), Series-A, 2016

13. Answer: (a) Explanation First statement is correct. Article 47 provides that State shall prohibit consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health. But medicinal purposes are exempted. Second statement is wrong. Article 47 is a Directive Principle of State Policy. These are directives to the State and cannot be enforced in courts and hence are not justiciable in nature. Reference - 1. NEO IAS Prelims WhatsApp Group Mother Question - Question 100 (Panchayat), Series-A, 2016

14. Answer: (b) Explanation Visaranai, the Tamil docu-drama crime thriller, has been chosen India’s official entry to Best Foreign Language Film category at the 89th Academy Awards to be held in 2017. The national award-winning film (for best feature film, Tamil), directed by Vetrimaran, and produced by actor Dhanush’s Wunderbar


Films, documents four migrant workers who suffer police brutality and corruption after being jailed on false charges. Part of the film is based on true events recorded in novel Lock Up, written by M. Chandrakumar, an autorickshaw driver from Coimbatore. Reference- NEO IAS Prelims Whatsapp Group, (PWG)

15. Answer: (d) Explanation PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope. The impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) study is felt through a broad spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses that cause premature death. These include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases. Of all of pollutants, fine particulate matter has the greatest impact on health. A lot of the fine particulate matter comes from fuel combustion, both from mobile sources such as vehicles and from stationary sources such as power plants, industry, households or biomass burning. Reference: 1. NEO IAS PWG 2. The Hindu - Fine particulates causing chronic illnesses (September 28, 2016)

16. Answer: (a) Explanation Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010 administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs aims at promoting transparency in dealings with foreign-funded NGOs. The Home Ministry monitors foreign funds donated to NGOs. The idea is to bring all NGOs which receive foreign contributions under one umbrella for better monitoring and regulation. The government on 14th December, 2015 notified the amended Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2015, that require all FCRA services and transactions to be made online. Though the FCRA was amended in 2016 via the finance bill it was not to bar certain NGOs, on the other hand it was aimed at facilitating foreign funding to certain entities like political parties. According to the amendment the contribution from foreign companies to not-for-profit, political parties and candidates contesting elections, newspapers, government employees etc. do not come under definition of foreign source. The recent amendment provides that such companies will be treated as “Indian” for the purpose of FCRA. This would not only help foreign-origin companies to fund NGOs but has also cleared the way for them to give “donations to political parties.” Reference- 1. NEO IAS NGOs Module

17. Answer: (a) Explanation Balochistan is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the southwestern region of the country. It shares borders with Iran to the west, and Afghanistan to the north. Gwadar port is located in Balochistan. Reference: NEO IAS Balochistan material.

18. Answer: (d) Explanation There is an ongoing military confrontation in Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, between the Syrian opposition against the forces of the Syrian Government due to Syrian civil war. Xi’an is one of the most significant cities in the one belt one road project. Silk Road Economic Belt which will connect the China-Europe via Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, Turkey etc. through Silk Road Economic Belt will originate from Xi’an in Central China. Indian government recently gave its approval for acceding to the Ashgabat Agreement. Ashgabat is the capital and the largest city of Turkmenistan. Reference: NEO IAS International Relations materials. Mother Question: Question 19 (Communities mentioned in the news) Series-A, 2016

19. Answer: (b) Explanation Google plans to bring fast Public Wi-Fi service to cafes, malls and all other places with a new initiative called Google Station. The inspiration for Google Station came from the success of Google's partnership with Indian Railways to provide free Wi-Fi services at railway stations in India. Currently, the service is live in 52 stations and over 3.5 million users use it every month. Mother Question – Question- 46 (INS Astradharini) Series A 2016


20. Answer: (b)

Explanation The Permanent Court of Arbitration, established in 1899, is an intergovernmental organization providing a variety of dispute resolution services to the international community. It provided arbitration on the South China Sea dispute. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946. Reference: NEO IAS South China sea dispute material.

21. Answer: (d) Explanation Ransomware is an advanced type of malware that restricts access to the computer system until the user pays a fee. The issue of ‘ransomware’ continues to be the biggest cybercrime threat affecting people globally. In the real world, a person is taken hostage for ransom. Similarly, ransomware is a malicious software that infects the computer and asks for money. Reference: NEO IAS Information Technology material on the ‘Internet’. Mother Question- Question 84 (DigiLocker) Series-A, 2016

22. Answer: (a) Explanation Internet Telephony is a category of hardware and software that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls. Internet Telephony is available on many smartphones, personal computers, and on Internet access devices. Calls and SMS text messages may be sent over 3G/4G or Wi-Fi. Skype, Viber and Google Talk are examples of Internet Telephony services whereas Netflix is an Internet Television service. Reference: NEO IAS Information Technology material on the ‘Internet’.

23. Answer: (d) Explanation Laggar Falcons are an indigenous raptor species with white and grey plumage, which can hunt and fly at speeds of up to 180 kmph. Indiscriminate sand quarrying on the Vaigai river bed, and granite quarrying in many parts of Madurai, have spelt disaster for many raptor species and today, only two Laggar Falcons survive on the rock cliffs of Arittapatti near Melur in the district. The species nest only on rock cliffs unreachable to humans. Due to sand quarrying, Madurai lost its Vaigai-based biodiversity, including hundreds of Brahminy Kites, Black Kites and native fishes. Stone quarrying in Keezhavazhavu and Melavazhavu destroyed the habitat and nesting spots of raptors and other birds, including eagles, falcons and owls. The use of explosives for granite quarrying contributed to the decline of the birds. Felling of palm trees, which is a nesting spot of many raptor species, is also one of the reasons for the disappearance of the birds. Reference: The Hindu - Quarrying destroys Laggar Falcon habitat in Madurai (September 28, 2016)

24. Answer: (c) Explanation Vembanad Lake, the hub of backwater tourism in Kerala and the largest wetland system in the country, may cease to exist in another 50 years as climate change aggravates the complex threats posed by land use changes, according to a study conducted by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS). The study on the environmental management action plan for eco-restoration of the lake and its inflowing rivers found that urbanisation, pollution and reclamation had whittled down the water mass by 40 per cent in area and 65 per cent in depth. The carrying capacity of the lake had gone down from 2.45 to 0.56 cubic km, registering a decline of 78 per cent, while the urban agglomeration had increased five times over the last 50 years. The study found that the inflow of sediments to the lake had gone up over the years. Reference: The Hindu - Vembanad lake may vanish in 50 years: study (September 29, 2016)

25. Answer: (b) Explanation India have already signed civil nuclear deals with 11 countries. They are: France, Russia, Mongolia, Namibia, Argentina, Canada, Kazakhstan, South Korea, U.S.A, Australia and Sri Lanka. Japan will become the 12th country to sign a civil nuclear deal with India very soon if the India-Japan Civil Nuclear deal becomes a reality. Reference: NEO IAS PWG


26. Answer: (b)

Explanation Topology is a branch of mathematics focusing on physical properties of matter and space that remain unchanged under deforming forces, including stretching. It holds exceptional promise for quantum computing, and tiny quantum devices as topological states can transport energy and information without overheating, unlike traditional quantum mechanics. Recently, British scientists David thoules, Duncan Haldane and Michael kosterlitz won the Nobel physics prize for revealing the secrets of exotic matter. They have used advanced mathematical methods to study unusual phases, or states, of matter, such as superconductor, superfluid or thin magnetics film. Their pioneering work has boosted frontline research in condensed matter physics because topological materials could be used in new generations of electronics and superconductor, or in future quantum computers. They demonstrated that super conductivity could occur at low temperature and also explained the mechanism; phase transition that make superconductivity disappear at higher temperature Reference- NEO IAS PWG

27. Answer: (b) Explanation The Brahmaputra in its upper reaches is called Yarlung Zangbo, after it originates from the Angsi glacier in western Tibet, southeast of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The Brahmaputra basin spreads over countries of Tibet (China), Bhutan, India and Bangladesh having a total area of 5,80,000 Sq.km. While there is no water treaty between the countries, India and China established an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) on trans-border rivers and in October 2013 the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation on trans-border rivers under which Beijing provides data to India on the water flows. Reference: NEO Whatsapp group: The Hindu - China blocks tributary of Brahmaputra to build dam (October 1, 2016) Web Site- Water Resource Information System of India

28. Answer: (c) Explanation Scientists claim to have discovered a new species of Pika, a mammal belonging to the rabbit and hare family (Lagomorpha), in the Himalayas in Sikkim. After six years of research, a team of international collaborators, led by scientists from Bengaluru’s National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) announced the discovery. Pikas are members of the rabbit family and live in the mountains or in temperate regions. Pikas are a keystone species and ecosystem engineers. Pikas do not hibernate unlike other mammalian species inhabiting such cold climates. Reference: 1. NEO IAS Prelims Whatsapp group: 2. The Hindu New species of Pika discovered (October 2, 2016)

29. Answer: (d) Explanation Article 97 of the UN Charter provides that, “The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.” Secretary General serves as the UN's top diplomat and chief "administrative officer". Candidates from the five permanent members in Security Council are not considered for the role of UN Secretary General to avoid further concentration of power within the UN. Reference: Neo IAS Prelims WhatsApp group

30. Answer: (c) Explanation Strategic sale of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) refers to strategic disinvestment. Strategic disinvestment means sale of substantial portion of Government shareholding in identified CPSEs or PSUs upto 50 per cent or more, along with transfer of management control. Presently, NITI Aayog is responsible for identifying PSUs for strategic sales and monitoring the closure of loss making firms, a job being implemented by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Besides NITI Aayog is also giving approvals to the state-run entities to set up financial joint ventures, a power which rested with company boards. The Department of Public Enterprises(DPE), which continues to be the nodal authority for all PSUs, has recently come out with guidelines asking the PSUs to seek ‘concurrence’ from NITI Aayog for such joint ventures. Reference: 1. NEO IAS PWG,


Mother Question- Question 63 (Sugarcane FRP), Series-A, 2015

31. Answer: (c) Explanation The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) were first established to provide an organised marketplace to farmers and to ensure that they are not exploited at the hands of unscrupulous buyers. Ironically, in the last 15-20 years, the APMCs have played a role, which is just opposite to their stated objective. Moreover, as the levies collected by APMCs do not go to the state exchequer and also any spending does not require legislature approval, their operations are more often than not hidden from scrutiny. The management of most APMCs is in the hands of political parties who enjoy a cosy relationship with commission agents and arthiyas to form cartels to exercise monopoly. Proper and effective implementation of electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) could be a permanent solution against the dreaded APMC Act. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG, NEO IAS GS-3 Current Affair Material – 9. Reforms in Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act Mother Question- Question 43 (MCLR), Series-A, 2016

32. Answer: (a) Explanation According to the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) guidelines, those mandis, which want to participate in the electronic platform and avail the Centre’s grant of over Rs 30 lakh, need to fulfill three criteria or amend APMC Act. Integration of state Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) with NAM requires certain pre-requisites in the State AMPC Acts, namely- (i) a single license to be valid across the State, (ii) single point levy of market fee and (iii) provision for electronic auction as a mode for price discovery. As the electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is about to complete six months, the Centre has decided to add 50 more farm commodities to the already existing 25, which could be traded through this portal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched e-NAM on April 14 this year. In its six-month journey, the number of mandis, which have joined the portal, has also reached over 236, as against just 21 when the project was launched. The Centre plans to add over 500 mandis in e-NAM, by the end of 2018, of which 200 were to be joined by the end of September. The target has already exceeded for this year. The e-NAM is one of the many initiatives through which the Centre plans to double farmers income by 2018. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG, NEO IAS GS-3 Current Affair Material –10. National Agricultural Market (NAM), Website www.enam.gov.in Mother Question- Question 54 (UN-REDD) + Programme, Series-A, 2016

33. Answer: (b) Explanation According to the Niti Aayog report on strategic disinvestment in public sector units (PSUs), it involves the stake sale of both listed and unlisted companies. Hence India is preparing a plan for big-ticket asset sales that involves the disposal of controlling stakes in 22 listed and unlisted companies as the Centre looks to meet the full-year disinvestment target of Rs 56,500 crore. In the case of unlisted ones, the government will exit completely, offering 100% equity. In the case of listed ones, the government will lower its holding to less than 49% to free them from state control. On the list are large state-run companies such as Container Corporation of India, Bharat Earthmovers, as many as three plants of the Steel Authority of India and unlisted entities like Cement Corporation of India. On the list are companies that are profitable and some that aren’t but have big asset bases. The key criterion is that none of them are engaged in areas that are strategically critical for India. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG Mother Question- Question 40, Series-A, 2016

34. Answer: (d) Explanation The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016 is awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa for their design and production of molecular machines. They have developed molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added. The development of computing demonstrates how the miniaturisation of technology can lead to a revolution. The 2016 Nobel Laureates in Chemistry have miniaturised machines and taken chemistry to a new dimension. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG, 2. World’s tiniest machines wins chemistry Nobel-The business line


http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=Apmcs




http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=National+Agriculture+Market



http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=Centre

http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=Narendra+Modi

http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=E-nam


http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=Mandis

http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=E-nam


35. Answer: (c)

Explanation The word autophagy originates from two Greek words meaning “self-eating”. Autophagy is the body’s internal recycling programme - scrap cell components are captured and the useful parts are stripped out to generate energy or build new cells. The process is crucial for preventing cancerous growths, warding off infection and, by maintaining a healthy metabolism, it helps protect against conditions like diabetes. Dysfunctional autophagy has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and a host of age-related disorders. Intense research is underway to develop drugs that can target autophagy to treat various diseases. The Japanese scientist, Yoshinori Ohsumi, has been awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize for medicine on autophagy. Reference- 1. NEO IAS PWG, 2. World’s tiniest machines wins chemistry Nobel-The business line Mother Question- Question 57 (Agenda 21) Series-A, 2016

36. Answer: (a) Explanation World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization that convenes an annual winter conference, traditionally in Davos, Switzerland, for the discussion of global commerce, economic development, political concerns, and important social issues. Some of the world’s most prominent business leaders, politicians, policy makers, scholars, philanthropists, trade unionists, and representatives of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) attend the meetings. Headquarters are in Cologny, near Geneva. The group assumed the name World Economic Forum (WEF) in 1987 to reflect the importance of global economic and political issues, including poverty, environmental problems, and international conflict, which it immediately began working to resolve The Forum strives to model world-class corporate governance, where values are as important as rules. Legitimacy, accountability, transparency and concerted action are the guiding principles of the Forum. The WEF also serves as a think tank. World Economic Forum hosted its annual India Economic Summit in New Delhi on October 6-7 under the theme, Fostering an Inclusive India through Digital Transformation. Three main themes for this year’s programme were: Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution; Driving Sustainable and Equitable Growth and improving the Ease of Doing Business. India has secured the 39th rank, climbing 16 places from last year, on the annual Global Competitiveness Index prepared by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Every year, WEF releases its Global Competitiveness Report based on their analysis of the world’s 138 economies. Switzerland is ranked 1st according to the report. Reference – 1. NEO IAS PWG 2. WEF Website

37. Answer: (b) Explanation Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community. Carbon sequestration means capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere or capturing anthropogenic (human) CO2 from large-scale stationary sources like power plants before it is released to the atmosphere. . Once captured, the CO2 gas (or the carbon portion of the CO2) is put into long-term storage. Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference. A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere. Carbon offsetting is an internationally recognised way to take responsibility for unavoidable carbon emissions. Reference- NEO IAS PWG

38. Answer: (c) Explanation The mustached and long-tusked walrus is most often found near the Arctic Circle, lying on the ice with hundreds of companions. These marine mammals are extremely sociable. Walrus prefer spreading out on sea ice, where they can monitor the approach of predators such as polar bears. In recent years, as Arctic temperatures have warmed, the edge of the sea ice has receded far to the north over water too deep for walrus to dive and reach the ocean bottom. Walrus have the choice of resting on ice over deep water or moving to shore, joined by thousands of other animals. In 2007, they began coming ashore on the northwest Alaska coast because of receding summer sea ice as Arctic temperatures have warmed. Walruses are capable of slowing their heartbeats in order to withstand the polar temperatures of the


https://www.britannica.com/place/Davos

https://www.britannica.com/topic/economic-development

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https://www.britannica.com/topic/nongovernmental-organization

https://www.britannica.com/topic/poverty

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surrounding waters. Walruses have only two natural predators: the orca (or killer whale) and the polar bear. Reference: NEO IAS WAPG - The Hindu - As walrus arrive, Alaska village tells visitors to stay away (October 13, 2016)

39. Answer: (c) Explanation The new National Air Quality Index (AQI) launched in 2014 can be described as a ‘One Number- One Colour-One Description’ for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for effective dissemination of air quality information to people. The formulation of the index was a continuation of the initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission. The current measurement index for air quality will consider eight pollutants or parameters (PM10, PM2.5, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb)) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed. There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. Reference: NEO IAS Materials - 2017 Prelims current affairs No.1 - air pollution – particulate matter

40. Answer: (a) Explanation The Houthis are a Zaidi Shia-led fundamentalist religious-political group that emerged from Sa'dah, northern Yemen trying to overthrow the government in Yemen. Coalition of states led by Saudi Arabia began a U.S.-backed bombing campaign against the Houthi forces, which four months earlier had seized Yemen’s capital. Reference- NEO IAS PWG

41. Answer: (b) Explanation: The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), nicknamed Tianyan, is a Chinese mega-science project aiming to build the largest single dish radio telescope in the world, with innovative concepts. It is funded by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and managed by the National Astronomical observatories (NAOC) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), with the government of Guizhou province as a cooperation partner. Reference: 1.NEO IAS PWG, 2. World’s largest radio telescope begins operations-The Hindu (25/9/2016) Mother Question- Question 47 (Agenda 21) Series-A, 2016

42. Answer: (a) Explanation BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The first BRIC summit was held in Yekaterinburg in Russia. The 2016 BRICS summit will be the eighth annual BRICS summit. The summit will be held from 15 to 16 October 2016 in Goa, India. India will hold the chair of the BRICS from February 2016 to December 2016. This is the second BRICS Summit to be held in India. The first one was the Fourth BRICS summit which was held in New Delhi in 2012. Reference- NEO IAS PWG

43. Answer: (c) Explanation The Republic of Panama has become a well-established tax haven. The country has not signed any tax treaties with any other country so that exchange of tax-related information is not possible. There are no controls on foreign exchange transfers. Also there is a thick veil behind which the actual beneficiaries of entities can be hidden since the rules for incorporating a company do not require the names of the owners of the funds to be disclosed. In Panama, there are firms that can help set up a company within 48 hours and provide nominee directors/shareholders. Many international banks operate from Panama, and banking confidentiality is guaranteed. Panama follows a strict territorial system of taxation. Consequently, all foreign incomes of non-residents are not taxable. Further, Panama has no official central bank and no exchange control. Reference – NEO IAS Panama papers Material. Mother Question- Question 03, (Deficit Budget) Series A, 2016


44. Answer: (c)

Explanation Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) signed by India and the U.S, foreign financial institutions in the U.S. will have to provide information about Indian account holders to the U.S. government’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which will forward the information to the Indian government. The Indian government will provide similar information to the IRS. The FATCA will enable and facilitate smoother exchange of tax-related information between the two countries, and help both fight evasion. Reference- NEO IAS FATCA&MCA Module

45. Answer: (c) Explanation The Centre announced a `6,000-crore special package, with tax and production incentives, for the textile and apparel sector to enable domestic firms to compete globally. The package aims to help in creating one crore jobs, mostly for women, in the next three years. A key element of the policy is overtime of up to eight hours a week, translating into nearly 90 hours over three months compared to the current norm of 50 hours over this period. The centre also introduced fixed term employment which was an industry demand to deal with the seasonal nature of demand. A fixed term workman will be considered on a par with a permanent workman in terms of working hours, wages, allowances and other statutory dues. The government would bear the entire 12% of the employer's contribution of the EPF scheme (not employees contribution) for new garment industry employees who are earning less than ` 15,000 per month, for their first three years of employment. Reference- NEO IAS Textile Package Module

46. Answer (c) Explanation The Factories Act is a legislation that deals with safety, health and welfare of workers. The present Factories Act is applicable to establishments with 10 or more workers, if the premise is using power and to establishments with 20 or more workers, without electricity connection. However, all factories that manufactures or deals with “hazardous substance and processes and dangerous operations will be covered under this Act even if they employ a single worker.” Reference- NEO IAS Labour Reforms Module

47. Answer: (c) Explanation A century and a half of industrialization has increased quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, resulting in rising global average temperature and thereby adverse effects of climate change throughout the world. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for the assessment of climate change, has estimated that global average temperature shouldn’t exceed more than 20 C with respect to pre-industrial level temperatures, in order to avoid irreversible and adverse effects of climate change. The Paris Agreement, under UNFCCC, brings nations together to achieve this aim. Reference: 1. NEO IAS PWG; 2. UNFCCC website Mother Question: Question 73 (MUDRA), Series-A, 2016

48. Answer: (c) Explanation Spectrum harmonization refers to the uniform allocation of radio frequency bands across an entire region. It reduces radio interference along borders and helps in international roaming and interoperability, thus reducing the prices of telecommunication equipment on a global level. Further, operators get contiguous access to bands and they can use it more efficiently as they can plan network for one chunk of spectrum instead of small bits here and there. Mother Question: Question 84 (Digilocker), Series-A, 2016 Reference: 1. NEO IAS PWG

49. Answer: (d) Explanation Perched on the Himalayas at an altitude of nearly 13,500 feet, Himansh, the glaciological research facility is considered to be the highest point from where an Indian glacier research facility is functioning. The research lab, established by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), has automatic weather stations, ground penetrating radars, geodetic GPS systems and other


sophisticated facilities to quantify glaciers in the upper Indus basin in Himachal Pradesh and their contribution to river discharge. Mother Question: Question 61(NIMZ), Series-A, 2016 Reference: 1. NEO IAS PWG

50. Answer: (a) Explanation UDAY is a Central scheme providing for the financial turnaround and revival of State electricity distribution utilities. Under the scheme, States will take over 75% of the debt of their respective DISCOMs. The remaining 25 per cent of the discom debt will be dealt within one of the two ways — conversion into lower interest rate loans by the lending banks or be funded by money raised through State guaranteed discom bonds. But, adopting UDAY is optional for all States. Thus, UDAY is an example of the utilization of the best principles of cooperative and competitive federalism. Mother Question: Question 21(Fazal Bima Yojana), Series-A, 2016 Reference: 1. NEO IAS PWG; 2. NEO IAS UDAY Module


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