[MISSION 2022] INSIGHTS CURRENT AFFAIRS ( 16 October 2021) REVISION THROUGH MCQS – INSIGHTSIAS

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S2: Nihangs observe the Khalsa code of conduct in its strictest sense. They do not profess any allegiance to an earthly master. Instead of saffron they hoist a blue Nishan Sahib (flag) atop their shrines.
• S1: Nihang is an order of Sikh warriors. They are characterised by blue robes, antiquated arms such as swords and spears, and decorated turbans surmounted by steel quoits.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/16/who-are-nihangs-2/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is the new avatar of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). But, in a significant departure from the earlier mission, the Centre will not appraise individual projects.
• Parent ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• The Mission will focus on the following Thrust Areas:
  • Water Supply.
  • Sewerage and septage management.
  • Storm Water Drainage to reduce flooding
  • Non-motorized Urban Transport.
  • Green space/parks.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/16/amrut-2-0/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The Department of Biotechnology has launched a ‘One Health’ consortium. This is the First ‘One Health’ project of the DBT.
• About the project:
  • It envisages carrying out surveillance of important bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of zoonotic as well as transboundary pathogens in the country.
  • The project also looks into use of existing diagnostic tests and development of additional methodologies for surveillance and understanding the spread of emerging diseases.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/16/one-health-consortium/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• UNHRC was reconstituted from its predecessor organisation, the UN Commission on Human Rights to help overcome the “credibility deficit” of the previous organisation.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Composition:
  • The UNHRC has 47 members serving at any time with elections held to fill up seats every year, based on allocations to regions across the world to ensure geographical representation.
  • Each elected member serves for a term of three years.
  • Countries are disallowed from occupying a seat for more than two consecutive terms.
• Functions:
  • The UNHRC passes non-binding resolutions on human rights issues through a periodic review of all 193 UN member states called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
  • It oversees expert investigation of violations in specific countries (Special Procedures).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/16/un-human-rights-council-7/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• It is a digital platform that connects 16 ministries — including Roads and Highways, Railways, Shipping, Petroleum and Gas, Power, Telecom, Shipping, and Aviation.
• It aims to ensure holistic planning and execution of infrastructure projects.
• Services provided:
  • The portal will offer 200 layers of geospatial data, including on existing infrastructure such as roads, highways, railways, and toll plazas, as well as geographic information about forests, rivers and district boundaries to aid in planning and obtaining clearances.
  • The portal will also allow various government departments to track, in real time and at one centralised place, the progress of various projects, especially those with multi-sectoral and multi-regional impact.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/16/pm-gatishakti-national-master-plan/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• S1: It is introduced by any member who is not a Minister. A bill introduced by a Minister is called as a public bill.
• S2: Around 14 private member’s bills have been passed since independence.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Sathyamangalam forest range is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between the Western Ghats and the rest of the Eastern Ghats and a genetic link between the four other protected areas which it adjoins, including the Billigiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park.
• Map below shows the protected area.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1: It is a NGO, not a bureau under UNEP. So, 1 is wrong.
  • TRAFFIC is governed by the TRAFFIC Committee, a steering group composed of members of TRAFFIC’s partner organizations, WWF and IUCN.
• S2: It is working globally on Wildlife trade monitoring network.
  • It specializes in investigating and analysing wildlife trade trends, patterns, impacts and drivers to provide the leading knowledge base on trade in wild animals and plants.
• http://www.traffic.org/overview

Refer: UPSC 2017

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• It is the fundamental rights that constitute limitations upon state action (whether legislative or executive).
• The directive principles are in the nature of instruments of instruction to the government of the day to achieve certain ends by their actions. It guides them, not restricts them.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: It is wrong.
  • The 1881 Act aimed to improve working condtions of labour.
  • It prohibited the employment of children under the age of seven, limited the number of working hours for children below the age of twelve and required that dangerous machinery should be fenced properly.
• Statement 2: Lokhande was a pioneer of the labour movement in India. He is remembered not only for ameliorating the working conditions of textile mill-hands in the 19th century but also for his courageous initiatives on caste and communal issues.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2017