Statement 3 is not correct: All establishments registered with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under EPF Act 1952 can apply for availing benefits under the scheme. They need to have a valid Labour identification Number (LN) allotted to them under the Shram Suvidha Portal.

Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)

1. In order to incentivise the employers for new employment generation, the Government of India designed the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) Scheme.
2. The scheme has been operational since August 2016.
3. Under the scheme, the employers would be paid the EPS contribution of 8.33% for every new employment created, by the government.
4. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Inspired by: Employment _ The Indian Perspective
Yojana, September- 2018

Tikdam:
Its again a layman’s logic. Any estiblishment not registered with EPFO cannot avail any benefits of EPS scheme.

International Seapower Symposium (ISS)

ISS is organised by the US Navy.
It is a series of biennial meetings of the world’s chiefs of navy that has met at the United States Naval War College since 1969.
Recently 23rd edition of the ISS was held and Admiral Sunil Lanba participated in the event.

Inspired by:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183539

Statement 1 is not correct: Hugry Water is the water stored below dam level, which captures sediments there itself.

Notes:

Hungry Water Effect

1. The capture of sediments below dams has profound impact on geomorphology of downstream river. This water released below dam level is called hungry water.
2. The potential energy of the hungry water released from dams scour the river banks downstream, uprooting trees or riparian vegetation and damaging bridges and other engineering structures
3. Overloaded with silt and clay from the eroding river banks, the highly turbid and viscous water clogs drainage channels.
4. Subsequent discharge of water from the dam will lead to inundation and waterlogging of large areas.

Statement 2 is not correct: UNIATF supports to tackle non-communicable diseases.

Notes:

United Nations Interagency Task Force (UNIATF)

1. The UNIATF on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases was established by the UN Secretary-General in June 2013 and placed under the leadership of WHO.
2. It aims to support governments, in particular in low- and middle-income countries, to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease.
3. Following the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, UNIATF’s scope of work was expanded in 2016 to include ‘NCD related SDGs _ i.e. mental health, violence and injuries, nutrition, and environmental issues that impact on NCDs.
4. The World Health Organization acts as a Secretariat and lead for the Task Force.
5. The UNIATF coordinates the activities of relevant UN organizations and other inter-governmental organizations to support Governments to meet high-level commitments to respond to NCD epidemics worldwide.
6. The Task Force reports once a year to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Inspired by: [pib] UN Interagency Task Force (UNIATF) Award
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-un-interagency-task-force-uniatf-award/

4th Pair is incorrectly matched: Bewar, masha, penda and Bera are shifting cultivation practices in various parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Shifting Cultivation in India

In this type of agriculture, first of all a piece of forest land is cleared by felling trees and burning of trunks and branches.
After the land is cleared, crops are grown for two to three years and then the land is abandoned as the fertility of the soil decreases.
The farmers then move to new areas and the process is repeated.
Dry paddy, maize, millets and vegetables are the crops commonly grown in this type of farming.

This practice is known by different name in different regions of India like:
1. Jhum in Assam,
2. Ponam in Kerala,
3. Podu in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and
4. Bewar, masha, penda and Bera in various parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Inspired by: NITI Aayog for clear policy on ‘jhum’ cultivation
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/niti-aayog-for-clear-policy-on-jhum-cultivation/

Coral bleaching

Corals have a symbiotic relationship with the unicellular algae dinoflagellates. An increase in sea surface temperatures leads to coral bleaching and the breaking of this relationship.

This ecosystem is so sensitive that an increase of sea surface temperature by one degree can cause the corals to bleach and die. Apart from sea surface temperatures, increase in carbon dioxide levels in the sea water and a change in its chemical composition can also trigger bleaching.

Not all corals are equally sensitive. The most susceptible are the branching corals, for example, Acropora species, and the least susceptible are the massive ones, for example Favia species. Another genera, Pocillopora, grew 15 cm in 3 years.

Inspired by: Researchers dive in to restore coral ecosystems
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/researchers-dive-in-to-restore-coral-ecosystems/article24955896.ece?utm_source=science&utm_medium=sticky_footer

Financial Inclusion Index

1. Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance will release an Annual Financial Inclusion Index (FII).
2. The index will be a measure of access and usage of a basket of formal financial products and services that includes savings, remittances, credit, insurance and pension products.
3. The index will have three measurement dimensions:

-Access to financial services
-Usage of financial services
-Quality

4. The single composite index gives a snap shot of level of financial inclusion that would guide Macro Policy perspective.

Inspired by: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-financial-inclusion-index/

Tikdam:

If one is totally clueless about the dimensions of FII, then he/she may use a simple thumb rule.

FInancial Inclusion is a aspect of Governance, whose responsibility lies not to the user/consumer who avails the financial services.
Statements 2, 3, 4 are all aspects of governance.

Financial Literacy is an individual aspect.

Hence one can calculate the risk the risk to eliminate “Financial Literacy”.

E-Choupal

It is an initiative of ITC Limited, a conglomerate in India, to link directly with rural farmers via the Internet for procurement of agricultural and aquaculture products like soybeans, wheat, coffee, and prawns.
e-Choupal tackles the challenges posed by Indian agriculture, characterized by fragmented farms, weak infrastructure and the involvement of intermediaries.
The programme installs computers with Internet access in rural areas of India to offer farmers up-to-date marketing and agricultural information.

Inspired by:
Transforming Rural India with Digital Technology
Kurukshetra, September- 2018

Statement 1 is not correct: Pravah is an initiative of Home Ministry. Notes: ‘Pravah Mobile App

1. Nodal Agency: Department of Official Language, Min. of Home Affairs

2. An E-learning platform called the ‘Pravah being developed by the department for use in 16 Indian languages including English.

3. It will be launched on Hindi Diwas on 14th September, 2018.

4. Anybody can learn Hindi through his mother tongue with the help of this E-learning platform.

Statement 1 is incorrect: CDS is an initiative of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The overall objective of the scheme is to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for making available credible and timely Official Statistics for policy makers and public at large.

Notes:

Capacity Development Scheme

1. The CDS is an Central Sector Scheme of MoSPI.
2. The overall objective of the scheme is to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for making available credible and timely Official Statistics for policy makers and public at large.
3. The major ongoing activities under the CDS include augmenting resources for bringing out important statistical products, such as GDP, CPI, IIP etc.
4. It includes other statistical classifications such as conducting various Socio-Economic surveys, capacity building and strengthening statistical coordination, and improving IT infrastructure.

Inspired by: [pib] Cabinet approves continuation of Capacity Development Scheme for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-cabinet-approves-continuation-of-capacity-development-scheme-for-the-period-2017-18-to-2019-20/

Statement 2 is not correct: The first Hindi class here was taken by M. Gandhi’s son Devdas Gandhi.

Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha
1. Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha is an organisation whose main goal is to improve Hindi literacy among the non-Hindi speaking people of South India and is headquartered in Chennai.
2. The organisation was established by Annie Besant with support from Mahatma Gandhi, who became the founder president of the Sabha, who held the post till his death.
3. The first Hindi class here was taken by M. Gandhi’s son Devdas Gandhi.
4. In 1964, the institution was recognised by the Indian Government as one of the Institutes of National Importance.

Inspired by: [pib] Centenary Celebrations of Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-president-of-india-inaugurates-centenary-celebrations-of-dakshin-bharat-hindi-prachar-sabha/

Statement 2 is not correct: DRTs were set up after the passing of Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act (RDBBFI), 1993.

Notes:

Limit for filing cases in Debt Recovery Tribunal doubled
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/limit-for-filing-cases-in-debt-recovery-tribunal-doubled/

Debts Recovery Tribunals
1. Debt Recovery Tribunals were established to facilitate the debt recovery involving banks and other financial institutions with their customers.
2. DRTs were set up after the passing of Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act (RDBBFI), 1993.
3. The Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) enforces provisions of the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions (RDDBFI) Act, 1993 and also Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interests (SARFAESI) Act, 2002.
4. A DRT is presided over by a presiding officer who is appointed by the central govt. and who shall be qualified to be a District Judge; with tenure of 5 years or the age of 62, whichever is earlier.
5. No court in the country other than the SC and the HCs and that too, only under articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution have jurisdiction over this matter.
6. Recently the central government has raised the pecuniary limit from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh for filing application for recovery of debts in the Debts Recovery Tribunals by such banks and financial institutions.
7. The move is aimed at helping reduce pendency of cases in the 39 DRTs in the country.

Central Employment Guarantee Council (CEGC)

It has been constituted under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, 2005.
The MGNREGA, which promises 100 days of employment to each rural household every year, also stipulates constitution of the Central Employment
CEGC is responsible for a central monitoring and evaluation system for the scheme, besides advising the government on its implementation.
The CEGC is headed by the Rural Development Minister and comprises both official and non-official members.

Doctrine of Coverture

1. Justice Indu Malhotra, reading her opinion the last on the Bench, held that Section 497 is based on Doctrine of Coverture.
2. Coverture was a legal doctrine whereby, upon marriage, a woman’s legal rights and obligations were subsumed by those of her husband.
3. Coverture arises from the legal fiction that a husband and wife are one person.
4. This doctrine, not recognised by the Constitution, holds that a woman loses her identity and legal right with marriage, is violative of her fundamental rights.

Inspired by: Adultery no longer a criminal offence as SC scraps Section 497 of IPC

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/adultery-no-longer-a-criminal-offence-as-sc-scraps-section-497-of-ipc/

INCORRECT has been asked! Coffee cultivation in India

1. Coffee is cultivated in India in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers and 98% of them are small farmers.

2. Its cultivation is mainly confined to Karnataka (54%), Kerala (19%) and Tamil Nadu (8%) which form traditional coffee tracts. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

3. Indian coffee, grown mostly in southern states under monsoon rainfall conditions, is also termed as ‘Indian monsooned coffee.

4. The two well known species of coffee grown are the Arabica and Robusta.

5. The first variety that was introduced in the Baba Budan Giri hill ranges of Karnataka in the 17th century was marketed over the years under the brand names of Kent and S.795. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

6. The Coffee Board of India is an organisation managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the government of India to promote coffee production in India. Hence statement 3 is also incorrect.

4 th pair is not correctly match as the negotiations are still going on over ISA

Notes:

India and the United States sealed the landmark Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will lead to a new generation of bilateral military partnership.
India has already signed two of them General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002 and the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016.
The COMCASA will allow the U.S. to transfer specialised equipment for encrypted communications for US origin platforms like C-17, C-130 and P-8I aircraft.
Both sides announced their readiness to begin negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would allow Indian private sector to collaborate with the U.S. defence industry. Hence ISA is yet to be signed.

What is expense ratio?

It is the cost of running and managing a mutual fund scheme.
It is expressed in percentage terms.
Mutual funds charge it as an annual fee to investors.

Inspired by: Reduction in MF expense ratio will benefit investors
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/reduction-in-mf-expense-ratio-will-benefit-investors/article25022110.ece

Statement 2 is not correct:
The project is piloted on select districts and APMCs . It has no relation with Aspirationals Districts.

Notes:

Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS)
1. Cabinet has decided that for oilseeds, states have the option to roll out Private Procurement Stockist Scheme (PPSS) on pilot basis in selected district/APMC(s) of district involving the participation of private stockiest.
2. The pilots district/selected APMC(s) of district will cover one or more crop of oilseeds for which MSP is notified.
3. Since this is akin to PSS, in that in involves physical procurement of the notified commodity, it shall substitute PSS/PDPS in the pilot districts.
4. The selected private agency shall procure the commodity at MSP in the notified markets during the notified period from the registered farmers in consonance with the PPSS Guidelines.
5. But whenever the prices in the market fall below the notified MSP maximum service charges up to 15% of the notified MSP will be payable.

Tikdam:

Statement 2 can be easily eliminated . It is mentioned Pilot Project in the Question statement,
A pilot project is a small scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale research project.

Hence statement 2 is not correct.

Notes:

The Government of Nagaland has declared Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary as ‘Singphan Elephant Reserve’ with the approval of Government of India on 16th August 2018.

This stretch which is a traditional elephant bearing area got broken at various points as a result of which only few elephants are found isolated pockets without having permanent corridor.

All pairs are correctly matched.

Inspired by:
Increasing Market Access

MSMEs: New Engines of Growth and Employment
(Yojana, September 2018)