13 July 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements about United Nations Population Fund:

1. It is a UN agency dedicated to enhancing global reproductive and maternal health.
2. It’s a key member of the United Nations Development Group, focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• It is a UN agency (founded 1969; HQ: New York) dedicated to enhancing global reproductive and maternal health. It works on national healthcare strategies, access to birth control, and campaigns against child marriage, gender-based violence, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation. Operating in over 144 countries across four regions, it’s a key member of the United Nations Development Group, focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UNFPA has been operating in India since 1974.

Q2. Consider the following statements about Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award:

1. It is India’s highest award in the field of cinema.
2. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals.
3. It was established in 1969 and was first awarded to actress Waheeda Rehman.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

About Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award:

• It is India’s highest cinema honour and is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals. It was established in 1969 and was first awarded to actress Devika Rani. This award commemorates Dadasaheb Phalke, the director of India’s inaugural full-length feature film, “Raja Harishchandra,” in 1913. The prize includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of 10 lakh.

About Waheeda Rehman:

• Waheeda Rehman is an Indian actress regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s most accomplished actresses. Her accolades include a National Film Award, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan honours and three Filmfare Awards. She is renowned for her roles in iconic Hindi films like “Pyaasa,” “Kaagaz ke Phool,” and “Guide.”

Q3. Consider the following statements about Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

1. It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
2. It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
3. It is headed by a Union Health Minister.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which is a consolidating statue related to food safety and regulation in India.
• FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
• The FSSAI is headed by a non-executive chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.[6] Rajesh Bhusan is the current chairperson for FSSAI and Shri Ganji Kamala V Rao is the current chief executive officer for FSSAI.

Q4. RoDTEP scheme was in the news recently, is related to which of the following?

(a) strengthening space sector

(b) duty remission on exports

(c) sustainable biofuel development

(d) agriculture extension service

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The Indian government has announced the extension of export benefits under the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) for an additional year, until June 2024.
• The RoDTEP scheme provides exporters with refunds for taxes, duties, and levies incurred during the manufacturing and distribution of goods, which are not reimbursed through other mechanisms at the central, state, or local levels.
• This move is expected to assist the exporting community in negotiating international export contracts under the current global economic conditions.

Q5. Consider the following statements about National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development:

1. It is an apex regulatory body for overall regulation of regional rural banks and apex cooperative banks in India.
2. It was established on the recommendations of B. Sivaramman Committee
3. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is an apex regulatory body for overall regulation of regional rural banks and apex cooperative banks in India. It is under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• The bank has been entrusted with “matters concerning policy, planning, and operations in the field of credit for agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas in India”. NABARD is active in developing and implementing financial inclusion.
• NABARD was established on the recommendations of B. Sivaramman Committee (by Act 61, 1981 of Parliament) on 12 July 1982 to implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981.