Dec 2019 - Current Affairs - Answerz

Dec-2019-Current Affairs - Answers Vysh IAS
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ1
Identify the Indian festival
 2019 marks its 20th edition and the 2019 date coincide with its statehood day
 It is also known as ‘Festival of Festivals’
 It is an annual tourism promotional event to showcase north eastern state’s traditional
and rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur
 A display of Sukhoi aircraft flying over Kisama site was also organised in close
coordination between state government and Eastern Air Command (IAF)
Options
A. Meghalaya Cherry Blossom Festival
B. Mizoram Chakma Bizu Festival
C. Nagaland Hornbill Festival
D. Arunachal Pradesh Ziro Festival
Answer – C
The Nagaland Hornbill Festival began at Naga Heritage Village at Kisama in Nagaland on 1
December 2019. The year 2019 celebrates the 20th edition of Hornbill Festival and the festival this
year coincides with Nagaland Statehood Day. Hornbill festival is also known as ‘Festival of Festivals’
and is named after hornbill bird. This festival symbolises ‘Respect and ‘Folklore’ among Nagas. The
festival is an annual tourism promotional event to showcase north eastern state’s traditional and
rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur. It is organised by state government
of Nagaland. The festival included a colourful display of Naga Culture themed as ‘Colours of
Nagaland’. A display of Sukhoi aircraft flying over Kisama site was also organised in close
coordination between state government and Eastern Air Command (IAF) (headquartered in
Shillong). Naga Morung is one of the major highlights of the festival. The Morung is a self-
governing body that aims to protect the village men. Morungs were the community spaces in
Nagaland where the young boys were trained to be Naga warriors. The boys are taught history,
culture of the tribes in the land, folk songs during their stay.
From 13-16 November 2019, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong, Meghalaya celebrated the
unique autumn flowering of Himalayan Cherry Blossoms with community events such as live music
gigs, a beauty pageant, and stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts and craft of the region.
The Bizu is the most important festival of our Chakma Tribal community. The Chakma people, are
a native group from the eastern-most regions of the Indian subcontinent, they are the largest ethnic
group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region in southeastern Bangladesh, and in Mizoram
Ziro Festival of Music is an outdoor music festival held in the Ziro valley in the northeast Indian
state of Arunachal Pradesh. It showcases the independent music scene in India.
News - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/nagaland-hornbill-festival-creates-
record-with-footfall-of-2-69-lakh-visitors/as72491547.cms
If you practice the right way, no one can stop you from clearing UPSC prelims this time – Vysh IAS
7200681675 www.facebook.com/VyshIAS vyshupsc@gmail.com www.youtube.com/VyshIAS
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ2
Which of the following are true about the office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA)?
1. CGA of India is principal advisor to Union Government on accounting matters.
2. It is responsible for preparation and submission of accounts of Union Government and
exchequer control and internal audits
3. It heads Indian Civil Accounts Organisation (ICAO) under Department of Expenditure
Options
A. 1 and 3 only B. 1,2,3 C. 1 and 2 only D. 1 only
Answer – B
CGA of India is principal advisor to Union Government on accounting matters. It is central
accounting and reporting agency for government and is reporting agency for government and is
responsible for establishing and managing a sound management accounting system. It is also
responsible for preparation and submission of accounts of Union Government and exchequer
control and internal audits. It also heads Indian Civil Accounts Organisation (ICAO) under
Department of Expenditure, Union Ministry of Finance. CGA is assisted by officers of Indian Civil
Accounts Service (ICAS).
News - Government has appointed Soma Roy Burman, as 24th Controller General of Accounts
(CGA) of India with effect from 1 December 2019. With this appointment she has now become 7th
woman to hold this position. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-appoints-soma-roy-
burman-as-new-controller-general-of-accounts/article30129236.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ3
Which of the following are true?
1. Sunchi Reef lies off the Goa coast
2. Lothal is an ancient city of Indus Valley Civilization
Options
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – C
The shipwrecks studies in India were initiated in 1989 in the Sunchi Reef, Goa. According to
UNESCO, there are around 3 million undiscovered shipwrecks on the world’s ocean floor.
Lothal is an ancient city of Indus Valley Civilization. It was discovered in 1954 by the ASI
(Archaeological Survey of India). The site is important as the irrigation tank of the city was used as a
dock in ancient times. Also the city was a part of a major river system (the five rivers flowing
through Punjab) on the trade route. The GoI has requested UNESCO to add Lothal into the lists of
UNESCO Heritage sites. The requisition is yet to receive approval.
News - The Government of India is planning to establish a National Maritime Heritage Museum at
Lothal in Gujarat. The museum will also act as an independent research center for archaeology of
boat building, reconstruction of maritime history and materials traded. It will hold display of
salvaged materials from shipwreck sites in Indian Ocean waters. link1 link2
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ4
Which of the following are Kharif crops?
1. Millets in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
2. Paddy in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
3. Pulses in Maharashtra and Rajasthan
Options
A. 1 only B. 1,2,3 C. 2 and 3 only D. 2 only
Answer – B Kharif crops are grown in the months of south west monsoon. It includes rice,
jowar, maize, moong, bajra, cotton, groundnut, jute. In India coastal regions bring highest yield of
Kharif crops. It includes millets in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, paddy in West Bengal and
Tamil Nadu, pulses in Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
News - On December 3, 2019, a private weather monitoring company, Skymet released a report on
Kharif Crop outlook. According to the report, barring cotton, the Kharif crops are expected to
witness a drop-in production by 4.5% to 12% as compared to 2018-19. This was mainly due to
excess rainfall in some areas, rainfall deficit in other areas and delayed monsoon in certain other
regions. Bottom line, several parts did not receive right amount of usual monsoon rains at the right
time. kharif-crop-inflation-wreaking-havoc-in-the-markets-relief-expected-with-rabi-crop-production-
a-deficit-week-for-northeast-monsoon-east-and-northeast-india-to-record-first-winter-rains
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ5
Which of the following describes “Shamlat lands”?
Options
A. Lands with religious significance
B. Lands with historical significance
C. Lands which do not come under cultivation and habitation
D. Lands which were left abandoned by people who left India permanently
Answer – C The Punjab cabinet on December 2, 2019, approved the amendment of Punjab
Village Common Land (Regulation) rules, 1964. It aims at creating land banks The Punjab cabinet
on December 2, 2019, approved the amendment of Punjab Village Common Land (Regulation) rules,
1964. It aims at creating land banks in rural areas to boost industrial development in the state. The
amendment has included Rule 12-B that provides special provision to transfer shamlat land or
common land to the development of industrial projects. According to GoI, Shamlat land is the
land that does not come under cultivation and habitation. It is the consolidated land holdings that
are held by by the state governments for common use. Under the amendment, the Gram Panchayat
can transfer the shamlat land to the industries with prior approval from the state government. Land
Banks are to be set up under Gram Panchayat to implement this amendment. The amendment will
help in fastening the development of core and infrastructure projects. It will also bring in long-term
industrial benefits. Along with land banks, amendments were also made to factories act, industrial
disputes act and contract labor act. These amendments aim at promoting ease of doing business.
punjab-cabinet-approves-amendment-to-create-rural-land-banks-for-industrial-development
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ6
Mission Indradhanush 2.0 covers vaccines for?
1. Meningitis and
2. Poliomyelitis
3. Hepatitis B
Options
A. none of these B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1,2,3
Answer – D
The Intensified Mission Indradhanush immunization drive/ activity aims to prevent 8 diseases
under mission as well as to escalate efforts to achieve goal of attaining 90% national immunization
coverage across India. It will consist of 4 rounds of immunization over 7 working days, excluding
Sundays, RI days and holidays. It will cover vaccines for measles, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping
cough, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis (Tb), meningitis and poliomyelitis. In selected areas, vaccines for
Japanese encephalitis (JE) and Hemophilus influenza will also be provided. IMI would also ensure
that the children under 2 years of age and pregnant women are immunized against 8 vaccine-
preventable diseases
News - Government has launched its flagship scheme ‘Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0’ to
focus on full immunization coverage of 272 districts spread over 27 states and 652 blocks of Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar among hard-to-reach and tribal populations. The Mission Indradhanush 2.0 will
be carried out between December 2019 and March 2020. http://ddnews.gov.in/health/governments-
flagship-scheme-mission-indradhanush-20-begins
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ7
In India, the minimum number of tiger corridors are present in which category below?
Options
A. Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains B. Central India and Eastern Ghats
C. Western Ghats D. North Eastern hills
Answer – A The tiger corridors are stretch of land that links two different tiger habitats. Without
these corridors the habitats will become fragmented and tiger population will become isolated
leading to local extinction.
News –
 On December 2, 2019, the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provided
the details of tiger corridor mapping.
 The corridors were mapped by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife
Institute of India. The institutes have mapped 32 corridors in all.
 The Corridors grouped under 4 major categories were listed state-wise.
 The corridors are operated under Tiger Conservation Plan. The plan is protected and
implemented under section 38V of the Wildlife(Protection) act, 1972.
 The corridors are located in the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains, central India and Eastern
Ghats, Western Ghats and the North Eastern hills.
Shivalik hills and Gangetic Plains - There are 3 corridors. It includes

1. Rajaji-Corbett in Uttarakhand
2. Corbett-Dudhwa in Uttarakhand, Nepal and UP
3. Dudhwa-Kishanpur-Katerniaghat in UP, Nepal
Central India and Eastern Ghats -

There are around 11 corridors in the region. It includes
1. Ranthambhore-Kuno-Madhav in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan;
2. Bandhavgarh-Achanakmar in MP, Chattisgarh;
3. Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Dubri-Guru Ghasidas in MP;
4. Guru Gahsidas-Palamau-Lawalong in Chattisgarh, Jharkhand;
5. Kanha-Pench in MP, Maharashtra,
6. Kanha-Achanakmar in MP, Chattisgarh
7. Pench-Satpura-Melghat in MP, Maharashtra.
The corridors in Eastern Ghats include
1. Kanha-Navegaon Nagzira-Tadoba-Indravati in MP, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, AP,
2. Indravati-Sunabeda in Chattisgarh, Odisha,
3. Similipal-Satkosia in Odisha
4. Nagarjunasagar-Sri Venkateshwara National Park in Andhra Pradesh.
There are around 8 corridors in Western Ghats

1. Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa in Maharashtra, Goa
2. Dandeli Anshi-Shravathi Valley in Karnataka
3. Kudremukh-Bhadra in Karnataka
4. Nagarahole-Pusphagiri-Talakavery in Karnataka
5. Nagarahole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wayanad in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
6. Nagarahole-Mudumalai-Wayanad in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
7. Parambikulam-Eranikulam-Indira Gandhi in Kerala, Tamil Nadu
8. Kalakad Mundanthurai-Periyar in Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and 10 corridors in North Eastern India.

1. Kaziranga-Itanagar WLS in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
2. Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong in Assam
3. Kaziranga-Nameri in Assam
4. Kaziranga-Orang in Assam
5. Kaziranga-Papum Pane in Assam
6. Manas-Buxa in Assam, West Bengal, Bhutan
7. Pakke-Nameri-Sonai Rupai-Manas in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam
8. Dibru Saikhowa-D’Ering-Mehaong in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
9. Kamlang-Kane-Tale Valley in Arunachal Pradesh
10. Buxa-Jaldapara in West Bengal
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=195280
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ8
Which of the following are true about Taxation Laws (Amendment) bill, 2019?
1. It aims to amend both Income Tax Act, 1961 and Finance Act, 2019
2. The bill provides the domestic companies to pay taxes at the rate of 22%
Options
Answer – C The bill provides the domestic companies to pay taxes at the rate of 22%. However,
this can be availed only if the companies are not claiming deductions under the Income Tax act.
 Currently, the companies with annual turn over of Rs 400 crores are paying taxes at the rate
of 25% and the companies with annual turn over more than Rs 400 crores are paying taxes
at the rate of 30%.
 Concessions are provided to those companies that were started after September 30, 2019
and begins manufacturing before April 1, 2023. They can pay taxes at the rate of 15%
provided they do not claim deductions from other laws and rules
 The companies opting for the new tax rates need not pay Minimum Alternate Taxes (MAT).
News - On December 2, 2019, Lok Sabha passed the Taxation Laws (Amendment) bill, 2019. The
main objective of the bill is to provide an option for the domestic companies to pay taxes at the rate
of 22%. The bill replaced the ordinance promulgated by the President in September 2019. The
ordinance reduced corporate taxes. The bill aims to amend both Income Tax Act, 1961 and Finance
Act, 2019. The main aim of the bill is to promote growth and investment in domestic manufacturing
sector. In order to pull up the economy of the country the Union Government also reduced the
corporate tax rates up to 10%. It was the biggest reduction in the last 28 years. prs
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ9
Which of the following are true about Ekalavya Model Residential Schools?
1. There is no constitutional provisions, which allows for its funding
2. It was instituted during the time of Indira Gandhi
Options
Answer – D On December 2, 2019, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provided financial assistance
for the upgradation and modernization of the Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS). Each
school is to be provided with a net amount of Rs 5 crores. The funds are allocated to the scheme
under Article 275(1) of the constitution. The article allows GoI to allocate funds annually to
different states, schemes or groups to meet their costs. The article also allows to pay the schemes
from Consolidated Fund of India. The Ekalavya Model Residential Schools is a scheme under
Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It was introduced in the year 1997-98 for better access of quality
education to remote tribal children. Under the scheme, government provides 30 lakhs grant for
establishment of the schools and thereafter 30 lakhs annually. Until December 2018, 284 EMRS
have been sanctioned. In the budget 2018-19, it was announced that every block of the EMRS with
more than 50% of ST population and at least 20,000 of tribal population will be provided with an
EMRS by the end of 2022. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1594554
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ10
Which of the following are steps taken by the government to enhance solar power production?
1. Waiver of Inter State Transmission System charges
2. Permitted 100% FDI via automatic route, in the solar energy sector.
3. PM-KUSUM scheme
4. Solar Roof Top programme
Options
A. 4 only B. 1,2,4 only C. 1,2,3,4 D. 3,4 only
Answer – C Recently GoI launched several steps to achieve the target of 100 GW of solar
energy by December 2022. It includes
 waiver of Inter State Transmission System charges and losses for projects that are
commissioned up to December 2022.
 permitted 100% FDI in the solar energy sector.
 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM-KUSUM) - The
Union Government had announced Rs.1.4 lakh-crore KUSUM scheme for promoting solar
farming i.e. decentralised solar power production of up to 28,250 MW to help farmers. KUSUM
scheme will start with building 10,000 MW solar plants on barren lands and providing 1.75
million off-grid agricultural solar pumps. It will provide extra income to farmers, by giving them
an option to sell additional power to grid through solar power projects set up on their barren
lands. It will help in de-dieselising the agriculture sector as India had about 30 million farm
pumps that include 10 million pumps running on diesel. The surplus electricity generated by
farmers will be bought by state electricity distribution companies (discoms). Thus it will help
boost the country’s emerging green economy. Government will provide 60% subsidy on solar
pumps to farmers. It will be shared between Centre and States while 30% will be provided
through bank loans. The balance cost will be borne by farmers.
 Solar Roof Top programme - Government has set a target for installation of Rooftop Solar
projects (RTS) of 40,000 MegaWatt (MW) by 2022 in the country including installation of RTS on
rooftop of houses. Grid Connected Rooftop Solar programme is being implemented by Union
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). As of 18 July 2019 over 1700 Mega Watt of
grid-connected rooftop systems has been installed in India. Gujarat has stood 1st in India with
total 261.97 megawatts (MW) of installed rooftop solar capacity at present. Grid Connected
Rooftop Solar Programme seeks to achieve a cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from rooftop
solar projects by year 2022. It can be installed on roofs of any residential, commercial,
institutional and industrial building.
The government allows a 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route for projects of renewable
power generation and distribution provided they comply with the provisions of The Electricity Act,
2003. India aims to achieve 175 Gw of nameplate capacity in renewable energy generation by 2022.
News - The Government of India is planning to integrate largest lenders to the power sector in
order to help clean energy firms clear their dues. It includes Rural Electrification Corporation (REC),
Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The
integration will help resolve growing crisis in the clean energy sector and also aid India achieve its
ambitious targets in renewable energy. https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/govt-plans-to-
bail-out-clean-energy-firms-11575394722966.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ11
Which of the following are true about Nuclear Magnetic Response?
1. It is an analytical technique to determine the purity of a sample and its molecular structure
2. The technique is used to observe the local magnetic fields around atomic nuclei
3. CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad institute has largest facility of NMR laboratory in the country
Options
A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 only D. 1,2,3
Answer – D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is an analytical technique to determine the purity of

a sample and its molecular structure. It is used to infer basic structure of unknown compounds. It
helps to determine phase changes, solubility, conformational exchange and diffusion. The
technique is used to observe the local magnetic fields around atomic nuclei. Biochemists use NMR
technique to identify proteins and other complex molecules.
News - The CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad on December 3, 2019, announced that the US Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA) cleared the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Test facility at the centre.
The inspection was conducted between August 21, 2019 and August 22, 2019 with regard to
Current Good Manufacturing Practices and was certified “No Action Initiated”. The Research
institute has largest facility of NMR laboratory in the country. It is equipped with nine NMR
spectrometers. With the USFDA clearance the research center will gain further motivation to high
quality research. The pharma and food products being exported to the US should adhere to CGMP
(Current Goods Manufacturing Practices) according to FDA guidelines. On completion of inspection,
FDA issues Form 483. The form includes warnings and corrective action plans if in need. Upon
assertion from FDA, the product being manufactured through the certified process is allowed to be
exported to the US. Bottom line, USFDA certification is essential and important to increase chemical
and pharmaceutical exports to US. US is the top export destinations of India’s Pharmaceuticals. link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ12
Who among the following can receive SPG protection in India?
1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Former Prime Minister
4. Family of PM or former PM
Options
A. 1,2 only B. 2,3,4 C. 1,2,3 only D. 1,2,3,4
Answer – B
 The President of India does not come under SPG cover due to low threat. He is protected by
the Indian Army’s President Bodyguard Regiment.
 The Special Protection Group is the highest security that was set up in 1985 to protect the
Prime Minister of India.
 It was established after the assassination of PM Indira Gandhi by her own bodyguards in
1984. Though the act was constituted to provide security cover to the Prime Minister, it was
amended in 1991 to provide security cover to former PMs.
News - The SPG amendment bill says that when the SPG cover is withdrawn from a former
Prime Minister, the cover also stands withdrawn from his or her family members. The bill was
passed in the parliament on December 3, 2019. The bill aimed at amending the Special
Protection Group act, 1988. The amended act states that the SPG cover will be provided to the
Prime Minister and his family members residing with him at his residence. It also states that the
cover will be provided to the former Prime Ministers and their family members for 5 years after
he ceases to hold office. The bill points that if the cover is withdrawn from the former Prime
Minister, it will stand withdrawn for their family members as well. the-amended-spg-bill-all-you-
need-to-know https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Protection_Group
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ13
Which of the following missiles, seen in news, are matched correctly?
1. AMRAAM : USA
2. Meteor : France
Options
Answer – C
 India has requested for an early delivery of Meteor air-to-air missiles from France.
 These missiles will provide India the power to take on US supplied AMRAAM missiles possessed
by the Pakistan Air Force.
 The Meteor missile has a delivery range to take over all the other air forces in the region
including China.
 The Meteor missiles are air-to-air missiles with a range of 150 km and no escape zone of 60 km.
 This no escape zone is the largest in the world according to its manufacturers.
 These missiles are to be attached to the Rafale jets. The first set of Rafale jets are to arrive in
May 2020 after the completion of pilot training in France.
 The French Government has invited India to visit the Al Dhafra air base in UAE where the Rafale
aircrafts are on active operations. The base is currently executing Operation Chammal.
Operation Chammal is a French Military operation in Syria and Iraq to contain the expansion of
Islamic State. The operation also supports Iraq army. The name of the operation comes from
the north westerly wind Shamal (hot, dry, dusty) that blows over Persian Gulf and Iraq, often
strong during the day, but decreasing at night. /iaf-may-get-no-escape-meteor-missiles-in-may
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ14
National Public Procurement Conclave (NPPC) has been organized by?
Options
A. Food Corporation of India B. FSSAI
C. Government e market place D. Department of Agriculture
Answer – C Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 3rd edition
of National Public Procurement Conclave (NPPC) in New Delhi. The two-day conclave was
organized by Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in association with Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII). NPCC brings together a host of Buyers, Sellers and stalwarts of industry with massive
opportunities in Public Procurement sector. Government e-marketplace (GeM) is a state-of-the-art
public procurement platform envisaged by Centre Government, that has uses technology to
remove entry barriers for bonafide sellers. Procurement of Goods and Services by Ministries or
Departments of Centre Government has been made mandatory for Goods and Services available on
GeM. It has created a vibrant and truly transparent e-marketplace with a wide range of goods and
services. GeM has now introduced GeM 3.0, which is a more robust, flexible e-marketplace with an
intuitive User Interface (UI) to make procurement of Goods and Services simpler than ever. GeM
rests on 3 pillars of fairness, openness and inclusiveness. It epitomizes speed, skill and scale which is
essential in an e-marketplace platform. https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1594680
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ15
Which of the following are true according to Data Protection bill, recently tabled in the
Parliament, which divides data into three types namely Critical, General and Sensitive?
1. The draft of the bill was released by Niti Aayog in 2019
2. The bill allows the Critical data to be processed outside India with the consent from the
provider.
3. Sensitive data are those data that the government uses once in a while and are allowed to
be handled within the country alone.
Options
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. none of these
Answer – D The bill divides data into three types namely critical, general and sensitive. The
sensitive data are the data that are related to passwords, health, finances, religion, biometric and
sexual orientation. The bill allows the sensitive data to be processed outside India with the
consent from the provider. Critical data are those data that the government uses once in a while
and are allowed to be handled within the country alone. The rest of the data that are non-critical
and non-sensitive are categorized as general data.
News - The Cabinet on December 4, 2019 approved Data Protection bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha.
The bill lays down legal framework to preserve sanctity in data sharing. The Draft of the bill was
released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in 2018. The bill provides rules
for collection, storage and handling of personal data. It regulates the processing of personal data of
individuals incorporated in India and abroad. The bill makes it compulsory for the collecting
authority to store the data within the territory of India. personal-data-protection-bill
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ16
Which of the following are true about Bharat Bond Exchange Traded Fund (BBETF)?
1. BBETF will act as an additional financial source for government organizations.
2. It will help in deepening corporate bond market and will increase retail participation
Options
Answer – C
 The BBETF at its initial stages will hold basket of bonds that are issued by the public sector
undertakings and other government organization bonds.
 It will have a maturity period of 3 to 10 years and are permitted to be traded on stock
exchanges.
 Apart from bank financing, the BBETF will act as an additional financial source for government
organizations. As it will help in increasing investors base, demand for their bonds will increase
naturally.
 It will help to inculcate discipline in CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprises) and the borrowings
in CPSE. This step will help in deepening corporate bond market and will increase retail
participation.
 It will provide safety, liquidity and predictable tax efficient returns. Also, as compared to
previous bonds, the BBETF is tax efficient. This is because, long term capital gains on bond funds
are taxed at 20%.
News - On December 4, 2019, the Cabinet approved the launch of Bharat Bond Exchange Traded
Fund (BBETF) in order to allow the investors to buy government debts. The fund will allow easy and
low-cost access with the smallest amount of Rs 1000. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/mf/mf-
news/cabinet-approves-launch-of-bharat-bond-etf/articleshow/72363335.cms?from=mdr
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ17
Which of the following are true as per new guidelines for Small Finance Banks?
1. SFBs will be given scheduled bank status immediately upon commencement of operations
2. Payments Banks like Paytm an IndiaPost and Fino can apply for conversion into SFB after 5
years of operations
Options
Answer – D
News - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released ‘Guidelines for ‘on tap’ Licensing of Small
Finance Banks (SFB) in the Private Sector’. With these new guidelines, RBI has introduced major
changes from earlier Guidelines issued by the apex bank on 27 November 2014, for licensing of
Small Finance Banks in private sector.
New guidelines
 SFBs will have general permission to open banking outlets from date of commencement of
operations.
 SFBs will be given scheduled bank status immediately upon commencement of operations.
 Payments Banks like Paytm an IndiaPost and Fino can apply for conversion into SFB after 5
years of operations, if they are otherwise eligible as per these guidelines.
 Licensing window will be open ‘on-tap’. The on-tap facility allows RBI to accept applications
and grant licence for banks throughout the year. This policy also allows aspirants to apply
for universal bank licence any time, subjected to fulfilling certain conditions. As of now, the
RBI has issued licences to 10 SFBs.
 Minimum paid-up voting equity capital/ net worth requirement shall be Rs.200 crore.
 For Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), aspiring to voluntarily transit into SFBs,
initial requirement of net worth shall be at Rs.100 crores that will have to be increased to
Rs.200 crores within 5 years from date of commencement of business. However, the net-
worth of all SFBs currently in operation is in excess of Rs.200 crore.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ18
Which of the following are true about Santhali Language?
1. It is predominantly spoken by the North Mundari Group of the Austroasiatic-Munda family.
2. It is included in the Schedule 7 of the constitution
Options
A. Neither 1 nor 2
B. Both 1 and 2
C. 1 only
D. 2 only
Answer – C The schedule dealing with languages is 8th schedule. Santhali is part of it.
 Santhali is predominantly spoken by the North Mundari Group of the Austroasiatic-Munda

family. The language is spoken in parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha and also
in Nepal and Bangladesh. The Ol Chiki script for the language was created by Raghunath
Murmu in 1925. It was included in the Schedule 8 of the constitution through the 92nd
Constitutional Amendment act, 2003. Along with the language, 3 other languages were
included namely Maithili, Bodo, Dori.
 The Santals are the third largest tribal group in India. They are called Horhopon ko (Sons of
Man), Hor Ko or Manjhi. They are classified as Scheduled Tribes in the states of Jharkhand,
Odisha and West Bengal but not in Assam. In 1855, they protested widely for their
mistreatment by the landlords, traders and money lenders. It was called the Santal
Rebellion.
News - On December 6, 2019, MP Sarojni Hembram from Odisha for the first time spoke in a tribal
language called Santhali. She raised the matter of public importance during the zero hour. Also,
Srimati Sarojini demanded Bharat Ratna for Pundit Raghunath Murmu, the Santhali scholar who
introduced Ol Chiki script for the language in 1925.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2019/dec/07/santhali-debuts-in-rs-courtesy-bjd-mp-
2072751.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ19
1. The Nairobi Work Programme was established in COP17 summit of 2016
2. COP 25 in 2019 was held in Chile
Options
Answer – D The Nairobi Work Programme was established in 2005 at COP11. It aims at
impacts, adaptation and vulnerability to climate change. The objective of the programme is to assist
least developed countries to understand and assess impacts of climate change.
News - The COP25 (25th Conference of Parties) was to be held in Chile. However, Chile cancelled
COP25 due to the protests that are plaguing the country, However it shall remain to be the
President nation for the summit . Following its cancellation, Spain offered to organize the event.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Madrid between 2nd December, 2019
and 13th December 2019. The Minister of Environment Shri Prakash Javadekar represented India at
the Madrid Climate Conference. The Conference insisted the member countries to enhance their
NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) in the coming 12 months till COP26. The conference
also released report on oceans titled “Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing
Climate” (SPROCC). According to the report, global mean sea level increased from 1.4 mm (1901-
1990) to 3.6 mm (2006-2015). Also, the report says that the ocean warming has increased since
1993
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ20
Convention on International Civil Aviation is also called?
Options
A. Helsinki convention B. Chicago convention
C. Tokyo convention D. Madrid convention
Answer – B
News - The Indian Rafale Fighter Jets are to fly with tail sign BS. BS stands for retired Chief Birender
Singh Dhanoa. The tail number initials are unique. The Tail number is an identification number on
an aircraft. Every aircraft flying in the country is provided with the tail number. The tail numbers are
allocated according to the norms of International Civil Aviation.
Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago convention) - According to the convention, the
civil aircraft should be registered with the National Aviation Authority. This registration number is
the tail number of the aircraft. The National Aviation Authority maintains an aircraft register. It also
oversees the regulation and approval of civil aviation. The authority also regulates maintenance of
aircrafts, their condition of manufacturing, aircraft design, pilot licensing, standards of air traffic
control.
Note - International Civil Aviation established the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It
is a specialized agency of the UN that is responsible for coordinating international air travel. It was
signed in 1944 in Chicago. link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ21
Which of the following are true about Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana ?
1. It’s a central sector scheme
2. Government has notified that the next benefits of the schemes will be transferred only to
Aadhar-authenticated bank accounts
Options
Answer – C
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana - Central Sector scheme with 100%
funding from Centre Government. The central government provides income support of Rs.6,000 per
year to all farmer families in country. The income support is paid in instalments of Rs.2,000 every
four months. The Scheme defines farmer family as- husband, wife and minor children. The entire
responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with State Governments and
Union Territory government.
News - The Government of India has notified that the fourth instalment of the PM-KISAN (Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) income support scheme due in December 2019 will be transferred only
to Aadhar-authenticated bank accounts of more than 50 million beneficiaries. This will be the first
time since the launch of this scheme on 24 February 2019, that the government is insisting on
mandatory condition of Aadhar seeding.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ22
Which of the following are true about poliomyelitis?
1. The disease has no cure and can only be prevented through vaccination.
2. Polio cases has been recently reported in certain South East Asian countries, even though
the countries were declared Polio free long ago
Options
A. Neither 1 nor 2 B. 2 only C. 1 only D. Both 1 and 2
Answer – D
Polio or poliomyelitis is a potentially deadly infectious disease caused by poliovirus. It can cause
paralysis by invading a person’s brain and spinal cord. So far, the disease has no cure and can only
be prevented through vaccination. There are 3 serotypes of wild poliovirus: type 1, type 2, and
type 3. Each type has slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to 1 serotype does not give confer
immunity to other two. The vaccine-derived poliovirus Type 1 (VDPV1) is classified as a circulating
vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) Type 1. The cVDPV originates from poliovirus that has been
weakened by orally-administered polio vaccine. Those who have been immunized/vaccinated will
be protected from infection, but, in unsanitary environments, the virus can infect others who have
not been immunised against polio and thus can spread in communities whose polio immunisation
rates are below 95%. The longer the virus spreads in community, it will undergo genetic mutation
until it once again becomes an active virus.
News - Malaysia has reported the first case of Polio in 27 years, when a three-month-old Malaysian
infant boy was diagnosed with polio. The last polio case in Asia-Pacific country occurred in 1992,
and in 2000, after which the country was declared polio-free. In this recent case, the child was
confirmed to be infected with vaccine-derived poliovirus Type 1 (VDPV1) on 6 December 2019. The
resurgence of Polio in Malaysia comes just months after Philippines, north of Borneo, reported its
1st cases of polio since 1993 in September 2019 https://www.thehindu.com/sci-
tech/health/malaysia-vaccinating-for-polio-after-first-case-in-27-years/article30247614.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ23
Which of the following are true about Indian space programmes?
1. India has launched more than 750 foreign satellites for over 40 foreign nations till date
2. RISAT is an all weather Indian satellite for military surveillance
Options
A. Neither 1 nor 2
B. 1 only
C. 2 only
D. Both 1 and 2
Answer – C
 India is launching satellites for foreign clients since 15 years.
 Till date, India has launched close to 310 foreign satellites for 19 foreign nations till date
 USA is the number 1 in foreign launches; followed by EU
News - The Indian Space Research Organization is gearing to launch RISAT-2BR1 from Satish
Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It is the second satellite in the RISAT series. The first satellite
RISAT-2B was launched earlier this year. The launch is the 50th mission of ISRO’s PSLV (Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle). Along with the RISAT-2BR1, it will also carry 9 commercial satellites. They
are 6 from the US, and each from Italy, Israel and Japan. The RISAT-2BR1 is a spy satellite that is
launched to boost Indian military’s Earth surveillance. RISAT are Indian radar imaging
reconnaissance satellites built by ISRO. These satellites provide all weather earth observations.
https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/isro-risat-2br1-spy-satellite-pslv-launch-decembe
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ24
Which of the following are true about reservations in India?
1. In 1949, SC/ST were given reservations for the next 100 years to come
2. Constitution has to be amended for any extension in SC/ST reservations
Options
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – B
 Article 334 lays down that the provisions for reservation of seats and special representation
of anglo-indians, SC and ST will cease after 40 years.
 The clause was included in 1949. After 40 years, it has been amended with an extension,
every 10 years.
 The current reservation provided to the Anglo-Indian community, SC, ST is to end by January
25, 2020.
 The Constitution (126th amendment bill), 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on December
9, 2019 to amend Article 334
 The bill seeks to extend the reservation provided to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
Tribes by 10 year, that is till January, 25, 2030
 The reservation for Anglo-Indians in the form of "nomination" is set to expire on January 25
as this bill does not extend the facility to the community.
 It was passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with 2/3 members present and voting in
each house.
The Constitution Amendment is making changing in the constitution.

According to Article 368, there are two types of Constitutional Amendments namely,
 the amendment effected by special majority and the
 amendment effected by special majority and ratification by at least one half of state
legislatures.
There is also another way of amending the constitution by just simple majority in both houses(
This comes outside the purview of Art 368)
Also, all these amendments should finally have the Presidents assent to come into force.
Special cases, which requires ratification by half the state assemblies, are listed under clause (2)
of Article 368.
 Amending article 54, 55, 73, 162, 241 and article 279A or
 any provisions mentioned in the 4th chapter of Part V, or
 fifth chapter of Part VI of the Constitution or
 provisions listed in the 1st chapter of part XI or
 lists mentioned in the seventh schedule of the constitution or
 to change the representation of states in Parliament or
 to amend any provision of Article 368 itself.
The 126th Constitutional Amendment Bill does not amend any provisions covered under Article
368, clause (2), sub-clauses (a) to (e) that requires ratification by at least half of the states
assemblies. So it may directly go to the President for asssent, after both the houses passes the bill
by 2/3 majoritywhy-modi-govts-bill-to-extend-quota-for-sc-sts-does-not-need-ratification-by-states
The procedure of giving reservation to economically weaker section in general category is totally
different. Read this link for details - https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/upper-caste-
reservation-constitutional-amendment-and-road-ahead-simplified/1438124/
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ25
Which of the following satellites are matched correctly?
1. Duchifat 3 : Russia
2. Lemur-4 : USA
Options
A. 1,3 only B. 1,2 only C. 2,3 only D. 1,2,3
Answer – B These were launched by India in Dec 2019, by PSLV C48

News - Three youngsters Alon Abramovich, Meitav Assulin and Shmuel Aviv Levi, all 17 to 18 years
old from Sha’ar HaNegev High school in Israel’s southern region travelled to India to launch a
satellite dubbed as- ‘Duchifat 3’, designed and built by them aboard PSLV C48(along with India’s
RISAT-2BR1 and 8 other foreign satellites) from Sriharikota launch site of ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organisation) on 11 December 2019. Duchifat 3 Satellite is a remote sensing and photo
satellite which will be used for ecological research(such as air pollution, water source pollution,
forest monitoring, and more and will also be of good help to agriculturists) of Earth from space. It is
designed to serve children from across the country to carry experiment through Earth observation.
PSLV is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle. In PSLV-C48, Besides RISAT-2BR1, other payload
includes 9 foreign satellites- from, Israel (remote sensing Duchifat-3), Italy (search and rescue
Tyvak-0092), Japan (QPS-SAR – a radar imaging earth observation satellite) and USA (multi-mission
Lemur-4 satellites, earth imaging 1HOPSAT, technology demonstration Tyvak-0129). These
international customer satellites are being launched under a commercial arrangement with
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) under Department of Space
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/successful-launch-of-israeli-satellite-in-india-lifts-spirit-of-
lawmakers-on-a-gloomy-day-6163819/
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ26
Which of the following are true about Human Development Index?
1. It is released by UNDP
2. India’s rank in 2019 has gone down drastically compared to 2018
3. According to 2019 report, India contributes to the largest population under poverty
Options
A. 2 and 3 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1,2,3
Answer – C India’s rank improved from 130 in 2018 to 129 in 2019
The Human Development Index is a statistical tool used to measure a country's achievements and
progress across its social and economic dimensions. It takes the geometrical mean of the life
expectancy at birth, with the education levels, and gross national income per capita. The
educational levels are determined by the arithmetic mean of the expected years of schooling and
the mean years of schooling.
News - The United Nations Development Programme released the Human Development Index for
189 countries on December 9, 2019. The rankings were listed by the report titled “Beyond Income,
Beyond Averages, Beyond Today: Inequalities in Human Development in 21st century”.
 The rankings were listed based on the assessment of poverty, education, life expectancy and
access to health care.
 Among all the regions, South Asia was the fastest growing region.
 Singapore reported the least partner violence faced by women.
 The report says that around 27.1 crore people in India were lifted out of poverty between the
time period 2005-06 and 2015-16. However, India is the largest country constituting to 41% of
world’s poor according to the report!
 India halved its absolute poverty but there were horizontal inequalities. Horizontal inequality
is when people of similar origin and intelligence do not have equal success due to their socio-
economic, cultural backgrounds and have a disparity in status, income and wealth.
 India’s development initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (for financial inclusion)
and Ayushman Bharat (for universal health-care) are crucial in ensuring that we meet our
promise to leave no one behind and fulfil the Prime Minister’s vision of development for all
 The report also notes that more Indian men and women were showing biases in gender social
norms, indicating a backlash to women’s empowerment. link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ27
India’s Atal Innovation Mission(AIM) had collaborated with SIRIUS programmes related to?
Options
A. Russia B. USA C. Israel D. Japan
Answer – A
 SIRIUS is Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station.
 It is a series of experiments that investigate flights to moon. It started in 2017.
 In 2017, joint SIRIUS experiments were conducted by US and Russia. It was called SIRIUS-17.
 The scientists under the programme conducted preventive measures and technologies to
protect the health of scientists during space flight.
 In March 2019, SIRIUS-19 was conducted. Under this initiative, 80 experiments were carried out
that simulated human visit to the moon.
News - The second phase of Russia’s SIRIUS Deep Technology Learning and NITI Aayog’s Atal
Innovation Mission ended on December 9, 2019.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ28
Which of the following are true about National Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag) programme?
1. It is the flagship initiative of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
2. Government has recently mandated to declare all lanes of fee plazas on National
Highways as ‘FASTag lanes’.
Options
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – C
National Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag) programme

 It is the flagship initiative of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
 It has been implemented on pan India basis across National Highway toll plazas.
 The programme has given a major fillip to digital India initiative by converting cash toll
payments to electronic and has thus enhanced transparency in entire tolling ecosystem.
 Government has recently mandated to declare all lanes of fee plazas on National
Highways as ‘FASTag lanes’.
 Now it has launched a pilot project for using FASTags for parking purposes at Hyderabad
Airport.
 Conceptualised as FASTag 2.0, the tag would cover parking payments, fuel payments, etc.
After the success of project in Hyderabad, it will be launched at Delhi airport.
 The FASTag 2.0 has many exciting use cases such as Fuel Payments, Enforcement (E-
challan) payments, Access Management at offices & residence. The GST council has also
mandated FASTag for all commercial vehicles which would be generating an E-way bill
from 1 April, 2020.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1595553
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ29
Which of the following are true about the laws of the sea?
1. UNCLOS was framed in the year 2000
2. International Whaling Commission need to be follow the provisions of UNCLOS
Options
A 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – D
Piracy has been growing in the Indian Ocean region since 2008.
 It is especially more in the Gulf of Aden, which is used by more than 2,000 ships a day.
 The Gulf has seen several attacks from Somalia.
 The region is important as it is the busiest trade route between Europe, Asia and East Coast
of Africa
The UNCLOS or the Laws of the sea was framed at the third UN Conference that was held
between 1973 and 1982.
 As of 2016, 167 countries including the European Union have joined UNCLOS.
 There is no direct role played by the UN in implementing the UNCLOS.
 However, organizations like International Whaling Commission, International Maritime
Organization and International Seabed Authority have major role in following and
implementing the rules.
News –
Anti-Maritime Bill introduced in Lok Sabha - The bill was introduced in days after the kidnapping of
18 Indians aboard in Nigeria. It aims at ensuring safety and security of India’s maritime trade and
the crew members. The bill is framed in accordance with the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea). It provides punishment of death penalty to those involved in piracy at sea
https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/anti-maritime-piracy-bill-2019
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ30
Which of the following are true about Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)?
1. It is released by the World Economic Forum
2. The 2020 edition was presented during the recent G20 summit
Options
Answer – D
 Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute and the Climate Action Network publish the Index
annually since 2005.
 It tracks countries’ efforts to combat climate change.
 As an independent monitoring tool it aims to enhance transparency in international climate
politics and enables comparison of climate protection efforts and progress made by
individual countries.
 The implementation phase of the Paris Agreement enters a crucial phase in 2020, where
countries are due to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
 On December 10th, the CCPI 2020 has been released at COP25 in Madrid.
 The ranking results are defined by a country’s aggregated performance in 14 indicators
within the four categories “GHG Emissions”, “Renewable Energy” and “Energy Use”, as well
as on “Climate Policy”, in a globally unique policy section of the index.
 In this year’s index, Sweden leads the ranking on rank 4, followed by Denmark (5), Morocco
(6), India (9). The bottom five in this year’s CCPI are Islamic Republic of Iran (57), Republic of
Korea (58), Chinese Taipei (59), Saudi Arabia (60) and the United States (61), rated low or
very low across almost all categories.
India
India ranked 9th in the ranking provided. The ranking was to the “high category”, where the
countries have ambitious 2030 targets. The report noted that India received medium rating in the
renewable energy category. Also, the 2030 target set by India was rated high for its well-below 2-
degree Celsius compatibility. The report also says that India is yet to develop a road map to phase-
out fossil fuel subsidies in order to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
https://www.climate-change-performance-index.org/climate-change-performance-index-2020
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ31
Which of the following are true about “Bio Asia 2020”?
1. It is hosted by Telangana government
2. Switzerland is India’s partner at the conference
Options
Answer – C
 The BioAsia 2020 (17th edition) is a comprehensive framework hosted by the Government of
Telangana.
 It is dedicated to investors, health care, pharma, biotechnology and startups.
 Switzerland served as India’s partner at the conference.

 Theme: Today for Tomorrow
 India is Switzerland’s 8th largest trading partner.
 Genome Valley, spread over 600 sq. kms. in the vicinity of Hyderabad (the Cyber City of India) is
India's first world-class biotech cluster for biotech research, training, collaboration and
manufacturing activities.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/bioasia-2020-contest-for-start-ups-ceo-conclave-among-
events/article30835650.ece http://2020.bioasia.in/
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ32
Which of the following are true about National Council of Science Museums?
1. It is an autonomous organization that is operating under Ministry of Science and
Technology.
2. It develops Science centres in collaboration with State governments
Options
A Both 1 and 2 B. Neither 1 nor 2 C. 2 only D. 1 only
Answer – C
National Council of Science Museum
The council is an autonomous organization that is operating under Ministry of Culture. There are
around 24 such museum all over India. The purpose of establishing these councils is to coordinate
all informal science communication activities in the country. The first science museum called the
Birla Industrial and Technological Museum was built in May 2, 1959. The Council is now developing
science centres in collaboration with State Governments. So far, the council has constructed 5
science centres in Mumbai, Nagpur, Calicut, Bhopal and Goa.
News - The GoI is developing “Gandhi Encyclopedia” in order to spread awareness in the country.
The aim is to promote Gandhian philosophy and thoughts through social media platforms. The
project is to be implemented by National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ33
Which convention lists the criteria for a country to become independent and declare its
sovereignty?
Options
A. Montenegro convention B. Montevideo convention
C. Madrid convention D. Manchester convention
Answer – B
The Montevideo Convention is a treaty that was signed in 1933. The convention defines rights and
duties of statehood. It lists the criteria for a country to become independent and declare its
sovereignty. The most important factor of the convention is that it prohibited the use of military
force to gain sovereignity. Note - Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America
By international law, a country should recognize the other for the later to become an
independent country. The recognition can be proved by the new country through United Nation
Resolution. If majority of the countries vote in favour of membership of the country, then the
country enters world world map and begins to exist legally. ‘There are 195 countries in the world
today that are recognized by the United Nations. Apart from Diplomatic recognition, the countries
of North America and South America assent on Montevideo Convention.
News –
 On December 11, 2019, the South Pacific Archipelago of Bougainville voted to become
independent of Papua New Guinea. It is the largest island of the Solomon Islands Archipelago.
The island has the world’s largest copper deposits. The most widely spoken language in the
country is Halia. The country is yet to prove its recognition in the United Nations. China is
showing interest in the nation, for its rich copper, gold, fisheries deposits.
 Recently India Godman Nithyananda is said to have created a new country called “Kailassa”
near Ecuador in South America. The country is said to have separate flag, national animal,
passport entry, visa, separate currency, etc. The country is yet to prove its recognition in the
United Nations.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ34
Which of the following, hosts the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture(GACSA)?
Options
A FAO B. FSSAI C. Niti Aayog D. World Bank
Answer – A GACSA is an inclusive, voluntary and action-oriented multi-stakeholder platform

on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).
 Its vision is to improve food security, nutrition and resilience in the face of climate change.
GACSA aims to catalyse and help create transformational partnerships to encourage actions
that reflect an integrated approach to the three pillars of CSA.
 GACSA fosters knowledge learning, sharing, partnership building, while also providing a
space for dialogue and debate.
GACSA works towards three aspirational outcomes to:
1. Improve farmers’ agricultural productivity and incomes in a sustainable way;
2. Build farmers’ resilience to extreme weather and changing climate;
3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture, when possible.
News –
A three day “International Seminar on Climate Smart Farming systems” was held in New Delhi. It
was inaugurated on December 11, 2019. It was an initiative of the 4th BIMSTEC summit that
happened in Kathmandu, Nepal in Aug 2019. The seminar was organized by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It was attended by all the seven BIMSTEC countries. It includes Sri
Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Myanmar. The objective of the seminar is
to enable improvement of tropical small holder farming system that are resilient to climate change
and will provide greater productivity.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ35
1. International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations
2. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is a statutory body in India
3. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
in India, comes under Ministry of Civil aviation
Options
A. 1 and 3 only B. 1,2,3 C. 2 only D. none of these
Answer – B
The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It
changes the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and
development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. HQ – Montreal,
Canada, Established in 1944.
In 2018, the ICAO, a global aviation watchdog of the United Nations carried out a Universal Safety
Audit Programme for India. The audit showed that the safety score of India declined to 57.44% in
2018 from 65.82% in 2017. The score was far less than Nepal and Pakistan. The audit was
performed in air navigation services, aerodromes, aircraft accidents and investigations, ground aids,
etc. The world average score for aircraft safety set by ICAO is 65%. With the successful
implementation of UDAN scheme, the aircraft carriers and operators have increased. Therefore, it is
mandatory to imply strict regulations to keep up the safety of the passengers.
News -
The Union Cabinet on December 11, 2019 approved Aircraft (Amendment) bill, 2019 to amend the
Aircrafts act, 1934. The main objective of the bill is to fulfill the safety requirements of International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Bill intends to regulate the areas of air navigation. It
enhances the punishment from 10 lakh rupees to 1 crore rupees for those failing to comply norms
of Government of India. Also, the bill will enables three regulatory bodies namely
 Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) - founded in 1976. It is an attached office of the
Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India. It is
headed by an officer of the rank of Director general of police and is designated as Director
general of Security.
 Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - funded in 1997. It is the statutory body
formed under the Aircraft Bill, 2020. This directorate investigates aviation accidents and
incidents. It is headquartered along Sri Aurobindo Marg, opposite Safdarjung Airport, in
New Delhi.
 Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) - founded in 2011. It is a division of the
Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India which investigates aircraft accidents and
incidents in India
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ36
1. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is the highest statutory decision-making body on
technical matters related to drugs in the country
2. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization comes under the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare
Options
A. Both 1 and 2
B. Neither 1 nor 2
C. 1 only
D. 2 only
Answer – A
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) - National regulatory body for Indian
pharmaceuticals as well as medical devices. Under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Functions include Approval of new drugs and clinical trials; Approval of certain licenses as Central
License Approving Authority, Regulatory control over import of drugs; and meetings of Drugs
Consultative Committee (DCC) and Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). It serves parallel
function to the European Medicines Agency of the European Union, the PMDA of Japan, the Food
and Drug Administration of the United States and the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom. Within the CDSCO, the Drug Controller General of India
(DCGI) regulates pharmaceutical and medical devices. The DCGI is advised by the Drug Technical
Advisory Board (DTAB) and the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC).
The Drugs Consultative Committee. The Central Government may constitute an advisory
committee to be called "the Drugs Consultative Committee" to advise the Central Government, the
State Governments and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board on any matter tending to secure
uniformity. It shall consist of two representatives of the Central Government to be nominated by
that Government and one representative of each State Government to be nominated by the State
Government concerned.
Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is the highest statutory decision-making body on technical
matters related to drugs in the country. It is constituted as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
It is part of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in the Ministry of Health and
Family welfare
News - Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Saudi Food and Drug Authority
in field of Medical Products Regulation. It would facilitate better understanding of regulatory
aspects between two sides and will also enable better coordination in international fora. It will also
help in increasing India’s export of medical products to Saudi Arabia.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ37
“Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme” seen in news is related to?
Options
A. Slum dwellers
B. Non Banking Finance companies
C. Micro Small Medium Enterprises
D. Economically weaker sections
Answer – B
Earlier, in Union Budget 2019-20, the government had announced that for purchase of high-rated
pooled assets of NBFCs, amounting to a total of Rs.1 lakh crore during current financial year,
government will provide one time 6 months’ partial credit guarantee to PSBs for first loss up to
10%.
News - Union Cabinet approved the ‘Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme’ that allows public sector
banks (PSBs) to purchase high-rated pooled assets from financially sound non-banking finance
companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies (HFCs). However, the amount of overall
guarantee has been limited to first loss of up to 10% of fair value of assets (FAV) being purchased by
banks under the scheme or Rs.10,000 crore, whichever is lower, as agreed by department of
economic affairs (DEA), Union Ministry of Finance.
 Scheme would cover NBFCs and HFCs that may have slipped into ‘SMA-0’ category during
the 1 year period prior to 1 August 2018, and asset pools rated ‘BBB+ or higher’.
 SMA - 0 account implies that, the Principal or interest payment is overdue for less than 30
days, but account showing signs of incipient stress.
 More terms - SMA-1 (31-60 days), SMA-2 (61-90 days). NPA (more than 90 days)
 Generally , ("AAA" and "AA") are high credit quality , ("A" and "BBB") are medium credit
quality , ("BB," "B," "CCC," etc.) are considered low credit quality
 Scheme will provide liquidity to NBFCs and HFCs concerned for financing credit demand of
economy, and would also protect financial system of country from any adverse contagion
effect that may arise due to failure of such entities.
 This will help NBFCs and HFCs to resolve their temporary liquidity and would enable them to
continue contributing towards credit creation or cash flow mismatch issues. It will also
provide last mile lending to borrowers, which will spurr economic growth.
 The window for one-time partial credit guarantee offered by government will remain open
till 30 June 30 or till such date by which Rs. 1 lakh crore assets get purchased by banks, or
whichever is earlier. Union Finance Minister has been delegated the power to extend the
validity of scheme by up to three months taking into account its progress.
https://www.business-standard.com/article/finance/nbfcs-hfcs-rated-up-to-bbb-come-under-partial-
credit-guarantee-scheme-119121101642_1.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ38
Which of the following are suggested provisions under Social security code bill, recently
introduced in Parliament?
1. It makes the fixed-term contract workers eligible for gratuity
2. Provide options of reducing the provident fund contribution of the employees
Options
Answer – C As part of its reform initiatives, the labour ministry has decided to amalgamate 44
labour laws into four codes — on wages, industrial relations, social securityand safety, and health
and working conditions. The Social Security Code is the last of the four labour codes that have
been approved by the Cabinet. The labour code on wages was approved by Parliament in August
while the code on occupational safety, health and working conditions has been referred to the
parliamentary standing committee on labour. Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2019, has been tabled
in Parliament.
News - On December 11, 2019, the social security code bill was introduced in Lok Sabha. The bill
paves way for universalization of social security of 50 crore workers in the country. Provisions
 Setting up of a social security fund to fulfill benefits such as medical cover, pension, death and
disablement benefits including gig workers. This will help to tap the corporate social
responsibility fund and divert it towards the unorganized sector.
 Provide options of reducing the provident fund contribution of the employees. It is currently
12% of basic salary. This will increase their take-home payment
 It makes the fixed-term contract workers eligible for gratuity. Currently under the Payment of
Gratuity Act, 1972, workers are not entitled to gratuity before the completion of 5 years.
 Labour ministry has also decided to retain the existing autonomy of EPFO and Employees’ State
Insurance Corporation (ESIC), rejecting the proposal to corporatise them.
 The labour ministry has also done away with its earlier proposal to give subscribers to the
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation an option to switch to the National Pension System
vis-à-vis the Employee Pension Scheme under EPFO. It said the current arrangement provides
multiple benefits such as higher rate of return and exempt-exempt-exempt status to funds
invested in EPFO
It intends to merge 8 laws and support the unorganized workers
1. Employees Compensation Act, 1923
2. Employees Insurance Act, 1948
3. Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
4. Maternal Benefit Act, 1961
5. Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
6. Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981
7. Building and Other Construction Workers Cess Act, 1996
8. Unorganized Workers’ Social Security act, 2008
India leads in global gig economy contributing 24% of online labor market in the world! The data
was provided by the Oxford Internet Institute. Apart from internet, being the second most populous
country in the world, India has maximum number of unorganized employees.
Note - Gig workers are independent contractors, online platform workers, contract firm workers,
on-call workers and temporary workers. Gig workers enter into formal agreements with on-demand
companies, for example Uber or TaskRabbit, to provide services to the company's clients.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/social-security-code-bill-introduced-in-
lok-sabha/articleshow/72468216.cms?from=mdr
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ39
Government has recently authorized XXX to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
Here XXX refer to?
Options
A. Ministry of Urban affairs
B. National Waterway Authority of India
C. Ministry of Jal Shakti
D. National Highway Authority of India
Answer – D
NHAI’s InvIT will be established as a Trust, named as ‘InvIT Trust’. InvIT Trust will be under Indian
Trust Act, 1882 and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts)
Regulations, 2014. It will be formed with an objective of investment primarily in infrastructure
projects (as defined by Union Ministry of Finance) and may hold assets either directly or through an
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) or a holding.
(InvIT) as an instrument provides greater flexibility to investors and is expected to create

following opportunities-
1. It would generate specialized Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Concessionaires.
2. It would attract patient capital (for about 20-30 years) to Indian highway market, as these
investors are unwilling towards construction risk and are interested in investment in assets
which provide long-term stable returns.
3. Retail domestic savings and corpus of special institutions such as mutual funds, Pension
Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), among others, will be invested in
infrastructure sector through InvIT.
News –
Union Cabinet approved the proposal of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH),
which authorizes National Highways Authority of India(NHAI) to set up Infrastructure Investment
Trust(s) (InvIT) as per InvIT Guidelines issued by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This
will enable NHAI to monetize completed National Highways that have a toll collection track record
of atleast 1 year and the NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on identified highway.
In October 2017, Union Government launched its flagship highway development programme called
Bharatmala Pariyojana, for development of 24,800 km of roads for a total investment of Rs.
5,35,000 crore. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=195763
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ40
Which of the following are true about “Gross Budgetary Support(GBS)”?
1. The amount to be allocated to GBS is fixed by the Finance Commission
2. It is split into revenue and capital components
3. Unless exempted, the ministries have to allocate 10% of GBS to North East region
Options
A. 1 only B. 2,3 only C. 2 only D. 1,2,3
Answer – D
 The government’s support to the Central plan is called Gross Budgetary Support.
 The Central plan forms the annual expenditure of the government and is incurred keeping the
objectives of 5-year plans in mind. Budgetary Support is earmarked for meeting the planned
outlays of the Central government during the financial year.
 The central plan includes the GBS and the spending of the public enterprises that do not figure
in the budget.
 Plan outlays are incurred for development of heterogeneous sectors like agriculture and allied
activities, rural areas, irrigation and flood control, energy, industry and minerals, transport,
communications, science, technology and environment, social services like education, mid day
meal scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, health, housing, police, justice administration etc.
 Centre also provides funds to states and union territories for their respective plans.
 The funding of the central plan is split almost evenly between government support (from the
Budget) and internal and extra budgetary resources of public enterprises.
 In the recent years the GBS has been slightly more than 50% of the total central plan.
 The amount to be allocated to GBS is fixed by the Finance Commission.
 Like other budget, GBS is also split into revenue and capital components.
 In 1996, it was decided that all the ministries will set apart 10% of their GBS to the North East
Region unless exempted.
News - The Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh chaired the Parliamentary Consultative Committee
meeting of the North Eastern Region on December 12, 2019. At the meeting the issue of utilization
of 10% of GBS in the North East Region was discussed. With Government of India prioritizing
development project in North East India, allocating the right amount for the projects is essential. In
order to hasten the development of North East Region, GoI set up Special Infrastructure
Development Scheme in 2018. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=195828
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ41
“Climate Neutrality Plan” seen in news is related to?
Options
A. G20 nations B. MERCOSUR nations
C. European Union D. South Asian nations
Answer – C
 It is a key commitment under 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

 It is a 100 billion Euro plan for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
 It is also called European Green Deal or Europe’s man on the moon moment or EU Climate
Neutrality plan
 Climate Neutrality means emissions will have no impact on climate.
 It also includes warming effects that do not come from carbon.
 The plan is important as the EU bloc that comprises of 28 countries is the third largest
economic bloc after China and US in contributions to climate change.
 Previously under Paris Agreement, the EU had committed to reduce its emission by 40% by
2030 as compared to 1990. There were no goals set for 2050 initially.
 Under the new plan, the 2030 target has been increased to 50% and a new 100% target has
been set for 2050.
News - On December 13, 2019, Poland left 2050 Climate Neutrality Agreement of European Union
as the Union demanded for more funds to support nuclear power and for economic transition. 80%
of Poland's energy needs are relied on coal. The country requested to extend the plan execution
deadline to 2070 availing longer period to cut emissions according to the plan. But net players like
Netherlands refused to agree to the terms that led Poland to leave the plan. link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ42
Parivara and Talawara communities were seen in news recently related to?
Options
A. Himachal Pradesh B. Haryana C. Karnataka D. Odisha
Answer – C
 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced
in Rajya Sabha on January 9, 2019 by the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Mr. Jual Oram.
 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, specifies the tribal and tribal communities
which are deemed to be Scheduled Tribes. The Bill amends Part VI of the Order which
specifies the Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.
 It amends the Order by substituting:
(i) “Naikda, Nayaka” with “Naikda, Nayaka (including Parivara and Talawara)”, and
(ii) “Siddi (in Uttar Kannada district)” with “Siddi (in Belagavi, Dharwad and Uttar Kannada
districts)”.prs
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ43
Which of the following are true about National Financial Reporting Authority?
1. It was set up during the time of Man Mohan Singh as PM
2. It was established under Companies Act, 2013
Options
Answer – B
 National Financial Reporting Authority was established in 2018 under the Companies act,
2013.
 NFRA is responsible to audit policies and standards in the country, impose sanctions against
defaulting auditors, audit firms and their monetary penalties.
 It is also responsible to audit companies that are listed in stock exchanges and those that
function outside India.
 Due to the establishment of NFRA, India is now eligible for membership of International Forum
of Independent Audit Regulators - a global member organization that includes regulators from
53 jurisdictions. It was established in 2006 at Paris. It works to enhance investor protection by
improving auditing globally.
News - NFRA issued its first audit report of IL&FS Financial Services Limited for the year 2017-18. It
is the first report submitted by the authority since its constitution in October 2018. Prior to NHRA,
the audit of the IL and FS financial services were conducted by Deloitte Haskins and Sells (DHS).
NHRA reports that the audit conducted by DHS was inadequate. IL and FS is a non-banking financial
company that was established 30 years ago in order to conglomerate funds for infrastructure
projects in India. The company fell short of cash recently and faced cash over runs, delays in land
acquisition and approvals in 2018. link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ44
Which of the following are true about Climate Ambition Alliance (CAA)?
1. It was launched for the first time during COP25
2. The alliance is led by India
Options
Answer – D It was launched earlier. But more members joined during COP 25 recently. So it can
be said to be officially launched by Chile, the President nation of COP 25 in Madrid, Spain
Climate Ambition Alliance (CAA) is led by Chile and was launched at the second Climate Action
Summit, New York in 2019. The CAA will focus on Nationally Determined Contributions in order to
achieve Net Zero by 2050. It will focus in resilience in infrastructure, management of water and
sustainability of cities. The main purpose of the alliance is to upscale 2020 targets of members of
UN and to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 . The Chambers Climate Coalition is an
initiative of the business organization - International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to take climate
action, aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and
reaching net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. It is recognised in the Climate Ambition
Alliance’s annex
The first Climate Action Summit had taken place in California in 2018. The purpose of the summit
is to bring leaders from around the world together to hasten the implementation of Paris
Agreement. At 2018 summit, the NDCs were re-calibrated. It was an opportunity to recognize the
roadblocks and increase the commitments.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its Emissions Gap Report, 2019 warned
that in order to achieve the goal of 1.5°C increase in temperatures over pre-industrial levels, it is
essential to reduce the emissions by 7.6% between 2020 and 2030. The report measures the gap
between measures being done and measures to be done to tackle climate change. The report says
that the global temperature will increase by 3.2 degrees by 2100 as compared to pre-industrial
levels. The top four emitters of the world namely China, USA, European Union and India contributed
to 55% of total emissions in the last decade.
News - Around 73 countries have joined the Climate Ambition Alliance (CAA) at the COP25. Both
Chile and UK will work together to mobilize additional actors to join the alliance. They will also work
towards COP26 that is to be held in November 2020 at Glasgow, UK. The poor show is, however,
mainly due to withdrawal of the US from the Paris deal and unwillingness of India and China to join
the Climate Ambition Alliance at this juncture. The three countries together accounted for 50% of
global emissions in 2018.link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ45
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) is a/an?
Options
A. New Delhi based policy research institute
B. Mauritius based think tank
C. Sri Lanka based intergovernmental organization
D. Hyderabad based research institute
Answer – A
2019 Indian Ocean Dialogue
 Theme- ‘Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography’.
 This is the 6th edition, First edition in 2014 in Kerala
 Organized with assistance of the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA), a Delhi based think
tank, set up in 1943. By an act of parliament, it has got the status of nationally important
institution in 2011.
 The IOD is Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA’s) premier 1.5 track forum for dialogue
between academia and officials on strategic issues of interest and concerns facing the
Association. The member states will hold high-level discussions on IORA role within Indo-Pacific.
 The summit was preceded by 25th Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (IORAG).
 IORAG explored cooperation and collaboration between academics and experts on promoting
Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation which is a key priority under IORA Action Plan
(2017-2021).
 At the end of the joint Indian Ocean Dialogue, External Affairs Minister announced that India is
planning to expand its Indo-Pacific policy. So far, the Indo-Pacific covered Indian Ocean and the
Arabian sea. With the expansion, the region will now include Gulf states and Africa. Indo-Pacific
is a US construct that includes regions between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
According to the US, it ranges from the eastern shores of the African continent to the western
shores of the US.
Note - IORA is an intergovernmental organization set up in 1997. Members - 22 coastal countries of
Indian ocean. HQ - Ebene, Mauritius
2019 Delhi Dialogue (India- ASEAN)

 Theme- ‘Advancing Partnership in Indo-Pacific’.
 This is the 11th edition. First edition in 2009
 Organized with assistance of Research and Information System for Developing Countries
(RIS), a New Delhi–based autonomous policy research institute.
News - Union Ministry of External Affairs hosted 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) and Delhi
Dialogue XI at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi. This is the first time, the 2 events are held
together. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/dec/11/mea-to-hold-6th-indian-ocean-
dialogue-2074509.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ46
Which of the following are true about National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture
(NICRA)?
1. It is implemented by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
2. It will help both farmers and scientists
Options
Answer – C
 NICRA was launched in 2011. The scheme is implemented by ICAR.
 Though the scheme was launched for 2 years it was extended and is still active.
 NICRA has four main modules namely crop production, natural resource management,
improving soil health and livestock.
 The project has three main objectives namely strategic research, capacity building and
technology demonstrations.
 The main objectives of the scheme include enhancing resilience of Indian agriculture covering
crops, fisheries, livestock.
 It will also demonstrate technology specific packages for Indian farmers to adapt to climate
risks.
 The scheme will also enhance the capacity of scientists in climate resilient agricultural research
and application.
News - The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Board of Agriculture and
Rural Development (NABARD) signed Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the research and
technologies to develop climate resilient practices in the agriculture sector and hi-tech farming
practices. Under the agreement, the organizations will take up technology transfer in integrated
farming system, agro-forestry, crop intensification, horticulture and plantation. In order to develop
climate resilient agriculture, GoI has already launched several initiatives. One among them is the
National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). pib
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ47
Which of the following are Clean Coal Technologies used in India?
1. Pre-combustion capture
2. Oxy-fuel combustion
3. Post-combustion capture.
Options
A. 1 only
B. 1,2,3
C. 1,2 only
D. 2 only
Answer – B
Some of the Clean Coal Technology methods that are currently used in the country includes pre-
combustion capture, oxy-fuel combustion and post-combustion capture. Pre-combustion capture
includes production of heat through gasification of feedstock. In this process, a mix of hydrogen and
Carbon dioxide rich gas is produced and the mixture can be separated easily. In Oxy-fuel
combustion, fossil fuel such as coal is burnt in recirculated flue gas and oxygen rather than air. This
eliminates nitrogen largely.
News - Government of India is currently planning to decrease dependence of coal and its imports.
In order to achieve this, Coal India aims to raise its annual output to 880 million tons by 2024. On
December 13, 2019, Ministry of Coal initiated the auction process of 27 coal mines. Out of the 27
coal mines, applications were received for 6 mines. It includes mines at Bikram, Brahmapuri,
Bhaskarpara, Jagannathpur and Jamkhani. The mines will add 5 metric tonnes of coal per annum.
Also, it will generate Rs 15,000 crores of revenue for the state governments. The purpose of these
auctions is to reduce the dependence of the coal industry on imported coal. India is currently
importing 233.56 million tonnes of coal (2018-19). Coal imports increased by 8.8% as compared to
2017-18.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ48
Which of the following are true about Inner Line Permit (ILP)?
1. To visit an ILP-regime states, the outsiders, including people from other states of country,
need to take permission
2. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh has ILP system in place
Options
Answer – C
 The main aim of ILP system is to prevent settlement of other Indian nationals in these states
to protect indigenous population.
 Thus to visit an ILP-regime states, the outsiders, including people from other states of
country, need to take permission.
 There are also protections for locals with regards to lands, jobs and other facilities.
 As of now, besides Nagaland and Manipur, the ILP regime is also applicable to Arunachal
Pradesh and Mizoram
 ILP regime is applicable under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, and under Section
2 of this regulation, citizens of other states require ILP for visiting these states
News –
 The state government of Nagaland has extended Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to
Dimapur district, which is the commercial hub of the state. Dimapur was the only district
that was not under ILP regime unlike the rest of Nagaland, which came into being in 1963.
The Inner Line permit was extended by the Governor of Nagaland in exercise of powers
conferred under Section 2 of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873
 The ILP regime was also extended to neighbouring Manipur with President Ram Nath
Kovind signing the order in this effect.
 This happened because Citizenship (Ammendment) Bill was passed by Parliament, and
this bill will not be applicable to ILP regime states and areas governed under 6th Schedule
of Constitution. Under 6th Schedule of Constitution, autonomous councils and districts were
created in certain tribal areas in Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya. The autonomous councils
and districts enjoy some executive and legislative powers.
nagaland-brings-dimapur-under-inner-line
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ49
Who is the chairman of National Ganga Council?
Options
A. Union Minister of Environment
B. Prime Minister
C. Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources
D. Chief ministers of 9 Ganga basin states, alternatively
Answer – B
 The National Ganga Council, also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection,
and Management of River Ganga was set up in 2016.
 It replaced the National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA).
 It is formed under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
 National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) a society registered in 2011, acts as an
implementation arm of the National Ganga Council.
 NGC holds overall responsibility to direct, develop and control River Ganga and the entire River
Ganga Basin.
 It also includes protection, prevention and abatement of environmental pollution in Ganga.
 PM is the chair person of the council.
 The Union Minister of Water Resources, river development and Ganga Rejuvenation are the ex-
officio vice-chairperson of the council.
 The other members include ministers of finance, urban development, environment, tourism,
drinking water and sanitation, shipping, vice chairman of NITI Aayog and CMs of the states to
which the jurisdiction extends.
 The jurisdiction of the council is extended to states Himachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi and
Haryana.
News - PM Modi chaired the first meeting of National Ganga council
 He reviewed the Namami Gange Project at Kanpur Atal Ghat and also visited the recently
closed Sisamau Nala
 The most polluted stretch of the Ganges from Gaumukh to Gangasagar lies in Kanpur.
 The Sisamau Nala drain, the largest drain in Asia was used as a sewerage conveyance
channel since 1890. The drain was closed by the UP government in 2018
 The Council has planned to launch organic farming on the banks of the river. This is
because, besides industrial and sewerage pollution, agricultural run off is a major pollution
in the river. The council has planned to encourage farmers in sustainable agricultural
practices such as planting of fruit trees, zero budget farming and building plant nurseries on
the banks of the river. pm-modi-chairs-1st-meeting-national-ganga-council-kanpur
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ50
Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) is an initiative of?
Options
A. World economic Forum B. Clean Energy Ministerial
C. Climate Ambition Alliance D. Climate Coalition Committee
Answer – B
The Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) Initiative is a voluntary
collaboration among governments working to promote the manufacture, purchase, and use of
energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and equipment worldwide. SEAD is an initiative under the
Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and a task of the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency
Cooperation (IPEEC).
Created in 2010, the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is a global forum where major economies and
forward leaning countries work together to share best practices and promote policies and programs
that encourage and facilitate the transition to a global clean energy economy. The annual CEM
Ministerial meeting is the only high-level political engagement where ministers gather to establish
clean energy priorities, put forward innovative policies and adopt concrete measures to accelerate
the deployment of clean solutions and where the work is carried through year-round CEM
initiatives and campaigns. The Eleventh Clean Energy Ministerial, which will take place from 1-4
June 2020 in Viña del Mar, Chile, will focus on driving action towards secure and sustainable
energy.
The Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation, set up in 2009(HQ - Paris) is a high-level
international forum which includes developed and developing countries. Its purpose is to enhance
global cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and to facilitate policies that yield energy
efficiency gains across all sectors globally
News - The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statuary body under Union Ministry of Power,
conducted an International Workshop on 12-13 December 2019 on ‘Energy Efficient Cooling’ at
Scope Convention Centre in New Delhi. It was organized by BEE in association with International
Energy Agency (IEA) under Super-Efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment (SEAD) initiative
of Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and International Partnership for Energy Efficiency
Cooperation (IPEEC). https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=195842
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ51
Report of Global Carbon Project was tabled at COP 25 summit. Which of the following are true?
1. It was established along with Kyoto Protocol in 1995
2. Global Carbon Atlas is established by Global Carbon Project
Options
A. Both 1 and 2 B. 1 only C. 2 only D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – C
The Global Carbon Project (GCP) established in 2001 seeks to quantify global carbon emissions and
their causes. The GCP brings together emission experts and economists to tackle the problem of
rising concentrations of greenhouse gases It include global budgets for three dominant greenhouse
gases namely carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide(newest one in 2019) and complementary
efforts in urban, regional, cumulative, and negative emissions.
Global Carbon Atlas established by GCP is a platform to explore and visualize the most up-to-date
data on carbon fluxes resulting from human activities and natural processes. The Carbon Atlas has
three components that are updated annually based on data in Global carbon budget.
 Outreach: component is aimed at general public and those involved in education sector.
 Emission: component provides for visualisation tool for parts of the global carbon cycle that
are related to emissions and is aimed primarily at policy makers.
 Research: component is aimed at researchers and acts as a data repository and visualisation
tool for scientific data that is used to investigate the global carbon budget.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/cop25-key-outcomes-agreed-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-madrid
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ52
Which of the following are true about International Geological Conferences?
1. It is held every 4 years
2. India is hosting the 2020 conference
Options
A. 1 only B. Both 1 and 2 C. 2 only D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – B
 International Geological Congress (IGC) s popularly described as ‘Olympics of Geosciences’.
 The IGCs are a prestigious global geoscientific events held once in four years and
participated by nearly 5000-6000 geoscientists from all across the world
 India is set to host the 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in New Delhi during the
first week of March 2020.
 India is the only Asian country to host the IGC event twice. India had earlier hosted the
event for the first time in 1964, which was 22nd IGC.
 Theme 2020 - ‘Geosciences: The Basic Science for a Sustainable Development’.
 Geological Survey of India is the nodal agency for organizing the IGC 2020.
 The event is being funded by Union Ministry of Mines (MoM) and Union Ministry of Earth
Sciences (MoES) with support of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and National
Science Academies of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ53
“Strandhogg” seen in news relates to?
Options
A. Cryptocurrency B. Cricket
C. Cryogenics D. none of these
Answer – D
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent an alert to all States warning them about the
vulnerability of Android operating system to a bug called ‘StrandHogg’, which allows real-time
malware applications to pose as genuine applications and are able to access user data of all kind.
The information was shared by Threat Analytical Unit, Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
(ICCCC) so as to take steps to create awareness among public on vulnerability of Android to
‘StrandHogg’. This malware can then potentially listen to users conversations, make calls, record
conversations, access photo album, read or send messages, as well as get login credentials to
various accounts. Such malware can also access private images, files, contact details, call logs, and
location information
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/android-vulnerable-to-cyberattack-union-home-
ministry/article30314842.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ54
Recently the work on “Vision Document 2035” was kickstarted by?
Options
A. World Bank
B. Niti Aayog
C. Ministry of Finance
D. NASA
Answer – B
Under the direction of PMO (Prime Minister Office), NITI Aayog has already begun drafting a
vision document 2035. The document will include ways to increase rural income, making India a
preferred manufacturing destination and an export hub, boost Industry 4.0, ways to address
unemployment and underemployment in the country, etc.
News - The GoI think tank Niti Aayog on December 18, 2019, announced that it is considering
options to include fish, chicken and eggs in the PDS (Public Distribution System). The move is
expected to be included in Niti Aayog’s 15-year Vision Document to be published in 2020 and be
effective from April 2020. India being on top among malnourished nations, Niti Aayog believes in
including more healthy food in the subsidy programme.
Do not confuse with Technology Vision Document 2035’ unveiled by the Indian Prime Minister at
the 103rd Indian Science Congress in 2016. The document presents a vision of requirements of
Indian citizens in 2035 and how technology should bring this vision to fruition. The document has
identified 12 sectors for development of technologies. They are Education, Medical Sciences &
Healthcare, Food and Agriculture, Water, Energy, Environment, Habitat, Transportation,
Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Materials, Information and Communication Technology.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/protein-push-niti-aayog-mulls-pds-
supply-of-eggs-fish-meat/articleshow/72861907.cms?from=mdr
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ55
Which among the following is the trustee body of Clean Technology Fund?
Options
A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. WEF
D. UNFCCC
Answer – A The World Bank is the Trustee and Administrating Unit of the CTF Trust Fund.
The Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) were designed by developed and developing countries and
are implemented with the multilateral development banks (MDBs) to bridge the financing and
learning gap between now and the next international climate change agreement. The World Bank is
the Trustee of the CIFs, which include a "sunset clause" to ensure that the Fund's activities do not
prejudice the outcome on the UNFCCC negotiations.
The Climate Investment Funds include the:

 Clean Technology Fund( set up in 2008) provides new large-scale financial resources to
invest in clean technology projects in developing countries, which contribute to the
demonstration, deployment, and transfer of low-carbon technologies with a significant
potential for long-term greenhouse gas emissions savings. CTF is channelled through the
African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development, Inter-American Development Bank, and World Bank Group, the CTF
finances 12 country programmes and one regional programme.
 The Strategic Climate Fund provides financing to pilot innovative approaches or to scale-up
activities aimed at specific climate change challenges or sectoral responses.
 The Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is the first program under the Strategic
Climate Fund. It seeks to explore practical ways to mainstream climate resilience into core
development planning and budgeting that is consistent with poverty reduction and
sustainable development goals. The PPCR will build on National Adaptation Programmes of
Action (NAPAs) and other national strategies and work in 11 pilot countries and regions. It is
strategically aligned with, and maintains strong links to, the Adaptation Fund established
under the Kyoto Protocol.
 The Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP) in Low Income Countries, approved in
May 2009, is aimed at demonstrating the economic, social and environmental viability of
low carbon development pathways in the energy sector by creating new economic
opportunities and increasing energy access through the use of renewable energy.
 The Forest Investment Program (FIP), approved in May 2009, aims to support developing
countries’ efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by
providing scaled-up bridge financing for readiness reforms and public and private
investments. It will finance programmatic efforts to address the underlying causes of
deforestation and forest degradation and to overcome barriers that have hindered past
efforts to do so.
 Private Sector
A world bank link with details of lot of similar funds
https://fiftrustee.worldbank.org/en/about/unit/dfi/fiftrustee/funds
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ56
An SEZ has been recently approved at Sabroom, located at?
Options
A. Goa B. Telangana C. Himachal Pradesh D. Tripura
Answer – D
The Government of India approved the first SEZ (Special Economic Zone) at Sabroom, Tripura in
October 2019. The SEZ is to be developed by the Tripura Industrial Development Corporation. The
SEZ will focus on rubber based industries like threads, tyres, bamboo industries, textile and apparel
industries and agri-food processing industries. According to SEZ rules minimum of 25 hectares of
land is required to set up a new SEZ in the North Eastern States. (Note - IN other states - For multi
product SEZ - its 500 hectares, For sector specific SEZ - it is 50 hectares) The SEZ is expected to
generate 12,000 skiled jobs. The zone will attract more private investments as its location is nearer
to Chittagong Port. Also, the access to the zone will increase after the construction of bridge across
Feni river in South Tripura. GoI also announced that 100% income tax exemption will be provided
on export income for the first 5 years on SEZ units. The exemption is being given under Section
10AA of Income Tax Act. For the next 5 years, 50% exemption is to be provided.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/tripura-gets-its-first-ever-
sez/articleshow/71451337.cms?from=mdr
Note - While minimum land requirement norm has been done away with for IT\ITES SEZs, the
developers would have to adhere to minimum build up area criteria. The requirement of one lakh
square meters will be applicable for seven major cities - Mumbai, Delhi (NCR), Chennai, Hyderabad,
Bangaluru, Pune and Kolkata. For the class B-cities (which are 15 including Ahmedabad and
Bhubaneswar), minimum built up area would be 50,000 sq. mtrs, while for category C (all other
cities) 25,000 sq. mtrs built up area norm will be applicable.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ57
Which of the following are true about National Broadband Mission (NBM)?
1. It is part of government’s National Digital Communications Policy, 2018
2. It aims to provide broadband access to all villages by 2022.
Options
Answer – C Centre Government launched the National Broadband Mission (NBM) to provide
broadband access to all villages by 2022.
 It was launched by Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi.
 NBM is part of government’s National Digital Communications Policy, 2018.
 10% of funds will come from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and the balance to
come from industry in form of towers and other assets.
 Providing internet connectivity to 1 lakh villages will also push Indian economy to 5 trillion-
dollar milestone.
Objectives
 Develop innovative implementation models for Right of Way (RoW) and to work with States and
Union Territories for having consistent policies pertaining to expansion of digital infrastructure
including for RoW approvals required for laying of OFC
 Develop a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for measuring the availability of digital
communications infrastructure and conducive policy ecosystem within a States and Union
Territory
 Creating a digital fiber map of Digital Communications network and infrastructure, including
OFC and Towers, across the country
 It aims to fast track growth of digital communications infrastructure, bridge digital divide and to
provide affordable and universal access of broadband for all
 It will involve laying down around 30 Lakhs kilometre route Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) as well as
increase tower density from 0.42 to 1.0 tower per thousand of population by 2024.
http://ddnews.gov.in/node/39578
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ58
1. India is targeting to become 3rd country in the world to achieve a 5 trillion USD economy
2. ASSOCHAM recently entered 100th year of its existence
Options
Answer – B China, USA, Japan, EU has more than 5 trillion USD economies as of 2020.
 Country wise rough ranking of economies – China/USA >Japan > Germany > India/UK
 100 years of ASSOCHAM celebrated with the Theme: New India Aspiring for 5 trillion USD.
 Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) established in 1921,
is the apex trade association of India.
 The goal of the organization is to promote domestic and international trade. It is located in
Kolkata, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
 The GoI authorizes and has given the power for ASSOCHAM to issue certificates of origin,
recommend business visa and certify commercial invoices.
 According to GDP(PPP) in IMF’s World Economic Outlook Database, 2019, China tops the
list as 25.27 trillion USD economy, followed by US (20.49 trillion USD), Japan,
Germany(nearly 4 trillion), UK, India (2.72 trillion USD). In order to achieve the target of 5
trillion USD economy, it is essential to increase digital transactions of GST and also increase
Aadhar linked payments to DBT. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=196006
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ59
XXX becomes first country to recognize Indian Pharmacopoeia, Here XXX refer to?
Options
A Denmark B. Israel C. Sweden D. Afghanistan
Answer - D In order to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety of medicinal products, the Indian
Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) provides the legal and scientific standards in the form of Indian
Pharmacopoeia (IP).
 IPC's mission is to promote public & animal health by bringing out officially and authoritative
accepted standards for quality of drugs including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs),
excipients & dosage forms, used by patients, health professionals & consumers.
 Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) specifies the standards of drugs manufactured and marketed in
India in terms of their identity, strength and purity
 2nd Schedule of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, designates IP as an official book of standards for
drugs imported and manufactured for sale, stock, exhibition for sale and distribution in India.
 The standards prescribed in IP are authoritative in nature and are enforced by regulatory
authorities for quality control of medicines in India.
News - Afghanistan has become the first country to recognize IP pursuant to the efforts of
Department of Commerce and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ60
“Operation Twist” seen in news is related to?
Options
A. Indian Army B. GST council C. Niti Aayog D. RBI
Answer – D The buying of long-term bonds and selling of short-term bonds by RBI is called
operation twist. When the long-term bonds are bought by RBI, their demand increases. This lowers
long term yields. This way the yield curve gets twisted and hence the name “Operation Twist”. This
has significant effect on the long term interest rated that govern the investment and growth in the
economy. Operation Twist is generally used by Central Banks when long term interest rates remain
high in spite of lowering interest rates. United States implemented this twice, in 1961 and 2011.
News - On December 23, 2019, the Reserve Bank of India will buy and sell government securities of
Rs 10,000 crores under a special Open Market Operation. Such moves are implemented by the
federal bank in order to bring down the interest rates of long-term securities. This time RBI has
named its move as “Operation Twist”.
Open Market Operation is a tool used by the RBI to smoothen liquidity conditions in the country.
The main objective of OPO is to regulate money flow in the country by selling or buying government
securities/bonds. RBI operates the OMO through commercial banks and does not deal with the
public directly. Government Securities can be issued only by Centre, State and Centre approved
semi-govt authorities. A Legal framework for issuance of government securities was provided by the
Public Debt Act, 1944. It was replaced by the Government Securities Act, 2006link
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ61
“EChO Network” seen in news is related to?
Options
A. Gravitational waves B. Defence and Security
C. Environment and Ecology D. Money and Banking
Answer – C Government of India launched EChO Network, a national program to provide a

template for cross-disciplinary leadership in India. The network specifically focuses on increasing
research, knowledge, and awareness of Indian ecology and the environment. It aims to to bring
together leaders and individuals working hard to make a positive difference for Indian ecosystem
and to share knowledge and synergize their efforts under umbrella of science. Founding partners
are Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP),
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India Climate Collaborative (ICC), RoundGlass and Ashoka Trust
for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE). EChO Network would develop a national network
to catalyse a new generation of Indians who can synthesize interdisciplinary concepts with srong
technological expertise and knowledge as well as tackle real-world problems in agriculture,
medicine, technology and ecology. It will also train postdoctoral leaders in research and outreach
on selected topics, while also incorporating current public and private efforts into a national
network. pib
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ62
Which of the following are true about Front of Pack Labelling (FoPL)?
1. It is a policy tool that help consumers to make healthier food choices.
2. It was included for the first time in draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display
Regulations), 2019.
Options
Answer – C
Front of Pack Labelling FoPL - is a policy tool that help consumers to make healthier food choices.
It was included for the first time in draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display
Regulations), 2019. It aims at creating awareness to consumers about products that are high in
sugar, fat and salt content. There are two aspects of FoPL namely threshold limit and the way the
limit is depicted on packets of processed food.
News - On December 18, 2019, the FSSAI (Food Safety Standards Association of India) announced
that the front of packet labeling will be delinked from its general labeling regulation. On December
17, the Centre for Science and Environment released a report based on its study on packaged food.
The results showed high content of salt and fat in the food items. Delinking is breaking the
connection or cutting off. The thresholds that the companies follow were not up to Indian
Standards. Therefore FSSAI has delinked the FoPL standards from labelling regulations and will set
new threshold. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/front-of-packet-labelling-to-be-delinked-
from-general-labelling-regulation-fssai-68483
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ63
Which of the following are true about Indian Parliament building?
1. The Parliament Architecture was designed by British Architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir
Herbert Baker
2. The structure includes hybrid architectural style namely Hindu, Roman and Saracenic.
Options
Answer – C
 The Parliament Architecture was designed by British Architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir
Herbert Baker in 1912.
 The structure includes hybrid architectural style namely Hindu, Roman and Saracenic.
 The Parliament House was built by the British between 1911 and 1931.
 After 1947, government of independent India added buildings like Krishi Bhavan, Shastri
Bhavan and Nirman Bhavan.
 These buildings are not earth quake proof and do have modern facilities and space that are
in need today.
News - On December 21, 2019, GoI announced that the 9.5-acre plot opposite to Parliament
building is to be used for the construction of new Parliament building. Under the plan, a new
Central Secretariat will be built for all ministries that are spread over many buildings across Delhi. In
September 2019, the Central Public Works Department set massive project by issuing request for
redevelopment of parliamentary building and for the development of new secretariat. The project
will cost Rs 12,450 crores. The deadline of the project completion is fixed as March 2022 (75th year
of Independence). The new building will have lifespan of 150 to 200 years.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-parliament-house-opposite-old-
one/article30445963.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ64
Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is related to?
Options
A. India and WTO B. USA and India
C. India and EU D. USA and G20
Answer – C
 Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is a free trade agreement that was
initiated between India and EU in the year 2007. Even after years of negotiations the
countries are yet to resolve the deadlock that prevails in and around the issues of fulfilling
BTIA.
 India is concerned that it has not been given “data secure” status by the EU. Also, the visa
rules of UK have discriminated against Indian technical professionals. In 2016, India
cancelled several bilateral agreements signed earlier with the EU claiming that they were
outdated.
 EU wants India to reduce tax on liquor, automobiles. However, in the interest of promoting
domestic automobile industry, India is unable to fulfill the demand. EU also wants India to
liberalize legal services and accountancy. It also wants India to sign pacts that will allow
investors to avail Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism at the WTO.
News - On December 21, 2019, the EU President called on PM Modi to discuss regarding an early
India-EU summit 2020. It is expected that the leaders will discuss on making progress on the issues
related to Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), Europol, counter-terrorism, Euroatom,
climate climate change, etc. The summit is to be held in Brussels. https://www.business-
standard.com/article/pti-stories/european-council-prez-calls-pm-modi-talks-india-eu-ties-
119122200034_1.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ65
Davos Manifesto 2020, seen in news is related to?
Options
A. G20 B. G7
C. World Economic Forum D. IMF
Answer – C
News - On December 22, 2019, the World Economic Forum said that around 3,000 world leaders
will meet at its 50th annual meeting. Theme: Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.
The event is expected to have huge expectations as the UN Global Climate Summit failed to meet
the required climate actions. Though the WEF meet does not focus on climate, it will make key
decisions considering climate change as one of the factors. From India union ministers Piyush
Goyal and Mansukh Mandaivya are to attend the meeting along with 100 CEOs. Along with the
ministers, the chief ministers of three states will also attend the meeting. The event is to be held in
Davos between January 21, 2020 and January 24, 2020. The leaders believe that it is essential and
critical to develop “Davos Manifesto 2020”. The manifesto will aim to make the governments and
companies reconsider or reimagine their steps of progress. A Universal ESG Scorecard is to be
published at the WEF International Business Council meet. The Davos Manifesto 2020 provides a
vision for stakeholder capitalism that touches on a range of important issues of our time,
including fair taxation, zero tolerance for corruption, executive pay and respect for human rights.
wef-2020-union-ministers-cms-over-100-indian-ceos-to-attend-davos-summit
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ66
“Chillai-Kalan”, “Chillai Khurd”, “Chillai Bachha” seen in news is related to?
Options
A. Kashmir
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Kohima
Answer – A
 ‘Chillai-Kalan’ - known for sub-zero temperatures, frozen lakes and river, began on 21
December 2019 and will end on 31 January 2020. These 40 days are when the chances of
snowfall are highest and the maximum temperature drops considerably. During Chillai-Kalan,
the weather in Kashmir valley continues to remain dry and cold with minimum temperatures
hovering below freezing point and the snow during this 40-day period freezes and lasts longer.
 ‘Chillai-Khurd' - Even after Chillai-Kalan ends, the cold wave, however, continues even after
that. Therefore Chillai-Kalan is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small
cold) that occurs between January 31 and February 19
 ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) - 10-day-long period which is from February 20 to March 2
News –
The traditional 40-day period of harshest winter in Kashmir known in the local parlance as ‘Chillai-
Kalan’ began on 21 December 2019
harshest-winter-phase-chillai-kalan-begins-in-kashmir-with-upper-region-receiving-heavy-snowfall
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ67
Common currency “Eco” is related to some?
Options
A. East European nations B. South Pacific Islands
C. North Baltic nations D. West African nations
Answer – D
News - The eight West African nations have agreed to change the name of their common currency
from ‘CFA franc’ to ‘Eco’, after they jointly severed the CFA franc’s links to former colonial ruler
France. The 8 West African countries namely- Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger,
Senegal, Togo and Guinea-Bissau currently use CFA France as their currency. All these countries,
except Guinea-Bissau, are former French colonies
Ivory Coast President announced the three major changes, which included-
(1) a change of name of the currency;
(2) stopping holding 50% of reserves in French Treasury;
(3) withdrawal of French governance in any aspect related to the currency.
GK fact - Ivory Coast is world's top cocoa producer
http://newsonair.nic.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=376483
CFA Franc - It was the name of two currencies-

‘the West African CFA franc’, which was used in 8 West African countries, and
‘Central African CFA franc’, which is used in 6 Central African countries.
Both currencies are guaranteed by French treasury and was created in 1945.
The currency was seen by many as a sign of French interference in its former African colonies even
after countries became independent.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ68
Which of the following are true about Ebola?
1. It was first identified in 2014
2. It is a viral disease which can lead to Organ failure and death
3. It is named after the bat species which initially caused it.
Options
A 1,2,3 B. 2 only C. 1,3 only D. 1 only
Answer – B
 Ebola is a rare but deadly virus which was first identified in 1976 by researchers sent to
investigate an ailment that was killing victims in a remote remote part of Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC).
 The researchers team named the condition after the local Ebola river.
 Ebola causes Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), a rare and deadly disease in people and nonhuman
primates.
 Ebola is triggered by a virus- probably picked up from an infected bat or non-human
primate – that causes blood vessels to leak and can end in organ failure and death. Ebola
has killed more than 11,000 people between 2013 and 2016.
News - Eastern Congo recently documented the first relapse of current Ebola epidemic. The Ebola
outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has so far infected more than 3,300 people and
killed more than 2,200 since the middle of 2018, making it the second-worst on record. According
to World Health Organisation (WHO), this recent relapse happened in Aloya district
https://in.reuters.com/article/health-ebola-congo/first-ebola-relapse-recorded-in-congo-outbreak-who-
says-idINKBN1YO1DQ
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ69
1. India ranks number 1 in fish production in the world
2. Budget 2020 announced creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF)
Options
A.1 only B. Neither 1 nor 2 C. 2 only D. Both 1 and 2
Answer – B
 India ranks second in the world fish production.
 The fisheries sector in the country contributes to 1% of GDP of the country.
 India is second to china with a share of 6% in global aquaculture.
 The proposal for creation of fund was made in budget 2018-19.
 The nodal agencies for the fund is National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD), National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC) and scheduled banks.
 The fund being raised by nodal loaning entities (NLE).
 The estimated fund size is about 7522 crore that will benefit country in both inland and
marine fisheries areas.
 The fund will involve in attracting private investment and technologies in creation and
management of fisheries all around the country.
 The Indian government has taken a lot of other efforts to boost up Indian aquaculture
market such as Integrating all the existing schemes under Blue Revolution, Establishing
‘Brood bank’ for commercially important species to ensure production and supply of
certified broods to hatcheries in the country, developing cold water fishery, improving the
manpower requirements of the fisheries programs.
 Overall, fisheries is a sunrise sector having a lot of future growth possibilities.
News - On December 23, 2019, the department of fisheries (GoI), NABARD and Tamil Nadu
Government signed an agreement to implement Fisheries and Aquaculture NABARD provides
concessional financing to fisheries infrastructure facilities through state governments under FIDF. It
also supports fisheries under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). Tamil Nadu ranks
fourth in total fish production in the country after West Bengal, Andhra, Gujarat and Kerala
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1597251
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ70
Which of the following are true about Quality Council of India?
1. It chairman is appointed by the Prime Minister of India
2. It recently completed its 50 th year of existence
Options
A. 2 only B. Neither 1 nor 2 C. 1 only D. Both 1 and 2
Answer – C
 The QCI was set up in 1997 to establish and promote quality standards across social and
economic sectors.
 The services offered by QCI include quality assessment, accreditation services, quality
promotion, etc.
 It is associated with CII (Confederation of India Industry), ASSOCHAM
 Council is governed by 38-members.
 The chairperson of the council is appointed by the PM of India.
 It functions through 5 main accreditation boards namely NABCB (National Accreditation
Board for Certification Bodies), NABET (National Accreditation Board for Education and
Training), NBQP (National Board for Quality Promotion), NABH (National Accreditation
Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) and NABL.
News - The Quality Council of India (QCI) recently released its survey on imported toys. According to
the report, 66.9% of the toys failed the test. Around 121 varieties were procured and submitted to
NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and calibration Laboratories). Of the tested
varieties, 30% of the plastic toys failed to meet the tests of permissible level of phthalate, heavy
metals, etc. Around 80% of the toys failed to meet the physical and mechanical safety properties. In
the soft toys, 45% failed on phthalate test and 75% failed on tests conducted on mechanical
properties. Of the toys sold in Delhi markets, 85% are from China, followed by Sri Lanka, Malaysia
and Germany. 67-imported-toys-dangerous-for-kids-qci-survey/what-happens-when-a-toy-fails
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ71
Directorate of Forensic Science services (DFSS) comes under Ministry of?
Options
A. Science and Technology B. Earth Sciences
C. Home Affairs D. Health and Family welfare
Answer – C
 Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs inaugurated a State-of-the-Art DNA Analysis Centre
at Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Chandigarh.
 This new Advanced Forensic DNA Analysis Lab is established under Nirbhaya Fund scheme.
 Directorate of Forensic Science services (DFSS) under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
ensured that this Centre is fully equipped with modern DNA Profiling tools and equipment.
 The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) has set up Central Forensic Science
Laboratories (CFSLs) all across country. These are situated at Pune (Maharashtra) Bhopal
(Madhya Pradesh), Chandigarh, Guwahati (Assam), Kolkata (West Bengal) and Hyderabad
(Telangana).
 CFSL assist States/UTs in undertaking forensic examination of evidence.
 However, CFSLs predominant role is to undertake Research & Development (R&D) activities
with a view to develop new forensic techniques, adopt latest developments in basic sciences for
forensic analysis and disseminate this information to other Forensic Science Laboratories.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ72
Which of the following are true about Fluorescence and Phosphorescence?
1. In fluorescence, the radiation is electromagnetic and spontaneous, but it is not, in the
case of phosphorescence
2. In case of phosphorescence, the radiation stops after the source is switched off;
While, in fluorescence, the glow continues for few hours.
Options
A. only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – D
 Both in phosphorescence and fluorescence the radiation is electromagnetic and is
spontaneous.
 In case of fluorescence, the radiation stops after the source is switched off. On the other
hand, in phosphorescence, the glow continues for few hours.
News –
 The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Physical Laboratory
(NPL) developed an ink to combat the problem of fake printing of passports and
counterfeiting of currency notes. The ink has a new security feature of protecting itself
against duplicity. According to the annual report of RBI (2018-19), the risk of duplication of
Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes are higher.
 The ink was produced based on single excitable dual emissive luminescent pigment.
 It was developed based on the concept of fluorescence and phosphorescence phenomena.

 Currently, the currency notes display only one color with the emission of wavelength.
 However, in the ink developed by the scientists features changes in pigment color after the
notes are printed.
 In ambient light the ink shows white color. When the ink is exposed to UV light, it turns red
and when the UV source is switched OFF it turns green.
https://theprint.in/science/csir-develops-advanced-security-ink-to-stop-counterfeiting-of-currency-
notes/337129/
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ73?
Which of the following are true about Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in India?
1. This position was announced during the Budget session of 2020
2. It was first recommended by PM Lal Bahadur Shastri during the 3rd five year plan
3. Chief of Defence Staff is described as ‘first among equals’
4. CDS would be a single-point military advisor whose advice would be binding on service
chiefs of Army, Air Force, Navy
Options
A. 1,2,4 only B. 3 only C. 1,2,3 only D. 3 and 4 only
Answer – D
Chief of Defence Staff
 All five permanent members (P-5 nations) of United Nations Security Council (UNSC)- have
equivalent posts
 CDS position was announced by PM during his Independence Day speech on 15 Aug 2019
 However, a CDS to oversee military was first recommended by the Kargil Review Committee– a
committee set up after Kargil War (1999), to examine lapses in security after war, in which
Pakistani soldiers infiltrated into India, occupied key positions in Kargil mountains and triggered
the war.
 Other committees - Naresh Chandra Committee Report– ‘Report of Task Force on National
Security, General Shekatkar Committee Report– ‘Committee of Experts on Enhancing Capability
and Rebalance Defence Expenditure’
 Chief of Defence Staff, described as ‘first among equals’ among service chiefs, will be tasked
with trimming weapons procurement procedures and integrating operation of Indian armed
forces- Army, Air Force, Navy.
 CDA will act as a military adviser to Government of India and will also head Department of
Military Affairs.
 CDS would also be a single-point military advisor whose advice would be binding on service
chiefs of Army, Air Force, Navy and who would have authority to direct them, along with
authority to create theatre commands as and when needed.
 A CDS would be a four-star general- from either of the Indian Armed Forces- the Army, the Air
Force or the Navy and will be payable to a salary equal to a service chief. The CDS post will have
a fixed term, that is yet to be determined
News -
 Cabinet Committee On Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post that will function as a single
point of contact for different branches of armed forces.
 CCS also approved the report of a high-level committee headed by National Security
Advisor Ajit Doval, which finalised responsibilities and framework for operation of CDS.
Note - The position of Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee is abolished as of Dec 31, 2019. This
was the position of hierarchy in the Indian Armed Forces, roughly based on the British Chiefs of
Staff Committee. The senior-most Chief of Staff(among the 3 armed forces) was appointed to
serve as a Chairman until he retired. The last Chairman was the Chief of the Army Staff General
Bipin Rawat. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/policy/cabinet-committee-on-security-
approves-creation-of-chief-of-defence-staff/article30388145.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ74
Which of the following are true about Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY)?
1. Ministry of Earth Sciences is its nodal ministry
2. It is being implemented across India
3. 50% of its funding is from the World Bank
4. Entire funding will be provided as grants to the states
Options
A. 1,2,4 only B. 3 only C. 1,2,3 only D. 3 and 4 only
Answer – C
 Since, groundwater contributes nearly 65% of India’s total irrigated area, with ABY, the Central
Government seeks to promote Panchayat led ground water management and behavioural
change with primary focus on demand side management. The scheme will also help in supplying
water to every house hold by 2024.
 Nodal Agency is the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
 The scheme will be implemented in identified areas covering 8,350 villages in 78 districts of 7
states- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and
Haryana. The implementation period for plan is over a period of five years from 2020 to 2025.
 It envisages active participation of communities and , also the states will be incentivized for
their achievements
 Water budgeting- water management tool that assists communities for the proper
management of water resources, by estimating the amount of water a landscape will require.
 Union Cabinet had recently approved Rs.6,000 crore rupees for Atal Bhujal Yojana. Out of total
outlay of Rs.6000 crore, 50% shall be in form of World Bank loan (will be repaid by Government
of India) and remaining 50% shall be through Central Assistance from regular budgetary
support.
 The entire funding component including World Bank’s loan and Central Assistance shall be
passed on to States as Grants.
News – Scheme launched by PM on occasion of Atal Bihari Vajpayees bday. pib
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ75
Which of the following are true about National Population Register (NPR)?
1. It is mandatory for every usual resident of country to register in NPR.
2. The year 2020 shall witness the first ever digitization process of NPR data
Options
A. 2 only B. Both 1 and 2 C. 1 only D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – C Digitization happened during 2015 NPR updation as well.

National Population Register
 NPR will be prepared at National, State, District, Sub-District and local (Village or Sub-Town)
level under provisions of Citizenship Act 1955 and Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and
issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
 The NPR exercise aims to create a comprehensive identity database by collecting biometric
and demographic details of every “usual resident” of India.
 It is mandatory for every usual resident of country to register in NPR.
 A ‘usual resident’ is defined as a person who has resided in an area for past 6 months or
more, or a person who intends to reside in that area for next 6 months or more.
 The NPR was last updated in 2010 and 2015. The data for National Population Register was
collected in 2010 along with house-listing phase of 2011 Census
 In 2015, the National Population Register data was updated by conducting door-to-door
surveys and the digitization of updated information had also been completed.
News -
 Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given in principal approval to
clear budgetary allocation of Rs.8,754.23 crore for conducting Census of India, 2021, a
Decennial Census (recurring every 10 years) exercise along with Rs.3,941.35 crore for
updating National Population Register (NPR) across the country (barring Assam)
 Both the exercises will be conducted simultaneously through door-to-door enumeration,
with commencing from April 2020 to September 2020.
Note - Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under Union Ministry of Home Affair - is
responsible for arranging, conducting and analysing results of demographic surveys of India
including Census of India as well as Linguistic Survey of country
https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/cabinet-approves-conduct-of-census-of-india-
2021-and-updation-of-national-population-register-119122401000_1.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ76
Which of the following are true about Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP)?
1. It’s implementing agency is under the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals
2. The project was announced in 2014
Options
Answer – D Department changed recently. So it was in news.
Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP) -

 It came as part of historic Assam Accord signed on 15 August 1985, with a view to bring
socioeconomic development of region, thus it is seen as a part of implementation of Assam
accord.
 On 9 April 2007, then prime minister Manmohan Singh, laid the foundation stone of project at
Lepetkata, 15 km from Dibrugarh.
 But The 1st phase of long-delayed project was commissioned only in late 2015.
 It involves setting up of facilities for manufacture of 2 lakh tonnes of ethylene annually using gas
as feedstock.
 It is the first petrochemical project in the northeastern region of country.
News - The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi has approved the transfer of administrative control of Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer
Limited (BCPL – incorporated in 2007), the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) implementing
Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP) from Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (under Union
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers) to Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MOP&NG).pib
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ77
Which of the following are true about Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index?
1. It was the first tool developed by any large country to monitor progress towards achieving
SDGs at sub-national level.
2. NITI Aayog has the mandate of overseeing adoption as well as monitoring of SDGs in
India, at the national and sub-national level.
Options
Answer – C
 It was the first tool developed by any large country to monitor progress towards achieving
SDGs at sub-national level.
 NITI Aayog has the mandate of overseeing adoption as well as monitoring of SDGs in India,
at the national and sub-national level.
News - NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of Government launched second edition - Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) India Index and Dashboard 2019–20 in Dec 2019
 The first edition of SDG India Index was launched in December 2018.
 2019 edition covers 16 out of 17 SDGs and a qualitative assessment on Goal 17. This marks
an improvement over 2018 Index, which covered only 13 goals. On the basis of progress
made, the Index ranks all States and UTs on 100 indicators drawn from MoSPI’s National
Indicator Framework, comprising of 306 indicators.
 Besides indicating where the States and UTs currently are on SDG implementation, the
Index and Dashboard also charts distance to be travelled to reach SDG targets.
 It has been developed by Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(MoSPI) in collaboration with United Nations in India, and Global Green Growth Institute.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ78
Which of the following are true about Bharath net project?
1. The entire project is being funded by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF)
2. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Telecommunications.
Options
A. Neither 1 nor 2 B. Both 1 and 2 C. 1 only D. 2 only
Answer-B
Bharatnet Project
 The initiative was launched in 2011.
 National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) aims to connect all the 2,50,000 Gram panchayats in
the country and provide 100 Mbps connectivity to all gram panchayats (GPs).
 Based on NOFN experiences, newer, updated and upgraded version - BharatNet was conceived
as a nation-wide broadband network.
 Aim is to increase their speed to 2 to 20 Mbps in the future to all households in rural areas.
 The project is a Centre-State collaborative project, with the States contributing free Rights of
Way for establishing the Optical Fibre Network.
 The entire project is being funded by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF), which was set
up for improving telecom services in rural and remote areas of the country.
 It is seen as a major initiative in order to succeed Digital India.
 It is being implemented by the Ministry of Telecommunications.
 GoI in 2018 announced that all gram panchayats will receive broadband connectivity by 2020 .
News - On December 25, 2019, Union Minister of Communication and IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad
inaugurated “Digital Village Guruwara”.
 During the launch, it was announced that the Government has planned to offer free Wi-Fi
services to all villages till March 2020.
 The government is working under the current target that at least 15% of villages are to be
digitalized in next four years.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ79
1. Epigraphy is the study of ancient Handwritings, while Paleography is the study of ancient
inscriptions
2. The Nagajunakonda inscriptions relates to Pandya dynasty
Options
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer-D
 Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, or epigraphs, as writing; it is the science of identifying

graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural
contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers
 Palaeography or paleography is the study of ancient and historical handwriting. Included in
the discipline is the practice of deciphering, reading, and dating historical manuscripts, and
the cultural context of writing, including the methods with which writing and books were
produced, and the history of scriptoria.
News
 The Epigraphy Branch of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered the earliest
Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered in South India
 This significant finding is also the earliest epigraphic evidence for ‘Saptamatrika’ cult so far.
 The discovery was made in Chebrolu village in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, during
restoring and repairing local Bheemeshwara temple
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/earliest-sanskrit-inscription-in-south-india-found-in-
ap/article30397972.ece
Saptamatrikas are a group of seven female deities worshipped in Hinduism as personifying the
energy of their respective consorts.
 There are references of Saptamatrika worship in early Kadamba copper plates as well as
early Chalukyas and Eastern Chalukya copper plates.
 But this new discovery predates them by almost 200 years.
 The new inscription is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi characters and was issued by Satavahana king
Vijaya in 207 A.D.
 The inscription records construction of a prasada (temple), a mandapa (a pavilion for public
rituals) and consecration of images on southern side of temple by a person named Kartika for
merit of king at temple of Bhagavathi (Goddess) Saktimatruka (Saptamatrika) at Tambrape
(which is the ancient name of Chebrolou).
 All the available records when verified, proved that Chebrolu inscription of Satavahana king
Vijaya issued in his 5th regnal year (207 A.D.) is also the earliest datable Sanskrit inscription
from South India so far.
 Until now the Nagarjunakonda inscription of Ikshavaku king Ehavala Chantamula issued in his
11th regnal year (4th century A.D.) was considered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in South
 The place also yielded another inscription which is in Prakrit language and of Brahmi characters
and belongs to 1st century A.D. This is thus the earliest epigraphic reference to Mutts and
records gift of a cloister mandapa and chaitya to bhavatho (Lord) of the Gadasa Mutt by a
person hailing from Tabaava.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ80
The farmlands in Gujarat border are in great threat from locust invasion. Which of the following
are true?
1. WWF operates the DLIS (Desert Locust Information Service)
2. In India, Locust Warning Organization (LWO) was recently established
Options
Answer – D
 FAO operates the DLIS (Desert Locust Information Service) headquartered in Rome, Italy. It
monitors desert locusts all over the world and gives timely watnings to the countries. It
maintains historical locust archives dating back to 1930s. Also, it provides training and
prepares publications on various aspects all over the world.
 Indian Government in 1939 established Locust Warning Organization (LWO). It operates
under ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). The headquarters of the organization is
located in Jodhpur. The LWO monitors 2 lakh square kilometres of desert area in parts of
Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana
News - The farmlands in Gujarat border are in great threat from locust invasion. The insects were
flying from Pakistan Sindh province and spread in the villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The locusts
emerged from Sudan and Eritrea in the coast of Red Sea. INcasion was alerted by FAO and predicted
by Indian Locust Warning Organization (LWO) news
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ81
Which of the following are true about Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)?
1. It is a pension scheme for senior citizens aged 60 or above.
2. The scheme envisages an assured rate of return annually for 10 years.
3. It is s being implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
Options
A. 3 only B. 1,3 only C. 1,2,3 D. none of the above
Answer – C Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

 It is a pension scheme for senior citizens aged 60 or above.
 The scheme envisages an assured rate of return of 8% annually for 10 years.
 It is s being implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
 PMVVY was announced first in Union Budget of 2017-18
 In Budget 2018-19, the maximum limit under PMVVY was doubled to Rs.15 lakh per senior
citizen.
News - Centre government has made Aadhaar (the unique 12-digit biometric identity number)
mandatory for subscribers of Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). Aadhaar (Targeted
Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 - reads that any individual
desirous of availing benefit under PMVVY scheme who does not possess Aadhaar number or has not yet
been enrolled for Aadhaar, shall be required to apply for Aadhaar enrolment before registering for
scheme. /aadhaar-made-mandatory-for-pmvvy
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ82
Which of the following are false?
1. India is the largest producer of Brinjals in the world
2. The only GM crop approved and allowed to be cultivated in India is BT-Brinjal
Options
Answer – C Both are false

 In India, Brinjal is grown in around 550,000 hectares. India is the second largest producer of
Brinjal after China.
 However, the most common problem faced in brinjal cultivation is attack from pests and
insects.
 In order to avoid this problem, cry1Ac gene that possess insecticidal protein was injected
into brinjal crop. The genes were sourced from soil bacterium.
 These genetically modified brinjals called Bt Brinjals were approved by Genetic Engineering
Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2009
 But was turned down by the then Environment Ministry in 2010.
 Commercial cultivation of Bt brinjal is in use in countries like Bangladesh.
 The impact on human health with the use of Bt Brinjal is not clear, butit is yet to be
approved.
 If apprived, it will lead to cultivation of larger quanitities at cheaper costs (as pesticides are
not required)
News - Two laboratories confirmed illegal Bt brinjal cultivation in Haryana recently. The samples
have also been sent by the Haryana Government to National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
(NBPGR). https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/illegal-bt-brinjal-cultivation-in-
haryana-733481.html Click on below image for more details on NBPGR
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ83
Which of the following are true about Geranium?
1. The plant is originally from South Africa and is predominantly used in manufacturing
essential oils.
2. Geranium acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-septic agent
Options
Answer – C
 The plant is originally from South Africa and is predominantly used in manufacturing
essential oils.
 Geranium acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-septic agent. It has several medicinal
values.
 November is the best suitable sowing season of Geranium.
 In India, the plant is cultivated in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and
North Easter Regions.
News - CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) has developed a new low-cost
technology to produce Geranium saplings.
 The geranium cultivation is being done in aerated glass house currently.
 With the help of the new technology, geranium can be cultivated at farms just like every
other crop.
 Also, the other major problem of Geranium cultivation is availability of saplings.
 The saplings become expensive as the crop gets ruined in rainy season.
 With the new technology, the saplings can easily be obtained as they are being cultivated in
open farms.
 The development has been made under Aroma Mission.
Aroma Mission was launched to boost cultivation of aromatic crops and medicinal plants.
 It includes rosemary, lavender and lemon grass. It aims to help farmers fight climate change
in rural areas.
 Under the mission the crops are to be promoted in unproductive and waste lands.
 It also includes lands that are affected by drought, salinity, water scarcity and floods.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/new-technology-to-boost-production-of-
geranium/article30413963.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ84
Financial Stability Report is released by?
Options
A. Department of Revenue B. Niti Aayog
C. GST council D. RBI
Answer – D
RBI released Financial Stability Report.

 The report is biennial and reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-committee of
Financial Stability and Development Council.
 The report said that the non-performing asset ratio of banks is increasing.
 The Provision Coverage Ratio of banks increased to 61.5% in September 2019 from 60.5% in
March 2019. It is the ratio that gives an indication about the provisions made against bad
loans. When the PCR is higher, the unexposed part of bad loans is lower. Therefore, higher
PCR is good for an economy.
 The report also stated that capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) improved to 15.1%
in September 2019 from 14.3% in March 2019.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/rbi-financial-stability-report-governance-
standards-at-fis-key-to-growth-revival/articleshow/73002814.cms?from=mdr
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ85
Which of the following are true about Budapest convention on cyber crime?
1. India has not adopted this convention
2. It is not binding in nature
Options
A. 1 only B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – B It is binding in nature.

 The Convention on Cybercrime of the Council of Europe (CETS No.185), known as the Budapest
Convention, is the only binding international instrument on this issue. It serves as a guideline for
any country developing comprehensive national legislation against Cybercrime and as a
framework for international cooperation between State Parties to this treaty.
 Council of Europe is an international organization that aims to uphold human rights in Europe.
IT was founded in 1949. There are around 47 member states associated with the organization. It
is totally independent of European Union though it has partly adopted its flag
 The Budapest Convention is supplemented by a Protocol on Xenophobia and Racism committed
through computer systems.
 At present, it is the only treaty of cyber crime under the United Nations.
 Countries like India and Brazil have not adopted the convention on the grounds that they did
not participate in its drafting. Since 2018, India has been reconsidering its stand on the
Convention after a surge in cybercrime, though concerns about sharing data with foreign
agencies remain
News - The United Nations on December 27, 2019, approved a new resolution in order to draft an
international treaty to combat cyber crime. Under the new draft, an expert committee will be
established. It includes all regions of the world and will meet in August 2020. The United States
suggests that the world should expand the accord on existing 2001 Budapest Convention.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/united-nations-adopts-two-russia-
sponsored-resolutions-backed-by-india-on-international-information-
security/articleshow/67298500.cms?from=mdr
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ86
1. Indian Banks Auctions Mortgaged Properties Information (IBAPI) portal is an initiative of
Indian Banks Association (IBA)
2. eBkray, is a common e-auction platform to enable online auction of attached assets
transparently
Options
Answer – B
Indian Banks Auctions Mortgaged Properties Information (IBAPI) portal is an initiative of Indian
Banks Association (IBA) under policy of Department of Financial Services (DFS), Union Ministry of
Finance, to provide details of mortgaged properties to be auctioned online by banks, starting with
PSBs. Buyers can use the IBAPI portal to search and get properties details and participate in auction
process. Currently, 21 banks are onboard on this portal.
News - Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched eBkray, a common e-auction
platform to enable online auction of attached assets transparently and cleanly for the improved
realization of value by banks. The e-auction platform is now linked on Indian Banks Auctions
Mortgaged Properties Information (IBAPI) portal and guidelines have been made available. it aims
to enhance user experience through seamless access to information by search based on type and
location of property put up for e-auction by banks in India
https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/finance-minister-sitharaman-launches-ebkray-ibapi-
auction-platform-for-assets-attached-by-banks/story/392763.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ87
Which of the following are true about Black rhinoceros?
1. IUCN status is “Least concerned”
2. This species of rhinoceros although is referred to as ‘black’, but its colors vary from brown
to grey.
Options
Answer – B
Black rhinoceros
 They are also called as ‘hook-lipped rhinoceros’.
 This species of rhinoceros although is referred to as ‘black’, but its colors vary from brown
to grey.
 They are smaller of two African species (other being the white rhinoceros’ species), and are
found around south and east Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and
Zimbabwe.
 IUCN Status- Critically endangered; (although South-western black rhinoceros is classified
as vuinerable)
 According to charity ‘Save The Rhino’, Black rhinos who are now decimated by poaching,
now numbers only around 5,500.
News - Fausta, a female black rhino, who was believed to be the world’s oldest rhino has died at the
age of 57 in a Tanzanian conservation area. Fausta died of natural causes in captivity in Ngorongoro
Crater, which lies in Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania. As per Ngorongoro authority,
Rhinos’ life expectancy is around 40 years in wild but they can live an extra decade in captivity.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ88
Which of the following Defence exercises is matched incorrectly?
Options
A. Mitra Shakti : India Srilanka B. Surya Kiran : India Nepal
C. Varuna : India UK D. INDRA : India Russia
Answer - C Various editions of all these happened in Dec 2019
Mitra Shakti - The seventh Indo-Sri Lanka joint military exercise was held on December 1, 2019 at
Aundh military station. The Mitra Shakti exercise was started in 2013 and is conducted annually as a
part of military diplomacy and interaction between the armies of India and Sri Lanka. It is
important for India to maintain good relations with its neighbors in political, economic, social ways.
This will also help India in implementing its Neighbourhood first Policy. With China increasing its
presence in Sri Lanka (Hambantota port), it becomes vital for India to revive and boost historical
ties.
‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ - Annual Joint military exercise between India and Nepal. 2019 edition
conducted at Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal from 3 to 16 December 2019. Conducted to
increase interoperability in jungle warfare and counter terrorist operations in mountainous terrain,
medical and environmental conservation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief including
aviation aspects.
The Joint tri service exercise between India and Russia, INDRA 2019 was held between December
10-19, 2019 in Pune. The event was planned for 10 days between army, naval and air force forces of
both the countries. The exercise was held in Pune and Goa simultaneously. The series of INDRA
exercises between India and Russia began in 2003. However, the first joint tri service exercise
began in 2017
India and France are to launch joint naval patrolling mission after the Varuna Naval Exercise that
was held in May, 2019. The navies will operate joint patrols with Indian Navy deploying P8I
maritime surveillance and the French Navy operating from Reunion Islands. The Reunion Islands is
an island of France in the Indian Ocean. It was discovered in 16th century by the Portuguese. France
has bases in Reunion Islands, Djibouti and Mayottee to balance China. The joint mission is
important as China is expanding its naval influence in the region. China has increased its presence in
the region through its strategic bases like Gwadar in Pakistan, Hamabantota in Sri Lanka and a key
military facility in Djibouti, Horn of Africa.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ89
Which of the following are true about Economic Census in India?
1. It is being conducted nationwide through Common Service Centres (CSC)
2. The Ministry of Finance is conducting the survey
Options
Answer – A
The Seventh Economic Census is being conducted nationwide through Common Service Centres
(CSC) and is expected to be completed by March 2020. This is the first time the census is being
conducted digitally. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation conducting the census
has tied up with CSC e-governance services. The Indian Economic Census is counting
entrepreneurial units in the country. It involves both agricultural and non-agricultural activities. It
provides information such as number of persons employed, number of establishments, type of
ownership, source of finance, etc. Previous editions - 1977, 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013. The 1980
and 1990 ones were integrated with population census.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/seventh-economic-census-launched-in-
delhi/article30297624.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ90
Which of the following are true about Market capitalization(M-cap)?
1. It is calculated by multiplying a company's shares outstanding by the current market price
of one share.
2. State Bank of India has recently crossed the $100 billion market capitalization (M-Cap)
Options
A. Both 1 and 2
B. 2 only
C. 1 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – C
HDFC Bank Ltd has crossed the $100 billion market capitalization (M-Cap) in intraday trading, thus
becoming only the third company in India to achieve this milestone. HDFC is now in league of
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which has a market value of $140.74 billion, and Tata Consultancy
Services Ltd. (TCS) that has a market capitalization of $114.60 billion. Market capitalization(M-cap)
is calculated by multiplying a company's shares outstanding by the current market price of one
share. The investment community uses this figure to determine a company's size, as opposed to
sales or total asset figures. Let's assume the Company ABC Corp. has 10,000,000 shares outstanding
and the current share price is $9. Based on this information and the formula above, we can
calculate that Company ABC Corp.'s market capitalization is 10,000,000 x $9 = $90 million.
https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/hdfc-bank-crosses-100-billion-in-market-cap-
11576733130158.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ91
Which of the following reports are matched correctly with the body which releases it?
1. Global Tobacco use trends : WHO
2. Gender Gap report : UNDP
3. India Skills report : Niti Aayog
Options
A. 1,2,3 B. 2 only C. 1 only D. 1,3 only
Answer – C All these reports were released in Dec 2019

India Skills Report was released jointly by the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), AICTE (All
India Council for Technical Education), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and AIU
(Association of Indian University). The report provides employability of citizens in the country
across the states and. The report also ranked the cities based on the availability of employment.
Employable talent
 States - Maharasthra > Tamil Nadu > UP
 Cities - Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune
 Profession - MBA > Pharmacy > Commerce and arts
 Gender - female (47%) > Male (46%)
World Economic Forum released its Gender Gap report

 India's rank in 2019 - 112. It was 108 in 2018 and 98 in 2006
 India was ranked in bottom-five in terms of survival and economic participation.
 India’s performance was lagging in three out of four metrics used for ranking the countries.
 The report also said that opportunities for women in India is very low.
 The World Economic Forum published its first report in 2006. Since then performance of
India has deteriorated.
 Sex ratio of India was low as compared to other countries (91 girls for every 100 boys).
The World Health Organization on December 19, 2019, released its report on Global Tobacco use
trends. According to the report, number of males using tobacco has declined globally for the first
time. Of all the regions of the world, South East Asian region has the highest use of tobacco. The
only region on track to achieve the target is the America. India is off track to achieve the target of
30% reduction by 2025 as compared to 2010 level. Along with India 163 countries are off the track.
However, the consumption rate in India is going down by 21.6% as compared to 2010
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) published a report according to which

arms sales rose by 5% through out the world in 2018. Amongst arms manufacturers, US
manufacturers accounted for 59% of global weapon market. Next to the US, Russia ranked second
in arms production contributing 8.6% of the weapon market. UK and France ranked third and fourth
contributing 8.4% and 5.5% respectively. The study did not include China as there was insufficient
data. Turkey was the largest buyer of S-400 missiles in spite of US threat of sanctions.
SIPRI established in 1966 , is an international independent think tank institute based in Stockholm,
Sweden, dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ92
Which of the following are true regarding state languages?
1. Making a language as state language, involves amending of the constitution
2. Constitutionally, the state legislature might adopt one or more languages to be used as its
official languages
Options
Answer – C
Assam Cabinet nodded to make Assamese language the state language of Assam. This will exclude
BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Administrative Districts), Barak Valley and Hill districts of Assam. The
cabinet has also suggested that Assamese will be made compulsory in all schools of Assam.
Currently Assamese and Bodo are the official languages in Assam. However, certain districts of
Assam in Barak valley use Bengali as official language. In order make the move successful, the
Central Government will now have to amend Article 345.
 Article 345 says that subject to provisions of Article 346 and 347, the state legislature might
adopt one or more languages to be used as official languages
 Article 346 states that the states are authorized to decide on the language of communications
amongst them and with the centre. However, such a language should have been authorized by
the centre
 Article 347 provides special provisions to language spoken to a section of a population. The
President if satisfied shall assent on usage of the language
https://www.firstpost.com/india/assam-cabinet-nod-to-accord-stature-of-state-language-to-assamese-
may-stifle-growth-of-other-tongues-spoken-by-a-few-7816281.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ93
Which of the following are true about Hong Kong Convention, 2009 for the safe and
environmentally sound recycling of ships?
1. It is overseen by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
2. India ratified to the convention recently in 2019
3. It has still not met the conditions to come into force
Options
A. 1 only
B. 1,3 only
C. 1,2 only
D. 1,2,3
Answer D
 The Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling
of ships, or Hong Kong Convention is a mulitateral convention adopted in 2009, which has
not entered into force.
 The conference that created the convention was attended by 63 countries, and overseen by
the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The convention has been designed to
improve the health and safety of current ship breaking practices.
 The convention was open for signature between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010,
and remained open for accession afterwards. It will enter into force two years after "15
states, representing 40% of the world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, and on average
3% of recycling tonnage for the previous 10 years, have either signed it without reservation
as to ratification, acceptance or approval, or have deposited instruments of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession with the Secretary General".
 Conditions were not met as of 2020:
News – Parliament passed the landmark ‘The Recycling of Ships Bill 2019’ for Safe and
Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships in India. It joins together the existing Shipbreaking Code
(revised),2013 and the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention, 2009. Thereby, now, ships to be
recycled in India will need to obtain a ‘Ready for Recycling Certificate’ in accordance with Hong
Kong Convention. India is the world’s largest ship breaking industry country and carries out 30%
share of the global ship recycling industry. The Recycling of Ships will in turn boost business &
employment opportunities and strengthen India’s position in recycling industry. It will raise brand
value of India’s Ships Recycling Yards located at Alang (Gujarat), Mumbai Port, Kolkata Port &
Azhikkal (Kerela). 10% of country’s Secondary steel needs, which is an outcome of Recycling of
Ships, will be met in an eco-friendly manner.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ94
General Data Protection Regulation seen in news is closely related to?
Options
A. USA B. India C. European Union D. none of these
Answer – C
The General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 is a regulation in EU law on data protection and
privacy in the European Union and the European Economic Area. It also addresses the transfer of
personal data outside the EU and EEA areas
News - According to a new report from Comparitech, a Britain-based tech research firm, India is
fifth worst country after China, Malaysia, Pakistan and United States in terms of extensive and
invasive use of biometric data. The low score demonstrated better restrictions and regulations
regarding biometric use and surveillance. India scored 19 and was ranked relatively lower in the list
of worst countries for biometric data collection. India was based on not permitting law enforcement
to get access to national biometric database known as Aadhaar. Countries in European Union (EU)
scored better overall than non-EU countries due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
regulations, which protects the use of biometrics at workplace to some extent.
https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/india-5th-worst-country-for-people-s-privacy-
biometric-data-collection-report-11575552283975.html
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ95
120th birth anniversary of Shaheed Udham Singh being celebrated. Which of the following are
true?
1. He was a member of the Ghadar Party
2. Hi is the one of the survivors of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
3. He executed General Dyre, the officer was gave orders to shoot on an unarmed crowd
Options
A. 2 only B. 1 only C. 1,3 only D. 1,2 only
Answer – D
He executed the Punjab governor of the times of Jallianwalah bagh. Not the officer Dyre
120th birth anniversary of Shaheed Udham Singh being celebrated
 Freedom fighter from Punjab. Belonged to Ghadar party.
 He was present in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on the fateful Baisakhi festival (festival of
harvest) on 13 April 1919, where about 20,000 unarmed men, women and children
gathered and General Dyer arrived with his troops, sealed the only exit to park and opened
fire without any warning on unarmed crowd.
 He made his way to England arrived there in 1933 to execute Michael O’Dwyer, who was
then governor of Punjab responsible for brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He opened fire
at Michael O’Dwyer in Caxton Hall in London, killing him on spot in March 1940. Udham
Singh was then hanged four months later at Pentonville Prison and his mortal remains were
handed over to India in 1974. http://newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=376658
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ96
Khadi and Village Industries Commission works under the ministry of?
Options
A. Textiles
B. MSME
C. Rural development
D. none of these
Answer – B
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on promotion of honey production
Khadi outlets to also display CSIR products.
 KVIC is a statutory body established by Union Government, under the Parliament’s ‘Khadi
and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956’. It was founded in 1956 with headquartered
in Mumbai. It works under Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
 CSIR was established by Government of India as an autonomous body, mainly funded by
Ministry of Science and Technology, in September 1942.
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ97
1. National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), is a National level organization
set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family welfare
2. India performs the largest number of transplants in world, next only to USA
Options
A. 1 only B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – A
 The 10th Indian Organ Donation Day was celebrated on 30 November 2019.
 The celebration was organised by NOTTO (National Organ & Tissue Transplant
Organization.
 Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) had launched 6th World and first ever
Indian Organ Donation Day and Organ Donation Congress in 2010.
 Union government set up National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) as a
mandate of Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.
 NOTTO is a National level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services,
Ministry of Health and Family welfare. It has two divisions: "National Human Organ and
Tissue Removal and Storage Network” and "National Biomaterial Centre”.
 NOTTO is responsible for putting systems in place for organ donation, carrying out activities
for promotion of organ donation from deceased persons, and transplantation and training
needed manpower etc.
 NOTTO sets up networking among hospitals and tissue banks at national level, while ROTTO
at regional level and SOTTO at State level.
 As per data available on Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation, India
performs 2nd largest number of transplants in world, next only to USA. However, India has
a dismal 0.65 per million population (PMP) Organ Donation Rate and need is to improve
this.
 NOTTO of Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry (MoHFW) conferred, Organ Donation
Awards on the occasion of 10th National Organ Donation Day.
 Tamil Nadu bagged- Best State Award in cadaveric organ donation. The state won the award
for the fifth consecutive year.
 Madhya Pradesh won- Best SOTTO (State Organ Tissue Transplant Organisation) award,
 Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai won Best Performing
Hospital Award.
 Gujarat bagged 3 awards of central government including Best SOTTO (State Organ Tissue
Transplant Organisation), Best Hospital and Best Coordinator in field of organ donation
activities.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/which-state-tops-transplants-in-
india/article30153421.ece
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ98
1. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is a navratna company
2. National Rail Transport Institute was set up as deemed to be a university
Options
A. Neither 1 nor 2
B. 1 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. 2 only
Answer – D
The Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has set up the new state-of-the-art LPG Bottling
Plant at Village Barkani in Bolangir district of Odisha. BPCl is a Maharatna oil and gas company, that
function under the control of Government of India. The PSU (public sector undertaking) was
founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. BPCL operates India’s two large
refineries located in Kochi and Mumbai.
National Rail Transport Institute (NRTI) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
University of Birmingham in Rail Bhawan, New Delhi to set up its first Centre of Excellence for Next
Generation Transportation Systems. NRTI has been operational since 2018 and was set up as
deemed to be university. The strategy by NRTE is focussed upon sourcing best expertise globally
from leading global institutions via institutional partnerships for collaborating on developing
curriculum, research projects as well as executive education programs.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1596945
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ99
Nagpur resolution seen in news is focused on?
Options
A. Cleanliness is close to Godliness B. Reducing Income disparities
C. Live and Let live D. Minimum Government and Maximum Governance
Answer – D
“Nagpur Resolution” was adopted during a Valedictory session of a regional conference organized
by DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances). The conference was on
“Improving Public Service Delivery”. According to the resolution, it is important to adopt a
development-oriented approach including last man in the queue to achieve job satisfaction. The
resolution focused on “Minimum Government and Maximum Governance”
#Dec-2019-CA-MCQ100
1. National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is registered under societies Registration Act.
2. NADA deals with research, adopting and implementing anti-doping rules and policies
which conform with World Anti-Doping Agency
Options
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – C
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has slapped Russia with a four-year ban from
international sports events, over longstanding doping scandal. The ban includes next summer’s
Tokyo Olympics (which opens 24 July 2020) and 2022 Beijing Winter Games. However, Russia’s anti-
doping agency can appeal decision to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days. The WADA
ruling means that Russia’s flag, name and anthem will not appear at Tokyo Games, and the country
also could be stripped of hosting world championships in Olympic sports. Although Russia’s athletes
will still be able to compete in major events only if they can show that they are not implicated in
positive doping tests or if their data was not manipulated. In India, National Anti-Doping Agency
(NADA) is registered under societies Registration Act. It includes scientists and representatives from
the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). NADA deals with research, adopting and implementing anti-
doping rules and policies which conform with World Anti-Doping Agency. It also works with all other
anti doping agencies of the world.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/anti-doping-agency-imposes-4-year-ban-on-russia-
1.4721257?cache=%3FclipId%3D89619
The following “snippets”, are a new addition , designed since 2019 batch.
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given to students by others, just to make up MCQ count.
But we give you 100 best MCQs plus these facts.
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And we give exactly those lines which UPSC can pick up and ask.
No junk. No burden. Easy learning with Vysh.
In short, this will be more effective than reading any other monthly current
affair magazine available right now in India.
Extra Snippets for Prelims based on Dec 2019

Defence
‘Iron Union 12’, a joint military exercise between ground forces of United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and the United States, commenced on 10 December 2019
The 8th India-China joint training exercise Hand-In-Hand 2019 was held at Umroi, Meghalaya from
7 to 20 December 2019. The exercise is being conducted under the theme of counter terrorism
under United Nations mandate. Two tactical exercises scheduled during training are on: (1) counter
terrorism scenario; (2) Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard at Cochin port conducted large scale anti-hijacking exercise.
The exercise was called Apharan. Piracy returned in 21st century after Somalian pirates began to
hijack commercial ships and demand large ransoms. The Indian Navy began its anti-piracy
operations in Gulf of Aden since 2008. In 2008, 10 terrorists involved in Mumbai terror attack made
their way through sea.
The MiG-27, which is known to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) as the ‘Flogger’ and to
Indian Air Force (IAF) as ‘Bahadur’, flew its last sortie in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. After this flight, IAF bid
adieu to its squadron of seven aircraft as all were decommissioned. The jets were infamous for
routine accidents throughout their career with Indian Air Force.
In order to secure the CPEC sea route, China and Pakistan have signed a deal to build drones with
maximum payload of 480 kg, with top speed of 370 km per hour and can fly up to 20 hours. The
drones are called Loong II. These drones are similar to the MQ-9 Reaper drones developed by the
US.
The first night trial of long-range nuclear capable Agni-III surface-to-surface Ballistic Missile was
carried out at Integrated Test Range (ITR) at APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. However,
the Agni-III missile’s maiden night trial ended in ‘failure’. It is not the first failure of Agni series
missile as in the past, two other variants of missile, Agni-I and Agni-II, have failed during both
development and user trials. Agni-III is developed by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and has already been inducted in Indian armed forces in 2011. Missile range
covers all major cities of Pakistan and China. The missile is propelled by two-stage solid propellant
and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.
Missile is 17 metres tall and has a diameter of 2-metre, it weighs around 50 tonne.
India has successfully conducted another night trial of its indigenously developed nuclear capable
Prithvi-2 missile from a mobile launcher of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha
coast. It is deployed by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the armed forces. The 9-metre-tall,
single-stage liquid- fuelled ‘Prithvi’ is first missile to have been developed by DRDO under IGMDP.
The missile has been already inducted into the armoury of defence forces in 2003. It is a tactical
surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a strike range of 350 kilometres and is
capable of carrying 500-1,000 kilograms of warheads. The state-of-the-art missile is powered by
liquid propulsion twin engines and uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring
trajectory to hit its target.
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) test fired the supersonic Cruise missile
Brahmos successfully from Odisha’s Chandipur. Brahmos is a joint venture between DRDO of India
and NPOM of Russia. After India entered into MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) India
extended the range of BRAHMOS missile to 600 km. It is also one of the fastest cruise missiles that
operates at the speed of 2.8 Mach, which is three times the speed of sound. Philippines confirmed
contract with India for medium range Brahmos Cruise Missiles.
Pinaka missile was successfully test fired from Odisha. It is a modified version of Pinaka Mk-II
rocket. The rocket was added with integrated navigation, control and guidance system in order to
improve the end accuracy. The missile navigation will be aided by the IRNSS (Indian Regional
Navigation Satellite System). Previously, Pinaka was test fired at Pokhran, Rajasthan in March 2019.
It is an artillery missile. It is capable of striking an enemy territory till 75 km of range with high
precision. Pinaka was used for the first time in Kargil war. The manufacturing of Pinaka missiles
began with the help of Russian technology transfer. The plan was formulated in 1983 and
manufacturing began in 1994
DRDO test fired the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) successfully. The QRSAM is a
missile developed by DRDO along with Bharat Electronics Limited for the Indian army. In 2007, the
proposal of QRSAM was launched as a replacement for Osa-AK and Kvadrat missile systems. The
missile was also designed with single stage propulsion, a navigation system with 2-way data link
that were developed by DRDO.
The Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria is set to
participate in Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium 2019 (PACS 2019) being held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-
Hickam in Hawaii (a state of USA). Theme for 2019’s symposium is: ‘A Collaborative Approach to
Regional Security’. United States of America is the host country for symposium. Air Chiefs from
across the Indo-Pacific region are participating in the conference. In addition to USA, Air Chiefs from
20 countries are present at Symposium.
Union Ministry of Defence has authorized every member of Coast Guard under Coast Guard Act
1978, to visit, board, search and seize any suspicious vessel and arrest people for offences within
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of country. The permission also includes
seizing of any artificial island/ any floating or moored object/ any underwater object including any
maritime property involved or suspected to be used in the commission of any offence. Therefore,
empowering Indian Coast Guard will now enhance coastal security. Before this notification, the
maritime security agency did not have the power to board any vessel that passes through India’s
EEZ. The Coast Guard then used provisions of Customs Act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Act and other relevant acts to board and seize vessels in EEZ. However, it did not have
necessary legal backing and many cases would fall flat in court. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an
independent Armed force of India that was formally established by Coast Guard Act, 1978 of
Parliament. It protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over
territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). It
operates under the Ministry of Defence and works in close cooperation with Indian Navy,
Department of Revenue (Customs), Department of Fisheries, and Central and State police forces.
Warship builder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has delivered a Landing
Craft Utility (LCU) to Indian Navy. The LCU delivered is 7th out of eight such vessels being built for
Indian Navy by GRSE. LCU is an amphibious ship, that can transport and deploy main battle tanks,
armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore. LCU can also be deployed for multi-
role activities such as disaster relief operations, search and rescue, supply and replenishment,
beaching operations and evacuation from distant islands. The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mark IV
class of ships, the first of which was commissioned into Indian Navy in 2016, are fitted with close to
90% indigenous equipment. The GRSE, one of India’s leading shipyards, located in Kolkata (West
Bengal), has so far manufactured 103 warships since its inception in 1960.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA), India’s civil aviation authority has given approval
to the applications of Google-backed hyperlocal delivery startup Dunzo and Bengaluru-based
drone maker Throttle Aerospace Systems to test long-range and autonomous drone use. The
approvals are a part of the DGCA’s experimental programme, called beyond visual line of sight
(BVLOS) drone operations, which was notified in May 2019. The BVLOS Experiment Assessment and
Monitoring (BEAM) Committee will be responsible for overseeing the evidence collected on use of
drones and their safety aspects as well as submitting findings before Centre Government frames
laws for long-range and autonomous drone use.
Space
The Indian Space Research Organization will set up five Space Technology Cells at the premier
institutes in order to carry out research activities. It includes IISc, IITs in Kharagpur, Bombay,
Madras and Kanpur. Under the programme, the experts will conduct space technology research
and applications. Currently, such a joint programme is being implemented by IIT-Roorke, DRDO and
ISRO on “Thin Membrane-based technology to develop parachutes for fighter aircraft”. The Space
Technology cells were established under RESPOND Programme that was started in 1970s. The
projects run for stipulated time period. New cells are formed after the completion of time period of
the project. Under the programme, the cells develop propulsion systems design and optimization,
rocket and satellite technology, aerodynamics and heat transfer related problems
International Astronomical Union (IAU) named a white yellow star in Sextans Constellation as
“Bhibha” and its planet as “Santamasa”, honoring Indian Woman Scientist Bhibha Choudhury who
discovered subatomic particle pi-meson. Pi meson or pion is a subatomic particle. They are
unstable and existing with positive, negative and neutral charges. It means that they are present in
proton, neutron and electron of an atom. Bhibha means a bright beam of light in Bengali. The name
is appropriate as the planet’s atmosphere is clouded. The IAU that celebrated its 100th birth
anniversary on July 28, 2019, allowed every country to give a famous name to selected pair of
exoplanet and its host star.
Ethiopia launched its first satellite, ‘Ethiopian Remote Sensing Satellite’ (ETRSS) from China. ERSS
is a remote-sensing microsatellite, that was launched in order to help African country’s research
into climate change. This launch makes Ethiopia the 11th African country to put a satellite into
space and Egypt was the first in 1998. It was sent into space together with 8 other satellites by a
Long March-4B carrier rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC) in Shanxi Province of
north China.
The above launch also included CBERS-4A: New China-Brazil earth resource satellite. It was jointly
developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and National Institute for Space Research
(NISR) of Brazil, while the carrier rocket was developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight
Technology. It will replace CBERS-4 (2014). These missions give strength to BRICS. Among BRICS,
South Africa is the only country without its own satellite.
China has successfully launched its largest and heaviest carrier rocket, Long March-5(CZ-5),
carrying the Shijian-20 satellite, from Wenchang Space Launch Center (WSLC) in south China’s
Hainan Province.
Science
The Indian Railways has introduced an environment friendly and energy efficient solution in
passenger trains to address noise and air pollution. The technology changes the locomotives and
coaches and makes them suitable for Head On Generation. Here, the power will be drawn from
overhead Electric supply. Huge noise making fume emitting power generators will be replaced by
silent generators. It was first introduced in India in 1996 when India signed an agreement with
Germany. Germany transferred the technology to the Indian Coach Factories. Rajdhani, Samprak
Kranti, Duronto, Shatabdi and Hamsafar are some of the trains where the technology was first
implemented.
The Ministry of Human Resource and Development has introduced Artificial Intelligence in classes
VIII, IX and X in CBSE schools. The CBSE has collaborated with several organization like Microsoft,
Intel, IBM and so on in order to create the module of Artificial Intelligence. Around 1000 teachers
were trained for hands-on knowledge on tools such as Flipgrid, OneNote, Outlook, Minecraft, etc.
World Health Organization approved its first biosimilar medicine “Trastuzumab” to treat breast
cancer. The WHO intends to make the expensive, life-saving treatment affordable for women all
over the world. It was included in the WHO Essential Medicines List in 2015. Biosimilar medicines
are produced from biological sources like cells and not from synthesized chemicals. They are
important to treat cancers and other non-communicable diseases. They are less expensive and give
same effectiveness as that of generic medicines. The trastizumab is already in use in several
markets. But this is the first time, WHO is approving the medicine.
Infosys announced the launch of three blockchain-powered distributed applications for

government services, supply chain management and insurance domains. Block-chain Technology is
a decentralized, distributed ledger that records the source of a digital asset, while, Block-chain is a
new data structure which is secure and cryptography-based across a network. This technology
supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and transfer of any data or digital asset. A
blockchain consists of three important concepts- blocks, nodes and miners.
IIT-H fellow launches Vaccination On Wheels in collaboration with Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation. Grant was given under the Foundation’s ‘Grand Challenges Explorations’ (US $100
million initiative). This clinic will go to schools, colleges and corporates to conduct vaccination
camps at their doorsteps. It is a unique, unconventional, creative, low-cost and high on convenience
model that has been designed with idea of reaching the bottom of the pyramid.
The study of National Institute of Immunology (NII) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT), have
found that women having chickenpox infection may transmit their infection to babies during their
pregnancy. A person being infected by the virus and treated gains immunity lifelong. Research says
that this immunity is transferred to the child as well. Chicken Pox is a highly contagious viral
disease caused by Varicella Zoster Virus.
5G (the fifth generation of wireless technology) trials are expected to begin in the last quarter of
current fiscal (2019-2020). Any proposal on 5G is required to address twin considerations, with first
being the adoption of new technology, and second the imperatives of national security. The 5G
technology has phenomenal potential of speed and futuristic applications but it is yet to evolve and
major global players are themselves in process of evaluating ecosystem and use cases for 5G.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)
signed an agreement to develop new drugs and repurposing of drugs for India and for global
markets. The team research work is also joined by Cipla. Drug repurposing is identifying new uses
of approved or investigational drugs. It is used to treat common and rare diseases. The main
advantage of using repurposing drugs is its reduced development cost, shortened development
timings and increased use of de-risked compounds. CSIR research includes oceanography, space
physics, drugs, biotechnology, etc. CSIR is currently implementing a mission “New CSIR for New
India” to be completed by 2022. The vision of the mission is to enable innovation-driven industry
and catalyze inclusive economic development. The institute holds 84th rank among 4851
institutions in the world according to the Scimago institutions ranking world report.
Environment
Assam has set up 15 Anti-Depredation Squads of Forest department to deal with human-wildlife
conflicts in state.
The first fully electronic flight in the world completed its test flight successfully on December 10,
2019. The zero emission completely electronic flight proved that all-electric commercial aviation is
possible. The flight is to operate from Vancouver, Canada to the near by islands
New policy to make Delhi the capital of Electric vehicles. The government has planned to provide
subsidies to electric vehicles. The goal of the policy is to ensure that 25% of new vehicles registered
are electric by 2024. Along with electric vehicles, the government also has planned to construct 250
charging stations. It also includes 20% of the parking enabled for electric vehicles. Electric Vehicles
are constantly being promoted all over the world as they do not emit pollution. Also, the central
government has reduced GST rates for electric vehicles. These vehicles will help India achieve the
target of reducing green house gas emissions by 33% by 2030 as compared to 2005 level
Scientists have discovered the remnants of world’s oldest fossil forest- an extensive network of
trees around 386 million years old in a sandstone quarry in United States (US). The research shows
that the forest was home to at least two types of trees:- (1) Cladoxylopsids, a primitive tree-fern-
like plants, lacked flat green leaves, and grew in vast numbers at Gilboa; while (2) Archaeopteris,
had a conifer-like woody trunk and frond-like branches which had green flattened leaves. A single
example of a third type of tree was also uncovered, which remained unidentified but could possibly
have been a lycopod. All these trees reproduced using only spores rather than seeds. Researchers
also reported an extensive network of roots which was more than 11 metres in length in some
places and belonged to Archaeopteris trees. It is these long-lived woody roots that transformed
interactions of plants and soils and were pivotal to co-evolution of forests and atmosphere..
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) added about 1,840 new species to
its updated “Red List of Threatened Species”, a catalogue of plants and animals that risk
extinction. The group released its Red List update in the middle of COP25 climate talks in Madrid,
Spain. The year 2020 will see two global IUCN gatherings, first in June in Marseille, France and
another in Kunming, China, in October. Dozens of species of birds and plants are now also
threatened by rising temperatures. However, IUCN also highlighted a small handful of conservation
successes, including the recovery of Guam Rail, a bird previously listed as extinct in wild.
Supreme Court of India ordered the Centre and the Delhi Governments to hasten the pilot project
of setting up smog towers at Connaught place. Smog Towers are air purification structures that are
designed to work as air purifiers. They are fitted with multiple air purifiers. Being developed by
Kurin systems. It is a successful project and China has fitted two smog towers in the city of Beijing
and Xi’an. The Kurin cleaner will remove PM 10 and PM 2.5 upto 99.99%. It will run on solar energy
National Energy Conservation Week is celebrated all over India from December 14 to December
20. Energy Conservation Day (Dec 14) is an initiative of Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The objective
of the day is to demonstrate achievements of government in saving energy and conservation. The
Petroleum Conservation Research Association is an inter-governmental body that was created in
1978 under the aegis of the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas , to promote energy
conservation. It creates public awareness in saving fossil fuels. The BEE was established in 2001,
under Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The aim of the organization is to reduce energy demands.
Every year 2 December is observed as National Pollution Control Day to commemorate the people
who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident of Bhopal Gas Tragedy that occurred on this day in
1984. Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred after a highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas made its way
into and around area situated near Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal
and is considered as the world’s worst industrial disaster.(around 3750 deaths). National Pollution
Control Board (NPCB) is national governing body responsible for regulating conducts checks on
industries to know whether they are following environmental regulations or not.
The first meeting of Consultative Committee of Ministry of Petroleum was chaired by the Minister
of Petroleum Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. GoI is planning to increase share of Natural gas in the
energy sector from 6.2% to 15% by 2030. Also, the contribution of biofuels and its usage are to be
increased. GoI introduced Ethanol Blended Programme to reduce dependency of oi imports,
address environmental concerns and to boost agriculture sector. Government re-introduced
administered price mechanism, amended Industries (Development and Regulation) act, 1951,
reduced GST rates of ethanol from 18% to 5%. Today in India, oil public sector units like Indian Oil
Corporation are establishing Ethanol bio-refineries. Around 12 such refineries in 11 states are being
established. Currently, the biofuels are produced in accordance with National Biofuel Policy, 2018.
It targets 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030. Under SATAT (Sustainable Alternative
Towards Affordable Transportation), 5000 Compressed Bio Gas Plants are to constructed by 2023.
The initiative aims at generating 15 million metric tonnes of biogas per annum
India-Brazil MoU on Bioenergy Cooperation gets Cabinet approval. Brazil is one of the most
important trading partners of India in entire Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. Brazil is
currently world’s 2nd largest producer and consumer of biofuels. Moreover, biofuels and
bioelectricity accounts for 18% of Brazil’s energy mix. India having strong focus in area of bio-fuels,
has set a target to achieve 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel
by 2030. For this purpose, India has also announced new policy on Biofuels in 2018.
The Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, who became voice of a generation facing climate change
emergency was named as Time magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year. She is a Swedish
environmental activist on climate change whose campaigning movement, which became known as
“Fridays for Future,” prompted millions of people in about 150 countries “to act on behalf of the
planet. She had been nominated for a Nobel peace prize, recognised for her mobilisation of
students in her ‘Fridays for Future’ weekly school strikes.
Geography
Draj Bridge was inagurated in Rajouri, J&K. It is an important bridge for the military as well as for
socio-economic development of J&K’s Rajouri District as a whole. This bridge will facilitate all-
weather and speedy movement of Army troops and locals. The important bridge has been
constructed by 110 Road Construction Company of 31 Task Force under Project Sampark of Border
Roads Organisation (BRO). BRO is responsible for infrastructure development and war
preparedness through construction of roads, bridge and tunnels.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) sent its first
trial shipment of fresh vegetables from Varanasi to Dubai by sea route. APEDA is the organization
under Ministry of Commerce and Industry that promotes export of agricultural and processed food
products from India. According to National Horticulture Database, India ranks second in fruits and
vegetables production in the world next to China.
Economy
International Financial Services Centre Authority bill was passed by Rajya Sabha. It proposes to set
up an authority to regulate financial services in the International Financial Services Centres in India.
The authority will comprise of nine members along with the chairperson. Among the nine
members, two will be from Ministry of Finance and one each from SEBI, RBI, IRDAI and PRFDA. Two
other officials are to be appointed on the recommendation of search committee. The members will
have a term of three years. It will regulate financial products like contracts of insurance, financial
institutions and services, deposits and securities that were previously approved by regulators such
as SEBI, RBI and IFSC. It has power to regulate services offered by financial bodies as notified by the
Union Government. This makes it independent from the government and to work autonomously. It
will constitute Performance Review Committee that will review the functioning of the authority. It
will consolidate the findings of the authority and submit a report to the authority at least once a
year. The committee will comprise of at least two members of the authority. The bill also proposes
setting up of International Financial Service Centre authority funds. The charges, fees collected will
be received by the authority from different sources and will be credited to the fund. The fund will
also be used to pay salaries and allowances of the employees and other expenses incurred by the
authority.
According to the weekly data released by the Reserve Bank of India, the foreign exchange reserve
touched a new high of 451.08 billion USD. The foreign exchange currency assets include the
depreciation or appreciation of the non-US currency like pound, Euro and Yen as well. The increase
is mainly due to the rise in foreign currency assets. The Gold reserves of India declined. The
reserve position and special drawing rights of the country with IMF (International Monetary Fund)
also decreased. If the value of the currency is high, the foreign exchanges are good. The value of
the currency is determined by its imports and exports. The exports should be more (or imports
become expensive) for the currency value to rise in the international market. If the country is
buying more gold (as reserve), it means it is importing more. On the other hand, when the gold
reserve is declining, exports are more. Therefore, if the gold reserve is declining, value of the
currency increases and therefore foreign exchange increases
Union Cabinet has approved certain amendments in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
(code), through Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019. The
amendments aim to remove certain difficulties being faced during insolvency resolution process to
realise objects of code, protect corporate debtors, prevent ill-thought-out triggering of bankruptcy
proceedings and to further ease doing of business (ADB). It aims to remove bottlenecks, streamline
Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) and protect last mile funding in order to boost
investment in financially distressed sectors of country. It introduces additional thresholds for
Financial Creditors represented by an authorized representative due to large numbers in order to
prevent insignificant triggering of CIRP. It also ensures that substratum of business of corporate
debtor is not lost, and it can continue as a going concern by clarifying that permits, licenses,
clearances, concessions, etc. cannot be terminated or suspended or not renewed during
moratorium period. Moreover, changes to IBC could also lead to ring-fencing of corporate debtor
resolved under IBC in favour of a successful resolution applicant from criminal proceedings against
offences committed by previous promoters or management.
The Unified Payment Interface was introduced in India in 2016. Based on its performance, Google
has recommended similar service called FedNow to the US Federal Reserve Board. With its growing
popularity, the RBI on December 16, 2019 announced that NPCI will set up a subsidiary to export
UPI. India is already extending the app to other countries. Recently, PM Modi launched the service
in Singapore during his visit to the country. Current market leaders - Google Pay > Phone Pe >
Paytm, Totally more than 1 billion UPI transactions in Nov 2019
GST Council fixes 28% uniform tax rate for lottery. Earlier there were dual rates
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed large cooperative banks to report all aggregate exposures
of Rs.5 crores and more to Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC). The move is
aimed at early recognition of financial distress.
State related Schemes, Projects, News etc

The Mumbai Central Terminus of Western Railway has been certified as India’s first ‘Eat Right
Station’ with a 4-Star rating awarded by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), as a
part of ‘Eat Right India’ movement launched in 2018. FSSAI is an autonomous body under Union
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Union Territory of Ladakh is celebrating Losar Festival on 27 December 2019, to mark the Ladakhi
or Tibetan New Year. Celeberated on 1st Day of Eleventh Month of Tibetan Calendar correlating to
a date in Gregorian calendar. It includes making symbolic meals and offerings to God and Goddess.
The houses are decorated with good luck signs for prosperous New Year and bounty of crops.
Odisha has launched a smart learning phone application ‘MadhuApp’ for school children. This app
is aims to help school students in learning their lessons via videos and tutorials. The app named
after ‘Utkal Gourab’ Madhusudan Das, the first graduate and advocate of Odisha. The app has been
developed by Ganjam district administration in accordance with the 5T action plan of state
government. The 5T stands for Technology, Transparency, Teamwork, Transformation and Time
Odisha launched the ‘Jalsathi’ programme which will ensure supply of safe drinking water to all
households in the state. During the the programme launch, he distributed water quality testing kits
and POS (point of sale) machines to women volunteers being called as- ‘Jalasathis’.
Kerala sets 2024 deadline for Semi High-Speed Rail project. Kerala Rail Development Corporation
(KRDCL) is the implementing agency for the project. It has submitted proposal to Railways Ministry
for building 3rd and 4th lines between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the ambitious Integrated Command and
Control Centre (ICCC) in Gurgaon, Millennium City of the country. The ICCC has been developed as
nerve centre to provide multifaceted online smart services to people. It has been designed to serve
as nodal point for all online data related to Smart City applications, including CCTV-based public
safety and adaptive traffic management system, pollution monitoring, smart parking system, water
supply management system, asset management system and property tax management system. A
mobile app has also been developed for ICCC. The city’s smart street light facility too can be
controlled from this centre. Moreover, the monitoring of vehicles engaged in solid waste
management too will be done from this centre and adding drinking water supply meters too have
been integrated with it. Within the next six to nine months all the government buildings in Gurgaon
city will be equipped with public Wi-Fi system.
The Haryana Police Department has adopted a unique barcoding software TRAKEA. The software
is used to ensure that 1000s of digital forensic reports are stored safe and secure. The Software
features two stages of bar coding to maintain the secrecy of the samples. The samples and reports
are sent through biometrically authorized chain. The cases are allocated to the biotechnology
experts through automated case allocation. The software is android based and has been prepared
in an application format. Therefore, usage becomes simple. It can be well integrated with the
judicial system and doing so will help reduce time lags. Above all, the system helps in reducing
malpractices greatly.
Gujarat now becomes the seventh state to receive the prestigious President’s Colours, also called
as Nishaan, an emblem which all police officers of Gujarat would wear on left-hand sleeve of their
uniform.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on December 11, 2019 cleared the Disha Bill that proposed harsh
punishment for crimes against women. Disha bill is also known as the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law
(Amendment) bill.
India, ADB sign $490 Mn loan for PPP to upgrade Madhya Pradesh roads. This new project will
further open a new partnership by introducing PPP via hybrid-annuity model (HAM), thereby
leveraging government financing and improving sustainability of capital investments. Hybrid-
Annuity Model (HAM) - is a mix of engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) model and build-
operate-transfer (BOT) model. This passes the responsibility of implementation, design, operation
and maintenance obligations to private sector, while attracting some private sector financing.
Under this model, government will release 60% of total project cost during construction, to be paid
to concessionaire in portions linked to completion milestones. The remaining 40% is arranged by
concessionaire in form of equity and commercial debt. Once the project is completed, will repay
concessionaire’s financial investment over a period of 10 years.
Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone for country’s first transit-oriented development
(TOD) project in New Delhi. Under the TOD project a state-of-the-art infrastructure zone, including
national capital’s tallest tower, will be built in east Delhi. It is being implemented by Union Ministry
of Housing an Urban Affairs (MHUA). Project’s first phase will be implemented by National
Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC). NBCC has been chosen by DDA which owns the land.
The East Delhi Hub project was approved by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in December 2014,
with an aim to promote use of public transport over private vehicles. One of the most unique part
of this TOD project is that- inside it there will be a central massive green lung of about 10 acres,
and it will also have vertical gardens and water-harvesting facilities. The 48-storey signature tower
(about 161 m) will become Delhi’s tallest tower.
The 2019 edition of National Tribal Dance Festival has begun in Raipur, the capital of
Chhattisgarh. Over 1300 participants from 25 states & Union Territories (UT) of India are
participating in this national event. The artists from 6 countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Belarus, Maldives, Thailand and Uganda will also perform at the event. It is an annual festival
celebrated by aborigines and tribal of India. The festival is used to mark and celebrate the dances of
Adivasi and tribal people in India as well as their indigenous tribal dance culture. It is organised by
Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with respective state government where the fest
will be held.
Union Ministry related Schemes, Projects, News etc

On December 4, 2019, the Union Cabinet cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) bill, for the bill to
be tabled in Lok Sabha. The bill aims at providing Indian citizenship to 6 minority communities from
Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The communities are Hindu, Christian, Sikhs, Buddhist and
Jain. Currently for a person to get Indian citizenship, he should have resided in the country for 11
years. The bill intends to amend this as 5 years. The bill has not included Muslim community. This
according to the opposition is violation of Article 14 that legalizes equality before law. The article
states that the government shall show no discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, race, sex or
birth. According the Citizenship Act, 1955, illegal migrants can either be sent to jail or back to their
own countries.
Exemptions
The Bill adds that the provisions on citizenship for illegal migrants will not apply to
 the tribal areas of Karbi Anglong (Assam), Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Chakma District (Mizoram),
and Tripura Tribal Areas District and
 the areas under the Inner Line Regulation, whose permit regulates the visit of Indians to
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
North East protests -
 According to Assam Accord that was signed in 1985, foreigners who entered Indian soil after
March 24, 1971 shall be deported.
 In Mizoram, the protests are by the illegal Buddhist Chakma immigrants who were displaced by
the construction of Kaptai dam on the Karnaphuli river in 1962
 The Nagaland Tribes Council and Naga Students Federations sees the bill as a threat to political
future of their identity.
 There are protests in Manipur in the fear of the state becoming a dumping ground to foreigners
 In Tripura the Kokborok community has reduced to 33% of the population of the state. Initially
the state was dominated by the community with 80% of the population. Tripural believes that
this condition will worsen of the bill is passed.
Parliament has passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which seeks to amend the Arms Act,
1959.
 It reduces the number of permitted firearms from three to one (including licenses given on
inheritance basis)
 It provides a time period of 1 year to deposit excess firearms with officer-in-charge of
nearest police station or with a licensed firearm dealer as specified
 The excess firearms will be delicensed within 90 days from expiry of 1-year period.
 Bill also increases the duration of validity of a firearm license from 3 years to 5 years.
 It prohibits obtaining or procuring un-licensed firearms, as well as conversion of one
category of firearms to another without a license.
 Bill amends punishment in relation to several offences and increases the punishment to
between 7 years and life imprisonment, along with a fine for: (1) dealing in un-licensed
firearms, including their manufacture/procurement/ sale/ transfer/ conversion, (2)
shortening or conversion of a firearm without a licence, and (3) import/ export of banned
firearms.
 The Bill adds news offences, which includes: (1) forcefully taking a firearm from police or
armed forces, punishable with imprisonment between 10 years and life, along with a fine.
(2) using firearms in a celebratory gunfire which endangers human life/ personal safety of
others, punishable with imprisonment of up to 2 years, or fine of up to Rs.1 lakh rupees, or
both.
 Central government may make rules to track firearms and ammunition from manufacturer
to purchaser to detect, investigate, and analyse illicit manufacturing and trafficking.
The Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Patel, informed Parliament that
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has identified 138 monuments as ‘Must See Monuments’.
‘Must See’ list features outstanding Indian monuments and archaeological sites, under protection of
ASI, including those that feature on World Heritage List of UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization). There are 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites(WHS) in India,
which includes 30 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed-criteria site. India has 6th largest
number of sites in world. Out of 38, the 22 cultural sites including monuments, buildings and caves
are under protection of ASI.
WHS is a landmark or area selected by UNESCO (a UN specialized agency) as having historical,
cultural, scientific or any other form of significance.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under ministry of culture was founded in 1861 by Alexander
Cunningham who was also the first Director-General of ASI.
The Ministry of Tourism on December 3, 2019 sanctioned 18 projects under the schemes
PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan. The Ministry also organizes International Tourism Mart annually
in the North Eastern region.
Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel informed that sign boards in Chinese language have
been put up at five Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected Archaeological Sites located in
Uttar Pradesh (UP). ASI Sites Include- (1) Sarnath, (2) the Buddhist relics at Chaukhandi Stupa, (3)
Kushinagar and the Mahaparinirvana Temple, (4) Piparahwa and (5) Shravasti.
Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Steel Silo based Avantee
Mega Food Park in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. This is the first food park of central India. Excess
production compels farmers to sell their produces at low rates. Since the mega food park is now
present in the region, farmers will be able to earn more through value addition by storing their
produces after getting facility of food processing and storage. Mega Food Park is a scheme of
Union Ministry of Food Processing which aims to establish direct linkage from farm to processing
and then to consumer markets through a network of collection centres and primary processing
centres.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) Kiren Rijiju felicitated Ripu Daman Bevli,
popularly known as Plogman of India and named him as Plogging Ambassador of India. Ripu
Daman Bevli started plogging in 2017, started Fit India Plogging Run with the aim to make India
litter-free. Plog Run is a unique way of picking up garbage while jogging. It was added to Fit India
Movement as a unique way of combining cleanliness and fitness. Plogging Run combines the Fit
India Movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Union Home Ministry has sanctioned Rs.100 crore from Nirbhaya fund for setting up and
strengthening of women help desks in police stations across country. Nirbhaya Fund Framework
provides for a non-lapsable corpus fund for safety and security of women. This framework is to be
administered by Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) of Union Ministry of Finance (MoF). It also
provides for an Empowered Committee (EC) of officers headed by Secretary, Union Ministry of
Women & Child Development (MWCD) to appraise and recommend proposals to be funded under
this framework. The Ministry of Finance through Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) is the
nodal Ministry for any accretion into and withdrawal from corpus. However, MWCD is responsible
to review and monitor progress of sanctioned projects/ schemes in conjunction with concerned
Central Ministries/ Departments.
The Ministry of Home Affairs along with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) will investigate illegal
plantations of marijuana plantations and destroy them deploying drones before the plants are
harvested. The ministry is to use the help of satellites to detect the crops. The satellite data is to be
collected by the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (set up in 1985. Works under Dept of
Revenue, Min of finance). The smuggling of Marijuana is predominant in the states of Himachal
Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal. Haryana and Rajasthan. Among
these states, large scale smuggling of marijuana occurs from Tuticorin port in Tamil Nadu to
Maldives. Government of India allows legal plantation of Section marijuana under Section 10 of
Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. GoI allows the use of marijuana in medicines like
homeopathy and Ayurveda. Also, under Section 20 of the act says that illegal cultivation of the plant
is an offence.
The Government of India has halted online sales of drugs as it is working on framing rules to
regulate the sector. This has hit the pharmacy sector greatly. In the present day, retail stores
contribute to 99% of medicines sales with E-pharmacy contributing to only 1% of total medicine
sales. In February 2019, the DPIIT (Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
published Draft National E-commerce policy. It includes E-pharmacy guidelines as well.
The Union Government of India has launched the fourth round of UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam
Nagrik) to enhance the connectivity to regional areas of the country. This phase is to focus on Hilly
states, North East Region, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Islands. The Viability Gap Funding has
been revised. The funding that was provided for Category 2 and 3 aircrafts (> 20 seats) has now
been enhanced to all flights in the states of HP, Uttarakhand, J&K, North Eastern states and the
islands. The Ministry of Civil Aviation aims to operationalize 1000 routes and more than 100 airports
in the next 5 years. UDAN initially launched in April 2017
The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport,

Sale, Distribution, Storage, and Advertisement) Bill, 2019 was passed by Parliament on 3
December 2019. It was introduced in Lok Sabha by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr.
Harsh Vardhan. The Bill which seeks to prohibits the production, storage, trade, and advertisement
of electronic cigarettes, replaces an Ordinance promulgated in September 2019.
age can now cast their vote through postal ballot.
Coal Ministry announced that it is to establish “Sustainable Development Cell” (SDC) to promote
environment friendly and sustainable coal mining. The main objective of the cell is to address
environmental concerns that arise during closure of mines. The guidelines for mine closure was
issued by the Ministry of Coal in 2012 and the idea was mooted in 2009. According to the
guidelines, the mining authority will have to work on two plans namely concurrent mine closure
plan and final mine closure plan. Under concurrent mine closure plan, there are activities that are
to be done continuously during the entire period of mining operations. Under the final mine
closure plan, the activities will start towards the end of the mine life.
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Puri formally launched DDA Portal 2 in New
Delhi. Now, the residents of 1,731 unauthorised colonies can register their details and upload their
documents for verification in the given portal to apply for ownership rights. Parliament also passed
National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised
Colonies) Bill, 2019 which aims to provide legal status to unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Delhi
Development Authority (DDA) is the nodal agency for implementation of regularisation process.
On December 23, 2019, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced that urban areas of 35
states have been declared Open Defecation Free. The target has been achieved by constructing
65.81 lakh househols toilets as against the target of 59 lakhs. In order to achieve the target, the
ministry had launched ODF+ and ODF++ protocols. The ministry also launched Water+ protocol to
make sure that no untreated waste water is discharged into water bodies. The Ministry partnered
with Google and mapped all the public toilets for ease of access to citizens. With Star Rating
Protocol the ministry streamlines solid waste management in cities. The Swachh Bharat Mission for
urban areas is being implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The mission for rural
areas is being implemented by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The rural areas of India
were declared Open Defecation Free on October 2, 2019. But NSO report has not agreed to this.
Government of India extended the deadline of its flagship scheme AMRUT (Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) by two more years. The mission was launched in 2015 by
PM Modi promising 139 lakh water connections and 145 lakh sewer connections by March 2020.
46% of water connection and 28.3% of sewer connections have been achieved between June 2015
and December 2019. Rajasthan was the first state to submit its State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) to
the centre. With the help of the plan the centre formulates city level estimation of budget required
to avail water supply, draining system, sewerages, digital and internet facilities, industrial and
transport facilities, etc. The SAAP was submitted by West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh (for Amaravati
project that was closed recently), Haryana, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and
Telangana.
Ministry of Human Resource Development informed Lok Sabha that the “Indian Ranking Society”
was approved by the ministry in August 2019. The aim of the society is to develop methodologies
and systems to rank higher educational institutions in the country. The proposal was approved in
the 127th meeting of the AICTE Executive Council. At present, the educational institutes of the
country are ranked according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). It includes 5
broad generic groups of parameters namely teaching, learning and resources; graduation
outcomes; perception; outreach and inclusivity; research and professional practice. The Indian
Ranking, 2019 ranked the higher educational institutes based on the categories Pharmacy,
Engineering, management, law, architecture, medicine. However, the new ranking system will help
bring improvement in every category. This is because the new system will include professional
categories and generic group parameters as well. Also, it will help to form a healthy environment.
Lok Sabha passed the Central Sanskrit University Bill 2019, which seeks to convert three deemed
Sanskrit universities(Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan in Bhopal, Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit
Vidyapeeth in New Delhi and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth in Tirupati, Andhra) into central
universities. The bill was piloted by Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the ‘Bharatiya Poshan Anthem’. The anthem was
conceptualised by Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) and has been
penned by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar Mahadevan.
‘Poshan Abhiyan’ or ‘National Nutrition Mission’ (NNM) is a flagship programme of Union
government to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
POSHAN stands for ‘Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition’. NNM was
launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 8 March 2018 on the occasion of the International
Women’s Day. It aims to make India malnutrition free by 2022 by ensuring holistic development
and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children. According to the
Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18, about 34.7% of Indian children aged less than 5
are stunted.
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin Gadkari launched the sale
of ‘Khadi Rumal’ stitched by militancy affected women of Nagrota town of Jammu and Kashmir.
The aim is to provide employment to the women in the terrorist affected areas as well as create
employment opportunities for militancy affected families of J&K.
Union Minister of Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh
Tomar launched the third phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. The third phase aims at
consolidation of 1,25,000 km of connectivity that primarily aiming at rural links connecting Gramin
Agricultural Markets. The scheme was launched in 2000. It was completely funded by the central
government. In 2015, under the recommendation of the 14th finance commission, the project was
funded by both centre and state in the ratio 60:40. In the north-eastern states it is set as 90:10. The
scheme has used waste plastic and cold mix technology to build major portion of roads. These
green technologies have been used on 36,063 kilometres of road.
Ministry of Railways announced that Indian Railways is set to receive modern signaling systems.
The plan will be implemented after approval from NITI Aayog, CCEA (Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs) and Extended Board of Railways. The Automatic Train Protection system includes
systems that check speed of train, automatic stops, and activates emergency brakes. The
Centralised Traffic Control System controls rail interlockings. In this system, all the signal locations
are integrated at a single location. Other systems - Electronic Interlocking System, Remote
Diagnostic and Predictive Maintenance System
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organized an annual meeting of
state nodal agencies implementing the Ecoclub programme for the first time. The event was
organized in collaboration with GEER foundation, Gujarat. The programme mainly covered the
School Eco clubs in different states. They are titled NGC(National Green Corps) students similar to
NCC. These students participate in activities related to energy conservation, water conservation,
biodiversity conservation, waste management, resource management and land use planning.
In a unique initiative to battle rising air pollution in cities, Indian Railways has opened an ‘Oxygen
Parlour’ at Nashik railway station in Maharashta. It has been set up by Indian Railways in
collaboration with Airo Guard, a one of the leading consultancies in field of plant nurseries based in
Nashik. The concept of Oxygen Parlour is based on recommendation of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA).
The National programme driven by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development

Federation of India), Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), completed 100 days under
Ministry of Tribal Affairs on December 7, 2019. TRIFED will establish 3,000 VDVKs each year till
2024 and will cover around 2 crore tribal beneficiaries. It has also partnered with UNICEF to
promote tribal craft, cuisine, culture and commerce. Recently TRIFED also organized the Aadi
Mahotsav between November 16 and November 30, 2019 to cherish the spirit of tribal culture.
Apart from this, internship programmes were also conducted in October 2019.
The ‘Digital Exhibition on History of Constitution of India’, was inaugurated in New Delhi. It has
been organised by Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Union Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances and Pensions, in collaboration with Parliament Museum and Archives of Lok
Sabha Secretariat and Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC).
Government e-commerce portal GeM has launched a national outreach programme called ‘GeM
Samvaad’, to bring on-board more local sellers from across the country. Through GeM Samvaad
marketplace is also looking forward to receive feedback from users which would be used for making
improvements and advancements in system. GeM is the national public procurement portal that
offers end to end solutions for all procurement needs of Central and State Government
Departments, autonomous institutions, Public Sector Units (PSUs) and local bodies. GeM was
launched on 9 August 2016 and since its commencement, it has transformed public procurement in
India by leveraging technology and making procurement contactless, paperless, and cashless.
International relations
India and Sweden are to sign their first maritime cooperation agreement during the Swedish Royal
couple visit. The agreement includes cooperation between the countries in both Arctic and
Antarctic regions and hence the name Polar Science Cooperation Agreement. The agreement will
help India get access to Russian bases in the Arctic.
India and Sweden has joined hands to set up a healthcare innovation centre to promote research,
broadly in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and help scale-up Indian start-ups in the sector.
The year 2019 marks Sweden-India Year of Health marking 10 years of India-Sweden cooperation
in healthcare. This collaboration is built on quadruple-helix model with active participation of
government, private enterprises, civil society and academia. A ‘coordination cell’ will be set up at
Swedish Trade Commissioner’s in New Delhi. It will look at entire ecosystem and will promote
innovation broadly in NCDs and other disease areas, besides innovation in technology, processes,
data, business models and skilling.
India and Japan held their first ever Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) in New Delhi.
During the meet the two sides discussed about boosting defence and security ties besides other
issues of mutual interest. India has a similar ‘ministerial level 2+2’ dialogue with the USA as well.
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is an upgrade of meeting between foriegn and defence secretaries of
two countries, the first round of which took place in 2010. This upgradation was followed after an
agreement was reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe during 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018. It would provide greater
depth to ‘India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership’, India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and
Japan’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision’ . The Japanese Government will also invest Rs 13,000
crores in the North Eastern region
India has also approved signing Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Government of India
and Government of Japan to constitute ‘India-Japan Steel Dialogue’ to strengthen cooperation in
steel sector. MoC will help in capacity building for high grade steel manufacturing in India.
India and Japan renewed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. A

comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) is a free trade agreement between two
countries. CEPA stands for Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and CECA stands for
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. Both these terms are synonymous with each
other but the major “technical” difference between a CECA and CEPA is that CECA involves only
“tariff reduction/elimination in a phased manner on listed / all items except the negative list and
tariff rate quota (TRQ) items” , CEPA also covers the trade in services and investment, and other
areas of economic partnership. So CEPA is a wider term that CECA and has the widest coverage.
The third India-Australia Secretary-level 2+2 dialogue was held on 9 December 2019 in New Delhi.
This year’s edition of 2+2 dialogue, assumes additional significance as they come months after
India, Australia, Japan and United States (US) decided to upgrade their interactions in ‘Quadrilateral
Security Dialogue’ (Quad) format to ministerial level in September 2019.
The Appeal Court of the World Trade Organization that acts as trade dispute settlement body for
the members was shut down by the United States on Dec 9, 2019. The seven-member body that
was cut down to a 3-member body in 2018 is now completely blocked by the United States.
Without WTO’s appellate body, the dispute settlement will return to pre-1995 GATT (General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) status quo. The GATT is a legal agreement among several
countries. It was signed by 23 nations in 1947 and later many more joined it.
Recently the Indian Representative to Palestine, Sunil Kumar released the third tranche of funding
for the construction of India-Palestine techno park in Palestine. India had committed to invest 12
million USD as a part of capacity building in Palestine. India currently pays 3 million USD on half
yearly basis. India is the first non-Arab country to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization as the
legitimate representative of the Palestinians in 1974. In 1988, India again was the first country to
recognize an independent Palestine.
On December 6, 2019, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries reached a deal

deepening their output cuts. They have set the target as 500,000 barrels a day. Saudi Arabia plays
the major role in the OPEC decisions. Data updates about OPEC is usually published by the
International Energy Agency. India imports 80% of its petroleum needs from OPEC countries.
However, India has been reducing its dependence on the OPEC countries. In October 2019, India
imported 4.56 million barrels per day from OPEC. This is 3.3% low as compared to the previous
year. OPEC is an intergovernmental organization of 14 nations, founded on 14 September 1960 in
Baghdad by the first five members(Venezuela, Iran, Saudi, Kuwait, Iran), and headquartered since
1965 in Vienna, Austria The current OPEC members are the following: Algeria, Angola, Equatorial
Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia (the de
facto leader), the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
Ecuador(till 2020 Jan), Indonesia(Till 2016) and Qatar(Till 2019) were former members.
At a Paris Summit mediated by Germany and France, Russia and Ukraine agreed to restore peace
by implementing cease fire. Both the countries also agreed on prisoner exchanges. In 2014, Russia
annexed the Crimea peninsula of Ukraine with the help of pro-Russian separatists. Crimea
Peninsula is located in the north of Black sea. The Peninsula is important as it had port access to the
Black sea. In 2018, Russian Navy seized three Ukrainian ships in the Crimea Peninsula. Countries
surrounding Black Sea - Georgia, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between

 National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) - Mini Ratna 100% govt PSU under MSME
ministry established in 1955
 and Saudi Aramco (Asia) - world’s largest Oil & Gas Company in Dhahran, Saudi
for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ecosystem in India in Oil &
Gas Sector.
India and Maldives agreed to expand their maritime security and boost their anti-terror
cooperation in order to deal with the common challenges in Indian Ocean Region where China is
expanding its military presence. The countries reviewed the ongoing construction of police training
facility in the city of Addu and other building projects that are implemented in Maldives with India’s
assistance. It includes Composite Training Centre to train defence forces of Maldives, setting up of
Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS). It is to be noted that India had set up CSRS in Seychelles,
Sri Lanka and Mauritius. The countries also agreed to partner Greater Male Area Connectivity
Project. The project aims at connecting islands in the west of Male with the capital.
The shuttle train service between Lahore and Wagah railway station resumed operation on 15
December 2019 after a gap of 22 years. The train service was operational between Wagah to
Lahore since the partition of India in 1947 till 1997 but was closed due to certain operational and
security reasons. Another train from Lahore to Raiwind in Pakistan will be unvieled in coming days.
Pakistan Government decided to import Polio markers from India recently. The Government had
suspended the trade with New Delhi for months after abrogation of Article 370. The cabinet has
provided one-time permission for the import. The polio markers are used to mark the fingers of the
children after they are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by the WHO. There are three
countries in the world where Polio is still endemic. It includes Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan. In
1995, India launched Global Polio Eradication initiative of WHO that aims at 100% coverage. With
the programme successfully implemented, India has completely eradicated Polio. The last case of
Polio was reported in 2011 in India.
Surveys and Reports

On December 25, 2019, Government of India launched Good Governance Index.
The States and Union Territories were divided into 3 groups namely Big states, North East and hill
states and union territories.
“Big States” category
 Tamil Nadu topped. Followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
 Poor performers were Odisha, Bihar, Goa and Uttar Pradesh.
 Jharkhand was ranked the last
North East and hill states category
 Himachal Pradesh ranked first.
 It was followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim.
 Bad performers of the category include Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Under the category of commerce and industries, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were the top
performers.
Agricultural and allied ranking, the best performing states were Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and
Daman and Diu
According to Euro Monitor International, Delhi currently ranks 11th in the list of world’s tops 100
destinations and is to gain 8th rank in 2019. The report says that various cultural traditions and
enriching history makes Delhi the most favorite places among international tourists. Also, air
connectivity and world class airports have helped the city to increase its position in the ranking.
India is also gaining attention for its Ayurveda and Yoga. The report also says that international
tourists visiting Delhi has increased by 25% in 2019 as compared to 2018. Hong Kong has remained
the topmost for three consecutive years (2017, 2018 and 2019). Followed by Hong Kong, Bangkok,
London, Macau, Singapore were at the second, third, fourth and fifth ranks respectively. Around 43
cities from Asia were among the top 100 City Destination ranking. This year with seven cities in the
top 100 destinations, India has emerged as the strongest tourist destination.
According to a latest report by US National Science Foundation (NSF), India has emerged as the
world’s third largest publisher of science and engineering articles. As per the statistics compiled in
report, China has topped the list followed by US.
Committees
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched Regulation of vintage motor vehicles
order, 2019 in order to regulate the registration of old vintage vehicles. The registration plates of
the vehicles will bear letters “XXVAYY”, where VA stands for Vintage, XX stands for state code and
YY stands for numbers between 1 and 9. The policy is being implemented after its need was felt at
the 55th meeting of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules-Technical Standing Committee. The
committee was constituted to receive recommendations from other committees such as Bureau of
Indian Standards, Automotive Industry Standards Committee and provide safety recommendations.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will set up a task force on gene therapy in order to
encourage research in the field. It will work on genetic diseases affecting brain, eye disorders,
muscles, heart, retina, cornea and blood disorders. The blood disorders include Thalassemia,
Haemophilia and Sickle cell disease. The task force will also work on diseases such as diabetes,
cancer and lung diseases.
Summits
Geneva to host first Global Refugee Forum. It is being jointly hosted by United Nations Refugee
Agency (UNHCR) along with Government of Switzerland. At GRF the international community will
showcase and exchange good practices at national, regional or global levels. It meets
implementation of the 2018 Global Compact on Refugees (GCR)– which is a framework that
represents political will and ambition of international community as a whole for strengthened
cooperation and solidarity with refugees as well as affected host countries.
The fourth edition of International Seminar cum Exhibition on Naval Weapon Systems
‘NAVARMS-19’ was held in Dec 2019 at Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA),
Development Enclave, New Delhi. Theme - “Make in India – Fight Category: Opportunities and
Imperatives”. It is the only international seminar and exhibition on Naval Weapon Systems
conducted in India. It invites all the stakeholders in life cycle management of Naval Weapons and
provide a common platform to share their views and concerns. The past three editions of
NAVARMS were organised in 2007, 2010 and 2013
The 2nd edition of Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit is being organized in Goa on 6-7
December 2019 for Fund Managers and Limited Partners of Top Global Venture Capital (VC)
Firms. The summit is being organized by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT) under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with Goa Government.
Theme for Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit 2019 is- ‘India Opportunity- Investing in
tomorrow together’. The first edition of Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit was held in
2018 in Goa. The summit looks at increasing capital flow for Indian Startups by showcasing high-
quality tech as well as non-tech startups to global investor community and fostering Ease of Doing
Business (EDB) by identifying and discussing issues faced by investor community. Through this
event, the Startup India is providing Indian startups an opportunity to meet Top Global Investors at
event to get business guidance and to discuss investment opportunities
‘India Water Impact Summit’ is an annual event where problems and solutions for the biggest
water related issues in the country are discussed. The 4th India Water Impact Summit was held
from December 5th to 7th, 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. It was jointly organised by the
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) of Ministry of Jal Shakti and Centre for Ganga River Basin
Management and Studies (cGanga) led by IIT-Kanpur. The theme for this year’s summit was:
‘Valuing Water – Transforming Ganga‘. In 2016, The Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and
Studies (cGanga) was established at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. The centre acts as a
comprehensive think-tank to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Ministry of Jal Shakti
Confederation of Indian Industry organized “Steeling India 2019” conference, a drive to increase
metal intensity in key sectors. The conference will help India pave ways to achieve its target of 300
MT of production by 2030 (according to National Steel Policy). The World Steel Association predicts
steel demand in India to reach 103 MT (Million Tonnes) in 2019.
Uttrakhand to host 11th Regional Quality Conclave - being organized by Quality Council of India
(QCI) along with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). Through this Conclave the
Quality Council of India (QCI) hopes to reach out to industries in the hilly regions of the country.
Theme of Conclave ‘Rudrapur RQC’: ‘Advance Manufacturing with Quality, Innovation & Technology
Interventions.’
Ministry of Defence held 5th edition of ARTECH seminar, on “Technologies for Non-contact
Warfare”. ARTEC is Army Technology Seminar that is being held since 2016. It was launched as part
of Make in India.. It was organized by Army Design Bureau (ADB), Indian Army jointly with
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). The
ADB was set up to work together with industry and academia and develop indigenous solutions for
the Indian Army. ADB is also responsible for spearheading Make in India initiative. Its role is to be
the facilitator for Research & Development (R&D) efforts and initiation of Procurements of
Weapons and Equipment required by Indian Army. At the Artech seminar, Major Anoop Mishra
won Army Design Bureau (ADB) Excellence Award for indigenously developing ‘Sarvatra Kavach’, a
bulletproof jacket that can provide protection against various ammunition including that from
sniper steel bullets.
The National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) and food regulator FSSAI (Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India) are jointly organized the 11th edition of National Street Food
Festival (NSFF - began in 2009). Theme of 2019’s festival– ‘Healthier Diets’. NASVI works for
protection of livelihood rights of thousands of street vendors across India. NASVI began as a
Network in 1998 and was registered in 2003 under Societies Registration Act of 1860.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launched ‘Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition’ (NetSCoFAN). FSSAI organised its second edition of ‘National Eat
Right Mela’ to promote healthy foods.
Interesting GK for UPSC

India’s first university for transgender community will be opened in Fazilnagar block of
Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh. It is being built by Akhil Bhartiya Kinnar Siksha Seva Trust (All-
India transgender education service trust). The university will facilitate its members
Stamps released to commemorate contribution of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. DRI is the

chief anti-smuggling intelligence agency in the country. The agency works in securing smuggling of
contraband such as narcotics, gold, firearms. It also works towards proliferation of commercial
frauds, black money and trade-based money laundering. The agency was established in 1957 in
order to function as the apex of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to counter smuggling.
Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister appointed Sridhar Patra as
the new chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Limited
(NALCO). NALCO was established on 7 January, 1981, with its registered office at Bhubaneswar,
Odisha. It is one of the largest integrated Bauxite-Alumina-Aluminium- Power Complex in India. It is
a Navratna group ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under Union Ministry of Mines. At
present, Union Government holds 52% equity of NALCO. As per the report of Wood Mackenzie,
NALCO achieved the distinction of being the ‘lowest cost producer of bauxite’ in world for the year
2018, globally.
The data from the High Courts across the country say that more than 96% of 1,66,882 rape trials
registered under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) are pending. The plan
is to set up fast track courts to hasten the process. The aim of the fast track courts is to dispose the
cases within 1 year. The law ministry will set up 1,023 fast track court to complete the pending
cases. POCSO act mandates that the investigation of cases registered under the act has to be
completed within a time span of 2 months. In spite of such strict law and policy framework, the
number of rape and POCSO cases have increased
Human Library, a concept which seeks to replace books with humans, was held in the City of
Palaces, Mysuru, Karnataka. It was organized by international non-profit organization- Human
Library for first time in Mysuru. The objective of this event was to break past long-standing
prejudices and stereotypes by creating a safe framework for conservation by using a library analogy
of lending people rather than books.
The Human Library Organization is a registered international not for profit organization
headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. It aims at ensuring a global implementation of the
Human Library as a learning platform. It was initially launched in the year 2000 and currently exists
in more than 85 countries. In India, it is spread across various metropolitan cities including Delhi,
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden inaugurated Sarai Sewage Treatment
Plant (STP) in Uttarakhand. It is the first STP to be completed under Hybrid Annuity (HAM) Based
Public Private Partnership Model (PPPM). The 14 million litres per day (MLD) Sarai STP has been
constructed at a cost of Rs.41.40 crore under Centre government’s Namami Gange Programme.
Namami Gange – National Mission for Clean Ganga is an Integrated Conservation Mission (ICM) ,
approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore. Unique feature of this
HAM project is that after its commissioning, this plant will also be maintained and perated for a
period of 15 years by same developer for efficient performance and for meeting output parameters.
This Sarai 14 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant is based on advanced aerobic biological process,
Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) process. Thus it is capable of removing nutrients during treatment
and is a 100% eco-friendly project.
UNESCO and Dell Technologies will launch a new education programme where they will train
4,000 Indian teachers in Artificial Technology. The programme will aid in GoI step of introducing
Artificial Intelligence as a subject in school. FramerSpace is a digital platform that will help teachers
implement and monitor learning plans for students. Teachers who are certified in Dell’s Aarambh
programmes are to be given preferences. The programme will help in achieving United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal 4.7. The Goal aims at providing education to build peaceful and
sustainable societies. Under SDG 4, the United Nations aim at providing 100% free education to
boys and girls all over the world. It also aims at substantially increasing the number of scholarships
available to students by 2020
The Indian Navy got its first woman pilot (a front-line combat role) as ‘Sub-Lieutenant Shivangi’
completed her operational training in Kochi, Kerala. She received her ‘golden wings’ from Vice
Admiral AK Chawla, and will fly the Naval Dornier surveillance aircraft.
World AIDS Day(since 1988) was observed on 1 December 2019, to raise public awareness about
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a pandemic disease(prevalent over a whole country
or the world) caused due to infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which affects the
human immune system. The theme for year 2019 is “Communities Make the Difference.” India is
implementing National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) as a 100% Central Sector Scheme for
prevention and control of AIDS. NACP response to HIV epidemic comprise a comprehensive 3-
pronged strategy of prevention, testing and treatment. Government has also developed a 7-year
National Strategic Plan from 2017 to 2024 to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of
ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
2 December is observed as International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, across the world. The
yearly event is organized by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and was first celebrated in
1986. On 2 December1949, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved the Convention
for Suppression of Traffic in Persons and of Exploitation of Prostitution of Others. In November
2016 International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted a new legally binding Protocol designed to
strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour, which entered into force. Moreover, ILO also
launched, 50 for Freedom campaign which aims to persuade about 50 countries to ratify Forced
Labour Protocol by end of 2019. Main Forms of Modern Slavery: Forced labour, Child labour,
Trafficking
The International Day of Anti-Corruption is marked by the United Nations every year on
December 9 since 2003. 2019 Theme - United Against Corruption. Ending corruption is important
to achieve SDG 16 and 17. The SDG 16 insists on “Promote peace, justice and strong institutions”. It
insists on anti-corruption targets. the goal 16.4, insists on reducing illicit financial and arms flow.
The Goal 16.5 insists on reducing bribery on all forms and 16.6 says that it is essential to create
transparent institutions at all levels.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for online ticketing of National Museum of Indian

Cinema (NMIC) was inked between Films Division and BookMyShow (BMS). National Museum of
Indian Cinema (NMIC) is the only museum in India dedicated to cinema and is an institution of
national importance. The Museum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in
January 2019, at Films Division complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It showcases history of India
Cinema with help of rare artefacts, diorama, properties and digital elements including costumes,
interactive digital screens, information based screen interfaces, kiosks, among others.
Jharkhand’s Mahuamilan station which comes under East Central Railway (ECZ) zone has become
5500th station to get free wifi facility. The RailTel Corporation of India Ltd. (RCIL), the digital arm of
Indian Railways, has thus provided free WiFi at 5,500 stations across country. RailTel is a
‘Miniratna’ enterprise that focuses on providing broadband and VPN services. The mission began in
2016. For this purpose of providing WiFi, RailTel roped in partners including Tata Trust, Google,
PGCIL (Power Grid Corporation of India Limited) for some parts of the project. It also got funding
from Department of Telecom USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) for 200 stations. The first
station covered was Mumbai Central station, Maharashtra
Oxford Dictionaries has named ‘Climate Emergency’ as its 2019 Word of the Year. Word of the
Year citation is intended to highlight a word/ expression shown through usage evidence to reflect
ethos or mood or preoccupations of passing year (in this case 2019), as well as have a lasting
potential as a term of cultural significance
The 34-year-old Sanna Marin, was selected by her Social Democratic party of Finland to become the
country’s youngest prime minister ever. She also becomes world’s youngest serving prime minister
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has topped the Forbes’ 2019 edition of 100 World’s Most
Powerful Women for the ninth consecutive year. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, too,
found a spot on 2019 Forbes’ list at rank 34
India Design Council (IDC) launched two initiatives, called Design Education Quality Mark (DEQM)
and Chartered Designs of India (CDI), with the objective to support and set standards for design
profession. DEQM will benchmark design education programmes on predetermined standards and
will accord a quality mark to institutions that meet standards. CDI is an institution that will establish
and uphold the professional standards of design practice in India.
World Design Organization (WDO) will be launching its new global programme ‘World Design
Protopolis’. The announcement was made at ongoing 3-day Kochi Design Week (KDW), India’s
largest design conclave that kicked off at Bolgatty Island in Kerala. The project aims to measure
progress of city, attract investments and solve problems so that the city becomes a better
sustainable place for citizens. It has selected Bengaluru as first ever city in world to implement this
project, which is exclusively for big cities. Unlike WDO’s 1-year celebratory programme, the World
Design Capital, this 5-year project stresses on measurability, which is the main difference in project
Paragraph 19 of the DPCO 2013 deals with increase or decrease in drug prices under
extraordinary circumstances. On December 13, 2019, the Government of India for the first-time
invoked Drug Price Control Order, 2013 in order to increase the prices of 21 medicines to ensure
their availability. The prices were increased by 50%. These medicines were under price regulation as
majority of their ingredients were imported from China. The price rise has been done on 21 key
formulations namely BCG vaccines, malaria, penicillin, leprosy medicine, common antibiotics, anti-
allergy medicines, life saving drugs like Furosemide. In January 2019, NPPA (National
Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority) received 49 application for 72 drugs. It was referred to Standing
Committee on Affordable Medicines and Health Products (SCAMHP) led by NITI Aayog.
In a first of its kind move, the border guarding paramilitary force of Indo-Tibetan Border Police
(ITBP) has started a dedicated matrimonial site for its staff.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) This mountain warfare-trained force was raised on 24 October
1962 for reorganizing frontier intelligence and security set up along Indo-Tibetan border. It was
primarily tasked to guard Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China but now it is also deployed for
rendering a variety of internal security duties in country including anti-Naxal operations. NOTE:
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) under Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) comprises of
forces like CRPF, BSF, CISF, SSB and ITBP apart from the NSG and NDRF.
Confederation of Indian Industry organized “Steeling India 2019” conference, a drive to increase
metal intensity in key sectors. The conference will help India pave ways to achieve its target of 300
MT of production by 2030 (according to National Steel Policy). The World Steel Association predicts
steel demand in India to reach 103 MT (Million Tonnes) in 2019.
The Centre Government is testing a prototype of an Indian equivalent of popular messaging

application platforms, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, for secure internal use. This secure
messaging app is codenamed as ‘Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS)’. It is being
packaged for employees of Central government as well as state government departments and
organisations for intra and inter organisation communications. GIMS is designed and developed by
Kerala unit of National Informatics Centre (NIC). The server hosting GIMS is installed within India
and the information stored would be in government-based cloud – NIC (National Informatics
Centre) -operated data centres that are only meant for captive use by government and its
departments.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot released Braille Edition
of ‘Exam Warriors’, a book authored by Prime Minister Modi
On December 28, 2019, a trial run of the first double stack freight train was conducted in the
western dedicated freight corridor. The train was flagged off by Dedicated Freight Corporation
India Limited (DFCIL). Speed is expected to increases to 100kmph now. The double stack train is
currently run only in countries such as China, Brazil, Australia, Canada, USA, Russia, South Africa,
Sweden and Norway. Other administrative decisions are also being implemented based on the
recommendations made by Prakash Tandon Committee (1994).
The Railway board has now decided that all new recruits in railways will be inducted through
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Civil Services Exams under five specialties. Moreover, the
Chairman of Railway Board, who will also be CEO of national transporter, will be an officer of Indian
Railway Service and not from any other service.
Centre government is planning to revamp ‘All India Radio’ officially known as ‘Akashvani’ by
introducing Digital Radio in India by 2024. AIR was established in 1936 and is officially known as
Akashvani since 1956. It is the national public radio broadcaster of India and is a division of Prasar
Bharati, which is India’s largest public broadcasting agency. AIR is sister service of Prasar Bharati’s
Doordarshan television Network. AIR Motto – ‘Bahujan Hitaya: Bahujan Sukhaya’.
All India Radio (AIR) organized the National Symposium of Poets 2020 on 27 December 2019. It is
organised continuously every year since 1956. The symposium is organized every year and
broadcast on eve of Republic Day and at all the centers of AIR
Awards
National Startup Awards 2020 - The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
(DPIIT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced institution of first ever
National Startup Awards. The award was launched by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce
and Industry and Railways. The Awards seek to recognize as well as reward exceptional startups and
ecosystem enablers that are building innovative products/ solutions and scalable enterprises
demonstrating measurable social impact, with high potential of wealth creation and employment
generation. The National Startup Awards measures success not only as financial gains for investors
but also the contribution to the social good. It will also reward exceptional Incubators and
Accelerators as key building blocks of a robust startup ecosystem. Startups will be awarded in 35
areas, classified into 12 broad sectors. These sectors include enterprise technology, education,
agriculture, security, energy, finance, health, food, urban services Industry 4.0, space and tourism.
In addition, to these there are three special awards for startups from educational institutions,
making impact in rural areas and women entrepreneurs.
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards, on 5
December 2019 on the occasion of International Nurses day. The awards were instituted in 1973 by
Government of India as a mark of recognition for meritorious services rendered by nurses to the
society. It is named after Florence Nightingale also known as ‘The Lady With the Lamp’. Award to
Late Lini Sajeesh from Kozhikode, Kerala was conferred posthumously and was received by her
husband Sajeesh. The 30-year-old nurse passed away while on duty caring for a NIPAH infected
patient in Kerala. World Health Organisation (WGO) has dedicated 2020 as ‘Year of Nurses and
Midwives’. The year 2020 also marks the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale
The Awards for first-ever MoEF&CC and CMS VATAVARAN-2019 Short Film Competition and
Festival on Environment was presented in New Delhi. Vatavaran-2019, The four-day long festival
was organized by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in
collaboration with Centre for Media Studies (CMS). The festival was organized, exclusively on
Environment and Wildlife along with 10th Competitive edition of CMS VATAVARAN.
Vice President of India M. Venkiah Naidu conferred ‘National Awards for Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities 2019’ at a function organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to celebrate ‘International
Day of Persons with Disabilities’ celebrated on 3 December 2019. The award was conferred on
Institutions, Individuals, Organizations and State/District etc. Till 2017, the Scheme of Award was
governed under National Awards Rules, 2013 which provided 7 categories of disabilities according
to Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. However, when Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
came into force w.e.f. 19 April 2017, the number of specified disabilities increased from 7 to 21
under new Law
English author Tony Joseph has won 12th ‘Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize’ (by Shakti Bhatt
Foundation) for his 2018 book, ‘Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came'. The
award that was instituted in 2008. It seeks to celebrate ‘extraordinary new writing in all genres’
from South Asian countries.
Portugal announced the setting up of a Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize in order to help
promote Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. The first edition of this prize will be dedicated to animal welfare
as Mahatma Gandhi said that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are
treated.
Four eminent diplomats have been honoured with the ‘Diwali – Power of One’ award in
recognition and of their work, especially at United Nations (UN), for a secure and peaceful world.
The awards which have now come to be known as ‘Oscars of Diplomacy’ were established by Diwali
Foundation USA, Inc in 2017.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the Winners of 26th Annual Crystal Award for the
year 2020. The Crystal Awards recognises as well as celebrates the achievements of leading artists
and cultural figures whose leadership inspires inclusive and sustainable change. The annual awards
are hosted by World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum. Deepika Padukone- Indian actress won
the award for her remarkable leadership in raising mental health awareness.
Author Amitabha Bagchi has won DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019, for his novel ‘Half the
Night is Gone’. It is awarded annually to writers of any ethnicity or nationality writing about South
Asia themes such as culture, history, people or politics. It defines ‘South Asia’ as Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It is given for an
original full-length novel written in English/ translated into English.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer B P Raju was awarded the ‘India Cyber Cop of the
Year 2019’ during the Annual Information Security Summit held at Gurgaon, Haryana. The award
was conferred by NASSCOM-DSCI (Data Security Council of India), which is a premier industry body
on data protection in India. This not-for-profit body was setup by NASSCOM (National Association
of Software and Services Companies) in 2008.
Sahitya Akademi announced its awardees for this year. It announced seven books of poetry, six
short stories, four novels, three non-fiction books and three essays. Sashi Tharoor, the former
external affairs minister has won the award for his book “An Era of Darkness”. Sahitya Akademi was
constituted by through a government resolution passed in 1952. According to its constitution the
academy is run by three authorities namely a general council, finance committee and an executive
board. The proposal of forming the academy was put forth in 1944 to the British Government by
the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal. The academy till date holds the largest library of multi-lingual
books in India.
Sports
On December 1, 2019, the President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari opened the South Asian Games
in Kathmandu. The South Asian Games is a biennial multi-sport event that is held among the South
Asian countries. It is being conducted since 1983. Currently there are eight members in the event. It
includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives. The
governing body of the event is South Asia Olympic Council(formed in 1983 at Islamabad, Pakistan).
The country hosting the South Asian games holds the president-ship of the council. The current
President of the council is Nepal. The Council also holds South Asian Beach Games and South Asian
Winter Games.
South Asian Games, 2019 - India finished on top, continuing its undisputed domination in regional
multi-sporting event by finishing on top for the 13th time-in-a-row with best-ever medal haul of
312 medals comprising of 174 gold, 93 silver and 45 bronze. The event was held in Nepal. The
official mascot of the South Asian Games is a pair of Black bucks. Blackbucks is an species marked
as Least concern under IUCN, and is found in India and Nepal. It is extinct in Bangaldesh and
Pakistan. It has been introduced in Argentina and United States recently. In India, hunting of
Blackbucks is prohibited under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Abu Dhabi has been selected as the World’s leading Sports Tourism Destination for seventh time
in a row. This time the coveted award was conferred at 26th edition of World Travel Awards
(WTA), being held in Muscat, Oman. WTA was established in 1993. They are made annually by an
international jury of hospitality experts and peers, mainly from World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC), a non profit organization founded in 1990 and based in London.
The United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO),a specialized UN agency, founded in
1975, based in Madrid(Spain) has labelled Sports tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors of
tourism worldwide.
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Dec-2019-Current Affairs - Answers Vysh IAS

Shivalik hills and Gangetic Plains - There are 3 corridors. It includes

Central India and Eastern Ghats -

There are around 8 corridors in Western Ghats

and 10 corridors in North Eastern India.

Answer – D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is an analytical technique to determine the purity of

 Santhali is predominantly spoken by the North Mundari Group of the Austroasiatic-Munda

The Constitution Amendment is making changing in the constitution.

Answer – B These were launched by India in Dec 2019, by PSLV C48

Answer – C India’s rank improved from 130 in 2018 to 129 in 2019

National Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag) programme

 Switzerland served as India’s partner at the conference.

Answer – A GACSA is an inclusive, voluntary and action-oriented multi-stakeholder platform

(InvIT) as an instrument provides greater flexibility to investors and is expected to create

 It is a key commitment under 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

2019 Delhi Dialogue (India- ASEAN)

The Climate Investment Funds include the:

Answer – C Government of India launched EChO Network, a national program to provide a

 ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) - 10-day-long period which is from February 20 to March 2

CFA Franc - It was the name of two currencies-

 It was developed based on the concept of fluorescence and phosphorescence phenomena.

Answer – C Digitization happened during 2015 NPR updation as well.

Answer – D Department changed recently. So it was in news.

Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP) -

 Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, or epigraphs, as writing; it is the science of identifying

Answer – C Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

Answer – C Both are false

RBI released Financial Stability Report.

Answer – B It is binding in nature.

Answer - C Various editions of all these happened in Dec 2019

Answer – C All these reports were released in Dec 2019

World Economic Forum released its Gender Gap report

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) published a report according to which

 Conditions were not met as of 2020:

Extra Snippets for Prelims based on Dec 2019

Infosys announced the launch of three blockchain-powered distributed applications for

State related Schemes, Projects, News etc

Union Ministry related Schemes, Projects, News etc

The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport,

The National programme driven by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development

India and Japan renewed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. A

On December 6, 2019, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries reached a deal

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between

Surveys and Reports

Interesting GK for UPSC

Stamps released to commemorate contribution of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. DRI is the

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for online ticketing of National Museum of Indian

The Centre Government is testing a prototype of an Indian equivalent of popular messaging

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