GK Quiz | 25 July 2020

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Indian Red Cross Society:

1. It is a voluntary humanitarian organization established in 1920.
2. The Prime Minister of India is the president of the society.
3. It is a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1. 2 and 3 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1 and 2 only

Solution: B)

Explanation:

Statement 1, 2 and 3: On 24th July, 2020, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, flagged off nine trucks of Red Cross relief supplies for flood affected people in Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Bihar.

About Indian Red Cross Society:

• It is a voluntary humanitarian organization established in 1920.
• The Union Health Minister is the Chairman and the President of India is the president of the society.
• It is a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• It promotes healthcare facilities among vulnerable people and communities and provides relief at the time of disasters/emergencies.

So, statement 1 and 3 are correct and statement 2 is incorrect. Hence, option B is correct.

 

Q2. With reference to the Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Program, consider the following statements:

1. It is an initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
2. Its main aim is to increase the farmer’s income.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Statement 1, 2 and 3:  Recently, 100 electric potter wheels were given to trained artisans from Gujarat under Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Yojana.

About Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Program:

• It is an initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
• Its main objective is to empower the potter’s community in the remotest of locations in the country.
• The program was launched in 2018.
• The program provides new technology equipments, training for advanced pottery products, and market linkages and visibility through KVIC exhibitions.
• The potters in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, J&K, Haryana, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Telangana, Bihar and Odisha are target beneficiaries under the program.

So, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect and hence, option A is correct.

 

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

1. It is independent statutory body established on 12 October, 1993.
2. It can investigate grievances regarding the violation of human rights only after receiving a petition.
3. It has the power to enforce decisions.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2 and 3: Recently, NHRC sent notices to the UP government and DGP over self-immolation attempt by mother daughter duo.

About the National Human Rights Commission:

• It is independent statutory body established on 12 October, 1993 in conformity with the Paris Principles.
• It consists of a chairman and seven members.
• The Chairman and members of the commission are appointed by the President on recommendation of high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister. Their term of office is of 5 years or till the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. They can be removed only on the charges of proved misbehavior or incapacity, if proved by an inquiry conducted by a Supreme Court Judge.
• The commission has following five Specialized Divisions:
• Law Division
• Training Division
• Administration Division
• Investigation Division
• Policy Research & Programmes Division
• The Governor appoints the chairman and members of the State Human Right Commission in consultation with the Chief Minister, Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Home Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly.
• It can investigate grievances regarding the violation of human rights either after receiving a petition or suo moto.
• It has the powers of a civil court and can grant interim relief.
• NHRC can make recommendations, but does not have the power to enforce decisions.

So, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 and 3 are incorrect. Hence, option A is correct.

 

Q4. Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed $400mn currency swap facility with which country?

1. Bhutan
2. Sri Lanka
3. Bangladesh
4. Iran

Solution: B)

Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently signed $400mn currency swap facility for Sri Lanka. Currency Swap Facility is an agreement between two countries to exchange currencies with predetermined terms and conditions. The Governments and the Central Banks signed currency swap with their foreign counterparts to ensure adequate foreign currency to avoid Balance of Payments (BOP) crisis or to meet short term foreign exchange liquidity requirements.

Hence, option B is correct.

 

Q5. Which of the following passes is/are located in Sikkim?

1. Jelap La Pass
2. Nathu La Pass
3. Naku La Pass

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

Solution: D)

Explanation:

Naku La Pass is a mountain pass in East Sikkim district in the Himalayas. Nathu La Pass and Jelap La Pass are also located in Sikkim.

(Source: Frontline)

Hence, option D is correct.

 

Q6. Consider the following statements about Pangong Tso Lake:

1. It is located in Himachal Pradesh.
2. It is the world’s third highest saltwater lake.
3. Two-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and other one-third in China.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 1,2 and 3
3. 2 and 3 only
4. None

Solution: D)

Explanation:

About Pangong Tso Lake:

• It is located in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• Two- thirds of the Pangong Lake lies in China and other one-third in India.
• It is the highest saltwater lake of world.

Recently, China had extended its 1960 claim along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). After the rounds of negotiations, it was decided that the LAC lies near Finger 8, at the north of Pangong Tso Lake. But, now PLA troops moved up to Finger 4 and claimed that LAC is at Finger 4.

(Source: The Hindu)

So, all statements are incorrect and hence, option D is correct.

 

Q7. As per the Representation of People Act, 1951, bye-elections can be conducted for which of the following?

1. Elected members to Lok Sabha.
2. President
3. Nominated members to Lok Sabha.
4. Elected members to Lok Sabha of State Legislative Assemblies.

Select the correct answer from the option given below:

1. 1 and 4 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1,2 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 4 only

Solution: A)

Explanation:

Part IX of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 contains provisions regarding Bye-election:

• The elected members of Council of States, Lok Sabha, State Legislative Councils and State Legislative Assemblies are applicable for Bye-elections. The seat is filled through bye-election, when the elected seat becomes vacant or is declared vacant before expiry of the term or his/her election is declared void.
• Bye-election is not applicable: If the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is less than one year; or the Election Commission in consultation with the Central Government certifies that it is difficult to hold the bye-election within the said period.

Hence, option A is correct.