GK Quiz | 26 March 2020

1. Which of the following is true about G-20?

1. G-20 membership is from all the continents except Africa.
2. 2020 G-20 summit will be held in Saudi Arabia.
3. Both A and B
4. None of the above

Ans. B

Explanation

G-20 is an international forum founded in 1999 consisting of governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. India is also a member of the grouping. The forum draws its membership from all the continents including Africa (South Africa). The 2019 summit was held in Osaka in Japan and the 2020 meeting will be held in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia through virtual conferencing.

Hence, the correct answer is B.

 

2. Which of the following is true about Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna?

1. It is a scheme to provide basic facilities to the deprived section of the society in the wake of Coronavirus.
2. The money received from the tax penalties will be used for this scheme.
3. The government aims to ensure health, food, and money in the hands of poor people.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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

Ans. D

Explanation

The government of India has announced a fiscal package of 1.70 lakh crore for the poor and deprived section of the society under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, keeping in mind the stoppage of economic activities in the wake of Covid-19. The various components of the package are:

• Insurance scheme for health workers treating and looking after the Covid-19 cases in government hospitals and health care centers. It also includes Safai Karamchars working in such centers. In case of any accident, the affected person would be provided with INR 50 lakhs.
• PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna: Under this, the poor section would be provided with double of their current entitlements under the PDS system over a period of 3 months, free of cost. Each family would be provided with 1kg of pulses.
• The farmers eligible under PM-KISAN yojna would be provided with the ensured entitlement of INR 2000 before the allotted date.
• Women account holders under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna would be provided with INR 500 per month over the next 3 months.
• The government will contribute 24% in the Employment Provident Fund of wage-earners below Rs 15,000 per month in businesses having less than 100 workers.
• Senior citizens over the age of 60 years, the widows and Divyangs will be provided with INR 1000 over the next 3 months.
• Increment in the wages of MGNREGA workers.
• People will be allowed to withdraw 75% of the amount of non- refundable advance from their EPF account or 3 months of wages, whichever is lower.
• Building and other construction workers welfare fund will be created under a Central government act.
• The state government will be asked to utilize the fund of the District Mineral Foundation to provide for health facilities to fight the pandemic.

Hence, the correct answer is D.

 

3. Which of the following is true about the District Mineral Foundation?

1. Each state is mandated to create a district mineral foundation to be used under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kalyan Yojna.
2. DMF is set up as a trust under Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act (MMDRA), 2015.
3. The amount contributed by miners is 10% of the royalty, in case the mine is leased after MMDRA 2015 came into force.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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

Ans. C

Explanation

Under MMDRA 2015, all the states affected by mining have to constitute a DMF for the welfare of the people employed in the mining industry and to ensure sustainable mining. It is set up as a trust under the act. The amount will be contributed by the miners equivalent to 30% of the royalty paid in case the lease is taken before the enactment of the act. In case the lease is taken after the enactment of the act, the contribution is equal to 10% of the royalty. The manner of use or its jurisdiction will be decided by the state government.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

4. Which of the following is true about the Employee Provident Fund Organisation?

1. It is under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It aims to fulfill the economic and social rights given under the Directive Principle of State Policies.
3. Both A and B
4. None of the above

Ans. C

Explanation

Employee Provident Fund Organisation is a statutory body established under the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. It is under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It is administered by a Central Board of Trustees, having representatives of the Government of India, State governments, Employers and Employees and chaired by the Union Labour Minister of India. It runs the following scheme:

• Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952
• Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976
• Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995

It is targeted at ensuring socio-economic right under article 41 of DPSP i.e. right to work, education and public assistance under certain cases.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

5. Which of the following is true about Indian Lotus?

1. The lotus is grown in nutrient-rich loamy soil.
2. It requires a temperature of below 13°C.
3. It is also called white lily.
4. The level of water should not be more than 30 cm.

Ans.  A

Explanation

Indian lotus or Nelumbo nucifera is one of the species of aquatic plants and is also called water lily. It is found in almost all regions of India, other parts of Asia and Europe. It is the national flower of India and Vietnam. Its roots are planted in the soil of pond or river. The water level should be at least 30 cm, and the temperature required is above 13°C. It is grown in nutrient-rich loamy soil. Its growing season is from April to September.

Hence, the correct answer is A.