INSIGHTS CURRENT AFFAIRS (10 January 2020) REVISION THROUGH MCQS

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The concept of curative petition was first evolved by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Rupa Ashok Hurra vs. Ashok Hurra and Anr. (2002). where the question was whether an aggrieved person is entitled to any relief against the final judgement/order of the Supreme Court, after dismissal of a review petition.
• It is the last judicial resort available for redressal of grievances in court which is normally decided by judges in-chamber.
• It is only in rare cases that such petitions are given an open-court hearing.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/01/10/curative-petition-2/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• In an attempt to attract investments in coal mining, the Cabinet approved the promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020.
• The ordinance allows coal mining by any company present in sectors other than steel and power, and does away with the captive end-use criteria.
• While the move will help create an efficient energy market, usher in competition and reduce coal imports, it may also bring an end to state-run Coal India Ltd’s (CIL) monopoly.
• The move will also help India gain access to sophisticated technology for underground mining used by global miners.
• The Centre has set a mining target of 1.5 billion tonnes of coal by 2020. Of this, 1 billion tonnes was to be from CIL and 500 million tonnes from non-CIL sources, in line with the government’s push to raise natural resources production to kickstart economic growth. This has now been revised down to 1 billion tonnes of coal by 2023-24.
• Despite having the world’s fourth largest coal reserves, India imported 235 million tonnes (mt) of coal last year, of which 135mt valued at ₹171,000 crore could have been met from domestic reserves.
• National Mineral Policy introduces the concept of Inter-Generational Equity that deals with the well-being not only of the present generation but also of the generations to come and also proposes to constitute an inter-ministerial body to institutionalize the mechanism for ensuring sustainable development in mining.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/01/10/mineral-laws-amendment-ordinance-2020/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas a celebratory day observed by the Republic of India to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India.
• Established in 2000, it is sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India.
• The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Ahmedabad on 9 January 1915.
• In 2006, the concept of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) was launched during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Hyderabad.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/01/10/pravasi-bharatiya-divas-2020/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• According to the Endangered Language Alliance (ELA), Seke is one of the over 100 indigenous languages of Nepal.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/01/10/nepals-seke-near-extinct/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The Section 3 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 provides for constitution of the Forest Advisory Committee to advise the Government with regards to grant of approval under Section 2 of the Act and on other matters that may be referred to it by the Government.
• The Forest Advisory Committee is a key statutory body which considers questions on the diversion of forest land for non-forest uses such as mining, industrial projects, townships and advises the government on the issue of granting forest clearances.
• Recently Environment and Forest ministry has reconstituted the statutory advisory body on forest diversion with members, who have strong pro-industry, particularly mining and hydro power, bias.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/01/10/green-credit-scheme/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Sea Guardians 2020 is the joint naval drill between Pakistan and India.
• Operation Sankalp has been launched in order to ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Refer: Facts for Prelims: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/01/10/insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-10-january-2020/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: Inner Line Permit is a document that allows an Indian citizen to visit or stay in a state that is protected under the ILP system.

• The ILP is obligatory for all those who reside outside the protected states.
• Currently, the Inner Line Permit is operational in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
• It can be issued for travel purposes solely.
• An ILP is issued by the state government concerned.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/12/02/inner-line-permit-ilp/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: Key features of INSTEX:

• It is a payment mechanism being setup by the European Union to secure trade with Iran and skirt US sanctions after Washington pulled out of the landmark nuclear deal last May.
• As the European signatories to the nuclear accord, Germany, France and Britain set up and will manage the clearing house.
• The entity is based in France with German governance and financial support from all three countries. The three countries have sought broader support for the mechanism from all 28 EU member states to show European good faith in implementing commitments under the nuclear accord and to present a united front against any retaliation from Washington.
• It will allow trade between the EU and Iran without relying on direct financial transactions.
• It will initially be used for non-sanctionable trade, including humanitarian goods such as medicine, food and medical devices.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/12/02/instex-instrument-in-support-of-trade-exchanges-2/

Ans: (d)

Explanation: New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty):

• It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation with the formal name of Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms.
• Signed on 8 April 2010 in Prague, and, after ratification entered into force on 5 February 2011.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/12/02/new-start-strategic-arms-reduction-treaty-2

Ans: (b)

Explanation: