IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th April 2020

Archives


(PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS)


Food Corporation of India directed to provide grains to NGOs

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – II – Role of NGOs; GS-III – Marketing of agricultural produce

In News:

Key takeaways:

Important value additions:

The Food Corporation of India (FCI)

Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) 


States asked to invoke Essential Commodities Act, 1955

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Polity & Governance

In News:

Key takeaways:

Important value additions:

Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955


Funding for developing nasal passage gel approved 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health; GS – III – Science and Technology

In News:


Biofortified carrot variety benefits local farmers 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – III – Science and Technology  

In News:

Key takeaways:

Important value additions:

Biofortification 

Image source: http://nif.org.in/Innovationofday/madhuvan-gajar-a-high-nutritious-carrot-vareity/6 


(MAINS FOCUS)


POLITY/WELFARE

Topic: General Studies 2:

MPLADS: Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme

Context: The Union Cabinet approved a 30% cut in the salaries of all Members of Parliament and a two-year suspension of MPLAD scheme so that the amount saved can go to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) to fight COVID-19.

What is MPLADS Scheme or Sansad Nidhi Yojana?

Criticism of the scheme

Views about the scheme

Why MPLADS was suspended for two years?

Challenges ahead due the suspension of scheme

Connecting the dots:


ECONOMY

Topic: General Studies 3:

Financing the Pandemic rescue package

When COVID-19 cases began to increase, the Government of India (GoI) announced a 21-day national lockdown and a ₹1.7-lakh crore rescue package.

Challenges

How can government fund its relief packages?

Pic Source: The Hindu

Should government also tap the RBI resources?

Conclusion

The GoI may finance the COVID-19 rescue package by issuing GDP-linked bonds, tapping PSEs’ excess liquidity and monetising non-core assets

Connecting the dots:


(TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE)


Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section)

Note: 

Q.1 Consider the following statements:

  1. Essential Commodities (EC) Act was established to prevent hoarding of the essential commodities. 
  2. Recently the states are being asked by the Government of India to invoke EC Act amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

Which of the above is/are correct?

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

Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding Food Corporation of India:

  1. It will provide major food grains to NGOs at the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) rates.
  2. It plays major role in ensuring food security in India.

Which of the above is/are correct?

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

Q.3 The nasal passage gel is being developed by which of the following?

  1. IIT Bombay 
  2. Department of Science and Technology 
  3. Indian Council of Medical Research 
  4. Ministry of Health and welfare

Q.4 Consider the following statements:

  1. Madhuban gajar is a biofortified tomato variety.
  2. It is high in beta-carotene.

Which of the above is/are correct?

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

ANSWERS FOR 8th April 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK)

1 C
2 A
3 A
4 B

Must Read

About impact of lockdown on domestic violence:

The Hindu

About COVID-19 lockdown and religious congregations:

The Indian Express

About need for decentralization of powers to fight COVID-19: 

The Hindu

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