With reference to National Mission on Libraries, consider the following statements1. This is a new initiative by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, India2. It has been started based on the National Knowledge Commission recommendations for sustained attention for development of Libraries and Information Science Sector3. This mission seeks to establish National Virtual Library of India to facilitate a comprehensive database on digital resources on information about India and on information generated in India, in an open access environment.Which of the above is/are correct?1. 1 and 2 Only2. 2 and 3 Only3. 1 and 3 Only4. AllPresident of India launches National Mission on Libraries in Feb 14 National Mission on Libraries is an initiative of Ministry of Culture to ensure sustained and long term focus on the development of Libraries. works to modernise and digitally link nearly 9,000 libraries across India to provide readers access to books and information. The project costs around 1000 croresBackground The National Knowledge Commission gave 10 recommendation on libraries in its 2011 report Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, will be the central agency for the National Mission on Libraries for administrative, logistics, planning and budgeting purposes.Working groups Upgrade of Existing Public Libraries, School/College/community libraries Library and Information Science Education Setting up the National Virtual Library National Census of Libraries, Content Creation and Community Information CentersSolution: Only 2 and 3 are correctWith reference to spectrum auction in India and the nature of spectrum bands, consider the following statements1. From the companies point of view 900 Mhz band is less superior than the 1800 Mhz band2. Signals sent out using higher frequency bands will travel lesser distance than signals sent on a lower frequency bandWhich of the above is/are correct?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. NoneWhy 900 Mhz band is superior than 1800 Mhz band laws of physics state that the higher you go on the frequency band, the lower will be the wavelength. 900 Mhz is more potent when it comes to indoor coverage. 900 Mhz band has 30-40 per cent better coverage than 1800 Mhz band To make up for this, mobile companies on 1800 Mhz have to invest more in setting up larger number of base stations to achieve the same coverage as in the 900 Mhz band Other than laws of physics, availability of devices and network equipment at affordable price is one of the main reasons. 900 Mhz frequency band has been in use for mobile communications globally for over 20 years A significant part of this frequency band is being used by defence agencies, hence spectrum in this band is scarce for commercial mobile applications Currently all commercially available 900 Mhz spectrum is being used by incumbent Indian operators for offering GSM servicesSolution: Only 2 is correctWith reference to the MeghRaj initiative by the government of India, consider the following statements1. The focus of this initiative is to accelerate delivery of e-services in the country using cloud computing technologies2. It is being implemented by National Informatics Centre, NICWhich of the above is / are correct?

1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. NoneSolution: Both are correctWith reference to Unique Identification Authority of India, consider the following statements1. It is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body2. Its chairman is of the rank of Cabinet Minister to the Government of India3. It is part of the Planning CommissionWhich of the above is/are incorrect?1. 1 and 2 Only2. 2 and 3 Only3. 1 and 3 Only4. NoneSolution: All are correctWith reference to Central Pay Commissions, consider the following statements1. Since independence so far seven Pay Commissions have been set up by the government2. Pay commissions can recommend the revision of pay structure of all civil divisions of the government of India and state governments3. Military pay structure is revised by a separate authority set-up the Ministry of DefenceWhich of the above is/are incorrect?1. 1 and 2 Only2. 2 and 3 Only3. 1 Only4. NonePay Commission seven pay commissions have been set up on a regular basis to review and make recommendations on the work and pay structure of all civil and military divisions of the Government of India.Seventh Pay Commission On September 25, 2013 the finance minister P Chidambaram announced that the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved the constitution of the 7th Pay Commission. Its recommendations are likely to be implemented with effect from January 1, 2016 Justice A.K Mathur will be heading the Seventh Pay commissionNameDesignationRole in Commission

Justice Ashok Kumar MathurRetired Judge of the Supreme Court and Retired Chairman, Armed Forces TribunalChairman

Vivek RaeSecretary, Petroleum & Natural GasMember (Full Time)

Dr. Rathin RoyDirector, NIPFPMember (Part Time)

Meena AgarwalOSD, Department of Expenditure,Ministry of FinanceSecretary

Solution: Only 2 and 3 are incorrectWith reference to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), consider the following statements1. It offers a single window clearance for all the proposals on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India2. Proposals involving foreign investment of more than 1200 crore require the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).Which of the above is/are correct?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. None The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is a government body that offers a single window clearance for proposals on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India that are not allowed access through the automatic route. FIPB comprises of Secretaries drawn from different ministries with Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, MoF in the chair. This inter-ministerial body examines and discusses proposals for foreign investments in the country for sectors with caps, sources and instruments that require approval under the extant FDI Policy on a regular basis. The Minister of Finance, considers the recommendations of the FIPB on proposals for foreign investment up to 1200 crore. Proposals involving foreign investment of more than 1200 crore require the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). FIPB is mandated to play an important role in the administration and implementation of the Governments FDI policy. Solution: b) 2 Only There is an automatic route also in which government gives approval. Not all FDI proposals are cleared by FIPBWith reference to Anti-Dumping agreement clause of WTO, consider the following statements1. If an Indian car manufacturing company sells its cars cheaper in Kenya than in India, it is called as dumping2. The WTO Agreement regulates the actions of companies engaged in dumping and penalises themWhich of the above is/are incorrect?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. NoneAnti-dumping, subsidies, safeguards: contingencies, etcBinding tariffs, and applying them equally to all trading partners (most-favoured-nation treatment, or MFN) are key to the smooth flow of trade in goods. The WTO agreements uphold the principles, but they also allow exceptions in some circumstances. Three of these issues are:1. actions taken against dumping (selling at an unfairly low price)2. subsidies and special countervailing duties to offset the subsidies3. emergency measures to limit imports temporarily, designed to safeguard domestic industries.Anti-dumping actions If a company exports a product at a price lower than the price it normally charges on its own home market, it is said to be dumping the product. Is this unfair competition? Opinions differ, but many governments take action against dumping in order to defend their domestic industries. The WTO agreement does not pass judgement. Its focus is on how governments can or cannot react to dumping it disciplines anti-dumping actions, and it is often called the Anti-Dumping Agreement. WTO agreement allows governments to act against dumping where there is genuine (material) injury to the competing domestic industry. In order to do that the government has to be able to show that dumping is taking place, calculate the extent of dumping (how much lower the export price is compared to the exporters home market price), and show that the dumping is causing injury or threatening to do so.Subsidies and countervailing measures This agreement does two things: it disciplines the use of subsidies, and it regulates the actions countries can take to counter the effects of subsidies. It says a country can use the WTOs dispute settlement procedure to seek the withdrawal of the subsidy or the removal of its adverse effects. Or the country can launch its own investigation and ultimately charge extra duty (known as countervailing duty) on subsidized imports that are found to be hurting domestic producers.Safeguards: emergency protection from imports A WTO member may restrict imports of a product temporarily (take safeguard actions) if its domestic industry is injured or threatened with injury caused by a surge in imports. However, they were infrequently used, some governments preferring to protect their domestic industries through grey area measuresusing bilateral negotiations outside GATTs auspices, they persuaded exporting countries to restrain exports voluntarily or to agree to other means of sharing markets. Agreements of this kind were reached for a wide range of products: automobiles, steel, and semiconductors, for example. The WTO agreement broke new ground. It prohibits grey-area measures, and it sets time limits (a sunset clause) on all safeguard actions. The agreement says members must not seek, take or maintain any voluntary export restraints, orderly marketing arrangements or any other similar measures on the export or the import sideDGAD Directorate General of Anti-Dumping Duties & Allied Duties (DGAD) conducts anti-dumping investigations on the basis of a duly substantiated petition filed by the domestic industry with prima-facie evidence of dumping of goods into the country, injury to the domestic industry and causal link between the dumping and injury to the domestic industry. Such petitions submitted by domestic industry are processed as per the procedure and within the time limits specified under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and the rules made there under. DGAD conducts investigations and recommends imposition of duty, wherever appropriate, to the Department of Revenue (DoR) by issuing its preliminary/final findings. Acting upon such recommendations of the DGAD, the DoR may impose the provisional or definitive duties.Solution: b) 2 OnlyConsider the following statements1. ICNIRP, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection is a UN body that addresses the important issues of possible adverse effects on human health of exposure to non-ionising radiation.2. ICNIRP issues the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to handset manufacturersWhich of the above is/are correct?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. None World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that National authorities should adopt international standards to protect their citizens against adverse levels of RF fields. They should restrict access to areas where exposure limits may be exceeded. WHO has referred to the International Commission on Non-lionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which has prescribed the levels limiting Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) emission from Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) as safe for general public. Department of Telecommunications adopted the EMF radiation limits prescribed by ICNIRP in 2008What is ICNIRP? ICNIRP is the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. It is a publicly funded body of independent scientific experts consisting of a main Commission of 14 members, its Scientific Expert Group and its Project Groups. The expertise is brought to bear on addressing the important issues of possible adverse effects on human health of exposure to non-ionising radiation.What are ICNIRP's aims? ICNIRP's principal aim is to disseminate information and advice on the potential health hazards of exposure to non-ionizing radiation to everyone with an interest in the subject. ICNIRP's information and advice covers all of the non-ionizing radiations including, the optical radiations (ultraviolet, visible and infrared - and lasers), static and time-varying electric and magnetic fields and radiofrequency (including microwave) radiation, and ultrasound. The results combined with risk assessments carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organization, WHO, result in the publication by ICNIRP of Exposure Guidelines. Where does ICNIRP get its funds? ICNIRP is a publicly funded, non-profit making organisation and is legally registered as such in Germany. IMEI and the law Many countries have acknowledged the use of the IMEI in reducing the effect of mobile phone theft. IMEIs have been allocated by regional administrators acting on behalf of the GSM AssociationSolution: d) NoneConsider the following statements1. Rani Ki-Vav is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Gujarat2. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is the body which recommends sites to be included in the UN heritage listWhich of the above is/are correct?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. NoneSolution: c) BothConsider the following statements1. He was responsible for the excavation that led to the discovery of Harappa and Mohenjodaro2. He began the excavations at Taxila, which lasted for twenty years and he laid the foundation stone for the Taxila museum3. The guidelines prepared by him are still followed for conservation and preservation of monuments in IndiaThe above statements refer to which of the following personalities?1. Sir William Jones2. Alexander Cunningham3. Rao Bahadur K.N. Dikshit4. None of the aboveSolution: d) None of the aboveStatements refer to John MarshallWith reference to Mega Food Parks, consider the following statements1. The scheme is aimed at providing adequate infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry along the value chain from farm to market2. The ownership of these parks lies with a special purpose vehicle in which state and union governments hold minimum 26 per cent stakes3. In these parks, it is mandatory to make farmers or farmers organization as stakeholdersWhich of the above is/are correct?1. 1 Only2. 2 and 3 Only3. 1 and 3 Only4. 1 and 2 OnlyProposal for modification in the scheme of Infrastructure Development for Food Processing: Mega Food Parks The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved modifications in the Mega Food Park Scheme guidelines of infrastructure development for food processing. Each Mega Food Park is expected to generate the following outcomes:1. Expected to benefit 6000 farmers / producers directly and about 25,000 farmers indirectly.2. In each project, about 30 food processing units are expected to be setup The Infrastructure Development Scheme for Mega Food Parks aims at providing modern infrastructure facilities for food processing industries along the value chain from farm to market. According to the Scheme, ownership and management of the Mega Food Park vests with a SPV in which organized retailers, processors, service providers etc may be the equity holders or there may be an anchor investor along with its ancillaries, associated companies and other stakeholders. Farmer organisations were encouraged to participate in the SPV. In case, Government/Government agencies become shareholders in the SPV, their equity has been restricted to a maximum 26 percent to ensure the private character of the SPV. The modification aims at changing the nature of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The criteria of maximum 26 percent equity by the State Govt./ State Govt. entities/ Co-operatives has been removed. Anchor investor in the SPV holding majority stake, with or without other promoters of the SPV, will be required to set up at least one food processing unit in the park with an investment of not less than Rs. 10 crore. However, State Government/State Government entities and co-operatives applying for projects under the scheme, will not be required to form a separate SPV and set up processing unit(s) in the Park.Solution: a) 1 OnlyWith reference to the Integrated Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) platform proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, consider the following statements1. This is an emergency response system for minority communities who may face violence2. It would be funded by the Prime Ministers relief fund3. Its key objective is to provide 24 Hours and 7 Days (24X7) helpline service to minorities in distressWhich of the above is/are incorrect?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. 3 Only4. AllIntegrated Computer Aided Dispatch Establishment of an Integrated Computer Aided Dispatch platform for supporting Geographical Information System Based call taking and Geographical Positioning System based Police vehicle dispatch to respond to women and other distress calls The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs to establish an Integrated Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) platform. This is an emergency response system for women and other vulnerable groups who may face violence. The Geographical Information System (GIS) based call taking and Geographical Positioning System (GPS) based Police vehicle dispatch system will be able to respond to distress calls and ensure speedy assistance to women. Distress/emergency alarms generated by panic buttons/landlines/mobiles through individual devices pioneered by the Dept. of Information Technology (DIT) or mobile phone applications would be tracked and Emergency Response (ER) units will be dispatched to attend the call. This project would obtain funding from the Nirbhaya FundThe key objectives and features of the initiative are: 1. Providing 24 Hours and 7 Days (24X7) helpline service to women in distress and for alarms related to other emergency services such as medical and disaster (fire etc.) by other responders in an integrated manner2. Handling of emergency situations of children and other vulnerable sections of society. 3. Speedy assistance for helpless women / children of a defined area, who face any form of violence, such as eve teasing, dowry demands, sexual assault, molestation or any other abuse either in public or at home4. Integration with existing Dial 100 system for seamless operation and coordination between both systems5. The proposed system would also be integrated with Crime and Criminal Tracking and Networking System (CCTNS), State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG) 6. The project would demonstrate the capabilities of the NG911 network standards for dynamically identifying caller location, exchanging data between emergency call and dispatching centres and Police Dial 100 system, Fire, Health and Disaster Management command centres. The project involves setting up of citywise hi-tech Control Rooms to cover 114 cities and districts in different States and Union Territories of India, as identified by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which includes 71 cities having a population of more than a million or which are headquarters of the State/UT as well as headquarters of 41 highly crime prone districts. Background: The Union Finance Minister P. Chidambararn in his 2013 Union Budget speech announced that a corpus called 'Nirbhaya Fund' would be setup by the Government of India. An integrated 'Public Emergency Response System' was also suggested in the Justice (Retd.) Verma report as well as in the Justice (Retd.) Usha Mehra report and was also recommended by the Cabinet Committee of Secretaries (CoS).Solution: d) All are incorrectWith reference to Public Private Partnership model of investment used in India, consider the following statements1. It is the public partner who creates the asset in the partnership for the end users2. The investment is usually made by the private partner3. The management of the assets created in this model lies with the private partner till the asset lastsWhich of the above is/are correct?1. 1 and 2 Only2. 2 Only3. 2 and 3 Only4. AllNational Public Private Partnership Policy Public Private Partnership (PPPs) as a means for harnessing private sector investment and operational efficiencies in the provision of public assets and services. Public Private Partnership means an arrangement between a government/statutory entity/government owned entity on one side and a private sector entity on the other, for the provision of public assets and/or public services, through investments being made and/or management being undertaken by the private sector entity, for a specified period of time, where there is well defined allocation of risk between the private sector and the public entity and the private entity receives performance linked payments that conform (or are benchmarked) to specified and pre-determined performance standards, measurable by the public entity or its representative. The asset and/or service under the contractual arrangement will be provided by the Private Sector entity to the users.The arrangement could provide for financial investment and/or non-financial investment by the private sector; the intent of the arrangement is to harness the private sector efficiency in the delivery of quality services to the users. The models where ownership of the underlying asset remains with the public entity during the contract period and project is transferred back to the public entity after the termination contract are the preferred forms of Public Private Partnership models. Some of the commonly adopted forms of PPPs include management contracts, buildoperate-transfer (BOT) and its variants, build-lease-transfer (BLT), design-buildoperate-transfer (DBFOT), operate-maintain-transfer (OMT), etc. Build-own-operate (BOO) model is normally not the supported form of Public Private Partnership in view of the finite resources of the Government and complexities in imposing penalties in the event of non-performance and estimation of value of underlying assets in the event of early termination.PPP Models supported by the GovernmentUser-Fee Based BOT models Medium to large scale PPPs have been awarded mainly in the energy and transport sub-sectors (roads, ports and airports). Although there are variations in approaches, over the years the PPP model has been veering towards competitively bid concessions where costs are recovered mainly through user charges (in some cases partly through VGF from the government). Annuity Based BOT models In sectors/projects not amenable for sizeable cost recovery through user charges, owing to socio-political-affordability considerations, such as in rural, urban, health and education sectors, the government harnesses private sector efficiencies through contracts based on availability/performance payments. Implementing annuity model will require necessary framework conditions, such as payment guarantee mechanism by means of making available multi-year budgetary support, a dedicated fund, letter of credit etc. Government may consider setting-up a separate window of assistance for encouraging annuity-based PPP projects. A variant of this approach could be to make a larger upfront payment (say 40% of project cost) during the construction period.Performance Based Management/ Maintenance contracts In an environment of constrained economic resources, PPP that improves efficiency will be all the more relevant. PPP models such as performance based management/maintenance contracts are encouraged. Sectors amenable for such models include water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, road maintenance etc. Modified Design-Build (Turnkey) Contracts In traditional Design-Build (DB) contract, private contractor is engaged for a fixed-fee payment on completion. The primary benefits of DB contracts include time and cost savings, efficient risk-sharing and improved quality. Government may consider a Turnkey DB approach with the payments linked to achievement of tangible intermediate construction milestones (instead of lump-sum payment on completion) and short period maintenance/repair responsibilities. Penalties/incentives for delays/early completion and performance guarantee (warranty) from private partner may also be incorporated. Subsequently, as the market sentiment turns around these projects could be offered to private sector through operation-maintenancetolling concessions.Solution: b) 2 OnlyThe Namib Desert beetle (Stenocara gracilipes) is a species of beetle that is native to the Namib Desert of southern Africa, one of the direst places on the planet. How does it survive without water there?1. It eats cactus and survives2. It depends on the blood of higher animals3. It is able to survive by collecting water on its bumpy back surface from early morning fogs.4. None of the aboveSolution: c) It is able to survive by collecting water on its bumpy back surface from early morning fogs.With reference to the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET), consider the following statements1. It aims to restructure and strengthen agricultural extension to enable delivery of appropriate technology and improved agronomic practices to farmers.2. It is continued in the 12th plan periodWhich of the above is/are correct?1. 1 Only2. 2 Only3. Both4. NoneApproval of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the implementation of the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) during the 12th Plan period. NMAET consists of 4 Sub Missions:1. Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE)2. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)3. Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)4. Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP) The aim of the Mission is to restructure and strengthen agricultural extension to enable delivery of appropriate technology and improved agronomic practices to farmers. This is envisaged to be achieved by a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach and interactive methods of information dissemination, use of ICT and encourage aggregation of Farmers into Interest Groups (FIGs) to form Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)Solution: d) Both are correct