Answer: C
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the
United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep
the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest
level of health.
● By connecting countries, people and partners, WHO strive to give everyone, everywhere an
equal chance at a safe and healthy life.
World Health Assembly
● Statement 2 is correct: The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO.
● It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.
● The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.
● The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the
United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep
the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest
level of health.
● By connecting countries, people and partners, WHO strive to give everyone, everywhere an
equal chance at a safe and healthy life.
World Health Assembly
● Statement 2 is correct: The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO.
● It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.
● The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.
● The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.
3. The Indus Water Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan to share the waters of the Indus
river. Which of the following international organisations played the key role in this treaty?
river. Which of the following international organisations played the key role in this treaty?
choose the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
10%
A. International Monetary Fund
11%
B. World Economic Forum
23%
C. United Nations
56%
D. World Bank
4. With reference to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, (FCRA), 2010, consider the
following statements.
1. It regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals,
associations and companies.
2. Under the Act, NGOs are barred from receiving foreign funds.
3. Registrations once done by the individuals, associations and companies are valid for
lifetime.
following statements.
1. It regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals,
associations and companies.
2. Under the Act, NGOs are barred from receiving foreign funds.
3. Registrations once done by the individuals, associations and companies are valid for
lifetime.
How many of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
Anonymous Quiz
37%
A. Only one
42%
B. Only two
12%
C. All the three
9%
D. None
Answer: D
Soln:
Indus Waters Treaty:
● The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the help of
the World Bank, which is also a signatory. Hence, option D is correct.
● It is one of the most successful international treaties and has survived frequent tensions,
including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower
development for more than half a century.
● The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the
Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each
country certain uses on the rivers allocated to the other.
● The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the
two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus
Commission, which has a Commissioner from each country.
● The Treaty also sets forth distinct procedures to handle issues which may arise:
○ “questions” are handled by the Commission;
○ “differences” are to be resolved by a Neutral Expert; and
○ “disputes” are to be referred to an ad hoc arbitral tribunal called the “Court of
Arbitration.”
Soln:
Indus Waters Treaty:
● The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan with the help of
the World Bank, which is also a signatory. Hence, option D is correct.
● It is one of the most successful international treaties and has survived frequent tensions,
including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower
development for more than half a century.
● The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the
Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each
country certain uses on the rivers allocated to the other.
● The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the
two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus
Commission, which has a Commissioner from each country.
● The Treaty also sets forth distinct procedures to handle issues which may arise:
○ “questions” are handled by the Commission;
○ “differences” are to be resolved by a Neutral Expert; and
○ “disputes” are to be referred to an ad hoc arbitral tribunal called the “Court of
Arbitration.”
5. Consider the following statements.
1. India is the largest producer of biofuel in the world.
2. Second generation Biofuels come from food crop feedstock.
3. Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) brings together the biggest consumers and producers of
biofuels.
1. India is the largest producer of biofuel in the world.
2. Second generation Biofuels come from food crop feedstock.
3. Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) brings together the biggest consumers and producers of
biofuels.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
32%
A. Only one
46%
B. Only two
19%
C. All the three
3%
D. None of the above
Answer: A
Explanation
About Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, (FCRA), 2010
● Statement 1 is correct: The FCRA 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign
contribution by individuals, associations and companies. Foreign contribution is the
donation or transfer of any currency, security or article (of beyond a specified value) by a
foreign source.
● The objective is to prevent use of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activity
detrimental to the national interest.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: All societies, companies, associations and NGOs have to
register themselves under the FCRA and fulfil definite criteria to be eligible for foreign
funds.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The registration is initially valid for five years and it can be
renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
● Registered associations can receive foreign contributions for social, educational,
religious, economic and cultural purposes.
● Filing of annual returns, on the lines of Income Tax, is compulsory.
Who cannot receive foreign donations?
● Members of the legislature and political parties, government officials, judges and
media persons are prohibited from receiving any foreign contribution.
● However, in 2017 the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), amended the FCRA law paving the
way for political parties to receive funds from the Indian subsidiary of a foreign company
or a foreign company in which an Indian holds 50% or more shares.
2020 Amendment Act
● Last year, the Parliament passed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act,
2020 which amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
Highlights of the 2020 Act
Prohibition to accept foreign contribution
● The amendment adds public servants (as defined under the Indian Penal Code) to the list
of persons who are prohibited to accept any foreign contribution.
● Public servant includes any person who is in service or pay of the government, or
remunerated by the government for the performance of any public duty.
Transfer of foreign contribution
● The amendment act prohibits the transfer of grants received under FCRA to any other
person or organization.
Aadhaar for registration
● Any person seeking prior permission, registration or renewal of registration must provide
the Aadhaar number of all its office bearers, directors or key functionaries, as an
identification document.
● In case of a foreigner, they must provide a copy of the passport or the Overseas Citizen of
India card for identification.
FCRA account
● Organizations can receive the foreign funds in a bank account designated as the ‘FCRA
account’ only in branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi, as notified by the central
government.
Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes
● Under the 2010 Act, a person who receives foreign contribution must use it only for the
purpose for which the contribution is received. Further, they must not use more than 50%
of the contribution for meeting administrative expenses.
● The amendment act reduces this limit to 20%. Suspension of registration
● Under the 2010 Act, the government may suspend the registration of a person for a period
not exceeding 180 days.
● The latest amendment adds that such suspension may be extended up to an additional 180 days.
Explanation
About Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, (FCRA), 2010
● Statement 1 is correct: The FCRA 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign
contribution by individuals, associations and companies. Foreign contribution is the
donation or transfer of any currency, security or article (of beyond a specified value) by a
foreign source.
● The objective is to prevent use of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activity
detrimental to the national interest.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: All societies, companies, associations and NGOs have to
register themselves under the FCRA and fulfil definite criteria to be eligible for foreign
funds.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The registration is initially valid for five years and it can be
renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
● Registered associations can receive foreign contributions for social, educational,
religious, economic and cultural purposes.
● Filing of annual returns, on the lines of Income Tax, is compulsory.
Who cannot receive foreign donations?
● Members of the legislature and political parties, government officials, judges and
media persons are prohibited from receiving any foreign contribution.
● However, in 2017 the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), amended the FCRA law paving the
way for political parties to receive funds from the Indian subsidiary of a foreign company
or a foreign company in which an Indian holds 50% or more shares.
2020 Amendment Act
● Last year, the Parliament passed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act,
2020 which amends the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
Highlights of the 2020 Act
Prohibition to accept foreign contribution
● The amendment adds public servants (as defined under the Indian Penal Code) to the list
of persons who are prohibited to accept any foreign contribution.
● Public servant includes any person who is in service or pay of the government, or
remunerated by the government for the performance of any public duty.
Transfer of foreign contribution
● The amendment act prohibits the transfer of grants received under FCRA to any other
person or organization.
Aadhaar for registration
● Any person seeking prior permission, registration or renewal of registration must provide
the Aadhaar number of all its office bearers, directors or key functionaries, as an
identification document.
● In case of a foreigner, they must provide a copy of the passport or the Overseas Citizen of
India card for identification.
FCRA account
● Organizations can receive the foreign funds in a bank account designated as the ‘FCRA
account’ only in branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi, as notified by the central
government.
Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes
● Under the 2010 Act, a person who receives foreign contribution must use it only for the
purpose for which the contribution is received. Further, they must not use more than 50%
of the contribution for meeting administrative expenses.
● The amendment act reduces this limit to 20%. Suspension of registration
● Under the 2010 Act, the government may suspend the registration of a person for a period
not exceeding 180 days.
● The latest amendment adds that such suspension may be extended up to an additional 180 days.
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Answer: A
Soln:
What are Biofuels?
● Biofuels are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from biomass that are generally high in
sugar (such as sugarcane, sugarbeet, sweet sorghum), starch (such as corn and cassava) or
oils (such as soybeans, rapeseed, coconut, sunflowers, and palms).
● The two most commonly used biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
● Categories of Biofuels:
1. First generation Biofuels: Mainly produced from food crop feedstock. Hence,
statement 2 is incorrect.
2. Second generation Biofuels: Comes from non-food plants
3. Third generation Biofuels: Micro-organisms like algae
4. Fourth generation Biofuels: Genetically modified (GM) algae to enhance biofuel
production
● India is the third-largest producer of ethanol, after the United States (US) and Brazil.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA):
● The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was launched by India along with the leaders of USA,
Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mauritius and UAE in 2023, on the sidelines
of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, as Chair’s initiative.
● GBA is a multi-stakeholder alliance of Governments, International Organizations and
Industries, bringing together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
● GBA aims at promoting the development and adoption of sustainable biofuels.
● It will also facilitate development, adoption and implementation of internationally
recognized standards, codes, sustainability principles and regulations to incentivize
biofuels adoption and trade.
● The membership of GBA has expanded to 24 member countries and 12 International
Organizations.
Soln:
What are Biofuels?
● Biofuels are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from biomass that are generally high in
sugar (such as sugarcane, sugarbeet, sweet sorghum), starch (such as corn and cassava) or
oils (such as soybeans, rapeseed, coconut, sunflowers, and palms).
● The two most commonly used biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
● Categories of Biofuels:
1. First generation Biofuels: Mainly produced from food crop feedstock. Hence,
statement 2 is incorrect.
2. Second generation Biofuels: Comes from non-food plants
3. Third generation Biofuels: Micro-organisms like algae
4. Fourth generation Biofuels: Genetically modified (GM) algae to enhance biofuel
production
● India is the third-largest producer of ethanol, after the United States (US) and Brazil.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA):
● The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was launched by India along with the leaders of USA,
Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mauritius and UAE in 2023, on the sidelines
of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, as Chair’s initiative.
● GBA is a multi-stakeholder alliance of Governments, International Organizations and
Industries, bringing together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
● GBA aims at promoting the development and adoption of sustainable biofuels.
● It will also facilitate development, adoption and implementation of internationally
recognized standards, codes, sustainability principles and regulations to incentivize
biofuels adoption and trade.
● The membership of GBA has expanded to 24 member countries and 12 International
Organizations.
1. India shares a land border with Myanmar along which of the following states?
Answer: B
Explanation
● Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country with Naypyidaw as its capital.
● Borders:
○ China to the north and northeast,
○ Laos to the east,
○ Thailand to the southeast,
○ Bangladesh to the west, and
○ India to the northwest.
● Border with India: 1600 km and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
● Marginal seas: The Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest.
● Indian states bordering Myanmar: Four North-Eastern States
○ Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Hence option B is
correct.
● Important Rivers: Irrawaddy
● Myawady
○ It is a town on the border between Myanmar and Thailand. It had seen sporadic
clashes between the military and anti junta fighters since the coup in 2021.
Explanation
● Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country with Naypyidaw as its capital.
● Borders:
○ China to the north and northeast,
○ Laos to the east,
○ Thailand to the southeast,
○ Bangladesh to the west, and
○ India to the northwest.
● Border with India: 1600 km and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
● Marginal seas: The Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest.
● Indian states bordering Myanmar: Four North-Eastern States
○ Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Hence option B is
correct.
● Important Rivers: Irrawaddy
● Myawady
○ It is a town on the border between Myanmar and Thailand. It had seen sporadic
clashes between the military and anti junta fighters since the coup in 2021.
3. Which of the following are the services provided by the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
1. Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
2. Wealth management
3. Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations
1. Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
2. Wealth management
3. Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations
Answer: B
Explanation
● El Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the
eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Hence Option B is correct.
● During El Niño, the surface winds across the entire tropical Pacific are weaker than usual.
Ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are warmer than
average, and rainfall is below average over Indonesia and above average over the central
or eastern Pacific.
● Rising air motion (which is linked to storms and rainfall) increases over the central or
eastern Pacific, and surface pressure there tends to be lower than average. Meanwhile, an
increase in sinking air motion over Indonesia leads to higher surface pressure and dryness.
● Since the Pacific covers almost one-third of the earth, changes in its temperature and subsequent alteration of wind patterns disrupt global weather patterns.
● El Niño causes dry, warm winters in Northern U.S. and Canada and increased flooding risk on the U.S. gulf coast and southeastern U.S. It also brings drought to Indonesia and
Australia.
Explanation
● El Nino is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the
eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Hence Option B is correct.
● During El Niño, the surface winds across the entire tropical Pacific are weaker than usual.
Ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are warmer than
average, and rainfall is below average over Indonesia and above average over the central
or eastern Pacific.
● Rising air motion (which is linked to storms and rainfall) increases over the central or
eastern Pacific, and surface pressure there tends to be lower than average. Meanwhile, an
increase in sinking air motion over Indonesia leads to higher surface pressure and dryness.
● Since the Pacific covers almost one-third of the earth, changes in its temperature and subsequent alteration of wind patterns disrupt global weather patterns.
● El Niño causes dry, warm winters in Northern U.S. and Canada and increased flooding risk on the U.S. gulf coast and southeastern U.S. It also brings drought to Indonesia and
Australia.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Anonymous Quiz
8%
A. 1 and 2 only
19%
B. 2 and 3 only
15%
C. 1 and 3 only
58%
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
● An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a jurisdiction that provides world class
financial services to non-residents and residents, to the extent permissible under the current regulations, in a currency other than the domestic currency (Indian Rupee) of the location where the IFSC is located.
● Services provided by an IFSC:
○ Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
○ Asset management and global portfolio diversification undertaken by pension funds, insurance companies and mutual funds
○ Wealth management
○ Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations, etc. Hence all
the three statements are correct.
Explanation:
● An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) is a jurisdiction that provides world class
financial services to non-residents and residents, to the extent permissible under the current regulations, in a currency other than the domestic currency (Indian Rupee) of the location where the IFSC is located.
● Services provided by an IFSC:
○ Fund-raising services for individuals, corporations and governments
○ Asset management and global portfolio diversification undertaken by pension funds, insurance companies and mutual funds
○ Wealth management
○ Merger and acquisition activities among trans-national corporations, etc. Hence all
the three statements are correct.