DAY 23 (09-10-23)
Q1. How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian agriculture?
- NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
- NBA reviews, monitors, and approves all activities related to genetic modification of crop plants.
- Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of the NBA.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: A legally independent entity under the Ministry of Environment, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was created in 2003 to carry out the directives of the Biological Diversity Act, which was passed in 2002. It monitors biopiracy and safeguards traditional and indigenous genetic resources.
Statement 2 is incorrect: NBA serves as a facilitator, regulator, and advisory body for the Indian government on matters pertaining to biological resource conservation and sustainable usage. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under MoEFCC is authorised to review, monitor and approve all activities including import, export, transport, manufacture, use or sale of GMO.
Statement 3 is correct: Section 6(1) provides that prior approval of NBA is necessary before applying for any kind of Intellectual Property Rights in India and outside based on any research or information on a biological resource obtained from India.
Q2. With reference to Essential Commodities Act (ECA) 1955, consider the following statements :
- It was legislated at a time when the country was facing a scarcity of foodstuffs.
- There is no specific definition of essential commodities in the Act.
- The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is the nodal agency for the implementation of this Act.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d)None
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The ECA was legislated at a time when the country was facing a scarcity of foodstuffs due to persistent low levels of foodgrains production. The country was dependent on imports and assistance (such as wheat import form the US under PL-480) to feed the population. To prevent hoarding and black marketing of foodstuffs, the Essential Commodities Act was enacted in 1955.
Statement 2 is correct: There is no specific definition of essential commodities in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Section 2(A) states that an “essential commodity” means a commodity specified in the Schedule of the Act. The Centre, if it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in public interest, can notify an item as essential, in consultation with state governments. By declaring a commodity as essential, the government can control the production, supply, and distribution of that commodity, and impose a stock limit.
Statement 2 is correct: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is the nodal agency for the implementation of this Act.
Q3. Consider the following statements :
- Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) consists of 7 satellites.
- NAVIC covers whole of India’s landmass.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: NAVIC is an independent stand-alone navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It consists of 7 satellites.
Statement 2 is correct: NAVIC covers the whole of India’s landmass and up to 1,500 km from its boundaries. This system was earlier known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System).
Q4. What type of orbit is used for most communication satellites?
(a) Low Earth orbit
(b) Polar orbit
(c) Geosynchronous orbit
(d) Sun-synchronous orbit
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
A geosynchronous orbit is an orbit in which a satellite’s orbital period is the same as the Earth’s rotation period. This means that the satellite appears to be in a fixed location in the sky, and can be used for communication and weather forecasting. A low Earth orbit is typically used for imaging and surveillance, a polar orbit is used for earth observation and meteorology and a sun-synchronous orbit is used for earth observation and remote sensing.
Q5. Consider the following statements :
- The concept of directive principles has been borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
- DPSPs are not enforceable by any court including the Supreme Court.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The concept of directive principles has been borrowed from the Irish Constitution. Part IV of the constitution deals with DPSP. Articles 36 to 51 contain 20 DPSPs. The concept of directive principles is a balance between the Marxian approach to achieve egalitarian society and democracy. These principles are to act as a guiding force of the policy-making in a modern democratic State. According to Dr Ambedkar, the DPSPs are like an instrument of instruction to the State.
Statement 2 is correct: Article 37 declares that the DPSPs are not enforceable by any court including the Supreme Court. However, it is ‘fundamental to governance of the country’.