Day-3 : IR MCQs

Based on Current Affairs 

 

21. Consider the following statements about Hong Kong Protests:

1. Article 23 of the law requires Hong Kong to pass national security legislation.
2. Hong Kong is governed by a mini-constitution called the Basic Law which affirms the principle of one country, two systems.
3. The opposition to the extradition law has grown into a wider civil movement to protect liberties.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 3 only

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

22. Consider the following statements about

1. Montenegro is the first country in Europe declared by WHO as coronavirus-free.
2. Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 only

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

23. Consider the following statements about Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award?

1. It is United Nations ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’ was created in 2016.
2. It recognizes the dedication and effort of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 1 only

      (c) 2 only

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

24. Consider the following statements:

1. The D10 is major part of G 7 summit.
2. The club offers instant resolution to all international issues between G7 countries.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 only

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

 

Economy MCQ

 

1. Consider the following statements:

1. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) can direct its investigations unit to conduct a wider probe into the allegations, or dismiss the case if it finds no merit in it.
2. In 2018, the CCI fined Google $21 million for search bias.
3. The CCI and SEBI has played the major roles to solve such technical issues.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 1 and 3

      (c) 2 and 3

      (d) 1 and 2

 

2. Consider the following statements about Geographical Indication Tag:

1. The tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1990.
2. The Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris and Geneva Convention to make healthy competition.
3. The first product to get GI tag was Asame Tea following Darjeeling Tea.
4. Recently Chak-Hao, Terracota work of Gorakhpur, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai has got GI tag.

Which of the given statements is/are not correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 4

      (b) 1, 2 and 3

      (c) 2, 3 and 4

      (d) None of the Above

 

 

3. Consider the following statements:

1. The US recognised Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894 and in India it was first celebrated on May 1, 1923.
2. After Russian Revolution 1917, the celebration was embraced by the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War becoming a national holiday.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 only

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

4. Consider the following statements about Sa-dhan:

1. It was given the status of a self-regulatory organization (SRO) by RBI in 2015.
2. Sa-Dhan was the first association in the business of micro-lending to be given the SRO status by RBI.
3. Its mission is to build the field of community development finance in India to help its members.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 3 only

      (d) 1 and 3

 

5. The Saras Collection is seen in news it is related to:

      (a) Showcases daily utility products made by rural self-help groups (SHGs)

      (b) Showcases daily utility products made by Tribal women as their unique identity

      (c) To preserve the traditional treasure of rural India

      (d) By collecting all ancient equipment to launch India’s cultural heritage

 

6. Consider the following statements about International Labour Organization:

1. It is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
2. The ILO’s Governing body meets annually to formulate international labour standards.
3. In 189 conventions and treaties, of which eight are classified as fundamental according to the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

 

Answers

 

21. Consider the following statements about Hong Kong Protests:

1. Article 23 of the law requires Hong Kong to pass national security legislation.
2. Hong Kong is governed by a mini-constitution called the Basic Law which affirms the principle of one country, two systems.
3. The opposition to the extradition law has grown into a wider civil movement to protect liberties.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 3 only

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: Article 23 of the law requires Hong Kong to pass national security legislation.
2. Statement 2 is correct: It is governed by a mini-constitution called the Basic Law — which affirms the principle of “one country, two systems.
3. Statement 3 is correct: The opposition to the extradition law has grown into a wider civil movement to protect liberties.

 

For More Information Read the following:

Hong Kong Protests

• China has started pushing for an “improvement” in the Basic Law — the mini-constitution that defines ties between Hong Kong and Beijing — signalling a fundamental change in the way the highly autonomous city-state is run.

Hong Kong’s ‘Basic Law’

• A former British colony, Hong Kong was handed over to mainland China in 1997, becoming one of its Special Administrative Regions (SAR).
• It is governed by a mini-constitution called the Basic Law — which affirms the principle of “one country, two systems”.
• The constitutional document is a product of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration– under which China promised to honour Hong Kong’s liberal policies, system of governance, independent judiciary, and individual freedoms for a period of 50 years from 1997.
• Under the Basic Law that has governed Hong Kong since 1997, SAR has a high degree of autonomy “to enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication”; only defence and foreign affairs are to be handled by Beijing under Article 18.
• Article 23 of the law requires Hong Kong to pass national security legislation, but the law makes clear it is Hong Kong’s legislature that enjoys the power to make and repeal laws — the bedrock of the “one country, two systems” model.

National security law for Hong Kong

• What has concerned pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong is a new provision for China’s national security organs to “set up institutions” in the Special Administrative Region (SAR).
• A decision from the ruling Communist Party in Beijing is set to authorise Chinese legislators to draft a national security law for Hong Kong.
• The proposed law will cover four main matters:

• • Subversion – undermining the power of an authority
  • secession – breaking away from the country
  • terrorism – using violence or intimidation against people
  • activities by foreign forces that interfere in Hong Kong
• It also intends to bring ‘Anthem Bill’ that would make it illegal to insult or abuse the Chinese national anthem in the semi-autonomous city.

Why are people against this?

• This law can be used as a convenient pretext for the political prosecution of dissidents, activists, human rights lawyers and journalists.
• The opposition to the extradition law has grown into a wider civil movement to protect liberties, bringing all sections of society together.
• This could be a major blow to Hong Kong’s freedoms, the law could effectively bring the city under full control of mainland China.
• The move could also undermine Hong Kong’s position as an East Asian trading hub, and invite global disapproval for Beijing, which is already being accused of withholding key information related to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

22. Consider the following statements about

1. Montenegro is the first country in Europe declared by WHO as coronavirus-free.
2. Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 only

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer:( b)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: Montenegro is the first country in Europe to declare itself coronavirus-free.
2. Statement 2 is correct: Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline

 

For More Information Read the following:

Europe’s First COVID-19 Free Country

• Montenegro is the first country in Europe to declare itself coronavirus-free.
• Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline.
• 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon encompasses the country.
• Tourism operators have already seized the opportunity to brand Montenegro as “Europe’s First COVID-19 Free Country”.
• To prevent any backsliding on the health front, Montenegro will only allow visitors from countries that have kept coronavirus cases low at under 25 patients per 100,000 people.
• In picturesque coastal city Kotor there have been no reported cases of coronavirus.
• Montenegro’s size has certainly been of aid in its fight against the virus: the country is one of the smallest in the world with only about 630,000 people.

 

 

23. Consider the following statements about Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award?

1. It is United Nations ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’ was created in 2016.
2. It recognizes the dedication and effort of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 1 only

      (c) 2 only

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: United Nations “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” was created in 2016
2. Statement 2 is correct: It recognizes the dedication and effort of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in a peace operation context.

 

For More Information Read the following:

Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

• United Nations “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” was created in 2016.
• It recognizes the dedication and effort of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in a peace operation context.
• Recently women peacekeepers from India and Brazil have jointly won the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2019 Award.
• Major Suman Gawani of the Indian Army, a Military Observer formerly deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo, a Brazilian Naval officer have been chosen for the award.
• Major Gawani is deployed in UNMISS, she mentored over 230 UN Military Observers  on conflict-related sexual violence and ensured the presence of women military observers in each of the Mission’s team sites.
• For the first time, two peacekeepers will receive the award jointly for their contribution to this important cause.

United Nations Mission in South Sudan

• The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is the newest United Nations peacekeeping mission for the recently independent South Sudan, which became independent on 9 July 2011.
• UNMISS was established in 2011 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1996.
• It is composed of 15,000 military personnel, 1,800 police, and 2,800 civilian workers.
• It is headquartered in the South Sudanese capital of Juba.

 

24. Consider the following statements:

1. The D10 is major part of G 7 summit.
2. The club offers instant resolution to all international issues between G7 countries.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1 only

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Both the statements are incorrect

 

For More Information Read the following:

U.K. moots ‘5G club’ to keep out Huawei

• Britain’s proposal of the “D10” club.

Background:

• Britain has allowed Huawei, the Chinese global leader in 5G technology, to build up to 35% of the infrastructure necessary to roll out Britain’s new high speed data network.
• However in the light of the souring relations with China there have been calls to draw up plans to cut Huawei out of the UK network by 2023.

Details:

• Britain has been insisting on the U.S. to form a club of 10 nations that could develop its own 5G technology and reduce dependence on Huawei.
• Britain is proposing a “D10” club of democratic partners that groups the G7 nations with Australia and the Asian technology leaders South Korea and India.
• One of the options being discussed involves channelling investments into existing telecommunication companies within the 10 member states.

 

 

Economy

 

1. Consider the following statements:

1. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) can direct its investigations unit to conduct a wider probe into the allegations, or dismiss the case if it finds no merit in it.
2. In 2018, the CCI fined Google $21 million for search bias.
3. The CCI and SEBI has played the major roles to solve such technical issues.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 3

      (b) 1 and 3

      (c) 2 and 3

      (d) 1 and 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) can direct its investigations unit to conduct a wider probe into the allegations, or dismiss the case if it finds no merit in it.
2. Statement 2 is correct: In 2018, the CCI fined Google $21 million for search bias,
3. Statement 3 is incorrect: read the following

 

For more information read the following:

Google faces antitrust case in India

About:

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is looking into allegations that Alphabet Inc’s Google is abusing its market position to unfairly promote its mobile payments app in the country.
• The complaint alleges the U.S. tech giant more prominently showcases its Google Pay app inside its Android app store in India, giving it an unfair advantage over apps of competitors, which hurts consumers.
• The case filing is currently being reviewed by senior CCI members. Typically, in such cases, Google will appear before the watchdog, which will then decide on the way forward.
• The CCI can direct its investigations unit to conduct a wider probe into the allegations, or dismiss the case if it finds no merit in it.
• This is Google’s third major antitrust challenge in India.

• • In 2018, the CCI fined Google $21 million for search bias, but a company appeal against that is pending.
  • In 2019, the CCI also started probing Google for allegedly misusing its dominant position to reduce the ability of smartphone manufacturers to opt for alternate versions of its Android mobile operating system.

Note:

• Google Pay allows users in India to do inter-bank fund transfers and bill payments. It competes with apps such as Softbank-backed Paytm and Walmart’s PhonePe in India’s crowded digital payments market.

 

 

2. Consider the following statements about Geographical Indication Tag:

1. The tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1990.
2. The Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris and Geneva Convention to make healthy competition.
3. The first product to get GI tag was Asame Tea following Darjeeling Tea.
4. Recently Chak-Hao, Terracota work of Gorakhpur, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai has got GI tag.

Which of the given statements is/are not correct?

      (a) 1, 2 and 4

      (b) 1, 2 and 3

      (c) 2, 3 and 4

      (d) None of the Above

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is incorrect: tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect: The first product to get GI tag was Darjeeling Tea.
4. Statement 4 is correct: Chak-Hao, Terracota work of Gorakhpur, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai

 

For more information read the following:

 

Geographical Indication Tag

• Chak-Hao, which is a black rice variety of Manipur, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai and Gorakhpur terracottahave bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Chak-Hao

• Chak-Hao, a scented glutinous rice which has been in cultivation in Manipur over centuries, is characterised by its special aroma. It is normally eaten during community feasts and is served as Chak-Hao kheer.
• Chak-Hao has also been used by traditional medical practitioners as part of traditional medicine. According to the GI application filed, this rice takes the longest cooking time of 40-45 minutes due to the presence of a fibrous bran layer and higher crude fibre content.
• At present, the traditional system of Chak-Hao cultivation is practised in some pockets of Manipur. Direct sowing of pre-soaked seeds and also transplantation of rice seedlings raised in nurseries in puddled fields are widely practised in the State’s wetlands.

Terracota work of Gorakhpur

• The terracotta work of Gorakhpur is a centuries-old traditional art form, where the potters make various animal figures like, horses, elephants, camel, goat and ox with hand-applied ornamentation.
• Some of the major products of craftsmanship include the Hauda elephants, Mahawatdar horse, deer, camel, five-faced Ganesha, singled-faced Ganesha, elephant table, chandeliers and hanging bells.

Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai

• Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai is a pea nut candy made in southern parts of Tamil Nadu. The candy is prepared from ground nut and jaggery. The water is exclusively used from the river Thamirabarani.

Kashmir Saffron

• Kashmir saffron, which is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir, has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.

About Kashmir Saffron

• Kashmir saffron is renowned globally as a spice.
• It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
• It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
• It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.
• The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types — ‘Lachha Saffron’, with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing; ‘Mongra Saffron’, in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and ‘Guchhi Saffron’, which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread.
• Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around 1st Century BCE. In ancient Sanskrit literature, saffron is referred to as ‘bahukam’.

About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
• Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. At the International level, GI is governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• GI tag secures the quality and authenticity of a product to a particular geographical origin.
• It provides legal protection from duplication.
• The first product to get GI tag was Darjeeling Tea.

 

3. Consider the following statements:

1. The US recognised Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894 and in India it was first celebrated on May 1, 1923.
2. After Russian Revolution 1917, the celebration was embraced by the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War becoming a national holiday.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 only

      (b) 2 only

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: The US recognised Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894 and in India, it was first celebrated on May 1, 1923.
2. Statement 2 is correct: After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the celebration was embraced by the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War– becoming a national holiday in many of them

 

For more information read the following:

 

May Day

• May 1 is May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day and as Labour Day in different parts of the world. It is an occasion that commemorates the contributions of workers and the historic labour movement.

Background

• May 1 became associated with the labour movements in the late 19th century, after trade unions and socialist groups designated it as a day in support of workers.
• It was decided to do so in memory of the Haymarket affair of 1886, in Chicago in the United States, in which a peaceful rally in support of workers led to a violent clash with the police, leading to the deaths of 4 civilian and 7 police officers.
• Many of the agitationists, who were protesting workers’ rights violations, straining work hours, poor working conditions, low wages and child labour, were arrested and served terms of life imprisonment, death sentences, etc., and those who died were hailed as “Haymarket Martyrs”. The incident is believed to have given the workers’ movement a great impetus.

Labour Day

• The US recognised Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894, where it continues to be celebrated every year on the first Monday of September. Soon, Canada also adopted the practice.
• In 1889, The Second International, an organisation created by socialist and labour parties, declared that May 1 would be commemorated as International Workers’ Day from then on.
• In 1904, the International Socialist Congress at Amsterdam called on “all Social Democratic Party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace,” and made it “mandatory upon the proletarian organisations of all countries to stop work on May 1, wherever it is possible without injury to the workers.”
• After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the celebration was embraced by the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War– becoming a national holiday in many of them. Parades were a part of the celebration– the one at Moscow’s Red Square was attended by top Communists leaders, and displayed Soviet military might.

In India

• In India, May Day was first celebrated on May 1, 1923, after the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan initiated and Comrade Singaravelar (Singaravelu Chettiar) helmed the celebrations.

In two meetings — one at Triplicane beach and the second at the beach opposite Madras High Court — the Comrade, known for being one of the leaders of Self Respect movement in the Madras Presidency and for his fight for the rights of backward classes, passed a resolution stating the government should allow everybody a national holiday on Labour Day.

 

4. Consider the following statements about Sa-dhan:

1. It was given the status of a self-regulatory organization (SRO) by RBI in 2015.
2. Sa-Dhan was the first association in the business of micro-lending to be given the SRO status by RBI.
3. Its mission is to build the field of community development finance in India to help its members.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 2

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 3 only

      (d) 1 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: It was given the status of a self-regulatory organization (SRO) by RBI in 2015.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: Sa-Dhan was the second association in the business of micro-lending to be given the SRO status by RBI.
3. Statement 3 is correct: Its mission is to build the field of community development finance in India to help its members.

 

 

For more information read the following:

 Sa-dhan

• Sa-Dhan is an association of microfinance institutions (MFIs) recognized by the RBI.

More Information

• It is also recognized as a National Support Organization (NSO) by National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
• Sa-Dhan was founded in 1999 as the Association of Community Development Finance Institutions by SEWA Bank, BASIX, Dhan Foundation and others.
• Its mission is to build the field of community development finance in India to help its members to better serve low-income households, particularly women, in both rural and urban India.
• It was given the status of a self-regulatory organization (SRO) by RBI in 2015.

• • This gave it the powers to monitor MFIs and ensure the lenders are in compliance with the rules.
  • In October 2010, RBI had formed a committee under financial sector expert Y.H. Malegam that recommended an SRO framework for MFIs to regulate the sector.

• Sa-Dhan was the second association in the business of micro-lending to be given the SRO status by RBI.

• • The first one to be given SRO status was the Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN).
  • MFIN is an association of MFIs operating as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

Note: MFIs advance small loans to low-income borrowers who typically are not covered by the formal banking system.

 

5. The Saras Collection is seen in news it is related to:

      (a) Showcases daily utility products made by rural self-help groups (SHGs)

      (b) Showcases daily utility products made by Tribal women as their unique identity

      (c) To preserve the traditional treasure of rural India

      (d) By collecting all ancient equipment to launch India’s cultural heritage

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

All the options are incorrect except (a)

For more information read the following:

 

The Saras Collection

• Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has launched ‘The Saras Collection’ on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.

Details

• A unique initiative of GeM and the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development, the Saras Collection showcases daily utility products made by rural self-help groups (SHGs) and aims to provide SHGs in rural areas with market access to Central and State Government buyers.
• Under this initiative, the SHG sellers will be able to list their products in 5 product categories, namely (i) handicrafts, (ii) handloom and textiles, (iii) office accessories, (iv) grocery and pantry, and (v) personal care and hygiene.
• In the first phase, 913 SHGs from 11 States have already registered as sellers and 442 products have been on-boarded. In order to develop a scalable model capable of onboarding a large number of SHGs across the country in a short time frame, GeM has developed an API based integration mechanism with the NRLM database.

Role of GeM

• GeM will provide dashboards for functionaries at the national, state, district and block level to provide them real time information about the number of products uploaded by SHGs, and value and volume of orders received and fulfilled.
• In addition, Government buyers shall be sensitised through system generated messages/ alerts in the Marketplace about availability of SHG products on the portal. Potential buyers shall be able to search, view, cart and procure such products through the stipulated modes of procurement.

About DAY-NRLM

• DAY-NLRM aims to reduce poverty through promotion of diversified and gainful self-employment while creating skilled wage employment opportunities.
• The scheme supports building social capital and ensuring financial linkages to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of the life of rural poor women.
• It has ambitious plans on innovations for alternate channels of financial inclusion like digital finance, creating value chains around rural products and improving market access, rural enterprise and strengthening community institutions.

About GeM

• Government e Marketplace (GeM) is a 100 percent Government owned Section 8 Company set up as the National Public Procurement Portal for procurement of goods and services required by Central and State Government organisations.
• GeM provides an online, end to end solution for procurement of goods and services for all Central Government and State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), local bodies and autonomous organisations.

The platform reduces human interventions in procurement and enables transparency, cost savings, inclusiveness and efficiency of faceless standardised public procurement.

 

6. Consider the following statements about International Labour Organization:

1. It is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
2. The ILO’s Governing body meets annually to formulate international labour standards.
3. In 189 conventions and treaties, of which eight are classified as fundamental according to the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Which of the given statements are correct?

      (a) 1 and 3

      (b) 2 and 3

      (c) 1 and 2

      (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards
2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The International labour Conference, which meets annually to formulate international labour standards.
3. Statement 3 is correct: in 189 conventions and treaties, of which eight are classified as fundamental according to the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

 

For more information read the following:

 

Changes in Labour Laws

• At least 10 states are are either already implementing or are considering the changes in the labour laws including Industrial Disputes Act and Factories Act.

More Information

• State governments, including that of UP, believe that the changes in labour laws would help them attract investment from companies planning to leave China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
• As a result of reforms in labour laws in Uttar Pradesh, new employment opportunities as well as investment from foreign companies will come to the state.
• Key changes states brought in include Uttar Pradesh exempting businesses from complying with all labour laws except three for three years and Gujarat allowing new industrial units to not comply with labour laws, except for three basic acts, for 1,200 days.
• Central Trade Unions across the country are planning to approach ILO against the suspension of major labour laws by State governments.
• The CTUs consider these moves as gross violation of the following

1. Right to Freedom of Association (ILO Convention 87),
2. Rights to Collective Bargaining( ILO Convention 98)
3. Internationally accepted norm of eight hour working day (espoused by Core Conventions of ILO).

International Labour Organization

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
• Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations, it is the first and oldest specialized agency of the UN.
• The ILO’s international labour standards are broadly aimed at ensuring accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity.
• They are set forth in 189 conventions and treaties, of which eight are classified as fundamental according to the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
• Together they protect freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour, the abolition of child labour, and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
• The ILO is subsequently a major contributor to international labor law.
• The organization is unique in the UN for its tripartite structure: All standards, policies, and programmes require debate and input from governments, employers, and workers.
• This framework is maintained in the ILO’s three main bodies:

4. The International labour Conference, which meets annually to formulate international labour standards.
5. Governing Body, which serves as the executive council and decides the agency’s policy and budget.
6. International Labour Office, the permanent secretariat that helps administer and implement the agency’s activities.

In 1969, the ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize for improving fraternity and peace among nations, pursuing decent work and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to other developing nations