MCQs for 14th December 2016

1.Polio is an endemic disease in which of the following countries now?

1.India
2.Pakistan
3.Afghanistan
4.Libya
5.Nigeria

A.1,2,3,4&5
B.1,2&5
C.2,3&5
D.3,4&5

2.Consider the following:

1.In a Free Trade Agreement,the countries agree to abolish all quotas and tariffs for trade among themselves.
2.In a Customs Union,countries agree to impose a common tariff towards the countries who are not in the Union.
3.Goods from a non-party country,once imported into one of the countries in a Free Trade Area,can be traded freely without any additional duties throughout the FTA.

Choose the correct option:

A.1,2&3
B.1&2
C.1&3
D.2&3

Impending IBSA meet to discuss about CEPA between MERCOSUR and SACU.

-Forthcoming IBSA meet to be held in New Delhi in mid 2017.

-Proposal for a Comprhensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and MERCOSUR(a trading bloc and customs union of Latin American countries); and India and SACU(South African Customs Union).

-Talks on more contribution towards IBSA Fund on developmental projects,also planned.

Source:The HIndu

Who all will benefit from the transition towards a cashless economy?

-Indirect tax collection(from sales tax,service tax,VAT etc.) is to rise,as there is no way to evade them now. This is a major requirement if the impending GST reform is to work.

-More liquidity to financial institutions,as personal/household savings are now deposited in bank accounts,rather than being kept in lockers at home.

-Low income households will now seek formal modes of credit like banks and NBFCs rather than on exploitative loan-sharks and money lenders.

-Fintech business and startups like Paytm,furthering the diversity of Indian economy.

Source:The Hindu

The Hindu series of articles on Learning Deficit in India:Part 4-Inclusive Education.

(Check out Part 1 here.)
(Check out Part 2 here.)
(Check out Part 3 here.)

-What are the challenges towards inclusive education?

>Multiple categories of schools-some teaching from classes I TO V,some from I to VII,VII to IX,only XI and XII etc.This hinders the consistency and continuation of learning.

>Skewed distribution of schools-in some places,there is over-access to schools due to a number of public and private schools at same place,while in some places,there is under access.

>Lack of better infrastructure of public schools,which often shuts down as soon as they are opened.

>Lack of teacher training.

-Remedies.

>Sharing school facilities like the school integration program Adarsh in Rajastan. 

Here,the multiple categories of schools are integrated into a single school,such that children have access to one institution that offers education from classes I to XII.

This will also enhance the Teacher:Pupil ratio as well.

>Improve teaching quality by better teacher training.

>Targeted learning for children from disadvantaged groups like SCs and STs.

Source:The Hindu

India's unilateral cancellation of several Bilateral Investment Treaties may affect FDIs and its capital investments abroad.

-Backdrop-India unilaterally cancelled BITs with 50 nations recently.

-India recently adopted a model BIT,where more teeth is given to the host state's regulatory power,and thus more intervention in foreign business here.

-How is it harmful for FDIs to India?

>Lessens investor confidence due to lack of stability in policy making.

>India's infamous judicial system,where speedy resolution of disputes doesnt happen,also holds investors back.

>Unilateral termination of BITs may also result in a reply in equal measure for Indian investments abroad.

-What should be done?

>Amend the new model BIT to strike a balance between state regulation and interest of investors.

>Negotiate with existing BIT partners based on this balanced model.

>Withdraw the termination notices issued recently till the newly negotiated BIT text is finalised.

Source:The Hindu