Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 18th August 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary objective of the Bhavishya software is to streamline pension processing for retired government employees, aiming to address issues like delays and errors in handling pension cases. By automating processes and ensuring accountability, the software helps in efficient pension payment tracking, benefiting both the retirees and the concerned departments.

1. Bhavishya Software: Online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System - Correct - Bhavishya Software is indeed an online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System initiated by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.

2. Bhavishya Software: Mandatory for all central civil Ministries and Departments since 01.01.2018 - Incorrect - The software became mandatory for all central civil Ministries and Departments starting from 01.01.2017, not 2018.

3. Owlflies: Belong to Order Odonata - Incorrect - Owlflies belong to Order Neuroptera, not Odonata. Dragonflies belong to Order Odonata.

4. Owlflies: Emit a potent, musk-like substance when threatened - Correct - Certain owlfly species emit a potent, musk-like substance to repel enemies when threatened.

Thus, only two pairs are correctly matched.

1. Satguru Ram Singh - Founder of Namdhari sect: Correctly matched. Satguru Ram Singh established the Namdhari sect on Baisakhi in 1857.

2. Kook - Quiet recitation of Gurbani: Incorrectly matched. Kook refers to the loud recitation of Gurbani, not quiet.

3. Eri Silk - Obtained from Philosamia ricini: Correctly matched. Eri silk comes from the domesticated silkworm, Philosamia ricini, which primarily feeds on castor leaves.

4. Oeko-Tex Certification - Related to harmful substances and eco-friendly production methods: Correctly matched. The Oeko-Tex certification guarantees that Eri silk meets strict standards by testing for harmful substances and promoting eco-friendly production methods.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement 1: The Governor's power to sanction the prosecution of the Chief Minister can indeed be derived from the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This legal provision gives the Governor the authority to approve such actions when there are allegations of corruption.

Statement 2: The Supreme Court has affirmed that Governors can use their discretion to sanction prosecution based on the facts and circumstances of each case. This was highlighted in the 2004 ruling by a five-judge bench, emphasizing the Governor's role in preventing the breakdown of the rule of law.

Statement 3: This statement is incorrect. The issue of whether a Governor can act independently of the advice of the Council of Ministers has been addressed in various court rulings. For example, in the case of former Maharashtra CM A.R. Antulay, the Supreme Court ruled that the Governor could exercise discretion in matters of prosecution.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is not, as the Governor does not necessarily require the advice of the Council of Ministers to sanction the prosecution of the Chief Minister.

Statement-I mentions that owlfly larvae are initially found in the soil or in trees, living together in groups for protection. This statement is incorrect as owlfly larvae are typically found near water bodies, not solely in the soil or in trees. On the other hand, Statement-II states that adult owlflies hunt and feed on other insects while airborne. This statement is correct as adult owlflies are predatory insects that catch their prey while flying. Therefore, the correct answer is that Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) aims to replace traditional fuel-powered harbor tugs in Indian Major Ports with environmentally friendly tugs using cleaner fuels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition towards eco-friendly solutions like Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen, contributing to a greener and more sustainable maritime industry.

Statement 1 is correct. Lateral entry indeed allows the recruitment of specialists from the private sector into government organizations to bring in domain expertise and address the shortage of IAS officers.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The selection process for lateral entry is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), not the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The DoPT requests the UPSC to conduct the selection process.

Statement 3 is correct. Lateral entry was recommended by both the NITI Aayog in its Three-year Action Agenda and the Group of Secretaries (GoS) on Governance.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B the right answer.

The Namdhari sect was established by Satguru Ram Singh on Baisakhi in 1857. Satguru Ram Singh played a pivotal role in questioning the existing order, promoting social change, and opposing British rule. The sect, also known as "Kukas," became recognized for their unique way of reciting the "Gurbani" and advocating for various reforms.

- Statement 1: This is correct. The Namdhari sect was indeed established by Satguru Ram Singh on Baisakhi in 1857. He was a prominent figure who questioned the existing order, promoted social change, and opposed British rule.

- Statement 2: This is incorrect. Namdhari Sikhs do regard the Guru Granth Sahib as the primary Gurbani. However, they also believe in a living human Guru, which distinguishes them from mainstream Sikh practices.

- Statement 3: This is correct. The Namdharis hold the cow as sacred and abstain from consuming alcohol, tea, and coffee as part of their religious and cultural practices.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only, making Option C the correct answer.

1. Correct: Bhavishya Software indeed became mandatory for all central civil Ministries and Departments starting from 01.01.2017. The primary aim was to address issues such as delays and mistakes in handling pension cases, which often resulted in financial losses and troubles for the pensioners. The software was introduced by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.

2. Incorrect: Owlflies belong to the Order Neuroptera, which includes insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. This is different from dragonflies, which belong to the Order Odonata and undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Hence, the statement that owlflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis is incorrect.

3. Correct: One of the features of Bhavishya Software is the auto registration of retirees. This feature is linked with payroll systems and automatically fills in basic data of retiring employees, providing necessary information to departments and the DOPPW about upcoming retirees within 15 months.

Given the analysis, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.