Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 16th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. The 3rd plenums of the Chinese Communist Party historically focus on long-term economic reforms.
This statement is correct. The 3rd plenums are known for focusing on significant economic reforms, laying down strategies for economic development.

2. The 5th plenums are generally associated with transitions of power between Central Committees.
This statement is incorrect. The 5th plenums are typically associated with deliberations for the country’s five-year development plans, not with power transitions.

3. The 6th plenums usually center on party ideology.
This statement is correct. The 6th plenums are typically focused on issues related to party ideology and consolidating the ideological stance of the party.

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

The 3rd plenums of the Chinese Communist Party historically focus on long-term economic reforms. These meetings have been pivotal in shaping China's economic policies and strategies, aiming at sustained growth and development.

1. The Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) position was filled for the first time on July 1, 2024. - Correct. The text specifies that the ANSA was appointed for the first time on this date.

2. The National Security Advisor (NSA) receives intelligence reports from agencies like R&AW, IB, NTRO, MI, DIA, and NIA. - Correct. The NSA coordinates intelligence from these agencies and presents it to the Prime Minister.

3. The National Security Council (NSC) includes members such as the Ministers of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Finance, and the Deputy Chairman of the NITI Aayog. - Correct. The NSC comprises these ministers and the Deputy Chairman of the NITI Aayog as part of its structure.

All three statements are accurate as per the provided context, making Option D the correct answer.

In the Indian legislative framework, a Money Bill primarily centers around the appropriation of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India. This aspect distinguishes Money Bills from other financial bills as they are exclusively focused on financial matters such as taxes, government revenues, or expenditures. The key provisions outlined in the Constitution under Article 110 specify the scope of Money Bills, highlighting their significance in financial governance and appropriation processes.

1. Airports Authority of India (AAI) - Manages and operates airports and provides air traffic management services: Correct. AAI manages and operates airports and provides air traffic management services in India.

2. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) - Regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services: Incorrect. BCAS is responsible for laying down standards and measures for the security of civil flights and airports, not for regulating tariffs.

3. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - Responsible for safety, licensing, and airworthiness: Correct. DGCA is responsible for issues related to safety, licensing, and airworthiness in the Indian aviation sector.

4. Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) - Lays down standards and measures for the security of civil flights and airports: Incorrect. AERA regulates tariffs and other charges for aeronautical services provided at major airports and monitors performance standards of such services.

Hence, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Correct Answer: Option B: Only two pairs

Statement-I regarding the plenums of the Chinese Communist Party and Statement-II about EEG are both factually correct. The Chinese Communist Party indeed holds seven plenums, each with distinct focuses, while EEG truly tracks brain electrical activity. However, these statements are independent of each other and do not have any explanatory relationship. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b), as both statements are correct but do not explain each other.

- Statement 1: Correct. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was indeed amended post-2015 through a Money Bill, which expanded the powers of the Enforcement Directorate.

- Statement 2: Correct. The Finance Act of 2017 was passed as a Money Bill, and it made significant changes in the appointment process for 19 key judicial tribunals.

- Statement 3: Incorrect. While the Supreme Court did uphold the Aadhaar Act as a valid Money Bill in 2018, there was a dissenting opinion by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who argued that the larger questions on Money Bills should be resolved first.

Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. Hence, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I is accurate. The Indian Constitution indeed provides for joint sessions of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on specific occasions such as passing ordinary bills where there is a deadlock between the two houses. However, Statement-II is incorrect. The Constitution does not prohibit joint sessions for matters related to constitutional amendments. In fact, joint sessions can be convened for any type of bill, including constitutional amendments, if there is a disagreement between the two houses.

1. 1st Plenum: Incorrect. The 1st Plenum typically focuses on power transitions between Central Committees.

2. 3rd Plenum: Incorrect. The 3rd Plenum historically focuses on long-term economic reforms.

3. 5th Plenum: Correct. The 5th Plenum is associated with deliberations for the country's five-year development plans.

4. 6th Plenum: Incorrect. The 6th Plenum generally centers on party ideology.

1. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) amendments post-2015 - Passed as a Money Bill: Correct. The amendments to the PMLA giving the Enforcement Directorate wide powers were passed through Money Bills.

2. Finance Act of 2017 altering appointments to judicial tribunals - Passed as a Money Bill: Correct. The Finance Act of 2017, which made changes to the appointments of judicial tribunals, was indeed passed as a Money Bill.

3. Aadhaar Act, 2016 - Initially passed as a Financial Bill: Incorrect. The Aadhaar Act, 2016 was passed as a Money Bill, not a Financial Bill.

4. Electoral Bonds scheme - Introduced through the Finance Act, 2017: Correct. The electoral bonds scheme was brought through the Finance Act, 2017.