Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 18th October 2024 - UPSC MCQ

The primary objective of the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme is to offer term life insurance benefits to employees, particularly in cases where such benefits may not be commonly provided by employers. This scheme, managed by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), aims to provide social security benefits to private sector employees and their families, ensuring financial protection in the unfortunate event of the employee's demise.

(Note: The EDLI scheme provides term life insurance coverage for member employees based on their last drawn salary, with benefits determined accordingly.)

Statement-I is incorrect because the EDLI Scheme was not initiated by the Government in 1976; rather, it was launched in 1976 by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Statement-II is correct as it accurately describes one of the key features of the EDLI scheme, which provides a maximum assured benefit of Rs 7 lakh to the nominee or legal heir of the EPF member in case of death during service.

Fortification of rice with essential micronutrients aims to combat malnutrition and provide public health benefits, especially targeting deficiencies prevalent in the population, such as iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. This process enhances the nutritional quality of rice, making it a more effective tool in addressing health issues related to inadequate nutrient intake.

1. EDLI Scheme Launch Year - 1976: This pair is correctly matched. The Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme was indeed launched in 1976 by the Government of India to provide life insurance benefits linked to the Provident Fund accounts of employees.

2. Maximum Assured Benefit - Rs 10 lakh: This pair is incorrectly matched. The maximum assured benefit under the EDLI scheme is up to Rs 7 lakh, not Rs 10 lakh. This benefit is paid to the nominee or legal heir of the EPF member if death occurs while the member is in service.

3. Employer Contribution Rate - 0.5% of employee's monthly wages: This pair is correctly matched. Employers contribute to the EDLI scheme at a rate of 0.5% of the employee's monthly wages, subject to a wage ceiling of Rs 15,000.

4. Minimum Assurance Benefit for continuous employment of 12 months - Rs 2.5 lakh: This pair is correctly matched. If an EPF member has had continuous employment for at least 12 months before their death, the EDLI scheme provides a minimum assurance benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched. The correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

- Statement 1 is correct. The EDLI scheme provides term life insurance coverage to employees, and it is indeed offered at no cost to the employees. The cost is borne by the employer.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The minimum assured benefit under the EDLI scheme is not Rs 5 lakh. It is Rs 2.5 lakh, provided the deceased member had continuous employment for at least 12 months before their death.

- Statement 3 is correct. Employers contribute to the EDLI scheme at a rate of 0.5% of the employee's monthly wages, and this contribution is subject to a wage ceiling of Rs 15,000.

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

1. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB): Correctly matched. The DTAB is indeed formed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. It serves as the highest statutory decision-making body on technical drug matters in India.

2. FAO Report on Climate Change: Correctly matched. The FAO report does highlight economic losses due to heat stress and floods, particularly impacting poorer farmers in India.

3. World Energy Outlook 2024: Incorrectly matched. The World Energy Outlook is published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), not the United Nations.

4. Marital Rape Exception: Correctly matched. The marital rape exception is indeed rooted in English common law, particularly the doctrine of coverture.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Therefore, there are two correctly matched pairs.

Statement-I correctly identifies the classification of the West Nile Virus within the flavivirus genus under the family Flaviviridae. This signifies a precise understanding of the virus's taxonomical categorization.

Statement-II accurately describes the typical period for the peak infection of West Nile Fever, which aligns with the seasonal pattern from June to September, coinciding with the transition from summer to autumn. This statement provides context about the temporal prevalence of the disease.

Therefore, both statements are factually correct, with Statement-II explaining the seasonal occurrence of West Nile Fever, which is caused by the West Nile Virus.

Statement 1 is correct. The recommendation by the DTAB to classify antibiotics as 'New Drugs' under the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019, means that the clearance for manufacturing and marketing these drugs will indeed be required from the Central Government, which centralizes and standardizes the regulatory process, rather than from the State drug administrations.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The classification of antibiotics as 'New Drugs' does not allow them to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription. In fact, it imposes stricter control, ensuring that antibiotics are only available to patients with a valid prescription. This move is aimed at preventing misuse and overuse of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Statement 3 is correct. The DTAB has indeed proposed amendments to the labeling rules, suggesting that antimicrobial products should have a blue strip or box to clearly identify them. This is part of an effort to enhance awareness and ensure proper use of antimicrobial products.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Statement 1 is correct. INS Samarthak is indeed the first of two planned multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) entirely designed and built by Larsen & Toubro at their Kattupalli shipyard. This highlights L&T's in-house capability in shipbuilding and aligns with Indian defense objectives.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The vessel's maximum speed is mentioned as 15 knots, not 20 knots. Therefore, this statement does not accurately reflect the technical specifications of the vessel.

3. Statement 3 is correct. INS Samarthak is part of the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Vision' initiatives, which aim to enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing by encouraging indigenous production and technological advancement.

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

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended that all antibiotics be classified under the definition of 'New Drugs' as per the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019. This recommendation implies that antibiotics would be treated as new drugs, subject to specific regulations and controls to ensure their safe and effective use.