10 PM Current Affairs Quiz #78 February 3, 2020

Explanation: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995 is a visionary agenda for the empowerment of women. It still remains today the most comprehensive global policy framework and blueprint for action, and is a current source of guidance and inspiration to realize gender equality and the human rights of women and girls, everywhere. This landmark text was the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, China, in September 1995. The Platform for Action covers 12 critical areas of concern that are as relevant today as 20 years ago: poverty; education and training; health; violence; armed conflict; economy; power and decision-making; institutional mechanisms; human rights; media; environment; and the girl child. For each critical area of concern, strategic objectives are identified, as well as a detailed catalogue of related actions to be taken by Governments and other stakeholders, at national, regional and international level.

Explanation: Economic Survey 2019-20 coined the concept of a ‘dynamic health index’ or ‘health score’ that can provide an early warning signs for liquidity crisis in a non-banking finance company (NBFC) to tackle the problem of financial fragility in the so-called shadow banking sector. The ‘health score’ can predict the constraints on external financing (or refinancing risk) faced by NBFC firms. And it ranges from -100 to +100, with higher scores indicating higher financial stability of the firm/sector. The ‘health score’ employs information on the key drivers of refinancing risk such as asset-liability management (ALM) problems, excess reliance on short-term wholesale funding (commercial paper) and balance sheet strength of the NBFCs. Further, the index can also be used by policy makers to allocate scarce capital to stressed NBFCs in an optimal way to alleviate a liquidity crisis.

Explanation: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that ‘Ease of Living’ is the central tenet of the Union Budget 2020-21. Moreover, she stressed that the tenet is woven around three prominent themes:
1. Aspirational India in which all sections of the society seek better standards of living, with access to health, education and better jobs. Its components are Agriculture Irrigation and Rural development; Wellness, Water & Sanitation; and Education & Skills.
2. Economic Development for all, indicated in the Prime Minister’s exhortation of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”. This would entail pervasive economic reforms and yielding more space for the private sector to ensure higher productivity and greater efficiency. Three components of which are Industry, Commerce and Investment; Infrastructure; and the New Economy.
3. A Caring Society, based on Antyodaya, which is both humane and compassionate. Three components of which are Women & Child, Social Welfare; Culture and Tourism and Environment & Climate Change.
These three broad themes are held together by corruption-free, policy-driven good governance and a clean and sound financial sector.

Explanation: The Exercise Sampriti is an annual exercise held alternately in India and Bangladesh. It was held for the first time in 2011. The aim of this exercise is to build, strengthen and promote positive relations between the Armies of India and Bangladesh. The exercise will also involve tactical level operations in a counter insurgency and counter terrorism environment under the mandate of the United Nations. India and Bangladesh will hold the ninth edition of the joint military training exercise called SAMPRITI at Umroi, Meghalaya.

Explanation: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced a new initiative called ‘Direct CTO (Consent to Operate)’ Scheme for Green category industries. The scheme aims to enable companies operating under ‘green category industries’ receive faster clearances from government to commence operations. Under the scheme, the green industries just need to apply for consent to establish and don’t have to wait till obtaining final approvals to commence construction work. This would benefit micro, small and medium enterprises planning to set up operations in the state.