10 PM Current Affairs Quiz : March 29, 2019

The State of Nagaland was formed in 1963 by taking Naga Hills and Tuensang areas out of the State of Assam. This was done to satisfy the movement of hostile Nagas. However before giving Nagaland the status of 16th State of Indian Union, it was placed under the control of Governor of Assam.

Article 35-A was incorporated in the Constitution in 1954 through Presidential order.It gives the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature a complete freedom to decide,who are all ‘Permanent Residents’ of the State.

Article 35-A provides them(a) special rights and privileges in public sector jobs (b) acquisition of property in the State and (c)scholarships as well as public aid and welfare.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), and Wellcome Trust (WT) / DBT India Alliance. The extension is beyond the initial term (2008-09 to 2018-29) and will have a new five year phase (2019-20 to 2023-24).

BRCP seeks to build and nurture talent of highest global standards in cutting-edge biomedical research in India. It is implemented by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Wellcome Trust. Wellcome Trust is a UK based biomedical research charity.

The government has recently declared large Hydropower Projects (LHPs) as a Renewable Energy source. At present, only small hydropower projects (SHPs) i.e. those up to 25MW are categorized as Renewable Energy.

The government has also allowed LHPs sell renewable energy certificates under non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) to discoms. Discoms are required to either purchase specified proportion of renewable energy or buy renewable energy certificates in lieu of that. Accordingly, the Hydro Purchase Obligation (HPO) as a separate system will be commissioned within non-solar RPO to cover LHPs. At present, SHPs are already covered under non solar RPO.

Mitra Shakti is an annual joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise aims at building and promoting close relations between armies of both the countries. It seeks to enhance ability of joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command.

A Money Bill may only be introduced in Lok Sabha, on the recommendation of the President. It must be passed in Lok Sabha by a simple majority of all members present and voting. Following this, it may be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations, which Lok Sabha may reject if it chooses to. If such recommendations are not given within 14 days, it will be deemed to be passed by Parliament.

The Speaker certifies a Bill as a Money Bill, and the Speaker’s decision is final. Also, the Constitution states that parliamentary proceedings as well as officers responsible for the conduct of business (such as the Speaker) may not be questioned by any Court.