Daily Quiz #18 UPSC Prelims Marathon – November 21, 2019

Explanation: It has been launched by the Government of India to reach each and every child under two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme. It targets to immunize all children against seven vaccine preventable diseases namely Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Childhood Tuberculosis, Polio, Hepatitis B and Measles. In addition to this, vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis, Haemophilus influenza type B, inactivated polio vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccine are also being provided in selected states.

To recognize and protect the rights of farmers in respect of their contributions made at any time in conserving, improving and making available plant genetic resources for the development of new plant varieties.
•To accelerate agricultural development in the country, protect plant breeders’ rights; stimulate investment for research and development both in public & private sector for the development new of plant varieties.
•Facilitate the growth of seed industry in the country, to ensure the availability of high quality seeds and planting material to the farmers.
•The protection period is for 15 years, and 18 years in the case of trees and vines.
•Establishes Plant Varieties Protection Appellate Tribunal (PVPAT): The decisions of the PVPAT can be challenged in High Court.
•The Tribunal shall dispose of the appeal within one year.

Explanation: It is a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) — was launched in its orbit 552 km above Earth.
•It is the first major optical telescope to be placed in space.
•It has the ability to see in multiple wavelengths — near infrared, visible light and near ultraviolet.
•It has helped scientists understand how planets and galaxies form, figuring the age and size of universe, new moons of Pluto, understanding the season of the planets, Exo-Planet science etc.

Explanation: Mission Shakti which was launched recently was done in a low orbit of less than 300 kilometres and at a particular angle to ensure that minimal debris was disbursed above into space to avoid damage to other satellites or the International Space Station (ISS).

Explanation: National Informatics Centre (NIC) was established in 1976, and has rich experience in providing ICT and e-Governance support to the Government for the last 4 decades and bridge the digital divide. It has emerged as a promoter of digital opportunities for sustainable development. NIC spearheaded “Informatics-Led-Development” by implementing ICT applications in social and public administration and facilitates electronic delivery of services to the government (G2G), business (G2B), citizen (G2C) and government employee (G2E). NIC, through its ICT Network, “NICNET”, has institutional linkages with all the Ministries /Departments of the Central Government, 37 State Governments/ Union Territories, and about 720+ District Administrations of India.