3. The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) operates under which of the following ministries?
Answer: D
Explanation
● The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization that designs and promotes policies and standards to combat financial crime.
● The FATF sets standards or recommendations for countries to achieve in order to plug the holes in their financial systems and make them less vulnerable to illegal financial activities.
● Recommendations of the FATF target
○ Money laundering
○ Terrorist financing
○ Other threats to the global financial system.
● The FATF was created in 1989 by the G7 countries and is headquartered in Paris.
● There are 37 members, including India and two regional organizations - European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
● The decision-making body of the FATF, known as its plenary, meets thrice a year. Its decisions are taken by consensus.
What are FATF’s ‘grey’ and ‘black’ lists?
● At the end of every plenary meeting, FATF comes out with two lists of countries.
● The grey list countries are designated as “jurisdictions under increased monitoring”, working with the FATF to counter criminal financial activities.
○ For such countries, the watchdog does not tell other members to carry out due-
diligence measures vis-a-vis the listed country but does tell them to consider the
risks such countries possess. Currently, more than 20 countries such as Bulgaria,
Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Philippines, South Africa,
Vietnam, etc. are on the grey list.
● Black list means countries designated as ‘high-risk jurisdictions subject to call for
action’.
○ In this case, the countries have considerable deficiencies in their AML/CFT (anti- money laundering and counter terrorist financing) regimens and the body calls on members and non-members to apply enhanced due diligence.
○ In the most serious cases, members are told to apply counter-measures such as sanctions on the listed countries. Currently, North Korea, Iran and Myanmar are on the black list.
● Being listed under the FATF’s lists makes it hard for countries to get aid from organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Union. It may also affect capital inflows, foreign direct investments, and portfolio flows.
Explanation
● The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization that designs and promotes policies and standards to combat financial crime.
● The FATF sets standards or recommendations for countries to achieve in order to plug the holes in their financial systems and make them less vulnerable to illegal financial activities.
● Recommendations of the FATF target
○ Money laundering
○ Terrorist financing
○ Other threats to the global financial system.
● The FATF was created in 1989 by the G7 countries and is headquartered in Paris.
● There are 37 members, including India and two regional organizations - European Commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
● The decision-making body of the FATF, known as its plenary, meets thrice a year. Its decisions are taken by consensus.
What are FATF’s ‘grey’ and ‘black’ lists?
● At the end of every plenary meeting, FATF comes out with two lists of countries.
● The grey list countries are designated as “jurisdictions under increased monitoring”, working with the FATF to counter criminal financial activities.
○ For such countries, the watchdog does not tell other members to carry out due-
diligence measures vis-a-vis the listed country but does tell them to consider the
risks such countries possess. Currently, more than 20 countries such as Bulgaria,
Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Philippines, South Africa,
Vietnam, etc. are on the grey list.
● Black list means countries designated as ‘high-risk jurisdictions subject to call for
action’.
○ In this case, the countries have considerable deficiencies in their AML/CFT (anti- money laundering and counter terrorist financing) regimens and the body calls on members and non-members to apply enhanced due diligence.
○ In the most serious cases, members are told to apply counter-measures such as sanctions on the listed countries. Currently, North Korea, Iran and Myanmar are on the black list.
● Being listed under the FATF’s lists makes it hard for countries to get aid from organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Union. It may also affect capital inflows, foreign direct investments, and portfolio flows.
4. Which of the following is an advantage of the SSLV over larger launch vehicles like the PSLV or GSLV?
choose the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
11%
A. High payload capacity
62%
B. Lower cost and quicker turnaround time
23%
C. Ability to launch interplanetary missions
3%
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation
● The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was set up in 2014 by the Government of
India as an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions.
● The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR),
which was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration
(LBSNAA), the Government of India's topmost training institute for civil services. NIAR was
subsequently rechristened and subsumed into NCGG.
● NCGG deals with a gamut of governance issues from local, state to national levels, across
all sectors.
● The Centre is mandated to work in the areas of governance, policy reforms, capacity building and training of civil servants and technocrats of India and other developing countries. It also works as a think tank.
● Since its inception, the Centre has been extensively working in areas such as primary and elementary education, decentralized planning at district and block levels, capacity building of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), participatory models of learning and action, rural development, cooperatives, and public sector management, etc.
● In addition, it focuses on issues related to good governance, social accountability, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), among other sectors.
● The affairs of the NCGG are managed under the overall superintendence and direction of the Governing Body, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
Explanation
● The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was set up in 2014 by the Government of
India as an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions.
● The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR),
which was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration
(LBSNAA), the Government of India's topmost training institute for civil services. NIAR was
subsequently rechristened and subsumed into NCGG.
● NCGG deals with a gamut of governance issues from local, state to national levels, across
all sectors.
● The Centre is mandated to work in the areas of governance, policy reforms, capacity building and training of civil servants and technocrats of India and other developing countries. It also works as a think tank.
● Since its inception, the Centre has been extensively working in areas such as primary and elementary education, decentralized planning at district and block levels, capacity building of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), participatory models of learning and action, rural development, cooperatives, and public sector management, etc.
● In addition, it focuses on issues related to good governance, social accountability, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), among other sectors.
● The affairs of the NCGG are managed under the overall superintendence and direction of the Governing Body, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
Answer: B
Explanation
● The SSLV is capable of launching Mini, Micro or Nanosatellites (10 to 500kg mass) into a 500 km planar orbit.
● SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
● The design drivers of SSLV are low cost, low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.
Explanation
● The SSLV is capable of launching Mini, Micro or Nanosatellites (10 to 500kg mass) into a 500 km planar orbit.
● SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
● The design drivers of SSLV are low cost, low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.
5. Consider the following statements about the Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)
1) It is a fatal infection of the brain caused by amoeba.
2) The infection does not spread from person to person.
3) No vaccine is available for the prevention of PAM.
1) It is a fatal infection of the brain caused by amoeba.
2) The infection does not spread from person to person.
3) No vaccine is available for the prevention of PAM.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
12%
A. Only one
43%
B. Only two
45%
C. All three
1%
D. None
Answer: C
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, usually
fatal infection of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) caused by Naegleria
fowleri, a type of free-living ameba.
● As it can infect the brain and destroy the tissues there, this one-celled organism is also
called ‘brain-eating amoeba’.
How does the disease occur?
● The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater like lakes, ponds, and rivers, and can also survive
in poorly maintained swimming pools. Infection usually occurs when people swim in
these water bodies during hot summers, especially when the water level is low.
● The amoeba enters through the nose, travels to the brain, and causes brain tissue damage
and swelling.
● Statement 2 is correct: The infection does not spread from person to person.
● Children are more vulnerable.
Symptoms
● Early symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
● The disease quickly worsens, causing symptoms like a stiff neck, confusion, lack of focus,
loss of balance, and hallucinations.
● It often leads to coma and death within five days, with most people dying within one to 18
days.
● These infections, though rare, are fatal and 97% of the patients don’t survive.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
● PAM can be diagnosed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
○ PCR works by amplifying the DNA of amoeba if present in the sample.
○ CSF is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
● There are no standard treatment methods available to treat PAM. Miltefosine, a broad- spectrum antimicrobial drug, Azithromycin and Amphotericin B are some of the medicines currently being utilized to treat the infection.
● Statement 3 is correct: No vaccine is available for the prevention of PAM.
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, usually
fatal infection of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) caused by Naegleria
fowleri, a type of free-living ameba.
● As it can infect the brain and destroy the tissues there, this one-celled organism is also
called ‘brain-eating amoeba’.
How does the disease occur?
● The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater like lakes, ponds, and rivers, and can also survive
in poorly maintained swimming pools. Infection usually occurs when people swim in
these water bodies during hot summers, especially when the water level is low.
● The amoeba enters through the nose, travels to the brain, and causes brain tissue damage
and swelling.
● Statement 2 is correct: The infection does not spread from person to person.
● Children are more vulnerable.
Symptoms
● Early symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
● The disease quickly worsens, causing symptoms like a stiff neck, confusion, lack of focus,
loss of balance, and hallucinations.
● It often leads to coma and death within five days, with most people dying within one to 18
days.
● These infections, though rare, are fatal and 97% of the patients don’t survive.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
● PAM can be diagnosed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
○ PCR works by amplifying the DNA of amoeba if present in the sample.
○ CSF is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
● There are no standard treatment methods available to treat PAM. Miltefosine, a broad- spectrum antimicrobial drug, Azithromycin and Amphotericin B are some of the medicines currently being utilized to treat the infection.
● Statement 3 is correct: No vaccine is available for the prevention of PAM.
Officers IAS Academy - Study Group pinned «https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cZFoZVuvtI»
Empowering Tribal Communities with PMJUGA
The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) focuses on uplifting tribal communities by enhancing education, healthcare, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
For more updates on government schemes and initiatives, follow Officers IAS Academy on all social media platforms!
#PMJUGA #OfficersIASAcademy #UPSCPrep #TribalEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #FollowForMore
The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) focuses on uplifting tribal communities by enhancing education, healthcare, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
For more updates on government schemes and initiatives, follow Officers IAS Academy on all social media platforms!
#PMJUGA #OfficersIASAcademy #UPSCPrep #TribalEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #FollowForMore
Guest Lecture on Israel Palestine Issue
A Open Session by, Dr. Stanly Johny, a prominent figure in the field of geopolitics, and also the International Affairs Editor at The Hindu. He holds a Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University and has extensive experience in journalism and academia. And also he is a Visiting Faculty at our Officers IAS Academy, Chennai. Join us for an insightful session on the Israel-Palestine issue, exploring the key players, perspectives, and the current political landscape. Don't miss out—register now!
Date and Time - 23rd Jan 2025 (Thursday) | 10 AM
Venue - Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
To Register - https://forms.gle/Z2idHrssUNhiK9R3A
Contact -
+919677174226 | +9196771 20226
#IsraelPalestineConflict #InternationalRelations #Geopolitics #CurrentAffairs #UPSCPreparation
#OfficersIASAcademy #CivilServices #UPSC2025
#DrStanlyJohny #OpenSession #IASPreparation
#WorldPolitics #ChennaiEvents #UPSCMotivation
#FutureOfficers
A Open Session by, Dr. Stanly Johny, a prominent figure in the field of geopolitics, and also the International Affairs Editor at The Hindu. He holds a Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University and has extensive experience in journalism and academia. And also he is a Visiting Faculty at our Officers IAS Academy, Chennai. Join us for an insightful session on the Israel-Palestine issue, exploring the key players, perspectives, and the current political landscape. Don't miss out—register now!
Date and Time - 23rd Jan 2025 (Thursday) | 10 AM
Venue - Officers IAS Academy, Chennai
To Register - https://forms.gle/Z2idHrssUNhiK9R3A
Contact -
+919677174226 | +9196771 20226
#IsraelPalestineConflict #InternationalRelations #Geopolitics #CurrentAffairs #UPSCPreparation
#OfficersIASAcademy #CivilServices #UPSC2025
#DrStanlyJohny #OpenSession #IASPreparation
#WorldPolitics #ChennaiEvents #UPSCMotivation
#FutureOfficers
1. Gulf of Aden, often seen in news, shares its borders with which of the following countries?
1. Ethiopia
2. Djibouti
3. Somalia
4. Yemen
1. Ethiopia
2. Djibouti
3. Somalia
4. Yemen
Choose the correct answer from the code given below.
Anonymous Quiz
29%
A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
44%
B. 2, 3 and 4
15%
C. 1, 2 and 3
12%
D. 2 and 4 only
2. Consider the following statements about rat-hole mining:
1. It is a method of extracting coal.
2. This practice is widely supported by environmental regulations in India.
3. It is an advanced and highly safe method to extract coal
1. It is a method of extracting coal.
2. This practice is widely supported by environmental regulations in India.
3. It is an advanced and highly safe method to extract coal