Current Affairs Quiz 12 October 2023

Ans;- c) 1 and 2 Only

About Central Vigilance Commission
• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex Indian governmental body created in 1964.
• CVC was set up based on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by Shri K. Santhanam, to advise and guide Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance.
• The CVC became a Statutory Body with the enactment of CVC Act, 2003.
• The CVC is an independent body, free of control from any executive authority, (It is NOT controlled by any ministry or department).
• The CVC is responsible only to the Parliament.
• The CVC is NOT an investigating agency.
• The CVC may have the investigation done through the CBI or Chief Vigilance Officers (CVO) in government offices.
• President of India appoints CVC members by warrant under his hand and seal.
• The Oath of office is administered by the President.
• A three-member committee made of –
• The Prime Minister, The Home Minister , The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha – Makes the Recommendation for appointment of Vigilance Commissioners.
• The Vigilance Commissioners are appointed for a term of Four years OR until they attain 65 years of age (whichever is earlier).
• On retirement – they are NOT eligible for reappointment in any central or state government agency.

Functions of CVC
• The CVC monitors all vigilance activity under the Central Government It advises various authorities in Central Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work.
• The CVC recommends appropriate action on complaints on corruption or misuse of power.
• Lokpal, Central Government or Whistle blowers can approach the CVC regarding complaints.
• The CVC – Under Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 – can inquire into offences reported against certain categories of Public Servants. (However, remember, CVC is NOT an Investigating agency).
• The Annual Report of the CVC not only gives the details of the work done by it but also brings out the system failures which leads to corruption in various Departments/Organisations, system improvements, various preventive measures and cases in which the Commission’s advises were ignored etc.

Composition of Central Vigilance Commission
The CVC is comprised of 3 members:
• A Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson)
• Up to Two Vigilance Commissioners (Members)

Answer: C

About Indian Ocean Rim Association:
• The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organization which was established on 7 March 1997.
• The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 22 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners.
• It is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them.
• IORA is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.
• IORA’s apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) which meets annually to discuss the developments of IORA.
• The Vice-Chair will be the People’s Republic of Bangladesh which would take Chair as from October 2021-2023.
• Its Secretariat is based in Cyber City, Ebène, Mauritius.

Answer: C

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international development agency established in 1968 to support projects and programs related to population, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality. Here are key details about UNFPA:
• Mission: UNFPA’s mission is to create a world where every pregnancy is desired, every childbirth is safe, and the potential of every young person is fulfilled.
• Name Change: Originally known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) since its establishment in 1968, it was officially renamed the United Nations Population Fund in 1987. However, it retained its original abbreviation, UNFPA.
• Headquarters: The headquarters of UNFPA is located in New York.
• Role in Statistics: While not directly responsible for primary data collection, UNFPA plays a significant role in supporting and providing technical and financial assistance for statistical activities in various countries. This includes activities like population censuses and surveys.
• Assistance Programs: UNFPA provides assistance, research, and advocacy through programs that are initiated in response to requests from governments. This ensures that the organization’s efforts are aligned with national priorities and needs.

Areas of Focus: UNFPA supports projects and initiatives in three main areas:
• Reproductive Health: This includes activities related to family planning, safe motherhood, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Population Issues: UNFPA addresses population challenges in both developed and developing countries, exploring strategies to tackle these challenges.
• Gender Equality: The organization is involved in initiatives related to the status of women, working to bridge gender gaps, especially in education.

Answer: C
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) – A Platform for Youth Empowerment
• A platform for young individuals to engage in voluntary work in their chosen fields.
• Serves as a one-stop shop for youth and central government ministries.
• Focuses on creating a centralized youth database.
• No financial remuneration involved.
• Scheduled to launch on National Unity Day, October 31, 2023.
• Primary objective: To establish a comprehensive Government platform for youth development.

Key Features:
• For adolescents, beneficiaries are in the age group of 10-19 years.
• Facilitates access to resources and opportunities for youth, enabling them to become community change agents and nation builders.
• Promotes youth as a bridge (Yuva Setu) between the Government and citizens.
• Aims to harness the immense energy of youth for nation-building.
• The establishment of MY Bharat will result in:
○ Leadership development in youth.
○ Enhancing leadership skills through experiential learning.
○ A focus on making youth social innovators and community leaders.
○ Prioritizing Youth Led development for active involvement.
○ Better alignment of youth aspirations with community needs.
○ Improved efficiency through the convergence of existing programs.
○ Acts as a one-stop shop for young people and government ministries.
○ Establishes a centralized youth database.
○ Enhances two-way communication for youth engagement in government initiatives and activities.
○ Ensures accessibility by creating a physical ecosystem.

Ans: (a)