Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 24-10-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 24-10-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. Bihar Elections – Bihar needs Nitish-led NDA govt. for development: Modi – PM Modi asserted that a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Nitish Kumar was necessary for the development of Bihar. At a rally in Sasaram, his first in the poll-bound State, Mr. Modi clarified that the NDA in Bihar meant the BJP, the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) [HAM(S)] and the Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). He did not mention the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). In the backdrop of the bitterness between the JD (U) and the LJP, with Mr. Paswan regularly attacking Mr. Kumar, it was much awaited what Mr. Modi would say on the issue.
2. Economy – Pakistan to stay on FATF grey list till 2021 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Pakistan on the “grey list” till the next review of its compliance with the recommendations made in Feb next year. At the FATF Plenary, Turkey proposed that members should consider Pakistan's good work and instead of waiting for completion of the remaining six of the 27 parameters, an FATF on-site team should visit the country to finalise its assessment. On-site teams are permitted only after jurisdictions complete their Action Plans. Such visits would signal exit from the grey or black list but when the proposal was placed before the 38-member Plenary, no other member seconded the move; it was not supported even by China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
3. India and its neighbourhood – Oli move on Nepal map hints at softer stand – After months of simmering dispute with India over the Kalapani issue, PM K.P. Sharma Oli indicated a softer line when he used an old map of Nepal to greet everyone on the festival of Vijaya Dashami. The old map does not show the region of Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura, which is part of India’s Pithoragarh district. The triangular piece of land is, however, shown as part of Nepalese sovereign territory in the new map, which was unveiled on May 20, and made part of the insignia of the Nepalese state by an amendment on June 13. PM Oli’s use of the national insignia of Nepal carrying the old map has drawn strong reactions from the political class of Kathmandu, with leaders expressing surprise about the use of the old map during Dussehra, which is the biggest festival in the Himalayan country.
4. Environment and Ecology – Sharp rise in Punjab farm fires during kharif season – Punjab has witnessed a sharp rise in stubble-burning incidents this kharif season with paddy harvesting gaining pace. Government data based on satellite imagery show that between Sept 21 and Oct 21, as many as 9,434 cases of farm fires have been reported in the State. Punjab so far has seen 5,282 more such cases this season than last year. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board District Tarn Taran has seen the highest number of farm fires at 2,086, followed by Amritsar and Ferozpur district with 1,657 and 1,033 such cases respectively. Advanced planting amid the novel coronavirus outbreak resulted in the harvesting process beginning earlier this year than the usual early October. Amid concerns of labour shortage during the nationwide lockdown, the Punjab government had advanced paddy nursery sowing and transplantation dates by 10 days.
5. Environment and Ecology – Trump’s ‘filthy air’ jibe evokes gasps and nods – US President Donald Trump described India’s air as “filthy” during his second and final presidential debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden, triggering a storm of reactions as many Indians expressed outrage while others called for action to tackle pollution and avoid international embarrassment. “Look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia, look at India — it’s filthy. The air is filthy,” Trump said at the debate. His remarks come days before secretary of state Mike Pompeo and defense secretary Mark Esper visit Delhi for talks on building the growing US-India partnership. At the first presidential debate, too, Trump had spoken critically of India, questioning its coronavirus data.
6. J&K – Will not raise ‘other flag’ till J&K’s is restored: Mehbooba – Former J&K CM and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti vowed “not to raise the other flag till Kashmir’s flag is restored”. In her first presser since being released from fourteen months of detention, Mehbooba said, “The ruling party at the Centre has already demolished the Constitution and our flag. The flag of J&K was the only link with the other flag.” She didn’t specify if “the other flag” was the Tricolour. Going beyond the goal set by the seven-party Gupkar Declaration alliance last week, the PDP president said “resolution of the Kashmir issue” was as much a part of her party’s agenda as restoration of the erstwhile state’s special status. “Kashmir is an issue nobody can turn a blind eye to. Our fight is not confined to restoration of Article 370, but for the resolution of the Kashmir issue as well.”.
7. US Presidential Elections – In final Trump-Biden showdown less chaos but plenty of clashes –  U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden came face to face for their final debate before Election Day. The candidates, who debated at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, sparred on topics that included the pandemic, climate change, China and corruption.  The debate was markedly less chaotic than the first one — Mr Trump did not interrupt Mr. Biden as he did in the first debate allowing for a clearer presentation of both sides’ positions. The response to the pandemic and how each candidate would lead the country out of it was discussed at length, with Mr. Biden warning that the country was heading into a “dark winter.”.
8. World – Libya’s warring factions agree to ‘permanent’ truce – Libya’s warring factions signed a permanent ceasefire agreement, but any lasting end to years of chaos and bloodshed will require wider agreement among myriad armed groups and the outside powers that support them. The ceasefire would start immediately and all foreign fighters must leave Libya within three months. Forces would withdraw from front lines and a new joint police force would secure those areas. Agreement was reached after the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in June beat back Khalifa Haftar’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) from its 14-month assault on the capital. Since then, frontlines have stabilised near the central coastal city of Sirte and the LNA ended its eight-month blockade of Libyan oil output that was strangling state finances on both sides but Turkey, the main backer of the GNA, voiced scepticism that the ceasefire would hold.
9. China – China’s Xi sends warning to ‘invaders’ – China’s President Xi Jinping invoked the memory of the Korean War on its 70th anniversary to send a warning to any “invaders” that “force must be met with force”. Mr. Xi, speaking at a meeting to mark the anniversary of what China officially calls “the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea”, said the 1950-53 conflict that saw China intervene on behalf of North Korea served a reminder that China “will never sit back and watch any damage to our national sovereignty” and “will never allow any force to invade or divide the sacred territory of the motherland.”.
10. Economy – Who didn’t opt for moratorium will get an cashback  – The govt spelt out the details of the waiver of interest on interest on loans up to Rs 2 crore where borrowers took moratorium during the lockdown and made it clear that those who didn’t opt for it—and paid on time will get an ex gratia payment or a cash back. The finance ministry wrote to all RBI-regulated lenders saying the government has approved a “scheme for grant of ex gratia payment of the difference between simple interest for six months to borrowers in specified loan accounts” between March 1 and Aug 31, 2020.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No.	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	CSMCRI	Project Assistant, Project Associate I	9	Dip, Deg, B.E., M.Sc	NOV-11-2020	https://www.csmcri.res.in/jobs/project-assistant-and-project-associate-i-advt-no-csir-csmcriskill-initiative2020-21
2	NIRT	Project Assistant, Data Entry Operator	10	12th, Dip, Degree, PG	OCT-28-2020	http://www.nirt.res.in/pdf/2020/ADVT/21.10.2020/Advertisement%20for%20Walk%20in%20written%20test%20or%20interview%20at%20Karnataka%20on%2028.10.2020%20under%20NATBPS.pdf.pdf
3	Army Recru. Office, Trivandrum	Soldier	-	10th Class, 10+2	DEC-4-2020	http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/BRAVO_NotificationPDF/FINAL_RALLY_NOTIFICATION_TRIVANDRUM.pdf
4	Dir. of Veterinary Ser., Raigarh	Assistant Veterinary Field Officer	12	Dip (Animal Husb.)	NOV-16-2020	https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s351d92be1c60d1db1d2e5e7a07da55b26/uploads/2020/10/2020102165.pdf
5	Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya	Senior Resident	7	MBBS	OCT-28-2020	http://www.cnbchospital.in/UploadedData/TenderAndCareerFile/132477338340248689.pdf
6	ONGC Ltd	Medical Officer & General Duty Medical Officer	7	MBBS	NOV-5-2020	https://www.ongcindia.com/wps/wcm/connect/00c62993-93af-490b-81c2-3c9f2d782165/docMehsanaAsset.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-00c62993-93af-490b-81c2-3c9f2d782165-nleWrcL
7	CSMCRI	Project Assistant, Project Associate I	9	Dip, Deg, B.E., M.Sc	NOV-11,2020	https://www.csmcri.res.in/jobs/project-assistant-and-project-associate-i-advt-no-csir-csmcriskill-initiative2020-21

 

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• SECTION 2 - DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

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• 1. CONSTITUTION AND LAW (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)

1.1 Increasing legal age for women’s marriage has social, financial benefits: SBI report

 

 

Highlights – 

• India is about to raise the legal age of marriage of women from 18 years to 21 years, which will be the same as that of men.
• The government had changed legal age of marriage for women in 1978 when it was increased from 15 to 18 by amending the erstwhile Sharda Act of 1929.
• India will also join the league of handful of nations (like China, Singapore, South Africa, etc.) that have legal marriage age of 21 years.
• Presently, nearly 65 per cent of countries have legal marriage age of 18 years only.

SBI Ecowrap report –

• The decision to raise the legal age of marriage of women from 18 years to 21 years will have enormous economic benefits.
• It will open opportunities for women to pursue higher education and careers and become financially empowered, resulting in a more egalitarian society.  
• The increase in marriage age will push the mean marriage age higher and will lead to more females doing graduation.
• The percentage of females doing graduation will increase by at least 5-7 percentage points from the current level of 9.8 per cent.
• The mean marriage age in India is already above 21 years (i.e. 22.3 years) and any increase in marriage age will be notional in nature.
• As per reports, 35 per cent of females in India are married before the age of 21 years.
• Among states, the situation in West Bengal is the worst with the mean marriage age being only 20.9 years and almost 47 per cent of females getting married before the age of 21 years.
• Both men and women will gain economically and socially by marrying when they are more than the legal age, but added that the urge of the women is much higher as they always get a higher payoff by becoming financially empowered to take decisions.
• India's maternal mortality ratio has improved to 113 in 2016-18 from 130 in 2014-2016, however, it is still far below the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target of 70 per 1,00,000 live births.
• Out of 19 major states, seven states have maternal mortality rate higher than the national average and the number stands at six and 11 respectively in case of infant mortality rate and stillbirth rate.

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• 2. ECONOMY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper

2.1 Not Available Today

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• 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)

3.1 International Snow Leopard Day 2020

 

 

Highlights –

• Every year, International Snow Leopard Day is observed on October 23 to raise awareness on protection of snow leopards which are endangered.
• International Snow Leopard Day came into being on October 23, 2013, when political leaders from 12 countries came together for the first time to endorse the 'Bishkek Declaration' on the conservation of snow leopards.
• Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) was also launched on this day to address high-mountain development issues using conservation of the snow leopard as a flagship.

Key facts –

• Snow leopards are often called the 'ghosts of the mountain' because they are rarely seen and spend most of their lives in solitude.
• The fur on their stomachs is nearly five inches thick which helps them survive in cold and harsh mountain climates.
• They can prey on animals up to three times their own body weight.
• The snow leopard's main prey is blue sheep found in Nepal, which provides them with food for a week.
• Snow leopards can travel over an incredible 25 miles in a single night.
• Snow leopards can get camouflaged often in the wild with their long fur and distinctive markings helping them in the act. Some snow leopards can leap up to 9 metres also.
• There could be as few as 4,000 leopards in the wild, but the exact number is not known.
• They are threatened due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, less prey, poaching illegal trade and climate change.

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• 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)

4.1 Six more Chinese media outlets designated as foreign missions

 

Key points –  

• The US has designated the US operations of six China-based media companies as foreign missions.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry has opposed this US move. It has said that China would make necessary and legitimate response and urges the US to immediately correct the course.
• The move is aimed at combating Chinese influence in the United States.
• In August 2020, the State Department designated a Washington-based center that supports Beijing-backed Confucius Institutes as a foreign mission.
• Confucius Institutes, which project themselves as language and culture programs, have drawn intensified scrutiny in recent months over their role in spreading propaganda.
• US officials have also expressed hope that all Confucius Institutes in the United States can be closed down by the end of the year.
• There are currently about 67 Confucius Institutes on American college campuses.

Important details –

• The designations restrict the operations of Yicai Global, Jiefang Daily, Xinmin Evening News, Social Sciences in China Press, Beijing Review, and Economic Daily in the United States but don’t affect what they can publish in the US.
• The outlets are “substantially owned or effectively controlled” by the Chinese regime.
• The designations follows the February 18th designation of Xinhua News Agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International, China Daily Distribution Corporation, and Hai Tian Development Corporation and the June 22nd designation of China Central Television, China News Service, the People’s Daily, and the Global Times, in recognition that they are China-controlled propaganda outlets.
• The designation means that they will be treated as foreign embassies or other diplomatic missions, and thus be required to register their employees and U.S. properties with the State Department.

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• 5. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES (Prelims, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3)

5.1 Not Available Today

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) ‘Nag’ 

 

Key points –   

• India has successfully carried out the final trial of the DRDO-developed Nag anti-tank guided missile with a warhead.
• The test has been carried out at the Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan.
• This is the latest in India's series of missile launches over the past about two months.

Important details –

• The missile was integrated with the actual warhead and a tank target was kept at a designated range. This was launched from Nag Missile Carrier, NAMICA.
• NAMICA is a BMP II-based system with amphibious capability.
• The Nag missile is capable of being fitted on the Indian Army's infantry combat vehicles to boost the capabilities of the mechanised forces.
• With the final user trial, Nag will enter into the production phase. The missile will be produced by Defence PSU Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), whereas Ordinance Factory Medak will produce the NAMICA.
• ATGM Nag has been developed by DRDO to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in day and night conditions.
• The missile has "Fire and Forget", "Top Attack" capabilities with passive homing guidance to defeat all MBTs equipped with composite and reactive armour.

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 Weekly Round-up - Polity

• Delhi govt. imposes Rs 50 lakh fine on NCRTC for not taking dust control measures - Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on October 11, 2020 issued directions to impose a fine of Rs 50 lakh on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for not taking dust control measures at a construction site near Vikas Sadan in New Delhi.
• Delhi govt. exempts road tax on battery-operated vehicles under its EV policy - The Delhi government has exempted road tax on its battery-operated vehicles under its new Electric Vehicle Policy, Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said on October 11, 2020.
• Mumbai Metro car-shed to move to Kanjurmarg to save Aarey forests - Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on October 11, 2020 that the proposed new car-shed for the Mumbai Metro will be shifted to a new location in Kanjurmarg to save the forests in the Aarey Colony area.
• Education Minister virtually inaugurates Gyan Circle Ventures of IIIT, Chittoor - Union Minister for Education Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually inaugurated the Gyan Circle Ventures, a MeitY funded Technology Business Incubator (TBI) of Indian Institute of Information Technology, Chittoor, AP through Video Conference on October 8, 2020. The aim is to instill entrepreneurship in young minds.
• Rajasthan: Congress MLA Kailash Chandra Trivedi dies from Covid-19 - Rajasthan Congress MLA Kailash Chandra Trivedi died in Gurgaon from Covid-19 at the age of 65. He was legislator from Sahara (Bhilwara) constituency.
• Distribution of property cards launched under ‘SVAMITVA’ scheme in rural areas – PM Modi launched the physical distribution of property cards under the ‘SVAMITVA’ (ownership) scheme on October 11, 2020. ‘SVAMITVA’ is a scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj that aims to provide the ‘record of rights’ to village household owners in rural areas and issue property cards. It was launched on National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24.
• Defence pension: Requirement of Minimum Qualifying Service removed - In a major announcement benefitting Defence Forces personnel, the government on October 5, 2020 scrapped the requirement of Minimum Qualifying Service for Enhanced Family Pension with effect from October 1, 2019. As per existing provision, there is a requirement of continuous qualifying service of 7 years for grant of Ordinary Family Pension at enhanced rate to Next of Kin of Defence Forces personnel.
• PM launches Jan Andolan campaign on COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour – PM Modi in Oct 2020 launched a campaign on Jan Andolan for COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour. He urged the people to always remember to wear a mask, wash hands, follow social distancing by maintaining ‘Do Gaz Ki Doori.’  
• ISLRTC, NCERT to convert educational materials into sign language - A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on October 6, 2020 between Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center and NCERT to make education materials accessible for deaf children in Indian Sign Language - their preferred format of communication.
• UGC declares 24 universities as fake - The University Grants Commission (UGC) on October 7, 2020 announced a list of 24 “self-styled, unrecognised institutions” in the country, terming them as “fake”. While 8 of these universities are from UP, Delhi has 7, and Odisha and West Bengal 2 each.  
• Interview for govt. jobs abolished in 23 States and 8 UTs - Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh has said that so far, interview for jobs has been abolished in 23 States and 8 UTs. He said, the abolition of interview and considering only the written test marks as merit for selection, offers an equal level-playing field to all the candidates.  
• Parliamentary panel to look into issue of TRP manipulations by TV channels - Amid reports of manipulations in Television Rating Points (TRP) by some channels, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has decided to take up the issue. TRP is a tool to judge which TV programmes are viewed the most and also indicates the viewers’ choice and popularity of a particular channel.
• NRI quota in private colleges not sacrosanct: SC - Private colleges and institutions that offer professional and technical courses have a complete discretion to do away with their NRI quota of seats after giving reasonable prior notice, the Supreme Court held on October 9. NRI quota was not sacrosanct and candidates under the quota cannot assert their right to be admitted.
• ‘Protect a Generation: Climate security for India’s children’ report released - ‘Protect a Generation: Climate security for India’s children’, a report jointly prepared by PwC India and NGO Save the Children India, was released recently. The study aims to understand the impact of climate change on children, identify risk and mitigation strategies and develop a roadmap for a climate-resilient future.  
• Former CBI director Ashwani Kumar dies at 69 - Former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director and Nagaland Governor Ashwani Kumar passed away at the age of 69 in Shimla on October 7, 2020. He was serving as the Vice-Chancellor of a private university in Shimla.
• Former union minister of state for coal Dilip Ray convicted in corruption case - A special CBI court on October 6, 2020 convicted former union minister of state for coal Dilip Ray in a corruption case over the allocation of a coal block at Giridih in Jharkhand in 1999. Ray was then part of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government
• M.A. Ganapathy is new DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security - The government on October 6, 2020 appointed IPS officer M.A. Ganapathy as the new Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) — the security watchdog for the aviation sector. The post fell vacant as incumbent Rakesh Asthana who took charge as DG of Narcotics Control Bureau in August. 

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• 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)

8.1 Sakharov Prize 2020

 

Highlights –

• The European Parliament (EP) has chosen Belarus' opposition movement as the winners of this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
• The democratic opposition in Belarus is represented by the Coordination Council, an initiative of brave women, as well as prominent political and civil society figures.
• The ongoing political demonstrations in Belarus against the government and Alexander Lukashenko were sparked in the wake of the country's presidential election in August.
• Lukashenko claimed victory but his critics said the vote was rigged in his favour. The largest anti-government unrest in the country's history ensued.
• MEPs condemned the Belarusian authorities for their violent repression of peaceful protests in a resolution adopted in September.
• The prize will be awarded in a ceremony at the European Parliament on 16 December.
• The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov.
• It was established in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations that defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• In 2019, the prize was awarded to Uyghur economist Ilham Tohti.

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• 9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3)

9.1 Weekly Round-up – Science and Technology

 

Highlights –

• Health Ministry to launch FELUDA paper-strip test for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis - Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on October 11, 2020 said his Ministry would soon roll out the FELUDA paper-strip test for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. This has been developed by the CSIR-IGIB and approved by the Drug Controller General of India for a commercial launch. The test showed 96% sensitivity and 98% specificity.
• Ayush Standard Treatment Protocol for Covid-19 launched - Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on October 6, 2020 launched the Ayush Standard Treatment Protocol for Covid-19. Developed by the AYUSH Ministry in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the protocol lists dietary measures, yoga and Ayurvedic herbs and formulations such as Ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 for prevention of coronavirus infection and treatment of mild and asymptomatic cases.

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• 10. FACTS, CHARTS, RANKINGS and EDITORIALS (Prelims + GS Mains)

10.1 Not Available Today

10.2 Daily dose of  FIVE Facts -

• World Post Day was celebrated on Oct 9. The day marks the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) creation in Berne in 1874.
• M.A. Ganapathy was appointed as the new Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
• The G4 nations are four countries which support each other’s bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
• PM Modi in Sept 2020 inaugurated three Petroleum sector projects in Bihar.
• India’s ‘longest’ passenger ropeway across a river of 1.82 km was unveiled in Guwahati in Aug 2020.

10.3 Today's best editorials to read

• We offer you 7 excellent editorials from across 10 newspapers we have scanned. 

CLICK HERE TO OPEN AND READ!

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• SECTION 3 - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

Solve the online quiz given, right now. Check scores, and relative performance!

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