[QandA] Short Answers - Part 5

Date: Oct 15, 2014

Answer the following:

Answer should NOT exceed 30 words each

[10*3=30]

(01) Vaan Islands

In Tamil Nadu; Vaan Island, one of the 21 islands located at the southern tip of Gulf of Mannar, is gradually shrinking in area due to erosion over the years. Vaan Island was most affected because of coral mining in the last three decades. If the erosion continued, it was obvious that the island would sink soon.

(02) Inch Towards Miles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India-China ties as “Inch towards Miles”. Inch (India - China) towards Miles (Millennium of Exceptional Synergy).

(03) Colombo Plan

Australian Prime Minister Mr. Tony Abbott launched the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan for India at Mumbai. The plan was launched to enhance student exchange and collaboration between universities of the two countries. At present Colombo Plan is an international organisation that has 26 nations including non-Commonwealth countries.

(04) Shinkansen

Japanese term for “Bullet Train”; India sought the help of Japan in running bullet trains in India. Japan agreed to run the Shinkansen along the Mumbai – Ahmedabad route

(05) Tran Quoc Pagoda

Located at Vietnam; Tran Quoc Pagoda is a place where a Bodhi tree was planted by the first President of India Rajendra Prasad in 1959. Recently when the President Pranab Mukherjee visited Vietnam, he seen this place and also presented a sapling of the Holy Bodhi Tree from Bodh Gaya to Vietnam. 

(06) Deen Dayal Antyoda Yojana

It is a new scheme launched by the government of India which aims at alleviating urban and rural poverty through enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development

(07) Debroy Panel

The Union government appointed Debroy Panel to suggest ways for restructuring the Railway Board. The Panel has been tasked to suggest measures to reorganize the Railway Board and its departments so that policy making is separated from day-to-day operations

(08) National Cancer Day

For the first time, India will be observing National Cancer Day. Union Health Ministry has decided that November 7 will be observed all over the country as National Cancer Awareness Day

(09) Pratyush Sinha Committee

Committee deals with the division of IAS and IPS officers among the two States – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; this committee recommendations is believed to be India’s biggest revamp

(10) No-frill airports

Also called as low-cost airports; mainly developed to promote regional and remote area connectivity with a focus on promoting tourism and other economic activities. Recently Government of India gave nod for setting up 5 No-Frill airports across the country

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