Q1. Which of the following statements correctly describes the purpose of the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) as provided under the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019?
- To directly conduct arbitration proceedings in India
- To frame policies for grading arbitral institutions and recognize accreditation bodies
- To replace all existing arbitral institutions in India
- To adjudicate disputes between Public Sector Enterprises
Correct Option: 2. To frame policies for grading arbitral institutions and recognize accreditation bodies.
Explanation:
Section 10 of the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 inserted Part IA into the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, providing for the establishment of the Arbitration Council of India (ACI).
The ACI is intended to:
• Frame policies for grading arbitral institutions
• Recognize professional institutes that accredit arbitrators
• Promote training, workshops, and courses in arbitration
It is not meant to conduct arbitration proceedings itself (Option 1), nor to replace arbitral institutions (Option 3), nor to adjudicate disputes (Option 4). Its role is regulatory and promotional, not adjudicatory.
Q2. The first advanced Anti-Drone System mentioned is established at which of the following Ports?
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Mumbai
- Chennai Port Authority
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin
- Cochin Port Authority
Correct Option: 3. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin
Explanation:
The Anti-Drone System is being implemented at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), located in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi), Tamil Nadu.
Q3. Under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013), how is the ceiling price of a scheduled formulation determined?
- Based on cost of production plus 20% profit margin
- Based on the average Price to Retailer (PTR) of brands with at least 1% market share plus 16% margin
- Fixed directly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Based on international reference pricing
Correct Option: 2. Based on the average Price to Retailer (PTR) of brands with at least 1% market share plus 16% margin
Explanation:
Under DPCO, 2013:
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) fixes the ceiling price of scheduled formulations (those listed in Schedule-I, based on the National List of Essential Medicines – NLEM).
The formula used is:
• Average Price to Retailer (PTR) of all brands of that drug having ≥1% market share
• Plus 16% retailer margin
This reflects India’s market-based pricing approach, not a cost-plus system.
Q4. Which of the following statements correctly describes the regulation of non-scheduled drugs under DPCO, 2013?
- Their prices are fixed by NPPA through ceiling pricing.
- Their MRP can be increased without restriction based on market demand.
- Their MRP cannot be increased by more than 10% during the preceding 12 months.
- They are exempt from any monitoring by regulatory authorities.
Correct Option: 3. Their MRP cannot be increased by more than 10% during the preceding 12 months.
Explanation:
Under DPCO, 2013:
• Non-scheduled drugs are not subject to fixed ceiling prices.
• However, manufacturers cannot increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) by more than 10% in a 12-month period.
• Both scheduled and non-scheduled drugs are monitored, and action is taken in case of overcharging.
Q5. Which of the following bodies is NOT a signatory to the tripartite agreement for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)?
- Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO)
- Government of Nagaland
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
Correct Option: 4. Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Explanation:
The FNTA tripartite agreement was signed between:
• ENPO, representing eight recognised Naga tribes in eastern Nagaland.
• Government of Nagaland, as the state authority.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), representing the Central Government.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was not a signatory to this agreement. While it is involved in tribal welfare, the FNTA’s administrative and governance framework falls under the MHA due to its constitutional and territorial nature, along with state and tribal representation.