Recently, the term SAATHEE portal is seen in news, is related to
1.Indian Biosafety Knowledge
2.National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme
3.New guidelines for up linking TV channels
4.Energy conservation
Answer: (d) Energy conservation
Explanation:
In NEWS: Power Ministry in association with BEE organises 30th National Energy Conservation Awards
- Ministry of Power, in association with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), organised the 30th National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) function. Shri R. K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship was the chief guest on this occasion.
- During the event, the Standards and Labelling Programme for Air Compressors and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV on voluntary basis was initiated; SAATHEE (State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency) – A portal for State Designated Agency for state level activities was also launched.
About SAATHE
- BEE launched SAATHEE (State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency) – a portal for State Designated Agency (SDA) for state level activities in the energy conservation sphere. Hence option (d) is correct
- BEE developed the Management Information System (MIS) portal, with the main objectives of the web-portal being:
- It will be useful in capturing the physical and financial status/ progress of Energy Efficiency activities being implemented by States/ UTs across the country.
- It will facilitate real-time monitoring of the progress of implementation of all the Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation endeavours such as demonstration projects, awareness campaigns, capacity building workshops, etc. being carried out by SDAs at the state-level.
- It will also help in decision making, coordination, control, analysis, and implementation and enforcement of the compliance process for various energy consumers at the pan India level.
- This MIS portal would present the physical and financial progress of SDAs in the form of multiple reports and provide tracking of progress made by the SDAs
- The portal shall also facilitate BEE in providing information regarding best practices, major achievements and upcoming important events of each SDA.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1687682
Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) comes under which among the following missions?
1.National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
2.National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
3.National Water Mission
4.National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
Answer: (a) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Explanation:
In NEWS: Power Ministry in association with BEE organises 30th National Energy Conservation Awards
- Prime Minister’s vision aims at climate mitigation goal, with target for renewable energy capacity to be increased to 450 GW by 2030. While emphasising the importance of energy efficiency he highlighted the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme being implemented by BEE, as a “flag bearer”, as the scheme has not only demonstrated its promise in the country but also has found interest among many other countries. He specifically mentioned the impact of PAT Cycle II achieved emission reduction of 61 million ton of CO2.
About Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme
- In line with the energy conservation and efficiency policies of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) as a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was launched in 2012. Recently, the government released the first report card of the PAT scheme. Hence option (a) is correct
- In 2012, the Government had set targets to save energy in eight energy-intensive sectors, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Those eight Energy Intensive Sectors included are Chlor-alkali, Pulp & Paper, Textile, Aluminum, Thermal Power plants, Fertilizer, Iron & Steel and Cement.
- It is a market-based mechanism in which sectors are assigned efficiency targets. The Industries which successfully surpass the assigned targets are given incentives in the form of energy-saving certificates (ESCert).
- The 2010 amendment to the Energy Conservation Act (ECA) provided a legal mandate to PAT. Participation in the scheme is mandatory for Designated Consumers under the ECA.
- PAT cycle I stretching from 2012-13 to 2014-15, was applicable on eight energy-intensive sectors. There are about 478 numbers of Designated Consumers in these 8 sectors accounting for about 165 million tonnes of oil equivalent of energy consumption annually i.e, 33% of India’s primary energy consumption.
- PAT cycle II stretching from 2016 to 2018-19 shall include 3 new sectors i.e, petroleum refineries, discoms and railways, along with the previous 8 energy-intensive sectors of PAT cycle I.
- PAT cycle III stretching from 2017-20 shall include 116 new units under it and have been given a reduction target of 1.06 million tonnes of oil equivalent.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1687682
Consider the following Statements regarding Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme
1.Under the scheme, airlines have to cap airfares for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight.
2.This scheme would be in operation for a period of 3 years
3.It seeks to connect under-served and unserved airports in India through the revival of existing airstrips and airports.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1,2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Haryana: Hisar airport inaugurated under Udan scheme to boost air connectivity in tier-1, 2 towns
- First flight to the newly constructed Hisar airport in Haryana from Chandigarh was flagged off on Wednesday under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) scheme.
- It marked the operationalization of 54th airport under the UDAN scheme. To date, 307 routes and 54 airports including 5 heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes have been operationalized under the UDAN scheme
- The airline Aviation Connectivity & Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd (Air Taxi) was awarded the Hisar – Chandigarh – Hisar route under the UDAN 4 bidding process. The airline has become the first startup airline of the country to assist the nation with Air Taxi services
About Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme
- It was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The scheme is a component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.
- It seeks to connect under-served and unserved airports in India through the revival of existing airstrips and airports. Hence statement 3 is correct
- Under the scheme, airlines have to cap airfares for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight. Hence statement 1 is correct
- This would be achieved through (1) a financial stimulus in the form of concessions from Central and State governments and airport operators and (2) Viability Gap Funding– A government grant provided to the airlines to bridge the gap between the cost of operations and expected revenue.
- The partner State Governments (other than North Eastern States and Union Territories where contribution will be 10 %) would contribute a 20% share to this fund.
- Regional Connectivity Fund would be created to meet the viability gap funding requirements under the scheme. The RCF levy per departure will be applied to certain domestic flights.
- This scheme would be in operation for a period of 10 years. Hence statement 2 is correct
Phases Under the Scheme:
- UDAN 1.0 and 2.0: During RCS-UDAN version 1.0 & 2.0, 66 airports were identified and 31 heliports (28 unserved heliports and 3 unserved airports).
- UDAN 3.0: During UDAN version 3.0, to increase the tourism potential at the coastal areas, Tourism routes in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes were included.
- UDAN 4.0: The focus of UDAN 4.0 is on priority areas like North East Region, Hilly States, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Islands.
Shakrain is an annual kite festival celebration in
1.Nepal
2.Bhutan
3.India
4.Bangladesh
Answer: (d) Bangladesh
Explanation:
In NEWS: Kite festival Shakrain celebrated in Dhaka
- This is a centuries-old tradition in several parts of Bangladesh celebrated on the last day of the Bengali month of Paush. People in the old Dhaka city of Shakhari Bazar, Laxmibazar, Bangshal and Sutrapur among others celebrated this festival with great joy. Hence option (d) is correct
- The kite flying competition is followed by a winter cake festival — pithapuli in which rice cake pudding is eaten by people.
- The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) organised the festival for the first time this year with the slogan ‘Let’s Fly a kite, Cherish Tradition’
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=Kite-festival-Shakrain-celebrated-in-Dhaka&id=408017
Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKY)
1.PMKY aims to mobilize youth to take up skill training with the aim of increasing productivity and aligning the training and certification to the needs of the country.
2.It was launched in 2015 which is a flagship program of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
3.Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs), empanelled non-PMKK training centres and ITIs under Skill India will be rolling out PMKVY 3.0 training to build a robust pool of skilled professionals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: c) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
In News: 3rd phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana launched in 600 districts across the country
- It aims to mobilize youth to take up skill training with the aim of increasing productivity and aligning the training and certification to the needs of the country. Hence statement 1 is correct
- Owing to the success of PMKVY 1.0 wherein more than 19 lakh students were trained as against the target of 24 lakh, the scheme was relaunched as PMKVY 2.0 (2016-2020) with an allocated budget of Rs. 12000 Crores that aims to train 10 million youth by the year 2020.
- Launched in 2015, it is a flagship program of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) implements it with the help of training partners. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The third phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 3.0) will be launched on January 15 in 600 districts across all states of India. The launch will be done by the Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Hence statement 3 is incorrect
- The 729 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs), empanelled non-PMKK training centres and more than 200 ITIs under Skill India will be rolling out PMKVY 3.0 training to build a robust pool of skilled professionals.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=Third-phase-of-Pradhan-Mantri-Kaushal-Vikas-Yojana-to-be-launched-today-in-600-districts-across-country&id=407982
With reference to the Election Commission of India, consider the following statements
1.It is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
2.Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body.
3.At the state level election commission is helped by Chief Electoral Officer who is an IAS rank Officer.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: States, UTs need to take prior approval from ECI for initiating disciplinary action against poll officials
- The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.hence statement 1 is correct
- The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
- Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body. Hence statement 2 is correct
- The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
- The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.
- At the state level election commission is helped by the Chief Electoral Officer who is an IAS rank Officer. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
- They have a fixed tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
- The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=States%2c-UTs-need-to-take-prior-approval-from-ECI-for-initiating-disciplinary-action-against-poll-officials&id=408049
Atal Tinkering Lab is an innovation of
1.NITI Aayog
2.Department of Science and Technology
3.Council of scientific and Industrial Research
4.None of the above
Answer: a) Niti Aayog
Explanation:
In NEWS: On the Occasion of National Youth Day, Atal Innovation Mission launches new edition of Atal Tinkering Lab handbook
- Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog launched its new edition of Atal Tinkering Lab handbook which reinforces detailed establishment and operational processes of the Atal Tinkering Labs and its journey towards an innovative ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Hence option (a) is the correct answer
- The handbook named ‘The Atal Tinkering Lab Handbook 2.0’ outlines a practical guidance on structural, selection, establishment and celebration aspects of the AIM’s flagship ATL programme.
- The ATL Handbook encompasses work done by the AIM team in a framework using 4 key pillars of the ATL initiative – Selection, Establishment, Enablement, and Celebration.
Source:
It is a historically large, shallow, endorheic lake and freshwater lake in Central Africa, the lake is
1.Lake Kivu
2.Lake Albert
3.Lake Mweru
4.Lake Chad
Answer: d) Lake Chad
Explanation:
In NEWS: India at UNSC expresses serious concern over security situation in Sahel & Lake Chad region in West Africa
- Lake Chad is a historically large, shallow, endorheic lake in central Africa, which has varied in size over the centuries.
- The freshwater lake is located in the Sahelian zone of West-central Africa. Lake Chad is mainly in the far west of Chad, bordering on northeastern Nigeria.
- Lake Chad provides water to more than 30 million people living in the four countries surrounding it (Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria) on the central part of the Sahel.
- It is the largest lake in the Chad Basin. The Chari River, fed by its tributary the Logon, provides over 90% of the lake’s water, with a small amount coming from the Yobe River in Nigeria/Niger.
- Despite high levels of evaporation, the lake is fresh water. India has expressed serious concern over the security situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad region in West Africa. India also condemned terrorist attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria and Lake Chad region and by Islamic State in West Africa. Hence option (d) is the correct answer
Source http://newsonair.com/News?title=India-at-UNSC-expresses-serious-concern-over-security-situation-in-Sahel-%26-Lake-Chad-region-in-West-Africa&id=407752
Consider the following statements regarding special assistance to states for capital expenditure
1.The scheme was announced as a part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package.
2.It is aimed at boosting capital expenditure by the State Governments who are facing a difficult financial environment this year due to the shortfall in tax revenue arising from the COVID 19 pandemic.
3.All the states of India have availed benefits of the newly announced scheme of special assistance to states for capital expenditure
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In News: All states, except TN, availed benefits of “Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure” scheme
- The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister on 12th October as a part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Scheme is aimed at boosting capital expenditure by the State Governments who are facing a difficult financial environment this year due to the shortfall in tax revenue arising from the COVID 19 pandemic. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Capital Expenditure has a higher multiplier effect, enhancing the future productive capacity of the economy, and results in a higher rate of economic growth.
- Therefore, despite the adverse financial position of the Central Government, it was decided to extend a special assistance to the State Governments in respect of capital expenditure in 2020-21.
- All the states except Tamil Nadu have availed benefits of the newly announced scheme for “Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure”. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
Source: http://newsonair.com/News?title=All-states%2c-except-TN%2c–availed-benefits-of-%e2%80%9cSpecial-Assistance-to-States-for-Capital-Expenditure%e2%80%9d-scheme&id=405961
The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
1.biosphere
2.reserves
national parks
3.Wildlife sanctuaries
Answer: (a) biosphere
Explanation:
- These reserves are established to protect larger areas of natural habitat than a typical national park or animal sanctuary.
- The site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation.
- Sustainable development of reserves is based on local community efforts.
- It includes terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.
- There are 18 biosphere reserves in India.
