Consider the following statements regarding Nirbhaya fund
- The Women and Child Development Ministry is the nodal agency for expenditure from this fund
- It is a lapsable corpus fund for the safety and security of women to be administered by the Department of Economic Affairs
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Centre released over Rs 3,024 crore under Nirbhaya fund to states/UTs: WCD ministry
The Centre has released an amount of over Rs 3,024 crore under the Nirbhaya fund out of which states have utilised around Rs 1,919 crore, the Women and Child Development Ministry
About Nirbhaya fund
- Nirbhaya fund was created in 2013 in the aftermath of December 2012 Delhi gangrape and murder case. Giving in to popular sentiments, the government announced a separate fund for meeting expenditures to ensure the safety of women. The government proposed an allocation of Rs 10,000 crore under the Nirbhaya Fund to ensure the safety of women
- Under the Nirbhaya Fund, the Centre gives money to the states, which in turn spend it on programmes meant for ensuring women’s safety.
- Nodal agency: The Women and Child Development Ministry is the nodal agency for expenditure from the Nirbhaya Fund. Earlier, it was the one releasing the funds but now it examines the programmes submitted to it by the states under the Nirbhaya scheme, approves them and recommends to the Department of Economic affairs for allocating funds. Hence statement 1 is correct
- The Nirbhaya Fund Framework provides for a non-lapsable corpus fund for the safety and security of women to be administered by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) of the Government of India. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/sep/19/centre-released-over-rs-3024-crore-under-nirbhaya-fund-to-statesuts-wcd-ministry-2198807.html
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Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
1.The scheme is compulsory for the States/Union Territories
2.There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Timely Settlement of Claims under PMFBY
- The Operational Guidelines of PMFBY envisage timely release of State Government share in premium subsidy to ensure timely settlement of claims.
- Delay in release of share in premium subsidy by some States/UTs is one of the main reasons for delay in settlement on claims under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
- About Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana (PMFBY) is the crop damage insurance scheme that has been introduced for implementation from Kharif 2016 season.
- It has replaced the existing two crop insurance schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS.
- The scheme also aims to cover the risk of crop yield losses of insured farmers against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest and to provide adequate claim amount and timely settlement of claims.
- The Scheme shall be implemented on an Area Approach basis.
- The scheme is voluntary for the States/Union Territories (UTs). Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- Scheme was compulsory for loanee farmers obtaining operational agricultural/Kisan Credit Card loans for crops/areas notified by the concerned State Governments and is optional for other farmers.
- There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. Hence statement 2 is correct
- In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only 5%.
- Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1656151
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The Samarth Scheme is implemented by which of the following ministry in india
1.Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
2.Ministry of Corporate Affairs
3.Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
4.Ministry of Textiles
Answer: (d) Ministry of Textiles
Explanation:
In NEWS: Samarth Scheme
Under Samarth, 18 State Governments have been allocated a training target of 3.6 lakh beneficiaries for conducting training programme in traditional and organized sectors.
About Samarth Scheme
The ‘Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS)’ shall be known by the name signifying the broad objective of the scheme to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in the textile sector. It is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. Hence option (d) is correct
Objectives
- To provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors, covering the entire value chain of textile, excluding Spinning and Weaving.
- To promote skilling and skill upgradation in the traditional sectors of handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture and jute.
- To enable provision of sustainable livelihood either by wage or self employment to all sections of the society across the country.
- The skilling programmes would be implemented through following Implementing Agencies:
- Textile Industry.
- Institutions/Organization of the Ministry of Textiles/State Governments having training infrastructure and placement tie-ups with textile industry.
- Reputed training institutions/ NGOs/ Societies/ Trusts/ Organizations/ Companies /Start Ups / Entrepreneurs active in textile sector having placement tie-ups with textile industry.
- Source: https://samarth-textiles.gov.in/about_us#:~:text=The%20textile%20and%20apparel%20industry,earliest%20industries%20developed%20in%20India.&text=The%20’Scheme%20for%20Capacity%20Building,employment%20in%20the%20textile%20sector.
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Consider the following statements regarding IBSA
1.It was launched through the Brasilia Declaration in 2003
2.It is a unique Forum that brings together India, Brazil and South Africa.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) calls for speedy global efforts to reform UN Security Council
- This came in a joint statement issued after EAM S Jaishankar chaired a customary meeting of foreign ministers of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) grouping via video conference.
- They also agreed to extend their support to African Union in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
- About Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration:
- It was adopted by the African Union in 2003 to call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC.
- About IBSA
- IBSA is a unique Forum which brings together India, Brazil and South Africa, three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges. Hence statement 2 is correct
- IBSA, formalized at Foreign Ministers meeting in Brasilia in June 2003, has completed celebrating its 15th Anniversary. Hence statement 1 is correct
- IBSA is a purely South-South grouping of like-minded countries, committed to inclusive sustainable development, in pursuit of the well-being for their peoples and those of the developing world.
- IBSA Fund for Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger, established in 2004,
- Cooperation in IBSA is on three fronts:
- Forum for consultation and coordination on global and regional political issues.
- Trilateral collaboration on concrete areas/projects, through fourteen working groups and six People-to-People Forums for the common benefit of three countries and
- Assisting other developing countries by taking up projects in the latter through IBSA Fund.
- Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-brazil-south-africa-ibsa-calls-for-speedy-global-efforts-to-reform-un-security-council/story-Zh5NsQcUHeQ4Rh66Dv5AaL.html
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Consider the following statements regarding Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
1.It aims to facilitate exchange of geospatial information between India and Russia for military and civilian use.
2.India has not signed BECA yet.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: U.S. keen on finalising Geo-Spatial cooperation at 2+2 dialogue in October
The U.S. is keen that India sign the last foundational agreement, Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA), at the next India-U.S. 2+2 ministerial dialogue likely to held in October end
About Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement:
- BECA is one of the four foundational agreements that underpin deepening defence cooperation between India and USA.
- The agreement aims to facilitate exchange of geospatial information between India and United States for military and civilian use. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- It will enable India to use US geospatial maps to enhance military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.
- India has not signed BECA yet. Hence statement 2 is correct
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-keen-on-finalising-geo-spatial-cooperation-at-22-dialogue-in-october/article32633882.ece
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Consider the following statements regarding Third pole
1.It is the region that encompasses the Himalaya-Hindu Kush mountain range and the Tibetan Plateau.
2.It is the source of ten large Asian river systems
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Glacier retreat in Himalayas to cause water crisis: study
A study commissioned by the Observer Research Foundation, published this month, has found that the retreat of glaciers in the Himalayan Hindu Kush region is now affecting the surface water and groundwater availability in the region, and has adversely affected springs – a lifeline for the population in hill areas.
About Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) Region
- It extends 3,500 km over all or part of eight countries from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east.
- The HKH region spans fully or partly the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- It is the source of ten large Asian river systems -the Amu Darya, Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween (Nu), Mekong, Yangtze, Yellow River and Tarim. Hence statement 2 is correct
- It provides water, ecosystem services, and the basis for livelihoods to a population of around 240 million people in the region.
- About Third pole
- It is the region that encompasses the Himalaya-Hindu Kush mountain range and the Tibetan Plateau. Hence statement 1 is correct
- It is called as third pole, because its ice fields contain the largest reserve of fresh water outside the Polar Regions.
- This region is the source of the 10 major river systems that provide irrigation, power and drinking water for over 1.3 billion people in Asia – nearly 20% of the world’s population.
- Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/glacier-retreat-in-himalayas-to-cause-water-crisis-study-6601814/
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Sometimes the term BEAMS Programme is seen in news, is related to:
1.promote sustainable development in coastal regions
2.promote sustainable development in evergreen forest regions
3.Promoting in-situ management of crop residue
4.Issue soil health cards every 2 years to all farmers
Answer: (a) promote sustainable development in coastal regions
Explanation:
In NEWS: India seeks Blue Flag eco-label for its eight beaches, launches its own tag ‘BEAMS’ for clean beach
- On the eve of International Coastal Clean-Up Day, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) announced that for the first time eight beaches of India are recommended for the Blue flag certification.
- Also launched India’s own eco-label BEAMS by e-hoisting the flag -#IAMSAVINGMYBEACH simultaneously at these eight beaches.
About BEAMS Programme
- BEAMS is one of the several other projects of ICZM that the central government is undertaking for sustainable development of coastal regions, striving for the globally recognised and coveted eco-label ”Blue Flag”
- To plan sustainable tourism and healthy coastal management, MoEF&CC has conceived an integrated coastal management scheme viz. BEAMS to reduce existing pollutants on beaches and to aspire & achieve such high International Standards in India.
- This program promotes beach recreation in absolute harmony with nature.
- Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) has initiated the process for clean beaches in 13 pilot beaches (one pilot beach in every Coastal States/UTs) under this programme and in line with Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.
- To promote sustainable development in coastal regions of India for the beach management authorities to strive to achieve high international standards in four categories of: Hence option (a) is correct
- Environmental Management including cleanliness, solid waste management in beaches
- Environment Education
- Safety & Security of Beachgoers
- Bathing Water Quality Standards
Consider the following statements regarding Brucellosis
- It is a viral disease and is often caused by close contact with infected animals or animal products
- There has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission of this disease
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Explained: What is brucellosis, the bacterial disease that has infected thousands in China?
- China announced this week that a leak in a biopharmaceutical company last year caused an outbreak of brucellosis disease. More than 3,000 people have been infected with the disease since and no fatalities have been reported so far.
About Brucellosis
- Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that mainly infects cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
- Humans can get infected if they come in direct contact with infected animals or by eating or drinking contaminated animal products or by inhaling airborne agents.
- According to the WHO, most cases of the disease are caused by ingesting unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.
- Symptoms of the disease include fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache and muscle pain. While some signs and symptoms can last for long periods of time, others may never go away.
- These include recurrent fevers, arthritis, swelling of the testicles and scrotum area, swelling of the heart, neurologic symptoms, chronic fatigue, depression and swelling of the liver or spleen.
- Human to human transmission of the virus is rare. Hence statement 2 is correct
Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- It is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank to use the water available in the Indus System of Rivers.
- As per treaty, control over three eastern rivers indus, Beas and Sutlej were given to India.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Indus Water Treaty at 60: why there is a need to give it a fresh look
- September 19 marks the 60th anniversary of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan, a treaty that is often cited as an example of the possibilities of peaceful coexistence that exist despite the troubled relationship
- The role of India, as a responsible upper riparian abiding by the provisions of the treaty, has been remarkable but the country, of late, is under pressure to rethink the extent to which it can remain committed to the provisions, as its overall political relations with Pakistan becomes intractable.
About Indus Water Treaty
- The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank to use the water available in the Indus System of Rivers. Hence statement 1 is correct
- IWT was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960 by the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and then President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
- The agreement awarded control over the water flowing in three eastern rivers of India, i.e. the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej was givento India. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
- Control over the water flowing in three western rivers of India i.e. the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum was given to Pakistan.
- India has unrestricted usage rights over the eastern rivers, and India should allow unrestricted flow of the western rivers into Pakistan.
- India can use 20% of Indus water for irrigation, transport and power generation since it originates in India and Chenab and Jhelum for consumption purposes.
Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation?
- I.Reduction in weed
- II.Reduction in soil salinity
- III.Reduction’ in-soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
