PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS-17/07/24

01.With reference to PM SHRI scheme, consider the following statements:

1. The scheme is for existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the central government and state and local governments around the country.
2. The duration of the scheme is proposed to be from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which it shall be the responsibility of the States to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.
3. Under the scheme there is provision of setting up of More than 14500 PM SHRI Schools -PM Schools for Rising India.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:  (d)None

In News: What is PM SHRI, the ‘showcase’ schools scheme that Centre is pushing in states?

Explanation:

• The Centre has stopped funding for the umbrella program for school education in three opposition-ruled states that have refused to implement its PM SHRI scheme. The Samagra Shiksha Scheme, for which funding has been stopped in West Bengal, Punjab, and Delhi, supports implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
• The scheme, approved in 2022, seeks to develop 14,500 schools to “showcase” the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and be “exemplars” for other schools in their region.
•  The scheme is for existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the central government and state and local governments around the country. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The PM SHRI dashboard online currently lists 10,077 schools, of which 839 are Kendriya Vidyalayas and 599 Navodaya Vidyalayas, both run by the Centre. 
• The remaining 8,639 schools are run by state or local governments.
• Under the scheme there is provision of setting up of More than 14500 PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) by strengthening the existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central government/State/UT Government/local bodies. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The duration of the scheme is proposed to be from 2022-23 to 2026-27; after which it shall be the responsibility of the States/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools. More than 20 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-pm-shri-schools-funding-scheme-samagra-shiksha-9458151/

02.With reference to Samagra Shiksha, consider the following statements:

Statement -I:It is an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from class 6  to class 12 subsumes the three erstwhile Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan  and Teacher Education 

Statement -II: The scheme is funded in a 60:40 ratio by the Centre and states, barring the 11 North eastern and Himalayan states, which have to bear only 10% of the cost

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I
2. Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is not the correct explanation for Statement – I
3. Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
4. Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct

Answer:  (d)Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct

In News: A senior official told The Indian Express that states cannot receive Samagra Shiksha funds without implementing PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India), which is part of the program.

Explanation:

• Samagra Shiksha funds for the third and fourth quarters of 2023-24 and the first quarter of 2024-25, amounting to Rs 330 crore, Rs 515 crore, and Rs 1,000 crore for Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal respectively, have not been released.
• While the Education Ministry has given no official explanation, a senior official told that states cannot receive Samagra Shiksha funds without implementing PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India), which is part of the program.
• The Union Budget, 2018-19, has proposed to treat school education holistically without segmentation from pre-nursery to Class 12. Samagra Shiksha – an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12 has been, therefore, prepared with the broader goal of improving school effectiveness measured in terms of equal opportunities for schooling and equitable learning outcomes. 
• It subsumes the three erstwhile Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE).Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The scheme is funded in a 60:40 ratio by the Centre and states, barring the 11 Northeastern and Himalayan states, which have to bear only 10% of the cost. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-pm-shri-schools-funding-scheme-samagra-shiksha-9458151/

https://samagra.education.gov.in/about.html

03.With reference to  the National Quantum Mission , Consider the following statements:

1. The mission will focus on developing quantum computers  with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits developed over the next eight years.
2. Under this mission, there will be four broad themes such as Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication , Quantum Sensing and Metrology and Quantum Material and Devices. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer:  (c)Both 1 and 2

In News:

Explanation:

• India launched the National Quantum Mission last year and became one of the few countries in the world to have a dedicated programme to harness the power of quantum technologies. 
• These technologies, which use special properties of the tiniest particles of matter, can yield radical solutions to some of the most intractable problems of our age, such as clean energy and affordable healthcare.
• But despite having a fairly strong research base in quantum science, India has a lot of catching up to do. 
• A new report, surveying the existing capabilities of the country in this area, has found that countries like China and the United States have a huge head start over India. These countries have not just invested much more money in funding research, they also have more people working in this sector.
• The National Quantum Mission, however, is just the first step and there is a lot of ground to cover, according to the Landscape of Indian R&D in Quantum Technologies report. 
• The report has been prepared by itihaasa Research and Digital, a not-for-profit company that seeks to study the evolution of technology and business in India.
• NQM will entail development of satellite-based secure communications between a ground station and a receiver located with 3,000kms during the first three years.
•  For satellite-based communication within Indian cities, NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000kms. 
• For long distance quantum communication, especially with other countries, tests will be conducted in the coming years.
• The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits developed over the next eight years. Hence statement 1 is correct.
•  Computers up to 50 physical qubits will be developed over three years, 50 – 100 physical qubits in five years and computers up to 1000 physical qubits in eight years.
• Under NQM, there will be four broad themes — Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication , Quantum Sensing and Metrology and Quantum Material and Devices. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• Thematic hub for each will be established at research institutes and R&D centres who are already working in this field of research.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/national-quantum-mission-why-india-has-a-lot-of-catching-up-to-do-9458086/

04. Consider the following statements:

1. Under Article 109, a Money Bill shall be introduced only in Lok Sabha and, upon passage, transmitted to Rajya Sabha for its recommendations.
2. If the Bill is not returned by Rajya Sabha within the stipulated period, it is considered passed anyway.
3. If any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the House of the People thereon shall be final.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1,2 ,3 

Answer:  (d)1,2 ,3 

In News: Key issue will be back in SC: What constitutes a Money Bill?

Explanation:

• The Supreme Court has agreed to “take the call” on hearing petitions challenging the “Money Bill route” taken by the government to push through contentious legislation in Parliament.
• Money Bills offer a fast-track route to enact legislation because they do not require passage in Rajya Sabha. 
• Several important laws including amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, (PMLA) and the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act, 2010, (FCRA) as well as the Aadhaar Act, 2016, have been passed by this route in recent years, circumventing the Upper House, where the NDA may have had to struggle for numbers at the time.
• In the usual process of law making, a Bill must be passed by majorities in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. 
• The exception are a category of Bills known as Money Bills.
• Under Article 109, a Money Bill shall be introduced only in Lok Sabha and, upon passage, transmitted to Rajya Sabha for its “recommendations”. Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• Rajya Sabha must revert within 14 days, but it is up to Lok Sabha to accept or reject any or all of its recommendations. 
• If the Bill is not returned by Rajya Sabha within the stipulated period, it is considered passed anyway. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• To ensure this process is not abused, Article 110 provides a strict definition of a Money Bill.
•  In order for a Bill to be designated as a Money Bill, it must contain “only provisions dealing with all or any” of a specific list of subjects. 
• These subjects include taxation, financial obligations of the Government of India, the Consolidated Fund (revenue received by the government through taxes and expenses incurred in the form of borrowings and loans) or Contingency Fund (money to meet unforeseen expenditure) of India, or “any matter incidental” to the matters listed in the Article.
• Under Article 110(3), “If any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the House of the People thereon shall be final.” Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/key-issue-supreme-court-money-bill-9458077/

05. With reference to Chandipura virus, consider the following statements:

1. It is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies.
2. Several species of sandflies and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti are considered vectors of this virus 
3. The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:  (d)None

In News: 6 children die of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat

Explanation:

• The Gujarat government on Monday (July 15) said that six children have died of suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in the state since July 10. So far, a total of 12 suspected cases have been reported.
• CHPV is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies. Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• Several species of sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (which is also the vector for dengue) are considered vectors of CHPV. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
•  The virus resides in the salivary gland of these insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites.
• The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain. Hence statement 3 is correct. 
• The CHPV infection presents initially with flu-like symptoms such as acute onset of fever, body ache, and headache. It may then progress to altered sensorium or seizures and encephalitis.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/chandipura-virus-infection-chpv-9457349/

06. With reference to The Cotton Corporation of India, consider the following statements:

1. It was established under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture, as a Public Sector Undertaking under the Companies Act 1956.
2. The major role is to undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of kapas fall below the minimum support prices
3. It played a role of a canalizing agency for imports of cotton and purchase of raw cotton for giving necessary price support to enterprising cultivators and also for procuring raw cotton for textile mills.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer:  (b)Only two

In News : Spinning mills turn cautious in buying cotton

Explanation:

• Spinning mills have turned chary in purchasing cotton as the current season is set to end in two-and-half months. The mills are keen to avoid any liquidity problem
• The cost factor is driving the fashion industry towards alternate fibres and reducing cotton consumption.
• CCI was established on 31st July 1970 under the administrative control of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India as a Public Sector Undertaking under the Companies Act 1956.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.  
• In the initial period of setting up, as the only public sector undertaking in the field of marketing of cotton, CCI played a role of a canalizing agency for imports of cotton and purchase of raw cotton for giving necessary price support to enterprising cultivators and also for procuring raw cotton for textile mills. Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• The role and function of CCI continued to enlarge with the changing cotton scenario in the country. 
• Now, the major role of the CCI is to undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of kapas fall below the minimum support prices (MSP) announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit. Hence statement 3 is correct.   
• Besides MSP operations, to fulfil the raw material requirement of the domestic textile industry particularly for lean season, CCI undertakes commercial purchase operations.

Source:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/indian-spinning-mills-turn-cautious-in-buying-cotton-as-season-end-nears/article68407756.ece

07. Global Education Monitoring Report  released by 

1. World Economic Forum
2. United Nation Educational, Scientific and  cultural organisation
3. Organisation of Economic and Cooperation Development
4. Education Development Trust

Answer:  (b)United Nation Educational, Scientific and  cultural organisation

In News: Climate shocks in early childhood hinder lifelong learning, new UN report reveals

Explanation:

• Climate change directly impacts education. A new report by the Global Education Monitoring Report of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has highlighted the long-term impact of climate shocks experienced in early childhood. Hence option(b) is correct.
• The paper, part of a series aimed at fostering dialogue on education and the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), raises concerns about the lasting damage extreme weather events can inflict on a child’s development.
• The first paper in the series, published in partnership with the Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education (MECCE Project), focused on climate change.
•  According to Education and climate change: Learning to act for people and planet, climate related stressors, such as heat, wildfires, storms, floods, droughts, diseases and rising sea levels, affect education outcomes. 
• The report emphasised the vulnerability of young children. Their reliance on adults and developing bodies make them more vulnerable to the immediate physical hazards of floods, droughts, and heatwaves. 
• However, the impact extends beyond the physical. According to the report, these experiences can have a negative impact on a child’s cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and educational opportunities.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/climate-shocks-in-early-childhood-hinder-lifelong-learning-new-un-report-reveals

08.With reference to The Biological Weapons Convention,consider the following statements:

1. It effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons.
2. It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer:  (d)Neither 1 nor 2

In News:AI-based weapons already in use could cause major disruptions in 4-6 years

Explanation:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) has already made its presence felt in the battlefields, with its use during the Ukraine and West Asia conflicts. This dangerous global shift towards AI-based and autonomous weapons could potentially induce disruptions to the global environment over the next four to six years, warned a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Despite their use in war being prohibited under the Geneva Protocol (1925) and the Biological Weapons Convention (1972), their potential for harm is being amplified by the convergence of emerging bio- and other technologies, the pace of developments, and the inability of existing legal and safety frameworks to keep pace with such change.
• The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons.Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• The BWC is a key element in the international community’s efforts to address WMD proliferation and it has established a strong norm against biological weapons. The Convention has reached almost universal membership with 185 States Parties and four Signatory States.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/unep-foresight-report-ai-based-weapons-already-in-use-could-cause-major-disruptions-in-4-6-years

09. ‘Lavender’ AI system sometimes in the news developed by which of the following countries?

1. Iran
2. Israel
3. Ukraine
4. North Korea

Answer:  (b)Israel

In News:UNEP Foresight Report

Explanation:

• Autonomous weapons systems execute their functions in the absence of direction or input from humans. Such systems can be further supported by AI. 
• Widespread use of these systems, which can select targets and destroy them without direct human guidance, could result in massive civilian casualties and environmental damage.
• Israel’s ‘Lavender’ AI system was used to classify civilians and military operations in Gaza.Hence option(b) is correct.
• The Ukrainian military deployed AI-equipped drones containing explosives to fly into battlefields and strike Russian oil refineries, according to news website The Guardian. 
• Israel has crossed another line in the automation of war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have developed a program supported by artificial intelligence (AI) to select the victims of its bombings, a process that traditionally needs to be manually verified until a person can be confirmed to be a target. Called Lavender, this system identified 37,000 Palestinians as potential targets during the first weeks of the war.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/science-technology/unep-foresight-report-ai-based-weapons-already-in-use-could-cause-major-disruptions-in-4-6-years

10.With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements :(2024)

1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer:  (a)1 only

Explanation:     

• Rule 2(1)(d)(iv) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 states that any activity benefiting employees of the company shall not be considered as eligible CSR activity. 
• As per the rule, any activity designed exclusively for the benefit of employees shall be considered as an “activity benefiting employees” and will not qualify as permissible CSR expenditure. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Board of Directors of every company for which the CSR provisions apply must ensure that the company spends in every financial year at least 2% of its average net profits made during the immediately preceding three financial years as per its CSR policy. Hence statement 2 is not correct.