PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS -04/07/24

01. Consider the following statements:

1. Aspirational Districts Programme Aims to quickly and effectively transform 500 districts across the country 
2. Aspirational Districts Programme Progress is measured on 40 indicators of development
3. Aspirational Blocks Programme aims for saturation of essential government services in112 Blocks across the country

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (d)None

In News :NITI Aayog to launch ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’

Explanation:

• NITI Aayog is launching ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’, a 3-month campaign from 4th July – 30th September 2024, to undertake a sustained effort to achieve saturation of 6 key indicators in Aspirational Districts and 6 key indicators in Aspirational Blocks across the country. ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ seeks to achieve saturation in each of the 6 identified indicators in the 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme.
• The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) covering 112 Districts was launched in the year 2018 to ensure the speedy development of the relatively backward and remote areas of the country. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. 
• ADP has had a measurable and tangible impact on improving key indicators that uplift the lives of its citizens. 
• Building on the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) was launched by the Hon’ble PM in 2023 and aims for the saturation of essential government services in 500 Blocks across the country in multiple domains such as health, nutrition, education, drinking water and sanitation, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, and basic infrastructure. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• Aspirational Districts Programme aims to quickly and effectively transform 112 districts across the country
• Aspirational Blocks Programme Progress is measured on 40 indicators of development. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030418

02. consider the following statements:

1. Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target
2. Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly
3. Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the start of the academic session
4. Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care  within the first trimester

How many of the above are 6 identified Knowledge Performance Indicators across all Aspirational Blocks under ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer:(c)Only three

In News: Campaign from 4th July – 30th September 2024, aims to achieve saturation in 6 identified indicators in ADP/ABP Districts and Blocks

Explanation:

• NITI Aayog is launching ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’, a 3-month campaign from 4th July – 30th September 2024, to undertake a sustained effort to achieve saturation of 6 key indicators in Aspirational Districts and 6 key indicators in Aspirational Blocks across the country. ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ seeks to achieve saturation in each of the 6 identified indicators in the 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme.
• ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ will focus on the following 6 identified KPIs across all Aspirational Blocks:
• Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester. Hence statement 4 is correct.

• Percentage of persons screened for Diabetes against the targeted population in the Block
• Percentage of persons screened for Hypertension against the targeted population in the Block
• Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated against the soil sample collection target. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Percentage of SHGs that have received a Revolving Fund against the total SHGs in the block
•  The 6 identified KPIs across Aspirational Districts under ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ are:
• Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care (ANC) within the first trimester
• Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Programme regularly
• Percentage of children fully immunized (9-11 months) (BCG+DPT3+OPV3+Measles 1)
• Number of Soil Health Cards distributed
• Percentage of schools with functional electricity at the secondary level
• Percentage of schools providing textbooks to children within 1 month of the start of the academic session. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030418

03.With reference to Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT, Consider the following statements:

1. It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Thailand.
2. The aim of the Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations.
3. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (c)1 and 3 only

In News:

Explanation:

• The 16th edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced today, at Foreign Training Node, Umroi (Meghalaya). 
• The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 03rd to 16th July 2024.
• Indian contingent comprising of 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS along with personnel from other arms and services. 
• The Mongolian contingent is being represented by personnel from 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mangolian Army. 
• Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Mongolia. Last edition was conducted in Mongolia in July 2023.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The Opening Ceremony of the Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT was attended by His Excellency Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India and Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army.
• The aim of the Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT will enable both sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations. 
• The exercise will also facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. This will also enhance the level of defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030373

04.With reference to The Technology Development Fund  scheme, Consider the following statements:

1. It is encouraging the participation of public/private industries, especially start-ups and MSMEs, to create an ecosystem aimed at enhancing the capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promoting ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in defence.
2. It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence executed by Defence Research and Development Organisation  under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

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: TDF scheme playing a crucial role in promoting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence; Start-ups & MSMEs being encouraged to enhance capabilities in cutting-edge technology

Explanation:

• The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is encouraging the participation of public/private industries, especially start-ups and MSMEs, to create an ecosystem aimed at enhancing the capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promoting ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in defence .Hence statement 1 is correct 
• The TDF scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence executed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Hence statement 2 is correct
• Till date, a total of 77 projects, with a commitment of over Rs 300 crore, have been sanctioned to various industries, and 27 defence technologies have been successfully realised under the scheme.
• The main objectives of the TDF scheme include:
• To provide Grant in Aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs & start-ups, as well as academic and scientific institutions for the development of defence and dual use technologies that are currently not available with the Indian defence Industry.
• To engage with the private industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, to bring in the culture of Design & Development of Military Technology and support them with Grant in Aid.
• To focus on Research, Design & Development of Niche technologies which are being developed for the first time in the country.
• To create a bridge amongst the Armed Forces, research organisations, academia and qualifying/certifying agencies with private sector entities.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030445

05. Consider the following statements:

1. SWAYAM is an indigenous developed platform, initiated by Government of India, which is instrumental for self-actualisation providing opportunities for a life-long learning.
2. The SWAYAM provides all the courses from 6th class to PG Level.
3. The SWAYAM shall also cover Skill based courses.

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: Ministry of Education to provide ICT Labs and Smart Classrooms in all functional Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Hostel

Explanation:

• The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India has decided to provide ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Labs and Smart Classrooms, as per Samagra Shiksha norms, in all functional Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGVB) and Hostel to empower girl students, make them digitally savvy, and enhance their learning outcomes. 
• This will also bridge the existing digital divide. This initiative will benefit 7 lakh girls of KGBVs at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 290 crore.
• The provision of ICT facilities will ensure that the students of KGBV have better access to the digital platforms/resources of the Department of School Education and Literacy such as SWAYAM, SWAYAM PRABHA, National Digital Library, e-Pathshala, National Repository of Open Educational Resources, DIKSHA, etc. This will improve their learning outcomes.
• SWAYAM stands for Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds. SWAYAM is an indigenous developed platform, initiated by Government of India, which is instrumental for self-actualisation providing opportunities for a life-long learning. Hence statement 1 is correct 
• The SWAYAM provides all the courses from 9th class to PG Level. Hence statement 2 is correct 
• The SWAYAM shall also cover Skill based courses. Hence statement 3 is correct 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030430

06. Consider the following statements:

1. Compute Capacity
2. Application Development
3. Startup Financing
4. Foundational Models

How many of the above are key pillars of IndiaAi Mission?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer:  (d)All four

In News: Two days’ Global INDIA ai Summit 2024 kickstarted today at New Delhi

Explanation:

• The Government of India is hosting the ‘Global India AI Summit’ on July 3-4, 2024, in New Delhi. 
• The summit focuses on advancing AI development in areas like Compute Capacity, Foundational Models, Datasets, Application Development, Future Skills, Startup Financing, and Safe AI, which are the seven key pillars of IndiaAi Mission. Hence option(d) is correct.
• India Ai Mission has been approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2024 with the outlay of USD 1.25 Billion.
• GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative with 29 member countries, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
• India is the lead chair of GPAI in 2024. As GPAI’s Lead Chair, India is convening global AI experts to discuss key issues and promote trustworthy AI.
• The Day 1 of the summit will feature a diverse array of sessions designed to delve deep into critical aspects of AI application and governance. Notable sessions include “IndiaAI: Large Language Models” exploring how advanced AI models can navigate India’s linguistic diversity while upholding ethical standards. 
• Concurrently, the GPAI Convening on Global Health and AI will gather insights into leveraging AI for healthcare in underserved regions, positioning India as a catalyst for inclusive healthcare innovation.
• “Real World AI Solutions” and “India’s Infrastructure Readiness for AI” will spotlight practical AI implementations and the foundational infrastructure needed to support AI-driven initiatives across sectors. 
• Meanwhile, discussions on “Ensuring Safety, Trust, and Governance in the AI Age” will underscore India’s commitment to ethical AI deployment, emphasising global cooperation and regulatory frameworks.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2030219

07. Consider the following statements:

Statement -I: The Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international body established by WTO and the World Health Organization aims to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade

Statement -II: India, as a member elected on a geographic basis Asia, is actively participating in the 86th session of the Executive Committee  of the Codex Alimentarius Commission .

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: India participates in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission

Explanation:

• India, as a member elected on a geographic basis (Asia), is actively participating in the 86th session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).Hence statement 1 is incorrect  
• Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) represented India in the session being held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome from July 1st to 5th, 2024.
• The Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international body established by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. Hence statement 2 is correct 
•  The CCEXEC plays a critical role in reviewing proposals for new work and monitoring the progress of standards development.
• During the session, India strongly supported the advancement of standards development for various spices, including small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla. This initiative is particularly significant for India, being a major producer and exporter of these spices, as it would facilitate smoother international trade. 
• Additionally, India backed the progression of standards for named vegetable oils, guidelines for the control of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030370

08. Consider the following:

1. Japanese Encephalitis
2. Kala-azar
3. Lymphatic Filariasis
4. Malaria

How many of the above diseases are covered under The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control program?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer:  (d)All four

In News: Union Health Ministry Issues Advisory to States in view of Zika virus cases from Maharashtra

Explanation:

• In view of some reported cases of Zika virus from Maharashtra, Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory to States highlighting the need for maintaining a state of constant vigil over the Zika virus situation in the country.
• For timely detection and control of any impending upsurge/outbreak, State authorities have been advised to be vigilant, prepared and ensure availability of appropriate logistics at all levels. 
• States were also urged to immediately report any detected case to Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).
• The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) administers an umbrella programme, namely, National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) for prevention and control of vector borne diseases namely Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar and Lymphatic Filariasis. Hence option(d) is correct.
• Out of them three diseases namely, Malaria, Lymphatic Filariasis and Kala-azar are targeted for elimination. Malaria, Dengue and JE are outbreak prone and climate sensitive. 
• The States/UTs are responsible for implementation of the programme, whereas NCVBDC provides technical and financial assistance to the States/UTs in the form of cash & commodity, under the overarching umbrella scheme of National Health Mission (NHM)

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030371

09. Consider the following statements:

1. The Smart City Mission will be operated as a Central sector Scheme and the Central Government proposes to give financial support to the Mission over five years  on an average Rs. 100 crore per city per year
2. The Government of India has extended the Mission period upto 2025 to complete these balance 10% projects with additional costs

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:  (d) Neither 1 nor 2

In News:Smart Cities Mission extended till March 2025

Explanation:

• The Smart Cities Mission is a novel experiment in India’s urban development. Since its inception in June 2015, the Mission has attempted several innovative ideas, e.g., competition among cities for selection of 100 smart cities, stakeholder driven project selection, formation of smart city Special Purpose Vehicles for implementation, deployment of technology and digital solutions for improving urban governance, third-party impact evaluation by premier academic and professional institutes etc.
• Each of the 100 Cities have developed a diverse set of projects, many of which very unique and being implemented for the first time, thus improving the Cities’ capability and experience and achieving larger transformational goals at the city level. 
• More than 8,000+ multi-sectoral projects are being developed by the 100 Cities amounting to around ₹ 1.6 lakh crore.
• The Smart City Mission will be operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and the Central Government proposes to give financial support to the Mission to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over five years i.e. on an average Rs. 100 crore per city per year.Hence statement 1 is incorrect  
•  An equal amount, on a matching basis, will have to be contributed by the State/ULB; therefore, nearly Rupees one lakh crore of Government/ULB funds will be available for Smart Cities development.
• The Mission has been getting multiple requests from some States/City government representatives, to grant some more time to complete the balance 10% projects. These balance ongoing projects are in an advanced stage of implementation and got delayed due to various on-ground conditions. 
• It is in the interest of people, that these projects get complete and contribute towards the ease of living in their urban areas. 
• Taking cognizance of these requests, the Government of India has extended the Mission period upto 31 March 2025 to complete these balance 10% projects. 
• This extension has been informed to the cities that it would be without any additional cost, beyond the already approved financial allocation under the Mission. All ongoing projects are now expected to be completed before 31 March 2025.Hence statement 1 is incorrect  

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030491

10.“Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a :(2021)

1. Database created by coalition of research organisations
2. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
3. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
4. Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank

Ans: (a)Database created by coalition of research organisations

Explanation:

• The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) is an independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the Paris Agreement. CAT quantifies and evaluates climate change mitigation targets, policies and action. 
• It also aggregates country action to the global level, determining likely temperature increases during the 21st century using the MAGICC climate model. By collaboration of two organisations, Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute, the CAT provides independent analysis to policymakers.Hence option (a) is correct.