PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS-05/07/24

01.With reference to National Green Hydrogen Mission, Consider the following statements:

1. The Scheme will be implemented with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 200 Crores till the financial year 2025-26.
2. The National Institute of Solar Energy will be the Scheme Implementation agency 
3. The scheme will support identification of the gaps in the existing testing facilities for components, technologies, and processes in the value chain of Green Hydrogen & its derivatives.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:(c)All three

In News:Centre issues Scheme Guidelines for funding of testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Explanation:

• The Government of India has come out with guidelines for funding of testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support for development of Standards and Regulatory framework under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Scheme Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on July 04, 2024.
• The scheme will support identification of the gaps in the existing testing facilities for components, technologies, and processes in the value chain of Green Hydrogen & its derivatives.
• The Scheme will support creation of new testing facilities and upgradation of existing Testing Facilities to ensure safe and secure operations.Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The Scheme will be implemented with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 200 Crores till the financial year 2025-26.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will be the Scheme Implementation agency (SIA).Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The scheme encompasses the development of robust quality and performance testing facilities to ensure quality, sustainability, and safety in GH2 production and trade.
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched on 4th January 2023, with an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores up to FY 2029-30. It will contribute to India’s goal to become Aatma Nirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition. 
• The Mission will lead to significant decarbonization of the economy, reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports, and enable India to assume technology and market leadership in Green Hydrogen.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030686

02. Consider the following statements:

1. Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
2. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations as well as preterm birth and miscarriage.
3. Zika virus infection is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis in adults and children.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (d)1,2,3

In News:Zika virus alert: 8 cases in 15 days in Maharashtra prompts nationwide screening of pregnant women

Explanation:

Eight Zika virus cases detected in Maharashtra have sparked concern, prompting the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to issue an advisory to all states. 

The advisory emphasised the need for heightened vigilance and directed healthcare facilities to screen pregnant women for potential Zika infection.

Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mostly during the day.Hence statement 1 is correct.

Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms; those who do typically have symptoms including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache that last for 2–7 days.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations as well as preterm birth and miscarriage.Hence statement 2 is correct.

Zika virus infection is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis in adults and children.Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/zika-virus-alert-8-cases-in-15-days-in-maharashtra-prompts-nationwide-screening-of-pregnant-women

03.  Biodiversity Intactness Index released by 

1. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
2. International panel on climate change
3. Climate action tracker
4. The Natural History Museum

Answer:  (d)The Natural History Museum

In News:Strategic planting of ‘energy’ crops could mitigate biodiversity loss, study finds

Explanation:

• New research has highlighted the importance of strategic land-use planning for achieving goals in bioenergy, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity restoration. 
• While restoration is still the best approach to biodiversity, the study suggests that planting low-cost and low-maintenance crops grown solely for renewable bioenergy production, also known as ‘energy’ crops, on existing agricultural land can reduce biodiversity losses when compared to converting natural habitats. 
• The most significant positive impact on biodiversity would come from restoring priority areas for natural vegetation, rather than expanding energy crops. 
• However, the study acknowledges that strategically planting energy crops on existing agricultural land presents a less harmful alternative compared to converting natural habitats.
• The study looked at Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) to determine this. BII are estimates how the average abundance of native terrestrial species in a region compares with their abundances before pronounced human impacts.
• The Natural History Museum’s Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) estimates how much of a region’s natural biodiversity is still left on average.Hence option(d) is correct.
• The BII measures biodiversity change using abundance data on plants, fungi and animals worldwide. The Index shows how local terrestrial biodiversity responds to human pressures such as land use change and intensification.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/strategic-planting-of-energy-crops-could-mitigate-biodiversity-loss-study-finds

04. The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland recently in news situated at

1. Congo 
2. Brazil
3. Australia
4. Vietnam

Answer:(b)Brazil

In News:Why is Brazil’s Pantanal breaking wildfire records? It has lost the most water since 1985, says study

Explanation:

• The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, has burned to the ground this year. This year’s fires set January-June records in the Pantanal, reported news agency AFP. Hence option(b) is correct.
• And according to a recent study, there is a straightforward reason behind the spike in wildfires in the biome: It has lost the most water since 1985
• The annual water surface (at least 6 months with water) in 2023 was 382,000 hectares – 61% below the historical average. 
• There has been a reduction in the area flooded and the length of time the water remains.
• Last year, only 2.6% of the biome was covered by water. The Pantanal accounts for 2% of the country’s (Brazil) total water surface
• MapBiomas is an initiative of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimation System (SEEG), which in turn has been developed by Brazilian civil society initiative the Climate Observatory. 
• The last major flood in the Pantanal occurred in 2018. Last year was 50 per cent drier than 2018.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/why-is-brazils-pantanal-breaking-wildfire-records-it-has-lost-the-most-water-in-brazil-since-1985-says-study

05. With reference to Global Biodiversity Framework,consider the following statements:

1. It was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties 15.
2. The Framework’s key elements are 4 goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.
3. The GBF Target 3 encourages countries to protect 30 percent of their landscapes and seascapes

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (c)All three

In News:Eastern & Southern Africa makes significant progress towards Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3: IUCN

Explanation:

• A new report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reveals that Eastern and Southern Africa is halfway to achieving the coverage goal of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Target 3. 
• The region has protected 17.24 percent of its terrestrial area, encompassing 5,544 protected and conserved areas over 2,618,967 square kilometres.
• The GBF Target 3 encourages countries to protect 30 percent of their landscapes and seascapes. Eastern and Southern Africa is making notable progress towards this target.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• However, the report indicates considerable variability within the region, with 38 percent of countries remaining below 10 per cent in terrestrial coverage, based on data from the World Database on Protected Areas.
• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) following a four year consultation and negotiation process.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• This historic Framework, which supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and builds on the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans, sets out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050. 
• Among the Framework’s key elements are 4 goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/eastern-southern-africa-makes-significant-progress-towards-global-biodiversity-framework-target-3-iucn

06.With reference to Atal pension yojana,Consider the following statements:

1. It is  a pension scheme for citizens of India focused on the unorganised sector workers.
2.  Under the APY, guaranteed minimum pension for every month will be given at the age of 60 years depending on the contributions by the subscribers
3. The age of the subscriber should be between 18 – 40 years.
4. Any Citizen of India can join APY scheme

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (d)All four

In News:Private sector helps NPS assets grow 29% to ₹12.5-lakh crore

Explanation:

• Driven by buoyant equity markets and an expanding NPS subscriber base in the private sector, National Pension System (NPS) assets, including those of APY, approached the ₹12.50-lakh crore mark as of June 29, latest PFRDA data showed. 
• This reflected a 28.64 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth over NPS AUM of ₹9.7- lakh crore as of July 1 last year
• Meanwhile, Atal Pension Yojana (APY) assets touched ₹38,177 crore as of June 29, up 31.53 per cent year-on-year basis. 
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a pension scheme for citizens of India is focused on the unorganized sector workers.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Under the APY, guaranteed minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/- or 2,000/- or 3,000/- or 4,000 or 5,000/- per month will be given at the age of 60 years depending on the contributions by the subscribers.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• Any Citizen of India can join APY scheme.Hence statement 3 is correct.
•  Following are the eligibility criteria:
• The age of the subscriber should be between 18 – 40 years.Hence statement 4 is correct.
• He/She should have a savings bank account/ post office savings bank account.
• The prospective applicant may provide Aadhaar and mobile number to the bank during registration to facilitate receipt of periodic updates on APY account. However, Aadhaar is not mandatory for enrollment.

Source:

https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/atal-pension-yojana

07. Consider the following statements:

1. The Consumer Price Inflation for Rural, Urban and Combined are released by the Department of Economic Affairs through Consumer Price Index.
2. Consumer Price Inflation is released on a quarterly basis.

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:DPIIT takes expert advice from IMF on PPI methodology

Explanation:

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is finalising the model for the Producers Price Index (PPI), which is used in most G20 countries, and has taken expert advice from IMF
• The DPIIT in June 2021 issued a draft report of a working group suggesting revising WPI base year from 2011-12 to 2017-18 and proposed addition of about 480 new items to the basket including medicinal plants, pen drive, lifts, gymnasium equipment, and certain motorcycle engines in the new series.
•  This would help in presenting a more realistic picture of the price situation in the country, the report has suggested.
•  At present, both WPI and CPI are used for tracking price movement. While the WPI measures price movement of goods in wholesale markets, the CPI tracks inflation at retail level and also includes certain services
• The CPI for Rural, Urban and Combined are released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation through a Press Release Note on Consumer Price Index, which can be accessed from the official website of MoSPI .Hence statement 1 is correct.
• CPI is released on a monthly basis. Price Statistics Division, NSO, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for preparation and release of Consumer Price Index (Rural, Urban, Combined) on 12th of every month.Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source:

https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/main_menu/FAQ/FAQ_CC19092023.pdf

08.With reference to The Singareni Collieries Company Limited , Consider the following statements:

1.  It is a Government coal mining company jointly owned by the Government of Odisha and Government of India on a 51:49 equity basis. 
2. The Company’s accredited function is to explore and exploit the coal deposits in the Godavari valley coalfield, which is the only repository of coal in South India

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:  (b) 2 only

In News:Allot coal blocks in Singareni area to SCCL: Telangana CM urges PM 

Explanation:

• With the issue of coal block auction snowballing into a major political row in the State, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allot some blocks in the Singareni area to the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), a State Owned company. 
• The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is a Government coal mining company jointly owned by the Government of Telangana and Government of India on a 51:49 equity basis.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• The Singareni coal reserves stretch across 350 Km of the Pranhita – Godavari Valley of Telangana with proven geological reserves aggregating to a whopping 8791 million tonnes. SCCL is currently operating 17 opencast and 22 underground mines in 6 districts of Telangana with a manpower of around 42,000.
• The Company’s accredited function is to explore and exploit the coal deposits in the Godavari valley coalfield, which is the only repository of coal in South India.Hence statement 2 is correct.
•  Mining activities of SCCL are presently spread over four erstwhile districts of Telangana Viz. Kumuram Bheem, Mancherial, Peddapalli, Jaya Shankar- Bhoopalpalli, Bhadradri-Kothagudem & Khammam Districts.

Source:

https://scclmines.com/scclnew/company_history.asp

09. With reference to NAMO Drone Didi scheme,consider the following statements:

1. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose.
2. Central Financial Assistance  80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones.
3. The Department of Rural development will also promote use of Nano Fertilisers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by drones with Self help groups.

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:Development of drone ecosystem aligns with PM’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ scheme to empower women in agri sector

Explanation:

• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address at the International Innovation Conclave organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is ready to promote the drone industry that has seen rapid growth in the last three years. 
• Praising the development of technology and growth in the drone industry on the strength of innovation, Shri Goyal asserted that development of the drone ecosystem and deploying them in villages across the nation aligns with the PM’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ initiative that will help empower the women in the agriculture sector.
• The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bring new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.
• Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
•  The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF).  Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided.
• Lead Fertiliser Companies will also promote use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by the drones with SHGs.  SHGs will rent out the drone services to the farmers for Nano fertilizer and also for pesticide. applications.Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030851

10.Consider the following statements:(2020)

1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
2. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

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

Ans:(b)2 only

Explanation:

• Cooperative bank is an institution established on the cooperative basis and dealing in ordinary banking business.
• In rural India, there exists a 3-tier rural cooperative structure.
• Tier-I: It includes state cooperative banks (StCBs) at the state level;
• Tier-II: It includes central cooperative banks (CCBs) at the district level; and
• Tier- III: It includes primary agricultural credit societies (PACSs).
• According to a report of the RBI, in 2016-17, scheduled commercial banks contributed the major share (78- 80%) in agricultural and allied credit. Cooperative institutions also play a significant role in extending agricultural credit and the share of all cooperative banks/institutions (i.e. StCBs, DCCBs and PACSs put together) constituted 15-16%. The RRBs contributed the remaining 5% of the agricultural credit. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• The most significant function of the district central cooperative bank is to provide financial support to the primary cooperative societies that are affiliated to it in the district. Hence statement 2 is correct.