PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS-09/07/24

01. With reference to the Khelo India Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It is the flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
2. The primary focus of the Scheme is to create a national-level platform for the athletes to showcase their talent and to identify them for further grooming and financial support.
3. Grants-in-aid have also been given for construction as well as upgradation of sports infrastructure projects under the “Utilisation and Creation/Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure” vertical of the Khelo India Scheme

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:Khelo India Scheme allocation increases by 48% in Budget 2022-23

Explanation:

• The upcoming northern zonal round of the Khelo India women’s wushu league is set to draw significant attention, featuring prominent international athletes Ayeera Chisti and Komal Nagar. 
• This competition will take place at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala from July 9 to 13, showcasing the talents of 350 athletes across sub-junior, junior, and senior categories.
•  Organised by SAI Patiala, the event will encompass both Sanda (fighting) and Taolu (forms), welcoming participants from Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• The Khelo India Scheme is the flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The primary focus of the Scheme is to create a national-level platform for the athletes to showcase their talent and to identify them for further grooming and financial support.Hence statement 2  is correct.
•  It aims at infusing sports culture and achieving sporting excellence in the country thus allowing the populace to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence. 
• The Khelo India programme includes playfield development; community coaching development; promotion of community sports; establishment of a strong sports competition structure at both school and university level as also for rural / indigenous sports, sports for persons with disability and women sports; filling up of critical gaps in sports infrastructure, including creation of hubs of sports excellence in select universities; talent identification and development; support to sports academies; implementation of a national physical fitness drive for school children; and sports for peace and development. 
• Grants-in-aid have also been given for construction as well as upgradation of sports infrastructure projects under the “Utilisation and Creation/Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure” vertical of the Khelo India Scheme.Hence statement 3 is correct. 
• This Ministry has sanctioned 282 sports infrastructure projects of various types amounting to Rs. 2,328.39 crores across the country, during the last 5 years, catering to different categories of sports disciplines and sportspersons.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031519

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1794863

02. Consider the following statements:

1. An innovative two-stage orbital launch vehicle called Agnibaan powered by India’s first patented Single-Piece 3D-printed Semi-Cryogenic Engines developed and incubated at DRDO.
2. The Launch Vehicle has been developed by Agnikul, a startup in space-tech.
3. The launch vehicle, Agnibaan is India’s first launch vehicle to feed propellants through a powerful and compact electric drive.

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: Combustion research at Department of Science and Technology supported centre provides base for space tech startup fuelling India’s march towards low-cost space missions

Explanation:

• An innovative two-stage orbital launch vehicle called Agnibaan powered by India’s first patented Single-Piece 3D-printed Semi-Cryogenic Engines developed and incubated at IIT Madras was launched on 30th May 2024, marking a significant milestone for the country’s space ecosystem.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The state-of-the-art launch vehicle paves the way for more frequent missions for India and also for making the country a commercial hub in the space sector.
• The Launch Vehicle has been developed by Agnikul, a startup in space-tech.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• Agnikul is incubated at Incubation Cell, IIT Madras [a TBI supported by Department of Science and Technology (DST)] and has been showcased in startup expo during DST‘s Startup Utsav during August 2022
• Agnikul’s groundbreaking achievement is the engine which assembles the individual components, a feature that makes it unique. It is manufactured with high-grade aerospace materials making it more reliable. This also reduces the realization time and facilitates faster manufacturing as compared to traditionally manufactured engines.
• The DST’s TBI supported startup  established India’s first private launchpad along with a Mission Control Centre .at Sriharikota range. The plan, the design, and the execution of construction of the launchpad are completely done in-house.
• Apart from this, the autopilot software developed by the company ensures that the vehicle remains on the mission path despite all the externalities, which is critical for any mission.
• The launch vehicle, Agnibaan is India’s first launch vehicle to feed propellants through a powerful and compact electric drive.Hence statement 3 is correct. 
• The inhouse developed High-speed motor controller can deliver high power at high frequency and the noise generated by switching high voltages is mitigated by proper shielding and earthing.
• The bunch of technologies including the World’s first single-piece 3D printed engine, and configurable vehicle makes the launch cost the same across the spectrum of payload mass – 30 kg to 300 kg.
• Launch of Agnibaan SorTeD by the DST -TBI supported startup helped achieve the world’s first flight with a single-piece patented rocket engine, India’s first semi-cryogenic engine flight, first flight with Ethernet-based avionics architecture, and stands as the first controlled ascent flight from India.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031582

03. With reference to National Centre for Combustion Research and Development, Consider the following statements:

1. It is founded by the Combustion Institute and funded by the Department of Science and Technology.
2. It is the world’s largest combustion research centre working on automotive, thermal power and aerospace propulsion, fire research and microgravity combustion.
3. It Coordinate Research work formulated to address the following key industry sectors such as Automotive Combustion, Thermal Power, Aerospace Propulsion and Fire Suppression.

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: Combustion research at Department of Science and Technology supported centre provides base for space tech startup fuelling India’s march towards low-cost space missions

Explanation:

• National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) is founded by the Combustion Institute – Indian Section and funded by the Department of Science and Technology at Indian Institute of Technology Madras and at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• NCCRD underlines the growing recognition of combustion and its importance on energy and environment.
• It Coordinate Research work formulated to address the following key industry sectors – Automotive Combustion, Thermal Power, Aerospace Propulsion and Fire Suppression.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The startup works out of the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) at  IIT Madras which is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• NCCRD, supported by DST, develops state-of-the-art capabilities in combustion research.
•  It is the world’s largest combustion research centre working on automotive, thermal power and aerospace propulsion, fire research and microgravity combustion.Hence statement 3  is correct.
•  Apart from academic research and training, NCCRD works closely with industrial and R&D organizations.  
• Working out of NCCRD, the Chennai-based startup has developed a range of technologies that can improve the reliability of space engines and speed up their manufacturing, making it easier to organize space missions. The startup has successfully launched its first inaugural mission – Agnibaan SOrTeD. 
• Agnibaan SOrTeD (Agnibaan Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) is a single-stage vehicle propelled by a single semi-cryogenic pressure-fed engine which has been used for Agnibaan. This endeavour took place from India’s first private launchpad at SDSC SHAR.
• NCCRD supported by DST has been the training ground for Agnikul, where  they learnt the intricacies of building a rocket and this helped the startup figure out the technology in the initial phases.
•  Another Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) funded by DST, Pravartak Technologies from IIT Madras became their partners for developing and commercializing technologies for Space and Deep Space.

Source:

https://nccrd.iitm.ac.in/about

04. With reference to Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme ,consider the following statements:

1. The Scheme aims to reduce the Aggregate Technical & Commercial losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% and Average Cost of SupplyAverage Revenue Realised gap to zero by 2024-25.
2. The Scheme has two major components such as Financial support for Prepaid Smart Metering & System Metering and upgradation of the Distribution Infrastructure and Training,  Capacity Building and other Enabling & Supporting Activities.
3. Financial assistance to DISCOMs is provided for upgradation of the Distribution Infrastructure and for Prepaid Smart Consumer Metering & System Metering based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria and achieving basic minimum benchmark in reforms.

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:Union Minister, Shri Manohar Lal, reviews Power Sector schemes and projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation:

• On the Power Distribution front, the State Government was requested to expeditiously implement the works sanctioned under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with the aim of improving the quality and reliability in supply of electricity in the State. 
• It was highlighted that implementation of Smart Metering works will facilitate energy accounting and will also empower the consumers with ease of payment and better control on their electricity consumption. State Government assured to complete Feeder metering by Dec’24
• Government of India launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with an outlay of Rs. 3,03,758 crore and estimated GBS from Central Government of Rs. 97,631 crore for the duration of 5 years i.e. from (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26). 
• The Scheme aims to reduce the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% and Average Cost of Supply (ACS)-Average Revenue Realised (ARR) gap to zero by 2024-25.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Scheme has two major components: Part ‘A’ – Financial support for Prepaid Smart Metering & System Metering and upgradation of the Distribution Infrastructure and Part ‘B’ – Training & Capacity Building and other Enabling & Supporting Activities.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Financial assistance to DISCOMs is provided for upgradation of the Distribution Infrastructure and for Prepaid Smart Consumer Metering & System Metering based on meeting pre-qualifying criteria and achieving basic minimum benchmark in reforms.Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031588

05.With reference to Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction,consider the following statements:

1. It is also known as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
2. Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits
3. It aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas.

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:Union Cabinet approves India’s signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved India to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. 
• This landmark decision marks a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable utilisation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. 
• Often referred to as the ‘High Seas’, areas beyond national jurisdiction are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines, etc.
•  The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
• The BBNJ Agreement, or the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• It aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas..Hence statement 2 is correct.
•  It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination. 
• Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits..Hence statement 3 is correct. 
• It follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes using traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge. 
• It helps minimise impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments.
•  It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water).

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031611

06.With reference to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,consider the following statements:

1. It is crucial for the environmental protection of the seas and addressing maritime boundaries, rights to marine resources, and dispute resolution.
2. It establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction

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:Union Cabinet approves India’s signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

Explanation:

• UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982, and came into force on November 16, 1994. 
• It is crucial for the environmental protection of the seas and addressing maritime boundaries, rights to marine resources, and dispute resolution.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
•  It establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
•  As of today, more than 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS.
•  It is vital to maintaining order, equity, and fairness in using the world’s oceans. The BBNJ Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023. 
• It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. 
• As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031611

07.With reference to The World Heritage Committee, Consider the following statements:

1. The World Heritage Committee meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected by their General Assembly. 
2. The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 and 2 

Answer:  (c)Both 1 and 2

In News:Feature: Project PARI

Explanation:

• The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on the occasion of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, which is being held in New Delhi from 21st-31st July 2024, has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India). Under it, Lalit Kala Akademi, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, has invited more than 150 visual artists from all over the country. 
• The Project PARI aims to provide a platform to uplift the aesthetic and cultural outlook of Delhi while adding grandeur to the rich historical legacy of our national capital.
• Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art seek to bring forth public art that draws inspiration from millennia of artistic heritage (lok kala/lok sanskriti) while incorporating modern themes and techniques.
•  These expressions underscore the intrinsic value that art holds in Indian society, serving as a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to creativity and artistic expression.
•  These artists are working on various sites in the national capital for the beautification of the public spaces for the upcoming event.
• The World Heritage Committee meets once a year, and consists of representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected by their General Assembly.Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• At its first session, the Committee adopted its Rules of Procedure of the World Heritage Committee.
• The Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• It has the final say on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031567

08.With reference to PLI Scheme for White Goods, Consider the following statements:

Statement -I:The Union Cabinet had given approval for the PLI Scheme for White Goods for manufacture of components and sub-assemblies of Air Conditioners and LED Lights in 2021.

Statement -II: The Scheme is to be implemented over a five-year period, from FY 2021-22 to FY 2026-27.

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:  (c)Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect

In News:Government reopens application window for PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights) for 90 days from 15th July, 2024

Explanation:

• The application window for the PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights) is being reopened based on the appetite of the Industry to invest more under the Scheme, which is an outcome of the growing market and confidence generated due to manufacturing of key components of ACs and LED Lights in India under the PLIWG Scheme.
•  The application window is being opened on the same terms & conditions stipulated in PLIWG Scheme notified on 16.04.2021 and PLIWG Scheme Guidelines issued on 04.06.2021, as amended from time to time.
• For existing beneficiaries opting for investment period upto March 2022 seeking to move to higher investment category in the proposed third round would be eligible for PLI for maximum two years only. 
• Existing beneficiaries opting for the above, in case they are not able to achieve the threshold investment or sales in a given year will be eligible for submitting the claims as per their original investment plan.
•  However, this flexibility will be provided only once during the Scheme period.
• The Union Cabinet had given approval for the PLI Scheme for White Goods for manufacture of components and sub-assemblies of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights on 7.04.2021 in pursuance of the clarion call of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to bring manufacturing at the centre stage and emphasise its significance in driving India’s growth and creating jobs.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
•  The Scheme is to be implemented over a seven-year period, from FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29 and has an outlay of Rs. 6,238 crore.Hence statement 2 is incorrect. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031517

09. Consider the following statements:

1. Green gram is grown in almost all the States.
2. In North India, it is cultivated in both kharif and summer seasons and in South India, it is cultivated in rabi season. 
3. Green gram is also used as a green manure crop.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer:  (d) 1,2 3 

In News:Kharif crop sowing crosses 378 lakh hectare area

Explanation:

• Green gram is cultivated in the countries of India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, Fiji, Queens land and Africa. 
• India is the major producer of green gram in the world and grown in almost all the States.Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• It is grown in about 36 lakh hectares with the total production of about 17 lakh tonnes of grain with a productivity of about 500 kg/ha.
• The important green gram growing States in the country are Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Bihar. 
• When green gram is sprouted, seeds synthesize a remarkable quantity of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). 
• Green gram is also used as a green manure crop.Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• In North India, it is cultivated in both kharif and summer seasons and in South. India, it is cultivated in rabi season.Hence statement 3 is correct. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031557

10.In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?(2020)

1. An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy
2. An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism
3. An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth
4. An agency or the implementation of public policy

Ans:An agency or the implementation of public policy

Explanation:

• Civil services or the bureaucracy constitutes the professionals who are permanent and salaried employees that are a part of the government’s executive organ. They are politically neutral and their main job is to facilitate the effective working of different government departments and public policy implementations. They, however, work under the control and leadership of the ministers. The bureaucratic setup is designed to maintain uniformity and controls within an organization.
• Good policies and laws can really serve their objectives only when these are efficiently implemented by the civil servants.Hence option (d) is the correct answer.