PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS-10/07/24

01. With reference to the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council, consider the following statements:

1. Constituted in August 2018, serves as an overarching council to assess the status of various science and technology-related matters, develop a futuristic roadmap, and advise the Prime Minister accordingly.
2. It also mandates formulation, convergence, collaboration, coordination, and implementation of multi-stakeholder policy initiatives, mechanisms, reforms, and programmes.
3. Other missions approved under PM-STIAC are the Natural Language Translation Mission, National Biodiversity Mission, Bio-Science for Human Health Mission, and Mission.

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:25th Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) Meeting Discusses Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Credit in India

Explanation:

• The 25th Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) meeting was chaired by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood today (July 9, 2024) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi.
• Along with the PM-STIAC members, the meeting brought together key government officials and industry players to discuss robust policy formulation for effective Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) in India. 
• They discussed the reports prepared by inter-ministerial technical committees constituted by NITI Aayog’s Advisory Committee on developing a policy framework for implementing CCUS initiatives in India. 
• The meeting also discussed India’s carbon market and carbon credit scheme to reduce emissions, pursue a low-carbon path, and provide market support for mitigation methods and technologies.
• Constituted in August 2018, the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) serves as an overarching council to assess the status of various science and technology-related matters, comprehend challenges, formulate interventions, develop a futuristic roadmap, and advise the Prime Minister accordingly.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The council also oversees the implementation of these interventions by concerned S&T departments, agencies, and other government ministries.
•  PM-STIAC also mandates formulation, convergence, collaboration, coordination, and implementation of multi-stakeholder policy initiatives, mechanisms, reforms, and programmes. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• These initiatives are aimed at synergising collaborative science and technology; enabling future preparedness; formulating and coordinating S&T missions; providing an enabling ecosystem for techno entrepreneurship; driving innovation, and technology; developing innovation clusters, and fostering effective public-private linkages among other responsibilities.
• Other missions approved under PM-STIAC are the Natural Language Translation Mission, National Biodiversity Mission, Bio-Science for Human Health Mission, and Mission: Science & Technology (S&T) For Sustainable Livelihood System.Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031937

02. Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra recently seen in news, which facilitates?

1. Rural Primary Health by National Health Mission.
2. Rural Credit for women led Self Help Group.
3. Rural Export by Small Scale Exporters.
4. Agriculture marketing in rural areas.

Answer:  (c) Rural Export by Small Scale Exporters.

In News: Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia reviews 100-Day Action Plan of Department of Posts

Explanation:

Dak Chaupal: Bringing services to rural doorsteps

• In a landmark initiative, the Department of Posts will be organizing 5,000 Dak Chaupals across the country in the next 100 days. 
• This initiative aims to bring essential government and citizen-centric services directly to rural areas, improving accessibility and convenience. 
• Dak Chaupals will serve as vital links between rural residents and government functions, reducing barriers such as distance and accessibility.

Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK): Boosting rural exports

• Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra Scheme is set to bolster rural exports by supporting small-scale exporters. Hence option(c) is correct.
• This initiative provides essential services including documentation assistance, market information, bar-coded label printing, and paperless customs clearance. Aligned with the ‘One District—One Product’ initiative, this scheme will promote local products, contributing to economic growth and rural development. 
• The Department aims to onboard 3000 new exporters onto the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra Portal in 100 days.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031864

03. Consider the following statements:

1. The Giant Magellan Telescope is the work of an international consortium of 14 leading research institutions representing Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States
2. The Giant Magellan Telescope is under construction on Las Campanas Peak at the southern edge of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world. 

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: Indian scientists develop open-source tool to generate infrared star catalogue for Thirty Meter Telescope

Explanation:

• A new online tool to create a comprehensive star catalogue for the Adaptive Optics (AO) system of the upcoming Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), can enable this ground-based telescope– one of the largest to be operational in the next decade, generate sharper astronomical images.
• The Thirty Meter Telescope, the Giant Magellan Telescope, and the European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope represent the future of ground-based astronomy. India is a key partner in the TMT project, with India TMT Center at Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) leading the national collaboration.
• Telescopes on the surface of the Earth face the challenge of atmospheric distortion, affecting the quality of captured images. 
• This is particularly crucial for telescopes with high light-collection capacities, like the TMT, which are sensitive to upper atmospheric disturbances. To counteract these distortions, the TMT will use an Adaptive Optics System (AOS) that continuously senses and adjusts for atmospheric changes to produce high-quality images. 
• In order to do this, an all-sky catalogue of NIR stars is an essential requirement.
• Giant Magellan Telescope is the work of the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international research consortium headquartered in Pasadena, California with offices in Santiago, Chile
• The Giant Magellan Telescope is under construction on Las Campanas Peak at the southern edge of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert in the world.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Giant Magellan Telescope is governed by 14 research institutions representing Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Overseeing the successful completion of the telescope are the Board of Directors, Science Advisory Council, and Executive Team.Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031841

04. With reference to the the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), consider the following statements:

Statement -I:

It is an apex research and development organization in the field of vocational education.

Statement -II: 

It is a constituent unit of All India Council for Technical Education, established in 1993 by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India.

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: Shri Sanjay Kumar reviews PSSCIVE’s Bagless Days Guidelines

Explanation:

• Recently, the Secretary (SE&L) reviewed the guidelines developed by PSSCIVE, a unit of NCERT under MoE, for Bagless Days in schools. Participants from NCERT, CBSE, NVS, and KVS attended the meeting. Various suggestions were discussed, including sensitizing students about the local ecology, teaching them to test water purity, recognizing local flora and fauna, and visiting local monuments. Based on this review, PSSCIVE will further fine-tune and finalize its guidelines.

Bagless Days

• As per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it is recommended that all students in grades 6-8 participate in a 10-day bagless period. During this time, students will intern with local skill experts and engage in activities outside of traditional school settings. This initiative aims to help students develop an appreciation for the larger ecosystem in which their school is embedded.
• Based on these recommendations, PSSCIVE has developed comprehensive guidelines for implementing Bagless Days. These guidelines are designed to make learning in schools more joyful, experiential, and stress-free for students.
• Bagless Days will be encouraged throughout the year, encompassing a variety of activities such as arts, quizzes, sports, and skill-based learning. Students will gain periodic exposure to activities outside the classroom, including visits to historical, cultural, and tourist sites, interactions with local artists and craftsmen, and visits to various educational institutions within their village, tehsil, district, or state, as mapped by local skilling needs.

About PSSCIVE Institute

• The Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) is an apex research and development organization in the field of vocational education. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is a constituent unit of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), established in 1993 by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. The Institute has a picturesque 38-acre campus at Shyamla Hills in Bhopal. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• The Institute is also a UNEVOC (International Project on Technical and Vocational Education) Network Centre in India, which coordinates all the activities, including communication with UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre, Bonn, Germany. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031812

https://psscive.ac.in/about-institute

05. With reference to National Rural Livelihoods Mission, consider the following statements:

1. It is a restructured version of the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana and was renamed as Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission in 2016.
2. It is the flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development for promoting poverty reduction through building strong institutions for the poor, particularly women.
3. It adopts a demand-driven approach, enabling the States to formulate their own State-specific poverty reduction action plans

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: Ministry of Rural Development organised Webinar to boost Jute Craft based livelihoods

Explanation:

• To boost livelihoods in the non-farm sector, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development organized a webinar on Jute Craft yesterday.
•  The webinar was aimed to bring together key stakeholders from various areas of the Jute craft industry to discuss its status, challenges and opportunities.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is the flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for promoting poverty reduction through building strong institutions for the poor, particularly women, and enabling these institutions to access a range of financial services and livelihoods.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• DAY-NRLM adopts a demand-driven approach, enabling the States to formulate their own State-specific poverty reduction action plans.Hence statement 3 is correct. 
• The blocks and districts in which all the components of DAY-NRLM would be implemented, either through the SRLMs or partner institutions or NGOs, would be the intensive blocks and districts, whereas the remaining would be non-intensive blocks and districts. 
• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is a restructured version of restructuring Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY).
•  NRLM was renamed as DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission) w.e.f. March 29, 2016.Hence statement 1 is correct. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031831

06. With reference to the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme(NTEP), consider the following statements:

1. NTEP comes under the aegis of National Health Mission.
2. NTEP includes the provision of free drugs and diagnostics to TB patients including for drug resistant TB.
3. NTEP encourages private sector engagement which includes incentives for notification and management of TB cases.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer:  (d) 1, 2 and 3

In News: Prof. (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan appointed as the Principal Advisor at the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme

Explanation:

• The Government has implemented the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the aegis of the National Health Mission (NHM). With the goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global targets, the programme has implemented a National Strategic Plan.
• As per the Global TB Report, 2021 by the World Health Organisation, the incidence of Tuberculosis in India has reduced from 217 / lakh population in 2015 to 188 / lakh population in 2020.
• The steps taken by the Government to ensure TB patients are diagnosed and complete treatment, are as under:
  • State and District Specific Strategic plan for targeted interventions in high burden areas.
  • Provision of free drugs and diagnostics to TB patients including for drug resistant TB.
  • Active TB case finding campaign in key vulnerable and co-morbid population.
  • Integration with Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness Centres to decentralize screening and treatment services closer to the community.
  • Private sector engagement including incentives for notification and management of TB cases.
  • Scale up of molecular diagnostic laboratories to sub-district levels.
  • Nikshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support to TB patients.
  • Intensified IEC campaigns to reduce stigma, raise community awareness and improve health seeking behaviour.
  • Multi-sectoral response with involvement of line ministries.
  • Scale up TB preventive therapy to contacts of pulmonary TB.
  • Notified TB cases are tracked through web-based portal Ni-kshay.

Hence option(d) is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031872

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1842750

07. Consider the following statements:

1. Fly ash means and includes, all ash generated such as Electrostatic Precipitator ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash and mound ash.
2. Its composition, rich in silicon dioxide , calcium oxide , and aluminium oxide, makes it valuable for various applications, transforming potential waste into useful material.

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: Coal Ministry TakesProactive Measures for Disposal and Repurposing of Fly Ash

Explanation:

• In a significant move towards environmental protection and resource utilisation, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) is actively working to ensure the proper disposal and repurposing of fly ash generated by thermal power plants. 
• By disposing this byproduct of coal-based power generation, the Ministry is leading the charge towards a sustainable future, prioritising environmental well-being and fostering a circular economy.
• The Ministry of Coal has undertaken a significant initiative to ensure the proper disposal of fly ash by allocating mine voids for this purpose.A Central level Working Group (CLWG) under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal was formed in 2023 for the same. 
• The interested Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) applies for the allocation of mine voids to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which is eventually discussed in the CLWG meeting. In this proactive move, a total of 19 mines have been allocated to 13 TPPs. 
• This allocation addresses environmental concerns associated with fly ash disposal and promotes sustainable practices within the coal mining sector. Additionally, approximately 20.39 lakh tonnes of fly ash have been repurposed to date at Gorbicoal mine pit-1.
• As per Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notification dated 3rd November 2009, the term “fly ash” means and includes, all ash generated such as Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash and mound ash.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• Its composition, rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), makes it valuable for various applications, transforming potential waste into useful material.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
•  Effective management promotes its use in construction activities, thereby minimizing waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing the carbon footprint.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031808

08. With reference to XVI Finance Commission constitutes Advisory Council, consider the following statements:

1. To advise the Commission on any of the Terms of Reference (ToR) or related subjects that may be of relevance.
2. To assist in the preparation of papers or research studies and to monitor or assess studies commissioned by the Finance Commission, thereby enhancing the Commission’s understanding of the issues in its ToR.
3. To help broaden the Commission’s ambit and understanding by seeking the best national and international practices on matters pertaining to fiscal devolution and improving the quality, reach, and enforcement of its recommendations.

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: XVI Finance Commission constitutes Advisory Council

Explanation:

• The Sixteenth Finance Commission has constituted an Advisory Council with the following members:Dr. D.K. Srivastava,Mr. Neelkanth Mishra,Dr. Poonam Gupta,Ms. Pranjul Bhandari   ,Mr. Rahul Bajoria
• Dr. Poonam Gupta shall be the Convenor of the Advisory Council.
• The role and functions of the Advisory Council will be:
• To advise the Commission on any of the Terms of Reference (ToR) or related subjects that may be of relevance.Hence statement 1 is correct.
• To assist in the preparation of papers or research studies and to monitor or assess studies commissioned by the Finance Commission, thereby enhancing the Commission’s understanding of the issues in its ToR.Hence statement 2 is correct.
• To help broaden the Commission’s ambit and understanding by seeking the best national and international practices on matters pertaining to fiscal devolution and improving the quality, reach, and enforcement of its recommendations.Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031877

09. With reference to the National Commission for Minorities, consider the following statements:

1. It is a constitutional body mentioned originally in the Indian Constitution.
2. It makes periodical or special reports to the President on any matter pertaining to minorities and in particular difficulties confronted by them.

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: National Commission for Minorities advises States/UTs to hold “SARV DHARMA MEETING” to protect and safeguard the interests of all Minorities.

Explanation:

• The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) formed under the NCM Act, 1992, has been inter-alia, entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Minority communities. Besides the role, the Commission is also to undertake confidence building measures in light of the new and emerging challenges. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• In view the above, and, to protect and safeguard the interest of all Minorities, the NCM advised the State Governments/UTs to hold “SARV DHARMA MEETING” with all Communities at Sub-divisional level of the States, at least once in a month and, also at District level, half yearly, to curb incidents of attacks/ hate crimes on minority communities.

National Commission for Minorities

• The Central Government shall constitute a body to be known as the National Commission for Minorities to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to, it under this Act.
• The Commission shall consist of a 1 [Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and five Members] to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity:
• Provided that five Members including the Chairperson shall be from amongst the minority communities.
• The Chairperson and every Member shall hold office for a term of three years from the date he assumes office.

Functions

1. The Commission shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:–
2. evaluate the progress of the development of minorities under the Union and States;
3. monitor the working of the safeguards provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the State Legislatures;
4. make recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of minorities by the Central Government or the State Governments; 
5. look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards of the minorities and take up such matters with the appropriate authorities;
6. cause studies to be undertaken into problems arising out of any discrimination against minorities and recommend measures for their removal;
7. conduct studies, research and analysis on the issues relating to socio-economic and educational development of minorities;
8. suggest appropriate measures in respect of any minority to be undertaken by the Central Government or the State Governments;
9. make periodical or special reports to the Central Government on any matter pertaining to minorities and in particular difficulties confronted by them; Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
10. any other matter which may be referred to by the Central Government.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031933

https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?abv=CEN&statehandle=123456789/1362&actid=AC_CEN_41_69_00001_199219_1517807322944&sectionId=24663&sectionno=9&orderno=9&orgactid=AC_CEN_41_69_00001_199219_1517807322944

10. Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include ‘The Macro Economic Framework Statement’. The aforesaid document is presented because this is mandated by 

1. Long standing parliamentary convention 
2. Article 112 and Article 110(1) of the Constitution of India 
3. Article 113 of the Constitution of India 
4. Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 

Answer: (d) Explanation: 

Explanation:

• Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) became an Act in 2003. 
• The objective of the Act is to ensure inter-generational equity in fiscal management, long run macroeconomic stability, better coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, and transparency in fiscal operation of the Government. 
• FRBM Act provides a legal institutional framework for fiscal consolidation. The Act also requires the government to lay before the parliament three policy statements in each financial year namely a. Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement; b. Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and c. Macroeconomic Framework Policy Statement. Therefore option(d) is correct.