PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/07/24

01. Consider the following Schemes:

1. Exploration of Coal and Lignite
2. Research and Development in Coal mining
3. Conservation, Safety and Infrastructural Development in Coal Mines

How many of the above schemes is/are administered under the Coal Ministry?

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

Answer:  (c) All three

In News: First Mile Connectivity Projects

Explanation:

First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects:

• Before August, 2019, Coal India Limited (CIL) had established 20 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects of 151 MTY capacity. Since August, 2019, CIL has identified additional 72 First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects of 837.5 MTY Capacity. 
• Out of these 72 projects, 15 projects of 200.5 MTY have been commissioned. Thus, as on date, total 35 FMC projects have been commissioned and are functional.
• The total estimated cost of 72 FMC projects identified by CIL is about Rs. 27,750 Crores. This expenditure will be met by CIL from its own resources.
• The Ministry of Coal administers three Central Sector Schemes namely (i) Exploration of Coal and Lignite, (ii) Research & Development and (iii) Conservation, Safety and Infrastructural Development in Coal Mines.Hence option(c) is correct.
• In addition to above, Government has launched a Scheme with financial outlay of ₹8500 crore to grant viability gap funding (VGF) to promote Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects for both PSUs and the private sector. The approved scheme covers projects under following three categories –
• Category I, with a provision of ₹4050 crores, is for Government PSUs. They can submit proposals for funding assistance, and three selected projects will receive a maximum grant of ₹1350 crores or 15% of project cost, whichever is lower as VGF.
• Category II, with ₹3850 crores, is available to both private sector and government PSUs with a maximum grant of Rs. 1000 cr or 15% of project cost, whichever is lower as VGF.
• Category III, with ₹600 crores for demonstration or small-scale projects with maximum outlay per project of Rs. 100 cr or 15% of project cost, whichever is lower as VGF.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035021

02. Consider the following statements:

Statement -I: India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the third time in 2024.

Statement -II: The World Heritage Committee meets annually and is responsible for managing all matters on World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list

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: PM inaugurates 46th Session of World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Explanation:

• India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the first time. It takes place from 21 to 31 July 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The World Heritage Committee meets annually and is responsible for managing all matters on World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• During this meeting, proposals for nominating new sites on the World Heritage list, State of Conservation reports of 124 existing World Heritage properties, International Assistance and Utilisation of World Heritage Funds, etc. will be discussed. The meeting will be attended by more than 2000 international and national delegates from more than 150 countries. 
• Along with the World Heritage Committee Meeting, the World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum and World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum are also being held on the sidelines. 
• Further, various exhibitions are also being set up at Bharat Mandapam to showcase India’s culture. The Return of Treasures Exhibition showcases some of the retrieved artefacts brought back to the country. So far, more than 350 artefacts have been brought back. 
• AR & VR technologies are also being used to provide an immersive experience for 3 world heritage sites of India: Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat; Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra; and Hoysala Temple, Halebidu, Karnataka. 
• An ‘Incredible India’ exhibition is also being set up to highlight India’s rich cultural heritage, age-old civilization, geographical diversity, and tourism destinations along with modern developments in the field of Information Technology and infrastructure. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2034814#:~:text=Background-,India%20is%20hosting%20the%20World%20Heritage%20Committee%20Meeting%20for%20the,on%20the%20World%20Heritage%20list

03. Which of the following languages accorded the status of Classical Language?

1. Marathi 
2. Sanskrit 
3. Kannada
4. Malayalam

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (c) 2, 3 and 4

In News: PROMOTION OF CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

Explanation:

• Six Indian languages namely Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia have been accorded the status of Classical Language. 
• The year in which these languages conferred the status of classical language is as given below

• The policy of the Government is to promote all Indian languages including classical languages. The National Education Policy, 2020 focuses on promotion of all Indian Languages. Hence option(c) is correct.
• Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) works for the promotion of all Indian languages including four classical languages viz. Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia. Development and promotion of Classical Tamil is done by Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT). 
• The Government of India is promoting Sanskrit Language through three Central Universities. Funds are provided to these universities for teaching and research in Sanskrit language leading to award of degree, diploma, certificate to students and no separate funds are provided for undertaking any work related to classical aspect of Sanskrit

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2034905

04. With reference to Eco-sensitive Zones, Consider the following statements:

1. The purpose is to create some kind of “Shock Absorber” for the specialised Ecosystem, such as Protected Areas and is meant to act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection
2. Declaration of Eco-sensitive Zones does not entail any prohibition to the vocation of the local community residing within the ESZs, including agricultural activities, house constructions.
3. The ESZ notifications mandate preparation of a Zonal Master Plan by the respective state governments within two years of publication of Notification.

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 and 3

Answer:  (d) 1, 2 and 3

In News: Development of Infrastructure on Eco-Sensitive Zones

Explanation:

• Eco-sensitive Zones around Protected Areas i.e. National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are declared based on the proposals submitted by the State Governments and in conformity with the ‘Guidelines for declaration of Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 09th February, 2011.  
• The purpose of declaring ESZ is to create some kind of “Shock Absorber” for the specialised Ecosystem, such as Protected Areas or other natural sites and is meant to act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.Hence statement 1 is correct.  
• ESZs are of regulatory nature rather than prohibitive nature, unless or otherwise so specified in the notification as may be required. 
• Declaration of Eco-sensitive Zones does not entail any prohibition to the vocation of the local community residing within the ESZs, including agricultural activities, house constructions etc.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• The ESZ notifications mandate preparation of a Zonal Master Plan by the respective state governments within two years of publication of Notification.Hence statement 3 is correct.  
• This plan is drawn up with the aim of regulating the development within the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) and for ensuring compliance of the provisions of the Notification.
• Additionally, the Zonal Master Plan also mandates incorporating the Tourism Master Plan and Heritage sites listing either man-made or natural structures located within the ESZ, facilitating the tourism activities in a sustainable manner for supporting the livelihood security of  the local communities while striking a balance between conservation and sustainable development.

ESZ Committees:

• Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, 2011 (headed by Madhav Gadgil)
• Kasturirangan Committee, 2013

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035038

05. Consider the following Missions:

1. Sustainable habitat
2. Green India
3. Himalayan ecosystem
4. Human health

How many of the above are national missions implementing under the National Action Plan on Climate Change ?

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

Answer:  (d) All four

In News: Efforts to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change

Explanation:

• As per India’s Third National Communication submitted to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India experiences climate change impacts, ranging from floods and droughts to heat waves and glacier melt. 
• The impacts of climate change are visible across sectors like biodiversity and forests; agriculture; water resources; coastal and marine ecosystems; human health; gender; urban and infrastructure; and economic costs.
• Climate impacts and risks exacerbate vulnerability and consequently increase economic development challenges. 
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation imposes an additional financial burden on developing countries including India. 
• Scarcity of remaining carbon budget and provision of Means of Implementation in the form of finance, technology transfer and capacity building from developed countries, who are responsible for the cause of current climate change, forms the crucial challenges in mitigating effects of climate change. 
• Developed countries have been lagging on providing climate finance in scale, scope, and speed and fulfilling their obligation. 
• India’s climate adaptation actions are largely financed through domestic resources.
• The broad categories of adaptation priorities for India have been identified as (i) Priorities related to knowledge systems on climate change risks and adaptation (ii) Priorities related to a reduction of exposure to climate risk; and (iii) Priorities related to building resilience and adaptive capacity. 
• The Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which provides the overarching framework for climate actions, through national missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, water, agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem, sustainable habitat, green India, human health and strategic knowledge on climate change.Hence option(d) is correct. 
• These Missions are institutionalised and implemented by respective nodal Ministries and Departments. 
• Most of these Missions, inter-alia, focus on adaptation to combat the adverse impacts of climate change

There are eight National Missions on climate change:

1. National Solar Mission
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
4. National Water Mission
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system
6. National Mission for a Green India
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035029

06. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan,consider the following statements:

1. It provides monthly pension of Rs. 3000 after attaining the age of 60 years
2. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15000 or less can join this Scheme.
3. Under this scheme 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government.

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: Schemes For The Welfare Of Labourers

Explanation:

The Central Sector Schemes of Ministry of Labour and Employment being implemented are listed below:

• Labour Welfare Scheme (LWS) for welfare of Beedi/Cine / Non-Coal   Mine workers and their family members covering three components viz. health, scholarship and housing;
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) to incentivise employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic
• National Career Service (NCS) for establishment of Model Career Centres (MCCs)
• Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 implemented through EPFO
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PMSYM), a voluntary contributory scheme with matching contribution by Government of India for old age pension
• Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers for identification and rehabilitation of bonded labourers
• Health services through Employees State Insurance Corporation.

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM):

• In order to provide old age protection, the Government of India launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme in 2019.
•  It provides a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years. Hence statement 1 is correct.   
• The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15000/- or less and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt. funded) can join the PM-SYM Scheme. Hence statement 2 is correct.   
• Under this scheme 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Hence statement 3 is correct.  
• Under the scheme, the fund towards Government’s contribution is provided to LIC being the fund manager.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035279

07.With reference to the MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy, consider the following statements:

1. The primary goal of the scheme is to promote resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance the competitiveness of MSEs in India.
2. Small Industries Development Bank of India has been nominated as Implementing Agency for this scheme.

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: CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AND FINANCING FOR MSMEs

Explanation:

• Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has launched two sub-schemes under RAMP Programme namely (i) MSE Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme) and (ii) MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) on 20th December, 2023.
• The MSE Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme) intends to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit guarantee support. 
• The scheme involves a total outlay of Rs.478 crore for 3 years (2023-24 to 2025-26) with Interest Subvention outlay of Rs.350 crore, Risk sharing fund of Rs.125 crores and Information Education and Communication (IEC) component of Rs.3 crores. The overall objective of the scheme is to provide support to the MSEs in accessing institutional finance at a concessional rate for adopting clean/green technologies and help them to transform into green and sustainable business operations.
• The MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) is the first scheme in the Government of India to support circular economy projects. 
• The primary goal of the scheme is to promote resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance the competitiveness of MSEs in India.Hence statement 1 is correct 
• The scheme involves a total outlay of Rs.472.50 Crore for the period 2023-24 to 2026-27 with components of Credit Linked Capital Subsidy of Rs.450 Crore, Awareness Generation and Demand Creation of Rs.15 crores and Information Education and Communication (IEC) component of Rs.7.50 crores.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has been nominated as Implementing Agency for both the sub-schemes i.e. (i) MSE-GIFT and (ii) MSE-SPICE.Hence statement 2 is correct

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035103

08. Monrovia recently seen in news is a capital city of 

1. Ghana
2. Cameroon
3. Liberia
4. Togo

Answer: (c) Liberia

In News: Why Liberia might relocate its capital city Monrovia

Explanation:

• A group of senators in Liberia, situated along the coast of western Africa, has proposed to relocate the country’s capital city Monrovia due to recurring flash floods.Hence option(c) is correct.
• The development came just weeks after torrential rains caused flash floods across Liberia, affecting more than 50,000 people.
• Among the worst affected regions was Monrovia, which is home to 1.5 million people, and lies on the country’s Atlantic coast.
• The primary reason is rising sea levels. In the West Point slum of Monrovia alone, sea level rise and coastal erosion displaced more than 6,500 people, and destroyed 800 houses between 2013 and 2018.
• By 2030, the Greater Monrovia District — it contains the capital city Monrovia — is expected to witness a sea level rise of 16 cm, according to a 2021 report by the World Bank. This would put nearly 675,000 people and 9,500 hectares of land at risk.
• It is global warming. As temperatures across the world continue to soar, more and more glaciers and ice sheets are melting and adding water to the ocean. Global warming is also making the ocean warmer, which is leading to something called thermal expansion — when water becomes warmer, it expands in volume. This is contributing to sea level rise as well.
• In the following years, further global warming will give way to other issues for Liberia as well. Projections show that the frequency of intense rainfall will spike in the country, which will contribute to flooding.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/liberia-relocate-monrovia-9469359/

09. Consider the following:

1. Rajendranath Lahiri
2. Ram Prasad Bismil 
3. Ashfaqullah Khan
4. Chandrashekhar Azad

How many of the above leaders are involved in  Kakori Train Robbery?

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

Answer:  (d) All four

In News: Prime Minister pays homage to Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary

Explanation:

• Chandra Shekhar Azad Jayanti is observed annually to commemorate the birth of one of India’s most revered freedom fighters.
• Azad played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement, advocating for armed resistance against British colonial rule. His legacy endures in India’s collective memory and is celebrated not just for his revolutionary activities but also for his unwavering spirit and dedication to the cause of independence.
• Deeply moved by the Jallianwala Bagh incident on April 13, 1919, Chandrashekar soon became a part of the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 and even got arrested at the young age of 15 for being a part of the movement
• It is believed that when he was asked for his name in jail, he replied ‘Azad‘ (free)—from where he came to be known as Chandrashekhar Azad. 
• He was instrumental in reorganising the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) after the deaths and arrests of several key leaders, including Ram Prasad Bismil.
• He was involved in significant revolutionary activities, including the Kakori Train Robbery in 1925, which aimed to fund the HSRA’s operations.
• His commitment to the armed struggle was further demonstrated through his involvement in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928, an act of vengeance for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
• The train robbery at Kakori was the HRA’s first major action, in August 1925. The Number 8 Down Train ran between Shahjahanpur and Lucknow. On a fateful day, it carried treasury bags meant to be deposited in the British treasury in Lucknow.
• The revolutionaries planned to rob this money, which they believed legitimately belonged to Indians anyway. Their objective was both to fund the HRA and garner public attention for their work and mission.
• On August 9, 1925, as the train was passing the Kakori station, about 15 km from Lucknow, Rajendranath Lahiri, a member of the HRA who was already seated inside, pulled the chain and stopped the train.
•  Subsequently, around ten revolutionaries, including Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan, entered the train and overpowered the guard. They looted the treasury bags (containing approx Rs 4,600) and escaped to Lucknow.
• The British authorities were enraged, undertaking a violent crackdown and soon arresting many members of the HRA. 
• Bismil was arrested in October, supposedly after two members of the HRA betrayed him. 
• Ashfaqullah escaped to Nepal and then Daltonganj (in present-day Jharkhand). 
• He would be arrested a year later. Out of the forty men arrested by the British, four were handed death sentences, while others received lengthy prison terms.
• The only major leader of HRA at this time who evaded arrest was Chandrashekhar Azad.Hence option(d) is correct.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/remembering-the-1925-kakori-train-action-history-8330757/

10. Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School? (2021)

1. Annie Besant
2. Debendranath Tagore
3. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
4. Sarojini Naidu

Ans: (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Explanation:

• In 1849, the Hindu Female School was founded by J.E.D. Bethune. In 1856, the British Government took charge of the Hindu Female School, and later renamed it as Bethune School. Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was made the secretary.Hence option (c) is the correct answer.