PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24/07/24

01. With reference to the Chausath Yogini temple, consider the following statements:

1. It is  known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple dated to 1323 CE.
2. It was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala.
3. It was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.

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 and3

In News: TOURIST SPOTS OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

Explanation:

• The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’ and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ compliments the efforts of tourism infrastructure development by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations.
• The Ministry has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations and has notified 57 destinations in the country for development including ‘Koraput’ & ‘Debrigarh’ along with special attraction of ‘Khinda Village’ in Odisha.  
• In addition, the Ministry has also identified ‘Chausath Yogini Temple’ and ‘Maa Kichakeswari Temple’ in Odisha for development under PRASHAD Scheme.
• The Chausath Yogini temple is in Mitaoli village (also spelled Mitawali or Mitavali), near Padaoli in Morena district 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Gwalior.
• According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (r. c. 1055 – 1075).Hence statement 1 and 2 is correct. 
• It is said that the temple was the venue of providing education in astrology and mathematics based on the transit of the Sun.Hence statement 3 is correct. 
• The Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, Standing atop an isolated hill of about hundred feet high, this circular temple commands a splendid view of the cultivated fields below.
• This temple is so named because of the presence of a multitude of shiva lingas inside its cells. 
• This circular temple is one among the very few such temples in India. This is a yogini temple dedicated to sixty-four yoginis.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035011

02. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana,consider the following statements:

1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship implemented by National Skill Development Corporation.
2. Under this scheme, training and assessment fees are paid completely by the Government. 
3. The scheme is being implemented at the Centre and the State level with a 50:50 allocation of funds and targets with more enhanced involvement of District Skill Committees

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

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

Answer:  (d) None

In News: UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KAUSHAL VIKAS YOJANA SCHEME, since 2015 till 30.6.2024, 1.48 crore candidates have been trained/oriented

Explanation:

• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing its flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), since 2015, for imparting skill development training through Short-Term Training (STT) and up-skilling and re-skilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to youth across the country. 
• Under PMKVY, placement opportunities have been facilitated to STT certified candidates and RPL involves the process of certification of already existing skills.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).Hence statement 1 is correct. 

• The objective of this Skill Certification scheme is to enable Indian youth to take up industry relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood.
• Individuals with prior experience are also assessed and certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Under PMKVY, training and assessment fees are paid completely by the Government.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
•  Pay-outs are provided to the Training Providers (TPs) in alignment with the common norms. 
• The scheme is being implemented at the Centre and the State level with a 50:50 allocation of funds and targets with more enhanced involvement of District Skill Committees.Hence statement 3 is correct. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2034984

03. Consider the following:

1. To meet the short term credit requirements for the cultivation of crops
2. Post-harvest expenses
3. Produce marketing loan
4. Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities

How many of the above are covered under the Kisan Credit Card Scheme?

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

Answer:  (d) All four

In News: PROVISION OF ₹ 1.52 LAKH CRORE FOR AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTOR IN UNION BUDGET 2024-25

Explanation:

• Buoyed by the success of the pilot project, the Government, in partnership with the states, will facilitate the implementation of the Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI) in agriculture for coverage of farmers and their lands in 3 years. 
• Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Budget for 2024-25 in Parliament today, said that during this year, digital crop survey for Kharif using the DPI will be taken up in 400 districts.
•  The details of 6 crore farmers and their lands will be brought into the farmer and land registries and the issuance of Jan Samarth based Kisan Credit Cards will be enabled in 5 states.
• The KCC Scheme was introduced with the objective of providing adequate and timely credit to the farmers for their agricultural operations. 
• The Government of India provides interest subvention of 2% and Prompt Repayment Incentive of 3% to the farmers, thus making the credit available at a very subsidised rate of 4% per annum. 
• The Kisan Credit Card scheme aims at providing adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window with the flexible and simplified procedures to the farmers for their cultivation and other needs as indicated below :
  • To meet the short term credit requirements for the cultivation of crops;
  • Post-harvest expenses;
  • Produce marketing loan;
  • Consumption requirements of farmer household;
  • Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture;
  • Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities.Hence option(d) is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035586

04. With reference to UN Water Convention,Consider the following statements:

Statement -I:

The Convention on the Protection and use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996.

Statement -II: 

The Convention is a Voluntary instrument promoting the sustainable management of shared water resources, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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: Ivory Coast joins UN Water Convention as 10th African nation

Explanation:

• Ivory Coast joined the United Nations Water Convention, becoming the 10th African nation to do so.
• In 2024, at least three more African nations, which include Sierra Leone, Zambia and Zimbabwe, are in the final stages of accession and joining the convention.
• Ivory Coast joined the convention to enhance cooperative water management across borders in response to growing water stress and the effects of climate change on the water resources it shares with its neighbours.
• It is now the 53rd Party (country) to the 1992 UN Water Convention, which is also known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
• The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• The Convention is a unique legally binding instrument promoting the sustainable management of shared water resources, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the prevention of conflicts, and the promotion of peace and regional integration.Hence statement 2 is incorrect. 

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/ivory-coast-joins-un-water-convention-as-10th-african-nation

https://unece.org/environment-policy/water/about-the-convention/introduction

05. Dar es Salaam recently seen in news is situated in

1. Egypt
2. Tanzania
3. Chad
4. Niger

Answer:  (b) Tanzania

In News: City on the brink

Explanation:

• For residents of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the daily quest for clean water has become a grueling ordeal.Hence option(b) is correct. 
• A combination of factors — aging pipes, persistent leaks, and a booming population — has pushed the city’s water infrastructure to a breaking point. 
• The result: a crippling water shortage that forces residents into impossible choices.
• The shortage of clean water has serious implications for the health of Tandale residents. 
• Children frequently contract diarrhoea, putting additional strain on already overburdened health services
• The crisis in Tandale reflects broader issues plaguing Dar es Salaam’s water supply, riddled with ageing infrastructure, broken pipes, and outdated systems. 
• These problems are exacerbated by sabotage and vandalism of the water distribution network.
• Despite the dire need, efforts to upgrade and repair the city’s water infrastructure are often slow and insufficient due to inadequate funding.
• As one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, Dar es Salaam is grappling with rapid urban sprawl. With its population now exceeding six million, the city’s ageing water infrastructure is buckling under the pressure. 
• This strain on resources highlights the city’s infrastructural challenges and underscores the broader implications of unchecked urban growth. Decades-old pipes leak profusely, and frequent power outages cripple pumping stations, leaving vast swathes of the city without a reliable water supply. 
• The city’s water demand far outstrips supply, leading to frequent shortages and rationing. Moreover, rapid urbanisation and population growth have strained the existing water resources, pushing the city’s water management systems to the brink.

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/city-on-the-brink-dar-es-salaams-residents-bear-the-brunt-of-crumbling-water-infrastructure

06. With reference to open source AI, consider the following statements:

1. It is an artificial intelligence technology that is publicly available for both commercial and non-commercial use under several open source licences.
2. These models come with datasets, ready-to-use interfaces, and prebuilt algorithms to help developers embark on their app development journey
3. This model allows developers to modify them to revise their recommendations and decisions to adapt to their specific needs.

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:Meta introduces Llama 3.1: What is an open-source AI model

Explanation:

• Meta unveiling its biggest and the “best open source model ,” the Llama 3.1 
• Simply put, open source AI is an artificial intelligence technology that is publicly available for both commercial and non-commercial use under several open source licences.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• An open source AI model is characterised by the availability of its components to users under licences that allow them to study how the system works and inspect its components.
• These models come with datasets, ready-to-use interfaces, and prebuilt algorithms to help developers embark on their app development journey.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• Such models allow developers to modify them to revise their recommendations and decisions to adapt to their specific needs.Hence statement 3 is correct.  
• These modified versions can later be shared with the public for any purpose.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/big-tech-scrutiny-ai-research-9472581/

07. Consider the following statements:

1. It is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka.
2. It is believed that Gautam Buddha has attained nirvana here.
3. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The above statements spoken about?

1. Dilwara temple
2. Laxmana temple
3. Mahabodhi temple
4. Durga temple

Answer:  (c) Mahabodhi temple

In News: Budget 2024: Bihar’s Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples, for which corridor projects were announced

Explanation:

• The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple stands to the east of the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained nirvana. 
• The temple has a unique shape and a height of 170 feet.
• UNESCO’s listing states, “The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
•  It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing, from the late Gupta period and it is considered to have had significant influence in the development of brick architecture over the centuries.”
• In the sanctum sanctorum, the huge image of Buddha looks mesmerising in which he is sitting in a ‘Bhumisparsh Mudra’ (touching the ground).Hence option(c) is correct.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/budget-bihar-announcements-vishnupad-mahabodhi-gaya-9470812/

https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-temples/mahabodhi-temple.html

08. With reference to MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing Initiative, consider the following statements:

1. It aims at assisting five lakh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to onboard the Open Network Digital Commerce  platform.
2. The scheme is valid for five years from 2024 to 2029.

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:  (b) 2 only

In News: OPEN NETWORK DIGITAL COMMERCE 

Explanation:

MSME-TEAM Initiative:

• As a sub-scheme under the Central Sector Scheme “Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance”, the Ministry of MSME launched a sub-scheme “MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing Initiative” (MSME-TEAM Initiative), which aims at assisting five lakh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to onboard the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, through awareness workshops which will include hand-holding assistance for onboarding onto ONDC.
• MSME TEAM scheme aims to provide financial assistance to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through Seller Network Participants, for catalogue preparation, account management, logistics and packaging material & design.Hence statement 1 is correct 
• Of the total five lakh MSEs to be benefited, two and a half lakh MSEs would be women owned MSEs. The scheme is valid from 2024 to 2027.Hence statement 2 is correct
• The objective of MSME-TEAM Initiative is to provide assistance to micro and small enterprises all across the country. 
• However, awareness workshops will be conducted preferably in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and MSME Clusters for greater outreach, especially among women and SC/ ST owned MSMEs.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2035082

09. Recently, a 48-member National Level Committee constituted to formulate the New National Cooperation Policy under the chairmanship of

1. Ashok Dulati
2. Ashok Dalwai
3. Suresh Prabhu
4. Shivaraj Singh Chauhan

Answer:  (c) Suresh Prabhu

In News:

Explanation:

• A 48-memberNational Level Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, consisting of experts of the cooperative sector, representatives from National/State/District/Primary level cooperative societies, Secretaries (Cooperation) and RCSs from States/UTs, officers from Central Ministries /Departments to formulate the New National Cooperation Policy.Hence option(c) is correct. 
• In this regard, the National Level Committee held 17 meetings,and 4 regional workshops throughout the country to elicit suggestions/recommendations.Draft report on New National Cooperation Policy, prepared by the National Level Committee has been received. The draft policy has been prepared and is under finalisation.
• State-level cooperative societies which are registered under cooperative societies acts of respective states fall under the purview of State Government. 
• The Ministry of Cooperation has been working together with State Governments for the development of the cooperative sector in the country with the spirit of cooperative federalism.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036425

10. In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation? (2024)

1. Department of Consumer Affairs
2. Expenditure Management Commission
3. Financial Stability and Development Council
4. Reserve Bank of India

Ans: (d) Reserve Bank of India

Explanation:

• The primary objective of monetary policy is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth. Price stability is a necessary precondition to sustainable growth.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is vested with the responsibility of conducting monetary policy. This responsibility is explicitly mandated under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• In May 2016, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 was amended to provide a statutory basis for the implementation of the flexible inflation targeting framework.Hence, option (d) is correct.