PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/07/24

01. Consider the following statements with reference to  Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System

1. `The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed Two Stage solid propelled ground launched missile system. 
2. It has the capability to defend against the Ballistic Missiles of 5000 km.

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: DRDO successfully flight-tests Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System

Explanation: 

• Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System on July 24, 2024. 
• The Target Missile was launched from LC-IV Dhamra at 16.20 hrs mimicking adversary Ballistic Missile, which was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea and activated the AD Interceptor system.  
• The flight test fully met all the trial objectives validating a complete network centric warfare weapon system consisting of Long Range Sensors, low latency communication system and MCC and Advance Interceptor missiles. 
• The test has demonstrated Nation’s indigenous capability to defend against the Ballistic Missiles of 5000 km class. Hence statement 2 is correct
• The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed Two Stage solid propelled ground launched missile system meant for neutralising many types of enemy ballistic missile threats in the altitude bracket of endo to low exo-atmospheric regions. Hence statement is 1 is correct

Source:

Press Release Details:Press information Bureau (pib.gov.in) 

02. With reference to KAVACH ,consider the following statements:

1. It is an Automatic train protection system developed by Israel 
2. The current version adheres to the Safety integrity level – 4 (SIL4) 
3. The system used RFID and Ultra high frequency 4g Internet for its operations 

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: Indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system Kavach deployed on 1465 Route km and 144 locomotives on South Central Railway

Explanation:

• Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system and a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order.Hence statement 1 is incorrect 
• Kavach aids the loco pilot in train running within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the train safely run during inclement weather. 
• Kavach has been certified for highest level of Safety Integrity Level – SIL4 by Independent Safety Assessor and reduces the probability of train collisions in block sections and on running lines at stations through its non-SIL features. Hence Statement 2 is correct. 
• Implementation of Kavach involves execution of many activities, such as:

a . Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station.

b.  Installation of RFID tags throughout the track length.

c.  Installation of Telecom Towers throughout the section.

d.  Laying of optical Fibre cable along the track.

e.  Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways. – Hence statement 3 is correct

Source:

Press Release: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

03. Consider the following statements:

1. Nine areas have been identified as the focus areas in pursuit of ‘Viskit Bharat’  
2. Fiscal deficit for the year 2024-25 is at 4.9% of GDP 

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:  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UNION BUDGET 2024-25

Explanation:

• Budget Estimates 2024-25:

• Total receipts other than borrowings: `32.07 lakh crore.
• Total expenditure: `48.21 lakh crore.
• Net tax receipt: `25.83 lakh crore.
• Fiscal deficit: 4.9 percent of GDP.
• Government aims to reach a deficit below 4.5 per cent next year.
• Inflation continues to be low, stable and moving towards the 4% target; Core inflation (non-food, non-fuel) at 3.1%. 
• Nine Budget Priorities in pursuit of ‘Viksit Bharat’:

• Productivity and resilience in Agriculture
• Employment & Skilling
• Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice
• Manufacturing & Services
• Urban Development  
• Energy Security
• Infrastructure
• Innovation, Research & Development and
• Next Generation Reforms 

• According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget of a year is referred to as the Annual Financial Statement (AFS).
• It is a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government in a financial year (which begins on 01 April of the current year and ends on 31 March of the following year). In addition to it, the Budget contains:

• Estimates of revenue and capital receipts,
• Ways and means to raise the revenue,
• Estimates of expenditure,
• Details of the actual receipts and expenditure of the closing financial year and the reasons for any deficit or surplus in that year, and
• The economic and financial policy of the coming year, i.e., taxation proposals, prospects of revenue, spending programme and introduction of new schemes/projects.Hence option(c) is correct.

Source:

Press ReleaseI:Press information Bureau (pib.gov.in) 

04. With reference to law for nomination,consider the following statements:

1. MPLADS is a Centrally sponsored scheme. 
2. The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per Member of Parliament (MP) constituency is Rs.5 crore, released in two instalments of Rs.2.5 crore each, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as per the MPLADS Guidelines.
3. The Nodal District concerned is responsible for implementing the eligible works recommended by the Members of Parliament. 

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (c) Only two

In News:  MPLAD FUNDS

Explanation:

• The MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets in the areas of drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads, etc. primarily in their Constituencies. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. 
• The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per Member of Parliament (MP) constituency is Rs.5 crore, released in two instalments of Rs.2.5 crore each, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as per the MPLADS Guidelines.  – Hence statement 2 is correct 
• Impact:

• The restoration and continuation of MPLADS will restart the community developmental projects / works in the field which are halted / stopped due to lack of funds under MPLADS.
• It will restart fulfilling the aspirations and developmental requirements of the local community and creation of durable assets, which is the primary objective of the MPLADS.
• It will also help in reviving the local economy 

• The process under MPLADS starts with the Members of Parliament recommending works to the Nodal District Authority.
• The Nodal District authority concerned is responsible for implementing the eligible works recommended by the Members of Parliament and maintaining the details of individual works executed and amount spent under the Scheme. Hence statement 3 is correct

Source:

Press Release:Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in) 

05. With reference to Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. Under sub-scheme National Fellowship for SCs, 2000 fellowship are provided every year to SC Students for Ph.D. in India
2. Under the sub-scheme National Overseas Scholarship for SCs, scholarship is provided to 125 students every year for study in top 500 QS Ranking Institutions/ Universities abroad.
3. In order to facilitate quality education, under the top-class education for SCs, a sub-scheme of scholarship is provided to SC students for study in 266 top-class Higher Education Institutions in the country, such as IITs/IIITs/IIMs/AIIMS.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

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

Answer:  (d)None

In News : SHREYAS SCHEME

Explanation:

• Two Schemes namely (i) Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) for SCs and (ii) Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) for OBCs and EBCs are run by this Department.
• Under the Scheme of SHREYAS for SCs, an expenditure of Rs. 2708.64 crore has been incurred for 97,928 beneficiaries from 2014-15 to 2023-24. Under the Scheme of SHREYAS for OBCs and EBCs, an expenditure of Rs. 585.02 crore has been incurred for 38,011 beneficiaries from 2014-15 to 2023-24.
• In order to facilitate quality education, under the top-class education for SCs, a sub-scheme of SHREYAS for SCs, scholarship is provided to SC students for study in 266 top-class Higher Education Institutions in the country, such as IITs/IIITs/IIMs/AIIMS etc.Hence statement 3 is correct
• Similarly, under sub-scheme National Overseas Scholarship for SCs, scholarship is provided to 125 students every year for study in top 500 QS Ranking Institutions/ Universities abroad.Hence statement 2 is correct
• Under sub-scheme National Fellowship for SCs, 2000 fellowships are provided every year to SC Students for Ph.D. in India.Hence statement 1 is correct.
•  These 2000 slots are over and above the number of SC students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government for UGC Fellowships.  
• The sub-scheme of Free Coaching for SCs and OBCs, is being implemented through empaneled Central Universities for 3500 economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates every year with an objective of empowering them to appear in competitive examinations and for obtaining jobs in Public / Private Sector or for securing admissions in reputed technical and professional higher education institutions.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036335

06.With reference to Mission Saksham Anganwadi, consider the following statements:

Statement -I:Under the Mission, supplementary nutrition, is provided through the network of Anganwadi Centres to eligible beneficiaries  children up to 8 years of age, pregnant women & lactating mothers and adolescent girls

Statement -II: Under the Scheme to adolescent girls in the age group of 14-18 years in all the Aspirational Districts and all the North Eastern States through the Department of Food & Public Distribution for preparation of supplementary food.

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:Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

Explanation:

• Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 aims to address the commitment of the Government to address the challenge of child and maternal malnutrition and under-nutrition through a strategic shift in nutrition contents and delivery and by creating conditions and convergent eco-system to develop practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity.
• Under the Mission, supplementary nutrition is provided through the network of Anganwadi Centres to eligible beneficiaries i.e children up to 6 years of age, pregnant women & lactating mothers and adolescent girls.Hence statement 1 is incorrect. 
• Food grains, viz., wheat, fortified rice and coarse grains are allocated for children (six months- 6 years) & pregnant women and lactating mothers under the Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) to all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.
• Under the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) to adolescent girls in the age group of 14-18 years in all the Aspirational Districts and all the North Eastern States through the Department of Food & Public Distribution (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution), for preparation of supplementary food.Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036466

07.Consider the following:

1. Custom Hiring Centers
2. LPG,Petrol,Diesel distributorship
3. Fair Price Shops
4. Community irrigation

How many of the above are undertaken now by Model bye-laws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies?

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

Answer:  (d)All four

In News:Model bye-laws for PACS

Explanation:

• In order to transform Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) into vibrant economic entities at Panchayat/ village level and to diversify their business activities, Model bye-laws have been framed by Ministry in consultation with all the States/Union Territories, Central Government Ministries, NABARD, National Level Federations, State Cooperative Banks, District Central Cooperative Banks, etc.
• Model bye-laws were circulated to all the States/ UTs on 5th January, 2023 for their adoption by PACS after making suitable changes as per respective State Cooperative Acts.
• Model bye-laws enables PACS to undertake more than 25 business activities, including custom hiring centre, dairy, fishery, setting up godowns, procurement of foodgrains, fertilisers, seeds, LPG/CNG/Petrol/Diesel distributorship, short-term & long-term credit, custom hiring centres, Fair Price Shops (FPS), community irrigation, Business Correspondent activities, Common Service Centre, etc.Hence option(d) is correct.
•  By adoption of Model bye-laws Multipurpose PACS are now able to provide custom hiring services such as farm machinery, tractors, tillers, etc.
•  These Custom Hiring Centers at Multipurpose PACS provide modern agricultural equipment to the farmer members and thereby increasing their agricultural produce and income.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036423

08.With reference to National Cooperative Development Corporation, consider the following statements:

1. It is a statutory organisation which is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Cooperation.
2. It provides financial assistance to Cooperatives Societies and Federations across the country.

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:Expansions of Co-operative Societies

Explanation:

• A comprehensive National Cooperative Database (NCD) has been developed by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, with the support of State Governments. The data of all the Cooperative Societies from various sectors has been entered in the database by nodal officers appointed by the States/ UTs for this purpose. 
• As per the data available under NCD portal, the total number of registered Co-operative societies in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are 82,143 and 17,675, respectively.
• NCDC is a statutory organisation which is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• NCDC provides financial assistance to Cooperatives Societies/ Federations across the country.Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• As per the information received from NCDC, in the last three years, the amount disbursed as loan is Rs. 1,34,670.90 crore while the amount disbursed as grants is Rs. 1,200.04 crore.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036421

09. Consider the following statements with respect to Exercise KHAAN QUEST: 

1. It is  ia a multilateral peacekeeping exercise 
2. Aim of Exercise is to prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations.
3. The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003.

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:INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE KHAAN QUEST

Explanation:

• The Indian Army contingent departed today for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 27th July to 9th August 2024 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 
• The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
•  Last edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST was conducted in Mongolia from 19th June to 2nd July 2023. 
• The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003.Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise with the current year being the 21st iteration.
• The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented mainly by troops from a Battalion of the MADRAS REGIMENT along with personnel from other Arms and Services. One Woman Officer and two Women Soldiers will also form part of the contingent.
• Aim of Exercise KHAAN QUEST is to prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.Hence statement 3 is correct. 
•  The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036798\

10. With reference to DIKSHA portal, consider the following statements:

1. It is the platform for providing quality e-content for school education in States/UTs and is fully funded through the National Component of the Samagra Siksha scheme.
2. It has a dedicated vertical for Foundation Literacy and Numeracy
3. This platform has a federated architecture, and 35 states have their own tenant on DIKSHA.

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:Implementation of DIKSHA Foundation Learning Portal

Explanation:

• DIKSHA, One Nation, One Digital Platform, is the platform for providing quality e-content for school education in States/UTs and is fully funded through the National Component of the Samagra Siksha scheme and managed by NCERT.Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• DIKSHA platform has a federated architecture, and 35 states/UTs have their own tenant on DIKSHA.Hence statement 3 is correct. 
•  Each State/UT leverages the platform in its own way, as it has the freedom and choice to use the varied capabilities and solutions of the platform to design and run programs for teachers, learners and administrators as per the curricula needs. 
• Most of the States/UTs have made their textbooks available on DIKSHA and have further linked them with additional learning resources (explanation videos, audios, interactive assessments, and text resources through QR codes) mapped to various topics. 
• This is called Energised Digital Textbooks that provides additional resources for a topic to the students.
•  It is through this unique architecture, DIKSHA portal provides the facility that helps educators to comply with the curricula at different stages.
• DIKSHA has a dedicated vertical for Foundation Literacy and Numeracy (FLN).Hence statement 2 is correct.  
• More than 2,700  e-contents on FLN are available on DIKSHA under various categories including Assessment sheets, Gamified contents and assessments, Infographics, Videos, Worksheets and activity sheets, Readings etc. 

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2036640

11.Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates(2021)

1. the Right to Equality
2. the Directive Principles of State Policy
3. the Right to Freedom
4. the Concept of Welfare

Ans: (b)the Directive Principles of State Policy

Explanation:

• The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in Part IV of the Indian Constitution from Articles 36 to 51 are the ideals that are meant for promoting social and economic democracy.
•  According to Articles 39, the State shall in particular, direct its policies towards securing:
• The ownership and control of material resources shall be organised in a manner to serve the common good. 
• The State shall avoid concentration of wealth in a few hands, among others.Hence option (b) is the correct answer.