PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/08/24

01. Consider the following statements with respect to the Unified Pension Scheme recently seen in news

1. Assured minimum pension of Rs.10,000 per month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service. 
2. Inflation Indexation benefits on the basis of CPI-IW 
3. This will replace the New Pension scheme which was fully funded by the government. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer:  (a) 1 and 2 only 

In News: Cabinet approves Unified Pension Scheme 

Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
• The salient features of the UPS are:

• Assured pension: 50% of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. This pay is to be proportionate for lesser service period upto a minimum of 10 years of service.
• Assured family pension: @60% of pension of the employee immediately before her/his demise.
• Assured minimum pension: @10,000 per month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service. Hence statement 1 is correct. 
• Inflation indexation: on assured pension, on assured family pension and assured minimum pension
• Dearness Relief based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as in case of service employees. Hence statement 2 is correct
• lump sum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity
• 1/10th of monthly emoluments (pay + DA) as on the date of superannuation for every completed six months of service this payment will not reduce the quantum of assured pension 
• NPS is a voluntary scheme for all citizens of India. People can invest any amount in their NPS account at any time. Hence statement 3 is incorrect

• Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN): It is based on a unique PRAN, which is allotted to every subscriber.
• Portability: NPS account or PRAN will remain the same irrespective of changes in employment, city, or state. It can be used from any location in India.
• PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) is the governing body for NPS.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2048607

02. Consider the following statements with respect to Lakhpati Didi scheme 

1. it  is aimed at training women in SHGs to earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum per household. 
2. Drone Didi is one of the most ambitious sub program under Lakhpati didi which enables usage of drones for precision farming. 

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: In the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, 11 lakh Lakhpati Didi will be given certificates on Sunday 

Explanation:

• The government’s goal is to create two crore “lakhpati didis” (prosperous sisters) in villages. This scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
• Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
• The programme is aimed at training women in self-help groups (SHGs) to earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum per household. 
• Women will be trained in various skills and after completing the training, women will be provided with opportunities to earn income using their skills.
• It facilitates diversified livelihood activities, by ensuring convergence across all Government departments/ Ministries, Private sector and Market players.
• Drone Didi: Under this scheme, drones will be provided to approximately 15,000 women SHGs for agricultural activities. Drones have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.
• Skill training: Women under this scheme receive training in diverse skills such as LED bulb making, plumbing, and more.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2048591

03. Vigyan Dhara recently seen in news refers to?

1. Space mission to mars 
2. Biotechnology innovation park
3. Promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology 
4. Newly introduced GM research centre

Answer:  (c) Promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology 

In News: Cabinet approves the Department of Science and Technology scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’ 

Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved continuation of the three umbrella schemes, merged into a unified central sector scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’ of Department of Science and Technology (DST). 
• The scheme has three broad components:

• Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building,
• Research and Development and
• Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.

• The primary objective of the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme is to promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology development towards strengthening the Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem in the country. 
• Implementation of the scheme will strengthen the S&T infrastructure of the country by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in the Academic Institutions.
• All the programs proposed under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme would be aligned with the 5-year goals of DST towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. 
• The research and development component of the scheme will be aligned in line with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Implementation of the scheme would follow the globally prevailing yardsticks while in alignment with the national priorities.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2048574

04. Consider the following statements with respect to Surety bonds

1. It is a unique type of insurance because it involves a three-party agreement. 
2. Banks play the role of the guraranteer.

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:  (a) 1 only

In News: IRDAI forms task force to tackle challenges, boost growth of surety bonds 

Explanation:

• A surety bond can be defined in its simplest form as a written agreement to guarantee compliance, payment, or performance of an act.
• It is a unique type of insurance because it involves a three-party agreement. The three parties in a surety agreement are:

• Principal – The party that purchases the bond and undertakes an obligation to perform an act as promised.
• Surety – The insurance company or surety company that guarantees the obligation will be performed. If the principal fails to perform the act as promised, the surety is contractually liable for losses sustained.
• Obligee – The party who requires, and often receives the benefit of the surety bond. For most surety bonds, the obligee is a local, state or federal government organization.

• Surety bond is provided by the insurance company on behalf of the contractor to the entity that is awarding the project.
• It will help contractors to have financial closure of their projects without depending upon only bank guarantees.
• Surety bonds are mainly aimed at infrastructure development, mainly to reduce indirect cost for suppliers and work contractors thereby diversifying their options and acting as a substitute for bank guarantee.

Source:

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/irdai-forms-task-force-to-tackle-challenges-boost-growth-of-surety-bonds-124082300836_1.html

06. Consider the following statements:

Statement -I:

National sports day is celebrated on August 29 since 2012

Statement -II: 

National sports day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

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:  (a) Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I

In News: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Gives Clarion Call for Nationwide Sports Participation to Celebrate National Sports Day

Explanation:

• National Sports Day is celebrated every year on 29th August, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Hockey Legend Major Dhyan Chand. Every year, 
• National Sports Day is celebrated as a befitting tribute to our sports icons for their contribution to bringing laurels to the country on the international stage. 
• The day was first designated and celebrated in 2012 as India’s National Sports Day. 
• The primary motto of National Sports Day is to promote awareness about the significance of sports and being physically active in day-to-day life.
• The Government of India organises various programs, events, seminars etc to raise awareness about the significance of National Sports Day.
• Widely known as the ‘Wizard of Hockey’, the greatest hockey player of India, Major Dhyan Chand Singh, was born on 29th August 1905 in present-day Praygraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• He played as the centre forward at three Olympic Games for India winning Gold Medals at Amsterdam in 1928, Los Angeles in 1932 and Berlin in 1936 where he was the captain.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048488

06. The Bastar region recently seen in news is in which of the following state?

1. Jharkhand
2. Meghalaya 
3. Chhattisgarh
4. Bihar 

Answer:  (c) Chhattisgarh

In News: Chhattisgarh government has set a target of 100% saturation of all government schemes by March 2025

Explanation:

• Bastar is a district located in the southern direction of Chhattisgarh State of India. The headquarters of Bastar district and Bastar division is Jagdalpur . Its area is 6596.90 square kilometers. Bastar district is surrounded by Kondagaon, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur . Hence option 3 is correct
• Historically, Bastar region is described in the Ramayana epic as Dandakanya. In Mahabharata ,it is described as part of the Kosala empire. In the year 450 AD, Nal king Bhavdutt Varman was ruled the Bastar region. 
• The 70 percent of the total population of Bastar is tribal community, and 26.76 percent of the total tribal population of Chhattisgarh. The tribal communities of Bastar are mainly Gond, Maria, Muria, Bhadra, Halba, Dhurua community, and the large population of the tribal community of Bastar still resides in dense forests. Tribal communities of Bastar are trained for their culture, art, festivals, natural life styles. 
• Shri Amit Shah said that the ‘Bastariya Battalion’ was raised in CRPF in 2017 in which all the jawans were from the Bastar region. He said that after taking approval from the Union Cabinet, 400 tribal soldiers from Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur were recruited in this battalion under a special campaign in 2022.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048638

07. Consider the following statements:

1. The Chambal river cuts across the Kuno National park.
2. Project cheetah was first introduced in the Manas wildlife sanctuary. 

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:  (a) 1 only

In News: After year in enclosures, Kuno cheetahs set to be freed into the wild 

Explanation:

• Kuno National Park (KNP):
• Location:

• It is located in the Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills.
• It is named after the Kuno River (One of the main tributaries of the Chambal River) that cuts across it.

• Initially established as a wildlife sanctuary, it was only in 2018 that the government changed its status into a national park.
• Kuno National Park was selected under ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’. 
• Vegetation: Kuno is primarily a grassland region, though a few rocky outcrops are found here too. 
• Project Cheetah was first introduced here 
• World’s first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.
• Project Cheetah was approved by the Supreme Court of India in January 2020 as a pilot programme to reintroduce the species to India.
• Close to 50 cheetahs will be introduced into the wild over the next five years.

Source: 

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kuno-cheetahs-set-to-be-freed-into-the-wild-9531139/

8. Which of the following countries share land borders with the UAE.

1. Oman
2. Qatar
3. Saudi Arabia
4. Iran 

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: Russia, Ukraine swap 115 prisoners each, UAE to mediate 

Explanation:

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East. Located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, it shares land borders with Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the southwest; as well as maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran. Hence options 1 and 4 are correct. 

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/russia-ukraine-swap-115-prisoners-each-9531107/

09. Consider the following statements with respect to BioE3 

1. It is launched by  the Department of Biotechnology
2. It is policy towards Circular bioeconomy 

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: Cabinet approves BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing. 

Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the proposal ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology. Hence statement 1 is correct
• The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry.
• Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
• Overall, this Policy will further strengthen Government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting ‘Circular Bioeconomy’. Hence statement 2 is correct. 
• The BioE3 Policy will foster and advance future that is more sustainable, innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.
• Our present era is an opportune time to invest in the industrialization of biology to promote sustainable and circular practices to address some of the critical societal issues-such as climate change mitigation, food security and human health. It is important to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem in our nation to accelerate cutting-edge innovations for developing bio-based products.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048568

10. Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: (2024)

1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Answer:  (b) Only two 

Explanation:

• Santiniketan, West Bengal 

• Santiniketan established by Rabindranath Tagore was a residential school and center for art based on ancient Indian traditions and a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries. 
• Santiniketan has been recognized by UNESCO as India’s 41st World Heritage Site in the year 2023. Hence, statement (1) is correct.
• Rani-ki-Vav,Gujarat

• Rani-ki-Vav, on the banks of the Saraswati River, was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. 
• Rani-ki-Vav has been recognized by UNESCO as India’s 32nd  World Heritage Site in the year 2014. Hence, statement (2) is NOT correct.
• Hoysala-style temple complexes, Karntaka
• The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala, the famed Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebid and Somanathapur in Karnataka have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list in the year 2023. This inclusion marks the 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in India.Hence, statement (3) is correct.
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex, BodhGaya 

• The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. 
• The Mahabodhi Temple Complex has been recognized by UNESCO as India’s 23rd  World Heritage Site in the year 2002. Hence, statement (4) is NOT correct. Hence Option B is correct. 

Source: PYQ