Test: Weekly Current Affairs: March 15 to 21, 2024 - UPSC MCQ

• Every Census in independent India from 1951 to 2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, but not on other castes.
• Our Constitution too favours conducting a caste census. Article 340 mandates the appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes and make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by governments.
• The Justice Rohini committee was appointed in 2017 to look into the sub-categorisation of the OBC communities.

• Context: The FAO and ICAR released the first national report on AMR surveillance (INFAAR 2019-22 Report) in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
• What is INFAAR?
  • ICAR, supported by FAO, initiated INFAAR (Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance) in 2017 to monitor AMR in the aquaculture and veterinary sectors.
• AMR can develop through genetic mutations within microbial populations, allowing them to survive exposure to antimicrobial agents. Additionally, horizontal gene transfer, where resistant genes are transferred between different organisms, also plays a crucial role in the spread of AMR. This process can occur through mechanisms such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction.

• Reservation in Indian law is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state government departments and in all public and private educational institutions, except in the religious/ linguistic minority edu­cational institutions, for the socially and educationally backward communities who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions.
• Justice G. Rohini Committee was set up to examine the possibility of creating categories within OBCs for the reservation to ensure “equitable distribution” of representation among all OBC communities. Its objectives include working out a mechanism, criteria, norm and parameters through a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within the OBCs and identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.
• Part XVI deals with reservation of SC and ST in Central and State legislatures.
• Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SC and ST.

• Only statement 2 is correct.
• Milankovitch cycles refer to changes in the Earth’s orbit, tilt, and precession over long periods of time, typically thousands to hundreds of thousands of years. These cycles are instrumental in driving changes in Earth’s climate over geological time scales.

• Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Context: The forthcoming judgment in the State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh case by a seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India holds significant implications for affirmative action and reservations under the Constitution.
• As per the Procedure for Addition prescribed in the NCBC Act, 1993, the Commission is mandated to constitute a Bench to examine such proposals and then forward their decision to the Union government (with dissent, where applicable). The Cabinet then needs to approve the additions and bring legislation to this effect, following which the President is empowered to notify the change.
• Unlike the procedure to add communities to the SC or ST List, additions to the Central OBC list do not have to rely on the concurrence of the Office of the Registrar General of India or any other authority other than the Commission.
• The Commission, as per its guidelines, considers additions to the Central OBC list based on social, educational and economic indicators suggested by the Mandal Commission established in 1979.

• Statement 3 is incorrect.
• The proposed National Research Foundation (NRF), is a new centralised body to fund research.
• The two main objectives of the NRF are to boost private sector contribution to research in India and ensure that a greater slice of the funds apportioned by the government make its way to State universities and colleges.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative department of NRF, which will be governed by a board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.
• NRF’s functioning will be governed by an executive council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
• The NRF was envisioned as a body that would be autonomous. The money given to it wouldn’t be controlled by the general financial rules (laid down by the Ministry of Finance) and the CEO as well the board would have autonomy in directing research funds. The proposed structure, however, has both the Science Minister and Education Minister as vice-presidents. The Science Ministry will administratively control it.

• Context: The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) signed on 13th February 2024 between India and the United Arab Emirates.
• This agreement aims to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in the Ports, Maritime, and Logistics sectors, focusing on the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). It outlines areas of collaboration and sets principles, guidelines, and agreements for joint investment and development in the IMEC, in line with respective countries’ regulations.

• Context: The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) is introduced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, specifically targeting the electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments.
• EMPS 2024 offers subsidies or demand incentives for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, including registered electric rickshaws and carts, as well as L5 models.
• The L5 category includes electric three-wheelers with a maximum speed of over 25kmph and motor power exceeding 0.25kW.

• Context: The Central government has declared September 17 as ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ annually, commemorating the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948.
• The announcement, made by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a gazette notification, honours the martyrs who liberated Hyderabad from Nizam’s rule during Operation Polo. This decision aims to instil patriotism.

• Context: The Prime Minister virtually launched the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal, aimed at providing credit support to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of society.
• The portal serves as a one-stop point for applying and monitoring progress for loan and credit schemes implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• S1: The largest electorate in the world – 96.88 crores are registered to vote for the forthcoming General Elections in India. After months long intensive Special Summary Revision 2024 (SSR 2024) exercise and ahead of the General Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India has published the electoral rolls in all States/UTs across the country with reference to 1st January, 2024 as the qualifying date. This also included successful completion of revision of electoral rolls in Jammu & Kashmir and Assam, following the delimitation of constituencies. The endeavour, undertaken with meticulous planning, coordination and participation of political parties has yielded noteworthy achievements in terms of inclusivity, health and purity of the electoral rolls.
• S2: This revision was the first one since the government amended the election laws to allow four qualifying dates every year — January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Those who turn 18 after January 1 were also asked to submit their registration forms during the SSR so they may be included in the rolls as and when they qualify. These new electors would be included during quarterly updation.

• Context: Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel in Telangana (Jayashankar Bhupalpally District), has been designated as the exclusive Geo-heritage site in the state.
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance. The State-wise details are given in Annexure. GSI or the respective State governments take necessary measures to protect these sites.

• Context: The government has unveiled PB-SHABD, a news-sharing initiative by Prasar Bharati, DD News, and Akashvani News, along with an updated News on the Air mobile app.
• About PB-SHABD
  • It is a news-sharing initiative to provide news stories in major Indian languages across fifty categories. The service offers clean feeds curated from across the country, free for the first year, and without the Doordarshan logo. The revamped websites and apps of Doordarshan News and All India Radio will provide personalized news feeds, push notifications, multimedia integration, live streaming, social media sharing, and more.

• Statement 2 is incorrect.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance. The GSI or the respective state governments take necessary measures to protect these sites.
• Coming under the Ministry of Mines, the GSI was established in 1851 to investigate and assess coal and other mineral resources of the country through regional-level exploration.
• Geoheritage sites are “sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms including caves, natural rock-sculptures of national and international interest; and includes such portion of land adjoining the site,” that may be required for their conservation or to access to such sites.
• A Geo-relic is defined as “any relic or material of a geological significance or interest like sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorite or fossils”. The GSI will have the power to acquire geo-relics “for its preservation and maintenance”.

• Context: The Darien Gap, a dense jungle spanning northern Colombia and southern Panama, has become a perilous route for migrants seeking asylum in the US.
• What is Darien Gap?
  • The Darién Gap is a rugged region in the Isthmus of Darién, connecting Central and South America.
  • It comprises dense forests and mountains in Panama’s Darién Province and Colombia’s Chocó Department. Home to indigenous communities, the terrain varies from flat marshlands to mountainous rainforests. With no roads crossing it, travel is challenging and often conducted by boat or on foot. Despite the dangers, increasing violence and limited legal immigration options in their home countries have driven a surge in crossings, primarily by Venezuelans but also by Haitians, Chinese, Afghans, and others.

The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual Human Development Index report published by the Human Development Report Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme called “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” & has been entrusted with the role of designing strategy, building technological infrastructure and implementation of “National Digital Health Mission” to create a National Digital Health Eco-system.
• National Health Authority is the successor of the National Health Agency, which was functioning as a registered society since 23rd May, 2018. Pursuant to Cabinet decision for full functional autonomy, National Health Agency was reconstituted as the National Health Authority on 2nd January 2019, under Gazette Notification Registered No. DL –(N) 04/0007/2003-18.
• NHA has been set-up to implement PM-JAY, as it is popularly known, at the national level. An attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with full functional autonomy, NHA is governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. It is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, who manages its affairs. The CEO is the Ex-Office Member Secretary of the Governing Board.
• To implement the scheme at the State level, State Health Agencies (SHAs) in the form of a society/trust have been set up by respective States. SHAs have full operational autonomy over the implementation of the scheme in the State including extending the coverage to non SECC beneficiaries.
• NHA is leading the implementation for Ayushman Bharat Digital MissionABDM in coordination with different ministries/departments of the Government of India, State Governments, and private sector/civil society organizations.

• The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was announced in the Budget speech of 1998-99 to fulfil the financial requirements of the farmers at various stages of farming through institutional credit.
• The model scheme was prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on the recommendation of V Gupta committee.
• The KCC scheme is being implemented by the all Co-operative banks, Regional Rural Banks and Public Sector Banks throughout the country.
• Scheme covers risk of KCC holders against death or permanent disability resulting from accidents.
• Crop loans disbursed under KCC Scheme for notified crops are covered under Crop Insurance Scheme, to protect the interest of the farmer against loss of crop yield caused by natural calamities, pest attacks etc.

• Statement 3 is not correct.
• He was one of few founding members of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway along with Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and David Sasson.
• He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council under the Act of 1861, and became a member of the Bombay Board of Education. He also was the first Indian member of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, and is known to have endowed a school and donated land in Grant Road for a theater.

The Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI) is a multi-government policy forum dedicated to accelerating the introduction and adoption of electric vehicles worldwide. The IEA acts as Coordinator to support the EVI member governments in this activity.

Article 200 provides that when a Bill passed by the State Legislature, is presented to the Governor, the Governor shall declare—
(a) that he assents to the Bill; or
(b) that he withholds assent therefrom; or
(c) that he reserves the Bill for the President’s consideration; or
(d) the Governor may, as soon as possible, return the Bill (other than a Money Bill) with a message for re-consideration by the State Legislature. But, if the Bill is again passed by the Legislature with or without amendment, the Governor shall not withhold assent therefrom (First Proviso); or
(e) if in the opinion of the Governor, the Bill, if it became law, would so derogate from the powers of the High Court as to endanger its constitutional position, he shall not assent to but shall reserve it for the consideration of the President (Second Proviso).

• Context: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, beginning from the announcement of the election schedule until the declaration of results.
• This code regulates the behaviour of political parties and candidates during the election period, aiming to ensure free and fair elections.
• It includes provisions regarding general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos.
• Key restrictions imposed by the MCC include prohibiting the announcement of policy decisions by the ruling party, using official positions for campaigning, combining official visits with election work, using government resources for campaigning, and making ad-hoc appointments that may influence voters.
• The MCC is not legally binding but is enforced through moral sanction or censure by the ECI.

• Biofuels are usually liquid fuels created using organic materials, such as biomass and natural waste. Typical materials used to make biofuels are sugar cane, corn and soybeans.
• “Most biofuels are used as transportation fuels, but they may also be used for heating and electricity generation,” the US Energy Information Administration says.

• Context: Madhya Pradesh celebrates a significant achievement as six of its heritage sites are included in UNESCO’s tentative list.
• The sites included are Gwalior Fort, the Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara in Burhanpur, and God Memorial of Ramnagar in Mandla.

• Statement 3 is not correct.
• Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.
• Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification.
• The Board consists of non-official members and a Chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at Mumbai. It has nine Regional offices, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack and Guwahati. The Regional Offices are assisted in the examination of films by Advisory Panels. The members of the panels are nominated by the Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of 2 years.