17th March 2024 – Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs Reverse Engineering

Care (17-03-2024)

 

 

News at a Glance

National: Sukhbir Sandhu, Gyanesh Kumar appointed new ECs

International: US’s first proposal to the UN for equal global access to AI

Science and Technology : Prasar Bharati launches news sharing platform PB-SHABD

Economy:  Vocal for Local initiative

PM-SURAJ Portal

Social Issues: Human Development Index 2023

Awards and honours:  Chameli Devi Award

 

 

 Sukhbir Sandhu, Gyanesh Kumar appointed new ECs 024

Source: The Hindu

Context: : Appointments of Election Commissioners finalized by a panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 UPSC Syllabus Relevance GS 2 (Election Commission)

Why in news

• Recently former bureaucrats Sukhbir Singh Sandhu from Punjab and Gyanesh Kumar from Kerala have been named as the new Election Commissioners by a panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key highlights

• Six names came up before the panel for the selection of the two ECs and the names of Mr. Sandhu and Mr. Kumar were finalised by a majority of members of the high-powered panel.
• The six names shortlisted were that of Utpal Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Tripathi, Gyanesh Kumar, Indevar Pandey, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Sudhir Kumar Gangadhar Rahate, all former bureaucrats.
• The vacancies had come up after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14 and the sudden resignation of Arun Goel.

About Election Commission of India

• The Indian Constitution established the Election Commission as a permanent and independent organization to oversee free and fair elections throughout the nation.
• According to Article 324, the election commission have the authority to supervise, direct, and regulate elections for the Indian Parliament, state legislatures, the President of India, and the Vice-President of India.

Composition

• The commission initially just had one election commissioner. However, it is now a multi-member body as a result of the Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989.
• The commission is made up of two election commissioners and one chief election commissioner.
• Election commissioners and the chief election commissioner are appointed by the president.
• They have a fixed term of six years, or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.
• They have the same status as a Supreme Court Judge, and they receive the same pay and benefits

How are the CEC and ECs Currently Appointed?

• Constitutional Provisions: There are just five Articles (324-329) in Part XV (Elections) of the Constitution.
• The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs.
• Article 324 of the Constitution vests the “superintendence, direction and control of elections” in an Election Commission consisting “of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix”.
• The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
• The Law Minister suggests a pool of suitable candidates to the Prime Minister for consideration. The President makes the appointment on the advice of the PM.

Removal

• They can resign anytime or can also be removed before the expiry of their term.
• The CEC can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a SC judge by Parliament.
• Any other EC cannot be removed except on the recommendation of CEC.

Global Practices in the Appointment of Electoral Body Members

• South African Model- In South Africa, the selection process involves key figures such as the President of the Constitutional Court, representatives of the Human Rights Court, and advocates for gender equality.
• Emphasis on diverse representation ensures a broader perspective in the electoral body.
• United Kingdom – In the U.K., candidates for the electoral body are subject to approval by the House of Commons.
• Parliamentary involvement adds a layer of scrutiny and accountability to the selection process.
• United States Procedure- In the U.S., the President appoints members to the electoral body, and the appointments require confirmation by the Senate.
• The dual-check system ensures a balance of power and prevents unilateral decisions.

 

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Election Commissioners? 1. They are appointed by the Vice-President of India. 2. Their appointments are finalized unanimously by a panel headed by Prime Minister. 3. The Indian Constitution established the Election Commission as a permanent and independent organization to oversee free and fair elections throughout the nation. 4. Chief Justice of India is part of selection panel of Election Commissioners. Code A. 1 and 2 B. 2, 3 and 4 C. 2 and 3 D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 3 only Ans: D

                                                                                                                                                                                        

Ans 1 C Explanation Answer: C Explanation ·         The President makes the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. So, statement 1 is incorrect. ·         This is the first time that Election Commissioners have been appointed in accordance with the new Chief Election Commissioner and other Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 brought in by the government in December last year. ·         According to the Act, a selection committee headed by the Prime Minister and comprising a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha will select members of the EC. In the current committee, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the Cabinet Minister and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury represents the Opposition, being the Congress leader of the House in Lok Sabha. So, statement 2 is correct and statement 4 is incorrect. ·         The Indian Constitution established the Election Commission as a permanent and independent organization to oversee free and fair elections throughout the nation. ·         According to Article 324, the election commission have the authority to supervise, direct, and regulate elections for the Indian Parliament, state legislatures, the President of India, and the Vice-President of India. So, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option C is correct answer.

 

 

US’s first proposal to the UN for equal global access to AI

Source: The Hindu

Context: The United States is leading the way in spearheading the first-ever United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence (AI).

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 2 (Important International Institutions Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests)

Why in news

• The US first resolution on AI aims to ensure that AI technology is safe, secure, and trustworthy, and that all countries, particularly those in the developing world, have equal access to it.

Closing the Digital Divide and Promoting Inclusive Discussions on AI

• The draft General Assembly resolution seeks to bridge the digital divide between countries and ensure that all nations have a seat at the table in discussions on AI.
• It emphasizes the importance of providing countries with the necessary technology and capabilities to benefit from AI, including applications such as disease detection, flood prediction, and workforce training.

 

• Urgency for Global Consensus on Safe and Trustworthy AI Systems
• The draft resolution acknowledges the rapid development and use of AI and highlights the urgency of achieving global consensus on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.
• It recognizes that the governance of AI systems is an evolving area that requires further discussions on possible approaches to governance.

Advancing the UN’s Development Goals

• One of the key goals of the resolution is to leverage AI to accelerate progress towards achieving the United Nations’ development goals for 2030.
• These goals include ending global hunger and poverty, improving global health, ensuring quality secondary education for all children, and achieving gender equality.

 

Encouraging Regulatory and Governance Approaches for Safe AI Systems

• The draft resolution encourages countries, regional and international organizations, technical communities, civil society, the media, academia, research institutions, and individuals to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks for safe AI systems.
• It also warns against improper or malicious design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems that are inconsistent with international law or lack adequate safeguards.

Support and Negotiations

• The United States began negotiating with the 193 member nations of the United Nations approximately three months ago.
• The negotiations involved hundreds of hours of direct talks with individual countries and 42 hours of negotiations.
• Input from 120 nations was accepted during the process.
• The resolution has achieved consensus support from all member states and will be formally considered later this month.

Importance of General Assembly Resolutions

• While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they serve as an important barometer of world opinion.
• The resolution on AI proposed by the United States is expected to garner global support and establish a baseline set of principles for the development and use of AI systems.

International Consensus and Historic Progress

• S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the resolution, if approved, would represent global support for a shared approach to AI and would be a historic step forward in fostering safe, secure, and trustworthy AI worldwide.
• The resolution is co-sponsored by dozens of countries and aims to build international consensus on the design, development, deployment, and use of AI systems.

 

Conclusion

• The United States is taking the lead in proposing the first-ever United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence.
• The resolution aims to ensure the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI systems while promoting equal global access to this technology.
• It also seeks to leverage AI to advance the United Nations’ development goals for 2030.
• The resolution encourages the development of regulatory and governance approaches for safe AI systems and emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the life cycle of AI systems.
• If approved, this resolution would be a significant milestone in fostering safe and trustworthy AI worldwide.

 

 

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to the United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) spearheaded by the United States: 1. The resolution aims to ensure that AI technology is safe, secure, and trustworthy. 2. The resolution emphasizes the importance of providing countries with AI applications such as disease detection, flood prediction, and workforce training. Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q. The Security Council of UN consists of 5 permanent members, and the remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of (UPSC Prelims 2009) A. 1 year B. 2 years C. 3 years D. 5 years Ans: B

 

Answer 2– D Explanation – ·         The United States is leading the way in spearheading the first-ever United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence (AI). The resolution aims to ensure that AI technology is safe, secure, and trustworthy, and that all countries, particularly those in the developing world, have equal access to it. So, statement 1 is correct. ·         The resolution emphasizes the importance of providing countries with AI applications such as disease detection, flood prediction, and workforce training. So, statement 2 is correct. ·         Therefore, option D is correct answer.

 

 

Prasar Bharati launches news sharing platform PB-SHABD

Source: The live mint

Context: News-sharing service by Prasar Bharati launched, content to be ‘free of copyright’

 UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS – 2 (Government Policies & Interventions)

Why in News

• Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati launched a news-sharing service to provide daily news feeds in audio, video, text, photographs and other formats to media organisations.

About PB-SHABD

• Prasar Bharti – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD) platform has been designed to provide daily news feeds in video, audio, text, photo and other formats to the subscribers from media landscape.
• It is powered by the vast network of Prasar Bharati reporters, correspondents and stringers, the service would bring you the latest news from different parts of the country.
• It will be a single point source of news content for all organizations.
• SHABD service is being offered free of cost for the first year as an introductory offer and will provide news stories in all major Indian languages across fifty categories.
• The shared feeds can be used for customized storytelling across different platforms.
• As an introductory offer, the services would be available free of cost and help the smaller newspapers, TV channels and digital portals immensely.

Prasar Bharti

• It is the Public Service Broadcaster of the country.
• It is a statutory autonomous body established in 1997 under the Prasar Bharati Act.
• Objective: To conduct public broadcasting services intended to inform and entertain the public.
• It comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio, which were earlier media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Headquarter: New Delhi

 

 

CARE MCQ	UPSC PYQ
Q3. Consider the following statements with reference to PB-SHABD: 1. The PB-SHABD platform will benefit media organizations by providing daily news feeds in various formats. 2. The PB-SHABD platform is powered by the vast network of Prasar Bharati reporters. Which of the above statement is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2	Q. With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the following statements: (2017) 1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry. 2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans C

 

Answer 3 C Explanation ·         Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati launched a news-sharing service to provide daily news feeds in audio, video, text, photographs and other formats to media organisations. ·         It is powered by the vast network of Prasar Bharati reporters. ·         SHABD service is being offered free of cost for the first year as an introductory offer and will provide news stories in all major Indian languages across fifty categories. ·         Therefore, option C is correct answer.

 

 

Vocal for Local initiative

Source: DD NEWS

Context: NITI Aayog launches ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative

 UPSC Syllabus Relevance:  : GS 3 (Climate change and its Impact of Sustainable Agriculture)

Why in News

• In an effort to encourage self-reliance and sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative as part of the Aspirational Blocks Programme.

About ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

• It is an initiative of NITI Aayog under its Aspirational Blocks Programme to encourage a spirit of self-reliance among the people and propel them towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
• As a part of this initiative, local products from 500 aspirational blocks have been mapped and consolidated under the Aakanksha brand.
• Aakanksha is an umbrella brand, which could be supplemented into multiple sub-brands that have the potential to create an international market.
• In order to encourage these products, a dedicated window for the Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name Aakanksha has been established on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
• The partners will also provide technical and operational support for the facilitation of e-commerce onboarding, establishing linkages, financial/digital literacy, documentation/certification, and skill enhancement, among others.

Key Facts about Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

• It is an online platform for public procurement, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• It Is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
• The purchases made through GeM by Government users have been authorised and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance under the General Financial Rules, 2017.
• The platform Is owned by GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), which is a 100% Government-owned, non-profit company under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Facts about Aspirational Blocks Programme

• It is on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
• This new programme is aimed at improving performance of blocks lagging on various development parameters.
• This will enable holistic development in those areas that require added assistance.
• The programme will initially cover 500 districts across 31 States and Union Territories.

 

 

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q4. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The NITI Aayog’s launched ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. Statement II: ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative aims to promote self-reliance and sustainable growth by consolidating local products. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q. What is/are the recent policy initiative(s) of Government of India to promote the growth of manufacturing sector? (UPSC Prelims 2012) 1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones 2. Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’ Establishing the Technology 3. Acquisition and Development Fund Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Ans: D

 

Answer 4 A Explanation ·         ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative is an initiative of NITI Aayog under its Aspirational Blocks Programme to encourage a spirit of self-reliance among the people and propel them towards sustainable growth and prosperity. ·         As a part of this initiative, local products from 500 aspirational blocks have been mapped and consolidated under the Aakanksha brand. ·         Aakanksha is an umbrella brand, which could be supplemented into multiple sub-brands that have the potential to create an international market. ·         Therefore option A is correct answer.

 

 

PM-SURAJ Portal

Source: Hindustan Times

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 (Schemes & Programmes)

Context: Modi launches PM-SURAJ portal; to benefit marginalised sector

Why in news

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the PM-SURAJ portal, aiming to uplift marginalized communities across India.

PM-SURAJ National Portal: Empowering the Disadvantaged

• The PM-SURAJ national portal stands as a transformative platform to prioritize the welfare of underprivileged communities.
• Eligible individuals will receive credit support through various financial institutions, ensuring financial empowerment and opportunities for those in need.

Entrepreneurship Support: Fostering Economic Growth

• As part of the launch, Prime Minister Modi sanctioned credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth among marginalized groups.

 

Ensuring Health and Safety: NAMASTE Initiative

• Under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), Prime Minister Modi distributed Ayushman health cards and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to sewer and septic tank workers, showcasing the government’s dedication to frontline worker safety.

Nationwide Participation: Inclusive Development

• The PM-SURAJ programme witnessed the participation of approximately 300,000 beneficiaries from disadvantaged backgrounds across more than 500 districts nationwide, highlighting the government’s efforts towards socio-economic development and empowerment.

Supporting Entrepreneurship: Government Schemes

• In addition to PM-SURAJ, the Indian government has implemented various schemes such as the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Multiplier Grant Scheme (MGS), Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS), Startup India Initiative, and Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, providing crucial support and resources to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across diverse sectors of the economy.

 

 

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q5. What is the purpose of the PM-SURAJ portal unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi? A. To provide credit support to entrepreneurs from privileged backgrounds. B. To uplift marginalized communities across India. C. To prioritize the welfare of wealthy individuals. D. To offer financial empowerment to government officials.

Q. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (UPSC Prelims 2018) 1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did. 2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centers within our national geographical boundaries. 3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centers. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Ans: B

 

 

Answer 5– B Explanation ·         The purpose of the PM-SURAJ portal is to uplift marginalized communities across India, as stated in the passage. ·         The PM-SURAJ national portal aims to prioritize the welfare of underprivileged communities. ·         The PM-SURAJ portal supports entrepreneurship by offering credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds. ·         Therefore, option B is correct answer.

 

Human Development Index 2023

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 2 (Poverty Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger), GS Paper – 3 Growth & Development

Context: India shows progress in Human Development Index 2023, ranks 134 out of 193 countries.

Why in news

• After a drop in 2021, India’s Human Development Index (HDI) value increases from 0.633 to 0.644 in 2022, placing the country in the medium human development category.

Key Highlights

• With a Gender Inequality Index value of 0.437 in 2022, India has shown progress and fares better than the global average of 0.462 and the South Asian average of 0.478.
• Global HDI is projected to reach record highs in 2023.
• However, this progress is uneven.
• Rich countries are experiencing record levels of human development, while half of the world’s poorest countries remain below their pre-crisis level.
• This uneven progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarization on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action.
• In 2022, India saw improvements across all HDI indicators–life expectancy, education, and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
• While India’s life expectancy rose from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6, mean years of schooling increased to 6.57, and GNI per capita saw an increase from $6,542 to $6,951.
• Moreover, India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality.
• India’s Gender Equality Index (GII) value of 0.437 is better than the global and South Asian averages.
• The GII measures gender inequalities in three key dimensions – reproductive health, empowerment, and labour market.
• However, India also has one of the largest gender gaps in the labour force participation rate—a 47.8 percentage points difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%).

Global inequality on the rise

• The report notes that inequality across the world is rising again: after 20 years of convergence, the gap between the richest and poorest countries has started to widen from 2020.
• These global inequalities are compounded by substantial economic concentration. As referenced in the report, almost 40 percent of global trade in goods is concentrated in three or fewer countries.
• In 2021, the market capitalization of each of the three largest tech companies surpassed the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than 90 percent of countries that year.
• India’s loss in HDI due to inequality is 31.1 percent. South Asia’s loss in the HDI due to inequality is among the highest in the world (after sub-Saharan Africa), followed by the Pacific.
• Comparing India’s performance across human development indicators since 1990, the report said India has shown remarkable progress over the years with life expectancy at birth risen by 9.1 years; expected years of schooling have increased by 4.6 years, and mean years of schooling have grown by 3.8 years while India’s GNI per capita has grown by approximately 287%.
• UNDP however said it is not meaningful to compare the Human Development Indices values and ranks published in the HDR 2021-22 with the values and ranks published in the HDR 2023-24.

About Human Development Report

• Human Development Reports (HDRs) have been released since 1990 and have explored different themes through the human development approach.
• It’s published by the Human Development Report Office for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Its goal is to contribute toward the expansion of opportunities, choice and freedom.

About Human Development Index

• HDI is a composite index that measures average achievement in human development taking into account four indicators:
• Life expectancy at birth (Sustainable Development Goal 3),
• Expected years of schooling (Sustainable Development Goal 4.3),
• Mean years of schooling (Sustainable Development Goal 4.4),
• Gross national income (GNI) (Sustainable Development Goal 8.5.)

 

 

CARE MCQ	UPSC PYQ
Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Human Development Index: 1. India ranks 134 out of 193 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI) in its latest report. 2. India’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) value in 2022 is lower than the global average and the South Asian average. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2	Q. The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support covers which of the following? (UPSC Prelims 2012) 1. Deprivation of education, health, assets and services at household level 2. Purchasing power parity at national level 3. Extent of budget deficit and GDP growth rate at national level Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Ans: A
Answer 6: D Explanation: ·         India ranks 134 out of 193 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2022. So, statement 1 is correct. ·         According to index India falls into the medium human development category based on its HDI value in 2022. ·         India’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) value in 2022 is lower than the global average and the South Asian average. so, statement 2 is correct. ·         Therefore option D is correct answer.

 

 

Chameli Devi Award

Source: Indian Express

UPSC Syllabus relevance: Prelims (Awards and Honours)

Context: Indian Express’s Ritika Chopra, Independent Journalist Greeshma Kuthar Win Chameli Devi Award

Why in news

• Ritika Chopra, Chief of National Bureau (govt) at The Indian Express, and independent journalist Greeshma Kuthar have been honored with the prestigious Chameli Devi Jain Award 2024 for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year.

Key highlights

• An esteemed jury, chaired by senior journalist and columnist Radhika Ramaseshan, alongside award-winning journalist and author Mariyam Alavi and Down to Earth managing editor Richard Mahapatra, meticulously selected the winners from a pool of over 65 entries submitted by women journalists.

Background

• Established by the Media Foundation in 1980, the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year commemorates the legacy of Chameli Devi Jain, a renowned freedom fighter and community reformer who endured imprisonment during India’s independence movement.

About Chameli Devi Award

• This annual award, initiated in 1982, acknowledges exemplary journalism across various domains including social development, politics, gender justice, human rights, health, conflict, and consumer values.
• Notable past recipients of this esteemed accolade include Barkha Dutt, Neerja Chowdhury, Usha Rai, Pamela Philipose, Sunita Narain, Nirupama Subramanian, and Patricia Mukhim.
• Furthermore, the award proudly recognizes the contributions of women journalists from rural areas, whose impactful work often remains unnoticed.
• The Media Foundation, established in 1979, endeavors to uphold freedom of speech, expression, and information, while striving to enhance the quality of life through media and communication.

 

 

CARE MCQ	UPSC PYQ
Q7. Who among the following are the recipients of the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year in 2024? A. Radhika Ramaseshan and Mariyam Alavi B. Ritika Chopra and Greeshma Kuthar C. Barkha Dutt and Neerja Chowdhury D. Usha Rai and Pamela Philipose	Q. For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given? (UPSC Prelims 2009) A. Literature B. Performing Arts C. Science D. Social Service Ans: C

 

 

Answer 7– B Explanation ·         Ritika Chopra, Chief of National Bureau (govt) at The Indian Express, and independent journalist Greeshma Kuthar are the recipients of the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year in 2024. ·         The Chameli Devi Jain Award acknowledges exemplary journalism across various domains, including social development, politics, gender justice, human rights, health, conflict, and consumer values. ·         Therefore, option B is correct answer.