Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (22-02-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| Science and Technology: CE20 Cryogenic Engine Human-Rated for Gaganyaan Missions |
| International: India- Thailand Religious Diplomacy |
| Ecology and Environment- A single Antarctic heatwave or storm can noticeably raise the sea |
| Malta became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance |
| Economy– Textile Waste Crisis |
| Awards and Honours- Shashi Tharoor Conferred France’s Highest Civilian Honour |
CE20 Cryogenic Engine Human-Rated for Gaganyaan Missions
Source: The Hindu
Context: CE20 cryogenic engine powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for Gaganyaan missions.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Science and Technology Innovation)
Why in news
- ISRO has achieved a significant milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, which marks a crucial step in the preparation for India’s first human spaceflight mission.
Key highlights
- The human rating of the CE20 cryogenic engine signifies that it is now capable of safely transporting humans.
- The rigorous testing process involved life demonstration tests, endurance tests, and performance assessment under nominal and off-nominal operating conditions, including thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.
- The final test, which took place on February 13, was the seventh in a series of vacuum ignition tests conducted at the High Altitude Test Facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.
- These tests aimed to simulate flight conditions and ensure the engine’s reliability and performance under various scenarios.
- In order to meet human rating standards, four CE20 engines underwent a total of 39 hot firing tests under different operating conditions, accumulating a duration of 8,810 seconds.
- This significantly surpassed the minimum human rating qualification standard requirement of 6,350 seconds.
About First Unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) Mission
- ISRO has also successfully completed the acceptance tests of the flight engine designated for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.
- This engine, with a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes and a specific impulse of 442.5 seconds, will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle.
- The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members into an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and safely returning them to Earth, with a landing in Indian sea waters.
Manned Space Missions
- The United States, Russia, and China are the only countries with public or commercial human spaceflight-capable programs.
- The Soviet Union (USSR) was the first country to send humans to space and make a lunar landing.
- In 1969, the United States’ Apollo 11 program became the first spacecraft to carry humans to the surface, and is the only country to land humans on the moon.
- In 2021, a Chinese spaceship “Shenzhou-12” carrying a three-person crew docked with China’s new space station module Tianhe-1. It was China’s seventh crewed mission to space.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 1. Which of the following statements about the flight engine designated for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission is correct?
A. The engine has a thrust capability of 15 to 18 tonnes and a specific impulse of 400 seconds. B. The engine will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle. C. The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of five members into an orbit of 300 km for a 5-day mission. D. The engine will be tested in the second quarter of 2025.
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Q. Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO (2016) 1. Is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after the USA 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C
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| Ans 1 B
Explanation
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India- Thailand Religious Diplomacy
Source: Indian Express
Context: India to send 4 relics of Buddha to Thailand.
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 1 (Art and Culture)
Why in news
- In a significant diplomatic move, India is set to send four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as the Kapilvastu Relics, to Thailand.
Key highlights
- The relics of two of Buddha’s disciples, Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalayana, currently located in Sanchi, will also accompany the Kapilavastu relics to Thailand.
- Upon arrival, the relics will be initially kept at the National Museum in Bangkok and then exhibited at five different venues across Thailand for one month.
- This cultural exchange follows a similar exposition in Mongolia in 2022 on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
- The move is seen as a significant diplomatic effort to strengthen ties between India and Thailand, showcasing India’s strategic focus on leveraging its ‘soft power.’
- Scholars suggest that the relics were excavated from Piprahwa, believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, spent the early years of his life.
- The relics, categorized as “AA” by the National Museum, are usually not sent abroad, but in exceptional cases, such as this, with the approval of the Competent Authority, they can be.
About Piprahwa Stupa
- Piprahwa, located in the Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya kingdom.
- Some scholars speculate that Piprahwa may also have been the burial place of a portion of the Buddha’s ashes given to his Sakya clan.
- The Kapilvastu Relics were excavated from Piprahwa in 1898.
Significance
- The exposition in Thailand is expected to be warmly welcomed by Buddhists and will serve to highlight the cultural ties between India and Thailand.
- It marks a continuation of India’s efforts to share its rich cultural heritage with the world.
- India shares a long sea border with Thailand as India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand along the Andaman Sea.
Other Soft Diplomacy tools- Yoga Diplomacy’
- Soft power refers to the ability of a country to influence others through appeal and attraction rather than coercion.
- Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India and has gained enormous popularity around the world
- In recent years, yoga has played a significant role in India’s soft power politics and cultural diplomacy.
- Hence, ‘Yoga Diplomacy’ has emerged as a key instrument of India’s soft power politics reflecting the country’s own cultural heritage, and the diplomacy can be traced back to Swami Vivekananda’s US visit and his groundbreaking speech to the 1893’s Chicago parliament of religion.
- India has successfully utilized yoga to enhance its influence on the world stage and promote its image as a peaceful and spiritual country.
India and the Southeast Asia region
- India and the Southeast Asia region share a long history of cultural and commercial relations.
- The classical Sanskrit and Pali texts from India carry references of the region using various names such as Kathakosha, Suvarnabhumi (the land of god) or Suvarnadvipa (the golden island), indicating that this was a region that attracted Indian merchants.
- Trade in spices, aromatic wood and most importantly gold is known to have flourished.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. What is the purpose of India’s decision to send four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as the Kapilavastu Relics, to Thailand?
A. To enhance cultural ties between India and Thailand B. To showcase India’s economic prowess C. To advance archaeological research in Thailand D. To promote tourism in Thailand
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Q. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2020)
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B |
| Answer 2– A
Explanation –
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A single Antarctic heatwave or storm can noticeably raise the sea level
Source: Down To Earth
Context: Individual weather events can have impact on the world’s largest ice sheets and the subsequent rise in sea levels.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Climate change and its Impact)
Why in News
- A recent study published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment has highlighted the significant impact that individual weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, can have on the world’s largest ice sheets and the subsequent rise in sea levels.
Key highlights
- The global sea level is predicted to rise by anywhere between 28 centimeters and 100 centimeters by the year 2100, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- This wide range of predictions underscores the uncertainty surrounding future sea level rise, as it is dependent on factors such as the extent of greenhouse gas emissions and the response of ice sheets.
Reasons for the rising sea levels
- There are two main reasons for the rising sea levels. First, the water itself expands slightly as it warms, contributing to about one-third of the expected sea-level rise.
- Second, the melting and sliding of the world’s largest ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland also contribute to the rise in sea levels.
- These ice sheets and glaciers respond relatively slowly to changes in climate, which means that the sea will continue to rise for centuries.
- However, scientists have long recognized the potential for sudden accelerations in the rate of ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica, which could result in considerably higher sea-level rise.
- Such accelerations have been observed in the past, such as about 130,000 years ago when global temperatures were similar to present-day levels These sudden accelerations, once initiated, would be difficult to stop.
- To improve predictions of sea level rise, it is crucial to gain a clearer understanding of the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets Researchers need to identify weather or climate changes that could lead to abrupt increases in the speed of ice loss.
- Recent studies have shown that individual weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, can have long-lasting effects on ice sheets For example, a heatwave in July 2023 caused significant melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with 67% of its surface melting at one point, compared to the average of around 20% for July conditions. Similarly, warm rain in 2022 led to the rapid disappearance of the Conger ice shelf in Antarctica.
Effects
- These weather-driven events have long-lasting impacts on ice sheets, and their changes are not uniform.
- Instead, they are punctuated by short-term extremes. For instance, brief periods of melting in Greenland can result in the loss of more ice and snow than is replenished the following winter.
- Additionally, the catastrophic break-up of ice shelves along the Antarctic coast can rapidly release larger amounts of ice from further inland.
Way forward
- To better understand and predict sea level rise, scientists need to prioritize research on ice-sheet variability.
- This requires improved ice-sheet and ocean monitoring systems that can capture the effects of short but extreme weather events.
- New satellites and field data collection efforts will contribute to this endeavor.
- Additionally, better computer models are needed to simulate how ice sheets will respond to climate change.
Conclusion
- Individual weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, can have a significant impact on the world’s largest ice sheets and contribute to the rise in sea levels. Understanding these events and their long-term effects is crucial for predicting and mitigating the potential impacts of sea level rise.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements:
1. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global sea levels are projected to rise between 28 centimeters and 100 centimeters by the year 2100. 2. Rising sea levels can lead to the intrusion of saltwater into freshwater sources in coastal regions, affecting drinking water supplies and agriculture, impacting food security and livelihoods.. Which of the above statement is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. What is the Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news? (UPSC prelims 2015)
A. It is the United nations Conference on Sustainable Development B. It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization C. It is a Conference of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change D. It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity Answer: A
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| Answer 3 C
Explanation
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Malta became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance
Source: ANI News
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 2 (International relations) GS 3 (Green Energy Initiative)
Context: Malta became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance.
Why in news
- Malta’s move to join the International Solar Alliance underscores the country’s commitment to reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and embracing environmentally friendly alternatives.
About Malta
- Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast.
- The five Maltese islands Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto, and Filflawith-have a combined land area smaller than Philadelphia.
- Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea (Europe) Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814.
- The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964.
- A decade later Malta became a republic, its Capital is Valletta.
About International Solar Alliance
- The International Solar Alliance is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.
- Initially conceived as a joint effort by India and France, ISA was conceptualized during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in 2015.
- With its framework Agreement amended in 2020, all UN member states are eligible to join ISA.
- Currently, 119 countries are signatories, with 97 having completed the necessary ratification to become full members.
- The ISA is guided by its “Towards 1000” strategy which aims to mobilize USD 1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030, while delivering energy access to 1,000 million people using clean energy solutions and resulting in installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity.
- This would help mitigate global solar emissions to the tune of 1,000 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
Assembly
- The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each Member Country is represented.
- This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to International Solar Alliance:
1) ISA was initially conceived as a joint effort by India and UK. 2) Only European Union member states are eligible to join ISA.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer 4: D Explanation: · The International Solar Alliance is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries. · Initially conceived as a joint effort by India and France, ISA was conceptualized during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in 2015. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · With its framework Agreement amended in 2020, all UN member states are eligible to join ISA. Currently, 119 countries are signatories, with 97 having completed the necessary ratification to become full members. So, statement 2 is incorrect.
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Textile Waste Crisis
Source: Down to Earth
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 Indian Economy, Water pollution and it’s Management
Context: Concerns about textile waste have recently taken center stage in the Rajya Sabha.
Why in news
- The vibrant tapestry of the Indian textile industry, which is the cornerstone of the country’s economic and cultural identity, is facing a growing threat a growing textile waste crisis.
Key highlights
- Concerns about textile waste have recently taken center stage in the Rajya Sabha, sparking urgent discussions about its environmental impact, economic implications and possible solutions.
- Understanding the discussions in the Upper House of Parliament, comprehensive, centralized and state-wise data on textile waste generation remains elusive.
- However, the seriousness of the problem cannot be denied.
- The government response during the July and December 2023 sessions also painted a picture of fragmented action and unclear accountability.
- While Union Minister highlighted existing rules such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and the Extended Producer Responsibility Guidelines, which were primarily aimed at plastic packaging, stressed the responsibility of local authorities for “other plastic sources” such as synthetic textiles.
Textile Waste Crisis-In-Depth Analysis
- India’s textile waste includes natural fibers like cotton, jute, wool. Although natural fibers are biodegradable, their decomposition rate is slow and improper management still raises environmental concerns.
- Man-made fibers (MMF), better known as synthetic fibers, also make up a large portion of the waste.
- Challenges in separation, sorting, and technology limitations often lead to downcycling or indiscriminate dumping Many textiles are a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers, making the composition picture more complex.
- Separating these fibers for individual recycling is, again, challenging.
- India is the world’s second largest producer of man-made fibre.
- Many popular man-made fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, are derived from fossil fuels.
- This means that the building blocks of many man-made fibers are chemically similar to plastics.
- Many man-made fibers use chemical treatments to achieve desired properties, potentially involving additional plastic- based chemicals. During production, washing and wear, MMFs release tiny plastic fibers called microplastics.
- The age-old tradition of reusing and refurbishing still exists in small towns across the country, allowing textiles to remain in circulation for a long time.
- However, this informal system is inadequate to handle the increasing amount of waste generated by the rapid expansion of the industry.
- Over 94 percent of India’s domestic man-made fiber industry is dominated by just two varieties: polyester and viscose (rayon), with polyester accounting for 77.5 percent With a current production capacity of 11.5 million tonnes per year and potential for further growth, polyester is seen as the most significant contributor to both pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste.
Government Data
- According to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ 2022 report Circular Economy in Municipal Solid and Liquid Waste, out of the total 47,860.15 tonnes of dry waste generated daily from municipal sources in 2021, the textile industry contributes a significant 15 per cent share.
- The burden is further compounded by the low resale value of textile waste in the second-hand market – Rs 8-12 per kg.
- Only about 10 percent find new life through upcycling, another 10 percent turn to thrift stores, and about 20 percent go through downcycling.
- Also, due to lack of technology for processing used and contaminated textiles, about 20-30 percent of the collected textile waste is burned in energy plants causing pollution.
- The human cost is equally affected by this.
- Workers in the textile waste industry face low wages, poor working conditions and limited opportunities.
- Efforts and suggestions being made to deal with the existing textile waste crisis: The interim budget for 2024 offered a mixed package for the textile industry.
- Also, the Union Textiles Ministry got a 27.6 percent increase in allocation, but there were no specific policies to address the waste crisis.
- An increased focus on bio-manufacturing, rooftop solar energy and offshore wind energy can encourage green practices and improve the environmental footprint of the industry, but concrete measures for waste management are still needed.
- But the textile waste crisis demands a multi-pronged approach.
- Biosurfactant, cavitation and membrane technologies are used in combination in the novel technology developed for the treatment of textile waste water.
- India’s textile and apparel (T&A) industry is one of the world’s largest, and is a major contributor to global textile and apparel production and consumption. The industry is estimated to be worth USD 190 billion by 2025-26.2
Man-made Textile industry
- China is the world’s largest producer of man-made fibers, accounting for 72% of the global production in 2022.
- India is the second largest producer, accounting for 8% of the global production.
- It currently employs more than 45 million people making it the second largest employer in India – contributing over 15% of the country’s export earnings, and almost 7% of the it’s industry output.
Conclusion
- We need better data collection, stronger sorting and recycling infrastructure, incentives for sustainable production and consumer education.
- Additionally, it is important to promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), encourage design for disassembly, and support innovative upcycling and recycling technologies.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 5. Consider the following statements:
1. India is the world’s second largest producer of man-made fibre. 2. The Indian textile industry is managed as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Which of the above statement is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. In which state was the first jute mill of India set up? (UPSC Prelims 2012)
A. Odisha B. West Bengal C. Assam D. Bihar Answer: B
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| Answer 5– B
Explanation · India’s textile and apparel (T&A) industry is one of the world’s largest, and is a major contributor to global textile and apparel production and consumption. The industry is estimated to be worth USD 190 billion by 2025-26.2 · China is the world’s largest producer of man-made fibers, accounting for 72% of the global production in 2022. India is the second largest producer, accounting for 8% of the global production. It currently employs more than 45 million people making it the second largest employer in India – contributing over 15% of the country’s export earnings, and almost 7% of the it’s industry output. So, statement 1 is correct. · The Indian textile industry is managed as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. · The 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules put curbs on use and generation of plastic packaging waste. This includes prohibition of carry bags made of virgin plastic less than 50 microns in thickness in order to facilitate ease of collection and recycling of plastic waste. So, statement 2 is correct. |
Shashi Tharoor Conferred France’s Highest Civilian Honour
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus relevance: Prelims Exam (Awards and Honours)
Context: Shashi Tharoor was conferred France’s highest civilian honour.
Why in news
- Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was honored with France’s highest civilian distinction, the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, at a discreet ceremony held at the French embassy in the national capital.
Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur
- The Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
- It is France’s highest civilian award that acknowledges extraordinary accomplishments and services rendered to France. It covers contributions in arts, literature, science and public service, among others.
- The President of the French Republic is the Grand Master of the Order of the Legion of Honour.
- The Legion of Honour has five classes, listed in descending rank:
- Grand Cross: Limited to 80 members
- Grand Officer: 200 members
- Commander: 1,000 members
- Officer: 4,000 members
- Knight, or chevalier: Unlimited members
Indians who have received Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur
- Durga Charan Rakshit was the first Indian to receive the honour. Rakshit was given the award in 1896 for his humanitarian work.
- Then, Mohamed Haniff – the Deputy Mayor of Pondicherry in French India – got it in 1937.
- In independent India, Elattuvalapil Sreedharan received the honour in 2005. The “Metroman of India” played a key role in constructing the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro.
- Cedric Prakash (2006) and Anjali Gopalan (2013), both human rights activists, were given the award next. In 2014, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan received the award. Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran received the honour in 2023.
- Other names include actors Sivaji Ganesan (1995), Kamal Haasan (2016) and Soumitra Chatterjee (2017), and industrialist Nadir Godrej (2008), fashion designer Manish Arora (2016) and Wipro founder Azim Premji (2018).
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award, on 13 July 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France.
India and France Relationship
- India and France have a close relationship that dates back to the time of India’s independence.
- In 1998, the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement, which marked 25 years of collaboration in 2023.
- India and France share a close convergence on a range of regional and global issues.
Their relationship includes:
Economic ties
- In 2022-23, trade relations between India and France reached $13.4 billion, a 7.72% increase from the previous year. France’s economic capacities, business, industry, capital, and technologies have linkages with India’s economy and developmental goals.
Defense relations
- India and France have a defense relationship dating back to almost 70 years.
- France is one of India’s main partners for armaments.
Space cooperation
- India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s Centre National de Etudes Spatiales (CNES) have a history of cooperation spanning about four decades.
- The countries have launched the Strategic Space Dialogue, signed a Letter of Intent on Defence Space Cooperation, and an MoU between ISRO’s New Space India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace of France for satellite launch missions.
Support for India’s nuclear stature
- In 1998, when India conducted nuclear tests and declared itself a nuclear-weapon state, France was the first country to offer support.
Secularism
- Both India and France uphold the principle of freedom of religion.
- They also both prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion and state neutrality.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 6. Consider the following statements with regards to Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur:
1. This award acknowledges extraordinary accomplishments and services rendered to Germany. 2. It covers contributions in arts, literature, science and public service, among others. 3. Shashi Tharoor was recently awarded this award.
Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 2 only D. 3 only
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Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (UPSC Prelims 2022)
1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award. 2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far. 3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of compared to others, Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C
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| Answer 6– A
Explanation · The Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. · It is France’s highest civilian award that acknowledges extraordinary accomplishments and services rendered to France. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · The President of the French Republic is the Grand Master of the Order of the Legion of Honour. · This award covers contributions in arts, literature, science and public service, among others. · So, statement 2 is correct. · Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor was honored with France’s highest civilian distinction, the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, at a discreet ceremony held at the French embassy in the national capital. So, statement 3 is correct. |