Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE(07-11-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Cabinet approves PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme for higher education |
| Economy: India’s 2024-25 Kharif output at record 164.7 million tonnes; rice at all-time high, pulses lower than average |
| Centre infuses equity of ₹10,700 crore in Food Corporation of India |
| Science and Technology: Bird flu detected in a pig in US, raises red flags over species transmission |
| Art and Culture: Social worker from Odisha gets third Rohini Nayyar prize |
Cabinet approves PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme for higher education
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance:
Context: PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister approved a new Central Sector Scheme, PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme.
Overview
- The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently introduced the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, aimed at providing financial support for meritorious students pursuing higher education in India.
- This Central Sector Scheme, launched on November 6, 2024, seeks to make quality education accessible to deserving students by covering tuition fees and other academic expenses through collateral-free, guarantor-free loans.
Key Objectives of the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
The primary goals of PM Vidyalaxmi are:
- Financial Inclusion in Higher Education: To enable talented students, regardless of their economic background, to pursue higher education.
- Reduction of Financial Barriers: By offering loans without collateral or the need for a guarantor, the scheme reduces the financial stress typically associated with student loans.
- Encouragement of Quality Education: It promotes enrollment in top institutions by limiting eligibility to high-ranking institutions, thereby fostering quality learning environments.
Eligibility and Coverage
Under PM Vidyalaxmi, the following eligibility and coverage criteria apply:
- Institutions Covered: Students who secure admission in one of the 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) across India are eligible. These institutions are identified based on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings, and include:
- All Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) (both government and private) ranked within the top 100 in NIRF rankings across overall, category-specific, and domain-specific lists.
- State government-run institutions positioned between 101 and 200 in NIRF rankings.
- All Central government-run institutions regardless of ranking.
- Student Eligibility: An estimated 22 lakh students will benefit from the scheme, as per the Ministry of Education’s projections.
Loan Provisions
PM Vidyalaxmi provides loans to cover the full tuition and related expenses without requiring collateral or a guarantor.
The key aspects of the loan structure are:
- Collateral-Free and Guarantor-Free Loans: Students admitted to eligible QHEIs can access loans from banks and financial institutions without the need for collateral or a guarantor. This is especially advantageous for students from economically weaker sections.
- Credit Guarantee for Small Loans: For loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, the government offers a credit guarantee of 75%. This guarantee encourages banks to extend loans to a broader pool of students, ensuring that banks are safeguarded against potential defaults.
- Interest Subvention for Economically Disadvantaged Students:
- Students from families with an annual income up to ₹8 lakh can access a 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakh during the moratorium period. This means that for eligible students, the government will subsidize 3% of the interest rate, making the loans more affordable.
- Eligibility for this interest subvention applies to students who are not already covered by other government scholarship or interest subvention schemes.
- Targeted Beneficiary Pool: Preference for this interest subvention is given to students from government institutions pursuing technical or professional courses. This targets students in high-demand fields where the cost of education is typically higher, thus promoting skilled workforce development.
Financial Outlay and Expected Beneficiaries
To support the implementation of PM Vidyalaxmi, an allocation of ₹3,600 crore has been made for the period 2024-25 to 2030-31. This budget will support:
- An estimated 7 lakh new students over this period, who will benefit from the interest subvention.
- One lakh students every year who will receive interest subvention support during the moratorium period.
Implementation and Ranking-Based Selection of Institutions
- The scheme applies exclusively to top QHEIs as determined by the NIRF rankings, which ensures that the financial aid is directed toward high-quality educational institutions.
- The NIRF rankings provide a comprehensive measure of quality, considering factors like teaching standards, research, and outreach.
- By limiting the eligibility to the top-ranked institutions, the scheme encourages students to pursue studies in environments that are equipped to offer advanced education and research opportunities.
Benefits
The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is designed to:
- Make higher education affordable for a wider population by eliminating the need for collateral and offering loans at subsidized rates for economically disadvantaged students.
- Ensure that quality education is accessible to deserving students by tying eligibility to the rankings of the educational institutions.
- Promote technical and professional education, aligning with national objectives for skilled workforce development.
Conclsuion
- The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is a forward-looking initiative that not only aims to ease financial barriers in higher education but also ensures that deserving students can focus on their academic pursuits without the weight of financial constraints.
- The government’s focus on supporting students in technical and professional courses further emphasizes India’s commitment to fostering a skilled and well-educated population.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. With reference to the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, consider the following statements:
1. The scheme provides collateral-free and guarantor-free loans for students who secure admission in any government-recognized higher education institution. 2. Students from families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakh are eligible for a 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakh during the moratorium period, provided they are not covered by other government scholarship schemes. 3. The scheme is applicable to the top 860 institutions as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’? (2017)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Ans: (b)
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| Answer – 1 – B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is incorrect because the scheme is only applicable to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) identified based on NIRF rankings, not all government-recognized institutions. · Statement 2 is correct; the scheme provides a 3% interest subvention for students with family income up to ₹8 lakh, who are not benefiting from other government scholarship or interest subvention schemes. · Statement 3 is correct as the scheme applies to the top 860 institutions determined by NIRF rankings.
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India’s 2024-25 Kharif output at record 164.7 million tonnes; rice at all-time high, pulses lower than average
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: 2024-25 Kharif season
Why in News
- The 2024-25 Kharif season has seen significant shifts in crop production, with certain crops experiencing record production, while others, like pulses, have faced a decline.
Key Highlights of Kharif 2024-25 Production
- Rice Production:
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- Record Production: The production of rice in the Kharif 2024-25 season is estimated to reach 120 million tonnes (MT), marking a 5.8% increase compared to last year. This is the highest production in the last 11 years.
Reasons for Growth:
- The boost in rice production can largely be attributed to the above-normal rainfall received during the southwest monsoon. The rains helped in improving the yield of paddy, the main Kharif crop.
- The introduction of the Digital Crop Survey (DCS), part of the Digital Agriculture Mission, played a key role in accurately estimating crop areas, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, where 100% of districts were covered.
- This enhanced the reliability of crop area data and led to a substantial rise in rice cultivation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
- Kharif Pulses Production:
- Decline in Production: The total production of Kharif pulses is estimated to be around 7 million tonnes (MT), which is the lowest in the last nine years.
Reasons for Decline:
- The primary factor behind this decline is low acreage for pulses cultivation and excessive rainfall in key producing regions, which adversely affected the pulse crops.
- Urad (black gram) production saw a sharp decline, from 6 MT in 2023-24 to 1.2 MT in 2024-25, representing a 25% drop. This was a significant contributor to the overall decline in pulses production.
- While moong (green gram) production showed a slight increase to 3 MT, it still fell short of the average production (1.4 MT) over the past decade.
- The only pulse to show a rise in production was tur (pigeon pea), which exceeded its average production levels.
Overall Kharif Foodgrain Production:
- The total Kharif foodgrain production is projected to be at a record high of 7 MT, an increase of 8.9 MT from the previous year and 12.4 MT higher than the average Kharif foodgrain production.
- This record production was primarily driven by the increases in the production of rice, jowar (sorghum), and maize, which performed well due to favorable weather conditions and improved agricultural practices.
Other Non-Foodgrain Crops:
- Oilseeds: The production of oilseeds in the Kharif 2024-25 season was estimated to be 5% higher than last year’s output, indicating positive growth in this category.
- Sugarcane, Cotton, and Jute: These crops, however, experienced a decline in production during this period.
- The reasons for this decline include weather-related factors such as excessive rainfall and potentially unfavorable climatic conditions for these crops.
Role of the Digital Crop Survey (DCS):
- For the first time, the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) was used to estimate crop areas.
- This survey, conducted under the Digital Agriculture Mission, marks a shift from the traditional Girdawari system used for manual crop estimation. The DCS helps in:
- Accurate Crop Area Estimation: By leveraging digital tools and satellite imagery, the DCS provides more precise and real-time data on crop areas, allowing for better planning and policy decisions.
- State-Specific Coverage: In 2024, the DCS was implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha, where 100% of districts were covered, thus improving the overall accuracy of crop area estimates.
Impact on Rice and Pulses Production:
- Rice: The increase in rice production is largely attributed to the accurate estimation of area under cultivation through the DCS, as well as the favorable monsoon. States like Uttar Pradesh have seen a significant rise in rice acreage.
- Pulses: The decline in pulses, particularly urad, is due to factors like low acreage (less land was devoted to pulse crops) and the negative effects of heavy rainfall during the growing season, which damaged crops in key producing regions.
Summary of Major Trends:
- Record production in rice, jowar, and maize in 2024-25, driven by favorable monsoon and accurate crop area estimation using DCS.
- Declining production in pulses, especially urad, due to low acreage and excessive rainfall.
- Oilseeds showed positive growth, while crops like sugarcane, cotton, and jute experienced declines.
Conclusion
- The Kharif 2024-25 season demonstrates a complex pattern of crop performance, with substantial growth in foodgrains like rice and maize, but challenges in pulse production due to adverse weather and acreage issues.
- The shift towards digital crop surveys indicates a forward-thinking approach to agricultural data collection, which can help improve future planning and productivity.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Kharif 2024-25 crop production estimates:
1. The production of rice in Kharif 2024-25 is projected to be the highest in the last 11 years, with a 5.8% increase over the previous year. 2. The Digital Crop Survey (DCS), conducted under the Digital Agriculture Mission, was implemented in 2024-25 for the first time, covering 100% districts in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. 3. The production of pulses in Kharif 2024-25 is estimated to be the highest in the last 9 years, driven by an increase in the area under urad cultivation. 4. The pulses production in 2024-25 is estimated to be 6.9 MT, which is lower than the average production during the last decade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1, 2, and 4 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1, 2, and 3 only (D) 1, 3, and 4 only
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Q. Which of the following pairs about India’s economic indicator and agricultural production (all in rounded figures) are correctly matched? (2008)
1. GDP per capita: 37000 (current price) 2. Rice: 180 million tonnes 3. Wheat: 75 million tonnes (a) 1,2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 Ans. (d)
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| Answer 2– A
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: The production of rice in Kharif 2024-25 is indeed projected to be the highest in the last 11 years, with a 5.8% increase over the previous year. · Statement 2 is correct: The Digital Crop Survey (DCS) was indeed conducted for the first time in 2024-25, and it covered 100% of districts in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. · Statement 3 is incorrect: Pulses production in Kharif 2024-25 is actually lower than the average production of pulses over the past decade, primarily due to a decline in urad production and adverse weather conditions. · Statement 4 is correct: Pulses production in Kharif 2024-25 is estimated to be 6.9 MT, which is lower than the average production of 7.6 MT from the last decade. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Centre infuses equity of ₹10,700 crore in Food Corporation of India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Infusion of Equity in Food Corporation of India (FCI)
Why in News
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a ₹10,700 crore equity infusion in the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to enhance its financial strength, improve procurement operations, and support farmer welfare.
Overview
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a significant infusion of ₹10,700 crore in the Food Corporation of India (FCI) on November 6, 2024.
- This infusion is made by converting the Ways and Means Advance (WMA) into equity for the fiscal year 2024-25.
What is “Ways and Means Advance” (WMA)?
- WMA refers to temporary loans or advances provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to the government to meet its short-term liquidity requirements.
- The conversion of WMA to equity means that the government is transforming short-term borrowings into long-term capital to strengthen the financial position of FCI.
Purpose of the Equity Infusion:
- The infusion of ₹10,700 crore will serve as working capital for FCI, allowing it to efficiently manage its operations in the current financial year. This will help the corporation improve its cash flow and facilitate the procurement of food grains, particularly during peak procurement seasons like the Kharif harvest.
Background and Historical Context of FCI:
- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1964 to implement the policies related to food grain procurement, storage, and distribution in India.
- Initially, FCI had an authorised capital of ₹100 crore and equity of ₹4 crore.
- Over the years, its capital has grown, with ₹4,496 crore in 2019-20, increasing to ₹10,157 crore in 2023-24.
- The latest infusion of ₹10,700 crore aims to further strengthen FCI’s financial position.
Rationale Behind the Infusion:
Boosting Agricultural Sector and Farmer Welfare:
- The decision to infuse additional capital into FCI is part of the government’s broader strategy to support farmers and the agrarian economy.
- It will help ensure timely procurement of food grains from farmers, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, which are major contributors to paddy production.
Addressing Operational Challenges:
- There have been reports of delays in paddy procurement following the Kharif harvest, leading to concerns among farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana.
- The infusion is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of FCI, allowing it to manage procurement and storage more effectively, reducing delays and ensuring smoother operations.
Reducing Borrowing Costs:
- FCI has often resorted to short-term borrowings to meet its working capital needs, which increases the interest burden on the government.
- By converting short-term loans into long-term equity, this infusion will lower the interest burden on FCI and, consequently, reduce the subsidy required from the Government of India to support food distribution.
Impact on FCI’s Transformation
- The infusion of equity is seen as a strategic move to strengthen FCI financially and support its transformation efforts.
- FCI is undergoing reforms to modernize its operations and improve efficiency in food grain procurement, storage, and distribution.
- This infusion will bolster these initiatives and help FCI handle increasing demand, rising operational costs, and the growing complexity of managing India’s food security needs.
Conclusion:
- The infusion of ₹10,700 crore in FCI is a vital step in fortifying India’s agrarian economy and ensuring the welfare of farmers by improving the procurement and storage capabilities of FCI.
- It is also aimed at reducing financial strain on the government and enhancing the overall efficiency of the food grain distribution system in India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Ways and Means Advance (WMA) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI):
1. The Ways and Means Advance (WMA) is a temporary arrangement between the Reserve Bank of India and the government to meet short-term financial needs. 2. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established in 1964 to manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains across the country. 3. The WMA is used by the government to bridge any short-term gaps between its revenue receipts and expenditure, and it can be converted into equity for organizations like FCI. 4. The FCI’s equity was recently enhanced by converting a portion of the WMA into equity, which is aimed at improving its financial strength and operational capacity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (2017)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only Ans: (a)
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| Answer 3– D
Explanation – · Statement 1 is Correct. The Ways and Means Advance (WMA) is a financial arrangement between the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to help the government manage its short-term funding requirements. It is a short-term loan that the government uses to meet its temporary liquidity gaps, typically arising due to mismatches between its receipts and expenditures. · Statement 2 is correct. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was indeed established in 1964, primarily to manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains, particularly rice and wheat, under the government’s food security programs. It plays a key role in the Public Distribution System (PDS) and maintaining food grain stocks for emergencies. · Statement 3 is Correct. The WMA is designed to help the government manage short-term financial gaps. It is primarily used to meet temporary funding needs. In certain cases, portions of the WMA can be converted into equity, as was done in the case of the FCI. This conversion was part of the government’s decision to inject equity into FCI to enhance its financial strength and operational efficiency. · Statement 4 is Correct. The recent infusion of ₹10,700 crore into FCI was made by converting the Ways and Means Advance into equity. This infusion is aimed at strengthening FCI’s financial position, enabling it to carry out its procurement and storage operations more effectively. This was part of the government’s efforts to support the agricultural sector and ensure smooth procurement, especially during the Kharif season. · Therefore, option D is the correct answer. |
Bird flu detected in a pig in US, raises red flags over species transmission
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: Avian Influenza A (H5N1)
Why in News
- The detection of avian influenza A (H5N1) in a pig in Oregon, United States, has raised concerns due to the virus’s infection of a new mammalian host.
Overview
- The detection of avian influenza A (H5N1) in a pig in Oregon, USA, has raised concerns primarily because it marks the first time this virus has been detected in a pig, a new mammalian host.
- The strain of the virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, has been spreading worldwide and affecting a wide range of species, including birds, mammals, and humans.
- This raises alarms about the potential for a new pandemic, as the virus is now able to infect both avian and mammalian species, including pigs, which have receptors similar to humans for influenza viruses.
Avian Influenza Transmission in Pigs:
- The pig infection was confirmed in a farm where poultry and livestock, including pigs, shared space and equipment. This environment facilitated the transmission of the virus between species.
- The possible transmission route was the sharing of water sources and equipment between the pigs and infected poultry, leading to the virus crossing into a mammalian host.
Reassortment of Influenza Viruses:
- A significant concern with influenza viruses is genetic reassortment, which occurs when a host is infected with more than one strain of the virus (in this case, avian and mammalian strains). This can lead to the emergence of new viral strains that are more easily transmitted among animals or even humans.
- The CDC expressed concerns about the adaptability of the A (H5) virus in pigs. Pigs have receptors that allow both avian and human influenza viruses to infect them, making them potential “mixing vessels” for these viruses. This increases the risk of creating new influenza strains through reassortment that could infect humans or spread more easily.
Previous History of Reassortment:
- Genetic reassortment in pigs has occurred in the past, notably leading to the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic. This historical context highlights the potential risks of the H5N1 virus adapting through similar processes.
Current Risk Level:
- Despite the concerns, the CDC has stated that the risk to humans is currently low, as there are no mutations in the virus that have caused serious concern regarding its ability to spread more easily among humans.
- The sequence data from the infected poultry did not show mutations that would suggest a higher risk of human transmission or increased severity of disease.
Global Impact of H5N1:
- As of 2024, the H5N1 virus has infected 44 humans, with some cases linked to cattle and others to poultry. In the U.S., over a million poultry have been affected, and the virus has been detected in various mammalian species like raccoons, bears, and even cats.
- The virus has also been identified in over 400 mammals from 23 species since May 2022, indicating the widespread nature of the infection across different species.
- In summary, while the detection of avian influenza in pigs is a concerning development due to the potential for genetic reassortment and the creation of new, more easily transmissible strains, the CDC maintains that the immediate risk to humans remains low.
- However, continuous monitoring and research are essential to track any potential changes in the virus’s behavior or spread.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||
Q4. Match the following strains of H1N1 with their corresponding year/event:
Options: A. 1 → A, 2 → B, 3 → C, 4 → D B. 1 → B, 2 → A, 3 → D, 4 → C C. 1 → C, 2 → A, 3 → B, 4 → D D. 1 → A, 2 → C, 3 → B, 4 → D
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Q. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (2015)
(a) AIDS Ans: (d)
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| Answer 4- A
Explanation · 1 → A: A(H1N1) 2009 refers to the strain responsible for the 2009 pandemic, caused by reassortment between avian, human, and swine flu viruses. · 2 → B: A(H1N1) 1918, also known as the Spanish flu, caused the devastating 1918 global pandemic. · 3 → C: A(H1N1)pdm09 was the strain that caused the 2009 swine flu pandemic and later became a seasonal flu virus. · 4 → D: A(H1N1) Seasonal refers to the strain of H1N1 that has become part of the regular seasonal flu virus and is included in annual flu vaccines. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Social worker from Odisha gets third Rohini Nayyar prize
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1-Art and Culture
Context: Rohini Nayyar prize
Why in news
- Defence Minister inaugurated the Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing Museum of Valour at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
Overview
- The Rohini Nayyar Prize is a prestigious award instituted by the Rohini Nayyar Foundation to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of rural development.
- This prize was established in memory of Rohini Nayyar, a distinguished economist who made significant contributions to the understanding and mitigation of multidimensional poverty in India.
- It aims to honor individuals whose work has had a meaningful impact on improving rural livelihoods and addressing the challenges faced by rural communities.
Key Features of the Rohini Nayyar Prize:
- Award Structure: The prize includes a cash award of ₹10 lakh, a citation, and a trophy.
- Selection Process: The recipient is chosen by a jury consisting of academics and activists, who assess the nominees based on their work in rural development, with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
This Year’s Winner: Anil Pradhan
- Anil Pradhan, a 28-year-old social worker from Odisha, won the third Rohini Nayyar Prize for his exceptional contributions to rural development, particularly in the areas of education and engineering.
- Background:
- Anil Pradhan hails from the village of Baral in Odisha. He migrated to Bhopal for his education and went on to become a leader in rural development initiatives.
- He is also known for his role as the chief designer of Asia’s first university rocket team, VSLV, showcasing his innovation and engineering prowess.
- Contributions:
- Pradhan has combined his expertise as an engineer and educationist to make a tangible difference in rural areas. His work focuses on empowering rural youth through education and providing access to technology.
- His achievements underscore the importance of education in rural development, aligning with the views expressed by Raghunath A. Mashelkar, a noted scientist, who emphasized the role of education in overcoming poverty and promoting sustainable development in rural India.
Raghunath A. Mashelkar’s Speech:
- Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar, in his address, praised Dr. Nayyar for his work in assessing and addressing multidimensional poverty. He reiterated that education plays a central role in rural development and that civil society has a critical responsibility in ensuring that education reaches underserved areas, particularly in rural India.
Significance of the Prize:
- The Rohini Nayyar Prize serves as both a recognition and a platform for individuals like Anil Pradhan to further their work in rural development.
- It underscores the importance of integrating engineering, education, and community development to foster sustainable growth in rural India.
- It also draws attention to the broader issue of poverty alleviation and the role of innovative solutions in improving living standards in rural areas.
Conclsuion
- Anil Pradhan’s achievement is a testament to the power of innovation and education in rural development. Through his work, he has demonstrated how rural India can be transformed through both technological advancement and a focus on education.
- His recognition through the Rohini Nayyar Prize highlights the importance of such contributions in shaping a better future for rural communities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. The Rohini Nayyar Prize, instituted by the Rohini Nayyar Foundation, is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of rural development. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the prize?
Select the correct answer using the code below: (A) 1 and 3 only
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Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. 3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (d)
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| Answer 5- C
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: The Rohini Nayyar Prize is instituted in memory of the eminent economist Dr. Rohini Nayyar, who contributed significantly to assessing multidimensional poverty in India. · Statement 2 is incorrect: The prize carries a cash award of ₹10 lakh, not ₹5 lakh, along with a citation and a trophy. · Statement 3 is correct: The selection jury for the prize consists of academics and activists who evaluate the nominees based on their work in rural development. · Statement 4 is correct: Anil Pradhan, the recipient of the 2024 prize, is recognized for his contributions to rural development through his work as a social worker, engineer, and educationist. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |