CARE 5th July 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (05-07-2024)

News at a Glance

Environment and Ecology: Critically endangered Great Indian Bustards’ recovery program

Disaster Management: Rising Arctic wildfires in the world

International Relations: EAM Jaishankar attends Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit

Australia-India Strategic Research Fund

Economy: Centre issues Scheme Guidelines for funding of testing facilities, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustards’ recovery program 

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/great-indian-bustards-recovery-conservation-9430708/

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Environment and Ecology)

Context: Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

Why in News 

• Recently, CAMPA sanctioned Rs 56 crore for the continuation of the conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican from 2024 to 2029.

What is the Great Indian Bustard recovery plan and conservation program? 

• The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird found only in India. 
• It is known to be a key indicator species of the grassland habitat, which means its survival also signals the health of grassland habitats.
• Over the past four decades, its population has declined steadily from being in the range of 700 individuals to less than 150 as of today, as per the Rajasthan Forest Department. 
• Loss of their habitat to rising farmlands in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, depredation of eggs by other predators such as dogs, monitor lizards and humans and more recently, death due to overhead power lines have caused their numbers to decline.

Establishment of Conservation Breeding Centers

• The initiative began with the establishment of Conservation Breeding Centers (CBCs) in Ramdevra and Sorsan, Rajasthan. 
• The CBCs started operations with temporary facilities in Sam, Jaisalmer, in June 2019, focusing on collecting eggs from the wild. 
• This effort has resulted in a founder population of 40 GIBs at the breeding centers. Of these, 29 birds were originally sourced from wild eggs, while 11 were born through breeding at the centers.

Genetic Diversity and Minimum Viable Population

• The breeding program aims to maintain genetic variability and establish a minimum viable population in captivity. 
• This requires a minimum of 20 adult birds, including 15 females, as per the 2018 tripartite agreement. 
• The ongoing strategy includes annual collection of four to six GIB eggs from the wild until the captive population can be reintroduced into the wild. 

Future Plans for Great Indian Bustard Conservation 

• Upgradation of Conservation Breeding Centers
  • The upcoming phase of the conservation program (2024-2029) focuses on upgrading the CBCs at Ramdevra and establishing a CBC for Lesser Floricans at Sorsan, Rajasthan. 
  • These efforts are aimed at enhancing breeding facilities and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial insemination, scheduled to commence in 2026.
• Population Surveys and Habitat Management
  • Comprehensive population surveys are planned across Rajasthan and other range states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. 
  • These surveys will inform habitat management strategies crucial for the survival and rewilding of captive-bred GIBs. 
  • Habitat security remains a critical issue, with ongoing efforts to mitigate threats posed by infrastructure like power lines.
• Release of Captive-Bred GIBs into the Wild

• A key milestone in the next phase is the release of captive-bred GIBs into the wild. 
• This process involves soft releases in enclosures within Rajasthan, preparing the birds for full integration into their natural habitat. 
• Training programs are underway to prepare the birds for these releases.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts 

• Habitat Security
  • Despite efforts to secure habitats with measures like bird diverters on power lines, challenges persist. 
  • The landscape changes in districts like Jaisalmer have impacted the natural habitat of GIBs, necessitating continuous monitoring and intervention.
• Community Engagement and Livelihood Considerations
  • Conservation efforts emphasize collaboration with local communities, ensuring that habitat restoration and management benefit from community involvement. 
  • Initiatives include sterilization of dogs and translocation of predators away from breeding areas, aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict and enhancing habitat suitability.

Great Indian Bustard 

• • The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
  • It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
  • Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat. 
  • Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

• Vulnerability:

• • • The bird is under constant threats due to collision/electrocution with power transmission lines, hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan), habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion, etc.
    • GIBs are a slow-reproducing species. They lay a few eggs and have almost a year-long parental care of chicks. 
    • The GIB achieves maturity in around 3-4 years.

• Protection Status:

• • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix 1
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to Great Indian Bustard: Conservation efforts include establishing breeding centers in Rajasthan to rear chicks from wild-collected eggs. Future plans involve upgrading these centers and integrating artificial insemination technology. Population surveys across multiple states will inform habitat management strategies crucial for the bird’s survival.  Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? 1 and 2 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

Q. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species? (2012) (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass (b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard (c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane) (d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal Ans: (a)

Answer 1- B Explanation: Conservation efforts indeed include establishing breeding centers in Rajasthan to rear chicks from wild-collected eggs. Hence Statement 1 is correct. Future plans do involve upgrading the centers, but integrating artificial insemination technology is not included. The focus is on rewilding captive-bred birds. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect. Population surveys across multiple states are aimed at informing habitat management strategies, which are crucial for the bird’s survival. Hence Statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Rising Arctic wildfires in the world

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/arctic-wildfires-9433414/

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Disaster Management, Ecology and Environment

Context: Wildfires in the Arctic

Why in News 

• Wildfires in the Arctic have intensified in recent years, posing significant environmental challenges. 

Key Highlights

• The latest outbreak, the third in five years, has primarily affected Sakha, Russia, burning nearly 460,000 hectares of land by June 24.
• June 2023 saw emissions of 6.8 megatonnes of carbon, marking the third highest monthly total in the past two decades, trailing only behind June 2020 and 2019.
• These wildfires, exacerbated by global warming, threaten the Arctic’s boreal forests and tundra ecosystems, traditionally adapted to fire but now facing increased risks.

Why have Arctic wildfires become worse?

• Rapid Arctic Warming

• • • The Arctic region is warming at a much faster rate than the global average, approximately four times faster. 
    • Since 1980, the Arctic has warmed by about 3 degrees Celsius on average, significantly altering its environmental conditions.

• Increased Frequency of Lightning

• • • The warming climate has led to more frequent occurrences of lightning in the Arctic. 
    • Studies, such as a 2017 report, have shown that lightning-sparked fires have more than doubled in places like Alaska and the Northwest Territories since 1975. 
    • Lightning strikes are a primary ignition source for wildfires in the region.

• Drier Conditions

• • • Warmer temperatures contribute to drier conditions in the Arctic, making vegetation more susceptible to ignition and fire spread. 
    • Dry fuels, combined with increased lightning strikes, create ideal conditions for wildfires to start and spread rapidly across vast areas.

• Feedback Loops

• • • Wildfires in the Arctic release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases stored in vegetation and soil. 
    • This contributes to further warming and climate change, creating a feedback loop where wildfires intensify due to climate-induced factors, and in turn, contribute to more warming.

• Ecological Impact

• The intensification of wildfires threatens Arctic ecosystems, including boreal forests and tundra landscapes. 

• These regions are adapted to periodic fires, but the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires exceed their natural resilience, leading to ecological degradation and loss of habitat. 

• Increased Lightning Frequency

• • • As temperatures rise, the Arctic experiences more frequent thunderstorms, which are crucial for lightning strikes that ignite wildfires. 
    • The presence of warm, moist updrafts over ice-free land enhances the likelihood of thunderstorm development.

• Impact of Polar Jet Stream

• • • Rising temperatures have slowed down the polar jet stream, which normally circulates air between mid- and northern latitudes. 
    • This slowdown can cause the jet stream to become stationary, leading to prolonged periods of warm weather and hindering the movement of low-pressure systems that bring precipitation. This dry and warm weather exacerbates conditions conducive to wildfires.

• Intensification of Heatwaves

• • Stagnant polar jet streams can contribute to heatwaves in the Arctic, resulting in prolonged periods of high temperatures. 
  • These heatwaves increase the likelihood of wildfires by drying out vegetation and creating favourable conditions for fire ignition and spread.

How Arctic wildfires can exacerbate global warming?

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: When wildfires burn vegetation and organic matter in the Arctic, they release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This contributes directly to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Permafrost Thawing: Arctic wildfires can expose and thaw permafrost, which stores vast amounts of carbon (estimated at around 1,700 billion metric tons). Permafrost is a frozen layer of soil and sediment that has been frozen for at least two consecutive years. When it thaws, organic material such as dead plants and animals trapped in the permafrost begins to decompose. This decomposition releases additional carbon dioxide and methane (another potent greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere.
• Feedback Loop: Thawing of Arctic permafrost creates a dangerous feedback loop. As more carbon is released from thawing permafrost, it further accelerates global warming. This feedback loop could potentially lead to irreversible consequences and make it extremely challenging to limit global warming to safe thresholds, such as the 1.5 degrees Celsius target outlined in climate agreements.
• Amplification of Global Risks: Changes in the Arctic, including wildfires and permafrost thawing, have global repercussions. Increased greenhouse gas emissions from Arctic wildfires amplify the risks of climate change worldwide, affecting weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity on a global scale.

Future Projections 

• Climate models suggest that these trends—rising temperatures, increased lightning frequency, and more frequent heatwaves—will likely continue to worsen in the coming decades. 
• Reports indicate that by 2050, wildfires in the Arctic and globally could increase by approximately one-third, highlighting the escalating threat posed by climate-induced fires.
  

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q2. Consider the following Statements: Wildfires are natural events that occur when dry vegetation ignites and spreads rapidly, fueled by wind and dry conditions. The Bambi Bucket is a specialized aerial firefighting tool used in rapidly extinguishing forest fires.  Wildfires can devastate ecosystems, destroy habitats, and threaten human lives and infrastructure, requiring significant resources for suppression and recovery efforts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2 and 3 only 3 only 1 and 3 only  1, 2, 3

Q. Consider the following: (2019) Carbon monoxide Methane Ozone Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (d)

Answer 2– D Explanation: Wildfires are indeed natural events triggered when dry vegetation ignites and spreads quickly under favourable conditions like wind and dry weather. Hence Statement 1 is correct. The Bambi Bucket, a specialized aerial firefighting tool, is crucial in rapidly extinguishing forest fires by allowing helicopters to collect and drop large quantities of water directly onto fire-affected areas, enhancing firefighting efforts and containment strategies. Hence Statement 2 is correct Wildfires can cause extensive damage to ecosystems, destroy habitats, and pose significant threats to human lives and infrastructure. This necessitates substantial resources for firefighting efforts and post-fire recovery. Hence Statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

EAM Jaishankar attends Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/what-is-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-9432151/

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations

Context: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit

Why in News 

• Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

• Its origins lie in the “Shanghai Five”, formed in 1996 and consisting of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
• With the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 into 15 independent countries, there were concerns in the region about extremist religious groups and ethnic tensions coming to the fore. 
• To manage these issues, a grouping was created for cooperation on security matters. 
• Building on this, SCO was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai as an international organisation, and also included Uzbekistan as a sixth member. 
• Before the inclusion of Belarus, it had nine members: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Afghanistan and Mongolia hold Observer Status.

Why is the SCO significant?

• SCO is one of the few international organisations which deal with security issues and primarily has Asian members. 
• Regional heavyweights Russia and China have stressed its position as an alternative to a “Western” international order. 
• Along with the BRICS grouping, which has India, South Africa and Brazil as well, the two countries are seen positioning against US influence.
• But despite declarations of a “limitless friendship” between China and Russia in recent years, there is also a sense of competition between them over who wields greater influence at such forums.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and China 

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has evolved into a geopolitical platform where both Russia and China vie for influence, particularly in Central Asia rich in oil and gas resources. 
• China, bolstered by its economic prowess and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), invests heavily in infrastructure projects across the region, while Russia maintains its historical ties. 
• The SCO’s expansion, including India and Pakistan in 2017, reflects this strategic maneuvering, with Russia backing India and China supporting Pakistan to maintain a balance. 
• This expansion also responds to tensions with the United States, exacerbated by events like the Russia-Ukraine War and trade disputes with China. 
• However, despite its ambitions, the SCO’s effectiveness remains limited, noted for its vague initiatives that do little to resolve underlying regional rivalries and tensions among member states.

What relevance does the SCO hold for India?

• SCO membership allows India to participate in a forum which enhances its scope of cooperation with Central Asian countries, which have not had particularly close relations with India since their formation in 1991. 
• It also matters for maintaining communication with major actors in the region on common security issues.
• For example, an important permanent structure within the SCO is the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). 
• It assists members in the preparation and staging of counter-terrorism exercises, analyses key intelligence information coming in from the member states, and shares information on terrorist movements and drug trafficking.
• However, the relevance of the organisation comes into question given the difficulty in managing ties among the partners. 
• India shares tense relationships with China and Pakistan at present. 
• When the summit was to be held under India’s presidency as part of the rotation, it decided to hold a virtual summit instead.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q3. Consider the following statements The SCO, established in 2001, promotes cooperation among its member states primarily in security and economic spheres across Eurasia. Member countries of the SCO include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations, collaborating on regional stability and counterterrorism efforts. Challenges facing the SCO include balancing diverse national interests and navigating historical tensions among its members, influencing its effectiveness in addressing shared regional concerns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1, 2 and 3 Only 2 and 3  Only 1 and 3 Only 2

Q. Consider the following: (2022) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Missile Technology Control Regime Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member of which of the above? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d)

Answer 3 A Explanation The SCO indeed promotes cooperation in security and economic areas among its member states across Eurasia. Hence statement 1 is correct. The SCO includes these member countries and they do collaborate on various issues, including regional stability and counterterrorism efforts. Hence statement 2 is correct. The SCO faces challenges related to managing diverse national interests and historical tensions among its members, which can affect its effectiveness in addressing regional issues. Hence statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Centre issues Scheme Guidelines for funding of testing facilities, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Source: PIB

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030686

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy

Context: National Green Hydrogen Mission

Why in News 

• The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) of India has launched guidelines on July 4, 2024, aimed at enhancing testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. 

Key Highlights

• • National Green Hydrogen Mission is part of India’s broader strategy to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels through the development of Green Hydrogen technologies.

• Objectives

• • • Enhancement of Testing Facilities: The primary objective of the scheme is to address the existing gaps in testing facilities across the value chain of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. This includes components, technologies, and processes involved in the production, storage, and utilization of Green Hydrogen. The focus is on ensuring that these facilities meet international standards for quality, sustainability, and safety.
    • Creation and Upgradation: The scheme supports the creation of new testing facilities where gaps are identified and the upgrading of existing facilities to modern standards. This includes investments in equipment, infrastructure, and human resources necessary to conduct comprehensive testing and validation of Green Hydrogen technologies.
  • Implementation Agency
  • The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has been designated as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA). 
  • NISE will oversee the implementation of the scheme, including the disbursement of funds, monitoring of projects, and coordination with stakeholders involved in the Green Hydrogen ecosystem.

• Budget Allocation

• • The scheme has a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 200 crores allocated until the financial year 2025-26. 
  • This funding will support various initiatives aimed at strengthening the testing capabilities within India’s Green Hydrogen sector.

Significance and Impact

• Strategic Goals:

• • • Self-Reliance: The initiative supports India’s goal to become self-reliant in clean energy technologies, particularly Green Hydrogen.
    • Global Leadership: It aims to position India as a leader in Green Hydrogen technology development and deployment, contributing to the global Clean Energy Transition.

• Economic and Environmental Benefits:

• • Decarbonization: By promoting Green Hydrogen, the mission contributes to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.
  • Energy Security: It reduces India’s dependency on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and resilience.

Background and Context

• The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched on January 4, 2023, with a comprehensive strategy and financial outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores up to the fiscal year 2029-30. 
• This mission underscores India’s commitment to sustainable development and clean energy solutions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

• • National Green Hydrogen Mission is a program to incentivise the commercial production of green hydrogen and make India a net exporter of the fuel.
  • The Mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen.

• Sub Schemes:

• • • Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT):
    • It will fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and produce green hydrogen.

• Green Hydrogen Hubs:

• • • States and regions capable of supporting large scale production and/or utilization of hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.

• Objective:

• • • Developing green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum, alongside adding renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW (gigawatt) in India by 2030.
    • It aims to entail over Rs 8 lakh crore of total investments and is expected to generate six lakh jobs.
    • It will also lead to a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over Rs 1 lakh crore and an abatement of nearly 50 MT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

• Significance:

• • It will help entail the decarbonisation of the industrial, mobility and energy sectors; reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock; developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities; creating employment opportunities; and developing new technologies such as efficient fuel cells.
    

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q4. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to enhance testing facilities and infrastructure to ensure quality and safety standards across the Green Hydrogen value chain. Statement-II: The World Institute of Sustainable Energy is designated as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? A. Statement-I is true, and Statement-II is false. B. Statement-I is false, and Statement-II is true. C. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true. D. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are false.

Q. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust” (2010) (a) NH3 (b) CH4 (c) H2O (d) H2O2 Ans: (c)

Answer 4 A Explanation The National Green Hydrogen Mission, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), indeed focuses on funding testing facilities and infrastructure. This initiative aims to identify gaps in existing testing facilities, upgrade them, and establish new ones to support safe operations and quality assurance in Green Hydrogen production. Hence Statement 1 is correct. The guidelines specify that National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will oversee the implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA). NISE’s role includes managing the disbursement of funds, monitoring project progress, and coordinating activities related to enhancing testing facilities and infrastructure. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect.  Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Australia-India Strategic Research Fund

Source: PIB

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2030586

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations

Context: Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF).

Why in News 

• The Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the results of the 15th round of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF).

Overview of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF)

• The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) is a bilateral program fostering collaborative research initiatives between Australia and India. 
• It focuses on addressing global challenges through joint scientific efforts.

Selected Projects and Their Objectives

• AI-driven Platform for Monitoring Soil Carbon Sequestration

• • • Develop an AI-driven platform to monitor and enhance soil carbon sequestration processes crucial for climate change mitigation.

• Eco-friendly Recovery of Essential Metals from Obsolete Mobile Devices

• • • Implement eco-friendly methods to recover essential metals from electronic waste generated by mobile devices.

• Cost-effective Solar Thermal Desalination with Nanomaterials

• • • Design cost-effective solar thermal desalination systems using nanomaterials to address freshwater scarcity.

• Harnessing the Immune System Against Antimicrobial Resistance

• • • Explore methods to harness the immune system’s capabilities to combat antimicrobial resistance, a global health concern.

• Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Microbial Infections

• • Develop advanced diagnostics and innovative therapeutics for effective detection and treatment of microbial infections.

Significance

• The AISRF-funded projects reflect a commitment to scientific excellence and collaboration, aiming to achieve impactful outcomes in AI, biotechnology, urban mining, solar technologies, and healthcare. 
• These initiatives underscore the mutual benefit and shared commitment of India and Australia towards advancing global research and innovation.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q5.  Consider the following statements with reference to the Indian Pharmaceutical sector: 1. Globally, India is the largest provider of generic drugs. 2. The Indian Pharmaceutical industry is currently ranked third in pharmaceutical production by volume. 3. Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global demand for various vaccines. 4. India is the largest exporter of medical goods in the world. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1, 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 3 and 4 only

Q. Consider, the following statements: (2023) Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II : Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme. 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 Ans: (d)

Answer 5 A Explanation India is the world’s largest generic drug provider, with a reputation for producing low-cost vaccines and generic medications. India is the world’s largest provider of generic pharmaceuticals, accounting for 20% of total supply by volume and over 60% of global immunisation demand. Hence is Statement 1 correct. The Indian pharmaceutical sector is currently rated third in pharmaceutical output by volume, having evolved over time into a robust business with a CAGR of 9.43% over the last nine years, and 14th in value.  Hence is Statement 2 correct. Indian pharmaceutical companies currently supply more than 80% of the antiretroviral medications used worldwide to combat AIDS. India is appropriately renowned as the “pharmacy of the world” because of the low cost and great quality of its pharmaceuticals. Hence is Statement 3 correct. In 2022, the top exporters of Pharmaceutical products were Germany ($125B), Switzerland ($93.8B), United States ($90B), Ireland ($83.5B), and Belgium ($73.5B). Indian pharmaceuticals are exported to over 200 nations around the world, with the United States being the primary market. Hence is Statement 4 incorrect. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.