27 August 2024

Q1. With reference to the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, consider the following statements:

1. The meeting proposed the concept of ‘zero poverty’ villages for holistic development.
2. The meeting focused on formulating a vision for India to become a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.
3. The Prime Minister encouraged the creation of a National River Grid for effective utilization of water resources.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The concept of ‘zero poverty’ villages was indeed discussed during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, aiming for holistic development starting at the grassroots level. So, this statement is correct.
• Statement 2: The meeting did focus on the vision of India becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, reflecting the nation’s ambition for sustained economic growth and global competitiveness. Hence, this statement is correct.
• Statement 3: The Prime Minister encouraged the creation of River Grids at the state level, not a National River Grid. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding NITI Aayog:

1. NITI Aayog was established with a ‘Top-Down’ approach for policy formulation.
2. The Governing Council of NITI Aayog includes all Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories with legislatures.
3. The Atal Innovation Mission is an initiative under NITI Aayog to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

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

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: NITI Aayog was established on 1st January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. Unlike the Planning Commission’s ‘Top-Down’ approach, NITI Aayog emphasizes a ‘Bottom-Up’ approach to policy formulation, focusing on cooperative federalism. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The Governing Council of NITI Aayog includes all Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories with legislatures, making this statement correct.
• Statement 3: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is indeed an initiative under NITI Aayog aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Hence, this statement is correct.

Q3. With reference to lithium mining in India, consider the following statements:

1. India has discovered significant lithium reserves in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. The Ministry of Mines in India has successfully auctioned the lithium blocks discovered in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Lithium is a critical component for the manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: This is correct. Significant lithium reserves have been discovered in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, marking an important milestone in India’s efforts to secure domestic sources of this critical mineral.
• Statement 2: This is incorrect. The Ministry of Mines has not successfully auctioned the lithium blocks. The auction process for these blocks has been delayed and canceled multiple times due to various challenges.
• Statement 3: This is correct. Lithium is indeed a critical component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems.

Q4. Consider the following statements about the challenges in lithium mining in India:

1. Environmental concerns are one of the major challenges in the extraction of lithium in India.
2. India currently lacks the technological infrastructure for large-scale lithium extraction and processing.
3. The global demand for lithium is expected to decline as alternative battery technologies emerge.

Which of the above statements is/are corre

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: This is correct. Environmental concerns, including the potential impact on local ecosystems and water resources, are significant challenges associated with lithium mining in India.
• Statement 2: This is correct. India currently lacks the technological infrastructure and expertise for large-scale lithium extraction and processing, making it a challenge to fully utilize domestic lithium resources.
• Statement 3: This is incorrect. The global demand for lithium is expected to increase, not decline, as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems continue to grow in popularity. While research into alternative battery technologies is ongoing, lithium-ion batteries are likely to remain dominant for the foreseeable future.

Q5. With reference to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in India, consider the following statements:

1. The NSPS aims to reduce suicide mortality in India by 20% by the year 2030.
2. The strategy includes the establishment of psychiatric outpatient departments in every district within five years.
3. One of the objectives of NSPS is to integrate mental well-being curricula into educational institutions.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) aims to reduce suicide mortality in India by 10% by the year 2030, not 20%. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The NSPS includes the objective of establishing psychiatric outpatient departments in all districts within five years. This statement is correct.
• Statement 3: Integrating mental well-being curricula into educational institutions is one of the objectives of NSPS, to be achieved within eight years. This statement is correct.