10 April 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):

1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory body whose primary objective is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
2. BEE gives financial assistance to institutions for promoting efficient use of energy and its conservation.
3. The items covered under the Star Labeling Programme includes Deep Freezers, Light Commercial Air Conditioners, Domestic Gas Stove, Ballast and Microwave Oven.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1: BEE is a statutory body under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Its primary objective is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy by promoting energy efficiency and conservation across all sectors of the economy.
• S2: BEE provides financial assistance to various institutions, including industries, non-profit organizations, and research institutions, to implement energy-efficient technologies and practices.
• S3: The Star Labeling Programme is a voluntary scheme that labels appliances and equipment based on their energy efficiency. The items covered under this program include refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, fans, and various other appliances.

Q2. With reference to India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017 consider the following statements:

1. ECBC sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with the objective of enabling energy savings of between 25 and 50 per cent in compliant buildings.
2. ECBC is for both new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings.
3. While ECBC acts as a national standard, states across India have the flexibility to modify the code depending on unique regional needs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)

Explanation: What is ECBC?

• ECBC sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with the objective of enabling energy savings of between 25 and 50 per cent in compliant buildings. The code is applicable to commercial buildings like hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, and multiplexes which have a connected load of 100 kW or more, or contract demand of 120 kVA or more.
• It primarily looks at six components of building design including envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting systems, HVAC systems, and electrical power system, and the requirements under each of these components are split between mandatory and prescriptive. ECBC is for both new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings. Compliant buildings are assigned one of three tags in ascending order of efficiency, namely ECBC, ECBC Plus, and Super ECBC.
• Compared to ECBC, 2007, the updated 2017 code has additional priorities of renewable energy integration, ease of compliance, inclusion of passive building design strategies, and flexibility for the designers.
• While ECBC acts as a national standard, states across India have the flexibility to modify the code depending on unique regional needs. To enforce the code, states have to draft rules and notify them as state laws.

Q3. State Energy Efficiency Index is published by:

(a) Rural Electrification Corporation

(b) NITI Aayog

(c) Bureau of Energy Efficiency

(d) Reserve Bank of India

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• State Energy Efficiency Index developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, in association with Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), assesses, the annual progress of states and UTs in energy efficiency implementation, for FY 2020-21 and 2021-22. SEEI 2021-22 has an updated framework of 50 indicators aligned with national priorities. Programme-specific indicators have been included this year to track outcomes and impacts of state-level energy efficiency initiatives.

Q4. A movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

(a) S. Ramanujan

(b) S. Chandrasekhar

(c) S. N. Bose

(d) C. V. Raman

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Srinivasa Ramanujan’s college, the historical Government Arts College in Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu), is undergoing a restoration project.
• Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) was an Indian mathematician renowned for his extraordinary contributions to number theory, mathematical analysis, and continued fractions. He self-taught mathematics and gained recognition for his talent. Ramanujan’s work included groundbreaking results in mathematical analysis, infinite series, and elliptic functions.
• Despite facing initial challenges, he collaborated with British mathematician G. H. Hardy at Cambridge University. National Mathematics Day is celebrated on Srinivasa Ramanujan’s birth anniversary (22nd December)

Q5. Consider the following statements about Kondaveedu Fort:

1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. It is located in the present-day city of Madikeri, Karnataka.

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

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Kondaveedu Fort in Andhra Pradesh now hosts a cultural gallery showcasing its rich historical significance from the 13th to the 20th century

About the fort:

• Kondaveedu Fort located south of River Krishna near Guntur, was constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddy. It was used as the capital by the Reddy dynasty between 1328 and 1482, shifting from their former capital at Addanki
• It was taken by the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1516.
• The Reddy dynasty was based in Coastal Andhra, spanning from Vishakapatnam in the north to Kanchipuram in the south. They were notable patrons of Telugu literature.