Q1. Gita Mittal Committee was in news recently, is established by the Supreme Court to:
(a) review the gender based reservation in India
(b) monitor the implementation of national judicial data grid
(c) monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts in Manipur
(d) None of the above
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: The Supreme Court of India has informed petitioners involved in the Manipur ethnic violence case that it cannot oversee the administration of the state and encouraged petitioners to place their trust in the Justice Gita Mittal Committee to address the issues raised in the case.
- These issues include the distribution of Aadhaar cards and disability certificates to displaced individuals, compensation for families of the deceased, reconstruction of religious buildings and homes damaged during the violence, handling of bodies, and the functioning of courts in the state.
- Justice Gita Mittal committee was established by the Supreme Court to monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts in Manipur.
Q2. GOBARdhan scheme was launched by the:
(a) Ministry of Jal Shakti
(b) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(c) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
(d) Ministry of Rural Development
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
- Context: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, has introduced a Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan to simplify the registration of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and biogas plants across India.
- So far, over 1,163 biogas plants and 426 CBG plants have been successfully registered on the portal.
- These registered plants are eligible for assistance under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme of the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- The Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, launched by the Department of Fertilizers aims to promote the production and adoption of organic fertilizers generated from GOBARdhan plants. It seeks to encourage sustainable/organic agricultural practices, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and boost the use of bio-slurry in agriculture.
- The GOBARdhan initiative, a multi-ministerial effort, aims to transform organic waste, including cattle dung, agricultural residues, and biomass, into valuable resources like biogas, CBG, and organic manure. This initiative supports high-value Biogas/CBG production and promotes the use of bio-slurry to improve soil health, carbon content, and water retention.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA):
- Once granted, FCRA registration is valid for ten years.
- In case of failure to apply for renewal, the FCRA registration is deemed to have expired, and the NGO is no longer entitled to utilize its existing funds without permission from the Union Home ministry.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
- Once granted, FCRA registration is valid for five years. NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry of registration. In case of failure to apply for renewal, the registration is deemed to have expired, and the NGO is no longer entitled to receive foreign funds or utilise its existing funds without permission from the ministry.
- According to the MHA, NGOs failing to apply before the due date can petition the ministry with cogent reasons within four months of the expiry of registration, following which their applications can be reconsidered.
Q4. Which of the following statements about biofuels is correct?
(a) Biofuels are exclusively derived from fossil fuels.
(b) Biodiesel is primarily produced from animal fats.
(c) Ethanol can be produced from a variety of plant-based sources.
(d) Biofuels have no environmental benefits compared to conventional fossil fuels.
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Ethanol can be produced from a variety of plant-based sources.
- Biofuels are liquid fuels produced from biomass, which is organic matter that comes from plants, animals, or other organisms. Biofuels can be used in transportation, power generation, and other industrial applications.
- Biodiesel is primarily produced from vegetable oils and animal fats. Ethanol can be produced from a variety of plant-based sources, including corn, sugarcane, and sorghum. Biofuels are not exclusively derived from fossil fuels, and they can have a number of environmental benefits compared to conventional fossil fuels.
Q5. In which of the following states is Asola Bhatti sanctuary located?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Delhi
(d) Bihar
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Context: The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, is set to conduct a study on the biodiversity of the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi and formulate a management plan for the sanctuary.
- The study aims to assess the potential socio-economic impacts on nearby villages by preserving the ecological integrity of the ecosystem. It will also examine the mined-out pits and their attributes, including associated plant and animal components and habitats, with a focus on promoting sustainable eco-tourism.
- The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Sariska-Delhi wildlife corridor, supporting leopard movements from Rajasthan to Delhi.
