UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 15 July 2024

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• In the context of the trend of establishing quality residential schools for the promotion of education in all areas and habitations in the country, the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for ST students take their place among the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and the Kendriya Vidyalayas. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are set up in States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
• The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
• The objective of EMRS is to provide quality middle and high level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas, not only to enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and as jobs in government and public and private sectors but also to have access to the best opportunities in education at par with the non ST population.
• As per existing EMRS Guidelines of 2010, at least one EMRS is to be set up in each Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) / Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) having 50% ST population in the area.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recognised 163 priority districts having 25% or more Scheduled Tribe (ST) population for implementation of tribal development programmes including establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). Across the country, as per census 2011 figures, there are 564 sub-districts, i.e. blocks/taluka/tehsils, having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons.
• As per the budget 2018-19, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an Eklavya Model Residential School by the year 2022. In these schools, education will be entirely free.
• The EMRSs may be affiliated either to the State or Central Boards of Secondary Education as desired fit by the State Governments/UT Administration. Each State Government/UT Administration would be solely responsible for the management and effective functioning of the EMRSs.
• State Governments/UT Administration may opt for any feasible/ suitable mode of management whether by autonomous education societies; public-private partnership with reputed educational institutions; in arrangement with the State Department of Education or any other mode found suitable.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 2 are not correct.
• Delhi’s current status as a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly is an outcome of the 69th Amendment Act through which Articles 239AA and 239BB were introduced in the Constitution.
• S2: The status of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi is not that of a Governor of a State, rather he remains an Administrator, in a limited sense, working with the designation of Lieutenant Governor.
• S3: The L-G does have the power to refer any matter, over which there is a disagreement with the elected government, to the President under Article 239AA(4).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• In the Republic of India, a lieutenant governor is the constitutional head of five of the eight union territories. The lieutenant governor is appointed by the President of India for a term of five years, and holds office at the President’s pleasure.

Refer:  https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• The SDG India Index, developed by NITI Aayog, is designed to track the progress of Indian states and union territories towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. This index includes a comprehensive set of indicators that cover a wide range of quantitative and qualitative aspects to provide a holistic view of progress. It serves as a vital tool for policymakers to identify areas needing improvement and to monitor the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Context: The Indian government is set to implement the e-office system in 133 attached and subordinate offices, as well as autonomous bodies.
  • The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) will lead this initiative with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) serving as the knowledge partner.
• About e-Office:
  • A mission mode project under the National e-Governance Program, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), provides a digital workplace solution.
  • Built on open architecture, it is a reusable product for replication across governments.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Nanoparticles are defined as particles that have dimensions in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
• Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles exhibit unique properties, such as increased reactivity, strength, or electrical characteristics, primarily due to their high surface area to volume ratio, which is significantly different from their bulk material forms.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Nanoparticles can be made from a variety of materials, not just metals. They can also be made from polymers, ceramics, and carbon-based materials, among others.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: NASA’s CHAPEA project involved four volunteers living in a simulated Mars habitat for a year to study the challenges of long-duration missions to Mars.
• The mission, part of NASA’s Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), was the first of three planned simulations.
• The habitat, called “Mars Dune Alpha,” was a 1,700 sq ft 3D-printed structure at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, designed to replicate Martian conditions, including a backdrop of red, rocky cliffs and simulated Martian soil.
• The crew experienced conditions similar to those on Mars, including spacewalks in “Marswalks” suits, growing vegetables, and dealing with communication delays, limited resources, and prolonged isolation.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1 is correct. The Dibang River is indeed a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• S2 is correct. The Lohit River merges with the Dibang River before they both join the Brahmaputra River.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation: About Siang River:

• The Tsangpo, which originates in China, is called the Siang after it enters India through the Upper Siang district in the northeastern state.
• The Siang joins two other rivers – the Lohit and the Dibang – downstream to form the Brahmaputra.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The Three Gorges Dam is situated on the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China. It is the world’s largest hydroelectric power station in terms of installed capacity. The construction of the dam started in 1994 and was completed in 2012. The primary purpose of the dam is to generate electricity, improve river navigation, and reduce the potential for floods downstream by providing flood storage space. The project has been a significant part of China’s efforts to develop its renewable energy resources and manage its river systems.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/13/upsc-current-affairs-13-july-2024/