UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 16 September 2024

Solution: d)

NSAP is a welfare program aimed at providing financial assistance to vulnerable sections of society, including the elderly, widowed women, and disabled individuals. The scheme is non-contributory, meaning beneficiaries do not need to contribute financially to receive the pension. It is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, not by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which differentiates it from many health-related schemes. The program serves as an important social safety net for disadvantaged individuals, particularly those below the poverty line (BPL), helping to secure a minimum level of financial support.

Solution: a)

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Green hydrogen is produced using electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which makes it a clean alternative to grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels like natural gas. Grey hydrogen production results in higher CO2 emissions, approximately 10 kg of CO2 per kg of hydrogen, whereas green hydrogen limits emissions to below 2 kg CO2 per kg. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is under the Ministry of Power, not the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

Solution: d)

The Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP) is designed to improve the quality of life for senior citizens by ensuring they have access to basic amenities like food, shelter, and medical care. Additionally, the program includes provisions for entertainment opportunities to enhance their mental well-being. However, the scheme is not restricted to elderly individuals in urban areas; it is meant for senior citizens across both rural and urban regions. The holistic approach of the scheme focuses on ensuring that the elderly, especially those who are economically and socially disadvantaged, can lead a dignified life with access to essential services.

Solution: a)

Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana is a central sector scheme designed to provide assistive devices such as walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and spectacles to elderly individuals below the poverty line (BPL). The goal is to improve their physical mobility and ensure they can perform daily activities with ease. The scheme is entirely funded by the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund and is non-contributory, meaning the beneficiaries do not need to contribute any amount to avail the benefits. This scheme is crucial in aiding elderly individuals with age-related disabilities, ensuring they maintain a degree of independence despite their physical limitations.

Solution: b)

NTPC, at its Kawas facility in Surat, initiated India’s first green hydrogen blending operation within the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network. This operation signifies the blending of green hydrogen into the existing natural gas supply, offering an innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions from natural gas usage. This blending marks a critical step in decarbonizing India’s energy supply chain, leveraging hydrogen’s potential as a clean fuel for a sustainable future. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved a 5% blending of green hydrogen with PNG, with the potential for scaling to 20% in the future.

Solution: c)

The SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) project, launched in 2018, is an online pension processing system specifically for pensioners from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It allows for the direct credit of pensions into the bank accounts of retirees, streamlining the pension process and eliminating the delays commonly associated with manual processing. This system enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability, ensuring that pensioners receive their funds without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. By integrating technology into pension management, the SAMPANN Project has improved the financial security and convenience for retired DoT employees.

Solution: b)

The SACRED (Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity) portal, developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is an initiative aimed at helping citizens above 60 find job opportunities. The platform allows elderly individuals to register and explore employment options, giving them the chance to remain financially independent and active in society. Besides job listings, the portal provides access to various forms of information and guidance on issues that may affect senior citizens. This initiative helps ensure that elderly individuals are not left out of the workforce due to age, offering them opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.

Solution: a)

The SAGE Initiative was launched to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of elderly care. It provides a platform for start-ups that offer credible products and services for the elderly, supporting business ventures aimed at addressing the unique challenges of senior citizens. The initiative encourages the development of technology-driven solutions and services that improve the quality of life for elderly individuals. However, the platform does not deal with government pension schemes directly but instead focuses on promoting innovative care products and services designed for senior citizens, making it an important step toward addressing the growing needs of India’s aging population.

Solution: b)

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is an accident insurance scheme that provides coverage against accidental death and disability at an affordable premium. The coverage includes Rs. 2 lakhs for accidental death or full disability, and Rs. 1 lakh for partial disability. The scheme is available to individuals aged between 18 to 70 years. It is not a life insurance scheme like PMJJBY and is designed to offer financial protection in case of unforeseen accidents.

Solution: c)

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a pension scheme for individuals aged between 18 to 40 years, primarily targeting workers in the unorganized sector. Under this scheme, the government guarantees a minimum pension to the subscribers based on their contributions. It offers tax benefits under Section 80CCD and is focused on ensuring financial security for individuals during their old age. The amount of pension depends on the contribution and age of the subscriber.