DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th August 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –Defense

Context: Recently, the Indian Naval Ships INS Visakhapatnam & INS Deepak made a port call in Bahrain.

Background:-

• Indian naval ships’ port call in Bahrain will further strengthen the ties between the two nations.

About INS Visakhapatnam:-

• Commissioned: November 21, 2021.
• Propulsion: It is propelled by four Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration.
• Speed: It is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots.
• It is the lead ship of the P15B class of guided missile stealth destroyers.
• P15B class: These ships are amongst the most technologically advanced Guided Missile Destroyers in the world.
  • They are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM).
• It is one of the largest destroyers in Indian Navy service.
• Visakhapatnam class ships are follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers (P-15A).

About INS Deepak:-

• Commissioned:2011
• Speed: maximum speed of 20 knots.
• The ship has state -of -the art aviation facilities.
• It can operate various types of helicopters from its deck including the Seeking and the indigenously manufactured ALH. (SLBM launch by INS Arihant)

MUST READ: INS Mormugao

SOURCE: NEWSONAIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)

1. Amphibious warfare ship
2. Nuclear-powered submarine
3. Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
4. Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Q.2) With reference to the Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver a one-tonne nuclear warhead about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science and technology

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ at a function in Maker Village Kochi, Kerala.

About Graphene-Aurora Program:-

• Launched:2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
• Objectives: fostering innovation and commercialization of graphene technologies in Kerala.

Salient Features of the Graphene-Aurora Program:-

• It shall nurture the deep/emerging Graphene technology & innovation ecosystem.
• It will guide, develop, implement, and support SMEs and startups to commercialize developed graphene technologies for scale adoption.
• A not for profit company called ‘India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC)’ shall be set up.
• I-GEIC’s establishment will bridge the gap between research and commercialization, supporting startups and industries.
• The program’s focus on emerging graphene technology is expected to position India as a leader in the global new materials market.
• Funding: The program shall be implemented by Digital University Kerala with joint funding from MeitY, the Government of Kerala, and Industry partners.

About Graphene

• It is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms.
• It is the world’s thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material of both electricity and heat.
• Properties: High thermal stability; High elasticity; High electrical conductivity; etc.
• It conducts electricity better than copper.

Uses of Graphene:-

• Graphene’s unique characteristics make it a versatile material with various potential applications across different industries.
• It is used in electronics for creating faster and more efficient devices. (Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) For Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing)
• It is used in materials science for reinforcing composites.
• It is used in energy storage for enhancing battery performance.
• It is used in medical fields for drug delivery and biosensors, among other uses. (Graphene Mask Inactivates Coronaviruses)

MUST READ: Silicon Diplomacy

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (2022)

1. Cloud Services
2. Quantum Computing
3. Visible Light Communication Technologies
4. Wireless Communication Technologies

Q.2) Consider the following communication technologies: (2022)

1. Closed-circuit Television
2. Radio Frequency Identification
3. Wireless Local Area Network

Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies?

1. 1 and 2 only.
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –Science and Technology

Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the PM e-bus Sewa scheme.

Background:-

• The scheme will add 10,000 e-buses to city bus services across the country.

About PM e-bus Sewa scheme:-

• Launched: 2023. (Electric Vehicles (EVs))
• Objectives: enhancing urban bus operations with 10,000 electric buses on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Salient Features of PM e-bus Sewa scheme:-

• Under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme 10,000 e-buses will be deployed across cities in the country.
• The scheme will cover cities of Three lakh and above population as per census 2011.
  • This will include all the Capital cities of Union Territories, North Eastern Region, and Hill States.
• Under this scheme, priority will be given to cities having no organized bus service.
• The Scheme has two segments:
• Segment A – Augmenting the City bus services:(169 cities)
  • The approved bus scheme will augment city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
  • PPP mode: an arrangement between government and private sector for the provision of public assets and/or public services.
• Segment B– Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): (181 cities)
  • The scheme envisages green initiatives like bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, Charging infrastructure, etc.
  • Support for Operation: Under the scheme, States/Cities shall be responsible for running the bus services and making payments to the bus operators.
  • The Central Government will support these bus operations by providing subsidies to the extent specified in the proposed scheme.
• Funding: It has been allocated a total funding of Rs 57,613 crore.
• Out of this financial provision, the central government will contribute Rs 20,000 crore, while the remaining portion will be covered by the state governments.
• Coverage: The scheme will cover cities with 3 lakhs and above population and priority will be given to cities not having organized bus services.

Benefits of PM e-bus Sewa scheme:-

• The scheme will promote e-mobility. (Challenges of Electric Vehicles)
• Cities will be supported for the development of charging infrastructure under Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
• Adoption of Electric mobility will reduce noise and air pollution and curb carbon emission. 

MUST READ: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a: (2022)

1. Database created by a coalition of research organizations
2. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
3. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
4. Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank

Q.2) With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? (2021)

1. Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps.
3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –Government Schemes

Context: Recently, the Annapurna food packet scheme was launched by the Rajasthan government.

About Annapurna food packet scheme:-

• Launched:2023.
• Launched by: Government of Rajasthan.
• Objective: The scheme is primarily meant for the families covered by the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• Rajasthan’s government launched the Annapurna food packet scheme as part of its welfare initiatives, aiming to support 1.10 crore people, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.

Salient Features of Annapurna food packet scheme:-

• Under this scheme, free Annapurna food packets will be distributed every month to more than 1.04 crore families in the state.   (Revising Food Security Act)
• The eligible beneficiaries will get the Annapurna food packets every month.
• These will be available at the fair price shops (FPS) for free.
• The FPS will get a commission of ₹10 per packet.
• Each packet will contain one kg each of gram pulses, sugar, and iodized salt, one litre of soybean refined edible oil, 100 grams each of chili powder and coriander powder, and 50 grams of turmeric powder.

MUST READ: State Ranking Index for NFSA

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following activities constitute a real sector in the economy? (2022)

1. Farmers harvesting their crops
2. Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics
3. A commercial bank lending money to a trading company

A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2, 3, and 4 only
3. 1, 3, and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q.2) With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidized food grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Syllabus

• Prelims –Government Schemes

Context: Recently, the Defense Ministry’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme was launched.

About Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme:-

• Launched:2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Defense.
• Executed by: Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Objectives: to encourage the participation of MSMEs and startups to design and develop various defense technologies indigenously. (Self-reliance in defense)

Salient Features of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme:-

• The scheme encourages the participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs to create an eco-system for enhancing cutting-edge technology capability for defense applications.
• It supports the indigenous development of components, products, systems, and technologies by MSMEs and start-ups.
• Project Duration: Maximum two years.

Eligibility of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme:-

• MSMEs and Startups registered in India.
• Public limited company, private limited company, partnership firms, limited liability partnership, one-person company, sole proprietorship registered as per applicable Indian laws.
• The industry has to be owned and controlled by an Indian citizen.
• The Industries with foreign investments of 49% or less. (Defence exports)

Funding of Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme:-

• The funding will be through the provision of grants to the Industry.
• Industry may work in collaboration with academia or research
• The work involvement of academia cannot exceed 40% of the total project cost.
• The funding will be linked to mutually agreed milestones.
• Funds will be released either in advance against a bank guarantee of the same amount as collateral, or reimbursement based on the completion of milestones.
• Subsequent installments will be released on successful completion of milestones.

MUST READ: The new defense systems handed over to Army

SOURCE: FINANCIAL EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements:(2023)

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) With reference to the Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver a one-tonne nuclear warhead about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –Geography

Context: Recently, the Pong Dam recorded the highest-ever water inflow since it became operational.

Background:-

• Due to heavy rainfall over the last two days, the Pong dam on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh has recorded the highest-ever inflow.

About Pong Dam:-

• Formation: 1974.
• Location: Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh.
• Objective: water storage for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
• It was built across the Beas River.
• It is also called the Maharana Pratap Sagar.
• 1983: entire reservoir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Himachal Pradesh government.
• 1994: Government of India declared it a “Wetland of National Importance”. (Wetland Conservation)
• 2002: it was declared a Ramsar Site. (COP14 of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands)
• Vegetation: tropical and subtropical forests.
• Flora: Eucalyptus, acacia, jamun, shisham, mango, mulberry, ficus, etc.
• Fauna: Barking deer, sambar, wild boars, nilgai, leopards, etc.
• Avian-Fauna: Black-headed gulls, Red-necked grebes, plovers, terns, ducks, etc.

MUST READ: National Dam Safety Authority

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in water.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution: (2023)

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance) and GS3 (Internal Security)

Context: Recently the German government approved a draft law legalising the purchase and possession of cannabis for recreational use, allowing adults to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use.

About Cannabis:

• Cannabis refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
• Cannabis is made up of more than 120 components, which are known as cannabinoids. Two of them are:
  • Cannabidiol (CBD): This is a psychoactive cannabinoid, yet it is non-intoxicating and non-euphoric.
  • It is often used to help reduce inflammation and pain. It may also ease nausea, migraine, seizures and anxiety.
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is responsible for the “high” that most people associate with cannabis.
• Cannabis cultivation traces all the way up to 12,000 years ago, suggesting it was one of humanity’s oldest cultivated crops.
• Traditional Drink: Some scholars speculate that it may be the main ingredient of the ritual Vedic drink ‘soma’, mentioned in both the Rigveda and the Bhagavad Gita.
• 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs: It put down stringent controls for the manufacture and consumption of drugs including cannabis.

Laws pertaining to Cannabis in India:

• The Centre’s law around cannabis in India can be found in the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985(though there are various states that have their own laws around cannabis as well).
• The law prohibits and criminalises the sale, possession, transportation and cultivation of cannabis in certain forms in India.
• The NDPS Act, when it comes to cannabis, includes:
  • Charas, which is “the separated resin, in whatever form, whether crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant and also includes concentrated preparation and resin known as hashish oil or liquid hashish”.
  • Ganja, “the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops)”.
  • In addition “any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of any of the above forms of cannabis or any drink prepared therefrom”.
• Notably, the Act specifically prohibits the sale and production of cannabis resin and flowers, while the use of seeds and leaves is allowed.
• Apart from the NDPS Act, states have the power to draft their own laws on cannabis.
• Section 10 of the NDPS Act allows states to permit and regulate “the cultivation of any cannabis plant, production, manufacture, possession, transport, import inter-State, export inter-State, sale, purchase consumption or use of cannabis (excluding charas)”.
  • For example, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to allow commercial cultivation of hemp in 2018. Another state law is the Assam Ganja and Bhang Prohibition Act which outlaws the purchase, consumption and possession of ganja as well as bhang.

Arguments in favour of Legalising Cannabis:

• Plant was most likely brought to India by Aryan migrants between 1000 and 2000 BC.
• It is treated as a sacred plant in the Vedas, considered a source of joy.
  • The Hindu god Shiva is revered as the Lord of Bhang.
• The central government stated that the present legal framework regulating the usage of cannabis did not violate Articles 14 (right to equality), 19(1) (g) [freedom of trade], 21 (right to life or other fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
• The legalization of marijuana can help create jobs, battle stress, improve human concentration, resolve medical problems and provide sustainable agricultural incomes, among other things.
• Given India’s production capacity of cannabis, the government stands to benefit in terms of tax.

Arguments against legalisation:

• Dependency disorders: The International Classification of Diseases, Diagnostic, and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has classified cannabis as an addictive substance, capable of causing dependency disorders.
  • While the supporters of marijuana claim that ‘only’ nine per cent of marijuana users become clinically dependent on the substance, the opposers use the same figure to substantiate the existence of clinical dependency on the drug.
• Withdrawal symptoms: There is considerable emphasis on withdrawal symptoms of marijuana, which include irritability, sleeping issues and dysphoria.
  • For the users who try to quit the consumption, only 71 per cent of those succeed in quitting.
• Insufficient studies to claim benefits: The NDPS Act was a result of an elongated international pressure driven by the UN’s Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
  • There exists no statistical proof to verify the significance of cannabis over regularly available drugs.
  • It is admitted that cannabis is effective in reducing pain, but it is less safe than the approved opiates.
• Psychotic disorders: Marijuana users are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with chronic psychotic disorders including schizophrenia.
  • Marijuana addicts often show impaired neural connectivity.
  • The opposers argue that smoking marijuana increases the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia.

Judicial pronouncements judgements related to it:

• In Arjun Singh vs the State of Haryana, the Chandigarh High Court observed that bhang is not cannabis (hemp) under the provisions given under NDPS Act although it is a cannabis plant.
  • Thus, it is not necessarily unlawful to eat cannabis.
• In 2019, the Delhi High Court agreed to listen to the petition made by the Great Legalisation Movement India Trust that challenged the ban on cannabis stating that the NDPS Act’s restrictions are arbitrary, unscientific, and unreasonable.

Way Forward:

Thus, legalizing marijuana can help reduce addictive behavior by erasing the stigma around it. However, there is no scientific study yet to conclusively prove that legalizing cannabis leads to a healthier relationship with drugs and substance abuse.

Source:  The Hindu

Syllabus

•  Mains – GS 2 (Governance)

Context: The Union Cabinet Approved the five year extension and expansion of the Digital India programme with an outlay of ₹14,903 crore.

About Digital India program:

• The Digital India program was launched on July 1, 2015, by the Government of India.
• The program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• It seeks to harness the potential of information technology and digital platforms to provide government services to citizens, promote digital literacy, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Features of the programme:

• Broadband Connectivity: Expanding high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas is essential to bridge the digital divide.
  • This initiative aims to provide equal access to information and opportunities for citizens across the country, regardless of their geographical location.
• Digital Infrastructure: Developing robust digital infrastructure, including data centres, cloud platforms, and networks, is the foundation of a digitally-driven nation.
  • This infrastructure supports various digital services, applications, and platforms, enabling efficient data storage, processing, and sharing.
• e-Governance: Transitioning government services and benefits to electronic platforms improves efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
  • Citizens can access services online, reducing paperwork, eliminating intermediaries, and enhancing the overall service delivery experience.
• Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy is crucial, especially in rural areas where many citizens might not be familiar with digital tools.
  • Digital literacy campaigns and training programs help individuals gain the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
• Public Internet Access: Establishing Common Service Centers (CSCs) in rural areas provides public Internet access and government services under one roof.
  • These centers act as touchpoints for citizens to avail of various digital services without having to travel to urban centers.
• Digital Payment Systems: Promoting digital payment systems is a significant step towards reducing cash transactions, promoting transparency, and formalizing the economy.
  • Platforms like BHIM and UPI have revolutionized the way transactions are conducted.
• Digital Identity: Aadhaar, a biometric identification system, provides citizens with a unique digital identity.
  • This identity simplifies access to government services, eliminates duplications, and enhances the efficiency of service delivery.
• Startup and Innovation: Fostering a conducive environment for startups and innovation in the technology sector drives economic growth and creates job opportunities.
  • Initiatives like “Startup India” encourage entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

Significance of Digital India

• Empowering citizen: Digital India is empowering the common citizen. It has enabled people’s access to the government system, made services and processes transparent, non-discriminatory, and attacked corruption.
• Supports Various Schemes: It has benefitted various schemes, launched after Digital India, including Diksha, eNAM, eSanjeevani solution for telemedicine, DigiBunai and PM SVANidhi scheme.
• Services to citizens made easy: Getting Driving licence, birth certificate, paying electricity bill, paying water bill, filing income tax return, have become very easy, very fast with the help of Digital India.
  • All this is happening in villages, in Common Service Centres (CSCs) near people’s homes.
• Internet in Remote areas: 2.5 lakh CSCs had helped take the Internet to remote areas. Under Bharat Net scheme, work is underway on a mission mode to bring broadband internet to the villages.
• Digilocker: It has helped millions of people especially during the pandemic by providing a digital storage facility for school certificates, medical documents and other important certificates.
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: Rs 1.35 lakh crore have been deposited directly into the bank account of more than 10 crore farmer families, and that Digital India has realized the spirit of One Nation, One MSP.
• One Nation One-Ration Card: The Supreme Court asked all the states to implement the initiative.
  • This initiative is benefitting people who travel to other states for work.
• PM WANI: Access points are being created so that rural youth can connect with high-speed internet for better services and education.
  • In addition, 5G technology will bring significant changes in the world, and India is preparing itself to make the most of this opportunity.

Major Challenges faced by Digital India Mission:

• The internet speed is slow as compared to the speed in other developed nations.
• The MSMEs struggle adapting to the technology.
• High initial set up cost and maintenance issues
• Growing Cyber threats and crimes.
• Limited capability of poor quality, entry-level smartphones for smooth internet access.
• Lack of skilled manpower in the field of digital technology.
• Lack of oversight over authority dealing with digital governance initiatives.
• Language Barriers in the rural areas

Suggestive measures:

• Infrastructure Investment: Continued investment in digital infrastructure is crucial to ensure that connectivity reaches all corners of the country.
  • This includes expanding broadband networks, improving mobile coverage, and establishing data centers that can support the increasing demand for digital services.
• Digital Skill Training: Focusing on digital literacy and training across all age groups is essential.
  • Educational programs and workshops should be designed to equip citizens with the skills needed to effectively use digital tools and platforms.
  • This empowers individuals to participate more fully in the digital economy.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Enhancing cybersecurity measures and data protection is paramount as digital interactions increase.
  • This involves developing strong encryption standards, promoting safe online practices, and implementing regulations that safeguard user data and privacy.
• Local Language Content: Creating digital content in various languages is critical to ensuring that digital services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their linguistic background.
  • This includes translating government websites, applications, and other content into regional languages.

Way Forward:

Digital India has played a crucial role in citizen services. The movement will be taken forward by leveraging futuristic technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and blockchain. In India, on one side there’s a zeal for innovation and on the other, there’s a passion to adopt those innovations quickly. Thus, the data and demographic dividend collectively offers huge potential.

Source:   The Hindu

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Graphene is used in medical fields for drug delivery and biosensors.

Statement-II:

Copper conducts electricity better than graphene.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme was launched in 2022.

Statement-II:

To be eligible under the scheme the industry has to be owned and controlled by an Indian citizen.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) The international prohibition of cannabis has failed in every country that has attempted to implement it. It is high time for India to embrace the health, business, and broader societal benefits that legally regulating cannabis can bring. Comment (250 words)

Q.2) What are the various challenges faced by the government in the implementation of Digital India Programme? Also, discuss the efforts made to tackle these challenges. (250 words).

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’ 18th August 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c