DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th October 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recent reports show that 26 crore Ayushman Cards have been created under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB- PMJAY) so far.

About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB- PMJAY):-

IMAGE SOURCE: NHA

• Launched:2018.
• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (PMBJP)
• Implementing Agency: National Health Authority.
• Objectives: to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its underlining commitment, which is to “leave no one behind.”
• Historical Background: Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Salient Features:-

• This scheme aims to undertake path-breaking interventions to holistically address the healthcare system (covering prevention, promotion and ambulatory care) at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. (Ayushman Bharat PMJAY)
• Ayushman Bharat comprises two inter-related components:-

Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):–

• In February 2018, the Government of India announced the creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming the existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres. (Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra (PMJK))
• These centres are to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) bringing healthcare closer to the homes of people.
• They cover both, maternal and child health services and non-communicable diseases, including free essential drugs and diagnostic services.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):-

• This scheme was launched on 23rd September, 2018.
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is the largest health assurance scheme in the world.
• It provides health cover of five lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to twelve crore beneficiary families.
• The households included being based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas respectively.
• PM-JAY was earlier known as the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) before being rechristened.
• It subsumed the then-existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) which had been launched in 2008.
• It provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital.
• It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.
• There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender.
• All pre–existing conditions are covered from day one.

Benefits:-

• PM-JAY envisions to help mitigate catastrophic expenditure on medical treatment which pushes nearly 6 crore Indians into poverty each year.
• Benefits of the scheme are portable across the countrye. a beneficiary can visit any empanelled public or private hospital in India to avail cashless treatment.

MUST READ: Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, AB-PMJAY and COVID treatment.

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana (2023)

1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q.2) Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy : (2023)

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for preschool children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of childbirth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with a special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: Extremely severe cyclonic storm Tej has weakened into a very severe cyclonic storm recently.

About Tej:-

Location: Arabian Sea.

Impacts in different regions:-

• Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy rainfall over Mizoram and heavy to very rainfall over Tripura is likely to occur today and tomorrow.
• Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over the same region on the 25th of this month.
• Rainfall intensity will decrease on 26th November with light to moderate rainfall at a few places over the region.
• Light to moderate rainfall is likely at many places over south Assam and eastern Meghalaya with isolated heavy rainfall over south Assam.
• In coastal Districts of Odisha, light to moderate rainfall is expected to occur in most places.
• Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal.

About Cyclone:-

• A cyclone is a pattern of winds (or air mass) that circulates a low-pressure system.
• It rotates counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• It is typically associated with wet and stormy weather. (Naming of Cyclone)

Classification:-

• There are two types of cyclones:
  • Tropical cyclones and
  • Extra-tropical cyclones (also called Temperate cyclones)

Tropical cyclone:-

• It is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans.
• It is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain. ( Colour Coded Weather Warning)
• These are formed over slightly warm ocean waters.
• The temperature of the top layer of the sea, up to a depth of about 60 meters, needs to be at least 28°C to support the formation of a cyclone.
• April-May and October-December periods are conducive for cyclones.
• Then, the low level of air above the waters needs to have an ‘anticlockwise’ rotation (in the northern hemisphere; clockwise in the southern hemisphere).
• During these periods, there was an ITCZ in the Bay of Bengal.

Temperate cyclones:-

• It occurs in temperate zones and high-latitude regions, though they are known to originate in the Polar Regions.
• These are active above the mid-latitudinal region between 35° and 65° latitude in both hemispheres.
• The direction of movement is from west to east and is more pronounced in the winter seasons.

MUST READ: Cyclones forecast

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause a warming effect.

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) Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Recently, External Affairs Minister Dr.S.Jaishanka held a conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

About India and Oman:-

IMAGE SOURCE: WORLD ATLAS

• India and Oman are linked by geography, history and culture.
• They enjoy warm and cordial relations, which are attributed to historical maritime trade linkages.
• People-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back 5,000 years.
• The diplomatic relations were established in 1955.
• Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 was conferred on Late HM Sultan Qaboos in recognition of his leadership in strengthening the ties between India & Oman and his efforts to promote peace in the Gulf region.

Political Relations:-

• The historical India-Oman bilateral ties were transformed into a strategic partnership in November 2008.
• Visits at the highest level have been exchanged frequently between India and Oman.
• Ministerial-level visits have taken place regularly.
• The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.
• Nine areas of cooperation were listed between the two countries, i.e. agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, chemicals & fertilizers, education, oil & gas, power and mining.

Defence Cooperation:-

• Oman is the first nation in the Persian Gulf to have formal defence relations with India.
• Both countries conducted joint military exercises in 2006 and later signed a defence agreement.
• The Ministries of Defence of both countries review their relations annually under the aegis of a Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting.
• India and Oman conduct regular biennial bilateral exercises between all three services.
  • Army exercise: Al Najah
  • Air Force exercise: Eastern Bridge
  • Naval Exercise: Naseem Al Bahr
• Since 2008, Oman has been extending its support to the Indian Navy’s anti-piracy missions and Indian Naval Ships are regularly welcomed by Oman for Overseas Deployments.

Economic & Commercial Relations:-

• For Oman, India was the 3rd largest (after UAE and China) source for its imports and 3rd largest market (after UAE and Saudi Arabia) for its non-oil exports in 2019.
• Major Indian financial institutions have a presence in Oman.
• Indian companies have invested in Oman in sectors like iron and steel, cement, fertilisers, textiles etc.
• India-Oman Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF), a JV between the State Bank of India and the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of Oman, a special purpose vehicle to invest in India, has been operational.

MUST READ: Prioritise trade pact with GCC

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

1. Japan
2. Russia
3. The United Kingdom
4. The United States of America

Syllabus

• Prelims – POLITY

Context: Recently, the Election Commission of India provided an alternative facility of postal ballots to the elderly aged, disabled and Corona-infected.

Background:-

• In the upcoming polls of five States, the Election Commission of India has provided the alternative facility of postal ballot to the elderly aged 80 years and above, the disabled and Corona-infected voters.

Postal Voting:-

• A restricted set of voters can exercise postal voting.
• Through this facility, a voter can cast her vote remotely by recording her preference on the ballot paper and sending it back to the election officer before counting.
• Members of the armed forces like the Army, Navy and Air Force, members of the armed police force of a state (serving outside the state), government employees posted outside India and their spouses are entitled to vote only by post.
• Voters under preventive detention can also vote only by post.
• Special voters such as the President of India, Vice President, Governors, Union Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the House and government officers on poll duty have the option to vote by post.

About the Election Commission of India:-

• The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25 January 1950.
• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils and the offices of the President and Vice President of the country.
• For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate State Election Commission.

Constitutional Provisions:-

• Its powers, appointment and duties are mentioned in Part XV of the Constitution (Article 324 to Article 329) and the Representation of People Act.
• Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.
• Article 325: No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special electoral roll on the grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.
• Article 326: Elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage.
• Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to legislature.
• Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature.
• Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.

Composition of Election Commission:-

• Originally the commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner.
• It currently consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
• For the first time, two additional Commissioners were appointed on 16th October 1989 but they had a very short tenure till 1st January 1990.
• Later, on 1st October 1993 two additional Election Commissioners were appointed.
• The concept of a multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision-making power by majority vote.

Appointment, Tenure and Privileges of Commissioners:-

• The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. ( Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and Other ECs)
• They have a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament.

Removal of Election Commissioners:-

• They can resign anytime or can also be removed before the expiry of their term.
• The CEC can be removed from office only by the order of the President, just like a judge of the Supreme Court.

MUST READ: Cohort on Election Integrity

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements:

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (2017)

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2017)

1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 per cent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, Several birds died at the Gudavi bird sanctuary.

Background:-

• In a span of seven days, more than 30 birds, including spoonbills, herons, and black-headed ibis, were found dead.

About Gudavi Bird Sanctuary:-

• Location: Shimoga District,
• Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is a protected area.
• This sanctuary is known for its rich avian diversity and is an important habitat for both resident and migratory birds.
• It is situated around the Gudavi Lake.
• During the 1960s, the Gudavi Lake and its surrounding wetlands began to gain recognition for their ecological importance as a habitat for various bird species.
• The Gudavi Bird Sanctuary was initially notified on 10.07.1989 and subsequently it took its birth as an independent Bird Sanctuary upon final notification on 04.09.2000.
• Flora: consists of aquatic plants, wetland vegetation, and surrounding vegetation that provide a suitable habitat for a diverse range of bird species.
• Fauna: Jungle Cat, Palm Civet, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, etc. (Wildlife Institute of India (WII))
• Birds: Birds: Grey Heron, Night Heron, Little Cormorant, Junglefowl, Indian Pond Heron, Darter, Indian Shag etc.

 MUST READ: Atapaka Bird Sanctuary

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

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) Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? (2017)

1. Corbett National Park
2. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sariska National Park

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, three people lost their lives and more than a hundred were injured in the traditional Banni festival

About Bani festival:-

• Location: Andhra Pradesh.
• It is celebrated on the night of the Dussehra celebration (Vijaya Dasami) every year.
• It is a traditional stick-fight.
• The objective of this event was to snatch the idols from God’s team, leading to a fierce battle known as the Banni Fight.
• Historical significance: This festival was celebrated by people under the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • At that time, it was even more dangerous; axes and spears were used for the fight.
• It is celebrated on account of the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demonish Mani and Mallasura, who troubled the people in the Devaragattu region.

Process of ritual:-

• The villages in Kurnool divide themselves into groups and take part in a ritualistic stick fight.
• After performing prayers and ‘kalyanam’ at the temple, devotees carry the deities inside a thick cloth bag on the shoulders down the hill.
• A few of the devotees create a ring of security around the idols.
• As they come down, thousands of lathi-wielding people from the rival group, make a bid to stop the procession from going forward and a bloody battle breaks out.
• The stick fight between both the groups continues down the hill while these villagers who are generally farmers, walk in a procession with their shirts drenched in blood!
• The procession continues till dawn with various artistic performances by artists, dancers, singers, and composers happening alongside eventually creating a phenomenal journey.
• After the procession reaches down, puja is performed and the temple priest slits his thigh to offer a fistful of blood to the deity.
• Another fierce round of stick fight takes place and the deity of the Lord is then placed at Simhasana katta marking the end of the Bani festival. 

 MUST READ: Kanwar Yatras

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)

1. It is a song and dance performance
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Kalamkari painting refers to (2015)

1. a hand-painted cotton textile in South India.
2. a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in Northeast India.
3. a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India.
4. a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India.

Context: The recent verdict of the death penalty for eight Indian Navy officials in Qatar has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles.

INDIA-QATAR RELATIONS

Historical Relations 

• India and Qatar have maintained friendly relations for decades.
• PM Manmohan Singh’s visit to Qatar in 2008 marked a significant turning point, followed by reciprocal visits from the Emir of Qatar and PM Narendra Modi.

Economic Relations

• India is considered to be the fourth largest export destination for the State of Qatar.
• Qatar’s key exports to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminum articles.
• India’s key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, plastic products, construction material, textiles & garments, etc.
• Qatar is the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India. India imports around 70% of its needs for the natural gas from Qatar.

Defence Cooperation

• Defence cooperation is a key component of India-Qatar ties, with the India-Qatar Defence Cooperation Agreement serving as a pivotal milestone.
• India’s Defence cooperation with Qatar has so far been limited to training, participation in each other’s conferences/events and visits by ships of Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
• Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea) is the naval exercise between Indian and Qatar Navy.

Cultural Relations

• Qatar was a co-sponsor, to India’s Resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, adopted unanimously with a record 177 co-sponsors, declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga (IDY).
• There are 14 Indian schools in Qatar, offering CBSE curricula to over 30,000 students, most of whom are the children of Indian nationals working in Qatar.
• There is a regular flow of Indian artists performing in Qatar at events organised by community organizations affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).

Indian Community

• Indian community is the largest expatriate group in Qatar which is estimated to be around 700 million people.
• They are making their contribution in different sectors. Indians are highly respected in Qatar for their sincerity, hard work, technical expertise and law-abiding nature.
• Indians are employed in almost every local establishment, governmental or private, in various capacities.
• The remittances which the Indian expatriate community in Qatar send to India are estimated to be around 750 million dollar per annum.
• The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), functioning under the aegis of Embassy of India, Doha – ICBF was awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in January, 2011.

IMPORTANCE OF QATAR TO INDIA

• Expatriate Community: Indians constitute the largest expatriate community in Qatar, with approximately 800,000 individuals working and living there.
• Remittances: The flow of remittances from Qatar and the safety of Indian citizens make Qatar vital for India’s interests.
• Energy Security: Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, making it critical for India’s energy security.
• GCC Membership: Qatar’s membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is strategically significant for India, especially concerning issues like Kashmir.
• UNSC Support: India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council requires support from countries like Qatar.
• Business Presence: Several Indian companies, including Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Wipro, MahindraTech, and Larsen & Toubro Limited, operate in Qatar.
• Stability in the Gulf: The stability of the Gulf region is of paramount importance to India’s energy and maritime security.

CONCLUSION

• The detention and sentencing of eight Indian nationals in Qatar have posed a complex diplomatic challenge for India.
• Against the backdrop of India-Qatar relations, this incident underscores the importance of navigating cultural sensitivities and geopolitical dynamics to secure the release of these individuals.

Syllabus

• GS III – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in the defense sector, transforming the way military operations are conducted, and improving decision-making, efficiency, and safety. Here are some key areas where AI is being utilized in the defense sector:

• Autonomous Systems: AI is used to develop autonomous drones, ground vehicles, and maritime vessels for tasks like surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics. These systems can operate in hazardous environments or carry out repetitive tasks, reducing human risk.
• Predictive Maintenance: AI is employed to predict equipment failures and conduct preventive maintenance, ensuring that military vehicles and equipment remain operational and reducing downtime.
• Cybersecurity: AI-powered cyber security tools help defend against cyber threats and attacks. These systems can identify and respond to threats in real-time, protecting sensitive military data and communication.
• Data Analysis and Intelligence: AI is used for data analysis to sift through vast amounts of information, from satellite imagery to communications intercepts, and extract valuable intelligence. AI can be used to process unused or underused data to provide more actionable intelligence for the Indian armed forces. It will enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
• Simulation and Training: AI-driven simulations provide realistic training environments for soldiers, pilots, and commanders. These simulations can help personnel develop critical skills in a safe and controlled setting.
• Biometrics and Identity Verification: AI can be used for biometric identification and verification, helping ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas or information.
• Language Translation and Cross-Cultural Communication: AI-powered translation and communication tools help military personnel interact with foreign populations and allies, aiding in diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.

ADVANTAGES OF AI IN DEFENCE SECTOR

• Safety – Reducing human casualties and risks
• Adaptability – It can be made adaptable to new threats by constant learning.
• Improved decision-making – More precise, faster situation assessments and analyses.
• Emotions – It offsets emotions and prejudices

CHALLENGES OF USING AI IN DEFENCE SECTOR

• Prejudices – Prejudices can be inherent through biased algorithms
• High cost of Implementation – Given the complexity of engineering in building AI technology, these equipment’s are highly expensive.
• Lack of skill – Requires skilled labour for using the new technologies.
• Ethical issues- AI can raise questions about the responsibility, accountability, and transparency of military actions and decisions. For example, who is liable if an autonomous weapon causes harm or violates international law? How can we ensure that AI respects human dignity and rights?
• Cyber-attacks- AI systems are vulnerable to hacking, manipulation, or sabotage by adversaries.

Conclusion:

It’s worth noting that the adoption of AI in the defense sector raises ethical and legal concerns, such as questions about autonomous weapons, data privacy, and accountability. Many countries and international organizations are working to establish guidelines and regulations for the responsible use of AI in military applications

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:

The Election Commission of India originally had two Chief Election Commissioners.

Statement-II:

The Election Commission of India is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states.

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) With reference to the PM-JAY, consider the following statements:

1. It only covers 15 days of post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.
2. There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender.
3. All pre–existing conditions are not covered from day one.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  28th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – b