Solution (b)

Explanation:

The cane price announced by the Central Government is decided on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) in consultation with the State Governments and after taking feedback from associations of sugar industry. The amended provisions of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 provides for fixation of FRP of sugarcane having regard to the following factors:-

1. Cost of production of sugarcane;
2. Return to the growers from alternative crops and the general trend of prices of agricultural commodities;
3. Availability of sugar to consumers at a fair price;
4. Price at which sugar produced from sugarcane is sold by sugar producers;
5. Recovery of sugar from sugarcane;
6. The realization made from sale of by-products viz. molasses, bagasse and press mud or their imputed value 
7. Reasonable margins for the growers of sugarcane on account of risk and profits

FRP decided by Central government act as minimum price, while states can decide state-wise price, which can be higher than FRP. (Hence, Statement (b) is incorrect)

Price of sugar is market driven & depends on demand & supply of sugar. However, with a view to protect the interests of farmers, concept of Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar has been introduced w.e.f. 07.06.2018 so that industry may get at least the minimum cost of production of sugar, so as to enable them to clear cane price dues of farmers.

Article reference:  Sugar production up 20%, mills plead for increase in minimum selling price 

Solution (b)

Explanation:

‘‘Border Road Organisation”

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to and is a part of the Indian Armed Forces. BRO develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighbouring countries. This includes infrastructure operations in 19 states and three union territories (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka. (So, Statement 3 is correct)

In a bid to boost border connectivity, BRO has been entirely brought under the Ministry of Defence in 2015. Earlier it received funds from the Ministry of Surface Transport under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The BRO consists of Border Roads Wing under the Ministry of Defence and the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) (So, statement 1 is correct)

Officers from the Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES) and personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) form the parent cadre of the BRO. It is also staffed by officers and troops drawn from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers on deputation.

In order to ensure coordination and expeditious execution of projects, the Government of India in 1960 set up the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) with the Prime Minister as Chairman of the Board and Defence Minister as Deputy Chairman. Today, the board exercises the financial and other powers of a Department of Government of India and is chaired by the Minister of State for Defence.(So, Statement 2 is incorrect)

Article reference: BRO constructs 200-ft bailey bridge in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli 

Solution (a)

Basic about Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) scheme:

Objective:  to assist the needy disabled persons in aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic potential.

Implemented by – Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, scheme is implemented through implementing agencies such as NGOs, National Institutes under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and ALIMCO (a PSU) (So, statement 1 is correct)

Eligibility:

A person satisfying all the following conditions are eligible:

1. Indian citizen 
2. Has 40% disability or more (requisite certificate for that needed)
3. Monthly income for all sources– not more than Rs.20000.
4. In the case of dependents, income of parents/guardians should not exceed Rs.20000.
5. Must not have received assistance during the last 3 years for the same purpose from any source. However, for children below 12years of age, this limit would be one year

(So, Statement 2 is not correct)

Article link: Distribution Camp for Providing Aids & Assistive Devices to Divyangjan and Senior Citizens

Solution (c)

Solution (b)

About Himalayan serow :

The Himalayan serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) is a subspecies of the mainland serow native to the Himalayas. It was previously considered its own species, as Capricornis thar.

The Himalayan serow is mostly blackish, with flanks, hindquarters, and upper legs that are a rusty red; its lower legs are whitish.  Its Upper Elevation Limit is 3,000 metres, while Lower Elevation Limit is 200 metres.

As per IUCN Red list, it is under vulnerable category.

THREATS

• Residential & commercial development – Housing & urban areas
• Agriculture & aquaculture – Annual & perennial non-timber crops – Livestock farming & ranching 
• Energy production & mining – Mining & quarrying
• Transportation & service corridors — Roads & railroads
• Biological resource use – Hunting & trapping terrestrial animals, Logging & wood harvesting

Due to all this fragmentation of the population have happened, and is one of the reasons of its decline.

Article link: In a ‘first’, Himalayan serow spotted in Assam