Solution (c)

Explanation:

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Programme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), in Mission mode envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes 75 years of its Independence. The Mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including slum dwellers through following programme verticals:

• Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource
• Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy
• Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors
• Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement.

Article reference: 10 states/UTs have not sanctioned slum redevelopment housing under PMAY: Govt 

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1: Mahatma Gandhi had sound reasons for his decision. An item of daily use could resonate more with all classes of citizens than an abstract demand for greater political rights. The salt tax represented 8.2% of the British Raj tax revenue, and hurt the poorest Indians the most significantly. (Land Revenue was largest source of revenue of government, and not salt tax) Explaining his choice, Gandhi said, “Next to air and water, salt is perhaps the greatest necessity of life.

Statement 2: The Dharasana Satyagraha went ahead as planned, with Abbas Tyabji leading the march with Gandhi’s wife Kasturba at his side. Both were arrested before reaching Dharasana and sentenced to three months in prison. After their arrests, the march continued under the leadership of Sarojini Naidu who warned the satyagrahis, “You must not use any violence under any circumstances. You will be beaten, but you must not resist: you must not even raise a hand to ward off blows.” Soldiers began clubbing the satyagrahis with steel tipped lathis in an incident that attracted international attention.

As, Tyabji was arrested earlier, so final raid was led by Sarojini Naidu. (So, Statement 2 is incorrect)

Statement 3: Dandi March was covered widely by International Media, which generated sympathy for Indians in worlds. TIME awarded Mahatma Gandhi as Person of the year in 1930. During March, New York Times, Associated Press, TIME and other covered widely and question British anti-people laws.

Article reference: Prime Minister to Inaugurate ‘Amrut Mahotsav’ & to Flag off Padyatra

Solution (c)

Explanation: 

About Simlipal National Park

• Simlipal National Park is a national park and a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha covering 2,750 km2 (1,060 sq mi). (So, Statement 1 is incorrect)  
• It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas — Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
• It is the 7th largest national park in India.
• The park is home to Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and chausingha along with some of the beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani Falls.
• At least 12 rivers cut across the plain area. The prominent among them are Budhabalanga, Palpala Bhandan, Kharkai River and Deo. (Among which Kharkai and Deo are prominent contributory of Subarnarekha river)  (So, Statement 2 is correct)
• This protected area is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009. (So, Statement 3 is correct)

Article link: Explained: Why the Simlipal forest fire is a matter of concern

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1: India Science Research Fellowship (ISRF) is given by Ministry of Science & Technology.

(So, statement 1 is incorrect)

Statement 2: As a part of India’s initiatives to engage with neighbouring countries to develop S&T partnerships, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India has launched ISRF Programme for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand researchers to work in Indian Universities and Research Institutions. It has been implemented since 2015, and as of now, 5 calls have been announced in this programme with participation of young researchers from these countries. (BIMSTEC constitutes a unique link between South and South-East Asia with five Members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand)

(So, statement 2 is correct)

Statement 3: These scholars have been selected based on research proposal, experience, academic merit and publication record and recommended for the award of India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) 2021.

(So, statement 3 is incorrect)

Article link: India Science Research Fellowship (ISRF) 2021 announced

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

• Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) Scheme.
• It has been to incentivize creation of new employment along with social security benefits and restoration of loss of employment during COVID-19 pandemic. 
• This scheme being implemented through the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), reduces the financial burden of the employers of various sectors/industries including MSMEs and encourages them to hire more workers. 
• Under ABRY, Government of India is crediting for a period of two years   both the employees’ share (12% of wages) and employers share’ (12% of wages) of contribution payable or only the employees’ share, depending on employment strength of the EPFO registered establishments. 
• As on 17.02.2021 benefits are to be provided to 8.42 lakh beneficiaries through 38,320 establishments.

Article link: Employment Generation