UPSC Prelims 2024 Analysis

Explanation

• Statement 1: Correct. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India state that expenditures aimed at benefiting the company's business interests or its employees (such as those related to employee welfare or activities that are a direct business benefit) will not be counted as CSR activities. The focus of CSR is on activities that benefit society at large and not just the company or its direct stakeholders.

• Statement 2: Incorrect. Under the Companies Act, 2013, CSR rules do specify a minimum spending requirement. Companies meeting certain criteria (like having a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or an annual turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of ₹5 crore or more) must allocate at least 2% of their average net profits over the last three years towards CSR activities.

So, the correct answer is: A. 1 only

Explanation

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Incorrect. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides a minimum package of antenatal care (ANC) services only during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It does not cover post-delivery health care services for six months. The focus is on ensuring safe pregnancies through early detection and management of high-risk cases.

• Statement 2:  Correct. Under PMSMA, private sector health care providers (such as gynecologists, radiologists, and physicians) can volunteer to provide free services at nearby government health facilities on the 9th of every month. This public-private partnership enhances access to specialized care for pregnant women.

Explanation

Explanation:

100 Million Farmers: The 100 Million Farmers initiative, launched by The World Economic Forum (WEF), seeks to drive a global movement focused on accelerating the adoption of regenerative agriculture and climate adaptation practices at the farm level. This initiative aims to transition towards sustainable food and water systems. It focuses on achieving net-zero carbon emissions, enhancing nature positivity, and improving farmers' resilience to climate change and market fluctuations.

Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:

•  Option B: This describes organizations promoting organic animal husbandry, not the '100 Million Farmers' initiative.

•  Option C: This refers to a blockchain-based platform for fertilizer trading, which is not the core focus of '100 Million Farmers.'

•  Option D: While farmer collectives are important, '100 Million Farmers has a broader scope encompassing sustainable practices and climate resilience.

Explanation

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The World Toilet Organization (WTO) is not an agency of the United Nations. It is an international non-profit organization.

• Statement 2 is correct. The WTO is known for its initiatives like World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day, and World Toilet College, all aimed at addressing the global sanitation crisis.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. While the WTO advocates for improved sanitation and hygiene, its primary function is not to grant funds. It focuses on advocacy, education, and capacity building to achieve its goals.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, here's the breakdown of the statements:

• Statement 1:  Incorrect. The eligible age group for enrolment in the scheme is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40 years. This allows younger workers to join early and contribute for a longer period.

• Statement 2: Correct. Beneficiaries are required to make age-specific monthly contributions, which increase with age. For instance, contributions start at ₹55 for an 18-year-old and go up to ₹200 for a 40-year-old.

• Statement 3: Correct. Subscribers will receive a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age. This provides social security for workers in the unorganized sector.

• Statement 4: Incorrect. Family pension is available only to the spouse, who will receive 50% of the pension amount after the subscriber's death. Unmarried daughters are not eligible for this benefit.

Explanation

Explanation:

• Statement 1:  Correct.  The Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) is 100% centrally funded by the Central Government for Union Territories and North-Eastern States. For other states, the funding pattern may vary, but it largely involves central assistance for implementing the scheme.

• Statement 2: Correct. Cadastral Maps (detailed maps showing boundaries of individual land parcels) are being digitized under the scheme. This aims to create accurate digital land records, enabling better governance and reduced disputes.

• Statement 3: Correct. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate Records of Rights (RoR) from local languages into languages recognized by the Constitution of India. This improves accessibility and ensures land records are understood by a wider audience.

Explanation

Operation Sadbhavana is a unique initiative undertaken by the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East regions. It focuses on winning the hearts and minds of the local population through various developmental activities and assistance. This includes providing education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and promoting skill development initiatives.

Let's look at the other options:

• Operation Sankalp was launched by the Indian Navy to ensure maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

•  Operation Maitri refers to the Indian Armed Forces' humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations to assist friendly countries. A notable example was the aid provided to Nepal during the 2015 earthquake.

•  Operation Madad is the Indian Navy's effort to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during natural calamities, both within India and to neighboring countries.