Question : Which of the following dams are located on Mahanadi River?

1. Hirakud Dam
2. Dudhawa Dam
3. Ghumarapadar Dam
4. Rihand Dam

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1, 2 and 3 only
2 and 4 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

• Despite a poor pre-monsoon season, especially during March and April when the all-India rainfall was 32% short of normal, reservoirs in the country have accumulated reasonably healthy stock overall in July so far.
• This is because surplus rainfall during the northeast monsoon of 2021 kept stocks replenished through the summer of 2022.
  • Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, about 15 kilometres from Sambalpur in the state of Odisha in India. It is the longest earthen dam in the world. From horizon to horizon the resorvoir forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 Sq.Kms. and a shore line over 640 Kms.
  • Dudhawa Dam is located in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh in India. The construction of the dam began in 1953 and finished in 1964. It is built across the Mahanadi river in the village of Dudhawa, 21 km from Sihawa and 29 km from Kanker.
  • Ghumarapadar Dam is built across Mahanadi River and located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
  • Rihand Dam, also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, is the largest dam of India by volume. The reservoir of Rihand Dam is called Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar and is India's largest artificial lake. Rihand Dam is a concrete gravity dam located at Pipri in Sonbhadra District in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is built across the Rihand river.

Source: Explained: Healthy stock in reservoirs | Explained News,The Indian Express

Question : ‘PARIMAN’ portal is launched recently with an objective of:

helping to improve decentralized planning and management in NCR region
reducing air pollution depending on the current level of pollution in NCR region
validating property legally in an integrated way in urban India
building capacities of teachers and school principals at the elementary stage

• National Capital Region (NCR) is presently spread over 55,083 Sq. Kms and has four participating states (24 Districts and entire NCT of Delhi) as its constituent area.
• For the purpose of effective utilization of Remote Sensing and GIS technology, a web geo-portal has been developed through National Informatics Centre (NIC), initially for use by NCR Participating states and the Office of NCRPB.
• Geo-Portal for NCR known as ‘PARIMAN’ was launched on 31.08.2021.
• This Geo-Portal will help to improve decentralized planning and management in NCR region. The Portal consists of around 179 Layers presented as Line, Point & Polygon feature covering details of various sectors like Land Use, Transport, Industries, Water, Power, Health, Shelter, Heritage & Tourism, Disaster Management, etc.

Source: PIB

Question : Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is:

the sale of credits set out in Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol that permit a certain level of carbon dioxide emission with the goal of reducing overall emissions
a carbon-pricing system proposed for imports into the European Union (EU)
an initiative of UNFCCC that works within the existent system to alter the carbon footprint of the world’s highest emitting companies
an international agreement set up by UNDP which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of items containing more than 50% carbon

• With carbon neutrality being the byword to a sustainable world, a host of countries — Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Japan, Germany, Canada, Costa Rica, the United States, Brazil, India, and China among others — have set for themselves net-zero targets for the middle and later part of the century.
• At the forefront of the commitment to net-zero is the European Union, which wants to be the first carbon-neutral region in the world by 2050. It brought out the ‘European Union Green Deal’ in July last year to focus on a new growth strategy that aims to transform the EU society into a fair and wealthy one with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.
• To attain carbon neutrality, the EU has set forth immediate targets and has brought out the ‘Fit-for-55’ package, a communication of its 2030 climate targets. A provision in the policy plan is the introduction of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon-pricing system proposed for imports into the EU. The CBAM suggests taxing the imported goods-based difference between carbon used in the production of domestic and imported goods.
• Proposed to be complementary to the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EUETS), during the transition phase of CBAM — beginning January 1, 2023 — importers will only have to report emissions embedded in the production of goods and are not obliged to pay a financial penalty. The CBAM, however, will come completely into force from January 1, 2026 and the measure will see a gradual reduction of free EUETS allowance coverage of 10 percentage points per year and a complete phase-out by 2035. In the initial phase, five CITE (Carbon Intensive and Trade Exposed) sectors such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers and electricity will be taxed under CBAM.
• The EU claims that CBAM is intended to reduce carbon leakage, create a level playfield for EU producers and encourage producers in other countries to adopt cleaner technologies. But several discussions have cropped up around CBAM. Developing countries have raised their concern on the legality of CBAM pointing out its conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) norms, and are afraid that it encourages protectionism.

Source: India-EU: Global dynamics - The Hindu

Question : Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs launched a scheme PM SVANidhi scheme to:
facilitate working capital loans to the street vendors to help them restart their businesses which were adversely impacted due to the lockdowns imposed during COVID-19 pandemic
reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self employment
address urban housing shortage among the economically weaker sections
provide a guideline for cities and towns to ensure that no untreated waste-water is released into the environment

• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is organising ‘SVANidhi Mahotsav’ – a cultural festival for celebrating the success of PM SVANidhi Scheme and the beneficiary street vendors & their families, from 09 July to 31 July, 2022 in 75 cities across 33 States/UTs of the country. 
• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs launched a scheme PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) to empower Street Vendors by not only extending loans to them, but also for their holistic development and economic upliftment.
• The PM SVANidhi scheme was launched on June 1, 2020 to facilitate working capital loans to the street vendors to help them restart their businesses which were adversely impacted due to the lockdowns imposed during COVID-19 pandemic.
• The scheme intends to facilitate collateral free working capital loans of up to INR10,000/- of one-year tenure, to approximately 50 lakh street vendors, to help resume their businesses in the urban areas, including surrounding peri-urban/rural areas.
• The PM SVANidhi scheme offers incentives in the form of:
  •  interest subsidy @ 7% per annum on regular repayment of loan
  • cashback upto INR1200/- per annum on undertaking prescribed digital transactions
  • eligibility for enhanced next tranche of loans

Source: PIB

Question : Mangarh hillock is related to the:

Bhil tribal freedom movement of 1913
peasant movement guided by religious mendicants of 1820s
uprising of indigo farmers against the indigo planters in 1859
armed rebellion organised by class of military retainers against East India Company's rule in India in 1817

• A team from the National Monuments Authority recently submitted a report on declaring  Mangarh hillock in Rajasthan as a monument of National Importance in the year of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, to the Minister of State for Culture. 
• 1500 Bhil tribal freedom fighters were brutally killed by the British army on 17th November 1913.  Mangarh, the hillock in Banswara District,
• Rajasthan was visited by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat and the local Bhil tribals had been demanding the Mangarh hills to be declared as National Monument.
• In 1913 some bhils revolted under the headship of a social reformer Govindgiri and Dhirji Punja which was suppressed in November 1913. Hundreds of bhils were shot dead at the Mangarh hillock,  mini Jalianwala bagh massacre.

Source: PIB

Question : With reference to the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It was launched in 2016 to promote apprenticeship training in India and to provide financial support to establishments undertaking apprenticeship.
2. Sharing of basic training cost up to a maximum of Rs. 7,500 per apprentice is one of the components of this scheme.
3. It is not part of the Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT) scheme.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
3 only

• Recently, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced that the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) will be a part of Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT) scheme, providing direct government benefits to all apprentices.

Statement 1 is correct:

• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) was launched on August 19, 2016, to promote apprenticeship training in the country and to provide financial support to establishments undertaking apprenticeship. The program aims to motivate employers to hire apprentices and aid them in discovering the right job roles while maximising their potential through in-depth skill development. 

Statement 2 is correct:
The scheme has the following two components

• Sharing of 25% of prescribed stipend subject to a maximum of Rs. 1500/- per month per apprentice with the employers.
• Sharing of basic training cost up to a maximum of Rs. 7,500 per apprentice.

Statement 3 is not correct:

• Recently, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) made National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), a part of Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT) scheme, providing direct government benefits to all apprentices. Earlier companies used to pay apprentices the entire amount and then seek reimbursement from the government.
• With the launch of the DBT scheme, the government will directly transfer its contribution to bank accounts of apprentices through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), 25% of the stipend payable up to Rs. 1500/- per month.

Source: PIB    Apprenticeship Training

Question : The Operation “NARCOS”, recently in news, is a month long pan India drive against smuggling of narcotics initiated by:
Central Reserve Police Force
Railway Protection Force
Indo-Tibetan Border Police
Sashastra Seema Bal

• The Railway Protection Force recently started Operation “NARCOS”. RPF has been empowered to conduct search, seizure and arrest under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since April 2019 and has been actively participating in the efforts of the Government to restrict this illegal trade.
• In order to bring attention to the menace of NDPS, a month-long pan India drive against smuggling of narcotics through rail, was launched under code name Operation “NARCOS” in the month of June-2022.
• Under this operation RPF has performed excellently against the carriers/transporters of Narcotics products through Indian Railways. RPF intensified its checks in trains and in identified black spots across the country in coordination with NCB and other LEA’s to target drug peddlers involved in this illegal trade. In the month of June 2022, RPF has recovered various narcotics products including designer products valued Rs.7,40,77,126/- and within its own domain arrested 165 persons who were carrying NDPS and handed them over to the concerned Law Enforcement Agencies for onward legal action.

Source: PIB

Question : With reference to the Solar Decathlon India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a unique initiative that is building a network of young professionals who can innovate and implement resilient net- zero energy buildings to combat climate change.
2. It is conducted by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) under the aegis of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

• The Solar Decathlon India Awards Ceremony commenced recently.

Statement 1 is correct:

• Solar Decathlon India is a unique, annual challenge for undergraduate and postgraduate students from Indian colleges and universities to address Climate Change by developing innovative, net-zero energy and climate resilient solutions for the building sector in India. It is a unique initiative that is building a network of young professionals who can innovate and implement resilient net- zero energy buildings to combat climate change, as well as a network of faculty instructors who can guide innovation and mentor multi-disciplinary projects. Student teams develop affordable and industry-ready solutions for real projects with the help of online Self-Learning Modules and expert mentorship provided during this year-long challenge. It is a hands-on, practical, innovation-based challenge that moves the construction and real estate industry towards implementing net-zero solutions developed by students.

Statement 2 is correct:

• Solar Decathlon India is conducted by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) under the aegis of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF). It is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, MacArthur Foundation and DesignBuilder.

Source:
PIB
Solar Decathlon India

Question : Which one of the following seas is associated with ‘Snake Island’ which has been in the news recently?
Black Sea
Caspian Sea
Aral Sea
Mediterranean Sea

• Russian forces abandoned the strategic Black Sea outpost of Snake Island recently, in a major victory for Ukraine that could loosen the grip of Russia’s blockade on Ukrainian ports. The most significant aspect is that this could open the door to Ukrainian grain exports from Odesa, which is critical for Ukraine’s economy and for the global food supply.

 

• Snake Island, also known as Serpent Island or Zmiinyi Island, is an island belonging to Ukraine located in the Black Sea, near the Danube Delta, with an important role in delimiting Ukrainian territorial waters. It is a rocky outcrop that extends less than 700 metres from end to end, and is often described as being “X-shaped”. It has a long association with Achilles, the mythical Greek warrior who was invincible but for his vulnerable heel. Parts of the Black Sea around Snake Island are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves.

Source: Indian Express

Question : Which of the following committee report/reports is/are associated with Protection of Western Ghats?

1. Gadgil Committee Report
2. Kasturirangan Committee Report
3. TSR Subramanian Committee Report

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Recently, as Kerala hotly debated the Supreme Court order for maintaining at least a kilometre of Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for protected areas, the WGEEP report, popularly known as the Gadgil report, once again springs back to public discourse in Kerala.
The Gadgil Committee Report and Kasturirangan Committee Report are related to the Protection of Western Ghats. Gadgil was the chairman of the WGEEP which submitted a 522 page-report to the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2011. Calling the Western Ghats region as “The Protector of Indian Peninsula”, Gadgil in his report suggested the designation of the entire region as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and had classified the 142 taluks in the ghats into ESA 1, 2 and 3. Kasturirangan Committee Report classified 60% of the Western Ghats as a cultural landscape with human settlements, agriculture and plantations. Remaining area was termed as natural landscape, with37% “biologically rich” area, close to 60,000 sq km. Only 37% classified as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA). The report categorized areas on the basis of their ecological sensitivity.
T.S.R Subramanian committee report on environment aims to review the country's green laws and the procedures followed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). It suggested several amendments to align with the Government's economic development agenda.

Source:
The Hindu
Indian Express