Day-726 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS

Answer: A
Context: A research team at Stanford University has found the absorption capacity of a sisal-based material to be higher than those in commercial menstrual pads.
Explanation:
About the Sisal Plant:
It is a xerophytic, monocarp, semi-perennial leaf fibre-producing plant. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and often covered with a waxy layer, typical characteristics of xerophytic plants.
● It is well adapted to arid environments as the species is xerophytic.
● A sisal plant’s lifespan is about 7-10 years, during which it produces 200-250 usable leaves. Each leaf contains about a thousand fibres that can be used to make ropes, paper, and cloth.
● It could be used to make a highly absorbed material as well.
● It thrives best on dry, absorbent, sandy-loam soils with many liming materials (Ca and Mg) but can also grow on various other types of soils.
● It is grown in light, calcareous and gravelly soils in India with good drainage.
● It is well adapted mainly in Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Bihar, the western part of West Bengal and many southern states.
● It is mainly propagated by vegetative means such as ‘bulbils’ and ‘suckers’.
Hence, option (A) is correct.

Answer: A
Context: The famous silver filigree (Rupa Tarakasi) of the millennium Cuttack city in Odisha recently received the geographical indication (GI) tag.
Explanations:
Pairs 1 is incorrectly matched: This is one of the most exquisite silver crafts. This age-old, sophisticated craft is prevalent in the silver city of Cuttack in Odisha. Although the exact origin of filigree art in Cuttack is unclear, it is believed to have existed in the 12th century. This art received considerable patronage under the Mughals.

Pairs 2 is incorrectly matched: It is a type of marble known for its brilliant white appearance and unique natural patterns. It is named after the city of Ambaji in the state of Gujarat, where it is mainly quarried. It is also known as Amba White Marble and Ambe White Marble.
● It is characterized by its pristine white color, often with subtle brown or beige streaks.
● It has very long-lasting shine and durability.It is widely used for luxury architectural projects, statues and monuments.

Pairs 3 is correctly matched: These are handmade masks traditionally used to portray characters in dramatic performances with bhaona or devotional messages under the Neo-Vaishnava tradition, introduced in Assam by the 15th-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva I went.
● Srimanta Sankardev established this art of masks through a drama called Chinha Jatra. This word means to explain through images. At that time, the purpose was to attract ordinary people towards Krishna’s devotion.

Products with GI Tag – States
1. Rupa Tarakasi – Odisha
2. Ambaji White Marble – Gujarat
3. Majuli Masks – Assam

Answer: A
Context: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under Ministry of Power, launched its groundbreaking National Efficient Cooking Programme
(NECP) and Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP) on November 2, 2023.
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims to safeguard the health of women & children by providing them with clean cooking fuel through LPG.
• Start year: May, 2016
• Objective: To provide clean cooking fuel to poor households across the country.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
• The Unnat Chulha Abhiyan programme was launched in June 2014.
• Objective: Promotion of improved biomass cook stove in the country for providing a clean cooking energy solution with a view to reduce consumption of fuel wood with higher efficiency and low emissions.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Statement 3 is incorrect:
• The National Efficient Cooking Programme is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
Additional Information
National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) and Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP)
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Power
• Nodal Agency: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under Ministry of Power
• Aim: Revolutionizing cooking practices in India and emphasizing on the importance and urgency of energy efficient fans.
• As part of these programmes, EESL will distribute 1 crore efficient BLDC fans and 20 Lakh energy-efficient induction cook stoves nationwide.

Answer: B
Explanation:
Context: The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, launched the scheme during his Independence Day speech.
About the scheme:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The name of the scheme is kept in honor of the divine builder and craftsman lord Vishwakarma. The PM Vishwakarma scheme is a central sector scheme.
● Statement 2 is correct: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will implement the scheme.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: It would be open to traditional artists and crafters from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
● Eighteen (18) traditional trades such as carpenter, boat maker, armorer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, stone breaker, cobbler, ma son, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, traditional doll and toy maker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor and fishing net maker will be covered under the Scheme.
Aim of the scheme:
● The program aims to support and preserve the “Guru-Shishya parampara” (teacher-student tradition), or the family-based practice of ancient skills by artisans and craftspeople using their hands and tools.
● The scheme also aims to improve the quality and reach of the artisans’ and craft-people’s products and services as well as to make sure that the Vishwa karmas are integrated with the domestic and international value chains.
Benefits of the scheme:
● Training and Skill Development: A comprehensive 6-day training program will provide traditional artists with an invaluable opportunity to develop their talents. By equipping them with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, this program is specifically designed to meet the demands of carpenters, tailors, basket weavers, barbers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, potters, confectioners, cobblers, and others.
● Statement 4 is correct: Financial Support: The PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, as well as credit support up to Rs. 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs. 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5% without any collateral, would be given to artisans and craftspeople.
● Opportunities for Employment: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a catalyst for opening doors for employment. It aims to promote economic stability and prosperity by creating jobs for about 15,000 people each year.

Answer: C
Context: Notification issued for Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark scheme under LiFE Initiative to promote sustainable lifestyle and environmental conservation.
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
Green Credit Program (GCP)
Notified on: 13th October, 2023
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• It is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
• The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP administrator and is responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
• In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and afforestation.
• A user-friendly digital platform will streamline the processes for registration of projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits.
• The Green Credit Registry and trading platform, being developed by ICFRE, would facilitate the registration and thereafter, the buying and selling of Green Credits.
Statement 2 is correct:
Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products
Notified On: 13th October 2023
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• It provides accreditation and labelling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards as per Indian norms.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) administers the Ecomark Scheme in partnership with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national body for standards and certification.
• Both initiatives mark significant steps in promoting sustainable living, environmental conservation and through individual and collective choice, embody eco-friendly practices in India.
They align with global sustainability goals and reflect the government’s commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.