UPSC EXAM QUIZ 13.08.2024

Explanation:

• According to the Ministry of Rural Development, work demand under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) fell sharply in July 2024.

What Does a Decline in Demand for Work under the MGNREGS Indicate

• Current State of Demand for Work: Approximately 22.80 million individuals sought work under the scheme in July, reflecting a 21.6% decline from the same period in 2023.
• These individuals represented 18.90 million households, a decrease of 19.5% year-over-year and 28.4% compared to June 2024.
• On a month-to-month basis, the number of people seeking work dropped by 33.4% in July 2024.
• In July 2024, fewer individuals submitted work demands in key states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana .

Explanation:

• Three underwater structures in the Indian Ocean were named as Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru, which reflect India's growing influence in marine science and its commitment to exploring and understanding the Indian Ocean.
• This naming was proposed by India and approved by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)

• It is an intergovernmental consultative and technical body established in 1921 to enhance navigation safety and protect the marine environment.
• India is a member of the IHO.

Objectives

• Coordinating the activities of national hydrographic offices.
• Achieving the highest possible uniformity in nautical charts and documents.
• Promoting the adoption of reliable and efficient methods for conducting and utilising hydrographic surveys.

Explanation:

• Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released data highlighting significant trends in the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme (PM-JAY).
• This information underscores the increasing financial burden of providing healthcare to the elderly, particularly those aged 70 years and above.

Key Takeaways Regarding Ayushman Bharat

• Significant Elderly Admissions: The data reveals that out of nearly 6.2 crore approved hospital admissions until January 2024, 57.5 lakh were senior citizens aged 70 years and above. Government expenditure on treatments under the scheme totaled Rs 79,200 crore over the past six years, with approximately Rs 9,900(14%) crore allocated specifically for treating individuals aged 70 and over.
• Elderly patients often require more intensive and costly treatments due to chronic conditions and multiple comorbidities, complicates treatment, increasing the likelihood of costly intensive care unit (ICU) care and extended hospital stays.
• State Variability: The proportion of elderly admissions varied widely among states, with Maharashtra (20.49%) and Kerala (18.75%) having the highest rates, while Tamil Nadu (3.12%) had the lowest.

Explanation:

• 109 climate-resilient seed varieties released by PM Modi to increase agricultural production and nutrition.
• On August 11, 2024, 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient and bio-fortified seed varieties of agricultural and horticultural crops were released by PM Narendra Modi, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and farmers' income.
• These varieties, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), are suitable for 61 crops, including 34 regional crops and 27 horticultural crops.
• The seeds were unveiled by Mr Modi at three experimental farming sites at the Pusa campus in Delhi, where he also interacted with farmers and scientists.
• The varieties of field crops include cereals, millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton and fibre crops.
• For horticulture, the Prime Minister released new varieties of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tubers, spices, flowers and medicinal plants.

Explanation:

• FDI inflows in the manufacturing sector increased almost 69% and reached $165.1 billion in last 10 years (2014-24).
• FDI inflows in the manufacturing sector was $97.7 billion in the 2004-14 period.
• FDI inflow of $383.5 billion came during 2019-20 to 2023-24 alone.
• This inflow was mainly driven by production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.
• According to the latest government data, 755 applications for PLI schemes have been granted in 14 key areas.
• Up till March, investments totalling Rs 1.23 lakh crore were achieved, creating about 8 lakh jobs.
• An outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore was announced for the PLI initiatives covering 14 important sectors.
• The PLI programs are designed to draw capital into key sectors.
• The production of mobile phones and certain electronic components, pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, medical services, autos and auto parts, steel, telecommunications, textiles, food, and other items are among the key sectors.