PIB 247 – 1st to 2nd July 2023

Q.1) Union Cabinet has approved introduction of National Research Foundation (NRF)
[a] 1, 2 and 3 Only
Bill, 2023 in the Parliament to establish National Research Foundation. Consider the
[b] 1, 3, 4 and 5 Only
following statements
[c] 1 and 4 Only
[d] 1, 2 and 4 Only
[e] 2, 3 and 5 Only (1) NRF will serve as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific
research in the country as per recommendations of NEP 2020
(2) It will function under PMO
(3) It will be governed by a Governing Board whose ex-officio President will be Union
Minister of Science & Technology
(4) Its functioning will be led by an Executive Council chaired by Principal Scientific
Adviser
(5) Its total estimated cost is Rs. 50,000 crores during five years i.e. 2025-30

Which of the above statements about NRF are incorrect?

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [e]

 National Research Foundation Bill

➢ What: Union Cabinet has approved introduction of National

Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament.

• The bill, after approval in the Parliament, will establish NRF.

• The bill will also repeal SERB established by an act of

Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF.

▪ NRF’s expanded mandate will cover activities over and above

the activities of SERB.

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 • It will serve as an apex body to provide high-level strategic
direction of scientific research in the country as per
recommendations of NEP

• It will seed, grow and promote R&D and foster a culture of

research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges,
research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

• Total estimated cost: Rs. 50,000 crores during five years

(2023-28).

• Parent Administrative Department: Department of Science

and Technology (DST)

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 • It will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent
researchers and professionals across disciplines.

• Composition of Governing Board:

▪ ex-officio President: Prime Minister

▪ ex-officio Vice-Presidents: Union Minister of Science &

Technology & Union Minister of Education.

• Functioning: It will be led by an Executive Council chaired by

Principal Scientific Adviser.

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 Q.2) Which of the following statement/s is/are incorrect about
[a] 1, 4 and 5 Only Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure?
[b] 1 and 5 Only
[c] 2 and 3 Only
[d] 2 and 4 Only
[e] 4 and 5 Only
(1) It was launched in 2019 by PM Narendra Modi at the UN
Climate Action Summit (New York)
(2) It is the first major global initiative launched by India
(3) It is headquartered in Geneva
(4) India is providing financial support of Rs.480 crores from
India over a period of 5 years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
(5) Till date it is comprising 39 members comprising - 31
Countries, 6 International Organizations and 2 private sector
organizations

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [c]

 CDRI

➢What: Union Cabinet has approved for ratification of

Headquarters Agreement between Government of India and
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) signed in
August, 2022.

➢About CDRI
• Objectives:
▪ To promote resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and
disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.
▪ To promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of
infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and
recovery mechanisms.

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 • Launch Year: 2019 by PM Narendra Modi at UN Climate Action
Summit (New York).
• It is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of National
Governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks and
financing mechanisms, private sector, academic and knowledge
institutions.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
▪ It is being set up with financial support of Rs. 480 crores from
India over a period of 5 years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
• Members: 39 members consisting of- 31 Countries, 6
International Organizations and 2 private sector organizations.

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in
Q.3) Identify incorrect statement about additional borrowing permissions granted to
states for successfully implementing reforms in power sector

[a] Under it, additional borrowing space of up to 0.5% of Gross State Domestic Product
(GSDP) is available to States annually for 4-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25
[b] This additional financial window is dependent on implementation of mandatory
reforms in the power sector
[c] Ministry of Finance is nodal ministry for assessing performance of States and
determine their eligibility for granting additional borrowing permission
[d] 12 states have been granted permission to raise Rs.66,413 Crore through additional
borrowing permissions for power sector reforms undertaken in 2021-22 and 2022-23
[e] Total Rs.1,43,332 Crore are available as an incentive for additional borrowing to
States for undertaking these reforms in 2023-24

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [c]

 Power Sector Reforms

➢ What: Ministry of Finance has allowed additional borrowing

permissions to 12 states that have implemented reforms by the
States in power sector
• 12 states have been granted permission by Ministry of Finance to
raise Rs. 66,413 crore through additional borrowing permissions.
▪ This is based on recommendations of Ministry of Power for
reforms undertaken in 2021-22 and 2022-23

▪ West Bengal has been allowed highest additional borrowing

of Rs. 15,263 crores

▪ Manipur has been granted lowest additional borrowing limit of

Rs. 180 crores.

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 • Rs.1,43,332 crore is available as an incentive to States for
undertaking these reforms in 2023-24.

• States that didn’t meet reform process in 2021-22 and 2022-23

can also benefit from additional borrowing earmarked for 2023-
24 if they carry out the reforms in FY 2023-24

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 ➢About the Reforms

• Objectives:
▪ To improve operational and economic efficiency within the
sector
▪ To promote a sustained increase in paid electricity
consumption

• It was announced in Union Budget 2021-22.

• Under it, additional borrowing space of up to 0.5% of GSDP is
available to States annually for 4-year period from 2021-22 to
2024-25.

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 • Mandatory reforms in the power sector by the States-
▪ Progressive assumption of responsibility for losses of public
sector power distribution companies (DISCOMs) by the State
Government
▪ Transparency in reporting of financial affairs of power sector
including payment of subsidies and liabilities of Governments
to DISCOMs and of DISCOMs to others
▪ Timely rendition of financial and energy accounts and timely
audit.
▪ Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

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 • On completion of these reforms, a state’s performance is
evaluated based on specific criteria for incentive amount
▪ This amount may range from 0.25% to 0.5% of GDP based
on performance

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Power

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Q.4) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a unique package of
innovative schemes for farmers with a total outlay of Rs.3,70,128.7 crore. Out this total
outlay, __________ has been committed for urea subsidy for _____________ years and
__________ for Market Development Assistance (MDA) for promoting Organic Fertilizers
from Gobardhan Plants. Fill the gaps

[a] Rs. 3,45,856.5 crores, 4 years, Rs.3453.34 crores

[b] Rs. 3,33,445.3 crores, 5 years, Rs. 2345.34 crores
[c] Rs. 3,68,676.7 crores, 3 years, Rs. 1451.84 crores
[d] Rs. 3,56,344.5 crores, 6 years, Rs. 3424.23 crores
[e] Rs. 3,87,967.3 crores, 2 years, RS. 4349.67 crores

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [c]

 Unique Package for Farmers

➢ What: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a

unique package of innovative schemes for farmers with a total
outlay of Rs.3,70,128.7 crore.

➢ Why:
• For overall wellbeing and economic betterment of farmers by
promoting sustainable agriculture.

• To boost farmers’ income, strengthen natural/organic farming,

rejuvenate soil productivity, and ensure food security.

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 ➢Continuation of Urea Subsidy Scheme

• It will ensure constant availability of urea to farmers at same

price of Rs.242/ 45 kg bag excluding taxes and neam coating
charges.

• Subsidy Outlay: Out of above approved package, Rs.

3,68,676.7 Crore have been committed for urea subsidy for three
years (2022-23 to 2024-25).

• This is apart from recently approved Nutrient Based Subsidy of

Rs.38,000 Crore for Kharif season for 2023-24.

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 ➢Market Development Assistance (MDA) for promoting
Organic Fertilizers from Gobardhan Plants

• Under this package, Rs.1451.84 crore have been approved for

MDA.

• MDA is in the form of Rs.1500 per MT is provided to support

marketing of organic fertilizers, viz., Fermented Organic Manures
(FOM)/Liquid FOM/Phosphate Rich Organic Manures (PROM)

▪ These are produced as by-product from Bio- gas

Plants/Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants set up under umbrella
GOBARdhan initiative.

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 ➢Introduction of Sulphur coated Urea (Urea Gold)
• It also has been announced in the package.

• This will address the sulphur deficiency of soil and save input
costs for the farmers

• It will be introduced in the country for the first time.

• It is more economical and efficient than the currently used Neem

coated urea.

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 ➢Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSKs)
touches one lakh
• PMKSKs have already come up in the country.

• For the convenience of farmers, the farm inputs are being

provided as a one stop solution for all needs of farmers.

➢Nano Urea eco-system strengthened

• By 2025-26, eight Nano urea plants with production capacity of
44 Crore bottles equaling to 195 LMT of conventional urea will be
commissioned.

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Q.5) Where has the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress been organised under the theme
“Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a Vibrant India”?

[a] Bhopal
[b] Udaipur
[c] Gandhinagar
[d] Varanasi
[e] New Delhi

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [d]

 Indian Cooperative Congress

➢What: 17th Indian Cooperative Congress has been organised in

New Delhi on the occasion of International Day of Cooperatives.

➢Objectives

▪ To discuss various trends in cooperative movement

▪ To showcase best practices being adopted

▪ To deliberate challenges being faced

▪ To chalk out future policy direction for growth of India’s

cooperative movement

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 • Main Theme: “Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a
Vibrant India”

➢Initiatives Launched
• E-commerce website for Cooperative Marketing

• Cooperative Extension and Advisory Service portal

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 Q.6) Consider the following statements about National Sickle Cell
[a] 1, 4 and 5 Only Anaemia Elimination Mission
[b] 2, 3 and 4 Only
[c] 1, 2 and 5 Only
[d] 3 and 4 Only (1) It was introduced in the Union Budget 2023 and was launched
[e] 1, 2 and 3 Only from tribal district of Gadchiroli
(2) It aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by the year
2030
(3) It is being executed in a mission mode as part of the National
Health Mission
(4) It targets screening approximately 7.0 crore people over a period
of three years (2023-24 to 2025-26)
(5) It will be implemented in 21 high-focus states across the country

Which of the above statements are incorrect?

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [c]

 National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission

➢What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched National Sickle

Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
• Objectives

▪ To eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by 2047

▪ To improve care and prospects of all sickle cell disease

patients while reducing the prevalence of the disease.

• It focuses on addressing the significant health challenges posed

by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal populations of the
country.

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 • Coverage: It will be implemented in 17 high-focus states across
the country.

▪ 17 states are- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya

Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha,
Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam,
Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

• Execution: It will be executed in a mission mode as part of the

National Health Mission (NHM).

• Target: It targets screening approximately 7.0 crore people over

a period of three years (2023-24 to 2025-26)

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Q.7) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has revised Crop Residue Management
guidelines for enabling efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw generated in which
of the following States/UTs?

(1) Punjab
(2) New Delhi [a] 1, 2 and 5 Only
[b] 2, 3 and 4 Only
(3) Himachal Pradesh
[c] 1, 2 and 3 Only
(4) Rajasthan [d] 3, 4 and 5 Only
(5) Uttar Pradesh [e] 2, 3 and 5 Only

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [a]

 Crop Residue Management Guidelines

➢ What: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has revised

Crop Residue Management guidelines

➢ Why: For enabling efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw

generated in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in
 • Financial assistance on capital cost of machinery and equipment
will be provided by Government.

• Required working capital may be financed either by

▪ Industry and Beneficiary jointly

▪ Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), NABARD Financial or

Financing from the Financial Institutions by the beneficiary.

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 • Financial Support Distribution of the project cost

▪ Government (jointly by Central and State Governments) will

provide financial support @ 65%

▪ Industry as primary promoter of project will contribute 25%

▪ Panchayats will be the direct Beneficiary of project and will

contribute the balance 10%.

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 • It will result in building about 333 biomass collection depots of
capacity 4500 MT in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh.

• It is expected to collect 1.5 million metric tonnes of surplus

paddy straw which would otherwise have been burnt in fields.

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Q.8) Which web based daily performance management system in Central Board of
Indirect Taxes and Customs has been launched on the occasion of 6th Goods and
Services Tax Day?

[a] Prahar
[b] Pratidin
[c] Parichay
[d] Parakshit
[e] Pulkit

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [b]

 GST Day

➢ What: The 6th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day was
celebrated in New Delhi with the vision GST@6 सरलीकृत कर, समग्र
विकास.
➢Initiatives Launched

• “प्रतितिन” (Pratidin)
• It is a web based daily performance management system in
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

• It will monitor important tasks at the field level for better

monitoring of work at the field level as well as to further motivate
officers to perform better.

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 • 50,000 taxpayers honoured

▪ CBIC has honoured the contribution of 50,000 compliant

taxpayers, representing all Industry sectors of the economy.

▪ These taxpayers have demonstrated compliance in prompt

filing of GST Returns and payment of their GST liabilities
during FY 2022-23.

▪ MSME sector, which is the growth engine of the Economy and

the largest contributor to job creation finds representation in
the awards.

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 Questions in Short

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Q.9) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved highest ever Fair and
Remunerative Price (FRP) of _________ for a basic recovery rate of 10.25% for
Sugarcane for sugar season 2023-24 (October - September). It is _________ higher
than current sugar season 2022-23. It is also higher by __________ over production
cost. Fill the gaps

[a] Rs. 307/quintal, 5.55%, 101.4%

[b] Rs. 310/quintal, 5.34%, 104.6%
[c] Rs. 300/quintal, 4.59%, 102.3%
[d] Rs. 305/quintal, 4.34%, 98.4%
[e] Rs.315/quintal, 3.28%, 100.6%

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [e]

Q.10) Where is Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organising International
Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) with an aim to explore mechanisms to
establish a Green Hydrogen ecosystem?

• Organisers: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy,

[a] Bengaluru
in partnership with
[b] Hyderabad ▪ Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
[c] Mumbai ▪ Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[d] Lucknow ▪ Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI
[e] New Delhi

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [e]

Q.11) Which technological platform has been launched by Ministry of Commerce and
Industry for logistics related industry associations to post their issues/ pain points for
early resolution?

[a] E-Resolution
[b] E-Logistics
[c] E- Tarkashaasr
[d] E-Logs
[e] E-Parivahan

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [d]

Q.12) By which year, Government has set a target to achieve $1 trillion of merchandise
exports under Foreign Trade Policy 2023?

[a] 2035
[b] 2040
[c] 2030
[d] 2045
[e] 2025

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [c]

Q.13) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired the meeting of the 42nd edition of
PRAGATI, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely
Implementation, involving Centre and State governments. Till now (June 2023),
________ projects having total cost _________ have been reviewed. Fill the gaps

[a] 220, Rs. 16.56 lakh crore

[b] 270, Rs. 15.45 lakh crore
[c] 300, Rs. 19.54 lakh crore
[d] 340, Rs 17.05 lakh crore
[e] 360, Rs. 18.56 lakh crore

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [d]

Q.14) Which country has been recently dropped from United Nations General Assembly
Security Council - Children and Armed Conflict Report of the Secretary-General?

[a] Cameroon
[b] Philippines
[c] Nigeria
[d] India
[e] Pakistan

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [d]

Q.15) Where is Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organising the sixth edition of
Divya Kala Mela’ to enable Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their
products and skills?

[a] Jaipur
[b] Pune
[c] Bhubaneshwar
[d] New Delhi
[e] Ranchi

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [a]

Q.16) How many critical minerals have been identified in the recently released first ever
report of the country on “Critical Minerals for India”, prepared by the Ministry of Mines?

[a] 25
[b] 45
[c] 30
[d] 55
[e] 75

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [c]

Q.17) In the month of May 2023, Union Government has received _____________ of
Total Receipts. At the same time, Total Expenditure incurred by Union Government was
__________. Fill the gsaps

[a] Rs. 1,18,280 crore, Rs. 2,22,085 crore

[b] Rs. 1,67,789 crore, Rs. 2,45,345 crore
[c] Rs. 1,34,655 crore, Rs. 2,78,045 crore
[d] Rs. 2,78,045 crore, Rs. 1,10,663 crore
[e] Rs. 4,15,691 crore, Rs. 6,25,978 crore

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [e]

Q.18) Where is Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways developing a National
Maritime Heritage Complex under the Sagarmala programme?

[a] Arikamedu
[b] Lothal
[c] Korkai
[d] Bharuch
[e] Kollam

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [b]

Q.19) Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya recently virtually reviewed
preparedness of States for prevention and control of which vector borne diseases ahead
of the monsoon season?

(1) Malaria
[a] 1, 2, 3 and 5 Only
(2) Lymphatic Filariasis
[b] 1, 3, 4 and 5 Only
(3) Kala azar [c] 2, 3 and 4 Only
(4) Japanese Encephalitis [d] 3, 4 and 5 Only
(5) Chikungunya [e] 1, 4 and 5 Only

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [b]

Q.20) With which country has India Post entered into an agreement to introduce
International Tracked Packet Service (ITPS) between the two countries to facilitate e-
commerce exports?

[a] Canada
[b] United States
[c] United Kingdom
[d] France
[e] Australia

9999466225 w w w. a n u j j i n d a l . i n info@anujjindal.in Answer – [a]