Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was established in 1948 to provide assistance to people affected by natural calamities, accidents, riots, and for medical treatment. The fund is entirely dependent on public contributions and does not receive any budgetary support from the Government of India.
• Contributions made to the PMNRF are eligible for 100% tax deduction under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This makes donations towards the PMNRF financially beneficial for individuals or corporations.
• The PMNRF was not constituted by an act of Parliament. It was established by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948 in response to the partition of India and to help refugees, and since then, it has been managed as per the discretion of the Prime Minister. It does not have any statutory backing or a parliamentary act governing it. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the PMNRF, and decisions regarding the disbursement of funds are made based on the discretion of the Prime Minister. The fund is managed directly by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), without any involvement from Parliament or other governmental bodies.

Source: https://pmnrf.gov.in/en/about & https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/102171/OPS/GCVDDUM5S.1.png?cropFromPage=true

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The United Kingdom (UK) introduced its own Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) post-Brexit in 2023, replacing the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for trade preferences. While it provides preferential access to developing countries, it is distinct from the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Canada operates a trade preference scheme known as the General Preferential Tariff (GPT), designed to offer preferential tariffs to developing countries. However, it is not part of the U.S. GSP program, and is specific to Canada’s trade policies. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Australia has a preferential trade program called the Developing Country Preferential Tariff (DCPT), which grants reduced tariffs for goods from developing countries. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a trade preference program created by the United States under the Trade Act of 1974. It provides duty-free treatment for thousands of products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries, helping them promote economic development through trade. The U.S. GSP aims to expand the economic opportunities for developing countries by facilitating their access to the U.S. market with reduced tariffs or duty-free status. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/citing-us-elections-goyal-says-not-time-for-gsp-and-social-security-totalisation/article68716568.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Kanwar Marg project is associated with the Upper Ganga Canal. The project focuses on the development of a dedicated pathway along the canal for the annual Kanwar Yatra in northern India, where devotees collect holy water from the Ganga and carry it back to their hometowns, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar. The canal plays a significant role in this yatra as it serves as a major route for pilgrims. (Option (a) is correct)
• The Indira Canal is one of the longest canals in India, located in Rajasthan and originating from the Indira Gandhi Canal Project (formerly Rajasthan Canal).
• The Sutlej-Yamuna Canal (SYL) is a proposed canal project aimed at linking the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers to transfer surplus water from Punjab to Haryana. This project has faced legal and political challenges.
• The Chambal River flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh and is known for its ravines and rich biodiversity.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kanwar-marg-ngt-orders-aerial-survey-to-probe-illegal-tree-felling-9604405/#:~:text=The%20NGT's%20principal%20bench%20Friday,time%20to%20submit%20its%20findings.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Khillari breed originates from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions. This breed is known for its draught power and adaptability to harsh, dry environments. They are used primarily for plowing fields and pulling carts. Khillari cattle are hardy and resilient, making them well-suited to the drought-prone areas of India. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The Deoni breed is native to the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka and Telangana. Known for both milk production and draught work, the Deoni breed is dual-purpose and contributes to agricultural activities as well as milk production. It is known for its resilience in harsh environmental conditions and is one of the most recognized indigenous breeds. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Red Kandhari breed is native to Maharashtra, particularly in the Marathwada region. It is well-known for its reddish-brown color and is primarily used as a draught animal. This breed is also adapted to dry and harsh environments and is a hardy breed known for its ability to survive in difficult conditions. (Statement 3 is correct)
• India has a rich variety of indigenous cattle breeds, each suited to different regions and environmental conditions. These cattle are prized not only for their milk but also for their ability to contribute to agricultural activities and draught power. Indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and the breeds mentioned above have been part of India’s agricultural history and biodiversity for centuries.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/explained-the-indigenous-cow-and-economics-of-maharashtras-subsidy-scheme-9604199/#:~:text=Maharashtra's%20proposal,level%20committee%20submits%20a%20report.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• One of the key criteria for granting classical language status is the antiquity of early texts, generally over a period of 1500-2000 years. This means that the language must have a long, recorded history with ancient texts that reflect its deep-rooted cultural and literary traditions. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Another important criterion is the existence of epigraphic and inscriptional evidence, showing the use of the language in historical records and inscriptions. These inscriptions help confirm the antiquity and continuous use of the language over centuries. (Statement 2 is correct)

• The language must have a rich body of knowledge texts, which include not just poetry but also prose texts, encompassing various branches of knowledge such as science, philosophy, and religion. These texts are considered part of the heritage and intellectual contributions of the language. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/which-are-indias-5-new-classical-languages-what-does-the-tag-mean-9604230/#:~:text=Officials%20say%20that%20the%20broader,Prakrit%2C%20Assamese%2C%20and%20Bengali.