Pib June 2
Pib June 2
Pib June 2
💡 What: Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog (AIM) has launched two initiatives
Tell me more
AIM – ICDK Water Challenge 4.0
Collaboration: It has been launched as part of the Indo-Danish bilateral green strategic
partnership in collaboration with the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) at the Royal
Danish Embassy in India.
It offers Indian tech startups in the early stages a chance to accelerate their
ideas and form global partnerships.
Selected teams will form the Indian cohort participating in the global Next Generation
Digital Action program scheduled in Copenhagen in October 2024 funded by the
Government of Denmark.
This program will be engaging with young talents from nine countries: India,
Denmark, Ghana, Kenya, Korea, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Colombia, and
Objective: To spotlight innovative solutions and entrepreneurial efforts aligned with the
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, driving positive change in various sectors.
❓ Q.) Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog in collaboration with which country has
launched AIM – ICDK Water Challenge 4.0 to address critical water-related issues
through innovative solutions?
[a] Australia
[b] New Zealand
[c] France
[d] Sweden
[e] Denmark
✅ Solution: [e]
💡 What: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has issued a Request for
Selection (RfS) for selecting Green Ammonia producers in India under the SIGHT
programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Tell me more
About RfS
Total Bidding capacity: 5.39 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT)/annum of Green Ammonia
❓ Q.) The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has recently issued a Request for
Selection (RfS) for selecting Green Ammonia producers in India under the
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme of the
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). What is the total outlay of SIGHT
Prorgamme under NGHM?
[a] Rs 13,560 crore
[b] Rs 15,860 crore
[c] Rs 17,490 crore
[d] Rs 19,890 crore
[e] Rs 20,900 crore
✅ Solution: [c]
💡 What: World Bank has recently released eleventh edition State and Trends of
Carbon Pricing 2024
Tell me more
Main types of CP
Emissions trading system (ETS): It is a system where emitters can trade emission
units to meet their emission targets.
Carbon tax: It directly sets a price per unit of greenhouse gas emissions or carbon
content.
Carbon Pricing (CP) revenues in 2023 reached a record $104 billion, exceeding US$
100 billion for the first time.
Large middle-income countries including Brazil, India, Chile, Colombia, and Türkiye are
making strides in carbon pricing implementation
China and India are largest host countries in terms of issuances of Carbon Credits.
❓ Q.) ____________ has recently released eleventh edition State and Trends of Carbon
Pricing 2024. According to it, Carbon Pricing (CP) revenues in 2023 has reached
a record _________. Fill the gaps
[a] UNESCO, $102 billion
[b] UNEP, $100 billion
[c] OECD, $ 90 billion
[d] World Bank, $104 billion
[e] WEF, $ 140 billion
💡 What: UNESCO launched two new tools – new Greening Curriculum Guidance
(GCG) and new Green School Quality Standards (GSQS) – under Greening
Education Partnership.
Tell me more
New GCG: It is a practical manual providing, for the first time, a common understanding
of what climate education should consist of and how countries can mainstream
environmental topics across curricula, with detailed expected learning outcomes.
New GSQS: It sets the minimum requirements on how to create a green school by
promoting an action-oriented approach.
Objective: To ensure all learners acquire knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and action
to tackle climate change and to promote sustainable development.
It is a global initiative comprising 80 member states and supports countries to tackle the
climate crisis by harnessing the critical role of education.
Greening Schools
Greening Curriculum
Greening Communities
✅ Solution: [c]
💡 What: National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has released factsheet along with
key highlights from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)
2022-23.
Tell me more
It reveals a decline in consumption inequality across households in India over the past
decade.
The Gini coefficient, an index measuring inequality, has decreased for both rural and
urban households from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
Rural households: Gini coefficient fell from 0.283 in 2011-12 to 0.266 in 2022-23.
Urban: Average MPCE person rose from Rs 2,630 in 2011-12 to Rs 6,459 in 2022-
23.
Highest and lowest MPCE among the states (Urban and Rural): Sikkim and
Chhattisgarh respectively
Highest and lowest MPCE among UTs (Urban and Rural): Chandigarh and Ladakh
respectively
Inequality Comparison: Despite the overall decline, urban households still exhibit
higher consumption inequality compared to rural households.
Middle 40-70% Households: The share rose by 90 basis points (bps) in rural areas
and by 140 bps in urban areas.
Top 10% Households: The share for the top 10% households declined by 190 bps in
rural areas and by 400 bps in urban areas.
Lowest Inequality in Urban Households: Punjab, Telangana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and
Andhra Pradesh.
✅ Solution: [a]
💡 What: The 16th meeting of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion
and Profit Shifting (BEPS) recently concluded in Paris, France.
Tell me more
Outcome of meeting: Inclusive framework on BEPS is nearing completion of negotiations
on Pillar One while Global Minimum Tax agreed under Pillar Two is in the process of coming
into force in countries worldwide.
About BEPS
BEPS refers to tax planning strategies used by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) that
exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to avoid paying tax.
This is done by artificially shifting profits to low or no-tax locations where there is little
or no economic activity or by eroding tax bases through deductible payments such as
interest or royalties.
BEPS practices cost countries USD 100-240 billion in lost revenue annually, equivalent
to 4-10% of global CIT revenue.
Developing countries’ higher reliance on Corporate Income Tax (CIT) means they
suffer from BEPS disproportionately.
Established in 2016.
Pillar One: Reallocation of part of largest and most profitable MNEs to countries
where their consumers are present.
Pillar Two: Global Minimum Corporate Tax (GMCT) of 15% for MNEs.
❓ Q.) OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting is a global
initiative that brings together 147 countries and jurisdictions (including India) to
fight tax avoidance and ensure fair tax practices. When it was established?
[a] 2020
[b] 2016
[c] 2018
[d] 2021
[e] 2022
✅ Solution: [b]
💡 What: World Economic Forum has released 18th edition of Global Gender Gap
Report 2024 comprising of ranking of 146 economies in Global Gender Gap Index
2024.
Tell me more
Global Gender Gap Index
Purpose and Scope: It benchmarks gender parity across four key dimensions:
Educational Attainment
Scoring System: It uses a 0-100 scale (100%=parity), where scores represent the
percentage of the gender gap that has been closed, facilitating cross-country
comparisons to identify effective policies for closing gender gaps.
2024 Edition
Coverage: It is 18th edition and has benchmarked gender parity across 146 economies,
covering two-thirds of the world’s economies.
Key Highlights
Overall Gender Gap Score: In 2024, the global gender gap score across 146 countries
stood at 68.5% closed.
For the 143 countries included in last year's edition, the gap has marginally
improved by 0.1 percentage points, from 68.5% to 68.6%.
Similarly, for the 101 countries continuously covered since 2006, the gap has also
improved by 0.1 points to reach 68.6%.
Rate of Progress: At the current pace, it will take 134 years to achieve full parity, which
is significantly beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.
Top 10 Countries:
1. Iceland (closed 93.5% of its gender gap and only country to close over 90% of its gap)
2. Finland (87.5%)
3. Norway (87.5%)
4. Sweden (81.6%)
5. Germany (81%)
6. Ireland (80.2%)
7. Spain (79.7%)
9. Nicaragua (81.1%)
Regional
Region Gender Gap Closed (%)
Rank
1 Europe 75
Rank and Score: India ranked 129th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index
2024, with a score marginally lower by 0.17 points.
Educational Parity: Literacy rate gap between men and women stands at 17.2%, placing
India 124th on this indicator.
Bangladesh (99th), China (106th), Nepal (117th), Sri Lanka (122nd), Bhutan (124th), and
Pakistan (145th).
❓ Q.) Consider the following statements about India's performance in the Global
Gender Gap Index 2024 and identify the correct statement/s:
(1) India ranked 129th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2024
(2) India closed 64.1% of its gender gap in 2024
(3) India improved its ranking by two positions from the previous year
(4) India ranks 124th in the literacy rate gap between men and women, with a gap
of 17.2%
(5) India has a strong performance in the head-of-state indicator with a 40.7%
closure
[a] 1, 2, and 3
[b] 1, 2, 4, and 5
[c] 1, 3, and 5
[d] 3, 4, and 5
[e] 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
✅ Solution: [b]
Tell me more
Global Outlook
These figures are significantly below the 3.1% average growth rate seen in the
decade before the COVID-19 pandemic
India to remain the world’s fastest-growing economy, with a steady growth rate of 6.7%
over the next three fiscal years.
Reasons for this robust growth: It is fuelled by strong domestic demand, a surge in
investment, and vigorous activity in the services sector.
Downside Risks: Global risks remain tilted to the downside, including escalating
geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity prices, further trade fragmentation, and
exceptionally high trade policy uncertainty.
Domestic Challenges: Some major economies might grow more slowly than
anticipated due to various domestic issues.
Potential Upsides: Global inflation could moderate more quickly than expected,
enabling faster monetary policy easing. Growth in the United States could also be
stronger than anticipated.
❓ Q.) Consider the following statements regarding the Global Economic Prospects
Report April 2024 released by the World Bank and identify the correct
statement/s:
(1) Global growth is projected to be 2.6% in 2024-25, with a slight increase to
2.7% in 2025-26
(2) The average global growth rate before the COVID-19 pandemic was 3.1%
(3) Global inflation is projected to average 4.5% in 2024-25
(4) India will remain the world’s fastest-growing economy with GDP growth of
6.6% for FY25.
(5) Growth in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) is forecast to
increase to 4.5% in 2024
[a] 1, 2, and 4
[b] 1, 2, 3, and 4
[c] 1, 2, and 5
[d] 1, 2, 3, and 5
[e] 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
✅ Solution: [a]
💡 Why: To analyze the role of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 in shaping
India’s democratic trajectory.
Tell me more
Background
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 had enshrined certain basic and essential
features of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the Constitution.
It added Part IX to the Constitution covering provisions from Article 243 to 243-O.
Salient Features
Gram Sabha: Permanent unit consisting of all the persons registered in the electoral
rolls relating to a village.
3-tiers of PRIs: At the village level, intermediate level, and district level. However,
the states with population below 20 Lakh may not have the intermediate level.
Reservation: Provision of reservation of seats for SCs and STs at every level of
Panchayat in proportion to their population.
Financial Autonomy: Limited local revenue generation powers. Example in Kerala, only
9.16% of panchayat expenditures were financed by local taxes (2013-14); in Karnataka,
it was 2.77% (2020-21).
Lack of Funds: PRIs rely almost entirely on grants made by state and national
authorities.
Essential sectors like health and education are managed by Panchayats, but
financial autonomy is limited.
Key Recommendations
Enhancing Revenue Generation: GPs should be empowered to levy their own taxes and
cesses.
Vacancies for bill collectors should be filled, and property records, including
digitized village maps, should be streamlined.
Strengthen Gram Sabhas: Increase their frequency and expand their powers to
encompass critical areas such as village planning and the selection of beneficiaries for
public programs.
❓ Q.) According to the World Bank Working Paper – ‘Two Hundred and Fifty-
Thousand Democracies: A Review of Village Government in India’, what is one of
the key issues related to the financial autonomy of Panchayati Raj Institutions
(PRIs) in India?
[a] High dependency on international aid
[b] High local revenue generation
[c] Limited local revenue generation powers
[d] Excessive central government funding
[e] Complete financial independence
✅ Solution: [c]
Tell me more
UNICEF's Definition
Definition: UNICEF defines severe child food poverty (CFP) as children’s inability to
access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood (first five years of
life), globally.
Key findings
Prevalence: ~27% children (181 million under 5 years) live in severe CFP, globally.
In India, 40% of children suffer from severe CFP (2nd highest burden in South Asia
after Afghanistan).
Poor Diet: Unhealthy foods are becoming entrenched in children’s diets replacing
nutrient-rich foods.
Income and CFP: Severe CFP affects children in both poor and non-poor households,
indicating income is not the only driving factor.
Causes: Growing inequities, conflict and climate crises, combined with rising food
prices, the overabundance of unhealthy foods, harmful food marketing strategies and
poor child-feeding practices.
Recommendations
Transform food systems to make nutritious foods accessible, affordable and desirable
option for feeding young children.
❓ Q.) What percentage of children globally live in severe child food poverty (CFP),
as per the Child Nutrition Report, 2024 released by UNICEF?
[a] 10%
[b] 20%
[c] 27%
[d] 35%
[e] 40%
✅ Solution: [c]
Tell me more
Coverage:
Geographical: Covers rural and urban areas across India (excluding difficult-to-
access villages in Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
Sample Size
The survey for ASUSE 2021-22, especially during April-June 2021, was significantly
affected by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employment Growth: Employed about 11 crore workers in 2022-23, up from 9.8 crore in
2021-22, demonstrating a 7.84% annual growth.
Improved Productivity
GVA per Worker: Increased to Rs. 1,41,769 in 2022-23 from Rs. 1,38,207 in 2021-22.
Gross Value of Output (GVO) per Establishment: Increased from Rs. 3,98,304 to
Rs. 4,63,389, indicating enhanced productivity and efficient resource use.
❓ Q.) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the key results
of the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for the
periods April 2021 to March 2022 (ASUSE 2021-22) and October 2022 to
September 2023 (ASUSE 2022-23) released by the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI)?
[a] The number of establishments increased from 5.97 crore in 2021-22 to 6.50
crore in 2022-23, marking a 5.88% annual growth
[b] The Gross Value Added (GVA) for the manufacturing sector increased by
19.14% annually
[c] Employment in the unincorporated sector grew from 9.8 crore in 2021-22 to 11
crore in 2022-23, showing a 7.84% annual growth
[d] The average annual earnings for informal workers decreased to Rs. 1,06,381 in
2022-23 from Rs. 1,10,982 in 2021-22
[e] The Gross Value of Output (GVO) per Establishment increased from Rs.
3,98,304 to Rs. 4,63,389, indicating enhanced productivity and efficient resource
use
GREAT Scheme
💡 What: The 7th meeting of the Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) of the
National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has approved seven startup proposals
under the GREAT Scheme
Tell me more
About GREAT Scheme
GREAT stands for Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators
in Technical Textiles (GREAT) scheme under NTTM
Objectives:
To utilize the talent pool and expertise in India's technical textiles sector to bring
innovative products and technologies to market.
✅ Solution: [c]
💡 What: 300 women scientists will get research grants for 3 years under CSIR-
ASPIRE scheme
Tell me more
ASPIRE stands for A Special Call for Research Grants for Women Scientists
Objectives:
Eligibility: Only women scientists, having a PhD degree in any area of science or
technology.
Chemical Sciences
Physical Sciences
Engineering Sciences
Contingency expenses
Minor equipment
Budget: The total budget for a research proposal, including the stipend for research
fellows, should generally not exceed Rs. 25-30 lakhs.
❓ Q.) Which of the following statements is incorrect with respect to the CSIR-ASPIRE
scheme launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to
provide research grants to women scientists?
[a] The CSIR-ASPIRE scheme aims to support women in conducting research in
various fields of science and technology
[b] The scheme was launched in 2022 to promote and encourage women's
participation in scientific research and technology development in India
[c] Only women scientists with a PhD degree in any area of science or technology
are eligible for the grants
[d] The grants support research and development in major disciplines of science
and engineering, including
[e] The total budget for a research proposal, including the stipend for research
fellows, under it should generally not exceed Rs. 25-30 lakhs
✅ Solution: [b]
Tell me more
It is the first such designation for fundamental and literary research in traditional
medicine.
Assist WHO: To standardize terminologies for Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-
Rigpa.
Update ICD-11: It will work on the Traditional Medicine Module-II for the Eleventh
edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
NOTE: NIIMH joins approximately 58 WHO Collaborating Centres in India. It is also the third
CC in traditional medicine, following the Institute for Teaching & Research in Ayurveda,
Jamnagar, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.
About NIIMH
✅ Solution: [a]
💡 What: The 50th Group of Seven (G7) Summit recently concluded, hosted by Italy.
India participated in the G7 outreach session, focusing on key areas such as
artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Tell me more
Key Outcomes
About G7 Summit
It is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan,
United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
NOTE: It was expanded into the G8 between 1997 and 2013, with the inclusion of
Russia. However, Russia’s participation was suspended in 2014 following the annexation
of Crimea.
Tell me more
Conducted by: National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) from July 2022 to June 2023, as
part of the 79th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS).
Coverage: It covered the entire Indian Union, excluding a few inaccessible villages in
the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Data Collection: It was collected from 1,81,298 households, including 1,04,195 in rural
areas and 77,103 in urban areas.
At least one member in about 85% of rural and 86% of urban households is aware of
medicinal plants, home remedies, local health traditions, or folk medicine.
Usage:
46% of rural and 53% of urban individuals used Ayush for prevention or treatment of
ailments in the past year.
Both in rural and urban India, Ayurveda have been preferred over other systems of
Ayush for prevention or treatment of ailments.
❓ Q.) Consider the following statements regarding the Ayush Awareness Survey and
identify the correct statement/s:
(1) 95% of rural respondents are aware of Ayush
(2) 96% of urban respondents are aware of Ayush
(3) At least one member in 85% of rural households is aware of medicinal plants,
home remedies, local health traditions, or folk medicine
(4) At least one member in 86% of urban households is aware of medicinal plants,
home remedies, local health traditions, or folk medicine
(5) Ayush is predominantly used for therapeutic or curative treatment rather than
for rejuvenation and preventive measures
[a] Only 1, 2, 3, and 4
[b] Only 1, 2, 3 and 5
[c] Only 1, 2, and 3
[d] Only 1, 3, 4 and 5
[e] All 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
❓ Q.) Where the 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of
International Labour Organisation (ILO) is being held?
[a] Paris
[b] London
[c] Washington DC
[d] Geneva
[e] New Delhi
✅ Solution: [d]
It was held in Geneva, Switzerland and launched fourth Decent Work Country
Program (DWCP) and its constituents for the period 2023-27.
DWCP has identified a set of decent work priorities and outcomes for
implementation in the country with focus on
✅ Solution: [e]
Process: Pensioners can now use any Android smartphone to scan their
face for authentication. The facial scan is verified against UIDAI’s Aadhaar
database using UIDAI’s Face Recognition App.
✅ Solution: [b]
QCI is the apex organisation in India responsible for establishing and operating
the third-party national accreditation system, improving quality across sectors
and advising the government and other stakeholders on all matters
concerning quality.
It was established in 1997 by the Government of India and the Indian industry
❓ Q.) Government has recently authorised the release of the 17th installment of the
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PIV-KISAN) of around ____________ which will
reach 9.3 crore farmers. Fill the gap
[a] Rs 30,000 crore
[b] Rs 25,000 crore
[c] Rs 20,000 crore
[d] Rs 15,000 crore
[e] Rs 10,000 crore
✅ Solution: [c]
Government has authorised the release of the 17th installment of the PM Kisan
benefit of around Rs 20, 000 crore which will reach 9.3 crore farmers. The
funds will be released soon.
✅ Solution: [c]
Objective: To provide assistance to the eligible rural and urban households for
construction of houses with basic amenities.
All the houses constructed under PMAY are provided the other basic
amenities such as Household Toilets, LPG connection, Electricity connection,
Functional Household Tap Connection etc. through convergence with other
schemes of Central Government and State Governments.
Performance: Total 4.21 Crore houses have been completed for the eligible
poor families under the housing schemes in the last 10 years.
The previous high of IIP was recorded at 11.9% in October 2023, which
slowed to 2.5% in November, 4.2% in December and 4.1% in January
2024.
✅ Solution: [b]
✅ Solution: [e]
NHIT was registered as a trust with SEBI in October 2020, to support the
Government of India's National Monetization Pipeline (NMP).
The total realized value of all three rounds performed by NHIT stands at
Rs. 26,125 crore.
❓ Q.) Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with which organisation recently
conducted flagship program for school students – ‘Made in 3D – Seed the Future
Entrepreneurs’ under its Student Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) season – 2023-
24 in Pune?
[a] Google India Foundation
[b] La Fondation Dassault Systemes’
[c] Amazon Innovation Centre
[d] Tata-Boeing Students Organisation
[e] Infosys Foundation
The Programme was jointly organized by AIM, NITI Aayog, and La Fondation
Dassault Systemes’ to instill an innovation and entrepreneurship mindset
among school students across India.
❓ Q.) What is the budgetary outlay for the steel sector under the National Green
Hydrogen Mission until FY 2029-30?
[a] Rs 100 crore
[b] Rs 200 crore
[c] Rs 300 crore
[d] Rs 455 crore
[e] Rs 600 crore
✅ Solution: [d]
To assess the potential for use of Green Hydrogen in the steel industry,
National Green Hydrogen Mission under the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy is supporting and setting up pilot projects in the steel sector.
A budgetary outlay of Rs. 455 crore till FY 2029-30 has been earmarked for
the steel sector under the Mission.
The thrust areas under the scheme for considering support for development
of commercially viable technologies, for the utilization of hydrogen in steel
sector, are as follows:
Pilot project to produce DRI using 100 % Hydrogen using vertical shaft
(Scheme-A).
✅ Solution: [b]
APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has facilitated the
successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
❓ Q.) The Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, mandates that
all children between the age of ___________ years have the right to free and
compulsory education. Fill the gaps
[a] 4 and 11 years
[b] 5 and 12 years
[c] 6 and 14 years
[d] 7 and 15 years
[e] 8 and 16 years
The Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, mandates that
all children between the age of 6 and 14 years have the right to free and
compulsory education.
RTE Entitlements is one of the major interventions across all levels of school
education under the Centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha Scheme.