DAY 19 (05-10-23)
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)Scheme :
- Under the scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy is provided on each grade of subsidised phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, except for urea.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: In 2010, the government had launched the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) programme.Under the scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on an annual basis, is provided on each grade of subsidised phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, except for urea, based on the nutrient content present in them.Retail prices of non-urea fertilisers such as Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MoP) and NPK are decontrolled and are determined by manufacturers, while Centre gives a fixed subsidy each year.In case of urea, the government fixes the maximum retail price (MRP).The difference between the production cost and the MRP is reimbursed to manufacturers.
Statement 2 is incorrect: NBS scheme is being implemented from April 2010 by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding National Policy on Biofuels 2018 :
- Ittargets 20 per cent blending of ethanol in petrol by2025-26.
- The Policy allows the use of surplus food grains for the production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of the National Biofuel Coordination Committee.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:In 2003 India launched Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements. Subsequently, in 2018 it became part of the National Policy on Biofuels.National Policy on Biofuels 2018 targets 20 per cent blending of ethanol in petrol by Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26.
Statement 2 is correct:Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programmeis no longer reliant on a single feedstock or crop. Earlier, it was molasses and cane and then it was extended to rice, maize and other grains.
Q3. Which of the following may be drawbacks of a democracy?
- Democracy increases the chances of irresponsible decision-making.
- Leaders keep changing in a democracy which could lead to instability.
- Democracy may lead to corruption as it is based on electoral competition.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Democracy as a form of government only ensures that people take their own decisions. This does not guarantee that their decisions will be good. People can make mistakes. Involving the people in these decisions does lead to delays in decision making. It is also true that democracy leads to frequent changes in leadership. Sometimes this can set back big decisions and affect the government’s efficiency.
Democracy may lead to corruption for it is based on electoral competition due to more expenditure in elections, criminalization of politics, etc. Democracy is based on consultation and discussion. A democratic decision always involves many persons, discussions and meetings. When a number of people put their heads together, they are able to point out possible mistakes in any decision. This takes time. But there is a big advantage in taking time over important decisions. This reduces the chances of rash or irresponsible decisions. Thus, democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
Q4. Which one of the following reflects the utility of the fundamental rights in a democracy?
(a) The necessity of fundamental rights arises only when autocracy rules.
(b) The fundamental rights are implied in the sovereignty of the Parliament.
(c) Fundamental rights provide an opportunity to the citizens to create a public opinion against autocratic measures of the state.
(d) Equality before law is so general and has no specific application that it cannot be by itself a matter of litigation.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:Utility of Fundamental Rights:
- Creating conditions for pursuit of happiness.
- Resolving conflict between collective liberties of society and the individual liberties.
- Preventing state tyranny.
- Correcting historical errors of the society.
- Modernizing the society.
- Preserving democracy.
Q5. “Atat tvam Asi” or “Thou are not that” quote was given by :
(a) Shankracharya
(b) Ramanujacharya
(c) Madhvacharya
(d) Yamuncharya
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Madhvacharya evolved the philosophy of Dvaita Vedanta (dualism) as against Shankara’s Advaita and Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita. According to him 5 distinctions were eternal – god and individual soul; god and matter; individual soul and matter; one individual soul and other; one material thing and other. World is real and not illusory.
Madhvacharya considered Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga to be insufficient to the path of liberation without Bhakti. He rejects monist theories that believe —knowledge liberates, asserting instead that it is Divine grace through Bhakti that liberates. He rephrased the famous quote from Chandogya Upanishad – “tat tvamasi” or “Thou are That” to “Atat tvam Asi” or “Thou are not that”.