1. Context 

2. About National Research Foundation

• The National Research Foundation (NRF) is an upcoming autonomous body envisioned under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was highlighted by Prime Minister Modi during his Independence Day address.
• The NRF aims to address the lack of funding, mentorship and research quality in India, making it one of the significant announcements under the NEP.
• By supporting researchers across various disciplines, including Sciences, Technology, Social Sciences, Art and Humanities, the NRF seeks to promote research and bridge the gap between science and non-science disciplines.

2. Funding Challenges and Objectives

• Insufficient funding has long been identified as a major hindrance to research in India.
• The draft NEP highlighted the decline in research funding from 0.84 per cent to 0.69 per cent of GDP between 2008 and 2014. 
• In comparison to countries like the United States, Israel and South Korea, where research and innovation investment constitute a significantly larger proportion of their GDP, India lags.
• The NRF aims to address this issue by allocating funds and fostering a conducive research environment.

3. Increasing Participation and Improving Research Culture

• Apart from inadequate funding, the number of students pursuing research in India is considerably low.
• According to the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) report, less than 0.5 per cent of Indian students pursue a PhD or equivalent level of education.
• To encourage greater participation in research, the NRF proposes several measures.
• These include introducing career counselling in schools to identify student interests and talents, promoting research in universities, integrating research and internships into undergraduate curricula, and implementing faculty career management systems that prioritize research.

4. Key Initiatives and Funding Mechanisms

• While the final policy does not mention the specific National Postdoctoral Fellowships (NPDF) and National Doctoral Fellowships (NDF) as outlined in the draft NEP, the NRF will provide reliable and merit-based peer-reviewed research funding.
• This funding mechanism will help nurture a research culture by providing suitable incentives and recognition for outstanding research.
• Additionally, the NRF plans to initiate and develop research programs at state universities and other public institutions where research capabilities are currently limited.

5. The Way Forward

• The establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) under the New Education Policy (NEP) represents a significant step towards promoting research and innovation in India.
• By addressing the challenges of funding and research culture the NRF aims to support researchers across diverse disciplines and improve the quality of research in the country.
• Through its initiatives, the NRF seeks to create a robust research ecosystem and strengthen India's position in the global research landscape.

ANGLO-TRIBAL ENCOUNTERS IN COLONIAL INDIA

• These encounters occurred across various regions of India and had a profound impact on the social, cultural, and political dynamics of both the tribal communities and the British rulers
• When the British East India Company established its presence in India during the 18th century, it encountered a diverse range of tribal societies with distinct cultural and political structures.
• The British viewed these tribes as primitive and uncivilized, and their encounters with them were often characterized by a combination of curiosity, condescension, and a desire for control
• One of the key aspects of the Anglo-tribal encounters was the British administration's attempt to assert control over tribal territories and resources
• The British sought to exploit the rich natural resources found in tribal areas for commercial purposes, such as timber, minerals, and agricultural lands
• This often led to conflicts over land rights and the displacement of tribal communities from their ancestral territories

• The introduction of the Permanent Settlement System and the Zamindari System, for example, undermined the traditional land ownership practices of many tribes and resulted in the loss of their lands to non-tribal intermediaries
• The imposition of taxes, revenue demands, and forced labor further strained the relationship between the tribes and the British administration.
• The zamindari system was a land revenue system introduced by the British East India Company in Bengal in 1793. Under this system, the Company recognized certain individuals as zamindars, or landlords, who were responsible for collecting land revenue from the peasantry. The zamindars were given the right to collect rent from the peasants in return for paying a fixed sum to the Company.

Here are some of the key features of the zamindari system:

• The zamindars were recognized as the owners of the land.
• The zamindars were responsible for collecting land revenue from the peasantry.
• The zamindars paid a fixed sum to the British government.
• The zamindars often exploited the peasants.
• The zamindari system led to widespread poverty and discontent among the peasantry.
• The zamindari system was abolished in India after independence in 1947

4.Santhal rebellion (1855-86)

In response to these encroachments on their lands and way of life, several tribal communities resisted British rule

• The Santhal Rebellion, which took place in the mid-19th century, was one such example
• The Santhals, a tribal community in present-day Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, rose up against the exploitative practices of the British and local elites. They waged a fierce resistance but were eventually suppressed by the British military

The rebellion was triggered by a number of factors, including:

• The introduction of the Permanent Land Settlement of 1793, which gave zamindars (landlords) permanent rights over land, often at the expense of the Santhals.
• The increasing exploitation of the Santhals by zamindars, moneylenders, and other intermediaries.
• The British government's failure to protect the Santhals from exploitation.

The Santhal rebellion had a number of important consequences:

• It showed that the British were not invincible, and that the Indian people were capable of resisting their rule.
• It led to some reforms in British policy towards the tribal peoples of India.
• It inspired other rebellions, such as the Great Revolt of 1857.
• It helped to create a sense of national consciousness among the Indian people.

 

5.Munda Uprising (1899-90)

The Munda uprising, also known as the Ulgulan movement, was a tribal rebellion that took place in the Chotanagpur region of India in 1899-1900. The uprising was led by Birsa Munda, a tribal leader who emerged as a charismatic figure and prophet.

• The Munda uprising was a response to the exploitation of the Munda people by the British colonial government and by Hindu zamindars. The Mundas were a tribal people who lived in the Chotanagpur region of India. They were traditionally a self-sufficient people who lived off the land. However, the British colonial government and the Hindu zamindars increasingly encroached on Munda land. The Mundas were also forced to pay high rents to the zamindars
• The British government responded to the uprising with a military force. The uprising was eventually suppressed, and Birsa Munda was arrested and imprisoned. He died in prison in 1900

The Munda uprising had a number of important consequences:

• It showed that the British were not invincible, and that the Indian people were capable of resisting their rule.
• It led to some reforms in British policy towards the tribal peoples of India.
• It inspired other rebellions, such as the Santhal rebellion.
• It helped to create a sense of national consciousness among the Indian people.

6. Kuki rebellion (1917-19)

The Kuki rebellion was a major tribal uprising that took place in Manipur, India, in 1917-19. The rebellion was led by a number of Kuki chiefs, including Pu Thanglura, Pu Lalnunthara, and Pu Khawa Gomang

1. The Kuki rebellion was a response to the exploitation of the Kuki people by the British colonial government. The Kukis were a tribal people who lived in the hills of Manipur.
2. They were traditionally self-sufficient people who lived off the land. However, the British colonial government increasingly encroached on Kuki land. The Kukis were also forced to pay high rents to the British
3. The Kuki rebellion began in 1917. The Kukis attacked police stations, government buildings, and the property of the British. They also declared a Kuki Raj or Kuki kingdom.

The Kuki rebellion had a number of important consequences:

• It showed that the British were not invincible and that the Indian people were capable of resisting their rule.
• It led to some reforms in British policy towards the tribal peoples of India.
• It inspired other rebellions, such as the Moplah rebellion.
• It helped to create a sense of national consciousness among the Indian people.

7. Moplah rebellion 1921

The Moplah rebellion, also known as the Mappila rebellion, was a major uprising that took place in the Malabar region of Kerala, India, in 1921. The rebellion was led by a group of Mappila Muslims, who were a peasant community that had been subjected to economic and social exploitation by the British colonial government and by Hindu landlords.

The Moplah rebellion was sparked by a number of factors, including:

• The increasing economic exploitation of the Mappila peasantry by the British and Hindu landlords.
• The growing influence of Islamic reform movements in Malabar, which preached a message of social justice and equality.
• The Khilafat Movement, which was a pan-Islamic movement that was opposed to the British occupation of the Ottoman Empire

 

 

For Prelims: Santhal rebellion, Munda Uprising, Moplah rising For Mains: 1.Analyze the causes and consequences of the Santhal Rebellion during the colonial period in India. What were the key factors that led to the uprising, and how did it impact the subsequent tribal movements in India?   2.Discuss the role of tribal communities in the resistance against British colonial rule in India. Examine the strategies adopted by tribes like the Santhals and Bhils to challenge the British administration and assert their rights and autonomy

Source: DownToEarth

OPEN MARKET SCALE SCHEME

 

1. Context

States have been looking at alternative ways of procuring wheat and rice in after the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) imposed quantity restrictions followed by the refusal to allow States to procure the two food grains through its Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).

2. What is Open Market Sale Scheme?

• Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) is implemented by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• OMSS involves selling surplus food grains, specifically wheat, and rice, from the central pool in the open market.
• The sale is conducted through e-auctions, allowing traders, bulk consumers, and retail chains to buy specified quantities at predetermined prices.
• States can also procure food grains through OMSS without participating in auctions to distribute to National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries.
• In the current year, OMSS was operationalized in January.
• By March 15, 2023, six weekly e-auctions of wheat were conducted, resulting in the offloading of 33.7 LMT (Lakh Metric Tons) of wheat and a 19% decrease in wheat prices. 
• The next e-auction for wheat will start on June 28, while the bidding for rice will commence on July 5.

3. Changes to OMSS

• The Centre has restricted the quantity that a single bidder can purchase in a single bid under the OMSS.
• Earlier, the maximum quantity allowed per bid was 3,000 metric tonnes (MT) for a buyer.
• Now, the range has been reduced to 10-100 metric tonnes to accommodate more small and marginal buyers and ensure the wider reach of the scheme.
• The reduction in quantities aims to curb retail prices by breaking the monopolies of bulk buyers and encouraging more competitive bids from small buyers.

4. Discontinuation of Sales to States

• On June 13, the Centre sent a notification to the states, discontinuing the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under OMSS to state governments.
• Private bidders are also disallowed from selling their OMSS supplies to state governments.
• The Centre claims to be meeting its obligations of distributing grains to 80 crore marginalized beneficiaries under the NFSA, while also having an obligation to the 60 crore common consumers affected by retail prices.

5. States' Reactions to OMSS Changes:

Karnataka

• Providing rice to marginalized families was a poll promise of the Congress government in Karnataka.
• Congress leaders accused the Centre of conspiring to fail the state government's poll guarantee by restricting the required amount of rice for implementing the scheme.

Tamil Nadu

• Tamilnadu is attempting to purchase 50,000 tonnes of rice from government agencies other than the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• The state provides rice to all ration cardholders and used to buy from OMSS at a rate of around 35 rupees per kilogram, subsidizing it for distribution.
• The Union government's decision to stop the supply under OMSS has prompted the state to find an alternative solution.

6. Food Cooperation of India (FCI)

• It is a statutory body set up in 1965 (Under the Food Corporation Act, 1964 ) against the backdrop of a major shortage of grains. especially wheat in the country.
• It comes under the ownership of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India.
• Headquarters: New Delhi

FCI was mandated with three basic objectives: 

• To provide effective price support to farmers.
• To procure and supply grains to PDS for distributing subsidized staples to economically vulnerable sections of society.
• Keep a strategic reserve to stabilize markets for basic food grains.

For Prelims: Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Food Security Act (NFSA). For Mains: 1. What is the Open Market Sale Scheme and how does it work? Why has the government made changes to the OMSS? (250 words)

 

 

Previous year Questions   1. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018) The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidized food grains. The eldest woman in a household, age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household to issue a ration card. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 3 only Answer: B 2. The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India is Minimum Support Price and bonus (if any) paid to the farmers plus (UPSC 2019) A. transportation cost only B. interest cost only C. procurement incidentals and distribution cost D. procurement incidentals and charges for godowns Answer: C

Source: The Hindu

INDIA AND THE US-CHINA CHIPS WAR

 

1. Context

The expansive new US-India technology partnership forged during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington DC identifies technology as the new geopolitical frontier. A key element of the partnership is the resolve to diversify the global semiconductor supply chain, which is at the center of the rivalry between the world’s number 1 and 2 economic powers, the US and China.

 

2. Global Semiconductor Dependency

• Semiconductors or chips are crucial components in modern devices, including phones, defense systems, and AI-powered machines.
• Only a few countries possess chip manufacturing capabilities, with specialization in specific aspects of the technology.
• The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the US dependence on Asian supply chains, particularly Taiwanese chip makers who are among the world's top manufacturers.

3. US Actions to Address Dependency

• Denying Semiconductor Technology to China
• Objective: Preventing China from gaining technological dominance and high-tech control.
• The Trump Administration listed Huawei and related companies as threats to US national security, limiting their access to chips from American companies.
• The Biden Administration maintained these restrictions, cutting off Chinese companies, including Huawei, from semiconductors made with American tools and software.

4. Boosting Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing

• In August 2022, Congress passed CHIPS and Science Act, providing $280 billion in funding for the research and manufacturing of semiconductors within the US.
• Australia, Japan, India, and the US leaders are committed to building resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains for critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors.
• The Quad held two summits in 2021 and 2022, focusing on strengthening semiconductor supply chains.

5. India-US iCET Initiative

• US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
• President Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced iCET at the 2022 Tokyo Summit.
• Discussions between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan outlined the areas for collaboration under iCET.
• Both countries agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration on resilient supply chains.
• Efforts to support the development of a semiconductor design, manufacturing, and fabrication ecosystem in India were initiated.
• Emphasis on promoting the development of a skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry.
• Joint Task Force was formed by the US Semiconductor Industry Association, India Electronics Semiconductor Association, and India's Semiconductor Mission.
• It Aimed to identify near-term opportunities and facilitate the long-term strategic development of complementary semiconductor ecosystems.
• The task force analyzed India's potential role in the global semiconductor value chain.

6. MoU and Investments

• Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership: An MoU was signed to promote commercial opportunities, research, talent, and skill development.
• Micron Technology proposed an investment of up to $825 million to build a facility in India, with additional investment from the Indian government to reach $2.75 billion. It is expected to create job opportunities.
•  Lam Research announced plans to train 60,000 Indian engineers through its Semiverse Solution virtual fabrication platform.
• Applied Materials proposed a $400 million investment to establish a collaborative engineering center in India.

7. India's Semiconductor Industry Challenges

• India has allocated Rs 76,000 crore ($10 billion) to support the semiconductor industry.
• Three companies (Foxconn-Vedanta joint venture, Singapore's IGSS, and Next Orbit-ISMC joint venture) failed to establish fabrication plants due to separate reasons.
• The government modified specifications and reopened applications on June 1. Foxconn and Vedanta reapplied, but the response from major players is uncertain.
• Chip-making necessitates- uninterrupted power, water supply, and specialized fabrication plants (fabs). India currently lacks 24x7 power and water supply guarantees.
•  Chip-making requires a highly skilled workforce, and industry experts emphasize its complexity compared to phone assembly.
• India lacks a comprehensive chip ecosystem, including ancillary industries and a domestic market for chips.
• Taiwan has urged India to establish a free trade agreement and bilateral investment agreement to attract TSMC, the world's largest chip maker.
• Micron's investment in semiconductor packaging is aimed at creating a global presence. India hopes for future wafer manufacturing.
• Micron may bring its existing mature supply chains to India initially and later incorporate domestic alternatives to meet quality standards.

8. China's Semiconductor Industry Challenges

• In 2020, China was the biggest market for semiconductor machines. China's "Made in China 2025" plan aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductors but faced challenges.
• US export controls on chip technology have made China's mission of self-sufficiency difficult.
• Japan announced restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, which will take effect in July.
• China's chip imports from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, part of the US-led "Chip 4 Alliance," fell by 20% in the first five months of 2023.
• The US is lobbying the Netherlands to impose similar restrictions due to ASML'S monopoly on deep ultraviolet lithography machines required for chip production.
• India is considered to be at least two decades behind in the semiconductor industry, and it may take 10-20 years to establish itself as a serious player.
• India has positioned itself in the global chip with a technology partnership, aiming to enhance bilateral ties with the US.

For Prelims: Semiconductors, Artificial intelligence (AI), Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), and Chip 4 Alliance. For Mains: 1. Examine the decline in China's chip imports from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, as part of the US-led "Chip 4 Alliance." Evaluate the significance of these trade numbers and their implications for China's semiconductor industry.

 

 

Previous year question 1. A semiconductor differs from a conductor in that it has (UPSC IES 2016) A. Only one path for the free electrons in the valence band B. Only one path for holes in the conduction band C. Two paths followed by free electrons and holes, one an ordinary path in the conduction band and the other one an extraordinary path in the valence band, respectively D. Two paths followed by free electrons and holes, one an extraordinary path in the conduction band and the other one an ordinary path in the valence band, respectively Answer: C   2. Which one of the following is a semiconductor device that is used to increase the power of the incoming signals by preserving the shape of the original signal? (UPSC CAPF 2022) A.  Register B. Transistor C.Flip-flop D. Diode Answer: B

Source: The Indian Express

CRITICAL MINERALS

1. Context 

Recently, India's Centre identifies 30 critical minerals essential for economic development and national security.

These minerals are crucial for clean technologies, information and communication technologies and advanced manufacturing inputs.

The identification is based on a report prepared by an expert team from the Ministry of Mines.

 

2. Previous Efforts and International Commitments

• Previous initiatives in India to identify critical minerals for industrial growth and resource management.
• The recent focus is on exploring and developing rare earth elements in the country.
• The trigger for the latest exercise is India's international commitments to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.

3. Three-Stage Assessment Process

• First Stage: Studying strategies and priorities of major global economies and identifying 69 elements or minerals considered critical.
• Second Stage: Inter-ministerial consultations to identify minerals critical to specific sectors
• Third Stage: Develop an empirical formula to evaluate criticality based on economic importance and supply risk.

4. Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals are a group of minerals that are essential for a country's economic development and national security.
• These minerals play a crucial role in various industries and sectors including clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications, defence and transportation.
• The lack of availability or concentration of extraction in a few geographic locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and disrupt the supply of critical minerals.

4.1. List of Critical Minerals

• A total of 30 minerals were identified as most critical for India, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, tin and copper.
• Importance of these minerals in various sectors like high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport and defence.
• Two critical minerals identified as fertiliser minerals: Selenium and Cadmium.

5. Establishment of a Specialized Agency

• Proposal to establish a National Institute or Centre of Excellence on critical minerals similar to Australia's CSIRO.
• This agency will periodically update the list of critical minerals, develop strategies and facilitate the value chain development.

6. Global Practices

• Overview of critical mineral identification methodologies in the US, UK, European Union, Japan and Australia.
• Parameters considered include supply risk, economic importance, production concentration and recycling rate.

7. Domestic and Global Outreach

• Geological Survey of India's exploration of lithium ore reserves in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) was established to acquire overseas mineral assets of critical and strategic nature.
• India's inclusion in the US-led Mineral Security Partnership to secure critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependency on China.

8. The Way Forward

• India's identification of critical minerals supports economic growth, national security and international commitments.
• Focus on developing competitive value chains and utilizing advanced technologies for mineral exploration.
• The list of critical minerals will guide India in planning for acquisition, reducing import dependency and ensuring long-term supply. 

 

 

For Prelims: Critical minerals, Ministry of Mines, carbon emissions,  cleaner energy,  lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, tin, copper, Selenium, Cadmium, Centre of Excellence on critical minerals, Australia's CSIRO, Geological Survey of India,    For Mains:  1. What are critical minerals? Discuss their significance for a country's economic development and national security. Explain how the identification of critical minerals helps in reducing import dependency and ensuring resource security. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to the mineral resources of India, consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2010) Mineral                         90%Natural sources in 1. Copper                       Jharkhand 2. Nickel                        Orissa 3. Tungsten                    Kerala Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?   A. 1 and 2 only            B. 2 only             C. 1 and 3 only            D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: B   2. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called 'rare earth metals.' Why? (UPSC 2012) 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export. 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country. 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only              B. 2 and 3 only           C. 1 and 3 only          D.  1, 2 and 3   Answer: C   3. In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)? (UPSC 2022) 1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India. 2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks. 3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas. 4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2 and 3            B. 3 and 4 only           C. 1 and 2 only          D. 1, 2 and 4   Answer: A   4. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (UPSC 2020)  A. long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emission in a given year. B. requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels. C. efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place. D. contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.   Answer: A   5. Direction: It consists of two statements, one labelled as ‘Statement (I)’ and the others as ‘Statement (II)’. You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the answer using the codes given below: (UPSC ESE 2018) Statement (I): Green energy refers to one which does not harm the ecosystem of planet earth. Statement (II): All renewable energy is green energy. A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) individually true and Statement (II) is the correct explanation of Statement (I) B. Both statement (I) and Statement (II) are individually true, but Statement (II) is not the correct explanation of Statement (I) C. Statement (I) is true, but Statement (II) is false D. Statement (I) is false, but Statement (II) is true   Answer: C   6. Which type of battery is used in the recently launched world's first fully electric cargo ship by change? (Delhi Police Constable 2017) A.  Lead Acid        B. Manganese        C. Lithium ion        D. Nickel metal hydride   Answer: C   7. White gold is an alloy of (UPSC CAPF 2022)  A. gold, nickel and palladium B. gold, cobalt and palladium C. gold, titanium and platinum D. gold, magnesium and palladium   Answer: A   8. Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance? (UPSC 2012)  1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity. 2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far. 3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency. 4. It can be used as 'conducting electrodes' required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only          B. 3 and 4 only         C.  1, 2 and 4 only          D.  1, 2, 3 and 4   Answer: C   9. Graphite and diamonds are__________. (WBCS Prelims 2020)   A. isotopes           B.  isomers             C. isotones           D. allotropes   Answer: D   10. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020) 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. 3. High ash content is observed in Indian coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only         B. 2 and 3 only        C.  3 only         D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: D   11. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (UPSC 2013) 1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol 3. Fluoride 4. Formaldehyde 5. Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below. A. 1 and 3 only           B. 2, 4 and 5 only          C. 1, 3 and 5 only           D.  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5   Answer: C   12. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of the bioremediation technique? (UPSC 2017) 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:  A. 1 only         B.  2 and 3 only          C.  1 and 3 only             D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: C   13. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (UPSC 2013)  1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.  A. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only           B. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only          C. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only               D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7   Answer: B   14. When was the Geological Survey of India (GSI) of India founded? (UPRVUNL Staff Nurse 2021) A. 1851             B. 1951            C. 1871              D. 1931   Answer: A

 

 

Source: The Indian Express