Prelims Daily Quest - 20 September 2024

1.Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, a rare but severe infection, has gained attention in recent news due to outbreaks in certain regions. Consider the following statements:

1. The primary causative agent of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba."

2. The infection is primarily transmitted through consumption of contaminated food and water.

3. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the mortality rate associated with this infection.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct as Naegleria fowleri is indeed the primary agent.

• Statement 2 is incorrect; the infection is primarily contracted through exposure to contaminated water, not food.

• Statement 3 is correct; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in improving outcomes.

2. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding White Revolution 2.0?

1. It focuses on enhancing milk procurement through cooperatives.

2. It aims to include women in formal employment by depositing payments directly into their bank accounts.

3. It is a continuation of the original White Revolution initiated in the 1970s.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2, and 3

D) 1 only

Answer: C) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: True. White Revolution 2.0 aims to enhance milk procurement through cooperatives, increasing the daily procurement from 660 lakh litres to 1,000 lakh litres.

2. Statement 2: True. The initiative focuses on empowering women by formalizing their role in the dairy sector, ensuring that the payments for milk procurement are directly deposited into their bank accounts.

3. Statement 3: True. White Revolution 2.0 is indeed a continuation of the original White Revolution initiated in the 1970s, which aimed at making India self-sufficient in milk production through cooperative dairy farming.

Since all three statements are true, the correct option is C) 1, 2, and 3.

3. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the recent changes in crop procurement schemes announced by the Agriculture Ministry?

1. The "Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme" (PPPS) has been retained in the revamped PM-Aasha.

2. The Bhavantar model allows states to implement price support for both vegetables and oilseeds.

3. The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) guarantees farmers a fixed price irrespective of market rates.

4. The "Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme" faced widespread support from states for its implementation.

Select the correct answer from the options below:

A) 1 and 3 B) 2 and 4 C) 2 only D) 1, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: C) 2 only

Explanation:

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. The "Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme" (PPPS) has been eliminated from the revamped PM-Aasha due to lack of interest from states.

2. Statement 2: Correct. The Bhavantar model allows states to implement price support for both vegetables and oilseeds, providing a mechanism for compensating farmers for price differences.

3. Statement 3: Incorrect. The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) compensates farmers for the difference between the market price and the minimum support price (MSP), rather than guaranteeing a fixed price.

4. Statement 4: Incorrect. The PPPS did not receive widespread support from states, which preferred the alternative schemes like PDPS and PSS.

Thus, only statement 2 is correct, making option C the right choice.