Q.1. Consider the following statements:
- China is the world’s largest producer and supplier of solar panels globally.
- International Solar Alliance was formed in 2017.
- China is a member of the International Solar Alliance.
- India’s solar modules imports from China have increased nearly 80% in the first half of 2023.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- (a) 1 and 4
- (b) Only 1
- (c) 1 and 2
- (d) 1, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Source: The Indian Express (China is welcome to be part of Solar Alliance); The Economic Times (India’s solar imports from China)
Explanation:
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was established in 2015 under India and France’s leadership.
- China does not belong to the ISA, which has 116 members.
- By the first half of 2023, India’s solar module imports from China decreased by around 80%, a reduction of $2 billion.
- In April 2022, the Indian government levied a basic customs duty of 40% on solar modules.
- The government has backed two production-linked incentive scheme tranches with Rs 18,500 crore, allocating 48.4GW of capacity.
- The International Energy Agency predicts India will add 15GW of cell capacity over the next two years.
- By 2030, India aims to achieve a renewable energy installed capacity of 500 GW, with solar contributing 280 GW.
Q.2. Consider the following statements:
- “Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023” was published by the United Nations University
- United Nations University is headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
- According to the Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023, India is the world’s second-largest user of groundwater behind China
How many of the above statements are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) Only 1
- (c) Only 2
- (d) All of the above
Answer: (a)
Source: The Indian Express editorial (Every drop counts, November 1, 2023)
Explanation:
- India is the largest consumer of groundwater worldwide, surpassing both China and the US combined.
- The ‘Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023’ reveals that 27 out of 31 aquifers in India are depleting at a faster rate than their replenishment.
- These warning signs have been evident for over a decade.
- The Mihir Shah Committee in 2016 pointed out a lack of understanding about the interconnection between river systems, catchment areas, and groundwater.
- Numerous other reports, including those by Niti Ayog and the Central Water Commission, emphasise the poor condition of India’s aquifers.
- The seriousness of these reports led the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to launch the ‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’ in 78 water-stressed districts.
- This scheme started in 2020, aims to stimulate behavioural change at a community level in seven states.
- Early signs show positive results. Groundwater extraction for irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes declined by about 6 million cubic metres in 2022 compared to 2020.
- Groundwater is the primary source of water in India, contributing to about 70% of the total water usage.
- The adoption of tubewells and borewells has been significant in attaining food security.
- However, the Mihir Shah Committee in 2016 cited a lack of institutional innovations in the water sector.
- There is a clear connection between power subsidies and the declining water table, particularly in states like Punjab.
- Despite the complexity, managing the demand-side of water usage is crucial.
- A worrying statistic from the UN report states that 78% of wells in Punjab are overexploited.
- Groundwater depletion is a major concern, especially in the southwest of the country, where the hard rock aquifers already limit recharging.
- The situation could worsen with higher temperatures, as they could reduce soil moisture and further deplete groundwater sources.
- Recently, the government has been promoting the cultivation of less water-intensive crops like millets and encouraging the use of efficient watering techniques.
Read more about the report: Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023
Q.3. ‘One Nation, One Registration Platform’ will be launched soon for which of the following sectors/professions?
(a) GST registration
(b) Lawyers
(c) Doctors
(d) Chartered Accountants
Answer: (c)
Source: The Hindu (NMC to launch ‘One nation, one registration platform’, November 1, 2023)
Explanation:
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) is preparing to launch the ‘One nation, one registration’ platform.
- This platform is designed for doctors across India. It aims to streamline processes and improve accessibility to information on practising physicians.
- The NMC has also entered an agreement with the Quality Council of India. This agreement is for rating medical institutions.
- This rating system will apply to both government and private medical colleges.
- Colleges will be assessed on the quality of their education from the 2024-25 academic year onwards.