Answer: D
Explanation
● The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the ‘LaQshya’ (Labour room
Quality Improvement Initiative) programme in 2017 which aimed at improving quality
of care in the labor room and maternity Operation Theatre (OT).
Objectives of LaQshya
● Reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality;
● Improve quality of care during delivery and immediate postpartum period;
● Enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries, positive birthing experience and provide Respectful
Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending public health facilities.
Target Beneficiaries
● LaQshya program benefits every pregnant woman and newborn delivering in public
health institutions.
● Program aims to improve quality of care for pregnant women in the labor room, maternity
Operation Theatre and Obstetrics Intensive Care Units (ICUs) & High Dependency Units
(HDUs).
Explanation
● The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the ‘LaQshya’ (Labour room
Quality Improvement Initiative) programme in 2017 which aimed at improving quality
of care in the labor room and maternity Operation Theatre (OT).
Objectives of LaQshya
● Reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality;
● Improve quality of care during delivery and immediate postpartum period;
● Enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries, positive birthing experience and provide Respectful
Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending public health facilities.
Target Beneficiaries
● LaQshya program benefits every pregnant woman and newborn delivering in public
health institutions.
● Program aims to improve quality of care for pregnant women in the labor room, maternity
Operation Theatre and Obstetrics Intensive Care Units (ICUs) & High Dependency Units
(HDUs).
3. 3D Printing has applications in which of the following?
1) Customisation of implants
2) Manufacture of hearing aids
3) Construction industry
1) Customisation of implants
2) Manufacture of hearing aids
3) Construction industry
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Anonymous Quiz
4%
A) 1 and 2 only
5%
B) 2 and 3 only
14%
C) 1 and 3 only
77%
D) 1,2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation
What is 3D printing?
● 3D printing is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional
objects layer by layer.
● It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-
materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour.
How is 3D printing done?
● To carry out 3D printing a personal computer connected to a 3D printer is required. A 3D
model of the required object is designed on computer-aid design (CAD) software.
● 3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the
complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.
● 3D printers build from the bottom up by piling on layer after layer until the object looks
exactly like it was envisioned.
● The (3D) printer acts generally the same as a traditional inkjet printer in the direct 3D
printing process, where a nozzle moves back and forth while dispensing a wax or plastic-
like polymer layer-by-layer, waiting for that layer to dry, then adding the next level.
● It essentially adds hundreds or thousands of 2D prints on top of one another to make a
three-dimensional object.
Applications
All the statements are correct.
● These machines are capable of printing anything from ordinary objects like a ball or a spoon to complex moving parts like hinges and wheels.
● Medical sciences: 3D printing is being used to customize implants. It is used in the manufacture of hearing aids.
● Construction industry: Companies around the world are making breakthroughs in 3D
printing of the materials needed to build homes.
Explanation
What is 3D printing?
● 3D printing is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional
objects layer by layer.
● It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-
materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour.
How is 3D printing done?
● To carry out 3D printing a personal computer connected to a 3D printer is required. A 3D
model of the required object is designed on computer-aid design (CAD) software.
● 3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the
complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.
● 3D printers build from the bottom up by piling on layer after layer until the object looks
exactly like it was envisioned.
● The (3D) printer acts generally the same as a traditional inkjet printer in the direct 3D
printing process, where a nozzle moves back and forth while dispensing a wax or plastic-
like polymer layer-by-layer, waiting for that layer to dry, then adding the next level.
● It essentially adds hundreds or thousands of 2D prints on top of one another to make a
three-dimensional object.
Applications
All the statements are correct.
● These machines are capable of printing anything from ordinary objects like a ball or a spoon to complex moving parts like hinges and wheels.
● Medical sciences: 3D printing is being used to customize implants. It is used in the manufacture of hearing aids.
● Construction industry: Companies around the world are making breakthroughs in 3D
printing of the materials needed to build homes.
4. Consider the following statements about Special Economic Zones
1) It is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a countrys
domestic economic laws.
2) The main objectives of the SEZ Scheme is to promote exports and imports goods and
services.
1) It is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a countrys
domestic economic laws.
2) The main objectives of the SEZ Scheme is to promote exports and imports goods and
services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
28%
A) 1 only
14%
B) 2 only
52%
C) Both 1 and 2
5%
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has
economic laws that are more liberal than a country's domestic economic laws.
● The main objectives of the SEZ Scheme is
○ generation of additional economic activity,
○ promotion of exports of goods and services, (not imports) Hence statement 2 is
incorrect
○ promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources,
○ creation of employment opportunities along with the development of infrastructure
facilities.
● Financial incentives are granted to those setting up SEZs and cover a wider gamut of
benefits for investors across taxation, customs, labor regulations, etc.
● Each Zone is headed by a Development Commissioner and is administered as per the SEZ
Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006.
● It should be noted that all Goods and services supplied by SEZ units to Domestic Tariff
Area (whole of India but does not include the areas of the SEZ) are treated as imports into
India and subject to all procedures and rules applicable in case of normal imports into India.
Salient Features
● The salient features of the SEZ scheme are:-
○ A designated duty free enclave to be treated as a territory outside the customs
territory of India for the purpose of authorized operations in the SEZ;
○ No license required for import;
○ Manufacturing or service activities allowed;
○ The Unit shall achieve Positive Net Foreign Exchange to be calculated
cumulatively for a period of five years from the commencement of production;
○ Domestic sales are subject to full customs duty and import policy in force;
○ SEZ units will have freedom for subcontracting;
○ No routine examination by customs authorities of export/import cargo;
○ SEZ Developers /Co-Developers and Units enjoy tax benefits as prescribed in the SEZs Act, 2005.
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has
economic laws that are more liberal than a country's domestic economic laws.
● The main objectives of the SEZ Scheme is
○ generation of additional economic activity,
○ promotion of exports of goods and services, (not imports) Hence statement 2 is
incorrect
○ promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources,
○ creation of employment opportunities along with the development of infrastructure
facilities.
● Financial incentives are granted to those setting up SEZs and cover a wider gamut of
benefits for investors across taxation, customs, labor regulations, etc.
● Each Zone is headed by a Development Commissioner and is administered as per the SEZ
Act, 2005 and SEZ Rules, 2006.
● It should be noted that all Goods and services supplied by SEZ units to Domestic Tariff
Area (whole of India but does not include the areas of the SEZ) are treated as imports into
India and subject to all procedures and rules applicable in case of normal imports into India.
Salient Features
● The salient features of the SEZ scheme are:-
○ A designated duty free enclave to be treated as a territory outside the customs
territory of India for the purpose of authorized operations in the SEZ;
○ No license required for import;
○ Manufacturing or service activities allowed;
○ The Unit shall achieve Positive Net Foreign Exchange to be calculated
cumulatively for a period of five years from the commencement of production;
○ Domestic sales are subject to full customs duty and import policy in force;
○ SEZ units will have freedom for subcontracting;
○ No routine examination by customs authorities of export/import cargo;
○ SEZ Developers /Co-Developers and Units enjoy tax benefits as prescribed in the SEZs Act, 2005.
5. With reference to sickle cell anemia, consider the following statements
1) It is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder.
2) It primarily affects the shape and function of red blood cells.
3) Blood transfusion with normal red blood cells is a potential treatment option for sickle cell
anemia.
1) It is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder.
2) It primarily affects the shape and function of red blood cells.
3) Blood transfusion with normal red blood cells is a potential treatment option for sickle cell
anemia.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
3%
A) Only one
35%
B) Only two
61%
C) All three
1%
D) None
Answer: C
Explanation
● The Government of India has launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
Mission to address the pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly
among the tribal population.
● The launch will mark a crucial milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate
sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.
● The mission aims to cover 7 crore people with screening, counseling for prevention and
care for people with sickle cell disease in three and half years.
What is sickle cell anemia?
● Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. Hence statement 1
is correct.
○ An autosomal recessive disorder requires two copies of the mutated gene (one from
each parent) to cause the disorder.
● Hemoglobin which is tasked with carrying oxygen to all parts of the body has four
protein subunits — two alpha and two beta. In some people, mutations in the gene
that creates the beta subunits impact the shape of the blood cell and distort it to look
like a sickle, similar to the letter C. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● A round red blood cell can move easily through blood vessels because of its shape but
sickle red blood cells end up slowing and even blocking the blood flow. Moreover,
sickle cells die early, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells that deprive the body of
oxygen.
● These obstructions and shortages may cause chronic anemia, pain, fatigue, acute chest
syndrome, stroke, and a host of other serious health complications.
Prevalence
● India is the second-worst affected country in terms of predicted births with SCA —
i.e. chances of being born with the condition.
● The disease burden from Sickle Cell anemia in India is prevalent in tribal populations.
Tribes like Pawara, Bhil, Madia, Gond and Pardhan from Maharashtra have a very high
prevalence.
● Sickle cell anemia is most prevalent in the central India belt covering states like
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and parts of Bengal. There are pockets in
the south, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Telangana.
● There is a lack of screening awareness and inadequate screening centers/facilities in
tribal and rural areas. Also, failure to access primary healthcare is a concern.
Treatment
● Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder, making complete “elimination” a challenge
that requires a major scientific breakthrough.
● The only cure comes in the form of gene therapy and stem cell transplants — both
costly and still in developmental stages.
● In gene therapy, the DNA inside the hemoglobin gene is edited to stop the disease while in
stem cell transplants, the bone marrow affected by sickle cell anemia is replaced with healthy bone marrow from a donor. Both interventions are currently being tested in clinical trials globally.
● Blood transfusion, wherein red blood cells are removed from donated blood and given to a patient, is also a trusted treatment in the absence of permanent cures. But challenges
include a scarcity of donors, fears around safe supply of blood, risk of infection etc. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Explanation
● The Government of India has launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
Mission to address the pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly
among the tribal population.
● The launch will mark a crucial milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate
sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.
● The mission aims to cover 7 crore people with screening, counseling for prevention and
care for people with sickle cell disease in three and half years.
What is sickle cell anemia?
● Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. Hence statement 1
is correct.
○ An autosomal recessive disorder requires two copies of the mutated gene (one from
each parent) to cause the disorder.
● Hemoglobin which is tasked with carrying oxygen to all parts of the body has four
protein subunits — two alpha and two beta. In some people, mutations in the gene
that creates the beta subunits impact the shape of the blood cell and distort it to look
like a sickle, similar to the letter C. Hence statement 2 is correct.
● A round red blood cell can move easily through blood vessels because of its shape but
sickle red blood cells end up slowing and even blocking the blood flow. Moreover,
sickle cells die early, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells that deprive the body of
oxygen.
● These obstructions and shortages may cause chronic anemia, pain, fatigue, acute chest
syndrome, stroke, and a host of other serious health complications.
Prevalence
● India is the second-worst affected country in terms of predicted births with SCA —
i.e. chances of being born with the condition.
● The disease burden from Sickle Cell anemia in India is prevalent in tribal populations.
Tribes like Pawara, Bhil, Madia, Gond and Pardhan from Maharashtra have a very high
prevalence.
● Sickle cell anemia is most prevalent in the central India belt covering states like
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and parts of Bengal. There are pockets in
the south, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Telangana.
● There is a lack of screening awareness and inadequate screening centers/facilities in
tribal and rural areas. Also, failure to access primary healthcare is a concern.
Treatment
● Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder, making complete “elimination” a challenge
that requires a major scientific breakthrough.
● The only cure comes in the form of gene therapy and stem cell transplants — both
costly and still in developmental stages.
● In gene therapy, the DNA inside the hemoglobin gene is edited to stop the disease while in
stem cell transplants, the bone marrow affected by sickle cell anemia is replaced with healthy bone marrow from a donor. Both interventions are currently being tested in clinical trials globally.
● Blood transfusion, wherein red blood cells are removed from donated blood and given to a patient, is also a trusted treatment in the absence of permanent cures. But challenges
include a scarcity of donors, fears around safe supply of blood, risk of infection etc. Hence statement 3 is correct.
How to Become an IAS/IPS/IFS Officer? (Link in bio)
Have you ever aspired to become a civil servant and serve the nation?
This could be the turning point in your journey!
Officers IAS Academy presents a Free UPSC Seminar at Thiagarajar College of Preceptors, exclusively for aspirants in and around Perambalur.
Speakers:
Thiru. S. Arunraj, I.A.S.
District Collector, Perambalur
Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, Ex-IAS (AIR 59)
Founder & Director – Officers IAS Academy
Date: 12th July (Saturday)
Time: 10:30 AM onwards
Venue: Thiagarajar College of Preceptors, Perambalur
Register Now - https://forms.gle/sKERFcnwbSTU7YtW6
We warmly invite both aspirants and their parents to attend this inspiring session and understand the roadmap, strategy, and commitment needed to succeed in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
For queries, call us at +91 936373 0226
Join us and take your first step toward a dream career in civil services!
Have you ever aspired to become a civil servant and serve the nation?
This could be the turning point in your journey!
Officers IAS Academy presents a Free UPSC Seminar at Thiagarajar College of Preceptors, exclusively for aspirants in and around Perambalur.
Speakers:
Thiru. S. Arunraj, I.A.S.
District Collector, Perambalur
Mr. R.A. Israel Jebasingh, Ex-IAS (AIR 59)
Founder & Director – Officers IAS Academy
Date: 12th July (Saturday)
Time: 10:30 AM onwards
Venue: Thiagarajar College of Preceptors, Perambalur
Register Now - https://forms.gle/sKERFcnwbSTU7YtW6
We warmly invite both aspirants and their parents to attend this inspiring session and understand the roadmap, strategy, and commitment needed to succeed in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
For queries, call us at +91 936373 0226
Join us and take your first step toward a dream career in civil services!
1. With reference to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), consider the following
statements.
1. NDRF was constituted under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
2. The primary purpose of NDRF is to supplement the State Disaster Response Fund, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
3. NDRF is classified in the Public Accounts of the Government of India.
statements.
1. NDRF was constituted under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
2. The primary purpose of NDRF is to supplement the State Disaster Response Fund, provided adequate funds are not available in SDRF.
3. NDRF is classified in the Public Accounts of the Government of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
23%
A. Only one
56%
B. Only two
14%
C. All three
7%
D. None
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Under the Disaster Management Act 2005, a financial
mechanism has been set up by way of National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) at national
level and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) at state level to meet the rescue and relief
expenditure during any notified disaster.
● Statement 2 is correct: The primary purpose of NDRF is to supplement the SDRF, in case
there is a calamity of “severe nature” which requires assistance over and above the funds
available under SDRF.
● Statement 3 is correct: NDRF is classified in the Public Accounts of the Government of
India under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
● The NDRF is funded through the National Calamity Contingency Duty (NCCD) imposed on
specified goods and additional budgetary support is provided as and when necessary.
● The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Disaster Management Authority
takes decisions on the expenses from the National Disaster Response Fund.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Under the Disaster Management Act 2005, a financial
mechanism has been set up by way of National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) at national
level and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) at state level to meet the rescue and relief
expenditure during any notified disaster.
● Statement 2 is correct: The primary purpose of NDRF is to supplement the SDRF, in case
there is a calamity of “severe nature” which requires assistance over and above the funds
available under SDRF.
● Statement 3 is correct: NDRF is classified in the Public Accounts of the Government of
India under “Reserve Funds not bearing interest”.
● The NDRF is funded through the National Calamity Contingency Duty (NCCD) imposed on
specified goods and additional budgetary support is provided as and when necessary.
● The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Disaster Management Authority
takes decisions on the expenses from the National Disaster Response Fund.
2. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Hydroponics’
1. It is a method of soilless farming in which plants are grown using mineral nutrient solutions in the liquid medium.
2. Hydroponics helps plants to grow faster with higher yield when compared with conventional soil based cultivation.
1. It is a method of soilless farming in which plants are grown using mineral nutrient solutions in the liquid medium.
2. Hydroponics helps plants to grow faster with higher yield when compared with conventional soil based cultivation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
9%
a) 1 only
12%
b) 2 only
76%
c) Both 1 and 2
3%
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, which is a method of
growing plants without soil (Soilless farming) by instead using mineral nutrient solutions in
a liquid medium. Terrestrial plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to the
nutritious liquid, or the roots may be physically supported by an inert medium such as
perlite or gravel.
Advantages of Hydroponics
● The increased control over growing conditions makes it easier to provide the best possible
environment for plants, leading to better quality produce and high yield.
● Statement 2 is correct: Plants grow 50% faster than soil based cultivation under the same
condition because of the easy access to food and water. The production in hydroponics may
be increased approximately two times as compared with soil cultivation in a comparable
area with correct management practiced because the plant does not have to compete for
moisture and nutrients.
● Hydroponics gardens can provide plants with optimum qualities of the necessary nutrients
during the different seasons. This will enable maximize growth to be achieved
● A small hydroponics garden can be set up almost anywhere, even upstairs, balconies and
open areas and protected structures because the land is not necessary.
● Hydroponics products generally taste better and are higher in nutritional value than field- grown crops.
● The occurrence of soil borne disease and nematode damage is not possible, so hydroponic production is exported safely
● There is no need for crop rotations as growing media can be reused continuously or replaced.
● The plants are uniform in growth and maturity.
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture, which is a method of
growing plants without soil (Soilless farming) by instead using mineral nutrient solutions in
a liquid medium. Terrestrial plants may be grown with only their roots exposed to the
nutritious liquid, or the roots may be physically supported by an inert medium such as
perlite or gravel.
Advantages of Hydroponics
● The increased control over growing conditions makes it easier to provide the best possible
environment for plants, leading to better quality produce and high yield.
● Statement 2 is correct: Plants grow 50% faster than soil based cultivation under the same
condition because of the easy access to food and water. The production in hydroponics may
be increased approximately two times as compared with soil cultivation in a comparable
area with correct management practiced because the plant does not have to compete for
moisture and nutrients.
● Hydroponics gardens can provide plants with optimum qualities of the necessary nutrients
during the different seasons. This will enable maximize growth to be achieved
● A small hydroponics garden can be set up almost anywhere, even upstairs, balconies and
open areas and protected structures because the land is not necessary.
● Hydroponics products generally taste better and are higher in nutritional value than field- grown crops.
● The occurrence of soil borne disease and nematode damage is not possible, so hydroponic production is exported safely
● There is no need for crop rotations as growing media can be reused continuously or replaced.
● The plants are uniform in growth and maturity.
3. The primary purpose of geoengineering techniques is to
4. Which of the following principles are adhered to by regenerative agriculture?
1) Minimize soil distribution through conservation tillage
2) Diversify crops to replenish nutrients
3) Retain soil cover using cover crops
1) Minimize soil distribution through conservation tillage
2) Diversify crops to replenish nutrients
3) Retain soil cover using cover crops
Answer: C
Explanation
● Geoengineering is a deliberate, large-scale intervention carried out in the Earth’s natural
systems to reverse the impacts of climate change, according to the Oxford
Geoengineering Programme. This involves techniques to physically manipulate the global
climate to cool the planet.
● These techniques fall primarily under three categories:
○ Solar radiation management (SRM)
○ Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and
○ Weather modification.
● Specific technologies include
○ Solar geoengineering or ‘dimming the sun’ by spraying sulfates into the air to
reflect sunlight back into space;
○ Ocean fertilization or the dumping of iron or urea to stimulate phytoplankton
growth to absorb more carbon;
○ Cloud brightening or spraying saltwater to make clouds more reflective and more.
Explanation
● Geoengineering is a deliberate, large-scale intervention carried out in the Earth’s natural
systems to reverse the impacts of climate change, according to the Oxford
Geoengineering Programme. This involves techniques to physically manipulate the global
climate to cool the planet.
● These techniques fall primarily under three categories:
○ Solar radiation management (SRM)
○ Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and
○ Weather modification.
● Specific technologies include
○ Solar geoengineering or ‘dimming the sun’ by spraying sulfates into the air to
reflect sunlight back into space;
○ Ocean fertilization or the dumping of iron or urea to stimulate phytoplankton
growth to absorb more carbon;
○ Cloud brightening or spraying saltwater to make clouds more reflective and more.