5. Consider the following statements about the “Smart Cities Mission”.

1. The objective of this scheme is to give decent quality of life for urban citizens through smart
solutions.
2. The scheme had given a standard definition for a smart city.
3. The implementation of the mission at the city level will be done by the urban local bodies.
4. The mission is operated as a Central sector scheme.

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Answer: A
Explanation
● The Smart Cities Mission was launched in 2015.
● The main objective of the Mission is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, clean
and sustainable environment and give a decent quality of life to their citizens through the
application of ‘smart solutions’. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● The Mission aims to drive economic growth and improve quality of life through
comprehensive work on social, economic, physical and institutional pillars of the city.
● The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development by creation of replicable models
which act as lighthouses to other aspiring cities.
Coverage
● The mission will cover 100 cities that have been distributed among the States /Union
Territories (UT) on the basis of an equitable criteria.
● Each State/UT will have a certain number of potential Smart Cities, with each State/UT
having at least one.
Funding
● The Mission is operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The Central Government gives
financial support on an average Rs.100 crore per city per year. Hence, statement 4 is
incorrect.
● An equal amount on a matching basis is to be provided by the State/Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs).
● Additional resources are to be raised through convergence, from ULBs’ own funds, grants
under Finance Commission, innovative finance mechanisms such as Municipal Bonds, other
government programs and borrowings.
● Emphasis has been given on the participation of the private sector through Public Private
Partnerships (PPP).
What are Smart Cities?
● There is no standard definition or template of a smart city. Hence, statement 2 is
incorrect.
Implementation by Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
● The implementation of the Mission at the City level will be done by a Special Purpose
Vehicle (SPV) created for the purpose. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
● The SPV will plan, appraise, approve, release funds, implement, manage, operate, monitor
and evaluate the Smart City development projects.
● Each Smart City will have a SPV which will be headed by a full time CEO and have nominees
of Central Government, State Government and ULB on its Board.
● The SPV will be a limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 at the city-
level, in which the State/UT and the ULB will be the promoters having 50:50 equity
shareholding.

1. Biofortification contributes to addressing hidden hunger by

Answer: C
Explanation
● Biofortification is the process of improving the nutritional quality of food crops.
Hence Option C is correct.
● This can be achieved through agronomic practices, conventional breeding or
biotechnology-based approaches like genetic engineering and genome editing.
● Biofortification of staple crops such as rice is intended as a sustainable, cost-effective and
food-based means of delivering target micronutrients to populations who do not have
access to or cannot afford diverse diets and other existing interventions such as fortified
foods and supplementation.
● Biofortification is a promising approach to addressing hidden hunger, which is a form of
malnutrition caused by deficiencies in essential micronutrients.

2. Mitra Shakti is a bilateral military exercise between India and which of the following countries?

Answer: B
Explanation
● Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India
and Sri Lanka. Last edition was conducted in Pune in Nov 2023.
● The 10th edition of India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced recently.
● Indian contingent comprising 106 personnel being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana
Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. The Sri Lankan contingent is
being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army.
● Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake
counter insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under Chapter VII of theUnited Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban
environment.

3. Consider the following statements about Amrit Dharohar
1) It is a government-led initiative in India aimed at enhancing mangrove coverage along coastlines.
2) It is launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

Answer: B
Explanation
What’s in the News?
● The Government of India has launched the implementation strategy of “Amrit Dharohar”
scheme which aims at promoting the unique conservation values of wetlands including
their optimal use for enhancing biodiversity, carbon stock, ecotourism opportunities and
income generation for local communities. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
● The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
About Amrit Dharohar
● Amrit Dharohar is a Central Government Scheme to protect wetlands.
● This is a scheme that will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal
use of wetlands, and enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and
income generation for local communities.
● It is launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest ; Climate Change. Hence statement 2 is correct.

4. Which of the following are considered as Neglected Tropical Diseases?
1. Dengue
2. Leprosy
3. Lymphatic filariasis
4. Leishmaniasis