Q.1) With reference to the ‘Market Access Support (MAS)’ intervention under the Export Promotion Mission, consider the following statements:
- It is a price-support mechanism that directly reimburses a percentage of the export value to the exporter.
- It mandates a minimum participation of 35% for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in supported events.
- It is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce and the Ministry of External Affairs only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
SHOW ANSWER
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; MAS provides institutional/marketing support (trade fairs, BSMs), not direct price reimbursement. Statement 3 is incorrect; it is implemented by Commerce, MSME, and Finance ministries¹. Statement 2 is correct as per the news trigger.
Q.2) In the context of International Trade and WTO norms, which of the following best describes ‘Green Box’ or Permissible Export Promotion measures?
- Direct cash transfers to exporters based on the number of units exported.
- Government funding for participation in international trade fairs and market research services.
- Currency devaluation to make exports cheaper.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer: (b)
Explanation: Direct cash transfers based on performance are prohibited (Red Box/Amber). Funding for general services like trade fairs and market research is permissible (Green/General Services) as it does not directly distort trade prices.
Q.3) With reference to the ‘Sukhatme National Award’, consider the following statements:
- It is instituted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- The award specifically recognizes high-quality research work aimed at improving the system of official statistics.
- It is an annual award presented to researchers for their doctoral thesis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer: B
The award is given in alternate years (not annually) and is for Lifetime Contributions by eminent statisticians aged 45+ (not for a doctoral thesis).
Q.4 With reference to India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the ‘Panchamrit’ strategy announced at COP26, consider the following statements:
- India has formally committed to achieving the target of Net Zero emissions by the year 2070.
- As per the updated NDCs submitted to the UNFCCC, to achieve about 25% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030..
- India has set a target to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 levels.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3
SHOW ANSWER
Answer: C (1 and 3 only)
The official target is to achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
For quick revision, here are the 5 targets announced at COP26:
1. Reach 500 GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
2. 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030 (Refined to Installed Capacity in NDC).
3. Reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from now till 2030.
4. Reduce carbon intensity of the economy by less than 45% by 2030.
5. Achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070.
Q5. In the context of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, what distinguishes “Grey Hydrogen” from “Green Hydrogen”?
- Grey Hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels via Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) with high carbon emissions. Green Hydrogen is produced using Renewable Energy (RE)
- Grey Hydrogen is primarily used in the transportation sector, whereas Green Hydrogen is intended only for the steel industry.
- The production of Grey Hydrogen captures and stores the emitted carbon dioxide, whereas Green Hydrogen releases oxygen as a byproduct.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
SHOW ANSWER
Answer: (a) Statement 2 is Incorrect: Currently, Grey Hydrogen is widely used in petroleum refining and fertilizer production, not transportation. Green Hydrogen is intended for all these sectors plus hard-to-abate sectors like steel and shipping.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Grey Hydrogen does not capture carbon (that is “Blue Hydrogen“). Green Hydrogen releases oxygen as a byproduct during electrolysis. Blue hydrogen is the type where the emitted CO₂ is captured and stored using carbon capture and storage (CCS).