10th November 2025

Explanation - Piprahwa Relics are associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. Key Features — The Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan. Discovered by — In 1898, William Claxton Peppé, an English estate manager and engineer, during an excavation found a stupa at Piprahwa, just south of Lumbini believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The British crown claimed Peppé's find under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, and the bone and ash fragments were gifted by the British to King Chulalongkorn of Siam, now Thailand. The majorities of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899. These are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale. 

Explanation - It was launched in 1995 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the MoRD, Government of India. It provides financial assistance [to Below Poverty Line (BPL) individuals] to the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities and bereaved families on death of primary breadwinner, in the form of social pensions. It represents a significant step towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 of the Indian Constitution. Article 41 directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement, etc., within the limit of its economic capacity and development. Components of NSAP — At its inception, NSAP had three components namely National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS). The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2001. Presently, NSAP comprises of five schemes — Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS launched in 2009), Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS launched in 2009), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and Annapurna (launched in 2000). 

Explanation - Tropical Forest Forever Facility is a new global initiative designed to reward countries financially for preserving tropical forests, a vital component in global efforts to mitigate climate change. The fund provides $4 per hectare of protected forest area annually, creating a performance-based incentive model for conservation. It is structured as a budget-neutral financing mechanism, meaning that it does not rely on new taxes or continuous donor grants. The mechanism operates through the Tropical Forest Investment Fund (TFIF), which channels sponsor contributions into sustainable investments, avoiding sectors linked to deforestation such as fossil fuels, coal, and peat industries. Returns generated by TFIF investments are used to repay investors while simultaneously rewarding participating countries for forest protection. The initiative represents a market-based approach to climate finance, combining conservation incentives with investment-driven sustainability. 

Explanation - Ownership to land that is being farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares; ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family (as on December 13, 2005 and not thereafter), meaning that no new lands are granted. Eligibility to get rights under the Act is confined to those who "primarily reside in forests" and who depend on forests and forest land for a livelihood. Further, either the claimant must be a member of the Scheduled Tribes scheduled in that area or must have been residing in the forest for 75 years. 

Explanation - Both are correct. Title rights – Ownership to land that is being farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares; ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family (as on December 13, 2005 and not thereafter), meaning that no new lands are granted. Section 2(i) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 defines a Minor Forest Produce (MFP) as all non-timber forest produce of plant origin and includes bamboo, brushwood, stumps, canes, Tusser, cocoon, honey, waxes, Lac, tendu/kendu leaves, medicinal plants and herbs, roots, tuber and the like.