20th September 2024

Explanation - NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its roles is “advisory” in nature
and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for
conservation of wildlife in the country.

Explanation - The PPSS is focused only on oilseeds, not pulses, and is a pilot
scheme for private participation in the procurement process.
• Price Support Scheme (PSS) —
• In PSS, physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra will be done by
Central
Nodal Agencies with the proactive role of state governments.
• In addition to the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India
(NAFED), Food Corporation of India (FCI) will take up PSS operations in
states/districts.
• The procurement expenditure and losses due to procurement will be borne by the
Central
Government as per norms.
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) —

• Under PDPS, it is proposed to cover all oilseeds for which MSP is notified.
• Direct payment of the difference between the MSP and the selling/model price will
be
made to pre-registered farmers selling his produce in the notified market yard
through a
transparent auction process.
• All payments will be done directly into the registered bank account of the farmer.
• This scheme does not involve any physical procurement of crops, as farmers are
paid the difference between the MSP price and the Sale/modal price on disposal in
the notified
market.
• The support of the central government for PDPS will be given as per norms.
• Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Schemes (PPPS) —
• In addition to PDPS, for oilseeds, states have the option to roll out PPSS on a pilot
basis in selected districts/Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMCs) of
districts involving the participation of private stockists.
• This scheme will allow private players to participate in the procurement of crops.
• The pilot district/selected APMC(s) of the district will cover one or more crops of
oilseeds for
which MSP is notified.

Explanation - Ratle run-of-the-river (RoR) project is being constructed on the Chenab
river in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indus Water treaty was
signed in 1960 by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistan President
Ayub Khan. The six rivers of the Indus basin originate in Tibet and flow across the
Himalayan ranges to end in the Arabian Sea south of Karachi. The three western
rivers (Jhelum, Chenab and Indus) were allocated to Pakistan while India was given
control over the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas and Sutlej).
While India could use the western rivers for consumption purpose, restrictions were
placed on building of storage systems. The treaty states that aside of certain specific
cases, no storage and irrigation systems can be built by India on the western rivers.
It was brokered by the World Bank. The Treaty also provides arbitration mechanism
to solve disputes amicably. A Permanent Indus Commission was set up as a bilateral
commission to implement and manage the Treaty. The Commission solves disputes
arising over water sharing.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct; the trade deficit reached an eight-month high in
August 2024. Statement 2 is correct; a decline in oil exports significantly contributed
to the widening trade deficit. Statement 3 is incorrect; the reduction in gold import
duties led to an increase, not a decrease, in gold imports. Statement 4 is incorrect;
the trade deficit is primarily driven by merchandise trade, not services.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as INDUS-X aims to enhance defense
innovation. Statement 2 is correct as it allows Indian officers to be posted in U.S.
Commands. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Reciprocal Defence Procurement
Agreement is not yet concluded or legally binding.