16th October 2026

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),
• Annapurna (launched in 2000).
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS launched in 2009),
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS launched in 2009),
• National Family Benefit Schem

Explanation - It is an international fishing agreement signed in Rome in 2006 and entered into force in 2012. It is aimed at enhancing its role in managing ocean resources and creating opportunities for Indian fishing vessels to operate in the southern Indian Ocean while adhering to international regulations. Objectives — To ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources in the area through cooperation among the Contracting Parties. To promote the sustainable development of fisheries in the Area. The SIOFA Agreement covers fishery resources including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other sedentary species within the area, but excluding highly migratory species (Annex I of UNCLOS).

Explanation - The Montreal Protocol (1987) originally phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. Countries have since eliminated nearly 99% of controlled substances, and the ozone layer is recovering.

HFCs became the common replacement refrigerant since they don’t deplete ozone — but they carry a massive climate cost: many have hundreds to thousands of times the warming impact of CO2 (weight for weight) over a century, if they escape into the atmosphere. Federated States of Micronesia and Mauritius proposed bringing HFCs under the Protocol in 2009.

The amendment was adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 15, 2016, entering into force in January 2019. It sets binding schedules to reduce HFC production/consumption — a “phase-down,” not a complete ban, since limited use continues.

Explanation - All are incorrectly matched. The first report formed the basis for negotiation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. The second report was the scientific underpinning for Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The third report won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for IPCC and was the scientific input for the 2009 Copenhagen climate meeting.

Explanation - The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer for phase down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by India, adopted by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on October, 2016 at 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol held at Kigali, Rwanda. On October 15, 2016, 197 countries adopted an amendment to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, Rwanda. The Kigali Amendment aims for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by cutting their production and consumption. The amendment added HFCs to the list of controlled substances and approved a timeline for their gradual reduction by 80-85 per cent by 2047.