(b) Statement 1 is not correct. Why in news? Recently the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago reveals that fine particulate air pollution (Particulate Matter 2.5) reduces the average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years. ■ Particulate pollution is the primary threat to Indian health, reducing life expectancy by 5.3 years on average. ■ Cardiovascular diseases diminish life expectancy by about 4.5 years, while malnutrition reduces it by 1.8 years. ■ All 1.3 billion Indians live in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average particulate pollution. ■ Approximately 67% of the population lives in regions surpassing India’s own air quality standard of 40 µg/m3. ■ India contributed over 59% of the world’s increase in pollution from 2013 to 2021. ■ The Northern Plains are the most polluted region in India and about 39% of residents may lose eight years of life expectancy compared to WHO guidelines.

(b) Statement 2 is not correct. Why in news? Recently the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against unknown nodal officers and bank officials for alleged fraud in the implementation of minority scholarship schemes. The scam involved 830 “fake” institutions receiving benefits, causing a loss of more than Rs 144 crore to the Ministry of Minority Affairs between 2017-18 and 2021-22. ■ Minority communities in India represent 19.3% of the total population as per the 2011 Census. ■ Minority communities which are recognized under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis; and Jains added in 2014. ■ Major groups: Muslims (about 14%), Christians (about 2%), Sikhs (1.7%), Buddhists (0.7%), Jains (0.4%), Parsis (0.006%). ■ The term “minority” is not defined in the Indian Constitution. However, the Constitution recognizes only religious and linguistic minorities. ■ Constitutional Provisions: Article 29 preserves distinct language, script, and culture ; Article 30 grants education institution rights ; Article 350-B: Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities established by the Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956. ■ Parliamentary Provision: The National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 defines minorities as notified by the Central government.

(c) Why in news? Recently the Government formed a committee, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to explore the possibility of “one nation, one election,” which refers to holding simultaneous Lok Sabha (Parliament) and state assembly elections.

(a) Statement 2 is not correct. Why in news? The decision to omit disability-related questions from the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) has raised concerns about the understanding and representation of disability issues in India. ■ Persons with disabilities make up around 2.21% of the country’s population, which is approximately 2.68 crore people according to the 2011 Census. ■ There are 21 categories of disabilities recognized by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWDA).

(d) Why in news? Dr R Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist from Assam, has been honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2023. ■ Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 and is Asia’s prestigious honor named after Ramon Magsaysay, the Philippines’ third president. ■ It celebrates individuals and organizations in Asia who excel in their fields and contribute generously to others without seeking public recognition. ■ Initially, awards were given in five categories, but since 2009, the foundation has selected awardees for Emergent Leadership. Recipients receive a certificate, a medallion featuring Ramon Magsaysay, and a cash prize. ■ This award is often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize counterpart, recognizing outstanding contributions across diverse domains.