Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct – PM Vishwakarma scheme is a central sector scheme to support traditional artisans and craftspeople (Vishwakarmas) of rural and urban India.
• It was launched in 2023 with duration of 5 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
• Statement 2 is correct – Nodal Ministry of the scheme is Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.
• This covers 18 trades including carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, tailors, barbers, and sculptors.
• The scheme is conjointly implemented by the following Ministries/Departments:
  • Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).
  • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
  • Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF).

Explanation

• Option b is correct – The nodal agency (implementing ministry) of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme is the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare handles the scheme, working with state and union territory governments to transfer funds directly to farmers' bank accounts.
• Its objective is to provide income support to all landholding farmer families in the country to supplement their financial needs for agriculture and allied activities.
• The scheme was launched on February 24, 2019, by the Prime Minister.

Explanation

• Statement 1 is incorrect – The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is the nodal agency, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Statement 2 is correct – PM-DevINE covers all 8 states of the North Eastern Region (NER): Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura
• It is a central sector scheme.

Explanation

• Option a is correct – Operation Olivia is conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Launched in the early 1980s.
• This annual initiative, running from November to May, protects endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their breeding and nesting season along the Odisha coast,
  • particularly near the Gahirmatha and Rushikulya river mouth.

Explanation

• Option a is correct – Joha Rice is associated with the state of Assam.
• It is an indigenous aromatic rice variety from Assam that received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
• It is known for its mild floral fragrance, soft texture, and rich taste, commonly grown in the winter (Sali) crop season.
• Primarily cultivated in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam.