GoI launches Khanan Prahari Application

Current context: The Government of India recently launched a mobile application called KHANAN PRAHARI and a surveillance system called CMSMS (Coal Mine Surveillance and Management System).

• It was launched as the problem of illegal mining is on the rise in India, with minor minerals being illegally mined in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, and major minerals like coal being illegally mined in north-eastern states such as Assam and Meghalaya.
• These tools aim to encourage citizen participation in identifying and reporting illegal mining activities. The KHANAN PRAHARI app allows anyone to report illegal mining, while the CMSMS system facilitates the monitoring of mining activities in coal mines.
• Illegal mining of minor minerals, such as sand and gravel, is increasing rapidly in India, with the country ranking first in the world for illegal sand mining, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
• Fear and hesitation are the main reasons for the rise in illegal mining, as people are often afraid to report such activities.
• However, the use of technology, including mobile apps like KHANAN PRAHARI, can help to keep the identity of the reporter anonymous and encourage reporting. Ultimately, these technology-based reporting systems can help to increase the chances of detecting and preventing illegal mining.

Question:

Q.1 Which of the following is true about the mobile application KHANAN PRAHARI and the surveillance system CMSMS launched by the Government of India to combat illegal mining?
a. KHANAN PRAHARI is used for monitoring mining activities in coal mines.
b. CMSMS allows anyone to report illegal mining activities.
c. KHANAN PRAHARI and CMSMS are aimed at encouraging citizen participation in identifying and reporting illegal mining activities.
d. The use of technology-based reporting systems can decrease the chances of detecting and preventing illegal mining.