QUIZ – 2020: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 22 January 2021

Solution: d)

Solution: b)

Solution: d)

Collision with live high-tension wires is the prime reason for mortality among great Indian bustards, with as many as 15% of their deaths attributed to the cause.

In a novel initiative to protect the critically endangered the great Indian bustard from colliding with live wires, the Wildlife Conservation Society- India (WCSI) is installing 1,848 bird diverters on high-tension wires along a 6.5km stretch in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

“Fire Fly” bird diverters are being installed as part of a pilot project over a selected stretch opposite the Pokhran Field Firing Range, which offers a safe habitat to a breeding population of great Indian bustards outside the Desert National Park (DNP) Sanctuary in Jaisalmer.

Great Indian bustards are large birds with unique black caps over their heads and are found in the Indian subcontinent. They are among the heaviest flying birds in the country and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. There are around only 150 of them left in India, according to the report by the wildlife division.

Fire Fly diverters are the first such diverters to be installed in the country. Previously, spiral and large discs were used in limited areas to divert birds from live wires.

Source

Solution: b)

An urban heat island (UHI) is an urban area or metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities. The temperature difference is usually larger at night than during the day, and is most apparent when winds are weak. UHI is most noticeable during the summer and winter. The main cause of the urban heat island effect is from the modification of land surfaces.

The UHI decreases air quality by increasing the production of pollutants such as ozone, and decreases water quality as warmer waters flow into area streams and put stress on their ecosystems.

Mitigation of the urban heat island effect can be accomplished through the use of green roofs and the use of lighter-colored surfaces in urban areas, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.

Concerns have been raised about possible contribution from urban heat islands to global warming.

Solution: c)

Decisions taken under Chapter VII, such as economic sanctions or other sections like international security, are binding on UN members; the Security Council is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions. The UNGA can only make recommendations in this regard.

Decisions that are vetoed by the P-5 cannot be submitted for the review of the UNGA. Also, the UNSC is the authority under the UN charter to take action in situations threatening international peace and security.