UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 29 April 2024

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Only statement 3 is correct.
• Context: UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, has undergone a significant rebranding as “UN Trade and Development” to mark its 60th anniversary.
• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a permanent intergovernmental organization that promotes the interests of developing countries in world trade.
• It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 30, 1964 and has its headquarters in Geneva.
• UNCTAD’s work focuses on trade, development, finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development.
• It collects data, conducts research, and analyses policies to help countries frame policies in these areas.
• UNCTAD also outlines recommendations for realigning the global debt architecture with developing countries’ needs.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/unctad-rebranded-as-un-trade-and-development/

Ans; (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The World Trade Organization (WTO) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Marrakesh Agreement, a milestone in global trade cooperation
• About Marrakesh Agreement:
  • The Marrakesh Agreement, also known as the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), was signed on April 15, 1994, in Marrakesh, Morocco by 123 nations.
  • The agreement defines the WTO’s structure, functions, and scope, and incorporates agreements negotiated under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and agreements concluded during the Uruguay Round.
  • The WTO officially came into existence on January 1, 1995.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/marrakesh-agreement/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• The latest Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) reveals that in 2023, nearly 282 million people across 59 countries and territories faced high levels of acute hunger
• The GRFC is produced annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC)

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/reports-in-news-8/

Ans; (b)

Explanation:Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC)

• GNAFC was established in 2016 by the European Union, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). GNAFC aims to enhance coordination among existing initiatives and organizations to tackle the underlying causes of food crises.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/reports-in-news-8/

Ans: (b)

Explanation: IUCN released a report titled “Towards a Regenerative Blue Economy – Mapping the Blue Economy”

• The report outlines the concept of a Regenerative Blue Economy (RBE), which prioritizes the effective regeneration and protection of ocean ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic activities and fair prosperity
• Global initiatives like IUCN’s Nature 2030, Great Blue Wall Initiative, Clean Seas Campaign, Moroni Declaration and Cape Town Manifesto are examples of efforts promoting RBE
• India’s Initiatives include Maritime India Vision 2030, Deep Ocean Mission, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, etc.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, is a global organization founded in 1948. It focuses on nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, serving as a leading authority on global environmental issues.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/reports-in-news-8/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• All statements are correct.
• Context: In India’s rapidly advancing internet economy, embracing Network as a Service (NaaS) holds promise for enhancing user experiences.
• What is Network as a Service (NaaS)?
  • Network as a Service (NaaS) is a cloud-like networking model where network resources are provided to customers on demand. It offers networking functionality without the need for customers to invest in hardware or manage infrastructure directly.
  • With over 850 million active internet users and a digital economy projected to contribute 20% to GDP by 2026, NaaS offers a cloud-like networking model, providing on-demand network resources without the need for direct infrastructure management.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/network-as-a-service-naas/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
• About Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN):
  • Established as the implementation arm of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism and hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the CTCN facilitates the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
  • It operates through a global network of over 760 civil society, finance, private sector, and research institutions, providing technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries upon request.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/climate-technology-centre-and-network-ctcn/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
• It is the largest and loudest animal on the planet and inhabits all oceans except the Arctic. With an estimated lifespan of 80 to 90 years, they typically swim alone or in pairs, occasionally forming small groups. Their diet consists mainly of krill and marine crustaceans. It can consume up to 16 tons of plankton daily, which has major implications for ocean health.
• Threats to blue whales include vessel strikes and historical commercial whaling, leading to their endangered status according to the IUCN.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/blue-whales-makes-a-comeback-in-seychelles/

Ans; (c)

Explanation About the Republic of Seychelles

• It is Africa’s smallest country and is an archipelago of 155 islands situated in the Indian Ocean, southeast of mainland Africa. Seychelles boast beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, and unique wildlife, including giant Aldabra tortoises. It is located in the northeast of Madagascar, with Kenya about 1,600 kilometres to the west.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/blue-whales-makes-a-comeback-in-seychelles/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• ‘Re-aligning Agri-food Policies for Protecting Soil, Water, Air & Biodiversity (SWAB) released by ICRIER
• The report sheds light on the influence of agri-food policies on India’s agricultural production and emphasizes on the synergy of SWAB for sustainable food systems.
• Recommendations include offering premium MSP for low-carbon crops and exploring carbon markets for carbon farming credits.
• ICRIER, established in 1981, is a non-profit economic think tank providing research and policy advice on economic matters to the Indian government and other entities. It aims to enhance policy-making by offering analytical research and objective policy recommendations.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/04/27/reports-in-news-8/