UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 20 June 2024

Ans:(b)

Explanation:

• S1: Correct. Constitutional morality indeed requires adherence to the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These principles form the bedrock of the constitutional framework.
• S2: Correct. Respect for constitutional institutions and adherence to the established procedures is a key aspect of constitutional morality. It ensures that the governance is carried out within the prescribed constitutional boundaries.
• S3: Incorrect. Constitutional morality does require individual members of the government to act within the bounds of constitutional propriety. This means that their actions should align with constitutional values and principles.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans:(c)

Explanation:

• Context: The study titled ‘Ageing in India – Exploring Preparedness & Response to Care Challenges – A HelpAge India Report’ was released on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15th June).
• S2: Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category.
• S4: This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government.
• S3 is incorrcet: The expenditure for implementation of the scheme is being met from the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund”.
• S1: The Scheme is being implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans:(b)

Explanation:

• Context: A report has been released on the TWO DECADES OF THE QUAD: Diplomacy & Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
• S1 is Correct: The Quad is indeed an informal strategic forum that includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.
• S2 is Correct: One of the primary focuses of the Quad is to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• S3 is Incorrect: While the Quad countries do participate in joint military exercises, the Malabar exercises were originally a bilateral exercise between India and the United States and later included Japan. Australia was invited to participate in 2020, but it is not officially part of the Quad framework.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation: Sustainable Development Report 2024

• By UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
• Key Highlights of the report:
  • Globally, only 16% of SDG targets are on track for achievement by 2030. Progress varies widely among countries, with Nordic nations leading, BRICS making strides, and Poor & Vulnerable nations falling behind.
  • India is ranked 109th out of 166 countries, with on-track performance in Poverty reduction and Quality Education targets while decreasing progress in Sustainable Cities and Climate Action targets.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans:(a)

Explanation:

• Context: SIPRI Yearbook 2024: Armaments, Disarmament, and International Security released
• S1 is false. SIPRI is headquartered in Solna, Sweden, not New York City, and it is an independent organization, not funded by the United Nations.
• S2 is true. SIPRI publishes an annual report that includes data on global military expenditures, arms transfers, and other security-related topics.
• S3 is false. While SIPRI does conduct research on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, its research scope is broader and includes various aspects of international peace and security, such as arms control, conflict, and peacebuilding.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The Punjab government is promoting the direct seeding of rice (DSR) technique due to its benefits, such as reducing water usage by 15-20%, requiring less labour, and maturing faster than traditional methods.
• Direct seeding of rice typically reduces the water requirement for the crop compared to traditional transplanting methods. This is because direct seeding avoids the need for continuous flooding, which is often necessary in transplanting to control weeds and ensure seedling establishment. Direct seeding can lead to early crop establishment and maturity, as the seeds are sown directly into the field, eliminating the need for raising and transplanting seedlings. It also reduces labor costs because it bypasses the labor-intensive process of transplanting. However, managing weeds can be more challenging in direct seeding, as the absence of continuous flooding can encourage weed growth.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans:(c)

Explanation:

• S1: Correct. Matsya 6000 is indeed an Indian deep-sea manned submersible vehicle developed under the Samudrayaan Mission, which aims to explore the deep ocean.
• S2: Correct. Matsya 6000 is designed to carry three people to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.
• S3: Correct. The submersible is equipped with advanced technology, including robotic arms and high-definition cameras, to facilitate underwater exploration and scientific research.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: India is planning to produce bio-bitumen from biomass and agricultural waste to reduce its reliance on imports and address stubble-burning issues in road construction.
  • Currently, India imports about half of its annual bitumen requirement.
• Bio-bitumen is a sustainable alternative to conventional bitumen, which is typically derived from petroleum. Unlike traditional bitumen, bio-bitumen is produced from renewable resources such as organic waste materials. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option, as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with road construction and maintenance. Additionally, using waste materials in its production contributes to waste management and recycling efforts.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans:(d)

Explanation:

• Context: In 1975, India initiated its Crocodile Conservation Project in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The documentary “My Mercury” premiered at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation Films.
  • The film explores the life of her brother, Yves Chesselet, a conservationist on Mercury Island off the coast of Namibia. The 104-minute documentary portrays Yves’ efforts to reclaim the island for endangered seabirds and seals, emphasizing the psychological challenges and deep bond between man and nature.
• About Mercury Island:
  • Mercury Island is a small rocky island off The Diamond Coast, Namibia. Despite its small size, it is recognised by BirdLife International and other global conservation groups as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its significant coastal seabird breeding.
• Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are recognized by BirdLife International, a global partnership of non-governmental organizations focused on the conservation of birds and their habitats. The IBA program identifies and works to conserve areas that are vital to the conservation of bird populations. BirdLife International developed the IBA concept in the 1980s, and it has since become a key conservation tool used worldwide to prioritize and protect critical bird habitats.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/06/19/upsc-current-affairs-19-june-2024/