UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 23 July 2024

Ans: (b)

Explanation;

• The Bonn Challenge is a global effort launched in 2011 by the Government of Germany and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its primary goal is to restore 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030. The challenge focuses on restoring landscapes to improve biodiversity, increase ecosystem services such as water and soil quality, and mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon. This initiative is crucial for enhancing ecological integrity and supporting sustainable development goals.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• S1 is correct. GSI’s primary function is to carry out geological surveys and studies of India.
• S2 is incorrect. GSI operates under the Ministry of Mines.
• S3 is correct. One of the main responsibilities of GSI is to assess and evaluate mineral resources in the country.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Context: The Supreme Court agreed to examine Article 361 of the Constitution, which grants immunity to governors from criminal prosecution.
  • The plea calls for judicial scrutiny of the immunity provided under Article 361.
• Article 361 exempts the president and governors from court accountability for their official actions, making it an exception to Article 14 (right to equality).
• Article 361 provides immunity to the President and Governors from legal proceedings while in office. It states that they are not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of their powers and duties, are immune from criminal proceedings during their term, and cannot be arrested or imprisoned. Civil proceedings can only be initiated with a two-month notice.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Under Article 361(4), no civil lawsuits can be filed against the President or Governor of a State during their term of office for any personal acts until two months after giving written notice.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Netflix India have partnered to launch “The Voice Box,” an upskilling program for voice-over artists in India.
• S1 is true. The NFDC aims to promote and develop the Indian film industry by providing financial and other support to filmmakers.
• S2 is false. The NFDC funds films from various regions and languages in India, not just Bollywood films. It supports a diverse range of Indian cinema.
• S3 is true. The NFDC supports and facilitates international co-productions to enhance the reach and quality of Indian cinema.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• Option A: Carbon credits are indeed permits that allow a country or organization to emit a specific amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. Each credit typically allows for the emission of one tonne of carbon dioxide or the equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas.
• Option B: Companies often purchase carbon credits to finance renewable energy projects or other initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in developing countries. This is part of the concept of carbon offsetting, where emissions in one area are balanced by reductions elsewhere.
• Option C: Carbon credits can be traded on international markets. This trading is similar to the trading of commodities like oil and gold, allowing companies that need to emit more greenhouse gases to buy credits from those that emit less. This creates a financial incentive for companies to reduce their emissions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: The elephant population in Kerala has declined from 1,920 in 2023 to 1,793, as revealed by a recent synchronized population estimation across southern Indian states.
• S1 is true because elephants are indeed the largest land animals on Earth.
• S2 is false because elephants are known for their excellent memory.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• S1 is true because elephants can communicate using infrasound.
• S2 is false because African elephants are generally larger than Asian elephants.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Elephants are herbivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of plants. They eat a wide variety of vegetation, including grasses, fruits, leaves, bark, and roots. They do not eat meat.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1 is correct: BSI aims to survey and document the plant diversity of the country.
• S2 is correct: BSI operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• S3 is correct: BSI plays a significant role in the conservation of threatened and endangered plant species in India.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/07/22/upsc-current-affairs-22-july-2024/