UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 11 September 2024

Solution: d)

The Clean Seas Campaign is a global initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to tackle marine plastic pollution. The campaign focuses on raising awareness, mobilizing action, and implementing solutions to reduce plastic litter in oceans and seas worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of marine pollution and engages stakeholders from governments, industries, and civil society.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct, as the Sahariya tribe traces its historical origins to the days of the Ramayana and earlier.

Statement 2 is also correct since the Sahariyas speak a dialect influenced by Hindi and Brij Bhasha. However,

statement 3 is incorrect because the Sahariya tribe practices Hinduism, not Buddhism.

Solution: c)

The first ‘teal carbon’ study in India was conducted at Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan. The study aims to understand the potential of freshwater wetlands in addressing climate adaptation and resilience, highlighting the importance of such ecosystems in regulating greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change.

Solution: a)

The SCES was established in 2019 by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and focuses on advising on survey methodology, including sampling design and instruments, as well as finalizing survey tabulation plans.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the SCES is not a permanent committee but a temporary one established to address specific critical statistical issues.

Solution: c)

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. SiC is known for its excellent thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and resistance to wear and oxidation, making it useful in a range of applications such as semiconductors and ballistic armor.

Statement 3 is incorrect because SiC is not a naturally occurring crystalline compound; it is synthetic.

Solution: d)

Statement 1 is incorrect because not all bio-plastics are necessarily biodegradable or compostable. Some bio-plastics, despite being sourced from renewable resources, can behave like conventional plastics and persist in the environment.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct, as bio-plastics are made from renewable sources like corn starch or sugarcane and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Solution: d)

The BepiColombo mission is a joint effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission was launched to study Mercury’s composition, geology, and magnetic field, and is scheduled to orbit Mercury starting in 2026.

Solution: c)

Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including carbon sequestered in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter. This concept focuses on the role of freshwater wetlands in mitigating climate change by regulating greenhouse gases.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct because Keoladeo National Park is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance as a bird sanctuary.

Statement 2 is incorrect because Keoladeo National Park, along with Chilika Lake, not Vembanad Lake, was declared India’s first Ramsar site in 1981.

Statement 3 is correct as the Gambhir and Banganga rivers flow through the park, providing essential water sources for its diverse ecosystem.

Solution: a)

Keoladeo National Park is famous for hosting the rare and threatened Siberian Crane, which migrates from the northern hemisphere to breed in the park. The park is a crucial bird sanctuary and a key stopover for many migratory bird species.