UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 16 November 2024

Solution: d)

Under the recent MoEFCC notification, industries with Environmental Clearance (EC) are exempted from obtaining a separate Consent to Establish (CTE) from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). This exemption aims to streamline regulatory procedures, reducing duplication and delays in project initiation. However, this does not mean industries are relieved of their environmental obligations. Compliance with environmental standards, as outlined in the EC, remains mandatory to ensure that projects operate within permissible limits for pollution control and environmental protection.

The SPCBs are actively involved during the EC process, ensuring that all aspects previously covered under CTE are addressed comprehensively. This integrated approach maintains accountability while simplifying administrative requirements.

By eliminating the need for separate CTEs, the notification reduces redundancy without compromising environmental oversight. This measure balances the need for industrial growth with environmental conservation, supporting efficient governance and sustainable development practices.

Solution: b)

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was launched in 2021 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter. Thus, Statement 1 is incorrect.

The initiative celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of tribal communities across India, emphasizing their significant contributions to the nation’s diversity and identity. This makes Statement 2 correct.

Additionally, the day recognizes the vital role played by tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle and social justice movements, such as Birsa Munda’s leadership in the Munda Rebellion against British land policies. This focus on tribal movements for independence and justice makes Statement 3 correct.

Solution: d)

The Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy Committee (2004) proposed incorporating AFSPA’s provisions into the UAPA, 1967, while recommending the repeal of AFSPA to balance security and human rights. Other committees made different suggestions, including periodic reviews or addressing sexual violence cases under ordinary law.

Solution: b)

The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of tribal communities across India.

Statement 1 is incorrect because while employment generation is an important focus, the program also emphasizes education, healthcare, and overall well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to development.

Statement 2 is correct, as the initiative not only addresses socio-economic upliftment but also prioritizes the preservation of tribal traditions and culture, recognizing their integral role in India’s heritage.

Statement 3 is incorrect because this program is a national campaign implemented across tribal regions in India, not restricted to the Chotanagpur Plateau or any specific state.

Solution: c)

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework designed to combat air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Statement 1 is incorrect because GRAP was approved by the Supreme Court in the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case, not the Taj Trapezium Zone case.

Statement 2 is also incorrect as GRAP is not implemented across all metropolitan cities in India but is specifically applicable to the Delhi-NCR region, which faces severe air quality issues.

Statement 3 is correct as the revised GRAP, effective October 2023, includes enhanced measures to handle AQI deterioration during winter, addressing pollution hotspots, regulating vehicle emissions, and restricting industrial activities as AQI worsens.

Solution: c)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957 as an autonomous body under the United Nations system, tasked with promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while ensuring nuclear materials are not diverted for military purposes. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the IAEA oversees compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), not the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which is monitored by the CTBTO.

Statement 3 is correct as the IAEA actively promotes the peaceful applications of nuclear energy, including in medicine, agriculture, and energy production, benefiting countries worldwide.

Statement 4 is incorrect because the headquarters of the IAEA is located in Vienna, Austria, not Geneva, Switzerland.

Solution: d)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program was launched by Canada in 2018 to provide expedited visa processing for students from select countries, including India, focusing on streamlining education opportunities abroad.

Solution: b)

• Statement 1 is correct as dual approval requirements are mandated by the Air and Water Acts.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because the exemption applies only to certain categories like white category industries, not all industries.
• Statement 3 is correct as the exemption seeks to reduce regulatory bottlenecks while ensuring environmental oversight through integrated EC processes.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a notification addressing a long-standing industry demand by removing the requirement for dual compliance of Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE).

Exempts Industries from Dual Approvals: Key Points

• What is Dual Approval?
  • Dual approval refers to the mandatory requirement for industries to obtain both Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE) from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) under the Air Act, 1981 and Water Act, 1974 before starting operations.
• Relevant laws governing approvals:
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 mandate dual approvals to prevent pollution from industrial operations.
• Exemption given:
  • Non-polluting ‘white category’ industries are exempted from obtaining CTE and Consent to Operate (CTO).
  • Industries with Environmental Clearance (EC) will no longer require a separate CTE.
• Industries exempted:
  • 39 categories of white category industries including:
    • Solar cell and module manufacturing
    • Wind and hydel power units
    • Fly ash brick manufacturing
    • Leather cutting and stitching
    • Air-cooler and air-conditioner assembling, repairing, and servicing.
• Process of exemption:
  • State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) will be consulted during the EC process to ensure all aspects covered by CTE are addressed.
  • A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for this integrated process.
  • Industries will still pay a CTE fee to ensure no revenue loss for States.

Solution: a)

• Statement 1 is correct: The Solomon Islands were the site of major battles during World War II, including the Battle of Guadalcanal.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Solomon Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, not the Indian Ocean.
• Statement 3 is correct: The region is known for its rich biodiversity and marine resources, including coral reefs and fisheries.

Solution: c)

Corals and zooxanthellae share a mutualistic relationship, where both organisms benefit. Zooxanthellae are microscopic algae that reside within the tissues of coral polyps. Through photosynthesis, zooxanthellae produce nutrients such as oxygen and glucose, which the corals use for their energy needs. This symbiotic relationship allows corals to thrive in nutrient-poor marine environments, especially in tropical reef ecosystems.

In return, the corals provide the zooxanthellae with a protected environment within their tissues and access to compounds like carbon dioxide and essential nutrients required for photosynthesis. This relationship is vital for the coral’s growth and the formation of calcium carbonate skeletons, which are essential for building coral reefs.