November 16 2024 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct

• AI-Enabled e-Tarang System was launched to automate and enhance the planning and management of Defence Spectrum.
• Developed in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
• It aims to support the development of newer technologies in higher frequency bands and ensure interference-free operation of defence equipment during both wartime and peacetime.
• Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB) is a subcommittee of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) in the Indian Armed Forces.
• Its primary focus is coordinating and integrating electronic warfare, emerging technologies, and spectrum management efforts across the three services.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Indian Ocean Brown Cloud: A large brown cloud consisting of aerosol particles extending over much of the Indian Subcontinent and the Indian Ocean.
• It is identified in Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) study on the impacts of air pollution.
• The study measured the transportation of air pollution from Southeast Asia into the Indian Ocean.
• Discoveries: Identified the Indian Ocean Brown Cloud, created by burning biomass and fossil fuels.
• Goals: To improve our understanding of the aerosols, clouds, and chemistry-climate interactions;

Answer: (c) A large layer of air pollution composed of aerosol particles extending over the Indian Subcontinent and the Indian Ocean; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is the implementation wing of the National Ganga Council.
• It was established in 2011 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It acts as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), constituted under Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
• It is implemented by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga also known as the National Ganga Council.
• The objectives of NMCG are:
  • Ensure Ganga River’s pollution abatement and rejuvenation by adopting a basin approach, fostering inter-sectoral coordination for holistic planning and management.
  • Maintain minimum ecological flows in the Ganga to ensure water quality and promote environmentally sustainable development.
  • Ecological or environmental flow refers to the essential quantity, timing, and quality of water needed to support freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and dependent human livelihoods.

Statement 3 is correct

• The National Ganga Council (also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga) was set up in 2016.
• It replaced the National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA).
• Formed under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986, the Prime Minister chairs it.

Statement 2 is correct

• Arth Ganga is a sustainable viable economic model conceptualized under Namami-Gange programme to integrate people in the basin with Ganga Rejuvenation.
• It focuses on the sustainable development of the Ganga and its surrounding areas, by focusing on economic activities related to the river.
• Interventions under the model:
  • Zero Budget Natural Farming that includes chemical-free farming for 10 kms on either side of the river, generating “more income, per drop”, ‘Gobar Dhan’ for farmers.
  • Monetization and Reuse of Sludge & Wastewater that envisages reuse of treated water for irrigation; industrial purposes and revenue generation for ULBs.
  • Livelihood Generation Opportunities such as ‘Ghat Mein Haat’, promotion of local products, capacity building of volunteers like Ganga Praharis.
  • Public Participation to ensure increased synergies between stakeholders.
  • Promoting Cultural Heritage & Tourism through community jettis, promotion of yoga, adventure tourism etc. and Ganga Artis.
  • Institutional Building by enhancing the local capacities for better decentralized water governance.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Uttar Pradesh is the world’s first center dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the critically endangered red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus).
• Red-headed vulture is one of the nine species of Vulture found in India.
• It is also called the Asian King vulture or Pondicherry Vulture.
• Habitat: Found in Central India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Southern India, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Reasons for Decline: Habitat loss, food scarcity, and the use of diclofenac.

Answer: (b) Red-Headed Vulture; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Recently a team of scientists discovered the world’s largest coral colony in the Solomon Islands, which is estimated to be around 300 years old.
• It is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, forming two parallel chains of volcanic islands and coral atolls. Predominantly mountainous terrain with extensive forests, along with some large plains.

• Nearest neighbours: Vanuatu to the southeast and Papua New Guinea to the west.
• Comprises nearly 1,000 islands: Six main large islands and over 900 smaller islands.
• Independence: It was a British protectorate until independence as a republic in 1978.
• Economy: Fisheries, timber, and exports such as copra and palm oil. Mining, especially of gold and nickel, contributes more to the economy.
• Culture and Society: Rich in diverse cultures with over 70 distinct languages spoken (English is the official Language). Predominantly Melanesian population with Polynesian and Micronesian minorities.
• Political Structure: It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.

Answer: (a) The Solomon Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making them prone to volcanic activity; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

• Recently, CAG highlighted weak compliance in the devolution of functions to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as mandated by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, even 31 years after its enactment.

Statement 1 is correct

• The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduced Part IXA to the Constitution, providing for the establishment of Municipalities as elected local bodies in urban areas.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Part IXB of the Constitution deals with the provisions related to Cooperative Societies, not Municipalities. The provisions for Municipalities are covered under Part IXA.

Statement 3 is correct

• The 12th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 74th Amendment, contains 18 functional items that can be assigned to Municipalities, including urban planning, water supply, and slum improvement.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Options 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

• Article 243D: Reservation of 33% seats for women in Panchayats (local self-government) ensuring representation and participation in decision-making.
• Article 326: Guarantees right to vote for all adults, including women (Universal adult suffrage).
• Article 330: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including women, in the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
• Article 332: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and including womenScheduled Tribes, , in the Legislative Assembly of a State.
• Additional provisions for women empowerment:
  • Article 14: Equality before the law.
  • Article 15(3): Special provisions for women.
  • Article 16(2): Equality of opportunity in public employment.
  • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.
  • Article 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings, including women.
  • Article 39: Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State, including equal pay for equal work.

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4; Difficulty Level: Hard