OCTOBER 2024 Flashcards
Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary lies in which state?
A.Assam
B.Gujarat
C.Himachal Pradesh
D.Telangana
D. TEGANGANA
Explanation :
The National Board for Wildlife’s decision to defer road expansion projects affecting the Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary reflects growing environmental concerns.
About Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary:
Location: It is located in the Adilabad district of Telangana.
It covers an area of around 136 sq. km.
It is located in the scenic landscape of the Deccan plateau. It covers the thick deciduous teak forests.
Pranahitha River flows adjoining the eastern boundary of the sanctuary while the Godavari River runs towards the southern boundary of this sanctuary, which is also renowned for the presence of prehistoric rock formations.
The topography is hilly with dense forests and plateaus.
Flora: Common plants and trees found in the sanctuary include Dalbergia sissoo, Ficus spp., Dalbergia latifolia, Dalbergia paniculata, Pterocarpus marsupium, and many more.
Fauna:
The sanctuary is famously known for Blackbuck and is home to over 20 species of reptiles, 50 species of birds, and 40 species of mammals.
It is home to various types of species, especially mammals that include tigers, leopards, rhesus, langurs, hyenas, wild dogs, sloth bear, forest cat and many more.
Hence option d is the correct answer.
News:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/wildlife-sanctuary-road-widening-deferral-a-victory-for-conservation/articleshow/114746005.cms
Consider the following statements regarding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD):
- It is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting humans.
- There is no vaccine or treatment for CWD.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
B
Explanation :
New York State authorities recently confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer facility, emphasizing the disease’s impact on deer, elk, and moose populations.
About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD):
It is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and other cervids (members of the deer family).
It’s caused by abnormal proteins called prions that damage brain tissue, leading to severe neurological symptoms, weight loss and eventually death.
CWD is part of a group of diseases known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), which also include mad cow disease in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
Transmission:
CWD spreads between animals through bodily fluids, like saliva, urine, and feces, as well as contaminated soil and plants.
There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans.
The disease can persist in the environment for long periods, making it challenging to control.
Symptoms:
Symptoms appear slowly and may include drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, excessive thirst, lack of fear of humans, and eventually death.
Symptoms might not be visible for up to 16 months after infection.
Treatment: It is always fatal in infected animals. There is no vaccine or treatment.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
News:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/what-is-chronic-wasting-disease-detected-in-new-york-symptoms-and-prevention-tips/articleshow/114735410.cms
Simhachalam Temple, recently seen in the news, lies in which state?
A.Kerala
B.Madhya Pradesh
C.Andhra Pradesh
D.Odisha
c
Explanation :
During recent conservation efforts, epigraphists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered a Telugu inscription on the wall above the statue of Lord Hanuman at the 13th-century Simhachalam temple.
About Simhachalam Temple:
Simhachalam Temple, originally known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
It is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha
(the man-lion).
History:
It was constructed in the 11th century by the Gajapati rulers of Odisha.
Kulottunga Chola I of Tamilnadu, made endowments to this temple, as evidenced from inscriptions dating back to the year 1087.
The Vengi Chalukyas of Andhra Pradesh renovated the original shrine in the 11th century.
Much of the structure as it stands today is the result of renovation by Narasimha I, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the second quarter of the 13th century CE.
Krishna Deva Raya, the Vijayanagar monarch, visited this temple in the year 1516, as seen from inscriptions here.
Architecture:
The temple’s architecture is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with its main sanctum adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The presiding deity, Lord Narasimha, is depicted with a human torso and a lion’s face, exuding a sense of divine power and grace.
It boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses.
The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.
The outer walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to be King Narasimha) in various postures.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News:https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/ancient-telugu-inscription-discovered-at-simhachalam-temple-1834227
What is the primary purpose of the Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile App, recently seen in the news?
A.To facilitate voter registration
B.To assist with birth and death registrations
C.To monitor census data in real-time
D.To track migration patterns within the country
B
Explanation :
Union Home Minister recently launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile application to “integrate technology with governance”.
About Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile App:
It is designed to facilitate the registration of births and deaths across India.
It was developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
It aims to simplify and expedite the registration process for citizens, making it more accessible and efficient.
The new app will allow citizens to register births or deaths at any time from any place in their state’s official language.
Key Facts about Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI):
It is an office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, responsible for conducting the decennial Census of India, compiling demographic and population statistics, and overseeing the Civil Registration System (CRS) in the country.
Established in 1961, the RGCCI is a crucial body for policy-making, providing data that informs social, economic, and political decisions at all levels of government.
The Registrar General of India is the head of the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
News:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amit-shah-launches-mobile-app-for-birth-death-registration-unveils-statue-of-sardar-patel-ahead-of-his-birth-anniversary/article68812058.ece
Consider the following statements regarding the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO):
- It is a legally binding multilateral treaty signed by all the member states of the United Nations (UN).
- In order to verify compliance with its provisions, the treaty establishes a global network of monitoring facilities and allows for on-site inspections of suspicious events.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
B
Explanation :
The recent rumours of a nuclear test by Iran were promptly refuted by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
About Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO):
It is an international organization based in Vienna, Austria, established to implement the Comprehensive NuclearTest-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which aims to ban all nuclear explosions worldwide.
CTBT is a multilateral treaty opened for signature in 1996 by which states agree to ban all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes.
The treaty envisages the mechanisms that control such prohibition, including distant monitoring and data collection.
It was signed by 183 states and ratified by 164 but has not entered into force as eight specific states among 44 (so-called Annex-2 states whose signatures are required for the Treaty to enter into force, namely the US, China, Iran, Egypt, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea) have not ratified the treaty yet.
In order to verify compliance with its provisions, the treaty establishes a global network of monitoring facilities and allows for on-site inspections of suspicious events.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
News:https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/29/global-n-monitoring-system-transparent
Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine:
- It is a statutory body and its members are appointed by the central government.
- It helps in framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of the Indian System of Medicine.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
C
Explanation :
Recently, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) conducted a workshop for drafting Ayurveda Process Handbook at NCISM office.
It is the statutory body constituted under NCISM Act, 2020.
An Act to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, and ensures the availability of adequate and high-quality medical professionals of the Indian System of Medicine in all parts of the country.
Composition: It consists of 29 members, appointed by the central government. A Search Committee will recommend names to the central government for the post of Chairperson, part-time members, and presidents of the four autonomous boards set up under the NCISM.
Functions
Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of the Indian System of Medicine
Assessing the requirements of healthcare-related human resources and infrastructure.
Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of the Indian System of Medicine with the regulations made under the Bill
Ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069028
Consider the following statements regarding the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture:
- It is a Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector.
- It provides technical advice and administrative support to State Horticulture Missions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
C
Explanation :
The Union Government has reportedly decided to include four new components – Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, and Precision Agriculture – under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
It is a Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) that is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15 for holistic growth of the horticulture sector.
It promotes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
MIDH also provides technical advice and administrative support to State Governments/ State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for the Saffron Mission and other horticulture-related activities Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)/NMSA.
Funding:
Under MIDH, the Government of India (GOI) contributes 60%, of the total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states except states in North East and Himalayas, 40% share is contributed by State Governments.
In the case of North Eastern States and Himalayan States, GOI contributes 90%.
In the case of the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB), Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland and the National Level Agencies (NLA), GOI contributes 100%.
Key Components
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) - Focuses on the development of horticulture in states and union territories.
Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) - Addresses the specific needs of the northeastern and Himalayan regions.
National Bamboo Mission (NBM) - Dedicated to promoting bamboo cultivation and its value chain.
Coconut Development Board (CDB) - Works on the development of the coconut sector.
Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH): It was established at Medizipehima, Nagaland in 2006-07 for providing technical back stopping through capacity building and training of farmers and Field functionaries in the North Eastern Region.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/midh-guidelines-cost-norms-9643177/#:~
Consider the following statements regarding the North Atlantic right whale:
- It is a migratory species found in the temperate and sub-polar waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
- It is categorized as endangered species under the IUCN Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
A
Explanation :
A group of researchers that studies the whales said that the population of North Atlantic right whale increased about 4% from 2020 level after the whale’s population fell by about 25% from 2010 to 2020.
These whales are migratory animals, spending the winter in warmer waters and migrating to the poles for cooler waters in late summer.
These whales inhabit the temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
Habitat: Depending on the time of year and which hemisphere they’re found, right whales will spend much of their time near bays and peninsulas and in shallow, coastal waters.
Distribution: These are generally restricted to the coastal waters of the East Coast of the United States and Canada.
Three recognized species of right whales occur in different parts of the world. These are Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis), North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and North Pacific right whales.
These whales often skim feed at or just below the water surface, slowly swimming through clouds of plankton with their mouths half open and then straining the plankton through their long baleen plates.
Conservation status
IUCN: Critically endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/right-whale-population-grows-4-but-extinction-remains-a-threat-9633806/
Consider the following statements regarding the Mission Amrit Sarovar:
- It was launched to overcome the water crisis in rural areas of India.
- Under this mission separate financial allocation is provided to build Amrit Sarovars by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.
1 only
B.
2 only
C.
Both 1 and 2
D.
Neither 1 nor 2
A
Explanation :
Recently, the Prime Minister of India said that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars constructed across villages leaving behind a legacy for future generations.
It was launched on 24th April 2022 with the resolve to build 75 Amrit Sarovars during the 75th year of independence as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
It helps to overcome the water crisis in rural areas of the country.
Every Amrit Sarovar will have a pond area of at least 1 acre with a water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic metre.
It focuses on water conservation, people’s participation and proper utilization of soil excavated from the water bodies to boost infrastructural projects.
This Mission has been launched with a whole Government Approach which involves 6 Ministries/Department namely:
Dept of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate changes.
There is no separate financial allocation for Mission Amrit Sarovar.
Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) has been engaged as a Technical Partner for the Mission.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2068995
Greenhouse Gas Bulletin is published by:
A.World Bank
B.World Economic Forum
C.United Nations Environment
Programme
D.World Meteorological Organization
D
Explanation :
According to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), greenhouse gas levels surged to a new record in 2023, rising by more than 10% in just two decades.
Greenhouse Gas Bulletin has been published annually since 2004 by the World Meteorological Organization.
It shows globally averaged surface mole fractions for Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and compares them with the mole fractions during the previous year and with preindustrial levels.
It also provides insights into the change in radiative forcing by long-lived GHGs (LLGHGs) and the contribution of individual gases to this increase.
It is one of WMO’s flagship publications released to inform the UN Climate Change conference (COP).
Highlights of the Bulletin
The globally averaged surface concentration of carbon dioxide reached 420 parts per million (ppm), methane 1934 parts per billion and nitrous oxide 336.9 parts per billion (ppb) in 2023.
Carbon dioxide is the single most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere related to human activities, accounting for approximately 64 per cent of the warming effect on the climate, mainly because of fossil fuel combustion and cement production,
The long-term carbon dioxide increase is due to fossil fuel combustion, but there are year-to-year variations due to the El Nino–Southern Oscillation, which impacts photosynthetic carbon dioxide uptake, respiratory release, and fires.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas which remains in the atmosphere for about a decade. Methane accounts for about 16 per cent of the warming effect of long-lived greenhouse gases.
Nitrous oxide, an ozone depleting chemical, accounts for about 6 per cent of the radiative forcing – the warming effect on the climate – by long-lived greenhouse gases.
From 1990 to 2023, radiative forcing — the warming effect on our climate — by long-lived greenhouse gases increased by 51.5%, with CO2 accounting for about 81 per cent of this increase.
Hence option d is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/with-11-increase-over-2-decades-carbon-dioxide-accumulates-faster-in-atmosphere/article68805442.ece
