Current Affairs MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Date: 22 June 2023
1. Consider the following statements:
1. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) was established
in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.
2. Climate finance refers to the provision of financial support at local,
national, or transnational levels to address climate change.
3. Developed countries argue that the burden of net-zero pathways should be
placed on developing countries.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- The NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal) was established in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to set a reference point for climate financing by 2025, considering the needs and priorities of developing nations.Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Climate finance refers to the provision of financial support at local, national, or transnational levels to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation actions. It can involve funding for mitigation, adaptation, capacity building, and technology transfer in developing countries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- In international climate negotiations, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) is often invoked, which recognizes that developed countries, historically responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions, should take the lead in addressing climate change. The burden of achieving net-zero emissions and transitioning to sustainable pathways is seen as a shared responsibility, but with developed countries taking greater responsibility due to their historical emissions and greater capacity. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
2. With reference to coal and its types, consider the following pairs.
1. Anthracite coal : Highest carbon content and lowest
moisture content
2. Bituminous coal : Most commonly used for electricity generation
3. Lignite coal : Lowest carbon content and highest moisture content
4. Sub-bituminous coal : Intermediate carbon content and moisture content
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
- Anthracite coal is known for having the highest carbon content among
all types of coal, typically ranging from 86% to 95%. It also has the
lowest moisture content, which makes it a highly efficient and
clean-burning coal.
Bituminous coal is the most commonly used type of coal for electricity generation worldwide. It is a dense and relatively high-energy coal that is widely available and suitable for combustion in power plants. - Lignite coal does have the lowest carbon content among all types of coal, typically ranging from 25% to 35%. Additionally, it has a relatively high moisture content, often exceeding 35%. Lignite is considered a lower-quality coal due to its lower energy content and higher moisture content.
- Sub-bituminous coal falls between lignite and bituminous coal in terms of carbon content and moisture content. It has a higher carbon content than lignite, typically ranging from 35% to 45%, and a lower moisture content compared to lignite but higher than bituminous coal. Sub-bituminous coal is commonly used for electricity generation as well.
3. Consider the following environmental challenges faced by the Hindukush Himalaya region:
1. Glacier retreat
2. Deforestation
3. Biodiversity loss
4. Water scarcity
5. Soil erosion
6. Air pollution
How many of the above-mentioned challenges are faced by the Hindukush Himalaya region?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All six
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
The Hindukush Himalaya region faces several environmental challenges:
- Glacier retreat: The Hindukush Himalaya region is home to numerous glaciers, and they have been experiencing significant retreat due to global warming and climate change. This has implications for water availability, downstream ecosystems, and the livelihoods of people dependent on glacial meltwater.
- Deforestation: Deforestation is a significant concern in the Hindukush Himalaya region. It is driven by various factors such as unsustainable logging practices, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. Deforestation leads to habitat loss, soil erosion, and affects the region's hydrological cycle.
- Biodiversity loss: The Hindukush Himalaya region is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, but it is facing alarming rates of biodiversity loss. Habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and invasive species are among the factors contributing to the decline in species richness and ecosystem services in the region.
- Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a pressing issue in the Hindukush Himalaya region. The region is known as the "water tower of Asia" as it provides water resources to numerous river systems. However, the combined effects of glacier retreat, changing precipitation patterns, and increased water demand are leading to water stress and scarcity in many areas.
- Soil erosion: Soil erosion is a significant challenge in the Hindukush Himalaya region. Deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and infrastructure development contribute to soil erosion, leading to reduced soil fertility, sedimentation in rivers, and increased vulnerability to landslides.
- Air pollution: Air pollution is a growing concern in the Hindukush Himalaya region, particularly in urban areas and valleys with high population density. Emissions from vehicles, industries, and biomass burning contribute to air pollution, which has adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and visibility in the region.
4. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) was formed in 2005 with the primary objective of conserving and
protecting tigers and their habitats in India.
Statement-II: The NTCA works independently without collaboration with
state governments, local communities, and stakeholders.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
Statement –II is the correct explanation of Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the
correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was indeed formed in 2005 in India with the primary objective of conserving and protecting tigers and their habitats. It is a statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Hence, Statement-I is correct
- The NTCA does not work independently without collaboration with state governments, local communities, and stakeholders. In fact, the NTCA works in close coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders, including state governments, local communities, NGOs, and other organizations involved in tiger conservation efforts. Collaboration and partnerships with these entities are crucial for the effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives in India. Hence, However, Statement-II is incorrect.
5. Consider the following statements:
1. The paper-based supercapacitor developed by scientists at
GERMI has a longer lifecycle.
2. Supercapacitors store energy through chemical reactions.
3. The paper-based supercapacitor can fully charge a device within 10 seconds.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) have developed a groundbreaking paper-based supercapacitor using seaweed. The paper-based supercapacitor has high tensile strength, a fast charging/discharging cycle, high power density and a longer lifecycle. It can fully charge a device within 10 seconds. Hence, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
- A supercapacitor can quickly deliver and store energy because there is no chemical reaction involved. It store energy electrostatically. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
