19 July 2024

Q1. With reference to India-Austria relations, consider the following statements:

1. Austria’s first two satellites were launched from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
2. The Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was established in 1983.
3. Austria joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2023.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. Austria’s first two satellites, TUGSAT-1/BRITE and UniBRITE, were launched from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in 2013.
• Statement 2: Correct. The Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was indeed established in 1983.
• Statement 3: Incorrect. Austria has not joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as of the latest available information.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the recent developments in India-Austria relations:

1. The recent visit by the Indian Prime Minister to Austria marked the first official visit in 41 years.
2. India and Austria have committed to a net zero emissions target by 2070.
3. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) was launched during the visit.

Which of the given above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The visit by the Indian Prime Minister to Austria was the first in 41 years.
• Statement 2: Incorrect. India aims for net zero emissions by 2070, but Austria has a target for climate neutrality by 2040.
• Statement 3: Correct. The leaders welcomed the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) during the visit.

Q3. With reference to the High Seas Treaty, consider the following statements:

1. It is an international legal framework established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. The treaty mandates the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) beyond national jurisdictions.
3. It requires all countries to conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for activities within their national jurisdiction.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The High Seas Treaty is a new international legal framework established under UNCLOS.
• Statement 2: Correct. The treaty mandates the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction to conserve marine ecosystems.
• Statement 3: Incorrect. The treaty requires Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for activities that could potentially impact the high seas, even if the activity is within a country’s national jurisdiction, but not for all activities within their national jurisdiction.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the significance of the High Seas Treaty for India:

1. The treaty’s provisions align with India’s Blue Economy goals.
2. Ratifying the treaty will strengthen India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. The treaty has no implications for India’s domestic maritime policies.

Which of the given above statements is/are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The treaty’s provisions on benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources align with India’s Blue Economy goals, offering potential economic gains.
• Statement 2: Correct. Ratifying the treaty strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting a sustainable maritime environment through initiatives like SAGAR.
• Statement 3: Incorrect. The treaty has implications for India’s domestic maritime policies, particularly with the mandate for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), promoting responsible international cooperation.

Q5. With reference to soil degradation as discussed by UNESCO, consider the following statements:

1. According to UNESCO, up to 90% of the planet’s soil could be degraded by 2050.
2. The World Soil Health Index is being developed by UNESCO in partnership with international organizations to standardize soil quality measurements.
3. The Biosphere Reserves Programme is an initiative under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aimed at improving soil management practices.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. UNESCO has warned that up to 90% of the planet’s soil could be degraded by 2050.
• Statement 2: Correct. UNESCO is developing a World Soil Health Index with international partners to standardize soil quality measurements.
• Statement 3: Incorrect. The Biosphere Reserves Programme is under UNESCO, not the FAO, and aims to improve soil and landscape management practices.