08 July 2024

Q1. In which of the following states is  Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary located?

(a) Karnataka

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Kerala

(d) Andhra Pradesh

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagar districts of Karnataka, India.

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Sambar deer exist only in the region between the Brahmaputra and the Dibang rivers.
2. It is listed as a vulnerable species on 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

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Presence in India: Sambar deer is found in almost every corner of India, But it is mainly found in the central India. They can easily be spotted at Kanha, Corbett, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Gir, Dudhwa, Manas, Kaziranga and Sariska.
• It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2008 due to severe hunting, local insurgency, and industrial exploitation of habitat

Q3. ‘Varuna-23’ is a bilateral naval exercise between the:

(a) India and Nepal

(b) India and France

(c) India and Sri lanka

(d) India and Japan

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The 21st edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise ‘Varuna-23’ took place in the Arabian Sea. This exercise involved guided missile frigates, a tanker, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters from both the Indian and French Navies.
• His exercise has a long history, dating back to 1993, and has evolved into a symbol of the strong India-France strategic relationship, providing a platform for learning and cooperation in maritime security.
• Other defence Exercises between India and France:
• Varuna – Naval exercise
• Desert Knight-21and Garuda (Air exercise)
• Shakti – Army exercise

Q4. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

(a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions

(b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies

(c) It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022

(d) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
• It is a decade-long partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
• It is working with businesses, governments, and environmental groups around the world to build a new generation of credible and effective programs for tackling climate change.

Q5. With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements:

1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.
3. It monitors macro-prudential supervision of the economy.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement 1: With a view to strengthening and institutionalizing the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was set up by the Government as the apex level forum in December 2010 (much before NITI AAyog was even setup). So, 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: The Chairman of the Council is the Finance Minister and its members include the heads of financial sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDA & FMC) Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser. So, 2 is correct.
• Statement 3: Without prejudice to the autonomy of regulators, the Council monitors macro prudential supervision of the economy, including functioning of large financial conglomerates, and addresses inter-regulatory coordination and financial sector development issues. So, 3 is correct.
• It also focuses on financial literacy and financial inclusion.