26 February 2024

Q1. Consider the following statements about Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

1. It is an international organization consisting of 23 states bordering the Indian Ocean.
2. The Coordinating Secretariat of IORA is located at Ebene, Mauritius.

Which of the statements given above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

Q2. Why is a plant called ‘Makhir’ often mentioned in the news?

(a) Its extract is widely used in medicines.

(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows

(c) Its extract is used in pesticides.

(d) None of the above

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Context: Trinity Saioo, the 2021 Padma Shri winner known as the “Turmeric Trinity,” who was recognized for her work in promoting Lakadong turmeric cultivation in Meghalaya, is now focusing on promoting the unique “Makhir” ginger of the state.
• Makhir ginger is known for its distinct pungency and medicinal properties.
• Meghalaya is home to two popular types of ginger, Makhir and Nadia, both known for their health benefits despite their small size.

Q3. Which of the following countries shares a border with the Baltic Sea?

1. Russia
2. Sweden
3. Belarus
4. Norway

Select the correct answer code:

(a) 2 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The Baltic Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that is enclosed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the North and Central European Plain.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• S1 is a protocol under UNTOC, and S3 is wrong as UNCAC has that provision.
• The United Nations Convention against Corruption is the only legally binding international anti-corruption multilateral treaty
• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its Member States to assist in the implementation of both Conventions, which along with the UN Drug Conventions of 1961, 1971 and 1988 underpin all the operational work of UNODC.

Q5. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.

(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.

(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

(d) It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• Schedule 1 of the Act contains detailed provisions for selection of landfill sites.
• As per the new rules, the landfill site shall be 100 metres away from a river, 200 metres from a pond, 500, 200 metres away from highways, habitations, public parks and water supply wells and 20 km away from airports/airbase. Construction of landfills on hills shall be avoided. Land for construction of sanitary landfills in hilly areas will be identified in the plain areas, within 25 kilometers. However, transfer stations and processing facilities shall be operational in the hilly areas.