1.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. “Global Biodiversity Framework Fund”.

1. It is established as a new trust fund under the umbrella of the UNEP.

2. Its primary objective is to support countries in achieving the 23 targets outlined in the

   Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which was adopted at the

   28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/world/7th-gef-assembly-global-biodiversity-framework-fund-ratified-91361

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/can-the-global-biodiversity-framework-fund-make-a-difference--92390

It was officially established on August 27, 2023, at the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility

(GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.

Its primary objective is to support countries in achieving the 23 targets outlined in the

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which was adopted at the

15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted during the

fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) following a four-year consultation

and negotiation process. This historic Framework, which supports the achievement of the

Sustainable Development Goals and builds on the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans,

sets out an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with

nature by 2050. Among the Framework’s key elements are 4 goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.

The implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will be guided and

supported through a comprehensive package of decisions also adopted at COP 15. This package

includes a monitoring framework for the GBF,  an enhanced mechanism for planning, monitoring,

reporting and reviewing implementation, the necessary financial resources for implementation,

strategic frameworks for capacity development and technical and scientific cooperation, as well

as an agreement on digital sequence information on genetic resources.

In adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, all Parties committed to setting

national targets to implement it, while all other actors have been invited to develop and communicate

their own commitments. At the next meeting of the Conference of the Parties, the world will take stock

of the targets and commitments that have been set.

D

2.

Chausath Yogini Temple was built by

(a) The Guptas

(b) Kacchapagata dynasty

(c) The Palas

(d) Gahadavalas dynasty

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/old-parliament-madhya-pradesh-temple-8945663/

B

3.

Data Protection Board of India is a/an

(a) NGO

(b) Executive Body

(c) Statutory Body

(d) Welfare society

Note:

https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/data-protection-board-relevant-rules-likely-in-a-month-11695194831873.html

C

4.

Which of the following groups of African countries borders the Mediterranean Sea?

(a) Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Niger

(b) Algeria, Chad, Tunisia, Niger, Egypt

(c) Morocco, Tunisia, Niger, Mali, Egypt

(d) Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/green-turtles-nesting-range-expands-under-warming-climate/article67618512.ece

Chad, Niger, Mali and Sudan do not have borders with the Mediterranean coast.

D

5.

Dubai Consensus seen in news is related to

(a) Nonproliferation of Weapons

(b) Phasing out of Fossil fuels

(c) Lowering of Crude Oil prices

(d) Safeguarding the concerns of of Indian Workers in Arab Countries

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/india-welcomes-dubai-consensus-even-as-new-flanks-open/article67635522.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/is-the-world-closer-to-phasing-out-fossil-fuel-explained/article67645815.ece 

B 

6.

Which of the below statements is/are correct w.r.t. “Pectinophora gossypiella or pink bollworm (PBW)” in news?

1. It is a monophagous pest.

2. It has developed resistance Bt toxins over time leading to fall in yields.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-haryana-pest-havoc-cotton-fields-8960994/

C

7.

Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) All three pairs

(d) None of the pairs

Note:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/rajnath-opens-strategic-arunachal-tunnel-other-border-infra-projects/articleshow/103619604.cms

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1956566

Nechiphu Tunnel

• It is the 500-meter long Nechiphu Tunnel on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sela Tunnel

• Sela Tunnel is an under-construction road tunnel at 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) which will ensure allweather connectivity between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Shinkun La Tunnel

• BRO will soon complete construction of Shinkun La Tunnel, the world’s highest tunnel at an altitude of 15,855 feet. The tunnel will connect Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal to the Zaskar Valley in Ladakh and provide all weather connectivity.

A

8.

The model which prescribes that “surplus labor in agriculture could be redirected to the manufacturing sector by offering wages just high enough to attract workers away from the farm” is known as

(a) Mahalanobis Model

(b) Lewis Model

(c) Hobbes Model

(d) Gaylussac Model

Note:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/why-the-lewis-model-has-worked-in-china-not-in-india-9005004/

B

9.

Which of the statements given below is/are correct w.r.t. ''Bab el-Mandeb strait''?

(a) Its location controls access to the Suez Canal and SUMED pipeline.

(b) It is situated between Northeast Africa and West Asia.

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bab-el-mandeb-a-strategic-choke-point/article67669979.ece?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=5&cx_experienceId=EXWYN0X4FG0Z#cxrecs_s

Bab el-Mandeb strait

•        The Bab el-Mandeb is a strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, located between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast. It is called the “Gate of Tears” in Arabic language, referring to the dangers of navigating through this strait historically. The Bab el-Mandeb forms a vital strategic link in the maritime trade route between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

•        Geographically, the Bab el-Mandeb strait is situated between Northeast Africa and West Asia. It is bordered by Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula side and Djibouti and Eritrea on the Horn of Africa side. The strait is 50 km or 31 mi long at its widest point between Ras Menheli (Yemen) and Ras Siyan (Djibouti). It contains the Seven Brothers islands near the African coast. The geographical coordinates of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are approximately 12.583°N latitude and 43.333°E longitude

•        The countries directly bordering the Bab el-Mandeb strait are Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula side and Djibouti and Eritrea on the Horn of Africa side. In addition to these three countries, there are several small islands that dot the strait such as the Perim Island and Seven Brothers islands near the African coast.

•        The Bab el-Mandeb strait’s name in Arabic translates to “Gate of Tears”. This name refers to the dangers involved historically in navigating through the narrow strait. There is also an Arabic legend that it got this mournful name after many people drowned when an earthquake separated the Arabian peninsula from Africa.

•        The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is located on the divergent boundary between the African Plate and the Arabian Plate. This boundary is also known as the Red Sea Rift, and it is a younger parallel of older mid-ocean ridges like the Atlantic and Pacific ridges.

•        The strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb strait is due to it forming a vital link in the maritime trade route connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea and Suez Canal. About 9% of total seaborne-traded oil passed through the strait in 2017, highlighting its significance as an oil transit chokepoint. The Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes enabling trade flows between Europe, Asia and Africa. Its location controls access to the Suez Canal and SUMED pipeline.

•        Most exports of oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf that transit the Suez Canal or SUMED Pipeline pass through the Bab el-Mandeb strait. It is a critical chokepoint for energy shipments heading to Europe and North America. Specifically, around 6.2 million barrels per day (b/d) of oil flowed north through the strait towards Europe in 2018, up from 5.1 million b/d in 2014. Another 2.6 million b/d passes south through the strait to Asian markets.

•        The ongoing civil war in Yemen involves Houthi rebels who have frequently targeted commercial and military vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, as recently as late 2023. This threatens freedom of navigation through this chokepoint. Disrupting or blocking the strait impact oil shipments and global energy supplies.

•        Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran are engaged in a power struggle that has extended to the countries around the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Other regional actors like the UAE, Egypt, Turkey and Gulf states have growing economic and military interests in ports and bases near the strait to project influence.

•        Both the US and China have military bases located in Djibouti near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

•        The US military base in Djibouti is called Camp Lemonnier. It is located next to Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti City and is operated by the US Navy.

•        China opened its military base in Djibouti in May 2018 called the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Support Base. While the US has had a presence in Djibouti since 2002, China’s base there is relatively new.

•        Both countries have bases in Djibouti due to its strategic location close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a vital link in global trade routes.

C

10.

1. It refers to an albedo modification technique that aims to increase the reflectivity of certain clouds.

2. Long-term benefits are only possible if the cloud brightening activity occurs alongside aggressive emissions reductions.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct w.r.t. Marine Cloud Brightening ?.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/could-marine-cloud-brightening-reduce-coral-bleaching-on-the-great-barrier-reef/article67429988.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/can-solar-geoengineering-stop-global-warming/article67487742.ece#:~:text=Research%20has%20been%20conducted%20into,to%20make%20clouds%20more%20reflective.

B

11.

Consider the following statements:

1. India’s External debt stands at 18% of GDP as per RBI for the FY 2023.

2. Loans remain the largest component of external debt.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/shedding-more-light-on-the-debt-dilemma/article67124430.ece

C 

12.

Which of the below statements is/are correct w.r.t. “SRY Gene” in news?.

1. It is found on X chromosome.

2. It determines the female sex.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/y-male-chromosome-gene-sequencing-sry-gene-sequencing-evolution/article67230274.ece#:~:text=The%20Y%20is%20the%20last,particularly%20the%20highly%20repetitive%20region.

D 

13.

Consider the following statements:

1. When in the El Niño phase, the seas off South America heat up.

2. Solar maximums add extra heat which is thrice that of an El Niño.

3. Volcanic eruptions cool the planet

4.  Aerosols in the atmosphere trap heat. 

How many of the above statements is/are true?.

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Note:

2 and 4 False

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/in-november-we-tipped-over-2c-for-the-first-time-whats-going-on/article67582813.ece 

B

14.

W.r.t. Meghalaya, consider the following statements:

1. It has about 9% of the country’s total limestone reserves.

2. It has the Umngot river.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/photos/meghalaya-in-pictures-crumbling-hills-illegal-coal-and-limestone-mining/article67623895.ece

c

15.

“Good money drives out bad money”. This is known as

(a) Thiers'' Law

(b) Gresham’s Law

(c) Say’s Law 

(d) Engels Law

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/specials/text-and-context/greshams-law-what-happens-when-governments-fix-currency-exchange-rates/article67296093.ece

A

16.

The ''Artemis Accords'' are connected with

(a) Cybersecurity

(b) Space missions

(c) GM Foods

(d) Green House Gases

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-artemis-accords-implications-analysis/article67007662.ece

B

17.

Which of the following UN conventions promote legal certainty in judicial sale of ships?.

(a) Tokyo Convention

(b) Istanbul Convention

(c) Beijing Convention

(d) Mexico Convention

Note:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/15-countries-join-un-convention-to-promote-legal-certainty-in-judicial-sale-of-ships/article67302534.ece

C 

18.

Non- Viable Particulate pollutants include

1. Dust

2. Mist

3. Mould

4. Algae

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Note:

Minute liquid droplets or solid particles that are suspended in the air are referred to as particulate matter. There are basically two different kinds of particulate matter which are viable and non-viable. The microorganisms like fungi and bacteria that are dispersed in the atmosphere are referred to as the viable particulates. The non-viable particulate matter is the one that is classified depending on the nature and size of the particles. Say, for example, smoke contains both solid and liquid particles that tend to get formed when the organic matter is combusted. Whereas, on the other hand, dust consists of fine particles that get produced when it is ground or crushed.

Viable particulates are small size living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, molds, algae, etc.

Non-viable particulates are formed by the disintegration of large size materials or condensation of small size particles or droplets. e.g. mist, smoke, fume and dust.

A

19.

''Akira'' seen in news in recent times refer to

(a) An Asteroid

(b) A Galaxy

(c) An Internet ransomware

(d) An Antivirus software

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cert-in-cautions-internet-users-against-ransomware-akira-attack/article67112807.ece 

C

20.

Canalisation of import and export refers to

(a) importing and exporting of commodities through maritime intruders.

(b) importing and exporting of commodities through illegal containers.

(c) importing and exporting of commodities through private agencies.

(d) importing and exporting of commodities through specified government agencies.

Note:

D

21.

Which of the following is /are Carbon Dioxide Removal methods?

1. Enhanced rock weathering

2. Use of Bio-Char

3. Ocean alkalinity reduction

4. Growth of a natural forest

(a) 1 & 2

(b) 1, 2 & 3

(c) 1, 2, 3 & 4  

(d) 2, 3 & 4 

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/what-is-carbon-dioxide-removal-explained/article67569642.ece

A

22.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. India’s Multi-Purpose Seaweed Park:

1. It is in Tamilnadu.

2. It is based on the hub-and-spoke model.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Note:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1954383#:~:text=In%20line%20with%20the%20Union,investment%20of%20Rs%20127.7%20crore.

C

23.

Consider the following statements: 1. The Moscow format is one of the several dialogue platforms on Afghanistan before the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

2. Both China and India are part of the Moscow Format.

3. The Kazan Declaration deals with the wellbeing of the Afghan People.

Which of these is/are correct?.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/taliban-seek-economic-support-and-recognition-from-india-ahead-of-kazan-meeting-under-moscow-format/article67350213.ece

D 

24.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Segur elephant corridor: 

1. It connects the Western and the Eastern Ghats.

2. It has the Nilgiri Hills on its northeastern side.

3. Moyar River Valley is on its southwestern side.

How many of the statements given above are incorrect?.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Note:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/a-jumbo-right-of-passage/article67316367.ece

Nilgiris Elephant Corridor

·    According to Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats population has about 6,300-6,500 elephants, distributed over 12,000 sq km of habitat. 

·    A number of the Protected Areas, including Bandipur, Nagarahole, Mudumalai, Wayanad, Biligirirangan Swamy Temple, Kaveri and Brahmagiri, fall within the area. 

·    The diversity in vegetation, ranging from dry thorn forest to the montane shola grasslands, makes this one of the best elephant reserves in the country with a demographically and genetically viable population. 

·    This is the largest population of elephants in the country, and possibly in Asia as well.

·    The Sigur plateau (Tamil Nadu) connects the Western and Eastern Ghats. 

·    The WTI’s book, Right of Passage-Elephant Corridors of India published first in 2006 lists four corridors in the Sigur plateau.

·    The corridor is situated in the ecologically fragile Sigur plateau, which connects the Western and the Eastern Ghats and sustains elephant populations and their genetic diversity. It is situated near the Mudumalai National Park in the Nilgiris district.

·    It has the Nilgiri hills on its southwestern side and the Moyar river valley on its northeastern side. The elephants cross the plateau in search of food and water.

·    There are about 100 elephant corridors in India of which almost 70% are used regularly.

·    75% of the corridors are in the southern, central and north-eastern forests.

·    There are an estimated 6,500 elephants in just the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats ranges.

B 

25.

Pterygotrigla intermedica in news refer to a/an

(a) Snake

(b) Dinosaur

(c) Fish

(d) Ave

Note:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/new-fish-species-discovered-in-bengal-s-digha-harbour-91875

C