Q. 1. Consider the following statements with respect to iron ore reserves in India.
- Two main types of iron ore found in India are haematite and magnetite.
- Reserves of Iron ore are located in Jhar hill range in Odisha.
- Jharkhand has some of the oldest iron ore mines
How many of the above statements is/are true?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) 1 and 3
- (c) 2 and 3
- (d) All of the above
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
- Iron ore, found in hill ranges of Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj and Jhar in Odisha, is significant.
- Key mines in this area are Badampahar (Mayurbhaj), Kiruburu (Kendujhar), and Bonai (Sundergarh).
- Jharkhand is known for some of the oldest iron ore mines.
- Most iron and steel plants are near these mines.
- Noamundi and Gua are important mines located in Poorbi and Pashchimi Singhbhum districts.
- These extend further to Durg, Dantewara, and Bailadila.
- The major types of iron ore found in India are haematite and magnetite.
- Due to superior quality, these ores have high demand in the international market.
Q. 2 Consider the following statements:
- Statement I: ISRO launched XPoSat mission recently
- Statement II: A recent ISRO mission assessed Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cell operation in space
Which one 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 for 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
Explanation:
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently conducted a successful test. It tested a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS).
- This occurred in the POEM3 orbital platform, launched with PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on January 1, 2024.
- The test aimed to see how Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells operate in space.
- It also aimed to gather data for designing future systems.
- During the test, the system generated 180 W power from Hydrogen and Oxygen.
- These gases were stored in high-pressure containers onboard.
- ISRO received valuable data on the performance of various static and dynamic systems within the power system.
- It also gained insight into the physics involved.
- ISRO stated that hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity directly from Hydrogen and Oxygen.
- The process also produces pure water and heat.
- The fuel cell is an electric generator that functions on electrochemical principles like batteries.
- This differs from conventional generators which use combustion reactions.
- The experiment tested the function of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells in space.
- Collecting data for designing future systems was a key aim.
- The system produced 180 W power from Hydrogen and Oxygen during the test.
- These gases were stored in high-pressure containers on the spacecraft.
- Crucial data was obtained by ISRO on the performance of static and dynamic systems.
- Insight into the physics of the process was gained.
- Hydrogen fuel cells, according to ISRO, generate electricity directly from Hydrogen and Oxygen.
- The process creates pure water and heat.
- Fuel cell is an electric generator that operates similarly to batteries.
- This is different from conventional generators that rely on combustion reactions.
- ISRO mentioned that the direct generation of electricity from fuels makes these cells efficient and emission-free.
- They are suitable for human-involved space missions as they fulfill multiple needs like electricity, water, and heat.
- The POEM-3 experiment carried out during the mission aimed to fulfill the objective of 10 other developed payloads.
- These payloads were developed by start-ups, education institutions, and ISRO centres, including the FCPS.
- The FCPS payload holds importance as it might be used in India’s proposed space station by 2035.
Source: The Hindu
Q.3. Consider the following statements:
- 30×30 is one of the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted in 2022 at the 15th Conference of Parties (CoP15)
- KMGBF also calls for a mechanism for biodiversity offsets and credits or biocredits to conserve biodiversity
- Biocredits are designed to offset or compensate for actions with negative impacts on biodiversity
- How many of the above statements is are true?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 34
(c) Only 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Explanation
- Understanding Biocredits: Biocredits, a fresh and innovative approach, aim to boost private investment in the preservation of biodiversity. These are not like carbon credits that balance harmful emissions. Rather, the money from biocredits sales goes into maintaining and reviving natural habitats. The Biodiversity Credit Alliance was initiated at CoP15 to support this cause.
- Examples of Biocredits: Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs): In 2023, the Niue Government and the non-profit Tofia Niue introduced OCCs. These are based on the size of Niue’s Marine Protected Area and can be bought to aid conservation initiatives.
- Wallacea Trust: This UK-based organization focuses on biodiversity and climate research. It has secured funding for 5 million biodiversity credits with a noteworthy 60% of the issue price channeled to local communities.
- Besparingsskog of Sweden: A cooperative that runs a forest project in Sweden. It has attracted Swedbank’s investment to safeguard a 13-hectare forest area for 20 years, using bio credits as a tool.
- GlaxoSmithKline’s Efforts: GlaxoSmithKline has bought bio credits from rePLANET that aim to conserve the Cusuco National Park in Honduras.
- ValueNature: This is a company that aids in the creation of biodiversity credits. Its aim is to introduce these to the market by 2024 and generate funds for the protection of biodiversity.
Source: The Hindu
Q. 4. Consider the following statements:
- Statement I: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has announced to develop a “Green Cover Index” for India
- Statement II: NRSC has entered into an agreement with NITI Aayog to develop a green index to rate green initiatives of India’s corporate sector
Which one 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 for 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
Ans: (c)
Explanation
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) are working together. They have agreed on a three-year collaboration. The NRSC is part of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). They want to create a “Green Cover Index”. This index will measure greenery along India’s vast network of National Highways.
- Aligning with the Green Highways Policy: Initiated in 2015, the Green Highways Policy made the greening of Highway Corridors a top priority. Both the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI support this policy. Their goal is to ensure more trees along the highways.
- Monitoring the Green Highways: Previously, field personnel would physically visit these sites to check on the progress. They would monitor the plantation efforts along the highways. Now, with the Green Cover Index, this process could become more streamlined and efficient.
Source: ET
Q.5. Consider the following statement about Ramsar Sites.
- Sundarbans is India’s largest Ramsar site
- West bengal has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India
- Bhoj Wetland is a Ramsar site located in Udaipur
- Indore, Bhpal and Udaipur have been nominated for Wetland City Accreditation
How many of the above statements is/are true?
- (a) 1, 2 and 4
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 3 and 4
- (d) All of the above
Ans: (a)
Explanation
Wetland City Accreditation: Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has made a groundbreaking decision. For the first time ever, it has nominated three Indian cities for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These cities are Indore, Bhopal, and Udaipur.
Detailed Overview: Each of these cities is home to significant Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance.
- Indore: Two key Ramsar sites are found near Indore: the Sirpur Wetland and Yashwant Sagar.
- Bhopal: The Bhoj Wetland is the notable Ramsar site located in Bhopal.
- Udaipur: Udaipur stands out with five major wetlands being recognized as Ramsar sites. These include Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
Understanding WCA and Ramsar Sites: WCA, or Wetland City Accreditation, is a system that voluntarily acknowledges the crucial role of wetlands in urban and surrounding areas. This system came into being during the Ramsar Convention at COP12 in 2015.
Aims of Wetland City Accreditation (WCA): The primary goal of the WCA is to encourage the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Moreover, it aims to ensure these wetlands offer sustainable socio-economic benefits for the local people.
Benefits and Duration of WCA: Obtaining a WCA provides international recognition and support for efforts to conserve wetlands. It significantly aids in the execution of the Amrit Dharohar Initiative, which focuses on preserving Ramsar Sites in India. Once acquired, the accreditation remains valid for a period of six years.
Ramsar Sites in India: The largest Ramsar Site in India is the Sundarbans in West Bengal, an area of approximately 11,000 square kilometers. This region is extremely important as it provides a primary habitat for Bengal tigers. When it comes to the state with the most wetlands, Tamil Nadu leads the way with a total of 14 Ramsar Sites.