UPSC Quiz – 2023 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 9th August 2023

·       It is also known as the panda of the sea for the distinctive black circles around its eyes.

·       This porpoise was discovered in 1958.

·       It is unique among the porpoises as it is the only species of that family found in warm waters, and the size of the dorsal fin is believed to be an adaptation to that, allowing for extra body heat to dissipate.

·       Habitats – Found only in the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in Mexico.

·       They are found most commonly seen in shallow waters up to 50 metres deep.

·       Threats – They are caught and drowned in gillnets set up by poachers to catch totoaba, an endangered species of marine fish sought by Chinese buyers on the black market for its prized swim bladders.

·       This species die more each year in fishing nets than are being born.

·       IUCN Status – Critically Endangered

Terms:

·       Emblem: Any emblem, seal, flag, insignia, coat-of-arms, or pictorial representation specified in the Schedule;

·       Competent Authority: Any authority competent under any law for the time being in force to register any company, firm, or other body of persons or any trademark or design or to grant a patent;

·       Name: Includes any abbreviation of a name.

Prohibition of Improper Use (Section 3):

·       Regardless of any existing laws, individuals are not allowed to use or keep using, without prior permission from the Central Government or its authorized officer, any name or emblem listed in the Schedule or any imitation of it that looks similar.

·       This applies to using them for trade, business, profession, patent titles, trademarks, or designs. The Central Government may specify certain cases and conditions where such usage is allowed.

Penalty:

·       Any person who contravenes the provisions of section 3 shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to 500 rupees.

·       The Previous Sanctions for Prosecution:

·       No legal action for any offense punishable under this Act can be initiated without prior approval from the Central Government or an authorised officer designated by the Central Government through a general or specific order.

Exemption:

·       This Act does not provide any exemption to individuals from any legal action or proceeding that could be filed against them independently of this Act.

Power to Amend the Schedule:

·       The Central Government has the authority to modify or expand the Schedule by issuing a notification in the Official Gazette. Any such additions or changes made to the Schedule will be considered valid and enforceable as if they were originally part of the Act itself.

Power to Make Rules:

·       The Central Government has the authority to create rules, which will be published in the Official Gazette, to fulfil the objectives of this Act.

·       The river presently runs under its sandy surface.

·       The river is located in Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir.

·       The project works under the aegis of the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).

·       A federally financed program called the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) was established in 1995 with the goal of reducing river pollution. The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and NGRBA both have river conservation initiatives in place (National Ganga River Basin Authority).

Chandra Taal – Himachal Pradesh

Pala Wetland – Mizoram

·       Deepor Beel, a vital wetland in Guwahati, Assam, faces anthropogenic threats despite its protected status. Indigenous names like “beel” signify cultural and ecological connections, with local livelihoods intertwined with the wetland’s resources.

·       Efforts to sustainably coexist with the wetland include initiatives by local women who convert water hyacinths into products, offering employment and improving the ecosystem’s health. Similarly, “Kumbhi Kagaz” produces biodegradable paper from water hyacinths, enhancing the wetland’s condition and supporting alternative livelihoods.

·       Usage: The example can be used to highlight how local knowledge and communities can be incorporated into sustainable conservation efforts.

·       Developed by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and AEPL, an MSME entity.

·       Features: 2.1-meter-long cylindrical AUV, weighing around 45 kg, can perform various tasks such as mine detection, disposal, and underwater surveys.

·       It has an endurance of four hours and a depth of up to 300 meters, making it a versatile tool for ensuring coastal safety and protection.

Significance: Important for Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Army