UPSC Quiz – 2023 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th September 2023

·       The theme for World Ozone Day 2023 is “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change”

What is the Montreal Protocol?

·       It is an international treaty that aimed to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and other chemicals.

·       These substances were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.

Kigali Agreement:

·       It is an amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

·       It was adopted on October 15, 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda, as an extension of the Montreal Protocol.

·       While the original Montreal Protocol focused on phasing out ozone-depleting substances, the Kigali Amendment addresses the phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are used as replacements for those ozone-depleting substances.

·       The primary goal of the Kigali Amendment is to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, with the aim of mitigating their contribution to global warming.

What is Ozone?

·       Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O3).

·       It is both a natural and a man-made product that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere (the stratosphere) and lower atmosphere (the troposphere).

·       Ozone in the stratosphere, known as the “ozone layer,” occurs naturally and forms a protective barrier that prevents ultraviolet sunlight (UV-B) radiation from the sun from reaching the Earth’s surface and harming plant and animal life. This is commonly referred to as “good ozone.”

·       Tropospheric or ground-level ozone – what we breathe – is formed primarily from photochemical reactions between two major classes of air pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

·       At ground level, high concentrations of ozone are toxic to people and plants.

·       It is located in the state of West Bengal.

·       It was established in 1901 by Rabindranath Tagore.

·       It was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions.

·       In 1921, a ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan, later recognised as ‘Visva Bharati’.

·       Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan is only central university whose chancellor is the Prime Minister.

·       It is distinct from the prevailing British colonial architectural orientations of the early 20th century and of European modernism.

·       It represents approaches toward pan-Asian modernity, drawing on ancient, medieval and folk traditions from across the region.

·       It is developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO)

·       It is powered by a solid propellant rocket motor and other new technologies.

·       Capacity: The missile can carry 350-700 kg of high-grade explosives.

·       The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics.

·       It can change its path after covering a certain range in mid-air.

·       It is a crucial component of the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture.

·       Initiative by – Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture.

·       Objective – To streamline and enhance data management in the agricultural domain.

Key Features

·       Data Standardization – It consolidates data from various sources into a standardized format for easier access and understanding.

·       Data Analysis – It offers insights such as production trends and consumption patterns for making informed decisions.

·       Granular Production Estimates – It improves the government’s ability to respond to agricultural crises swiftly.

·       Commodity Profile Reports – The reports will be produced using algorithms, and provides users with comprehensive insights.

·       Plug and Play – Users will have the flexibility to use the portal’s data to prepare their own reports, promoting data-driven decision-making.

·       It is the first pollution control vessel of its kind in South East Asia.

·       It has tanks and inflatable barges for storage of oil spills.

·       The ship is capable of unhindered oil recovery operations with a storage capacity of 500 KL.

·       The vessel is designed to operate a twin-engine Advanced Light Helicopter and to operate and embark Chetak helicopter.

·       Special features include an integrated platform management system, power management system, high power external fire fighting system and one indigenous gun mount with fire fighting system.

·       The ship has unmanned machinery operation capability.