[DAY 42] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (a)

• Green Credit Program (GCP) is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and afforestation. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Once verification is complete, the Administrator will grant a Green Credit certificate which will be tradable on the green credit platform and not on stock exchanges for now. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (a)

• National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources has already recognized seven independent Indian breeds of horses which are Bhutia, Kathiawari, Manipuri, Marwari, Spiti, Zanskari, Kachchhi-Sindh. And Bhimthadi will be eighth. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• The Deccani horse is named after the Bhima river, ‘Bhimthadi’ combines ‘Bhima’ with ‘thadi,’ meaning riverbank. This breed is primarily located on the Deccan plateau, spanning areas in Pune, Satara, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has recognized more than 100 new breeds and homogenous population in country. However, there are still a number of unique populations of native AnGR which needs to be identified. Zero non-descript AnGR mission envisage recognition of about 100 breeds in country. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (d)

• Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have identified a new species of marine tardigrade which they have named after the late former President and scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. (Hence option d is correct)
• Tardigrades are extremely tiny animals whose size is measured in micrometres. Their microscopic size, however, belies their toughness. They are known for their extraordinary resilience and survival instincts. Studied using microscopes, these water-dwelling animals also go by the rather unlikely moniker ‘water bears.’

Solution (c)

• A new beetle species (Omorgus Khandesh) has been discovered in India which is important for forensic science as it helps detect the time of death of an animal or human. (Hence pair 1 is correct)
• Scientists have recently discovered a new fish species from the Milak river, Nagaland. The newly discovered species Badis limaakumi. It belongs to the Badis assamensis SG, which is characterised by a distinct, dark opercular blotch.
• Fish from the Badis family are also known as chameleon fish for their ability to change colour. This helps them blend with the surroundings when under stress. (Hence pair 2 is correct)
• The dancing frogs (Micrixalus kottigeharensis) that are endemic to the Western Ghats are the most threatened amphibian genus of India, according to the Wildlife Trust of India based on the second edition of the Global Amphibian Assessment released recently. (Hence pair 3 is correct)

Solution (d)

• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) scheme was recently launched by Government of India with an objective to take up mangrove reforestation and afforestation along the coastal districts of India by adopting best practices that already exist in India as well as from other countries including Indonesia. (Hence option d is correct)
• This program is also envisaged to develop mangrove associated ecotourism initiatives and livelihood generation in coastal states.
• MISHTI will contribute to the efforts of ‘Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)’, an intergovernmental alliance for promotion of Mangrove, of which India became its active member during the (COP27)

Solution (b)

• Takakia is a moss, not a liverwort, algae, or hornwort. It belongs to the division Bryophyta, which includes mosses. While Takakia is considered a primitive moss and shares some characteristics with liverworts, it is taxonomically classified within the moss group. (Hence option b is correct)
• Mosses, liverworts, and hornworts are all different groups of non-vascular plants, each with unique characteristics and evolutionary histories.

Solution (d)

• The planetary boundaries framework was first proposed by Johan Rockström and a group of 28 internationally renowned scientists in 2009 to define the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate to maintain Earth’s stability and biodiversity.
• These nine Planetary Boundaries are Climate change, Change in biosphere integrity (biodiversity loss and species extinction), Stratospheric ozone depletion, Ocean acidification, Biogeochemical flows (phosphorus and nitrogen cycles), Land-system change (for example deforestation), Freshwater use (alterations across the entire water cycle over land), Atmospheric aerosol loading (microscopic particles in the atmosphere that affect climate and living organisms), Introduction of novel entities(consisting of microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and organic pollutants).(Hence option d is correct answer)

Solution (a)

• Proton exchange membrane electrolysis has gained considerable attention as an energy conversion system for hydrogen production. It is considered the preferred choice for green hydrogen production owing to its energy efficiency, low capital cost, flexibility, safety, and durability. (Hence option a is correct)
• Grey Hydrogen: It is produced via coal or lignite gasification (black or brown), or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane. (Hence option b is incorrect)
• Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions. (Hence option c is incorrect)
• One way of making green ammonia is by using hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air. These are then fed into the Haber process (also known as Haber-Bosch), all powered by sustainable electricity. (Hence option d is incorrect)

Solution (b)

• Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of presenting a company, product, or service as environmentally friendly or sustainable when, in reality, it may not be.
• This misleading marketing strategy is designed to give the impression that the company is making significant efforts to be environmentally responsible, often by highlighting specific eco-friendly features or initiatives.
• However, in many cases, these claims may be exaggerated or lack substance, leading consumers to believe they are supporting environmentally conscious businesses when they might not be.
• Greenwashing can undermine genuine efforts towards sustainability and make it challenging for consumers to make informed and responsible choices.

Solution (c)

• Ruminant animals, such as cows, sheep, goats, buffaloes, and others, are characterized by their hooves and herbivorous grazing habits, engaging in the unique behavior of cud-chewing.
• This specialized adaptation allows these hoofed mammals to effectively break down plant cellulose, extracting essential nutrients from the cell walls.
• A key aspect of their digestive process involves methane production. Ruminants possess stomachs with four compartments, with the rumen being crucial for storing partially digested food and facilitating the fermentation process.
• This intricate digestive system plays a vital role in the conversion of plant material into nutrients, highlighting the remarkable efficiency of ruminant species in utilizing cellulose for their nutritional needs.
• Horses are non-ruminant, simple-stomached herbivores. They are hindgut fermenters, meaning the large intestine is the main site of fermentation of fibrous feedstuffs. This differs from ruminant animals like cattle, goats, deer, and sheep, which are foregut fermenters with a rumen and multi-compartment stomach. (Hence option c is correct answer)

Solution (c)

• AR6 benchmark report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says unabated fossil fuels are those “without interventions that substantially reduce” greenhouse gas emissions. (Hence 1^st statement is correct)
• Capturing 90% or more CO2 from power plants. (Hence 2nd statement is incorrect)
• Or 50–80% of fugitive methane emissions from energy supply. (Hence 3^rd statement is correct)

Solution (b)

• Hybridisation involves crossing two genetically dissimilar plant varieties that can even be from the same species, not necessarily need different species. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• The first-generation (F1) offspring from such crosses tend to have higher yields than what either parent can individually give. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• GM crops are derived from plants whose genes are artificially modified, usually by inserting genetic material from another organism, in order to give it new properties, such as increased yield, tolerance to a herbicide, resistance to disease or drought, or improved nutritional value. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

• Reached at the COP26 summit in Scotland’s Glasgow, the pact called for phase down of coal and phase out of fossil fuel.
• This was the first time that a UN climate agreement explicitly mentioned coal. The pact also marked the resolution of the deadlock over carbon markets. (Hence option c is correct)

Solution (d)

• The study, ‘Global climate-change trends detected in indicators of ocean ecology’, was published earlier in July in the journal Nature.
• The study says one of the most affected areas is the Tropical Ocean regions, near the equator, where the water is turning from blue to green. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The findings suggest that a shift in colour is happening in those regions where the oceans are getting more stratified. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• In most regions across the world, the oceans appear blue or navy blue for a reason. This happens due to “the absorption and scattering of light,” according to a report by NASA. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• In other parts of the world, the oceans appear green, which happens due to the existence of phytoplankton on the upper surface of the water. (Hence statement 4 is correct)

Solution (c)

• Plastics including microplastics are now ubiquitous in our natural environment. They are becoming part of the Earth’s fossil record and a marker of the Anthropocene, our current geological era. They have even given their name to a new marine microbial habitat called the “plastisphere”. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Only 9% of annual plastic waste recycled. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• Cigarette butts — whose filters contain tiny plastic fibres — are the most common type of plastic waste found in the environment. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Polyethylene terephthalate, the world’s most common plastic and also PET is the most recyclable plastic and there is a strong market for its byproduct used to make drink bottles, food containers or fibres for clothes. (Hence statement 4 is correct)

Solution (c)

• In the Western Ghats, where vast plantations of eucalyptus and wattle were raised in the past by converting grasslands and shola forests, the original habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr has been devastated. Nowadays, the Indian Bison makes frequent visits to the Kodaikanal town in Tamil Nadu because of the non-availability of food plants due to extensive plantations of alien species. (Hence 1^st is invasive)
• Recently, concerns over the management of the invasive Conocarpus species of trees have recently led Gujarat and, last year, Telangana, to ban their use. (Hence 5^th is invasive)
• Several other states could follow suit which is likely to discourage horticulturists and nurseries from multiplying the species and using lakhs of its saplings in afforestation and landscaping projects across the country over the next year. Along with Conocarpus, Leucaena and Mangium also invasive plant species.
• Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara also dominate public lands and commons. (Hence 2^nd and 4^th is invasive)
• Cassia fistula is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia.(Hence 3^rd is not invasive)

Solution (b)

• Ecocline is a zone of gradual but continuous change from one ecosystem to another when there is no sharp boundary between the two in terms of species composition. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• Ecocide or ‘killing one’s home’ or ‘environment’ refers to acts like port expansion projects, deforestation, illegal sand mining, polluting rivers and releasing untreated sewage, etc., that destroy fragile natural ecosystems and local livelihoods. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• An ecotone is a zone of junction or a transition area between two biomes (diverse ecosystems. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Ecotone is the zone where two communities meet and integrate. For e.g. the mangrove forests represent an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystem. Other examples are grassland (between forest and desert), estuary (between fresh water and salt water) and riverbank or marshland (between dry and wet).

Solution (c)

• The EDGE have few or no close relatives on the tree of life. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• EDGE species are usually extremely distinct in the way they look, live, and behave as well as in their genetic make-up. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (a)

• Basel Ban Amendment required ratification by 3/4 of the parties to the Convention to become a law. It finally became an international law in September 2019 after Croatia ratified it. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The Amendment prohibits the export of hazardous waste (including electronic wastes) from a list of developed (mostly OECD) countries to developing countries. The Basel Ban applies to export for any reason, including recycling. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• It will become a new Article in the Convention and will enter into force in the 97 countries after 90 days. However, countries like the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, – New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, India, Brazil, and Mexico are yet to ratify the ban. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (a)

• In order to protect and conserve Western Ghats, MoEFCC had constituted two Committees viz., the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) headed by Prof. Madhav Gadgil. (Hence 1^st is correct)
• The High Level Working Group (HLWG) headed by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, to review the recommendations of the WGEEP. (Hence 2nd is correct)
• On the basis of the report of the HLWG, MoEFCC has brought out a draft notification, declaring biologically and culturally diverse areas as Eco-sensitive Area, requiring protection and conservation.
• The draft of Western Ghats Eco-sensitive Area was re-notified for the fifth time on 6th July, 2022 and a Committee has also been specifically constituted to assist in consultation with the State Governments for finalizing the notification. The validity of the draft notification is till 30th June 2024.
• Shailesh Nayak committee was not related to western ghat and appointed to review Coastal Regulation Zones. (Hence 3^rd is incorrect)

Solution (b)

• Salt-water Crocodiles are the largest of all crocodilians and the largest reptile in the world. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller in size than their male counterparts, normally reaching a maximum length of 2.5 to 3 m.
• They communicate through barking, hissing, growling, and chirping. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• They tolerate salinity and are found mostly in coastal waters or near rivers. They are also found in freshwater near rivers and swamps.
• They are found in tropical to warm temperate latitudes in the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• Saltwater crocodiles have a variety of prey. Juveniles are restricted to small insects, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small fish. Adults feed on crabs, turtles, snakes, birds, buffalo, wild boar, and monkeys.
• They are listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.

Solution (c)

• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is a statutory body constituted under the Companies Act of 2013. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It hears appeals against the orders of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is also the appellate tribunal for orders passed by the NCLT(s) under Section 61 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, and for orders passed by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) under Sections 202 and 211 of the IBC.
• The appeal against the orders passed by the NCLAT lies in the Supreme Court of India. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (b)

• The Global Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is a new alliance for global good, gender equity, and equality established by India on the sidelines of the 54th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The alliance will bring together worldwide best practices, knowledge sharing, and investment opportunities in women’s education, health, and enterprise.
• This initiative marks a significant stride toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3(Good Health and Well-Being), 4(Quality Education), 5(Gender Equality and Empowerment), and 17(Global Partnership for Development). Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership.

Solution (c)

• Mahayogi Vemana was an Achala yogi, philosopher, social reformer, and poet of the Telugu language. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• He lived in the 17th century CE and was born in Gandikota, Kadapa district of Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh.
• Vemana’s poems are categorized into social, moral, satirical, and mystic nature.
• His poems are treated as the best morals by the Telugu ancestors.
• His poems were preserved by people on palm leaves or orally (vocal).
• His poems were published as a book (shatakam) by Charles Philip Brown, ICS, two times in 1829 and 1839. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• He had a friend called Abhirama. Abhirama’s guru taught Vemana moksha.
• Most of his poems end with the signature line of “Vishwadaabhi Rama Vinura Vema”

(Hey! Abhirama listen Vemana). Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (b)

• H-1B Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• A specialty occupation requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• The H-1B provisions intend to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.
• It is valid for three years and can be extended one time for an additional three years. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• In general, the H-1B is valid for a maximum of six years.
• There is no limit to the number of H1-B Visas that an individual can have in his or her lifetime.
• H1-B holders can seek a Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residency for themselves and their families.
• Applicants for H-1B Visas are selected for adjudication via a lottery system. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The annual H-1B visa limit is 85,000. There are 65,000 regular H-1B visas each year, and an additional 20,000 visas are reserved for applicants with advanced degrees.

Solution (a)

• Shumang Leela is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur in which the roles of female artists are all played by male actors. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The male characters are played by female artists in the case of female theatre groups.
• It started as a comic genre for royalty and has evolved into a powerful medium for mass education, entertainment, and relaxation.
• In this, the roles of women are all played by men, called Nupi Shabis.
• The female roles are taken up by transgender actors.
• Nupa Shumang Leela is performed only by men and Nupi Shumang Leela is performed only by women. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The plays provide a vehicle for educating the public about social, political, and economic issues.
• It is believed to be descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meitei community of Manipur. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• Lai Haraoba is a religious festival celebrated by the Meitei people who are largely settled in and around Manipur.
• It is held at neighborhood shrines dedicated to the local umanglai deities.
• It is observed in the months between February and May-June.

Solution (c)

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body in the field of civil aviation primarily dealing with safety issues. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is responsible for the regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for the enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety, and airworthiness standards.
• It also co-ordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
• The e-Governance for Civil Aviation (e-GCA) aims at enhancing the efficiency of the various services of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It helps to increase accountability and transparency across all DGCA functions.
• It will provide services to various DGCA stakeholders such as pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers, air operators, airport operators, flying training organizations, and maintenance and design organizations, among others.

Solution (b)

• The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is an annual index released by Transparency International, a global civil society organization. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Since its inception in 1995, the Corruption Perceptions Index has become the leading global indicator of public sector corruption.
• The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
• It uses data from 13 external sources, including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, private risk and consulting companies, think tanks, and others.
• Denmark topped the index while Somalia was ranked last in the index. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• CPI global average score remains unchanged at 43 for the twelfth year in a row.
• India has tied with Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Lesotho to rank at 93 out of 180 countries. In 2022, India was ranked at 85.
• Pakistan scored 29 with a rank of 133 and China, scored 42 occupying rank 76. Hence, Pakistan has not performed better than India and China in the index. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Solution (c)

• The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institutewas established by the Government of India in 1947 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and later it joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world functioning under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s mandate is to conduct research on exploited and unexploited marine fisheries resources and fisheries oceanography, to advise on rational exploitation and make a forecast of abundance, development, and upgradation of technologies for maximising production through mariculture, and conduct teaching, training and extension programmes for the development of human resources in fisheries. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Solution (b)

• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act of 2021 allowed for a termination under the opinion of one doctor for pregnancies up to 20 weeks. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Rules, 2021 defines the situations that define eligibility criteria for termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks.
• The amended act and the MTP (Amendment) Rules, 2021, specified seven categories (Survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest; Minors; etc) of women who would be eligible for seeking termination of pregnancy, for a period of up to 24 weeks.
• After 24 weeks, a medical board must be set up in “approved facilities”, which may “allow or deny termination of pregnancy” only if there is substantial foetal abnormality.
• It permitted married women to terminate pregnancies up to 20 weeks in case of contraceptive method or device failure. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The Medical Board will assess pregnancies beyond 24 weeks for substantial foetal abnormalities. It should comprise specialists like gynaecologists, paediatricians, and radiologists, and will be established by all state and union territory governments.
• The Suchita Srivastava vs. Chandigarh Administration Case encompasses reproductive autonomy and healthcare under Article 21. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Recently the Supreme Court observed that the rights of an unborn child must be balanced with a woman’s reproductive rights.

Solution (a)

Let S be the sum of the expression, Then

S = 4⁰ + 4¹ + 4² + 4³ + …….. + 4⁰

S = (1 + 4 + 16 + 64) + 4⁴ (1 = 4 + 16 + 64) + …… + 4³⁶ + 4⁴⁰

Since, (1 + 4 + 16 + 64) = 85, is divisible by 17. Hence, except 4⁴⁰ remaining expression is divisible by 17.

Thus,

(4⁴⁰/17)—->((4⁴)¹⁰/17)—–>(1¹⁰/17)

Hence, remainder = 1

Solution (b)

20 * x = (64+36)(64−36)

20 * x = 100 × 28

Therefore, x = (100*28)/20

= 140

Solution (c)

4 numbers are in A.P.

Let the numbers be

a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d

Where a is the first term and 2d is the common difference

Now their sum = 50

a – 3d + a – d + a + d + a + 3d = 50

Solution (c)

Four bells ring simultaneously at starting and an interval of 6 sec, 12 sec, 15 sec and 20 sec respectively.

LCM of (6, 12, 15, 20) = 60

All 4 bells ring together again after every 60 seconds

Now,

In 2 hours, they ring together = [(2*60*60)/60] times + 1 (at the starting) = 121 times

Therefore, In 2 hours they ring together for 121 times.

Solution (d)

Let Rs. 100 be spent on rice initially for 20 kg.

As the price falls by 20%, new price for 20 kg rice,

= (100 – 20% of 100) = 80

New price of rice = 80/20 = Rs. 4 per kg.

Rice can bought now at = 100/4 = 25 kg