Syllabus

• Prelims – Geography

Context: Recent researches show that Jowar (sorghum)  can be an ideal alternative to wheat in times of increasing temperatures.

Background:-

• The study was carried out by researchers from Columbia University, US; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Indian School of Business; University of Delaware, US; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay; Yale University, US; and Washington State University, US.
• It focused on the two main Rabi cereals in India, wheat and jowar.
• The research highlighted the need for climate-smart agriculture interventions, specifically in the Rabi season.
• It stated the following benefits of Jowar over wheat:-
• Jowar is more resilient to projected climate changes but also requires much less water.
• While wheat is highly sensitive to increases in maximum daily temperature, jowar can handle temperature increases with far less impact on yields.
• Wheat requires 1.4 times more water than jowar owing to the extension of its growth cycle into summer.

About Jowar:-

• It is a rainfed crop mostly grown in moist areas, which hardly needs irrigation. (UPSC CSE: The millet mission)
• It is the third most important food crop with respect to area and production.
• Rainfall: moderate rainfall of 30-100 cm.
• Temperatures: high temperatures ranging from 20 to 32°C.
• Vulnerability of Jowar: Both excessive moisture and prolonged drought are harmful.
• Soil: Well-drained light soils are ideal.
• It is cultivated as the major food crop in semi-arid areas of central and south India.
• In north India, Jowar is mainly a Kharif crop whereas it is sown as both Kharif and Rabi in the southern states.
• Highest producers: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• India is the largest producer of jowar in the world.

Health Benefits of Jowar:-

• Gluten-free
  • Jowar, a gluten-free whole grain, is considered an excellent alternative for people who suffer from ‘gluten intolerance’.
• High in fiber
  • Compared to other cereal grains like barley or rice, jowar contains a much higher concentration of fiber.
• Controls Blood Sugar Levels:
  • Jowar is a complex carbohydrate that digests slowly.
  • As a result, it leads to stable blood sugar levels.
  • Hence, it is a great diet choice for diabetics and people who want to lose weight
• High in Protein: 100 grams of Jowar provides 11 grams of protein, which supplies the body with energy and aids in cell regeneration.
• Full of Iron: Jowar contains 8.45 mg of iron in every cup.
• Bone Health: Jowar Good is d for Bone Health because it contains high magnesium levels.
  • It helps maintain calcium levels in the body as magnesium increases calcium absorption.
• Packed with Vitamins, Minerals, and Micronutrients
  • It contains B vitamins, which help the body build new tissues and cells and potassium and phosphorus.
  • It contains traces of zinc, copper, and over 20 micronutrients and high levels of antioxidants.
• Helps Weight Loss
  • Jowar has a much higher concentration of dietary fiber when compared to other cereal grains.
  • This high fiber content ensures higher satiety levels, lowering consumption by keeping hunger pangs at bay.
  • This makes it the ideal whole-grain option for weight loss.
• Improves Digestive System
  • The high dietary fiber content in Jowar also helps improve digestion.
  • The whole grain helps improve digestive health and helps to treat conditions like diarrhea, bloating, stomach ache and constipation.
• Improves Heart Health
  • The abundance of fiber in jowar helps lower LDL (or bad cholesterol) levels in the body, thus reducing the risk of a heart attack.
  • The cholesterol-lowering properties of jowar also reduce the chances of hindered blood flow, arteriosclerosis and plaque formation.
  • The whole grain also contains antioxidants, apart from nutrients like magnesium, iron, and vitamins B and E. As a result, it helps avoid several cardiovascular conditions.
  • Jowar also helps regulate plasma LDL cholesterol concentration while improving the HDL levels in the body.
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): the “bad” cholesterol which transports cholesterol particles throughout your body.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): the “good” cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.
• Improves Energy Levels
  • Sorghum contains high amounts of niacin (or Vitamin B3).
  • Niacin ensures that the energy levels in the body are consistent throughout the day.
• Boosts Blood Circulation
  • Iron and copper are two essential minerals found in Jowar.
  • These minerals come together to play a vital role in improving the body’s blood circulation.
  • It also improves the overall circulation of blood in the body while reducing the chances of
  • Anemia: a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.

MUST READ: International Year of Millets – 2023

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements : (2023)

1. India has more arable area than China.
2. The proportion of the irrigated area is more in India as compared to China.
3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Consider the following trees : (2023)

1. Jackfruit (Artoca7pus heterophyllus)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

How many of the above are deciduous trees?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Prelims –Science and Technology

Context: The One Health Priority Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance was launched recently.

About One Health Priority Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance:-

IMAGE SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

• Launched: June 28, 2023.
• Launched by: the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
• The concept acknowledges the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the larger environment, including ecosystems, are inextricably linked and interdependent.

Objectives of One Health Priority Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance:-

• To prioritise 40 research topics for evidence generation to inform policy and interventions by 2030.
• To guide a variety of stakeholders in generating new evidence to address antimicrobial resistance(AMR), with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
  • AMR: it is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs that are used to treat infections. (UPSC CSE: AMR)
  • It occurs when a microorganism changes over time and no longer responds to medicines.
  • This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten threats to global health.
  • In India: over 56,000 newborn deaths each year due to sepsis caused by organisms that are resistant to first-line antibiotics.
• To serve as a guide for countries, research institutes and funding bodies to support One Health AMR research.
• To allow policymakers, researchers, and the multidisciplinary scientific community to collaborate across sectors.
• To sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

Five key pillars of One Health Priority Research Agenda on Antimicrobial Resistance:-

1. Transmission

• This pillar focuses on the environment, plant, animal, and human sectors where AMR transmission, circulation and spread occur.

2. Integrated Surveillance

• The surveillance aims for harmonisation, effectiveness, and implementation of integrated surveillance with a focus on Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

3. Interventions

• This pillar focuses on programmes, practises, tools, and activities aimed at preventing, containing, or reducing the incidence, prevalence, and spread of AMR.

4. Behavioural Insights and Change

• It focuses on research addressing human behaviour that affects AMR, including ways to combat it.

5. Economics and policy

• This pillar also takes into account the cost-effectiveness of an AMR investment case, financial sustainability, and long-term financial impact.

MUST READ: The Challenge of antimicrobial resistance

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) ‘Invasive Species Specialist ·group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations? (2023)

1. The International Union for Conservation of Nature
2. The United Nations Environment Programme
3. The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
4. The World Wide Fund for Nature

Q.2) In nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil? (2023)

1. Fern
2. Lichen
3. Moss
4. Mushroom

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1. 1 and 4 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 1, 3 and 4

Syllabus

• Prelims –Science and Technology

Context: Recently, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe completed its 16th close approach to the Sun.

Background:-

• NASA’s Parker Solar Probe completed its 16th orbit around the Sun, which included a close approach to the Sun on June 22, 2023.
• During the close approach, Parker came within 8.5 million kilometers of the Sun’s surface while moving at around 586,782 kilometers per hour.

About Parker Solar Probe:-

IMAGE SOURCE: Space.com

• Launched:
• Launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
• Launch Vehicle: Delta IV-Heavy with Upper Stage.
• Mission by: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
• Size: The spacecraft is about the size of a small car.
• Scientific Instruments:-
  • Fields Experiment (FIELDS)
  • Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (IS☉IS ​)
  • Wide Field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR)
  • Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP)
• It can travel directly through the Sun’s atmosphere.
• Aim: to investigate how energy and heat move across the solar corona, as well as what accelerates the solar wind and solar energetic particles.
• It will journey through the sun’s atmosphere eventually delivering humanity with the closest-ever observations of a star.
• It is said to be humanity’s first-ever mission that “visited” a star. (UPSC CSE: NASA’s DART mission)
• Design: –
  • The spacecraft and its instruments are protected from the heat of the Sun by a 5-inch thick carbon-composite shield.
  • The shield can withstand temperatures of around 1,777 degrees Celsius.
  • It carries four instrument suites that are designed to study magnetic fields, plasma and energetic particles and image the solar wind.
• Objectives:-
  • To trace how energy and heat move through the corona.
  • To explore what causes the acceleration of solar winds and solar energetic particles.
• Mechanism: The spacecraft uses Venus’s gravity to tighten its orbit around the Sun.
• Future plan: It is now preparing to get within around 7.2 million kilometers of the star’s surface.

Significance of Parker Solar Probe:-

• Exploring the Universe: The Sun is the only star we can study closely. By studying this star we live with, we learn more about stars throughout the universe.
• Exploring the Sun: The Sun provides light and heat to all living things on Earth. The more we learn about it, the more we can grasp how life evolved on Earth.
• Knowledge of the phenomenon affecting the Earth: It is the source of the solar wind.
  • Solar wind: which is a flow of ionized gases from the Sun that travels past the Earth at more than 500 kilometres per second (a million miles per hour).

MUST READ: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements (2023)

1. Carbon fibers are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircraft.
2. Carbon fibers once used cannot be recycled.

Which of the statements given above is fare correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Syllabus

• Prelims – Environment and Ecology

Context: Recent reports show the impact of climate change on Kashmir’s gucchi mushroom pickers.

Background:-

• Unpredictable weather patterns, early springs, and above-average temperatures have left gucchi mushroom hunters in distress, facing another season of low yield for the second consecutive year.

About Gucchi:-

• The gucchi mushroom is the local name for morel.
  • Morel: a genus of edible fungi.
• Professional chefs and amateur foodies prize it alike for its nutty, earthy flavour.
• Family: it is a species of fungus from the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota.
• Appearance: They are pale yellow in color with large pits and ridges on the surface of the cap.
• Gucchis can vary in color from blonde to dark black.
• Habitat: It is found in temperate forests.
  • It is primarily obtained from the forests and pastures of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Distribution: It is also found in the high-altitude areas of Kupwara, Pahalgam, Shopian, Kishtwar and Poonch of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Characteristic: It is one of the costliest mushrooms in the world, which is known for its spongy, honeycombed head and savory flavor.
• The mushroom is often coveted, not only for its taste but because it is very difficult to find.

Benefits of Gucchi:-

• They are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that prevent health issues including heart diseases and diabetes by removing reactive oxygen species that harm the body.
• They are also considered a rich source of protein, potassium, copper, carbohydrates and Vitamin B.
• The exotic wild mushrooms are used in pulaos and served during celebratory occasions such as marriages.
• It is said to have medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties.

MUST READ: Rhododendrons

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 2 and 3

Q.2) Why is a plant called Prosopis Juliflora often mentioned in the news? (2018)

1. Its extract is widely used in cosmetics
2. It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows
3. Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides
4. None of the above

Syllabus

• Prelims –Polity

Context: Political parties of Jammu and Kashmir hail the Supreme Court’s decision to hear petitions challenging the reading down of Article 370 in J&K.

Background:-

• Several of Jammu & Kashmir’s regional parties, who challenged the Centre’s decision to abrogate the provisions of Article 370 in 2019, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the petitions challenging the reading down of Article 370.
• The hearing is scheduled for July 11.

About Article 370 in J&K:-

• Article 370 of the Indian constitution dealt with the provision of certain special powers to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It grants a ‘temporary’ autonomous status to the state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
• The article was an outcome of Kashmir’s accession to India after the Independence.

Provisions of Article 370:-

• It permitted J&K to draft its own Constitution.
• It further restricted the Indian Parliament’s legislative powers in the state.
• Except for Defense, Foreign Affairs Finance and Communications, the Indian Government was required State Government’s nod to apply all other laws.
• The central govt. had no power to impose financial emergencies in the state.
  • Emergency could be imposed only on the grounds of internal disturbances and imminent danger from a foreign enemy.
• Indian nationals belonging to other states cannot buy land or property in the state of J&K.
• Woman who marries a person belonging to any other state loses her right to ownership.

Background:-

• Post independence: Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) acceded to the Dominion of India by signing the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947 with certain special provisions.
• On the same line, Article 370 was added to the Indian constitution in
  • It was added as a ‘temporary provision’, giving certain exemptions to the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
• These provisions gave the state government control over how it needs to govern the state without worrying about the consent of the central government.

Removal of Article 370

• In accordance with the authority afforded by Clause (1) of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India issued the Constitution (Implementation to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 on August 5, 2019, repealing the special status previously accorded to Jammu and Kashmir.
• Resulting Consequences:-
  • Jammu and Kashmir no longer has its own constitution, flag, or anthem.
  • Its population no longer has dual citizenship as a result of the repeal of Article 370.
  • Jammu and Kashmir now abide by all legislative amendments made by the parliament, including the Right to Information Act and the Right to Education Act.
  • Jammu & Kashmir is fully covered by the Indian Constitution and all 890 Central legislation.

Must Read: Delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3 (Environment)

Context: The Bonn Climate Change Conference was the last big milestone in climate negotiations before the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement at COP28 （Conference of the Parties 28） in Dubai.

About the Global Stocktake:

• Global Stocktake is essentially a periodic review of global climate action which aims to assess whether current efforts will enable us to reach the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. This includes
  • Progress on greenhouse gas reduction,
  • Building resilience to climate impacts, and
  • Securing finance to address the climate crisis.
• The Global Stocktake is mandated under Article 14 (1) of the Paris Agreement to assess collective progress towards long-term global goals.
• This is the first Global Stocktake year since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 and the report has been underway for the past two years.

Key aspects of the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement:

• Assessment of Progress: The primary purpose of the Global Stocktake is to assess collective progress made by countries in achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.
  • This includes evaluating the implementation of countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and assessing the overall effectiveness of global climate actions.
• Review of Mitigation Efforts: The Stocktake examines the mitigation efforts undertaken by countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • It evaluates the adequacy and ambition of these efforts limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Assessment of Adaptation Measures: The Stocktake also considers the progress and effectiveness of adaptation measures implemented by countries to address the impacts of climate change.
  • It assesses the extent to which countries are building resilience and adapting to the changing climate conditions.
• Evaluation of Climate Finance: It examines the mobilization and allocation of financial resources to support climate actions, particularly from developed to developing countries.
  • The Stocktake reviews progress towards the commitment of developed countries to jointly mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing nations.
• Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: The Stocktake reviews the efforts made in technology transfer and capacity-building activities to support developing countries in their climate actions.
  • It assesses the provision of technology, knowledge, and technical assistance to enhance the capabilities of developing nations in implementing climate solutions.
• Transparency and Reporting: Transparency and accountability are integral components of the Stocktake process.
  • The Stocktake ensures that countries provide accurate and reliable information to facilitate an objective assessment of global progress.
• Informing Future Climate Action: It provides guidance for countries to set more ambitious targets in their subsequent rounds of NDCs.
  • The Stocktake also identifies areas where additional efforts and support are required to bridge the emissions gap and accelerate progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.

Challenges in GST Discussions:

• Countries can decide their contribution to climate action, but collective efforts are insufficient, necessitating some imposition.
• Faultline’s arise between developed and developing countries regarding apportioning responsibility.
• Developed countries demand more from major emitters like China and India while developing countries highlight unfulfilled commitments.
• The United States Position: The US states that bridging the gap is not solely the developed countries’ responsibility.
  • It opposes including suggestions of ‘closing of pre-2020 gaps’ in GST decisions.
• India’s Response: India rejects ‘prescriptive messages’ from GST on what the content of a country’s climate action plan, (known as Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) should be.
  • India insists on determining its climate targets in pursuit of national goals and demands the closing of pre-2020 gaps.
• China’s Perspective: China expresses disappointment over the insufficient capture of demands from 134 developing countries regarding pre-2020 gaps in GST discussions so far.
  • It emphasizes the importance of addressing pre-2020 gaps and highlights carbon dioxide emissions generated before 1990.

Suggestive measures: Way Ahead

• Developed countries must honor their commitment to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate finance as agreed upon at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.
• There is a need for improved accounting mechanisms and transparency in climate finance. Focus should be on prioritizing adaptation finance for vulnerable countries.
• Mobilizing public and private finance is crucial, along with facilitating technology transfer.
• Strengthening international cooperation and prioritizing climate finance in global agendas are necessary for effective mobilization.

Thus, to ensure climate finance is in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to involve and hold the World Bank accountable for its investments in fossil fuels. The pursuit of the Global Stocktake, a review mechanism under the Paris Agreement, should prioritize principles of equity, justice, and fairness.

Source:  The Hindu

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance)

Context: In August 2019, Prime Minister launched Har Ghar Jal Mission and promised that rural households would be assured of piped, potable water by 2024.

• Since 2019, about nine crore households have their own exclusive access to piped water. Yet, for all this scale, it is unlikely that all of rural India will be connected by April 2023.

About Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal):

• One of the largest Welfare Programs: According to a statement by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the overall financial commitment for the Jal Jeevan Mission is ₹ 3,600 billion (US$ 43.80 billion), which makes it one of the largest welfare programmes in the world.
• Important Component of Sustainable Development Goals: It is a part of India’s progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
  1. SDGs are a set of global goals announced in 2015 that countries across the world have to work towards to improve peoples’ quality of life and protect the planet.
• According to the Jal Shakti ministry, the Har Ghar Jal program’s components align with the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP) to monitor progress on SDG 6.1 for safely managed drinking water services.

Significances of JJM:

• Improve the quality of life: JJM is a transformative programme that aims to improve the quality of life and socio-economic development of rural India by ensuring a safe and adequate drinking water supply to every household.
  • According to JJM, access to safe drinking water will reduce the burden of water-borne diseases, improve hygiene and sanitation practices, enhance human dignity and empower women and girls.
  • It will also save time and energy spent on fetching water from distant sources, which can be used for productive purposes such as education, employment, agriculture, etc.
• Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): JJM is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, as well as the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) guidelines and the National Water Policy (2012).
  • JJM follows a demand-driven approach that respects the preferences and choices of rural communities.
  • It also adopts a service delivery model that ensures a regular and reliable supply of potable water at adequate quantity and pressure.
• Participatory and inclusive programme: JJM is a participatory and inclusive programme that involves all stakeholders, especially women, children, marginalized groups, etc., in the planning, implementation and management of water supply systems at the village level.
  • JJM promotes community ownership and collective responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the water infrastructure.
  • It also encourages convergence with other schemes and programmes such as Swachh Bharat Mission, MGNREGA, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, etc., for creating synergies and maximizing outcomes.
• Climate-resilient programme: JJM is a climate-resilient programme that addresses the challenges of water scarcity, droughts, floods, contamination, etc., by promoting source sustainability and greywater management measures.
  • JJM emphasizes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, watershed development, water conservation, reuse and recycling of wastewater, etc., to augment and protect water resources.
  • It also supports water quality monitoring and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards.
• Catalytic programme: JJM is a catalytic programme that creates opportunities for livelihoods, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, etc., in the rural water sector.
  • It leverages the potential of local skilled and unskilled workers, self-help groups, village organizations, etc., for providing various services such as plumbing, masonry, electrical works, water testing, etc.
  • It also fosters a culture of innovation and technology adoption by supporting research and development initiatives, start-ups, incubators, etc., in the field of water supply.

Concerns about JJM:

• Lacking Target: Before implementation of this scheme only about 3.2 crore, or about 16% of rural households, were connected with piped, potable water.
  • Today, those figures stand at 64%, a substantial increase but still below the target.
  • It is unlikely that even 75% of households will be connected by this time.
• Unfortunate Incidents: The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war reportedly caused the mission to slow down considerably.
• Data Discrepancy: In recent years, the Jal Shakti Ministry has labelled the plan of providing piped water connections as the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ missions, and has consistently underlined the scale of the exercise.
  • Since 2019, about nine crore households have their own exclusive access to piped water.

Way Forward:

• Need of Reliable Data: The above mentioned data, by no means, is an insignificant achievement, but the challenge is the reliability of these numbers, which need to be rectified.
• Need to Expand its Reach: Few states like Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab achieved 100% compliance. The Centre must put in place a mechanism that discloses the scheme’s performance on the ground in a transparent way and far reaching with each and every corner of India.
• Skilled Manpower: There is a need to skill manpower to make acceptable quality tanks, cisterns and water connections.

JJM is a game-changer for rural water supply in India. It has the potential to improve the health, hygiene and socio-economic status of millions of rural households. It also has the potential to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water, sanitation, health, education, gender equality, etc.

However, JJM also faces several challenges such as behavioural change, institutional coordination, technical complexity, social inclusion, etc. that need to be addressed through collective action and collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders. JJM is not just a government programme. It is a people’s movement. It is a mission for Jal Jeevan.

Source:   The Hindu

Q1) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Parker Solar Probe is launched by European Space Agency.

Statement-II:

Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2022.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-11 is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q2) Consider the following pairs:

1. UNEP: it is the leading global authority on the environment.
2. FAO:   a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
3. WOAH: United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to

Promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

4. WHO: An intergovernmental organization, we focus on transparently disseminating

Information on animal diseases, improving animal health globally.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q3) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Gucchi mushrooms are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Statement-II:

Gucchi mushrooms are found in Jammu and Kashmir.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-11 is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’ 5th July 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – d

Q.3) -d