Daily Quiz

Solution (a)
Explanation:
• The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is a target under the Paris Agreement to replace the existing $100 billion annual commitment for climate finance. It aims to support developing nations in reducing emissions, transitioning to clean energy, and addressing climate adaptation and resilience needs. The NCQG must be finalized by 2025, with discussions ongoing regarding its scope and magnitude. (Option (a) is correct)
• The Kyoto Protocol is a global treaty focusing on legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. It emphasizes emission caps and trading mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
• Global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) promotes renewable energy. The NCQG specifically addresses climate finance, not the distribution of renewable energy resources.
• The Montreal Protocol deals with phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as CFCs and HFCs, under the Kigali Amendment.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/cop29-in-crisis-all-countries-reject-climate-finance-draft/article68894408.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• DRDO focuses on the development of defense technologies, including missiles, radars, and electronic warfare systems. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The Geological Survey of India primarily deals with geological studies and mineral exploration. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) is a key centre under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is responsible for remote sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination to various users, and providing applications in areas such as agriculture, water resources, urban planning, and disaster management. The NRSC also plays a crucial role in building ground stations and leveraging GIS-based services for national development. (Option (c) is correct)

• While the MoEFCC utilizes remote sensing data for environmental monitoring and conservation programs, it does not operate the NRSC. It collaborates with ISRO and NRSC for data and insights related to forest cover, biodiversity, and climate change. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.nrsc.gov.in/Aboutus_NRSC & https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/caqms-submissions-in-supreme-court-ignore-increase-in-paddy-burnt-area-in-punjab-haryana/article68895649.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Telangana is home to significant heritage sites like the Ramappa Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Bhadrakali Temple.
• Karnataka is famous for its historical and archaeological sites, such as the Hampi ruins and Badami caves.
• Tamil Nadu is renowned for its ancient temples and cultural heritage, such as the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Mahabalipuram rock-cut caves.
• The Edakkal Caves are located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. These caves are famous for their rock engravings, believed to date back to the Neolithic period (around 6000 BCE). The carvings include images of humans, animals, tools, and symbols, offering insights into the lives of prehistoric communities. (Option (d) is correct)
• The caves are not natural but are formed by a split in a rock due to geological phenomena. The rock carvings are unique in India and provide important clues about Neolithic and Iron Age civilizations in the region.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/prehistoric-rock-cut-footprints-and-human-figure-unearthed-at-kanhirapoil/article68893518.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) was founded in 1895 in London, England, as an international organisation to promote and strengthen the cooperative movement globally. It was established to advocate for the values and principles of cooperatives, providing a platform for cooperative societies worldwide to collaborate. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The ICA was among the few international organisations that continued to function despite the disruptions caused by both World War I and World War II. Its resilience is attributed to its non-political nature and its commitment to the cooperative movement, which transcended national conflicts during the wars. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The ICA established its Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ICA-AP) in New Delhi in 1968. This office supports cooperative development in the Asia-Pacific region, offering technical assistance, advocacy, and training programs to member cooperatives in the region. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-host-global-conference-of-cooperatives-for-the-first-time/article68894786.ece & https://ica.coop/en/history-alliance

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was officially launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2024. It is a flagship initiative of Brazil’s G20 presidency aimed at addressing global hunger and poverty through partnerships involving governments, international organizations, and NGOs. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The Alliance is not limited to governmental contributions. It involves a multistakeholder approach that includes governments, international organizations, financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, and NGOs. Its focus is on partnerships to provide financial support or technical expertise for public policies targeting hunger and poverty eradication. (Statement 2 is incorrect)

• The Alliance does not maintain a dedicated fund. Instead, it serves as a platform to connect countries in need with donors and technical support providers. The operational costs of $2–3 million annually are met through contributions from member countries and institutions like FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: ttps://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-global-alliance-against-hunger-and-poverty-launched-at-brazil-g20-9682533/