Daily Quiz

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initially set a target of reducing PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 20–30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. In subsequent updates, the target was increased to a 40% reduction. The programme focuses on combating air pollution across cities with persistently high pollution levels.
• NCAP does not target all cities in India. It focuses on non-attainment cities, which are urban areas that have not met the prescribed national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). As of recent updates, 131 cities have been identified as non-attainment cities. While the programme is time-bound, its scope is not universal across all Indian cities. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• NCAP adopts a multi-sectoral approach, addressing sources of pollution from various sectors, including transport, energy, urban planning, industries, and agriculture. It involves coordination among multiple stakeholders, including state governments, urban local bodies, and industry regulators, to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

• The MoEFCC is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing the NCAP. The ministry works in collaboration with other departments, state governments, and urban local bodies to achieve the programme’s objectives.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/clearing-the-air-on-delhis-pollution-crisis/article68889680.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The National Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Common NCDs (NMAP) was developed for the period 2017–2022 as a blueprint to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in India. It provides a clear roadmap for multisectoral coordination, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The NMAP adopts a multisectoral approach, recognizing that NCD prevention and control require action beyond the health sector. It involves collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including agriculture, education, finance, urban planning, and trade sectors. This approach emphasizes addressing the social determinants of health alongside traditional health-sector interventions​. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• A key strategic objective of the NMAP is to establish multisectoral collaboration and promote the integration of “Health in All Policies.” This approach ensures that public policies in all sectors contribute to better health outcomes by addressing behavioral and environmental risk factors associated with NCDs​. (Option (c) is correct)
• While these four NCDs are a significant focus, the NMAP also addresses the broader risk factors and determinants of health, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and environmental pollution. Its scope is not limited to only four NCDs​. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/National%20Multisectoral%20Action%20Plan%20%28NMAP%29%20for%20Prevention%20and%20Control%20of%20Common%20NCDs%20%282017-22%29_1.pdf & https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/should-packaged-food-content-be-labelled-explained/article68891204.ece#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%2C%20Dr.%20Gupta,decreased%20after%20such%20mandatory%20labelling.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• CARICOM, or the Caribbean Community and Common Market, is a regional organization established in 1973 to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states, primarily in the Caribbean region.
• It also works on policies to improve health, education, and sustainable development in the region. The organization consists of 15 full members, including countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.
• CARICOM has been in the news for its efforts on climate change, economic challenges, and discussions on global trade agreements. (Option (a) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-proposes-7-key-pillars-to-strengthen-ties-between-india-caricom/article68891462.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The State of the World’s Children 2024 (SOWC-2024) report is published by UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), not the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). The report focuses on children’s well-being globally, examining various challenges including climate and environmental crises, demographic changes, and frontier technologies. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• The report highlights that climate destabilisation, along with biodiversity collapse and widespread pollution, is intensifying globally. It underscores that nearly one billion children — about half the world’s child population — live in countries facing high risks from climate and environmental hazards. This finding aligns with broader global concerns about environmental crises and their disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, including children. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The SOWC-2024 report evaluates the impacts of three long-term global forces:
  • Demographic shifts, such as aging populations and migration trends.
  • Climate and environmental crises, including extreme weather events and pollution.
  • Frontier technologies, like artificial intelligence and digital connectivity.
• The report projects how these forces will shape children’s lives globally between now and 2050, emphasizing the importance of policy interventions to secure their future well-being. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/childrens-wellbeing-under-threat-in-2050-warns-unicef/article68888766.ece#:~:text=The%20world%20is%20facing%20an,Wednesday%2C%20November%2020%2C%202024.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, Prison Statistics India 2022, 4,34,302 out of 5,73,220 prisoners in Indian prisons are undertrials. This accounts for 75.8% of the total prison population, highlighting a significant issue with the backlog in the judicial process and prolonged detentions. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The report notes that 76.33% of women in prisons are undertrials (18,146 out of 23,772 women). This figure is consistent with the overall undertrial rate in India, disproving the claim that only 35% of women prisoners are undertrials. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The right to a speedy trial is part of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures the right to life and personal liberty. The judiciary, through landmark judgments such as Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979), has upheld the right to a speedy and fair trial for undertrials to prevent prolonged incarceration without conviction. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/indias-undertrial-prisoners-9680578/#:~:text=India's%20undertrial%20prisoners-,According%20to%20the%20National%20Crime%20Records%20Bureau's%20report%20Prison%20Statistics,of%20all%20prisoners%20in%20India.