1. ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’, which was in news recently aims to achieve which of the following?
[A] To produce clean and renewable electricity using oceans
[B] To preserve world’s coral reefs and associated ecosystems
[C] To clean sea shores of plastic & other waste material
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [To clean sea shores of plastic & other waste material]
Notes:- National Cadet Corps (NCC) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle the issue of plastic pollution and achieve the universal goal of clean water bodies through ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ and ‘Tide Turners Plastic Challenge programme’.
- The NCC had, on December 01, 2021, launched ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’, a nationwide flagship campaign, initially for one month, to clean sea shores of plastic & other waste material, while raising awareness about the importance of cleanliness. It was subsequently extended as a Pan-India round-the-year campaign to cover rivers and other water bodies as well.
2. Which of the following pesticides/insecticides have been recommended for “prior informed consent” procedure under the Rotterdam Convention?
- Iprodione
- Terbufos
- Paraquat
- Methyl bromide
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:- International trade of two new hazardous pesticides, Iprodione and Terbufos has been recommended for “prior informed consent” (PIC) procedure under the Rotterdam Convention. The chemicals are dangerous for humans and aquatic animals.
- The PIC procedure is a mechanism for formally obtaining and disseminating the decisions of importing parties on their willingness to receive future shipments of hazardous chemicals.
- In India, the use of these chemicals was permitted by the 2015 Anupam Verma committee report. The country is among the largest exporters of Terbufos.
- Iprodione, a fungicide used on vines, fruits, trees and vegetables, has been classified as carcinogenic and toxic for reproduction.
- Terbufos is a soil insecticide used commonly on sorghum, maize, beet and potatoes. It has also been found to pose risk to aquatic organisms due to its toxicity.
- Both the pesticides, which are used in agriculture, are known for their harmful impacts on human health and the environment.
- Chemical Review Committee (CRC 18) has also recommended two other pesticides, paraquat and methyl bromide, to be listed in Annex III.
- Annex III includes pesticides and industrial chemicals that have been banned or severely restricted for health or environmental reasons by two or more parties.
3. With reference to the National Cadet Corps (NCC), consider the following statements:
- It was formed in 1948 under the National Cadet Corps Act, 1948 on the recommendation of Venkat Rao.
- Defence Ministry deals with NCC at the National & State level.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:- National Cadet Corps (NCC) is a Tri-Services Organization, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, engaged in grooming the youth into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
- The NCC was formed in 1948 under the National Cadet Corps Act, 1948 on the recommendation of N. Kunzru Committee.
- It is a voluntary organization which recruits cadets from high schools, colleges and universities all over India.
- Defence Ministry deals with NCC at the National level. Education Ministry deals with NCC in all States.
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