Source: Indian Express

Question 13: Consider the following statements:

1. The PIC procedure under Rotterdam Convention is a mechanism for formally obtaining and disseminating the decisions of importing parties on their willingness to receive future shipments of hazardous chemicals.
2. Rotterdam convention is an international treaty designed to facilitate informed decision-making by countries with regard to trade in hazardous chemicals.
3. It creates legally binding obligations for the implementation of the PIC procedure.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

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

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

• The PIC procedure (under Rotterdam Convention) is a mechanism for formally obtaining and disseminating the decisions of importing parties on their willingness to receive future shipments of hazardous chemicals.
• Recommendations were made by the Chemical Review Committee (CRC) for 2 hazardous pesticides, Iprodione and Terbufos.
• Iprodione, a fungicide used on vines, fruits, trees and vegetables.
• Terbufos is a soil insecticide used commonly on sorghum, maize, beet and potatoes.
• In India, the use of these chemicals was permitted by the 2015 Anupam Verma committee report. India is among the largest exporters of Terbufos.
• Rotterdam convention is an international treaty designed to facilitate informed decision-making by countries with regard to trade in hazardous chemicals.
• It creates legally binding obligations for the implementation of the PIC It covers pesticides and industrial chemicals that have been banned or severely restricted for health or environmental reasons by Parties.

Question 14: Consider the following statements:

1. The red panda inhabits coniferous forests as well as temperate broadleaf forests.
2. The red panda feeds only on bamboo shoots and leaves.
3. Bhandhavgarh Tiger reserve is located between Vindhyan and Satpura range.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

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

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• The red panda inhabits coniferous forests as well as temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, favoring steep slopes with dense bamboo cover close to water sources.
• It is solitary and largely arboreal. It feeds mainly on bamboo shoots and leaves, but also on fruits and blossoms.
• The red panda also known as the lesser panda, is a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
• Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve is located between Vindhyan and Satpura range.

Question 15: The Sankhya Sagar Lake, a Ramsar site is located in:

1. Panna National Park
2. Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Kanha Tiger Reserve
4. Madhav National Park

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

• Sankhya Sagar Lake located in Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh has also been included in the newly announced five Ramsar sites in the country on July 26, 2022.
• Madhya Pradesh gets second Ramsar site after two decades. Earlier, Bhopal’s Bada Talab (Bhojtal) has got the status of Ramsar site.

Question 16: Bathukamma, is a flower festival, celebrated predominantly in:

1. Tamil Nādu
2. Telangana
3. Odisha
4. Assam

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

• ‘Bathukamma festival’ Bathukamma is a flower festival celebrated predominantly in Telangana and some parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Festival is celebrated as per the Sata vachana calendar during Navaratri, and it honors the `life-giver’ Bathukamma, with women seeking her blessings for prosperity and a good year.