Question 16: Consider the following statements with respect to Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS):

1. It was at COP 26 of UNFCCC.
2. It will be a part of the India-UK Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure (CDRI).
3. Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure was launched by India at COP21.

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: A

Explanation

Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS)

• PM Modi has launched the IRIS initiative at COP 26, saying ‘it will give a new hope, a new confidence and satisfaction of doing something for the most vulnerable countries facing the biggest threat from climate change.
• Objective: IRIS aims to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in achieving sustainable development with a systematic approach to resilient, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure through technical support, knowledge sharing, partnerships and technical collaborations.
• Need for IRIS: SIDS are the most vulnerable regions to climate change on the earth. Every infrastructure of SIDS is extremely critical to them. Hence, their infrastructure should be climate proofed and resilient to disasters.
• IRIS will be a part of the India-UK Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure (CDRI).
• CDRI was launched by PM Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit & it is an international coalition of countries, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector that aim to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Question 17: Consider the following statements:

1. Vikram-S is a single-stage spin-stabilized solid propellant rocket developed by the startup sky root.
2. Vikram-S is world’s first few all-composite rockets that has 3-D printed solid thrusters for spin stability of the launch vehicle.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

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

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• The launch of Vikram-S (VKS) under Mission Prarambh which marks the entry of the Indian private sector into the space launch market.
• VKS, named after Vikram Sarabhai, is a single-stage spin-stabilized solid propellant rocket developed by the startup sky root.
• It is world’s first few all-composite rockets that has 3-D printed solid thrusters for spin stability of the launch vehicle.
• It can carry 290 kg- 560 kg payloads into sun-synchronous polar orbits.

Question 18: Consider the following statements:

1. Constitution has not prescribed qualifications of members of Election commission of India.
2. The Constitution provides that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in the English language until Parliament by law provides for use of any other language.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

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

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

• Article 348(1) of the Constitution provides that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in the English language until Parliament by law otherwise provides.
• No law has been made in this regard by the Parliament so far.
• Article 348 (2) provides that the Governor of the State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorize the use of the Hindi language or any other language used for any official purpose of the State, in the proceedings of the High Court.
• Constitution has not prescribed qualifications (legal, educational, administrative or judicial) of members of ECI.

Question 19: Consider the following statements:

1. The Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) is the first binding international agreement to specifically target illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
2. India is not a signatory to it.
3. The PSMA applies to fishing vessels seeking entry into a port other than those of their own State.

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 Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) is the first binding international agreement to specifically target illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Its objective is to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by preventing vessels engaged in IUU fishing from using ports and landing their catches.
• The PSMA applies to fishing vessels seeking entry into a port other than those of their own state.
• Drawn up in 2005 and approved by the FAO Conference at its Thirty-sixth Session on 22 November 2009, the Agreement entered into force in June 2016, thirty days after the date of deposit of the 25th instrument of adherence.
• India is not a signatory to it.

Question 20: Consider the following statements with respect to the global partnership on Artificial intelligence:

1. The alliance will look to bridge the gap between theory and practice by supporting advanced research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
2. India is the founding member of GPAI.
3. Its secretariat is hosted at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

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 global partnership on Artificial intelligence-

• June 15, 2020, GPAI is an international and multistakeholder initiative to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence consistent with human rights, fundamental freedoms, and shared democratic values.
• The alliance will look to bridge the gap between theory and practice by supporting advanced research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.
• At present, GPAI has twenty-five member states including the US, the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, etc. India joined the group as a founding member in 2020.
• Membership in GPAI is open to all countries, including emerging and developing countries.
• Its secretariat is hosted at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).