1. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Q. Consider the following statements:
- The FSSAI is a statutory body established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- The FSSAI functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: FSSAI sends show cause notice to company supplying ghee to Tirupati temple
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the administration of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure food safety.
- The FSSAI was established by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidated all former acts and orders related to food safety that were previously handled by various ministries and departments.
- The following are the statutory powers that the FSS Act, 2006 gives to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Framing of regulations to lay down food safety standards
- Laying down guidelines for accreditation of laboratories for food testing
- Providing scientific advice and technical support to the Central Government
- Contributing to the development of international technical standards in food
- Collecting and collating data regarding food consumption, contamination, emerging risks, etc.
- Disseminating information and promoting awareness about food safety and nutrition in India.
- The FSSAI functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The main aim of FSSAI is to
- Lay down science-based standards for articles on food
- To regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, import, and sale of food
- To facilitate the safety of food
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. Consider the following statements:1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
2. Mission to Venus
Q. Consider the following statements.
- The mission to Venus is India’s first interplanetary mission.
- India is the first country to launch its mission to venus.
- Since Venus is closest to the Sun, it rotates faster on its axis as compared to Earth.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d) None
Explanation:
In NEWS: India to launch its first mission to Venus in 2028: Everything you need to know
- There have been several missions to Venus in the past by the United States, the erstwhile USSR, Japan, and a collaborative mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) with Japan. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The Union Cabinet last week approved India’s first mission to Venus which ISRO aims to launch in March 2028.
- This is the country’s second interplanetary mission after the Mars Orbiter Mission launched in 2013. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- The Venus mission is meant to study the planet from an orbit around it. The mission will carry scientific instruments from India and abroad to examine the surface and sub-surface of Venus, its atmosphere, its ionosphere, and its interaction with the Sun.
Importance to study Venus:
- Venus is often called Earth’s twin because it is similar in mass, density, and size. Therefore, studying Venus may offer scientists clues about the evolution of Earth.
- Notably, Venus is thought to have had water at some point in its history but has now become a dry and dusty planet.
- It has an extremely high surface temperature of around 462 degree Celsius, even hotter than Mercury — the planet that is closest to the Sun. Scientists think this is because of a runaway greenhouse effect.
- It is thought that the water present on the Venusian surface evaporated because of the proximity of the planet to the Sun.
- As water vapour is a greenhouse gas, it led to the planet trapping more heat and further evaporating water from its surface.
- These hot temperatures are the reason why no lander to Venus has survived for more than a couple of hours.
- The atmospheric pressure on Venus is much higher than on Earth. It is almost similar to the pressure felt underneath the oceans on Earth.
- 96.5% of the atmosphere of Venus is made up of carbon dioxide and there are sulphuric acid clouds on the planet.
- Venus rotates very slowly on its axis as compared to Earth. One rotation of Venus lasts around 243 Earth days. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/india-venus-mission-9584146/
3. Mary Poonen Lukose
Q. She was an Indian gynecologist and obstetrician to become the first female Surgeon General of India. She founded a Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Nagercoil and the X-Ray and Radium Institute in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, she served as the head of the Health Department in the Princely State of Travancore and was the first woman legislator of the state. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1975. Who among the following is described above?
- Kadambini Bose Ganguly
- Mary Poonen Lukose
- Muthulakshimi Reddy
- Rukmini Devi Arundale
Answer: (b) Mary Poonen Lukose
Explanation:
In NEWS: Who was Mary Poonen Lukose, Kerala’s first woman doctor & first woman member of legislative council
About Mary Poonen Lukose:
- Mary Poonen Lukose (2 August 1886 – 2 October 1976) was an Indian gynecologist, obstetrician and the first female Surgeon General in India.
- She was the founder of a Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Nagarcoil and the X-Ray and Radium Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, served as the head of the Health Department in the Princely State of Travancore and was the first woman legislator of the state.
- The Government of India awarded her the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri in 1975.
Hence option (b) is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was(a) Aurobindo Ghosh(b) Bipin Chandra Pal(c) Lala Lajpat Rai(d) Motilal Nehru |
4. Ocean Acidification
Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Ocean acidification can corrode coral skeletons and slow the growth of new ones, making reefs more vulnerable to erosion.
Statement-II: Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time, caused primarily by uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-1 is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
Explanation:
In NEWS: World’s oceans near critical acidification level, states report
About Ocean acidification:
- Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean’s pH decreases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
- This process is a global threat to the ocean, estuaries, and waterways, and is projected to worsen as carbon dioxide emissions continue to increase.
Causes
- Ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This acid then breaks down into hydrogen ions, which decrease the pH of the ocean.
Effects:
- Ocean acidification can have a number of negative effects on marine life, including:
- Shellfish: Ocean acidification can make it difficult for shellfish like oysters and clams to build and maintain their shells.
- Coral reefs: Ocean acidification can corrode coral skeletons and slow the growth of new ones, making reefs more vulnerable to erosion.
- Food security: Ocean acidification can threaten food security and harm fishing industries.
Projected effects:
- By 2100, the pH of the ocean is projected to decline further, making the ocean 150% more acidic than it was before the Industrial Revolution.
5. Agrasen ki Baoli
Q. Recently, a major tourist site ‘Agrasen ki Baoli’ is seen in news is a/an
- Temple architecture
- Water reservoir
- Ancient University
- Buddhist stupa
Answer: (b) Water reservoir
Explanation:
In NEWS: Delhi’s ancient stepwell Agrasen ki Baoli witnesses puzzling water level spike
- Agrasen ki Baoli, a historical stepwell and a historical landmark located in the heart of the national capital Delhi, has been grappling with an unusual phenomenon.
- The water level in this historic step well has been steadily rising over the past few years, defying decades of stability.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated early restoration efforts to address the issue. The water level had been remarkably shallow until recently, but has now risen significantly, submerging lower arches.
- The cause of this increase remains a mystery, prompting investigations into potential sources like nearby drainage systems, with the hope to uncover the source of the rising water level and take appropriate measures to preserve this invaluable historical site.
Agrasen ki Baoli:
- Agrasen ki Baoli, a major tourist attraction in Delhi, is protected by The Archaeological Survey of India.
- The structure is believed to have been built sometime during the Mahabharata era.
- The Baoli is an ancient water reservoir that stands 60 mts. long and 15 mts. wide with an assorted mosaic of 103 step stones. Hence option (b) is correct.
- Its serene environment attracts many tourists and photographers. Hidden within the alleys of Central Delhi, the baoli’s unique design makes it perfect for the Instagram capture titled, ‘Exploring India’.
6. National Green Tribunal
Q. With reference to the National Green Tribunal, consider the following statements.
- The Chairperson of the NGT is a retired Judge of the High Court.
- Each bench of the NGT will comprise of at least one judicial member and one expert member.
- The NGT has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental issues.
- The Tribunal shall be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Fresh allegations against top Assam officer, NGT stops road work in Barak Bhuban Sanctuary
The National Green Tribunal:
- The National Green Tribunal has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
- It is a specialised body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
- The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
- The Tribunal’s dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts.
- The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
- Initially, the NGT is proposed to be set up at five places of sittings and will follow circuit procedure for making itself more accessible.
- New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four places of sitting of the Tribunal.
Composition:
- The Tribunal comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members, and Expert Members.
- The Chairperson of the NGT is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- Other judicial members are retired judges of High Courts.
- Each bench of the NGT will comprise of at least one judicial member and one expert member. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Expert members should have a professional qualification and a minimum of 15 years’ experience in the field of environment/forest conservation and related subjects.
Powers:
- The NGT has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental issues and questions that are linked to the implementation of laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- These include the following:
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
- The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
- The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
- The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- NGT has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals as a Court.
- NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same.
https://www.greentribunal.gov.in/about-us
7. Barak Bhuban Sanctuary
Q. In which one of the following States is Barak Bhuban Sanctuary located?
(a) Assam
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland
Answer: (a) Assam
Explanation:
In NEWS: Fresh allegations against top Assam officer, NGT stops road work in Barak Bhuban Sanctuary
About Barak Bhuban Sanctuary:
- Barak Bhuban Sanctuary is situated in the Cachar district of Assam, India. The sanctuary was declared a protected area in 2006.
- It is named after the second-largest river in the northeast and is spread across three districts – Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj.
- It is nestled between the Barak and Sonai rivers.
Geography
- Area: Approximately 5,307 hectares.
- Landscape: Comprises hilly terrains, valleys, and riverine ecosystems, featuring a mix of dense forests and grasslands.
- Climate: Subtropical climate with heavy monsoon rains, contributing to rich biodiversity.
Biodiversity
- Flora: The sanctuary is home to a variety of tree species including Sal, Teak, and various bamboo species.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Rich in both flora and fauna.
- Mammals: Includes elephants, tigers, leopards, and several deer species.
- Birds: A variety of migratory and resident birds, making it an important site for ornithologists.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Diverse species inhabit the area.
Conservation Significance
- Ecosystem Services: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities.
- Threats:
- Deforestation: Encroachment and illegal logging threaten the habitat.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Growing human population leads to increased encounters between wildlife and humans.
| PYQ REFERENCE:Q. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?(a) Arunachal Pradesh(b) Manipur(c) Meghalaya(d) Nagaland |
8. Fjord
Q. Consider the following statements.
- A fjord is a standing wave that oscillates back and forth in a partially or fully enclosed body of water, such as a lake, bay, or reservoir.
- A seiche is a long, narrow, and deep inlet of water that extends far inland and is usually found in a U-shaped valley.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
In NEWS: Massive Greenland landslide sent seismic waves around earth for nine days
- For more than nine days, the waves in the Dickson Fjord kept up their dance, moving from side to side around 10,000 times
A fjord:
- A fjord is a geological structure created when glaciers erode a valley below sea level and the sea water floods it. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- They frequently feature U-shaped channels that stretch well inland, surrounded by high cliffs or hills.
- A series of events, starting with the collapse of Hvide Stovhorn peak, located approximately 1.2 km from the fjord, culminated in a mega-tsunami. The rockslide rolling down gained momentum and shattered the glacier, resulting in a rock-ice avalanche.
- According to the authors, the avalanche triggered a submarine landslide. Roughly 25 million cubic metres of ice and rock, enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, splashed into the fjord, displacing the water enough to give rise to a 200-metre-high mega-tsunami, nearly three times the height of the iconic Srirangam Temple in Tamil Nadu.
Sloshing waves
- The mega-tsunami did not kill anyone but it damaged an unstaffed research facility on the island of Ella, some 72 km away, as well as monuments of cultural and archaeological importance in the area.
- A tsunami’s waves in an ocean would have spread and dispersed. But in the 540-metre-deep and 2.7-km-wide fjord, the waves were reflected back and forth by the opposing banks. The rebounding waves reached a height of almost 110 metres.
- This back-and-forth sloshing in the fjord is called a seiche. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- About five minutes after the material plunged into the water, the waves settled slowly into a seiche with a maximum amplitude of 7.4 m and a dominant frequency of 11.45 MHz, oscillating every 90 seconds.
9. Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003
Q. With reference to Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, Consider the following statements.
- The COTPA aims to protect children and teenagers from becoming addicted to tobacco.
- According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, about 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India use tobacco.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, about 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India use tobacco.
- Even more concerning, over 5,500 children start using tobacco every day, and 55% of people who use tobacco for their whole lives start before the age of 20.
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003:
- It aims to protect children and teenagers from becoming addicted to tobacco.
- In response to the increasing use of tobacco among young people, India’s Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have issued important guidelines to make educational institutions tobacco-free.
Objectives of the ToFEI Manual:
- Raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco on health among students, teachers, and staff.
- Provide information on how to quit tobacco use.
- Create a healthy, tobacco-free environment in schools and colleges.
Collaborative Efforts:
- To make this plan successful, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will work together with officials in states and districts.
- This joint effort will help reduce tobacco use among young people and protect public health.
Source: https://www.gktoday.in/cigarettes-and-other-tobacco-products-act-cotpa-2003-recent-updates/
10. Which one of the following is an artificial lake? UPSC PYQ 2018
(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
(b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
(c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)
(d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
Answer: (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)