Answer: B
Explanation
About INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services)
● Statement 1 is incorrect: INCOIS was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under
the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science
Organisation (ESSO).
○ Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) was set up in October 2007 as an
executive arm to implement policies and programmes of the Ministry of Earth
sciences.
○ It deals with four branches of earth sciences, viz. (i) Ocean Science & Technology (ii)
Atmospheric and Climate Science (iii) Geoscience and (iv) Polar Science and
Cryosphere.
Functions and Responsibilities of INCOIS
● Provides round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for the coastal population on
tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc.
● Provides daily advisories to fisher folk to help them easily locate areas of abundant fish in
the ocean while saving on both fuel and time used to search for the same.
● Short term (3-7 days) Ocean State Forecasts (waves, currents, sea surface temperature,
etc.) are issued daily to fisher folk, the shipping industry, the oil and natural gas industry,
the Navy, the Coast Guard, etc. These forecasts inform users about the expected sea
conditions during the next few days and help them to plan their activities at sea.
● Training and capacity building for students, young researchers in India and Indian
Ocean Rim Countries through short and long duration training courses.
Why in the News?
● Statement 2 is correct: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS) forecasted that high sea waves, also known as swell waves, might hit the coastal
areas of Goa, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep,
Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
What are Swell Waves?
● The waves that are formed, not due to the local winds, but rather due to distant storms
like hurricanes, or even long periods of fierce gale winds are called Swell waves.
○ A gale is a strong, sustained wind with wind speeds between 62 km/h to 74 km/h
● During such storms, huge energy transfer takes place from the air into the water, leading
to the formation of very high waves.
● Such waves can travel thousands of kilometres from the storm centre until they strike
shore.
What is the difference between swell waves and tsunamis?
● Unlike swell waves, a tsunami is a series of enormous waves created by an underwater
disturbance usually associated with earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean.
● Tsunamis are around 10 times faster than swell waves.
● Although both swell waves and tsunamis slow down near the coast, the swell waves hit
land at 30–50 km/h.
Explanation
About INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services)
● Statement 1 is incorrect: INCOIS was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under
the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science
Organisation (ESSO).
○ Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) was set up in October 2007 as an
executive arm to implement policies and programmes of the Ministry of Earth
sciences.
○ It deals with four branches of earth sciences, viz. (i) Ocean Science & Technology (ii)
Atmospheric and Climate Science (iii) Geoscience and (iv) Polar Science and
Cryosphere.
Functions and Responsibilities of INCOIS
● Provides round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for the coastal population on
tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc.
● Provides daily advisories to fisher folk to help them easily locate areas of abundant fish in
the ocean while saving on both fuel and time used to search for the same.
● Short term (3-7 days) Ocean State Forecasts (waves, currents, sea surface temperature,
etc.) are issued daily to fisher folk, the shipping industry, the oil and natural gas industry,
the Navy, the Coast Guard, etc. These forecasts inform users about the expected sea
conditions during the next few days and help them to plan their activities at sea.
● Training and capacity building for students, young researchers in India and Indian
Ocean Rim Countries through short and long duration training courses.
Why in the News?
● Statement 2 is correct: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS) forecasted that high sea waves, also known as swell waves, might hit the coastal
areas of Goa, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep,
Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
What are Swell Waves?
● The waves that are formed, not due to the local winds, but rather due to distant storms
like hurricanes, or even long periods of fierce gale winds are called Swell waves.
○ A gale is a strong, sustained wind with wind speeds between 62 km/h to 74 km/h
● During such storms, huge energy transfer takes place from the air into the water, leading
to the formation of very high waves.
● Such waves can travel thousands of kilometres from the storm centre until they strike
shore.
What is the difference between swell waves and tsunamis?
● Unlike swell waves, a tsunami is a series of enormous waves created by an underwater
disturbance usually associated with earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean.
● Tsunamis are around 10 times faster than swell waves.
● Although both swell waves and tsunamis slow down near the coast, the swell waves hit
land at 30–50 km/h.
4. Catatumbo lightning is a natural phenomenon characterized by:
Answer: D
Explanation
● Catatumbo lightning is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that occurs over the Catatumbo
River in Venezuela, where lightning strikes almost continuously.
● This phenomenon primarily happens at the mouth of the Catatumbo River, where it
meets Lake Maracaibo, the largest lake in Venezuela.
● Catatumbo lightning is distinguished by its frequency and duration: the strikes occur for up
to 160 nights in a year, with an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute at its peak.
● The area has earned the title of “the lightning capital of the world”.
Cause of the phenomenon
● Warm, moist air from the Caribbean Sea is pushed towards the Andes mountains, where
it collides with cooler air descending from the peaks.
● This collision creates a perfect storm of sorts, as the warmer air is forced to rise rapidly by
the shape of the local landscape. And as it does, it cools and condenses, forming towering
cumulonimbus clouds.
● Meanwhile, the combination of strong winds and temperature differentials generates
electrical charges within these clouds. The cumulonimbus clouds — sometimes reaching
heights of more than 5 km — load up on static electricity.
● When the electrical potential within the clouds becomes too great, it discharges in the form
of lightning.
Explanation
● Catatumbo lightning is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that occurs over the Catatumbo
River in Venezuela, where lightning strikes almost continuously.
● This phenomenon primarily happens at the mouth of the Catatumbo River, where it
meets Lake Maracaibo, the largest lake in Venezuela.
● Catatumbo lightning is distinguished by its frequency and duration: the strikes occur for up
to 160 nights in a year, with an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute at its peak.
● The area has earned the title of “the lightning capital of the world”.
Cause of the phenomenon
● Warm, moist air from the Caribbean Sea is pushed towards the Andes mountains, where
it collides with cooler air descending from the peaks.
● This collision creates a perfect storm of sorts, as the warmer air is forced to rise rapidly by
the shape of the local landscape. And as it does, it cools and condenses, forming towering
cumulonimbus clouds.
● Meanwhile, the combination of strong winds and temperature differentials generates
electrical charges within these clouds. The cumulonimbus clouds — sometimes reaching
heights of more than 5 km — load up on static electricity.
● When the electrical potential within the clouds becomes too great, it discharges in the form
of lightning.
5. The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve comprises which of the following two protected areas?
Answer: C
Explanation
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
● Location: Sahyadri ranges of Western Ghats. It straddles Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and
Ratnagiri districts in western Maharashtra.
● Established in: January 2010.
● It comprises Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence option C is
correct.
● Habitat attributes: The habitat of Sahyadri is composed of woodlands, grasslands and
plateau. The grasslands and plateau is locally referred to as “Sadaa”, which are lateritic in
nature.
● Fauna: The Tiger Reserve is the home to Tiger, Wild dog,Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Four
Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer and Giant Squirrel. The habitat also supports Hornbills, and
many other endemic Birds.
● The tiger population in the region has been historically low due to poaching, poor prey
base, and changing habitat. Even after the reserve was notified, the number of tigers did
not increase as breeding tigers did not colonize the reserve.
Explanation
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
● Location: Sahyadri ranges of Western Ghats. It straddles Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and
Ratnagiri districts in western Maharashtra.
● Established in: January 2010.
● It comprises Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence option C is
correct.
● Habitat attributes: The habitat of Sahyadri is composed of woodlands, grasslands and
plateau. The grasslands and plateau is locally referred to as “Sadaa”, which are lateritic in
nature.
● Fauna: The Tiger Reserve is the home to Tiger, Wild dog,Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Four
Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer and Giant Squirrel. The habitat also supports Hornbills, and
many other endemic Birds.
● The tiger population in the region has been historically low due to poaching, poor prey
base, and changing habitat. Even after the reserve was notified, the number of tigers did
not increase as breeding tigers did not colonize the reserve.
1. Consider the following statements about Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
1) The Prime Minister is the Chairman of DAC.
2) It is the highest decision-making body in the defense ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions
1) The Prime Minister is the Chairman of DAC.
2) It is the highest decision-making body in the defense ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
5%
A. 1 only
56%
B. 2 only
33%
C. Both 1 and 2
6%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
Explanation
● Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is constituted under the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
for overall guidance of the defence procurement planning process.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Defence Minister is the Chairman of DAC. Its members
include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Chiefs of triservices.
● Statement 2 is correct: The DAC is the highest decision-making body in the defence
ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services and the Indian Coast Guard.
● The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved
requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame
prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Explanation
● Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is constituted under the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
for overall guidance of the defence procurement planning process.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Defence Minister is the Chairman of DAC. Its members
include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Chiefs of triservices.
● Statement 2 is correct: The DAC is the highest decision-making body in the defence
ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services and the Indian Coast Guard.
● The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved
requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame
prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
2. Which of the following has/have been included under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer?
1. Chlorofluorocarbons
2. Halons
3. Hydrofluorocarbons
1. Chlorofluorocarbons
2. Halons
3. Hydrofluorocarbons
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Anonymous Quiz
18%
A. 1 and 2 only
13%
B. 1 only
34%
C. 1 and 3 only
35%
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation
● The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international
environmental treaty that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100
man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS) including
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Hence,
all the options are correct.
● The stratospheric ozone layer protects humans and the environment from harmful
levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The widespread use of ODS had caused a
hole in the Ozone layer of the atmosphere, which allowed some harmful radiation to reach
the earth. These radiations were considered potential health hazards.
● Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol is the only UN treaty that has been ratified by
every country.
● Under this treaty, all parties have specific responsibilities related to the phase out of the
different groups of ODS, control of ODS trade, annual reporting of data, national licensing
systems to control ODS imports and exports, and other matters.
● Developing and developed countries have equal but differentiated responsibilities along
with binding, time-targeted and measurable commitments.
● The Montreal Protocol has been a far more effective and successful agreement than the
climate change instruments. It has already resulted in the phase-out of nearly 99% of
ozone-depleting substances.
About Hydrofluorocarbons
● Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of industrial chemicals primarily used for cooling
and refrigeration.
● HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases and a substantial number are short-lived climate
pollutants with a lifetime of between 15 and 29 years in the atmosphere.
● HFCs are widespread in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams and other
products.
● HFCs were introduced as non-ozone depleting alternatives to support the timely phase out
of CFCs and HCFCs under Montreal Protocol.
● While these chemicals do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, HFCs were found to be
extremely potent in causing global warming. Some of them have high Global Warming
Potentials (GWPs) ranging from 12 to 14,000.
● So, the HFCs solved one problem, but were contributing in a major way to another. But these
could not be eliminated under the original provisions of Montreal Protocol which was meant
to phase-out ozone-destroying chemicals only. The Kigali Amendment enabled the Montreal
Protocol to mandate the elimination of HFCs as well.
Kigali Agreement
● The Parties to the Montreal Protocol reached an agreement at their 28th Meeting of the
Parties in 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda. The Agreement particularly aims at phasing out the
production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons which were first introduced as a
substitute to ODSs namely CFCs and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFCs.
● Parties to the agreement agreed to curtail the use of HFC by at least 85 per cent before the
middle of this century. Countries have different timelines to do this. India has to achieve this target by 2047 while the developed countries have to do it by 2036. China and some
other countries have a target of 2045.
● The agreement came into force on 1st January 2019 and has been ratified by more than 130
countries (including India) so far.
● Kigali Agreement legally binds the signatory countries with non-compliance measures.
Explanation
● The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international
environmental treaty that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100
man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS) including
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Hence,
all the options are correct.
● The stratospheric ozone layer protects humans and the environment from harmful
levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The widespread use of ODS had caused a
hole in the Ozone layer of the atmosphere, which allowed some harmful radiation to reach
the earth. These radiations were considered potential health hazards.
● Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol is the only UN treaty that has been ratified by
every country.
● Under this treaty, all parties have specific responsibilities related to the phase out of the
different groups of ODS, control of ODS trade, annual reporting of data, national licensing
systems to control ODS imports and exports, and other matters.
● Developing and developed countries have equal but differentiated responsibilities along
with binding, time-targeted and measurable commitments.
● The Montreal Protocol has been a far more effective and successful agreement than the
climate change instruments. It has already resulted in the phase-out of nearly 99% of
ozone-depleting substances.
About Hydrofluorocarbons
● Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of industrial chemicals primarily used for cooling
and refrigeration.
● HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases and a substantial number are short-lived climate
pollutants with a lifetime of between 15 and 29 years in the atmosphere.
● HFCs are widespread in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams and other
products.
● HFCs were introduced as non-ozone depleting alternatives to support the timely phase out
of CFCs and HCFCs under Montreal Protocol.
● While these chemicals do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, HFCs were found to be
extremely potent in causing global warming. Some of them have high Global Warming
Potentials (GWPs) ranging from 12 to 14,000.
● So, the HFCs solved one problem, but were contributing in a major way to another. But these
could not be eliminated under the original provisions of Montreal Protocol which was meant
to phase-out ozone-destroying chemicals only. The Kigali Amendment enabled the Montreal
Protocol to mandate the elimination of HFCs as well.
Kigali Agreement
● The Parties to the Montreal Protocol reached an agreement at their 28th Meeting of the
Parties in 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda. The Agreement particularly aims at phasing out the
production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons which were first introduced as a
substitute to ODSs namely CFCs and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFCs.
● Parties to the agreement agreed to curtail the use of HFC by at least 85 per cent before the
middle of this century. Countries have different timelines to do this. India has to achieve this target by 2047 while the developed countries have to do it by 2036. China and some
other countries have a target of 2045.
● The agreement came into force on 1st January 2019 and has been ratified by more than 130
countries (including India) so far.
● Kigali Agreement legally binds the signatory countries with non-compliance measures.
choose the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
29%
A. Providing insurance to farmers against crop failures.
15%
B. Financing the development of cold storage facilities in rural areas.
49%
C. Supporting startups and enterprises in the agriculture sector.
7%
D. Subsidizing the cost of fertilizers for small farmers.
Answer: C
Explanation
● The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development has launched the
AgriSURE Scheme, an innovative fund which is a pioneering step toward
revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in India. Hence, option C is correct.
● With a focus on technology-driven, high-risk, high-impact ventures, AgriSURE is designed
to fuel growth and foster innovation in the agricultural and rural start-up ecosystem.
● A Blended capital fund of ₹750 crore with SEBI Registered Category II, Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF), contributions from the Government of India is ₹250 crore, NABARD is ₹250 crore, and ₹250 crore is being mobilized from banks, insurance companies, and private investors.
● With the introduction of the AgriSURE fund, the government aims to further drive investments in the agriculture sector that will empower farmers and boost the rural
economy through accelerating accessible and affordable innovative solutions.
Explanation
● The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development has launched the
AgriSURE Scheme, an innovative fund which is a pioneering step toward
revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in India. Hence, option C is correct.
● With a focus on technology-driven, high-risk, high-impact ventures, AgriSURE is designed
to fuel growth and foster innovation in the agricultural and rural start-up ecosystem.
● A Blended capital fund of ₹750 crore with SEBI Registered Category II, Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF), contributions from the Government of India is ₹250 crore, NABARD is ₹250 crore, and ₹250 crore is being mobilized from banks, insurance companies, and private investors.
● With the introduction of the AgriSURE fund, the government aims to further drive investments in the agriculture sector that will empower farmers and boost the rural
economy through accelerating accessible and affordable innovative solutions.
4. Which organization is responsible for the establishment and management of Krishi Vigyan
Kendras (KVKs) in India?
Kendras (KVKs) in India?
Answer: A
Explanation
● Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are agricultural extension centers in India that play a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge, innovations, and technologies to farmers.
● Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is responsible for the establishment and management of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in India. Hence, option A is correct.
Explanation
● Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are agricultural extension centers in India that play a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge, innovations, and technologies to farmers.
● Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is responsible for the establishment and management of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in India. Hence, option A is correct.
5. Consider the following statements about Turmeric.
1) It is native to Africa.
2) India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world.
1) It is native to Africa.
2) India is the largest producer of turmeric in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
9%
A. 1 only
65%
B. 2 only
22%
C. Both 1 and 2
4%
D. Neither 1 nor 2