Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

As a protocol to the Vienna Convention (first inter-national agreement to protect the ozone layer,) Montreal Protocol deals with the substances that deplete the Ozone Layer (ozone-depleting substance-ODS). The Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of the different ODS in a step-wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing countries (referred to as "Article 5 countries"). The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty de-signed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion. Finalized in 1987, it has been hailed as one of the most successful environmental agreements, achieving universal ratification and significantly reducing the presence of ozone-deplet-ing substances (ODS) in the atmosphere.

Explanation

Rio+20 is the short name for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012 i.e. twenty years after the land-mark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. At the Rio+20 Conference, world leaders, along with thousands of participants from the private sector, NGOs and other groups, came together to shape how we can reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded planet. In Rio, Member States agreed to initiate a process to create a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that would build on the Millennium Development Goals and align with the post-2015 development agenda. The conference also endorsed pioneering guidelines for green economy policies. Additionally, governments decided to establish an intergovernmental process under the General Assembly to explore strategies for financing sustainable development.

Explanation

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). It is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials. The committee oversees the use, import, and export of genetically modified organisms and crops, ensuring they comply with environmental safety standards.

Explanation

BirdLife International is a global partnership of conservation organizations dedicated to the protection of birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity. Established in 1922 as the International Council for Bird Preservation, it has evolved into a worldwide network operating in over 100 countries.

Statement 1 is correct: BirdLife International functions as a global alliance of non-governmental organizations focused on bird conservation. Each partner represents a specific coun-try or territory, working collaboratively to achieve shared conservation goals.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The term "biodiversity hotspots" was introduced by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988 to identify regions with significant levels of biodiversity under threat from human activities. This concept was later adopted and promoted by organizations such as Conservation International. It did not originate from BirdLife International.

Statement 3 is correct: BirdLife International is responsible for identifying and documenting Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). These sites are recognized for their critical importance to bird conservation and biodiversity. To date, over 13,000 IBAs have been identified worldwide, serving as a foundation for conservation planning and action.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: IUCN is an NGO, founded in October 1948 as the International Union for the Protection of Nature (or IUPN) following an international conference in Fon-tainebleau, France. Later the name was changed to International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). CITES is an international agreement between governments, aiming to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is located at Geneva, Switzerland.

Statement 2 is correct: IUCN supports scientific research, manages field projects globally and brings governments, non-government organisations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy.

Statement 3 is correct: CITES is legally binding on its Parties but it does not replace national legislation. It provides a framework that each Party must implement through its own domestic laws to ensure the Convention’s provisions are enforced at the national level.

Explanation

As the world’s largest climate fund, GCF accelerates transformative climate action in developing countries through a country-owned partnership approach and use of flexible financing solutions and climate investment expertise.

Statement 1 is correct: Green Climate Fund aims to make an ambitious contribution to attaining the mitigation and adaptation goals of the international community to counter climate change. The Fund allocates its resources to low-emission and climate-resilient projects and programmes in developing countries.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The GCF was established in 2010 by 194 countries party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as an operating entity of the Convention’s financial mechanism. It is not founded under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), or the World Bank.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: According to Article 109 of the Constitution of India Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject the Money Bill.The Rajya Sabha can keep the Money Bill for a maximum period of 14 days. It should return the bill with or without recommendation to Lok Sabha and after which Lok Sabha may accept or reject recommendation.

Statement 2 is correct: The Demands for Grants (which are the detailed estimates of expenditure) are voted in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to vote on these demands, although it can discuss them. According to Article 113 of the Constitution, only the Lok Sabha has the power to approve or reject the Demands for Grants. No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Rajya Sabha enjoys equal status with the Lok Sabha on the matter of discussion of Annual Financial Statement (Article 112). While the Rajya Sabha can discuss the budget, it cannot vote on it or pass it. The Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha can either accept or reject. The main power to approve the budget lies with the Lok Sabha.

Explanation

As per Article 108. The President of India can call for a joint sitting if the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha disagree on a bill). In the case of a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, the bill is required to be passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting. It is extraordinary machinery provided by the Constitution to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses over the passage of a bill:-

1. If the bill is rejected by the other House;

2. If the Houses have finally disagreed as to the amendments to be made in the bill; or

3. If more than six months have elapsed from the date of the receipt of the bill by the other House without the bill being passed by it.

Explanation

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is granted to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation linked to that location. Banaras Brocades and Sarees (GI Tag - 2009): Famous for intricate Zari and silk weaving, these sarees are handwoven in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Tirupati Laddu (GI Tag - 2009): This prasadam from the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh is known for its unique recipe and religious significance. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma is incorrect: It is a traditional Rajasthani dish but has not been granted a GI tag.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen (H₂) reacts with oxygen (O₂) from the air in an electrochemical reaction. This process generates electricity along with water (H₂O) and heat as by-products. Since no harmful emissions are released, this is considered a clean energy technology.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Fuel cells are highly adaptable and can be designed for various applications, ranging from powering large buildings and vehicles to smaller portable devices such as laptops. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are particularly suitable for portable devices due to their compact size and efficiency.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Fuel cells generate electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC). However, many applications require Alternating Current (AC) to operate and thus an inverter is typically used to convert the DC produced by the fuel cell into AC.