Daily Current Affairs MCQ: 4th July 2024 - UPSC MCQ

1. Correct: Senna spectabilis is indeed categorized as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List. This means it is not currently at risk of extinction.

2. Incorrect: The dense foliage of Senna spectabilis actually impedes the growth of native trees and grass species, leading to food scarcity for wildlife, particularly herbivores. It has a detrimental impact on the germination and growth of native species, rather than promoting them.

3. Incorrect: Senna spectabilis was initially introduced in India as shade trees for coffee plantations and as a source of firewood, not as ornamental plants for gardens.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

1. Shimla: Lowest pollution-related mortality burden - Correct. Shimla experiences the lowest pollution-related mortality burden, with 59 deaths per year, which is 3.7% of total deaths.

2. Delhi: PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO safe limit on 99.8% of days - Correct. PM2.5 levels in Delhi and other cities exceed the WHO's safe limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter on 99.8% of days.

3. National Clean Air Programme: Launched in January 2021 - Incorrect. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in January 2019.

4. PRANA Portal: Oversees implementation of NCAP - Correct. The PRANA Portal was introduced to oversee the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, and pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

1. Senna spectabilis: Indigenous to South and Central America - Correct. - Senna spectabilis is indeed indigenous to South and Central America.

2. Spiral Galaxy: Characterized by a central bulge, disk, spiral arms, and halo - Correct. - Spiral galaxies are characterized by these components: a central bulge, a disk, spiral arms, and a halo.

3. PM2.5: Particulate matter with diameters equal to or less than 10 microns - Incorrect. - PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with diameters equal to or less than 2.5 microns, not 10 microns.

4. James Webb Space Telescope: Launched in 2021 - Correct. - The James Webb Space Telescope was indeed launched in December 2021.

Thus, pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, while pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

Statement-I: Senna spectabilis is indeed a deciduous tree native to tropical regions of America and is categorized as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List, as mentioned in the source material.

Statement-II: The definition of invasive species aligns with the provided information about Senna spectabilis being invasive in new environments, causing harm to native species. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but provides related information.

Therefore, both statements are factually correct, but there is no direct explanatory relationship between them, leading to Option B being the correct answer.

Statement I accurately reflects the findings of a study regarding the impact of air pollution on daily fatalities in major Indian cities and the association with elevated PM2.5 levels. Statement II correctly mentions the WHO's updated air quality guidelines in 2021, which recommend lower thresholds for pollutants like PM2.5. However, Statement I and Statement II do not directly explain or relate to each other, hence the correct answer is option B.

The approval for the removal of Senna spectabilis in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is primarily to control the invasive nature of the species. Senna spectabilis, recognized for its vibrant yellow flowers, poses a threat to native tree species due to its rapid growth and dense foliage, leading to food scarcity for wildlife, particularly herbivores. Removing it is crucial to safeguard the biodiversity of the reserve by curbing the detrimental impact of this invasive species on the ecosystem.

- Statement 1 is correct. The proposed PLI scheme indeed aims to promote the recycling of critical minerals, which reduces India's dependency on virgin ores and new mines. This initiative is aligned with the goal of enhancing the circular economy and ensuring a steady domestic supply of these essential minerals.
- Statement 2 is correct. The Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) of 2022 include provisions for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring that producers are accountable for the environmentally sound management of waste batteries. This regulation is part of the broader framework aimed at promoting critical mineral recycling.
- Statement 3 is incorrect. The NITI Aayog has been involved in recommending policies related to critical mineral recycling. The proposed PLI scheme aligns with recommendations from NITI Aayog to support the recovery and reuse of critical minerals from e-waste.
Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

The main objective of the proposed PLI scheme by the Ministry of Mines is to promote the recycling of critical minerals in India. This initiative aims to boost the circular economy by incentivizing the recycling of essential minerals like Lithium, Copper, and Graphite, which are crucial for clean energy technologies and consumer electronics. By focusing on critical mineral recycling, the scheme aims to reduce dependency on virgin ores and new mines, contributing to sustainable resource management and environmental conservation.

1. Statement 1 is correct: The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its air quality guidelines in 2021, reducing the recommended levels for six pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5. These updates were made to reflect the latest scientific evidence on the health impacts of air pollution.

2. Statement 2 is incorrect: The revised WHO guidelines are not mandatory for all nations. They are recommended benchmarks deemed safe for human health, supported by scientific research, but they are non-mandatory in nature.

3. Statement 3 is correct: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in India indeed aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. This program was launched to enhance air quality through city-specific strategies.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

The primary focus of the revised air quality guidelines by the World Health Organization in September 2021 is to establish recommended air quality thresholds for six pollutants, which include Ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, PM10, and PM2.5. These guidelines aim to provide benchmarks deemed safe for human health based on scientific research. It underscores the importance of maintaining clean air standards to safeguard public health and well-being.