Ans: D

Exp: 

Infusing soil with silica nanoparticles made using the technique could transform agriculture.

Potential agricultural benefits of using silica nanoparticles in soil:

• Statement 1 is correct: Enhanced nutrient availability: Silica nanoparticles can improve nutrient uptake by plants. Silica helps strengthen plant cell walls, which can facilitate better absorption of essential nutrients, thereby enhancing overall nutrient availability.
• Statement 2 is correct: Improved pest and disease resistance: Silica strengthens plant tissues, making them more resistant to pests and diseases. Plants with higher silica content have been shown to have better resistance to attacks from insects and pathogens.
• Statement 3 is correct: Improved soil structure: Silica nanoparticles can improve soil structure by promoting better aggregation of soil particles, which enhances soil aeration, water retention, and root penetration.
• Statement 4 is correct: Among all the Si nanomaterials forms, mesoporous SiNPs (MS SiNPs) has achieved the latest consideration. Currently, gold-coated SiNPs has been confirmed to transport DNA, protein, and chemicals through the gene gun technique. The mesoporous character of SiNPs also considers them excellent applicants as appropriate nanocarriers for diverse molecules that might facilitate farming. 

Ans: A

Exp: 

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a stark warning about the threats posed by invasive species and illegal trade to several reptile and cactus species. 

About IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:

• Statement 1 is correct: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is an initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is an international organization that works in the field of conservation of the world’s flora and fauna
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. It provides information about species’ range, population size, habitats and ecology, use and trade, threats, and conservation actions that help inform conservation decisions.
  • Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories: Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient and Not Evaluated. Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered species are considered to be threatened with extinction.

Ans: C

Exp: 

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved India to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. 

About Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement:

• The High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) Agreement, represents a significant milestone in global efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and promote sustainable use of ocean resources beyond national boundaries.
• Statement 1 is correct: It is an international treaty under the UNCLOS. 
• It aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas. 
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The treaty deals only with oceans that are outside the national jurisdiction i.e 200 nautical miles. Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits. 
• It follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes using traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge. 
• The BBNJ Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023. 
• Statement 3 is correct: It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. 
• As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.

Ans: A

Exp: 

The Reserve Bank’s FI-Index, capturing the extent of financial inclusion across the country, rose to 64.2 in March 2024, showing growth across all parameters.

About Financial Inclusion-Index: 

• It is a comprehensive index incorporating details of banking, investments, insurance, postal as well as the pension sector in consultation with the government and respective sectoral regulators.
• It was developed by the RBI in 2021, without any ‘base year’, and is published in July every year.
• The index captures information on various aspects of financial inclusion in a single value ranging between 0 and 100, where 0 represents complete financial exclusion and 100 indicates full financial inclusion.
• The FI-Index comprises three broad parameters Access (having a weight of 35 per cent in the index), Usage ( weight 45 per cent), and Quality ( weight 20 per cent) with each of these consisting of various dimensions, which are computed based on a number of indicators. The Index is responsive to ease of access, availability and usage of services, and quality of services, comprising all 97 indicators.

Ans: B

Exp: 

The Centre may issue so-called composite licences to find and extract critical minerals, in effort to end the fragmented nature of licensing, and tempt mining giants which passed up the blocks that went on auction last year.

About Critical Minerals:

• • These minerals are necessary for national security, economic growth, and renewable energy. 
  • The development of numerous industries, such as high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and defence, depends on these.
  • Statement 1 is incorrect: Critical minerals have no particular definition and countries identify the minerals critical to them using their own criteria.
    • The US has identified 50 critical minerals.
    • Japan recognizes 31 minerals critical for its economy.
    • The UK, EU, and Canada also maintain their unique lists.
  • Identified Critical Minerals in India: The Expert Committee under the Ministry of Mines has identified a set of 30 critical minerals for India.
    • Statement 2 is correct: These are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium.

• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2023:

• • Statement 3 is incorrect: The Act removes minerals such as beryllium and beryl, lithium, niobium, titanium, tantallium, and zirconium from the list of atomic minerals, and the commercial sector is now able to bid for them. Mining and exploration of these minerals will be available to the private sector once they are removed from the list of atomic minerals.