Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity was launched at the Fourteenth Meeting  of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP 14) held in Uzbekistan from 12 to 17  February 2024.  It was launched by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (not UNEP).

Statement 2 is correct: The Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC) aims to unite nations for protecting  habitats for migratory species. This initiative will identify, protect, and connect areas of importance for wildlife mobility, restore ecological pathways for the benefit of migratory species.  It is  a multi-stakeholder partnership that will  provide a network to facilitate knowledge and information exchange and mobilise funding and  activities on the ground. 

Ans: B

Exp:

The issue of ‘what constitutes a Money Bill?’ is pending consideration before a seven-judge constitution bench of theSupreme court.

Article 110 states that a Bill can be designated as a money Bill if it exclusively deals with certain subjects, such as taxation, financial obligations of the government of India, the consolidated fund or contingency fund of India, or “any matter incidental” to the subjects listed in the Article.

•  It also states that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha will have the final say on whether a Bill is a money Bill or not.

However, a bill is not to be deemed to be a money bill by reason only that it provides for:

• the imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties, or
• the demand for payment of fees for licences or fees for services rendered; or
• the imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax by any local authority or body for local purposes.

Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The endangered Skywalker gibbon was first identified as a distinct species in China in 2017. With new research, including acoustic monitoring of the gibbon’s morning songs, the species’ range has been confirmed to stretch into Myanmar.

• The Skywalker hoolock gibbon is named after Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars franchise, as the scientists who described it are fans of the franchise

Statement 2 is incorrect: They are listed as endangered as per the IUCN Red list.

Statement 3 is correct: Skywalker gibbon couples wake up each morning and sing to each other, their voices echoing across the forest canopy of their home. Gibbons are known for having loud songs, specific to their species.

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: A decrease in pollination hampers fruit production and yield quality. 

• The reduction of yield quality and production has been evident in apples and almonds grown in the Himalayan region.
•  Hence, commercial orchard owners now import honeybees and are diversifying pollinators to ensure pollination.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Cross-pollination allows plants to mix genes and add new traits.

• Self-pollination or selfing can induce inbreeding depression in species, make them more prone to diseases and reduce diversity, which lowers their ability to fight climate change.

Statement 3 is correct: The presence of invasive species is known to cause a displacement of pollinators from their traditional plant species.

• According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), climate change can increase the cover of invasive species.
• The presence of the Invasive species introduces both risks and opportunities for pollinator nutrition, alters species interactions and influences native pollination dynamics and community stability. 

Ans: C

Exp:

• The Supreme Court nullified the outcome of the January 30 Chandigarh mayoral poll citing Article 142 of Constitution.

• • Statement 1 is correct: Article 142 provides discretionary power to the Supreme Court as it states that the SC in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
  • Statement 2 is correct: It allows the Supreme Court to intervene in matters of public interest, human rights, constitutional values, or fundamental rights and to protect them from any violation or infringement. 
  • It enhances the Supreme Court’s role as the guardian of the constitution and the final arbiter of the law, and as a source of judicial activism and innovation. 

• It also makes such decree or order enforceable throughout the territory of India.