Ans: A

Exp:

Recently the wife of Delhi Chief Minister was appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat.

Statement 1 is incorrect: A star campaigner is a celebrity vote seeker in an election for a party. This person can be anyone, a politician or even a film star.

• A ‘recognised’ National or State party declared as such by the ECI can nominate a maximum of 40 star campaigners.
•  An unrecognised political party can nominate a maximum of 20 star campaigners.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Expenditure incurred on electioneering by the star campaigner is not added to a candidate’s poll expenditure giving him/her more scope for expenditure.

•  However, for an individual candidate to get relief from campaign expenditure, the star campaigner has to limit oneself to general campaigning for the party.

Statement 3 is correct: The Model Code of Conduct guidelines say when a prime minister or a former prime minister is a star campaigner, the expenditure incurred on security including on the bullet-proof vehicles will be borne by the government and will not be added to the election expenses of the party or the individual candidate.

Ans: B

Exp:

The Chipko movement, which began in Uttarakhand, a state in the Himalayas, in early 1973, marks its 50th anniversary.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Chipko Movement was a renowned environmental movement that originated in the Himalayan region of India, specifically in the state of Uttarakhand (formerly part of Uttar Pradesh). 

• The movement gained prominence during the 1970s and 1980s and was centred around the protection of forests and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Statement 2 is correct: The Chipko Movement’s principles drew parallels with the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan, who have historically protected trees and wildlife.the original Chipko andolan dates back to the 18th century and was started by Rajasthan’s Bishnoi community. 

• The incident has been etched in the annals of history for the sacrifice of a group of villagers, who were led by a lady named Amrita Devi.

Statement 3 is correct: Sunderlal Bahuguna is often considered the main leader and spokesperson of the Chipko Movement.

• Chandi Prasad Bhatt was another key figure in the Chipko Movement. He was instrumental in organising local communities, particularly women, to participate in the movement.

Ans: C

Exp:

Recently,  Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, in collaboration with other environmental organisations, has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take decisive action in response to plastic pollution. 

Statement 1 is incorrect: Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) is not an intergovernmental rather a worldwide alliance. 

• GAIA operates globally, working with communities, organisations, and governments.

Statement 2 is incorrect:Incineration is the process of burning hazardous materials at temperatures high enough to destroy contaminants.

• Incineration is conducted in an “incinerator,” which is a type of furnace designed for burning hazardous materials in a combustion chamber.
•  GAIA advocates for policies and practices that prioritise waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting over incineration.

Statement 3 is incorrect: GAIA comprises over 800 member organisations from more than 90 countries. There is no such criterion first to be a member of the UN General Assembly to attain the membership of the alliance.

Ans: B

Exp:

A recent UN report highlights that between 130 million to half a billion people globally could be affected in the long term due to Sea level Rise.

Statement 1 is incorrect:Thermal expansion occurs when you heat a material and it gains more internal energy, and as the atoms within the material move around faster, and the material expands.

• This thermal expansion contributes to an increase in global sea level rise.

Statement 2 is correct: The rise of sea level also leads to more intense storm surges — the rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm — flooding, and damage to coastal areas.

•  That’s because higher sea level can allow more water inland during hurricane-related storm surges.

Statement 3 is correct: With sea level rise, saltwater contaminates freshwater aquifers, many of which are used by communities for agricultural and drinking purposes.

Ans: A

Exp:

Recently, Hong Kong banned the sale of Indian spice brands MDH Pvt. and Everest Food Products Pvt. after authorities detected the presence of carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide in several spice mixes. 

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ethylene Oxide highly  is a flammable gas with a somewhat sweet odour. It dissolves easily in water.

•  It appears as a clear colourless gas with an ethereal odour. It is used in different brands of powdered spices.

Statement 2 is correct: A small amount (less than 1%) is used to control insects in some stored agricultural products 

• And a very small amount is used in hospitals to sterilise medical equipment and supplies.

Statement 3 is correct: Ethylene oxide is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals used to manufacture products, such as fabrics for clothes, upholstery, carpet, and pillows. 

• It is used to produce ethylene glycols for engine antifreeze that keeps our automobiles performing.