Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Exploration licences aim to create an enabling mechanism wherein the Junior Mining Companies will bring in expertise from across the world in acquisition, processing and interpretation of exploration data. 

• They leverage the risk-taking ability in discovery of deep-seated mineral deposits through the adoption of expertise and the latest technologies.
• The Exploration Licence holder will explore the blocks and identify the areas that can be auctioned for mining lease. 

Statement 2 is correct: Rajasthan and Karnataka have launched India’s first exploration licence auction for critical minerals.

• According to a Mines Ministry official, Karnataka has launched the auction of one block each of gold, copper and lithium.
• Rajasthan launched an auction of three blocks – one each of REE (rare earth element), rare metals and potash.

Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) is an independent research organisation  focused on revealing the trends, causes, and health impacts, as well as the solutions to air pollution.

Statement 2 is correct: Meghalaya’s Byrnihat, an industrial town on the border with Assam, was the most polluted ‘city’ in India during February, data released by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

• Bihar’s Araria is the second-most polluted city in the country.
• Hapur in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh were the third and the fourth most polluted cities.

Ans: C

Exp:

India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries are likely to sign a long-negotiated bilateral free trade agreement . This agreement is aimed at increasing trade and investment flows, job creation and economic growth, according to multiple sources.

• This is the first FTA for India where it has been able to get a commitment on investment and employment from the partner nations
• The EFTA countries are looking at investing in joint ventures in areas such as pharmaceuticals, especially medical devices, certain chemicals, food processing and engineering products.
• EFTA includes:  Switzerland, Finland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
• EFTA was founded by the Stockholm Convention in 1960.
• The four EFTA States are all open, competitive economies committed to the progressive liberalisation of trade in the multinational arena as well as in free trade agreements. 

Ans: D

Exp:

Australian authorities have confirmed that a widespread coral bleaching event has engulfed the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

• Coral bleaching happens when corals lose their vibrant colours and turn white. 
• Coral are bright and colourful because of microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. 
• The zooxanthellae live within the coral in a mutually beneficial relationship, each helping the other survive. 
• But when the ocean environment changes i.e if it gets too hot, for instance, the coral stresses out and expels the algae.
• As the algae leaves, the coral fades until it looks like it’s been bleached. If the temperature stays high, the coral won’t let the algae back, and the coral will die.
• The leading cause of coral bleaching is climate change. A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change in water temperature—as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit—can cause coral to drive out algae. 
• Coral may bleach for other reasons, like extremely low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight.

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The “BBNJ Treaty”, also known as the “Treaty of the High Seas”, is an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction within the framework of the UNCLOS.

• India is yet to sign the treaty. 
• However, it called on efforts for entry into force and implementation of the treaty at the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration held in September 2023.

Statement 2 is correct: The high seas are areas beyond 200 nautical miles from the exclusive economic zones of coastal countries.

• The treaty aims to increase the percentage of protected areas on the high seas. 
• The treaty will also ensure that profits from marine genetic resources (MGR) — materials of plant, animal or microbes — are shared equitably and fairly. These resources find applications in medicine and pharma.