Ans: A

Exp:

The SIPRI report says China’s nuclear arsenal increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, and it is expected to keep growing.

About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute: 

• Statement 1 is incorrect: About: It is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament. 
  • Established: In 1966.
• SIPRI provides data, analysis, and recommendations to policymakers, researchers, media, and the public on matters related to peace and security.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, ICAN won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017, not SIPRI.

Ans: A

Exp: 

An amount of $736.4 million will be allocated towards environment protection at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) council meeting being convened in Washington, DC.

About Global Environment Facility (GEF):

• • Statement 1 is correct: The GEF was established in 1992 on the eve of the Rio Earth Summit.
  • It is a family of funds dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and land and ocean health.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Financial Assistance and Conventions: The GEF provides financial assistance for activities related to five major international conventions:
    • Minamata Convention on Mercury (signed in 2013)
    • Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (adopted in 2001)
    • United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) (entered into force in 1993)
    • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (adopted in 1994)
    • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (signed in 1992)

• Membership and Secretariat:

• • The GEF has 184 member countries, including India.
  • Its secretariat is based in Washington, D.C.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The World Bank serves as the GEF Trustee, administering the GEF Trust Fund (which receives contributions from donors).

Ans: B

Exp:

Scientists have found evidence with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that elephants have their own names that they use to address each other. 

Asian Elephants in India:

• Largest and Most Stable Population.
• India is home to over 60% of all wild Asian elephants
• Recent Census Data: The 2017 elephant census recorded a total of 29,964 elephants.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Social Structure of Asian Elephants:

• Smaller Herds: Asian elephant herds are notably smaller than African savannah elephant herds.
• Leadership: Led by the matriarch, the largest and oldest female. The matriarch assumes leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

Statement 2 is correct: Protection Status of Asian Elephants:

• IUCN Red List: Endangered.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• CITES: Appendix I

Ans: C

Exp: 

Three decades after the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was adopted, the United Nations on June 17 urged support from all generations for sustainable land stewardship.

About United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

• • The UNCCD is one of three Conventions from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Established in 1994
  • Statement 1 is correct: It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Members: 197 parties, India became a signatory in 1994 and ratified it in 1996.

• Objectives:

• • Aims to improve living conditions in drylands.
  • Seeks to maintain and restore land and soil productivity.
  • Mitigates the effects of drought.
• The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024.

Ans: D

Exp: 

Solar Industries, based in Nagpur, has delivered the first batch of indigenously developed Nagastra-1 Loitering Munitions to the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense preparedness and self-reliance in military technology.

About Nagastra-1:

• • The Nagastra-1 is a UAV-based loitering munition developed in India.
  • Its primary function is to hover above targets and execute precision strikes with GPS-enabled accuracy.
  • It achieves remarkable precision, with an accuracy of 2 meters.

• Capabilities:

• • • Precision Strike: In “Kamikaze mode,” Nagastra-1 directly strikes the target and destroys itself.
    • High Altitude Operation: It can fly at altitudes over 4,500 meters, making it difficult to detect by radar.
    • Surveillance Equipment: Equipped with day-night surveillance cameras and a warhead for defeating soft-skin targets.
    • Endurance and Range: Operates for 60 minutes, with a control range of 15 kilometers (man-in-loop) and 30 kilometers (autonomous mode).
    • Recovery Mechanism: Features an abort, recover, and reuse system using a parachute.

• Strategic Advantages:

• • • Designed for precision strikes on enemy training camps, launch pads, and infiltrators.
    • Silent due to electric propulsion and low acoustic signature, ideal for infantry operations.

• Indigenous Development:

• • • Developed entirely in India by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL).
    • Boasts over 75% indigenous content, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
    • Significant cost savings compared to systems acquired from foreign vendors.

• Global Context and Future Prospects:

• • Similar loitering munitions used in recent conflicts.
  • Indian Army’s investment aligns with a strategy to procure standoff weapons domestically.
  • Potential for exporting Nagastra-1 to friendly foreign nations.