Ans: D

Exp:

The Similipal kai chutney made with red weaver ants by the tribal people of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district received the geographical identity tag. Geographical indications assign products to the place of their origin. It conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness for such goods.

Statement 1 is correct: Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights. They are also covered under Articles 22-24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.

Statement 2 is correct: In December 1999, the Parliament passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This Act seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India. The Act would be administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai. The Act has come into force with effect from 15th September 2003.

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Fog Pass Device is a GPS-based navigation device that helps the loco pilot to navigate during dense fog conditions. It provides on-board real-time information (Display as well as voice guidance) to Loco Pilots regarding the location of fixed landmarks such as Signals, Level Crossing gates (Manned and unmanned), Permanent Speed Restrictions, Neutral Sections etc.

Statement 2 is correct: It displays approach indications of the next three approaching fixed landmarks in geographical order accompanied by a voice message approximately 500m on approach.

It is a standalone system and is unaffected by weather conditions like Fog, Rain or Sunshine.

Statement 3 is correct: The Fog Pass device improves the reliability of train Services and reduces delays.

The device is suitable for all types of sections like single line, double line, electrified as well as non-electrified sections and for all types of electric and diesel locomotives, EMUs/MEMUs/ DEMUs.

Ans: D

Exp:

Recently, Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC).

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee was constituted under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide “free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society”, in cases falling under the top court’s jurisdiction.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Section 3A of the Act states that the Central Authority (the National Legal Services Authority or NALSA) shall constitute the committee. It consists of a sitting SC judge, who is the chairman, along with other members possessing the experience and qualifications prescribed by the Centre. Both the chairman and other members will be nominated by the CJI. Further, the CJI can appoint the Secretary to the Committee.

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) are either newly-registered parties or those which have not secured enough percentage of votes in the Assembly or general election to become a State party or those that have never contested elections after being registered.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Election Commission of India has made it mandatory for RUPPs to furnish audited accounts of the last three financial years, expenditure statements of the last two elections, and the signature of the authorised office-bearer of the party along with the application form for symbols.

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is not correct: Recognizing the importance of wetlands in urban and peri-urban environments and to take appropriate measures to conserve and protect these wetlands, the Ramsar Convention during COP12 held in the year 2015 approved a voluntary Wetland City Accreditation system.

Statement 2 is correct:  Wetland City Accreditation recognizes cities which have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands. 

The scheme aims to further promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.  Additionally, the Accreditation seeks to encourage cities that are close to and dependent on wetlands, primarily Wetlands of International Importance, but also wetlands with other conservation category status, to develop and strengthen a positive relationship with these valuable ecosystems. 

Statement 3 is not correct: The Amrit Dharohar initiative of the MoEF&CC is not a part of Wetland City Accreditation.

Amrit Dharohar: Amrit Dharohar initiative, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, was launched by MoEF&CC during June 2023 to promote unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods.