UPSC EXAM QUIZ 22.11.2024

Explanation:

• A new Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Leaders Summit in Brazil to eradicate poverty and hunger globally.
• The alliance is an important step towards the implementation of the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023, adopted at the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023.
• In addition, India's Prime Minister addressed a session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty,' sharing India's experiences and success stories.

Key Facts About the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

• It is a voluntary coalition of governments, international organisations, NGOs, and other stakeholders working to eradicate hunger (SDG 2), poverty (SDG 1), reduce inequalities (SDG 10), and support other interlinked SDGs.
• It has three pillars – knowledge, finance and knowledge– at the country level.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Mines recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals sector.

Significance of the MoU

• Enhancing India's Critical Mineral Strategies: The MoU will provide India with access to reliable data, analysis, and policy recommendations related to the critical minerals sector.
• Aligning with Global Standards: India will streamline its policies, regulations, and investment strategies related to critical minerals, bringing them in line with global best practices.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: The collaboration will facilitate the exchange of technical expertise, training, and joint research between India and IEA member countries, helping India improve its capabilities in mineral extraction, processing, and recycling techniques.

Explanation:

• During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria, India and Nigeria agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security. This was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria after 17 years. President Bola Tinubu invited Modi to discuss this cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi and President Tinubu met at the Presidential Palace in Abuja. During this, many important issues were discussed, such as:

• Economic development: Both countries emphasized on strengthening economic relations.
• Defense and security: Discussion on measures to enhance cooperation in security.
• Health and food security: Agreement on cooperation to improve healthcare and food supply.

Cooperation in maritime security

• Threats are increasing: The Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean are facing pirates and other threats.
• Solutions: India and Nigeria decided to take joint steps to protect maritime trade routes.
• Economic interests: This cooperation is also economically important for both countries as safe sea routes are essential for trade.

Explanation:

• Meta fined ₹213.14 crore by CCI over 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy.
• On November 18, social media giant Meta was fined Rs 213.14 crore by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over the 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy update.
• CCI has said that sharing of user data collected on WhatsApp with other meta companies or products for purposes other than providing WhatsApp services will not be made a pre-condition for users to access the WhatsApp service in India.
• In January 2021, WhatsApp informed users about updates to its terms of service and privacy policies.
• The in-app notification, effective February 8, 2021, stated that users were required to accept these terms to continue using the instant messaging application.
• This included expanded scope of data collection and mandatory data sharing with Meta companies.
• In the previous privacy policy, users had the option to decide whether they wanted to share their data with Facebook or not.
• However, with the latest policy update in 2021, WhatsApp made it mandatory for all users to share data with Meta, removing the old option to opt out.
• As a result, users had to accept the new terms to continue using the platform, which includes sharing data with Meta.

Explanation:

• Coal India Ltd (CIL) won Green World Environment Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category.
• The award has been given to CIL for Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna for permanent curative treatment of over 600 Thalassemia patients.
• In 2017, CIL became the first Public Sector Undertakings to take up the CSR project for curative treatment of Thalassemia through Bone Marrow Transplant.
• As part of this scheme, CIL provides financial assistance upto Rs. 10 lakh for Bone Marrow Transplant.
• The award was given by The Green Organization, an independent, non-political, non-profit environment group.
• This organisation is dedicated to recognizing, rewarding and promoting environmental best practices and CSR around the world.
• CIL produces over 80% of India’s overall coal. It contributes to 70% of the total coal-based power generation.