UPSC QUIZ 1.04.2024

Explanation:

• In a recent study, the residential sector has been found to be the largest contributor to black carbon emissions in India. The scheme of Government of India, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) can make a significant contribution in achieving the target of net zero emissions by reducing black carbon emissions.

key points

According to a study conducted in the year 2016, the areas emitting black carbon in India

• The contribution of residential sector is 47%.
• Contribution of industries is 22%.
• Diesel vehicles contribute 17%.
• Open fires contribute 12%.
• Other sources contribute 2%.

Decarbonization efforts in the industry and transportation sectors have reduced black carbon emissions over the past decade, but the residential sector remains a challenge.

Black Carbon

• Black carbon (BC) is the dark, sooty material emitted alongside other pollutants when biomass and fossil fuels are not fully combusted.
• BC is a short-lived pollutant that is the second-largest contributor to warming the planet behind carbon dioxide (CO2).

Explanation:

• Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) and online gaming firm WinZO released the India Gaming Report 2024.
• India is the largest gaming market with 568 million users. One in every five online gamers globally is from India.
• The Indian gaming market is expected to reach $6 billion by 2028. The number of Indian gaming companies was 25 in 2015, which is expected to increase to more than 1400 in 2023.
• Mobile gaming accounts for 90 percent of the gaming market in India, while in the US and China it is around 37% and around 62% respectively

Explanation:

• The invasive South American suckermouth armored catfish was discovered during the 13th waterfowl census in the Thamirabarani River.
• Environmentalists are looking for efficient ways to reduce the African catfish population as they believe that the invasive breed of catfish is destroying many native species of catfish.
• Are responsible for the extinction of. This has been reducing the number of local fish species of Indian breed for the last few years.
• Due to the invasion of these exotic fish species the native fish species of Uluvai, Chellapodi, Vilanku, Kulathuvazhai, Mankiluru, Pannichethai, Aral and many others are no longer present in the Thamirabarani river basin.

Explanation:

• In comparison to the Index of February 2023, the Combined Index of Eight Core Industries grew by 6.7% (provisional) in February 2024.
• In February 2024, there was positive growth in the production of coal, natural gas, cement, steel, crude oil, electricity, and refinery products.
• The Index of Eight Core Industries' final growth rate for November 2023 has been revised to 7.9%.
• Comparing April to February of 2023–24 to the same period in the previous year, the cumulative growth rate of ICI is 7.7% (provisional).
• February 2024 had recorded a 10.2% rise in cement production over February 2023.
• February 2024 saw an 11.6% increase in coal production over February 2023.
• Production of crude oil rose 7.9% in February 2024 compared to February 2023.
• In February 2024, a 6.3% rise and an 11.3% rise has been recorded in electricity generation and natural gas production, respectively over February 2023.
• February 2024 saw a 9.5% decrease in fertiliser production compared to February 2023.
• Production at petroleum refineries and steel production rose 2.6% and 8.4%, respectively in February 2024 compared to February 2023.

Explanation:

• The report submitted to IFSCA by the expert committee constituted to develop GIFT IFSC as a 'Global Finance and Accounting Hub'.
• A report has been submitted by the expert committee on developing Gujarat International Finance Tech-City International Financial Services Center (GIFT IFSC) as a 'Global Finance and Accounting Hub'.
• On 26th March 2024, this report was submitted to the Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA).
• On January 18, 2024, this expert committee was constituted in compliance with the notification issued by the Finance Ministry.
• Book-keeping, accounting, taxation and financial crime compliance were notified as 'financial services' under Section 3(1)(e)(xiv) of the IFSCA Act, 2019.
• The Expert Committee was chaired by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• This committee included experts from industry, academia, and government.
• The expert committee has recommended creating a comprehensive regulatory regime to introduce bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, and financial crime compliance services from IFSC in India.
• Further, the Committee has also made several recommendations to promote and develop GIFT IFSC as a 'Global Finance and Accounting Hub' including measures to enhance the skills and efficiency of the workforce.