UPSC EXAM QUIZ 18.11.2024

Explanation:

• Increase in India's agricultural exports (especially tea and sugar) has contributed to India's economic growth. India's agricultural exports are projected to grow from $8.7 billion in 2004-2005 to $53.1 billion in 2022-2023, driven by increased revenue, foreign exchange and economic growth.

What does Sustainability in Agriculture Mean

• Economic Sustainability: While exports are economically beneficial, sustainability goes beyond profitability. It involves maintaining long-term productivity without depleting resources.
• Ecological Sustainability: Protecting natural ecosystems, minimising chemical use, and managing water resources effectively are crucial to ensuring that agricultural systems do not harm the environment.
• Social Sustainability: Addressing issues such as labour rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions is essential for creating equitable and sustainable agricultural systems.

Explanation:

• Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrated annually on 15th November, honors the invaluable contributions of India’s tribal communities, especially in the nation’s freedom struggle.
• This day marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter. The Prime Minister of India released a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honour of Birsa Munda, paying tribute to his enduring legacy.
• First celebrated in 2021, the day was instituted to recognize the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of India's independence.
• Tribal communities, including Santhals, Tamars, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos, led numerous anti-colonial movements, such as Birsa Munda's Ulgulan (Revolution), demonstrating remarkable courage and sacrifice.

Explanation:

• Scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), have discovered a new species of Dicliptera, named Dicliptera Polymorpha in the Northern Western Ghats of India.

What are the Key Findings Related to Species

Unique Traits of Dicliptera Polymorpha

• Fire Resilience: It can survive summer droughts and adapt to grassland fires.
• Dual Blooming Pattern: Blooms post-monsoon (November–April) and again in May–June after fires.
• Morphological Distinction: It has inflorescence flower structures that are uncommon in Indian species but similar to those found in African species.

Explanation:

• Kerala Fisheries Department has launched a marine ranching initiative off the coast of Thiruvananthapuram to promote sustainable fisheries.
• Marine ranching or ocean ranching is a type of fish farming in which young fish are released into the sea to grow naturally without any protection or support, and are then harvested.
• 10 lakh pompano and cobia fingerlings (marine fish species) will be released at 10 locations off the Thiruvananthapuram coast with the aim of replenishing marine fishery resources.
• The project follows the artificial reef initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aims to increase marine biodiversity.
• The artificial reefs established at 42 locations in Thiruvananthapuram have attracted various fish species such as tuna, trevally and mackerel.

Explanation:

• Special dolphin ambulance to be launched under Clean Ganga Mission.
• The apex body for cleaning the holy river, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is going to launch a special dolphin ambulance to rescue injured aquatic animals.
• Cleaning up the Ganga involves preserving its rich biodiversity, especially its endangered dolphins.
• The Ganges Dolphin, marked as the National Aquatic Animal of India, is also found in the river systems of India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
• A special vehicle will be developed to help dolphins in distress under an ambitious project approved for the conservation of Ganga River Dolphins.
• The project titled ‘Advancing Rescue Systems for Conservation of Stranded Gangetic River Dolphins’ has an estimated budget of Rs 1 crore.
• The project will focus on raising awareness for dolphin conservation and community capacity building through training.
• Besides this, the NMCG also approved a “novel and highly important” project for conservation of endangered turtles in the Ganga basin in Uttar Pradesh during its board meeting.