UPSC EXAM QUIZ 24.12.2024

Explanation:

• Recently, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) released the Nexus Report, which focuses on biodiversity and environmental conservation. The report presents a scientific assessment of the complex relationships between five key elements – biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change – and suggests measures to enhance co-benefits.

Key Points of IPBES Nexus Report

Biodiversity loss

• Biodiversity has declined by an average of 2-6% every decade over the past 30-50 years.
• This puts food, water, health and climate systems at serious risk.
• Trade-offs between food security and other elements: The report presents six scenarios that show how the interactions between biodiversity, water, food, health and climate will play out.
• Climate solutions through nature restoration: Techniques such as reforestation, wetland restoration and sustainable land management provide co-benefits for biodiversity and climate action.

Explanation:

• National Museum of India and France Museums Development (FMD) have signed an agreement under which the French agency will share processes and best practices to transform this British-era historical site into a global cultural destination. The museum has been named as ‘Epochal Bharat National Museum’.

Epochal Bharat National Museum

• Origin: Announced by the Prime Minister during the International Museum Expo in May 2023.

Objective and Significance

• To showcase India’s unbroken civilizational and cultural history.
• To promote inclusivity and community stories.
• An attempt to connect the past, present and future by combining India’s cultural heritage and modernity.

Explanation:

• Indian scientists capture rare image of active hydrothermal vent at 4,500 metres depth in Indian Ocean.

Key Points

• Historic discovery: Scientists from National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) achieved this feat.

Significance of discovery

• The discovery has been made under the Government of India's ₹4,000 crore 'Deep Ocean Mission'.
• This can provide new opportunities in the exploration and use of mineral resources.
• Discovery at depth: The active hydrothermal vent is located at a depth of 4,500 metres, revealing unknown parts of the ocean.
• Scientific significance: The discovery will give a new direction to the study of ocean science and demonstrates India's technological capabilities.
• Future Prospects: This discovery will encourage research towards sustainable use of mineral wealth in the ocean and maintaining environmental balance.

Explanation:

• Maharashtra Assembly passed a bill to reform the prison system in the State.
• The Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2024 is based on the Model Prisons Bill, 2023.
• A high-security prison and detention centre will be set up in Mumbai.
• The Bill has the provision of categories of prisons such as special prisons, open prisons for women, temporary prisons and open colonies.
• Open prisons and open colonies will help with the rehabilitation and reintegration of former jail inmates.
• The bill has also the provision of the constitution of a ‘prison and correctional prison force.

Explanation:

• Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait's highest honour, has been conferred on PM Modi.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received Kuwait's highest honour, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer.
• This is the 20th time a nation has bestowed an international honour upon Prime Minister Modi.
• The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer is a knighthood order of Kuwait.
• As a sign of friendship, it is given to heads of state, foreign sovereigns, and members of foreign royal families.
• Foreign leaders including Prince Charles of the United Kingdom and former US Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have already received the honour.