[MISSION 2023] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 30 May 2023 – INSIGHTSIAS

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation

• S3: Salinity does indeed play a significant role in determining the density of ocean water, alongside temperature. Both temperature and salinity are key factors that influence the density and characteristics of seawater.
  • Temperature affects water density because as water warms, its molecules become more energetic, causing them to move farther apart and decrease in density. Conversely, as water cools, its molecules slow down and come closer together, increasing its density. This thermal expansion and contraction directly affect the density of seawater.
• S1: Overturning Circulations refers to the global network of ocean currents that redistribute heat, carbon, and nutrients. They play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, maintaining oxygen levels, and shaping ocean currents.
• S2: The Overturning Circulations are slowing due to melting Antarctic ice, which freshens surface waters and reduces their density, hindering the sinking process and disrupting the circulation pattern.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/deep-ocean-currents-in-antarctica-are-slowing/

Correct

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• That’s correct. The Indian Ocean does not produce its own deep water. Instead, it receives deep water from the North Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans. This is because the Indian Ocean is located in a tropical region, where the water is warm and less dense. The North Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans are located in colder regions, where the water is cooler and denser. This difference in temperature and density causes the water from the North Atlantic and Antarctic Oceans to sink and flow into the Indian Ocean.
• The deep water that flows into the Indian Ocean helps to distribute heat and nutrients throughout the ocean. It also plays an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate.
• Some of the reasons why the Indian Ocean does not produce its own deep water:
  • The Indian Ocean is located in a tropical region, where the water is warm and less dense.
  • The Indian Ocean is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 4,280 meters.
  • The Indian Ocean is surrounded by land on three sides, which limits the exchange of water with other oceans.
• The lack of deep water production in the Indian Ocean has a number of implications for the ocean’s ecology and climate. For example, the lack of deep water production means that the Indian Ocean is less able to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This could lead to an increase in the acidity of the ocean, which could have a negative impact on marine life. Additionally, the lack of deep water production means that the Indian Ocean is less able to distribute heat and nutrients throughout the ocean. This could lead to changes in the ocean’s circulation patterns, which could have a negative impact on the climate.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/deep-ocean-currents-in-antarctica-are-slowing/

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The purpose of the “Hunger Hotspots” analysis conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) is to identify and assess the areas that are most vulnerable to food insecurity and famine. This analysis aims to provide early warning signals and insights into regions where people are facing severe hunger crises or are at risk of experiencing such crises. By identifying these “Hunger Hotspots,” the FAO-WFP can focus their efforts and resources on providing timely and targeted assistance to these areas, thereby helping to alleviate hunger and prevent famine. The analysis takes into account various factors such as conflict, natural disasters, economic instability, and other drivers of food insecurity to identify the most vulnerable regions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/hunger-hotspots-fao-wfp-early-warnings-on-acute-food-insecurity/

Correct

Ans: (d)

Explanation:

• FAO and WFP warn that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots – comprising a total 22 countries – during from June to November 2023.
• Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen remain at the highest concern level. Haiti, the Sahel (Burkina Faso and Mali) and the Sudan have been elevated to the highest concern levels; this is due to severe movement restrictions of people and goods in Haiti, as well as in Burkina Faso and Mali, and the recent eruption of conflict in the Sudan.
• Pakistan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Syrian Arab Republic are hotspots with very high concern, and the warning is also extended to Myanmar in this edition. All these hotspots have a high number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify life‐threatening conditions in the coming months.
• Lebanon, El Salvador and Nicaragua have been added to the list of hunger hotspot countries, since the September 2022 edition. Malawi, Guatemala and Honduras remain hunger hotspot countries.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/hunger-hotspots-fao-wfp-early-warnings-on-acute-food-insecurity/

Correct

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Food fortification refers to the process of adding essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to commonly consumed foods to address nutrient deficiencies in populations. The provided statements highlight various benefits of food fortification.
• Statement 1 is correct because food fortification helps address nutrient deficiencies, which can arise from limited access to diverse diets or poor food quality. By fortifying staple foods or commonly consumed products, such as flour, salt, or cooking oil, with key nutrients, the fortified foods can help bridge nutrient gaps and improve overall nutritional status.
• Statement 2 is correct because food fortification can lead to improved public health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of certain deficiencies. By ensuring the availability of essential nutrients in the diet, fortification programs can contribute to the prevention of specific nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, or iodine deficiency disorders. This, in turn, can have positive impacts on health, including improved immune function, reduced maternal and child mortality rates, and enhanced cognitive development.
• Statement 3 is correct because food fortification is an effective strategy to reach large populations and improve nutrition. Fortification can be implemented at a population level, targeting commonly consumed foods, making it a cost-effective and sustainable approach to improve nutrient intake across diverse communities. This strategy allows for the broad and equitable distribution of fortified foods, reaching a wide range of individuals, including those who may have limited access to a varied diet or who are vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies.
• Statement 4 is incorrect because food fortification, depending on the fortified nutrient and the food matrix, may impact the taste and quality of food products to some extent. However, technological advancements and careful formulation can minimize any negative effects on taste and quality, ensuring that fortified foods remain acceptable and palatable to consumers. Therefore, Statement 4 is not included in the correct answer.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/food-fortification-benefits-and-associated-risks/

Correct

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The ethical dilemma in the described nature education program arises from the need to balance the educational benefits of studying real specimens with the potential harm caused to the environment. Statement 1 indicates that the program requires students to collect specimens from the environment for scientific study. However, Statement 2 highlights the negative consequences of such collection, as it may disrupt natural ecosystems and harm local flora and fauna. On the other hand, Statement 3 suggests that studying real specimens can enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of biodiversity.
• The ethical dilemma, therefore, lies in finding a balance between the educational value of studying real specimens and the potential ecological harm caused by their collection. This requires considering the long-term effects on the environment and evaluating whether the educational benefits outweigh the negative impacts on local ecosystems. Ethical decision-making in this context involves carefully considering alternative approaches, such as promoting non-invasive methods of studying biodiversity or implementing strict guidelines to minimize harm to the environment while still providing educational opportunities.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/nature-education-centre/

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation

• About Gongadi is a traditional woolen blanket woven by the indigenous Kuruma and Kuruba pastoralist communities.
• Material It is made using the coarse wool of the Deccani sheep, known locally as Nalla gorrae. It is produced organically without using any dyes.
• Gongadi shawls are famous for their durability and versatility. They are known for their ability to withstand all weather conditions and remain intact for a long time. The shawls do not fade but grow darker in colour over time.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/gongadi-shawls/

Correct

Ans: (c)

Explanation

• Establishment: The UN Peacekeeping Forces were established when the UN Security Council approved the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East in 1948 ( this year is the 75th anniversary).
• Purpose: UN peacekeeping forces assist nations in transitioning from war to peace, carrying out missions approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the UN General Assembly.
• Guiding Principles: Consent of the parties; Impartiality; Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate
• Composition It deploys soldiers, police, and civilian peacekeepers from around the world to carry out peacekeeping missions.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/75-years-of-un-peacekeeping-forces/

Correct

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity is an initiative with the primary objective of promoting economic cooperation and growth in the Indo-Pacific region. It focuses on enhancing trade, investment, connectivity, and sustainable development in the region. The framework recognizes the importance of collaboration and involves countries from both the Indo-Pacific region and other parts of the world. By fostering a rules-based order and open markets, the framework aims to create an environment that benefits all participating nations. The objective is to unlock economic potential, stimulate growth, and facilitate prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region through cooperative efforts. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it aligns with the main objectives of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/ipef-ministerial-meeting/

Correct

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• The Carbon Capture Coalition is a collaborative group consisting of more than 100 companies, unions, NGOs, conservation and environmental policy organizations. Their goal is to promote policy support for the widespread deployment of carbon management technologies, including carbon capture, removal, transport, reuse, and storage. The Great Plains Institute convenes the Coalition, which includes members from various industries, labour unions, and policy organizations.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/30/carbon-capture-coalition/