UPSC QUIZ 17.01.2024

Explanation:

• Scientists have found a natural remedy to protect eucalyptus forest plantations from a pest, eucalyptus snout beetle, which is known to cause serious damage to eucalypts.
• The researchers have managed to collect a naturally occurring pathogenic fungi and characterized it to turn it into a biopesticide for controlling beetle populations.Eucalyptus (evergreen tree) wood is a crucial material for paper pulp production.

Eucalyptus Snout Beetle

• Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus platensis) is a leaf-feeding beetle that is a major defoliator of eucalypts, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• The pest is indigenous to Australia but occurs in many countries throughout the world where eucalypts are grown.
• It can cause damage over vast areas as it has a great flight capability and gets transferred with transport of forest products.
• The beetle feeds on leaves, buds and shoots, resulting in stunted growth and deflation and causing heavy losses.

Explanation:

• India is set to become the world’s largest producer of lentil (masoor) during the 2023-24 crop year on account of higher acreage, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar said.
• This is significant for India which, despite being among the world’s top five lentil growers, second only to Canada, depends on imports to meet its domestic demands.
• The country's lentil production is estimated to touch an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi season on higher acreage.
• According to official data, in the 2022-23 crop year, the country’s lentil production stood at 1.56 million tonnes.

Lentils

• Lentil is a bushy annual herbaceous plant of the legume family.
• These are edible legumes, known for their lens-shaped, flat disced seed.
• Lentil plants are typically short, and bear self-pollinated flowers.
• Lentil grains are excellent sources of energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibers, phosphorus, iron, zinc, carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Explanation:

• Supreme Court has approved the Shimla Development Plan 2041 that is aimed at regulating construction activities in Himachal Pradesh’s capital city, terming it Sustainable.

Shimla Development Plan 2041

• The draft Development Plan for the Shimla Planning Area 2041 was published in February 2022.
• The development plan has been prepared by the Town and Country Planning Department of Himachal Pradesh under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) sub-scheme of the Government of India.
• The plan is GIS (Geographic Information System)-based. It covers Shimla Municipal Corporation and its adjoining areas under the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977.
• The plan states that “town planning does not come under the purview of NGT”.

Explanation:

• World Bank (WB) has released its Global Economic Prospects Report, which shows that the global economy may witness a poor performance by the end of 2024, the slowest half-decade of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth in 30 years.

Key Highlights of the Report

Slowest Half-Decade of GDP Growth in 30 Years

• The global economy is projected to experience the slowest half-decade of GDP growth in three decades, with a growth rate of 2.4% in 2024.

Improved Outlook Compared to Previous Year

• The risk of a global Recession has receded, attributed to the strength of the US economy, resulting in a better global economic position than the previous year.
• But mounting geopolitical tensions could create fresh near-term hazards for the world economy.

Explanation:

• World Tamil Diaspora Day celebrated on 12 January in Chennai.
• Awards were given to thirteen exemplary personalities for their contribution to the development of Tamils.
• On the occasion, Chief Minister M.K.Stalin said that a special department has been created for the welfare of Tamils living abroad and a minister has been appointed.
• The Chief Minister distributed medals to 13 important Tamil achievers who have excelled in various fields, including education, art, literature, and culture.
• In this event, Tamils living in fifty countries participated.
• Enathu Gramam, My Village, a unique scheme for the development of villages was launched.
• Under this scheme, any person can adopt his native village and ensure its overall development.