UPSC QUIZ 14.05.2024

Explanation:

• World Bank released a Recipe For A Livable Planet Report stating that annual investments of USD 260 billion are necessary to cut agrifood emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
• The report highlights that this figure is twice the amount currently spent on agricultural subsidies.

Key highlights of the Reports

• "Recipe for a Livable Planet" provides a global strategic framework for reducing the agrifood system's impact on climate change.
• It outlines how the world's food production can significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while continuing to ensure global food security.

Explanation:

• Rapid urbanization has been taking place in India for the last few decades. The growth of cities in India has been largely unplanned, leading to numerous challenges and urban filth. This requires immediate attention.

Urbanization statistics

Global perspective

• According to the Asian Development Bank report of 2019, the global urban population has increased from 751 million in the year 1950 (30% of the total global population) to 4.2 billion in the year 2018 (55% of the total global population).
• This number is estimated to be 5.2 billion (60% of the total global population) in the year 2030 and 6.7 billion (68% of the total global population) in the year 2050.

Indian landscape

• According to the 2011 census, India's urban population increased from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% (377.1 million) in 2011.
• However, since the 1990s the urbanization trend has shifted from tier 1 cities to medium-sized cities.

Explanation:

• Spices Board of India has recently issued detailed guidelines to tackle the problem of ethylene oxide contamination in spices exported from India.
• This action was prompted by the bans imposed by Hong Kong and Singapore on the sale of popular Indian spice brands like MDH and Everest, after these products were found to contain the carcinogenic chemical ethylene oxide.
• The contamination has raised significant quality concerns among international buyers and has led to a mandatory recall of these products from the market.

Use of Ethylene Oxide

• Ethylene Oxide is a chemical commonly used for the sterilisation and fumigation of agricultural products due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, fungi, and insects.
• However, due to its potential health risks, including carcinogenic effects, its presence in food products has become highly regulated globally.

Explanation:

• Export of non-Basmati white rice to Mauritius allowed by India.
• According to an official notification, the Central Government allowed the export of 14,000 tonnes of non-Basmati white rice to Mauritius.
• Notably, the export of non-Basmati white rice was banned in July 2023 to curb domestic prices and ensure domestic food security.
• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in its notification that permission has been granted to export rice to Mauritius through National Cooperative Exports Limited.
• Earlier, India had allowed the export of this rice variety to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Republic of Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, UAE, Singapore, Comoros etc., although in varying quantities.
• Exports will be permitted to other countries to meet their food security needs as per the permission given by the Government and at the request of their Government.
• The West African country Benin is one of the major importers of non-Basmati rice from India.

Explanation:

• Google announced a standalone app "Google Wallet" in India for Android devices.
• Under this application, users are allowed to safely store their personal information such as loyalty cards, transit passes, IDs, and more.
• However, the company has clearly stated that the launch of Google Wallet will not impact its already popular UPI application, Google Pay.
• Initially, to start the app, Google has partnered with over 20 brands including PVR & INOX, Air India, Indigo, Flipkart, Pine Labs, Kochi Metro, and Abhibus for the rollout of Wallet.
• Although Google Wallet supports credit and debit cards globally, its Indian version will not support them.

Difference between Google Wallet and Google Pay

• Google Wallet is a 'secure and private digital wallet' that gives users instant access to payment cards, passes, tickets, and IDs shared on the app.
• On the other hand, Google Pay is a platform for users to manage their money and finances and send money to their friends and family.