UPSC QUIZ 30.05.2024

Explanation:

A new study has shed light on the extent of microplastic pollution in Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland in Kollam district, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and addressing “potential public health concerns.”

Microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi Lake

• Untreated municipal solid waste and plastic debris going into the lake, residential and resort domestic waste is directly discharged into the reservoirs. Due to which microplastics were found in 19.6% of fish and up to 40.9% in shellfish (various mollusc organisms).
• The presence of fibers and dangerous heavy metals (nylon, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene and polysiloxane) has been detected in these microplastics.

Explanation:

• The Indian Armed Forces have plans to transform into a Integrated Military Theater Command. Its draft is being finalized by the Indian Armed Forces for the creation of Integrated Theater Command. It is a part of the ambitious defense reform.
• Currently, all three defense services (Army, Navy and Air) function individually under their individual operational commands. Its goal is to integrate the three defense forces.
• After the formation of the Integrated Theater Command, specialized units of personnel of all three defense services (Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force) will be placed under a single theater commander.

Development of Integrated Military Theater Command

• The Government of India initiated reforms in the year 2019 by creating the post of Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) and setting up the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to oversee the changes.
• Efforts have been going on for the last five years. However, in the meantime other initiatives to integrate the services at the lower level have also been implemented.

Explanation:

• Twelve countries have signed the 'Zero Debris Charter' in the European Space Agency or European Union Space Council.
• These 12 countries include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Apart from these, the European Space Agency has also signed the Zero Debris Charter as an international organization.
• Through this charter, commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit will be strengthened.

Explanation:

• Every year, 29 May is observed as the International Day of the UN Peacekeepers.
• This day is observed to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of over 4000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives while trying to bring peace in strife-torn areas of the world.
• The day also urges the global community to join and strengthen the global movement for peace.

Background to the International Day of the UN Peacekeepers

• The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in December 2002 to observe 29 May as the International Day of the UN Peacekeepers.
• 29 May was chosen by the United Nations as on this day in 1948 the UN Security Council passed a resolution to authorise the first United Nations peacekeeping operation in West Asia.
• The Security Council created the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) to monitor the ceasefire agreement between the newly created country of Israel and its Arab neighbours who were opposing its creation.

Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched three major initiatives on 28 May 2024: the PRAVAH portal, a mobile app for retail investors to trade in government securities, and a Fintech Repository. These three initiatives were launched by the RBI governor, Shaktikanta Das, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

PRAVAH Portal

• The PRAVAAH(Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation and AutHorisation) is a centralised web-based portal that provides a secure platform for individuals or entities to seek authorisation, license, or regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank.
• An individual or entity can submit 60 application forms covering different regulatory and supervisory departments of the RBI online.
• Applicants can also track their applications online, monitor their status, and receive a decision from the RBI in a time-bound manner.