UPSC EXAM QUIZ 08.07.2024

Explanation:

• India has recently participated in the 86th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
• In this session, India has made significant contribution towards promotion of quality standards of spices such as cardamom, vanilla and turmeric.
• As a significant producer and exporter of these spices, India's participation is important in facilitating international trade.
• India has supported the advancement of standards for designated vegetable oils, guidelines for controlling Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and standards for safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.

Explanation:

• On the occasion of International Asteroid Day, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) organised a workshop at Space Bhavan in Bengaluru.
• Asteroids are small rocky bodies orbiting the Sun. They orbit the Sun like planets but are much smaller in size. They are mainly found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Effects of asteroid explosion on Earth

1. Extinction of species
2. Creation of crater lake
3. Damage to ecosystem
4. Adverse effect on food chain
5. Climate change

Asteroid Day

• Asteroid Day is celebrated every year on 30 June by the space community. On this occasion, an asteroid workshop was organised.
• On 30 June, 1908, in Siberia, Russia, an asteroid exploded in a 2,200 sq km forest. This day is celebrated due to the huge explosion of an asteroid.
• It is believed that the explosion of asteroids was the reason behind the extinction of dinosaurs along with many species.

Explanation:

• Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government reconstituted the eight subcommittees of the Union Cabinet on 3 July 2024 after being sworn in for the record third consecutive time.
• Of the 72 members of the Union Council Minister, including the Prime Minister Modi, 31 are of Cabinet rank.
• These Cabinet ministers are part of the newly reconstituted Cabinet sub-committee.
• The Prime Minister is the head of the Union Council of Ministers and chairs its meetings.
• The cabinet sub-committee of which the Prime Minister is a part will always be chaired by the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister is not a member of two subcommittees: the Cabinet Committee on Skill, Employment and Livelihood and the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

Explanation:

• Guidelines for financing testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support for development of Standards and Regulatory framework under NGHM have been released by centre.
• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the scheme will be implemented till the fiscal year 2025–2026 at a total budgeted outlay of 200 crore rupees.
• The scheme will be implemented by the National Institute of Solar Energy.
• The scheme will assist in identifying the gaps in the current testing infrastructure for the parts, technologies, and procedures that make up the value chain of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
• According to the Ministry, in order to ensure secure and safe operations, the Scheme will finance the construction of new testing facilities as well as the upgradation of current testing facilities.
• The scheme envisages the development of reliable performance and quality testing facilities to ensure sustainability, safety, and high standards in the manufacturing and trade of green hydrogen.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was launched on the 4th January 2023 with an outlay of over 19,700 crore rupees up to Financial Year 2029-30.
• The Mission will enable India to take the lead in green hydrogen technology and market share.
• It will significantly reduce the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels, and decarbonise the economy.

Explanation:

• Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments signed a pact for the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project.
• The Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments signed a MoU for the implementation of the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project.
• The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Linking Project aims to provide drinking and industrial water in 13 districts of eastern Rajasthan, Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh.
• It will provide water in a minimum of 2.8 lakh hectare areas each in both states.
• This link project will use the available water resources of the Chambal basin optimally and economically.
• The Parbati River is the third largest tributary of the Chambal River flowing through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. It originates from the Vindhyanchal ranges near Astha in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.
• The River Kalisindh is a principal tributary of the Chambal. It originates near Bagli village in the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh.
• The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link Project envisages the diversion of surplus water from Parbati, Newaj (a tributary of Kalisindh) and Kalisindh River through the link canal and to the Gandhi Sagar or Rana Pratap Sagar reservoir.