UPSC EXAM QUIZ 04.03.2025

Explanation:

• A fauna survey was conducted in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.14 new bird species were recently sighted in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, including Grey Heron, Indian Spotted Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle and others.
• This takes the total number of bird species in the sanctuary to 245, of which 174 species were recorded during the survey.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Idukki district, Kerala.
• The terrain is rugged and undulating, with altitudes ranging between 450 meters to 750 meters above sea level.
• It is characterized by steep hills, deep valleys, plateaus, and riverine forests.
• Climate: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall and pleasant temperatures throughout the year.
• River flowing through it: Two major rivers flow through and sustain the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity: Periyar River and Cheruthoni River. These rivers contribute to the Idukki Dam Reservoir.

Explanation:

• The Supreme Court has stressed the necessity of segregation of waste at source and questioned the effective implementation of the same by the states of the National Capital Region (NCR).
• The court sought the states' response on compliance with the rules under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (SWM Rules, 2016).

Solid Waste and Waste Segregation at Source

Solid Waste

• It refers to any type of waste, litter, discarded material, generated from households, industries, businesses and other human activities.
• Its proper management is essential to prevent adverse effects on the environment and health.

Segregation of Waste at Source

• It is the process of identifying, classifying, dividing and sorting waste at the place of origin to facilitate its proper disposal, recycling and management.
• It classifies waste based on its biological, physical and chemical characteristics.

Explanation:

• Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has launched a report on the Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF).
• The report, part of CDRI's study on National and Sub-national Disaster Risk & Resilience Assessment, aims to enhance the resilience of India’s telecom sector against natural disasters.

State of Telecom Infrastructure

• Telecom contributes 15% to global GDP and is projected to reach USD 2.8 trillion by 2030 (CAGR 6.2%).
• Disaster risks to infrastructure are rising globally and India is ranked 35th out of 191 countries in the UN INFORM Risk Index (2024-25).
• The UN INFORM Risk Index is a global, open-source risk assessment tool for humanitarian crises and disasters.
• India faces high vulnerability to earthquakes (58% land area), floods (12%), landslides (15%), and forest fires (10%), while 5,700 km of its coastline is at risk from cyclones and tsunamis.

Explanation:

• SEBI launched a centralized database portal ‘Bond Central’ for corporate bonds.
• Bond Central portal has been developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association (OBPP Association) in collaboration with Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) comprising stock exchanges and depositories.
• Its main aim is to create a single platform for authentic sources of information on corporate bonds issued in India.
• It will act as an information repository for the public at large and is accessible free of cost.
• This database will enhance transparency and help investors and other market participants in making decisions.
• It will be operated by the Online Bond Platform Providers Association (OBPP Association).
• Through this portal, investors can compare corporate bond prices with Government Securities (G-Secs) and other fixed-income indices.
• Through this platform, Investors can get information related to detailed risk assessments, corporate bond documents, and disclosures. It will enable them to evaluate opportunities effectively.

Explanation:

• Passport Rules have been amended by the Centre.
• The amended rules make birth certificates the only proof of date of birth for passport applicants born on or after 1st October 2023.
• The amendment has been made to the Passport Rules of 1980.
• For persons born on or after 1st October 2023, birth certificates issued by Registrar of Births and Deaths, the Municipal Corporation or any other authority having powers under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, will be accepted as proof of date of birth.
• For other applicants, driving licence, PAN card, Election Photo Identity Card or school leaving certificates can be accepted as proof of date of birth.