UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on the International Relations Quiz to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the MCQs on Weekly Current Affairs.

With reference to the 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), consider the following statements:

1. The conference’s main goal was to assess progress on the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

2. The meeting was held in Canada.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, concluded without consensus on a new fund to protect nature, halting discussions. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The negotiations ran 12 hours behind schedule due to a lack of quorum, prompting Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad to suspend the session after many negotiators had gone.

— COP16 made some accomplishments, such as establishing a subsidiary organisation to incorporate indigenous views into future biodiversity negotiations.

— The conference’s primary goal was to monitor progress towards the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), which aims to safeguard 30% of global land and sea areas and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— However, a financing gap emerged, with wealthier nations refusing to boost payments while developing countries highlighted the need for more assistance to reach biodiversity commitments.

— Canada, Japan, and EU members pushed back at the summit, opposing requests from developing countries to establish a separate biodiversity fund outside of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

— Currently, roughly $400 million has been pledged to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), but environmentalists warn that this amount is insufficient to stop biodiversity loss.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

With reference to the H-1B visa program, consider the following statements:

1. It allows American employers to hire non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations that require a high level of skills.

2. There is no capping in the total number of new H-1B visas.

3. In the fiscal year 2023, Indians accounted for more than half of the total H-1B approvals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 3 only

Explanation

— The H-1B visa program allows American employers to hire non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations that require a high level of skills and at least a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Department of Labour. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the US workforce by authorising the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorised to work in the United States.

— The US government has capped the total number of new H-1B visas at 65,000 each financial year. Another 20,000 visas can be given to those who have obtained a Master’s degree or higher from a US institution. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— H-1B workers employed at higher education institutions, non-profits or government research organisations are not covered by the cap.

— In the fiscal year 2023, Indians accounted for 72.3% (2.79 lakh) of the total (3.86 lakh) H-1B approvals, according to a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) report in March this year. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Recently, Mount Lewotobi erupted which led to ash plumes over 2 kilometres and scattered volcanic debris across several nearby villages. It is located in:

(a) Indonesia

(b) Japan

(c) Philippines

(d) Malaysia

Explanation

— At least 10 people have died, and homes have been destroyed after a powerful volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Flores.

— Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano in the East Flores area, erupted on Monday night, spewing ash plumes more than 2 kilometres (1.24 miles) into the sky and scattering volcanic debris across numerous neighbouring settlements.

— The eruption damaged multiple homes, including a convent, and caused widespread terror as inhabitants fled under a black sky laden with ash.

— The eruption comes after a spike in volcanic activity in Indonesia, where Mount Merapi in West Sumatra erupted just days before, however there were no recorded injuries. Indonesia, which is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” has 120 active volcanoes and is subject to frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

With reference to the International Solar Alliance, consider the following statements:

1. The maiden summit of the International Solar Alliance was hosted by the United States.

2. It is the first international treaty-based organisation that enables co-operation among sun-rich countries.

3. The countries lying partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are not eligible for the membership.

3. It was established in 2016.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The International Solar Alliance is the first international treaty-based organisation that enables co-operation among sun-rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is not correct.

— It was established following the Paris Declaration at the UN Climate Change Conference on November 30, 2015. The International Solar Alliance was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— The maiden summit of the International Solar Alliance was hosted by India while the co-host was France. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The ISA was a unique initiative in which India took the lead in establishing a global organisation. Over the years, the ISA has evolved into an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 countries as members.

— ISA was envisaged as a facilitator, or a force multiplier, which would help countries overcome financial, technological, regulatory, or other barriers in harnessing solar energy.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Recently, which of the following countries witnessed the deadliest flood in Europe since 1967?

(a) Germany

(b) Poland

(c) Austria

(d) Spain

Explanation

— The deadliest flash floods in Spain’s modern history have killed at least 211 people, with others more missing. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that an additional 5,000 army troops will be deployed to assist with search and clean-up efforts in Valencia’s east.

— The incident is Europe’s biggest flood-related tragedy since 1967, when at least 500 people died in Portugal.

— The latest flash floods, caused by severe rains related to the climate catastrophe, have wreaked havoc on cities, towns, and villages, damaging infrastructure and leaving many without access to water or food.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 83)

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Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 82)

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