UPSC Daily Quiz | 27 April 2024

Explanation:

•  Statement 1 is incorrect. Horticultural crops are generally more labor-intensive than field crops. They often require more intensive management, including regular pruning, pest and disease control, and sometimes hand-harvesting. The value of horticultural crops for small and marginal farmers lies in their higher yield per hectare and potential for higher economic returns, not in being less labor-intensive.
• Statement 2 is correct. Gujarat is the predominant producer and exporter of white onions in India. The state contributes significantly to the country's overall onion production and plays a crucial role in meeting domestic demand and driving onion exports. Other major onion-producing states in India include Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Explanation:

• Miyawaki Method is inspired by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, and boosts greenery in compact spaces. It fosters multi-layered forests with quick growth, mimicking natural biodiversity.
•  Though they lack some natural forest attributes like medicinal properties, they serve as effective carbon sinks and mitigate ecological damage from activities like mining.

Explanation:

• Earth Day, originating in 1970 after widespread protests against environmental degradation is now observed globally on April 22nd. Coordinated by EARTHDAY.ORG, formerly Earth Day Network, its aim is to mobilize a massive environmental movement for transformative change.
• Notably, the Paris Agreement, a landmark climate accord, was signed on Earth Day in 2016. It underscores a collective responsibility, as outlined in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to achieve a balance between economic, social, and environmental needs for present and future generations.
• Other important environmental days include World Water Day on March 22nd, World Biodiversity Day on May 22nd, and World Environment Day on June 5th. Additionally, Earth Hour, an initiative by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), occurs annually on the last Saturday of March, urging individuals worldwide to switch off lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is designed as a market-based mechanism to incentivize voluntary environmental actions, including environmental and ecological restoration. Individuals, companies, and various organizations can earn credits for activities such as afforestation, water conservation, and other environment-positive actions.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Projects in a carbon market are specifically measured by their carbon savings. Carbon credits are issued based on the amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases that are reduced, avoided, or sequestered by these projects. However, However, in green credits, measuring the impact of one unit of water conservation versus one unit of ecosystem restoration is complex and lacks a common metric.

Explanation:

• Statement 1: The IFC is indeed a member of the World Bank Group. It was established in 1956 as an affiliate of the World Bank to promote private sector development in developing countries.
• Statement 2: The primary mission of the IFC is to promote private sector investment in developing countries. It achieves this by providing financing (equity, loans, and guarantees), advisory services, and technical assistance to businesses and governments.
• Statement 3: The IFC offers a combination of equity and loan financing to support private sector projects in developing countries. This financial support helps businesses overcome investment barriers and promotes sustainable economic growth.