27 May, 2024

1. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Small Island Developing States’:

  1. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
  2. The three geographical regions in which SIDS are located are the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

2. With reference to the ‘astronomical transient’ consider the following statements:

  1. Astronomical transients refer to celestial events or phenomena that occur suddenly, brighten or flare up for a brief period of time, and then fade away.
  2. Examples of astronomical transients include black holes, globular clusters, elliptical galaxies etc.
  3. Recently the Indian-American astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni was awarded the Shaw Prize for Astronomy in 2024 for his work on the physics of astronomical transients.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

3. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Zero Debris Charter’ which was recently signed by twelve countries:

  1. The Zero Debris Charter is an initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the ISRO.
  2. It is a world-leading effort to become debris-neutral in space by 2030.
  3. Project NETRA of India focused on enhancing space situational awareness to monitor and manage space debris.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

4. With reference to Virupaksha Temple Hampi, consider the following statements:

  1. The Virupaksha temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. The temple was built by Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagara Empire
  3. The temple flourished under the patronage of the Vijayanagara rulers, who were great builders and patrons of art.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

5. Consider the following statements regarding the proposed Pandemic Treaty of the World Health Organization (WHO):

  1. The "Pandemic Treaty" or "Pandemic Accord" refers to an ongoing process at the World Health Organization (WHO) to negotiate an international agreement or convention on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
  2. The WHO already has binding rules known as the International Health Regulations (2005) which set out countries’ obligations where public health events have the potential to cross national borders.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?