Day-725 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | ENVIRONMENT

Answer: D
Explanation:
The phenomenon of depletion/thinning of ozone layer (termed as Ozone Hole) over both the hemispheres of the Earth (with more pronounced depletion above the South Pole) was observed by scientists during the 1980s, due to the growing production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. Ozone depletion is caused by human-related emissions of ODSs and the subsequent release of reactive halogen gases, especially chlorine and bromine, in the stratosphere. ODSs include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), bromine-containing halons and methyl bromide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and methyl chloroform.
Statement I is incorrect: The rate of formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds increases during winters in the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, Ozone Hole reaches maximum size during winters in the Southern Hemisphere in the months of August and September.
Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are formed in the polar ozone layer when winter minimum temperatures fall below the formation temperature of about −78°C. This occurs on average for 1 to 2 months over the Arctic and 5 to 6 months over Antarctica. Reactions on liquid and solid PSC particles cause the highly reactive chlorine gas ClO to be formed, which catalytically destroys ozone.
Statement II is correct:
● Warmer stratospheric temperatures inhibit the formation of polar stratospheric clouds, which are necessary for the chemical reactions that destroy ozone. Consequently, when the stratosphere is warmer, the ozone hole tends to be smaller.
● Contrarily, lower temperature in the Stratosphere is an ideal condition for increased formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).

Answer. C
Explanation:
India’s first-of-its-kind Nature Interpretation Centre was inaugurated in December 2023 at the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is significant as it throws light on the rich biodiversity found in the Eastern Ghats.
The new Nature Interpretation Centre, a separate section at the recently-inaugurated Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre near PM Palem, is an immersive experience of traversing through the diverse ecosystems of the region, which has long awaited systematic documentation. Located along the periphery of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary in Visakhapatnam, the centre is a first-of-its-kind art-led project of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
The ground floor shines the spotlight on four of the most elusive and endangered species of the Eastern Ghats —
● Indian pangolin,
● Mysore slender loris,
● Jerdon’s courser,
● Jeypore ground gecko,
● Fishing cat, etc.
Note that fishing cats have a patchy distribution along the Eastern Ghats. They abound in estuarine floodplains, tidal mangrove forests and also inland freshwater habitats. he conservation threats to fishing cats in the Eastern Ghats are mainly habitat loss [wetland degradation and conversion for aquaculture and other commercial projects], sand mining along river banks, agricultural intensification resulting in loss of riverine buffer and conflict with humans in certain areas resulting in targeted hunting and retaliatory killings.

Answer. B
Explanation:
It has been found that three fish species that live in the Laccadive Sea, off the southwest corner of the Indian coast, are capable of using tools. All three species used live or dead coral structures as anvils to break the hard shells of sea urchins so they could get to the edible bits inside. The Jansen’s wrasse (Thalassoma jansenii) and the checkerboard wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus) have never been reported using tools before, and this is the first documented instance of the moon wrasse (Thalassoma lunare) using tools in the wild.
The Indian scientists were diving off the western coast of Kavaratti, Lakshadweep to study the burrowing sea urchin (Echinostrephus molaris) and find out if it has any natural predators. . E. molaris like most sea urchins, is covered in an armour of spines. It also has a hard skeleton called a test that protects its internal organs, making it difficult for fish with unspecialised mouth parts to prey on it. Despite such physical defences, the E. molaris wrass fish was observed to make use of coral reefs as anvils to break the test and hunt these sea urchins.

Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: In India, any civil or judicial authority that disobeys or obstructs a Supreme Court directive can face contempt of court proceedings and potential penalties. This principle upholds the Supreme Court’s position as the apex judicial body and ensures its effectiveness in fulfilling its constitutional duties.
The Supreme Court also holds the power to impose exemplary costs against a government in default, but it’s not through statutes, but through its inherent powers and procedural guidelines. The power to award costs is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but flows from its inherent power to regulate its own proceedings and ensure compliance with its orders. – This power is recognized in various landmark judgments and procedural guidelines like the Supreme Court Rules, 2013.
Statement 2 is correct: Article 144 of the Constitution mandates that “all authorities, civil and judicial, in the territory of India shall act in aid of the Supreme Court”
The concept of contempt of court in India is established by both the Constitution and a specific law. Articles 129 and 142(2) of the Constitution empower the Supreme Court to punish anyone who shows disrespect towards the court itself. The Contempt of Court Act, 1971 defines what actions constitute contempt (interfering with justice, disobeying court orders, or scandalizing the court), sets procedures for contempt proceedings, and outlines potential punishments like fines and imprisonment.
Most recently in the Electoral Bonds Case, the Court warned SBI that if it does not comply with the directions of the Court to make public the details requested by the Court, it will take action for contempt—specifically, wilful disobedience of the judgement.

Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Indian Constitution doesn’t mandate an interim budget in election years. It’s presented when there’s insufficient time for a full budget before the new fiscal year (April 1st) or when elections are approaching.
Statement 2 is correct: An interim budget typically focuses on maintaining existing programs and doesn’t usually introduce any major new initiatives. It covers only a limited period, often a few months, until the new government presents a full budget.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Similar to the regular budget, the interim budget goes through the same process. Both the regular Union Budget and the interim budget go through a similar process of presentation, debate, and approval, with the main difference being the level of scrutiny in the Rajya Sabha and the scope of the budget itself.