Daily Quiz – 24th May 2024

The "Shoonya – Zero Pollution Mobility" initiative, led by NITI Aayog, aims to enhance air quality in India by expediting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for ride-hailing and delivery services. Derived from the Sanskrit word for zero, "Shoonya" signifies the inception of possibilities. Inspired by this meaning, the campaign intends to transform the transportation sector through a swift transition to zero-emission vehicles. The campaign focuses on creating awareness among consumers and acknowledging industry efforts towards sustainable mobility. The Shoonya campaign aims to pave the way for 100% electrification in India's urban final-mile connectivity and delivery sector.

Statement 1 is correct: The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is a central sector scheme that was launched in 2015. This fund was established by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. Hence, the given statement is correct.

Statement 2 is incorrect: NAFCC was established to assist the States and Union Territories that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting their cost of adaptation. There is no provision pertaining to funding eligible start-ups under this scheme. The activities under this scheme are implemented in the project mode. The projects are aligned with the State and National Action Plans for Climate Change. The state projects are required to be approved by their respective steering committees on the climate change.

Statement 3 is correct: NABARD is the National Implementing Entity of this scheme. The States and UTs are required to prepare proposals in consultation with NABARD. NABARD performs roles in facilitating identification of project ideas/concepts from State Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC), project formulation, appraisal, sanction, disbursement of fund, monitoring & evaluation and capacity building of stakeholders including State Governments.

Greenhouse gases vary in their ability to absorb infrared radiation (ability to trap heat), and their effectiveness is influenced by both atmospheric concentration and the duration they persist in the atmosphere, known as their "lifetime." The term "radiative forcing" integrates these factors into a single measure of a impact of greenhouse gas's, aerosol, changes in solar radiation on Earth's temperature. A gas with strong infrared absorption capability and a longer atmospheric presence has a higher radiative forcing.

Carbon Dioxide has contributed to the highest radiative forcing in comparison to other greenhouse gases. While carbon dioxide may not be the most efficient greenhouse gas on a per-molecule basis, its significance lies in its abundance and long atmospheric lifetime. The radiative forcing of CO2 is substantial due to its high concentration and persistence in the atmosphere. Methane, Nitrous Oxides and Chlorofluorocarbons are more potent greenhouse gases per molecule compared to CO2. However, their concentration in the atmosphere is much lower than that of CO2. Carbon dioxide's dominance in terms of concentration and its exceptionally long atmospheric lifetime make it the greenhouse gas with the highest overall radiative forcing.

(Note: Radiative forcing is calculated in watts per square meter)

The "Rio Earth Summit" refers to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992. The conference marked a significant milestone in global efforts to address environmental and sustainable development issues.

Option 1 is correct: The Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) was one of the major outcomes of the Rio Earth Summit. It aimed at promoting the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Options 1, 2, 3 are correct: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are entirely man-made. They are primarily produced for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, insulating foams and aerosol propellants, with minor uses as solvents and for fire protection.

Option 4 is correct: The HFC-type hydraulic fluids are water-glycol hydraulic fluids. They contain around 40-45% water. Also, the synthetic lubricants make usage of HFCs.