General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
18771
Which of the following is a primary threat that UNCCD aims to help countries mitigate?
Answer:
Soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, and unsustainable use of land and water resources.
These are the core manifestations of land degradation in drylands.
18772
The UNCCD supports the goal of **drought preparedness**. This includes assistance with:
Answer:
Developing national drought policies, early warning systems, and impact assessments.
Preparedness shifts the response from reactive emergency aid to proactive risk management.
18773
The **Intergovernmental Working Group** on the LDN conceptual framework primarily focused on integrating which three elements?
Answer:
Land cover, land productivity, and carbon stocks.
These three indicators are the globally agreed-upon metrics for measuring progress toward Land Degradation Neutrality.
18774
The UNCCD encourages States to adopt policies that give greater attention to the needs of which vulnerable group often reliant on drylands?
Answer:
Pastoralists, farmers, and Indigenous Peoples.
These groups are disproportionately affected by desertification and are crucial partners in implementing solutions.
18775
The UNCCD Secretariat assists the Parties in reviewing their progress primarily through the:
Answer:
Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS).
PRAIS is the UNCCD's main monitoring system, collecting and processing national reports on the implementation of the Convention.
18776
The UNCCD is closely associated with which major environmental program that addresses the degradation of the world's drylands?
Answer:
The Great Green Wall Initiative.
The Great Green Wall is an African-led initiative to grow an 8,000km natural wonder across the continent, directly tackling desertification and land degradation.
18777
Which of the following is considered a key approach to combating land degradation, as promoted by the UNCCD?
Answer:
Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices.
SLM involves the use of land resources (soil, water, animals and plants) for the production of goods to meet changing human needs, while simultaneously ensuring the long-term productive potential of these resources.
18778
The UNCCD has a strong focus on the impact of desertification on:
Answer:
Food security, poverty, and human migration.
Land degradation directly affects the livelihoods of rural poor, often forcing them to migrate.
18779
The **Committee on Science and Technology (CST)**, a subsidiary body of the COP, is primarily responsible for:
Answer:
Providing the COP with information and advice on scientific and technological matters related to combating desertification.
The CST is crucial for ensuring that the implementation of the UNCCD is informed by the best available science.
18780
The UNCCD requires affected developing country Parties to prepare and implement:
Answer:
National Action Programmes (NAPs).
NAPs are key operational instruments that outline the practical measures and strategies a country will take to combat desertification.