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
18781
The primary financial mechanism of the UNCCD to assist developing country Parties is the:
Answer:
The Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The GEF has served as the main financial mechanism of the UNCCD since the Convention's inception.
18782
Which UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target is most directly supported by the UNCCD's focus on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)?
Answer:
SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Specifically, SDG Target 15.3 calls for combating desertification, restoring degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and striving to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
18783
What is the global target goal of the UNCCD's 10-year strategy (2008-2018, extended)?
Answer:
Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030.
LDN is defined as a state whereby the amount of healthy and productive land resources remains stable or increases within specified spatial and temporal scales.
18784
The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its focus on a **bottom-up approach**, which emphasizes the role of:
Answer:
Local communities, affected populations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The UNCCD stresses local participation in designing and implementing anti-desertification programs.
18785
What is the supreme decision-making body of the UNCCD, which meets every two years?
Answer:
The Conference of the Parties (COP)
The COP reviews the Convention’s implementation and adopts decisions to improve its effectiveness.
18786
The UNCCD defines **desertification** as:
Answer:
Land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities.
This specific definition highlights that human activities and environmental factors both drive desertification.
18787
What is the primary phenomenon the UNCCD aims to combat?
Answer:
Desertification and drought, especially in areas experiencing severe drought and/or desertification.
The UNCCD focuses specifically on the degradation of land in drylands, semi-arid, and sub-humid areas.
18788
Where is the permanent secretariat of the UNCCD located?
Answer:
Bonn, Germany
The UNCCD Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany, alongside the UNFCCC Secretariat.
18789
The UNCCD is one of the three conventions adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, collectively known as the 'Rio Conventions'. The other two are the UNFCCC and the:
Answer:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD) address climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, recognizing their interconnectedness.
18790
In what year was the UNCCD adopted and opened for signature?
Answer:
1994
The UNCCD was adopted in Paris in June 1994, two years after the Rio Earth Summit.