CAPF (AC) 2024 (Paper-1) (Questions 101-125)

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 was awarded to the imprisoned Iranian human rights advocate Narges Mohammadi. More than 20 years of fighting for women's rights made her a symbol of freedom and standard-bearer in the struggle against the Iranian theocracy.

The Nobel Prize, established by Swedish inventor and philanthropist
Alfred Nobel, is the world’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in fields that advance human progress, which are Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. Instituted through Nobel’s will in 1895, the awards honour individuals and organisations whose work has made the “greatest benefit to humankind.”

First presented in 1901, the Nobel Prizes symbolise intellectual achievement, humanitarian service, and the pursuit of global peace. From Albert Einstein’s breakthroughs in physics to Mother Teresa’s humanitarian mission, these laureates represent the spirit of innovation and compassion that the Nobel envisioned.

Over the decades, the Nobel Prizes have not only celebrated outstanding contributions but have also inspired generations toward knowledge, peace, and the betterment of humanity.

Key Outcomes of COP28

• Fossil Fuel Phase-out: COP28 recognized the need to transition from fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050. However, no specific timelines or targets were set, disappointing many countries.
• Tripling of Renewable Energy: Countries were urged to triple global renewable energy capacity and improve energy efficiency by 2030, potentially reducing 7 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. However, the implementation plan remains unclear.
• Phase-down of Coal: The agreement reaffirmed the phase-down of coal, a commitment first made at COP26, but without clear timelines or measurement criteria.
• Methane Emission Cuts: Despite methane being a potent greenhouse gas, no targets were set due to opposition from countries like India, where agriculture is a major methane source.
• Loss & Damage Fund: A fund was launched with $800 million pledged to support vulnerable nations recovering from climate-related disasters.
• Global Goal on Adaptation: While a framework was adopted to address adaptation, it lacks clear indicators and financial provisions. Developing nations are pushing for more resources.
• Global Stock take: The key outcome of COP28, aimed at assessing progress towards climate goals.

Anoop Baranwal filed this petition before the Supreme Court. The key issues framed by the five-judge bench (K.M. Joseph J, Ajay Rastogi J, Aniruddha Bose J, Hrishikesh Roy J, C.T. Ravikumar J) were, whether the current procedure for appointment of the members of the ECI violates the Constitution of India, and whether issuing a direction for the appointment process of the members of the ECI would violate the separation of powers principle.

In the judgment delivered on March 2, 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously held that the selection of all the Election Commissioners including the Chief Election Commissioner would be done by a three-member committee comprising the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India set up with the objective to develop a culture of science, technology & innovation and to encourage scientific temper in the society by setting up of Science Cities/Science Centres/Innovation Hubs and organizing S& T awareness programmes throughout the country.

The organization is engaged in setting up of facilities such as Science Cities, Science Centres, Innovation Hubs, Mobile Science Exhibitions (MSE) etc. and Science Outreach programmes such as Science Seminar, Science Drama, Science & Engineering Fair, Science Film Festival, Workshops, Training, Lectures and Science demonstrations etc. for general public and students in particular.

Gwalior listed as 'City of Music' under UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. Context: Gwalior, in Madhya Pradesh, earned a place in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network for 'Music', in recognition of its steadfast dedication to nurturing culture and creativity

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.

• It is also a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), a coalition of UN agencies and organizations aimed at fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• UNESCO’s Headquarters are located in Paris and the Organization has more than 50 field offices around the world.
• It has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members (As of April 2020) and is governed by the General Conference and the Executive Board.
• Three UNESCO member states are not UN members: Cook Islands, Niue, and Palestine.
• While three UN member states (Israel, Liechtenstein, United States) are not UNESCO members