Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – December 09, 2022 [Mock Test]
December 14, 2022 December 15, 2022
1. Which of the following UNESCO sites has/have been delisted?
- Liverpool port city
- Oman Wildlife sanctuary
- Dresden Elbe valley
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- Liverpool port city was included in the prestigious list for its architectural beauty and in recognition of its role as one of the world’s most important ports during the 18thand 19th It was named a World Heritage Site in 2004.
- Wildlife sanctuary in Oman in 2007.
- Dresden Elbe valley in Germany in 2009.
2. Consider the following statements:
- The Mont Mégantic Observatory in Quebec is the first site to be recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah is the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
- Elqui Valley of northern Chile is the world’s first International Dark Sky Park.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:- The International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) defines an international dark sky reserve (IDSR) as “a public or private land of substantial size (at least 700 km², or about 173,000 acres) possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment, and that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
- A dark sky reserve requires a “core” area that has clear sky without any light pollution, which can enable telescopes to see the sky in its natural darkness.
- The IDSA recognizes and accredits dark-sky areas worldwide. The Mont Mégantic Observatory in Quebec is the first such site to be recognized (in 2007) as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
- There are five designated categories, namely International Dark Sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries and Urban Night Sky Places.
- IDSA recognized Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah as the world’s first International Dark Sky Park.
- In 2015, the IDSA introduced the term “Dark Sky Sanctuary” and designated the Elqui Valley of northern Chile as the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
3. Who among the following prominent personalities have won Ramon Magsaysay Award?
- Firdausi Qadri
- Mahasweta Devi
- Bezwada Wilson
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:- Winners for 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Award: Bangladesh’s Dr. Firdausi Qadri (Affordable Vaccine Champion), Pakistan’s Muhammad Amjad Saqib (Poverty Alleviation Visionary), Filipino fisher and community environmentalist Roberto Ballon, American Steven Muncy for humanitarian work and refugee assistance and Indonesian torch bearer for investigative journalism, Watchdoc.
- Prominent Indians who have won the award include Vinoba Bhave in 1958, Mother Teresa in 1962, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in 1966, Satyajit Ray in 1967, Mahasweta Devi in 1997. Arvind Kejriwal (2006), Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015), human rights activist Bezwada Wilson (2016), and journalist Ravish Kumar (2019) have won the award.
