1. Which of the following countries recognise same-sex marriages?
- Armenia
- Argentina
- Taiwan
- South Africa
- Cambodia
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 2, 3, 4 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:- Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legal in Armenia. On 3 July 2017, the Ministry of Justice announced that all marriages performed abroad are valid in Armenia, including marriages between people of the same sex.
- Cambodia does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions, but does recognize a registry program known as “declaration of family relationship”
- In 2015, the US Supreme Court in a 5:4 ruling recognised gay marriage.
- Following a nationwide referendum in 2017, Australia’s Parliament passed a law recognising same sex-marriage.
- In Ireland and Switzerland too, a popular vote by the majority led to a formal recognition of LGBTQ marriages.
- South Africa was the first African country to legalise same-sex marriages in 2006.
- In 2019, Taiwan became the first Asian country to recognise same sex-marriage.
- In 2010, Argentina became the first Latin American country and the 10th country in the world to allow same-sex marriages nationwide.
- Same-sex couples in Canada have enjoyed the legal benefits of marriage since 1999 when the federal and provincial governments extended marriages under the Common Law to LGBTQ couples. Following this, a string of legislation on the subject commenced in 2003, making same-sex marriage legal in nine of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. This was formally recognised in 2005 by Canada’s Parliament, which passed nationwide legislation to this effect.
2. Which of the following pairs of rice varieties grown in India and respective states is/are matched correctly?
- Pokkali rice – Assam
- Navara rice – Punjab
- Kalanamak rice – Uttar Pradesh
- Gobindobhog rice – West Bengal
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 3 & 4]
Notes:- Pokkali rice is a saline-tolerant, indigenous rice variety grown in the Alappuzha, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala.
- Navara rice is one of the many types of rice found in India, and is a unique grain plant in the Oryza group. It originated somewhere in Kerala, where it is regarded as endemic. In 2007–09, geographical indication status was granted.
- Kalanamak rice is a traditional variety of paddy with a black husk and powerful aroma. It is grown in 11 regions of the terai region in the north-east of Uttar Pradesh and in Nepal. The traditional kalanamak rice is protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag system (2013).
- The Gobindobhog rice was allotted the GI Tag of West Bengal by the Government of India in August 2017.
3. Which of the following sites have been recognised as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)?
- Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir
- Koraput Traditional Agriculture of Odisha
- Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of Kerala
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 2
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are designated by FAO to protect unique agricultural systems worldwide. In India, Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir, Koraput Traditional Agriculture of Odisha, and Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of Kerala have been recognised as GIAHS for their exceptional biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and sustainable agricultural practices.