15th July 2024

Explanation - The sarus crane (Antigone antigone) is a large non-migratory crane. It is found in open wetlands in South Asia, seasonally flooded Dipterocarpus forests in Southeast Asia, and Eucalyptus-dominated woodlands and grasslands in Australia. The Sarus crane is the tallest flying bird in the world standing 152-156 cm tall with a wingspan of 240cm. The sarus crane is easily distinguished from other cranes in the region by its overall grey colour and the contrasting red head and upper neck. The main threat to the Sarus crane in India is habitat loss and degradation due to draining the wetland and conversion of land for agriculture. Status – Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 of India and as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List.

Explanation - Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. It is a regional system and so its constellation will consist of seven satellites. Three of these will be geostationary over the Indian Ocean, i.e., they will appear to be stationary in the sky over the region, and four will be geosynchronous – appearing at the same point in the sky at the same time every day. This configuration ensures each satellite is being tracked by at least one of fourteen ground stations at any given point of time, with a high chance of most of them being visible from any point in India. It covers India and a region extending up to 1,500 km beyond Indian mainland (primary coverage area). It provides position accuracy better than 20m and timing accuracy better than 50ns. The actual measurements demonstrate accuracy better than 5m and 20ns respectively.

Explanation: Tso Moriri is the highest freshwater lake, Pangong Tso is known for its saline waters, Tso Kar is a breeding ground for cranes, and Tso Lhamo (not in Changthang) is the source of the Indus.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The report indicates a decline in the global fertility rate since 1990, with many countries falling below the replacement level.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While the report does project India's population to peak in 2054, it doesn't necessarily predict a decline afterward. It's possible for the population to stabilize at a high level.

Statement 3 is correct. UNDESA is the UN body responsible for producing the World Population Prospects reports.

Statement 4 is correct. The report does project an increase in average global life expectancy due to reduced mortality rates.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect because the SDG India Index assesses 16 out of the 17 SDGs. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is not directly measured.

Statement 2 is incorrect because states and UTs are classified into four categories (Achiever, Front Runner, Performer, and Aspirant), not five.

Statement 3 is incorrect because the index uses a combination of quantitative indicators (derived from official data sources) and qualitative assessments.