(b) Statement 3 is not correct. Why in news? As per Human Rights Watch, Israel fired white phosphorus bombs over Gaza and Lebanon during their conflict with Hamas. ■ White phosphorus is a waxy, yellowish-to-clear chemical with a pungent, garlic-like odour. ■ It is used by military in form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in air when it comes into contact with oxygen. ■ White phosphorus is used as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. ■ It can cause severe burn injuries that are slow to heal. ■ White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime. ■ White phosphorus was used by Israel during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza (2008-2009), USA in city of Fallujah (Iraq), etc.

(d) Why in news? Recently Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the Technologies under Intelligent Transportation System. ■ Technologies are: 1 . Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Sensor-based Camera for Industrial Vision Applications: for automated inspection and identification of objects employing Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques. 2 . Thermal Sensor based Camera: for road traffic applications and It can provide data of stationery as well as of moving objects with high accuracy even in dark. 3 . Online Sucro Crystal Imaging System: for measurement of crystal size in sugar industries for maintaining its quality.

(b) Statement 2 is not correct. Why in news? Recently, Goan cashew got the geographical indication (GI) tag. ■ A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities. ■ GI tag stands valid for 10 years, and can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each ■ Goan Cashew occupies largest area among horticultural crops in Goa. ■ Goan Cashew is a native to northeast Brazil and introduced to Goa by Portuguese in 1570. ■ It grows in well-drained deep sandy loam soils.

(d) All the statements are incorrect. Why in news? Recently a report titled “Imperative of Cutting Methane from Fossil Fuels” was released. The report was prepared by International Energy Agency (IEA) with contributions from UNEP and UNEP-Convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). ■ CCAC, founded in 2012, is the only international body working to reduce short-lived climate pollutants-methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons – that drive both climate change and air pollution. ■ Global Methane Pledge was launched at COP26 in 2021 to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels ■ Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas and responsible for 30 percent of global warming. ■ Gobar (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) Dhan scheme, an umbrella initiative of Ministry of Jal Shakti, supports conversion of waste into resources and reduction of methane emissions.

(a) Why in news? Global Girlhood Report 2023 was recently released by ‘Save the Children’ organization. ■ The report focuses on the impact of the Climate Crisis on the lives of Girl children across the globe. ■ Climate Crisis impacts girls in various aspects e.g., Food Security, Poverty, Migration, Safety, Education, and Health. ■ Child marriage is often seen as a coping strategy to reduce economic vulnerability and food insecurity that a family is facing because of a disaster. ■ Globally, 9 million girls face extreme risks of climate disaster and consequently forced into child marriage every year. ■ 2/3rd child marriages are to happen in regions with higher-than-average climate risks. ■ Almost 60% of girls globally will experience at least one extreme climate event by 2030.