Daily UPSC Current Quiz : 11 Feb 2026

With reference to the removal of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in India, consider the following statements:

1. A resolution for removal can only be moved if it is supported by at least 100 members of the House at the time of seeking leave.

2. During the consideration of their removal, the Speaker can participate in proceedings and vote in the first instance, but cannot exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.

3. The “Effective Majority” required for removal is calculated based on the total sanctioned strength of the House, regardless of vacancies.

4. The procedure for removal is explicitly detailed in Article 179 of the Constitution, but the requirement for 50 members to support the “leave of the motion” is a matter of Parliamentary/Assembly Rules.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to the ‘Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)’, consider the following statements:

1. It was established as a specialized agency under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) following the Rio+20 Summit.

2. It functions as an independent intergovernmental body that provides scientific assessments on the state of the planet’s biodiversity.

3. Unlike the IPCC, which focuses on climate change, IPBES is a treaty-based body with the power to enforce conservation targets on its member states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO):

1. It is a residual fuel obtained from the distillation of crude oil, characterized by high viscosity and high sulfur content.

2. Under the IMO 2020 regulations, the permissible sulfur limit in ships’ fuel oil has been reduced to 0.50% globally, effectively banning the use of HFO without exhaust gas cleaning systems.

3. The “Arctic Ban” on HFO, which came into effect recently, prohibits both the use and carriage of HFO as fuel by all ships in Arctic waters without exception.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?