Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC : 21 July 2025

Consider the following statements regarding PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5 micrometers or less):

1. PM2.5 particles are primarily emitted directly from sources such as vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes, but they can also form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving gases like SO2 and NOx.

2. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, but unlike PM10, it is not associated with systemic effects such as cardiovascular diseases.

3. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 revised guidelines recommend that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in coal-based thermal power plants:

1. FGD technology is primarily designed to reduce Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from flue gases by converting them into harmless nitrogen gas.

2. India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) mandates all coal-based thermal power plants to install FGD units irrespective of their capacity or location.

3. Wet FGD systems commonly use limestone slurry to remove Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) from flue gas, producing gypsum as a by-product.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the World Meteorological Organization (WMO):

1. WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.

2. The WMO’s headquarters are located in Paris, France, in collaboration with UNESCO, as it was initially part of the International Meteorological Organization.

3. The WMO issues the State of the Global Climate Report annually, which contributes to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations.

Which of the above statements is/are NOT correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. The SDGs follow the principle of “No one left behind”, aiming for universal, inclusive, and equitable development for all countries, regardless of their income status.

2. Unlike the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs are legally binding on all UN member states, with penalties for non-compliance.

3. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) emphasizes technology transfer, capacity building, and global financial cooperation, making it the enabler of all other goals.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?