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1. The Chief Prosecutor of which International Court demanded arrest warrants for Israel’s PM, Defense Minister and Hamas leaders?
a. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
b. International Criminal Court (ICC)
c. European Court of Justice (ECJ)
d. Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ)
Answer: b. International Criminal Court (ICC)
Who is ICC seeking arrest warrants against?
– Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
– Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
– Three Hamas leaders: Ismail Haniyeh (Chief), Yahya Sinwar (Leader in Gaza) & Mohammad Deif (Military Commander)
Why are the arrests being sought?
– Due to killings in Gaza ordered by Israel, creating conditions of starvation, and Hamas attacks in Israel.
About the International Criminal Court (ICC)
– Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
This court is separate from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
– President: Tomoko Akane
– Established: July 1, 2002
– The court was created under the international treaty ‘Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,’ which was signed on July 17, 1998.
– Member countries: 123. Out of these, 31 countries have signed the treaty but have not ratified it.
– The United States, Russia, and Ukraine are among these 31 countries, hence they are not members of the ICC.
– India and China have not signed the Rome Statute, so they are not members of the ICC.
Jurisdiction of the ICC
– The ICC has jurisdiction only in those countries that have signed and ratified the ‘Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court’ treaty.
– There are a total of 123 member countries.
Note: Indian citizen Justice Dalveer Bhandari is a judge at the ICC.
Types of Crimes the ICC Handles
1. Genocide
2. Crimes against humanity
3. War crimes
4. Crime of aggression
(genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression)
Allegations Against Israeli and Hamas Leaders
– ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that Netanyahu and Israel’s Defense Minister are accused of deliberately ordering the Israeli military to target Palestinian civilians. They allegedly blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza, leading to conditions of starvation there.
– Additionally, Netanyahu is accused of using the war as a pretext to kill Palestinians and attempting to devastate Gaza. ICC judges are now considering whether to issue a warrant against Netanyahu.
Will Netanyahu Be Arrested if a Warrant is Issued?
– Even if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant, it does not have the power to arrest individuals.
– The ICC sends the arrest warrants to all member countries for the arrest of the accused.
– This warrant is more of a recommendation to member countries, and they are not obliged to comply.
– This is because each sovereign country is free to formulate its own policies in domestic and foreign affairs.
– Like other international institutions, the ICC also respects the sovereignty of each country.
– For example, in March 2023, an arrest warrant was issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it had no effect.
– Since Russia has not signed the treaty, Putin cannot be arrested.
Netanyahu’s Response
– On Monday, May 20, Netanyahu dismissed all the charges against him as absurd and false. He stated that if a warrant is issued, it will not be just against one leader but against all of Israel.
What the U.S. Said
– On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden also opposed the ICC arrest warrant.
– He said, “There is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. Israel is doing everything possible to protect its citizens.”
– U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the ICC has no authority to arrest Netanyahu. According to him, if the ICC issues an arrest warrant, it would be a major obstacle to reaching a ceasefire agreement.
France Supported the ICC
– The European country France refused to side with the U.S. regarding the arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
– France declared its support for the International Criminal Court and its independence.
– France had issued several warnings against humanitarian crimes in Gaza. France will accept whatever decision the ICC makes.
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2. Which has become the first country in modern history to lose all its glaciers?
a. China
b. Venezuela
c. Chile
d. Alaska
Answer: b. Venezuela
– Venezuela is a country located in South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
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3. Name the last glacier of Venezuela, which melted and disappeared?
a. Humboldt
b. Romari
c. K2
d. None of these
Answer: a. Humboldt
About the Andes and Venezuela’s Glaciers
– The Andes is the world’s longest mountain range, located along the western coast of South America.
– The Andes run through seven South American countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.
– Venezuela’s glaciers were located on the Sierra Nevada de Mérida mountain in the Andes range.
Why the Glaciers Disappeared
– Venezuela has become the first country to lose all of its glaciers.
– Scientists have reported that Venezuela’s last remaining glacier, the Humboldt Glacier, has now disappeared.
– Although scientists had hoped the Humboldt Glacier would last another decade, it melted faster than expected.
– The glacier has shrunk so much that scientists have reclassified it as an ice patch.
Venezuela Had 6 Glaciers
– Venezuela was home to 6 glaciers, located at an altitude of around 5,000 meters above sea level in the Andes mountain range.
– By the year 2011, five of these glaciers had disappeared.
– It was reported in the case of the last glacier, the ‘Humboldt’, that it melted quite rapidly due to El Niño.
Why Glaciers Disappeared
– El Niño, an equatorial phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, is said to cause unusually warm surface water, leading to warming of the ocean.
– Climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera told The Guardian that in Venezuela’s Andean region, temperatures have increased by up to +3C/+4C above the 1991-2020 average, which is not suitable for such tropical areas.
– According to a 2023 study, glaciers around the world, like the Humboldt Glacier, are rapidly shrinking.
– Due to current climate change, it’s estimated that two-thirds of the world’s glaciers could disappear by 2100.
What are Glaciers?
– Glaciers are large, thick masses of ice that form on the Earth’s surface over centuries due to the accumulation of snow.
– They are typically found in regions where the average annual temperature reaches near the freezing point.
– Due to their huge mass and gravity, glaciers flow very slowly, resembling sluggish rivers.
Causes of Melting
– Glaciers are melting due to global warming.
– Just as a piece of ice melts upon contact with warmth, glaciers are melting due to warmer temperatures. The cause of these temperatures is greenhouse gases (GHGs).
– There has been an increase in carbon dioxide and methane gases in the environment, leading to global warming.
– This has resulted in heatwaves, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, and the disappearance of glaciers.
– Over the past seven decades, there has been a high rate of temperature increase, by 0.10 degrees Celsius in some parts of the Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
– This is a major reason why Venezuela has lost all its glaciers.
Consequences of Glaciers Melting
– Glaciers are a source of freshwater, especially during warm, dry weather conditions.
– Their disappearance would mean a complete reliance on rainfall for freshwater.
– The cold water flowing from glaciers keeps the temperature of the water below cool.
– Many aquatic species require cold water temperatures to survive. The direct impact of glacier loss affects such species.
– Experts suggest that Venezuela’s Humboldt Glacier does not have enough ice to raise sea levels significantly.
– However, if large glaciers melt, it could lead to a rise in sea levels, posing a threat to coastal cities.
Glacial Risk in India
– According to a 2023 report, glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain range are melting, and if emissions are not reduced, their volume could decrease by up to 80% in this century.
Facts about Venezuela
– Capital: Caracas
– President: Nicolás Maduro
– Currency: Venezuelan Bolívar
– Population: 30 million (as of 2023)
– Neighboring Countries: Guyana, Brazil, Colombia
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4. Why is Bangkok in danger of sinking into the sea and Thailand considered changing the capital?
a. Due to sea volcano
b. Due to the rising sea levels.
c. Due to decreasing sea level
d. Due to the whirlpools in the sea.
Answer: b. Due to the rising sea levels.
– Due to the rising sea levels, Thailand is considering relocating its capital, Bangkok.
– This information was provided to the media by a senior official of Thailand’s Climate Change Office on May 15, 2024.
– The Hindu newspaper has extensively covered this news.
Note: Indonesia is also changing its capital due to sea level rise. Jakarta is being replaced by the new capital, Nusantara.
When will Bangkok sink?
– Bangkok is at risk of sinking into the sea before the end of this century (2100).
– Bangkok is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
– Pavin Kesavavong, Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Climate Change and Environment Department, stated that they are considering relocating their capital.
Why is the sea level rising?
– Glaciers have been melting since 1900 due to human activities.
– This is due to the increase in levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the environment.
– As a result, sea ice and glaciers are melting rapidly, leading to a rise in sea levels.
– By the end of this century (by 2100), about one-third of the world’s glaciers will have completely melted.
Why is climate change happening?
– Within the Earth, there is a significant presence of carbon in various forms.
– This carbon has been present in the Earth for millions of years, whether as petroleum, gas, or coal.
– As it is released from the Earth, it begins to spread into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
– This has initiated the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps.
– Climate change is also occurring due to carbon being released from the Earth.
– Note: It should be noted that more than 95% of the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic has already disappeared.
Cities at Risk of Submersion
– According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), several cities around the world are at risk of submersion. Let’s explore some of them:
1. Jakarta
– Jakarta is a city in Indonesia.
– According to BBC News, it is the fastest-sinking city in the world.
– Jakarta is sinking in the sea by 1 to 15 centimeters annually.
– The reasons include excessive groundwater extraction, environmental degradation, and pollution.
– The city’s river levels are often higher than normal.
Regular rainfall inundates surrounding areas, causing buildings to gradually sink into the ground.
– Indonesia’s proposed new capital is Nusantara, located near Jakarta.
2. Lagos
– Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria, West Africa.
– It is losing its coastline due to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of flooding.
– The population here is 14 million (1.4 crore) approximately.
3. Houston
– Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas, USA.
– Its population is 2.3 million (23 lakh) approximately.
– Due to excessive groundwater pumping, the city is sinking by 2 inches annually.
– The city is experiencing frequent hurricanes, cyclones, and floods due to rising sea levels.
4. Dhaka
– Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh.
– Despite contributing only 0.3% to global emissions, Dhaka faces the risk of submersion by 2050.
– This country is also grappling with the consequences of rising sea levels.
5. Venice
– Venice is a city in Italy.
– According to the WEF, it is sinking by 0.08 inches annually.
– The population here is 262,000 approximately.
– It is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Cities in India at Risk of Submersion
– Many cities in India are also at risk of submersion.
– Mumbai and Chennai regularly experience incidents of flooding.
– Climate change is a major factor contributing to this risk.
Thailand
– Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia.
– Capital: Bangkok
– Prime Minister: Prayut Chan-o-cha
– Currency: Thai Baht
– It shares its eastern border with Laos and Cambodia, southern border with Malaysia, and western border with Myanmar.
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5. The country’s food safety regulator FSSAI issued a warning not to use which chemical for ripening fruits?
a. Ammonia
b. Amoxicillin Trihydrate
c. Ethylene
d. Calcium Carbide
Answer: d. Calcium Carbide
– FSSAI has issued a stern warning to food businesses not to use banned ‘calcium carbide’ for ripening fruits.
– State and central food safety departments have been instructed to deal with non-compliance with the provisions of the FSS Act rigorously.
Harm from Calcium Carbide:
– Calcium carbide is commonly used to ripen fruits like mangoes.
– This chemical releases acetylene gas, which contains elements like arsenic and phosphorus, posing a risk of cancer.
– FSSAI has stated that apart from cancer, calcium carbide can lead to symptoms like dizziness, excessive thirst, burning sensation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.
– Due to these risks, the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits has been banned under food safety and standard laws.
– This warning has been issued by FSSAI one day after the Supreme Court sought a response.
Ethylene Found in Fruits:
– Ethylene is a naturally occurring hormone found in fruits that controls the process of ripening through chemical and biochemical activities.
– The process of natural ripening on raw fruits begins with the use of ethylene gas until the fruit itself starts producing enough ethylene.
Additionally, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee have approved ethaphon 39% SL for uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.
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6. ‘Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited’ (IRRPL) handed over 27,000 AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Army by May 2024. It is located in which state?
a. Bihar
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Gujarat
d. Maharashtra
Answer: b. Uttar Pradesh
About the Rifle:
– The full name of this rifle is Kalashnikov AK-203.
– It is an assault rifle.
– It has been designed by the subsidiary company Kalashnikov Concern of the Russian state corporation Rostec.
Factory in Amethi:
– The production of AK-203 rifles took place at a location called Korwa in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
– ‘Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited’ (IRRPL) is a joint venture between India and Russia.
Level of Indigenization Achieved:
– By May 19-20, 2024, IRRPL has supplied the army with 27,000 rifles.
– Additionally, another 8,000 rifles will be handed over in June 2024.
– Approximately 25% level of indigenization has been achieved.
– There was initially some delay in delivering the rifles, but now everything seems to be happening on time.
Start of Production:
– IRRPL commenced the series production of these rifles in January 2023.
Number of Rifles to be Manufactured:
– In July 2021, a contract worth over ₹5,000 crore was signed between India and Russia.
– Under this, the joint venture “Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited” (IRRPL) will manufacture more than 6.1 lakh AK-203 assault rifles in India along with technology transfer from Russia.
– This may take up to 10 years to complete.
It is necessary for indigenous content to range from 5% to 70%.
– After this, the army will have completely indigenous AK-203 rifles.
Features of AK-203:
– AK-203 is lighter, smaller, and more lethal than the indigenous INSAS rifle produced in India.
– The effective firing range of AK-203 is 400m – 800m.
– AK-203 can be used in both automatic and semi-automatic modes.
– AK-203 can fire 600 rounds per minute.
IRRPL
– IRRPL was established in 2019 through a joint venture between the predecessor OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)].
– Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has a rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh, India.
India-Russia Relations:
– India has had good relations with Russia since independence.
– Russia has played a significant role in the development of India in areas such as nuclear energy, defense, space, industrial technology, and many others.
About Russia:
– Russia is a country that spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, making it the largest country in the world by area.
– Capital: Moscow
– President: Vladimir Putin
– Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin
– Currency: Russian Ruble
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7. Raghunandan Kamath, founder of which ice cream brand passed away?
a. Quality walls
b. Vadilal
c. Natural ice cream
d. Amul
Answer: c. Natural ice cream
– The founder of Naturals Ice Cream, Raghunandan Kamath, passed away on May 18, 2024; he had been unwell.
– Kamath grew up helping his father sell mangoes in a village in Mangalore, Karnataka.
– It was here that he learned the art of picking, sorting, and preserving ripe fruits.
– At the age of 14, he left his studies and joined his brother’s eatery with dreams of making ice cream from real fruit pulp.
– In 1984, he moved to Mumbai and opened the first ice cream parlor with six staff members and 12 flavors.
– By 1994, he had opened five more outlets. Currently, it has over 165 outlets in 15 cities.
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8. When is International Biodiversity Day observed?
a. 20 May
b. 21 May
c. 22 May
d. 23 May
Answer: c. 22 May
Theme 2024
– Be Part of the Plan.
– It calls upon governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, non-governmental organizations, law-makers, businesses, and individuals to demonstrate their efforts in support of the implementation of biodiversity plans.
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9. When is World Turtle Day celebrated?
a. 20 May
b. 21 May
c. 22 May
d. 23 May
Answer: d. 23 May
Theme 2024
– Let’s Party
– This day is observed globally to raise awareness among people about the protection of turtles and their vanishing habitats.
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10. Which female tennis player won the Italian Open 2024 title?
a. Elena Rybakina
b. Sara Irani
c. Iga Swiatek
d. Aryna Sabalenka
Answer: c. Iga Swiatek
– Poland’s Iga Swiatek clinched her third Italian Open title on May 18, 2024.
– She defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in the tournament.
– This marks Swiatek’s 21st career title and her third Italian Open title.
– Iga is currently ranked as the world’s number one player.
– The 81st Italian Open tournament took place from May 6 to May 19, 2024, in the capital city of Italy, Rome.
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11. Which male tennis player won the Italian Open 2024 title?
a. Nicholas Jerry
b. Mate Pavic
c. Stefanos Tsitsipas
d. Alexander Zverev
Answer: d. Alexander Zverev
– Germany’s Alexander Zverev secured his second Italian Open title by defeating Chile’s Nicolas Jarry on May 19, 2024.
Women’s Doubles 2024 Title:
– In the Women’s Doubles final, the Italian pair Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini defeated the duo of Coco Gauff (USA) and Erin Routliffe (New Zealand).
Men’s Doubles 2024 Title:
– In the Men’s Doubles, the team of Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos defeated Croatia’s Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador.
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