Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) is a part of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence system. It is designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles at high altitudes. PAD was successfully tested in 2006. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Advanced Air Defence (AAD) is also a part of India’s BMD system, meant for intercepting ballistic missiles at lower altitudes. AAD was successfully tested in 2007. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Agni-V is not part of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence system; rather, it is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed for long-range offensive capabilities. Agni-V has a range of over 5,000 km and enhances India’s strategic deterrence. (Option (c) is correct)
• Swordfish Radar is a crucial component of India’s BMD system, used for long-range tracking and engagement of ballistic missiles. The radar has a range of over 600 km and can track multiple targets simultaneously. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/drdo-successfully-tests-phase-ii-ballistic-missile-defence-system/article68442838.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Vidi Grasslands are not specifically recognized for cheetah breeding or conservation and do not perfectly fit the description of having no leopards and being in western India. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Chambal Valley is known for its riverine ecosystem and ravines, not as a vast grassland suitable for cheetah breeding and conservation. The Chambal Valley supports species like the Gharial and Indian Skimmer but does not fit the grassland description. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Kas Plateau, known as the “Valley of Flowers” in Maharashtra, is a biodiversity hotspot but not a grassland considered for cheetah conservation. Kas Plateau is famous for its seasonal wildflower blooms and not for being a grassland habitat. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Banni Grasslands in the Kutch region of Gujarat is a vast grassland area, home to antelope species and a pastoral community that relies on livestock rearing. They are being considered for cheetah breeding and conservation, with no presence of leopard. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/kutch-being-readied-for-next-batch-of-african-cheetahs/article68442300.ece#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20next%20batch,Environment%20Ministry%20told%20The%20Hindu.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Cholera is a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets of infected animals or humans. (Option (b) is correct)
• Mpox is not a fungal infection. Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin and nails. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Mpox is not caused by a parasite nor is it spread by mosquitoes. Malaria is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/children-at-risk-as-new-mpox-variant-hits-congo-displacement-camps/article68440848.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Customs Act, 1962 just like any other tax law is primarily for the levy and collection of duties but at the same time it has the other and equally important purposes such as:

1. regulation of imports and exports
2. protection of domestic industry

• prevention of smuggling

1. conservation and augmentation of foreign exchange and so on. (Statement 1 is correct)

• The government recently amended Section 28DA of the Customs Act, 1962 substituting ‘certificate’ of origin with ‘proof’ of origin. The fine prints of the Budget defined “Proof of origin” as a “certificate” or “declaration” in accordance with a trade pact. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Customs Act, 1962 and Customs Tariff Act, 1975 are the two limbs of Customs Law in India which must be read with rules and regulations. The rule making power is delegated to the Central Government while the regulation making power delegated to the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/india-creates-legroom-to-sign-ftas-with-uk-eu-with-customs-act-amendments-9473861/#:~:text=To%20create%20legroom%20for%20signing,agreed%20in%20a%20trade%20pact.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Mustard flowers are typically bisexual, containing both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• Mustard plants are largely self-pollinating, though they can also be cross-pollinated by insects. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Genetic modifications in mustard, such as those in GM varieties developed in India, can affect pollen production and fertility to ensure hybrid seed production. (Statement 3 is correct)
• he GM mustard developed by the DU scientists contains two alien genes — the first, ‘barnase’, gene interferes with pollen production and renders the plant male-sterile, and the resulting plant is crossed with fertile mustard flowers containing the second, ‘barstar’, gene which blocks the action of the barnase gene. The resulting plants are meant to be high-yield variants of mustard.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/why-sc-couldnt-agree-on-environmental-release-of-gm-mustard-9474010/lite/