Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• The Union List includes subjects on which only the central government can make laws. Examples include defense, foreign affairs, and atomic energy. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The State List includes subjects on which only the state governments can make laws. According to Entry 50 of the State List, state legislatures can make laws for collecting tax on mines and minerals. (Option (b) is correct)
• The Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the central and state governments can make laws. Examples include criminal law, marriage, and bankruptcy. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Residual List pertains to subjects that are not mentioned in any of the three lists (Union, State, or Concurrent). The power to legislate on these subjects lies with the central government. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/power-of-state-legislatures-to-levy-tax-on-mineral-rights-not-limited-by-parliaments-mmdr-act-supreme-court/article68444320.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The coal sector in India was nationalized in two phases. The coking coal mines were nationalized in 1971, and the non-coking coal mines followed in 1973. Example: The nationalization was aimed at improving coal production and ensuring efficient utilization of resources. (Option (a) is correct)
• Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in India, not the second most abundant. India has vast coal reserves, making it the primary fossil fuel for energy production in the country. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Rat hole coal mining, which involves mining coal through narrow tunnels, is illegal in India. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to its hazardous nature and environmental impact. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• While India is one of the largest producers and consumers of coal, it is not the largest. China is the largest producer and consumer of coal globally. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-illegal-coal-mining-problem-explained/article68445202.ece#:~:text=The%20high%20demand%20for%20coal,to%20support%20the%20local%20community.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Part IX of the Indian Constitution deals with Panchayats, which are local self-government institutions at the village level. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Part IXA of the Indian Constitution deals with Municipalities, which are urban local bodies. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019 relates to Part X of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the administration and control of Scheduled and Tribal Areas. The bill aims to amend Article 280 and Article 338A to increase the financial and executive powers of the North Eastern Council. (Option (c) is correct)
• Part XIV of the Indian Constitution deals with Services Under the Union and the States, including the Public Service Commissions. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-to-form-panel-sort-issues-stalling-amendments-to-sixth-schedule/article68446283.ece#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20(125th%20Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202019%20was%20introduced,has%20been%20pending%20since%20then.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory. It orbits at an altitude of approximately 747 kilometres. (Statement 1 is correct)
• NISAR is being jointly developed by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), not JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• NISAR carries dual-band (L-band and S-band) Synthetic Aperture Radar for high-resolution data. Example: The dual-band capability allows for the comprehensive observation of Earth’s surface, including monitoring of natural disasters, land-use changes, and ice movements. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/nisar-missing-from-isros-plan-mission-unlikely-this-year-9476215/#:~:text=The%20spacecraft%20had%20to%20be,of%20the%20plan%20this%20year.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is commonly found in soil, water, and vegetation. Listeria can contaminate various food items such as dairy products, meats, and vegetables. (Statement 1 is correct)
• While Listeria monocytogenes can be present in contaminated food, not all people who ingest it will get sick. High-risk groups include pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may not show symptoms or may experience mild flu-like symptoms. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• Listeriosis is a serious infection and requires specific treatment with antibiotics, such as ampicillin or gentamicin. Routine stomach infections are often viral and may not require antibiotics, whereas listeriosis needs prompt medical intervention due to its potential severity, especially in high-risk groups. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/2024-listeria-outbreaks-us-canada-explained-9474916/#:~:text=Listeria%20or%20Listeria%20monocytogenes%20is,to%20an%20infection%20called%20listeriosis.