Daily Quiz

Solution (d)
Explanation:
• The UNDP focuses on global development through initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and promote prosperity.
• The EU engages in global initiatives like the European Green Deal and the Global Gateway, which focus on sustainability and infrastructure development, respectively.
• The USA promotes initiatives like the Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative, which focuses on infrastructure development in low- and middle-income countries.
• The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), and Global Security Initiative (GSI) are initiatives put forward by China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. These initiatives aim to promote global cooperation in development, security, and cultural exchange, aligning with China’s strategic diplomatic efforts on the global stage.
o The GCI emphasizes civilizational dialogue and cultural exchange.
o The GDI focuses on supporting global development, particularly in developing nations.
o The GSI addresses global security issues, promoting peace and stability through multilateral cooperation. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-panoramic-view-of-the-2024-china-africa-summit/article68626792.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• While India and Israel share strong bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as defense, technology, and agriculture, they do not have a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The two countries have been exploring deeper trade ties but have yet to sign a formal free trade or partnership agreement. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February 2022. This agreement aims to enhance trade in goods and services, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations. It is expected to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion in the coming years. The UAE is one of India’s largest trading partners, particularly in sectors such as petroleum, jewelry, and electronics. (Option (b) is correct)
• India and Canada do not have a CEPA in place. However, both countries have engaged in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as part of their efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations. They are also working on an Early Progress Trade Agreement as a precursor to a potential CEPA. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• India and the United Kingdom are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but no CEPA has been signed yet. Both nations are working towards finalizing a trade deal that will cover various sectors, including goods, services, and investments, to boost bilateral economic ties. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/uae-india-ties-are-rooted-in-affinity-trust-and-respect/article68626865.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Montelukast, developed by Merck & Co. and approved by the FDA in 1998, is marketed under the brand name Singulair. It is prescribed as a daily oral medication for long-term use to prevent asthma attacks and to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Montelukast works by blocking leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause airway inflammation and constriction. (Option (a) is correct)
• Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate or control pests, but Montelukast is a pharmaceutical drug used in medical treatments.
• The major mountain range in South America is the Andes, which stretches along the western edge of the continent. Montelukast has no association with geography or landforms.
• Satellite systems like Starlink or Iridium are designed to provide global internet access and communication services.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/montelukast-overused-overprescribed-and-dangerous/article68625919.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been set up as a statutory body under an act passed by the Indian Parliament. Its primary objective is to fund and promote research in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The ANRF Governing Board is indeed a 15-member body that includes representatives from various fields, such as academia, government, and industry, to guide and promote the foundation’s activities. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The ANRF Governing Board does not consist of half industrialists. In fact, as per latest information, there is only one industrialist (Romesh Wadhwani) on the board. Other members come from academia, science, and government sectors. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-convenes-first-meeting-of-national-research-foundations-governing-body/article68626465.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Polaris Program is not a NASA initiative but is a joint project between Jared Isaacman and SpaceX. It is privately funded by Isaacman, who is also the mission commander, and aims to develop new technologies for space exploration. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• The Polaris Dawn mission aims to achieve the world’s first private spacewalk during its time in space. This spacewalk will be conducted by the crew outside of the SpaceX Dragon capsule. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Polaris Dawn mission plans to reach an altitude of approximately 1,400 km, which will take it into the inner band of the Van Allen radiation belts, regions in space that are highly radioactive. This altitude surpasses NASA’s Gemini XI mission in 1966, which holds the record for crewed missions not going to the Moon. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/everything-about-polaris-dawn-mission-which-will-attempt-first-private-spacewalk-9561109/