Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• The Northeast monsoon is referred to as the retreating monsoon because it marks the withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon and the onset of the northeast winds.
• The Coromandel coast (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Puducherry) receives substantial rainfall during the Northeast monsoon.
• The Northeast monsoon typically occurs from October to December, bringing rainfall to southeastern India. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• On a national scale, the Southwest monsoon delivers much more rainfall across India compared to the Northeast monsoon, which mainly benefits southeastern coastal regions.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/northeast-monsoon-arrives-over-tamil-nadu-triggers-intense-rain-spell-over-northern-districts/article68757228.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Nihon Hidankyo is not related to cultural heritage preservation. There are other organizations, such as The Agency for Cultural Affairs, which are responsible for preserving Japan’s cultural heritage. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations) is a prominent group working for the welfare of hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) and advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons worldwide. It recently gained recognition after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 for its efforts. (Option (b) is correct)
• Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) and other institutions deal with investment and economic promotion in Japan. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Agencies like the Fire and Disaster Management Agency handle disaster-related issues in Japan. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bsufferers-awarded-on-the-2024-nobel-peace-prize/article68756834.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Israel has developed its own air defence system called Iron Dome, which is highly effective in intercepting short-range rockets and artillery shells. Israel also has the David’s Sling and Arrow systems to counter longer-range threats.
• The UK relies on its air defence capabilities like Sky Sabre and Rapier systems for defending against aerial threats.
• France has its own defence systems like Aster 30 and SAMP/T, which are part of the Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS), developed in collaboration with Italy and Germany.
• The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) system was developed by the United States as a missile defence system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase. Developed by Lockheed Martin, THAAD is an integral part of the U.S. military’s layered missile defence system. It has been deployed in several regions, including South Korea, to counter potential threats from North Korean missile tests. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/deeper-role-on-the-us-and-west-asia-conflicts/article68756856.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was established in 1977 to finance agricultural development projects, particularly for food production in developing countries. Its focus is on alleviating rural poverty and hunger through investments in smallholder farmers and rural communities. (Statement 1 is correct)
• IFAD has established the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF) to provide grants to support the self-driven development of indigenous peoples and communities. The IPAF supports projects that promote indigenous peoples’ self-reliance and sustainable agriculture. (Statement 2 is correct)
• IFAD made history by becoming the first UN fund to receive a public credit rating. This credit rating allows IFAD to mobilize more resources from the international financial markets, enhancing its capacity to invest in rural development and agriculture. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/food-access-is-about-equitable-agrifood-systems/article68757493.ece#:~:text=We%20must%20continue%20to%20support,can%20contribute%20to%20and%20benefit

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Ilex opaca is commonly known as American Holly. It is a plant species belonging to the Ilex genus, which includes holly trees and shrubs. These plants are native to eastern and south-central parts of the United States and are known for their spiny leaves and bright red berries. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Pinus taeda, commonly known as Loblolly Pine, is a species of pine native to the southeastern United States. It is one of the most commercially important timber species in the U.S. due to its fast growth and quality wood, used for paper and construction materials. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Pinus rigida, known as the Pitch Pine, it is a pine species native to eastern North America. This tree is very resilient and is often found in sandy soils or areas prone to forest fires due to its ability to sprout new growth even after being damaged by fire. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/coastal-flooding-harms-different-tree-species-differently-study/article68755491.ece#:~:text=The%20study%20paper%2C%20published%20in,while%20being%20detrimental%20to%20others.