Daily Quiz

Solution (a)
Explanation:
• The doctrine of coverture is a common law principle where a married woman’s legal rights and obligations were subsumed by her husband upon marriage. Under this doctrine, the legal existence of a woman was “covered” by her husband, which historically meant that a husband could not be prosecuted for raping his wife, as she had no separate legal identity.
• While this doctrine no longer applies directly in India, marital rape is still not recognized as a criminal offense under Indian law. The idea of coverture persists in the sense that a wife’s consent is still assumed within marriage. The debate over criminalizing marital rape in India has often touched on the remnants of this outdated legal principle, with legal reforms being called for to better protect women’s rights in marriage. (Option (a) is correct)
• Encounter killings refer to the extrajudicial killing of individuals by the police or armed forces, often under suspicious circumstances.
• Custodial violence involves the abuse of individuals while in the custody of police or law enforcement authorities.
• Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out through the internet or other digital means.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/will-decide-constitutionality-of-exception-to-marital-rape-in-penal-law-supreme-court/article68764946.ece#:~:text=A%20similar%20Exception%20in%20Section,Chief%20Justice%20of%20India%20D.Y.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts movement. It is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance. As the disease progresses, patients often experience bradykinesia (slowness of movement), making daily tasks increasingly difficult. (Option (a) is correct)
• Parkinson’s Disease is associated with the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in controlling movement, and its depletion leads to the characteristic symptoms of the disease. (Option (b) is correct)
• Currently, there is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s Disease. While treatments such as medications, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery (like Deep Brain Stimulation) can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life, they do not stop the progression of the disease. Medications like Levodopa are commonly prescribed to replace dopamine and alleviate symptoms, but they cannot reverse the damage already done to the neurons. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Tremors, particularly in the hands or fingers (often referred to as a “resting tremor”), are one of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, and they can become more pronounced over time. Tremors usually begin on one side of the body and gradually spread as the disease progresses. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/research-reveals-an-intricate-gut-brain-connection-to-parkinsons-disease/article68760247.ece#:~:text=Is%20there%20a%20gut%2Dbrain,its%20progression%2C%20and%20its%20treatment.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• West Bengal is home to several important forests and wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Sundarbans and Jaldapara National Park.
• Tripura has rich biodiversity and forests like the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Bihar is known for its natural reserves like the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Dessoi reserve forest is located in Assam. It has been in the news due to the state’s efforts in conserving its rich biodiversity. The forest plays an important role in Assam’s ecosystem and is part of its rich natural heritage. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/wildlife-board-vedantas-oil-exploration-in-gibbon-habitat-9625106/

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Marine Heat Waves (MHWs) are defined as periods of prolonged anomalously warm ocean temperatures, typically measured at the sea surface. When ocean surface temperatures are higher than usual for a prolonged period (usually five days or more), it is classified as an MHW. These events are critical because they can disrupt marine ecosystems and impact weather patterns. The Pacific Ocean experienced a significant marine heatwave known as “The Blob” between 2013 and 2016, causing widespread ecological damage. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Recent research has shown that MHWs occur well beyond the surface, particularly in the twilight zone (200-1,000 meters deep), and they are caused by eddy currents in this region. The twilight zone, also known as the mesopelagic zone, lies at a depth of 200 to 1,000 meters below the ocean surface. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Marine Heat Waves generally lead to lower oxygen levels (hypoxia) rather than higher oxygen levels. Warmer water holds less oxygen and disrupts the natural nutrient cycles, leading to nutrient depletion rather than an increase. This can cause stress on marine life, leading to events like coral bleaching and fish mortality. The lack of oxygen during marine heatwaves is problematic for marine species, which rely on oxygenated water. It disrupts ecosystems and can lead to phenomena like “dead zones.” (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/new-study-ocean-heat-waves-9626685/

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Assam Accord, signed on 15 August 1985, was a tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Assam, and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU). It aimed to address the concerns raised by the Assam Movement, primarily about illegal immigration from Bangladesh. (Statement 1 is correct)
• One of the primary points of the Assam Accord was dealing with the issue of illegal immigrants in Assam. The Accord set a cut-off date of March 24, 1971, for detecting and deporting illegal immigrants. Those who entered Assam before this date would be given citizenship rights, while those who entered after would be considered foreigners. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Section 6A was introduced into the Citizenship Act, 1955, to implement the provisions of the Assam Accord. This section provided for the detection, expulsion, and regularization of illegal migrants who had entered Assam on or after March 25, 1971. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/explained-4-issues-in-supreme-courts-assam-verdict-9625877/