Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• While Meghalaya is home to several notable natural sites, such as Nokrek National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and Balpakram National Park (known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance among the Garo tribe), it does not host Manas National Park. Meghalaya’s national parks focus on the preservation of the region’s distinct ecosystems and are known for their rich flora and fauna, including unique species adapted to high-altitude and forest environments.
• Manas National Park is located in Assam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, and an Elephant Reserve. Known for its rare and endangered species like the Assam roofed turtle, golden langur, pygmy hog, and Indian rhinoceros, Manas is recognized for its remarkable biodiversity. Other well-known national parks in Assam include Kaziranga National Park, famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, and Nameri National Park. (Option (b) is correct)
• Arunachal Pradesh is known for Namdapha National Park, one of India’s largest national parks, which features diverse flora and fauna and is home to four big cat species—tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard. It also has Mouling National Park in the Siang Valley, known for its mountainous terrain and rich biodiversity.
• Sikkim is home to Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the third-highest mountain in the world, Mount Khangchendzonga. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including high-altitude flora and fauna, such as the red panda.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/tiger-population-triples-in-assams-manas-national-park-study/article68845804.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is a major greenhouse gas targeted under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming by reducing CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases. The Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment do not focus on CO₂; instead, they aim to phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change indirectly. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas primarily addressed by climate agreements such as the Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26, which aims to reduce methane emissions. Methane is not covered under the Montreal Protocol or the Kigali Amendment, which focuses on substances that have ozone-depleting potential or global warming potential (in the case of HFCs). (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) is an air pollutant regulated by various national air quality standards and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). SO₂ contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems but is not related to ozone depletion or climate change in the same way as HFCs and is thus outside the scope of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, expanded the scope of the Montreal Protocol to target Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential. By targeting HFCs, the Kigali Amendment aims to reduce their contribution to climate change. Countries that ratify the Kigali Amendment commit to gradually phasing down HFCs, contributing to efforts to limit global warming. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/staying-cool-but-with-clean-tech-global-collaborations/article68846559.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Article 29 protects the interests of minorities by allowing any section of citizens residing in India, with a distinct language, script, or culture, to conserve it. It also ensures non-discrimination in admission to state-funded or state-maintained institutions.
• Article 28 pertains to the freedom of religious instruction in educational institutions. It states that no religious instruction is allowed in institutions funded by the state and provides the right to religious freedom in certain educational contexts.
• Article 15(5), introduced by the 93rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2005, empowers the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in educational institutions. However, it specifically exempts minority educational institutions from these provisions. This exemption allows minority institutions to maintain autonomy over admissions without implementing reservations for SCs and STs. (Option (c) is correct)
• Article 14 provides for equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within India. It forms the basis for non-discrimination but does not specifically address exemptions for minority educational institutions concerning SC/ST reservations.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/what-supreme-court-ruled-in-amu-minority-status-case-9660677/

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• One of the primary roles of the Rail Development Authority (RDA) is to suggest measures for setting fares in Indian Railways. The RDA provides recommendations on fare structuring to create a fair and transparent system. However, its suggestions are advisory and not binding on Indian Railways. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The RDA was established to promote competition, efficiency, and consumer satisfaction within Indian Railways. It also focuses on improving quality standards and customer service, which aligns with its goal of protecting consumer interests and promoting a more competitive railway sector. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Rail Development Authority serves as an advisory body, and its recommendations are not binding on Indian Railways. While it provides valuable insights and suggestions for fare regulation, enhancing competition, and improving service standards, it does not have the power to enforce decisions. The final authority remains with the Ministry of Railways. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/bibek-debroy-railways-committee-report-9660739/ & https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=200094

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Syed Ahmed Khan was instrumental in establishing the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later evolved into the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). His efforts aimed at modernizing Muslim education and promoting Western scientific knowledge among Indian Muslims. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Syed Ahmed Khan was a strong proponent of modern scientific education and encouraged the Muslim community to adopt modern and scientific knowledge to progress. He believed that a reformed education system, focused on science and rational thinking, was essential for social and economic upliftment. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Syed Ahmed Khan was actually skeptical of the Indian National Congress and did not support its political activities. He believed that the Congress primarily represented Hindu interests, which could create communal divides, and he feared it would not adequately represent Muslims. His skepticism led him to advise Muslims to stay away from the Congress, and he focused instead on education and social reform for the Muslim community. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/supreme-courts-amu-verdict-paves-way-for-defining-character-of-minority-institutions-9660610/