Daily Quiz

Solution (a)
Explanation:
• An analog space mission simulates the conditions of space or planetary environments on Earth. These missions are conducted in extreme environments, such as deserts or high-altitude locations, which mimic aspects of space or other planetary bodies. They allow researchers to study how humans, equipment, and habitats function under space-like conditions without leaving Earth.
• Recently, India inaugurated its first Mars and Moon analog mission in Leh, Ladakh, where a collaborative effort involving ISRO, AAKA Space Studio Pvt. Ltd, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council will simulate interplanetary habitat conditions. (Option (a) is correct)
• While communication systems are essential in space research, they do not define an analog mission. Analog missions are more comprehensive and aim to simulate entire planetary conditions, not just communication systems.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/indias-first-analog-space-mission-to-simulate-extra-terrestrial-conditions-on-mars-and-moon-kicks-off/article68820184.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was designated in 1986, making it the first biosphere reserve in India recognized by UNESCO. It was created to protect the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a region noted for its unique flora and fauna. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve actually spreads across the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, not Andhra Pradesh. It encompasses important regions like the Nilgiri Hills and is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high biodiversity. Andhra Pradesh is not included within the boundaries of this biosphere reserve. (Option (b) is correct)
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is characterized by a variety of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and montane (shola) forests. These diverse ecosystems support a wide range of species and contribute to the ecological diversity of the Western Ghats. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is indeed part of the Western Ghats, which is known for its rich biodiversity. The region is home to many endangered species, including the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and the Nilgiri tahr. Its diverse habitats support various species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to this region. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-nilgiris-as-a-shared-wilderness/article68820359.ece#:~:text=The%20Nilgiri%20biosphere%20is%20the,it%20encompasses%20a%20rich%20biodiversity.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is a global climate finance target under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The NCQG aims to establish a new financial commitment from developed countries to support developing nations in addressing climate change.
• At the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled from November 11 to 22, 2024, world leaders are expected to set this new goal. This marks the first time in 15 years that a revised global climate finance target will be determined, making COP29, also known as the “Finance COP,” highly significant.
• Discussions will include enhancing infrastructure for battery storage, expanding electricity networks, and reducing methane emissions, given methane’s significant impact on global warming. (Option (a) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/zeroing-in-on-methane-diplomacy-at-cop29/article68820057.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• A black hole is a region in space with a gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape it. This intense gravitational force occurs because a massive amount of matter is concentrated into a very small area, creating what is known as the event horizon. Once something crosses this boundary, it cannot escape the gravitational pull of the black hole. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Black holes are generally formed when massive stars reach the end of their lives and undergo a supernova explosion. After exhausting their nuclear fuel, these stars collapse under their own gravity, sometimes forming black holes. Therefore, black holes are a product of stellar death, not something that forms at the beginning of a star’s life. (Statement 2 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/first-black-hole-triple-system-discovered-what-does-it-mean-9649210/

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is characterized as a Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, with Sal (Shorea robusta) as the dominant tree species. The forest composition includes a variety of deciduous species that thrive in the central Indian landscape, providing suitable habitat for tigers and a diverse range of flora and fauna. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is known for its numerous grasslands or meadows, which are scattered throughout the park. Notable grasslands include Chakradhara, Bathan, Sehra, Rajbehra, and others. These grasslands support a variety of herbivores and are crucial for maintaining the park’s biodiversity. Some of these grasslands were previously cultivated, while others are marshy, providing a mix of dry and aquatic vegetation. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve does not have an even topography. Instead, it is known for its diverse and uneven terrain, which includes hills, cliffs, valleys, and rugged landscapes. The reserve’s topography is marked by the presence of Bandhavgarh hill and other elevated areas, providing a variety of habitats and adding to the park’s scenic beauty. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/10-of-its-herd-dead-lone-tusker-guards-a-mass-burial-in-bandhavgarh-reserve-9649282/#:~:text=The%20funeral%20was%20interrupted%20by,who%20were%20burying%20its%20family. & https://www.bandhavgarhtigerreserve.org/about/forest-type