Daily Quiz

Solution (a)
Explanation:
• The Palk Strait is the northernmost of the listed geographical features. It is a narrow body of water between the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and the northern coast of Sri Lanka. The Palk Strait connects the Bay of Bengal to the northeast and the Palk Bay to the south. It serves as a significant maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka, making it relevant in discussions of maritime geography and border relations. (Option (a) is correct)
• Palk Bay is situated south of the Palk Strait. It is a large, shallow body of water between India and Sri Lanka, with Palk Strait to its north and Adam’s Bridge further to the south. Although it is closely associated with the Palk Strait, it is geographically located slightly to the south of the strait.
• The Gulf of Mannar is located south of the Palk Bay and lies between the southeastern coast of India and the western coast of Sri Lanka. The gulf is further south than both the Palk Strait and Palk Bay.
• Adam’s Bridge, also known as Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of natural limestone shoals connecting Pamban Island (off the coast of Tamil Nadu) to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. It lies to the south of Palk Strait and Palk Bay and forms the southern boundary of the Palk Bay.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bsharing-resources-on-fishermen-and-the-palk-bay-dispute/article68825844.ece#:~:text=Likewise%2C%20India%20should%20again%20push,recover%20from%20the%20civil%20war.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Iran is a key participant in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which serves as a major transit route connecting India, Iran, Russia, and other participating countries. Iran’s strategic location, with major ports like Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, makes it essential for the INSTC route, facilitating connectivity between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Armenia is a part of the INSTC, providing an alternative route through the South Caucasus for goods traveling between Asia and Europe. Armenia’s participation expands the corridor’s network and allows for access via the Caucasus, linking to other regions involved in the trade route. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Iraq is not a member of the INSTC. The corridor primarily involves countries in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe to connect South Asia with Europe and Russia. Iraq’s geographical location and trade routes do not align with the primary path of the INSTC, which avoids the need for Iraqi transit to reach its destination countries. (Option (c) is correct)

• Russia is a founding member of the INSTC and is central to its purpose of connecting South Asia with Eastern Europe. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-brics-summit-boost-to-india-iran-ties/article68826431.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• While the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) does have a role in regulating activities under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications, it is not formally designated as a regulatory body. Its primary function is to provide recommendations and guidance rather than directly enforcing regulations. Regulatory functions, such as approvals for projects, are carried out by the MoEF&CC, State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs), and other designated bodies.
• The NCZMA functions as an ad-hoc body, as it has not been made a permanent statutory institution. It is reconstituted periodically, with membership determined on an as-needed basis. The lack of permanent members, inconsistent composition, and irregular meeting schedules (meeting only 14 times from 2015-2020) all point to its ad-hoc nature. Despite being tasked with a range of responsibilities related to coastal zone management, its activities are demand-driven, focusing mainly on specific agendas such as reclassification of CRZ areas and Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs). (Option (b) is correct)
• A statutory body is established by an act of parliament or state legislature and has legal authority to act in certain areas. While the NCZMA was set up under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, it has not been notified as a permanent statutory body by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Its structure remains ad-hoc and temporary, without formal statutory backing for a permanent status.
• A constitutional body is established by the Constitution of India and has specific powers and functions defined within the Constitution. Examples include the Election Commission of India, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The NCZMA does not fall into this category.
• The National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications and advising the central government on matters related to coastal management. It works alongside State/Union Territory Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs/UTCZMAs) and District Level Committees (DLCs) to implement the CRZ notifications.
• However, as per an audit, the NCZMA operates without a defined structure, specified membership, or permanent status. It meets irregularly and primarily addresses specific agendas such as reclassification of CRZ areas. It has not effectively taken on its monitoring role, particularly concerning environmental violations under CRZ notifications.
• Key Functions of NCZMA:
• Advising on policies for coastal management.
• Approving Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs).
• Reclassifying CRZ areas based on SCZMA recommendations.
• Providing guidance on coastal regulation matters.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/on-the-new-coastal-zone-plan-of-kerala-explained/article68826676.ece & https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2022/Chapter%202-062f1f1d0a6f573.14543971.pdf

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is a treatment for dehydration that involves drinking a solution containing water, glucose, and salts (typically sodium and potassium). This mixture helps replenish fluids and essential electrolytes lost due to conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, and it is particularly effective in preventing dehydration in children. (Statement 1 is correct)
• ORT is actually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate dehydration, particularly in cases of gastroenteritis (stomach flu), diarrhea, and other common conditions that cause fluid loss. It is preferred due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of administration, often preventing the need for more invasive treatments like intravenous (IV) rehydration. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• ORT is intended for use during dehydration and is not meant for daily consumption. Consuming ORT unnecessarily on a daily basis can lead to electrolyte imbalance, which may harm the body rather than provide health benefits. ORT is specifically formulated to address acute dehydration and does not function as a daily preventive solution for stomach issues. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/richard-cash-the-man-whose-invention-saved-over-80-million-lives-9651964/

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• India is the largest producer of pulses globally, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s pulse production. Pulses are a key part of the Indian diet and are essential for nutritional security, particularly as a source of protein for a large vegetarian population. The Government of India also promotes pulse production to enhance food security. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Rice and wheat are the two major staple crops in India, heavily cultivated across the country and contributing substantially to India’s agricultural production by value. These crops are part of India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring food security for millions. Together, they constitute a significant portion of India’s agricultural output in terms of both area and production value. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Indian agriculture remains heavily reliant on the Southwest Monsoon as a large portion of cultivated land is rainfed rather than irrigated. The monsoon season (June to September) determines the yield and productivity of many crops, particularly Kharif crops like rice, pulses, and oilseeds. Variability in monsoon rainfall often impacts crop output, rural livelihoods, and food prices, making rainfall patterns a critical factor in India’s agricultural productivity. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/stagnant-rural-wages-9650092/#:~:text=It%20raises%20the%20obvious%20question,women%2C%20especially%20in%20rural%20India.