Daily Quiz

Solution (d)
Explanation:
• Silica (SiO₂) is the primary constituent of sand and plays a vital role in industries such as glass manufacturing, ceramics, and construction. It is the key ingredient for producing transparent, durable, and heat-resistant glass. Quartz, a crystalline form of silica, is widely used in making optical glass and glassware.
• Silica exists in multiple forms:
o Crystalline: Includes minerals like quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite.
o Amorphous: Non-crystalline forms include silica gel, precipitated silica, and fused silica.
o These forms are used across industries, from electronics (fused silica) to construction (quartz-based cement).
• Inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, a progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissues. Workers in mining, construction, and ceramics are particularly at risk. Prolonged exposure can also lead to more severe conditions like lung cancer. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has classified silicosis as an occupational disease requiring preventive measures.
• Silica is insoluble in water under normal conditions. While trace amounts of silica can dissolve in water over geological timescales (e.g., in geothermal springs), it is not commonly found dissolved in natural water bodies. Its insolubility is one of the reasons silica sands is used for filtration purposes in water treatment. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/silica-mining-ngt-asks-cpcb-to-prepare-pan-india-guidelines/article68928948.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Draft National Education Policy, 2020 focused on reforms in the education sector, promoting multidisciplinary education, equitable access, and the integration of technology in learning. The NEP introduced a focus on National Digital Libraries. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The 5th National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) proposed the idea of ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ to democratize access to scientific knowledge. This initiative aims to enable all citizens, educational institutions, and researchers to access scientific journals and research outputs through a single, government-funded subscription mechanism. The policy aims to ensure equitable access to knowledge and promote a collaborative research environment in India. (Option (b) is correct)
• The National Digital Library Policy, 2022 primarily aims to enhance digital infrastructure and access to educational resources, especially for students and teachers. (Option (c) is incorrect)

• The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was established in 2005 to propose reforms in education, research, and innovation. The NKC’s initiatives included setting up National Knowledge Networks for interconnecting institutions. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/onos-bitten-on-indias-one-nation-one-subscription-plan/article68927477.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Meghalaya is a northeastern state that shares its borders with Assam to the north and east and Bangladesh to the south and west. It does not share any boundary with Myanmar. (Option (a) is correct)
• Manipur shares a significant international boundary with Myanmar to its east. The border runs through districts like Chandel and Tengnoupal. This border facilitates trade and cultural exchanges between the two regions, particularly through the Moreh-Tamu border post. The India-Myanmar Friendship Bridge at Moreh connects the two countries and supports trade along the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
• Arunachal Pradesh shares an eastern international boundary with Myanmar. The border lies in the region’s sparsely populated mountainous areas, including districts like Changlang and Tirap. Arunachal Pradesh also shares boundaries with Bhutan and China, making it a strategically significant state for India.
• Nagaland shares an international boundary with Myanmar to the east. The shared border runs through districts like Mon and Tuensang, and the people living in these areas often share cultural ties with communities across the border. The Nagas in Nagaland and Myanmar are part of the same ethnic group, highlighting strong cultural and familial bonds.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/focus-on-security-challenges-on-eastern-border-along-bangladesh-and-myanmar-amit-shah/article68928579.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Mughals introduced the double dome structure in Indian architecture. This design allowed for a majestic external dome while keeping the internal dome proportionate to the interior space. It was first seen in Humayun’s Tomb (built in 1565). The use of the double dome can also be observed in the Taj Mahal and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Pietra dura refers to inlay work using semi-precious stones in marble. This decorative technique became prominent during the reign of Shah Jahan, especially in structures like the Taj Mahal and Diwan-i-Khas at the Red Fort in Delhi. The intricate floral patterns on the white marble of the Taj Mahal are excellent examples of pietra dura. (Statement 2 is correct)
• While Shah Jahan is famous for the extensive use of white marble in iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and Moti Masjid, red sandstone continued to be used in many of his constructions, particularly for fortifications and public spaces. The Lahore Fort and parts of the Red Fort in Delhi constructed under Shah Jahan still used red sandstone. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/story-500-year-old-sambhal-mosque-histories-mythology-legal-fights-9697297/

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is a dwarf irregular galaxy and one of the satellite galaxies orbiting the Milky Way. It is located approximately 163,000 light-years away and is one of the closest galaxies to the Milky Way. The LMC, along with the Small Magellanic Cloud, forms part of the Magellanic Clouds, visible prominently from the Southern Hemisphere. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The LMC is best observed from the Southern Hemisphere and is not visible from most parts of the Northern Hemisphere due to its position in the sky. It is a bright feature in southern night skies and was named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew observed it during their circumnavigation of the Earth. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Tarantula Nebula, located within the Large Magellanic Cloud, is a massive and luminous star-forming region. It is notable for hosting massive stars and supernova remnants and is often studied to understand stellar formation and evolution. The 1987A supernova, one of the closest supernovae observed in modern times, occurred in the Tarantula Nebula. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/how-scientists-took-first-zoomed-in-image-of-star-outside-our-galaxy-9697983/#:~:text=How%20was%20the%20picture%20taken,detailed%20image%20of%20WOH%20G64.