Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• There are international treaties related to nuclear energy safety, such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety. The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) oversees nuclear safety standards.
• The term “bunker” might refer to underground military structures, but no international convention governs their use. Military installations are generally governed by national security policies and international humanitarian law during armed conflicts.
• The Bunker Convention, formally known as the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (2001), is a treaty under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It establishes a framework for:
o Liability and compensation for damage caused by spills of bunker oil (fuel used by ships) during maritime operations.
o Ensuring ship owners maintain adequate insurance or financial security to cover potential claims. (Option (c) is correct)
• The convention applies to accidents like the Prestige oil spill (2002), where a tanker leaked large amounts of bunker oil, causing severe ecological damage.
• The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement include provisions to promote renewable energy, but they do not specifically deal with bunker biofuels.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/on-reforms-in-merchant-shipping-explained/article68964962.ece#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20measures%20include,generated%20waste%20at%20Indian%20ports.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• While Spain is home to many iconic cathedrals, the Notre Dame de Paris is located in France. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) is a famous unfinished basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, symbolizing Spanish Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The Cathedral of Notre Dame, formally known as Notre Dame de Paris, is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Paris, France. It is an architectural masterpiece of the Gothic era, built over 800 years ago, renowned for its intricate sculptures, stained glass windows, and iconic spire.
• The cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024, after a massive fire in 2019 destroyed its roof and spire, emphasizing the fragility of historical heritage. Restoration efforts, supported globally, aim to preserve its original spirit and cultural significance. (Option (b) is correct)
• Germany houses significant cathedrals like the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cologne Cathedral is known for its towering twin spires and Gothic architecture, representing German medieval craftsmanship. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Italy is renowned for its Catholic heritage and historic cathedrals, such as St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Florence Cathedral (Italy) is known for its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, a symbol of Renaissance architecture. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: A dialogue with our fragile past: the importance of historical memory

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• INS Tushil is built in Russia and is not indigenously designed, though two follow-on ships will be built at Goa Shipyard Ltd. under a technology transfer agreement.
• INS Tushil is powered by conventional engines from Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine, like other Krivak III class ships. The Indian Navy’s INS Arihant is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
• INS Tushil is a multi-role frigate capable of operations across the spectrum of naval warfare, including air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic dimensions.
• INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class stealth guided missile frigate under Project 1135.6, built as part of India’s naval modernization efforts. It is the seventh ship in the series and is designed for multi-dimensional naval warfare, including air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic spectrum operations. (Option (d) is correct)
• Reflects India-Russia collaboration under a 2016 agreement for four stealth frigates: two built in Russia and two in India at Goa Shipyard Ltd. Highlights India’s journey toward self-reliance with increasing indigenous content.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/union-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-in-russia-ins-tushil-inducted-into-indian-navy/article68966111.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Bill introduces temporary registration of vessels destined for demolition to address challenges faced by India’s ship recycling industry. This provision allows cash buyers to register vessels for their final voyage, even if they are no longer seaworthy, promoting ship recycling hubs like Alang. India, as the second-largest ship recycling hub, benefits from this provision, ensuring smoother operations in the recycling industry. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• The Bill expands the scope of regulation to include all types of vessels, both mechanised and non-mechanised, regardless of size. This includes a diverse range of crafts such as submersibles, amphibious crafts, mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs), and pleasure crafts. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• This addresses gaps in the current law, which left smaller mechanised vessels and non-mechanised vessels unregulated, posing safety and operational risks. Enhances maritime security by providing oversight over all types of vessels, a lesson learned from vulnerabilities exposed during incidents like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
• The Bill allows foreign entities to hold shares in Indian vessels while ensuring that majority ownership remains with Indian entities, NRIs, or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). This reform reduces the Indian ownership threshold from 100% to 51%, aligning with global practices in countries like the U.S. and Singapore. Significance –
  • Encourages foreign investment in the shipping sector.
  • Facilitates the entry of NRIs and OCIs into vessel ownership.
  • Promotes growth and modernization in the maritime industry. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/on-reforms-in-merchant-shipping-explained/article68964962.ece#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20measures%20include,generated%20waste%20at%20Indian%20ports.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as a mechanism to provide formal recognition of skills and competencies acquired through informal, non-formal, or experiential learning. This aligns with the NEP’s vision of fostering lifelong learning and improving access to higher education and employability. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The National Credit Framework (NCrF) supports the creditisation of all forms of learning, including academic, vocational, and experiential learning. Under RPL, individuals can convert their skills and experiences into formal credits, enabling them to bridge the gap between real-world experience and formal education, thereby enhancing career prospects. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The UGC’s draft guidelines for RPL explicitly define it as a formal mechanism to evaluate a person’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience gained through formal, non-formal, or informal learning. This definition aims to address the challenges of India’s informal workforce, promoting their inclusion in higher education and career progression opportunities. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/education/new-ugc-guidelines-to-promote-life-long-learning/article68966491.ece#:~:text=The%20University%20Grants%20Commission%20(UGC,concept%20of%20life%2Dlong%20education.