Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• Kerala is known for its rich tradition of classical dances, the most famous being Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Kathakali is a classical dance-drama known for its colorful makeup and elaborate costumes. Mohiniyattam, on the other hand, is a graceful dance performed by women, often referred to as the ‘Dance of the Enchantress.’ (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Telangana has its own traditional dance forms, such as Perini Sivatandavam and Lambadi dance. Perini Sivatandavam, also known as the ‘Dance of Warriors,’ is performed by men in honor of Lord Shiva. Lambadi is a tribal dance performed by the Banjara community, often featuring vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Gotipua is a traditional dance form of Odisha. It involves young boys dressing as girls and performing intricate dances, often as a precursor to the classical Odissi dance. Gotipua dancers are trained in singing, dancing, yoga, and acrobatics, and they perform at temple festivals and other cultural events. Gotipua is closely linked to the classical Odissi dance of Odisha. (Option (c) is correct)
• Assam is known for its own set of traditional dance forms, the most famous being Bihu dance and Sattriya dance. Bihu is performed during the Assamese New Year and is characterized by energetic movements and vibrant costumes. Sattriya, on the other hand, is a classical dance form that originated in the Satras (monasteries) established by the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/the-dancers-who-stumble-from-boyhood-stardom-to-adulthood-anonymity/article68512086.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is awarded in 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and others. This information is consistent with the content provided. (Option (a) is correct)
• The RVP awards are divided into four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. This structure ensures recognition across different levels of achievement and contribution in the field of Science and Technology. (Option (b) is correct)
• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology is coordinating the awards for this year. CSIR is a well-known institution in India responsible for scientific research and coordination. (Option (c) is correct)
• While the awards were announced on 11th May 2024 (National Technology Day), the ceremony for presenting the awards will be held on 23rd August 2024, which is National Space Day. The awards were announced on National Technology Day, but the ceremony will be on National Space Day. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/perfunctory-panacea-on-the-rashtriya-vigyan-puraskar/article68513100.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) refers to the yield of a crop relative to the nitrogen (natural and artificial) available to it. This is a fundamental aspect of NUE, indicating how effectively a plant utilizes the available nitrogen. (Option (a) is correct)
• While high Nitrogen Use Efficiency is beneficial for reducing waste and pollution, it does not always result in the highest yields. Farmers may prefer varieties that yield more even if their NUE is lower. High yields can sometimes be achieved with varieties that have lower NUE, particularly if large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers are used. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Poor Nitrogen Use Efficiency contributes to significant nitrogen-linked pollution, including nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions, which affect air quality, water bodies, and contribute to climate change. India wastes nitrogen fertilizers worth ₹1 trillion a year due to poor NUE, leading to environmental issues. (Option (c) is correct)
• Improvements in Nitrogen Use Efficiency can be achieved through biotechnology, better fertilizer formulations, legume-based crop rotations, and crop management practices. These approaches can help enhance NUE while maintaining or improving yields. The study at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University found that certain rice varieties exhibited five-fold differences in NUE, which could be exploited through crop improvement programs. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/study-finds-wide-variety-of-nitrogen-use-efficiency-in-indian-rice-varieties/article68512601.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was initially established as a non-statutory body in 1988 through a government resolution. It was later given statutory status on April 12, 1992, through the SEBI Act, 1992. (Statement 1 is correct)
• One of the primary functions of SEBI is to protect the interests of investors in securities. SEBI aims to promote the development of the securities market and regulate it to ensure that investors are safeguarded. SEBI’s mandate includes protecting investor interests, promoting and regulating the securities market, and ensuring fair practices. (Statement 2 is correct)
• SEBI does not hear appeals against orders passed by the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). Instead, appeals against SEBI’s orders are heard by the SAT, which is a statutory body. Further appeals against SAT’s orders can be made to the Supreme Court of India. The Securities Appellate Tribunal was established under the SEBI Act, 1992, and it handles appeals against SEBI’s decisions. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/integrity-of-sebi-gravely-compromised-rahul-on-hindenburg-row/article68513539.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), also known as the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), signed in 1963, prohibits nuclear weapon tests in three environments: the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. The treaty aimed to reduce the environmental and health hazards associated with radioactive fallout from atmospheric testing. The treaty does allow underground nuclear tests, provided they do not cause radioactive debris to fall outside the territorial limits of the nation conducting the test. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The LTBT was indeed the first arms control agreement of the Cold War. It marked a significant step in arms control efforts, with the treaty being signed in 1963 by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. (Statement 2 is correct)
• India is a member of the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), which was signed in 1963. Despite India’s later stance against the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), it did sign the PTBT, supporting its aims to limit nuclear testing to reduce environmental harm. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/cold-war-nuke-tests-light-up-problem-with-present-day-climate-models/article68512069.ece#:~:text=An%20updated%20calculation%20suggests%20climate,plants%20hold%20on%20to%20carbon&text=For%20billions%20of%20years%2C%20the,CO2)%20into%20the%20atmosphere.