Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• The Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) was an agreement between the United Nations, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey to allow Ukraine to export food and fertilizer from three Black Sea ports during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• The initiative was proposed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in April 2022 and was intended to: Stabilize global food prices, Prevent famine, Ensure Russian food and fertilizer could reach global markets, Reduce global food insecurity, and Ensure the safety of merchant ships delivering grain and foodstuffs.
• The United States is not a direct participant in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The agreement specifically involves Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations to ensure the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. (Option (c) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bwar-and-peace-on-india-and-a-russia-ukraine-peace-initiative/article68577274.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. (Option (a) is correct)
• The BCG vaccine is primarily effective in preventing severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB, in children. It is not highly effective in preventing pulmonary TB in adults, which is the most common form of the disease. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• While TB primarily targets the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also spread to other organs, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain (extrapulmonary TB). (Option (c) is correct)
• TB can be drug-sensitive, where standard antibiotics can effectively treat the disease, or drug-resistant (MDR-TB or XDR-TB), which requires more complex and longer treatment regimens. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/sharpening-indias-anti-tuberculosis-fight/article68577808.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The PAT scheme is a regulatory instrument designed to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries. It allows industries that exceed their energy-saving targets to earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which can be traded with other industries that have not met their targets. (Option (a) is correct)
• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) is a regulatory instrument to reduce Specific Energy Consumption in energy intensive industries, with an associated market-based mechanism to enhance the cost effectiveness through certification of excess energy saving which can be traded.
• PAT is a mechanism for improvements in energy efficiency of energy intensive industries. Specific high energy intensive industries are identified as Designated Consumers (DCs) within certain key sectors, who are required to appoint an energy manager, file energy consumption returns every year and conduct mandatory energy audits regularly.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/establishing-a-carbon-market/article68577126.ece#:~:text=The%202021%20draft%20blueprint%20presented,for%20regulated%20entities%20(carbon%20credits

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Chandipura Virus (CHPV) is transmitted by sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, as confirmed by the recent outbreak reported in India. These vectors are responsible for the spread of the virus, particularly during the monsoon season when their populations increase. (Option (c) is correct)
• Between early June and 15 August 2024, India reported 245 cases of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), including 82 deaths, with 64 confirmed as Chandipura Virus (CHPV) infections. This outbreak, the largest in 20 years, is transmitted by sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks. The high case-fatality ratio (56-75%) underscores the need for early intensive care. Vector control and protection against bites are crucial to prevent further transmission during the ongoing monsoon season.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/current-chandipura-virus-infection-in-india-considered-the-largest-in-20-years-who/article68576818.ece#:~:text=Its%20further%20transmission%20is%20possible,areas%2C%20warns%20World%20Health%20Organisation

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Polyethylene is a polymer made by polymerizing ethylene (a hydrocarbon derived from petroleum or natural gas). It is a type of synthetic resin widely used in various applications, including packaging and containers. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Polyethylene is the most widely used plastic globally, with applications ranging from plastic bags and bottles to piping and insulating materials. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Polyethylene is indeed combustible, and when not properly managed, it can persist in the environment as a pollutant for hundreds of years, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/microplastics-found-in-face-wash-shower-gel-face-scrub-available-in-india-says-new-research/article68572231.ece