Daily Quiz

Solution (d)
Explanation:
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in 2001 as a regional intergovernmental organisation aimed at promoting security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange across Eurasia.
• Its founding members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The SCO’s primary focus includes counter-terrorism, military cooperation, and regional security.
• Iran is not a founding member of the SCO. It initially participated as an observer state and became a full member of the SCO in 2023, making it a late entrant compared to other members. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-invites-pm-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-meeting-in-islamabad-in-october/article68582475.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Bhil tribe is primarily found in the western and central parts of India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. They speak Bhili, a Western Indo-Aryan language. Bhils are known for their archery skills and were historically associated with hunting. They also have a rich tradition of folk art, especially the famous Bhil paintings. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The Koya tribe is found in the Eastern Ghats of India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. They speak Koya, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. The Koya are predominantly agriculturalists, and they celebrate festivals like the Bhima Panduga to honor ancestors. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The Bonda tribe is one of the oldest and most primitive tribes in India, primarily found in the hilly regions of the Malkangiri district in Odisha. They speak the Bonda language, which belongs to the Austro-Asiatic language family, similar to the languages spoken by the Munda tribes. The Bonda are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and their cultural practices are unique, including worshipping Lord Patakhanda. The Bonda women are known for their distinctive traditional jewelry and short hair. (Option (c) is correct)
• The Warli tribe is primarily located in the mountainous and coastal regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Warlis speak Varli, which is a dialect belonging to the Indo-Aryan family. The Warli tribe is famous for its Warli paintings, a form of tribal art that uses simple geometric shapes to depict daily life, festivals, and rituals. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/bonda-tribe-student-set-to-pursue-mbbs-programme-in-odisha/article68580276.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Commonly known as Buttonwood, Conocarpus erectus is often planted as an ornamental plant in urban areas. It is a salt-tolerant species, making it suitable for coastal regions.
• Known as Devil’s tree or Saptaparni, Alstonia scholaris is used as as an ornamental tree. It is often planted in parks and along streets for shade.
• Commonly referred to as the Madagascar Almond or Umbrella Tree, Terminalia mantaly is a fast-growing ornamental tree known for its umbrella-like canopy, often used in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal. (Option (a) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/forest-department-recommends-growing-of-25-indigenous-plant-species-as-part-of-afforestation-drive/article68580253.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The BioE3 Policy focuses on creating a bioeconomy that prioritizes sustainability, including recycling bio-based products and reducing waste, hence contributing to a circular bioeconomy. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The BioE3 policy encourages bio-based innovations and solutions such as bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides to reduce the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers. (Statement 2 is correct)
• While the policy encourages innovation in bio-based industries, regulating GMOs specifically is not a primary objective under BioE3. GMOs are typically covered under separate biosafety and agricultural regulations. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bbiotech-enigma-on-the-bioe3-proposal-and-beyond/article68582063.ece & https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2048569

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) was introduced in the Union Budget of India in the year 2005-06. It aimed to track the government’s financial commitments toward women empowerment and gender equality through dedicated budget allocations. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The gender budget reached 1% of GDP estimates in 2024-25, not 10%. The percentage of the gender budget as part of the total budgetary expenditure for 2024-25 stands at 6.8%. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The GBS does not solely consider schemes with 100% allocation for women. It includes three parts:
  • Part A: Reports schemes with 100% allocation for women.
  • Part B: Reports schemes where the allocation for women is substantial (but not 100%).
  • Part C: Newly introduced, includes schemes with less than 30% allocation for women, such as the PM Kisan scheme. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/analysing-the-gender-budget-of-2024-25/article68582974.ece