Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• Section 160 does not authorize state governments to impose penalties for corrupt practices. The power to deal with corrupt electoral practices is under different sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and falls primarily under the purview of the Election Commission and the courts, not state governments.
• Under Section 160 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, State governments are indeed empowered to requisition premises, vehicles, and other necessary resources for election purposes, including conducting smooth polling processes and ensuring administrative efficiency during elections. (Option (b) is correct)
• The power to disqualify candidates for exceeding election expenditure limits does not rest with state governments. This power lies with the Election Commission of India and is governed under separate provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• State governments do not have the authority to declare constituencies vacant due to election disputes. This power lies with the Election Commission and the courts, which handle such disputes as per the law.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-misplaced-move-of-one-nation-one-election/article68682803.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Antimony is a metalloid, and one of its primary uses is as an alloying agent in lead-acid batteries. It helps strengthen the lead plates, which improves battery performance and durability. (Option (a) is correct)
• China has historically been the largest producer of Antimony, accounting for a significant percentage of global production. Antimony mining and refining are largely concentrated in this region. (Option (b) is correct)
• Compounds of Antimony, particularly antimony trioxide, are widely used in flame retardants. These compounds are commonly added to plastics, textiles, and other materials to reduce their flammability. (Option (c) is correct)
• While Antimony has applications in semiconductor alloys such as indium antimonide and gallium antimonide, its primary use is not in semiconductor manufacturing. Its main applications are in batteries, flame retardants, and alloys. Semiconductor use of Antimony is relatively limited compared to other materials like silicon and gallium arsenide. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/chinas-warning-shots-with-minerals-that-run-the-world/article68682895.ece#:~:text=On%20August%2015%20this%20year,ammunition%2C%20and%20even%20nuclear%20weapons.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is indeed an intergovernmental organization. It was formed to represent the interests of small island and low-lying coastal developing states, particularly concerning the effects of climate change, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation.
• AOSIS was established in 1990, ahead of the Second World Climate Conference held in Geneva in 1990. This organization was created to provide a platform for small island states to advocate for stronger international action on climate change.
• AOSIS has 39 member states and 5 observer states (not more than 50 members), and it includes some non-island nations as observer states. For instance, countries such as the Maldives, Seychelles, and Fiji are part of the member states, while countries like Singapore serve as observers. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The members of AOSIS are primarily located in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Oceans. These regions are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, which pose an existential threat to many of the member states.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/leaders-at-un-urge-worlds-richest-to-do-more-on-climate/article68680999.ece#:~:text=The%20pleas%20underscore%20the%20widening,those%20suffering%20its%20worst%20effects&text=Developing%20nations%20on%20Monday%20pleaded,they%20face%20from%20climate%20extremes.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is the first legally binding international agreement that aims to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons. It bans their use, development, testing, stockpiling, and threat of use, with the ultimate goal of eliminating nuclear weapons altogether. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The TPNW entered into force on January 22, 2021, after achieving the required number of 50 ratifications from UN member states. This officially made the treaty part of international law. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Neither India nor China is an observer or a signatory to the TPNW. Both countries, along with other nuclear-armed states such as the United States, Russia, and Pakistan, have not signed the treaty and do not support its approach. They argue that the treaty does not address their security concerns and that the existing framework, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), should be the main instrument for nuclear disarmament. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/taking-stock-of-global-nuclear-disarmament/article68682359.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is part of the National Air Quality Index (NAQI). It is a harmful air pollutant that can cause health issues by limiting oxygen supply in the body, and it is included in the list of pollutants monitored under NAQI. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Ammonia (NH₃) is also monitored under the NAQI. It is primarily released from agricultural activities and can cause harmful environmental and health impacts. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Lead (Pb) is included in the NAQI. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe health problems, including damage to the nervous system, and is monitored under the air quality standards in India. (Statement 3 is correct)

Details of the National Air Quality Index (NAQI):

The National Air Quality Index (NAQI) has six categories:

1. Good
2. Satisfactory
3. Moderately Polluted
4. Poor
5. Very Poor
6. Severe

These categories are based on ambient concentrations of pollutants and their potential health impacts, termed health breakpoints. The NAQI tracks eight pollutants based on short-term (up to 24-hour) exposure limits set by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These pollutants include:

1. Particulate Matter (PM10)
2. Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
6. Ozone (O₃)
7. Ammonia (NH₃)
8. Lead (Pb)

Source: https://cpcb.nic.in/National-Air-Quality-Index/