Daily Quiz

Solution (d)
Explanation:
• The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements brokered by the United States in 2020 to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries. These accords marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, as Arab states had historically conditioned normalizing relations with Israel on the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Israel was one of the principal parties in the Abraham Accords. The accords represent normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, facilitated by the U.S. The first signatories were Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), followed by Bahrain.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first Arab country to sign the Abraham Accords with Israel in August 2020. This agreement led to the establishment of full diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between the two nations.
• Morocco joined the Abraham Accords later, in December 2020, becoming the fourth Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel under these agreements. As part of the deal, the U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
• Saudi Arabia was not part of the Abraham Accords. Although it has taken some steps toward cooperation with Israel, especially regarding security concerns over Iran, it has not formally normalized relations with Israel. (Option (d) is correct)
• It was the first time an Arab state had formally normalized relations with Israel since Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). It led to increased trade, cooperation in various sectors like technology and tourism, and strengthened military ties.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-three-tier-war-with-no-endgame/article68724996.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• East Europe typically includes countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and others. Carpathian Mountains in East Europe are known for their natural beauty and biodiversity. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The Galilee region is situated in northern Israel, a part of West Asia. It is divided into two parts: Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee, and it stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias). The region is known for its lush landscapes, mountains, and valleys. Galilee holds significant importance in Christianity due to its association with Jesus Christ. It is also home to important archaeological sites and attracts many pilgrims. (Option (b) is correct)
• Central Asia consists of countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and others. The Aral Sea and the Tian Shan Mountains are notable features of Central Asia. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• South Asia includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and others. The Himalayan Mountains are an iconic part of South Asia. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-three-tier-war-with-no-endgame/article68724996.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Ethiopia has been experiencing its own conflict, primarily in the Tigray region, involving the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
• In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), there are several militias and rebel groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23.
• The ongoing war in Yemen involves factions such as the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition. The Yemen conflict is rooted in the struggle for power between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels, with Saudi Arabia and Iran playing significant roles as external actors.
• The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a paramilitary group in Sudan. It originated from the Janjaweed militias that were active in the Darfur conflict. The RSF has been involved in multiple conflicts in Sudan, including the recent civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF. The conflict escalated with major battles in Khartoum and Bahri, and the situation remains dire, with millions displaced and thousands killed. (Option (d) is correct)

Sudan Conflict:

• The Sudan conflict involves two major factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tensions escalated into a full-scale civil war in April 2023 after disagreements over integrating the RSF into the regular army. The RSF was formed from the Janjaweed militias, which were accused of human rights abuses in Darfur.
• Khartoum and Bahri are major conflict zones, and the fighting has led to severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and over 20,000 deaths reported as of late 2023.
• All attempts at ceasefire and peace negotiations, including those led by the UN and U.S., have failed, leaving the region in turmoil.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-status-of-the-civil-war-in-sudan/article68726041.ece

 Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) is aimed at providing internship opportunities to youth in the top 500 companies of India, not just the top 100 PSUs. These companies span across various sectors, including IT, Banking, Energy, FMCG, Automotive, Healthcare, etc. The focus is not limited to public sector undertakings alone. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• The PM Internship Scheme does target to offer one crore internships to the youth over a period of five years. This is a major goal of the scheme to empower the youth by providing real-life work experience and bridging the gap between academic learning and industry needs. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The duration of internships under the PM Internship Scheme is one year (12 months), not 36 months. The scheme requires interns to spend at least half of their internship period (6 months) in a real-world working environment rather than in a classroom setting. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Brief Information on PM Internship Scheme:

• The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) is an initiative by the Government of India that aims to provide internship opportunities to youth in the top 500 companies across various sectors.
• It targets to provide one crore internships over five years to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, thus enhancing employability.
• The internship duration is set for 12 months, with a focus on gaining real-world working experience for at least 6 months.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-learning-curve-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-pm-internship-scheme/article68725781.ece & https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/faqs/

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Gold is one of the noble metals. Noble metals are metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation in moist air, unlike most base metals. They include gold, silver, platinum, and others. These metals are called noble because of their chemical stability and ability to resist tarnishing and corrosion. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Gold does not dissolve in strong nitric acid. Nitric acid is capable of dissolving many metals, but gold is resistant to nitric acid. This property is what distinguishes gold as a noble metal. However, gold dissolves in a mixture called aqua regia, which is a combination of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid in a 1:3 ratio. Aqua regia can dissolve gold because of the combined effects of both acids. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• China is the largest producer of gold globally, contributing significantly to the global gold supply. As of recent reports, China has consistently held this position due to its vast mining operations. Other significant gold producers include Russia, Australia, and the United States. China’s production is key to the global gold market. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-gold/article68724025.ece