Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a binational organization between the United States and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Northern America. NORAD is known for tracking objects in space, including satellites and debris
• The ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) is a program launched by ISRO for comprehensive monitoring of objects in space, such as satellites and debris. It includes surveillance, tracking, and monitoring orbital activities, predicting re-entries, and collision avoidance. IS4OM played a crucial role in monitoring the orbital decay and re-entry of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-37’s upper stage. (Option (b) is correct)
• YUVIKA (Young Scientist Programme) is an ISRO initiative aimed at encouraging and educating young students about space science and technology. While it is a vital outreach program, it is unrelated to space surveillance or monitoring orbital re-entries.
• IIRS (Indian Institute of Remote Sensing) is an educational institute under ISRO that provides training and research in remote sensing, geoinformatics, and related technologies.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/upper-stage-of-historic-pslv-37-mission-re-enters-earths-atmosphere-eight-years-after-launch-isro/article68731779.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Quantum Mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with phenomena at atomic and subatomic levels. It describes how particles like electrons and photons behave at very small scales. Schrödinger’s equation and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle are well-known in quantum mechanics. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Evolutionary biology studies the processes driving the evolution of species through natural selection, genetic drift, and mutations. Darwin’s theory of natural selection is central to evolutionary biology. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Behavioral Psychology focuses on understanding how humans and animals behave based on stimuli, often without focusing on internal mental states. While related to learning theories, behavioral psychology relies more on conditioning (e.g., Pavlov’s classical conditioning) rather than synaptic learning principles like Hebbian learning. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Hebbian learning, often summarized as “cells that fire together, wire together,” is a theory in neuroscience that explains how neural pathways strengthen with repeated activation. This concept has significantly influenced the development of artificial neural networks, which aim to mimic the functioning of the human brain. Hebbian learning forms the basis of synaptic plasticity, contributing to the adaptive learning processes in neural networks. Synaptic plasticity and backpropagation in artificial neural networks are built on ideas like Hebbian learning. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/deep-roots-on-the-physics-nobel-prize/article68732899.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Polyester is the most commonly used synthetic fibre in the global textile industry due to its durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. It is derived from petrochemicals and is widely used in clothing, home furnishings, and industrial applications.
• Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre made from regenerated cellulose (derived from wood pulp or cotton). While its source is natural, the production process involves chemical treatments, which makes it a man-made fibre. It cannot be classified as a natural fibre. (Option (c) is correct)
• Nylon is a fully synthetic polymer derived from petrochemicals. It was first introduced by DuPont in 1935 and is known for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear. Nylon is widely used in textiles, automotive parts, and industrial products.
• Acrylic fibres are synthetic fibres made from polymerized acrylonitrile. Due to their wool-like properties, they are frequently used as an alternative to wool in sweaters, blankets, and other winter garments. Acrylic fibres are soft, warm, and lightweight, making them popular in cold-weather clothing.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/why-is-the-textile-industry-struggling-to-perform-better-explained/article68733993.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Tomato is not restricted to being only a kharif crop. It is grown in both kharif and rabi seasons. Tomatoes can be cultivated throughout the year in regions with suitable conditions, though the kharif season (June to October) is a common period for cultivation. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• Onion can be grown three times a year, in the kharif, late kharif, and rabi seasons. This allows farmers to have multiple crops of onion throughout the year depending on the regional climate. The major seasons for onion cultivation are:
  • Kharif (June to September)
  • Late Kharif (October to December)
• Rabi (December to March). (Statement 2 is correct) Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are indeed leading producers of tomato in India. Other major states include Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. These states have favorable climatic conditions and large areas dedicated to tomato farming. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/smaller-area-sown-ruined-crop-why-tomato-has-hit-rs-100-kg-9610892/

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is not a binding law. It is a diplomatic instrument with a set of shared goals for governments, institutions, firms, and other stakeholders to bear in mind. The GDC has not been formally adopted as binding law, but over time, its terms may evolve into soft laws or guidelines. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• The Global Digital Compact indeed focuses on the potential of digital technologies. It aims to harness and regulate these technologies for the common good, ensuring that they contribute positively to society and the global community. The GDC acknowledges that digital technologies are transformative and need to be managed to benefit humanity as a whole. (Statement 2 is correct)
• One of the core objectives of the GDC is to ensure that digital technologies advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The GDC sees the potential of digital tools to address global challenges such as poverty, education, health, and climate change, aligning its focus with the advancement of sustainable development. (Statement 3 is correct)
• The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is a diplomatic initiative led by the United Nations with the aim of fostering collaboration among governments, institutions, corporations, and stakeholders. Its purpose is to outline shared global goals for the responsible use and governance of digital technologies.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/global-digital-compact-advancing-digital-innovation-in-a-sustainable-fashion/article68732998.ece