Weekly Current Affairs: Quizzes, 10 July to 15 July, 2023

EXPLANATION:

• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 aims to provide legal protection to both plant breeders and farmers. It establishes a framework for the protection of new plant varieties while also recognizing the rights of farmers in relation to their traditional knowledge and contribution to the conservation and development of plant genetic resources. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• While the act grants intellectual property rights and protection to plant breeders for their new varieties, it does not provide an exclusive monopoly. Instead, it establishes a system of protection that allows breeders to control the commercial use of their registered varieties, but it also includes provisions for farmers' rights and the use of protected varieties for research, breeding, and exchange. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.
• The act acknowledges the important role of farmers in conserving and developing plant genetic resources through their traditional knowledge and practices. It recognizes and protects the rights of farmers to use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds of protected varieties, ensuring their contributions are valued and preserved. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• The act does not prohibit farmers from saving and exchanging seeds of protected plant varieties. In fact, it recognizes and protects the rights of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds of protected varieties. However, there may be certain conditions and limitations regarding the sale or exchange of seeds to maintain the integrity and quality of protected varieties. Thus, statement 4 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter, as mentioned in the provided information. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• Primary microplastics refer to tiny particles designed for commercial use or microfibers shed from clothing and textiles. They can also be found in products like microbeads in personal care items and plastic pellets. These particles are intentionally created as small plastic particles. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an effective strategy for addressing microplastic pollution. It holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including the management of microplastic waste. EPR schemes help promote sustainable production practices and encourage producers to minimize the release of microplastics into the environment. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Gravity holes, or black holes, are known for their intense gravitational pull. They are formed by the compression and collapse of massive stars, creating a gravitational field from which nothing, including light, can escape. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• While some theories suggest the existence of wormholes, which are hypothetical tunnels in space-time, they are not commonly referred to as gravity holes. Gravity holes, or black holes, do not serve as passages for travel between distant regions of the universe. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.
• According to theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, gravity holes can emit a type of radiation called Hawking radiation near their event horizon. This radiation is a result of quantum effects and implies that gravity holes can gradually lose mass over time. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• Gravity holes, or black holes, are formed when massive stars undergo gravitational collapse at the end of their life cycle. The intense gravitational field they create is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape their gravitational pull. Thus, statement 4 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Project 75 (I) submarines are not nuclear-powered submarines. They are planned to be conventional diesel-electric submarines, meaning they will be powered by diesel engines on the surface and electric batteries while submerged. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• The Project 75 (I) submarines are intended to be a follow-on class of submarines based on the P-75 class submarines of the Indian Navy. They are designed to build upon the capabilities and success of the P-75 submarines. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• The Project 75 (I) submarines will involve collaboration with foreign manufacturers for the transfer of technology (ToT). However, the submarines themselves will be constructed in India as part of the Make in India initiative, aiming to promote domestic defense production capabilities. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• The Project 75 (I) submarines are expected to feature advanced capabilities, including air-independent propulsion (AIP). AIP technology allows submarines to operate for longer durations underwater without the need to surface for oxygen, enhancing their stealth and endurance. While the submarines may have anti-aircraft warfare capabilities, their overall focus is on various areas such as attack, special operations forces, anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and land-attack capabilities. Thus, statement 4 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Sandur Lambani embroidery is a traditional form of embroidery that originated from the Lambani community, a nomadic tribe in Sandur, Karnataka, India. It is an integral part of the Lambani cultural heritage and has been practiced for generations. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• Sandur Lambani embroidery is known for its vibrant colors and the use of mirrors, which are important elements in the embroidery. The embroidery typically features intricate geometric and floral designs that are meticulously stitched onto textiles such as sarees, blouses, dupattas, and other garments. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• Sandur Lambani embroidery is predominantly practiced by women within the Lambani community. It is a skill that is passed down from mother to daughter, ensuring the preservation of the embroidery tradition and techniques within the community. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• SIGHT is a sub-component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission .The National Green Hydrogen Mission is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting the production, adoption, and utilization of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source. The mission was approved in January 2023 as part of India's decarbonization strategy and efforts to transition to a greener economy. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• The main objective of the SIGHT programme is to set up electrolyser manufacturing base (Component -I) and green hydrogen production centers (Component -II). , which are essential for the production of green hydrogen, and green hydrogen production centers in India. These initiatives aim to accelerate the production of green hydrogen fuel and promote the development of related technologies in the country. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• The SIGHT programme supports the use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology in the electrolysis process. PEM electrolysis is a commonly used technology for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. It is known for its efficiency and suitability for various applications. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, is a law passed by the Indian government to regulate the movement of antiquities and art treasures within the country and across its borders. The act aims to protect and preserve India's cultural heritage by controlling the trade and movement of valuable artifacts. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• The Act empowers the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the central authority responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act. ASI is entrusted with the task of granting licenses, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with the regulations outlined in the Act. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• The Act defines antiquities and art treasures as objects that hold historical, archaeological, artistic, or cultural value and are at least 100 years old. This classification helps determine the eligibility of objects for protection under the Act and regulates their movement and trade. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Zo tribe, also known as the Mizo or Kuki tribe, is an indigenous community primarily found in the northeastern region of India. They inhabit various states such as Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, and Tripura. The Zo people have their own distinct language, culture, and traditions, and they have a significant presence in the cultural fabric of the region. Thus, statement 1 is not correct.
• Agriculture is the primary occupation of the Zo tribe. They rely on farming as a means of sustenance, cultivating crops such as rice, maize, millet, and vegetables. The hilly terrain of the northeastern region provides favorable conditions for agriculture, and the tribe has developed traditional farming techniques and practices over generations to adapt to the local environment. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• The Zo tribe is not known for a nomadic or migratory lifestyle. They are primarily settled communities with permanent residences in villages and towns. They have a sense of belonging to their ancestral lands and maintain a close connection with their community and cultural roots. While there may be some historical accounts of migration and displacement due to various factors, the Zo tribe is generally associated with settled agricultural communities rather than a nomadic lifestyle. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Lake Victoria is indeed the largest lake in Africa and holds the title of being the world's largest tropical lake based on its surface area. It covers a vast area of approximately 68,800 square kilometers (26,600 square miles) and is shared by three countries in East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The lake plays a significant role in the region's ecosystem, economy, and livelihoods of the local communities. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• While Lake Victoria does have a portion of its shoreline within Kenya's borders, it is not entirely located within the country. Lake Victoria is a shared lake among three East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It spans across the borders of these three countries and is a transboundary lake. Thus, statement 2 is not correct.
• Lake Victoria is a freshwater lake and is not known for its high salinity levels. It contains fresh, non-saline water that supports a diverse range of aquatic life, including numerous species of fish and other organisms. The lake's waters are primarily supplied by rainfall, rivers, and streams in the surrounding catchment area. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world. It flourished from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE and encompassed a vast geographical area, extending across present-day Pakistan and western India. The civilization covered an estimated area of about 1.25 million square kilometers.
• The eastern border of the Indus Valley Civilization extended up to the Yamuna River, which is a tributary of the Ganges River. This encompassed regions in present-day Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, indicating the territorial extent of the civilization towards the east. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• The western border of the Indus Valley Civilization extended beyond the Indus River, encompassing parts of present-day Afghanistan. The civilization had trade and cultural connections with regions beyond the Indus River, including areas in present-day Afghanistan. Excavations and archaeological evidence have revealed the presence of Harappan artifacts and influences in these regions. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
• The southern border of the Indus Valley Civilization extended down to the Arabian Sea. It encompassed regions along the coast, including present-day Gujarat in India and Sindh in Pakistan. The coastal areas were an important part of the civilization's trade and maritime activities, connecting it to other civilizations and regions in the ancient world. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is an organization responsible for coordinating regional efforts to combat terrorism among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organization that comprises eight member states, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• RATS serves as a specialized body within the SCO, specifically focusing on counter-terrorism cooperation. Its primary objective is to enhance the exchange of intelligence, information sharing, and cooperation among member states to effectively counter terrorist activities in the region.
• RATS facilitates collaboration in various areas related to counter-terrorism, including the prevention of terrorist financing, countering radicalization, sharing of best practices, and conducting joint military exercises and operations. It promotes coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and other relevant entities of the member states.
• Through RATS, member states exchange real-time information, coordinate efforts in investigating and apprehending terrorist suspects, and work towards the prevention and elimination of terrorist threats. The organization also facilitates capacity building initiatives, training programs, and technical assistance to enhance the counter-terrorism capabilities of member states.
• Thus, option (a) is correct.

EXPLANATION:

• Seismology: Seismometers are used to detect and record volcanic earthquakes. Volcanic earthquakes are caused by the movement of magma beneath the surface, and monitoring these seismic activities helps scientists understand the movement and behavior of magma, as well as potential volcanic eruptions. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
• Satellite Imagery: Satellites equipped with specialized sensors can detect changes in volcanic activity from space. These sensors can capture thermal infrared images to identify hotspots or areas of increased temperature on and around the volcano. Satellite imagery also helps monitor volcanic plumes, changes in surface deformation, and the extent of ash clouds during eruptions. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
•  Gas Measurements: Volcanoes release various gases during their activity, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Monitoring gas emissions provides valuable information about the state of volcanic activity. Gas measurements can be carried out using ground-based instruments, drones, or aircraft equipped with gas analyzers Thus, statement 3 is correct.
• Tiltmeters:Tiltmeters placed on the flanks of an active volcano can measure changes in the slope angle of the flank. These changes are often inferred to be related to changes in the shape and activity of the magma chamber. Thus, statement 4 is correct.