Daily Quiz 01 April 2025

Answer: A
Explanation:

● Statement1 is not correct: Trachoma is a disease of the eye caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
● Statement 2 is not correct: Blindness from trachoma is irreversible. Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It is caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is transmitted by direct or indirect transfer of eye and nose discharges of infected people, particularly young children who harbour the principal reservoir of infection. These discharges can be spread by particular species of flies.
● Statement 3 is correct: On 8th October, 2024 World Health Organization declared that Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. In addition, India has become the third country in the South East Asia region to reach this important public health milestone. Eliminating Trachoma symbolizes the improvement of public healthcare system in the country along with better hygiene and sanitation practices in the population. Furthermore, previously Trachoma has been among leading cause of blindness and discomfort in the country.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct: Acoustic or sonic weapons are devices that deliver very loud sounds over long distances. They can be designed to emit painful audible or inaudible sound waves. These devices can also be used to act like voice amplifiers to deliver voice messages or other sounds.
• Although sound amplifiers have been around for centuries, the use of this technology for crowd-control purposes goes back to the early 1990s. In 2004, the United States military for the first time used specialty devices that were able to project loud sounds over very long ranges in Iraq.
• There are three main types of sonic weapons:
  • Long-range acoustic device (LRAD): The device is manufactured by US-based Genasys Inc, which was earlier known as the LRAD Corporation. It has a range of 8,900 metres for intelligible speech, and produces a highly directional “beam” of extremely loud sound which can go to up to 160 decibels (dB).
  • Mosquito: This device produces very high-pitched sounds that are audible and painful to only younger people — usually teenagers and those in their twenties. It does not affect older people (30 and above).
  • Infrasonic weapon: This is a newer technology and could deliver very low-frequency sounds that would be inaudible but could cause pain and disorientation. Experts are still investigating its capabilities.

These weapons can cause significant harm to the eardrums and delicate organs of the ears and/or hearing loss. Although using earplugs can reduce the sound by 20–30 dB, this may not be enough to avoid significant injury. The impact depends on a person’s distance from the sound, duration of exposure, and preexisting bodily conditions.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok.

Statement 3 is correct: Its objective was to promote cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rules-based regional order, which will contribute towards strengthening safety, stability and development in the maritime domain. After the announcement of the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the IPOI became a key policy articulation that signalled India’s new emphasis and prioritisation for enhanced engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct: The saw dust can be transformed into eco-friendly fuel, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods. It can be used to craft durable packing materials that reduce the need for plastic. Furniture manufacturers find it useful as a composite material, lending strength to products like chairs and tables. Fertilizers made from the sawdust enriches the soil, helping farmers grow healthier crops. And in the food industry, the sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic and Styrofoam.

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Option D is correct: The Union Cabinet in 2024 approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences for implementation during the period 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs. 4797 crores.
• The PRITHVI scheme encompasses five on-going sub-schemes namely:-
  • Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS).
  • Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART).
  • Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER).
  • Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE).
  • Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).

The overarching scheme of PRITHVI holistically addresses all the five components of earth system namely atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere and biosphere to improve the understating of the Earth System Sciences and to provide reliable services for the country. Various research & development and operational (services) activities under PRITHVI scheme are carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under MoES.