Daily Quiz 13 January 2025

Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Hydrogel products constitute a group of polymeric materials, the hydrophilic structure of which renders them capable of holding large amounts of water in their three-dimensional networks.
○ The ability of hydrogels to absorb water arises from hydrophilic functional groups attached to the polymeric backbone, while their resistance to dissolution arises from cross-links between network chains. Many materials, both naturally occurring and synthetic, fit the definition of hydrogels.
● Statement 2 is correct: Their unique structure mimics living tissues, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
● Statement 3 is correct: Hydrogels may be synthesized in a number of “classical” chemical ways. These include one-step procedures like polymerization and parallel cross-linking of multifunctional monomers, as well as multiple step procedures involving synthesis of polymer molecules having reactive groups and their subsequent cross-linking, possibly also by reacting polymers with suitable cross-linking agents.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is not correct: The Panama canal is an artificial 80-kilometre canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, reducing cost, time and distance for international shipping. The canal is crucial for the global supply chain, and 6% of maritime world trade goes through it. It opened in 1914 after the United States of America finished construction.
• Statement 2 is not correct: The Panama canal was controlled by the U.S. until December 31, 1999. The canal was handed over to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. The Panama Canal Treaty, cancelled the Panama Canal Zone and turned the canal over to the Panamanians on December 31, 1999.
• Statement 3 is correct: Under the Permanent Neutrality Treaty, the canal was declared neutral and open to vessels of all nations. Under this treaty, the U.S. has the right to defend the neutrality of the canal and have priority passage in military emergencies.

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Palla’s cats are well-furred cats from the cold Asian steppes. They are also called Manul, Steppe Cat or Rock Wildcat. These small cats have a stocky body with thick, soft fur and an abundant dark, woolly underfur which is double the length of that on the rest of the body.
• Statement 1 is not correct: They occur in Central Asia, from the Caspian Sea through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India to central China, Mongolia and southern Russia. Populations in the southwest portion of their range, the Caspian Sea region, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are diminishing, isolated and scarce. Their habitat is characterized by an extreme climate with little rainfall, low humidity and a wide range of temperatures. Their primary habitat is the steppe grassland regions of Mongolia, China and the Tibetan Plateau.
• Statement 2 is correct: Pallas’s Cats look much heavier than they really are due to their stocky build and thick coat. They are well adapted to their habitat. The thick fur coat insulates them against the cold and the well furred tail can be wrapped around the body like a warm muff. The well developed nictitating membrane (third eyelid) may afford protection against both the cold winds and the regular dust storms which arise in parts of their range. They are able to climb rocky crevices and cliff faces with ease. The flat head and low set ears are thought to be adaptations for stalking prey in open areas with relatively little cover. They hide for much of the day in caves or hollows under stones, or may adopt the burrows of other creatures such as marmots or foxes.
• Statement 3 is not correct: They are primarily nocturnal animals with their activity peaking at dusk and dawn, but they may be active at any time. Their most important prey species is the small pika, which comprise over 50% of their diet. Hence it is a carnivorous species.

They have three distinct hunting techniques; stalking by creeping around cover; moving and flushing animals out of hiding; and waiting in ambush at rodent burrows

Answer: B

Explanation:

• In-flight connectivity systems primarily use two kinds of technologies — ground-based cellular towers, also known as air-to-ground (ATG) technology, and satellite-based connectivity. Both require special antennae and other equipment to be installed on the aircraft.
• Statement 1 is not correct: In the air-to-ground (ATG) technology, an antenna — usually placed around the plane’s belly, picks up signals from the nearest tower on the ground, or ground receiver, to provide connectivity on board the aircraft. The availability of nearby towers on the ground is a fundamental limitation of this technology. One of its drawbacks is that ground-based cellular towers (ATG technology) cannot provide connectivity over oceans, large water bodies, or remote areas without ground towers.
  • Unless the aircraft passes over a big body of water, deserted land, or sparsely populated areas without enough cellular towers, the connection should stay seamless and stable up to a certain altitude.
• Statement 2 is correct: In satellite-based connectivity, internet from ground stations is transmitted to aircraft through satellites, using antenna mounted on top of the aircraft’s body. This form of connectivity offers wider coverage, and is particularly useful in providing connectivity when the aircraft is flying over regions without ground towers.

Statement 3 is not correct:  In-flight Internet connectivity is typically slower than ground-based connections due to technical and bandwidth limitations, although newer technologies are improving speeds.

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Option D is correct: Rajaji National Park was named after C. Rajagopalacharilovingly known as Rajaji, the first Governor General of independent India, as it was on his behest that the sanctuary was created.
• The Park extends over the Shivalik Range from the Dehradun-Saharanpur road in the north-west to the Rawasan River in the southeast, with the Ganges dividing it into two parts. River Ganga bifurcates the Park into two parts: the eastern part, consisting of the Chilla and Gohri ranges, stretches from the left bank of the Ganges to Rawasan River in the east and Shyampur Range of Haridwar Forest Division to the South. The western part of the Park consists of the Ramgarh, Kansrao, Motichur, Haridwar, Dholkhand and Chillawali Ranges.
• The Center Government notified in 2015 Rajaji National Park as 48th Tiger Reserve of India, and the 2nd Tiger Reserve (1st is Jim Corbett) of Uttarakhand State.