Daily Quiz 18 January 2025

Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, with varying amounts of chlorite, micas, amphiboles, and other minerals like carbonates, magnesium, silicate, etc. Most soapstone deposits were formed from 300 to 400 million years ago, and they can be found throughout the world. The name soapstone is derived from its “soapy” feel that is soft to the touch caused by the talc in the stone which exudes a sensation similar to that of a dry bar of soap.
● Statement 2 is correct: Soapstone is primarily talc, which is chemically inert, that is why it is highly resistant to etching and chemical reactions.
● Statement 3 is correct: According to the Indian Bureau of Mines, the states of Rajasthan (57%) and Uttarakhand (25%) boast substantial reserves of soapstone in India.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 predates establishment of a high powered body called the Lokpal of India.
• Lokpal, as a body, is bestowed with wide powers to direct inquiry investigation and to accord sanction to prosecute the public officials/functionaries referred to in Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 and other persons involved in commission of offence of corruption.
• Points 1, 2 and 3 are correct: In terms of Section 14 of the Act, a complaint can be filed against any person who is or has been a Prime Minister, any person who is or has been a Minister of Union, any person who is or has been a Member of either House of Parliament.

Point 4 is not correct: According to the Supreme Court of India, sitting judge of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will not be amenable to the constricted jurisdiction of the Lokpal of India in terms of Section 14 of the Act of 2013. Thus a complaint cannot be filed with the Lokpal of India under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 against the Chief Justice of India.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Option C is correct: Artesian aquifer refers to water stored under pressure, between layers of sediments and soil below the earth’s surface. It is also described as “confined” water because of hardy materials above and below it. The word “artesian” is specifically used when water is “confined under pressure below layers of relatively impermeable rock.”
  • What differentiates it from water flowing normally through tube wells or wells is that artesian water can sprout from underground on its own and is also located deeper below the earth’s surface. It is surrounded by poorly permeable rocks that result in high pressure underground. When a rupture (like through drilling) happens, that underground pressure forces water upward and toward land.
• Option A is not correct: Artesian wells do not rely solely on manual pumping; the natural pressure can cause water to flow without external aid.
• Option B is not correct: Artesian wells are surrounded by poorly permeable (impermeable) rock layers, not highly permeable ones
• Option D is not correct: Artesian wells are not necessarily located in regions where the water table is at ground level; they are usually deeper.

Answer: B

Explanation:

• In India, until 1993, the appointment of judges was done by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice and two other senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. Since 1993, it is the Collegium system evolved by the Supreme Court that decides on appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary, though the nominal appointing authority is the President of India.
• Statement 1 is not correct: The Collegium system finds no mention in the Constitution of India. It has evolved through the Supreme Court’s own three judgments, known collectively as the Three Judges Cases (1981, 1993 and 1998).
• Statement 2 is correct: Under the Collegium system, the Chief Justice of India and his 4 senior-most colleagues make recommendations for the candidates to be appointed as Supreme Court and High Court judges to the President.
  • For appointments to the high courts, the Supreme Court Collegium consists of only 3 judges – The Chief Justice of India and two senior-most judges.

For appointments to the Supreme Court, the Collegium consists of five judges.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Option C is correct: The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), was set up in July 1982 as Autonomous Society under the societies registration act 1860, to carry out the water balance and other studies on a scientific and realistic basis for optimum utilization of water resources of the Peninsular river system for preparation of feasibility reports and thus to give concrete shape to Peninsular river development component of National perspective plan prepared by Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
• In the year 1990, NWDA was also entrusted with the task of Himalayan Component of the National Perspective Plan.

In 2006, it was decided that NWDA will explore the feasibility of intra-states links and to take up the work for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of river link proposals under National Perspective Plan (NPP).