Daily Quiz 21 December 2024

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Viruses are different from bacteria and have different characteristics that make antibiotics ineffective. Since viruses are not cells, they do not have cell membranes, so antibiotics are ineffective against them. Antibiotics attack the cell walls of bacteria, but viruses don’t have cell walls.
• Statement 2 is correct: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural process that occurs when microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, develop the ability to no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics through a number of mechanisms, including mutating their genetic material, altering the antibiotic’s components, or exporting the antibiotic out of the bacteria. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics increases the chances of bacteria becoming resistant

Statement 3 is incorrect: Nafithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic developed after three decades of research and innovation. It is designed to battle Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic for resistant infections, showcases innovation through public-private collaboration. It is ten times more potent than current treatments like azithromycin. It will be effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Indian star tortoise has a medium-sized head, hooked beak and short thick legs covered with tubercles of various sizes and shapes. Males have a long tail, while females have short and stubby tails. It is a diurnal animal that is mostly active in the morning and late in the afternoon.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indian star tortoise(Geochelone elegans) is a threatened tortoise species native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where it inhabits dry areas and scrub forest. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2016, as the population is thought to comprise more than 10,000 individuals, but with a declining trend.  Northwestern group is found in arid regions bordering Pakistan & Southern group is found in peninsular India.

Statement 3 is correct while Statement 4 is incorrect: Indian star tortoises lay eggs during the rainy season, which is usually between June and November. They can lay up to nine clutches of one to ten eggs each per year. It is thus oviparous and does not give birth to young ones. The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is primarily a herbivore, eating grasses, flowers, leaves, and fallen fruit.

Answer: D

Explanation: 

• Statement 1 is incorrect: ESMA was enacted by the Parliament of India in 1968. Its main objective is to maintain the smooth movement of those things which are essential for the normal life of the common citizens. It can be invoked by the central government in case of a national-scale disruption, such as on the railways. State governments also have their own state specific ESMA which they can invoke in case of disruptions that only affect a state or states.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It can be imposed for a maximum period of 6 months, but the Central Government can extend it for any period not exceeding 6 months if it is satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary to do so.

Statement 3 is correct: It also applies to communication and transportation services and any government initiative relating to the acquisition and distribution of food grains. It prohibits strikes by employees in essential services during its operation. Individuals or groups defying the Act can face penalties, including fines or imprisonment. The government can declare any service as essential if necessary.

Answer: A

Explanation: Sanjay Malhotra, the current Revenue Secretary, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• Statement 1 is correct: RBI Governors are appointed by the Government of India. The RBI Governor is appointed under the authority of the RBI Act, 1934.  The Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committeeincludes the Cabinet Secretary, the current RBI Governor, the Financial Services Secretary, and two independent members. This committee prepares a list of eligible candidates. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed, and the list is sent to the Cabinet Committee on Appointments, headed by the Prime Minister, for final confirmation.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Governor holds office for a term not exceeding five years,with the term determined by the government at the time of appointment. The RBI Governor’s term is initially set at three years but can be extended by two more years if required. The Governor is eligible for reappointment or extension of their tenure. The RBI Act, 1934, does not specify any particular qualifications for the Governor.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Sir Osborn Smith was the first RBI Governor appointed after the inception of RBI in 1935. Sir Chintaman Dwarkanath Deshmukh (C.D. Deshmukh) was the first Indian to serve as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after India’s independence. The RBI’s longest-serving governor, Benegal Rama Rau, served for 7 years and 197 days

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 67(b) provides the constitutional basis for the removal of the Vice-President of India. The Vice-President can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha (this type of majority is also called ‘effective majority’). A formal impeachment process as prescribed for the President is not required for removal of the Vice-President. Further, no grounds for removal of Vice-President are mentioned in the Constitution.
• Statement 2 is correct: A resolution to remove the Vice President can be moved only after giving the incumbent vice president 14 days’ notice in advance. Such a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha needs to be agreed to by the Lok Sabha. This resolution must be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha.

Statement 3 is correct: Vice-President is the ex-officio chairman of Rajyasabha. The Chairman or Deputy Chairman cannot preside over a Council of States sitting while a resolution to remove them from office is being considered. However, the Chairman can speak and participate in the proceedings, but cannot vote on the resolution.