UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on Environment, Geography, Science and Technology to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the Economy Quiz.

With reference to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope, consider the following statements:

1. SKA is a network of thousands of radio antennas designed to function as one single unit that will make it the world’s largest radio telescope.

2. The array in South Africa is named SKA-low while the one in Australia is called SKA-mid.

3. The facility is meant to observe the origins of the universe and the evolution of galaxies.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope in the making, has carried out its first observations, signalling that at least a part of the yet-to-be-completed facility has become functional.

— SKA is a network of thousands of radio antennas, 197 of them located in South Africa and more than 1.3 lakh in Australia, designed to function as one single unit that will make it the world’s largest radio telescope. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The array in South Africa is designated SKA-Mid, and the one in Australia is called SKA-Low, with the names matching the frequency bands in which they operate. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The facility is designed to monitor the universe in a novel way and investigate concerns about the universe’s origins, galaxies’ development and evolution, and the origin of life. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The SKA is an international science initiative headquartered in the United Kingdom. India, which has been working on the project since its start, became a full member of the multinational consortium that is building the telescope across two continents in December of last year.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

With reference to the Nature Restoration Law, consider the following statements:

1. It is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind released by North America.

2. It sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems.

3. Under the plan, member states will have to meet restoration targets for specific habitats and species, to cover at least 20 per cent of the region’s land and sea areas by 2030.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— European Union countries gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc.

— The Nature Restoration Plan, which aims to restore ecosystems, species, and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg after receiving support from a qualified majority of 15 of the 27 member states and 65% of the EU population. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The Nature Restoration Law is the first law of its sort to apply to the entire continent. It is an important component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which establishes binding targets for restoring damaged ecosystems, particularly those with the greatest potential to collect and store carbon, as well as preventing and mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The Nature Restoration Plan is part of the EU’s European Green Deal, which aims to establish the world’s most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets while also positioning the bloc as the global point of reference on all climate concerns.

— The plan requires member states to reach restoration targets for various habitats and species, with the goal of covering at least 20 per cent of the region’s land and sea regions by 2030. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: environment.ec.europa.eu)

The south pole-aitken (spa) basin is:

(a) region on Mars with a thin veneer of frozen carbon dioxide.

(b) the largest and oldest impact basin on the moon’s surface.

(c) the centre of the Southern Hemisphere of Earth.

(d) None of the above

Explanation

— The analysis of data from the Pragyan rover has led to the discovery of an ancient crater with a diameter of 160 km.

— This crater was possibly formed before the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, known as the largest and oldest impact basin on the moon’s surface.

— The discovery was made through the examination of data given by the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, both of which finished their missions on September 3, 2023.

— Using the Pragyan rover’s Navcam and optical high-resolution camera, ISRO captured a “semi-circular, heavily degraded structure encompassed around the landing site”.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

With reference to the Neelakurinji flowers, consider the following statements:

1. These flowers bloom once in a 12-year cycle in the region of Khasi Hills in Meghalaya.

2. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— The Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu are currently witnessing an extraordinary phenomenon that happens only once every 12 years – the blooming of the beautiful Neelakurinji flowers. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— It is said that Nilgiris gets its name due to the magical blue hue imparted by these stunning flowers.

— Neelakurinji Strobilanthes kunthiana has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024 and listed as Vulnerable emphasising the need for its conservation. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

The term ‘tripledemic’ refers to the simultaneous circulation of three respiratory viruses. Which of the following respiratory viruses is not included in tripledemic?

(a) COVID-19

(b) Influenza

(c) Respiratory adenoviruses

(d) Respiratory syncytial virus

Explanation

— As the UK prepares for a possible ‘tripledemic‘ this autumn and winter, health experts are concerned about the simultaneous spread of three respiratory viruses. As the cold season approaches and respiratory illnesses become more prevalent, India may experience similar issues.

— According to Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a pulmonologist, paediatrician, and allergy expert in Delhi, “the term ‘tripledemic’ refers to the simultaneous circulation of three respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza (the flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)”.

— This circumstance puts pressure on healthcare resources because all three viruses can cause an increase in hospitalisations, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health issues.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 79)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 79)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 78)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 78)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 78)

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