UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment, Geography, Sci-Tech MCQs on Moulmein Rosewood, LiFi technology and more (Week 74)

1. It is a large bird found only in India.

2. It is known to be a key indicator species of the grassland habitat.

3. It is classified as vulnerable.

4. The population of GIB has steadily increased in the past four decades.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) authorised Rs 56 crore in financing for the second phase of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation program, which runs from 2024 to 2029.

— The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), an autonomous body under the Union Environment Ministry, has prepared a proposal for the next phase that includes key targets such as rewilding Bustards raised in ex-situ conservation centres, conducting detailed population studies in Rajasthan and other Bustard range states, and developing artificial insemination techniques.

— Bustards and Lesser Floricans are both critically endangered species. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The Great Indian Bustard is a huge bird that lives alone in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It is recognised as a vital indicator species of the grassland habitat, which means that its survival indicates the health of grassland ecosystems. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— According to the Rajasthan Forest Department, its population has steadily fallen over the last four decades, from over 700 individuals to less than 150 presently. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Consider the following statements about Moulmein Rosewood:

1. It is a deciduous tree, mostly planted on the avenues for its ornamental value.

2. It is abundantly found in forest areas of the Shivalik ranges.

3. They flower from April to May.

4. It can be used as an insecticide.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation

— The Moulmein Rose Wood (Milliettia ovalifolia) tree’s stunning pink and purple blossoms are best seen in the spring.

— The Moulmein Rosewood, a small to medium-sized tree native to Indo-China and the Malayan regions, is plentiful in the forests of Dehradun and the Shivalik hills. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— It is a deciduous tree that is commonly planted along avenues for ornamental purposes and is ideal for parks. However, according to the ‘Tree Directory of Chandigarh’, its economic benefits include use as a fish and arrow poison and a insecticide. Hence, statements 1 and 4 are correct.

— Throughout the spring and early summer, the Moulmein Rosewood’s blushing pea-shaped lilac and mauve blossoms appear as jewels on a string. They bloom from April to May. It is a resistant and sturdy tree that can thrive in practically any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Umling La pass is located at:

(a) Adjacent to Dachigam National park

(b) North of Nubra Valley

(c) North of Gilgit

(d) West of Demchok region

Explanation

— A Bengaluru-based company claims to have successfully tested a 100-kg Max Take Off Weight (MTOW) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at an altitude of 19,024 feet at Ladakh’s Umling La pass, which is also the highest motorable pass in the world.

— The MTOW comprises both the weight of the drone and the payload.

— Umling La Pass is located on the western side of the Demchok region.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

With reference to the LiFi technology, consider the following statements:

1. It uses light beams within the visible and invisible spectrum to transmit data.

2. It allows speeds that are approximately 100 times faster than Wi-Fi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— NAV Wireless Technologies Pvt Ltd, based in Ahmedabad, has been providing LiFi technology, also known as Light Fidelity, to the Border Security Force (BSF) and tourists at Nadabet, Gujarat’s farthest and most remote point on the India-Pakistan border.

— LiFi technology transmits data over several kilometres by using light beams in both the visible and invisible spectra. It is a bidirectional wireless technology capable of transmitting data at high speeds. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Li-Fi provides for speeds 100 times quicker than Wi-Fi, which transmits data using radio waves. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— The method beams information through the air using the frequencies created by LED bulbs, which flash on and off subtly thousands of times per second, earning it the nickname “digital equivalent of Morse Code”.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

The term ‘Snowblind’ was in news corresponds to:

(a) Asteroid

(b) Blind spot in Antarctica

(c) Operating system

(d) Malware

Explanation

— A new banking malware called ‘Snowblind’ is targeting Android users to steal banking credentials. This malware exploits a built-in security feature to bypass anti-tamper protection in apps handling sensitive information.

— According to security firm Promon, Snowblind works by repacking an app so it is unable to detect the use of accessibility features that can be used to extract sensitive information like login credentials and get remote access to the app.

— Snowblind, unlike other Android malware, exploits a feature known as ‘seccomp’, which stands for secure computing’. It is a component of the core Linux kernel and the Android operating system that checks programs for signs of manipulation.

— Snowblind can also disable biometric and two-factor authentication, which are two security features typically used by financial apps to prevent unauthorised access. Snowblind, like most Android malware, affects users who install apps from untrusted sources.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 74)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 74)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 73)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 73)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 71)

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