Ans: A

Exp:

The floods in Assam claimed six more lives, taking the death toll since May to 58, even as the floodwaters receded.

Statement-I is correct: Assam faces severe flooding regularly, resulting in significant displacement and damage.

Why is Assam Prone to Flooding?

• Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I:  River Network: Assam has more than 120 rivers, many of which originate in regions with heavy rainfall, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, China, and Bhutan. The convergence of these rivers contributes to frequent flooding.
• Brahmaputra River: The mighty Brahmaputra River flows through Assam. Its large volume and seasonal variations lead to significant flooding during the monsoon season.
• Geography: Assam’s topography includes low-lying areas, especially around cities like Guwahati. These bowl-shaped lowlands are prone to waterlogging and inundation during heavy rains.
• Outdated Flood Control Structures: Historical flood control structures, constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, are no longer effective in managing floods under current conditions. Their maintenance and modernization have been neglected.
• Lack of Maintenance: Embankments and other flood control measures have not been adequately maintained or updated. This lack of upkeep compromises their effectiveness in preventing floods.
• Limited Warning Systems: The absence of modern weather stations and flood warning systems hampers effective disaster management. Timely alerts are crucial for minimizing flood impacts.
• Human Activities: Continuous construction projects, including roads and buildings, have altered natural water channels and wetlands. This disruption exacerbates flood risks.

Ans: D

Exp: 

Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) prepares to launch a genome editing mission to see if the State fish can revolutionise aquaculture as Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) did decades ago.

About Pearls:

• Statement 1 is correct: Developing personalized medicine: Genome editing allows for targeted modifications of genes to develop tailored treatments for individual patients based on their genetic makeup, improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects.
• Statement 2 is correct: Restoring endangered species: Genome editing can be used to address genetic disorders and increase genetic diversity in endangered species, aiding in their conservation and population recovery efforts.
• Statement 3 is correct: Enhancing crop yield: Genome editing techniques can improve crop productivity by modifying genes responsible for resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses, as well as enhancing traits related to yield and quality
• Statement 4 is correct: Genome editing will target the genetic makeup of the fish inhibiting faster rate of growth. It would also help enhance breeding and seed production in fishes.

Ans: B

Exp: 

The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed heated discussions, with the Opposition clashing with the government over a range of issues while debating the Motion of Thanks to the President’s joint address, ultimately concluding with a war of words over the expunction of the remarks of the leaders of Opposition in both Houses.

Rules on Expunging from the Record:

• Article 105(2) of the Indian Constitution: MPs are immune from legal proceedings for anything said in Parliament. 
  • The speech of MPs is subject to the discipline of the Rules of Parliament, “good sense” of its Members, and the control of proceedings by the Speaker. 
• Statement 1 is incorrect: Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha: It says that, If the Speaker is of opinion that words have been used in debate which are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, the Speaker may, while exercising discretion order that such words be expunged from the proceedings of the House.
• Rule 381: It says: “The portion of the proceedings of the House so expunged shall be marked by asterisks and an explanatory footnote shall be inserted in the proceedings as follows: ‘Expunged as ordered by the Chair’.”
• Rule 261 Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha: “If the Chairman is of opinion that a word or words have or have been used in debate which is or are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, he may in his discretion, order that such word or words be expunged from the proceedings of the Council. 
• Statement 2 is correct: Once expunged, these words or phrases cease to exist on the official record. Anyone who publishes them thereafter is liable to face charges for breach of privilege of the House.

Ans: B

Exp:

Ahom era ‘Moidams’, resting place of royal families, in Assam’s Charaideo district have been recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by its international advisory body ICOMOS.

About Ahom Moidam:

• • Often referred to as the “pyramids of Assam,” the Charaideo Maidams are an extraordinary set of structures. The Ahom Swargadeos (meaning “Lords of Heaven” in Tai-Ahom) patronized remarkable architectural activities during their 600-year reign (1228 CE – 1826 CE).
  • Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahom Kingdom, cradles these Maidams.
  • Statement 1 is correct: The word “Maidam” is derived from the Tai-Ahom term “Phrangmai-dam,” where “Phrangmai” means “to put into the grave,” and “dam” refers to “the spirit of the deceased person.” Ahoms buried their dead.
  • Chaolung Siu-ka-Pha, the founder of the Ahom kingdom, was buried here following Tai-Ahom funerary rituals.

• Structure and Features:

• • • The Maidams are hemispherical in shape, varying in size from small mounds to hillocks up to twenty meters in height.
    • Statement 2 is correct: The size of a Maidam reflects the power and status of the person buried.

• Each Maidam consists of three main features:

• • • • A vault or chamber
      • A hemispherical earthen mound covering the chamber
      • An octagonal boundary wall around the base of the mound, with an arched gateway on the west side.
    • Initially, the vaults were made of solid wooden poles and beams, but later, stone and brick vaults replaced them during Swargadeo Rudra Singha’s reign (1696 CE – 1712 CE).

• Transition from Burial to Cremation:

• • Initially, the Ahoms followed the practice of burying their dead.
  • With the influence of Hinduism, they shifted to burying the ashes of the dead (after cremation) in the Maidams.

Statement 3 is incorrect: ICOMOS recommends that Moidams — the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty, India, be inscribed on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (iii) and (iv). With this recommendation, the first-time applicant Moidams are just one step short of formally entering the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 

Ans: B

Exp: 

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on July 4 released draft rules to operationalise the Digital Bharat Nidhi, in a fresh attempt by the central government at increasing telecom connectivity in rural areas.

About Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN):

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: The DBN, introduced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, aims to enhance telecommunications services in underserved areas through structured funding and project implementation. 
  • Statement 2 is correct: Purpose and Replacement: The DBN replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). 
  • The USOF was funded by a 5% Universal Service Levy charged on telecom operators’ Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). 
  • The DBN intends to expand telecom networks in remote and rural regions where private companies might hesitate due to non-revenue-generating markets.

• Operational Mechanism:

• • Statement 3 is incorrect: Contributions from telecom companies toward the DBN will be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).
  • The Centre will periodically deposit collected funds into the DBN.
  • DBN funds will support universal service, research, development, pilot projects, and connectivity improvement.