UPSC Editorials Quiz : 10 January 2024

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Seafloor spreading occurs along mid-ocean ridges—large mountain ranges rising from the ocean floor. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, for instance, separates the North American plate from the Eurasian plate, and the South American plate from the African plate.

Seafloor spreading is not consistent at all mid-ocean ridges. Slowly spreading ridges are the sites of tall, narrow underwater cliffs and mountains. Rapidly spreading ridges have a much more gentle slopes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, for instance, is a slow spreading center.

The newest, thinnest crust on Earth is located near the center of mid-ocean ridges—the actual site of seafloor spreading. The age, density, and thickness of oceanic crust increases with distance from the mid-ocean ridge.

Source

Solution: c)

Sanchi has seen many a makeover – built as a sacred site for Buddhism by Mauryan emperor Ashoka, it changed hands between multiple emperors, was briefly forgotten and consigned to the catacombs of history, only to be rediscovered by the British.

Now, it charts a new course in history, transforming itself into Madhya Pradesh’s first solar-powered town.

Sanchi’s location near the tropic of cancer was a major advantage as it gives it the best chance of getting the most sunlight.

The Sanchi complex is famous for Mahastupa, the Ashokan pillar and ornate toranas.  

Source

Solution: a)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Monocropping: Growing one agricultural species at a time in agricultural land is the meaning of monocropping. Monocropping can reduce the fertility of the soil and destroy the structure of the soil. Chemical fertilizers are required to upgrade production. This practice allows the spread of pests and diseases. Monocropping and monoculture convey the same meaning.

Solution: a)

Only statement 3 is correct.

What is the NIA?

• It is a central agency mandated to investigate all the offences affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, friendly relations with foreign states, and the offences under the statutory laws enacted to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies and other international organisations. These include terror acts and their possible links with crimes like smuggling of arms, drugs and fake Indian currency and infiltration from across the borders. The agency has the power to search, seize, arrest and prosecute those involved in such offences.
• NIA came into being in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. The Agency came into existence with the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act 2008, and started its functioning in 2009.
• How wide is NIA’s jurisdiction?
• The law under which the agency operates extends to the whole of India and also applies to Indian citizens outside the country; persons in the service of the government wherever they are posted; persons on ships and aircraft registered in India wherever they may be; persons who commit a scheduled offence beyond India against the Indian citizen or affecting the interest of India.

Solution: c)

The Ordinance may lapse earlier if the President withdraws it — or if both Houses pass resolutions disapproving it. (Rejection of an Ordinance would, however, imply the government has lost majority.)

If an Ordinance makes a law that Parliament is not competent to enact under the Constitution, it shall be considered void.

Article 213 deals with the broadly analogous powers of the Governor to promulgate/ withdraw an Ordinance when the state legislature is not in session.

An Ordinance is valid for six weeks, or 42 days, from the date on which the next session starts. If the two Houses start their sessions on different dates, the later date will be considered, say the explanations in Articles 123 and 213.

If, for whatever reason, an Ordinance lapses, the only option for the government is to reissue or repromulgate it.