Explanation : 

a. Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

Wolbachia Method: Natural Solution to Mosquito-Borne Viral Diseases

The Wolbachia method refers to the innovative use of Wolbachia bacteria to control the spread of viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. These diseases include dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium found in a high percentage of insect species, particularly in some mosquito species.

How Does the Wolbachia Method Work?

When introduced into mosquito populations, Wolbachia has a significant impact on reducing the mosquitoes’ ability to transmit viruses to humans. This reduction in transmission risk is achieved through two main mechanisms:

• Shortening the mosquito’s lifespan, thereby reducing the likelihood of transmitting the virus.
• Directly inhibiting the replication of the virus within the mosquito itself.

By releasing mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia into the environment, researchers aim to create a sustainable and effective method to reduce the transmission of these dangerous mosquito-borne diseases.

Explanation : 

c. Both 1 and 2

Explanation : 

Correct Answer- d. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Tropical rain forests

The soil in tropical rain forests is not rich in nutrients. This is because the high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly, as mentioned in Statement-II. This rapid decomposition leads to the nutrients being quickly absorbed by the plants, leaving the soil relatively nutrient-poor.

Explanation : Explanation : 

Correct Answer – c

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – a

Ukraine shares its borders with seven countries:

1. Russia
2. Belarus
3. Poland
4. Slovakia
5. Hungary
6. Romania
7. Moldova

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – a

Election to the President of India

Statement 1 is false. Members nominated to either House of Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States are not eligible to be included in the Electoral College for the election of the President of India. Only elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of States are part of the Electoral College.

Statement 2 is false. The value of the vote of each MLA is not directly proportional to the number of elective Assembly seats. It is determined based on the population of the State and the number of elected seats in the Assembly. The formula to calculate the value of the vote of an MLA is:

Value of vote of an MLA = Total population of the State / Total number of elected members of the Assembly

Therefore, the value of the vote of each MLA is determined by the population of the State and not by the number of elective Assembly seats.

Vote MLA of MP – 131, Kerala ,152, Puducherry – 12, Arunachal – 8

Source – Electoral College (India) – Wikipedia

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – d

Somalia

Somalia has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages. The country has faced ongoing conflict since the early 1990s, when the central government collapsed, and various factions began fighting for control. This has led to widespread instability, making it difficult for aid organizations to provide assistance and for the country to develop a stable food supply. In recent years, Somalia has experienced severe famine due to a combination of factors, including drought, conflict, and the effects of climate change. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity and malnutrition.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – C

India’s Groundwater Extraction Overview

According to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022, India is responsible for extracting more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year. This significant figure highlights India’s major role in global groundwater usage.

Factors Contributing to High Groundwater Extraction in India

Contrary to the belief that high groundwater extraction in India is primarily for drinking water and sanitation needs, there are other significant factors at play. A major driver of this extraction is agricultural irrigation, which accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s water usage. Additionally, inefficient water management and distribution systems also contribute to the high rate of groundwater extraction. These factors combine to create a complex challenge in managing India’s water resources effectively.

Explanation :
Correct Answer – b) Only two

History of Self-Help Groups in India

The origin of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India dates back to the establishment of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in 1972. This marked the beginning of a significant movement towards collective financial responsibility and empowerment in India.

Functioning of Self-Help Groups

In a typical SHG, all members share responsibility for loans taken by individual members. This collective accountability model ensures that if one member fails to repay, others step in to cover the loan. This approach not only fosters mutual support among members but also guarantees productive use of the borrowed funds.

Role of Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) play a crucial role in supporting SHGs. They provide essential credit services and collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other entities to help establish and maintain SHGs. This support from RRBs and SCBs is vital for SHGs to access formal financial services, which significantly enhances their financial stability and growth.

Explanation : 

d. a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market

Beta in Stock Market Analysis

Beta is a measure of a stock’s volatility in relation to the overall market. It plays a crucial role in the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), a model used to calculate the expected return of an asset, considering its risk compared to the market.

Understanding Beta Values

A beta value of 1 suggests that the stock’s movement is in line with the market. A beta greater than 1 indicates higher volatility than the market, while a beta less than 1 shows lower volatility.
Investors utilize beta to gauge the risk of a stock and to construct diversified portfolios that balance risk and reward. Stocks with high beta are associated with higher returns and risk, whereas low-beta stocks are linked to lower returns and reduced risk.Practical Example

For instance, a stock with a beta of 1.5 implies that it is expected to change by 1.5% for every 1% change in the market. This is critical for investors in making informed investment choices and portfolio construction.