Daily Quiz: 9th Nov 2023

Explanation :

• Genetic modification can be used to introduce genes into crops that make them resistant to pests and diseases. This can be done by inserting genes from other plants, or by modifying genes that are already present in the crop. Genetically modified crops can help to reduce the use of pesticides, which can have harmful effects on the environment. Genetically modified crops can help to increase agricultural productivity by making crops more resistant to pests and diseases, and by increasing their yield. Hence 1 statement is correct.
• Genetical modification can be used to create new drugs, but this is a more experimental and less well-developed area of research. There are some ethical concerns about the use of genetical modification in humans, and there is more research needed before it can be widely used to treat diseases. Hence 2 statement is incorrect.

Explanation: 

• The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) primarily aims to ensure food security for the economically vulnerable sections of society. It achieves this objective by providing free food grains to eligible ration cardholders. PMGKAY was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the immediate food security concerns of people, especially those facing economic challenges. It plays a crucial role in making essential food supplies accessible to those in need, particularly during times of crisis and economic hardship. Hence only 2 statement is correct.

Explanation: 

The Indian Constitution has provisions to address the issue of social and educational backwardness among certain sections of the population. One of the key provisions is related to reservation, which aims to promote the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes. The reservation policy is primarily focused on Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

• 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. This is a recent addition made through a constitutional amendment, but it primarily addresses economic backwardness rather than social and educational backwardness. Hence 1 statement is incorrect.

• The reservation policy for socially and educationally backward classes, which is aimed at providing them with opportunities in educational institutions and public employment to address historical disadvantages and promote social justice. Hence 2 statement is correct.

• The participation of individuals in local body elections, and it doesn't directly pertain to the provisions for socially and educationally backward classes. Hence 3 statement is incorrect.

• The reservation of seats for women in local bodies, which is an important provision to promote gender equality but is not directly related to the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes. Hence 4 statement is incorrect.

Explanation: 

• Genetic changes can be introduced into the eggs or sperm of a prospective parent through techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gene editing methods. These changes can be passed on to the offspring. Hence 1 statement is correct.

• Genome editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to edit the genome of an embryo at an early stage, potentially correcting genetic defects or introducing specific changes. Hence 2 statement is correct.

• Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be injected into a pig embryo in a technique known as interspecies chimerism. This has been explored for various purposes, including the potential for growing human organs in pigs for transplantation. Hence 3 statement is correct.

Explanation: 

• The National Food Security Act, 2013, extends food security benefits to a broader section of the population. It provides for two categories of beneficiaries, namely Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH). While AAY households receive a higher quantity of food grains at a highly subsidized rate, PHH households, which include both "below poverty line (BPL)" and "above poverty line (APL)" families, also receive subsidized food grains. Therefore, the act covers both BPL and APL families. Hence 1 statement is incorrect.

• The National Food Security Act, 2013, mandates that the eldest woman in a household, who is 18 years of age or above, should be recognized as the head of the household for issuing ration cards. This provision is aimed at empowering women and ensuring that food security benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. Hence 2 statement is correct.

• Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. Hence 3 statement is incorrect.