Advanced Quiz – 27 October 2026 | General Studies

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Wetlands store carbon in vegetation and soils. However, some wetlands also release greenhouse gases, particularly methane, through anaerobic decomposition.

Statement 2: Correct. Mangroves act as natural coastal barriers. Their vegetation and root systems can dissipate wave energy and reduce coastal erosion.

Statement 3: Incorrect. Groundwater recharge depends on soil permeability, geological formations, groundwater levels and hydrological connectivity. Some wetlands may discharge groundwater rather than recharge it.

Statement 4: Incorrect. Wetlands provide ecosystem services including water purification, flood regulation, nutrient cycling, carbon storage and livelihood support.

Remember for Prelims:

• Peatlands are important long-term terrestrial carbon stores.
• Mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass ecosystems contribute to blue carbon storage.
• Wetlands improve water quality through sediment trapping and nutrient processing.
• Wetlands may contain freshwater, brackish water or saline water.

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Under Section 70 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, Critical Information Infrastructure refers to computer resources whose incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, the economy, public health or safety.

Statement 2: Incorrect. Critical Information Infrastructure is not restricted to government-owned systems. Privately operated infrastructure may also qualify.

Statement 3: Correct. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) functions under the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).

Statement 4: Incorrect. CERT-In and NCIIPC have distinct responsibilities. CERT-In handles cybersecurity incident response, while NCIIPC focuses on protecting Critical Information Infrastructure.

Remember for Prelims:

• Section 70, IT Act: Protected systems and Critical Information Infrastructure.
• Section 70A: National nodal agency for Critical Information Infrastructure protection.
• Section 70B: CERT-In.
• CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability.
• Remote Code Execution: Execution of code on a target system from a remote location.

Correct Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Biomarkers may detect molecular or physiological changes before clinical symptoms appear.

Statement 2: Incorrect. A biomarker does not necessarily establish a definitive diagnosis. Some biomarkers are associated with multiple diseases.

Statement 3: Correct. Biomarkers can be measured repeatedly to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Statement 4: Correct. Genetic variants can indicate susceptibility to certain diseases and support personalised medicine.

Remember for Prelims:

• Amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau: Alzheimer’s disease.
• Alpha-synuclein: Parkinson’s disease.
• Neurofilament light: Marker of neuronal injury, but not specific to one disease.
• GenomeIndia Project: Characterisation of genetic diversity among Indian populations.
• Biomarkers may include genetic, molecular and physiological indicators.

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Incorrect. The Constitution does not separately mention freedom of the press. The Supreme Court has recognised it as part of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).

Statement 2: Correct. The Press Council of India is a statutory, quasi-judicial body functioning under the Press Council Act, 1978.

Statement 3: Correct. Article 19(2) permits reasonable restrictions through law on specified grounds, including sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, public order, decency, morality, contempt of court and defamation.

Statement 4: Incorrect. The NBDSA is an industry self-regulatory body established by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association.

Remember for Prelims:

• Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression.
• Article 19(2): Permissible reasonable restrictions.
• Press Council of India: Statutory body.
• NBDSA: Self-regulatory body.
• CBFC: Statutory certification authority under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Ramsar designation is based on nine criteria. A wetland can qualify by satisfying any one criterion. Supporting threatened species is not mandatory.

Statement 2: Correct. The Ramsar Convention covers natural and artificial wetlands, including marine waters not exceeding six metres in depth at low tide.

Statement 3: Incorrect. The Montreux Record identifies Ramsar Sites experiencing or threatened by adverse ecological changes. Inclusion does not remove their Ramsar designation.

Statement 4: Correct. The Convention promotes both the conservation of internationally important wetlands and the wise use of wetlands generally.

Remember for Prelims:

• Ramsar Convention: Adopted in 1971; entered into force in 1975.
• India joined in 1982.
• Ramsar designation does not necessarily prohibit all human activities.
• The Montreux Record identifies wetlands requiring priority conservation attention.