12 August : Daily Current Affairs Quiz

Answer:  Option D - Comet Swift-Tuttle

Explanation:

• The Perseid meteor shower is caused by debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun in a 133-year cycle.
• As Earth passes through this cloud of cometary debris, the particles enter the atmosphere and burn up, creating bright streaks of light known as meteors.
• This annual event, peaking around August 11-13, is visible in the northern hemisphere and produces over 60 meteors per hour during its peak.

Answer:  Option A - The ratio of nitrogen absorbed by plants to nitrogen applied, relevant to agriculture

Explanation:

• Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) refers to the ratio of nitrogen absorbed by plants to the amount of nitrogen applied to the soil.
• This measure is crucial in agriculture, as it indicates how effectively plants utilize nitrogen fertilizers for growth and yield.
• High NUE means that a larger proportion of applied nitrogen is taken up by crops, reducing waste and minimizing environmental pollution.
• Improving NUE is essential for sustainable farming practices, as it enhances crop productivity while reducing the potential negative impacts of excess nitrogen on soil and water systems.

Answer:  Option C - Waqf properties support various public goods but cannot be sold or inherited.

Explanation:

• In Islamic law, waqf refers to property dedicated to God for religious and charitable purposes.
• This includes both movable and immovable assets set aside to support public goods such as mosques, schools, and welfare for the poor.
• Once designated as waqf, these properties cannot be transferred, sold, or inherited, ensuring their perpetual use for charitable purposes.
• Notably, non-Muslims can also establish waqfs if the objectives align with Islamic principles.
• This system preserves the intended benefits of the property while ensuring its continued contribution to the community without private profit or transfer.

Answer:  Option C -  The long-term storage of carbon in soil and vegetation.

Explanation:

• Carbon sequestration involves capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 in soil and vegetation over long periods.
• This process helps mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon levels.
• Unlike other processes that involve immediate carbon exchange, sequestration focuses on long-term storage, such as in forests and soils, thereby decreasing the amount of CO2 available to contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Answer:  Option B - Crops enriched with nutrients to improve their nutritional value for human consumption.

Explanation:

• Biofortified crops are developed to have higher levels of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, compared to conventional crops.
• This enhancement aims to improve nutritional outcomes, particularly in populations with limited access to diverse diets.
• Unlike genetically modified crops or those bred solely for higher yields, biofortified crops specifically target nutritional deficiencies.