12 July : Daily Current Affairs Quiz

Answer:  Option C - Pakistan

Explanation:

• BIMSTEC, established in 1997, includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand as its member countries, focusing on multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation.
• Pakistan is not a member of BIMSTEC.
• This regional organization aims to foster collaboration among South and Southeast Asian countries bordering the Bay of Bengal, enhancing economic and technical cooperation in various sectors.

Answer:  Option A - Mothership

Explanation:

• A mothership is a pivotal logistical asset known for its role in supporting and transporting smaller vehicles or vessels, crucial in military, exploration, and commercial operations.
• It provides essential functions such as launching, housing, and supplying smaller units, thereby extending operational capabilities in diverse maritime and aviation contexts where mobility, flexibility, and sustained support are paramount for mission success and efficiency.

Answer:  Option D - Cobalt

Explanation:

• Cobalt is essential in electric vehicle batteries for enhancing stability and longevity.
• However, its supply chain is vulnerable to geopolitical factors affecting global distribution, particularly sourced from regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• This metal's critical role underscores challenges in ensuring sustainable and reliable access amid geopolitical tensions and efforts to promote ethical mining practices to mitigate social and environmental impacts in producing regions.
• Nickel: Important for battery cathodes but generally has a more stable and diversified global supply.
• Silicon: Used in battery anodes and electronics, but not as critical for longevity and efficiency as cobalt.
• Manganese: Used in small quantities in some batteries but does not face the same supply chain challenges as cobalt, which is crucial for stability and performance in electric vehicle batteries.

Answer:  Option B -  Value

Explanation:

• Ad valorem duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of imported goods, making it proportional to the price of the items being imported.
• This method ensures that higher-value goods incur higher duties, reflecting a tariff structure designed to generate revenue based on the assessed value of imports rather than their quantity or specific characteristics.

Answer:  Option B - Zika virus.

Explanation:

• Zika virus, transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, is notable for its association with neurological complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital defects such as microcephaly in infants born to infected mothers.
• This virus gained global attention for its rapid spread and the severe health implications it posed, prompting significant public health responses to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations worldwide.