Answer: Option C - Poppy

Explanation:

• Opium, the raw material for narcotics such as morphine and heroin, is derived from the poppy plant, specifically Papaver somniferum.
• The latex produced by the poppy plant contains alkaloids that are processed to create these powerful drugs.
• Poppy cultivation is illegal in many countries due to its association with the production of narcotics, contributing to the illegal drug trade and related issues such as addiction and crime.

Answer: Option A - Kerala

Explanation:

• The two new species of cardamom were discovered in the Western Ghats, specifically in Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve and Agasthyamalai hills.
• These findings expand the Elettaria genus to include seven species, enhancing the potential for future spice production.
• Kerala, known for its rich biodiversity and spice cultivation, plays a significant role in the discovery, which was made by an international team of scientists and published in the journal Taxon.

Answer: Option A - Genetic Testing and Biotechnology

Explanation:

• The 2023 data breach involving 23andMe is significant because it compromised personal genetic and health-related data of millions of users.
• The breach was caused by a credential stuffing attack, where hackers gained unauthorized access by using stolen username-password pairs.
• This incident raised serious concerns about the security and privacy of genetic testing data.
• It highlighted the vulnerabilities in interconnected systems and the risks of using the same credentials across multiple platforms.

Answer: Option B - Wetlands

Explanation:

• The Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.
• It provides a framework for the protection of vital wetland ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity, water purification, and climate regulation.
• The Convention encourages countries to recognize the ecological importance of wetlands and work towards their conservation and sustainable management.

Answer: Option B - Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future

Explanation:

• The theme for World Wetlands Day 2025, "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," emphasizes the critical role wetlands play in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
• Wetlands provide essential services like water purification, carbon storage, and habitat for biodiversity.
• By highlighting this theme, the global community is urged to recognize the importance of protecting wetlands for future generations and address ongoing environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss.