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Concept:

• Symbiotic denotes “living together” of two or more organisms. Symbiosis is the biological interaction between two different biological organisms

Explanation:

• Lichens are symbiotic associations i.e. mutually useful associations, between algae and fungi.
• The algal partner is known as phycobiont, which is autotrophic and fungal partner is know as mycobiont, which is heterotrophic.
• Algae prepare food for fungi and fungi provide shelter and absorb mineral nutrients and water for its partner.
• The symbiotic association between fungi and roots of higher plants is called as Mycorrhizae.

Additional Information

The symbiotic association may be mutualistic, commensalism or parasitism.

• Mutualisms are a form of association in which both partners benefit from the interaction with each other.
• Commensalism is a form of association in which one organism benefits from others. One partner is completely dependent on the other for food, shelter and locomotion, but there is no harmful effect on the other partner.
• Parasitism is the non-mutualistic form of the symbiotic association. In this type of association when one of the organisms benefits and the other organism get harmed.

Concept:

Photosynthesis:

• Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy.
• During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.

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• Oxygenic photosynthesis is written as follows:

$\rm \underset{(Carbon\ dioxide)}{6CO_2} + \underset{(Water)}{6H_2 O} \xrightarrow[Chlorophyll]{Sunlight} \underset{(Carbohydrates)}{C_6H_{12}O_6} + \underset{(Oxygen)}{6O_2}$

Explanation:​

• Photosynthesis takes place in only those parts of the plants which have chlorophyll, the green plant parts. Photosynthesis is so evident that at times it seems to mask the respiratory process in plants.
• Respiration must not be mistaken for photosynthesis. Respiration occurs all through the day, but the photosynthesis process occurs in the daytime, in the presence of sunlight only.
• Consequently, respiration becomes evident at night time in plants.

The correct answer is ​Kerala.

• Theyyam is a popular dance form of North Kerala (Malabar region).

Key Points

• It has been practiced since thousands of years.
• It is a ritual dance done for impressing Goddess Kali and is a Dravidian art form.
• It got its name from the word ‘Devam’ (Malayalam word) which means ‘God’.
• The people of Kerala consider it as a road to take blessings from God.
• It is generally performed by males and it belongs to the lower caste community.
• There are approximately 400 types of Theyyam.
• Theyyam, Chakyar Koothu, and Thiruvathirakali are the art-forms of Kerala.

The correct answer is Limestone.

Key Points

• Limestone is the main ingredient of cement.
• Limestone is a sedimentary type of rock naturally found on earth.
• Limestone rock primarily contains calcium carbonate i.e CaCO3.
• Quartz, clay minerals, pyrite, siderite and feldspar etc. are other minerals found in limestone.
• It is known by other names like- chalk, coquina, travertine, tufa, lithographic limestone. oolithic limestone etc.

The main ingredients of cement are as follows-

Additional Information 

Other uses of limestone-

The correct answer is 1972.

Key Points

• In order to maintain and protect the nation's wildlife (flora and fauna), the Indian Parliament passed the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972.
• The Act imposes prohibitions on a variety of animal species' hunting, among other things.
• The Act was last modified in 2006.
• Wildlife Act Constitutional Provisions:
• The State is required by Article 48A of the Indian Constitution to maintain the environment, preserve animals, and protect forests. The 42^nd Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1976, included this provision.
• The Indian people are subject to a number of fundamental obligations under Article 51A.
• One of them is to have compassion for all living things and to maintain and enhance the natural environment, which includes woods, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
• Important Elements of the Wildlife Protection Act:
• The Act outlines how to establish wildlife advisory boards and wildlife wardens as well as their responsibilities.
• India was aided in joining the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora as a result (CITES).
• A thorough list of the nation's endangered wildlife was created for the first time. The Act made it illegal to hunt endangered species.
• The provisions of the Act restrict the trading of animals that have been scheduled. For the purchase, transfer, and possession of some wildlife species, the Act establishes licence requirements.
• The Act established six schedules with differing levels of protection for various flora and wildlife classes.
• Under the terms of this Act, the National Board for Wildlife was established as a statutory institution.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority was to be established under the Act.

Additional Information

• India's legislative history relating to wildlife conservation:
• The Wild Birds Protection Act, of 1887, was the first of its kind, and it was enacted by the British Indian Government in 1887.
• The intention of the law was to make it illegal to own or sell certain wild birds that were either shot or caught during a nesting season.
• The Wild Birds and Animals Preservation Act, a second piece of legislation, was passed in 1912.
• The Wild Birds and Animals Protection (Amendment) Act 1935, which was approved, changed this. The preservation of animals was not a top priority during the British Raj.
• The concern about protecting wildlife and averting the extinction of specific species didn't really take off until 1960.

The correct answer is Kirana.

Key Points

• Pandit Bhimsen Joshi is a renowned figure in the world of Indian classical music, celebrated for his contributions to the Khayal genre.
• He belonged to the Kirana Gharana, which is known for its emphasis on the emotional expression in music, detailed alap (improvisation), and slow tempo renditions.
• The Kirana Gharana, to which Pandit Bhimsen Joshi belonged, has produced several other legendary musicians and is considered one of the most influential schools of music in India.
• His music was marked by his powerful voice, brilliant technique, and soulful renditions, making him one of the most respected and loved classical singers of India.

Additional Information

the correct answer is  Ex-Ayutthaya

In News

• Ex-Ayutthaya was the name of the maiden bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy.

Key Points

• Date of Exercise: 20 to 23 December 2023.
• Indian Naval Ships: Kulish and IN LCU 56.
• Royal Thai Navy Ship: His Thai Majesty's Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan.
• 36^th Edition of Indo-Thai CORPAT: Conducted alongside the bilateral exercise.
• Sea Phase Participation: Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies.
• Exercise Components: Surface and anti-air exercises, weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, and tactical maneuvers.
• Operational Synergy: Strengthening operational synergy between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy.
• Bilateral Relations: Reflects the growing bilateral relations between India and Thailand in the maritime domain.
• Interoperability: Aims to enhance interoperability between the two navies.
• Symbolic Name: The bilateral exercise is named 'Ex-Ayutthaya,' symbolizing the historic ties between Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand.

The correct answer is Factories.

Key Points

• The seventh schedule of the Indian constitution deals with the division of powers between the central government and the state governments through three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.
• The Concurrent List consists of subjects on which both the central government and state governments have the power to legislate, such as criminal law, marriage and divorce, bankruptcy and insolvency, factories, education, forests, and more. Hence option c is correct.
• Both the central and state governments can make laws, regulate, and govern the subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List simultaneously, subject to certain limitations and guidelines.
• In case of a conflict between central and state laws on Concurrent List subjects, the law made by the central government prevails, provided it receives the President's assent.
• Any amendment to the Concurrent List requires the approval of the Parliament, and state legislatures can also make laws on these subjects unless they conflict with existing central laws.

Additional Information

• Union List:
• The Union List consists of around 100 items over which the central government has exclusive legislative authority, including defence, foreign affairs, atomic energy, banking, and telecommunications.
• The central government has the power to make laws, regulate, and govern the subjects mentioned in the Union List uniformly across all states and union territories in India.
• Items in the Union List ensure the central government's authority in critical areas such as national security, inter-state trade and commerce, currency, copyright, air and water pollution, and more.
• Any amendment to the Union List requires the approval of the Parliament through a prescribed legislative process, ensuring that changes to these subjects are made at the national level.
• State List:
• The State List consists of subjects over which state governments have exclusive legislative authority, including public order, police, public health, local government, agriculture, state taxation, and more.
• State governments exercise their legislative and executive powers to make laws, regulate, and govern the subjects mentioned in the State List within their respective states.
• Subjects in the State List allow state governments to address regional and local concerns, implement policies specific to their states, and ensure effective governance at the state level.
• Any amendment to the State List requires the approval of the state legislature concerned and does not require the consent of the Parliament, providing states with autonomy in making changes to these subjects.

The correct answer is Lumen.

 Key Points

• Luminous flux is the measure of the brightness of a light source in terms of energy being emitted.
• In other words, it is the measure of the perceived power of light.
• The S.I unit of Luminous Flux is Lumen.

 Additional Information

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key PointsAdenosine Triphosphate:

• The energy released during cellular respiration is used to synthesize a molecule called ATP.
• Adenosine triphosphate fuels all activities in the cell.
• When ATP is broken down, it gives rise to the energy that can drive the endothermic reactions in the cell.
• ATP is the energy currency for most cellular processes.
• The energy released during respiration is used to make an ATP molecule from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
• When the terminal phosphate linkage in ATP is broken, the energy equivalent to 30.5 kJ/mol is released.