Which organism is used to ripen Roquefort cheese?

Assertion $(A)$: Consumption of buttermilk after a meal is beneficial.
Reason $(R)$: $LAB$ (Lactic Acid Bacteria) protects the stomach from harmful bacteria.

Statement $X$: $LAB$ (Lactic Acid Bacteria) is very useful for the digestive system.
Statement $Y$: $LAB$ protects us from harmful bacteria in the stomach.

Study the following flow chart that shows curd formation from milk and select the correct option for $A$ and $B$.
Milk is incubated with curd
$\downarrow$
$LAB$ shows growth in milk
$\downarrow$
Production of .....$A$.....
$\downarrow$
Coagulation and digestion of milk protein
$\downarrow$
Improved nutritional quality by increased ....$B$....

The traditional drink of Southern India is made from which of the following?

Sodium chloride $(NaCl)$ is added during the preparation of cheese because it: