Daily Quiz

Solution (a)
Explanation:
– Bhojshala was located in the Malwa region. It flourished as a prominent center of learning during the rule of the Paramaras, especially under King Bhoja (1010-1055 CE), who was a renowned scholar and patron of arts and education. Bhojshala was known for its contributions to Sanskrit literature and learning. (Option (a) is correct)
– Mewar, a region in Rajasthan, is historically known for its Rajput rulers and significant forts like Chittorgarh and Udaipur. Prominent learning centers here included the temples and palaces, but not Bhojshala. (Option (b) is incorrect)
– Bundelkhand, a region that spans parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, was known for its forts and palaces. Prominent centers include Orchha and Khajuraho, known for its group of Hindu and Jain temples. (Option (c) is incorrect)
– Baghelkhand is a region in northeastern Madhya Pradesh and southeastern Uttar Pradesh. It is known for the Vindhya Range and cultural heritage sites like Maihar, known for its Sharda Devi temple and its cultural influence, but not for Bhojshala. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-is-the-bhojshala-kamal-maula-complex-dispute-explained/article68081019.ece#:~:text=of%20the%20place.-,The%2013th%20century%20Bhojshala%2DKamal%20Maula%20complex%20in%20Madhya%20Pradesh's,Survey%20of%20India%20(ASI).

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• While India and Germany collaborate on various initiatives, such as the Indo-German Energy Forum focusing on renewable energy and sustainability, the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ is not one such initiative. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• India and the USA have numerous joint initiatives like the U.S.-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership, which focuses on clean energy and climate action, but ‘Partnership for the Planet’ is a distinct Indo-French initiative. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The ‘Partnership for the Planet’ is a significant pillar of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap, reflecting collaboration in areas like climate change, biodiversity, health, and environment. (Option (c) is correct)
• India and Australia collaborate on initiatives like the India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon, focusing on sustainable development and innovation. (Option (d) is incorrect)
• The ‘Partnership for the Planet’ is part of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap, emphasizing the shared commitment of India and France to address climate change, promote biodiversity, and ensure sustainable development. The initiative is backed by the French Development Agency (AFD).
• Other Initiatives:
  • Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force: Promotes the use of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.
  • S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP): Aims to enhance energy security and climate resilience.
  • India-Australia Water Partnership: Focuses on sustainable water management practices.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/france-indias-steady-partner-in-green-growth/article68358833.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The India-China war of 1962 did not involve major tank battles. The conflict was primarily an infantry and mountain warfare struggle, with significant battles like the Battle of Rezang La and the Battle of Walong. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The Battle of Asal Uttar was one of the largest tank battles fought during the India-Pakistan war of 1965. It took place near Khem Karan in Punjab and involved the largest deployment of tanks in the war. The Indian Army successfully halted the Pakistani advance, destroying numerous Pakistani tanks and marking a significant turning point in the war. (Option (b) is correct)
• While the 1971 war saw significant battles, such as the Battle of Longewala and the Battle of Hilli, the Battle of Asal Uttar did not occur during this conflict. The war primarily involved combined arms operations, including infantry, armour, and air force elements. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Kargil war of 1999 was characterized by high-altitude mountain warfare rather than tank battles. Significant battles included the Battle of Tololing, the Battle of Tiger Hill, and the Battle of Batalik, focusing on infantry and artillery operations to reclaim the heights occupied by Pakistani forces. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/1965-war-hero-abdul-hamid-9428071/#:~:text=Situated%20in%20Punjab%2C%20Asal%20Uttar,many%20parts%20of%20Khem%20Karan.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• It is a permanent intergovernmental international organization aimed at strengthening mutual trust and neighborliness among member states, promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, culture, and education, as well as ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The official languages of the SCO are indeed Russian and Chinese. This is stipulated in the SCO’s charter and is used for official documentation and communication within the organization. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the SCO. Established in 2004 and based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS focuses on cooperation between member states in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. (Statement 3 is correct)
• It facilitates information exchange, joint counter-terrorism exercises, and coordination of national anti-terrorist legislations.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jaishankar-to-represent-india-in-place-of-modi-at-sco-summit-in-kazakhstan/article68360644.ece#:~:text=External%20Affairs%20Minister%20S.%20Jaishankar,of%20External%20Affairs%20has%20said.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Abhaya Mudra is indeed the gesture of fearlessness. It is performed by raising the right hand to shoulder height with the arm bent and the palm facing outward, symbolizing protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The Bhumisparsha Mudra is actually the gesture of earth-touching. This mudra is depicted by the Buddha’s right hand reaching toward the ground, calling the earth to witness his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Dharmachakra Mudra is the gesture of the wheel of dharma. It represents the setting in motion of the wheel of teaching. The hands are positioned in front of the chest, with the thumbs and index fingers forming circles, symbolizing the wheel. (Statement 3 is incorrect)
• The Dhyana Mudra is the gesture of meditation. This mudra is formed by placing the hands in the lap, with the right hand resting on the left, palms facing upwards, and the thumbs touching at the tips to form a triangle, symbolizing the attainment of enlightenment. (Statement 4 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/what-is-the-significance-of-abhaya-mudra-invoked-by-rahul-gandhi-in-parliament-9429451/#:~:text=This%20is%20why%20the%20abhaya,%E2%80%9Cgesture%20of%20granting%20refuge%E2%80%9D.&text=Over%20time%2C%20the%20abhaya%20mudra,of%20the%20Puranic%20god%20Vishnu.