Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• Kathakali is a classical Indian dance-drama known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and facial expressions, originating in Kerala. It features characters from Hindu epics, primarily the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Koodiyattom is an ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition from Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest forms of theatre in the world and has been recognized by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”
• The Painkulam, Ammannur, and Mani Gurukulam are specific schools or styles of Koodiyattom, each having its unique interpretation and training techniques. These traditions were preserved by families of performers and passed down through generations. (Option (b) is correct)
• Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu. It has a rich history linked to Hindu temples and devotional themes. While Bharatanatyam has its own unique traditions and schools, the styles mentioned are not part of this form.
• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form from Kerala, characterized by graceful and feminine movements. While also originating from Kerala, it is distinct from Koodiyattom, and the Painkulam, Ammannur, and Mani Gurukulam styles are not part of Mohiniyattam.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/a-collective-for-young-artistes-to-learn-nuances-of-different-koodiyattom-styles/article68671279.ece#:~:text='Cholliyattom'%2C%20a%20collective%20of,about%20techniques%20followed%20by%20different

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is the first legally binding international treaty aimed at regulating the global trade in conventional arms like small arms, tanks, aircraft, and missiles to prevent them from being used in human rights violations or illicit activities. (Option (a) is correct)
• The United States signed the Arms Trade Treaty in 2013 under the Obama administration. However, in 2019, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the treaty. (Option (b) is correct)
• The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) only deals with conventional weapons, such as firearms, tanks, aircraft, and other related arms. It does not cover nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, or biological weapons, which are regulated by other treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT). (Option (c) is incorrect)
• One of the key provisions of the ATT is to prevent arms transfers if there is a risk that the arms will be used to commit serious violations of international human rights law or humanitarian law. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-defence-exports-and-humanitarian-law/article68674792.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Ministry of Finance is responsible for economic and financial matters in India, including taxation, financial institutions, and public sector banks.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways oversees the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and transport infrastructure across India.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways focuses on maritime transport, including the development of ports, shipping lanes, and inland waterways.
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for urban development policies in India. The National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy was introduced by this ministry to promote compact and sustainable urban growth around public transit systems such as metro and bus rapid transit. The TOD Policy integrates land use and transport planning to create walkable, accessible communities that reduce the dependence on private vehicles. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/leveraging-transit-oriented-development-to-build-productive-cities/article68675329.ece#:~:text=Public%20policies%20can%20stipulate%20location,or%20in%20economically%20depressed%20areas.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Robotic mules are specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These robots are capable of operating in various terrains, including unstructured urban and natural environments, and are durable across different weather conditions. They are used in defense applications for their reliability and endurance. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Robotic mules are designed to be highly agile, capable of climbing stairs and maneuvering through rugged terrains. They are also built to withstand extreme temperatures, making them useful in high-altitude areas with extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures as low as minus-40 degrees Celsius. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Indian Army has procured and inducted 100 robotic mules for use in forward areas. These robotic mules are intended to streamline logistics, especially in high-altitude and difficult terrains, providing much-needed support in military operations. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-inducts-robotic-mules-drones-high-altitude-tents-under-evaluation/article68675123.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• According to recent reports, the global rhino population has increased slightly. Despite the continuing threat of poaching, there has been a modest increase in rhino numbers, especially for certain species like white rhinos. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The Northern white rhino is considered functionally extinct, as only two females remain. No viable males are left, and efforts are being made to develop embryos in the lab to try to revive the subspecies. (Statement 2 is correct)
• While the population of white rhinos has increased from around 15,942 in 2022 to 17,464 in 2023, the population of black and greater one-horned rhinos has remained stable, without a significant increase. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/the-number-of-rhinos-is-slightly-up-but-poaching-has-increased-too/article68673371.ece