Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• While festivals like Chhath Puja are prominent in Bihar, the concept of Bonedi Bari pujas is not part of the state’s tradition.
• Bonedi Bari pujas are deeply rooted in the traditions of West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata. These pujas are conducted by old aristocratic families in Kolkata and have been a cultural tradition for over 400 years. The Sabarna Roy Choudhury family is one of the most prominent examples of these traditional Durga Pujas, having been performed for centuries. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Assam has its own distinct festivals and cultural practices, like Bihu, but does not have a historical connection to Bonedi Bari pujas. Durga Puja is celebrated in Assam but not with the specific aristocratic family traditions like those found in West Bengal.
• In Karnataka, important festivals include Dasara in Mysuru, but there is no historical connection to Bonedi Bari pujas. Karnataka’s festivals are distinct from the traditional Durga Pujas celebrated by aristocratic families in Kolkata.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/bonedi-bari-pujas-the-ones-who-reined-in-the-celebration-of-durga-for-kolkata-people/article68741193.ece#:~:text=Bonedi%20bari%20pujas%20or%20the,British%20set%20foot%20in%20India.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Horseshoe crab is an ancient marine species belonging to the Merostomata class. It is known to have existed for over 400 million years with little to no morphological changes. Found on select coasts, including parts of Odisha in India where it is locally referred to as ‘Ramlekhani’, the horseshoe crab is often studied for its evolutionary significance. (Option (a) is correct)
• The Nautilus is a marine mollusk known for its spiral shell and slow evolutionary rate, often referred to as a “living fossil”. However, it belongs to the Cephalopoda class, not Merostomata. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The Coelacanth is a prehistoric fish that was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938. It has a long evolutionary history and is often called a “living fossil,” but it is a fish, not part of the Merostomata class. It is found in deep waters near Madagascar and Indonesia, not on the coasts like the horseshoe crab. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Trilobites are extinct marine arthropods from the Paleozoic era. While they are related to horseshoe crabs, trilobites are long extinct and do not survive in modern times, making them an incorrect choice for this living organism. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-blue-blooded-sea-creature-on-odishas-coastline/article68736825.ece#:~:text=Horseshoe%20crabs%20have%20been%20around,demand%20for%20the%20medical%20industry

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The ‘Black Coat Syndrome’ refers to a phenomenon within the judicial system. It symbolizes the reluctance of the general public to approach the courts due to the complex, lengthy, and costly judicial process.
• People perceive the judicial process, much like white coat hypertension (which involves anxiety due to a clinical setting), as something that may worsen their situation rather than resolve it quickly.
• This term highlights the delays and inefficiencies in the judicial system, particularly in managing cases, scheduling, and endless adjournments. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-gruelling-course-of-litigation-in-india/article68741949.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Gan Island is located in the Addu Atoll of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its strategic importance during World War II and was home to a Royal Air Force base used by the British until 1976. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Chagos Archipelago is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, which includes Chagos Islands. These islands have been at the center of territorial disputes, particularly involving the United Kingdom and Mauritius. The Chagos Islands are geographically located near the Maldives and are also part of the Indian Ocean. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, also located in the Indian Ocean. It comprises several islands, including Gan Island, and has historical significance due to its role as a military base during British rule. (Statement 3 is correct)
• The Maldives historically had links to the Chagos Islands, and Maldivians have referred to these islands by local names. This reflects a deeper historical and geographical connection between these landforms in the Indian Ocean.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-uk-and-leaving-lessons-from-the-indian-ocean/article68741970.ece#:~:text=For%20Great%20Britain%2C%20the%20best,cost%20from%20Partition%20was%20horrific.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Sweating due to heat exposure generally decreases blood pressure, not increases it. When the body sweats excessively, it loses fluids, leading to dehydration. This dehydration makes the blood thicker and impairs circulation, causing a drop in blood pressure. Hence, this statement is incorrect. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• Hypernatremia occurs when the body’s sodium levels rise due to excessive fluid loss, often through dehydration. When the body becomes dehydrated due to prolonged heat exposure and excessive sweating, the concentration of sodium in the blood can increase, leading to hypernatremia. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Older people and those with tender skin are more vulnerable to heat stroke due to reduced ability to regulate body temperature and greater susceptibility to dehydration. Their skin tends to lose moisture more easily, making them more prone to heat-related illnesses. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Heat Exposure and Health Risks: Excessive heat causes sweating, leading to dehydration, which thickens the blood, impairs circulation, and results in a drop in blood pressure. When the body’s temperature exceeds 40°C, it affects enzyme functions and can lead to strokes (blood clots in the brain or heart).
• Dehydration Effects: With rising dehydration, sodium concentration increases, causing hypernatremia, which may lead to brain hemorrhages. Heat also impacts the body’s balance of sodium, potassium, and fluids, potentially causing acute kidney injury and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.
• Vulnerable Populations: Older individuals are more vulnerable to heat stroke due to their tender skin, and preexisting illnesses can worsen the situation. Treatments include cooling methods like infusing cold salines and using cold blankets.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/why-deaths-occur-due-to-heat-stroke/article68735849.ece#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWhen%20dehydration%20increases%2C%20sodium%20concentration,It%20could%20cause%20encephalopathy.