Daily Quiz

Solution (b)
Explanation:
• Gene-editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are unrelated to the Htin Mal community. While the genetic study involved sequencing and analyzing DNA, it was focused on population genetics, not gene-editing.
• The Htin Mal is an ethnic community in the mainland of Southeast Asia that speaks an Austroasiatic language. Recent genetic research by the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) highlighted:
o A common genetic affinity between the Htin Mal and the Nicobarese population of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
o Despite this affinity, the Htin Mal and Nicobarese exhibit distinct genetic traits, indicating a pronounced genetic drift over time.
• This research suggests that the Nicobarese population shares ancestral connections with Austroasiatic populations across South and Southeast Asia and may have settled in the region approximately 5,000 years ago. (Option (b) is correct)
• The Htin Mal refers to a Southeast Asian ethnic community, not a festival. The Nicobarese communities have cultural festivals and traditions, but the term “Htin Mal” does not pertain to them.
• While Myanmar has UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Htin Mal refers to a genetically studied ethnic community, not a heritage site. Notable examples of UNESCO sites in Myanmar include Bagan Archaeological Zone.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/new-research-sheds-light-on-genetic-heritage-of-the-nicobarese/article68954262.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The third pandemic plague started in China’s Yunnan province in 1855 and spread globally, killing millions. While this outbreak reached India during the 1890s, the specific formation of the Indian Plague Commission was in response to the Bombay outbreak in 1896. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The pneumonic plague outbreak in Surat occurred in 1994, much later than the colonial period. This outbreak caused mass panic and migration from the city but was unrelated to the Indian Plague Commission. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The Indian Plague Commission was created in response to the bubonic plague outbreak in the Bombay Presidency in 1896. The outbreak spread rapidly across India, causing widespread panic and significant mortality.
• The commission aimed to study the causes and transmission of the plague, which was eventually linked to rats and fleas. It also recommended public health measures, although the oppressive enforcement of quarantines, evacuations, and inspections led to public unrest (e.g., the assassination of plague officer Walter Rand in Pune). (Option (c) is correct)
• The Great Plague of London was an outbreak of the bubonic plague that killed thousands in the 17th century, long before British colonial rule in India. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/public-health-insights-from-the-1896-bombay-plague/article68955779.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is responsible for India’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements, but it does not administer the Indira Gandhi Prize. Instead, the MEA administers awards like the ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award, given to foreign students who have studied in India.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is a global forum for diplomacy and resolution-making among member states but does not confer the Indira Gandhi Prize. However, the UNGA administers the Nelson Mandela Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to peace and reconciliation.
• UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) focuses on promoting international cooperation in education, culture, and science. It administers its own prestigious awards like:
  • The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for tolerance and non-violence.
  • The UNESCO-King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for ICT in education.
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded annually by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, established in memory of the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that:
  • Promote international peace and development.
  • Work towards disarmament and sustainable development. (Option (d) is correct)
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 will be conferred on former Chilean President and prominent human rights voice Michelle Bachelet, a statement issued by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said on Friday.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-president-of-chile-michelle-bachelet-to-be-conferred-the-indira-gandhi-peace-prize/article68956103.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The government of Jammu and Kashmir is developing four tourist destinations—Kokernag, Baradari, Bhadarwah, and Doodhpathri—with financial and technical assistance from the World Bank. These places in different districts of J & K, have been identified for creation of world-class tourist infrastructure.
• Kokernag – Location: Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir (Kashmir region). Famous for its natural springs, botanical gardens, and scenic beauty. Known as a major destination for horticulture tourism, particularly apple orchards. The Kokernag Botanical Garden is a key attraction, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Baradari – Location: Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu region). Known for the Baradari Gardens, located near the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. A serene and historically significant site, it complements religious tourism in the region. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Bhadarwah – Location: Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu region). Often called the “Mini Kashmir” due to its breathtaking valleys, meadows, and streams. Known for its eco-tourism potential and cultural festivals. Major attractions include the Chinta Valley, Jai Valley, and ancient temples. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Doodhpathri – Location: Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir (Kashmir region). A lesser-known destination, Doodhpathri is gaining attention for its lush green meadows and alpine beauty. The name translates to “Valley of Milk,” derived from local legends about the creamy water of its streams. Popular for trekking, picnics, and adventure tourism. (Statement 4 is correct)

Source: ttps://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/jk-to-develop-four-new-tourist-destinations-with-world-bank-help/article68954910.ece#:~:text=Kokernag%20in%20Anantnag%20district%2C%20Baradari,with%20world%20class%20tourist%20infrastructure.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Cyclone Fengal was characterized by its slow pace from its genesis to landfall. On occasions, it moved at speeds slower than 6 kmph while at sea, which is unusually slow for cyclones. A slow-moving cyclone allows for prolonged rainfall and stronger wind impact over specific areas, increasing the extent of damage. (Statement 1 is incorrect)

• After making landfall near Puducherry, Cyclone Fengal remained stationary for nearly 12 hours, which is uncommon for cyclones. Normally, cyclones weaken rapidly after landfall due to friction from buildings and trees. However, Fengal maintained its intensity during this stationary phase, resulting in: Exceptionally heavy rainfall and flooding of rivers and lakes, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. (Statement 2 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/why-low-intensity-cyclone-fengal-caused-large-scale-destruction-9710947/