Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• The Artemis mission is NASA’s program aimed at returning humans to the Moon, including the first woman and the next man. It uses Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft.
• The ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission by NASA aims to study the Martian magnetosphere using two small satellites.
• The Human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) is specifically developed by ISRO for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed space mission. It is an upgraded version of the LVM3 (GSLV Mk-III), equipped with enhanced safety and redundancy features to carry astronauts safely to low Earth orbit (LEO). The mission aims to launch three crew members into space for a 5-7 day mission and bring them back safely. (Option (c) is correct)
• The Axiom Mission is a private commercial space mission conducted in partnership with SpaceX and NASA. It involves trips to the International Space Station (ISS) using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, unrelated to HLVM3.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gaganyaan-g1-mission-to-validate-critical-technologies-in-the-run-up-to-manned-flight-vssc-director-s-unnikrishnan-nair/article69009281.ece#:~:text=Gaganyaan%2DG1%2C%20the%20first%20of,.%20Unnikrishnan%20Nair%2C%20Director%2C%20Vikram

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Oman is a founding member of the GCC. It is known for its neutral foreign policy, playing a mediating role in regional disputes within the Gulf and between Gulf countries and other nations. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Qatar is also a member of the GCC. It is a significant player in regional politics and economic development, particularly due to its large natural gas reserves. Despite past diplomatic tensions with other GCC members (e.g., the 2017 blockade), Qatar remains part of the council. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Kuwait is one of the founding members of the GCC. The country has contributed significantly to GCC initiatives, particularly in economic cooperation and humanitarian efforts. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Iraq is not a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• The GCC is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union comprising six Gulf Arab states:

1. Bahrain
2. Kuwait
3. Oman
4. Qatar
5. Saudi Arabia
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Established in 1981, the GCC focuses on fostering regional cooperation in economic, political, and security matters. Iraq, despite its geographic location in the Gulf region, is not a member due to historical political and security reasons, including its strained relations with some GCC states. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-chance-to-strike-gold-during-the-kuwait-visit/article69010168.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Western India is home to Bhavai (Gujarat) and Tamasha (Maharashtra) as popular folk-theatre forms.
  • Bhavai: Known for its satirical portrayal of social issues.
  • Tamasha: Includes lively music, dance, and often comedic themes.
• Jatra is a traditional folk-theatre form popular in Eastern India, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and parts of Bihar. Originating in rural Bengal, Jatra began as a religious performance centered around Krishna and Vaishnavism. Over time, it evolved into a secular form of entertainment, addressing social, political, and historical themes. Features:
  • Live music and energetic acting.
  • Simplistic sets and dramatic dialogues.
  • Commonly performed during festivals like Durga Puja.
• Themes such as the Indian freedom struggle and socio-religious issues have been represented in Jatra performances, making it culturally significant. (Option (b) is correct)
• Southern India is renowned for Yakshagana (Karnataka) & Therukoothu (TN).
  • Yakshagana: A dance-drama tradition combining music, acting, and dance with mythological stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Therukoothu: Performed in villages, often dealing with religious and social themes.
• Northern India features Nautanki and Raaslila as popular folk-theatre forms.
  • Nautanki: A form of operatic theatre in Uttar Pradesh and surrounding regions, involving elaborate storytelling, music, and humor.
  • Raaslila: A devotional performance centered on the life of Lord Krishna, especially popular in Mathura and Vrindavan.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/shock-and-awe-in-the-world-of-jatra/article69009961.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal, is often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck” due to its shape. It is a crucial strategic region connecting mainland India to its northeastern states. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The Siliguri Corridor connects mainland India to the northeastern states, not the northwestern states. It serves as the only land route linking states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim with the rest of India. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The corridor is located between Nepal (to the west) and Bhutan (to the east). Myanmar is not geographically close to the Siliguri Corridor, as it lies further east of India. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/arrested-members-of-banned-outfit-had-plans-to-target-chickens-neck-create-instability-west-bengal-police/article69012127.ece

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body created by member states to strengthen the interface between science and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services. It focuses on producing assessments and reports to guide policy decisions for sustainable development. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Although the IPBES collaborates with UN bodies like the UNEP, UNESCO, FAO, and UNDP, it is not a UN body. It is independent and functions outside the direct framework of the United Nations. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The IPBES was established in Panama City in April 2012 during a plenary meeting attended by member states. (Statement 3 is correct)
• The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019) highlighted the alarming loss of species globally, with 1 million species at risk of extinction.

Source: https://www.ipbes.net/about & https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/nexus-report-ipbes-9732764/