Daily Quiz

Solution (c)
Explanation:
• The bilateral military exercise between India and Nepal is called Surya Kiran. This exercise aims to enhance the coordination between the armies of the two countries, focusing on counter-insurgency operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• The bilateral military exercise between India and Bangladesh is called Sampriti. It is aimed at strengthening military relations and enhancing interoperability between the two armies, focusing on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• ‘Mitra Shakti’ is a bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise is aimed at enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the armies of the two countries. It focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban and urban environment. (Option (c) is correct)
• The bilateral military exercise between India and Myanmar is known as IMBAX. This exercise focuses on building and promoting closer relations between the armies of the two nations through counter-insurgency and jungle warfare training. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-sri-lankan-canines-train-in-exercise-mitra-shakti/article68539686.ece

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Central Standards Office (CSO) and the Railway Testing and Research Centre (RTRC) were integrated into a single unit named Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in 1957, under Ministry of Railways at Lucknow. The status of RDSO has been changed from an ’Attached Office’ to ’Zonal Railway’ since 01.01.2003. It works on the modernization of rail infrastructure, including track designs, rolling stock, and safety features. (Option (a) is correct)
• Some of the key organizations under Ministry of Science and Technology include the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for space technology (although ISRO is mainly under the Department of Space). (Option (b) is incorrect)
• The Ministry of Defence manages the defense forces of India and oversees organizations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories. DRDO focuses on research and development in defense technologies, including missiles, radar systems, and other military equipment. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for internal security and domestic policy, including overseeing the police and paramilitary forces. Organizations such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) fall under this ministry. The CRPF is the largest paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, primarily responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1 & https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/finding-mismatches-in-accident-probes-indian-railways-to-develop-master-clock-system-for-time-synchronisation/article68539645.ece

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• While Ukraine has been in the news frequently, especially with regard to regions like Donbas, Crimea, and Luhansk, the Kursk region is not located within Ukraine. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Belarus is a neighbouring country to both Russia and Ukraine. The Brest region in Belarus, near the borders of Poland and Ukraine, has strategic significance due to its location. (Option (b) is incorrect)
• Moldova is a small country located to the west of Ukraine. Moldova has been mentioned in news related to the breakaway region of Transnistria, which has a significant Russian influence. The Transnistria region in Moldova is a self-declared republic that has not been recognized internationally and has strong ties to Russia. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• The Kursk region (or Kursk Oblast) is located in western Russia. It is well known due to historical events, particularly the Battle of Kursk during World War II, which was one of the largest tank battles in history. Recently, Russia said a third bridge had been struck and damaged on the Seym River that winds through the Kursk region bordering northeastern Ukraine. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ukrainian-troops-have-struck-2-key-bridges-in-russias-kursk-region/article68539585.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• A “Blood Moon” is a phenomenon that occurs during a total lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth’s shadow covers the Moon. The Moon can take on a reddish color due to the scattering of sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere, which is why it is called a Blood Moon. The reddish color is due to Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that causes sunsets and sunrises to appear red. (Statement 1 is correct)
• A “Blue Moon” refers to the second full moon occurring in a single calendar month. This is a relatively rare event, hence the phrase “once in a blue moon” to signify something that does not happen often. The Blue Moon is not actually blue in color; the term simply refers to the rarity of the event. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The “Harvest Moon” is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, usually in late September or early October. It is not related to a solar eclipse. The name comes from the extra light it provides, which historically allowed farmers to work longer into the evening during the harvest season. A solar eclipse involves the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth, which is unrelated to the Harvest Moon. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-a-blue-moon/article68539266.ece & https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/full-moons/en/

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Ukhrul is a district in the state of Manipur. It is predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga tribe. The Ukhrul district is located in the northeastern part of Manipur. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Kamjong was created as a separate district by bifurcating the Ukhrul district in December 2016. Therefore, Kamjong is also located in Manipur. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Tamenglong is another district in Manipur, located in the western part of the state. It is known for its lush green hills and diverse tribal communities. (Statement 3 is correct)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/new-districts-created-in-2016-strife-torn-manipur-9517327/