Daily Quiz

Solution (d)
Explanation:
• Saudi Arabia is home to several large deserts such as the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) and the An-Nafud Desert.
• Jordan features the Wadi Rum Desert, a stunning desert landscape that is popular for tourism.
• Syria has the Syrian Desert, which is a large desert region in the southeastern part of the country.
• The Negev Desert is located in southern Israel and covers more than half of Israel’s land area.
• It is a desert and semidesert region that features arid and rocky terrain, with some areas also being mountainous. The Negev plays a significant role in Israeli culture and geopolitics and is known for being sparsely populated.
• The Negev has seen historical significance due to its strategic location and the presence of ancient trade routes. (Option (d) is correct)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-hezbollah-lebanon-war-live-updates-october-1-2024/article68704169.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Thailand’s foreign policy is often referred to as ‘Middle Path Diplomacy,’ which emphasizes neutrality and maintaining good relations with various powers in the region. Thailand has avoided aligning too closely with any particular bloc in global geopolitics. (Option (a) is incorrect)
• Bamboo Diplomacy refers to Vietnam’s foreign policy approach characterized by flexibility and resilience. Just as bamboo bends with the wind but does not break, Vietnam’s diplomacy adjusts to the shifting geopolitical dynamics but remains rooted in protecting national sovereignty and interests.
• Vietnam uses this strategy to balance its relations with major powers such as China, the United States, and Russia, while maintaining its independence and avoiding conflicts. (Option (b) is correct)
• Japan is known for ‘Checkbook Diplomacy’ during the post-World War II era, where it primarily used economic aid and financial support as a tool of diplomacy. More recently, Japan has adopted a strategy often referred to as ‘Proactive Pacifism,’ emphasizing peace-building and regional security efforts in Asia. (Option (c) is incorrect)
• South Korea’s approach in recent years has been termed ‘Middle Power Diplomacy,’ where it seeks to play a bridging role in global affairs, particularly in the context of North Korea and between larger powers like China and the United States. It leverages its strategic partnerships without taking overly confrontational stances. (Option (d) is incorrect)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/china-vietnam-red-diplomacy/article68709468.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Asymmetrical federalism refers to the arrangement in which certain states or regions enjoy greater autonomy than others based on special constitutional provisions. In India, Jammu and Kashmir (before the abrogation of Article 370), Nagaland (under Article 371A), and other northeastern states have or had certain unique constitutional privileges. (Option (b) is correct)
• In a unitary system, all powers are centralized, but India follows a federal structure with state autonomy, even if asymmetrical.
• President’s Rule is where the central government temporarily governs a state in case of failure of constitutional machinery.
• Article 370 (before it was revoked in 2019) gave Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy.
• Article 371 and its sub-clauses provide special provisions to states like Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, and others to preserve their unique cultural, social, and economic practices.
• Union Territories such as Delhi and Puducherry also have special status with partial statehood under India’s asymmetrical federalism.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-special-status-is-ladakh-seeking-explained/article68709451.ece

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Lal Quila or Red Fort was built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is one of the most iconic monuments in India and served as the main residence of Mughal emperors. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The fort was known as Urdu-i-Mualla during Shah Jahan’s reign, meaning Exalted Camp. Later, it was called Qila-i-Mu’alla during Akbar II’s reign. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Raisina Hills was considered initially, but the architects Ustad Hira and Ustad Hamid rejected the idea of building the fort there. Instead, they chose the location on the banks of the Yamuna River for the construction of the Red Fort. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/101913/OPS/G4DDDKJCS.1.png?cropFromPage=true

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are indeed nanometre-sized diamonds that consist of carbon. They have unique optical properties due to their structure and the presence of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers within the diamond lattice, which give them fluorescent characteristics. (Statement 1 is correct)
• FNDs are highly stable under light (photo-stable), which makes them useful in long-term imaging applications. Additionally, FNDs are non-toxic and biocompatible, making them safe for use in biological systems, including live-cell tracking and medical imaging. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• FNDs are used in biological imaging to track cells and their progeny over extended periods of time. Due to their fluorescence stability, they are valuable in long-term monitoring of cellular processes without photobleaching, a common problem with other fluorescent materials. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are used in a variety of biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and resistance to photobleaching. Their ability to emit light for long periods without degradation makes them ideal for tracking cellular processes, cancer detection, and other medical applications.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/scientists-spin-diamonds-at-a-billion-rpm-to-test-the-limits-of-physics/article68705918.ece#:~:text=As%20the%20statement%20put%20it,value%20industries%20and%20strategic%20sectors.