UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 21 January 2025

Solution: d)

The Konark Sun Temple is oriented such that the first rays of the Sun during sunrise pass through the main entrance and illuminate the sanctum sanctorum, symbolizing the temple’s dedication to the Sun God. This alignment reflects advanced astronomical knowledge of the era.

About Konark Sun Temple:

• Location: Situated in Konark, Odisha, near the Bay of Bengal.
• Built in: Constructed in the 13th century (1238–1264 CE).
• Built by: Commissioned by King Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty.
• Kingdom associated: Represents the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire.

Architectural features:

• Chariot Design: The temple is designed as a grand chariot of Surya, the Sun God, with 24 elaborately carved wheels, each 3 meters in diameter, symbolizing time and celestial movement.
• Seven Horses: The temple features seven sculpted horses pulling the chariot, representing the Sun’s journey across the sky.
• Intricate Sculptures: The plinth and walls are adorned with detailed carvings of dancers, musicians, animals, and mythological narratives, showcasing the artistic finesse of the era.
• Vimana and Shikhara: The original principal sanctuary (vimana) was topped with a towering shikhara (crown), which collapsed in the 19th century.
• Natmandir and Jahamogana: The dance hall (natmandir) and audience hall (jahamogana) exhibit pyramidal designs, reflecting the grandeur of Kalinga temple architecture.
• Symbolic Motifs: Depictions of lions, mythical creatures, and erotic sculptures highlight the spiritual, cultural, and symbolic aspects of 13th-century life.

Global Recognition: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledged for its artistic ingenuity and cultural relevance, attracting tourists worldwide.

Solution: b)

NIXI primarily operates Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) to ensure that domestic internet traffic is routed within India. This reduces latency, enhances efficiency, and improves data security by minimizing international routing.

About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI):

• What it is: A not-for-profit organization under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Established in: June 19, 2003.
• Aim: To increase internet penetration and facilitate digital adoption in India by building critical infrastructure and improving internet connectivity.

Functions:

• Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Enhance data exchange and reduce latency by routing domestic internet traffic within the country.
• .IN Registry: Manage and promote India’s .in domain to strengthen the country’s digital identity.
• Internet Registry (IRINN): Support adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses for seamless internet connectivity.
• Data Centre Services: Provide secure and reliable data storage solutions to support India’s digital ecosystem.

Key Initiatives:

• IPv6 Expert Panel (IP Guru): Support Indian entities in adopting IPv6 protocols.
• NIXI Academy: Educate individuals on internet technologies like IPv6.
• NIXI-IP-INDEX: Track and showcase IPv6 adoption rates in India and globally

Solution: a)

Exercise La Perouse focuses on interoperability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. It involves collaborative efforts among navies to ensure a rules-based maritime order, counter threats, and enhance situational awareness in critical chokepoints like the Malacca Strait.

About Exercise La Perouse:

• What it is: La Perouse is a multilateral naval exercise conducted to strengthen maritime security, enhance interoperability, and develop situational awareness among participating navies.
• Host nation: France leads the exercise, with its Carrier Strike Group spearheaded by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
• Location: Conducted in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok straits, key chokepoints between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
• Members: The 2025 edition includes India, France, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the U.K.

Aim and Objectives:

• Maritime Safety: Address issues like illegal trafficking, environmental hazards, and maritime crises.
• Enhanced Cooperation: Train in maritime surveillance, air operations, and maritime interdiction.
• Interoperability: Use advanced systems like IORIS for synchronized crisis management.
• Commitment to Rules-Based Order: Promote a stable and secure Indo-Pacific aligned with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

Solution: c)

The term “arribada” refers to the synchronized mass nesting of female Olive Ridley turtles on specific beaches. Thousands of turtles come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs, a rare and spectacular natural phenomenon observed on beaches like Odisha’s Gahirmatha and Rushikulya.

About Olive Ridley Turtles:

• What it is: Olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles, known for their synchronized mass nesting, called arribadas.
• Habitat: Found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, olive ridleys are both pelagic and coastal, frequenting nesting beaches in countries like India, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

Features:

• Named for their olive-green, heart-shaped shell.
• Omnivorous, feeding on crabs, jellyfish, and algae.
• Capable of diving up to 500 feet to forage on the ocean floor.

• Mating Season: Their nesting season varies by region. In India, it spans November to March, with mass nesting observed at beaches like Odisha’s Gahirmatha and Rushikulya.

Protection Status:

• Schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Appendix I of CITES

Solution: d)

Kalaripayattu is unique among Indian martial arts for its integration of physical combat, body conditioning, and traditional medicine. It includes healing practices like marma therapy and emphasizes discipline and spirituality. Women are historically included in its training, and it employs wooden and metallic weapons, as well as unarmed techniques.

About Kalaripayattu:

• What it is: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, combining combat techniques, physical training, and healing practices.
• State of origin: Originated in Kerala, it holds deep cultural and historical roots in South India.

History and features:

• History: Mythology credits the warrior sage Parasurama with its creation. The term “Kalari” means “combat arena,” and “Payattu” means “fight” in Malayalam.
• Key Features: The martial art emphasizes body conditioning (Maippayattu), wooden weapons (Kolthari), metallic weapons (Angathari), and bare-handed techniques (Verumkai). It enhances strength, flexibility, reflexes, and discipline.

• Recognition: It was added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India in 2009.
• Women’s Participation: Historically, women have trained in Kalaripayattu, and they continue to excel in its practice today.

Solution: c)

Statement-I is correct: The temple’s carvings depict mythology, daily life, and spiritual themes, showcasing the artistic brilliance of the time.

Statement-II is incorrect: The carvings are purely rooted in Kalinga art traditions, with no significant influence from Persian or Central Asian styles.

Solution: a)

Mount Ibu is an active stratovolcano located on Halmahera Island in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. It has shown significant volcanic activity, with over 1,000 eruptions reported in January 2025.

Solution: d)

Entanglement in fishing gear (1) is a leading cause of turtle mortality.

Coastal development (2) leads to habitat destruction, including nesting sites.

Predation by invasive species (3), such as dogs and feral pigs, threatens eggs and hatchlings.

Rising sea levels (4) due to climate change impact nesting beaches by causing erosion and submergence.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect: The NDB funds projects not only in BRICS member countries but also in non-member countries.

Statement 2 is correct: It promotes the use of local currencies in loans to reduce reliance on the US dollar and other major currencies.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The NDB’s headquarters is located in Shanghai, China.

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is correct: NIXI manages the .IN domain and promotes its adoption to strengthen India’s digital identity.

Statement 2 is correct: By operating Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), NIXI facilitates domestic traffic routing.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While NIXI promotes internet adoption, cybersecurity for government infrastructures falls under other agencies like CERT-In.

Statement 4 is correct: Through IRINN, NIXI allocates IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.