Daily Quiz #14 UPSC Prelims Marathon – October 18, 2019

Explanation: Wildlife researchers recently documented the presence of an Indian gaur in the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) in Roha and Murud talukas of Raigad district. According to the Maharashtra forest department, this is the first time a sighting of this species of bison has been reported or documented at the sanctuary. The Indian Gaur is listed as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is tagged as ‘vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. Gaurs are the world’s largest and tallest wild bovines, with 85% of their current population found in India. Male gaurs weigh 1,000-1,500kg, while females weigh 700-1,000kg. Their height ranges from 165-220cm (5 to 7ft).

Explanation: The number of stray cattle in the country has marginally come down to 50.22 lakh in 2019 from 51.88 lakh in 2012 — a decline of 3.2 per cent — according to the latest data of the 20th Livestock Census released by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. While the data shows a decline at the national level, there is substantial increase in stray cattle population in states such as Uttar Pradesh (17.34 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (95 per cent), Rajasthan (34.48 per cent), Gujarat (17.59 per cent), Chhattisgarh (33.93 per cent) and Punjab (38.69 per cent) in 2019 in comparison to 2012. However, in some states, a sharp decline has been registered in the stray cattle population. These include Odisha (86.68 per cent decline), West Bengal (73.59 per cent), Bihar (66.54 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (23.95 per cent). Census Conducted Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Conducted quinquennially (every five years) since 1919-20. Covers all domesticated animals and its headcounts.

Explanation: As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented. In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency. Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place. International shipping transports more than 80 per cent of global trade to peoples and communities all over the world. Shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods; it provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples. As part of the United Nations family, IMO is actively working towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the associated SDGs. Indeed, most of the elements of the 2030 Agenda will only be realized with a sustainable transport sector supporting world trade and facilitating global economy. IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee has formally approved linkages between the Organization’s technical assistance work and the SDGs. While the oceans goal, SDG 14, is central to IMO, aspects of the Organization’s work can be linked to all individual SDGs.

Explanation: Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU) was formed by the Government of India in 1949.It was made a permanent commission in 1951. It functions under the Department of Secondary and Higher Education in the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The main objective of the Commission is to advise the Government in matters falling in the domain of UNESCO and to play a role in UNESCO’s work particularly in the formulation and execution of its programmes. The Commission consists of five Sub-Commissions namely (i) Education (ii) Natural Sciences (iii) Social Sciences (iv) Communication and (v) Culture.

Explanation: ‘Gatka’, a traditional martial art form, that is historically associated with the Sikh gurus and is popular among the masses, is now being recognised as a sport nationwide. The form which was earlier confined to gurudwaras, nagar kirtans and akharas, finds presence in the sports category after the formation of Gatka Federation of India (GFI) in 2008 and is now played by trained Gatka players at the national level.