UPSC Quiz – 2023 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th August 2023

·       Origin: Originating in the glaciers below Nanda Ghunti on the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, the river joins the Alaknanda at Nandprayag (870m), which is one of the panch prayags or holy confluences on the Alaknanda.

Course of Nandakini River

·       It flows through the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand primarily in the Garhwal region, covering a distance of approximately 105 kilometers before merging with the Alaknanda River at Nandprayag.

·       At this point, the combined waters of the Nandakini and Alaknanda form the Ganges River.

·       It is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Kamet.

Cultural Significance of Nandakini River

·       The river holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is considered sacred. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu.

·       The region surrounding the river is dotted with ancient temples and shrines.

·       The most famous temple along the Nandakini River is the Nandprayag Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

·       The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and saint.

·       Tributaries: Several smaller streams and rivers join the Nandakini as it makes its way through the mountainous terrain. One of the notable tributaries is the Pindar River.

·       The banks of the Nandakini River are rich with wildlife and biodiversity. The region is home to several protected areas, including the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park.

·       The Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The park is known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes alpine meadows, high-altitude forests, and snow-capped peaks.

·       The Valley of Flowers National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant alpine flowers that bloom during the monsoon season. It is also home to several rare and endangered plant species.

·       Plague is an infectious disease caused by a specific type of bacterium called Yersinia pestis.

·       Y. pestis can affect humans and animals and is spread mainly by fleas.

·       Bubonic plague, also known as Black Death, is one type of plague. It gets its name from the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) caused by the disease.

The other types of plague are:

·       Septicemic plague, which happens when the infection goes all through the body.

·       Pneumonic plague, which happens when the lungs are infected.

Symptoms: Bubonic plague symptoms include

·       Sudden high fever and chills.

·       Pains in the areas of the abdomen, arms and legs.

·       Headaches.

·       Large and swollen lumps in the lymph nodes (buboes) that develop and leak pus.

Transmission:

·       Y. pestis is spread mostly by fleas on rodents and other animals.

·       It is transmitted between animals and humans by the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected tissues, and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.

·       It’s an example of a disease that can spread between animals and people (a zoonotic disease).

Treatment:

·       It can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

·       Antibiotics that treat bubonic plague include Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Gentamicin and Doxycycline.

·       It can be fatal if it’s not treated.

·       This 285-acre land was owned by the Raja of Ramanathapuram.

·       Later, it became part of the Madras Presidency after the delimitation of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait during British rule between the then governments of Madras and Ceylon.

·       During the British rule, it was administered jointly by India and Sri Lanka.

·       In 1921, both Sri Lanka and India claimed this piece of land for fishing and the dispute remained unsettled.

·       In 1974, then prime minister Indira Gandhi accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement.

·       The Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord was an accord signed in Colombo on 29 July 1987, between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayewardene.

·       GEF (est. during 1992 Rio Conference; HQ: Washington, D.C) is a multi-stakeholder partnership to tackle various environmental issues. Its funding is provided by participating donor countries and is mobilized through a replenishment process every four years.

·       Both organizations bring their decades of collective experience working with IPs and LCs, as well as their regional and global expertise, to the implementation of the GEF Inclusive Conservation Initiative. A concept (Project Information Form) for the Inclusive Conservation Initiative was approved by the GEF Council in December 2019 and the project proposal was endorsed by the GEF in January 2022.

·       Mushkbudji rice, which was granted the GI tag along with eight other products from Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its short, bold grains and rich aroma.

·       In the past, the consumption of this aromatic rice was restricted to special events due to its limited availability and high cost.

·       The government’s efforts to revive this rice variety in 2007 after its decline in the 1970s due to blast disease have also contributed to its resurgence. More farmers are now drawn to cultivate this unique and fragrant rice variety due to its promising qualities and potential for higher income.