UPSC Daily Quiz 28 June 2025

• The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt is a region of ancient rock formations located on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Quebec, Canada.
• These rocks have been known for their exceptional age and unique geological features, making the region a critical site for studies of Earth’s early history.
• This makes them potentially the oldest known rocks on Earth, challenging earlier estimates and rivalling other ancient formations like the Acasta Gneiss Complex (∼4 billion years old).

Scientific Significance

• Researchers used radiometric dating, which tracks the decay of radioactive isotopes over time.
• Earth formed around 5 billion years ago, but most early rocks were destroyed or transformed due to tectonic activity and melting.
• Rocks older than 4 billion years are extremely rare and provide a window into the planet’s earliest crust.
• The rock site lies on Inuit tribal land in Inukjuak, Nunavik.
• Due to environmental damage from earlier research and reports of rock samples being sold online, the local Inuit community has restricted further sampling.
• The community, led by the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, seeks to collaborate with scientists to create a provincial park to balance research and conservation.

What are Ultramafic Rocks?

• Ultramafic rocks are dark-colored igneous or meta-igneous rocks rich in magnesium (MgO) and iron (FeO), but low in silica (SiO₂)—typically less than 45% silica.
• They contain over 90% mafic minerals, and are poor in potassium.
• The Earth’s mantle is believed to be composed predominantly of ultramafic rock types.
• These rocks are commonly found in orogenic (mountain-forming) belts and can offer insights into mantle composition and deep Earth processes.

Hence option b is correct.

• The Mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia) is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows to a height of 16–20 metres, predominantly found in the forests of Central India.
• The tree produces creamy-white flowers between March and April, which fall before dawn. The fruits ripen from June to August.
• Mahua is revered as a “Tree of Life” among tribal communities and is considered sacred. Its flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, and even fruit shells are used in everyday tribal practices, including funeral rites
• It is commonly found in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, parts of Northern and Central India, and also in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
• The flowers are consumed raw or sun-dried and are highly nutritious. They are traditionally fermented to produce a strong alcoholic drink, which is a major source of livelihood for tribal families.
• The collection and processing of Mahua flowers support tribal economies, offering food security, employment, and income generation, especially for women collectors.
• Mahua’s night-blooming, strong-smelling flowers attract bats, aiding in pollination and seed dispersal. Sloth bears and other forest animals also feed on its flowers, showing its importance in the forest food web.
• Sloth bears and humans often compete for Mahua flowers and leaves, indicating their high ecological and economic demand.

Hence statement 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

• Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are short, repeating sequences of DNA bases (e.g., GATCGATC).
• Each individual has a unique STR pattern, making them ideal for DNA fingerprinting analysis.
• STRs are inherited, providing strong evidence for genetic relationships
• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the hereditary material found in almost all human cells – blood, skin, bone, teeth, etc.
• Humans have 46 chromosomes:
  • 23 inherited from the father (via sperm)
  • 23 inherited from the mother (via egg)
• Genes within chromosomes determine physical traits and biological identity.

DNA Polymorphisms

• DNA polymorphisms are variations in DNA sequences unique to individuals.
• Useful for:
  • Parentage identification
  • Genetic lineage tracing
  • Identity verification in forensic science
• Enable accurate matching between body samples and known relatives.

DNA Fingerprinting

• A DNA fingerprint is a unique genetic profile built using STR variations.
• Capillary Electrophoresis separates STR fragments based on size using electric current.
• Final output is a distinct DNA profile, unique to each person (except identical twins).
• Sources for DNA: blood, saliva, bone, teeth, skin cells, sweat, semen.

Hence option a is the correct answer

• Statistics Day is celebrated annually on 29th June to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a pioneering Indian statistician and planner.
• The day aims to create awareness, especially among the youth, about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and evidence-based policymaking.
• Theme of Statistics Day 2025: “75 Years of National Sample Survey”
• It highlights the long-standing contribution of the National Sample Survey (NSS) in providing reliable, timely, and large-scale socio-economic data essential for governance and national development.

About Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis

• Born: 29 June 1893
• Known as the Father of Indian Statistics.
• Creator of Mahalanobis Distance – a key statistical metric for multivariate data analysis.
• Founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931.
• Established the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950.
• Member of India’s First Planning Commission, contributed to Five-Year Plans.
• Awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to science and statistics.
• Advocate of data-based governance and

Hence option c is correct.

• GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone (incretin) released after food intake.
• It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, lipid metabolism, and appetite.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists are synthetic drugs that mimic this hormone, binding to its receptors to activate similar physiological responses.
• These drugs are mainly injectables, though oral versions are under development.
• Examples: Two leading GLP-1 drugs are:
  • Semaglutide (by Novo Nordisk)
  • Tirzepatide (by Eli Lilly)
• Both have been introduced in India and are transforming obesity and diabetes treatment.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

• These drugs act by:
  • Increasing insulin secretion when glucose is high.
  • Inhibiting glucagon release, reducing liver glucose output.
  • Slowing gastric emptying, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.
  • Suppressing appetite, making the person feel full sooner.
• Tirzepatide additionally mimics GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) for dual action.

Genesis and Development

• Though incretins were first discussed in 1906, their potential was recognised only after insulin’s discovery in 1921.
• The hormone GLP-1 was isolated in 1986.
• Initial trials in the 1990s showed promising results, but the hormone was unstable.
• Novo Nordisk developed liraglutide (daily injectable) and later semaglutide (weekly), which had greater weight loss efficacy and fewer side effects when doses were carefully adjusted.

Hence option b is correct.

Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, illegal salt pans and encroachment of creeks continue to threaten Kachchh’s Kharai camels.

• It is indigenous to Gujarat, derives its name from the local term “Khara,” meaning saline, reflecting its adaptability to both desert and coastal ecosystems.
• The Kharai is known for its rare ability to swim long distances and graze on mangroves.
• The camels swim long distances in the sea to reach its grazing areas, usually more than 3 km at a time even in deep waters.
• It has been preserved by the Rabari and Fakirani Jat tribes for over 400 years
• These camels exist, primarily in Kutch, where they play a crucial role in local ecosystems, particularly in maintaining mangrove forests.
• Kharai camel milk is not only rich in nutrients but also has therapeutic properties.
• The milk contains antibodies that are similar to those found in human milk, making it easier to digest and beneficial for boosting the immune system.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Endangered
• Threats: The steadily decreasing mangroves because of heavy industrialisation along the coast have affected the traditional grazing routes.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: DTE