UPSC Daily Quiz 12 December 2025

Answer: c

Explanation:

Boreendo, an ancient musical instrument from Pakistan, was recently inscribed on the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

About Boreendo:

• The boreendo, or bhorindo, is a traditional musical instrument from Pakistan’s Sindh region.
• It is a 5,000-year-old musical instrument with a rich history that originates in Mohenjo Daro, part of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• It has a hollow, spherical shape with sound holes and is made of clay that is sun-dried and kiln-fired.
• It is played by men, while women are involved in decorating the instrument with clay paint.
• The boreendo produces sound when air is blown into it, and its tone can be adjusted by tilting the mouthpiece.
• Its size affects its sound, and recent changes include extra holes to widen its musical range.
• The boreendo is mainly played at winter bonfires, weddings, and festivals.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

News:https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3724585-preserving-the-past-unescos-urgent-safeguarding-of-cultural-heritage?amp

Answer: d

Explanation:

The rare migratory Pallas’s Gull was recently spotted in Jharkhand’s Udhwa Bird Sanctuary, marking its return after almost a decade.

About Pallas’s Gull:

• Pallas’s Gull, also called the Great Black-headed Gull, is a large bird species.
• It is the world’s largest black-headed gull and the third-largest species of gull in the world.
• It belongs to the family Laridae.
• Scientific Name: Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus
• Distribution:
  • It breeds in colonies in marshes and islands from southern Russia to Mongolia.
  • It is migratory, wintering in the Mediterranean Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, and India.
• Habitat: It prefers wetlands, salt lakes, lagoons, and slow-flowing rivers.
• Features:
  • It measures 55–72 cm in length with a 142 to 170 cm wingspan.
  • Summer adults are unmistakable, since no other gull of this size has a black hood.
  • The adults have grey wings and back, with conspicuous white “mirrors” at the wing tips.
  • The legs are yellow, and the bill is orangey-yellow with a red tip.
  • In all other plumages, a dark mask through the eye indicates the vestiges of the hood.
  • Pallas’s Gulls feed on fish, including dead fish. They also prey upon insects, crustaceans, reptiles, other birds, and small mammals.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Hence both statements are not correct.

News: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/science-environment/3727119-return-of-the-pallass-gull-a-decade-long-wait-ends-at-udhwa-sanctuary

Answer: b

Explanation:                                                   

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, recently observed that India is witnessing strong momentum in the deployment of AI and agentic AI applications.

About Agentic AI:

• Agentic AI is an advanced form of artificial intelligence focused on autonomous decision-making and action.
• It consists of AI agents—machine learning models that mimic human decision-making to solve problems in real time.
• Unlike traditional AI, which primarily responds to commands or analyzes data, agentic AI can set goals, plan, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention.
• “Agentic” indicates agency — the ability of these systems to act independently, but in a goal-driven manner.
• At its core, this technology is built on several key components:
  • Perception: Agentic AI starts by gathering information from its surroundings and different sources, such as sensors, databases, and user interfaces.
  • Reasoning: Using a large language model (LLM), agentic AI analyzes the gathered data to understand the context, identify relevant information, and formulate potential solutions.
  • Planning: The AI then uses the information it gathered to develop a plan. This involves setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and figuring out the best way to achieve them.
  • Action: Based on its plan, the AI takes action. This could involve performing tasks, making decisions, or interacting with other systems.
  • Reflection: After taking action, the AI learns from the results. It evaluates whether its actions were successful and uses this feedback to adjust its plans and actions in the future.
• Agentic AI builds on generative AI (GenAI) techniques by using large language models (LLMs) to function in dynamic environments.
• While generative models focus on creating content based on learned patterns, agentic AI extends this capability by applying generative outputs toward specific goals.
• For example, a generative AI model like OpenAI’s ChatGPT might produce text, images, or code, but an agentic AI system can use that generated content to complete complex tasks autonomously by calling external tools.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

News:https://www.thehindu.com/business/india-seeing-great-momentum-in-ai-agentic-ai-deployments-satya-nadella/article70385160.ece

Answer: a

Explanation:

In response to a question in Lok Sabha recently, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting said that till date 1,469 titles, equaling 4.3 lakh minutes of films, have been digitized under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM).

About National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM):

• It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for restoring and preserving the film heritage of India.
• Implementation Agency: National Film Archive of India, Pune.
• Objectives:
  • Condition assessment of film reels to ascertain the remaining life of the film.
  • 2K/4K picture and sound restoration of landmark films of India and recording of new picture and sound inter-negatives of each film.
  • Digitization of films.
  • Construction of archival and preservation facilities called vaults.
  • Training and workshops for in-house capacity building.
  • Web-based end-to-end IT solution.

Key Facts about National Film Archive of India (NFAI):

• It was established in February 1964 as a media unit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
• Its primary objective is to acquire and preserve Indian cinematic heritage.
• This includes preservation of film and non-film material, including but not limited to celluloid, stills, glass slides, posters, lobby cards, scripts, and song booklets.
• Beyond safeguarding celluloid history, the NFAI actively promotes Indian cinema.
  • They organize screenings, film appreciation courses, and research programs, fostering a deeper understanding of Indian film culture.
• It is headquartered in Pune with regional centers in Bangalore, Kolkata, and Trivandrum.
• It has been a member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) since 1969.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News:https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2201518&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha recently, the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development said that 222 institutions are currently participating in the Sanchar Mitra Scheme.

About Sanchar Mitra Scheme:

• It is a youth-oriented initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
• It is aimed at harnessing the energy and potential of young students to spread awareness about safe digital behaviour.
• Under this scheme, student volunteers, named as Sanchar Mitra, will raise public awareness about mobile safety, telecom fraud prevention, and government digital initiatives.
• They will conduct outreach in communities, schools, and public spaces to educate citizens on responsible and secure use of telecom services.
• This scheme is open to students from those technical institutes that have active telecom, electronics, computers, cybersecurity, or similar programs and have agreed to participate in the scheme.
• Sanchar Mitras will receive necessary training from experts and from the National Communications Academy-Technology (NCA-T).
  • The Sanchar Mitras will receive various training on subjects like cybersecurity, emerging technologies in the telecom sector, telecom policies and regulations, etc.
• The scheme offers top performers,
  • access, on a best-effort basis, to research and development (R&D) projects and telecom start-ups;
  • involvement in policy and standards work;
  • participation in field surveys and DoT initiatives;
  • exposure to national conferences and events.
• Recognition and incentives will be coordinated through DoT units, leveraging existing resources and partnerships.
• The scheme has been implemented across all states/UTs through the licensed service area (LSA) field offices of DoT.

Hence both statements are correct.

News:https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2201567&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: a

Explanation:

The recently held Italy–India Business Forum 2025 will strengthen bilateral trade, innovation and strategic economic partnership.

Location: It is located in South-central Europe on the Apennine Peninsula.

Bordering Countries: It shares its border with Switzerland and Austria in the north, Slovenia in the northeast and France in the northwest. 

Vatican City and San Marino are the two enclaved sovereign states within Italy.

Its southern boundary extends into the Mediterranean Sea.

Maritime boundaries: Italian Peninsula is bordered by the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Sea of Sicily in the south, the Ionian Sea in the southeast, the Ligurian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the southwest.

Capital City: Rome

Geographical Features of Italy

Terrain: It is mostly rugged and mountainous and has some plains, coastal lowlands.

Major Rivers: Po (It is Italy’s longest river) and Adige

Highest Point: Mont Blanc

Natural Resources: Coal, antimony, mercury, zinc, potash, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves.

Italy is volcanic in origin, and a few of its many volcanoes are active, including Sicily’s Mt. Etna, Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2202562&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Indian Navy will commission Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20, at Kochi under the aegis of Southern Naval Command. 

It is the first vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft.

DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.

Purpose: It is built for a wide spectrum of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters.

Features of Diving Support Craft A20:

It has a catamaran hull design form, the ship offers superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved seakeeping characteristics,

It is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

Capacity: It has a displacement capacity of approximately 390 tons.

It is designed and built in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS),

DSC A20 will be based at Kochi and operate under Southern Naval Command.

Significance: The Indian Navy’s capability in diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operational deployment will be substantially strengthened.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2202541&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests of Tamil Nadu, Ms Supriya Sahu, has won the UN Environment Programme’s 2025 Champions of the Earth Award.

It was established in 2005 and awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

It is the UN’s highest environmental honour, recognises trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect people and the planet.

Every year, UNEP honours individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste

Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories:

Policy leadership: Public sector officials leading global or national action for the environment. They shape dialogue, lead commitments and act for the good of the planet.

Inspiration and action: Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions.

Entrepreneurial vision: Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision.

Science and innovation: Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/acs-supriya-sahu-of-tamil-nadu-wins-unep-2025-champions-of-the-earth-award/#:~:text

Answer: b

Explanation:

India’s western tragopan population steadied by captive breeding but human disturbance and habitat fragmentation continue to endanger its future.

It is also known as the western horned tragopan, is amongst the rarest of all living pheasants.

Due to its beautiful plumage and large size, this bird is locally known as ‘jujurana’ or ‘king of birds’

It is one of the rarest and most stunning pheasant species in the world.

These birds are shy and ground-dwelling and usually active during dawn and dusk.

It is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.

Distribution: It is endemic to the northwest Himalaya, within a narrow range from Hazara in north Pakistan through Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, to the western part of Garhwal.

The upper part of Great Himalayan National Park’s (GHNP) forest zone holds the world’s largest known population of western tragopan.

Habitat: It prefers a habitat of ringal (dwarf) bamboo beneath dense forest.

Diet: It feeds mostly on leaves, shoots and seeds, but also consumes insects and other invertebrates.

Breeding:  It breeds during May to June, laying 3–5 eggs in concealed nests on the forest floor.

Threats: Habitat loss, hunting pressure and anthropogenic disturbances which includes livestock grazing, minor forest produce collection like medicinal herbs etc.

Conservation status: IUCN: Vulnerable.

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/western-tragopan-india-steadied-by-captive-breeding-reintroduction-delayed/article70379668.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the National Steering Committee (NSC) for the PM Vishwakarma scheme approved several proposals and policy measures to improve loan sanctions and disbursements under this scheme.

It is a central sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

It aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara, or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.

It offers services like market linkage support, skill training, and incentives for digital transactions to artisans and craftspeople engaged in specified trades.

Time period: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).

Eligibility & coverage:

It is available for rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India.

It covers 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc.

Aged 18+, engaged in traditional trade, no similar loans in the past 5 years.

Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.

Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day;

Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.

Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%

Coverage: Five lakh families will be covered in the first year and 30 lakh families over five years.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2202206&reg=3&lang=1