UPSC Daily Quiz 16 December 2025

Answer: c

Explanation:

A new study has found that any place with heavy artemisinin use and favourable conditions could become a new hotspot for resistance, and that in some parts of Africa, the frequency of resistance markers is gradually increasing.

About Artemisinin:

It is an antimalarial drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua.

The process involves drying the leaves and using a solvent to extract the active ingredient.

Discovery of artemisinin’s therapeutic benefits in the 1970s was a breakthrough in malaria treatment.

It offered a new option when the malaria parasite was becoming resistant to older drugs like chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Artemisinin is effective against all the malaria-causing protozoal organisms in the genus Plasmodium.

It mainly targets the malaria parasite during the blood stage, disrupting the parasite’s ability to replicate within red blood cells.

It helps significantly reduce the parasites but doesn’t stay in the body for a long time, being eliminated within hours.

It is usually partnered with another drug that eliminates the remaining parasites over a longer period of time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the go-to treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Today, there are several derivatives of artemisinin, including artesunate and artemether, that are used in the treatment of malaria.

Artesunate is highly effective at treating severe malaria as it is the only artemisinin derivative that can be given via intravenous injection.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

News:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/artemisinin-resistance-africa-kelch13-mutations-southeast-asia-malaria-control/article70397728.ece#google_vignette

Answer: b

Explanation:

Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, is on an official visit to Maldives to attend the closing ceremony of Ex Ekatha 2025.

About Exercise Ekatha 2025:

Established in 2017, Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

It aims to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation, and 2025 marks its eighth edition.

The exercise involved a series of professional interactions designed to boost interoperability and operational collaboration between the two navies.

Activities included technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics, and special heli-borne operation drills.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2204321&reg=3&lang=2

Answer: a

Explanation:     

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently organised a National Workshop on the Project Mausam titled as – “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region’’.

About Project Mausam:

It is an Indian government-led cultural-diplomacy and maritime heritage initiative launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Culture.

It aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’ – collating archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of cultural, commercial, and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean.

A total of 39 Indian Ocean countries have been identified under Project Mausam.

The main objective of the project is to inscribe places and sites identified under Project Mausam as trans-national nominations for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

It also aims to promote research on themes related to the study of maritime routes through international scientific seminars and meetings and by adopting a multidisciplinary approach.

It aims to encourage the production of specialized works, as well as publications for the general public, with an attempt at promoting a broader understanding of the concept of a common heritage and multiple identities.

The project will have two major units:

Project Research Unit

World Heritage Nomination Unit.

The project is implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the nodal agency with research support of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum as associate bodies.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2204108&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: a

Explanation:

Since its inception in 2009-10, the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme has successfully trained a remarkable 643,000 individuals, resulting in over 84,000 participants securing placements within the industry.

About Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme:

It is a Central Government Scheme designed to develop the tourism potential of India.

It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

It operates as a comprehensive skill development and certification framework targeting both the unorganised and organised sectors of India’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Under the Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism conducts training programmes for the tourism stakeholders across the country, including urban, rural, and tribal areas.

The outcome of these training includes placements by institutes, self-employment, and trainees opting for higher studies such as diploma and degree courses in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The MoT implements the scheme through a network of central, state, and private agencies, including the following:

India Tourism Offices

Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs)

Food Craft Institutes (FCIs)

Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM)

National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT)

State Tourism Departments and Corporations

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and registered private training organisations

Under the scheme, MoT provides financial assistance to participating institutes.

Key Training Programmes under CBSP:

Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT): A programme focused on skill-based employment opportunities.

Entrepreneurship Programme (EP): Designed to equip individuals with the skills required to establish their own ventures in the tourism sector.

Skill Testing & Certification (ST&C): A re-skilling initiative that assesses and certifies existing tourism service providers.

Tourism Awareness Programme (TAP): Aimed at creating awareness and encouraging community participation in the tourism industry.

The beneficiaries range from organised sector workers, such as hotel and restaurant workers, to unorganised sector workers, such as dhaba staff, taxi/coach drivers, tourist police, monument staff, etc.

Courses are delivered either at institutional premises, such as Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), Food Craft Institutes (FCIs), etc., or on-site at workplaces, with practical and on-the-job components.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News:https://observervoice.com/training-initiative-boosts-tourism-employment-and-skills-across-india-165312/

Answer: d

Explanation:

India’s Centralised Public Grievances Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) has seen a 74% reduction in public grievance pendency since 2021.

About Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS):

CPGRAMS is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.

It was developed and monitored by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

It is a single portal connected to all the ministries/departments of the Government of India and States.

Every ministry and state have role-based access to this system.

CPGRAMS is also accessible to the citizens through a standalone mobile application downloadable through the Google Play store, and mobile application integrated with UMANG.

The status of the grievance filed in CPGRAMS can be tracked with the unique registration ID provided at the time of registration of the complainant.

The grievances received on the CPGRAMS shall be resolved promptly as soon as they are received but within a maximum period of 21 days.

CPGRAMS also provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.

After closure of grievance, if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, he/she can provide feedback.

If the rating is ‘Poor’ the option to file an appeal is enabled.

The status of the appeal can also be tracked by the petitioner with the grievance registration number.

Issues which are not taken up for redressal:

Sub-judice cases or any matter concerning judgment given by any court.

Personal and family disputes.

RTI matters.

Religious matters.

Anything that impacts upon the territorial integrity of the country or friendly relations with other countries.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3726303-sharp-decline-in-public-grievance-pendency-sparks-efficiency-in-cpgrams

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Chief Minister of Sikkim officially declared Cho La & Dok La, two significant border destinations, open for tourists under the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” initiative.

• It is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Tourism.
• Aim: The initiative aims to promote border tourism while simultaneously strengthening infrastructure and improving the livelihoods of people living in remote border villages.
• It helps in promoting connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic development in border
• Features of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative:
  • Virtual Tour: It features details on various battlefields and border areas, offering virtual tours, historical narratives, and interactive content.
  • Historical Narratives: The Indian Army, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, has shortlisted Galwan (the river valley in Ladakh ) Doklam which is a tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China.
    • It even identified 77 other forward sites to raise awareness by opening historically significant locations linked to the valor and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces to tourists.
  • Most of these sites fall along India’s borders with China (Line of Actual Control) and Pakistan (Line of Control) that have had a history of wars after independence and other clashes in recent times.
  • The Army is collaborating with local civil authorities to facilitate these efforts while maintaining high operational preparedness.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/sikkim-cm-opens-cho-la-and-dok-la-for-tourists-under-bharat-ranbhoomi-darshan/

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, India reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and religious harmony at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, UNAOC, forum in Riyadh.

• It was established in 2005, as the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General.
• It was co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Türkiye.
• It was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
• Function: It maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.
• The Global Forum is the highest-profile event of the UNAOC which brings together prominent personalities, current and potential partners, and others from different sectors. 
• Funds: The Secretary-General has established a voluntary Trust Fund for UNAOC.
  • This fund supports the UNAOC projects, activities and outreach, undertaken by the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in his official capacity, and core operational and human resources needs.
  • The Trust Fund for UNAOC is administered by the United Nations Secretariat in accordance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules.
• UNAOC receives voluntary contributions from member states, international organizations, private sector and foundations.
• Secretariat: It is based in New York, USA.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-reaffirms-ideals-of-vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-at-11th-unaoc-forum-in-riyadh/

Answer: c

Explanation:

A study conducted at seven antenatal clinics with over 3,000 women, found that early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects about one in five pregnant women.

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, and is typically diagnosed between 24-28 weeks gestation.
• Causes
  • It happens when the hormones from the placenta block your ability to use or make insulin.
  • The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, and also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy
  • This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
• Symptoms: Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause symptoms but it includes excessive thirst, urinating more often, fatigue, nausea.
• Risk factors that can increase the chances of developing GDM which includes:
  • Living with overweight or obesity
  • Being over the age of 45
  • Having a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Treatment: Gestational diabetes can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/study-shows-evidence-of-growing-early-gestational-diabetes-among-pregnant-women/article70395102.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) has imported eight black-capped capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) from South Africa under an animal exchange programme.

• Black-capped capuchin (Sapajus apella) is also known as tufted capuchins.
• Distribution: It is native to South America, where they are ubiquitous throughout the Amazon River Basin.
• Habitat: It is mainly found in tropical, subtropical, dry, submontane, savannah, mangrove forests.
• Behavior and Lifestyle of Black-capped Capuchin Monkey:
  • Black-capped capuchins are predominantly arboreal and diurnal species.
  • Communication: Black-capped capuchin monkeys communicate with one another through vocalizations, body language, tactile methods, and olfactory cues.
  • Diet: It is classified as omnivores, their diet consists of fruit, seeds, nuts, insects, lizards, eggs and crustaceans.
• Ecological Role: Feeding upon fruit, the capuchins become seed dispersers of certain forest plants.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/bengaluru-customs-foil-wildlife-smuggling-attempt-at-kia/article70384600.ece

Answer: d

Explanation:

Migratory birds have begun arriving at the Vellode Bird Sanctuary at Vadamugam Vellode, located 12 km from Erode.

• It is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries located in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• The sanctuary receives rainfall from the Northeast monsoon between September and December.
• It is part of important migratory bird flyway (central asia flyway).
• It serves as a breeding ground for both resident and migratory birds.
• It is built around the Periyakulam lake and has been designated a protected Ramsar site since 2022.
• Source of water: Seepage from the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal and rainwater are the main sources of water during the migration period.
• Fauna: Migratory birds like Northern pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Blue tailed bee-eater, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Chestnut tailed starling, Blyth’s warbler, Skyes warbler are seen here.
• Flora: The Site is also an ideal habitat for notable plant species including Cayratia pedata, Tephrosia purpurea and Commelina tricolor. 

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/migratory-birds-arrive-at-vellode-bird-sanctuary/article70398388.ece