UPSC Daily Quiz 29 December 2025

Answer: c

Explanation:

Frequency combs are an important modern tool which are used to calibrate atomic clocks and has various other applications.

• It is a special kind of laser light whose spectrum, or set of frequencies, resembles the teeth of a comb.
• Frequency combs are simple and compact tools that phase coherently connect the radio frequency domain (say below 100GHz) with the optical domain (say above 200THz).
• Characteristics of Frequency Comb:
  • Instead of containing just one colour (one frequency), it emits a large number of evenly spaced frequencies. The spacing is extremely regular.
  • Frequency combs are widely-used, high-precision tools for measuring and detecting different frequencies colors — of light. 
  • It has high stability and precision.
• Applications of Frequency comb:
  • It helps scientists compare an unknown light frequency to a stable reference with extraordinary precision. 
  • Frequency combs are an important modern tool to calibrate atomic clocks and measure shifts in light caused by gravity.
  • It is used to detect explanets.
  • It is also used in high-speed spectroscopy.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-a-frequency-comb/article70442980.ece#:~:text

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India praised the Narsapuram Lace Craft products made by self-help groups in Narsapur of Andhra Pradesh during his “Man-Ki-Baat” broadcast.

• Narsapur is situated on the bank of Godavari River in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• History of Narsapuram Lace Craft:
  • It is believed that the women of the farming community of this region started creating highly attractive artefacts from colourful lace, about 150 years ago.
  • The craft has survived the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929).
• Raw Materials: Primarily uses fine cotton threads in various thicknesses and colors.
  • Artisans also incorporate silk, rayon, or synthetic threads for decorative pieces, with beads and sequins added to enhance export-quality designs.
• Tool used: The main tool is the crochet hook, available in different sizes to create diverse patterns and textures.
• Design: This craft showcases intricate floral, geometric, and paisley patterns inspired by nature and traditional motifs.
• Narsapur’s famed hand-made crochet industry produces doilies, pillow covers, cushion covers, bed spreads, table-runners, and table cloths etc.
• It was recognized with Geographical Indication tag.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/pm-modi-highlights-narsapuram-lace-craft-as-a-model-of-womens-empowerment-1926767

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has launched a policy push to legalise and regulate the cultivation of industrial hemp.

• Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is botanically related to marijuana, but with very different properties.
• While marijuana is rich with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component that makes pot a drug of choice by many, hemp contains only the smallest traces of THC (<0.3%),
• It is an herbaceous, dioecious plant belonging to the Cannabis genus within the Cannabaceae family.
• It is high in fiber and low in active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Applications of Industrial Hemp:
  • It is used for varieties used for recreational, therapeutic, and industrial purposes, commonly referred to as marijuana and hemp, respectively.
  • It is a versatile crop that can be processed into different products with multiple uses.
  • Its stalk can be used to produce biofuel, auto parts, paper, upholstery, and fiber for cloth and other textile items. T
  • Its stem can also be processed into building materials, industrial products and different kinds of papers.
  • Its seeds can be used to produce feed or food or the sources of oil that can be converted into a lotion or cosmetic products.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/wild-weed-to-himalayan-gold-cm-sukhu-launches-policy-to-cultivate-industrial-hemp-10442170/

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the Minister of State (IC) for Ayush informed about the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).

• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
• It provides support to Indian Ayush drug Manufacturers/ Ayush Service providers to give boost to the export of Ayush products & services.
• Objectives:
  • To promote and strengthen awareness and interest about AYUSH Systems of Medicine at international level
  • To facilitate International promotion, development and recognition of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy
  • To foster interaction of stakeholders and market development of AYUSH at international level
  • To support international exchange of experts and information for promotion and propagation of AYUSH systems,
  • To promote academics and research through establishment of AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign countries.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of AYUSH
• Components of Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH:
  • International exchange of experts & officers,
  • Incentive to drug manufacturers, entrepreneurs, AYUSH institutions, Hospitals etc. for international propagation of AYUSH by participating in international exhibitions, trade fairs, road shows etc.
  • Support for international market development and AYUSH promotion-related activities,
  • Establishment of AYUSH Information Cells and establishment and strengthening of Health Centre/ Institution in foreign countries.
  • International Fellowship/ scholarship Programme for foreign nationals for undertaking AYUSH courses in premier institutions in India.

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2209281&reg=3&lang=1#:~:text

Answer: d

Explanation:

The Government has declared the Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh as an Eco sensitive zone.

• Location: It is situated in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is a permanent freshwater environment consisting of two oxbow lakes namely Parvati and Arga.
• It is designated as Ramsar site.
• Fauna: It is the critically endangered white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), and the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) have all been recorded.
  • Invasive species such as the common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is also found here.
• Flora: The Vegetation of the Sanctuary is representative of that of the indo-gangetive ecosystem.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/government-declares-parvati-arga-bird-sanctuary-as-eco-sensitive-zone/