QUIZ – 2017: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 30 April 2017

Solution: a.

The methodology of the Four Waters concept revolves around the harvesting of available runoff (four waters – rain water, surface water, ground water & in-situ soil moisture) in rural areas by treatment of catchment, proper utilization of available water harvesting structures, renovation of the non-functional water harvesting structures & creation of new water harvesting structures.

TH: Water top the power of four;

Solution: d.

• With the monsoon failing twice last year, Kerala is in the throes of unprecedented water stress, and its population and fragile environment are on the brink of a disaster.
• The government has responded by launching the Haritha Keralam Mission – a multi-dimensional development project – aimed at conservation of water resources, integrated watershed management, improvement of agriculture and total sanitation.
• The mission, which was launched last December, will use a decentralised approach to planning, with local bodies playing a pivotal role in ensuring people’s participation.

TH: Haritha Keralam launched;

Drought in the land of plenty (scroll down to read the article);

Solution: a.

The same question was posted here a few months ago.

• One, many of Bhasa’s plays were discovered through Koodiyattam (Kutiyattam) plays – a form of Sanskrit theatre traditionally performed in the state of Kerala.
• ‘Mantrankam’ is the third act of Bhasa’s celebrated Sanskrit play ‘Pratijna Yougandharayan’, written sometime between 2^nd and 3^rd century AD, and the play has been performed as an annual offering at five Shiva temples in Kerala – it is a 41 day enactment.
• With temple funds drying up, and Koodiyattam itself in a state of decline, Mantrankam wound up in 1995. However, in 2016, the play was revived in the Peruvanam temple.

About Bhasa: Wikipedia; Britannica;

Additionally, In the news: “Kapila Venu first heard about the legendary Kumara Gandharva from her famous father G. Venu, who had heard his first Gandharva concert when he was touring Madhya Pradesh to explore various art forms. The legendary singer had since then become an icon of sorts for her. So to have received this year’s Kumar Gandharva Samman was an unexpected and moving honour for Kapila.”

Solution: d.

• Narmada river rises near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows for over a 1000km before emptying into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Cambay.
• Its principal tributaries are the Burhner, the Halon, the Heran, the Banjar, the Dudhi, the Shakkar, the Tawa, the Barna ,the Kolar, the Ganjal, the Beda, the Goi, and the Orsang.

Improvisation: TH: The Thirsty River; IE: After Ganga and Yamuna, it’s Narmada;

Solution: b.

A question on the Goldman Environmental Prize was posted here a few days ago.

• “An iconic leader of social justice movements in India, Prafulla Samantara led a historic 12-year legal battle that affirmed the indigenous Dongria Kondh’s land rights and protected the Niyamgiri Hills from a massive, open-pit aluminum ore mine.”

TH: Interview with Prafulla Samantara;