DART 27-07-26 - Questlink IAS

Art & Cul

Q1. Consider the following statements:

Statement I:

The inscription of the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath on the UNESCO World Heritage List strengthens India's cultural diplomacy and global recognition of its Buddhist heritage.

Statement II:

UNESCO World Heritage inscription is granted only to properties possessing Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) under the World Heritage Convention, 1972.

Statement III:

Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List primarily because it is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Ans: (c)

Explanation

The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026, becoming India's 45th World Heritage Site.
UNESCO inscribes only those cultural, natural, or mixed properties that possess Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) under the World Heritage Convention, 1972. Such recognition enhances the global visibility of a country's heritage and contributes to cultural diplomacy. Hence, Statement II is correct.
Sarnath is not the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Buddha was born at Lumbini (present-day Nepal). Sarnath is associated with his first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) and the establishment of the Buddhist Sangha. Hence, Statement III is not correct.
Since only Statement II is correct, and it explains why UNESCO inscription enhances India's international cultural standing, only one of Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Science & Tech

Q2. With reference to the Fields Medal, consider the following statements:

Recently, two Chinese mathematicians became the first Chinese nationals to receive the Fields Medal.
The Fields Medal is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to mathematicians of any age.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation

In 2026, Yu Deng and Hong Wang became the first Chinese nationals to receive the Fields Medal, marking China's first-ever Fields Medal wins. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The Fields Medal, administered by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), is regarded as the highest honour in mathematics and is often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics."
The Fields Medal is not awarded annually and is not conferred by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It is awarded once every four years by the IMU to mathematicians below 40 years of age. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q3. With reference to the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), consider the following statements:

It primarily supports establishment of non-farm enterprises in rural areas.
It is implemented through the State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs).
It is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) is a sub-scheme of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), launched in 2016 to promote rural non-farm entrepreneurship through community-based institutions.
SVEP supports the establishment of small non-farm enterprises in rural areas by providing financial assistance, business management training, mentoring, soft skill development, and business development services, thereby promoting sustainable livelihoods and self-employment. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The programme is implemented through the State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs). At the block level, Block Resource Centres–Enterprise Promotion (BRC-EPs) and Community Resource Persons–Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EPs) facilitate enterprise promotion and provide mentoring to entrepreneurs. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
SVEP is implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development as part of DAY-NRLM, and not by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Science and Tech.

Q4. Qdenga, recently seen in the news, is best described as:

(a) A recombinant vaccine developed for the prevention of malaria.

(b) A live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes.

(d) An mRNA vaccine developed for the prevention of chikungunya.

Ans: (b)

Explanation

Qdenga (TAK-003) is the first dengue vaccine approved in India. It is designed to address the challenge posed by the four antigenically distinct serotypes of the dengue virus.
Qdenga is a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine developed by Takeda. It is designed to induce immunity against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4). Hence, Option (b) is correct.

Geography

Q5. Under the nationwide #CatchTheRain campaign, Mission Jal Raksha has emerged as a science-driven and community-led initiative for groundwater recharge and water security. Mission Jal Raksha, is implemented in which one of the following States?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Chhattisgarh

(d) Odisha

Ans: (b)

Explanation

Mission Jal Raksha is an innovative water conservation initiative implemented by the Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh to strengthen groundwater recharge and long-term water security.
The initiative integrates GIS mapping, remote sensing, aquifer mapping, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), ridge-to-valley planning, recharge shafts, and injection wells for scientific groundwater management.
It forms part of the broader #CatchTheRain campaign under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, emphasising Jan Bhagidari (community participation).
Rajnandgaon has created over 60,000 water conservation structures, converted 500+ defunct borewells into recharge shafts, and established 600+ injection wells with 1,700+ mini percolation tanks.
These interventions have reportedly contributed to an average groundwater level rise of about 2.04 metres in the district.

Hence, option (b) is correct.