Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 18, 2025

Statement 1 is correct: Makkhali Gosala is considered the most significant figure in the Ajivika sect. He is credited with founding the tradition and articulating its philosophical tenets.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Its central belief is that everything is predetermined by fate or niyati. This means that human actions have no consequences one way or the other.

Statement 3 is correct: The Ajivikas were known to lead ascetic lives and lived in organized groups or communities, adhering to strict disciplinary practices and renunciation.

• Parinibbana refers to the ultimate state of nirvana achieved by an enlightened being upon death (like Buddha), where they are freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
• Samudaya refers to the second of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism, which identifies the cause of suffering as desire or craving.
• Arhat means laity followers as there were instances of a layperson becoming a follower without joining the sangha or simply hearing the doctrines.
• In Mahayana Buddhism, skanda is referred to as guardian of the viharas and the Buddhist teachings.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The first Buddhist council was organised by Ajatshatru and presided by Mahakassapa. Compilation of Buddhist teachings was done in this council into Vinay Pitaka (rules for a monk) and sutta pitaka (Buddha’s sermons and teachings).

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The second Buddhist council was organised by kalashoka and presided by sabakambi. In this, the sect was split into two orders that is the orthodox Sthaviravadins and the unorthodox Mahasanghikas.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: The third Buddhist council was organised by Ashoka and presided by Moggaliputta Tissa. In this, the compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka (Philosophical Doctrines of Buddha’s teachings) was done.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: The fourth Buddhist council was organised by Kanishka and presided by Vasumitra and Ashwaghosa. In this, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana.

There are 24 Jain Tirthankaras. Vardhamana was the 24^th one and came to be known as Mahavira.

Pair 1 is correct: Mahavira is symbolized by the lion, which represents strength and courage.

Pair 2 is correct: Rishabhanatha is represented by the bull, symbolizing agriculture and fertility.

Pair 3 is correct: Parshvanatha is associated with the hooded snake, symbolizing protection and vigilance.

Statement 1 is correct: First Jain council was held at Patliputra in 3^rd century BCE under the leadership of Sthulabahu. It led to the compilation of 12 angas.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Second Jain council was not held by Digambaras but by Swetambaras at Valabhi, Gujarat in the 5^th century CE. It led to the compilation of 12 angas and 12 upangas.