1. Fuego Volcano, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Guatemala
[B] Indonesia
[C] Japan
[D] Philippines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guatemala]
Notes:
Guatemalan authorities recently evacuated over 500 people as Fuego Volcano released gas and ash. Volcan de Fuego, meaning “Volcano of Fire” in Spanish, is located in Guatemala and is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Fuego Volcano has erupted over 60 times since the year 1524, showing a long history of intense volcanic activity.
2. A new species of beetle called Spathaspina noohi was recently discovered in which northeastern state?
[A] Assam
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Mizoram
[D] Tripura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Meghalaya]
Notes:
A new species of beetle called Spathaspina noohi was recently discovered in the biodiverse forests of Meghalaya, India. It was found in the Umran area of Ri Bhoi district at an altitude of 781 metres. This beetle belongs to the weevil family, scientifically known as Curculionidae, which has over 60,000 species worldwide. Unlike some weevils that harm crops, Spathaspina noohi helps maintain ecological balance by controlling invasive plants.
3. The Sustainable Energy for All (SEfor ALL) initiative was launched by which organization?
[A] World Bank
[B] African Union (AU)
[C] United Nations (UN)
[D] Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Nations (UN)]
Notes:
The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, a state-run energy company in India, has signed an agreement with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) to create an energy transition roadmap. Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is a global initiative launched by the United Nations (UN) in 2011. It is a partnership involving governments, private companies, and civil society to promote clean and accessible energy. SEforALL is an independent organization hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
4. Which institute has reported the first flowering and seed set of asafoetida (heeng) in India?
[A] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi
[B] CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur
[C] University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru
[D] G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur]
Notes:
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) recently reported the first flowering and seed set of asafoetida, also known as heeng, at Palampur in Himachal Pradesh. This confirms that asafoetida has successfully adapted and been domesticated in Indian soil for the first time. Asafoetida, scientifically called Ferula assa-foetida, is a perennial herb that takes about five years to flower. The plant grows well in cold and dry climates like those in Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, which are its native regions.
5. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
A ‘Maha Kumbhabhishekam’, a grand ritual for temple purification and consecration, was recently performed at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala after 270 years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. The city’s name, Thiruvananthapuram, means “The City of Lord Ananta” in Malayalam, referring to the deity of this temple.
