1. Dachigam National Park, recently seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
Despite conservation efforts, Kashmir’s hangul deer, also known as the Kashmir stag, faces extinction. This shy and sensitive species, the only surviving Asiatic sub-species of the European red deer, is Jammu and Kashmir’s state animal. Endemic to Kashmir’s hills, particularly in Dachigam National Park, it suffers from habitat loss and poaching. Critically endangered according to IUCN and listed in CITES Appendix I, urgent measures are needed to save it from disappearing.
2. Gulaal Gota, recently seen in the news, is a traditional festival of which city?
[A] Jaipur, Rajasthan
[B] Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
[C] Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
[D] Surat, Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jaipur, Rajasthan]
Notes:
In parts of Jaipur, Rajasthan, a unique Holi tradition unfolds on March 25: the throwing of colors through “Gulaal Gota,” small lac balls filled with dry gulaal. Crafted by Muslim lac makers known as Manihaars, this tradition dates back 400 years, cherished by the erstwhile Jaipur royal family. Gulaal Gotas represent a cultural fusion, highlighting the rich heritage and communal harmony in the region.
3. Where were the first Foreign Office Consultations between India and Mauritania organized?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Nouadhibou
[C] Nouakchott
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nouakchott]
Notes:
India and Mauritania held their 1st Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott, discussing bilateral, regional, and global issues. Talks covered political cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural exchanges. Bilateral trade surged to $378 million in 2022-23 from $108 million in 2021-22. India’s Resident Mission, opened in June 2021, has bolstered relations. The meeting highlighted the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
4. Which one of the following countries recently signed a new agreement to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS Submarines?
[A] Ukraine, France and Germany
[B] US, UK, and Australia
[C] India, US and China
[D] Russia, Australia and Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [US, UK, and Australia ]
Notes:
The US, UK, and Australia have formed a new pact to construct Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines, marking a milestone in defense cooperation. ASC and BAE Systems will build the submarines, equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and undersea warfare. SSN-AUKUS will enhance industrial collaboration, bolster collective capacity, and spur economic growth in defense sectors. AUKUS aims to fortify a robust submarine industrial base across the three nations, ensuring production and maintenance capabilities
5. Which country recently performed the first transplant of a genetically modified kidney from a pig into a living human?
[A] United States
[B] UK
[C] India
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
US surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a 62-year-old patient, marking a historic breakthrough at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Unlike previous attempts, where pig kidneys were temporarily transplanted into brain-dead donors, this marks the first time a pig kidney has been implanted into a living person, with the patient showing promising signs of recovery.
