1. Fausta, a female black rhino, believed to be the world’s oldest rhino, had recently died in Tanzanian conservation area. What is the IUCN status of the black rhinos?
[A] Least concern
[B] Endangered
[C] Critically Endangered
[D] Near threatened
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Critically Endangered]
Notes:
Also known as “hook-lipped rhinoceros”, these species, though called “black” are in varying colours of brown and grey. They are found in South and East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its IUCN status is critically endangered, though the South-Western status of the black rhinoceros is classified under vulnerable.
2. Which state is going to conduct its maiden snow leopard survey?
[A] Uttrakhand
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttrakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand is preparing for its maiden snow leopards survey after the winter is over. Experts estimate that there are over 80 snow leopards in Uttarakhand. However, a census of this cat has not yet been conducted.
3. The recent Taiwanese anti-infiltration law is seen as a move against which country?
[A] Japan
[B] North Korea
[C] Russia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
Taiwan parliament had recently passed an anti-infiltration law to counter the perceived threats from China as the nation prepares itself for a presidential vote. This legislation is part of the Taiwanese government’s efforts to curb China’s influence in the politics and democratic process through illegal funding, media etc.
4. Which river, which was recently in news for failed rejuvenation efforts, is known as Mexico’s most polluted waterway by the UN?
[A] Santiago river
[B] Rio Grande
[C] River Lerma
[D] Colorado river
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Santiago river ]
Notes:
The United Nations called the Santiago river as Mexico’s most polluted waterway. According to the 2017 figures, less than a third of the country’s industrial wastewater is treated. Recently, Mexico has signed an expansive trade deal with the US and Canada in which it made an explicit promise to conserve its environment.
5. The Ransthamb that was recently in the news is in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Ransthamb is a memorial to the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Maharashtra. It is also known as Jaistambh or victory pillar. It is located in Bhima Koregaon village in Pune. It was visited by many in light of the 202nd anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle that was fought in 1818.
6. What is the new integrated helpline number of the Indian Railways, launched recently?
[A] 138
[B] 139
[C] 1071
[D] 1072
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [139]
Notes:
The Indian Railways has recently launched an integrated helpline number ‘139’ for its passengers by merging several other existing helpline numbers. The only other number which can still be used is ‘182’, which is the helpline number for assistance related to theft and criminal issues. This new helpline 139 is based on Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) and is made available in 12 languages. The number can be even dialled from basic phones.
7. The World Health Assembly of WHO has designated 2020 as which year?
[A] The International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife
[B] The International Year of Doctors
[C] The International Year of Health Professionals
[D] The International Year of Population control
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife]
Notes:
The World Health Assembly has designated 2020 as ‘the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife’. According to the WHO, the world needs 18 million more health workers to achieve universal health coverage by the year 2030 and approximately 9 million health workers of the world are nurses and midwives. The World Health Assembly, which is the decision making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), holds the assembly at Geneva, Switzerland every year and it determines the policies of WHO.
8. Which is the first country to ban sun screens, that are toxic to coral reefs and sea life?
[A] Palau
[B] Philippines
[C] Taiwan
[D] Papua New Guinea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Palau]
Notes:
Palau, a small island nation in the West Pacific Ocean imposed a ban on sun screens that contain chemicals affecting the coral reefs and other aquatic species. The step is also taken to conserve its Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sun cream with the toxic chemicals including oxybenzone, will not be permitted to be used or sold in the country. Palau is a famous destination among international tourists and is mainly acclaimed for its coral reefs.
9. Which famous Indian cricketer recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket?
[A] Irfan Pathan
[B] Yusuf Pathan
[C] Bhuvanesh Kumar
[D] R Ashwin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Irfan Pathan]
Notes:
The ace Indian all-rounder and bowler famous for his swings, Irfan Pathan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket recently. Irfan made his debut in 2003 when he was only 19 years old. In his professional cricket career spanning 16 years, he made several records including the hat-trick wicket in the first over of the test match. Irfan was also a part of the winning team of the 2007 T20 World cup.
10. Which state will have the country’s first rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
India’s first rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles will be inaugurated in the Bhagalpur forest division of Bihar. The centre, which is to be open soon can accommodate 500 turtles at a time. The forest division is near to the river Ganga, which makes it a perfect breeding area for freshwater turtles. The turtles are abducted and hurt by smugglers will be rescued by the team of the rehabilitation centre and will be provided proper treatment.
