1. ‘Chengodumalaensis’ which was recently discovered, belong to which species?
[A] Gecko
[B] Spider
[C] Snake
[D] Turtle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gecko]
Notes:
‘Coastal Kerala Geckoella’ is a newly discovered species of ground-dwelling gecko. It is endemic to the low hills and coastal forest in northern Kerala.
Chengodumalaensis is a small, nocturnal species that is found on the ground among leaf litter and rocks in forests. Scientists have discovered the new species of ground-dwelling gecko, from the coastal forests of northern Kerala.
2. ‘Jang Palpung Zangdok Palri Monastery’ is situated in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Jang Palpung Zangdok Palri Monastery is situated in Tawang district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
This Buddhist monastery recently introduced dances of two deities Palden Lhamo and Gonpo, or Mahakala.
3. ‘Sarbat Khalsa’ is an event associated with which religion?
[A] Islam
[B] Sikhism
[C] Buddhism
[D] Jainism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikhism]
Notes:
Sarbat Khalsa is a deliberative assembly of all factions of Sikhs that dates back to the 18th century. It is held twice a year on the occasion of Baisakhi and Diwali.
The last “Sarbat khalsa” was held on February 16, 1986. It was recently announced that the convening of a Sarbat khalsa congregation is the sole prerogative of the Akal Takht chief.
4. Which is the first American state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia?
[A] Seattle
[B] Georgia
[C] New York
[D] California
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Georgia]
Notes:
The US state of Georgia recently became the first American state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry.
It seeks to build upon a 2022 report by Rutgers University that found there has been a noticeable surge in anti-Hindu disinformation.
5. Christina Koch, who was seen in the news, is associated with which profession?
[A] Sports-person
[B] Business-person
[C] Astronaut
[D] Scientist
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Astronaut]
Notes:
NASA named the first woman and the first African-American ever assigned as astronauts to a lunar mission.
Christina Koch, an engineer who already holds the record for the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman, was named as a mission specialist, along with Victor Glover, a U.S. Navy aviator, who was selected as the Artemis II pilot.
6. Which country has invited Prime Minister to visit as a guest at the annual Bastille Day parade?
[A] France
[B] USA
[C] Ukraine
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [France]
Notes:
France has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Paris as a guest at the annual Bastille Day parade in July.
The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to discuss a number of major agreements including those on the Indo-Pacific region, nuclear power and defence, as the two countries mark the 25 th year of their strategic partnership.
7. The ‘Stand Up India Scheme’ has been extended till which year?
[A] 2025
[B] 2027
[C] 2030
[D] 2050
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [2025]
Notes:
The Stand up India Scheme was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. The scheme has been extended till 2025.
Over Rs 40,700 crore was sanctioned under the Stand Up India Scheme over the seven years of its implementation. Around 80 percent of the loans under this scheme were provided to women.
8. Which state approved agreement with KfW for a loan to fund the ‘Kerala Green Energy Corridor’?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala Green Energy Corridor seeks to synchronize electricity produced from renewables with conventional power stations in the grid.
The state cabinet recently approved the agreement with the German development bank, KfW, for a loan to fund this project.
9. Who is the head of the committee set up by the Urban Affairs Ministry to examine stalled real estate projects?
[A] Parameswaran
[B] Amitabh Kant
[C] Saraswat
[D] Urjit Patel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amitabh Kant]
Notes:
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has set up a committee headed by Amitabh Kant to examine stalled real estate projects.
It seeks to examine the issues related to legacy stalled real estate projects in the country and recommend ways to complete them.
10. Idaho, which was seen in the news, is a state of which country?
[A] USA
[B] Australia
[C] UK
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
Idaho is a rocky mountain state in the United States. Idaho recently introduced an abortion trafficking law to restrict travel for abortions.
The bill makes it illegal for an adult to help minor get an abortion without parental consent.