31. ‘Metarhizium indicum’ which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Bird
[B] Fish
[C] Fungus
[D] Bacterium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungus]
Notes:
A team of scientists led by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, have discovered a new species of insect pathogenic fungus.
The fungus, isolated from leafhopper pest of Malabar tamarind, has been named Metarhizium indicum to indicate its Indian origin. It is said to have a potential biocontrol application.
32. As per the ‘Banking on Climate Chaos Report’ which is the top bank in financing fossil fuels globally from 2016–2022?
[A] Citi Bank
[B] JP Morgan Chase
[C] Wells Fargo
[D] Bank of America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [JP Morgan Chase]
Notes:
The ‘Banking on Climate Chaos Report’ was co-authored by several institutions including Rainforest Action Network, BankTrack, Indigenous Environmental Network among others.
According to this report, world’s 60 largest banks have spent 5.5 trillion USD for funding fossil fuel projects since 2016, when the Paris Agreement came into effect. J P Morgan Chase is the top bank financing fossil fuels globally from 2016–2022.
33. Which space agency launched the ‘Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) project’?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] ESA
[D] Rocosmos
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ESA]
Notes:
The European Space Agency has successfully launched its mission to Jupiter’s moons. The Ariane 5 rocket was launched from the ESA’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) project aims to send a satellite on an eight-year journey to reach the icy moons of the planet, gas giant.
34. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a MOU with which organisation for comprehensive rural mental health programme in 2 districts?
[A] Ashraya Hastha Trust
[B] Bill and Melinda Foundation
[C] World Vision foundation
[D] National Health Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashraya Hastha Trust]
Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ashraya Hastha Trust (a charitable trust in Karnataka) to implement a model comprehensive rural mental health programme in Munisiyari taluk – Pithorgarh district of Uttarakhand and in Belur taluk – Hassan district in Karnataka.
The programme would be subsequently expanded to the entire country, if proved successful.
35. What is the name coined for the collection of marine debris in the Northern Pacific Ocean?
[A] High Sea Debris
[B] Mid Oceanic Debris
[C] Great Pacific Garbage Patch
[D] American Debris Stream
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Great Pacific Garbage Patch]
Notes:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. It is also known as the Pacific trash vortex, spans waters from the West Coast of North America to Japan.
Marine debris is litter that ends up in the ocean, seas, and other large bodies of water. A recent study by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) shows that this giant collection of plastic trash has also become home to thousands of marine life, creating a new kind of ecosystem.
36. Which country has launched the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ Campaign?
[A] Israel
[B] Ukraine
[C] UAE
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UAE]
Notes:
The ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ Campaign was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Its purpose is to establish the Ramzan sustainable food aid endowment fund and provide a food safety net for marginalized populations in countries struggling with food insecurity.
37. Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) nuclear reactor is located in which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Finland
[C] Austria
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Finland]
Notes:
The Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) nuclear reactor, located in Finland is the Europe’s largest nuclear reactor. Its construction begun 18 years ago and has recently commenced its power production. The reactor is designed to last for at least 60 years and is expected to boost the energy security in a region.
It is said that the OL3 reactor would play a crucial role in power price stabilisation and green energy transition in Finland.
38. ‘Bhoodan movement’ was started in 1951 by which leader?
[A] Mahatma Gandhi
[B] Vinoba Bhave
[C] Rabindranath Tagore
[D] Aurobindo Ghosh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vinoba Bhave]
Notes:
Gramdan is the expansion of Bhoodan movement that was started in 1951 by Vinoba Bhave. Under this initiative, the entire village will put its land under a common trust.
At present, seven states in India have 3,660 Gramdan villages, the highest being in Odisha (1309).
39. As per a recent study, a protein called shugosin gives shape to which structure?
[A] Bone
[B] Muscle
[C] Retina
[D] Chromosome
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chromosome]
Notes:
A new study has found that a protein called shugosin locks the chromosomes into X shapes to give them their structure.
The protein’s function is to maintain the stability of chromosomes during cell division. Also called as SGO1, this protein fits precisely into a sort of keyhole which gives the chromosome its X shape.
40. As per the ‘Special Marriage Act (SMA) of 1954’, a public notice of the intended marriage is to be displayed before how many days?
[A] 13
[B] 15
[C] 30
[D] 60
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [30]
Notes:
The Special Marriage Act (SMA) of 1954 provides legal framework for civil marriage between people belonging to different religions or castes.
The Act requires marriage officers to display a public notice inviting objections to an intended marriage 30 days prior to the ceremony. The Constitution Bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud termed the 30-day notice period under this Act ‘patriarchal’.