31. ‘Pohela Boishakh’ marks the beginning of the new year in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Meghalaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Notes:
Pohela Boishakh, also known as Bengali New Year, is a significant cultural festival in Bangladesh and the Bengali-speaking states of India including West Bengal.
The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Bengali calendar, which usually falls in the month of April. This year, it is celebrated on April 15.
32. ‘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.
33. ‘Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve’ is located in a region spanning across which states?
[A] Tamil Nadu- Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh -Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh- Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra- Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh -Telangana]
Notes:
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India, spanning across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
To ensure smooth traffic flow, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has enabled FASTag-based payments at forest entry points across Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
34. Virginia Norwood, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Politics
[B] Aerospace
[C] Business
[D] Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aerospace]
Notes:
Virginia Norwood, the aerospace pioneer, has passed away recently at the age of 96. She invented a scanner that has enabled scientists to map and study the earth for more than 50 years.
Ms. Norwood, a physicist, was the person primarily responsible for designing the scanner that made the Landsat satellite program possible.
35. Which virus has been recently found to trigger cancer?
[A] Epstein-Barr Virus
[B] Aichi Virus
[C] Chikungunya virus
[D] Human astrovirus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Epstein-Barr Virus]
Notes:
The Epstein–Barr virus is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family. A new study has found that this virus, which primarily spreads via saliva, can evolve into cancer.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can exploit genomic weaknesses to trigger cancer, while also decreasing the body’s ability to suppress it.
36. Which Union Ministry is associated with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the conduct of constable (general duty) examination for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in 13 regional languages.
This is in addition to Hindi and English. This aims to promote the participation of local youths in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and encourage regional languages.
37. ‘Cheiraoba’ is a festival celebrated in which state?
[A] Tripura
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manipur]
Notes:
Cheiraoba is considered to be one of the most important festivals of Manipur and it marks the beginning of the lunar new year for the people of Meitei community of Manipur and across the globe.
The festival is also called as Sajibu Nongma Pānba which means “First day of Sajibu Month”.
38. Miguel Diaz-Canel, who was seen in the news, is the President of which country?
[A] Italy
[B] Cuba
[C] Israel
[D] South Africa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cuba]
Notes:
Miguel Diaz-Canel recently became the first non-Castro leader in Cuba to be re-elected as president. He won a second five-year term in a parliamentary vote that had him as the sole candidate. The 62-year-old leader took over the reins in 2018 as Cuba’s first civilian leader after around 60 years of hegemony by the Castro brothers.
39. HUN is a cultural festival celebrated in which Indian State?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Manipur
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manipur]
Notes:
HUN festival is an annual cultural festival celebrated in Manipur. It is celebrated by the Thadous community of Manipur to mark the arrival of the new year according to the community and it is a time for the community to offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead.
This year’s festival was inaugurated in the state by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren.
40. In which state is the Rongali festival celebrated?
[A] Sikkim
[B] New Delhi
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Assam]
Notes:
Rongali Festival is a 4-day festival which showcases ethnical diversity, creativity and entrepreneurship is held in Guwahati, Assam. This year marks the 7th edition of the festival and is held from April 20 to 23.
The festival aims to promote the unique culture of Assam through a series of events and activities.