31. Uttaramerur inscription, which was seen in the news, is found in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Uttaramerur inscription was mentioned by Prime Minister Modi recently. This inscription was created during the reign of Parantaka Chola I (907-953 AD)
The walls of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple in Uttaramerur are inscribed with details revealing systems of local governance from the 10th century CE.
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. 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. ‘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).
35. Which fungus is associated with a recent outbreak of “atypical” pneumonia at a Paper Mill in Michigan, USA?
[A] Yeast
[B] Blastomyces
[C] Mushrooms
[D] Molds
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Blastomyces]
Notes:
The blastomyces fungus is linked to the recent outbreak of “atypical” pneumonia among the employees of the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill in the US.
The fungus is endemic to Michigan and is generally found in moist soil and decomposing wood. If disturbed, microscopic spores from the fungus can get dispersed in air and travel freely. Human beings can contract blastomycosis by inhaling the spores.
36. Which institution launched the ‘Coalition of Coastal Cities to Combat Marine Litter’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Centre for Science and Environment
[C] UNESCO
[D] UNICEF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Centre for Science and Environment]
Notes:
The Coalition of Coastal Cities to Combat Marine Litter was launched recently by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
It is a coalition of coastal cities that will combat marine litter pollution across India. Of the 460 million tonnes (MT) of global plastic production, nearly 353 MT comes back as plastic waste; 8 MT (2.26 per cent) of which is leaked into the marine ecosystem.
37. ‘Rockwell B1 Lancer’ is a fighter aircraft of which country?
[A] India
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The Rockwell B1 Lancer is a fighter aircraft of the USA. It is also called as the “BONE” and is a supersonic variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber aircraft.
The aircraft has participated in the Exercise Cope India 2023, which is a bilateral air exercise between Indian Air Force and US Air Force.
38. Which Union Ministry is associated with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023?
[A] Ministry of Communication
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet cleared the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which has provisions for harsher punishments for film piracy and the introduction of new age categories for classifying films.
The Bill will be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, as per the Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur.
39. Andrey Rublev, who has won the Monte Carlo title, is from which country?
[A] Serbia
[B] Russia
[C] Spain
[D] Switzerland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
Russia’s Andrey Rublev wins Monte Carlo title after winning the final against Denmark’s Holger Rune.
The player was deprived of his national flag after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 19-year-old Rune had defeated five Top 10 players to win the title in Paris last year.
40. ‘Abhilekh Patal’ is a portal related to which institution?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation
[B] National Archives of India
[C] Election Commission of India
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Archives of India]
Notes:
The Abhilekh Patal is a portal containing over 1 crore pages of historic records of the National Archives. It was praised recently by Prime Minister Modi.
National Archives of India has a search web Portal namely “Abhilekh patal” which is available to make its rich treasure of Archival Records available to scholars and users.