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. When is World Hemophilia Day observed every year?
[A] April 10
[B] April 17
[C] April 21
[D] May 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [April 17]
Notes:
April 17 is observed as the World Hemophilia Day and the theme for this year is “Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care”.
Hemophilia is a rare genetic blood disorder that inhibits the clotting of blood, leading to significant bleeding during injuries and surgeries. Every year, the World Hemophilia Day is observed to raise awareness about this disorder.
35. Which state in India has become the first to adopt Water Budget?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
The state Government of Kerala has introduced the first of its kind Water Budget which aims to address water scarcity in the state through proper utilization of the resources and prevention of wastages.
Thee first phase of the project would cover 94 gram panchayats and 15 block panchayats of the state.
36. What is ‘Cycas pectinate’ that was seen in the news recently?
[A] Plant
[B] Vaccine
[C] Gecko
[D] Spider
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Plant]
Notes:
Cycas pectinate is a plant species of Genus Cycas which is the found in the north-eastern part of India, Nepal, Bhutan, South China etc. It is the only ‘Cycas’ species found in Bhutan.
It usually grows at an elevation of 300 m to 1200 m and in difficult terrains. A new study has found that this vulnerable species is threatened in the Himalayan country due to habitat loss and its overcollection as an ornamental plant.
37. What is ‘RAMBAAN’, which was recently seen in the news?
[A] Elephant Species
[B] Mobile Clinic
[C] COVID vaccine
[D] Launch Vehicle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mobile Clinic]
Notes:
RAMBAAN (Rapid Action Mobile BSL3+ Advanced Augmented Network) is India’s first mobile BSL-3 laboratory.
It was showcased at the second G20 Health Working Group Meeting, which was organized in Goa. This fully equipped, Made-in-India mobile clinic can reach remote regions to conduct testing.
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. What is ‘Tripedalia maipoensis’, which was discovered recently?
[A] Plant species
[B] Frog Species
[C] Box jellyfish
[D] Reptile species
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Box jellyfish]
Notes:
A team of researchers from Hong Kong have discovered a new species of box jellyfish in Mai Po Nature Reserve. This is said to be first discovery of the venomous species in China’s waters.
The jelly fist is named Tripedalia maipoensis. It has a cube-shaped, colourless body with 24 eyes, three tentacles up to 10 cm long which resemble boat paddles. It is said to swim faster than other kinds of jellyfish.
40. 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.