1. Agasthyagama edge, which was seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Snake
[B] Kangaroo lizard
[C] Wolf spider
[D] Frog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kangaroo lizard]
Notes:
Scientists recently discovered a new kangaroo lizard species, Agasthyagama edge, in the Western Ghats. Named after the EDGE program, it’s the second in the Agasthyagama genus. Found in Kulamavu, Idukki, it belongs to the Agamidae family. These terrestrial reptiles, lacking a fifth toe for climbing, prefer leaf-covered areas. Averaging 4.3 cm in length, they are fast runners feeding on small insects, and they hide within dry leaves to avoid predators. The species is significant for its distinctiveness and global endangerment.
2. What is the primary habitat of ‘Black-crowned Night Heron’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Wetlands
[B] Tropical rainforests
[C] Deserts
[D] Snow Mountains
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Wetlands]
Notes:
A ringed juvenile black-crowned night heron, found dead at a local pond in Imphal, was banded in China’s Beijing. The black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, is a medium-sized heron with a stocky build, weighing 727-1014 grams and measuring 58-66 cm in length. Recognizable by its black crown, gray body, and red eyes, it’s a migratory species inhabiting wetlands. Opportunistic feeders, they mainly consume fish. The species is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
3. ‘Economics of the Food System Transformation’ report, recently seen in the news, is released by which organization?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] Food System Economics Commission (FSEC)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Food System Economics Commission (FSEC)]
Notes:
The Economics of the Food System Transformation report is a global policy report from the Food System Economics Commission (FSEC). The report estimates that transforming the global food system could create economic benefits of 5–10 trillion USD per year. The report also states that the policies and implementation to achieve these transformations would cost only 0.2–0.4% of global GDP. The report discusses the unsustainable trajectory of the global food system and the potential economic benefits of a transformation. It also states that transforming food systems worldwide could help address global climate, nature, and health emergencies.
4. What are Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), recently seen in the news?
[A] Events related to ocean tides
[B] Astronomical phenomena involving a star and a black hole
[C] Weather disturbances on exoplanets
[D] Supernova explosions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Astronomical phenomena involving a star and a black hole]
Notes:
An international team of astronomers recently observed AT 2023clx, the nearest Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) to Earth. TDEs happen when a star comes too close to a supermassive black hole, torn apart by tidal forces. The resulting debris falls onto the black hole, emitting radiation that indicates a TDE’s occurrence. This international team’s multi-wavelength observations enhance our understanding of these celestial events.
5. Darlipali thermal power plant, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated NTPC Ltd’s Darlipali thermal power plant (1,600 MW), Rourkela PP-II expansion project (250 MW), and laid the foundation stone for Talcher 2×660 MW in Odisha, with a total investment of Rs 28,978 crore. Darlipali, a pit-head station, has supply agreements with multiple states. The Rourkela project supports the steel plant, while Talcher’s 660 MW will cater 50% to Odisha and the rest to Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Assam. The government encourages coal-based capacity additions due to rising energy demand.
6. What is the IUCN status of ‘Black-Necked Crane’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Near Threatened
[B] Vulnerable
[C] Endangered
[D] Critically endangered
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Near Threatened]
Notes:
The government has undertaken crucial measures to safeguard the Black-Necked Crane, as revealed by the Union Minister of State for Environment. This medium-sized crane species, residing in high-altitude wetlands of the Tibetan plateau, faces threats like habitat loss due to climate change, agricultural changes, pollution, and environmental contamination. With a distribution in India, China, and Bhutan, it holds a Near Threatened status on the IUCN list and is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix I of CITES.
7. Who has been awarded the prestigious Maha Gaurav Award 2024?
[A] Nikhil Mukund Wagh
[B] Nagraj Manjule
[C] Alfiya Pathan
[D] Vijay Surase
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nikhil Mukund Wagh]
Notes:
Nikhil Mukund Wagh, a public relations officer at Goa Shipyard Limited, was awarded the 2024 Maha Gaurav Award in February 2024. The award was presented by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on behalf of the Digital Media Editor Journalist Association Maharashtra.
8. Vaccine Safety Net (VSN), which was seen in the news, is an initiative of which organisation?
[A] UNICEF
[B] WHO
[C] UNFPA
[D] UNDP
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [WHO]
Notes:
The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) has joined the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Safety Net (VSN), reinforcing its commitment to delivering credible vaccine safety information in India. As part of the global network, THIP becomes a reliable source for verified vaccine safety details, contributing to the WHO’s initiative to provide accurate immunization information worldwide. VSN, established by the WHO in 1999, comprises diverse websites offering reliable vaccine safety information in various languages, with the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety ensuring swift responses to global concerns.
9. Prime Minister of India inaugurated the India Energy Week 2024 in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched India Energy Week 2024 in Goa, highlighting India’s dedication to significant investments in the energy sector. Addressing global energy leaders, PM Modi underscored the nation’s commitment to unprecedented levels of investment, emphasizing India’s role in shaping the future of the global energy landscape.
10. Sebastian Pinera, who recently passed away, was the former President of which country?
[A] Peru
[B] Chile
[C] Brazil
[D] Argentina
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chile]
Notes:
Chile mourns the loss of former President Sebastian Pinera, who died at 74 in a helicopter crash on February 6th. A key figure in Chilean politics, Pinera served two terms from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s democracy. As the first conservative leader after a military dictatorship, his leadership brought significant governance improvements, enhancing the quality of life for Chileans in various aspects.