1. What is Alpenglow, recently seen in the news?
[A] A new type of mountain
[B] A natural phenomenon involving the illumination of mountain slopes by the sun
[C] An environmental organization
[D] A rare flower discovered in mountain regions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A natural phenomenon involving the illumination of mountain slopes by the sun]
Notes:
Astronaut Lora O’Hara on the International Space Station captured Alpenglow near the Hindu Kush. This natural phenomenon occurs during sunrise or sunset, casting rosy, reddish, or orange hues on mountain slopes. Alpenglow’s colors vary due to the sun’s angle and atmospheric conditions. Vibrancy depends on sun location, light angle, clouds, humidity, and particulates. The phenomenon rapid changes make it a captivating spectacle during the twilight hours.
2. According to Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) report, which state/UT has the highest number of snow leopard?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh ]
Notes:
Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav released India’s first-ever Snow Leopard Population Assessment report. The four-year-long scientific exercise, coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India, estimates approximately 718 snow leopards in the wild. Ladakh leads with 477, followed by Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (nine). India holds 10-15% of the global snow leopard population.
3. Recently, which state government has signed a MoU with NTPC for green hydrogen and renewable energy development?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra ]
Notes:
NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government for the development of green hydrogen and renewable energy. The MoU includes the development of green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia and green methanol, with a capacity of up to 1 million tons per year. The MoU also includes the development of renewable energy projects and pumped storage projects of 2 GW.
4. Where was the first ‘National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation’ held?
[A] Kutch
[B] Vadodara
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kutch]
Notes:
The National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation, chaired by the Union Minister of Fisheries in Koteshwar, Kutch, Gujarat, showcased diverse seaweed cultivation methods (Monoline, tube-net, and rafts). CMFRI, CSMCRI, and NFDB demonstrated these techniques. Seaweeds, macroscopic algae lacking true roots and leaves, thrive in marine and coastal waters. They are classified into four groups based on pigments that absorb specific wavelengths of light. The event aimed at fostering seaweed development and enhancing awareness about its potential in India.
5. Where was the Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) held?
[A] Chandigarh
[B] Thiruvananthapuram
[C] Jaipur
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
PM Modi inaugurated the 2024 Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) – Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event brought together legal representatives from Commonwealth nations across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean. With the theme “Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery,” the conference addressed crucial topics such as judicial transition, ethical aspects of legal practice, executive accountability, and the reformulation of contemporary legal education. Stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions on these issues, fostering collaboration in the Commonwealth legal fraternity.
6. Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Mizoram
[C] Assam
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
The Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana, a Rs 498 crore project by the central government, aims to transform the Kamakhya Temple pilgrimage experience in Guwahati, Assam. Enhancements include infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity, temple beautification, and facilities for devotees. The initiative is expected to boost tourism in the Northeast, drawing a large number of devotees to the revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The temple, with Tantric significance, is atop Nilachal Hill and hosts the annual Ambubachi Mela.
7. Which country became the first country in the European Union (EU) to issue digital Schengen visas?
[A] Finland
[B] Spain
[C] France
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [France]
Notes:
France became the first country in the European Union (EU) to issue digital Schengen visas. The visas are for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and will be integrated into accreditation cards for approximately 70,000 international visitors. The country plans to fully digitize its Schengen visa application process by 2026.
8. Thrips Parvispinus, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Invasive pest species
[B] Butterfly
[C] Spider
[D] Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Invasive pest species]
Notes:
The Union Agriculture Minister revealed in Rajya Sabha that Thrips Parvispinus, an invasive pest, may have displaced native chilli thrips in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This polyphagous pest affects various crops, including drumstick, pigeon pea, and mango. Originally reported in India in 2015, Thrips Parvispinus has spread globally, causing economic losses and viral infections. The pest’s infestation, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, leads to flower drop, reducing fruit production, posing a threat to horticultural crops amid changing agricultural practices and climate conditions.
9. 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.
10. Who has been appointed as the new Army Vice Chief?
[A] Upendra Dwivedi
[B] Baggavalli Somashekar Raju
[C] Chandi Prasad Mohanty
[D] Manoj Pande
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Upendra Dwivedi ]
Notes:
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been strategically appointed as the Indian Army’s new Vice Chief, succeeding Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar. Dwivedi, with a distinguished career, held key positions like Deputy Chief and Director General of Infantry. His operational expertise during the India-China standoff in the Northern Command makes him well-suited for the role. This move ensures a seamless succession plan, with Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar set to command the Northern Army in Udhampur.
