21. Malaprabha River, recently seen in the news, is a tributary of which river?
[A] Godavari
[B] Kaveri
[C] Krishna
[D] Narmada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krishna]
Notes:
The National Board for Wildlife postponed the decision on diverting forest land for Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri Project in Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves. The project aims to address drinking water needs in Karnataka’s Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Gadag districts by diverting water from Goa’s Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River basin (a tributary of Krishna River). Proposed in the 1980s, the project faced disputes among Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Barrages on Kalasa and Banduri streams are planned to redirect water to Karnataka’s drought-prone districts.
22. GROW report and portal, recently seen in the news, is launched by which one of the following?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Ministry of Textiles
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the “Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)” initiative, unveiling a portal for universal access to state and district-level data. Hosted on the Bhuvan website, GROW employs advanced technologies like remote sensing and GIS to assess agroforestry suitability across India. It aligns with national goals, aiming to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes. The initiative utilizes a developed Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) for national-level prioritization, considering parameters like land use, wasteland, slope, water proximity, and soil organic content.
23. Fire Capped Tit, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Bird
[B] Fish
[C] Plant
[D] Spider
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bird]
Notes:
Birders recently observed the fire-capped tit, a small bird species. It is a part of the Paridae family, in Aravalli hills, signaling reverse migration from winter to summer. Native to the Himalayas, it migrates south to Western Ghats and Kerala in September, returning in February/March. Inhabiting montane broadleaf forests, it feeds on invertebrates, nectar, and pollen. Despite early migration due to mild winters, the fire-capped tit holds a “Least Concern” conservation status.
24. Ministry of Education recently signed an agreement with which International governing body to promote football in the country?
[A] FIFA
[B] World Anti-Doping Agency
[C] International Football Association Board
[D] International Olympic Committee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [FIFA]
Notes:
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with FIFA, is enhancing football accessibility in schools. They are distributing 11 lakh footballs nationwide, benefiting over 1.5 lakh schools. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the initiative, providing 6,848 footballs to 1,260 schools in Odisha. This marks a crucial step towards integrating football activities into the education system, promoting sports engagement among students on a large scale.
25. Which state government has officially declared kaji nemu (Citrus limon) as the state fruit?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Manipur
[C] Assam
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
Assam’s state government designates Kaji Nemu (Citrus limon), a distinctive lemon variety native to the region, as the official ‘State Fruit.’ State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora announced the decision, highlighting the fruit’s cultural, traditional and nutritional importance to the state and its people.
26. Attemsostreptus leptoptilos, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Millipede
[B] Snake
[C] Invasive plant
[D] Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Millipede]
Notes:
Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia discovered a new millipede genus and five species in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains. According to the USC, Attemsostreptus leptoptilos is one of five new species of millipedes with 200 legs that were discovered in Tanzanian jungles in February 2024. The other four species are Attemsostreptus cataractae, Attemsostreptus julostriatus, Lophostreptus magombera, and Udzungwastreptus marianae.
27. Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), recently seen in the news, primarily deals with which one of the following?
[A] Promoting hatred among classes
[B] Maintenance of wives, children and parents
[C] Culpable homicide
[D] Juvenile Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maintenance of wives, children and parents]
Notes:
The Supreme Court is set to examine whether divorced Muslim women can seek maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Section 125 covers maintenance for wives, children, and parents, allowing financial support claims if certain conditions are met. These include neglect or refusal, dependency on the respondent, sufficient means of the person liable to pay, and the court determining the quantum based on various factors. Maintenance can be temporary or permanent, awarded monthly, with enforcement options for non-compliance.
28. Which ministry has launched the renewed portal of the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Tourism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying]
Notes:
Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala unveiled the enhanced Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) scheme with an increased outlay of ₹29,610 crore, up from ₹15,000 crore, showcasing the government’s dedication to boost the livestock sector. The Cabinet approved the realignment, extending the scheme until 2025-26, emphasizing support for rural livelihoods. Additionally, a Radio Jingle for AHIDF was introduced during the event in New Delhi.
29. Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA), recently seen in the news, is conducted by which one of the following?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] ISRO
[D] Ministry of Science & Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ISRO]
Notes:
ISRO is organizing the ‘Young Scientist Programme’ (YUVIKA) for school children, aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology and Science. Intended to create awareness and inspire STEM interest, the two-week residential program offers talks, lab visits, and discussions with experts. Eligible students, finishing class 8 and currently in class 9, can apply, with special consideration for rural students. Three participants from each state/UT are selected based on academic performance and extracurricular activities, emphasizing a younger age in case of ties.
30. Which day is celebrated as Global Tourism Resilience Day?
[A] 17 February
[B] 18 February
[C] 19 February
[D] 20 February
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [17 February]
Notes:
Global Tourism Resilience Day (GTRD) is celebrated on February 17th every year. The day was designated by the United Nations in 2023 to highlight the need for tourism development to be more resilient to shocks and emergencies. The initiative focuses on bolstering the tourism sector against various challenges, supporting sustainable development, and promoting economic stability, particularly in developing nations.