31. Which day is celebrated as World Hippo Day?
[A] 15 February
[B] 13 February
[C] 12 February
[D] 16 February
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [15 February]
Notes:
World Hippo Day, observed annually on February 15, aims to raise awareness about the endangered status of hippos, with a population estimated between 115,000 and 130,000. Threats include poaching, water loss, mechanized farming, and urbanization. The day serves as a platform to highlight these challenges and advocate for conservation initiatives to safeguard the future of these vulnerable creatures.
32. Diphtheria, recently seen in the news, is caused by which one of the following agents?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria ]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released guidelines on managing diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or touching infected sores. While treatable with medications, advanced cases can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms include a gray throat membrane, sore throat, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing. Current treatments involve Diphtheria Antitoxin, antibiotics, and supportive care to prevent complications like airway obstruction and myocarditis.
33. What is the primary habitat of Golden-backed Frog, recently seen in the news?
[A] Evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests
[B] Tropical rainforests
[C] Grasslands
[D] Deciduous forests
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests]
Notes:
In the Western Ghats of India, scientists discovered a Bonnet mushroom growing on the Golden-backed Frog, endemic to Karnataka and Kerala. This thumb-sized frog thrives near water bodies in evergreen forests and faces threats like habitat loss, water pollution, and non-native species introduction. The surprising mushroom-frog interaction adds a unique aspect to understanding their ecology and highlights the challenges these frogs encounter in their natural habitat.
34. India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with which country for sharing open-sourced digital public infrastructure?
[A] Colombia
[B] Chile
[C] Brazil
[D] Guyana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Colombia ]
Notes:
India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share India’s open-sourced digital public infrastructure (DPI). The MoU is for cooperation in digital transformation, including sharing successful digital solutions that have been implemented at population scale. India has developed some of the world’s best digital public goods infrastructure, including delivering services to the public during the COVID pandemic.
35. PM-SVANidhi scheme, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
Union Minister Hardeep Puri praised PM SVANidhi for restoring street vendors’ dignity during the pandemic. Launched on June 1, 2020, the scheme provided affordable working capital loans, totaling ₹10,678 crore, to over 60.94 lakh street vendors. The initiative, overseen by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, distributed loans to 10,000 vendors at the PM SVANidhi Mega Camp, benefitting those severely affected by Covid-19 lockdown.
36. Recently, which country’s parliament has passed the Quad Bill to enhance cooperation?
[A] United States
[B] India
[C] Australia
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The US House of Representatives has bolstered the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) by passing legislation to strengthen ties among the member nations – USA, Australia, India, and Japan. The bill mandates the creation of an Intra-Parliamentary Working Group for regular discussions among lawmakers, fostering political exchanges. It also instructs the Biden Administration to submit a report for enhanced governmental coordination within 180 days, urging talks with partner countries within 60 days to establish a parliamentary group.
37. What is the primary role of the Chinook/CH-47F helicopter, recently seen in the news?
[A] Attack and armed reconnaissance
[B] Search and Rescue
[C] Medical evacuation
[D] Heavy troop and supply transport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Heavy troop and supply transport]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter made a precautionary landing in Punjab due to a technical snag. The Chinook/CH-47F, manufactured by Boeing, is a tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter used for troop and supply transport. India operates 15 Chinooks, featuring advanced cargo handling, a fully integrated digital cockpit, and a triple hook system. With a maximum speed of 160 knots, it can carry 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo, showcasing its versatility in military operations.
38. What is ‘ANUVADINI’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Satellite
[B] Tribal language
[C] AI tool
[D] Tribal festival
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [AI tool]
Notes:
‘Anuvadini’ is an AI-driven multilingual translation app designed in-house, enabling rapid conversion of English content into various languages via machine learning, supplemented by expert reviews. In the last two years, it has translated numerous textbooks for Ekumbh, an online platform. The initiative also offers 12 regional language choices for national entrance exams, showcasing substantial progress in the realm of AI-based language translation.
39. Recently, which country conducted a Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) test by destroying an old satellite (Tselina-D SIGINT satellite)?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia ]
Notes:
Russia recently conducted a Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) test, destroying the Tselina-D SIGINT satellite (Kosmos-1408). The U.S. criticized the test due to the significant debris it generated in low Earth orbit, posing a threat to the International Space Station. Russia has possessed ASAT capabilities since 1968. Anti-satellite weapons are designed to disable operational satellites, and China, India, Russia, and the United States have demonstrated successful ASAT capabilities.
40. PM Vishwakarma Yojana, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises ]
Notes:
The ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises offers artisans and craftsmen affordable loans, skill training, modern equipment, and promotes digital transactions. With a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme covers 18 businesses and is set to run for five years until the financial year 2027-28, aiming to boost the growth and development of the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.