31. 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.
32. 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.
33. Recently, scientists have discovered a Stone Age wall under which sea in Germany?
[A] Black Sea
[B] Baltic Sea
[C] Adriatic Sea
[D] Mediterranean Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Baltic Sea]
Notes:
Scientists recently uncovered a Stone Age wall beneath the Baltic Sea in Germany, considered Europe’s oldest human-made megastructure. The 971-meter wide, less than 1 mtr tall wall, believed to be over 10,000 years old, was likely built by hunter-gatherers and may have served as a reindeer hunting lane. The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed sea in Northern Europe, a branch of the North Atlantic Ocean, dividing the Scandinavian Peninsula from mainland Europe, with 8,000 kilometers of coastline shared by multiple countries.
34. 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.
35. Where was the 12th edition of MILAN naval exercise held?
[A] Kutch
[B] Kochi
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Visakhapatnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Visakhapatnam ]
Notes:
The 12th edition of the MILAN naval exercise took place in Visakhapatnam from February 19–27, 2024. The exercise, which has the theme “Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future,” aims to strengthen collaboration between participating navies.
36. 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.
37. Recently, which country’s women’s team clinched the gold medal in the Badminton Asia Team Championship?
[A] Thailand
[B] India
[C] Malaysia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India’s women’s badminton team won their first-ever gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The team defeated Thailand 3-2 in the final match, with Anmol Kharb’s victory over Pornpicha Choeikeewong in the third singles game clinching the gold.
38. What are Iris and Massalia, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Asteroids
[B] Black holes
[C] Glacial lakes
[D] Patrol vessels
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Asteroids]
Notes:
Iris and Massalia are asteroids that have similar orbits and are potentially the first asteroids in our solar system to have confirmed water. Iris is 124 miles in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids in our solar system. It orbits between Mars and Jupiter and is the fourth brightest object in the asteroid belt. Massalia is 84 miles in diameter and is similar in size to Iris. Scientists using SOFIA’s infrared telescope discovered molecular water on the asteroids. The water could be stored in multiple ways, such as trapped in silicate glass beads or stuck to the silicates’ surface.
39. Which state has become the first north-eastern state in India to achieve 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under Jal Jeevan Mission?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first state in North-East India and the 10th in the country to attain 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Chief Minister Pema Khandu credited Team Arunachal’s dedication, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support. The mission, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide assured tap water supply to every rural household in India by 2024, promoting an improved quality of life.
40. Where has been ‘World’s highest frozen lake marathon’ organized?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Ladakh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ladakh]
Notes:
The “world’s highest frozen lake marathon,” Pangong Lake marathon in Ladakh, hosted 120 runners from seven countries in its second edition. Organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh, supported by the Administration Union Territory of Ladakh and the 14 Corps of the Indian Army, the event aimed to raise awareness about melting Himalayan glaciers and their environmental impact. Dubbed ‘theastrun,’ it hinted at the threat posed by climate change to the frozen lake, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental concerns.