31. Recently, the government has released guidelines for starting pilot programmes to use green hydrogen in which of the following sectors?
[A] Steel sector
[B] Transportation sector
[C] Industrial sector
[D] Shipping sector
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Transportation sector]
Notes:
The Indian government, through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has issued guidelines for pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on using Green Hydrogen in the transportation sector. With decreasing costs of renewable energy and electrolyzers, vehicles utilizing green hydrogen are expected to be cost-competitive soon. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, along with Scheme Implementing Agencies, will conduct pilot projects to replace fossil fuels in transportation with green hydrogen, supporting technology and infrastructure development.
32. Recently, which country is launching the ‘Dream of the Desert’ train in the Middle East?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Iraq
[C] Iran
[D] Oman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saudi Arabia ]
Notes:
Saudi Arabia is launching the “Dream of the Desert” train service in late 2025. The 800-mile trip will start in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city, and travel northwest toward the border with Jordan. The route will pass through long stretches of scenic deserts and UNESCO World Heritage archeological sites.
33. Where was the 11th International Puppet Festival inaugurated?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chandigarh
[C] Bhopal
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandigarh]
Notes:
The 11th International Puppet Festival was inaugurated at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh on February 17, 2024. The festival’s inauguration was presided over by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Banwarilal Purohit, along with Rajeev Verma, Adviser to the Administrator. The festival runs from February 17–21, 2024 and includes special morning shows for students and evening shows for the general public. The festival also features a puppet exhibition that includes live demonstrations of puppet making.
34. 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.
35. Archaeologists recently discovered a Harappan-era fortified settlement named Morodharo in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
Archaeologists recently uncovered Morodharo, a Harappan-era fortified settlement in Kutch District, Gujarat. Dating from 2,600 to 1,300 BCE, the settlement spans the mature to late Harappan period. The fortification, measuring 102m east to west and 58m north to south, boasts a 3.3m thick wall. Features include a 10x10m platform, a well, burial cairns, and Harappan pottery with perforated jar sherds. Resembling finds from Dholavira, the discovery sheds light on this ancient civilization.
36. Faiz Fazal, who recently seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Wrestling
[B] Badminton
[C] Football
[D] Cricket
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cricket ]
Notes:
Esteemed Vidarbha cricketer Faiz Fazal, aged 38, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, marking the end of a remarkable career. Fazal leaves behind a significant legacy with immense contributions to Vidarbha cricket, celebrated for generations. The Vidarbha cricket team, representing eastern Maharashtra, participates in India’s domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
37. Ministry of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship recently inaugurated the country’s first Skill India Centre (SIC) in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Bihar
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Skill India Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiative aims to upgrade skills in demand-driven industries, empowering over 1200 students. Shri Pradhan emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to drive India’s development in the 21st century. The Centre offers low-cost courses to democratize access to quality education, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Equipped with modern facilities, it focuses on high-demand trades like Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, fostering industry-specific skills for youth empowerment.
38. Which Indian cricketer has been appointed as a state icon by Punjab Chief Electoral Officer for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections?
[A] Harbhajan Singh
[B] Shubman Gill
[C] Virat Kohli
[D] Arshdeep Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shubman Gill]
Notes:
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C has named Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the state icon for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Gill will participate in various election campaigns to raise voter awareness and increase turnout in the state. Punjabi singer Tarsem Jassar has also been selected as a “state icon” and will conduct similar campaigns.
39. The Nilgiri marten, recently seen in the news, is endemic to which one of the following regions in India?
[A] Western Ghats
[B] Eastern ghats
[C] Wetlands
[D] Grasslands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Western Ghats]
Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Government has launched the “TN Endangered Species Conservation Fund” to protect lesser-known species like the Nilgiri Marten. This rare carnivore, scientifically named Martes gwatkinsii, is exclusive to the Western Ghats in India, spanning Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Found in Shola ecosystems, it boasts chocolate-colored fur and a canary yellow throat, resembling a civet or mongoose. The conservation effort focuses on its habitat in high altitudes (300 to 1200 m) across specific Western Ghats clusters.
40. NaViGate Bharat portal, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Communications
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]
Notes:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recently launched four portals, including NaViGate Bharat, a bilingual platform by the New Media Wing. NaViGate Bharat serves as a unified gateway hosting government-related videos, simplifying access to developmental measures and citizen welfare initiatives. The platform empowers users with an interactive interface for searching, streaming, sharing, and downloading content, streamlining information retrieval from various sources into a single, reliable platform for both media and the public.