31. Edakoodam is a popular wooden toy made in which Indian state/UT?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] West Bengal
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Edakoodam is the name of a wooden puzzle toy, which was popular among children and was a part of every household in Kerala, during earlier times.
There are many efforts being taken in Kerala to popularise the wooden puzzle by teaching the art of making and solving Edakoodam popular among children and adults.
32. Which major country announced emergency measures including using of coal, after shortage of supply of Gas from Russia?
[A] UK
[B] Australia
[C] Germany
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Germany]
Notes:
Germany announced emergency measures including increased use of coal to boost gas storage levels and to phase out imports.
As Germany relies on Russia for most of its gas, it is affected after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which led to cut in deliveries. The new measures include increased reliance on coal-fired power plants and an auction system to incentivise industry to consume less.
33. Which Union Ministry has declared certain resources of ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and NPCI as ‘critical information infrastructure’?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and IT
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Electronics and IT]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has declared IT resources of ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as ‘critical information infrastructure’.
The Information Technology Act of 2000 defines ‘Critical Information Infrastructure’ as a “computer resource, the incapacitation or destruction of which shall have debilitating impact on national security, economy, public health or safety”. The government has the power to declare any data, database, IT network or communications infrastructure as CII.
34. A 419-million-year-old Chinese Fossil recently proved the evolution of Human Middle Ear from which creature?
[A] Chimpanzee
[B] Fish
[C] Gecko
[D] Turtle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fish]
Notes:
A 419-million-year-old Chinese Fossil recently proved the evolution of Human Middle Ear from fish gills. Embryonic and fossil evidence proved that the human middle ear evolved from the spiracle of fishes.
As per the study, many important structures of human beings can be traced back to our fish ancestors, such as our teeth, jaws, middle ears.
35. Inter-State Council was established under which article of Indian Constitution?
[A] Article 246
[B] Article 257
[C] Article 263
[D] Article 267
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Article 263]
Notes:
Article 263 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to establish the Inter-State Council, which brings together government entities on a common platform for discussing various governance issues. The Inter-State Council was established in 1990. Its chairman is the Prime Minister and its members include chief ministers and administrators of states and union territories.
36. Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat, that was recently making news, was built during the reign of which dynasty?
[A] Chaulukya dynasty
[B] Rashtrakuta dynasty
[C] Prathihara dynasty
[D] Kushan dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chaulukya dynasty]
Notes:
The Sun Temple at Gujarat’s Modhera village was built under the administration of the Chaulukya king Bhima I in the early 11th century. It is located on the bank of River Pushpavati. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
37. The traditional Slavic festival of Noc Kupaly is celebrated during__?
[A] Winter solstice
[B] Summer solstice
[C] Solar equinox
[D] Spring equinox
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Summer solstice]
Notes:
Noc Kupaly is celebrated by Poland and other Slavic countries during the shortest night of the year (summer solstice). This pagan festival celebrates the idea of fertility and purification. The celebrations involve bonfire lighting, herb collecting and bathing in a river.
38. Swadesh Darshan scheme is the initiative of which union ministry?
[A] Ministry of Culture
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Ministry of Tourism
[D] Ministry of Railways
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Tourism]
Notes:
Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in India. Under this central sector scheme, central financial assistance will be provided to states and union territories for the infrastructural development of the tourist circuits.
39. Demodex folliculorum, which was in news recently, is a__?
[A] Mite
[B] Dragonfly
[C] Gecko
[D] Wasp
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mite]
Notes:
Demodex folliculorum is a microscopic parasitic mite that live and reproduce on human faces. According to a new research this 0.3 mm long organism is at the risk of extinction because of inbreeding and gene loss.
40. Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with which of the following aspects?
[A] Official languages
[B] Land Reforms
[C] Anti-defection law
[D] Panchayati Raj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Anti-defection law]
Notes:
The Tenth Schedule, which is popularly known as the Anti-Defection Act, became part of the Indian Constitution as the result of the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. It sets grounds for the disqualification of legislators on the grounds of defection to another political party. It was recently making news due to Maharashtra Political Crisis.