41. Didymocarpus janakiae, a new plant species, recently discovered in which state?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Assam
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
A new plant species, Didymocarpus janakiae, was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district at 2,300 meters elevation. Named in honor of pioneering Indian botanist E. K. Janaki Ammal, this species belongs to the Didymocarpus genus, part of the African Violet family (Gesneriaceae). Found in pristine habitats, it highlights ecosystem quality. The genus comprises 111 species, 27 of which are in India, including D. janakiae.
42. Which organization recently collaborated with Manav Rachna University (MRU) to install a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver in Delhi NCR?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] ESA
[D] JAXA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
Manav Rachna University (MRU) partnered with ISRO and NARL to install Delhi NCR’s first Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. This initiative aims to enhance research in atmospheric and space sciences, offering engineering and science students practical experience with satellite navigation technology. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing educational and research opportunities in these fields at MRU.
43. Ambubachi Mela, recently seen in news, is an annual festival of which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Manipur
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Devotees nationwide are gathering at Assam’s Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati for the annual Ambubachi Mela. The Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s 51 Shaktipeeths, is located atop Nilachal Hills and is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a form of Goddess Parvati. The Ambubachi Mela celebrates the goddess’s annual menstruation. The temple’s architecture uniquely combines the traditional Nagara and Mughal styles, known as the Nilachala Style.
44. Which country has recently become the first country to successfully collect and return samples from the far side of the Moon?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China’s Chang’e-6 mission marks a historic milestone as the first to collect and return samples from the Moon’s far side, specifically the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Key achievements include overcoming radio signal blockage with relay satellites, precision landing, and collecting up to 2kg of moon rock and soil. The mission enhances understanding of lunar geology, early solar system history, and Earth-Moon relations, while showcasing China’s growing space capabilities and potential for international collaboration.
45. Recently, who has been elected as the speaker of 18th Lok Sabha?
[A] K Suresh
[B] Om Birla
[C] Rajnath Singh
[D] Amit Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Om Birla]
Notes:
Om Birla has been re-elected as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, defeating opposition candidate K Suresh in the first test of strength for the new Modi government. This marks Birla’s second term as Speaker, making him the sixth person to hold the position twice.
46. Which day is observed as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) day every year?
[A] 26 June
[B] 27 June
[C] 28 June
[D] 29 June
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [27 June]
Notes:
Since 2017, June 27 has been observed as Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day, recognizing the sector’s role in economic development and employment. MSMEs account for 90% of businesses, 60-70% of employment, and 50% of GDP globally. The United Nations General Assembly established MSME Day on April 6, 2017. The 2024 theme is “MSMEs and the SDG,” focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
47. Recently, the Indian Army engineers have constructed a 150-foot suspension bridge in which state to re-connect the border villages which got cut off due to heavy rains?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikkim]
Notes:
The Indian Army swiftly constructed a 150-foot foot suspension bridge in North Sikkim within 48 hours to restore connectivity to border villages affected by heavy rains and landslides. This initiative aimed to aid locals following the tragic loss of six lives earlier this month. Suspension bridges feature roadways suspended from cables anchored securely, providing crucial infrastructure amidst challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.
48. Which district of Uttar Pradesh is known as the ‘City of Knives’?
[A] Rampur
[B] Saharanpur
[C] Mirzapur
[D] Raebareli
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rampur]
Notes:
Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh, known as the “City of Knives,” has crafted the renowned Rampuri chaku since the 18th century. These blades, symbols of artisanship and royal patronage, are made from high-quality steel, paired with handles of bone, horn, or ivory, intricately carved into pieces of art. Despite a 1990s ban on longer blades to reduce violence, Rampur artisans adapt legally, preserving their craft’s legacy. This resilience highlights Rampur’s cultural heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.
49. Juno probe, recently seen in the news, is a NASA spacecraft designed to orbit which planet?
[A] Jupiter
[B] Mars
[C] Saturn
[D] Venus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jupiter]
Notes:
New findings from NASA’s Juno probe reveal the extent of lava lakes on Jupiter’s moon Io. Launched in 2011, Juno is designed to study Jupiter’s origins and changes. It arrived at Jupiter in 2016 and orbits every 11 days. Initially a 5-year mission, it has been extended to 2025. During this extended mission, Juno explores Jupiter’s moons Ganymede, Europa, and Io, as well as its atmosphere and rings.
50. Recently, an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for early detection of forest fires has been launched in which tiger reserve of Maharashtra?
[A] Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve
[B] Pench Tiger Reserve
[C] Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
[D] Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pench Tiger Reserve]
Notes:
An advanced AI system for early forest fire detection has deployed at Pench Tiger Reserve. Located across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Pench is known for its diverse forest types including Tropical Moist Deciduous and Teak. The reserve, designated a National Park in 1975 and Tiger Reserve in 1992, is divided by the Pench River and hosts a rich biodiversity featuring tigers, leopards, and diverse flora like Mahua and Salai.