31. 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.
32. 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.
33. What is the purpose of the European Union’s recently launched ‘Mission Aspides’ in the Red Sea?
[A] Counterterrorism operations
[B] Humanitarian aid delivery
[C] Protection of commercial vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels
[D] Environmental conservation efforts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Protection of commercial vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels]
Notes:
The European Union has initiated Mission Aspides to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea from potential attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This EU naval mission involves deploying warships and airborne early warning systems in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. Participating countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Aspides vessels, operating under strict rules of engagement, are stationed in Larissa, Greece, and are authorized to fire only in response to Houthi attacks. The mission, initially planned for a year, is subject to renewal.
34. What is Quasar, recently seen in the news?
[A] Active Galactic Nucleus
[B] Novel Mineral
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Patrol vessel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Active Galactic Nucleus]
Notes:
Astronomers announced the discovery of J0529-4351, the brightest and fastest-growing quasar to date. This quasar harbors a supermassive black hole 17 billion times the Sun’s mass. Quasars are active galactic nuclei (AGNs), fueled by supermassive black holes at a galaxy’s center. Not all AGNs are quasars, which form in regions of high matter density. Quasars are exceptionally luminous and powerful cosmic phenomena, arising from active galaxies with intense matter consumption, leading to the formation of spiraling accretion disks.
35. Vaitarna River, recently seen in the news, originates from which one of the following?
[A] Powai hills
[B] Anamudi hills
[C] Trimbakeshwar Hills
[D] Nilgiri hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Trimbakeshwar Hills]
Notes:
A recent bull shark attack on a fisherman in Maharashtra’s Vaitarna River marked the first sighting of the aggressive species 40km upstream. Vaitarna, a west-flowing river, originates in Trimbakeshwar Hills and drains 2019 sq km in Thane and Nasik districts. Bull sharks, known for their aggressiveness, can tolerate freshwater and saltwater, venturing into rivers. The species, with a unique viviparity reproduction method, is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to threats.
36. 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.
37. Which state government recently launched the ‘Swayam scheme’ to empower its youth with interest free loans?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government recently launched the “Swayam” scheme to provide interest-free loans to the state’s youth. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to help them start small businesses and contribute to the state’s business environment.
38. ‘Ahobilam Paruveta’ festival, recently seen in the news, is celebrated in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) strives for UNESCO recognition of the ‘Paruveta’ festival at Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. Also known as the ‘mock hunting festival,’ it promotes communal harmony, with devotees from diverse backgrounds participating. Legend traces its origin to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Narasimha marrying Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl. The Chenchu tribes revere Ahobila Narasimha. While Paruveta rituals are widespread, Ahobilam uniquely observes them for a ‘mandala’ (forty days), emphasizing cultural richness and religious inclusivity.
39. Recently, which country has witnessed the rise of cases of ‘Zombie Deer Disease’?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] India
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
A surge in cases of ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ (Chronic Wasting Disease) in the USA has raised concerns. The fatal neurological condition, caused by misfolded proteins called prions, affects cervids like deer and elk. There are no treatments or vaccines, and symptoms include weight loss, stumbling, and listlessness. While no evidence of human transmission exists, the disease’s increasing prevalence among wildlife is alarming, demanding continued monitoring and research for potential risks.
40. Kiru Hydel Project, recently seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
The CBI conducted raids related to alleged corruption in awarding a contract for the Kiru Hydel Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, focusing on the former Governor. The Kiru Hydel Power Project is a run-of-the-river scheme over the Chenab River, developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture between NHPC, JKSPDC, and PTC. The project aims to benefit several states and union territories in Northern India, with a 49%, 49%, and 2% shareholding, respectively.
