21. Which state government has proposed “No Helmet, No Fuel” policy to curb road accidents?
[A] Bihar
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Transport Department proposed a “No Helmet, No Fuel” policy to reduce road accidents involving two-wheelers. The policy will begin in Noida on January 26, 2025, aiming to enforce helmet use and improve road safety. Fuel stations statewide must display “No Helmet, No Fuel” signs and deny fuel to riders and pillions without helmets. The policy was introduced in Gautam Buddh Nagar in 2019 but was inconsistently implemented. Awareness campaigns and education for fuel station operators on the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and related rules are being prioritized.
22. Nag Mk 2 Missile is developed by which organization?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
Raksha Mantri congratulated DRDO on the successful Field Evaluation Trials of the Nag Mk 2 missile. The Nag Mk 2 is a third-generation, indigenously developed Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile. It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It features fire-and-forget technology for precision targeting with minimal operator intervention. The missile can neutralize modern armored vehicles with explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated, and the weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.
23. Scarlet Fever, that was recently seen in news, is caused by which pathogen?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Protozoa
[D] Fungus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes:
Hyderabad is seeing an increase in scarlet fever cases among children aged 5 to 15, along with other viral fevers during winter. Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that causes a red rash, sore throat, and fever. It’s caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, also known as strep throat bacteria. Symptoms include a bright red, sunburn-like rash, sore throat, high fever, and peeling skin on hands and feet. Antibiotics can fully treat scarlet fever, but patients must complete the entire course. If untreated, scarlet fever can cause serious complications like kidney damage, heart issues, and pneumonia.
24. What is the name of India’s first warship equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions?
[A] INS Surat
[B] INS Kaveri
[C] INS Arihant
[D] INS Nilgiri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [INS Surat]
Notes:
INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned into the Indian Navy for the first time. INS Surat is a stealth-guided missile destroyer, part of Project 15B, known as the Visakhapatnam class. It is India’s first warship equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. INS Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, a length of 164 meters, and a COGAG propulsion system with four gas turbines. It can achieve speeds over 30 knots (56 km/h) and is armed with advanced surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sensors. Designed for high-speed offensive naval operations with superior strike power and maneuverability.
25. Huntington’s Disease, that was recently seen in news, affects which type of cells in the human body?
[A] Blood cells
[B] Brain cells
[C] Muscle cells
[D] Skin cells
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brain cells]
Notes:
New research reveals that genetic mutations in Huntington’s Disease (HD) can have delayed effects, impacting disease progression over time. Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a genetic condition causing gradual loss of brain cell function, leading to their death. It affects brain regions regulating voluntary movement, memory, and decision-making, primarily the basal ganglia and brain cortex. HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which produces huntingtin protein crucial for neuron function. Mutated huntingtin proteins have abnormal shapes, damaging and killing neurons. HD is inherited; each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of developing the disease. It affects 3 to 7 out of 100,000 people, primarily of European ancestry.
26. Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system is developed by India and which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Australia
[C] France
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [France]
Notes:
The Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, developed by India and France, has secured an export order from Armenia. It is a 155 mm, 52-calibre towed gun system, jointly developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and KNDS France, and manufactured in India. The gun has a range exceeding 40 km, depending on the ammunition, and is designed for modern combat. It features advanced targeting, fire-control systems, modular design for easy transport, rapid firing rates, and terrain adaptability.
27. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently found ancient Buddhist artefacts at which place in Odisha?
[A] Ratnagiri Monastery
[B] Jiranga Monastery
[C] Dauligiri Monastery
[D] Lalitgiri Monastery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ratnagiri Monastery]
Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered ancient Buddhist artifacts, including a Buddha head and inscribed relics, at Odisha’s Ratnagiri. Ratnagiri has been associated with Buddhism since Emperor Ashoka’s invasion of Kalinga. It was a significant center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) Buddhist learning, rivaling Nalanda. Ratnagiri, along with Lalitagiri and Udayagiri, forms the Diamond Triangle of Buddhist centers in Odisha.
28. Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus, which were recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Frog
[C] Goby Fish
[D] Ant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Goby Fish]
Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India discovered two goby fish species, Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus, in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. Goby fish are typically found in estuarine and mangrove areas, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by occupying multiple levels in the food chain and serving as environmental health indicators.
29. Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies in which state/UT?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Lakshadweep
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Andaman and Nicobar Islands]
Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies, 13 new to India, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These flies, called “bhusi flies,” feed on livestock and wild animals and are similar to mosquitoes. Five species transmit the bluetongue disease virus, threatening livestock and agricultural economies. The study found 17 of the 23 species bite humans, but no human disease transmission was reported. Researchers emphasize the need for surveillance and control measures, especially due to the region’s tourism significance. The study was conducted in 2022-2023, with plans for further surveys and genetic studies.
30. Which organization recently published the “Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers” report?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] World Bank
[C] International Labour Organization (ILO)
[D] World Trade Organization (WTO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [International Labour Organization (ILO)]
Notes:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its fourth edition of Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers, highlighting their crucial role in global economic growth. In 2022, international migrants made up 7% of the global labor force, with 167.7 million workers, an increase of over 30 million since 2013. Migrants face a gender gap, with 38.7% of female migrants employed, compared to 60.8% of male migrants. Most migrants work in the services sector (68.4%), followed by industry (3%) and agriculture (4%). High-income countries host 4% of migrants, with Europe and Northern America as key destinations.