21. The falcated duck was recently spotted at which protected area in Haryana?
[A] Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary
[B] Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Sultanpur National Park
[D] Kalesar National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sultanpur National Park ]
Notes:
A Falcated Duck was recently spotted at Sultanpur National Park, Gurugram, Haryana. It is also known as falcated teal. The duck is a gadwall-sized dabbling species, found from eastern Siberia to northern Japan, wintering in Southeast Asia and eastern India. They inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, usually surrounded by forests. Falcated ducks are mainly herbivorous, feeding on plants, seeds, and occasionally small invertebrates. They are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
22. Which ministry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. The Board aims to lead turmeric-related matters and enhance coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies. It will include a Chairperson, a Secretary from the Department of Commerce, members from various ministries, and representatives from top turmeric-growing states. The Board will focus on research, value addition, promoting turmeric’s medicinal properties, improving yield, logistics, and exploring international markets. Quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports are also key goals. The headquarters is in Nizamabad, Telangana.
23. The Parshuram Kund Mela has organized in which state recently?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Mizoram
[C] Sikkim
[D] Meghalaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Parshuram Kund Mela has started in Arunachal Pradesh. Parshuram Kund is a Hindu pilgrimage site on the Brahmaputra plateau near the Lohit River. It is also known as the “Kumbh of the Northeast,” the festival attracts thousands of devotees from India and abroad.
24. Which organization has released Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[C] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[D] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report in collaboration with Accenture. It highlights how geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, and cybercrime sophistication are reshaping cybersecurity. Geopolitical conflicts, like the Ukraine war, increase vulnerabilities in critical sectors such as energy and nuclear power. Two-thirds of organizations expect AI to impact cybersecurity, but only one-third have tools to manage AI-related risks. The cybersecurity workforce faces a 4.8 million professional gap, with only 14% of organizations having skilled teams. Supply chain complexities and third-party vulnerabilities hinder cyber resilience for over 50% of organizations. Generative AI is being used for advanced phishing and social engineering, with 42% of organizations facing such attacks in 2024.
25. What is the name of the ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds in space?
[A] Plant Growth Module (PGM)
[B] Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)
[C] Space Farming Initiative (SFI)
[D] Agricultural Research in Space (ARS)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)]
Notes:
The ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds (also known as cowpea seeds) in space is called the “CROPS” experiment, which stands for “Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies”. The seeds sprouted on the fourth day, with leaves visible by the fifth day, marking a major milestone in space research. The experiment aims to develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions and test plant growth in microgravity and controlled environments. Success supports astronauts by enabling food growth, oxygen generation, and CO₂ recycling in space. It highlights India’s capability in managing complex life-support systems and contributes to global space farming initiatives.
26. The Halda Festival is observed in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Gujarat
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Halda Festival is celebrated in January in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. It honors Shiskar Apa, the Goddess of Wealth, to seek blessings for prosperity and a good harvest. Celebrations are most prominent in the Pattan, Gahar, and Chandra valleys.
27. Where was the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025 held?
[A] New Delhi, India
[B] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
[C] Abu Dhabi, UAE
[D] Beijing, China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Riyadh, Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
The Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025 held in Riyadh with more than 85 countries discussing challenges in the mineral sector. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy joined ministers from 50 nations at the event held at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. The forum focuses on enhancing mineral supply chains, green technologies, and sustainable practices. The forum focuses on enhancing mineral supply chains, green technologies, and sustainable practices.
28. Which two sites from India have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch list?
[A] Musi River Historic Buildings and Bhuj Historic Water Systems
[B] Gateway of India and Mysore Palace
[C] Red Fort and Jaipur City
[D] Lotus Temple and Gateway of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Musi River Historic Buildings and Bhuj Historic Water Systems]
Notes:
The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj Historic Water Systems in Gujarat are listed in the 2025 World Monuments Watch by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF). These sites face risks from climate change and water crises, highlighting the need for advocacy and preservation. WMF emphasizes heritage as a pathway for rejuvenation, sustainability, and resilience amid Hyderabad’s environmental challenges and rapid change.
29. What is the name of the application launched by the Department of Telecommunications to empower citizens and address fraud communications?
[A] Digi Saathi
[B] Fraud Watch
[C] Sanchar Saathi
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sanchar Saathi]
Notes:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Sanchar Saathi mobile app on January 17, 2025, to report fraudulent communications directly from call logs. The app builds on the Sanchar Saathi portal, launched in May 2023, aimed at combating fraud calls and improving mobile security. Users can check and manage mobile connections, disconnect unauthorized ones, and verify device authenticity. The app supports the government’s broader goal of enhancing mobile network accessibility and security for Indian users.
30. 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.