21. What is the name of the indigenous dog breed recently recognized by ICAR-NBAGR from the Himalayas?
[A] Damchi
[B] Gaddi
[C] Bakharwal
[D] Bangara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaddi]
Notes:
The Gaddi dog, a loyal shepherd dog from the Himalayas, is now recognized as an indigenous breed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR). It is found in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and the Pir Panjal range. It is known for guarding flocks against predators like the Snow Leopard and is named after the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh. Other registered indigenous breeds include the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai from Tamil Nadu and the Mudhol Hound from Karnataka, known for agility, guarding, and loyalty.
22. What is the name of portal launched by government to make genome data accessible to researchers in India and abroad?
[A] Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portal
[B] Indian Genomic Repository (IGC) Portal
[C] Genome Access Portal
[D] Life Science Data Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portal]
Notes:
India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.
23. Manis indoburmanica, which was recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Lizard
[B] Spider
[C] Pangolin
[D] Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pangolin]
Notes:
Zoological Survey of India scientists recently discovered a new pangolin species, the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica), in Arunachal Pradesh. This species is genetically distinct from the Chinese (Manis pentadactyla) and Indian (Manis crassicaudata) pangolins. Genetic analysis shows an 8% difference from the Chinese pangolin, with divergence around 3.4 million years ago. The species is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and possibly Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, at altitudes between 180-1830 meters. It has dark brown and olive-brown scales with a pinkish face, typical of Asian pangolins.
24. Neduntheevu Island, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Myanmar
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
The Sri Lankan Navy recently arrested 17 Indian fishermen near Neduntheevu Island. Neduntheevu, also called Delft Island, is the largest island in the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka. It covers 50 sq.km, with an 8 km length and 6 km width. The island is flat, oval-shaped, and often wind-swept, offering a soothing environment. It lacks streams; freshwater comes from surface water and artificial ponds. The island has dry shrubs, semi-arid tropical plants, and tall palm trees. A Dutch fort made of coral chunks is located on the island, which has a population of 4,800.
25. Gangasagar Mela is a religious festival held in which state annually?
[A] Bihar
[B] West Bengal
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Notes:
The Gangasagar Mela organizers introduced initiatives like certificates for pilgrims, e-Anushandhan for facilities access, and e-Parichay QR code identity bands. The Gangasagar Mela is an annual Hindu festival held on Sagar Island, West Bengal, at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. It includes rituals like the sacred bath and Deepdan and is celebrated during Makar Sankranti, marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn. It is the second-largest religious gathering in India after the Kumbh Mela. The mela has ancient roots, with mentions in the Mahabharata’s Vana Parva (1500–2000 BC).
26. Which state is the host of 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC)?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Bihar
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar will host the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) on January 20-21, 2025. The theme is “75th anniversary of the Constitution: The contribution of the Parliament and state legislatures in strengthening the constitutional values.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will preside over the event, with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh present. Over 264 parliamentarians, legislators, and officials will attend. Bihar last hosted AIPOC in 1982 and before that in 1964. The event will be held at the Bihar Legislative Assembly premises. It aims to enhance coordination and share best practices among legislative bodies.
27. Who has been named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by the respected US-based sports magazine Track and Field News?
[A] Thomas Rohler
[B] Julius Yego
[C] Neeraj Chopra
[D] Kishore Jena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Neeraj Chopra]
Notes:
Neeraj Chopra was named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by the US-based Track and Field News. He won the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a throw of 89.45m. He narrowly beat Anderson Peters of Grenada for the top spot in the rankings; Peters won three Diamond League events in 2024. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who threw 92.97m to win Olympic gold, ranked fifth due to limited appearances. Track and Field News, founded in 1948, is highly respected in athletics.
28. Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of External Affairs
[C] Ministry of Tourism
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
Union Home Minister launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) at seven major Indian airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. The program, part of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, was first introduced in Delhi in June 2024. FTI-TTP aims to provide seamless, secure, and world-class immigration facilities for travellers.
29. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) was established under which institution?
[A] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
[D] Ministry of Fisheries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)]
Notes:
Around 100 tribal people from Pulicat will receive training in pearl spot culture, crab fattening, and clownfish aquaculture, organized by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR). NBFGR was established in 1983 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), focuses on fish germplasm conservation. Its infrastructure was set up in Lucknow in 1999. NBFGR’s vision includes the sustainable utilization and conservation of fish genetic resources. The bureau works on documenting fish diversity, developing databases, genotyping, and genebanking to support fish population health and sustainability.
30. What does the term “Nautor Land” refer to?
[A] Fertile agricultural land owned by the government
[B] Government-owned barren or wasteland allocated for cultivation or productive use
[C] Forest land designated for conservation
[D] Privately owned uncultivated land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Government-owned barren or wasteland allocated for cultivation or productive use]
Notes:
The Union Home Ministry is considering a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, granting locals ownership of government wastelands they have used for years. Nautor Land refers to barren government land allocated for cultivation or productive use with official approval. It originated in 1932 under Hari Singh in Jammu and Kashmir and was later adopted in Himachal Pradesh in 1968 before being halted. The policy targets hilly and remote areas like Leh, Kargil, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Regularization ensures ownership for locals, safeguards resources from outsiders, and preserves cultural and economic traditions.