21. What is Hydroclimate Whiplash, that was recently highlighted in news?
[A] A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure
[B] A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season
[C] A phenomenon of rising sea levels
[D] A rapid temperature drop over a short period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season]
Notes:
Experts link the severity of wildfires in the USA to hydroclimate whiplash, intensified by climate change. Hydroclimate whiplash is a rare condition where a wet season is followed by an extremely dry one. This leads to increased hazards like flash floods, wildfires, landslides, and disease outbreaks. It can harm water quality due to harmful algal blooms and excess organic or mineral content. It also affects food security by reducing plant productivity, causing crop failures, and leading to livestock mortality.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Genhua River, which was seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
A sudden flood on January 15 in Bihar’s Darbhanga district devastated Rabi crops like wheat, maize, lentils, and vegetables in Kiratpur block. The flood was triggered by rising water levels in the Genhua River, caused by the unintended opening of a small floodgate on NH-56 in Madhubani. The Genhua River is located in Bihar.
25. Where was the Archaeological Experiential Museum inaugurated in Gujarat?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Vadnagar
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vadnagar]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Culture and the Gujarat Government inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum and archaeological interpretation center in Vadnagar. Vadnagar, a 2,500-year-old town, was a hub on ancient trade routes, boasting rich heritage sites like Kirti Toran, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Sharmistha Lake. The museum complex spans 12,500 sq. m., features nine galleries, a 4,000 sq. m. excavation site, and highlights 5,000 artifacts. The ₹298 crore project integrates sustainability and includes five years of operations and maintenance.
26. Recently, the “One Plate, One Bag” campaign was launched in which city of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Agra
[C] Prayagraj
[D] Ayodhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayagraj]
Notes:
The “One Plate, One Bag” campaign was launched at the Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj, to promote a plastic-free event. Cloth bags and steel plates and glasses are being distributed to replace plastic and disposable items. Around 70,000 cloth bags have been distributed from six centers so far. More than 2 million steel plates and glasses collected nationwide are being supplied to langars and food outlets. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath urged pilgrims to adopt eco-friendly practices and avoid single-use plastic during the pilgrimage.
27. According to World Bank, what is the projected growth rate of Indian economy over the next two fiscal years (2025-2027)?
[A] 6.3%
[B] 6.5%
[C] 6.7%
[D] 7.1%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6.7%]
Notes:
India’s economic growth is projected at 6.7% annually for fiscal years starting April 2025, as per the World Bank. The services sector is expected to continue expanding steadily. Manufacturing is set to strengthen due to government efforts to improve the business environment. Investment growth will remain stable, with private investment rising and public investment moderating. For 2024-25, growth is expected to ease to 6.5% due to slower investment and weak manufacturing performance.
28. Which ministry has launched the toolkit for 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. A new category, the “Super Swachh League,” has been introduced to recognize cities excelling in cleanliness. Cities are now categorized into five groups based on population, with awards for top cities in each group. Assessment will focus on parameters like waste management, sanitation, and cleanliness at tourist spots. The field assessment phase will run from February 15 to March 2025.
29. Abd al-Kuri Island, which was seen in the news, is located in which ocean?
[A] Indian Ocean
[B] Pacific Ocean
[C] Atlantic Ocean
[D] Arctic Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Ocean]
Notes:
Satellite images show a nearly completed airstrip on Yemen’s Abd al-Kuri Island, likely built by the UAE. Abd al-Kuri Island is 65 miles southwest of Socotra, in the Indian Ocean, part of the Socotra Archipelago. Although it belongs to Yemen, the island is geographically closer to Somalia, about 110 km northeast of Cape Gwardafuy. The island is rocky, 35 km long, and 5 km wide, with its highest point at 700 meters, Mount Jebel Saleh. With fewer than 500 residents, its inhabitants mainly rely on fishing, and settlements are connected by dirt roads. The island features the endemic Euphorbia abdalkuri plant.
30. Which organisation released the ‘Global Risks Report 2025’?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] World Economic Forum
[C] United Nations Development Programme
[D] United Nations Environment Programme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Economic Forum]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum released the Global Risk Report, first published in 2006, categorizing extreme weather as an “environmental risk.” The 2024-2025 report is based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) and assesses risks over short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (10 years) periods. Short-term risks include misinformation, extreme weather events, and state-based armed conflict. Long-term risks include extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and critical earth system changes. Four key spheres shaping global risks are technological, geostrategic, climatic, and demographic, expected to intensify. The report highlights addressing short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons.