21. Diego Garcia Island, that was recently seen in news, is located in which ocean?
[A] Indian Ocean
[B] Atlantic Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Arctic Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Ocean]
Notes:
Fifteen Tamil Nadu fishermen were reportedly detained near Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) for crossing the maritime boundary. Diego Garcia is a coral atoll, the largest and southernmost island in the Chagos Archipelago, central Indian Ocean. It covers 44 sq. km with a V-shaped cay and an open lagoon. The UK leased Diego Garcia to the US in 1966 for a military base, displacing its inhabitants.
22. Prime Minister Ilza Amado Vaz, who recently announced her resignation, belongs to which country?
[A] Cameroon
[B] Sao Tome and Principe
[C] Chad
[D] Democratic Republic of the Congo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sao Tome and Principe ]
Notes:
São Tomé and Príncipe Prime Minister Ilza Amado Vaz resigned after her proposed cabinet list was publicly leaked before informing President Carlos Vila Nova. Amado Vaz, a former justice minister, was appointed prime minister following the dissolution of Patrice Trovoada’s government. São Tomé and Príncipe is a small archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, covering just over 1,000 sq. km.
23. Gaan Ngai festival is celebrated in which Indian state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Odisha
[C] Sikkim
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
The Gaan Ngai festival is celebrated by the Zeliarong community in Manipur after the harvest season. It marks gratitude for a good harvest, prayers for prosperity, and the beginning of the new year. The festival includes music, dance, and spiritual rituals, promoting unity and joy. The Zeliarong community, comprising the Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes, is one of Manipur’s prominent tribal groups. Gaan Ngai lasts for five days and is typically celebrated in December or January, with the date varying each year.
24. 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.
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. Which state government has recently launched a pension scheme to provide a monthly pension to individuals during the Emergency (1975–1977)?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Odisha has launched a pension scheme providing ₹20,000 per month for individuals detained during the Emergency (1975–1977). The scheme also covers medical expenses for eligible recipients alive as of January 1, 2025. Similar pension schemes exist in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam. Those arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, Defence of India Rules, and related laws during the Emergency can apply. Over 300 people in Odisha are eligible, with an annual cost of ₹8 crore for the state government. Applications are required for pension and medical benefits.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.