21. Which organization has developed the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)]
Notes:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) highlighted that Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) have better flying safety records than global standards. Dhruv ALH is an indigenously developed twin-engine utility aircraft by HAL. It has multi-role, multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil operations.
22. Z Morh Tunnel, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Jammu and Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Z-Morh tunnel will be a key milestone in creating a year-round strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh. It is a 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped road section near the site. The tunnel is necessary due to the area’s high altitude (over 8,500 ft) and frequent snow avalanches, which make the road impassable during winter months.
23. What is Trichophyton indotineae that was recently seen in news?
[A] Invasive weed
[B] Asteroid
[C] Fungal pathogen
[D] Newly discovered species of Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungal pathogen]
Notes:
More than 30 dermatologists suggest renaming the fungus Trichophyton indotineae as its origin in India is unconfirmed despite reports from over 40 countries. Trichophyton indotineae is a fungal pathogen causing severe, treatment-resistant skin infections. It was named after India in 2020 based on isolates from India and Nepal. The fungus belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis, which affects the skin, hair, and nails. It causes itchy, inflammatory infections on the groin, gluteal region, trunk, and face, affecting all ages and genders. It spreads via direct skin contact or contaminated objects and is resistant to terbinafine.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. Kokborok is the official language of which Indian state?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Sikkim
[C] Nagaland
[D] Tripura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tripura]
Notes:
The Twipra Student Federation (TSF) protested in Agartala, demanding the Roman script for the Kokborok language. Kokborok is the language of the Borok people, officially recognized in Tripura on January 19, 1979. It is a Sino-Tibetan language with roots traced back to the 1st century AD. Historical records of Tripuri kings in Raj Ratnakar were written in Kokborok. The term “Kokborok” combines Kok (verbal) and Borok (people). As of the 2011 Census, 8,80,537 people in Tripura speak Kokborok, comprising 23.97% of the state’s population.
29. Which state government has launched SHE COHORT 3.0 initiative to empower women-led startups?
[A] Odisha
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Punjab]
Notes:
Punjab government has launched SHE COHORT 3.0 (Startups Handholding & Empowerment – Cohort 3.0) initiative in Mohali to empower female startups and students in building tech-based ventures. The initiative is supported by business incubators and ecosystem enablers. More than 250 startups, innovators, and students were briefed on StartUp Punjab’s growth plans. It offers a platform to showcase talent and ideas with potential for economic growth. Aims to contribute to India’s development by 2047.
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.