21. Recently, which drug has been officially banned in India due to its toxic impact on endangered vultures?
[A] Nimesulide
[B] Ketoprofen
[C] Flunixin
[D] Aspirin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nimesulide]
Notes:
India has officially banned nimesulide after research confirmed its toxic impact on endangered vultures. Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation relief in conditions like osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and fever. The drug was widely used for treating animals like cattle, pigs, and horses. It causes kidney damage in vultures, leading to health issues and a decline in their population. Symptoms like visceral gout indicate kidney damage in vultures. Nimesulide is banned for pediatric use in several countries and now in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
22. The Uttar Pradesh government launched the All India Radio’s special FM channel ‘Kumbhvani’ in which city?
[A] Gorakhpur
[B] Ayodhya
[C] Prayagraj
[D] Varanasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Prayagraj]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched the All India Radio Kumbhvani FM channel (103.5 MHz) for Maha Kumbh 2025 at Circuit House, Prayagraj. The channel will bring Mahakumbh to remote areas, providing live commentary for those unable to attend. It aims to spread the ambience of the Mahakumbh globally, promoting India’s religious traditions and providing vital information to devotees.
23. Which institute in Himachal Pradesh was recently renamed after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh?
[A] Himachal Pradesh Institute of Management Studies
[B] Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration
[C] Himachal Pradesh National Law University
[D] Indus International University
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration]
Notes:
The Himachal Pradesh government approved renaming the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) to Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration. This honors Dr. Singh’s contributions to national and state development. The Cabinet acknowledged his transformative role during his tenure as Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister.
24. The first International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference was organized in which city?
[A] Almora
[B] Dehradun
[C] Haldwani
[D] Nainital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dehradun]
Notes:
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference in Dehradun, fostering ties with global migrants. The state seeks investment in tourism, agriculture, power, wellness, and manufacturing, emphasizing policy reforms and improved infrastructure. A migrant cell and venture fund were announced to support collaboration with migrants. CM Dhami urged migrants to adopt villages or children to address migration issues and preserve heritage.
25. What is the primary objective of Mission Mausam?
[A] Develop new agricultural technologies
[B] Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation
[C] Enhance disaster relief operations through satellite imaging
[D] Boost India’s space exploration capabilities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation]
Notes:
The Prime Minister will launch ‘Mission Mausam’ on the 150th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mission aims to make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation by advancing weather and climate science. It has a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years and will be implemented by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. It focuses on improving forecasting accuracy, real-time local weather updates, and weather management technologies. The program includes cutting-edge technologies like high-resolution observations, next-gen radars, satellites, and high-performance computers. It addresses climate change, improves air quality data, and prepares citizens for extreme weather events.
26. Recently, the Indian Railways organized a “Paint My City” campaign in which city of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Praygraj
[B] Varanasi
[C] Ayodhya
[D] Gorakhpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Praygraj]
Notes:
The Indian Railways organized a “Paint My City” campaign in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to beautify the city’s railway stations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. The campaign aimed to showcase the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to pilgrims and tourists. The campaign transformed Prayagraj railway station into art and culture centers. The campaign featured murals depicting Hindu mythology, Indian traditions, and women’s empowerment.
27. Kerch Strait, which was seen in the news, connects which two water bodies?
[A] Arabian Sea and South China Sea
[B] Black Sea and Sea of Azov
[C] Red Sea and Black Sea
[D] Baltic Sea and Bering Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Black Sea and Sea of Azov]
Notes:
Russia has formed an emergency task force to address an oil spill in the Kerch Strait. The Kerch Strait links the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov and separates Crimea from Russia’s Taman Peninsula. It is 3 km long, 15 km wide, and 18 meters deep, with its narrowest point being 3-5 km. Kerch city is situated on the Crimean side of the strait. The Kerch Strait is a crucial global shipping route.
28. 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.
29. What is the name of initiative recently launched by government to promote battlefield tourism in India?
[A] Bharat Darshan Yatra
[B] Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
[C] Battlefield Tourism Project
[D] Incredible India: Battlefields
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan]
Notes:
The Union Government launched Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan to promote battlefield tourism in India. It is a joint initiative by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Tourism. The program focuses on showcasing 77 historic battlefields and border sites where significant military actions occurred. Notable sites include Galwan Valley (2020 India-China clashes), Doklam (2017 India-China standoff), Dras (Kargil War), Siachen Base Camp (highest battlefield), Longewala (1971 India-Pakistan war), and Bum La and Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh).
30. 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.