1. Recently, where were the sandstone replicas of the Konark wheel installed?
[A] India Gate
[B] Red Fort
[C] Rashtrapati Bhavan
[D] Parliament House
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rashtrapati Bhavan ]
Notes:
Four sandstone replicas of the Konark wheel were installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
This installation promotes India’s rich cultural heritage to visitors. The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents Odisha’s temple architecture and is designed as a giant chariot for the Sun god. The Konark wheel symbolizes India’s cultural legacy and architectural excellence.
2. Which ministry instituted the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak to boost the morale of all police personnel?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Urban Development
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was awarded to 463 personnel from various states, Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces, and Central Police Organizations in 2024. This medal recognizes excellence in Special Operations, Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Science. Instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 1, 2024, it aims to encourage high professional standards and morale among officers. The award is announced yearly on October 31, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. It honors members of Police Forces, Security Organizations, Intelligence, and National Security Guard for exceptional performance and courage.
3. Which zoological park has become India’s first zoo to earn certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)?
[A] Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
[B] Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh
[C] Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
[D] National Zoological Park, New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in Kangra’s Dehra constituency will be India’s first IGBC-certified zoo for sustainable infrastructure. It is located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra. The park will have 34 enclosures featuring 73 species, including Asiatic lions, crocodiles, gharials, and indigenous birds. With a budget of ₹619 crore, it focuses on eco-friendly design. The zoo aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote eco-tourism, enhancing Kangra’s status as Himachal Pradesh’s “Tourism Capital.”
4. Typhoon Kong-rey has hit which country recently?
[A] Taiwan
[B] Hong Kong
[C] Vietnam
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Taiwan]
Notes:
Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, marking the largest typhoon impact in nearly 30 years. It made landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast with initial winds over 200 km/h. Authorities closed schools, offices, and financial markets, evacuating thousands from high-risk areas. Supermarkets faced shortages as residents prepared. The storm injured over 70 people, caused one death, and led to power outages for about 500,000 households. Severe weather conditions delayed emergency responses in affected areas.
5. What is the IUCN conservation status of the North Atlantic right whale, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Least Concern
[B] Vulnerable
[C] Endangered
[D] Critically Endangered
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Critically Endangered]
Notes:
Researchers reported a 4% increase in the North Atlantic right whale population since 2020, following a 25% decline from 2010 to 2020. These migratory whales spend winters in warmer waters and migrate to the poles in late summer. They inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Right whales are often found near bays and peninsulas in shallow, coastal waters, mainly along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. They feed by skimming plankton at or just below the water’s surface. Conservation status: IUCN lists North Atlantic right whales as critically endangered.
6. Exercise Garuda Shakti 24 is conducted between India and which country?
[A] Maldives
[B] Australia
[C] Russia
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indonesia]
Notes:
A contingent of 25 Indian Army personnel has participated in Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 from November 1 to 12, 2024. This is the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces exercise, featuring troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). The exercise aims to familiarize both sides with each other’s procedures and enhance cooperation and interoperability. This exercise includes tactical military drills, planning special operations, and sharing advanced skills and techniques.
7. What is Alstonia scholaris, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Spider
[B] Tropical tree
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Butterfly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tropical tree]
Notes:
Cyclone Dana brought heavy rain to Kolkata, causing chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) to shed their strong-smelling flowers, offering relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. It is a tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Alstonia scholaris, also called blackboard tree, scholar tree, or devil’s tree, is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Known as “saptaparni” in India, it has clusters of seven leaves and blooms small, fragrant greenish-white flowers in late autumn. The tree’s bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine for respiratory, skin, and digestive issues. Its wood was once used to make blackboards, hence the name “blackboard tree.”
8. Where was the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) held?
[A] Chennai
[B] Hyderabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation are hosting the first Asian Buddhist Summit on November 5-6, 2024, in New Delhi. The theme is “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,” with India’s President as Chief Guest. The summit gathers Sangha leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across Asia to discuss Buddhism’s role in addressing current challenges. Buddhism has deeply influenced Asia’s spiritual and cultural unity. Buddha Dhamma is integral to India’s national identity and plays a role in its foreign policy, strengthening ties across Asia through shared values and diplomacy.
9. Hingot War festival is associated with which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The traditional ‘Hingot war Festival’ takes place annually in Gautampura, Madhya Pradesh. Participants throw “burning arrows” (Hingots) at each other in this event. This tradition is seen as a display of bravery, not just a ritual. This annual event involves two rival groups, Kalangi and Turra, who engage in a fiery battle by throwing ‘Hingot’ rockets at each other. Thousands of spectators attended, with extensive safety measures by the administration and police to protect them.
10. Which Indian boxer won the World Boxing Federation’s super featherweight world title?
[A] Vikas Bhardwaj
[B] Gavireddy Ramayya
[C] Shubham Yadav
[D] Mandeep Jangra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mandeep Jangra ]
Notes:
Haryana’s boxer Mandeep Jangra won the World Boxing Federation’s super featherweight world title by defeating British boxer Conor McIntosh. The title match took place in the Cayman Islands. Mandeep, 31, turned professional in 2021 and trains under American boxing legend Roy Jones Junior. He won silver at the 2013 Asian Championship and the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Mandeep received the Arjuna Award from the Indian government in 2015.