1. What is the primary objective of Mission Amrit Sarovar?
[A] To promote drip irrigation
[B] To address the water crisis in rural areas
[C] To increase tourism in river cities
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To address the water crisis in rural areas]
Notes:
The Prime Minister of India announced that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars have been built in villages, creating a legacy for future generations. The initiative began on April 24, 2022, aiming to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars for the 75th year of independence. It addresses water crises in rural areas, with each Sarovar having at least 1 acre of pond area and a capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters. The mission promotes water conservation, community participation, and the use of excavated soil for infrastructure. It involves six government ministries but has no separate financial allocation.
2. Which ministry recently released the Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG)?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Animal Husbandry
[C] Ministry of Food Processing
[D] Ministry of Health
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Animal Husbandry]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry released the Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG), the first comprehensive guidelines for animal and bird diseases. The guidelines aim to reduce antibiotic, hormone, and drug residues in animal-source foods, improving food safety and soil health. The guidelines include dosages, treatment durations, withdrawal periods, and potential side effects. They integrate Ayurvedic and ethnoveterinary practices for cost-effective treatments, particularly benefiting small-scale farmers. SVTG is expected to lower treatment costs and enhance health management in livestock and poultry, reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risks.
3. What technology was used to detect the lost Mayan city hidden in the Mexican forest?
[A] GPS
[B] LiDAR
[C] Sonar
[D] MRI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [LiDAR]
Notes:
Scientists have discovered a lost Mayan city in the dense Mexican jungle using LiDAR technology. LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed lasers to measure distances to the Earth’s surface. It can create high-resolution 3-D models of ground elevation with vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm. The LiDAR system includes a laser, scanner, and GPS receiver. The laser fires rapidly, hitting surfaces like vegetation and buildings, with the reflected light recorded by the sensor.
4. Which city set a Guinness World Record by lighting over 2.5 million diyas during Deepotsav 2024?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Ayodhya
[C] Mathura
[D] Haridwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ayodhya]
Notes:
Ayodhya set two Guinness World Records during the 2024 Deepotsav celebrations. Over 25 lakh diyas (2,512,585 oil lamps) were lit along the Saryu River, marking the largest display of oil lamps. Another record was set for the most people performing diya rotation simultaneously. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received the Guinness certificates, joined by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. Celebrations included lamps illuminating the ghats, laser shows, a sound-and-light Ram Leela, a drone show, and fireworks. This Deepotsav was the first since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lala at the Ayodhya temple.
5. According to a study by Columbia University, which major health risk is associated with long-term exposure to arsenic in water?
[A] Cardiovascular disease
[B] Neurological disorders
[C] Skin cancer
[D] Respiratory diseases
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cardiovascular disease]
Notes:
A Columbia University study found that long-term exposure to arsenic in water may increase cardiovascular disease risk. Arsenic is a natural element found in air, water, and soil, and can also be released by industries like mining. It exists in organic and highly toxic inorganic forms; contaminated water and food are common exposure sources. High arsenic levels cause poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while long-term exposure can lead to skin changes. Arsenic is used in rat poisons, insecticides, semiconductors, glass-making, and wood preservation, though its use is heavily controlled due to toxicity.
6. Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Gorakhpur
[B] Prayagraj
[C] Varanasi
[D] Meerut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Varanasi]
Notes:
The National Green Tribunal criticized three district magistrates in Uttar Pradesh and the state’s pollution control board for carelessly approving mining in the Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is India’s first freshwater turtle sanctuary, covering a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River. The sanctuary was created to protect turtles, which were released to help naturally decompose half-burnt human remains in the Ganga as part of the Ganga Action Plan. Turtle hatchlings are bred in Sarnath, with 2,000 eggs brought annually from Chambal and Yamuna rivers. The sanctuary also hosts Gangetic Dolphins, diverse turtles, and fish species like Rohu and Tengra.
7. Mount Annapurna, which was seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Nepal
[C] China
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Annapurna Base Camp saw a record number of tourists after this year’s Dashain festival. Mount Annapurna is located in Gandaki Province, north-central Nepal, in the Annapurna Range. It is the world’s tenth-highest peak, with an elevation of 8,091 meters. The mountain lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, covering 7,629 square kilometers. Known as the “Killer Mountain” due to its high fatality rate among climbers attempting the summit.
8. PM Vishwakarma scheme, that was recently seen in news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Commerce
[C] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]
Notes:
Two million applications have been successfully registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a central sector scheme designed to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas. The objectives include recognizing artisans as Vishwakarmas and providing skill upgrades. The scheme also aims to promote their brands and create market linkages to access new growth opportunities.
9. The Department of Fisheries has designated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Tuna Cluster under which scheme?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
[B] National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen
[C] Development of Fisheries in Running Water
[D] Blue Revolution Scheme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana ]
Notes:
The Department of Fisheries has designated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Tuna Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This region has a 6.0 lakh sq km Exclusive Economic Zone rich in tuna, offering benefits in fisheries due to its location, sustainable practices, and trade routes. Tuna, part of the Thunnus genus, is fast and migratory, found in tropical and temperate oceans, with species like Skipjack and Yellowfin contributing $41 billion in trade annually. Tuna is rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020, aims to enhance fisheries growth.
10. What is the name of the zoological park in India that has established a genetic biobank for endangered Himalayan species?
[A] Nehru Zoological Park
[B] Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
[C] Amirthi Zoological Park
[D] Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park]
Notes:
The Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, located in Darjeeling, India, has become a pioneer in conservation efforts for Himalayan species. It is the first zoo in the country to establish a genetic biobank aimed at preserving the DNA of endangered animals such as red pandas and snow leopards. This facility is crucial for ensuring genetic diversity and safeguarding the reproductive potential of these species, especially in light of threats like habitat destruction and inbreeding depression. The zoo also focuses on rewilding programs to help restore these animals to their natural habitats.