1. Which day is observed as National Unity Day?
[A] 29 October
[B] 30 October
[C] 31 October
[D] 27 October
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [31 October]
Notes:
National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a key leader in India’s independence struggle and served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. This day commemorates his efforts to unite diverse princely states into one nation and promotes national solidarity.
2. 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.”
3. Recently, which institute developed the new security ink using luminescent nanomaterials to combat counterfeiting?
[A] Indian Institute of Science
[B] National Institute of Biomedical Genomics
[C] Institute of Nano Science and Technology
[D] S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Institute of Nano Science and Technology ]
Notes:
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology have developed a novel security ink using luminescent nanomaterials to combat counterfeiting in currency, certificates, branded goods, and medicines. This ink exhibits different colors under various light wavelengths, enhancing its security features. The synthesis process involves rare earth doping and a co-precipitation method, allowing the ink to remain effective under diverse conditions. This innovation provides a reliable solution for verifying authenticity and preventing counterfeit products.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Which state is the largest producer of Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), which was mentioned in news due to death of elephants?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Haryana
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Ten wild elephants died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, possibly due to “mycotoxins associated with kodo millet.” Kodo millet, also called Kodra or Varagu, is a drought-tolerant, hardy crop rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a staple food for many tribal and economically weaker communities in India. Best suited for tropical and subtropical regions, it grows on poor soils in arid and semi-arid areas. Originating in India, Madhya Pradesh is a major producer, along with Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. Kodo millet is also cultivated in Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and West Africa.
7. Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India inaugurated India’s new Consulate General in which city of Australia?
[A] Brisbane
[B] Melbourne
[C] Perth
[D] Sydney
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Brisbane]
Notes:
India’s new consulate in Brisbane, Australia, was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The consulate marks a milestone in India-Australia relations, strengthened by recent trade deals. Queensland, home to about 100,000 of Australia’s nearly one million Indian-origin residents, is key to these ties, with India as its second-largest export market. India also has consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The Brisbane consulate will be led by diplomat Neetu Bhagotia, who has prior experience in India’s missions in Bhutan and Russia.
8. Which day is observed as World Tsunami Awareness Day every year?
[A] November 2
[B] November 3
[C] November 5
[D] November 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [November 5]
Notes:
World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on November 5 to raise awareness about tsunami dangers and promote preparedness. The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2015, highlighting the need for early warning systems and community education. November 5 was chosen for its historical significance, linked to the Japanese tale of Inamura-no-hi. The day emphasizes that early warning and preparedness can greatly reduce loss of life and property. It promotes best practices, effective evacuation plans, and encourages global cooperation to strengthen resilience against tsunamis.
9. Tanushree Pandey has clinched which medal at the World Soft Tennis Championship at Jingshan in China?
[A] Gold
[B] Silver
[C] Bronze
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Silver]
Notes:
India’s Tanushree Pandey won a silver medal at the World Soft Tennis Championship in Jingshan, China. She narrowly lost the Under-21 Women’s Singles final to Chiang Min Yu of Chinese Taipei, with a score of 3-4. In the semifinal, Tanushree won a close match against her Japanese opponent, 4-3. She also defeated a Chinese player in the quarterfinal with the same scoreline of 4-3.
10. What was the theme of the third edition of the MAHASAGAR event conducted by the Indian Navy in November 2024?
[A] Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR
[B] Blue Economy and Regional Development
[C] Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges
[D] Maritime Security and Trade
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR]
Notes:
The third edition of the virtual interaction MAHASAGAR took place on 5 Nov 2024, led by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. It involved leaders from maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, including Bangladesh, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and others. The theme was “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in IOR,” focusing on improving training collaboration. MAHASAGAR is a bi-annual Indian Navy initiative, launched in 2023, aimed at enhancing security and growth through maritime cooperation and capacity building.