1. Tihar festival is mainly celebrated in which country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Nepal
[C] Bhutan
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Nepal’s five-day Tihar festival, also called the festival of lights, began with Yamapanchak Tihar. Tihar is a spiritual and cultural Hindu festival celebrating lights and lasting five days. On the second day, Kukur-Tihar, people honored dogs for their loyalty and companionship. Laxmi Puja, worshipping the goddess of wealth, is traditionally held on Tihar’s third day. Many Nepalis are observing Laxmi Puja this evening, while others will celebrate tomorrow on the New Moon day.
2. Which country recently discovered the saturn-sized exoplanet named TOI-6651b?
[A] China
[B] Israel
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [India]
Notes:
Researchers from India’s Physical Research Laboratory have discovered TOI-6651b, a dense, Saturn-sized exoplanet. This is the fourth exoplanet identified by PRL scientists, highlighting India’s role in space exploration. TOI-6651b weighs about 60 times that of Earth and has a radius five times larger. It resides in the “Neptunian desert,” a rare zone with few planets of this size, prompting questions about planetary formation. The planet orbits its star, TOI-6651, in 5.06 days, with an eccentric orbit that differs from typical gas giants. TOI-6651b’s density suggests it’s composed of 87% rocky and iron-rich materials, indicating unique evolutionary processes. This discovery challenges existing theories on planet formation, providing valuable insights into planetary system dynamics.
3. Duma Boko has been elected as the president of which country?
[A] Rwanda
[B] Botswana
[C] Kenya
[D] Nigeria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Botswana]
Notes:
Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has been declared Botswana’s sixth president by Chief Justice Terence Rannowane. Botswana’s electoral law requires a party to win at least 31 of 61 National Assembly seats to secure victory. UDC has gained 34 seats, while the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secured only four seats. Outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat as preliminary results confirmed the BDP lost its parliamentary majority after almost 60 years in power. The BDP has governed Botswana, a diamond-rich nation, since its independence in 1966.
4. What type of weapon is the Iron Beam, which was developed by Israel?
[A] High Energy Laser Weapon System
[B] Anti-ship missile
[C] Radar Jammer
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [High Energy Laser Weapon System]
Notes:
Israel’s Iron Beam, also called Magen or Light Shield, will be operational within a year. It’s a laser-based missile defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, first unveiled in 2014. The system uses a 100kW High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) to destroy fast-moving projectiles with beams of light. Iron Beam’s effective range is up to 7 km (4.3 miles), making it the first of its kind to become operational.
5. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Malaysia
[C] Vietnam
[D] Tonga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indonesia]
Notes:
At least 10 people died in eastern Indonesia after Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, prompting nearby village evacuations. It is located on Flores Island, Indonesia. The volcano is in East Nusa Tenggara province. Mount Lewotobi is part of a twin-volcano system, with Lewotobi Laki-laki (male) erupting, while Lewotobi Perempuan (female) remains inactive. Both are stratovolcanoes, formed by repeated layers of lava, making them common globally. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions as it lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis due to active tectonic plates.
6. 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.
7. Which institution has reported the observations from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1?
[A] Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
[B] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru
[D] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru]
Notes:
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru have made significant observations using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1, India’s first solar mission. The VELC successfully captured and estimated the onset time of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that occurred on July 16. This marks the first scientific result from India’s solar mission. The VELC’s capabilities allowed for close observation of the CME near the Sun’s surface, a breakthrough since such events are usually seen from a distance.
8. What is the name of the weather phenomenon that recently caused catastrophic flooding in Spain?
[A] DANA storm
[B] El Niño
[C] La Niña
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DANA storm]
Notes:
The DANA storm, or “depresión aislada en niveles altos,” caused severe flooding in Spain in late October 2024, attributed to climate change. This isolated low-pressure system generated intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, leading to over 200 fatalities. Areas like Chiva and Valencia experienced unprecedented rainfall, with Chiva recording 491 millimeters in eight hours. The phenomenon results from warm, moist air from the Mediterranean colliding with cold polar air, creating conditions for extreme weather events, exacerbated by human-induced climate change.
9. Which state has launched a policy to introduce diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Haryana
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a proposal to introduce diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine. Both private and government institutions will offer these courses to train para-vets. The initiative aims to improve veterinary care, especially in rural areas, where para-vets assist with vaccinations, first aid, and animal health care. UP currently has a shortage of para-vets, with only 8,193 compared to 34,500 across India. The policy will standardize training, course content, and institutional guidelines. Expert committee will finalize the policy, based on a report prepared for this purpose.
10. The Cia-Cia Tribe is an indigenous tribe of which country?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Indonesia
[C] Malaysia
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indonesia]
Notes:
The Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia is using Hangul, the Korean alphabet, to preserve their indigenous language, which has no formal script. The tribe, with around 93,000 people, has relied on oral tradition for centuries. Hangul was adopted in 2009 to document the Cia-Cia language, as Arabic script didn’t match its sounds. The script is now used in schools, textbooks, and public signs. While some worry about cultural influence, others see it as vital for preserving the language’s uniqueness and preventing extinction.