1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Which ministry is responsible for conducting the census in India?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The government plans to conduct the Census in 2025, widely welcomed for its policy-shaping role since 1872. Census 2025 will include key initiatives like potential caste enumeration, pending government approval. It will also assist in electoral delimitation and help create the National Population Register (NPR). The Census captures essential demographic, economic, and socio-political trends in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for conducting the census in India. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India is responsible for planning, implementing, and conceiving the census. The Directorate of Census Operations in each state and union territory (UT) is responsible for conducting the census in their respective jurisdictions.
4. Which Indian agency has been included in the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP)?
[A] Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
[B] Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
[C] Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
[D] National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Directorate of Enforcement (ED)]
Notes:
India’s Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has joined the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP). ARIN-AP is a major network focused on tracking and recovering criminal proceeds across the Asia-Pacific region. It enhances cross-border cooperation in tracing, freezing, and confiscating assets linked to crime. With 28 member jurisdictions and nine observers, ARIN-AP serves as a vital, informal framework for intelligence sharing. The network, part of the broader CARIN Network, helps law enforcement quickly access information on assets, aiding in efficient crime proceeds recovery across more than 100 countries.
5. Where was the 15th edition of India- US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR conducted?
[A] Chennai, Tamil Nadu
[B] Houston, USA
[C] Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
[D] Idaho, USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Idaho, USA]
Notes:
The 15th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR took place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. This follows the last exercise held in December 2023 in Meghalaya and is the second joint exercise this year, after Exercise YUDH ABHYAS in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and special operations tactics between the two countries. Activities includes joint planning, reconnaissance missions, using unmanned aerial systems, and psychological warfare drills.
6. 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.”
7. Matthew Wade, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, belongs to which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] England
[C] Australia
[D] South Africa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Australian cricketer Matthew Wade retired from international cricket after a 13-year career with 225 appearances for Australia. He played in three T20 World Cups, crucially helping Australia win its first T20 title in 2021 with a memorable semi-final performance against Pakistan. In Tests, Wade scored 1,613 runs with four centuries, including a top score of 117 in the 2019 Ashes. He played 97 ODIs, amassing 1,867 runs, and 92 T20Is with 1,202 runs. Wade will continue in domestic and franchise cricket and join Australia’s coaching staff for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
8. Ningol Chakkouba festival is celebrated in which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
Ningol Chakkouba, a key festival in Manipur, was celebrated with enthusiasm. Traditionally held on the second lunar day of Hiyangei month, its origins trace back to King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’s rule. “Ningol” means “married woman,” and “Chakouba” means “feast invitation,” where married daughters are invited by their parents for a family feast. The festival strengthens bonds among brothers, sisters, and parents. Initially celebrated by the Meitei community, it is now observed by many other communities as well.
9. Which ministry recently organized the ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ program under Amrit Parampara initiative?
[A] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Culture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Ministry of Culture’s Amrit Parampara series celebrates India’s shared art and culture legacy. The series began with “Kaveri Meets Ganga,” inaugurated on 2nd November and held till 5th November 2024. The event, inspired by Chennai’s Margazhi Festival, featured traditional and folk arts, representing India’s cultural diversity. The event was held at Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka. It showcased South Indian music and dance for North Indian audiences. Organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kalakshetra, and CCRT, the festival aligns with the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative, promoting unity through cultural exchange.
10. What is the theme of World Cities Day 2024?
[A] Youth leading climate and local action for cities
[B] Valuing our communities and cities
[C] Financing sustainable urban future for all
[D] Act Local to Go Global
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Youth leading climate and local action for cities]
Notes:
World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31 to highlight sustainable urban development. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized it in 2013, with the first celebration in 2014. This observance addresses challenges posed by rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries like India. World Cities Day is part of Urban October, which begins with World Habitat Day. More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, making this conversation essential. The day encourages global discussions on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for everyone. This year’s theme is ‘Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities’.