1. 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.”
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. 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 state government recently launched Deepam 2.0 scheme to provide free gas cylinders to eligible families?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the Deepam 2.0 scheme in Edupuram, Srikakulam district, as part of the “Super Six Promises” initiative. The scheme aims to provide free gas cylinders to eligible families to enhance their quality of life. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve living conditions and promote clean cooking energy in households, thereby enhancing health and safety. The scheme also includes financial support for women, aiming to reduce their financial burdens and reliance on traditional cooking methods, ultimately fostering women’s empowerment in the state.
5. What is the new name of the National Achievement Survey (NAS) for 2024?
[A] PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan
[B] Udaan Survey
[C] Vidya Vikas Survey
[D] Sarv Unnati Survey
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan]
Notes:
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) will be held on December 4, 2024, under a new name, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan. PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) aims to enhance understanding of India’s educational landscape and is led by NCERT and CBSE. The survey assesses students from government, aided, and private schools using multiple-choice questions for Grades 3, 6, and 9 in subjects like Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. It evaluates school effectiveness across districts, utilizing paper-based assessments and Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology. The approach focuses on foundational education as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, providing report cards at national, state, and district levels. PARAKH is managed by the National Assessment Center, PARAKH, under the Ministry of Education.
6. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has formed a team to investigate the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh government has also set up a five-member committee, led by APCCF (Wildlife), to conduct an inquiry. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district. It was designated as a national park in 1968 and became a tiger reserve in 1993.
7. Which organization has prepared the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) report?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[C] World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]
Notes:
The Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) is a crucial report being drafted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to offer policymakers a comprehensive assessment of environmental changes and effective solutions to combat pressing ecological issues. Scheduled for launch at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, GEO-7 will cover a broad spectrum of environmental topics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health with economic and social stability, thereby influencing decisions across various sectors for sustainable development.
8. What is the objective of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in Telangana?
[A] Financial support for ex-servicemen
[B] Construction of new military bases
[C] Recruitment of new soldiers
[D] Organizing military parades
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Financial support for ex-servicemen]
Notes:
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in Telangana, chaired by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, aims to provide financial assistance to ex-servicemen and their families. Recent meetings have focused on immediate relief and long-term support initiatives, including increased grants for families of fallen soldiers, marriage grants for daughters of ex-servicemen, and enhanced monthly assistance for disabled soldiers. The fund also supports educational needs and sports incentives for ex-servicemen and their children, ensuring that those who served the nation receive the necessary care and support.
9. 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.
10. Which city is the host of World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 event?
[A] Paris
[B] New Delhi
[C] Dubai
[D] London
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [London]
Notes:
The Ministry of Tourism, India, participated in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London from November 5–7, 2024. The UK is India’s second-largest source of inbound tourists, with a strong Indian diaspora of 1.9 million. The India Pavilion at WTM showcases India’s diverse tourism offerings, including MICE, Mahakhumbh, and Wedding Tourism, with a special Indian wedding-themed setup. The event features 50+ stakeholders, including state tourism boards, tour operators, and airlines. The Chalo India initiative encourages the diaspora to promote India, offering incentives like gratis e-tourist visas. Recently, the Incredible India Content Hub and Digital Portal was launched to enhance visitor experience. India focuses on sustainable tourism growth aligned with the G20 Goa Roadmap.