31. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is part of which biosphere reserve?
[A] Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
[B] Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
[C] Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
[D] Manas Biosphere Reserve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve]
Notes:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recommended notifying Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary as a core and critical area of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, but it hasn’t been implemented yet. The sanctuary, which is about 30.32 sq km, supports a high density of wildlife and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which includes other protected areas like Bandipur and Nagarahole in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, and Wayanad in Kerala, highlighting its importance in conservation efforts.
32. Which country launched the “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29?
[A] India
[B] France
[C] United States (US)
[D] United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [United Arab Emirates (UAE)]
Notes:
The UAE launched the “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29 in Azerbaijan to double global energy efficiency by 2030. This initiative, following the ‘UAE Consensus’ from COP28, unites countries, organizations, and corporations to cut emissions and manage resources sustainably. The UAE will lead by sharing energy efficiency expertise, promoting partnerships with the private sector, and standardizing best practices. The alliance aims to foster public-private collaborations and attract investments in energy efficiency. It will help African countries by providing financing options and technology solutions crucial for sustainable energy development.
33. Dead Sea, which was seen in the news, is located between which two countries?
[A] Syria and Lebanon
[B] Egypt and Saudi Arabia
[C] Israel and Jordan
[D] Turkey and Cyprus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Israel and Jordan ]
Notes:
Researchers found meter-high chimneys on the Dead Sea floor formed by crystallized minerals from high-salt groundwater. The Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea, is a saline lake between Jordan and Israel. Its eastern shore lies in Jordan, and the western shore is divided between Israel and the West Bank. It is one of the saltiest water bodies globally, with 34.2% salinity, making swimming feel like floating. The lake has no outlet, so water mainly evaporates, leaving it devoid of life except for algae and microorganisms.
34. When is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) observed in 2024?
[A] 18-24 November
[B] 21-26 December
[C] 1-7 November
[D] 10-16 December
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [18-24 November]
Notes:
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is held annually from November 18-24 to raise AMR awareness. This year’s WAAW theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now,” stresses the urgent need for AMR action. WHO estimates AMR caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths globally. Key AMR risk factors in developing nations include high population, limited healthcare, and misuse of antimicrobials. The 2024 UN Political Declaration on AMR aims for 60% of countries to have funded AMR action plans by 2030. Immediate global action is needed to educate, advocate, and commit resources to tackle AMR for future health security.
35. Which institution recently released the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)]
Notes:
The Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 was released by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). It was conceptualized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances based on recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee. The index evaluates grievance redressal mechanisms of central ministries and departments using four dimensions: efficiency, feedback, domain, and organizational commitment, with 11 indicators. Its objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in grievance handling. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ranked first, followed by the Department of Posts (Group A).
36. What is the name of the women’s empowerment programme recently approved by the Bihar Cabinet?
[A] Mahila Samwad
[B] Nari Shakti
[C] Sakhi Mandal
[D] Beti Bachao
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahila Samwad]
Notes:
The Bihar Cabinet has allocated Rs 225 crore for ‘Mahila Samwad’, an initiative aimed at empowering women by informing them about government policies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and officials will engage with women at district and block levels, gathering their expectations from the government. This initiative highlights the government’s focus on women’s issues, as women constitute nearly 48% of Bihar’s voters, emphasizing their significant role in governance and policy-making.
37. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh recently welcomed a young male tiger, marking the first tiger sighting in nearly 40 years. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. The rivers Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi flow through the sanctuary, with Balamdehi River forming its western boundary and Jonk River its northeastern boundary. The area, spanning 244.66 sq. km, has a sufficient prey base and water availability, but challenges remain in protecting the sanctuary from poachers and ensuring a stable food cycle for the tigers.
38. Which company received the Green World Environment Award 2024 in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category?
[A] Power Grid Corporation of India (POWER GRID)
[B] Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL)
[C] Coal India Limited (CIL)
[D] National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Coal India Limited (CIL) ]
Notes:
Coal India Limited (CIL) received the Green World Environment Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category and the title of Green World Ambassador. The award recognizes CIL’s exemplary CSR work through the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, providing curative treatment for over 600 Thalassemia patients via stem cell or Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT). Launched in 2017, it was the first CSR project by a PSU for Thalassemia treatment in India. Financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh is provided per patient under the scheme. CIL partners with 17 leading hospitals across India for the initiative.
39. Where was the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 held?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Goa
[C] Mumbai
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa]
Notes:
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened with a star-studded ceremony in Panaji, Goa. International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is among Asia’s most significant film festivals and is held annually in Goa. It provides a platform for global filmmakers to showcase excellence, promote cultural understanding, and foster international cooperation. The first edition was held in Mumbai and later moved to various cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. IFFI is South Asia’s only film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as a Competitive Feature Film Festival.
40. Which ministry launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data to boost country’s national security?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Communication
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Science and Technology ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Science and Technology launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank to drive innovation and strengthen national security. It provides researchers, startups, and developers access to diverse, high-quality datasets for scalable AI solutions. The launch was by Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, themed “AI for India: Advancing AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance.” The AI Data Bank supports real-time analytics for satellite, drone, and IoT data to enhance national security. It also aids predictive analytics in disaster management and cyber security, aligning with India’s AI roadmap.