1. What is the current conservation status of the ‘Himalayan Wolf’, as assessed by the IUCN in their Red List?
A. Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Least concern
D. Critically Endangered
- The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), evaluated for the first time on the IUCN Red List, is now classified as ‘Vulnerable.’ Thriving at altitudes over 4,000 meters in the Himalayas, these genetically distinct Tibetan wolves adapted to hypoxic conditions. Their habitat spans China’s Tibetan Plateau and parts of northern India.
2. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO), has certified which country as a malaria-free country?
A. Cabo Verde
B. Nigeria
C. Tanzania
D. Kenya
- Cabo Verde, a group of islands off the west coast of Africa, has been certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization. This volcanic archipelago, comprising ten islands and five islets, boasts a moderate climate and diverse terrain. The population, mainly of mixed European and African descent, speaks Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole. Praia serves as the capital.
3. The Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which was recently in the news, is located in which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
- Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) recently identified a new butterfly species named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) in Karnataka’s Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India. This butterfly, about the size of a one-rupee coin, holds significant value for conservation efforts. They are endemic to mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. The discovery sites for this butterfly are at elevations of 900 meters (Iruppu Falls) and 1,300 meters (Honey Valley).
4. What is the objective of the Japan’s Optical-8 satellite launched by the H-IIA rocket?
A. Intelligence gathering for national security
B. Space exploration
C. Weather Forecasting
D. Satellite Internet Services
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries achieved a milestone by launching the 48th H-IIA rocket, carrying Japan’s Information-Gathering Satellite “Optical-8.” The successful launch underscores the reliability of the H-IIA, with a commendable success rate of 97.92% since its inception in 2001 under the development of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Japan is set to retire the H-IIA after two more launches, paving the way for the H3 as its successor.
5. Atpadi Conservation Reserve, recently seen in the news, is a new Conservation Reserve of which state?
A. Rajasthan
B. Bihar
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Maharashtra
- Maharashtra’s government established the ‘Atpadi Conservation Reserve’ in Sangli, linking Maini Conservation Area and Maldhok Bird Sanctuary. It protects wildlife corridors and habitats for mammals like wolves, deer, foxes, and civets. The reserve has semi-evergreen, moist and dry deciduous forests, 36 tree species, 116 herbs, 15 shrubs, 14 vines, and a parasitic plant.
6. Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, is a gravity dam, located in which state?
A. Karnataka
B. Kerala
C. Odisha
D. Maharashtra
- The High Court of Karnataka has recently imposed a ban on all mining and quarrying activities within a 20-km radius of the historic Krishnarajasagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya district. It is located below the confluence of the river Kaveri with its tributaries, Hemavati and Lakshmana Tirtha. The KRS Dam, a gravity dam, stands as a tribute to Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV and was designed by the renowned engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The court’s decision aims to safeguard the dam and its surroundings.
7. Who sets the Bharat stage (BS) emission standards?
A. NITI Aayog
B. National Green Tribunal
C. Indian Pollution Control Association
D. Central Pollution Control Board
- The Supreme Court’s recent directive to the Union government underscores the urgency of framing a national policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles, specifically trucks and trailers, and replace them with Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles. BS emission standards are initiated in India in 2000. The Central Pollution Control Board, under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, establishes these standards and determines their implementation timeline.
8. What type of missile is New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) Missile?
A. Surface to Air
B. Surface to Surface
C. Air to Air
D. Air to Surface
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a milestone with the successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. This surface-to-air missile intercepted a high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a low altitude, affirming the complete weapon system’s efficacy. Equipped with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, the AKASH-NG enhances the Indian Air Force’s capabilities, defending against agile aerial threats.
9. What was the theme for the Climate Conference 2024, which was recently held in Mumbai?
A. Decoding the Green Transition for India
B. Renewable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future
C. Adapting the Climate Change
D. Climate Justice and Social Equity
- The Climate Conference 2024, themed “Decoding the Green Transition for India,” was recently held on January 12, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
- The event highlighted the crucial role of the private sector, climate tech startups, and institutional investors in mobilizing financial resources and technical capabilities to support government initiatives. The conference, featured esteemed dignitaries such as Ms. Leena Nandan, Mr. Amitabh Kant, Mr. K Rajaraman, Mr. Mike Hankey, and Mr. Nadir Godrej.
10. Punganur Cow, recently seen in the news, is native to which state of India?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Mizoram
- The Prime Minister recently personally fed Punganur cows at his New Delhi residence. Punganur cows, native to Andhra Pradesh’s Punganur village, are one of the world’s smallest cattle breeds, standing 70-90 cm tall and weighing less than 200kg. Known for their resilience to drought, they adapt to low-quality feed and produce milk with 8% fat content, rich in nutrients. These eco-friendly cows play a significant role in cultural practices, as seen in Andhra Pradesh’s temples, including Tirupati Thirumala Temple.
11. What type of missile is ASTRA Missile, which was recently making news?
A. Surface to Air
B. Surface to Surface
C. Air to Air
D. Air to Surface
- The Minister of State for Defence recently initiated the delivery of indigenously developed Astra Missiles to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Bharat Dynamics in Hyderabad. Astra is a cutting-edge beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, crafted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL). The ASTRA boasts a range of 80 to 110 km.
12. On which date, the ‘Indian Army Day’ is observed in India?
A. 16 January
B. 14 January
C. 12 January
D. 15 January
- The President and Prime Minister recently extended warm wishes to Indian Army personnel on Army Day, celebrated annually on Jan.15. Established on Jan.15, 1949, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, marking a historic transition from British leadership. The 76th Army Day in 2024, themed “In Service of the Nation,” will be commanded by the Army’s Central Command in Lucknow, aligning with the Indian Army’s motto, “Service Before Self.”
13. Sinomicrurus gorei, recently seen in the news, belongs to which species?
A. Snake
B. Fish
C. Frog
D. Bird
- Mizoram University’s zoology researchers identified a new coral snake species, naming it Sinomicrurus gorei after Dr. Gore. Locally called ‘Rulṭhihna,’ it resembles the traditional Mizo amber necklace ‘Thihna’. Only one other Sinomicrurus species, Sinomicrurus macclellandi, exists in Northeast India. Previously considered the same species, a recent study unveiled distinctions.
