1. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Rajasthan
D. Karnataka
- A recent survey at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve uncovered 11 new species, comprising three birds, four butterflies, and four odonates. It is situated in the Western Ghats Mountains across Palakkad and Thrissur districts in Kerala, this Tiger Reserve spans 643.66 sq km and boasts diverse habitats, including evergreen and deciduous forests. Home to unique species like Nilgiri Tahr and hosting the world’s oldest teak tree.
2. What is ‘Andrographis theniensis’?
A. Plant
B. Animal
C. Bacteria
D. Fungi
- A new plant species, ‘Andrographis theniensis,’ was discovered in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district in the Western Ghats. Named after its location, the plant closely resembles Andrographis megamalayana, featuring glabrous leaves and stems, a nine-veined lower lip, pale yellowish sparse hair on the middle lobe, and yellow anther. Andrographis, a tropical Asian genus, is known for treating various ailments in traditional medicine systems.
3. When is the ‘Parakram Diwas’ observed every year?
A. 22 January
B. 21 January
C. 23 January
D. 25 January
- Indian Prime Minister extends Parakram Diwas greetings on January 23, commemorating Subhash Chandra Bose’s 127th birth anniversary. Bose, a freedom fighter, played a key role in India’s independence movement against British colonial rule. Parakram Diwas aims to inspire fearlessness and patriotism, especially in the youth.
- Bose, born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa, joined the Indian National Congress, served as its president, but resigned due to ideological conflicts with Mahatma Gandhi. In 1939, he formed the Forward Bloc, uniting anti-British forces in India.
4. Recently, which global financial institution became the anchor investor in India’s largest renewable energy infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)?
A. European Investment Bank
B. World Bank
C. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) recently became the anchor investor in India’s largest renewable energy infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). The InvIT is called Sustainable Energy Infra Trust (SEIT) and has eight operational solar power generation assets. The AIIB invested INR 4.86 billion (about USD 58.4 million) into SEIT.
5. ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman campaign’, recently seen in the news, is associated with which ministry?
A. Ministry of Law and Justice
B. Ministry of Corportate Affairs
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- The Vice-President of India will inaugurate the ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ campaign on the 75th Republic Day. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to reaffirm commitment to the Constitution, celebrating shared values. The Panch Pran goals include making India developed, eradicating a slave mentality, embracing cultural pride, promoting unity, and respecting national protectors.
6. Recently, which institution has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2024 in the institutional category?
A. 60 Parachute field hospital, UP
B. 30 Parachute field hospital, UP
C. KJMU, Lucknow
D. AIIMS, Delhi
- The 60 Parachute Field Hospital in Uttar Pradesh is honored with the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2024 for outstanding Disaster Management efforts. The annual award, instituted by the Centre, acknowledges individuals and organizations in India for their selfless service in disaster management. Announced on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, January 23, the award includes a 51 lakh rupees cash prize and a certificate for institutions, and five lakh rupees and a certificate for individuals.
7. What is the name of the AI-based app recently launched by the central government for providing study materials in regional languages?
A. Anuvadini App
B. Bhashini App
C. Diksha App
D. Bhasha Sangam App
- The central government has launched the ‘Anuvadini’ app, an AI-based platform, to promote multilingualism in education. Aligned with the National Education Policy-2020, it aims to provide digital study materials for all courses in Indian languages from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Directives from the Ministry of Education instruct the UGC, AICTE, and the Department of School Education to ensure the availability of study materials in regional languages.
8. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is related to which one of the following?
A. Rooftop solar panels
B. Sunflower cultivation
C. Electric Generators
D. Rural Healthcare
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ during the Ayodhya life consecration ceremony, targeting rooftop solar panels on one crore households. This initiative promotes self-reliance in energy, emphasizing economic empowerment and reduced electricity bills.
9. Exercise Cyclone is conducted between which two countries?
A. India & Egypt
B. India & Japan
C. India & Sudan
D. India & Israel
- The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special force drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt, from January 22 to February 1, 2024. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 25 personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), is participating.
- The exercise focuses on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and understanding operating procedures in desert terrain under UN Charter Chapter VII. It involves three phases, including Military Exhibitions, IED training, and Joint Tactical Exercises, fostering stronger ties between the two friendly nations.
10. Which player won the title of Women’s Singles India Open 2024?
A. Tai Tzu Ying
B. Chen Yu Fei
C. Jia Min
D. Kodai Naraoka
- Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei won the India Open 2024 women’s singles title against China’s Chen Yu Fei, the reigning Olympic champion. Ying won in straight sets, 21-16, 21-12. Ying, a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, also beat Singapore’s Jia Min in straight games to advance to the final. The 2024 India Open badminton tournament took place from January 16–21 and had total prize money of US$850,000.
11. Mamani Ethnic Food Festival is associated with which state/UT?
A. Jammu & Kashmir
B. Haryana
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Punjab
- The Mamani Ethnic Food Festival is celebrated in Ladakh, India. It is a festival celebrated by both Buddhist and Muslim communities in the majority of Kargil district blocks and the Skurbuchan block of Leh district. It is also celebrated in Kargil and Leh cities. The festival is a testament to the commitment of Ladakh communities to preserve their cultural heritage. It celebrates traditions and promotes communal harmony.
12. Exercise KHANJAR is conducted between which two countries?
A. India-Kyrgyzstan
B. India-Afghanistan
C. India-Tajikistan
D. India-Turkmenistan
- The 11th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has started at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Initiated in December 2011, it is an annual event alternating between both countries. The Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade are participating.
- The exercise focuses on exchanging Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations experiences, emphasizing skills, techniques, and showcasing indigenous defense equipment. It aims to strengthen defense ties, address terrorism concerns, and foster bilateral relations.
13. Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by which one of the following?
A. Bacteria
B. Fungi
C. Virus
D. Protozoa
- A recent study in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore reveals that a minimal increase in rainfall can escalate scrub typhus cases by 0.5 to 0.7%. This infectious disease, caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, spreads through infected mites. Symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress, brain inflammation, and multi-organ failure leading to death. The disease, treatable with doxycycline, peaks in cooler months, and no vaccine exists.
