1. As per recent data, which state leads the country in installed capacity for rooftop solar power under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
Notes: PM Modi recently visited Gujarat to see the solar panels installed under the PM Muft Bijli Solar Yojana. This initiative aims to promote rooftop solar adoption by providing financial subsidies and simplifying installation processes. Households can receive up to 300 units of free electricity each month! Gujarat currently leads the country with a rooftop solar capacity of 4,195 MW, followed by Maharashtra at 2,487 MW and Rajasthan at 1,269 MW. Overall, India’s total rooftop solar capacity has reached an impressive 13,889 MW.
2. Peechi wildlife sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes: A recent tragedy struck near Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala when a female elephant died from electrocution close to a tribal colony. Established in 1958, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary spans 125 sq. km in Thrissur and is part of the stunning Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests. With varying altitudes from 100 to 914 meters, it features diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, over 50 orchid species, rare medicinal plants, and valuable teak trees.
3. Recently, which country became the first in the world to eliminate leprosy?
[A] Jordan
[B] India
[C] Kenya
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: A [Jordan]
Notes: Jordan has made headlines as the first country globally to eliminate leprosy, a milestone confirmed by the World Health Organization. This achievement is largely due to robust public health campaigns, early detection efforts, and free treatment programs. Community education has been essential in raising awareness and preventing the spread of this historic disease. However, health officials stress the importance of ongoing monitoring to avoid future outbreaks.
4. “Casuarina tree,” recently seen in the news, is native to which country?
[A] China
[B] Australia
[C] New Zealand
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes: Farmers in Vedaranyam, Tamil Nadu, are gearing up for their first harvest of casuarina (savukku) trees, six years after Cyclone Gaja. Native to Australia, casuarina was introduced to India in the 19th century and is also known as kattadi. There are four main species cultivated: Casuarina equisetifolia, glauca, cunninghamiana, and junghuhniana. Their ability to fix nitrogen and adapt to various soils makes them ideal for both commercial and environmental planting.
5. Which space organization recently announced the ‘DRACO Mission’ to study satellite disintegration phenomenon?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[D] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Correct Answer: A [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes: The European Space Agency is set to launch the DRACO (Destructive Reentry Assessment Container Object) mission in 2027. This mission aims to study how satellites break apart during reentry, contributing to efforts to reduce space debris. The satellite will also investigate the environmental impact of reentry, including interactions with the atmosphere. A European company, Deimos, will construct the 200-kilogram satellite, which will carry a capsule equipped with cameras and sensors to capture important data.
6. Recently, who won a gold medal in the men’s 5,000 meters race at World Athletics Continental Tour?
[A] Gulveer Singh
[B] Prakash Tomar
[C] Vijendra Sharma
[D] Yogesh Kumar
Correct Answer: A [Gulveer Singh]
Notes: Gulveer Singh, a 26-year-old Indian athlete, recently clinched gold in the 5,000m race at the World Athletics Continental Tour held in Japan. He set a new national record of 13 minutes and 11.82 seconds, surpassing his previous record of 13 minutes and 18.92 seconds. Earlier this year, he also set a national record in the 10,000m in California, breaking a 16-year-old record. However, he missed the Paris Olympic qualification time by over 41 seconds.
7. Which two states recently signed an MoU to deploy trained elephants (Kumki) for controlling elephant menace?
[A] Bihar and Jharkhand
[B] Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
[C] Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat and Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka]
Notes: Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have signed a memorandum of understanding to utilize trained elephants (Kumki) to address elephant-related challenges in AP. This agreement includes provisions for elephant capture, mahout training, and knowledge sharing on tranquilizing and capturing. Karnataka has previously transferred 62 Kumki elephants to other states. These trained Asian elephants play a crucial role in managing wild elephants, including rescue and patrol operations.
8. Leptospirosis, recently seen in the news, is caused by which type of organism?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was recently diagnosed with leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. It spreads through contact with infected animal urine or contaminated environments and can enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes. The World Health Organization considers leptospirosis a significant public health concern, especially in tropical regions, with symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to severe liver damage.
9. Recently, which state secured the top rank in the Urban Governance Index (UGI)?
[A] Odisha
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes: Kerala has proudly topped the Urban Governance Index (UGI), a study by the Praja Foundation that evaluates cities across India. Scoring 59.31 out of 100, Kerala excelled in fiscal empowerment and local governance. Despite some challenges in city administration, the state’s commitment to decentralized planning has been recognized. Odisha followed closely in second place with a score of 55.10, showcasing the competitive nature of urban governance in the country.
10. Where was the “Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024” inaugurated?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] New Delhi
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes: The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 was inaugurated in Mumbai, centered around the theme ‘Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel.’ This event aims to establish India as a premier global hub for holistic healthcare rooted in Ayush systems. Organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Maharashtra Government, the summit emphasizes integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy with modern healthcare practices. Officials from several states, including Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, participated in this important event.
