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1. Recently, researchers identified a new plant species named Stellaria bengalensis in Kalimpong district of which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Nagaland
[C] West Bengal
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
Recently, a new plant species, Stellaria bengalensis, has been identified in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, contributing to the region’s biodiversity and highlighting the ongoing exploration of India’s flora. This species is indigenous to Kalimpong and flourishes at elevations ranging from 2,245 to 2,450 meters on muddy slopes. The discovery was made by Arya S. from PSG College of Arts and Science and Harsh Singh from North-Eastern Hill University. Their research findings were published in the journal Phytotaxa. Stellaria bengalensis represents the second species of Stellaria identified in India this year.
2. Which city of Palestine faces hypothermia crisis amid ongoing conflict recently?
[A] Gaza
[B] Ramallah
[C] Al-Bireh
[D] East Jerusalem
Correct Answer: A [Gaza]
Notes:
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deteriorated markedly due to severe cold weather conditions. In just one week, six infants have sadly succumbed to hypothermia. Ongoing conflict has drastically restricted access to essential winter aid and medical services. To date, over 45,500 lives have been lost, predominantly among women and children. The 2.3 million inhabitants, many of whom are displaced, are facing dire challenges, including a lack of adequate food and water supplies.
3. The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) reports that as of 2023, how many districts have unsafe nitrate levels?
[A] 410
[B] 420
[C] 430
[D] 440
Correct Answer: D [440]
Notes:
India is currently grappling with the challenge of groundwater contamination, predominantly attributed to high levels of nitrates. According to the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), the number of districts with unsafe nitrate concentrations has escalated to 440 in 2023, a significant increase from 359 in 2017. This upward trend presents serious health hazards, particularly for children, and exacerbates environmental toxicity. The statistics reveal that around 56% of districts in India surpass the permissible nitrate thresholds, largely as a result of the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agricultural practices. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) gathered a total of 15,239 groundwater samples from various locations throughout India. Of these samples, approximately 19.8% exhibited nitrate concentrations exceeding the acceptable threshold of 45 mg per liter. This figure represents a modest decline from the 21.6% observed in 2017. The rising number of districts with contaminated groundwater raises significant concerns about the safety of this vital resource.
4. India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 declined by ________ per cent compared to 2019.
[A] 7.93
[B] 5.5
[C] 6.7
[D] 8.88
Correct Answer: A [7.93]
Notes:
India has achieved notable advancements in the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, emissions saw a reduction of 7.93% compared to the levels recorded in 2019. This decrease is integral to India’s comprehensive strategy aimed at dissociating economic growth from carbon emissions. The nation has set an ambitious target to lower the emission intensity of its GDP by 45% by the year 2030. Furthermore, India intends to derive 50% of its electric power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
5. Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection that is currently spreading in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Scrub typhus is a bacterial disease that is presently on the rise in Tamil Nadu. Several districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tirupattur, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, and Vellore, have documented a significant number of cases. In response, the Public Health Department has released an alert, calling for prompt actions to mitigate the spread of this outbreak. Scrub typhus is caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. This bacterium is transmitted through bites from infected larval mites, commonly referred to as chiggers.
