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16. Rat-hole mining in Dima Hasao district of which state was recently seen on the news?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Nagaland
[C] Assam
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
On January 6, 2025, a group of workers found themselves trapped for more than 12 hours in a coal “rat-hole” mine located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. The mine experienced flooding, which has necessitated continuous rescue efforts. Currently, two motor pumps are operational to extract water from the mine, which is reported to be several hundred feet deep. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has confirmed that both the National Disaster Relief Force and the State Disaster Relief Force are present to aid in the rescue operations. Furthermore, assistance from the Army has been requested.
17. Which country is currently facing polar vortex winter storms?
[A] United States
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The United States is presently experiencing intense winter storms that are affecting more than 60 million individuals in the eastern parts of the country. This cold wave is anticipated to result in temperatures plummeting to as low as -50°C (-60°F). The underlying factor is the polar vortex, which is a large body of frigid air that has migrated southward from the Arctic region. This occurrence primarily influences regions in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly those situated at mid to high latitudes, resulting in severe cold weather phenomena.
18. Golden Jackals has resurfaced in which of the following city?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Mumbai
[D] Delhi
Correct Answer: C [Mumbai]
Notes:
The golden jackal, an indigenous species, has been increasingly observed in the urban landscapes of Mumbai, especially in Navi Mumbai. Historically, these creatures flourished in mangrove and grassland ecosystems; however, they are now encroaching upon busy residential areas as a result of habitat destruction linked to urban expansion. A survey conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society India has shown that while golden jackals are primarily nocturnal, their sightings during daylight hours have become more common. This change suggests their difficulty in adjusting to the challenges posed by urbanization.
19. Recently which IIT researcher has conducted a comprehensive study titled ‘Landslide Dam Studies in Uttarakhand, India – Past, Present, and Future’?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Roorkee
[C] IIT Kharagpur
[D] IIT Bombay
Correct Answer: B [IIT Roorkee ]
Notes:
Recent research has highlighted the Alaknanda River’s risk of natural dams caused by landslides. A detailed study by IIT Roorkee researchers, Shivani Joshi and Srikrishnan Siva Subramanian, titled ‘Landslide Dam Studies in Uttarakhand, India – Past, Present, and Future’, was published by Springer. This study points out that the Alaknanda River is the most at risk in the Garhwal area. The distinct landscape of Uttarakhand, with its narrow valleys and gorges, adds to this risk.
20. India’s first Green Hydrogen Hub (GHH) project has been officially launched in which state recently?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Green Hydrogen Hub (GHH) project has been officially started in Pudimadaka, located in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. This project is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and aims to create India’s first complete green hydrogen production facility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the foundation stone on January 8, 2025. This initiative is a significant move towards boosting India’s renewable energy capacity and reaching its net zero targets by 2070.
