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111. Avian influenza (H5N1) virus has recently affected the wildlife of which Indian Zoological Park?
[A] National Zoological Park Delhi
[B] Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park Nagpur
[C] Nehru Zoological Park Hyderaba
[D] Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeelin
Correct Answer: B [Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park Nagpur]
Notes:
Recent developments have revealed a significant outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in India. At the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur, three tigers and a leopard have died from the virus. This is notable as it is the first time HPAI has caused deaths in captive wildlife in India. In response to these fatalities, the Maharashtra authorities have issued a red alert for zoos throughout the state.
112. Which state/UT has recently launched an action plan to study and monitor glacial lakes?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Ladakh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is actively working on a comprehensive action plan to study and monitor glacial lakes in the region. This initiative aims to establish early warning systems to prevent disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, with five classified as high-risk. This effort follows previous catastrophic events caused by GLOFs, denoting the need for effective monitoring and risk mitigation.
113. 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.
114. Which country is currently facing polar vortex winter storms?
[A] US
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [US]
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.
115. 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.
116. 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.
117. 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.
118. A recent study conducted in which state has revealed alarming trends in the population of wading birds in Southern India?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Wetlands along the coast and inland areas of southern India are facing a decline. A recent study in Kerala has shown concerning trends in the population of wading birds, which are important indicators of wetland health. This research covers the years from 2010 to 2019 and highlights the effects of human activities on these essential ecosystems. The study analyzed 27 different sites, including estuaries, beaches, mudflats, mangroves, and agricultural areas along the Kerala coast. Notable sites included Azheekkal estuary, Ayikkara beach, and Kayamkulam estuary.
119. Recently in which state has discovered two rare species belonging to the order Neuroptera?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
Recent studies in Kerala have uncovered two uncommon species from the Order Neuroptera. The Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) at Christ College has recorded these discoveries, which are Glenochrysa zeylanica and Indophanes barbara. The finding of Glenochrysa zeylanica is significant as it is the first time this species has been reported in India, after being believed to be only found in Sri Lanka for more than a hundred years. Additionally, Indophanes barbara, a type of antlion, has been found in several areas throughout Kerala.
120. Scientists have recently discovered an ancient ice core, is located on which continent?
[A] Antarctica
[B] Asia
[C] Australia
[D] Europe
Correct Answer: A [Antarctica]
Notes:
Recent progress in the field of climate science has been significantly informed by findings from Antarctica, where a collaborative group of researchers has successfully extracted an ice core believed to be approximately 1.2 million years old. This remarkable endeavor required drilling nearly 2.8 kilometers deep to access the Antarctic bedrock. The ice core, obtained from a location referred to as Little Dome C, is anticipated to yield critical insights into past atmospheric conditions and climate variations, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas concentrations.
