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121. Which dog breed of the Himalayan region has been officially recognized as the first indigenous breed by ICAR-NBAGR recently?
[A] Damchi
[B] Bhote Kukur
[C] Gaddi
[D] Bakharwal
Correct Answer: C [Gaddi]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) has formally acknowledged the Gaddi dog breed. Originating from the Himalayan region, this indigenous breed is now recognized alongside nine other livestock breeds. This recognition seeks to enhance conservation initiatives for the Gaddi, which presently does not receive adequate backing from prominent kennel clubs. The breed is confronted with challenges stemming from decreasing population numbers and a waning nomadic way of life, raising significant concerns regarding its future viability.
122. Recent research published in which of the journals has revealed surprising vital information about the lifespan of Southern and North Atlantic right whales?
[A] The Lancet
[B] Science Advances
[C] Nature
[D] JAMA
Correct Answer: B [Science Advances]
Notes:
Recent research has revealed important new findings concerning the lifespans of Southern and North Atlantic right whales. A study published in the journal Science Advances indicates that Southern right whales might live longer than the previously recognized lifespan of 70 to 80 years. In contrast, North Atlantic right whales are facing alarming mortality rates, leading to a significantly reduced average lifespan.
123. Recently, GEAPP signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with which of the following for impactful solar energy projects in India?
[A] World Bank
[B] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] World Trade Organization (WTO)
[D] International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Correct Answer: D [International Solar Alliance (ISA)]
Notes:
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has made significant progress in advancing solar energy initiatives in India. Recently, GEAPP entered into a Multi-Donor Trust Fund agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to raise $100 million for transformative solar energy projects. This partnership is designed to expedite India’s transition to clean energy by implementing innovative strategies. The initiatives primarily concentrate on addressing financing deficiencies and strengthening institutional capabilities. GEAPP and ISA have introduced two significant initiatives in conjunction with the trust fund. The Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition (DUET) seeks to enhance grid systems through modernization. This initiative includes the creation of a technological suite that incorporates smart sensors for the analysis of real-time data. Meanwhile, the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE 2.0) promotes the development of innovative solutions to address challenges associated with energy transition. Collectively, these initiatives aim to facilitate scalable solar energy solutions throughout member countries.
124. Mount Ibu, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Italy
[B] Thailand
[C] Indonesia
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [Indonesia]
Notes:
Mount Ibu, an active stratovolcano in Indonesia, erupted and released ash clouds that reached 3 kilometers into the sky. It is situated on the northwest coast of Halmahera Island. Mount Ibu is among Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes. Indonesia, located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently faces such volcanic activity. A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, has a cone-like shape created by layers of volcanic debris from multiple eruptions.
125. Which natural disaster in India is specifically highlighted in the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report?
[A] Tamiladu floods
[B] Andhra Pradesh floods
[C] Kerala floods
[D] Wayanad landslides
Correct Answer: D [Wayanad landslides]
Notes:
The Wayanad landslides in India were noted as a major water-related disaster in the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report. In 2024, disruptions in the global water cycle led to water-related disasters resulting in 8,700 deaths, 40 million people displaced, and $550 billion in economic losses from severe weather events such as floods, droughts, and landslides. The Wayanad landslides specifically saw 409mm of rain in just 24 hours in July 2024, causing 375 deaths, displacing 10,000 people, and resulting in $140 million in damages.
126. Which of the following has recently confirmed that 2024 is the warmest year on record, based on six international datasets?
[A] United Nations (UN)
[B] United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCCC)
[C] World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)
[D] World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Correct Answer: D [World Meteorological Organization (WMO)]
Notes:
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that 2024 is the hottest year ever recorded, according to six global datasets. The last decade has seen all years rank in the Top Ten for high temperatures, creating a remarkable pattern of record heat. In 2024, the planet faced extreme warming, officially surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit above pre-industrial levels. This is the first time a full year has gone beyond this important threshold, with an average temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average. The 1.5 degrees Celsius limit is significant in climate science, set during the 2015 Paris Agreement to control global warming. Exceeding this limit does not create new climate issues but worsens the effects of existing ones. The WMO has warned that as temperatures rise, the intensity and frequency of climate-related events will increase.
127. La Niña is a climate pattern that represents the cool phase of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), it has re-emerged in which tropical parts of the Pacific Ocean recently?
[A] Northern and Southern Tropical Pacific
[B] Central and Eastern Tropical Pacific
[C] Eastern and Western Tropical Pacific
[D] Central and Western Tropical Pacific
Correct Answer: B [Central and Eastern Tropical Pacific]
Notes:
La Niña conditions have returned to the Pacific Ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on January 9, 2025. This event is part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which affects weather around the world. La Niña is marked by lower sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, unlike the warmer temperatures seen during El Niño. It represents the cool phase of ENSO, occurring when cooler ocean temperatures prevail in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. This pattern usually causes more rainfall in some areas and droughts in others. La Niña is often associated with stronger trade winds that move warm water toward the western Pacific.
128. Pink fire retardant is a chemical mixture used to extinguish or slow down wildfires, it was seen on the news in which country recently?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] Canada
[D] United States
Correct Answer: D [United States]
Notes:
Recent wildfires in Southern California have highlighted the use of pink fire retardant as officials deploy aerial resources to fight the flames. The United States Forest Service has sent out nine large planes and 20 helicopters to spread this chemical mixture, aiming to safeguard lives and property. Although it has been used for a long time, the environmental effects and effectiveness of pink fire retardant are being questioned. Pink fire retardant is a chemical blend used to put out or slow down wildfires. The most common brand in the U.S. is Phos-Chek, which mainly contains ammonium phosphate-based slurry. This mixture includes salts like ammonium polyphosphate, which works better than water for a longer time. The bright pink color is added for visibility, helping firefighters see treated areas against the landscape.
129. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, was seen in the news recently, it is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
The recent endorsement by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for exploratory drilling within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary has ignited considerable discussion. This resolution, reached during the committee’s 81st meeting, prompts significant apprehension regarding the equilibrium between energy requirements and the preservation of wildlife. The designated drilling area, encompassing approximately 4.5 hectares, is situated a mere 13 kilometers from the sanctuary, which is inhabited by the endangered Hoolock gibbon and various other primate species.
130. A critical endangered species, the Great Indian Bustard birds has recently spotted in which national park of Rajasthan?
[A] Mukundara Hills National Park
[B] Keoladeo Ghana National Park
[C] Ranthambore National Park
[D] Desert National Park (DNP)
Correct Answer: D [Desert National Park (DNP)]
Notes:
Recent observations of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) in Rajasthan have significantly enhanced conservation initiatives aimed at this critically endangered species. A notable sighting of twelve GIBs congregating in the Desert National Park (DNP) highlights the effectiveness of the protective strategies employed within their natural environment. Commonly referred to as “Godawan” and “Maldhok,” these birds play an essential role in the ecosystem and hold cultural significance in northern and western India.
