Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh] Notes: Kanuma Panduga is a lively festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, India, alongside the Makar Sankranti harvest festivities. This year, it took place on January 15. The festival signifies the Sun’s entry into the zodiac sign Capricorn, which is a significant event in the Hindu calendar. Unlike many other festivals, it is celebrated on the same date each year. This harvest festival honors cattle, viewing them as sacred. Farmers decorate their cattle with paint, ornaments, and colorful clothing to express gratitude for their assistance in farming. The festival features important rituals, with a major tradition being the Govardhan Puja or Gaw Puja. Villages also organize processions showcasing the beautifully decorated cattle.
372. The famous ‘Gangasagar Mela 2025 was held in which state? [A] Uttar Pradesh [B] Bihar [C] West Bengal [D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal] Notes: The Gangasagar Mela of 2025 took place in West Bengal, India. This religious festival is celebrated on Sagardwip, also known as Sagar Island. This annual religious festival and pilgrimage occurs at the meeting point of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal. The event for 2025 was celebrated on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. According to the West Bengal government, the mela attracted more than 11 million pilgrims. The Gangasagar Mela is recognized as the second-largest Hindu fair, following the Kumbh Mela. Sagar Island is located approximately 100 kilometers to the south of Kolkata. Although it is included within the Sundarbans region, it does not feature the characteristic mangrove forests or habitats for tigers. The island serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti, when numerous devotees congregate to perform ritual bathing at the point where the Ganges River meets the Bay of Bengal.
373. Magnus Carlsen, 8th FIDE World Chess Blitz championship-2024 shares the title with whom?? [A] Ian Nepomniachtchi [B] Ju Wenjun [C] Volodar Murzin [D] Koneru Humpy
Correct Answer: A [Ian Nepomniachtchi] Notes: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2024 was held from 26th December to 31st December 2024 in Wall Street, New York, United States of America (USA). World Rapid Championship – In the open section, 18- year-old Russian Volodar Murzin won the World Rapid Championship. Blitz Championship – Norway’s Magnus Carlsen and Russia’s lan Nepomniachtchi shared the title with after both players after 3 tie breaking matches. FIDE’s last events of 2024 crowned five world champions: World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, Women’s World Rapid Champion Koneru Humpy, Women’s World Blitz Champion Ju Wenjun, and finally Blitz World Co-Champions Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
374. Which two sites from India have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch list? [A] Adalaj Stepwell and Gateway of India [B] Buxar Fort and Falaknuma Palace [C] Musi River Historic Buildings and Bhuj Historic Water Systems [D] Chunar Fort and Bidar Fort
Correct Answer: C [Musi River Historic Buildings and Bhuj Historic Water Systems] Notes: The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and the Bhuj Historic Water Systems in Gujarat have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch by the World Monuments Fund (WMF), based in New York. These locations are threatened by climate change and water scarcity, underscoring the importance of advocacy and conservation efforts. WMF advocates for heritage as a means to foster rejuvenation, sustainability, and resilience in the face of Hyderabad’s environmental challenges and swift transformations.
375. Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in which state, after a 60-year hiatus? [A] Tamil Nadu [B] Andhra Pradesh [C] Maharashtra [D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha] Notes: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently recommenced excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha, marking the end of a 60-year period of inactivity. This site is significant due to its historical and cultural ties to Buddhism, with the objective of uncovering additional relics and evidence that illustrate Odisha’s connections to Southeast Asian cultures. Among the recent discoveries are a large Buddha head and various ancient artifacts, which provide insights into the region’s extensive Buddhist heritage. Ratnagiri, which flourished from the 5th to the 13th centuries, experienced its peak construction activity between the 7th and 10th centuries. It served as a crucial center for Buddhist education, comparable to Nalanda. The site is associated with Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who adopted Buddhism following his conquest of Kalinga. Excavations have unearthed a substantial Buddha head, a five-foot palm, and inscribed relics dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. These discoveries underscore the site’s historical significance and its contribution to Buddhist culture.
376. Which of the following ministries has announced the recipients of the National Sports Awards 2024? [A] Ministry of Defence [B] Ministry of Culture [C] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports [D] Ministry of Home
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports] Notes: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the prestigious National Sports Awards for 2024, which will be conferred on 47 sportspersons, coaches, universities, and organizations for their remarkable contributions to the realm of sports. The awardees will be celebrated by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025.
377. Match the following: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024.
List-I: Name of the Sportsperson
List-II: Discipline
1. Gukesh D
A. Shooting
2. Praveen Kumar
B. Chess
3. Manu Bhaker
C. Hockey
4. Harmanpreet Singh
D. Para-Athletics
Code: A. 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C B. 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B C. 1-D, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C D. 1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-A
Correct Answer: A [1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C] Notes: ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’ is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over the period of the previous four years. In 2024, the awardees included D Gukesh (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Manu Bhaker (Shooting), and Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics).
378. Which country has faced a severe snakebite crisis, with around 58,000 fatalities each year? [A] India [B] South Africa [C] China [D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [India] Notes: India is experiencing a serious snakebite problem, resulting in about 58,000 deaths each year. This shocking number makes it the ‘snakebite capital’ of the world. The recent death of five-year-old Mayuri in Karnataka highlights the urgent need for better solutions. The difficulties come not only from the venom’s lethal effects but also from the availability and effectiveness of antivenoms. Snake venom contains a mix of toxic proteins that have evolved to paralyze prey and protect against threats. The main types of toxins are: (i). Haemotoxins: These destroy blood cells. (ii). Neurotoxins: These block nerve signals. (ii). Cytotoxins: These harm tissues.
379. When will commenced the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025? [A] January 28 to January 31, 2025 [B] January 26 to January 30, 2025 [C] February 1 to February 9, 2025 [D] February 5 to February 15, 2025
Correct Answer: C [February 1 to February 9, 2025] Notes: The national capital will host the eagerly anticipated New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, a major event for readers, writers, and publishers. This fair is set to occur from February 1 to February 9, 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. With a history spanning over fifty years, the book fair is expected to be a lively mix of literature, culture, and knowledge. It is organized by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education, and is co-hosted by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), making it a key event in the global publishing scene.
380. Which country will become the theme country of Kolkata Book Fair this year? [A] France [B] Thailand [C] Germany [D] Italy
Correct Answer: C [Germany] Notes: Germany will be the focus country for the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, scheduled from January 28 to February 9, 2025. A special pavilion will showcase German literature and culture. Choosing Germany as the theme country emphasizes the strong cultural and literary connections between India and Germany. This initiative seeks to enhance Indian readers’ understanding of German literary traditions and encourages cross-cultural exchange. The Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan is leading this effort, with support from the German Embassy in New Delhi, the German Consulate in Kolkata, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and Deutsche Welle.
