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541. The Dhanauri wetland, which was seen in the news recently, is located in which state?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Dhanauri wetland, near Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh, is now a key area for environmental protection. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the state government to speed up the process of officially recognizing this site as a wetland. Covering 112.89 hectares, the Dhanauri water body is crucial for local wildlife, particularly migratory birds. The NGT has given the Uttar Pradesh government four weeks to provide an update on the wetland notification. The state’s forest department must justify why more time is needed, as the decision to designate the area as a wetland has already been made. Since the wetland is mostly on private land, discussions with local landowners are required.
542. Which IIT has launched a zero-waste bioplastics initiative?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Hyderabad
Correct Answer: A [IIT Madras]
Notes:
IIT-Madras has initiated a zero-waste bioplastics program, with backing from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. This program seeks to create biodegradable, microplastic-free, and economically viable substitutes for traditional plastics. The third-generation bioplastics utilize agricultural by-products, algae, and waste materials, thereby circumventing the food security issues associated with earlier food-derived bioplastics. These innovative bioplastics are designed to decompose completely, leaving no detrimental residues, which contributes to a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, the center is investigating the application of bioplastics in food packaging and medical textiles, including the development of biodegradable implants derived from agricultural waste.
543. National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is under the administrative control of which ministry?
[A] Ministry of finance
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Steel
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Steel]
Notes:
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is set to extract 6,500 carats of diamonds, worth $3.4 million, from a mine near Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh this fiscal year. NMDC, established in 1958, is a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Steel. It produces iron ore, copper, limestone, gypsum, diamonds, and more. NMDC is India’s largest iron ore producer, with mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. It operates India’s only mechanized diamond mine at Panna. NMDC’s mining complexes are rated 5 Star by the Indian Bureau of Mines. Its headquarters is in Hyderabad, Telangana.
544. Which country has experienced unprecedented wildfires 2024?
[A] Brazil
[B] United States
[C] South Africa
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [Brazil]
Notes:
In 2024, Brazil faced severe wildfires, leading to a major ecological disaster. More than 30.87 million hectares of land were burned, which is a shocking 79% increase from the year before. This rise in wildfires is linked to climate change, drought, and human actions, especially in the Amazon. It was Brazil’s worst wildfire season in recent times, with the burned area larger than some countries, like Italy. September was particularly devastating, with 10.63 million hectares affected. The Amazon region suffered the most, losing 17.9 million hectares.
545. Which organization has ban on PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in consumer products?
[A] European Commission
[B] NATO
[C] CEATO
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A [European Commission]
Notes:
The European Commission is taking steps to ban PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in consumer goods. This move is driven by increasing worries about the environmental and health impacts of these chemicals. PFAS are known for their long-lasting presence in both the environment and the human body, leading to a need for quick regulatory measures. PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These man-made chemicals are used in many industries because they resist heat, water, and oil. They are commonly found in items like non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, and various industrial products. While their durability is an advantage, it also poses a problem since they do not break down in nature.
546. Vishwamitri river flood mitigation project was seen in news, it belongs to which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] West Bengal
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Vishwamitri River in Vadodara is getting a flood control project because of serious flooding in past years. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has started a three-phase plan to clean, deepen, and change the river’s path. This plan also includes important steps to move about 300 crocodiles living in the area.
River Changes: The project will straighten some bends and adjust the river channel to hold more water, aiming for a capacity of 1,100 cumecs. New Structures: An extra spillway will be built at Ajwa Dam, and its crest level will be lowered. New Buffer Pond: Storage areas will be created near Kotambi and Bhaniyara, and ponds in Dhanora, Vadadala, and Haripura will be deepened. Storm Water System: The stormwater drains, like Bhukhi kaans and Ruparel kaans, will be improved and redirected to lessen water flow into the city.
547. Recently, in which state has reported increase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Bihar
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Pune has seen a rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases recently, with 59 people diagnosed, including 12 who need ventilators. The health department of Maharashtra is looking into this sudden increase. Health officials say that GBS can happen after infections, but it doesn’t cause large outbreaks. GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system wrongly targets peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and in serious cases, paralysis. The exact cause is still unknown, but infections usually occur before GBS symptoms appear.
548. Which organization launched the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) initiative?
[A] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[D] World Economic Forum (WEF)
Correct Answer: D [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) has recently achieved a milestone by growing its network to 25 countries. This initiative, started by the World Economic Forum, focuses on tackling plastic pollution worldwide. With over 1.5 billion people in these countries, the expansion includes seven new members: Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania. This teamwork highlights the urgent need for effective plastic waste management. GPAP aims to fight plastic pollution by encouraging a circular economy, which emphasizes reusing, recycling, and managing plastic sustainably. The goal is to lessen the harmful effects of plastic waste on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health.
549. Recent research has focused on the genetic survey of cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf of which lake?
[A] Lake Huron
[B] Lake Victoria
[C] Lake Michigan
[D] Baikal
Correct Answer: B [Lake Victoria]
Notes:
Recent studies have examined the genetics of cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. This research, published in January 2025, is important for understanding harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB) in freshwater environments. The results are expected to help local authorities monitor these blooms and offer insights that could be useful in other areas, such as Lake Erie in the United States. Cyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, are not true algae but share some characteristics, like photosynthesis using chlorophyll, similar to green plants. They can be found as single cells, in thread-like filaments, or in colonies of different sizes and shapes. Cyanobacteria inhabit all types of water bodies, living in sediments or floating in the water. Some species can produce harmful toxins known as cyanotoxins.
550. Recently, which country was officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO)?
[A] Cameroon
[B] Georgia
[C] Ivory Coast
[D] Burkina Faso
Correct Answer: B [Georgia]
Notes:
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Georgia malaria-free. This is a significant achievement for both the country and the WHO European region. Georgia now joins 45 other countries and one territory that have achieved this status. The certification is the result of many years of hard work and investment in controlling and eliminating malaria. The disease has been a problem in Georgia for centuries. Before organized control efforts started in the early 1900s, three types of malaria parasites were common: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium vivax. After World War II, Georgia launched a comprehensive program to eliminate malaria, which included new medications, insecticide spraying, and better monitoring of mosquito populations.
