Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity: Conservation, Wildlife, Ecosystems & Sustainability
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity are interconnected fields that help us understand the natural world and the relationship between living organisms and their surroundings. These subjects play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting life on Earth, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations. Understanding environmental issues, ecological principles, and biodiversity conservation has become increasingly important in the face of climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and the rapid loss of species worldwide.
The environment includes all living and non-living components that surround us, such as air, water, soil, forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife. A healthy environment provides essential resources for human survival, including clean air, fresh water, fertile land, and natural ecosystems. Environmental conservation focuses on protecting these resources through sustainable practices, pollution control, waste management, renewable energy adoption, and responsible use of natural resources.
Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment. It examines how plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans interact with one another and with physical surroundings. Ecological studies help scientists understand ecosystems, food chains, food webs, nutrient cycles, population dynamics, and the impact of human activities on nature. Knowledge of ecology is vital for developing effective conservation strategies and managing natural resources sustainably.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. It encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability, food security, medicine, agriculture, and economic development. Rich biodiversity ensures that ecosystems remain resilient and capable of adapting to environmental changes. However, threats such as deforestation, urbanization, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources continue to endanger global biodiversity.
Conservation of biodiversity and ecological systems is critical for maintaining environmental sustainability. Governments, environmental organizations, researchers, and local communities worldwide are working to protect endangered species, restore degraded habitats, establish protected areas, and promote sustainable development practices. International initiatives and environmental policies also play a significant role in preserving natural ecosystems and combating environmental challenges.
This section provides comprehensive information on environmental science, ecology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, climate change, ecosystems, environmental policies, sustainable development, natural resource management, and emerging environmental issues. Readers can explore educational articles, study notes, current affairs, research updates, conservation initiatives, and exam-oriented content relevant to UPSC, APSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive examinations.
Whether you are a student, researcher, environmental enthusiast, educator, or competitive exam aspirant, understanding Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity is essential for developing awareness about global environmental challenges and contributing to a more sustainable future. By learning about ecological balance, conservation efforts, and biodiversity protection, individuals can play an active role in preserving nature and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
1. Namdhapa National Park is located in which of the following states?
(A) Assam
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Manipur
(D) Mizoram
Correct Answer: (B) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer Explanation:
Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the richest areas in biodiversity in India. It is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. Namdapha National park was established in 1983 and is the largest National park in Northeast India and the third-largest National Park in entire India after the Hemis National Park of Jammu & Kashmir and Desert National Park of Rajasthan. Located between the Dapha bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range with a wide altitudinal range between 200 m and 4571 m, Namdapha National park has a climate ranging from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic. It is also the site of rare Sapria Himalayan, a parasitic flowering plant related to Rafflesia.
2. The Indravati National Park (INP) is located in which state?
(A) Chhattisgarh
(B) Karnataka
(C) Punjab
(D) Assam
Correct Answer: (A) Chhattisgarh
Answer Explanation:
The Indravati National Park (INP) is located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh and covers an area of approximately 2799.08 km2. It is home to one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo. The flora in the Indravati National Park is mainly comprised of tropical moist and dry deciduous type with predominance of the sal, teak and bamboo trees. It is also home to tigers, leopards, Indian bison, nilgai, blackbuck, chausingha, sambar, chital, Indian muntjac, Indian spotted chevrotain, etc.
3. The Vansda National Park (VNP) is located in which state?
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Gujarat
(C) Assam
(D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: (B) Gujarat
Answer Explanation:
The Vansda National Park (VNP) is a protected area which represents the thick woodlands of the Dangs and southern Gujarat and is situated in the Vansda tehsil, Navsari District of Gujarat. It is home to important animals such as Indian leopard, rhesus macaque, common palm civet, Hanuman langur and small Indian civet. There are 443 species of flowering plants like teak, sadad, khakhro, kadad, humb, timru, kalam, bamboo, dudhkod, mahudo, behda, umaro, kusum, tanach, asan, shimlo, etc.
4. The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) is located in which state?
(A) Uttrakhand
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Gujarat
(D) Chhattisgarh
Correct Answer: (B) Tamil Nadu
Answer Explanation:
The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) is located in Virudhunagar and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu and covers an area 485.2 sq Kms. Over 240+ species of birds are seen in this sanctuary including 14 species of birds endemic to the Western Ghats, such as the critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture and the long-billed vulture. In addition to grizzled giant squirrels, the sanctuary is home to numerous animals such as barking deer, bonnet macaque, common langur, elephants, flying squirrels, gaur, Indian giant squirrel, leopard, lion-tailed macaques, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri Tahrs. There are over 220 species of butterflies including many rare and endemic species. Some of the rare butterflies spotted here include Eversheds ace, Silver royal, Orange awlet, Hampsons hedge blue, etc.
5. The Chitwan National Park (CNP) is located in which country?
(A) India
(B) Bhutan
(C) Bangladesh
(D) Nepal
Correct Answer: (D) Nepal
Answer Explanation:
The Chitwan National Park (CNP) is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal and covers an area of 932 square kilometers. The park is considered to have the highest population density of sloth bears with an estimated 200 to 250 individuals. It is also home to golden jackals, fishing cats, jungle cats, leopard cats, large and small Indian civets, Asian palm civets, crab-eating mongooses and yellow-throated martens.
6. The Lawachara National Park (LNP) is located in which country?
(A) Sri Lanka
(B) Bangladesh
(C) Nepal
(D) Bhutan
Correct Answer: (B) Bangladesh
Answer Explanation:
Lawachara National Park (LNP) is located at Kamalganj Upazila, Maulvi Bazar District of Bangladesh and covers an area of 12.5 km2. It is a major national park and nature reserve in Bangladesh. There are 460 species, of which 167 species are plants, 4 amphibian species, 6 reptile species, 246 bird species, 20 mammal species, and 17 insect species. The park is considered of critical importance because the last viable population of critically endangered Western Hoolock Gibbons survives here.
7. The Indravati National Park (INP) is located in which State?
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Chhattisgarh
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: (B) Chhattisgarh
Answer Explanation:
The Indravati National Park (INP) is located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh and covers an area of 1,258.37 square kilometers. The park has one of the last populations of the endangered wild Asian buffalo. It is also home to a variety of other ungulate species such as Indian bison, nilgai, blackbuck, chausingha, sambar, chital, Indian muntjac, Indian spotted chevrotain, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, dholes, etc.
8. The Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNS) is located in which state?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Odisha
(D) Kerala
Correct Answer: (D) Kerala
Answer Explanation:
The Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNS) is located in Poopara village of Udumbanchola taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala and covers an area of 12.82 square kilometers. It is notified as a national park to protect the wildlife and rich biodiversity of the area. It is home to beautiful and rare animals like panthers, wild elephants, spotted deer, Nilgiri tahrs and giant grizzled squirrels, etc. Among reptiles, species like rat snakes, crocodiles, vipers, cobras, turtles, lizards and pythons inhabit the park.
9. The Nameri National Park (NNP) is located in which district of Assam?
(A) Sonitpur
(B) Darrang
(C) Goalpara
(D) Karbi Anglong
Correct Answer: (A) Sonitpur
Answer Explanation:
The Nameri National Park (NNP) is located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in the Sonitpur District of Assam and covers an area of 200 km2. This forest has over 600 species. Some notable species are Gmelina Arborea, Michelia champaca, Amari and Bonjolokia. The park is an ideal habitat for a host of other animals including the tiger, leopard, sambar, dhole (the Asiatic wild dog), pygmy hog and Indian wild bison. It is home for orchids like Dendrobium, Cymbidium and Cypripedioideae.
10. The Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (AWLS) is located in which state/UT?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Nagaland
(C) Tripura
(D) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Correct Answer: (A) Karnataka
Answer Explanation:
The Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (AWLS) is located in Nagamangala Taluk of Mandya district of Karnataka and is spread over 0.88 square kilometers. This was created mainly for the conservation of peacocks. It also houses nearly 250 species of birds.
11. The Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) is located in which state/UT?
(A) Puducherry
(B) Karnataka
(C) Punjab
(D) Assam
Correct Answer: (D) Assam
Answer Explanation:
The Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS) is situated at Kamrup district in Guwahati, Assam and is spread over an area of 78.64 square kilometers. It consists of Amchang Reserve Forest, South Amchang Reserve Forest and Khanapara Reserve Forest. The sanctuary represents one of the rich and ecologically diverse habitat for the wide variety of animals and plant species. Hollockgibbon, Chinese pangolin, Flying squirrel, Assamese Macaque, Capped languor, Slow loris, Leopard, Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Gaur etc., are the principal animals found in the wildlife sanctuary.
12. The most potent greenhouse gas among the following is __?
(A) Carbon dioxide
(B) Methane
(C) Water Vapor
(D) Ozone
Correct Answer: (C) Water Vapor
Answer Explanation:
The most potent greenhouse gas is water vapor, which causes about 36-70% of the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide (9-26%), methane (4- 9%) and Ozone (3-7%) are other major greenhouse gases.
13. Which among the following is world’s largest Mangrove forest?
(A) Sundarbans
(B) Pichavaram
(C) Bhitarkanika
(D) Malayan Peninsula mangroves
Correct Answer: (A) Sundarbans
Answer Explanation:
Sundarbans is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Sundarbans has the world’s largest mangrove forest which is home to a wide range of fauna, including 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python. It is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.
14. In which among the following oceans, most coral reefs are found?
(A) Indian Ocean
(B) Pacific Ocean
(C) Atlantic Ocean
(D) Arctic Ocean
Correct Answer: (B) Pacific Ocean
15. Which among the following is not an ex situ site of preservation of Biodiversity?
(A) Home Garden
(B) Seed bank
(C) Botanical Garden
(D) Marine National park
Correct Answer: (D) Marine National park
Answer Explanation:
In situ conservation means the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and, in the case of domesticated or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties.Ex situ conservation means the conservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats.Examples of In situ Conservation: National Parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Gene SanctuariesExamples of Ex situ Conservation: Captive Breeding, Gene Banks, Seed Banks, Zoos, Aquaria, In vitro fertilization, Cryopreservation, Tissue Culture
16. The Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary (GBWS) is located in which of the following states?
(A) Bihar and Jharkhand
(B) Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
(C) Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand
(D) West Bengal and Jharkhand
Correct Answer: (A) Bihar and Jharkhand
Answer Explanation:
The Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary (GBWS) is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Gaya district of Bihar state and Koderma district of Jharkhand state in east-central India. The sanctuary covers an area of 259 square kilometers. It is home to tigers, leopards, wolves, sloth bears, chitals, chinkaras, and many species of birds.
17. Kudremukh National Park is located in which of the following states?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamilnadu
(D) Orissa
Correct Answer: (A) Karnataka
18. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was constituted in:
(A) 2005
(B) 2006
(C) 2007
(D) 2008
Correct Answer: (A) 2005
19. What is “Kharmor “?
(A) A rare/endangered animal found in some parts of northeast India
(B) A rare/endangered bird found predominantly in Madhya Pradesh
(C) A species of freshwater mollusk
(D) An species of a rare plant found in Himalayas
Correct Answer: (B) A rare/endangered bird found predominantly in Madhya Pradesh
20. Which among the following schemes of Government of India comes under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol?
(A) National Solar Mission
(B) Bachat lamp Yojana
(C) Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission
(D) Akshay-Prakash Yojna
Correct Answer: (B) Bachat lamp Yojana
21. In context with the Environment, the price charged to deliver municipal solid waste to a landfill, waste-to-energy facility, or recycling facility is known as ______?
(A) Recycling Fee
(B) Dumping Duty
(C) Tipping Fee
(D) Material Fee
Correct Answer: (C) Tipping Fee
22. The quality and demand for Shahtoosh shawls has led to the endangerment of which of the following species of the antelopes in India?
(A) Blackbuck
(B) Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)
(C) Goa Antelope (Tibetan Gazelle)
(D) Goat antelope
Correct Answer: (B) Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)
23. Lion-tailed Macaque is found in which of the following regions?
(A) Eastern Himalayas
(B) North East India
(C) Eastern Ghats
(D) Western Ghats
Correct Answer: (D) Western Ghats
24. Which among the following is known as “Sairandhri Vanam”?
(A) Silent Valley National Park
(B) Mudumalai National Park
(C) Periyar National Park
(D) Guindy National Park
Correct Answer: (A) Silent Valley National Park
25. ”Green Climate Fund” was proposed in which of the following environment conferences?
(A) 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference
(B) 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference
(C) 2010 G-20 Seoul summit
(D) None of them
Correct Answer: (B) 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference
26. Which among the following is the correct location of Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI)?
(A) Jodhpur
(B) Jabalpur
(C) Midnapore
(D) Bhopal
Correct Answer: (B) Jabalpur
27. Which among the following is the dangerous Green House Gas, created by the Waste Water?
(A) Nitrogen
(B) Sulfur Dioxide
(C) Methane
(D) Carbon Dioxide
Correct Answer: (C) Methane
28. The Ozone Day is observed every year on September 16 as on this day in 1987 the ___________was signed for launching efforts to arrest the depletion of the fragile ozone layer in the stratosphere that prevents the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun from reaching the earth. Fill the correct word in the blank.
(A) Montreal Protocol
(B) Geneva Protocol
(C) Kyoto Protocol
(D) Nagoya Protocol
Correct Answer: (A) Montreal Protocol
29. Which is not a part of National Action Plan on Climate Change?
(A) National Water Mission
(B) National Mission on Pollution Control
(C) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
(D) National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
Correct Answer: (B) National Mission on Pollution Control
30. The Hydroponics is most closely related to which among the following?
(A) Grafting of Plants
(B) Water conservation
(C) Study of Vegetable
(D) Soilless culture of Plants
Correct Answer: (D) Soilless culture of Plants
31. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
(A) Photochemical smog always contains Ozone.
(B) The toxic effect of Carbon Monoxide is due to its greater affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen.
(C) Lead is the most hazardous metal pollutant of automobile exhaust.
(D) None of the above
Correct Answer: (D) None of the above
Answer Explanation:
All statements are true.
32. Which of the following Environmentalists first gave the concept of Biodiversity ‘hotspots’ ?
(A) Gaylord Nelson
(B) Norman Myers
(C) John Muir
(D) Julia “Butterfly” Hill
Correct Answer: (B) Norman Myers
33. The Kataib Hezbollah militia, which was attacked by US recently, is based in which country?
(A) Syria
(B) Yemen
(C) Iraq
(D) Somalia
Correct Answer: (C) Iraq
Answer Explanation:
US had recently launched air strikes on the bases of the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, Kataib Hezbollah in retaliation to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base. Many in Iraq had taken to the streets against the US in response to the air strikes.
34. Which Indian player was named as the captain of ESPNCricinfo’s ODI and T20 teams of the decade?
(A) Virat Kohli
(B) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
(C) Rohit Sharma
(D) Suresh Raina
Correct Answer: (B) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Answer Explanation:
Former Indian cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was selected as the captain of both the ESPNCricinfo’s ODI and T20 teams of the decade. The present skipper Virat Kohli was selected as the captain of ESPNCricinfo’s Test team of the decade, while he found place in all the three formats. Famous Indian batsman Rohit Sharma was included in the ODI team of the decade, while spinner R Ashwin found place in the test team. Bumrah was the only bowler to be placed in the T20 list.
35. Which two Indian cities are placed in the list of HexGn “Global Top 10 Cities for Start-up Funding” for 2020?
(A) Delhi NCR and Mumbai
(B) Mumbai and Bengaluru
(C) Delhi NCR and Bengaluru
(D) Gurugram and Mumbai
Correct Answer: (C) Delhi NCR and Bengaluru
Answer Explanation:
A leading research agency, HexGn conducted a study of the funding patterns in the start-up ecosystem in the year 2019. The total international funding for technology start-ups decreased by 22% to $293 billion when compared to the funding of $375 billion, last year. However, the start-up funding in India has grown by 18% to $14 billion in 2019. For the first time, two Indian cities namely Delhi NCR and Bengaluru were ranked in the “Global Top 10 Cities for Start-up Funding” list.
36. Which state recently launched ‘e-Gazette’ portal, a digital platform for gazette publications?
(A) Odisha
(B) Kerala
(C) West Bengal
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: (A) Odisha
Answer Explanation:
The State Government of Odisha recently launched the e-Gazette portal, to release all gazette publications of the state in digital format. This scheme is launched as part of the ‘5T initiatives’ of the Odisha Government. After the launch of the portal, the gazette notifications will be published online saving paper and cost of transportation. All the departments of the state will be asked to upload their data in the portal, which will be monitored and verified by digital signatures.
37. Who is the first and youngest tribal woman in the world to climb six tallest mountain peaks across six continents?
(A) Malavath Poorna
(B) Shivangi Pathak
(C) Aditi Vaidya
(D) Anuja Vaidya
Correct Answer: (A) Malavath Poorna
Answer Explanation:
The 18-year-old student from a tribal family of Telengana and the famous mountain climber Malavath Poorna recently scaled the highest mountain peak of Antartica, Mt. Vinson Massif. By conquering this 4987 m high peak, Poorna became the first and youngest tribal woman in the world to climb six tallest mountain peaks across six continents. She is now preparing for her next venture of scaling North America’s highest mountain peak, Mt. Denali.
38. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to observe 2020 as which year?
(A) Year of Security
(B) Year of Mobility
(C) Year of Protection
(D) Year of Achievement
Correct Answer: (B) Year of Mobility
Answer Explanation:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recently announced that it will observe 2020 as the ‘Year of mobility’. It was also announced that special attention would be provided towards creation of more residential units and welfare measures for their troops. The announcement was made by the Director General of CISF, Rajesh Ranjan.
39. Which article of the Indian Constitution confers the Right on minorities to establish and administer educational institutions?
(A) Article 22
(B) Article 25
(C) Article 27
(D) Article 30
Correct Answer: (D) Article 30
Answer Explanation:
Article 30 of the Indian Constitution confers the right on minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. This right is provided to all language and religious minorities.The Article was recently in news because the Supreme Court of India held that the appointment of teachers in minority educational institutions can be regulated by the Government and it will not violate Article 30. As per the judgement, the institutions cannot have an absolute right on the appointment.
40. According to the recent IMD report, which state had the highest number of deaths due to unusual weather conditions?
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Bihar
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: (B) Bihar
Answer Explanation:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently released a report titled ‘Statement on Climate of India During 2019’. According to the report, almost 1560 people died in 2019 due to unusual weather events including heavy rain and floods, heat wave, lightning and thunderstorm.With nearly 650 deaths, Bihar had the highest number of people who died due to extremities in weather. The report also cited that five of the eight cyclones that hit India, were on the Arabian Sea, which was against the normal count of 1 cyclone on the west.
41. Web Based Portal called “Parivesh” is related to which Indian Ministry?
(A) Ministry of Home Affairs
(B) Ministry of External Affairs
(C) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(D) Ministry of Culture
Correct Answer: (C) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Answer Explanation:
PARIVESH is a web based, role based workflow application which has been developed for online submission and monitoring of the proposals submitted by the proponents for seeking Environment, Forest, Wildlife and CRZ Clearances from Central, State and district level authorities. It automates the entire tracking of proposals which includes online submission of a new proposal, editing/updating the details of proposals and displays status of the proposals at each stage of the workflow.
42. Madhavpur Mela is a famous attraction of which state of India?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Gujarat
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Haryana
Correct Answer: (B) Gujarat
Answer Explanation:
Madhavpur Mela is a weeklong cultural festival of Gujarat to be held at Madhavpur Ghed in Porbandar district in April, 2020, a day after Ram Navami festival. This year, eight states of the Northern Eastern region will participate.
43. Who has been recently chosen for “Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award for Social Service”?
(A) Dr.Gutta Munirathnam
(B) Shiv Nadar
(C) Sri Ravishankar
(D) Baba Ramdev
Correct Answer: (A) Dr.Gutta Munirathnam
Answer Explanation:
Eminent social worker, Dr. Gutta Muniratnam was chosen as the first recipient of ‘Muppavarapu National Award for Social Service’’. The announcement was made during the 10th Anniversary celebration of the foundation. The award was instituted by the Swarna Bharat Trust.Dr. Gutta Muniratnam is a former member of the National Planning Commission of India and the founder of an NGO named ‘Rashtriya Seva Samithi’ serving the villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. G. Muniratnam is also a Padma Shri awardee.
44. Wade Ormsby, who won the Hong Kong Open title for the second time , is associated with which sports?
(A) Badminton
(B) Tennis
(C) Racing
(D) Golf
Correct Answer: (D) Golf
Answer Explanation:
Top professional golfer of Australia, Wade Ormsby recently clinched the Hong Kong Open title for the second time in last three years. Another ace golfer and British Open champion Shane Lowry finished the tour in the second place. The tournament was held in Hanling, Hong Kong.Ormsby is a 39-year-old golfer, who had earlier won the Hong Kong Open title in 2017, which was his maiden European Tour victory. By this victory, Ormsby is only the second wire-to-wire winner of this tour.
45. The Indian Navy recently revised its fuel standards to bring down its carbon footprint, by conducting a study with which Indian Oil and Gas company?
(A) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
(B) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
(C) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
(D) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Correct Answer: (C) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Answer Explanation:
The Indian Navy recently carried out an extensive study in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited about the existing international regulations in fuel standards. The study resulted in a revised technical specification, which will ensure a better-quality fuel and a reduced carbon footprint.The new fuel (High Flash High-Speed Diesel) HFHSD – IN 512, with revised technical specifications was launched recently. The modified fuel will be supplied by the Haldia and Paradip refineries of the IOCL.
46. India recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for further defence cooperation with which country?
(A) Brazil
(B) Finland
(C) Israel
(D) France
Correct Answer: (B) Finland
Answer Explanation:
On the side lines of the multilateral conference Raisina Dialogue 2020, which is being held in New Delhi, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for further defence cooperation with Finland.The MoU on co-operation in the field of Production, Research and Development of Defence related Equipment was signed between the countries. Since the DefExpo of the year 2018, the draft MoU has been in discussion between the governments, which is now signed by the Defence Secretary of India, Dr Ajay Kumar with his Finnish counterpart.
47. Which state recently launched a state-wide helpline for labourers called e-Shramik Samadhan?
(A) West Bengal
(B) Odisha
(C) Bihar
(D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: (B) Odisha
Answer Explanation:
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik recently launched a state-wide helpline for labourers called e-Shramik Samadhan. He also announced that a State Corpus Fund of Rs. 500 crores has been created, so that payment given under the MGNREGA scheme will be on time.The Chief Minister also announced that employment under MGNREGA will be extended for 200 days a year, in 20 vulnerable blocks of the state. He said that a Central data base will be created to track the migrant workers in the state and ensure that all welfare schemes reach them.
48. Which state was recently awarded as the ‘Best performing state in reducing road accidents’ in the Road Safety Stakeholders’ Meet?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Gujarat
(D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: (B) Tamil Nadu
Answer Explanation:
The Road Safety Stakeholders’ Meet was recently organised in New Delhi. During the event, the Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh addressed the participants and presented the ‘Best performing state in reducing road accidents’ award to the state of Tamil Nadu.The Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has also announced that World Bank and Asian Development Bank have approved seven thousand crore rupees each, for India, to enhance road safety.
49. The highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India is named after which Indian leader?
(A) Mahatma Gandhi
(B) Jawaharlal Nehru
(C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(D) Lal Bahadur Shastri
Correct Answer: (C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer Explanation:
The highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India is named after the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The award is named as ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’. The award recognises the contributions made towards the national unity and integrity.Recently the Home Ministry announced that the on-line nomination process for the award is open and the last date for the nominations is 30th April. The award will be announced on the National Unity Day on 31st October, which is the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
50. Who is the author of the book, ‘The Winning Sixer’, which was released recently?
(A) Anil Kumble
(B) Rahul David
(C) W.V.Raman
(D) Krishnamachari Srikkanth
Correct Answer: (C) W.V.Raman
Answer Explanation:
Former Indian cricketer and the current Head Coach of National women’s team, W.V.Raman is the author of the book titled, ‘The Winning Sixer- Leadership Lessons to Master’.The book was released recently by another veteran cricketer and Coach Anil Kumble, in presence of Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj. In the sports-leadership book, W.V.Raman has narrated his own experiences and those of other cricket players. The books portraits the importance of leadership in all walks of life including sports.
51. 222 Squadron, the first Sukhoi-30 MKI equipped squadron is to operate from the Thanjavur Air Force Station, of which southern state?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Karnataka
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: (B) Tamil Nadu
Answer Explanation:
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 222 Squadron with its Sukhoi-30 MKI (Su-30 MKI) fighters will be the part of Southern Air command and it will operate from the Thanjavur Air Force Station (AFS) in Tamil Nadu.The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is to inaugurate the Induction ceremony of the Squadron from the air force station. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) made the mechanical and electrical modifications on the fighter aircraft while the Indian Air Force developed the software of the Su-30 MKI squadron. This will enable the aircraft to carry 2.5 tonne Cruise missile BrahMos.
52. Which food-delivery start-up recently acquired Uber’s food delivery platform, Uber Eats in India?
(A) Zomato
(B) Swiggy
(C) Faasos
(D) Domino’s
Correct Answer: (A) Zomato
Answer Explanation:
The Indian food delivery start-up firm Zomato recently announced its acquisition of Uber’s food delivery platform, Uber Eats, in India.According to the deal, Uber gets a 9.99% ownership in Zomato. After the acquisition, Uber Eats will discontinue its operations in India. It will also re-direct its restaurants, delivery partners, and customers using the Uber Eats apps, to the Zomato platform. This deal will cut the loss-making business of Uber and it will continue to focus on improving its ride-hailing business in India.
53. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Integrated Check Post at Jogbani-Biratnagar border, between India and which country?
(A) Bangladesh
(B) Nepal
(C) Bhutan
(D) Myanmar
Correct Answer: (B) Nepal
Answer Explanation:
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar border between India and Nepal, with the Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli.The Prime Minister inaugurated the ICP through Video conferencing. This second Integrated Check Post, which has been built with the assistance of India, at Jogbani-Biratnagar, facilitates trade and movement of people between the countries. The first ICP was built in the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.
54. Which country recently became the first in South Asia to introduce e- passports?
(A) Bangladesh
(B) Thailand
(C) Cambodia
(D) Vietnam
Correct Answer: (A) Bangladesh
Answer Explanation:
Bangladesh recently launched its e- passports thus becoming the first country in South Asia to introduce e- passports. During an event held, the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) handed over the first e- passport to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.The Department also announced that the process of delivering e-passports will start in regional offices by the end of this year. It was also announced that machine-readable passports, which Bangladesh uses instead of manual passports, will also continue to remain valid. e-passports are presently issued with the validity of five years and ten years.
55. The ‘National Conclave on Emerging Opportunities in Natural Gas sector’ was recently held in which city?
(A) Mumbai
(B) New Delhi
(C) Hyderabad
(D) Lucknow
Correct Answer: (B) New Delhi
Answer Explanation:
The ‘National Conclave on Emerging Opportunities in Natural Gas sector’ was recently held in New Delhi. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan presided over the conclave.The Minister said that that the current share of gas in India’s energy basket is 6.2% and the target is to increase it to 15% by the year 2030. He also stated that the state of Gujarat has 26% share of gas-based energy. The Minister announced that India will witness an investment of over Rs 4 lakh crore in development of gas supply and distribution infrastructure in the next five years.
56. Which chess player won the title of the ‘Tata Steel Masters chess tournament’?
(A) Viswanathan Anand
(B) Magnus Carlsen
(C) Fabiano Caruana
(D) Vladislav Artemiev
Correct Answer: (C) Fabiano Caruana
Answer Explanation:
USA’s second seed Fabiano Caruana clinched the title of the ‘Tata Steel Masters chess tournament’ with a record-winning score of 10 points from 13 rounds. He was assured of the title even before the final round. Only Garry Kasparov (1999) and Magnus Carlsen (2013) have won the tournament by scoring 10 points since 1980.
57. India’s first underwater metro project is set to be launched in which city?
(A) Kochi
(B) Chennai
(C) Kolkata
(D) Mumbai
Correct Answer: (C) Kolkata
Answer Explanation:
India’s first underwater metro project, the East-West project of the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation is set be launched by March 2022.The metro project runs partly under the famous Hooghly river of Kolkata. The new line is expected to carry about 9 lakh people daily and will take less than a minute to cross the underwater tunnel of half a kilometre. Rs 41.6 billion was provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency to fund nearly half of the project. The East-West metro project is 74% owned by Union Railway Ministry of India and 26% by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
58. When is the national Tourism day celebrated across the country?
(A) January 23
(B) January 24
(C) January 25
(D) January 26
Correct Answer: (C) January 25
Answer Explanation:
The national Tourism day is being celebrated in India on January 25 every year. The day is celebrated to raise awareness the global community about the importance of tourism for the country’s economy and its social, political, financial and cultural worth.According to a FICCI-YES Bank report of 2019, the tourism industry generated $247.3 billion in 2018, and contributed to 9.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product of India. The United Nations World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27. India has moved up six places to 34th rank in World travel and tourism competitiveness index of WEF.
59. Which Indian javelin-thrower has recently qualified for Tokyo Olympics after the ANEC meet at South Africa?
(A) Tejinder Pal Singh
(B) Neeraj Chopra
(C) Amit Panghal
(D) Manjit Singh
Correct Answer: (B) Neeraj Chopra
Answer Explanation:
Top Indian javelin-thrower Neeraj Chopra has recently qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was declared qualified, after his stellar throw of 87.86 m at the Athletics Central North East meeting, recently held in South Africa.Neeraj could not participate in the last year’s international events as he suffered from a knee injury. This is his first competitive event after his injury. His throw at this event is also the second best throw ever of Neeraj, after his record 88.06 m throw at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.
60. What is the name of the Maharashtra-based social activist and founder of ‘Nari Samata Manch’ center for gender equality, who passed away recently?
(A) Vidya Bal
(B) Jharna Dhara
(C) Nazar Nandi
(D) Abdul Jabbar
Correct Answer: (A) Vidya Bal
61. Which state has recently banned all types of online lottery schemes in the state?
(A) Punjab
(B) Meghalaya
(C) Mizoram
(D) Nagaland
Correct Answer: (A) Punjab
Answer Explanation:
The state government of Punjab recently declared to ban all types of online lottery schemes in the state. The ban of lottery schemes has been made under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act 1998.This step is expected to curb illegal lottery business in the state and to boost the tax and non-tax revenue of the state government. The Cabinet also approved to prohibit the sale of online lotteries, operated through vending machines and online scheme tickets, promoted by other states.
62. India’s first ‘fruit train’ for export was flagged off recently in which Indian state/ UT?
(A) West Bengal
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Karnataka
Correct Answer: (B) Andhra Pradesh
Answer Explanation:
The first-of-its-kind ‘fruit train’ of the country was recently flagged off from Tadipatri Railway Station of Andhra Pradesh.The train carried a little less than 1000 metric tonnes of locally grown bananas to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port also called the gateway port in Mumbai. The consignment will be exported to Iran from the port in Mumbai. The entire train sent for export saved huge fuel and time, which would have been otherwise spent for the transportation to the port by road, which is 900 km away. Andhra Pradesh topped the country in fruits production in 2018-19, as per the recent data of Ministry of Agriculture.
63. Dalip Kaur Tiwana, who passed away recently, was a famous writer in which language?
(A) Hindi
(B) Urdu
(C) Punjabi
(D) Gujarati
Correct Answer: (C) Punjabi
Answer Explanation:
Renowned Punjabi writer and novelist Dalip Kaur Tiwana passed away recently, at a hospital in Mohali. The 84-year-old writer had been the recipient of various prestigious awards including the Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi.She had the Padma Shri award in 2015, in solidarity with writers protesting against suppression of freedom of expression. The Punjabi University had awarded life fellowship to the writer and provided her a residence in the campus, though she retired.
64. Which Indian woman tennis player won both the women’s singles and doubles title in the ITF Thailand Championship?
(A) Sania Mirza
(B) Ankita Raina
(C) Nirupama Sanjeev
(D) Sunitha Rao
Correct Answer: (B) Ankita Raina
Answer Explanation:
India’s leading woman Tennis player Ankita Raina won the women’s singles title in the $25,000 ITF Thailand Championship. This is her first ITF singles title of the season and 10th of her sport career.The 27-year-old third-seeded Ankita Raina beat Chloe Paquet of France 6-3, 7-5 in the summit clash, to clinch the title. Ankita had also won the doubles title of the tournament, along with Bibiane Schoofs of the Netherlands. Earlier this year, she had also reached the semi-finals at another $25000 event in Canberra.
65. A National level Rural Technical Festival called ‘Antahpragnya 2020’ was recently organized in which Indian state/UT?
(A) Ladakh
(B) New Delhi
(C) Telangana
(D) Odisha
Correct Answer: (C) Telangana
Answer Explanation:
A National Level Rural Technical Festival titled ‘Antahpragnya 2020’ was recently organised in the state of Telangana at Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies-Basar (RGUKT-Basar). This is the country’s biggest technical festival.The three-day technical fest was conducted with the theme ‘Spot and encourage rural tech innovators’. It hosted more than 200 technical events including Campus Farming competition, Robo Racing, Development of Ideal Villages and National Science Fair. Nearly 50,000 people from nearby places and institutions participated in the event.
66. National Horticultural Fair, the country’s biggest horticultural fair, is set to be conducted in which city?
(A) Kanpur
(B) Bengaluru
(C) Shillong
(D) Guwahati
Correct Answer: (B) Bengaluru
Answer Explanation:
The four-day National Horticultural Fair, which is the country’s biggest horticultural fair is set to be organised at the Hessarghatta campus of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru.Indian Institute of Horticultural Research organises the national-level fair, which is scheduled to be held from February 5 to 8, 2020. The theme of this year’s fair is ‘Making farming an enterprise’. More than 50,000 farmers from various States of the country are expected to take part in the exhibition. Several crop varieties, horticultural technologies and practices are to be showcased in the fair.
67. ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ is a flagship scheme of which Union Ministry?
(A) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
(C) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(D) Ministry of Human Resource Development
Correct Answer: (C) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer Explanation:
‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ (PMKVY) is the flagship skill development scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It is implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation and aims to impart skills to one Crore persons of the country by 2020. It was launched in the year 2015, on the National skills day, July 15.Recently, the Skill Development Ministry announced that over 73 lakh candidates undertook training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The Ministry had earlier announced that PMKVY-III will be launched this year, with enhanced initiatives.
68. Which country recently introduced a new scheme of fast-track visas to attract scientists?
(A) Russia
(B) United Kingdom
(C) Germany
(D) China
Correct Answer: (B) United Kingdom
Answer Explanation:
Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently announced the new scheme of fast-track visas to attract the world’s best scientists.The United Kingdom is expected to face a major job crunch as after the Brexit deal, the European Union citizens will lose the right to live and work in the UK and the natives of Britain will settle in the 27 remaining nations of the union. The Prime Minister also announced the ‘Global Talent route program’ of 300 million pounds for research in advanced mathematics.
69. Who has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Monetary Policy Department in the Reserve Bank of India?
(A) Michael Debabrata Patra
(B) Janak Raj
(C) BP Kanungo
(D) R Gandhi
(E) Ajay Kumar
Correct Answer: (E) Ajay Kumar [ from August 20, 2021 ]
Answer Explanation:
Michael Debabrata Patra appointed RBI Deputy Governor: He is currently the Executive Director of the Monetary Policy Department.
70. According to the new report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which country is the world’s second-largest arms producer?
(A) China
(B) Russia
(C) Saudi Arabia
(D) UAE
Correct Answer: (A) China
Answer Explanation:
The noted Swedish research institute, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a new report, which revealed that China is the world’s second-largest producer of arms, only after the United States.In the previous report of SIPRI, which was published in 2017, China was placed at the sixth place in the world. Whereas in the recent report, it is placed ahead of Russian companies, from whom China was importing arms earlier. The report also stated that four Chinese arms groups were ranked among the world’s top 20 weapons sellers.
71. Bala Devi, who was seen in news recently, is associated with which sports?
(A) Cricket
(B) Football
(C) Boxing
(D) Wrestling
Correct Answer: (B) Football
Answer Explanation:
The 29-year old sportsperson from Manipur, Bala Devi was seen in news recently as she became the first Indian woman footballer to sign up with a professional football club abroad. The prestigious European club, Rangers Women FC signed the Indian footballer from Manipur for 18 months.Bala Devi has also been the captain of the national women’s team and the top scorer for the team with 52 goals in 58 games. She also holds the top international goal-scorer rank in the South Asian region. The footballer has also been named AIFF’s Woman Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
72. Which film won the ‘Best film’ award in the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA) presented recently?
(A) Once upon a time in Hollywood
(B) 1917
(C) Joker
(D) The Irishman
Correct Answer: (B) 1917
Answer Explanation:
The World war- based drama directed by the British filmmaker Sam Mendes won the Best film award in the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA) presented recently. The movie dominated the event by winning seven awards, including best British film, best cinematography and best director.‘Joker’ actor Joaquin Phoenix was named the best actor and biopic ‘Judy’ actor Renee Zellweger was named the best actress in the award ceremony. Prince William presented this year’s BAFTA Fellowship to ‘Star Wars’ producer Kathleen Kenned. South Korean film “Parasite” won two awards including best original screenplay and film is not in the English language.
73. Which country has recently unveiled Raad-500 missile?
(A) Pakistan
(B) Iran
(C) Iraq
(D) Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: (B) Iran
Answer Explanation:
Raad-500 is a short-range ballistic missile recently unveiled by Iran. It can be powered by a “new generation” of engines designed to put satellites into orbit.
74. Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, who recently submitted her resignation, was associated with which global organization?
(A) World Bank
(B) International Monetary Fund
(C) United Nations
(D) Asian Development Bank
Correct Answer: (A) World Bank
Answer Explanation:
The Chief economist of World Bank, Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg recently announced her resignation. The economist is expected to step down from her role on March 1 and return to teach at Yale University.Pinelopi Koujianou assumed charge as the Chief economist at the end of April 2018. World Bank President David Malpass announced that Research Director Aart Kraay would take over as an interim Chief economist.
75. Jiri Vesely, who clinched the Tata Open Maharashtra 2020, belongs to which country?
(A) Czech Republic
(B) Serbia
(C) France
(D) Switzerland
Correct Answer: (A) Czech Republic
Answer Explanation:
Jiri Vesely of Czech Republic clinched the Tata Open Maharashtra 2020, held recently in Pune. He won the title after five years of his maiden ATP Tour title in Auckland.He also become only the eighth player since 2013 to save six match points across two matches in a row, towards winning the ATP Tour crown. The tournament had been previously conducted at Chennai.
76. The cricket team of which country was recently presented with the ICC Women’s Championship trophy?
(A) England
(B) South Africa
(C) Australia
(D) New Zealand
Correct Answer: (C) Australia
Answer Explanation:
The Australian team was presented with the ICC Women’s Championship trophy. The team has retained the trophy by topping in eight-team ODI competition played from 2017 to 2020.Australia has scored 34 points from 18 matches with one more series to play. The ICC Women’s Championship qualified hosts New Zealand and four other top teams including Australia, England and South Africa, directly to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021.
77. Which country has unveiled its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Police officer Ella?
(A) Japan
(B) Singapore
(C) New Zealand
(D) Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: (C) New Zealand
Answer Explanation:
The New Zealand Police have recently unveiled their first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Police officer Ella. Ella stands for ‘Electronic Lifelike Assistant’, which will be configured at the digital kiosks, to resolve the queries of public and reduce queues in stations.Ella will be made available in the headquarters building initially, and will be expanded to other parts of the country soon. The virtual assistant has been designed as a mix of 26 different people.
78. Aditya Mehta, who was seen in news recently, is associated with sports?
(A) Snooker
(B) Weight-lifting
(C) Archery
(D) Boxing
Correct Answer: (A) Snooker
Answer Explanation:
Indian cueist Aditya Mehta was seen in news recently as he won the National Snooker Championship, held at Pune. He represented the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) and defeated the 22-time-world champion Pankaj Advani 6-2 to win the title. Pankaj recently won the National Billiards Championship.
79. What is the GDP growth projection for India in 2020, as estimated by Moody’s Investors Service?
(A) 5.0%
(B) 5.2%
(C) 5.4%
(D) 5.6%
Correct Answer: (C) 5.4%
Answer Explanation:
American Credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service has lowered India’s growth forecast to 5.4 percent for the year 2020. Earlier, the country’s growth was estimated as 6.6 percent.Moody’s said in its update on Global Macro Outlook that India’s economy has decelerated rapidly over the last two years and a recovery in the current quarter. It has also predicted a growth rate of 5.8 percent for 2021. It also stated that the G-20 economies would collectively grow 2.4 per cent in 2020.
