The correct answer is Doddabetta.

Key Points

• Doddabetta
  • Nilgiri Hills are situated in Tamil Nadu.
  • Doddabetta is the highest peak of the Nilgiri hills.
  • Nilgiri hills are a part of the Western Ghats.
  • The hills are located at the tri-junction of the states Karnataka, Kerela, and Tamil Nadu.
  • These mountains are named after the Neelakurunji flowers (purplish-blue flowers) found in the Shola forests of Nilgiri hills.
  • Nilgiri Hills are known as the Blue Mountains.

Additional Information

• Mahendragiri 
  • Mahendragiri is a mountain in Odisha, India, located in the Rayagada subdivision of the Gajapati district.
  • It is one of the highest peak in the eastern ghats.
    • Now The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Jindhagada Peak.
  • It is located at an elevation of 1,501 metres in the Eastern Ghats. After Deomali in the Koraput district, this is Odisha's second highest mountain peak. 
• Anamudi
  • Anamudi is the highest peak of the Anaimalai hills.
  • Anaimalai hills are situated in the north of Anamudi.
  • Anamudi is located in Kerala.
  • Anamudi is also known as the Everest of South India.
  • The elevation of Anamudi hill is 2,695 meters.
  • The name Anamudi means "elephant's head".
  • General Douglas Hamilton made the first recorded ascent of Anamudi.
  • Anamudi is the meeting point of Anamalai, Palanimalai, and ealaimalai.
• Nanda Devi Peak
  • Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in India after Kangchenjunga and the highest located entirely within the country.
  • It is the 23rd-highest peak in the world.
  • It was considered the highest mountain in the world before computations in 1808 proved Dhaulagiri to be higher.

The Correct Answer is David Dhawan.

In News

• 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards 2024 held in Gujarat.

Key Points

• David Dhawan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 69th Filmfare Awards 2024.
• David Dhawan (born Rajinder Dhawan; 16 August 1951) is an Indian director of Hindi films.
• A member of the Dhawan family, he has directed over 42 films.
• The 1993 action thriller Aankhen and 1999 comedy Biwi No.1 earned him nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Director.

Additional Information

The correct answer is MV Vasiliy Golovnin. 

In News

• MV Vasiliy Golovnin crossed into Antarctic Waters on 43rd Indian Scientific Expedition.

Key Points

• The MV Vasiliy Golovnin is the expedition vessel chartered by India for the 43rd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.
• The expedition, which embarked from Cape Town on December 23, 2023, comprises 21 members from India, one from Bangladesh, and two from Mauritius.
• The entire team is led by Dr. Yogesh Ray, a senior scientist from the Antarctic Operations Group of NCPOR, and the voyage is monitored by 42 crew members from M/S FESCO in Vladivostok.
• The vessel transported cargo for the Indian expedition, supplies for the Princess Elizabeth Station, Belgian (BELARE) and Progress Stations, and cargo for Novo Airport.
• The loading of Indian cargo occurred in two stages, first at Mormugao port from November 20 to 24, 2023, and secondly at Cape Town from December 15 to 22, 2023.
• The vessel sailed into Antarctic waters at 17:55 UTC on January 3, 2024.

The correct answer is Meghalaya, Manipur & Tripura:

• The three north-eastern states of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya celebrate their Foundation day on 21st January.
• January 21, 2021 marks the 49th foundation day for the three states.
• Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura became full-fledged states of India on January 21, 1972, under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act of 1971.
• The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged into Indian Union in October 1949 and became full-fledged states on January 21, 1972.
• Meghalaya was part of Assam before becoming a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971.
• Earlier, North East India used to have seven states and known as ‘Seven Sisters’ including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura.
• Sikkim was integrated as the eighth North Eastern Council state in 2002.

The correct answer is Loktak Lake.

Key Points

• Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North-eastern region of the country.
• It is famous for Phumdis.
• It is located in Manipur.
• Keibul Lamjao is the only floating national park in the world floats over it.
• Area: 266 square kilometre.
• Two wetlands of India are in Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park(Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake(Manipur).
• Montreux Record is also maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
• It is under the Ramsar Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Additional Information

Chilika Lake

• Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second-largest lagoon.
• It spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River.
• It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent.
• In 1981, it was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• Nalbana Bird Sanctuary or Nalbana Island is the core area of the Chilika Lake.

Sambhar Lake

• Sambhar Salt Lake, an ephemeral salt lake, the largest lake in India, is situated in east-central Rajasthan state, west of Jaipur.
• It represents a depression of the Aravalli Range with 230 square km in area.
• It is also known as the salt lake of Rajasthan. 

Pangong Lake

• Pangong Tso Lake located in Ladakh Union territory is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m.
• It is geographically situated in a disputed territory, claimed both by India and China.
• This lake is about 5 km wide and about 134 km long with about 60% of the length extending into Tibet.
• Pangong Lake in Kashmir is the world's highest brackish lake at 4,350 m above sea level.

The correct answer is Rajasthan. 

In News

• Joint Military Exercise 'Desert Cyclone 2024' between India and UAE was held in Rajasthan.

Key Points

• The Joint Military Exercise 'Desert Cyclone 2024' between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held from January 2 to January 15, 2024.
• The joint drills under 'Desert Cyclone 2024' aim to enhance interoperability between the two allied military powers.
• The countries will concentrate on learning and sharing best practices in urban operations during these exercises.
• The first-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise was conducted at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi in September 2008.

Additional Information

• India and the UAE have a strong friendship, anchored by thousands of years of cultural, religious, and economic ties.
• The Ministry of External Affairs has highlighted potential areas for bilateral cooperation in the defence field, such as the production and development of defence equipment, joint exercise of armed forces, particularly naval exercises; and sharing of information on strategy and doctrines.
• Technical cooperation, particularly concerning the Intermediate Jet Trainer, is another focus area of this military collaboration.

The correct answer is Option 3. 

Key Points

• The power of the Governor to promulgate ordinances during the recess of the legislature in India is mentioned in Article 213 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 213 empowers the Governor of a state to promulgate ordinances when the legislative assembly or either house of the legislature (in the case of a bicameral legislature) is not in session.
• These ordinances have the same force and effect as an act of the state legislature but are temporary in nature and must be approved by the legislature within a certain period.

​Additional Information

• Constitutions typically consist of multiple articles that outline the fundamental principles, structures, and functions of a country's government. While the specific articles and their content can vary from one constitution to another, I can provide you with a general overview of common articles found in many constitutions:
• Preamble: This sets out the purpose, values, and aspirations of the constitution.
• Fundamental Rights and Freedoms: These articles outline the individual rights and freedoms that citizens are entitled to, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as rights related to equality, privacy, and due process.
• Structure of Government: These articles describe the structure of the government, including the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. They may also define the roles and responsibilities of each branch and the system of checks and balances.
• Head of State and Government: These articles outline the powers, duties, and limitations of the head of state and government, which may include a president, monarch, or prime minister.
• Legislature: These articles establish the composition, powers, and functions of the legislative body, such as the parliament or congress. They may detail the process of lawmaking, representation, and electoral systems.
• Executive: These articles define the powers, responsibilities, and selection process of the executive branch, which may include the president, prime minister, or a council of ministers. They often outline the executive's authority to implement laws and administer the government.
• Judiciary: These articles establish the structure and jurisdiction of the judicial system, including the courts and their powers. They may outline the appointment and tenure of judges, as well as the principles of judicial independence and the right to a fair trial.
• Constitutional Amendments: These articles specify the procedures and requirements for amending the constitution itself, ensuring that any changes are made through a formal and transparent process.
• Territorial Organization: These articles define the territorial boundaries, administrative divisions, and relations between the central government and local or regional authorities.
• Transitional Provisions: In some constitutions, there may be specific articles that address the transition from a previous constitutional order, such as after a regime change or a significant political event.

The correct answer is Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories

Key Points

• National Tourism Day is celebrated on 25 Jan every year.
• It is observed to cultivate awareness among the global community on the importance of tourism and its social, financial, and cultural worth.
• A department specifically pertaining to tourism was established in 1958 under the Ministry of Tourism and Communication.

Additional Information

• World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September.
• On September 27, 1980, UNWTO celebrated the first World Tourism Day.
•  World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
  • Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
  • Founded: 1 November 1975
  • Head Secretary-General: Zurab Pololikashvili (As of Jan 2022).

The correct answer is Option 1. 

Key Points

•  Babur, the first Mughal emperor, succeeded to the throne of Ferghana in 1494 when he was 12 years old.
• Babur, whose full name was Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, was the founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent.
• He was born on February 14, 1483, in Andijan, in present-day Uzbekistan.
• Babur belonged to the Timurid dynasty, which traced its ancestry back to the famous conqueror Timur (Tamerlane).At the age of 12, Babur succeeded to the throne of Ferghana, a small kingdom in Central Asia.
• However, he faced numerous challenges and was forced to leave Ferghana due to political instability.
• Over the years, he struggled to regain his kingdom and embarked on a series of military campaigns in Central Asia. In 1526, Babur set his sights on India and launched an invasion of the Delhi Sultanate.
• He faced Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, in the First Battle of Panipat.
• Despite being outnumbered, Babur's forces achieved a decisive victory, allowing him to establish his rule over northern India.
• Babur's reign marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire, which would become one of the most powerful and culturally significant empires in Indian history.
• He implemented various administrative and military reforms, including the introduction of effective artillery and cavalry tactics.
• Babur also had a keen interest in literature, poetry, and gardening.
• Babur passed away on December 26, 1530, in Agra, India. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Humayun, who continued to expand and consolidate the Mughal Empire.

The correct answer is Al-Biruni.

Key Points:

The Kitab-ul-Hind:

• Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind, written in Arabic, is simple and lucid.
• It is a voluminous text, divided into 80 chapters on subjects such as religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws, and metrology.
• Generally (though not always), Al-Biruni adopted a distinctive structure in each chapter, beginning with a question, following this up with a description based on Sanskritic traditions, and concluding with a comparison with other cultures.
• Some present-day scholars have argued that this almost geometric structure, remarkable for its precision and predictability, owed much to his mathematical orientation.
• Al-Biruni, who wrote in Arabic, probably intended his work for peoples living along the frontiers of the subcontinent.
• He was familiar with translations and adaptations of Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit texts into Arabic – these ranged from fables to works on astronomy and medicine. However, he was also critical of the ways in which these texts were written and clearly wanted to improve on them.