Breakthrough in Neuroscience: Brain Mapping of Fruit Fly
Scientists have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, advancing knowledge of neural connections and signaling pathways in complex brains. This connectome research may aid understanding of human cognitive processes due to the similarities in behavior and memory functions between fruit flies and humans
India’s Low Rank in the Nature Conservation Index
India ranked 176th in the Nature Conservation Index with a score of 45.5, reflecting challenges in land management and biodiversity protection. This report, published by Ben-Gurion University, evaluates conservation efforts worldwide, spotlighting areas for policy improvement in environmental protection
IUCN Conservation Leadership Award
Assam-based conservationist Bibhab Kumar Talukdar received the IUCN’s prestigious Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership. His contributions, particularly with Asian rhinos, have significantly influenced conservation efforts through leadership and regional collaboration
Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab Project
Saudi Arabia has begun construction on the Mukaab in Riyadh, which aims to be the world’s largest building. Part of Saudi Vision 2030, the project will feature 104,000 residential units and 9,000 hotel rooms, promoting tourism and urban development
Upcoming Census in India
The Indian government announced it will conduct the long-delayed national census in 2025. Originally scheduled for 2021, this census will likely include data collection on demographics and caste, sparking renewed interest and debate in national demographics
- What recent achievement in neuroscience involved the complete brain mapping of a fruit fly?
- A) Discovery of new genetic markers
- B) Full connectome mapping to understand neural connections
- C) Mapping of fruit fly memory genes
- D) Creation of a synthetic brain model
- Answer: B) Full connectome mapping to understand neural connections
- What position did India hold in the 2024 Nature Conservation Index, highlighting its biodiversity and conservation challenges?
- A) 56th
- B) 102nd
- C) 176th
- D) 50th
- Answer: C) 176th
- Who received the Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership from IUCN in 2024?
- A) Ratan Tata
- B) Bibhab Kumar Talukdar
- C) Vandana Shiva
- D) Sunita Narain
- Answer: B) Bibhab Kumar Talukdar
- Saudi Arabia’s Mukaab project, aiming to be the world’s largest building, is part of which strategic vision?
- A) Saudi Vision 2030
- B) New Future Initiative
- C) Desert Oasis Project
- D) Riyadh Mega Plan
- Answer: A) Saudi Vision 2030
- When is India planning to conduct its next national census, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
- A) 2024
- B) 2025
- C) 2026
- D) 2027
- Answer: B) 2025
- The brain mapping of a fruit fly is expected to aid in understanding human cognitive processes because of what similarity?
- A) Identical genetic structures
- B) Similar behaviors and memory functions
- C) Comparable physical brain size
- D) Identical brain chemical composition
- Answer: B) Similar behaviors and memory functions
- The Mukaab building, under construction in Riyadh, aims to accommodate how many residential units?
- A) 50,000
- B) 90,000
- C) 104,000
- D) 150,000
- Answer: C) 104,000
- What organization awarded Bibhab Kumar Talukdar for his conservation efforts, particularly with Asian rhinos?
- A) WWF
- B) Greenpeace
- C) IUCN Species Survival Commission
- D) United Nations Environmental Programme
- Answer: C) IUCN Species Survival Commission
- Which type of data is expected to be included in India’s upcoming census that has sparked political debate?
- A) Health data
- B) Sub-sect demographic data
- C) Urban development indices
- D) Technological access information
- Answer: B) Sub-sect demographic data
- The Mukaab’s architectural design in Saudi Arabia is influenced by which traditional style?
- A) Ottoman
- B) Najdi
- C) Mughal
- D) Romanesque
- Answer: B) Najdi