1. Recently, where was the world’s first Om-shaped temple inaugurated?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The world’s first Om-shaped temple, ‘Om Aakar’, inaugurated in Jadan, Rajasthan’s Pali district, spans 250 acres. Its Nagara style and intricate design honor North India’s heritage. Holding 1,008 idols of Lord Mahadev and 12 Jyotirlingas, it stands at 135 ft with 2,000 pillars and 108 rooms. The top has a shivling made of rhinestone from Dholpur. A 2 lakh tonne tank enhances its grandeur, visible from space.
2. Tantalum, a rare metal, was recently discovered in which river?
[A] Gomti
[B] Sutlej
[C] Kaveri
[D] Godavari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sutlej]
Notes:
Traces of tantalum, a rare metal crucial in electronics, were found in the Sutlej river by Indian Institute of Technology, Punjab researchers. Tantalum is vital for capacitors and resistors in devices like smartphones and laptops. Its discovery hints at untapped mineral wealth beneath the riverbed, sparking interest in further exploration. Tantalum’s unique properties make it valuable, potentially impacting various industries and the local economy. Further surveys are needed to assess the extent of the deposits.
3. What are ‘Cicadas’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Sound producing insects
[B] Ancient irrigation technique
[C] Newly discovered species of spider
[D] Invasive plant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sound producing insects]
Notes:
Scientists discovered a new species of cicada in Meghalaya, dubbed “Butterfly Cicadas.” Cicadas, belonging to the Cicadidae family, are sound-producing insects with two pairs of wings, compound eyes, and ocelli. They measure 2 to 5 cm and males produce loud noises via vibrating membranes. Females typically lay eggs in woody plants. Over 3,000 cicada species exist, predominantly in tropical regions like deserts, grasslands, and forests.
4. Recently, which organization has launched a new network for coronaviruses, CoViNet?
[A] World Bank
[B] WHO
[C] WTO
[D] UNICEF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [WHO]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched CoViNet, a global network of laboratories specializing in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance. It aims to detect and monitor emerging coronaviruses, including potential novel strains, enhancing risk assessment and informing WHO policies. CoViNet will expand surveillance capabilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to monitor MERS-CoV and other significant coronaviruses, contributing to global public health preparedness.
5. Recently, which space company has successfully test-fired the ‘Kalam-250’ at the propulsion testbed of the ISRO?
[A] Bellatrix Aerospace
[B] AgniKul Cosmos
[C] Skyroot Aerospace
[D] Kawa Space
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Skyroot Aerospace]
Notes:
Skyroot Aerospace recently conducted a successful test-fire of the Kalam-250 at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This second stage of the Vikram-1 space launch vehicle features a carbon composite rocket motor, EPDM thermal protection, and precision thrust vector control. Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, it will propel the launch vehicle from the atmosphere into outer space, playing a vital role in its ascent.
