1. ‘Proba-3 Mission’, which will be launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV, is associated with which space agency?
[A] NASA
[B] ESA
[C] JAXA
[D] CNSA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ESA]
Notes:
The European Space Agency’s Proba-3 Mission will be launched aboard the ISRO’s PSLV in 2024. Its two satellites will study the Sun’s faint corona and surrounding atmosphere.
The 340-kilogram spacecraft will be deployed by PSLV in a high Earth orbit with an orbital period of 19.7 hours.
2. Which institution developed a pocket-friendly device to detect milk adulteration in 30 seconds?
[A] IISc Bengaluru
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] NIT Tiruchirappalli
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Madras]
Notes:
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds.
The test could be even performed at home. It can detect multiple substances commonly used as adulterating agents including Urea, detergents, soap, starch, hydrogen peroxide, sodium-hydrogen-carbonate, and salt, among others.
3. Which is the first American state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia?
[A] Seattle
[B] Georgia
[C] New York
[D] California
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Georgia]
Notes:
The US state of Georgia recently became the first American state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry.
It seeks to build upon a 2022 report by Rutgers University that found there has been a noticeable surge in anti-Hindu disinformation.
4. ‘Salar de Atacama’ is the largest salt flat found in which country?
[A] Argentina
[B] Chile
[C] South Africa
[D] Brazil
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Correct Answer: B [Chile]
Notes:
Salar de Atacama is Chile’s largest salt flat. Much of the country’s lithium deposits are found in this region.
Chile is planning to collaborate with India to tap into the lithium value chain. The copper-producing nation- Chile, holds the world’s largest known lithium reserves.
5. Hexacentrus ashoka, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Bush Cricket
[C] Turtle
[D] Snake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bush Cricket]
Notes:
Three new species of bush cricket was found recently. Two of these species (Hexacentrus tiddae and Hexacentrus ashoka) were found in Haryana. In the local dialect of Haryana, bush crickets are referred to as tiddaes.
The third species found in Meghalaya was named Hexacentrus khasiensis — after the Khasi hills where it was discovered.
6. Palm Sunday is an event associated with which religion?
[A] Islam
[B] Sikhism
[C] Christianity
[D] Jainism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Christianity]
Notes:
Palm Sunday is the Christian moveable feast that occurs on the Sunday before Easter. It was observed on April 2 this year.
The feast commemorates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Its name originates from the palm branches waved by the crowd to greet and honour Jesus Christ as he entered the city.
7. ‘Capulopsyche keralensis’, which was recently discovered in Kerala, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Moth
[C] Snake
[D] Bee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Moth]
Notes:
A new genus and species of bagworm moth Capulopsyche keralensis has been discovered from the coffee plantations of Kerala.
Researchers have discovered the new species of bagworm moth, from Idukki district and Palakkad district.
8. Which state/UT repealed the ‘Loktantra Prahari Samman Act’?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Himachal Pradesh recently repealed the Loktantra Prahari Samman Act.
The Act provides a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 and Rs 12,000 to the people who lodged in jails during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977. The repeal of the Act shall not affect the previous operations of the said Act.
9. ‘Nathu La’ is a mountain pass located in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Assam
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sikkim]
Notes:
Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Dongkya Range of the Himalayas between Tibet and the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.
A massive avalanche had hit the East Sikkim’s Nathu La area recently. Seven tourists were killed and a dozen injured after the avalanche.
10. ‘Lean Diabetes’ condition is spreading among the tribal people of which state/UT?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Lean diabetes is a medical condition that involves dual stress of intermittent starvation and overload of carbohydrate metabolism.
Cases of lean diabetes is seen spreading among tribals in Chhattisgarh. The rise of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including diabetes, has been recognised as a problem area in India.