1. Which IIT recently signed an MoU with Canada based biotechnology company (Conlis Global) for bone grafting technology?
[A] IIT Roorkee
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Kanpur]
Notes:
IIT Kanpur recently signed an MoU with Conlis Global, a Canadian biotech company, for licensing a groundbreaking technology promoting bone healing and regeneration. Nano Hydroxyapatite-based Porous Composite Scaffolds, developed indigenously, possess biodegradable, osteoinductive, and osteopromotive properties crucial for bone regeneration. Highly biocompatible, these scaffolds demonstrate robust mechanical strength and foster excellent interaction between polymer networks and solvents, facilitating cell-material interactions with osteoblast cells.
2. Recently, who clinched the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, USA?
[A] Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner Jannik
[B] Daniil Medvedev and C. Norrie
[C] Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek
[D] Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden]
Notes:
Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, with Australian partner Matthew Ebden, secured the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title on March 31, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. They overcame Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, reclaiming their ATP World No.1 rank. Bopanna, breaking his own record, became the oldest player to win an ATP 1000 Masters Championship. He joins elite Indian players who have won the Miami Open.
3. Recently, which port in India emerged as the top cargo-handling port in India in 2023-24?
[A] Karaikal port
[B] Paradip port
[C] Kandla port
[D] Kochi port
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Paradip port]
Notes:
Paradip Port Authority in Odisha surpassed Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla as India’s top cargo-handling major port in 2023-24. Handling 145.38 MMT of cargo, it registered a 7.4% growth from the previous year. It’s capable of handling 289 MMT. Notably, it excels in coastal shipping, handling 59.19 MMT of coastal traffic and achieving highest productivity among major ports. Established in 1962, it became India’s 8th major port in 1966, now under the Ministry of Ports.
4. Recently, which European Union country became the largest to legalize recreational use of cannabis?
[A] Greece
[B] Belgium
[C] Germany
[D] Ireland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Germany]
Notes:
Germany, now the largest EU nation to legalize recreational cannabis, faces mixed reactions. Despite opposition, the law allows adults over 18 to possess 25 grams of cannabis and grow three plants at home. This marks a significant shift in drug policy, aligning Germany with progressive cannabis laws in Europe, like Malta and Luxembourg. The Netherlands, once lenient, has tightened regulations to curb cannabis tourism.
5. What is the theme of ‘International Mining Awareness Day 2024’?
[A] Protecting Lives, Building Peace
[B] Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home
[C] Together for Mine Action
[D] Perseverance, Partnership, and Progress
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Protecting Lives, Building Peace]
Notes:
International Mine Awareness Day, observed annually on April 4th, aims to raise awareness and eliminate landmines. The 2024 theme is “Protecting Lives, Building Peace.” Previously, in 2023, the focus was “Mine Action Cannot Wait.” Established by the UN General Assembly in 2005, it urges national mine-operation capabilities with UN support. The day highlights the dangers of landmines and strives for their eradication, emphasizing peace and safety worldwide.
6. LEADS programme 2024, is recently launched by which organization?
[A] Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) & Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] Indian National Science Academy (INSA) & National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)
[D] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian National Science Academy (INSA) & National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) ]
Notes:
The 2nd INSA-NCGG LEADS program, held in New Delhi from April 1-7, 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). It aims to cultivate future leaders in science and technology, promoting visionary leadership and scientific excellence in India. Professors and scientists from various prestigious institutions participate, supported by NCGG’s governance training and INSA’s scientific excellence promotion.
7. Indian laurel tree, recently seen in news, mainly found in which forests?
[A] Dry and moist deciduous forests
[B] Tropical Thorn Forests
[C] Tropical Evergreen Forests
[D] Montane Forests
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dry and moist deciduous forests]
Notes:
Forest authorities in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district recently harvested water from an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia elliptica). Also known as Asna or Indian laurel, it grows mainly in dry and moist deciduous forests. Its wood is prized for furniture and musical instruments, while its leaves sustain silkworms for Tussah silk production. Medically, the bark treats diarrhea, yielding oxalic acid. Additionally, its bark and fruit are sources of pyrogallol and catechol for dye and leather tanning.
8. Recently, which organization have successfully conducted a flight test of ‘Agni Prime’, a medium range ballistic missile (MRBM)?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] NASA
[D] CNSA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
India’s DRDO and Strategic Forces Command successfully tested the ‘Agni-Prime’ ballistic missile at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Range sensors, including two ships, captured data. Witnessed by top officials, Agni-P is a medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear capabilities, designed as successor to Agni-I and II. It boasts a 1,000-2,000 km strike range, advanced technology from Agni-IV/V, and features composite materials for lightweight and strength. It’s a two-stage, solid-fueled, road-mobile missile with dual navigation.
9. What type of comet is the “Mother of Dragons” comet, recently seen in news?
[A] Halley Comet
[B] Tempel Comet
[C] Encke Comet
[D] Kuiper Belt Comet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Halley Comet]
Notes:
The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is now visible in the Northern Hemisphere after dusk. A ‘Halley-type’ comet, it orbits roughly every 71 years with a 30 km wide nucleus. Composed of ice, dust, and rocky material, it transitions from solid to gas as it nears the Sun. Classified as a Jupiter-family comet, it reaches perihelion near Mars’ orbit and will approach Earth closely in June 2024.
10. What is the theme of ‘World Health Day 2024’?
[A] Building a fairer, healthier world
[B] My Health, My Right
[C] Our planet, our health
[D] Support nurses and midwives
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [My Health, My Right]
Notes:
World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, commemorates the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) and raises awareness on global health issues. It emphasizes the importance of healthy living and fosters global cooperation in healthcare. In 2024, the theme ‘My Health, My Rights’ underscores individual rights to healthcare. This day serves as a vital platform for promoting health awareness and inspiring people worldwide to prioritize their well-being.