31. Who becomes the first Indian to venture into space as a tourist on the NS-25 mission of Blue Origin?
[A] Gopi Thotakura
[B] Santosh Kulangara
[C] Rajeev Aggarwal
[D] Sanjay Sinha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gopi Thotakura ]
Notes:
Gopi Thotakura is set to make history as the first Indian space tourist on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, founded by Jeff Bezos. Space tourism offers recreational or business space travel. It’s divided into sub-orbital and orbital trips. Sub-orbital flights briefly breach the Kármán line (~100 km) before returning to Earth, like NS-25. Orbital trips go farther, allowing for stays of days to weeks at around 1.3 million feet altitude, exemplified by SpaceX’s 2021 mission.
32. Recently, where was the state-of-the-art IT Laboratory inaugurated by Chief of the Army staff?
[A] Uzbekistan
[B] Kazakhstan
[C] Tajikistan
[D] Kyrgyzstan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uzbekistan]
Notes:
General Manoj Pande, India’s Army Chief, inaugurated a high-tech IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces during his visit from April 15-18 to Uzbekistan. This milestone in defense cooperation stems from a commitment made in 2018. Initially proposed during a Defense Ministers’ meeting, the project gained traction in 2019 through funding from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Valued at Rs 8.5 crore, the lab boasts cutting-edge technology, including cybersecurity, hardware programming, and virtual reality facilities.
33. Which countries recently signed a treaty to recognize whales as legal persons?
[A] Australia and Fiji
[B] New Zealand and the Cook Islands
[C] Japan and South Korea
[D] Canada and Greenland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Zealand and the Cook Islands]
Notes:
New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a treaty recognizing whales as legal persons, following New Zealand’s declaration of the Whanganui River as a legal entity. Legal persons, whether human or non-human entities, possess rights akin to individuals, including the ability to sue, be sued, own property, and enter contracts. This marks a significant step in environmental and legal spheres, acknowledging the intrinsic value of non-human life forms and natural entities.
34. What is GPS spoofing, recently seen in the news?
[A] Enhancing GPS accuracy
[B] Broadcasting exact location
[C] Manipulating GPS receivers with false signals
[D] Enhancing privacy of individual
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manipulating GPS receivers with false signals]
Notes:
Israel reportedly utilized GPS spoofing to disrupt Iran’s missile targeting by interfering with GPS navigation signals. This cyberattack involves broadcasting false GPS signals, misleading receivers into providing inaccurate location data. GPS spoofing exploits weaknesses in satellite signals, posing significant threats to navigation and various industries like logistics, telecommunications, and defense. Unlike jamming, spoofing is more sophisticated and potentially catastrophic, highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding GPS systems.
35. Recently, India delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to which country?
[A] Sweden
[B] Philippines
[C] Egypt
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Philippines]
Notes:
India delivered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines under a $375 million deal signed in 2022. BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India’s DRDO, signed the contract with the Philippines in January 2022 for the supply of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System. India’s arms sales this year totaled Rs 21,000 crore, according to Prime Minister of India.
36. Recently, what does World Health Organization (WHO) term pathogens that transmit through air?
[A] Waterborne pathogens
[B] Infectious respiratory particles
[C] Swine flu
[D] Parkinson syndrome
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Infectious respiratory particles]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) introduces the term ‘Infectious Respiratory Particles’ (IRPs) to describe pathogens transmitted through the air, addressing a lack of common terminology during the COVID-19 pandemic. IRPs encompass particles expelled through breathing, talking, coughing, or sneezing. They exist across a spectrum of sizes, with two descriptors: Airborne transmission (inhalation) and Direct deposition (exposure to expelled particles). This clarifies communication and aids efforts to combat pathogen transmission.
37. Recently, which region of India is being considered for the prestigious World Craft City (WCC) title by the World Crafts Council International (WCCI)?
[A] Srinagar
[B] Kochi
[C] Moradabad
[D] Udaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Srinagar]
Notes:
The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) has identified Srinagar as a potential candidate for the World Craft City (WCC) designation from India this year. The WCCI is a Kuwait-based non-profit organization that promotes fellowship, economic development, and exchange programs. The WCCI has inspected several clusters where artisans are working on local crafts like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mâché.
38. Recently, who achieved India’s first rowing quota for Paris Olympics?
[A] Balraj Panwar
[B] Sawarn Singh
[C] Arjun Lal
[D] Jaswinder Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Balraj Panwar]
Notes:
Balraj Panwar clinched India’s inaugural Paris 2024 rowing quota, securing bronze in men’s single sculls at the Asian and Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta in Chungju, Korea. After narrowly missing bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the 25-year-old clocked 7:17.87 in heats and 7:16.29 in semis, entering the finals. With top five securing Paris 2024 quotas, Panwar finished third at 7:01.27. Kazakhstan’s Vladislav Yakovlev won, with Memo from Indonesia taking bronze.
39. What is the theme of World Book and Copyright Day 2024?
[A] Indigenous Languages
[B] Read Your Way
[C] To share a story
[D] Read, so you never feel low
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Read Your Way]
Notes:
World Book and Copyright Day, observed annually on April 23rd, promotes reading and publishing. UNESCO organizes events worldwide. The 2024 theme, “Read Your Way,” highlights the joy of reading. Established in 1995, it honors literary giants like Shakespeare and Cervantes. Initially celebrated in 1922 by Vicente Clavel Andres, it became an international observance in 1995. April 23 marks the death anniversaries of Cervantes and Shakespeare, prompting UNESCO’s choice of date for the celebration.
40. Mullaperiyar dam, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
The Supreme Court set July 10 to finalize legal matters regarding Tamil Nadu’s objection to Kerala’s Survey of India report on the Mullaperiyar catchment area. The case arose from Kerala’s construction of a mega car park, prompting Tamil Nadu to seek a permanent injunction against encroachment. Conflict intensified in 2023 when the National Green Tribunal allowed Kerala’s projects in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Mullaperiyar Dam is located on Periyar River in Kerala and is built between 1887 and 1895, diverts Periyar river water to arid regions.
