1. Aditya Samant, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Cricket
[B] Chess
[C] Badminton
[D] Tennis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chess]
Notes:
Maharashtra-based Aditya Samant became India’s 83rd Grandmaster after earning his third GM norm at the Master Tournament (MTO) in the Biel International Chess Festival.
He had earned his first norm to become a grandmaster at the Abu Dhabi Masters last year in August. His second norm was achieved in December last year at the 3rd El Llobregat Open.
2. Which country has successfully launched its first communications satellite named ‘Lingxi-03’?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] North Korea
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China successfully launched its first communications satellite, Lingxi-03, featuring an ultra-thin flexible solar wing to test technologies for a massive 13,000-satellite broadband mega constellation in low-Earth orbit.
It aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. The satellite was launched atop a Long March 2D rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in central China.
3. Which country is undertaking the project – Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the USA and the U.S. Military have collaborated for a project named Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). The project aims to launch a nuclear-powered satellite to Earth’s orbit in late 2025 or early 2026.
The spacecraft for the project is developed by Lockheed Martin. The project involves an in-space test of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NPT) technology, marking a significant technical advancement.
4. Which state/ UT saw the highest number of deaths due to rabies in the country in 2022?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] West Bengal
[C] New Delhi
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
As per the information given by the Health Ministry in the Lok Sabha this week, Delhi saw the highest number of deaths due to rabies in the country in 2022.
While Delhi reported 48 fatalities, West Bengal saw 38 deaths, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra at 29 each.
5. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative’?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[D] Ministry of MSME
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
Union Ministry of Education inaugurated the logo, slogan – “Jan Jan Sakshar,” and the mobile application for ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.
The ULLAS initiative aims to transform education and literacy nationwide by creating a learning ecosystem that provides basic education, digital and financial literacy, and critical life skills to individuals aged 15 and above who missed the chance to attend school.
6. Which country is the host of the World University Games 2023?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Australia
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
The compound mixed archery team of Aman Saini and Pragati clinched a gold medal, India’s fourth in the event, at the World University Games in Chengdu, China.
The Indian archers have also won two more medals in archery in men’s and women’s compound team events.
7. ‘Conjunctiva’ is a tissue layer present in which part of the body?
[A] Heart
[B] Lungs
[C] Eye
[D] Muscle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eye]
Notes:
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is the condition characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent tissue layer that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eye.
The continuous rainfall has led to an increase in instances of conjunctivitis, also known as ‘pink eye,’ in various regions of the country, such as New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Gujarat.
8. Isle of Rum, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Scotland
[B] Australia
[C] Philippines
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Scotland]
Notes:
NASA is using rocks from Scotland’s Isle of Rum to practice testing methods for examining Martian rocks, as they share similarities in geological, mineral, and chemical content.
The igneous rocks from the Isle of Rum exhibit comparable geological, mineral, and chemical characteristics to those discovered on Mars.
9. Iga Swiatek, who began her 70th straight week as the World No. 1 in the latest WTA Rankings, is from which country?
[A] USA
[B] Poland
[C] Russia
[D] Ukraine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Poland]
Notes:
Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek began her 70th straight week as the World No. 1 in the latest WTA Rankings.
Four-time Major winner Swiatek increased the gap between herself and World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka by winning her maiden WTA 250 title in Warsaw, her home tournament.
10. UNESCO has suggested adding which city to its list of world heritage centres in danger?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Rome
[C] Venice
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Venice]
Notes:
UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, has suggested adding Venice to its list of world heritage in danger, urging Italian authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard the historic city and its lagoon. The recommendation highlights the concerns about potential “irreversible” harm caused by factors such as climate change and over-tourism.