1. Where was the first ‘National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation’ held?
[A] Kutch
[B] Vadodara
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kutch]
Notes:
The National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation, chaired by the Union Minister of Fisheries in Koteshwar, Kutch, Gujarat, showcased diverse seaweed cultivation methods (Monoline, tube-net, and rafts). CMFRI, CSMCRI, and NFDB demonstrated these techniques. Seaweeds, macroscopic algae lacking true roots and leaves, thrive in marine and coastal waters. They are classified into four groups based on pigments that absorb specific wavelengths of light. The event aimed at fostering seaweed development and enhancing awareness about its potential in India.
2. Recently, which player won the Women’s singles title at the Australian Open, 2024?
[A] Ankita Raina
[B] Aryna Sabalenka
[C] Zheng Qinwen
[D] Barbora Krejcikova
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aryna Sabalenka]
Notes:
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won the 2024 Australian Open women’s singles title. Sabalenka defeated China’s Zheng Qinwen 6–3, 6–2 to win her second consecutive Grand Slam title. Sabalenka is the first woman to win back-to-back Australian Open titles since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013.
3. ‘Economics of the Food System Transformation’ report, recently seen in the news, is released by which organization?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] Food System Economics Commission (FSEC)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Food System Economics Commission (FSEC)]
Notes:
The Economics of the Food System Transformation report is a global policy report from the Food System Economics Commission (FSEC). The report estimates that transforming the global food system could create economic benefits of 5–10 trillion USD per year. The report also states that the policies and implementation to achieve these transformations would cost only 0.2–0.4% of global GDP. The report discusses the unsustainable trajectory of the global food system and the potential economic benefits of a transformation. It also states that transforming food systems worldwide could help address global climate, nature, and health emergencies.
4. Lake Rotorua, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] France
[B] New Zealand
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Zealand]
Notes:
New maps reveal a hidden hydrothermal system under Lake Rotorua, at a dormant volcano’s heart in New Zealand. Hydrothermal systems, common near convergent plate boundaries and mid-ocean ridges, need fluids, heat, and permeability. Seawater percolates through oceanic crust, heating to 350-400°C, producing chemically modified hydrothermal fluid. Ejected to the seafloor, it forms chimney-like deposits, supporting deep-sea chemosynthetic communities. This discovery highlights the dynamic geological processes beneath the lake, providing insights into hydrothermal systems’ intricate workings.
5. Intelligent Transportation System Endeavor (InTranSE) program, recently seen in the news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
[D] Ministry of Communication
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology]
Notes:
At the “Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024,” three indigenous technologies – Thermal camera, CMOS camera, and Fleet Management System – developed by CDAC Thiruvananthapuram under the InTranSE Program of MeitY were transferred to 12 industries. The InTranSE initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, collaborates with academic institutes and R&D centers to transform Intelligent Transportation Systems. The program aims to enhance traffic efficiency, optimize infrastructure usage, provide advance traffic information, reduce travel time, and improve the safety and comfort of commuters.
6. Who has been appointed as the new Advocate General of Rajasthan?
[A] Ashok Kumar Jain
[B] Rajendra Prasad Gupta
[C] N.M. Lodha
[D] Praveer Bhatnagar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Prasad Gupta ]
Notes:
Rajendra Prasad Gupta is the new Advocate General of Rajasthan. In India, the Advocate General is a legal advisor to the state government. The Governor of each state appoints an Advocate General who is qualified to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court.
7. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘ABHYAS’, recently seen in the news?
[A] A Transit method to detect planets
[B] A high-speed expendable aerial target
[C] A satellite
[D] A next generation Stealth aircraft
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A high-speed expendable aerial target]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved success with four flight trials of ‘ABHYAS,’ a high-speed expendable aerial target. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, ABHYAS serves as a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice and validates Armed Forces equipment for aerial engagement. It features an autonomous flying design, an indigenously made autopilot, and a laptop-based Ground Control System for integration and analysis.
8. Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar programme, recently seen in the news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) program, initiated by the Ministry of Culture, aims to culturally map India’s 6.5 lakh villages, encompassing 29 States and 7 Union Territories. Launched on July 27, 2023, under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, it compiles information on seven categories, from arts and crafts to historical and ecological aspects. The virtual platform enables people to explore India’s rich cultural heritage, fostering appreciation, economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities.
9. Who won the 87 kg Greco-Roman title at the National Wrestling Championships 2024?
[A] Yogeshwar Dutt
[B] Sunil Kumar
[C] Ravi Dahiya
[D] Saurav Gurjar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sunil Kumar ]
Notes:
Sunil Kumar won the 87 kg Greco-Roman title at the 2024 National Wrestling Championships, which took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan on February 4, 2024. Kumar, an Asian Games bronze medalist, beat Manoj Kumar 9-1 to win the title.
10. Who has been appointed as the new Army Vice Chief?
[A] Upendra Dwivedi
[B] Baggavalli Somashekar Raju
[C] Chandi Prasad Mohanty
[D] Manoj Pande
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Upendra Dwivedi ]
Notes:
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been strategically appointed as the Indian Army’s new Vice Chief, succeeding Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar. Dwivedi, with a distinguished career, held key positions like Deputy Chief and Director General of Infantry. His operational expertise during the India-China standoff in the Northern Command makes him well-suited for the role. This move ensures a seamless succession plan, with Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar set to command the Northern Army in Udhampur.