31. What is the primary role of the Chinook/CH-47F helicopter, recently seen in the news?
[A] Attack and armed reconnaissance
[B] Search and Rescue
[C] Medical evacuation
[D] Heavy troop and supply transport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Heavy troop and supply transport]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter made a precautionary landing in Punjab due to a technical snag. The Chinook/CH-47F, manufactured by Boeing, is a tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter used for troop and supply transport. India operates 15 Chinooks, featuring advanced cargo handling, a fully integrated digital cockpit, and a triple hook system. With a maximum speed of 160 knots, it can carry 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo, showcasing its versatility in military operations.
32. Recently, who has been elected as the new president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
[A] Nawaf Salam
[B] Dalveer Bhandari
[C] Joan Donoghue
[D] Ronny Abraham
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nawaf Salam]
Notes:
Nawaf Salam, the first Lebanese and second Arab, succeeded US Judge Joan Donoghue as the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. He serves a three-year term, starting in 2024. Salam began his ICJ journey in 2018, showcasing a distinguished career in international law. As the highest global judicial authority, ICJ resolves legal disputes between states and offers advisory opinions on UN-related legal matters, playing a crucial role in international relations.
33. Where was the 60th Munich Security Conference held?
[A] Germany
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Germany]
Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany, engaging in discussions with global leaders to address bilateral cooperation and global concerns. The three-day conference serves as a platform for high-level debates on pressing security challenges, fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
34. Vaitarna River, recently seen in the news, originates from which one of the following?
[A] Powai hills
[B] Anamudi hills
[C] Trimbakeshwar Hills
[D] Nilgiri hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Trimbakeshwar Hills]
Notes:
A recent bull shark attack on a fisherman in Maharashtra’s Vaitarna River marked the first sighting of the aggressive species 40km upstream. Vaitarna, a west-flowing river, originates in Trimbakeshwar Hills and drains 2019 sq km in Thane and Nasik districts. Bull sharks, known for their aggressiveness, can tolerate freshwater and saltwater, venturing into rivers. The species, with a unique viviparity reproduction method, is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to threats.
35. ‘Himalayan Basket’, recently mentioned in the news, is an initiative of which state?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Tripura
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand ]
Notes:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced ‘Himalayan Basket’ at his residence, a venture initiated in 2018 by Sumit and Sneha Thapliyal. This initiative involves purchasing agricultural products such as milk, turmeric, and mint, processing them into various products, and supplying them internationally.
36. Who has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’, France’s highest civilian honour?
[A] Rajnath Singh
[B] Shashi Tharoor
[C] Neeraj Chopra
[D] LK Advani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shashi Tharoor]
Notes:
Shashi Tharoor, a diplomat, author, and politician, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur,’ France’s highest civilian honor, for his lifelong commitment to global understanding and substantial service to India and the world. The Legion of Honour, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, symbolizes French recognition for exceptional contributions, transcending nationality. Tharoor’s accolade reflects his notable dedication to fostering international relations and his significant impact on both India and the global community.
37. Where was the Seminar on India Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 organized?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Dhaka
[C] Kathmandu
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhaka]
Notes:
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh hosted a Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 in Dhaka, featuring High Commissioner Pranay Verma and Lt. Gen. M.R. Shameem. Verma highlighted Indian defense industry advancements under Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, resulting in increased investments and exports. SIDE 2024 signifies India’s interest in advancing defense cooperation with Bangladesh, utilizing the US$500 million Defence Line of Credit extended by the Indian government.
38. ‘Bag-Less School’ initiative, recently seen in the news, is introduced by which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh government unveils an innovative ‘bag-less school’ policy, challenging educational norms. Starting 2024-25, this initiative mandates a bag-free day each week. The state government issues weight limits for school bags, ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 kg for classes 1 and 2, to 2.5 to 4.5 kg for classes 9 and 10. This move aims to alleviate the physical burden on students, fostering a more comfortable and holistic learning environment.
39. Recently, which cricketer made fastest 10000 runs in T20?
[A] Rohit Sharma
[B] Babar Azam
[C] Travis Head
[D] Rishabh Pant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Babar Azam]
Notes:
Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain, set a historic record as the fastest batter to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket during a Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi match in PSL 2024. This remarkable feat makes him the 13th player to achieve this milestone, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.
40. Government has recently launched Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana for which one of the following?
[A] AB PM-JAY beneficiaries
[B] PM Suraksha Bima Yojana beneficiaries
[C] PM SVANidhi beneficiaries
[D] PM Vishwakarma Yojana beneficiaries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [PM SVANidhi beneficiaries]
Notes:
The Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana is a National Entrepreneurship Development Project that aims to provide entrepreneurship training. The program is part of the Skill India Mission and is specifically tailored to beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme.