31. Recently, which country conducted a Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) test by destroying an old satellite (Tselina-D SIGINT satellite)?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia ]
Notes:
Russia recently conducted a Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite (DA-ASAT) test, destroying the Tselina-D SIGINT satellite (Kosmos-1408). The U.S. criticized the test due to the significant debris it generated in low Earth orbit, posing a threat to the International Space Station. Russia has possessed ASAT capabilities since 1968. Anti-satellite weapons are designed to disable operational satellites, and China, India, Russia, and the United States have demonstrated successful ASAT capabilities.
32. Which bank of India recently collaborated with AIIMS to launch the Smart Payment Card for cashless transactions?
[A] SBI
[B] HDFC
[C] ICICI
[D] AXIS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [SBI]
Notes:
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart payment card at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The card aims to facilitate hassle-free payments for patients, eliminating the need for carrying cash. Provided free of cost with no service charges, the card is linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification number and Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID. Termed ‘One AIIMS, One Card,’ the initiative plans to extend these services to all AIIMS institutions nationwide.
33. What is the purpose of the European Union’s recently launched ‘Mission Aspides’ in the Red Sea?
[A] Counterterrorism operations
[B] Humanitarian aid delivery
[C] Protection of commercial vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels
[D] Environmental conservation efforts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Protection of commercial vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels]
Notes:
The European Union has initiated Mission Aspides to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea from potential attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This EU naval mission involves deploying warships and airborne early warning systems in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. Participating countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Aspides vessels, operating under strict rules of engagement, are stationed in Larissa, Greece, and are authorized to fire only in response to Houthi attacks. The mission, initially planned for a year, is subject to renewal.
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. Archaeologists recently discovered a Harappan-era fortified settlement named Morodharo in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
Archaeologists recently uncovered Morodharo, a Harappan-era fortified settlement in Kutch District, Gujarat. Dating from 2,600 to 1,300 BCE, the settlement spans the mature to late Harappan period. The fortification, measuring 102m east to west and 58m north to south, boasts a 3.3m thick wall. Features include a 10x10m platform, a well, burial cairns, and Harappan pottery with perforated jar sherds. Resembling finds from Dholavira, the discovery sheds light on this ancient civilization.
36. Recently, IREDA and which bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-finance renewable energy projects?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Punjab National Bank
[C] Union Bank of India
[D] Axis Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab National Bank]
Notes:
IREDA and PNB inked an MoU at IREDA’s New Delhi office on Feb 19, 2024, fostering collaboration for nationwide renewable energy initiatives. The agreement facilitates joint efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for diverse renewable energy projects, signaling a significant step towards sustainable energy development in India.
37. Recently, which one of the following state has launched an Urban Sanitation Policy?
[A] Odisha
[B] Chattisgarh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government has launched the ‘Odisha Inclusive Urban Sanitation Policy 2024′ to enhance sanitation services, emphasizing a circular economy, community partnership, and disaster resilience. Issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, it aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6.2, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving citizens’ access to sanitation infrastructure. The policy is part of Odisha’s broader Swachh Odisha, Sustha Odisha movement, focusing on urban sanitation initiatives to enhance infrastructure and service delivery.
38. Recently, how much amount of the development assistance loan has Japan committed to India?
[A] JPY 232.2 billion
[B] JPY 225.2 billion
[C] JPY 230.3 billion
[D] JPY 239.3 billion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [JPY 232.2 billion]
Notes:
Japan has pledged JPY 232 billion for nine projects in India, as confirmed by the exchange of notes on February 20, 2024, between Vikas Sheel of the Indian Ministry of Finance and Suzuki Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador. The committed ODA loan assistance covers various initiatives, including the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, NH 127B (Phulbari-Goeragre section), start-up promotion in Telangana, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (Phase 2), sustainable horticulture in Haryana, climate change response in Rajasthan, medical facilities in Nagaland, urban water supply in Uttarakhand, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project.
39. Where was the 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue inaugurated?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Greece
[C] Switzerland
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the Chief Guest. Mitsotakis praised India as a global power and essential ally in peace and security. He highlighted India’s role in the G20 and climate change. Mitsotakis urged deeper ties, emphasizing shared values and the strength of the partnership. He commended India’s economic prowess and mentioned mutual investment goals, noting India’s significant contributions to Greece’s infrastructure and the rising bilateral trade volume.
40. Recently, scientists discovered the world’s largest snake in which forest?
[A] Amazon Rainforest
[B] Congo Rainforest
[C] Atlantic Rainforest
[D] Southeast Asian Rainforest
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amazon Rainforest]
Notes:
In February 2024, scientists uncovered the world’s largest anaconda in the Amazon rainforest—a colossal Northern Green Anaconda. Discovered by TV wildlife presenter Professor Freek Vonk during a National Geographic expedition, this previously unknown snake measures 26 feet, weighs 200 kg, and boasts a head the size of a human’s. Featured in National Geographic’s Disney+ series ‘Pole to Pole’ with Will Smith, the snake has been named ‘Eunectes akayima’ by researchers, solidifying its status as the planet’s largest and heaviest snake.
