1. In comparison to the typical day-night cycle on Earth, how long is the daylight period experienced by astronauts on the International Space Station?
[A] 12 hours
[B] 45 minutes
[C] 1 hour
[D] 3 hours
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [45 minutes]
Notes:
Astronauts on the International Space Station experience 45 minutes of daylight followed by 45 minutes of darkness in each orbit. This is significantly different from the typical 12-hour day-night cycle on Earth. Thus, the crew at International Space Station witnesses 16 New Year countdowns in a row.
2. What is the name of the first deep sea port of Bangladesh that was recently making news?
[A] Chittagong Port
[B] Sonadia Port
[C] Matarbari Port
[D] Cox’s Bazaar Port
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Matarbari Port]
Notes:
Matarbari, which has been recently in the news, is the first deep sea port of Bangladesh. This port is being developed with assistance from Japan, with the aim of boosting exports for Bangladesh. It is expected to enhance economic ties and open up development prospects not only for Bangladesh but also for India’s northeastern states, including Tripura. The project is set to start operations in 2027 and is seen as a significant development in the region’s infrastructure and trade connectivity.
3. Since which year, India and Pakistan exchange list of their nuclear installations and facilities in first week of January?
[A] 1988
[B] 1992
[C] 1995
[D] 1998
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1992]
Notes:
India and Pakistan recently continued their long-standing practice of exchanging lists of their nuclear installations and facilities, a procedure they have followed since January 1, 1992. This exchange, which is the 33rd consecutive one, is mandated by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. The agreement, signed in 1988 and effective from 1991, requires both countries to annually inform each other about their nuclear installations and facilities every January 1st. This exchange is significant as it happens despite ongoing tensions between the two countries over issues like Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
4. What is the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar, that was recently making news?
[A] A trade agreement between the two countries
[B] A pact allowing visa-free movement across the border
[C] A cultural exchange program
[D] A mechanism for voluntary repatriation of refugees
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A pact allowing visa-free movement across the border]
Notes:
The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a mutually agreed arrangement between India and Myanmar that allows tribes living along the border to travel up to 16 km inside each other’s territory without a visa. It was implemented in 2018 to improve ties between communities on both sides. However, India plans to end it soon and install fencing across the entire 1,643 km Indo-Myanmar border to stop infiltration and illegal activities.
5. Which country has announced to become the first European nation to issue digital Schengen visas for visitors to the 2024 Paris Olympics?
[A] Switzerland
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Netherlands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
France announced that it will become the first European country to fully shift Schengen visa procedures for visitors online and issue digital Schengen visas, starting with over 70,000 applicants for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Applicants for the sporting events will apply via the special “Olympic Consulate” system avoiding hassles. The move aligns with EU’s plans to launch digital Schengen visa platform by end of 2024, eliminating visa sticker requirements in passports.
6. Which global organization recently imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest diamond mining firm Alrosa by adding it to a blacklist?
[A] United Nations
[B] European Union
[C] G7
[D] NATO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [European Union]
Notes:
The European Union designated Russia’s state-run diamond producer Alrosa under sanctions by adding the world’s largest diamond mining firm and its CEO to a blacklist banning trade and freezing EU-based assets. This tightened restrictions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
7. Which state government has prohibited government offices from purchasing petrol and diesel vehicles from January 1, 2024?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Sikkim
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Himachal Pradesh government made two major decisions on January 1st, 2024 – all government offices have been prohibited from purchasing petrol or diesel vehicles since January 1st. This decision has been taken to make Himachal Pradesh a clean and green energy state by March 31, 2026. The government will now only purchase electric vehicles. This shows the state government’s commitment to environmental protection.
8. Which organization along with CCRAS launched the ‘SMART 2.0’ program to promote clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda?
[A] AYUSH Ministry
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
[D] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Commission for Indian System of Medicine]
Notes:
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) launched ‘SMART 2.0’ to promote clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda through mutual collaboration with Ayurveda institutions across India. The objective is to generate evidence on efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions using interdisciplinary research methods.
9. In which year, Savitribai Phule established the country’s first school for women?
[A] 1835
[B] 1848
[C] 1855
[D] 1860
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1848]
Notes:
Savitribai Phule, along with her husband Jyotiba Phule, is considered a pioneer of the women’s rights movement in India. In 1848, she established the country’s first school for women. She championed causes like women’s education and empowerment as well as emancipation of marginalized communities.
10. Which motivational speaker and NGO founder was appointed as a brand ambassador for the government’s Viksit Bharat Abhiyan initiative?
[A] Sonu Sood
[B] Amitabh Shah
[C] Ujjwal Patni
[D] Sandeep Maheshwari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amitabh Shah]
Notes:
The government appointed prominent motivational speaker and CSR icon Amitabh Shah, founder of NGO Yuva Unstoppable, as a brand ambassador for its Viksit Bharat Abhiyan program. The initiative, spearheaded by PM Modi, aims to tap India’s demographic dividend to drive national development. Shah’s youth-focused philanthropy aligns with the mission’s emphasis on upskilling youth and imbibing values for nation-building. His NGO has skilled over 6 million young beneficiaries so far. The appointment signals the administration’s strategy to involve civil society in achieving its vision for an empowered and future-ready India.
