1. Who is the inspiration behind the new design of Indian Navy Admirals’ Epaulettes announced recently?
[A] Maharana Pratap
[B] Shivaji
[C] Maharaja Ranjit Singh
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shivaji ]
Notes:
Unveiled on Navy Day 2023, the Indian Navy’s new shoulder rank insignias (epaulettes) for senior leadership draw design elements from the Naval Ensign and legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Features like the golden button and octagon shape reflect indigenization efforts and long-term strategic vision respectively. The insignia artfully integrates symbols of the sword, telescope, and ‘Rajmudra’ seal used by Shivaji in special decrees, blending India’s rich maritime heritage with its glorious history. The creative vision signifies the Navy’s cultural shift towards ‘swadeshi’ under the current government.
2. The Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women (LBSITW), which was recently in news for launching its nanosatellite called WESAT, is located in which city?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Pune
[C] Thiruvananthapuram
[D] Mangalore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thiruvananthapuram ]
Notes:
On January 1, 2024, a nanosatellite called WESAT (Women Engineered SATellite) was launched by students of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women (LBSITW) in Thiruvananthapuram. The satellite was launched as secondary payload aboard an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) mission, specifically the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C58/XPoSat mission. The mission’s announcement of success was made from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. WESAT is a 1.4-kg satellite designed and developed entirely by women, making it the first Indian satellite with this distinction. The purpose of WESAT is to study ultraviolet radiation and its impact. The satellite project was led by Lizy Abraham, an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator, with technical assistance from ISRO.
3. 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.
4. Which business conglomerate is leading the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
[A] Reliance
[B] Adani
[C] Godrej
[D] Hiranandani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Adani ]
Notes:
Dharavi Redevelopment Project, spearheaded by the Adani Group, aims to transform Asia’s largest slum into a model of urban renewal, revitalizing its infrastructure and elevating the quality of life of its residents. The project, which involves global experts like architect Hafeez Contractor, design firm Sasaki, and consultancy firm Buro Happold, as well as experts from Singapore, is not just focused on physical redevelopment but also on nurturing the vibrant culture of Dharavi. The project’s goal is to create a sustainable, integrated live-work-play environment that respects and enhances the local community’s life, setting a global benchmark in equitable urban housing and redevelopment.
5. What is the name of the mission launched by the Health Ministry to screen people for sickle cell disease?
[A] National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission
[B] National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
[C] National Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission
[D] National Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission]
Notes:
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched by the Health Ministry on 1st July 2023 at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh to screen people across India for sickle cell disease. It aims to screen 7 crore people over 3 years, focusing on tribal populations and other high prevalence areas across 17 states. The mission provides screening, prevention and management of sickle cell anemia. Its goal is to eliminate the disease in India through early detection and intervention.
6. What is the name of the new frog species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh named after the Patkai hills?
[A] Arunchalops patkaiensis
[B] Gracixalus patkaiensis
[C] Rana patkaiensis
[D] Kaloula patkaiensis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gracixalus patkaiensis]
Notes:
A new species of see-through green frog named Gracixalus patkaiensis has been discovered in the biodiverse Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh. The tiny 2.2 cm frog inhabits dense undergrowth in evergreen forests at the foothills of the Patkai range, and has a distinct insect-like call. It has been named after the Patkai hills of the Eastern Himalayas.
7. Which architect firm has been appointed by Adani group for preparing the draft city master plan of Dharavi redevelopment project?
[A] Make Architects
[B] HCP Design
[C] Hafeez Contractor
[D] Architecture Discipline
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hafeez Contractor]
Notes:
Adani appointed Hafeez Contractor Architects as the city planning firm for charting out the draft development plan for Dharavi project along with US firms Sasaki and Buro Happold. Contractor is known for slum rehabilitation and social housing projects aimed at improving lives.
8. Which public sector space enterprise will launch India’s GSAT-20 satellite aboard a SpaceX rocket later in 2024?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation
[B] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[C] NewSpace India Limited
[D] Antrix Corporation Limited
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NewSpace India Limited]
Notes:
NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO, plans to launch communications satellite GSAT-20 in Q2 of 2024 on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. It is a demand-driven high throughput satellite ordered by NSIL to meet India’s growing broadband needs.
9. What is the purpose of the ‘Bharat Park’ to be set up in the United Arab Emirates, as announced by government recently?
[A] Promote Tourism
[B] Technology Collaboration
[C] Cultural Exchange
[D] Facilitate Trade of Indian Goods
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Facilitate Trade of Indian Goods]
Notes:
‘Bharat Park,’ a project announced by India’s Commerce and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal, is intended to facilitate the trade of Indian goods in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative, involving the establishment of a goods showroom and warehouses in the UAE, aims to create a dedicated platform for showcasing and selling Indian products to other countries. Announced during an event organized by the Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC), the creation of Bharat Park is a strategic move to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Indian goods in international markets.
10. Petr Fiala, the Guest of Honour at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit, is the Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Czech Republic
[B] Slovakia
[C] Hungary
[D] Austria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Czech Republic]
Notes:
Petr Fiala, serving as the Guest of Honour at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit, is the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. His presence at this significant event in Gandhinagar underscores the strengthening ties and cooperation between the Czech Republic and India. The Summit, known for attracting global leaders and investors, is an important platform for international economic and trade discussions. Fiala’s participation, along with other global leaders, highlights the Czech Republic’s active engagement in global economic dialogues and its partnership with India in various sectors.
