1. Recently, the Central Railway has inaugurated its first-ever floating solar plant with a 10 MWp capacity in which lake of India?
[A] Lonar lake
[B] Periyar lake
[C] Venna lake
[D] Igatpuri lake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Igatpuri lake ]
Notes:
Central Railway has inaugurated India’s first floating solar plant, a 10 MWp installation on Igatpuri lake in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy efforts, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additional rooftop solar plants totaling 12.05 MWp have saved Rs. 4.62 crores and reduced carbon footprints by 6594.81 MT in 2023-24. Plans include installing 7 MWp more this year, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy transition.
2. Indian army recently conducted joint military exercise ‘Maitree’ with which country’s army?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Egypt
[C] Thailand
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thailand]
Notes:
The Indian Army commenced the Maitree exercise with the Royal Thai Army at Fort Vachiraprakan, Thailand, from 1 to 15 July 2024. Initiated in 2006, this bilateral exercise enhances defense cooperation. Seventy-six personnel from both armies, including the Ladakh Scouts, participate. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban and jungle environments, joint planning, tactical drills, and physical fitness.
3. Which university recently collaborated with the Haryana government for the establishment of a centre of excellence in forensic science training in Panchkula?
[A] National Law University
[B] Indian Institute of Science
[C] Banaras Hindu University
[D] Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat Forensic Sciences University]
Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh attended. This collaboration aims to enhance Haryana’s criminal justice system by leveraging NFSU’s expertise. Forensic teams will visit for serious offences, increasing the demand for forensic experts.
4. What is the primary objective of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), recently seen in news?
[A] To study the Earth’s core
[B] To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies
[C] To monitor climate change
[D] To track asteroid movements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To observe the Universe at low radio frequencies]
Notes:
Astronomers discovered a new radio galaxy using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR), a pan-European distributed radio interferometer developed by the Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). LOFAR observes the Universe at low radio frequencies (90-200 MHz) and can simultaneously observe multiple directions. It aims to explore the early universe, solar activity, and the terrestrial atmosphere. LOFAR’s innovative design includes advanced digital beam-forming for agile, multi-user operations.
5. What is ‘Senna spectabilis’, recently seen in news?
[A] Invasive plant
[B] Species of Fish
[C] Traditional irrigation method
[D] Communication satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Invasive plant]
Notes:
Environmental organizations recently urged the Forest department to maintain transparency in a project to extract Senna spectabilis from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Senna spectabilis, a legume family tree native to South and Central America, is invasive in India. Known for its bright yellow flowers and resilience, it was introduced for shade and fuelwood but now threatens native species due to its dense foliage. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
6. Zika Virus Disease, recently seen in news, is a mosquito borne disease transmitted by which mosquitoes?
[A] Anopheles mosquitoes
[B] Culex mosquitoes
[C] Aedes mosquitoes
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aedes mosquitoes]
Notes:
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, issued an advisory to states following reported Zika virus cases in Maharashtra. The advisory emphasizes vigilance due to Zika’s association with microcephaly and neurological issues in fetuses. States are instructed to monitor pregnant women for Zika, ensure health facilities are mosquito-free, and follow central guidelines. Zika primarily spreads via infected Aedes mosquitoes, and symptoms, when present, include fever, rash, and joint pain.
7. Pantanal wetland, recently seen in news, is located in which region?
[A] Africa
[B] South America
[C] Australia
[D] Asia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [South America]
Notes:
In 2023, the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, faced unprecedented fires due to severe water loss. The area covered by water was 61% below average, leaving only 2.6% of the Pantanal wet, leading to extreme dryness and wildfires. This crisis threatens its rich biodiversity, including jaguars and capybaras. Located in South America’s Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the Pantanal spans 68,000 square miles and is a vital, productive habitat.
8. Recently, Hemant Soren took oath as the Chief Minister of which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Bihar
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Notes:
Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) was sworn in as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister for the third time by Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Previously CM from 2013-2014 and 2019-2024, Soren resigned in January 2024 before his arrest in a money laundering case. Granted bail in June 2024, he leads the Mahagathbandhan alliance, which includes JMM, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and left parties.
9. Mount Etna, recently seen in news, is located in which sea?
[A] Caspian Sea
[B] Red Sea
[C] Black Sea
[D] Mediterranean Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mediterranean Sea]
Notes:
Recently, Italy’s Mount Etna and Stromboli volcano erupted, spewing ash and lava on Sicily, a Mediterranean island. Mount Etna, Europe’s most active and one of the world’s largest volcanoes, rises 3,326 meters on Sicily’s eastern coast. It’s a stratovolcano, characterized by its conical shape and explosive eruptions from subduction zones. Etna’s volcanic history dates back to 1500 B.C., marking it as a prominent natural feature in the Mediterranean region.
10. Recently, who won the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
[A] Dhruv Sitwala
[B] Pankaj Advani
[C] Rupesh Shah
[D] Geet Sethi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dhruv Sitwala]
Notes:
Dhruv Sitwala defeated Pankaj Advani 5-2 to win the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory marks Sitwala’s third Asian billiards title, having previously won in 2015 and 2016. Advani, aiming for his third title and a hat-trick of championships, fell short in the final.
