1. ‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’, which was seen in the news, is implemented by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Jal Shakti]
Notes:
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), a central sector water conservation scheme, will continue for an additional two years beyond its original 2025 end date. It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The major objective of the Scheme is to improve the management of groundwater resources in select water stressed areas in identified states viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
2. XPoSat, India’s first polarimetry mission, is being built by which institution?
[A] HAL
[B] DRDO
[C] ISRO
[D] BARC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ISRO]
Notes:
XPoSat (X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India’s first polarimetry mission. It is currently being built by ISRO and Raman Research Institute.
According to ISRO, “XPoSat will study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions” and will carry two payloads. It is only the world’s second polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
3. ‘Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)’ was founded in which year?
[A] 1988
[B] 1998
[C] 2008
[D] 2018
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1988]
Notes:
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is the largest public health initiative in history. It was founded in 1988.
Recently Cameroon, Chad and Niger have initiated Africa’s largest polio vaccination campaign since 2020 with the support from WHO via the GPEI.
4. Which country has introduced a robot called ‘Kachaka’ with capacity to deliver items through voice commands?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] North Korea
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
A Tokyo-based startup Preferred Robotics has introduced a robot called Kachaka for home use. It has the capacity to deliver items through voice commands.
The robot’s AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles. Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table.
5. Which country has launched USD 17 billion project known as the ‘Route of Development’?
[A] Iraq
[B] Iran
[C] UAE
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Iraq]
Notes:
Iraq presented an ambitious plan to turn itself into a regional transportation hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, linking Europe with the Middle East.
Once completed, the $17 billion project known as the ‘Route of Development’ would span the length of the country, stretching 1,200 km from the northern border with Turkiye to the Gulf in the south.
6. The ‘Greentech Safety Award 2023’ was awarded to which organisation?
[A] REC
[B] RINL
[C] PFC
[D] SAIL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RINL]
Notes:
The Greentech Safety Award 2023 was recently conferred to RINL under the Safety Excellence Category. It was recognized for its role in contributing towards improving workplace safety in the year 2022-23.
RINL was applauded for the initiatives like use of Drone technology for inspection of high-rise structures and chimneys, development of Software Application for tracking the usage of Safety Harnesses.
7. PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search spectrograph (PARAS) Telescope is in which place?
[A] Nainital
[B] Guwahati
[C] Mount Abu
[D] Mahendragiri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mount Abu]
Notes:
A new Jupiter-size exoplanet ‘TOI 4603b’ with the highest density known till this date and mass 13 times than that of Jupiter, has been discovered by an international team of scientists
ISRO says the discovery of this exoplanet has been made using the indigenously made PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search spectrograph (PARAS) at the 1.2 m telescope of PRL at its Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu.
8. What is Hvaldimir, which is being suspected of being a Russian spy?
[A] Robot
[B] Whale
[C] Eagle
[D] Horse
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Whale]
Notes:
Hvaldimir is the name given to a beluga whale that is suspected of being a Russian spy. It was spotted recently off the Swedish coast.
It was earlier spotted in northern Norway in April 2019 wearing a camera harness. US Navy used dolphins and sea lions as spies.
9. As of 2023, India has how many joint logistics nodes?
[A] One
[B] Three
[C] Five
[D] Seven
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Three]
Notes:
The armed forces are planning to set up additional joint logistics nodes across the country to boost integration in their logistical needs and streamline their supply chains.
While the last joint logistics node was operationalised in Mumbai in April 2021, the nodes in Guwahati and Tri-Services, Port Blair were operationalised in January 2021. The Joint Operations Division under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has been responsible for establishing the nodes.
10. Which state/UT launched the ‘Operation ‘OP Clean’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Punjab
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Notes:
Operation ‘OP Clean’ was launched recently by the Punjab Police. Its aim is to make the state drug free.
650 police teams comprising over 5,000 personnel raided more than 2,000 locations across the state to keep a tab on activities of people involved in smuggling of commercial quantities of drugs.