41. Which day is observed as ‘World Hydrography Day’ every year?
[A] 20 June
[B] 21 June
[C] 22 June
[D] 23 June
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [21 June]
Notes:
World Hydrography Day, observed on June 21, is led by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) since 1921. The IHO coordinates global efforts to survey and chart seas, oceans, and navigable waters. With 100 member states, it promotes uniformity in nautical charts and best practices. India, a member since 1955, operates the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department in Kolkata, central to hydrographic surveys with a modern fleet. The 2024 theme focuses on enhancing marine safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
42. Recently, which institute’s researchers have fabricated a novel device to convert infrared light into visible light?
[A] Institute of Science (IISc)
[B] IIT, Delhi
[C] IIT, Kanpur
[D] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Institute of Science (IISc)]
Notes:
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a device that converts infrared light to visible light, potentially revolutionizing defense and optical communications. Using a 2D material, they created a non-linear optical mirror stack for up-conversion and widefield imaging. The technology employs multilayered gallium selenide on a gold reflective surface with a silicon dioxide layer, simplifying complex infrared imaging techniques.
43. Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite, recently seen in news, is a joint project of which two countries?
[A] China and Russia
[B] France and USA
[C] France and China
[D] USA and China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [France and China]
Notes:
Recently, a Long March 2-C rocket launched the French-Chinese satellite SVOM from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center. SVOM, weighing 930 kilograms, aims to detect and study gamma-ray bursts from an orbit over 600 kilometers above Earth. Equipped with instruments from both nations, it has a designed life of five years but could operate up to 20 years. Gamma-ray bursts, originating from stellar explosions, offer insights into cosmic evolution by studying the light’s journey through space.
44. Recently, who was elected unanimously as the Speaker of the 16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly?
[A] Ashok Bendalam
[B] C Ayyannapatrudu
[C] Koyye Moshenu Raju
[D] Jagan Mohan Reddy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [C Ayyannapatrudu]
Notes:
Telugu Desam Party’s Narsipatnam MLA, C. Ayyanna Patrudu, was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on June 22, 2024. His election was unopposed as no other MLA filed a nomination for the Speaker’s post.
45. Recently, where was the ‘Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education’ inaugurated?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Gandhinagar
[C] Patna
[D] Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gandhinagar]
Notes:
The Bharat Centre of Olympic Research and Education (BCORE) was inaugurated on June 23 at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha highlighted BCORE’s role as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and performance in Indian sports. Officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, BCORE promotes Olympic values as an academic center.
46. Which country has recently become the first country to successfully collect and return samples from the far side of the Moon?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China’s Chang’e-6 mission marks a historic milestone as the first to collect and return samples from the Moon’s far side, specifically the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Key achievements include overcoming radio signal blockage with relay satellites, precision landing, and collecting up to 2kg of moon rock and soil. The mission enhances understanding of lunar geology, early solar system history, and Earth-Moon relations, while showcasing China’s growing space capabilities and potential for international collaboration.
47. Recently, where was the first ‘International Dairy Federation Asia-Pacific Summit’ held?
[A] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[B] Indore, Madhya Pradesh
[C] Kochi, Kerala
[D] Kolkata, West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kochi, Kerala]
Notes:
The first IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific-2024 held at Kochi from June 26-28, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty. The conference themed “Farmer Centric Innovations in Dairying” is organized by the Indian National Committee of the International Dairy Federation. Key figures include the Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the National Dairy Development Board. Leaders and experts will address global dairy sector issues. The event features 22 exhibition pavilions and 17 startups showcasing dairy farms, processing equipment, and related technologies.
48. Which organization developed the ‘Tapas BH-201 UAV’, recently seen in news?
[A] JAXA
[B] ISRO
[C] DRDO
[D] HAL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [DRDO]
Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed to acquire 10 TAPAS drones, officially known as Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance Beyond Horizon-201, or Tapas BH-201. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, these medium-altitude, long-endurance drones, previously called Rustom-II, fulfill the tri-services’ Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Tracking & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) needs. Capable of operating day and night at 30,000 feet with a 24-hour endurance, they feature a 250 km range, carry up to 350 kg payloads, and include advanced surveillance and radar technologies.
49. Which institute has recently signed an MoU with the University of Leeds to launch the Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development (VCoE-SD)?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Madras]
Notes:
IIT Madras and the University of Leeds have partnered to establish the Joint Virtual Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Development (VCoE-SD). This MoU aims to foster impactful research and innovation towards achieving sustainable development goals. The collaboration will enhance academic exchange through joint projects, courses, and conferences, creating a network of high-quality staff to drive sustainable solutions globally, as highlighted by Prof. Vasilis Sarhosis from the University of Leeds.
50. What is ‘Factory farming’, recently seen in news?
[A] A traditional farming method of paddy
[B] Raising livestock and poultry in high-density facilities under controlled conditions
[C] It is related to Organic farming
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raising livestock and poultry in high-density facilities under controlled conditions]
Notes:
Intensive animal agriculture, or factory farming, raises livestock and poultry in dense facilities to boost dairy output cost-effectively. Concerns include antibiotic resistance in 53% of Indian egg samples, zoonotic diseases originating from animals (60% known, 75% emerging), and significant environmental impact (14.5%-16.5% of global greenhouse gases). Diets rich in animal products also heighten risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
