1. Which organization recently released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), 2023?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] CSIR
[D] ICAR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ISRO]
Notes:
ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched, with five major break-up events. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1. Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres increased to protect spacecraft from close approaches.
2. Recently, India and Croatia conducted the 11th session of Foreign Office Consultations at which place?
[A] Chennai
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Zagreb
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
India and Croatia convened their 11th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. Discussions encompassed regional and global concerns, emphasizing bilateral relations’ enhancement in trade, defense, science, tourism, and culture. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were underscored. Indian Secretary Pavan Kapoor and Croatian Director General Dr. Petar Mihatov led the respective delegations. They also deliberated on international cooperation, emphasizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement’s timely conclusion.
3. Recently, Kundan Green Energy has received approval for a 42 MW hydropower project at which city of Uttarakhand?
[A] Okhali
[B] Chamoli
[C] Ranikhet
[D] Pauri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Okhali]
Notes:
Kundan Green Energy secures approval for a 42 MW hydropower venture in Okhali, Uttarakhand, as part of an 80 MW agreement with the state government with an investment of Rs 1,000 Crore. It targets completion by 2028, boosting the company’s hydropower capacity to 270 MW from 104 MW. A subsidiary of Kundan Group, it’s committed to India’s renewable energy goal of 500 GW by 2030, employing sustainable practices for a greener future.
4. What is ‘Antares’, recently seen in news?
[A] Submarine
[B] AI tool
[C] Red supergiant star
[D] Invasive plant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Red supergiant star]
Notes:
The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) recorded the moon passing in front of Antares, a massive red supergiant star in Scorpius constellation. Antares, 10,000 times brighter than the Sun, is 700 times its diameter and lies 600 light-years away. Despite its size, Antares has low density and temperature, around 6,100°F (3,400°C), giving it a ruddy color. Red supergiants are large, cool stars approaching the end of their lives, highly luminous but with low surface temperature.
5. Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, recently seen in news, is an initiative of which organization?
[A] IUCN
[B] WMO
[C] WHO
[D] WWF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IUCN]
Notes:
A new study highlights Red colobus as key to tropical forest conservation. Imperiled across Africa, they’re vital biodiversity indicators and one of two major simian groups globally. Facing extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, over half are Endangered or Critically Endangered. The Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, led by IUCN, aims to prioritize their conservation, safeguarding Africa’s forests and curbing unsustainable hunting.
6. According to Invest India report, India’s e-commerce market is expected to grow to $325 billion by which year?
[A] 2025
[B] 2027
[C] 2030
[D] 2040
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2030]
Notes:
Invest India projects India’s e-commerce to reach $325 billion by 2030, driven by 500 million consumers and widespread internet access. It anticipates India becoming the 3rd largest online retail market by 2030. The agency, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, revealed in 2022, e-commerce was worth $70 billion, constituting 7% of retail.
7. Recently, which organization has advised all states and UTs to “completely prohibit” all harmful sharp threads or “manjha”?
[A] National Green Tribunal
[B] Animal Welfare Board of India
[C] National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Animal Welfare Board of India ]
Notes:
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has urged states and UTs to fully prohibit harmful sharp threads or “manjha.” The Delhi High Court instructed the Delhi government to establish a policy for compensating victims of accidents caused by Chinese manjha. In 2017, the NGT mandated a complete ban on manjha. AWBI, a statutory advisory body founded under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, operates from Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, Haryana, focusing on animal welfare and providing grants.
8. Ajrakh textile craft, recently seen in news, is mainly associated with which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks awarded the Geographical Indication certificate to ‘Kutch Ajrakh’ artisans from Gujarat. Ajrakh, a textile craft deeply rooted in Gujarat’s culture, especially in Kutch, Sindh, and Barmer, involves intricate hand-block printing on cotton cloth. Its name derives from ‘Azrak’, meaning indigo, a key dye used. Traditionally, Ajrakh prints symbolize sky (blue), land and fire (red), and stars (white), reflecting rich symbolism and history.
9. Recently, which city is constructing the world’s largest airport, Al Maktoum International Airport?
[A] Bombay
[B] Dubai
[C] London
[D] New York
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
Notes:
Dubai is developing the world’s largest airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership. With a capacity for 260 million passengers annually, it will feature 400 terminal gates and five parallel runways. Beyond transportation, it aims to integrate into urban life, commerce, and global trade, positioning itself as the “world’s airport” within Dubai South. This ambitious project underscores Dubai’s dedication to innovation and global connectivity.
10. Recently, NPCI signed an agreement with which African country for UPI-like instant payment services?
[A] Namibia
[B] Tanzania
[C] Kenya
[D] Nigeria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Namibia]
Notes:
NPCI’s overseas arm signed a pact with the Bank of Namibia to develop a UPI-like instant payment system for Namibia, leveraging India’s UPI technology and experiences. The collaboration aims to modernize Namibia’s financial ecosystem, enhancing accessibility, affordability, and connectivity with domestic and international payment networks. It also emphasizes interoperability, signaling a significant step towards improving financial inclusion and digital transactions in Namibia.