1. Which ministry recently signed an MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for knowledge support on critical minerals?
[A] Ministry of Mines
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Mines]
Notes:
The Ministry of Mines and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation signed an MoU to enhance knowledge support for critical minerals crucial to India’s economic growth, national security, and low-carbon energy transition. The agreement was inked during the ‘Critical Minerals Summit’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of beneficiation and processing capabilities.
2. Which country has recently rejected nearly one-third of Indian spice-related shipments due to salmonella contamination?
[A] Myanmar
[B] United States
[C] Russia
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
The United States has rejected nearly one-third of shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination. Salmonella, a bacteria found in animals’ intestines and feces, causes gastrointestinal illness. It spreads to humans through contact with contaminated items or animals. Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in water. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe cases requiring medical attention.
3. Recently, who has been re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group ahead of the Paris Games?
[A] Pooja Khanna
[B] Deepika Kumari
[C] Gagandeep Kaur
[D] Muskan Kirar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deepika Kumari]
Notes:
Former world number one archer Deepika Kumari re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group for Paris Games. TOPS, initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2014 (revamped in 2018), aims to enhance India’s Olympic and Paralympic performance. Funded by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and Khelo India scheme, it identifies elite athletes through the TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee and provides targeted training via the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
4. Recently, which Indian company recently signed an MoU with Norwegian firm to implement floating solar power technology in India?
[A] NTPC Ltd
[B] NHPC Ltd
[C] SJVN
[D] NEEPCO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NHPC Ltd]
Notes:
NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower developer, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Ocean Sun, a Norwegian tech firm specializing in floating solar solutions. The agreement aims to explore joint ventures in deploying Ocean Sun’s innovative floating solar technology, utilizing hydro-elastic membranes. NHPC’s commitment to sustainable development and renewable energy expansion is reinforced through this partnership, aligning with its portfolio diversification into solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects.
5. Vinay Vir, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Journalism
[B] Politics
[C] Sports
[D] Medicine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Journalism]
Notes:
Vinay Vir, the esteemed journalist, publisher, and editor of Daily Hindi Milap, known for championing Hindi in the South, passed away at 72. His impactful management and editing elevated Hindi’s presence. Born into a family of freedom fighters, Vinay Vir was a dedicated advocate for Hindi’s growth. Secretary of the Yudhvir Foundation, he honored achievers. His legacy remains intertwined with the advancement of Hindi and the recognition of talent.
6. Which country recently introduced ‘world-first’ laws regarding internet-connected smart devices to protect against cybercrime?
[A] India
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Australia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The UK government has implemented groundbreaking laws mandating minimum security standards for internet-connected smart devices, aiming to shield consumers and businesses from hacking and cyber-attacks. Manufacturers are now barred from employing weak default passwords such as “admin” or “12345”. Users will be prompted to change any common passwords upon device start-up, enhancing overall security measures.
7. Recently, who has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)?
[A] Meera Swarup
[B] Dheeraj Bhatnagar
[C] Dinesh Kumar
[D] JP Devdhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dinesh Kumar]
Notes:
Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), filling a 4-month vacancy left by Justice Tarun Aggarwal’s retirement in December 2023. SAT, an autonomous body under the SEBI Act, 1992, hears appeals against orders from financial regulators like SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI, aiming to streamline appeal processes outside of High Courts.
8. Sri Madhava Perumal Temple, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Sri Madhava Perumal Temple reveals a historic trade route from over 1,000 years ago. Submerged in the Bhavanisagar dam, lowered water levels now unveil the temple in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. Hoysala King Veera Ballala III appointed Madhava Perumal Dhandanayaka to govern, who constructed the Dhandanayaka Fort 680 years ago. His son, Veera Siddha Keththaya Dhandanayaka, built the temple within. Later ruled by Vijayanagara Empire, Ummattur chiefs, and Tipu Sultan, the fort witnessed the Battle of Sathyamangalam in 1790.
9. Which African country recently declared the Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) outbreak across the country a health emergency?
[A] Rwanda
[B] Ghana
[C] Congo
[D] Somalia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Congo]
Notes:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces its largest Mpox outbreak, with a new strain detected in a mining town, posing higher transmission risks. Since January, over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, tripling from last year. The WHO highlights the severity, prompting Congo to declare a nationwide health emergency. Cases have also surfaced in the neighboring Republic of Congo.
10. How much has the fossil fuel capacity in India increased during FY24?
[A] 1.65%
[B] 2.44%
[C] 3.50%
[D] 3.80%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2.44%]
Notes:
In FY24, the country’s fossil fuel-based power capacity increased by 2.44% to 243.22 GW from March 2023’s 237.27 GW. Non-fossil fuel capacity increased by 10.79%, reaching 190.57 GW in 2023-24 compared to 172.01 GW in 2022-23. This includes solar, wind, and hydropower. Nuclear power capacity grew to 8.18 GW from 6.78 GW, marking a 20.64% yearly increase.