1. SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo) system, recently seen in news, is developed by which organization?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[D] CSIR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system on May 1, 2024, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha coast. The test validated advanced mechanisms like symmetric separation and velocity control. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat praised the SMART team. SMART is a next-gen lightweight torpedo delivery system boosting Indian Navy’s anti-submarine capabilities, featuring a supersonic missile carrier with a 643 km range and a 20 km lightweight torpedo.
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. Pattachitra paintings, recently seen in news, are associated with which states?
[A] Bihar & Jharkhand
[B] Odisha & West Bengal
[C] Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka & Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha & West Bengal]
Notes:
In West Bengal, Swarna Chitrakar is a revered figure among the village’s patuas (scroll painters). The Prime Minister recently lauded Odisha’s Bhagyashree Sahu, another pattachitra artist, on his show Mann ki Baat. Pattachitra, a traditional cloth-based scroll painting, originates from Odisha and West Bengal, dating back to the 12th century. Patuas depict daily life scenes, accompanied by songs. Pattachitra serves ritual and souvenir purposes in Odisha, forming a key part of Bengali narrative art.
4. Recently, which country has launched a new currency ‘ZiG’?
[A] Rwanda
[B] Zimbabwe
[C] Somalia
[D] Botswana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zimbabwe]
Notes:
Zimbabwe introduces the ZiG currency, aiming to stabilize its economy. The ZiG, backed by gold reserves, replaces the depreciated Zimbabwe dollar. Initially launched electronically, physical banknotes and coins are now in circulation. Despite efforts to restore faith, skepticism persists, with some government departments refusing to accept the new currency. This move reflects ongoing struggles to address Zimbabwe’s enduring economic challenges.
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. Which organization of India recently organized #PlayTrue Campaign to create awareness about clean sports?
[A] National Anti-Doping Agency
[B] National Sports Federation
[C] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[D] National Sports Organisation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Anti-Doping Agency]
Notes:
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India recently concluded up its #PlayTrue Campaign, drawing over 12,133 participants nationwide. Held from April 15th to 30th, 2024, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about clean sports and anti-doping practices. It showcased NADA’s dedication to educating athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts on anti-doping regulations. Through various activities like quizzes and awareness sessions, NADA encouraged fair play and integrity in sports, aligning with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA’s) vision.
7. What is the rank of India in the World Press Freedom Index 2024?
[A] 158
[B] 159
[C] 160
[D] 161
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [159]
Notes:
India’s World Press Freedom Index score declined from 36.62 to 31.28 in 2024, per Reporters Without Borders. This annual report assesses journalism freedoms across 180 nations. India’s rank improved from 161 to 159 due to others’ decline. However, India lags behind Turkey, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Despite a slight improvement in security, scores fell across other indicators, signaling challenges to press independence.
8. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) recently proposed to develop a deep-sea port in Bataan. where is Bataan located?
[A] Philippines
[B] Malaysia
[C] Indonesia
[D] Maldives
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Philippines]
Notes:
APSEZ, backed by President Marcos, plans a deep port in Bataan, Philippines, focusing on ports, airports, power, and defense. Regional expansion targets agricultural product ports, fostering tourism and business gateways. Adani cites stable leadership and environment as reasons for investment, indicating confidence in the Philippines’ potential.
9. Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, recently seen in the news, are disputed territories between which two countries?
[A] Nepal & Bhutan
[B] India & Nepal
[C] India & Myanmar
[D] India & Bhutan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India & Nepal]
Notes:
Nepal introduced a new Rs 100 currency note featuring disputed Indian territories—Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani—triggering contention from India. Prime Minister Prachanda chaired a meeting where the decision was made. Rekha Sharma, also the communication minister, announced the update following Nepal Rastra Bank’s proposal. The move follows tensions since Nepal’s 2020 political map included these areas. India had included them in its 2019 map, leading to diplomatic strains, notably over a road construction.
10. What is ‘Goldene’, recently seen in news?
[A] Ancient irrigation technique
[B] First free standing 2D metal
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Asteroid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [First free standing 2D metal]
Notes:
Researchers have achieved a milestone by producing Goldene, a free-standing sheet of gold just one atom thick. It marks the first-ever free-standing 2D metal. Goldene is created by sandwiching a silicon monolayer between layers of titanium carbide, then replacing silicon atoms with gold atoms. Utilizing an ancient Japanese technique with Murakami’s reagent, they etch away titanium carbide, leaving a 100 nanometre thick layer of Goldene, 400 times thinner than commercial gold leaf.