1. TacticAI, recently seen in news, is developed by which company?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Meta
[C] Google
[D] Amazon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Google]
Notes:
Google’s DeepMind collaborated with Liverpool Football Club to develop TacticAI, an AI system focusing on corner kick tactics. This tool offers predictive and generative insights, aiding football managers in strategic decisions. It allows coaches to sample various player setups for corner kicks, selecting the most successful ones. TacticAI integrates both predictive and generative components, enhancing its effectiveness in tactical analysis.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Recently, India and the Netherlands organized which round of foreign consultations in The Hague?
[A] 11th
[B] 12th
[C] 13th
[D] 14th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [12th]
Notes:
India and the Netherlands held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in The Hague on May 2, 2024. The consultations were led by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The meeting was a chance to evaluate progress since the last FOC in New Delhi in December 2022. During the meeting, India and the Netherlands agreed to strengthen their bilateral ties by focusing on new technologies like green hydrogen and semiconductors.
5. Recently, Adani Green Energy Ltd has secured $400 million green loan for its under-construction solar projects in which states?
[A] Haryana & Punjab
[B] Bihar & Jharkhand
[C] Rajasthan & Gujarat
[D] Tamil Nadu & Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan & Gujarat]
Notes:
Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), India’s top renewable energy firm, secured USD 400 million in funding from five international banks for its 750 MW solar projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat. These projects are scheduled to start operating from November 2024. The Rajasthan project, with 500 MW capacity, has a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with SECI, while the Gujarat project, with 250 MW capacity, is a standalone merchant power project in Khavda, the world’s largest RE cluster.
6. What is ‘MQ-9B Predator’, recently seen in the news?
[A] A technique used to remove pest from crop
[B] High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
[C] Nuclear Ballistic Submarine
[D] Earth Observation Satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle]
Notes:
India will acquire MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, deploying them in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, it’s a high-altitude, long-endurance armed UAV. Used by the US for surveillance and airstrikes, it has two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The latter has been utilized by the Indian Navy since 2020.
7. What is the primary habitat of ‘Red Squirrel’, recently seen in news?
[A] Tropical rainforests
[B] Desert regions
[C] Coniferous forests
[D] Grasslands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Coniferous forests]
Notes:
Archaeological evidence reveals English red squirrels as hosts for leprosy-causing Mycobacterium leprae strains in medieval Winchester, renowned for its leprosarium and fur trade. Leprosy persists in Asia, Africa, and South America. Recent research identifies red squirrels, armadillos, and chimpanzees as natural M. leprae hosts. Red squirrels, arboreal and primarily herbivorous, boast sharp claws for climbing and swimming abilities. Their coat color varies regionally, shedding twice yearly. Found in Coniferous forests, they store excess food in caches, living up to 7 years. Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
8. Which country has recently introduced an AI generated spokesperson, named Victoria Shi?
[A] Russia
[B] Iran
[C] Iraq
[D] Ukraine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ukraine]
Notes:
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an AI-generated avatar, Victoria Shi, as its digital spokesperson. Shi, clad in professional attire, presents updates on consular affairs via social media. While her appearance is AI-generated, the content she delivers is human-written and verified. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lauds Shi’s introduction as a groundbreaking move, highlighting time and resource savings. Ukraine showcases its embrace of innovative tech in diplomatic operations.
9. Archaeologists have recently discovered a 7000-year-old prehistoric settlement in which country?
[A] Serbia
[B] Bulgaria
[C] Romania
[D] Finland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Serbia]
Notes:
Archaeologists unearthed a 7000-year-old prehistoric settlement near the Tamiš River in northeastern Serbia. Spanning 11-13 hectares and encircled by 4-6 ditches, it dates to the late Neolithic era. Geophysical techniques uncovered Vinča culture artifacts, highlighting their presence in southeastern-central Europe. This discovery is pivotal, shedding light on the sparse identification of larger Late Neolithic settlements in the Serbian Banat region.
10. Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria, recently seen in news, is primarily found in which part of human body?
[A] Heart
[B] Brain
[C] Mouth
[D] Lungs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mouth]
Notes:
A recent study identified a unique subtype of Fusobacterium nucleatum prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors. F. nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacillus, is commonly found in the human mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Named Fna C2, this subtype exhibits higher resistance to acid, potentially facilitating direct migration to the intestines. Moreover, Fna C2 can hide within tumor cells, evade the immune system, and utilize gastrointestinal nutrients, distinguishing it as a significant factor in CRC development.