1. Which country’s military force has unveiled the artificial intelligence robot ‘Valkyrie’ for aerial combat?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Germany
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
The Valkyrie, a next-generation drone, is a prototype, has been introduced by the United States military force.
It will serve as a supplement to the fleet of traditional fighter jets. The robot is powered into flight by a rocket engine and it can fly a distance equal to the width of China. It has a stealthy design and is capable of carrying missiles that can hit enemy targets far beyond its visual range.
2. When is the National Sports Day celebrated in India?
[A] August 21
[B] August 23
[C] August 25
[D] August 29
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [August 29]
Notes:
Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
It is also called Rashtriya Khel Divas. The day is dedicated to the country’s sports heroes and champions for their contribution and dedication towards bringing pride to the nation. It aims to raise awareness about the values of sports.
3. Which city hosted the recent meeting of Western Zonal Council?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Gandhinagar
[C] Jodhpur
[D] Amritsar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gandhinagar]
Notes:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently chaired 26th meeting of Western Zonal Council at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
He also inaugurated an e-Resource web portal of Inter State Council Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs. This portal will facilitate functioning of Zonal Councils. The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Administrator of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
4. Kishore Jena, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Tennis
[B] Javelin Throw
[C] Badminton
[D] Table Tennis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Javelin Throw]
Notes:
Odisha’s javelin star Kishore Jena became the first from the state to represent India at the finals of the World Athletics Championship.
At the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, he finished fifth with a personal best of 84.77 metres.
5. Goa Shipyard Ltd signed an MoU for capacity building and collaboration in ship design and construction with which country?
[A] Australia
[B] France
[C] Kenya
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kenya]
Notes:
Goa Shipyard Ltd and Kenya Shipyard Ltd signed an MoU for capacity building and collaboration in ship design and construction.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale held bilateral talks in New Delhi to promote military industry cooperation and deepen maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
6. Which Union Ministry extended the deadline for enabling Aadhaar-based payment for MGNREGA workers?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Electronics and IT
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Rural Development]
Notes:
As 42 per cent workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme still not eligible for Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS), the deadline for enabling Aadhaar-based payment for MGNREGA workers was extended till December 31
Earlier, the deadline was September 1 and this is the fifth extension by the Centre. This was announced by the Ministry of Rural Development.
7. Which was the first major sports event to offer equal prize money to men and women?
[A] BWF world championship
[B] US Open
[C] Australia Open
[D] NBA world championship
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [US Open]
Notes:
The 50th anniversary of the U.S. Open becoming the first sporting event to offer equal prize money to men and women was recently held.
The ceremony was attended by former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, former tennis player Billie Jean King, amateur player Gabby Bell, singer Sara Bareilles, and president of the United States Tennis Association Brian Hainline.
8. As per Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, how many Khelo India Centres will be established within a year?
[A] 100
[B] 500
[C] 1000
[D] 2000
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1000]
Notes:
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur announced that 1000 Khelo India Centres will be established within a year in the country.
It will not only provide employment opportunities to former athletes but also give budding sportspersons a chance to take guidance from the veterans. To commemorate the National Sports Day, over 3500 events were observed across the nation.
9. NT Rama Rao was the former Chief Minister of which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu released the commemorative coin on Late NT Rama Rao on his centenary year at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
NT Rama Rao, who founded the Telegu Desam Party (TDP), also served as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms. He initiated many public welfare programs.
10. As per the ‘Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) Annual Update 2023’, poor air quality decreases the average Indian’s life expectancy by?
[A] 5.1 years
[B] 5.3 years
[C] 6.1 years
[D] 6.3 years
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [5.1 years]
Notes:
Air pollution is reducing the life span of people living in South Asia by 5.1 years, according to a new report. The region accounts for more than half of the total life years lost globally due to high pollution.
In India, on average, poor air quality takes 5.3 years off the life of a person, while cardiovascular diseases decrease the average Indian’s life expectancy by around 4.5 years.