1. Recently, which ministry of India has recommended imposing an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil imported from China?
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry recommended an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil imported from China. Anti-dumping duty is a tariff imposed on foreign imports priced below fair market value. Dumping occurs when a product is exported at a price lower than in its domestic market. The duty matches the price difference between the import price and market value in the exporting or other similar markets. It aims to protect local businesses from unfair competition by foreign imports. The World Trade Organization (WTO) allows anti-dumping measures to ensure fair competition. Legal action requires evidence of genuine harm to domestic industries.
2. Nitish Kumar won gold medal in which event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
[A] Badminton
[B] Wrestling
[C] Boxing
[D] Tennis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Badminton]
Notes:
Nitish Kumar won India’s second gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in men’s singles Badminton SL3 class. Earlier, Avni Lekhara won India’s first gold medal in the Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. The 17th Summer Paralympics is taking place in Paris, France, from 28 August to 8 September 2024. Nitish, aged 29 and world No. 1, defeated Daniel Bethell of Great Britain in a close match, winning 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. Nitish lost his leg in a train accident in 2009 and was inspired by Pramod Bhagat to play badminton in the SL3 class.
3. Recently, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh inaugurated three-day Armed Forces Festival in which city?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Varanasi
[C] Lucknow
[D] Ayodhya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lucknow]
Notes:
The three-day Armed Forces Festival began at Surya Khel Parisar in Lucknow Cantonment with much enthusiasm. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the festival. He praised the Indian Armed Forces as unparalleled globally, recognized even by India’s enemies. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s leading role in national defense efforts. The Defense Corridor in Uttar Pradesh provides significant employment opportunities for youth. Over 8,000 people attended the festival, enjoying a display of the latest military equipment. The exhibition showcased tanks, helicopters, artillery guns, and more, highlighting India’s technological advancements. The T-90 tank was a notable exhibit.
4. National Test House (NTH), recently seen in the news, operates under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution]
Notes:
The National Test House (NTH) signed an MoU with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to promote energy efficiency in India.
NTH is a premier institution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It was established in 1912 as the Government Test House. NTH is India’s largest multi-location, multidisciplinary testing laboratory under the Central Government. It deals with testing, calibration, and quality evaluation for industry, commerce, and trade, following international and national standards. NTH provides support to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). It is the first government body to certify drones in India.
5. ‘Na Anka famine’, recently seen in news, was associated with which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
The Union Education Minister proposed renaming Ravenshaw University due to its association with the Na Anka Famine during Thomas Edward Ravenshaw’s tenure. The Na Anka Famine, also known as the Great Odisha Famine, devastated Odisha in 1866, two years before Ravenshaw University was founded in 1868. The famine was so severe that about one-third of Odisha’s population died. It occurred during the 9th Regnal year of King Divya Singha Deva of Orissa. Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, a British bureaucrat and colonial commissioner of Odisha, witnessed the famine’s devastating impact firsthand.
6. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced the construction of Vedic-3D museum in which city?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Ayodhya
[C] Varanasi
[D] Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Varanasi]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government announced a Vedic-3D museum at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi. The museum will focus on Indian astrology, astronomy, and Vedic literature, showcasing the evolution of Vedic traditions like the 16 Sanskars, 64 arts, and 18 Vidya Sthans. It will display rare manuscripts preserved in Saraswati Bhawan, including “Raas Panchadhyayi,” Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, and Durgasaptashati, adorned with gold artistry. The museum aims to revive ‘Shastrartha’ (spiritual discourse) and deepen knowledge in Vedic literature.
7. Which ministry recently won the national award for e-Governance 2024 for Poshan Tracker initiative?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Women and Child Development ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Women and Child Development won the National Award for e-Governance 2024 (Gold) for the Poshan Tracker initiative. The Poshan Tracker monitors the growth of children aged 0-6 years using real-time data and WHO growth charts to ensure proper nutrition. Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) assess children’s health and intervene when growth issues arise. Advanced ICT tools and Growth Measuring Devices (GMD) are used at Anganwadi Centers for accurate monitoring. The app improves child health outcomes, covering millions under Mission Poshan 2.0. It also manages services for pregnant women, mothers, and children, digitizing Anganwadi workers’ records.
8. Valley Fever, recently seen in news, is caused by which pathogen?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungus]
Notes:
Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus. It is found in the soil of the southwestern U.S., south-central Washington, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. People and animals can get infected by inhaling spores from dust or disturbed soil in these regions. Most people do not get sick, but some develop mild to severe symptoms. The disease rarely spreads from person to person or animals, except in rare cases like organ transplants or wound contact. Recently, California has seen a significant rise in Valley Fever cases, raising health concerns.
9. Galathis Bay, recently seen in news, is located in which island of India?
[A] Majuli Island
[B] Great Nicobar Island
[C] Lakshadweep Island
[D] Pamban Island
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Great Nicobar Island]
Notes:
The central government has designated the international trans-shipment hub at Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a ‘Major Port.’ It is located on Great Nicobar Island and is being developed as an International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP). The project will receive central funding and be developed under a public-private partnership model. Phase 1 is set to begin in 2028 with a handling capacity of 4 million TEUs, growing to 16 million TEUs by 2058. The port’s strategic location near international trade routes and its deep water depth make it significant for capturing transshipment cargo from other ports.
10. Which state recently introduced India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing facility?
[A] Odisha
[B] Bihar
[C] Haryana
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently led the groundbreaking for India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing facility. Developed by RIR Power Electronics Limited, the facility is being set up at EMC Park in Bhubaneswar with an investment of Rs 620 crore. This facility represents a significant advancement for India and Odisha in the global power electronics market. It aims to position Odisha as a key hub for semiconductor production, fostering innovation and boosting the state’s economy.