Current Affairs Quiz - September, 2024
1. Hrim-2 ballistic missile, recently seen in the news, is developed by which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Ukraine
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Ukraine
Correct Answer: D [Ukraine]
Notes:
Ukraine successfully tested its first ballistic missile, named Hrim-2, developed by its defense industry. Hrim-2, also known as Grim, Grom, or OTRK Sapsan, is a Ukrainian short-range ballistic missile system. It combines the features of a tactical missile system and a multiple rocket launcher. The export version of Hrim-2 has a range limited to 280 km to comply with international regulations. For Ukraine’s military, the missile’s range is extended to 700 km. The Sapsan system features a 10-wheeled launcher that carries two missiles and can evade modern air defenses, similar to Russia’s Iskander missile.
Ukraine successfully tested its first ballistic missile, named Hrim-2, developed by its defense industry. Hrim-2, also known as Grim, Grom, or OTRK Sapsan, is a Ukrainian short-range ballistic missile system. It combines the features of a tactical missile system and a multiple rocket launcher. The export version of Hrim-2 has a range limited to 280 km to comply with international regulations. For Ukraine’s military, the missile’s range is extended to 700 km. The Sapsan system features a 10-wheeled launcher that carries two missiles and can evade modern air defenses, similar to Russia’s Iskander missile.
2. Nazca Ridge, recently seen in the news, is a submarine ridge located in which ocean?
[A] Indian Ocean
[B] Arctic Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Atlantic Ocean
[B] Arctic Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Atlantic Ocean
Correct Answer: C [Pacific Ocean]
Notes:
Oceanographers found a new seamount on the Nazca Ridge, 900 miles off Chile’s coast. Nazca Ridge is a submarine ridge in the southeastern Pacific Ocean near South America. It is around 1,100 kilometers long and varies in width. The ridge starts at the Nazca Plate off Peru and extends southwest towards Easter Island, Chile. It was created by volcanic activity from a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle. The ridge consists of unusually thick basaltic ocean crust.
It is tectonically active, subducting beneath the South American Plate at the Peru-Chile Trench.
Oceanographers found a new seamount on the Nazca Ridge, 900 miles off Chile’s coast. Nazca Ridge is a submarine ridge in the southeastern Pacific Ocean near South America. It is around 1,100 kilometers long and varies in width. The ridge starts at the Nazca Plate off Peru and extends southwest towards Easter Island, Chile. It was created by volcanic activity from a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle. The ridge consists of unusually thick basaltic ocean crust.
It is tectonically active, subducting beneath the South American Plate at the Peru-Chile Trench.
3. Recently, which Japanese animator has been honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2024?
[A] Goro Fujita
[B] Hiroyuki Imaishi
[C] Hayao Miyazaki
[D] Koji Nanke
[B] Hiroyuki Imaishi
[C] Hayao Miyazaki
[D] Koji Nanke
Correct Answer: C [Hayao Miyazaki]
Notes:
Japanese anime director Hayao Miyazaki recently won the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as Asia’s Nobel Prize. This award is Asia’s top honor, recognizing transformative leadership and spirit. Winners receive a certificate and a medallion with Ramon Magsaysay’s profile. From 1958 to 2008, the award was given in six categories: Government Service, Public Service, Community Leadership, Journalism and Creative Arts, Peace and International Understanding, and Emergent Leadership. The award ceremony is held annually on August 31 in Manila, Philippines, marking the birth anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay, after whom the award is named.
Japanese anime director Hayao Miyazaki recently won the Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as Asia’s Nobel Prize. This award is Asia’s top honor, recognizing transformative leadership and spirit. Winners receive a certificate and a medallion with Ramon Magsaysay’s profile. From 1958 to 2008, the award was given in six categories: Government Service, Public Service, Community Leadership, Journalism and Creative Arts, Peace and International Understanding, and Emergent Leadership. The award ceremony is held annually on August 31 in Manila, Philippines, marking the birth anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay, after whom the award is named.
4. Uri-II hydroelectric power plant, recently seen in the news, is located on which river?
[A] Jhelum River
[B] Chenab River
[C] Ravi River
[D] Tawi River
[B] Chenab River
[C] Ravi River
[D] Tawi River
Correct Answer: A [Jhelum River]
Notes:
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has postponed granting Environmental Clearance (EC) for Stage-II of the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project. The Uri-I Hydroelectric Project is located on the Jhelum River in Uri town, Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir. It is close to the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Commissioned in 1997, the project has an installed capacity of 480 MW. The plant is owned by the Central Government and operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC). It has four units, each with a capacity of 120 MW.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has postponed granting Environmental Clearance (EC) for Stage-II of the Uri-I Hydroelectric Project. The Uri-I Hydroelectric Project is located on the Jhelum River in Uri town, Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir. It is close to the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Commissioned in 1997, the project has an installed capacity of 480 MW. The plant is owned by the Central Government and operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC). It has four units, each with a capacity of 120 MW.
5. Nitish Kumar won gold medal in which event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
[A] Badminton
[B] Wrestling
[C] Boxing
[D] Tennis
[B] Wrestling
[C] Boxing
[D] Tennis
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.
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.
6. Durand cup, recently seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Basketball
[B] Football
[C] Hockey
[D] Cricket
[B] Football
[C] Hockey
[D] Cricket
Correct Answer: B [Football]
Notes:
NorthEast United FC won its first Durand Cup title by beating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The final was held at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 31 August 2024. The 133rd Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, was played in Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Jamshedpur, and Shillong from 27 July to 31 August 2024. Mohun Bagan, with 17 Durand Cup wins, couldn’t defend its title. Mohun Bagan led with two first-half goals, but NorthEast United equalized with two second-half goals. In the penalty shootout, NEUFC’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made two crucial saves for the win.The Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament, and the 2024 edition was its 133rd year. NEUFC, based in Guwahati, Assam, is the only club from the Northeast in the Indian Super League.
NorthEast United FC won its first Durand Cup title by beating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The final was held at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 31 August 2024. The 133rd Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, was played in Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Jamshedpur, and Shillong from 27 July to 31 August 2024. Mohun Bagan, with 17 Durand Cup wins, couldn’t defend its title. Mohun Bagan led with two first-half goals, but NorthEast United equalized with two second-half goals. In the penalty shootout, NEUFC’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made two crucial saves for the win.The Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament, and the 2024 edition was its 133rd year. NEUFC, based in Guwahati, Assam, is the only club from the Northeast in the Indian Super League.
7. Which state government recently introduced the “Brindavan Gram Scheme” and the “Gita Bhavan Project”?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Assam
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, launched the ‘Brindavan Gram’ scheme to develop model villages focused on cow protection and rural development. One gram panchayat from each of the state’s 313 blocks will be selected and renamed ‘Brindavan Gram.’ Each chosen village will establish a gaushala (cow shed) to promote cow welfare and protection. The scheme aims to increase rural milk production, boosting farmers’ incomes. Roof-top solar policies will be implemented to promote clean energy in these villages. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department will oversee the scheme, with detailed guidelines to be issued soon. In a parallel initiative, ‘Gita Bhavan’ centers will be established in every urban area of Madhya Pradesh to spread spiritual knowledge, focusing on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna, along with other spiritual texts.
The Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, launched the ‘Brindavan Gram’ scheme to develop model villages focused on cow protection and rural development. One gram panchayat from each of the state’s 313 blocks will be selected and renamed ‘Brindavan Gram.’ Each chosen village will establish a gaushala (cow shed) to promote cow welfare and protection. The scheme aims to increase rural milk production, boosting farmers’ incomes. Roof-top solar policies will be implemented to promote clean energy in these villages. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department will oversee the scheme, with detailed guidelines to be issued soon. In a parallel initiative, ‘Gita Bhavan’ centers will be established in every urban area of Madhya Pradesh to spread spiritual knowledge, focusing on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna, along with other spiritual texts.
8. Recently, where was the second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Shillong
[D] Prayagraj
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Shillong
[D] Prayagraj
Correct Answer: B [Jodhpur]
Notes:
The second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It involved international participation, including Australia, which contributed three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel. The exercise took place from August 30 to September 13 and aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation. Other participating nations included Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US. The event highlighted the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.
The second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It involved international participation, including Australia, which contributed three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel. The exercise took place from August 30 to September 13 and aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation. Other participating nations included Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US. The event highlighted the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.
9. Project Strawberry, which was seen in the news, is related to which field?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Artificial Intelligence
[C] Finance
[D] None of the Above
[B] Artificial Intelligence
[C] Finance
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: B [Artificial Intelligence]
Notes:
OpenAI is preparing to release its most advanced AI model, potentially part of ChatGPT-5, known as Project Strawberry. This model is expected to greatly enhance AI’s reasoning, math, and programming skills, bringing OpenAI closer to developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Project Strawberry can generate high-quality synthetic data to address gaps in real-world data and improve training accuracy. AGI refers to AI with capabilities comparable to the human brain.
Synthetic data is artificial data created by algorithms to replicate real-world data patterns and characteristics.
OpenAI is preparing to release its most advanced AI model, potentially part of ChatGPT-5, known as Project Strawberry. This model is expected to greatly enhance AI’s reasoning, math, and programming skills, bringing OpenAI closer to developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Project Strawberry can generate high-quality synthetic data to address gaps in real-world data and improve training accuracy. AGI refers to AI with capabilities comparable to the human brain.
Synthetic data is artificial data created by algorithms to replicate real-world data patterns and characteristics.
10. According to recent report, which country has secured the top spot as biggest plastic polluter in the world?
[A] Russia
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Japan
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
A study published in Nature reveals India is the world’s largest plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 million tonnes annually.
Plastic emissions are defined as materials moving from a controlled to an uncontrolled state in the environment. India’s plastic pollution accounts for about 20% of global emissions. India generates around 0.12 kilograms of plastic waste per capita per day. Global plastic waste emissions were 52.1 million tonnes in 2020. Nigeria and Indonesia are the second and third largest polluters, with 3.5 and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively. High-income countries have higher waste rates but better collection and disposal systems.
A study published in Nature reveals India is the world’s largest plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 million tonnes annually.
Plastic emissions are defined as materials moving from a controlled to an uncontrolled state in the environment. India’s plastic pollution accounts for about 20% of global emissions. India generates around 0.12 kilograms of plastic waste per capita per day. Global plastic waste emissions were 52.1 million tonnes in 2020. Nigeria and Indonesia are the second and third largest polluters, with 3.5 and 3.4 million tonnes, respectively. High-income countries have higher waste rates but better collection and disposal systems.