1. Which day is observed as ‘International Whale Shark Day’ every year?
[A] 30 August
[B] 31 August
[C] 1 September
[D] 2 September
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [30 August]
Notes:
International Whale Shark Day is celebrated annually on August 30. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and a filter-feeding shark species. They are found in temperate and tropical oceans globally, except the Mediterranean Sea.
Whale sharks have a dark gray top with light spots and stripes, providing camouflage, and a mouth at the front of the head. They are filter feeders, processing over 6,000 liters of water per hour through their gills. Their diet includes plankton, small fish, and mollusks like sardines, anchovies, and squid. The IUCN classifies whale sharks as endangered.
2. Hrim-2 ballistic missile, recently seen in the news, is developed by which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Ukraine
Show Answer
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.
3. Recently, where was the international conference on ‘Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava’ held?
[A] Indore, Madhya Pradesh
[B] Ayodhya, UP
[C] Nalanda, Bihar
[D] Kutch, Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nalanda, Bihar]
Notes:
The International Buddhist Confederation and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara hosted a two-day conference in Nalanda, Bihar, on Guru Padmasambhava’s life and legacy. Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, lived in the 8th century in India and is a highly respected figure in Buddhism. He is recognized as a founding father of Tibetan Buddhism and arrived in Tibet in 749 A.D. He spread Buddha’s teachings across the Himalayan regions including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Tibet. A Tantrist and Yogācāra sect member, he taught at Nalanda and is associated with a blend of Yogic, Tantric practices, and cultural elements such as art, music, and folklore.
4. Which day is observed as ‘World Coconut Day (WCD)’ annually?
[A] 1 september
[B] 2 September
[C] 3 September
[D] 4 September
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 September]
Notes:
World Coconut Day is observed every year on September 2nd to highlight the importance of coconuts. It aims to raise awareness about various uses of coconuts and promote sustainable farming practices. The theme for World Coconut Day 2024 is “Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value.” The day was first celebrated in 2009, initiated by the International Coconut Community (ICC), a UNESCAP intergovernmental body. The ICC includes 21 coconut-producing countries, with India as a founding member. The ICC’s headquarters is located in Jakarta, Indonesia, and it was known as the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community until 2018.
5. Recently, where was the “World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024” held?
[A] Beijing, China
[B] New Delhi, India
[C] Paris, France
[D] Hanover, Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hanover, Germany]
Notes:
Indian shooter Dhanush Srikanth won three gold medals at the 2024 World Deaf Shooting Championship. World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024 being held at Hanover in Germany. The championship, organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, is being held from August 29 to September 8, 2024.
6. Recently, which institution opened its first international campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Delhi]
Notes:
IIT Delhi’s first international campus was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This new campus aims to enhance the UAE’s status as a global education and innovation hub. It is the second international IIT campus, following IIT Madras’s in Zanzibar. The inaugural cohort includes 52 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Energy Engineering. Students were admitted through JEE Advanced and CAET exams and come from various backgrounds, including Indian, Emirati, and international students. IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi also launched an MTech program in Energy Transition and Sustainability earlier this year.
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
Show Answer
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Recently, which ministry has announced the implementation of GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system in India?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]
Notes:
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) announced a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system in India. The system was developed by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) to reduce congestion at toll plazas. It provides real-time traffic data, enabling officials to manage traffic flow efficiently. Alerts are sent when congestion exceeds limits, suggesting lane adjustments. The system analyzes traffic trends over time and factors in weather and local events to predict disruptions. Toll plazas are mapped using GIS technology for better traffic management.