1.Recently, which country has launched its first space agency and plans to make a Mars landing by 2045?
[A] Mauritius
South Korea
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: B [South Korea]
Notes:
South Korea plans a Mars landing by 2045, investing 100 trillion won ($72.6 billion) in space exploration. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this at the launch of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), which aims to boost South Korea into the top five space powers. KASA will support the aerospace industry, with the first lunar lander planned for 2032. South Korea also plans at least three more space launches by 2027.
[A] Mauritius
South Korea
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: B [South Korea]
Notes:
South Korea plans a Mars landing by 2045, investing 100 trillion won ($72.6 billion) in space exploration. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this at the launch of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), which aims to boost South Korea into the top five space powers. KASA will support the aerospace industry, with the first lunar lander planned for 2032. South Korea also plans at least three more space launches by 2027.
2.What is the primary aim of the Red Flag 24 exercise, recently held in Alaska?
[A] To conduct ground-based military operations
To integrate aircrew in a multinational environment through advanced aerial combat training
[C] To train naval forces for maritime security
[D] To provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief training
Correct Answer: B [To integrate aircrew in a multinational environment through advanced aerial combat training]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for the Red Flag 24 exercise, deploying Rafale fighter jets. Red Flag 24, a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise, integrates multinational aircrews in realistic scenarios. Approximately 3100 service members and over 100 aircraft participate, using 77,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. This exercise has occurred since 1975.
3.What is ‘Musankwa Sanyatiensis’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Newly discovered fossils of dinosaur species
Invasive weed
[C] New vaccine for TB
[D] Asteroid
Correct Answer: A [Newly discovered fossils of dinosaur species]
Notes:
Researchers discovered a new dinosaur species, Musankwa Sanyatiensis, on Lake Kariba’s shoreline in Zimbabwe. This is the fourth dinosaur species found in Zimbabwe and the first named from the Mid-Zambezi Basin in 50 years. Dating back to the Late Triassic period, 210 million years ago, this 390 kg sauropodomorph was a long-necked, bipedal dinosaur related to those in South Africa and Argentina.
4.‘Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024’, recently organized in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
Odisha
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics under Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is organizing Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024 to engage the public in frog conservation. Open to all ages, participants document frog species via the iNaturalist app, contributing to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Notable species recorded include the Resplendent Shrub Frog, Malabar Torrent Toad, Small Tree Frog, Anaimalai Flying Frog, and Purple Frog.
5.Recently, which country launched the Multi-Mission Communication Satellite (PAKSAT MM1)?
[A] Pakistan
China
[C] Japan
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [Pakistan]
Notes:
Pakistan launched the Multi-Mission Communication Satellite (PAKSAT MM1) from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Center, part of Pakistan’s National Space Programme 2047. The satellite aims to enhance internet connectivity, TV broadcasts, cellular phones, broadband, e-commerce, and e-governance in Pakistan. Recently, Pakistan also launched the mini satellite ‘iCube-Qamar’ with China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission. Previous space assets include BADR-A, BADR-B, PAKSAT 1-R, PRSS-1, PakTes 1-A, and iCube-Qamar.
6.Which institution recently released framework for Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) for fintech sector?
[A] RBI
SEBI
[C] NABARD
[D] IRDAI
Correct Answer: A [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the framework for recognizing self-regulatory organizations in the financial technology sector (SRO-FT). SROs act as intermediaries between industry players and regulators, setting standards for conduct and promoting ethical practices. India boasts the world’s third-largest fintech ecosystem, with significant global funding. The Indian fintech industry was valued at $50 billion in 2021, expected to reach around $150 billion by 2025. India also accounted for 46% of global real-time transactions in 2022.
7.Dar es Salaam Port, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Tanzania
Madagascar
[C] Somalia
[D] Libya
Correct Answer: A [Tanzania]
Notes:
The Adani group has ventured into the port business in Tanzania, securing a 30-year lease for Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port. This deal, signed with Tanzania Ports Authority, expands Adani’s global footprint. Meanwhile, Indian Ports Global Ltd secured a 10-year deal to manage Iran’s Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port. Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania’s main port, handles 83% of the country’s container volume, with Container Terminal 2 boasting a capacity of 1 million TEUs.
8.Recently, which state has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning in the Class 7 ICT textbooks?
[A] Tamil Nadu
Gujarat
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala introduces AI learning in Class 7 ICT textbooks, pioneering a move to educate over 4 lakh students about Artificial Intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance technological education, familiarizing students with AI concepts from a young age. This forward-looking step reflects Kerala’s commitment to modernizing its education system and preparing students for future technological advancements.
9.Purana Qila, recently seen in news, was built on the banks of which river?
[A] Ganga
Gomti
[C] Yamuna
[D] Narmada
Correct Answer: C [Yamuna]
Notes:
Recently, Purana Qila was handed over to the Sabhyata Foundation of the Dalmia Group under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme by the Ministry of Tourism. Located in New Delhi, it’s one of the oldest forts built on the banks of the Yamuna River, also known as Qila-e-Kohna. Built under Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, it reflects a blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture. The rectangular fort boasts three gates, notably the Bara Darwaza, combining Islamic and Hindu elements.
10.Recently, which ministry launched implementation Manual of Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) on World No Tobacco Day, 2024?
[A] Ministry of Education
MInistry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, launched the Implementation Manual of Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions on World No Tobacco Day 2024 in New Delhi, in collaboration with SEEDS. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” the manual aims to help schools implement ToFEI guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Shri Sanjay Kumar emphasized creating tobacco-free zones in educational institutions to protect children from addiction.