1.Svalbard, recently seen in the news, is an archipelago located in which ocean?
[A] Arctic Ocean
Indian Ocean
[C] Atlantic Ocean
[D] Pacific Ocean
Correct Answer: A [Arctic Ocean]
Notes:
Scientists are exploring hydrothermal vents on Svalbard’s Knipovich Ridge, a 500-km-long ridge in the Arctic Ocean. Svalbard, discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz, is an Arctic archipelago under Norwegian sovereignty. It lies between the North Pole and Norway, covering 61,022 sq.km with a majority glaciated. Featuring Spitsbergen as its largest island, Svalbard experiences Arctic conditions, including midnight sun and polar night due to its location in the Arctic Circle.
[A] Arctic Ocean
Indian Ocean
[C] Atlantic Ocean
[D] Pacific Ocean
Correct Answer: A [Arctic Ocean]
Notes:
Scientists are exploring hydrothermal vents on Svalbard’s Knipovich Ridge, a 500-km-long ridge in the Arctic Ocean. Svalbard, discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz, is an Arctic archipelago under Norwegian sovereignty. It lies between the North Pole and Norway, covering 61,022 sq.km with a majority glaciated. Featuring Spitsbergen as its largest island, Svalbard experiences Arctic conditions, including midnight sun and polar night due to its location in the Arctic Circle.
2.What is the primary objective of the GSAT 20 satellite, recently in news?
[A] Earth observation
Communication
[C] Weather monitoring
[D] Navigation
Correct Answer: B [Communication]
Notes:
For the first time, ISRO will launch its latest large satellite, GSAT 20, on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. GSAT 20, a hi-tech communication satellite, weighs 4,700 kg and has a throughput capacity of 48 GBPS. It features 32 spot beams covering all of India, especially the Northeast. Owned by ISRO’s commercial arm NSIL, it uses SpaceX due to the limitations of India’s Launch Vehicle Mark 3.
3.Central Electronics Limited (CEL), which was recently granted ‘Mini Ratna’ status, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
Ministry of Power
[C] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[D] Ministry of MSME
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Science and Technology]
Notes:
Central Electronics Limited (CEL), recently granted “Mini Ratna” (Category-1) status, is a Govt. of India Enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology. Established in 1974, CEL aims to commercialize indigenous technologies from National Laboratories and R&D Institutions. CEL excels in solar energy systems, strategic electronics, and various high-tech areas, producing solar cells, railway signaling equipment, and components for defense applications.
4.Recently, where was the 29th edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise held?
[A] Auckland, New Zealand
Hawaii, USA
[C] Paris, France
[D] Kolkata, India
Correct Answer: B [Hawaii, USA]
Notes:
Indian multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik, deployed in the South China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, has arrived at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, enhancing naval interoperability and trust among 29 participating countries. Led by the US Navy, the exercise includes diverse activities like symposiums, sports competitions, and integrated sea operations, crucial for global maritime security and cooperation.
5.Recently, the Central Railway has inaugurated its first-ever floating solar plant with a 10 MWp capacity in which lake of India?
[A] Lonar lake
Periyar lake
[C] Venna lake
[D] Igatpuri lake
Correct Answer: D [Igatpuri lake ]
Notes:
Central Railway has inaugurated India’s first floating solar plant, a 10 MWp installation on Igatpuri lake in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy efforts, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additional rooftop solar plants totaling 12.05 MWp have saved Rs. 4.62 crores and reduced carbon footprints by 6594.81 MT in 2023-24. Plans include installing 7 MWp more this year, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy transition.
6.Keshava temple, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka’s Tourism Department is set to elevate the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somanathapur, especially the Keshava Temple, as a key attraction in Mysuru’s tourism circuit before Dasara this year. Located in Somanathapura town along the River Kaveri, the temple, completed in 1268 AD under Hoysala King Narasimha III, features a unique star-shaped platform with three sanctums. Recognized alongside Halebidu and Belur temples, it holds cultural significance as part of the Hoysala heritage.
7.Which state government recently introduced first witness protection scheme for better justice delivery?
[A] Assam
Manipur
[C] Sikkim
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced the state’s inaugural Witness Protection Scheme to bolster the justice delivery system. The scheme, aligned with Section 398 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, aims to safeguard witnesses facing threats during investigations and trials. Witnesses can apply for protection under the scheme through a prescribed form before a competent authority, ensuring fair trials and security against intimidation.
8.What is the theme of Statistics Day, 2024?
[A] Use of data for decision-making
Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework
[C] Data for Sustainable Development
[D] End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition
Correct Answer: A [Use of data for decision-making]
Notes:
National Statistics Day, celebrated annually on June 29 in India, honors Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis for his contributions to statistics and economic planning. Initiated in 2007, its goal is to raise awareness, particularly among youth, about the pivotal role of statistics in shaping socio-economic policies. The theme for 2024, “Use of data for decision-making,” underscores the importance of informed decision-making through statistical insights in fostering national development.
9.What is the causative agent of ‘Oropouche fever’, recently seen in news?
[A] Bacteria
Fungus
[C] Virus
[D] Protozoa
Correct Answer: C [Virus]
Notes:
Italy recently reported its first case of Oropouche fever, caused by the Oropouche Virus (OROV), an emerging mosquito-borne disease. OROV, part of the orthobunyavirus family, has an incubation period of 4 to 8 days and was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Severe cases can lead to meningitis or encephalitis. Transmission occurs through infected midges or mosquitoes, with no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.
10.Recently, which state government launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi’ scheme?
[A] Bihar
Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: D [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched the Mukhya Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, an income support scheme, at Krishi Upaj Mandi in Tonk. The first installment of Rs 650 crore was released to 65 lakh farmers. Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2000 annually in three installments, alongside the Rs 6000 from the central PM-KISAN scheme. The Cooperative Department is the nodal agency for implementation.