1. What is ‘Syntrichia caninervis’, recently seen in news?
[A] Malware
[B] A species of spider
[C] Weather monitoring satellite
[D] A species of desert moss
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [A species of desert moss ]
Notes:
Scientists identified Syntrichia caninervis, a desert moss with potential for space exploration. This moss is extremely tolerant to drought, cold, and radiation, recovering from over 98% water loss within seconds, withstanding temperatures as low as -196°C, and enduring gamma radiation with a half-lethal dose of 5,000 Gy. Widely distributed globally, it thrives in deserts and mountainous regions. Its unique leaf awn collects water efficiently, making it ideal for harsh environments.
2. Which university recently collaborated with the Haryana government for the establishment of a centre of excellence in forensic science training in Panchkula?
[A] National Law University
[B] Indian Institute of Science
[C] Banaras Hindu University
[D] Gujarat Forensic Sciences University
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat Forensic Sciences University]
Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh attended. This collaboration aims to enhance Haryana’s criminal justice system by leveraging NFSU’s expertise. Forensic teams will visit for serious offences, increasing the demand for forensic experts.
3. Recently, researchers of which country have discovered that zinc plays a crucial role in the nitrogen fixation process of legumes?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [France]
Notes:
Researchers in France discovered zinc’s crucial role in legume crop health. Zinc, a silvery blue-grey metal, is the fourth most widely used globally after steel, aluminum, and copper. In India, Rajasthan holds the largest lead-zinc ore reserves. Australia leads in global zinc reserves, followed by China and Russia. Zinc is essential for galvanizing steel due to its corrosion resistance and is used in die-castings and zinc oxide production for paints and rubber.
4. Recently, IAF chief inaugurated Weapon Systems School (WSS) in which city?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Kolkata
[D] Bhopal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hyderabad]
Notes:
The Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad. The WSS aims to modernize the Indian Air Force (IAF) by providing effect-based, contemporary training to officers of the newly formed branch. Flight Cadets in the WS Branch will undertake their second semester of training at this institute, aligning with the IAF’s future-oriented goals.
5. Recently, which country successfully test-fired an air-surface anti-radiation missile ‘Rudram-1’?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India successfully test-fired the Rudram-1, its first indigenous anti-radiation missile developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Key features include a launch platform on Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, INS-GPS navigation, and a Passive Homing Head. It has a range of 100-250 km and speeds up to Mach 2. Rudram-1 enhances the IAF’s Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability, acts as a force multiplier, and marks a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology.
6. What is a ‘Money Mule’, recently seen in news?
[A] Someone who invests in stocks
[B] Someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money for someone else
[C] A legitimate bank employee
[D] A financial advisor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money for someone else]
Notes:
Several high-street banks have restricted opening accounts for firms less than a year old due to suspicions of money mule activities linked to laundering and digital fraud. A money mule transfers illegally acquired money for criminals, aiding in laundering proceeds from crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking. Criminals use fake job adverts or social media posts to recruit money mules, who move funds via bank accounts, checks, virtual currency, or prepaid cards.
7. Which research institute of India has recently developed an anti-insecticide fabric that effectively neutralises organophosphate-based pesticides?
[A] Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture
[B] Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem)
[C] National Institute of Biomedical Genomics
[D] Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem)]
Notes:
In Bengaluru, the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) has developed an innovative anti-insecticide fabric. This fabric utilizes nucleophilic small molecules that covalently bond to neutralize organophosphate-based pesticides upon contact, even after 150 washes. It aims to protect farmers from chronic pesticide toxicity by detoxifying pesticides through nucleophile-mediated hydrolysis. Nucleophiles are attracted to electron-deficient areas in molecules, enabling effective pesticide neutralization and enhancing agricultural safety.
8. Which bank has recently introduced “MSME Sahaj”, a web-based digital business loans solution for MSMEs?
[A] Axis Bank
[B] State Bank of India
[C] Central Bank of India
[D] Union Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [State Bank of India]
Notes:
The State Bank of India (SBI) launched “MSME Sahaj”, a digital business loan solution tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Key features include financing against GST-registered invoices, a quick process under 15 minutes from application to disbursement, automated loan closure, and data-driven assessment using machine learning models and authentic GST and credit data. This initiative aims to boost working capital and address liquidity challenges for MSMEs effectively.
9. Which country recently hosted the ‘Global IndiaAI Summit 2024’?
[A] Ukraine
[B] India
[C] Bangladesh
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The Global IndiaAI Summit, held on July 3-4, 2024, in New Delhi, gathered over 2,000 AI experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. Concurrently, India hosted the 6th GPAI Ministerial Council meeting. Organized by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, both events highlighted India’s leadership in AI. Union Minister Jitin Prasada chaired the GPAI meeting, with India serving as the 2024 GPAI Chair and Serbia set for 2025.
10. Which state government has recently established a nine-member committee to investigate the contamination of the Kaveri River?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka state government formed a nine-member committee to investigate Kaveri River contamination. The Kaveri River, also known as the Cauvery, is sacred to Hindus and originates from Brahmagiri Hill in the Western Ghats at 1,341m elevation. It flows 800 km through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river basin covers 81,155 sq. km across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry. Major tributaries include the Harangi, Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavati, Lakshmantirtha, Kabbani, Suvarnavati, Bhavani, Noyil, and Amaravati. Key dams are Krishna Raja Sagara, Mettur, and Banasura Sagar.
