1. Decision Support System (DSS), recently seen in news, is discovered by which institutional organization?
[A] Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
[C] Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow
[D] Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune]
Notes:
The Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi’s air pollution, developed by IITM Pune, will resume in September with new features. It forecasts Delhi’s air quality and pollution sources, including emissions from Delhi and neighboring districts. It also assesses the impact of emission interventions and biomass burning. Now, it will extend to eight surrounding NCR districts. DSS, operational in winter, halted temporarily due to forecast discrepancies. It collaborates with SAFAR for comprehensive air quality data.
2. Clean Energy Transitions Programme annual report 2023, recently released by which government agency?
[A] International Energy Agency (IEA)
[B] Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [International Energy Agency (IEA) ]
Notes:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently released its 2023 Clean Energy Transitions Programme report. Established in 2017, the program aims to accelerate global progress towards a net-zero energy system, aligning with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. IEA, founded in 1974 amidst an oil crisis, operates within the OECD framework, collaborating with governments and industries worldwide. With 31 member countries and stringent criteria for candidacy, it focuses on shaping a secure, sustainable energy future.
3. What is the rank of India’s ‘GeM portal’ as an e-commerce platform in the world?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Third
[D] Fifth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Third]
Notes:
India’s Government e-Market (GeM) portal ranks as the world’s third-largest e-commerce platform for public procurement. GeM’s CEO PK Singh reported a gross merchandise value (GMV) exceeding Rs 4 lakh crore, doubling from the previous fiscal year. Launched in 2016, GeM facilitates transactions between government institutions and vendors, driving digital inclusion. The platform recorded Rs 2.01 lakh crore in orders for the last fiscal year, showcasing its significant growth trajectory.
4. REC Limited, recently won the SKOCH ESG Award 2024, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Power]
Notes:
REC Limited, a Ministry of Power entity, clinched the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in ‘Renewable Energy Financing’. This accolade acknowledges REC’s dedication to sustainable financing, driving the shift towards renewable energy. As a pivotal player in India’s clean energy transition, REC spearheads numerous sustainable projects and engages in discussions with developers across various green sectors. The SKOCH ESG Awards highlight organizations’ commitment to environmental, social, and governance factors, crucial for India’s sustainable future.
5. Recently, who has taken over as president of industry body ASSOCHAM for 2024-25?
[A] Vineet Agarwal
[B] Sanjay Nayar
[C] Deepak Sood
[D] Sunil Kanoria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sanjay Nayar]
Notes:
Sanjay Nayar, former chairman of Sorin Investment Fund, assumes presidency at ASSOCHAM for 2024-25, succeeding Ajay Singh of SpiceJet. Nayar, with extensive global financial experience, notably at Citigroup and KKR, retired in 2023. He played pivotal roles in establishing KKR India operations and serves on Nykaa’s board. Active in various industry bodies, Nayar aims to bolster sustainability initiatives during his tenure, aligning with India’s developmental objectives.
6. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, recently seen in news, became the president of which country?
[A] Egypt
[B] Sudan
[C] Vietnam
[D] Poland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Egypt]
Notes:
Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in as Egypt’s president for a third term on April 2, 2024, extending his presidency until 2030. Winning the December 2023 election with 88.6% of votes, he faced minimal opposition. Formerly a military officer, Sisi became Egypt’s de facto leader in 2013 after Mohamed Morsi’s ousting. He first won presidency in 2014, securing a second term in 2018. Constitutional amendments in 2019 prolonged presidential terms to six years.
7. What is Havana Syndrome, recently seen in news?
[A] Set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence
[B] Abnormal rise in temperature leading to outbreak of bacterial diseases in Havana
[C] Neglected tropical disease caused due to under-nourishment
[D] It is a genetic disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence]
Notes:
Members of a Russian military intelligence unit are suspected of targeting US officials’ brains with directed energy weapons, leading to symptoms known as Havana syndrome. This condition, reported by US embassy officials in Cuba in 2016, involves migraines, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. India witnessed its first case in 2021 when a US intelligence officer traveling with CIA Director William Burns reported symptoms in New Delhi, raising concerns about similar incidents worldwide.
8. Recently, President of India launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at which place?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Hyderabad
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Bombay]
Notes:
India’s President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched the nation’s inaugural home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay. The groundbreaking “CAR-T cell therapy” offers affordable hope in the cancer fight. This medical milestone, a part of ‘Make in India,’ embodies ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ Developed collaboratively by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoACT, it marks a significant achievement in research and development. Gene therapy holds promise in treating various diseases, heralding a new era in healthcare.
9. Recently, which airport became the 14th airport in India to launch the Digi Yatra system?
[A] Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, Bihar
[B] Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh
[C] Manohar International Airport, Goa
[D] Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manohar International Airport, Goa]
Notes:
The Manohar International Airport, Mopa, joins 13 others in India adopting the Digi Yatra system, enhancing travel convenience. Launched by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, it utilizes facial recognition to streamline passenger verification, reducing wait times and simplifying procedures. Passengers download the DigiYatra app, link it to their Aadhaar number, and create a Digi Yatra ID for ticket purchase. At the airport, scanning the boarding pass initiates facial recognition for seamless entry.
10. Pathimalai Cave, recently seen in news due to ancient rock paintings, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Pathimalai cave hosts ancient rock art, approximately 3,000 years old, depicting an elephant, a chariot (sometimes interpreted as a peacock), and early dwellers’ lives. Located near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the site lacks protection, endangering the paintings. This artwork, drawn in white pigments, is significant in the Kongu region. Unlike other rock art sites, Pathimalai is easily accessible, situated at the base of a rocky hillock amidst farmland, drawing visitors’ attention.