1. Recently, who were named the women’s and men’s player of the year, respectively, at the sixth annual Hockey India Awards?
[A] Gurjit Kaur and Manpreet Singh
[B] Rani Rampal and Vivek Prasad
[C] Salima Tete and Hardik Singh
[D] Savita Punia and Krishan Pathak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Salima Tete and Hardik Singh ]
Notes:
Hockey India Awards 2023 were held on March 31, 2024, in New Delhi. Salima Tete and Hardik Singh were named Women’s and Men’s Players of the Year, respectively. Started in 2014, the awards honor India’s top hockey talents. Hardik Singh, Vice-Captain from Punjab, won FIH Player of the Year and Best Midfielder awards. Salima Tete, from Jharkhand, received recognition for her achievements at the Asian Games and as the AHF Emerging Player of the Year.
2. What is AI Hume, recently seen in news?
[A] Use of AI to find and predict financial frauds
[B] World’s first conversational AI with emotional intelligence
[C] It provides real time update on election results
[D] Humanoid robot
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World’s first conversational AI with emotional intelligence]
Notes:
Hume, a New York-based research lab, unveiled the first emotionally intelligent conversational AI named Empathic Voice Interface (EVI). It utilizes live audio input, returning both audio and transcripts with vocal expression measures. Powered by an empathic large language model (eLLM), it understands tones and word emphasis, optimizing human-AI conversations. Trained on human reactions, EVI learns from users to enhance positive expressions. By analyzing speech nuances, it can determine when to speak and generate empathic language.
3. What is ‘Senna spectabilis’, recently seen in news?
[A] Highly invasive tree
[B] Asteroid
[C] Exoplanet
[D] Black hole
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Highly invasive tree]
Notes:
The forest department is eradicating Senna spectabilis, a highly invasive tree, from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Originally introduced as ornamental trees by private estates, the Madras High Court ordered their removal due to ecological impact on local reserves. Belonging to the legume family, native to South and Central America, it’s also known as golden wonder tree for its bright yellow flowers. Despite medicinal uses, including treating ringworm and food-borne pathogens, its removal is necessary for preserving local ecology.
4. Recently, who has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Niger?
[A] Pankaj Saran
[B] P. R. Chakraborty
[C] Vikram Misri
[D] Sita Ram Meena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sita Ram Meena]
Notes:
Mr. Sita Ram Meena, a 2008 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, this appointment marks a significant career advancement. Mr. Meena’s diplomatic experience and expertise position him well for this new role, which underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Niger on the international stage.
5. Shigmo festival, recently seen in news, is celebrated in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
Spring has sprung in Goa, igniting the vibrant Shigmo Festival, celebrating Konkan tradition. Lasting from March 26 to April 8, 2024, it bids farewell to winter, welcoming spring’s warmth. A fusion of Holi’s energy and carnival’s flamboyance, Shigmo showcases grand parades with folk performances and mythological floats. Held annually in Panaji, it embodies the essence of springtime bliss for Goans, echoing through the streets with two weeks of arts and culture.
6. ‘One Vehicle One FASTag’ initiative, recently in news, is launched by which organization?
[A] Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
[B] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
[C] National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
[D] National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)]
Notes:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the ‘One Vehicle One FASTag’ initiative to boost the adoption of FASTags for toll collection on national highways. It aims to link each vehicle with a single FASTag, curbing misuse of multiple tags per vehicle. This move enhances toll collection efficiency and streamlines the process, contributing to smoother traffic flow.
7. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), recently seen in news, is mostly occurred in which species/group?
[A] Cattle
[B] Fish
[C] Wild cat
[D] Birds
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cattle]
Notes:
Indian scientists have made significant strides in decoding the genetic structure of the lumpy skin disease virus, responsible for the deaths of around 100,000 cattle since May 2022. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral infection affecting cattle, caused by the LSDV, a member of the capripoxvirus genus. Though endemic in Africa, Middle East, and parts of Asia, LSD doesn’t infect humans and spreads through blood-feeding insects or contaminated feeding and water sources.
8. What is the name of the Indian Coast Guard ship that recently made a port call in Vietnam as part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries?
[A] Tara Bai
[B] Samrat
[C] Samudra Paheredar
[D] Priyadarshini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Samudra Paheredar]
Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Paheredar, along with a helicopter, docked at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on April 02, 2024, continuing its ASEAN deployment. Crew will focus on marine pollution response, search & rescue, and law enforcement through professional interactions, training, and sports events with Vietnam Coast Guard. Demonstrating India’s shipbuilding prowess, the visit strengthens bilateral ties and showcases cooperation. 25 NCC cadets will join in environmental activities.
9. ‘Jobs for Resilience report’, recently seen in news, is released by which organization?
[A] World Bank
[B] IMF
[C] ILO
[D] WTO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
The World Bank’s ‘South Asia Regional Update: Jobs for Resilience report’ highlights that the region, including India, isn’t leveraging its demographic dividend due to insufficient job creation. While projecting a robust 6.0-6.1% growth for 2024-25, South Asia’s output surpasses other emerging markets, largely driven by India. However, private investment remains weak, posing downside risks to growth. The report emphasizes the need for addressing underlying vulnerabilities to sustain growth in the region.
10. 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.
