1. Gagan Shakti 2024 exercise, recently conducted by Indian Air Force at which place?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Pokhran
[C] Jodhpur
[D] Ajmer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pokhran]
Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’, the nation’s largest air military exercise, involving all Air Force stations. Held every five years, it will commence on April 1, 2024, at Pokhran’s field firing range. Approximately 10,000 airmen will participate, with maneuvers spanning the Western and Northern fronts. The Indian Army is aiding logistical support, ensuring synergy across sectors for operational rail mobilization.
2. Recently, who was honored with the ‘International Culture Award 2024’?
[A] Rizwana Hasan
[B] Meena Charanda
[C] Najla Mangoush
[D] Taif Sami Mohammed
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Meena Charanda]
Notes:
Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of Kalindi College, Delhi University, received the ‘International Culture Award’ in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to education and social service. The honor was bestowed upon her at the India International Center on March 30, 2024.
3. Which IIT recently signed an MoU with Canada based biotechnology company (Conlis Global) for bone grafting technology?
[A] IIT Roorkee
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Kanpur]
Notes:
IIT Kanpur recently signed an MoU with Conlis Global, a Canadian biotech company, for licensing a groundbreaking technology promoting bone healing and regeneration. Nano Hydroxyapatite-based Porous Composite Scaffolds, developed indigenously, possess biodegradable, osteoinductive, and osteopromotive properties crucial for bone regeneration. Highly biocompatible, these scaffolds demonstrate robust mechanical strength and foster excellent interaction between polymer networks and solvents, facilitating cell-material interactions with osteoblast cells.
4. Recently, which country of East Africa was hit by the tropical cyclone named ‘Gamane’?
[A] Madagascar
[B] Tanzania
[C] Kenya
[D] Mauritius
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madagascar]
Notes:
Tropical cyclone Gamane struck Madagascar, claiming 18 lives and displacing thousands, reported by the country’s disaster management office. Madagascar, the world’s second-largest island, spans 592,800 sq. kilometers in the Indian Ocean. Its geography comprises three regions: eastern coastal strip, central plateau, and western low plateaus. The Tsaratanana Massif in the north hosts Maromokotro, Madagascar’s highest peak at 2,876 m.
5. Konda Reddi tribe, recently seen in news, is primarily inhabits in which state of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the Godavari region, possess valuable indigenous knowledge. They reside along the Godavari river and in hilly forests of Andhra Pradesh. Their language, Telugu, has a distinct accent. Marriage customs include negotiations, elopement, and capture. The tribe practices Folk Hinduism, worshiping local deities. They have a patriarchal family structure allowing polygamy.
6. Maravakandy Dam, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
With fishing halted, migratory birds flock to Maravakandy Dam in the Nilgiris. Situated 35 km from Ooty in Tamil Nadu, it was constructed in 1951 over Aravarihalla stream, a Sigur River tributary. This dam serves as the main water source for the Moyar hydroelectric powerhouse, attracting diverse avian species during migratory seasons.
7. Recently, which two countries have partially joined the Schengen area, the ID-check-free travel zone in Europe?
[A] Poland and Spain
[B] Romania and Bulgaria
[C] Sweden and Portugal
[D] Denmark and Ireland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Romania and Bulgaria ]
Notes:
Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, marking a significant step in their integration with the European Union. After years of negotiations, air and sea travelers from both countries now have ID-check-free access. However, land border checks persist, notably due to Austria’s concerns over illegal migration. The Schengen Area, established in 1985, encompasses 23 EU states plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Prior to this expansion, around 3.5 million people crossed internal borders daily.
8. Recently, which port in India emerged as the top cargo-handling port in India in 2023-24?
[A] Karaikal port
[B] Paradip port
[C] Kandla port
[D] Kochi port
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Paradip port]
Notes:
Paradip Port Authority in Odisha surpassed Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla as India’s top cargo-handling major port in 2023-24. Handling 145.38 MMT of cargo, it registered a 7.4% growth from the previous year. It’s capable of handling 289 MMT. Notably, it excels in coastal shipping, handling 59.19 MMT of coastal traffic and achieving highest productivity among major ports. Established in 1962, it became India’s 8th major port in 1966, now under the Ministry of Ports.
9. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, recently seen in news, became the first woman Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Angola
[B] Zambia
[C] Congo
[D] Rwanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Congo]
Notes:
Judith Suminwa Tuluka became the Democratic Republic of Congo’s first female Prime Minister, succeeding Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde. This historic appointment by President Felix Tshisekedi fulfilled a campaign promise. Tuluka, former Planning Minister, and assumed office just a month after Lukonde resigned from the position, which he held for three years. Her appointment marks a significant step towards gender equality and representation in Congolese politics.
10. Recently, which institution established the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) as a new tool to combat cybercrime?
[A] RBI
[B] CBI
[C] SEBI
[D] NABARD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to establish the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to counter cybercrime, focusing on legal app approval and curbing illegal loan apps. DIGITA aims to centralize verification of digital lending apps, ensuring compliance with RBI regulations. Unverified apps may face penalties and law enforcement action. Maintaining a public list of approved apps, DIGITA enhances consumer protection and aids in combating financial crimes in the digital lending sector.