1. Cumbum valley, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grapes City of South India,” is known for Panneer Thratchai grapes, comprising 85% of India’s production. Introduced in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes thrive year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Cumbum Valley’s grapes, rich in nutrients, are used for wine, spirits, and more. Its location in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats adds to its allure.
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. Recently, who clinched the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, USA?
[A] Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner Jannik
[B] Daniil Medvedev and C. Norrie
[C] Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek
[D] Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden]
Notes:
Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna, with Australian partner Matthew Ebden, secured the 2024 Miami Open men’s doubles title on March 31, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. They overcame Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek, reclaiming their ATP World No.1 rank. Bopanna, breaking his own record, became the oldest player to win an ATP 1000 Masters Championship. He joins elite Indian players who have won the Miami Open.
4. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently delivered two Dornier 228 planes to which country?
[A] Peru
[B] Bolivia
[C] Guyana
[D] Chile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Guyana]
Notes:
India has delivered two Dornier-228 aircraft to Guyana as part of a Line of Credit, marking a new phase in their partnership. The Indian Air Force dispatched a team to Guyana for the delivery. The High Commission of India in Guyana expressed enthusiasm, stating it marks the start of a significant chapter in their bilateral relations. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Guyana through strategic collaborations.
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. Bhojshala Complex, sometimes seen in news, is situated in which state?
[A] Madhya Prdesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Prdesh]
Notes:
The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, is a historically contested site between Hindus and Muslims. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, it holds significance as a temple for Hindus and a mosque for Muslims. An arrangement by ASI allows Hindus to conduct pujas on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays. Recently, the Supreme Court rejected a stay on ongoing scientific surveys, emphasizing no physical alterations to the structure
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, a large scale damage to cardamom plantations has been reported in which state due to drought?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] West Bengal
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
Widespread damage to cardamom plantations in Kerala due to drought has led to significant losses for farmers. With fears of further crop destruction, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Idukki suggest strategies like foliar application of PPFM and disease prevention treatments to mitigate the impact on cardamom production, emphasizing the urgent need for action to safeguard livelihoods in affected regions.
9. India is planning to create its first privately managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by which year?
[A] 2025-26
[B] 2026-27
[C] 2024-25
[D] 2029-30
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2029-30]
Notes:
India aims to establish its inaugural privately managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) by 2029-30, allowing trading rights to the operator. As the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, India prioritizes stable petroleum supply. Presently, it has three operational SPRs with a combined capacity of 5.33 MMT. To bolster energy security, India plans two new facilities in Karnataka and Odisha, with private companies permitted to trade 100% of stored oil in a public-private partnership model, enhancing SPR capacity and financing.
10. Sannati Bhddhist site, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Bihar
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Sannati Buddhist site, discovered in the 1990s by ASI excavations, underwent neglect until a restoration project in 2022. Situated by the Bhima River near Kanaganahalli in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, it’s renowned for the Chandrala Parameshwari Temple. Notable findings include the Maha Stupa constructed over three phases from 3rd Century B.C. to 3rd Century A.D. and the Ranamandala area showcasing a chronological scale from prehistoric to early historic eras. An inscription in Prakrit using Brahmi script was also unearthed.