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. What is ‘J-slab ballastless track system’, recently seen in news?
[A] To analyze the impacts of industrial pollutants on public health
[B] System that promotes agricultural exports at grassroot level
[C] Type of railway track used for high speed trains
[D] To study the prevalence of infectious disease in rural areas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Type of railway track used for high speed trains]
Notes:
India is adopting the J-slab ballastless track system for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, marking its debut in the country. This system, designed for high-speed trains, replaces traditional ballasted tracks with pre-cast concrete slabs. Benefits include enhanced stability, reduced maintenance, and a smoother ride for passengers due to its uniform surface. Notably, the absence of ballast minimizes wear and tear, promising efficiency and durability for India’s ambitious rail infrastructure.
3. Vaigai, Mettur, and Papanasam dams, recently seen in news due to water level, are located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Recent news highlighted water levels in several dams including Vaigai, Mettur, and Papanasam. Vaigai Dam in Tamil Nadu serves Madurai’s water needs. Mettur Dam, on the Cauvery River, is one of India’s largest, with inflows from Karnataka. Papanasam Dam irrigates fields in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, considered holy due to its association with Lord Shiva.
4. Deanna Syme Tewari, who recently passed away, was associated with which sports?
[A] Long Jump
[B] Boxing
[C] Wrestling
[D] Hockey
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Long Jump]
Notes:
Deanna Syme Tewari, former Asian Games athlete and torchbearer at the 1982 Delhi edition, died in Dubai at 85. Representing Mysore State, she secured the long jump gold at the 1957 National Athletics Championship and 1958 National Games. She represented India at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. Deanna also served as the torchbearer for the 1982 Asian Games. Despite her athletic achievements, she eventually retired from the sport.
5. Recently, what target has the India set for the export of marine products in 2023-24?
[A] $9.1 billion
[B] $7.7 billion
[C] $8.6 billion
[D] $11.1 billion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [$9.1 billion]
Notes:
India aims to boost marine product exports to $12 billion in two years through increased processing capacity and higher-value products. In 2022-23, exports totaled $8.09 billion. However, from April to February 2023-24, exports dipped 7.5% to $6.8 billion, largely due to decreased exports to the US and Europe. The government targets $9.1 billion in exports for 2023-24. India ranks third in fish production globally and second in aquaculture.
6. Recently, SJVN Limited has recently signed an agreement with which institute to improve performance of tunneling projects?
[A] IIT Patna
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Patna]
Notes:
SJVN Limited has partnered with IIT Patna to enhance tunnelling projects using advanced geological models. The agreement, signed in New Delhi on April 2, 2024, aims to develop predictive analytics algorithms for early risk detection, reducing time and cost. The priority lies in integrating diverse geotechnical data sources and evaluating overburden-deformation relationships. This strategic collaboration underscores both entities’ commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation in infrastructure projects.
7. Recently, venomous jellyfish blooms have been sighted at which place?
[A] Paradip coast, Odisha
[B] Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh
[C] Utkal coast, Odisha
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Venomous Pelagia noctilucas, or purple-striped jellyfish, are blooming along Visakhapatnam’s coast in Andhra Pradesh. Jellyfish blooms occur when populations rapidly increase due to warm ocean temperatures. These blooms detrimentally impact fishing and tourism industries. Natural factors like ocean and wind currents can also contribute to these occurrences.
8. Recently, which space organization is going to establish a Coordinated Lunar Time for the moon and other celestial bodies?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] JAXA
[D] ROSCOSMOS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NASA]
Notes:
The White House has instructed NASA to create a unified time standard, Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), for the moon and celestial bodies. This aims to set international norms in space amid a competitive lunar race. LTC, to be developed by 2026, will account for lunar gravitational forces and facilitate precision in missions and data transfers. International agreements will be necessary for its establishment, fostering coordination among spacefaring nations.
9. What is the unique characteristic of ‘Criollo cattle breed’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Adaptability to climate change
[B] Life expectancy
[C] Breeding capacity
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adaptability to climate change]
Notes:
Irish researchers at University College Dublin discovered that Criollo cattle excel in adapting to a warming world due to their long-established resilience to hot and humid climates. Through micro-evolutionary analysis, they identified advantageous coat traits for solar radiation tolerance. Utilizing whole-genome sequencing, they pinpointed genes associated with thermotolerance, reproduction, fertility, and disease immunity.
10. According to RBI, what is the projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25)?
[A] 3.2%
[B] 4.5%
[C] 5.1%
[D] 5.5%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [4.5%]
Notes:
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, leading the Monetary Policy Committee, has maintained the repo rate at 6.5% for the 7th consecutive time, as announced on April 5, 2024. Predicting a 7% growth for India’s economy in FY 25, with a 4.5% expected Consumer Price Index inflation, Das emphasized inflation control and pledged an accommodative policy for growth. The first MPC meeting for FY 2024-25 convened from April 3-5, with the next scheduled for June 5-7, 2024.
