1. Recently, which institute hosted the International Chess Federation (FIDE) rated chess tournament?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Madras]
Notes:
IIT Madras hosts the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament from March 30 to 31, 2024, in Chennai. It’s the sole IIT in India to conduct an annual Open Rapid Rating Tournament. Over 35 players from IIT Madras join, alongside international players from countries like Australia, England, America, and Singapore. Notable participants include six grandmasters, sixteen International Masters, three female grandmasters, and a Woman International Master.
2. Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS), a residential energy conservation building code, was developed by which organization?
[A] Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
[B] Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
[C] Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
[D] Department of Science & Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)]
Notes:
The Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) introduced the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), a metric measuring heat transfer in buildings. It’s a Residential Energy Conservation Building code by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), setting standards for energy-efficient residential buildings. ENS 2018 (Part 1) focuses on envelope designs, while ENS Part 2 (ENS 2021) addresses code compliance and electromechanical systems. Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage, aiming for an RETV of 15W/m² or less for optimal efficiency and comfort.
3. Recently, how many sites have been added to the Global Geoparks network?
[A] 16
[B] 17
[C] 18
[D] 19
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [18]
Notes:
In March 2024, UNESCO’s Executive Board added 18 new sites to the Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 213 across 48 countries. The new sites are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Global Geoparks are single geographical areas that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. ‘NICES Programme’, recently seen in news, is operated by which organization?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] IEA
[D] SEBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
NICES programme, operated by ISRO and the Department of Space, called upon Indian researchers to combat climate change. Launched in 2012 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, NICES monitors climate variability using Earth Observation satellites. Its objectives include disseminating Essential Climate Variables crucial for understanding Earth’s climate. With over 70 accessible geophysical variables, NICES focuses on space-based indicators, weather extremes, and climate services.
8. 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
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. Papikonda National Park, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh government is taking measures to prevent forest fires in Papikonda National Park (PNP), receiving technical assistance. PNP, located in the Eastern Ghats, is crucial for high precipitation and hosts the River Godavari. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and upgraded to a national park in 2008, it’s recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The region also boasts a unique dwarf goat breed, the “kanchu mekha.”