Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024
21. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Telangana
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
[B] Telangana
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
Close to 100 hectares of forest were recently destroyed by fire in the Sulthan Bathery forest range within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS), located in Wayanad, Kerala. Established in 1973, the sanctuary spans approximately 344.44 sq. km and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It shares borders with protected areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is home to various tribes and boasts diverse flora, including teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.
Close to 100 hectares of forest were recently destroyed by fire in the Sulthan Bathery forest range within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS), located in Wayanad, Kerala. Established in 1973, the sanctuary spans approximately 344.44 sq. km and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It shares borders with protected areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is home to various tribes and boasts diverse flora, including teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.
22. Which country has signed USD 375 million deal with India in defence sector?
[A] Philippines
[B] Vietnam
[C] Egypt
[D] Malaysia
[B] Vietnam
[C] Egypt
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: A [Philippines]
Notes:
India will deploy defense attaches in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Armenia, and Poland to bolster strategic ties. This initiative aligns with India’s goal to expand global partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions. Notably, India aims to strengthen defense relations with the Philippines to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Recent deals include a USD 375 million agreement for BrahMos missiles. High-level discussions emphasize mutual security and development goals.
India will deploy defense attaches in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Armenia, and Poland to bolster strategic ties. This initiative aligns with India’s goal to expand global partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions. Notably, India aims to strengthen defense relations with the Philippines to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. Recent deals include a USD 375 million agreement for BrahMos missiles. High-level discussions emphasize mutual security and development goals.
23. PACE Satellite, recently seen in news, was launched by which space agency?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] JAXA
[D] CNSA
[B] NASA
[C] JAXA
[D] CNSA
Correct Answer: B [NASA]
Notes:
NASA’s PACE satellite, launched into Sun-synchronous orbit, now shares high-quality Earth observation data publicly. Equipped with the Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI), alongside polarimeters SPEXone and HARP2, it enhances aerosol, cloud, and ocean research. OCI’s broad spectral range aids in phytoplankton identification. This data facilitates studies on oceanic life, air particles, fisheries health, algal blooms, pollution, and climate change impacts on the atmosphere and oceans, advancing scientific understanding.
NASA’s PACE satellite, launched into Sun-synchronous orbit, now shares high-quality Earth observation data publicly. Equipped with the Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI), alongside polarimeters SPEXone and HARP2, it enhances aerosol, cloud, and ocean research. OCI’s broad spectral range aids in phytoplankton identification. This data facilitates studies on oceanic life, air particles, fisheries health, algal blooms, pollution, and climate change impacts on the atmosphere and oceans, advancing scientific understanding.
24. Which organization recently developed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[C] Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[C] Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Correct Answer: B [Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a novel hydrogel to remove microplastics from water. This hydrogel, with a unique polymer network, binds and degrades microplastics using UV light. It comprises three polymer layers: chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline, combined with copper substitute polyoxometalate nanoclusters acting as catalysts. Microplastics, typically less than 5mm, are categorized as primary (from commercial products) and secondary (resulting from larger plastic breakdown due to environmental factors).
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed a novel hydrogel to remove microplastics from water. This hydrogel, with a unique polymer network, binds and degrades microplastics using UV light. It comprises three polymer layers: chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline, combined with copper substitute polyoxometalate nanoclusters acting as catalysts. Microplastics, typically less than 5mm, are categorized as primary (from commercial products) and secondary (resulting from larger plastic breakdown due to environmental factors).
25. Recently, which institution has issued a drug safety alert over the use of the anti-inflammatory drug Nimesulide?
[A] Indian Council of Medical Research
[B] Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
[C] Indian Veterinary Research Institute
[D] Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences
[B] Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
[C] Indian Veterinary Research Institute
[D] Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences
Correct Answer: B [Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission ]
Notes:
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) issued a safety alert regarding Nimesulide, an anti-inflammatory drug. IPC, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, updates drug standards regularly. It publishes the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), setting standards for drug identity, purity, and strength for human and animal healthcare. Additionally, IPC promotes the rational use of generic medicines by publishing the National Formulary of India.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) issued a safety alert regarding Nimesulide, an anti-inflammatory drug. IPC, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, updates drug standards regularly. It publishes the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), setting standards for drug identity, purity, and strength for human and animal healthcare. Additionally, IPC promotes the rational use of generic medicines by publishing the National Formulary of India.
26. Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) weapon system, recently in the news, is developed by which organization?
[A] ISRO
[B] CSIR
[C] DRDO
[D] IEA
[B] CSIR
[C] DRDO
[D] IEA
Correct Answer: C [DRDO]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Army jointly conducted successful field tests of the indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system. Designed by DRDO, it includes the MPATGM, launcher, target acquisition device, and fire control unit. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the achievement, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology. Tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Range on April 13, 2024, showcased remarkable missile and warhead performance.
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Army jointly conducted successful field tests of the indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system. Designed by DRDO, it includes the MPATGM, launcher, target acquisition device, and fire control unit. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the achievement, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology. Tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Range on April 13, 2024, showcased remarkable missile and warhead performance.
27. According to Airports Council International (ACI), which airport has been named among the world’s top 10 busiest airports for 2023?
[A] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Gujarat
[B] Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
[D] Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
[B] Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
[D] Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
Correct Answer: B [Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi]
Notes:
In 2023, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport secured a spot among the world’s top 10 busiest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the list. Ranked tenth, Delhi’s airport saw significant traffic, amidst a global total passenger forecast nearing 8.5 billion. This marks a notable recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic levels, highlighting resurgence in air travel post-COVID-19. The list was released by the Airports Council International (ACI), reflecting a promising trend in global aviation.
In 2023, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport secured a spot among the world’s top 10 busiest airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the list. Ranked tenth, Delhi’s airport saw significant traffic, amidst a global total passenger forecast nearing 8.5 billion. This marks a notable recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic levels, highlighting resurgence in air travel post-COVID-19. The list was released by the Airports Council International (ACI), reflecting a promising trend in global aviation.
28. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) recently signed an MoU with which institution for co-operation in research and technology?
[A] IIT Mandi
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Ahmedabad
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Ahmedabad
Correct Answer: A [IIT Mandi]
Notes:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh for collaboration in research and technology. The MoU focuses on semiconductors, quantum technologies, and drones. It aims to strengthen the synergies between BEL and IIT-Mandi, and to improve the quality and range of solutions BEL provides to its customers. The MoU also supports the indigenization of products and a solution supplied by BEL to its customers, and is in line with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh for collaboration in research and technology. The MoU focuses on semiconductors, quantum technologies, and drones. It aims to strengthen the synergies between BEL and IIT-Mandi, and to improve the quality and range of solutions BEL provides to its customers. The MoU also supports the indigenization of products and a solution supplied by BEL to its customers, and is in line with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative.
29. What is ‘Gaia-BH3’, recently seen in news?
[A] Communication satellite
[B] Nuclear ballistic submarine
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Massive stellar black hole
[B] Nuclear ballistic submarine
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Massive stellar black hole
Correct Answer: D [Massive stellar black hole]
Notes:
Astronomers have identified Gaia-BH3, the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way. Discovered through data from the Gaia mission, it causes an unusual ‘wobbling’ of its companion star. Confirmed by ground-based observatories, it boasts a mass 33 times that of our sun, located 1,926 light-years away in Aquila. Gaia-BH1, another nearby black hole, has nearly 10 solar masses. Sagittarius A* remains the galaxy’s most massive black hole.
Astronomers have identified Gaia-BH3, the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way. Discovered through data from the Gaia mission, it causes an unusual ‘wobbling’ of its companion star. Confirmed by ground-based observatories, it boasts a mass 33 times that of our sun, located 1,926 light-years away in Aquila. Gaia-BH1, another nearby black hole, has nearly 10 solar masses. Sagittarius A* remains the galaxy’s most massive black hole.
30. Bhandasar Jain Temple, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Bhandasar Jain Temple, a ghee-made marvel in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was built by Jain merchant Bhandasa Oswal. Dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinatha, it’s under Archaeological Survey of India protection. During a drought, 40,000 kilograms of ghee substituted water in its construction. Its red sandstone structure, adorned with intricate yellow-stone carvings, stands three stories tall. The sanctum is crowned with a shikhara, while ornate paintings and frescoes depict Tirthankaras’ lives.
The Bhandasar Jain Temple, a ghee-made marvel in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was built by Jain merchant Bhandasa Oswal. Dedicated to the 5th Tirthankara, Sumatinatha, it’s under Archaeological Survey of India protection. During a drought, 40,000 kilograms of ghee substituted water in its construction. Its red sandstone structure, adorned with intricate yellow-stone carvings, stands three stories tall. The sanctum is crowned with a shikhara, while ornate paintings and frescoes depict Tirthankaras’ lives.