41. What is the primary objective of the VLF (Very Low Frequency) communication station established by Indian Navy, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] To enhance maritime security in the Arabian Sea
[B] To strengthen communication capabilities for naval operations
[C] To monitor seismic activity in the Bay of Bengal
[D] To facilitate space exploration missions from the Indian coast
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To strengthen communication capabilities for naval operations]
Notes:
The Indian Navy’s primary objective for its Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication station is to transmit fleet broadcasts and communicate with ships and submarines. VLF radio waves are used to communicate with submarines that are underwater. The Indian Navy has been operating a VLF facility for the last 24 years. The first VLF station was established at INS Kattabomman Radar Station in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu in 1990. The Navy is currently building a second VLF station in the Damagudem forest area near Puduru of Vikarabad mandal, Telangana. The new station is expected to be completed in 2027.
42. Recently, scientists have discovered a shallow “soda lake” in which country?
[A] Western Canada
[B] South Africa
[C] Australia
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Western Canada]
Notes:
Scientists have identified a shallow “soda lake” in western Canada resembling Darwin’s “warm little ponds,” potentially mirroring primordial Earth conditions. With a pH of 9-11, the lake’s alkalinity results from high carbonate concentration, particularly sodium carbonate. It may be saline due to sodium chloride and other salts. These lakes, common in arid regions, are highly productive ecosystems, driven by dissolved carbon dioxide.
43. Magnetometer boom, which was seen in the news, is associated with which mission?
[A] Chandrayaan 3
[B] Aditya-L1
[C] Gaganyaan
[D] NISAR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aditya-L1]
Notes:
ISRO announced the successful deployment of the 6-meter magnetometer boom on the Aditya-L1 satellite at Lagrange point L-1, after being stowed for 132 days since launch. The boom carries two advanced fluxgate magnetometer sensors, measuring interplanetary magnetic fields in space. Placed at three and six meters from the spacecraft, this minimizes spacecraft-generated magnetic field impact, ensuring accurate measurements. The dual-sensor setup aids in precise estimation of influences, enhancing scientific data collection.
44. Who has become the first woman to hold the rank of Subedar in the Indian Army?
[A] Preeti Rajak
[B] Rajeshwari Kumari
[C] Manisha Keer
[D] Shreyasi Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Preeti Rajak]
Notes:
Champion trap shooter Preeti Rajak made history as the first woman subedar in the Army, promoted from havildar. This marks a significant milestone as the Army recently opened soldier ranks to women in the Corps of Military Police (CMP). Subedar Rajak, a meritorious sportswoman in shooting, joined the Army in 2022 based on her trap shooting prowess. Currently, the CMP is the only Army branch with enlisted women, offering opportunities for aspiring female Agniveers.
45. Sukhbir Singh Gill, who passed away recently, was associated with which sports?
[A] Cricket
[B] Chess
[C] Football
[D] Hockey
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hockey]
Notes:
Sukhbir Singh Gill, a former Indian men’s hockey team player, passed away at 48. Representing Chandigarh in junior nationals, he joined the Indian under-21 team for a tournament in Belgium. Gill debuted at the 1995 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, securing first place. He became a key player, representing India at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where they finished seventh. Gill contributed to India’s gold medal win at the 2001 Men’s Hockey Champions Challenge in Malaysia, a notable achievement in his distinguished career.
46. What is the name of the house journal recently unveiled by the Indian Renewable Energy Department Agency?
[A] Pahal
[B] Suryodaya
[C] Ujjwal
[D] Prayas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pahal]
Notes:
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a Government of India enterprise, launched ‘Pahal,’ its Vigilance Department’s insightful house journal. Unveiled by Chairman & Managing Director Shri Pradip Kumar Das in New Delhi, the initiative aims at enhancing transparency, accountability, and promoting renewable energy initiatives. Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Ajay Kumar Sahani and senior officials attended the ceremony, marking a noteworthy step in advancing IREDA’s commitment to renewable energy.
47. Hermit crabs, recently seen in the news, are commonly found in which of the following habitats?
[A] Sandy- or muddy-bottomed marine waters
[B] Deserts
[C] Mountains
[D] Polar Regions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sandy- or muddy-bottomed marine waters]
Notes:
A recent study revealed that the majority of terrestrial hermit crab species worldwide utilize trash as shells. These small crustaceans lack their own shells, borrowing them from other animals, often using empty snail shells or other hollow objects for shelter. Found in sandy or muddy bottomed marine waters and occasionally on land and in trees, hermit crabs can grow up to 6 inches long. Despite their name, they are social creatures, living together in pairs or groups, and can live up to 10 years.
48. Torkham border, recently seen in the news, marks the boundary between which two countries?
[A] Iran and Afghanistan
[B] India and Pakistan
[C] Pakistan and Afghanistan
[D] India and China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pakistan and Afghanistan]
Notes:
Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan recently resumed as the Torkham border, a key northwestern crossing, reopened after a 10-day closure. The crossing, connecting Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to Afghanistan’s Nangarhar through the historic Khyber Pass, is vital for both countries’ economies. However, it has been a longstanding flashpoint due to its strategic significance and border porosity, leading to closures during clashes and, notably in 2021, being briefly seized by the Taliban during their offensive in Afghanistan.
49. Which state government has recently launched ‘Road Safety Force’ to prevent road accidents?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Punjab]
Notes:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the ‘Road Safety Force’ in Jalandhar, making Punjab the first state to initiate a dedicated road safety and traffic management force. Concerned about the high fatality rate of 17-18 lives lost daily in road accidents, Mann deployed 144 hi-tech vehicles and 5000 personnel to streamline traffic and enhance road safety across the state. This marks a significant step in addressing the pressing issue of road accidents in Punjab.
50. Eravikulam National Park, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Eravikulam National Park (ENP), in Kerala’s Idukki district, closing for the Nilgiri tahr’s calving season, hosts diverse flora and fauna. Declared a National Park in 1978, it spans 97 sq.km, featuring Anamudi, the highest peak south of the Himalayas. Famous for the “Neelakurinji” flower blooming every twelve years, the park experiences heavy monsoons. Rich in biodiversity, it houses species like Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, and hosts rare butterflies and the world’s largest moth, the Atlas moth.
