1. Recently, who has been elected as the new President of the European Council of the European Union?
[A] Charles Michel
[B] Antonio Costa
[C] Herman Van Rompuy
[D] Von der Leyen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Antonio Costa]
Notes:
Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, was elected President of the European Council, replacing Charles Michel, effective October 1, 2024. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will be the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The European Council elects its President by secret ballot for a 2.5-year term, renewable once. The President leads the Council’s work and represents the EU internationally.
2. Svalbard, recently seen in the news, is an archipelago located in which ocean?
[A] Arctic Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Atlantic Ocean
[D] Pacific Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arctic Ocean]
Notes:
Scientists are exploring hydrothermal vents on Svalbard’s Knipovich Ridge, a 500-km-long ridge in the Arctic Ocean. Svalbard, discovered in 1596 by Willem Barentsz, is an Arctic archipelago under Norwegian sovereignty. It lies between the North Pole and Norway, covering 61,022 sq.km with a majority glaciated. Featuring Spitsbergen as its largest island, Svalbard experiences Arctic conditions, including midnight sun and polar night due to its location in the Arctic Circle.
3. Recently, the Central Railway has inaugurated its first-ever floating solar plant with a 10 MWp capacity in which lake of India?
[A] Lonar lake
[B] Periyar lake
[C] Venna lake
[D] Igatpuri lake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Igatpuri lake ]
Notes:
Central Railway has inaugurated India’s first floating solar plant, a 10 MWp installation on Igatpuri lake in the Western Ghats. This initiative marks a milestone in Indian Railways’ clean energy efforts, aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Additional rooftop solar plants totaling 12.05 MWp have saved Rs. 4.62 crores and reduced carbon footprints by 6594.81 MT in 2023-24. Plans include installing 7 MWp more this year, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy transition.
4. Which two states recently signed an agreement for the implementation of the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project?
[A] Haryana and Punjab
[B] Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
[D] Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Chief Ministers signed an MoU for the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project in Bhopal. This initiative aims to transfer surplus water from Southern Rajasthan’s rivers to water-scarce districts in southeastern Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh. It will irrigate 2.8 lakh hectares and benefit 13 districts in Rajasthan, along with Malwa and Chambal regions in Madhya Pradesh, fostering interstate cooperation and developmental corridors between religious sites.
5. Alexandria, a port city recently in the news due to the visit of INS Tabar, is located in which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] France
[C] Egypt
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Egypt]
Notes:
Indian Naval Ship Tabar recently visited Alexandria, Egypt, highlighting India’s commitment to bilateral relations. INS Tabar, a Talwar-class stealth frigate commissioned in 2004 in Russia, embodies the motto “Guts and Glory.” This visit underscores India’s strategic maritime engagement, emphasizing regional cooperation and naval capabilities.
6. Recently, which organization has approved a $1.5 billion loan to support India’s green hydrogen initiatives?
[A] World Bank
[B] International Monetary Fund
[C] International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
[D] International Development Association
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
The World Bank approved $1.5 billion to support India’s low-carbon energy development. The funding will boost green hydrogen, electrolysers, and renewable energy. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and energy goals: achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070.
7. Which state government has recently launched ‘Lokpath Mobile App’ for resolving road problems?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav introduced the Lokpath Mobile App to enhance transparency and public welfare. Developed by the Public Works Department, the app aims to improve the state’s 40,000 km highways by enabling the public to report road issues. It ensures accountability, with officers expected to resolve complaints within seven days. The app is downloadable from the Public Works Department’s website and promotes an open, efficient working system.
8. What is the primary function of ‘Groynes’, recently mentioned in news?
[A] To trap sediment and prevent longshore drift
[B] To create artificial reefs for marine life
[C] To facilitate beach nourishment through sand recycling
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To trap sediment and prevent longshore drift]
Notes:
In an effort to combat coastal erosion in Kerala’s Poonthura region, the irrigation department plans to construct eight groynes costing Rs 17.5 crore. Groynes, typically made of wood, rock, or concrete, extend from shore into the sea to trap sediment, dissipate wave energy, and counter longshore drift. They reduce erosion, widen beaches, and require minimal maintenance, serving as durable structures crucial for stabilizing coastlines and supporting local activities.
9. Which ministry has recently launched Project Pari (Public Art of India)?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Ministry of Culture has launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) in conjunction with the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi from July 21-31, 2024. Executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art, this initiative aims to blend India’s rich artistic heritage with modern themes. Over 150 artists will create public artworks, democratizing art and enhancing cultural engagement nationwide.
10. How many new biosphere reserves recently added to World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)?
[A] 10
[B] 11
[C] 12
[D] 13
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [11]
Notes:
UNESCO designated 11 new biosphere reserves across Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Gambia, Italy, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, and Spain, including two transboundary reserves. Audrey Azoulay emphasized their role in biodiversity conservation amidst global challenges. Biosphere reserves aid scientific research, inform environmental policies, and support local sustainable development. With these additions, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves now totals 759 sites in 136 countries, covering 7.44 million square kilometers, showcasing diverse ecosystems and involving 275 million people worldwide.
