1. What is the primary aim of the Red Flag 24 exercise, recently held in Alaska?
[A] To conduct ground-based military operations
[B] To integrate aircrew in a multinational environment through advanced aerial combat training
[C] To train naval forces for maritime security
[D] To provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief training
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To integrate aircrew in a multinational environment through advanced aerial combat training]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for the Red Flag 24 exercise, deploying Rafale fighter jets. Red Flag 24, a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise, integrates multinational aircrews in realistic scenarios. Approximately 3100 service members and over 100 aircraft participate, using 77,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. This exercise has occurred since 1975.
2. Which organization recently released the ‘Global food policy report 2024’?
[A] World Bank
[B] Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
[C] International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
[D] International Labour Organization (ILO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)]
Notes:
The Global Food Policy Report 2024 by IFPRI reveals that 38% of Indians consume unhealthy foods, while only 28% eat all five recommended food groups. Malnutrition in India rose from 15.4% in 2011 to 16.6% in 2021. Adult overweight prevalence increased from 12.9% in 2006 to 16.4% in 2016. Processed food consumption is growing, with packaged foods’ share in household budgets nearly doubling to 12%.
3. What is the main objective of the Daksha project, recently seen in news?
[A] Studying black holes
[B] Analyzing the atmosphere of Mars
[C] Investigating explosive astrophysical sources like gamma-ray bursts
[D] Exploring the moon’s surface
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Investigating explosive astrophysical sources like gamma-ray bursts]
Notes:
The Daksha project plans to construct two high-energy space telescopes targeting gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and gravitational wave sources’ electromagnetic counterparts. Each telescope will detect energy from 1 keV to over 1 MeV. Positioned on opposite sides of Earth, they promise superior coverage compared to existing missions, anticipating the discovery of thousands of GRBs and dozens of high-energy binary neutron star mergers over a five-year mission. Other missions include Astrosat, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, and Swift Observatory.
4. Which day is observed as ‘World Milk Day’ every year?
[A] 1 June
[B] 2 June
[C] 3 June
[D] 4 June
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 June]
Notes:
World Milk Day, observed annually on June 1, emphasizes dairy’s role in global nutrition. Established in 2001 by the FAO, it celebrates milk as a vital food source and the dairy sector. Milk consumption dates back to the Neolithic age, evolving into a significant part of many cultures and religious traditions. However, modern challenges such as industrialized distribution and consumer preferences impact its consumption, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.
5. Funan Techno Canal project, recently seen in news, is associated with which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Cambodia
[C] Indonesia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cambodia]
Notes:
Cambodia plans to commence construction on the Funan Techo canal, a 180-kilometer project funded by China. This canal will link Kep, a coastal province, to the capital Phnom Penh via the Bassac River, diminishing reliance on Vietnamese ports for international shipping. It aims to boost Cambodia’s connectivity and trade autonomy.
6. Purana Qila, recently seen in news, was built on the banks of which river?
[A] Ganga
[B] Gomti
[C] Yamuna
[D] Narmada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yamuna]
Notes:
Recently, Purana Qila was handed over to the Sabhyata Foundation of the Dalmia Group under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme by the Ministry of Tourism. Located in New Delhi, it’s one of the oldest forts built on the banks of the Yamuna River, also known as Qila-e-Kohna. Built under Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, it reflects a blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture. The rectangular fort boasts three gates, notably the Bara Darwaza, combining Islamic and Hindu elements.
7. Recently, which research institute has developed a way of generating non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles (VLPs) in the laboratory?
[A] Central Drug Research Institute
[B] Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
[C] Institute of Advanced Virology
[D] Raman Research Institute
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Institute of Advanced Virology]
Notes:
Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, developed non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles (VLPs). VLPs resemble viruses but lack genetic material, making them non-infectious. They effectively create vaccines for diseases like HPV, hepatitis B, and malaria by triggering an immune response without causing symptoms. VLPs, sized 20-200 nm, enter lymph nodes to activate the immune system, offering immunity against the actual virus.
8. Recently, Claudia Shienbaum has been elected as the first woman President of which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Thailand
[C] Singapore
[D] Mexico
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mexico]
Notes:
Claudia Shienbaum has been elected as Mexico’s first woman president, marking a historic milestone in its 200-year history. With a decisive lead confirmed by the election commission, she received congratulations from her mentor, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The elections on June 2, 2024, also included over 20,000 political positions. Shienbaum will be sworn in on October 1, 2024.
9. Akatsuki Mission, recently seen in news, is associated with space agency?
[A] NASA
[B] JAXA
[C] ISRO
[D] CNSA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [JAXA]
Notes:
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) lost contact with Akatsuki, launched in 2010 as Japan’s first successful mission to another planet. Akatsuki, in an equatorial orbit around Venus, aimed to study its toxic atmosphere and volcanic surface, weather patterns, lightning, and super-rotation caused by strong winds. It complemented ESA’s Venus Express, operational until 2014, using ultraviolet and infrared cameras to globally map clouds and atmospheric structures.
10. Recently, which country emerged as India’s third largest export destination in 2023-24?
[A] Netherlands
[B] Mexico
[C] Malaysia
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Netherlands]
Notes:
The Netherlands became India’s third largest export destination in 2023-24, following the U.S. and UAE, despite a 3% dip in India’s overall merchandise shipments. Key exports to the Netherlands included petroleum products ($14.29 billion), electrical goods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Consequently, India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands rose to $17.4 billion, up from $13 billion in 2022-23, according to the Commerce Ministry data .
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