1. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which was seen in the news, primarily affect which animals?
[A] Deer, elk, and moose
[B] Cattle and sheep
[C] Pigs and Wolves
[D] Dogs and cats
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Deer, elk, and moose]
Notes:
New York State authorities confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer facility, highlighting its impact on deer, elk, and moose. CWD is a fatal neurological disease caused by prions that damage brain tissue in cervids. It leads to severe symptoms like weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, and eventually death. CWD spreads through bodily fluids and contaminated environments, but there is no evidence of it infecting humans. Symptoms can take up to 16 months to appear, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment available.
2. Which country recently discovered the saturn-sized exoplanet named TOI-6651b?
[A] China
[B] Israel
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [India]
Notes:
Researchers from India’s Physical Research Laboratory have discovered TOI-6651b, a dense, Saturn-sized exoplanet. This is the fourth exoplanet identified by PRL scientists, highlighting India’s role in space exploration. TOI-6651b weighs about 60 times that of Earth and has a radius five times larger. It resides in the “Neptunian desert,” a rare zone with few planets of this size, prompting questions about planetary formation. The planet orbits its star, TOI-6651, in 5.06 days, with an eccentric orbit that differs from typical gas giants. TOI-6651b’s density suggests it’s composed of 87% rocky and iron-rich materials, indicating unique evolutionary processes. This discovery challenges existing theories on planet formation, providing valuable insights into planetary system dynamics.
3. Bangladesh has won the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 title by defeating which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] India
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nepal]
Notes:
Bangladesh won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024, defending their title by beating Nepal 2-1. The final match took place at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. Nepal became the first runner-up in the tournament. Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli announced a cash prize for the Nepali women’s football team as an incentive for their achievement.
4. Which state government recently launched Deepam 2.0 scheme to provide free gas cylinders to eligible families?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the Deepam 2.0 scheme in Edupuram, Srikakulam district, as part of the “Super Six Promises” initiative. The scheme aims to provide free gas cylinders to eligible families to enhance their quality of life. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve living conditions and promote clean cooking energy in households, thereby enhancing health and safety. The scheme also includes financial support for women, aiming to reduce their financial burdens and reliance on traditional cooking methods, ultimately fostering women’s empowerment in the state.
5. What is the theme of World Cities Day 2024?
[A] Youth leading climate and local action for cities
[B] Valuing our communities and cities
[C] Financing sustainable urban future for all
[D] Act Local to Go Global
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Youth leading climate and local action for cities]
Notes:
World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31 to highlight sustainable urban development. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized it in 2013, with the first celebration in 2014. This observance addresses challenges posed by rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries like India. World Cities Day is part of Urban October, which begins with World Habitat Day. More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, making this conversation essential. The day encourages global discussions on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for everyone. This year’s theme is ‘Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities’.
6. Which organization has prepared the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) report?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[C] World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]
Notes:
The Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) is a crucial report being drafted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to offer policymakers a comprehensive assessment of environmental changes and effective solutions to combat pressing ecological issues. Scheduled for launch at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, GEO-7 will cover a broad spectrum of environmental topics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health with economic and social stability, thereby influencing decisions across various sectors for sustainable development.
7. What was the name of the journey completed by the autonomous surface vessel from Mumbai to Thoothukudi?
[A] Samudra Path
[B] Bharat Darshan
[C] Sagarmala Parikrama
[D] Swavlamban Voyage
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sagarmala Parikrama]
Notes:
The autonomous surface vessel completed a 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi as part of the ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ journey. The journey was flagged off virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the NIIO’s annual event, Swavlamban. The initiative is supported by the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). This achievement highlights India’s progress in autonomous systems for defense, enhancing capabilities in coastal surveillance, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.
8. Where was the 83rd annual session of the Indian Roads Congress held?
[A] Raipur
[B] Bhopal
[C] Jaipur
[D] Varanasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raipur]
Notes:
The 83rd annual session of the Indian Roads Congress is in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the four-day event, ending on November 11. Gadkari released three new guidelines and a manual on road construction and safety. Over 2,000 experts, scientists, and engineers are attending. Eighteen documents on road construction and safety are under discussion. The Congress sets standards and guidelines for road and bridge infrastructure development. A Highway Research Board meeting will focus on using lab research, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices. Participants include central and state officials, researchers, IITs, and private sector representatives.
9. Where was the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children held?
[A] Moscow, Russia
[B] Bogotá, Colombia
[C] Paris, France
[D] Moscow, Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bogotá, Colombia]
Notes:
The 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children was held in Bogotá, Colombia. The conference was hosted by Colombia and Sweden, in partnership with UNICEF, WHO, and the UN Special Representative on Ending Violence Against Children. Violence against children includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It affects half of the world’s child population, with corporal punishment impacting three out of five children at home. Violence is often hidden, with fewer than half of affected children reporting it, and less than 10% receiving help (WHO).
10. Pandit Ram Narayan, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Music
[B] Journalism
[C] Politics
[D] Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Music]
Notes:
Pandit Ram Narayan, the legendary Sarangi maestro, passed away at the age of 96 in Mumbai. He was a renowned Hindustani musician, known for his mastery of the Sarangi. He received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. His death has led to tributes from across India, including from Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan.