1. Where was the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) held?
[A] Kenya
[B] Zimbabwe
[C] Cameroon
[D] Angola
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zimbabwe]
Notes:
The first Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from October 29-31. This conference brings African nations into the global discussion on climate change and its health impacts, where Africa faces high burdens of climate-sensitive diseases. More than 400 participants, including government officials, health and climate experts, and researchers, attended the conference. It focuses on sharing innovations, best practices, and solutions to build climate resilience in health.
2. Which organization recently released the Review of Maritime Transport 2024 report?
[A] World Bank
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
[D] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)]
Notes:
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released the Review of Maritime Transport 2024 report, highlighting trends in global maritime trade. Global maritime trade grew by 2.4% in 2023, rebounding from a contraction in 2022, but the recovery is still fragile. Key chokepoints like the Suez and Panama Canals experienced significant disruptions. Chokepoints are narrow geographical features that are strategically important for trade. They enhance connectivity, such as the Suez Canal connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Chokepoints also play a vital role in energy security, like the Strait of Hormuz for global petroleum transport.
3. Which state government recently declared a heatwave as a State-specific disaster?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government has declared a heatwave as a State-specific disaster to provide relief and compensation for heat-related casualties. Interim actions will be taken to manage the heat, funded by the State Disaster Response Fund. A heat wave is defined as a period of abnormally high temperatures above the normal maximum. In India, heat waves usually occur from March to June and can extend into July. On average, five to six heat wave events happen annually in northern India. A heat wave is considered if temperatures reach 40°C or more in plains and 30°C or more in hilly areas. Severe heat waves are classified by greater temperature deviations or higher maximum temperatures.
4. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has formed a team to investigate the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh government has also set up a five-member committee, led by APCCF (Wildlife), to conduct an inquiry. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district. It was designated as a national park in 1968 and became a tiger reserve in 1993.
5. What is Alstonia scholaris, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Spider
[B] Tropical tree
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Butterfly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tropical tree]
Notes:
Cyclone Dana brought heavy rain to Kolkata, causing chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) to shed their strong-smelling flowers, offering relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. It is a tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). Alstonia scholaris, also called blackboard tree, scholar tree, or devil’s tree, is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Known as “saptaparni” in India, it has clusters of seven leaves and blooms small, fragrant greenish-white flowers in late autumn. The tree’s bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine for respiratory, skin, and digestive issues. Its wood was once used to make blackboards, hence the name “blackboard tree.”
6. Where was the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) held?
[A] Chennai
[B] Hyderabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
India’s Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation are hosting the first Asian Buddhist Summit on November 5-6, 2024, in New Delhi. The theme is “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia,” with India’s President as Chief Guest. The summit gathers Sangha leaders, scholars, and practitioners from across Asia to discuss Buddhism’s role in addressing current challenges. Buddhism has deeply influenced Asia’s spiritual and cultural unity. Buddha Dhamma is integral to India’s national identity and plays a role in its foreign policy, strengthening ties across Asia through shared values and diplomacy.
7. Which Tennis player has won the Paris Masters title 2024?
[A] Jannik Sinner
[B] Daniil Medvedev
[C] Alexander Zverev
[D] Andrey Rublev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alexander Zverev]
Notes:
Alexander Zverev won the Rolex Paris Masters title 2024, defeating Ugo Humbert in the final. This victory marked Zverev’s seventh ATP Masters 1000 title and his first title in Paris, showcasing his comeback after a severe ankle injury. He dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-2, and never faced a break point. The Paris Masters is an annual men’s tennis tournament held in Paris, France.
8. What kind of disorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) that was recently seen in news?
[A] A rare neurological disorder
[B] A type of sleep-related breathing disorder
[C] An autoimmune disease
[D] A digestive disorder
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A type of sleep-related breathing disorder]
Notes:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to a higher risk of dementia, especially in women, as shown by a study of over 18,500 adults. OSA is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to an airway blockage. This disruption in breathing lowers oxygen levels, causing frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. Symptoms include snoring and fatigue, with risks increasing in middle-aged and older adults. OSA affects cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and safety. Treatments include positive airway pressure devices, mouthpieces, and surgery in some cases.
9. 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.
10. Minuteman III Missile, which was seen in the news, is developed by which country?
[A] United States of America
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States of America]
Notes:
The US Army is conducting a test launch of the Minuteman III hypersonic nuclear missile after Election Day voting closes. The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used by the United States (US). It became operational in the 1970s and is the sole land-based component of the US nuclear triad. Designed by Boeing, it was originally meant for ten years of service but has been modernized. The missile was the first to have multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). The US currently has about 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal, with a replacement planned for 2029.