1. What is the primary objective of Mission Amrit Sarovar?
[A] To promote drip irrigation
[B] To address the water crisis in rural areas
[C] To increase tourism in river cities
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To address the water crisis in rural areas]
Notes:
The Prime Minister of India announced that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars have been built in villages, creating a legacy for future generations. The initiative began on April 24, 2022, aiming to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars for the 75th year of independence. It addresses water crises in rural areas, with each Sarovar having at least 1 acre of pond area and a capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters. The mission promotes water conservation, community participation, and the use of excavated soil for infrastructure. It involves six government ministries but has no separate financial allocation.
2. Which spiritual leader was recently honored with Fiji’s highest civilian award “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji”?
[A] Swami Mukundananda
[B] Mata Amritanandamayi
[C] Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
[D] Baba Ramdev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Sri Ravi Shankar]
Notes:
Fiji awarded Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” its highest civilian honor, for his global peace and community work. Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, presented the award, and Sri Sri expressed gratitude on social media. As founder of The Art of Living, Sri Sri has received top civilian awards from five other nations, highlighting his humanitarian influence in over 180 countries. In Fiji, he met with leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister and UN Coordinator, to discuss youth empowerment and mental health.
3. 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.
4. What is the main objective of the “First in the World” Challenge initiative, recently launched by ICMR?
[A] To promote traditional medicine practices
[B] To fund international health conferences
[C] To develop groundbreaking health technologies
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [To develop groundbreaking health technologies]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched the “First in the World Challenge” to inspire Indian scientists to develop innovative health solutions. It aims to promote innovative health technologies, including vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics, that have never been attempted globally. This high-risk, high-reward program provides funding for projects at various stages, from proof-of-concept to final product development. Proposals must have bold ideas with significant potential impact; incremental improvements will not be funded. Submissions can be made by individuals or teams, with one designated Principal Investigator responsible for deliverables.
5. Where was the seventh session of the International Solar Alliance held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Bhopal
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly starts today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It focuses on enhancing energy access, security, and promoting solar energy among member countries. The session is led by India with France as co-president, featuring delegates from 120 countries. Key discussions will revolve around accelerating solar deployment, especially in areas with limited energy access. Updates on flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill development, and mobilizing finance for solar energy will also be shared during the three-day assembly.
6. Which tribe primarily inhabits Meluri, newly declared district of Nagaland?
[A] Angami Naga
[B] Pochury Naga
[C] Sumi Naga
[D] Lotha Naga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pochury Naga]
Notes:
Meluri, home to the Pochury Naga tribe, is now the 17th district of Nagaland. The state government has elevated Meluri Sub-Division from Phek District to a full district, effective immediately. Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam issued the official notification on November 2. The new district will include the area previously known as Meluri Sub-Division. This decision aims to enhance governance and development in the region, following Cabinet approval on November 1.
7. Which Indian table tennis player won the men’s singles title at WTT Feeder Caracas 2024?
[A] Sharath Kamal
[B] Soumyajit Ghosh
[C] Harmeet Desai
[D] Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harmeet Desai]
Notes:
Harmeet Desai of India won both men’s singles and mixed doubles titles at the 2024 World Table Tennis (WTT) Feeder Caracas tournament in Venezuela. The event took place from 31 October to 3 November 2024. Ranked 90th globally, Harmeet defeated France’s Joe Seyfried (world no. 149) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6 in the men’s singles final. In mixed doubles, Harmeet and Krittwika Roy defeated Cuba’s Jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca Carrazana 3-2 in a tight match.
8. What is the objective of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in Telangana?
[A] Financial support for ex-servicemen
[B] Construction of new military bases
[C] Recruitment of new soldiers
[D] Organizing military parades
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Financial support for ex-servicemen]
Notes:
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund in Telangana, chaired by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, aims to provide financial assistance to ex-servicemen and their families. Recent meetings have focused on immediate relief and long-term support initiatives, including increased grants for families of fallen soldiers, marriage grants for daughters of ex-servicemen, and enhanced monthly assistance for disabled soldiers. The fund also supports educational needs and sports incentives for ex-servicemen and their children, ensuring that those who served the nation receive the necessary care and support.
9. Abhay Prabhavana Museum, a largest museum of ideas dedicated to Jain philosophy, recently inaugurated in which city?
[A] Pune
[B] Indore
[C] Visakhapatnam
[D] Varanasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pune]
Notes:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Abhay Prabhavana Museum in Pune, India’s largest museum dedicated to Jain philosophy and heritage. Set on 50 acres along the Indrayani river, it features 30 galleries showcasing the essence of Jain philosophy through interactive exhibits, artworks, and advanced technology. The museum aims to attract over 2,000 visitors daily and will include a separate children’s section to simplify complex concepts, making it a global cultural landmark.
10. Which country has launched the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India will launch the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission from Sriharikota next month. Proba-3 is ESA’s first mission focused on precision formation flying. It will demonstrate two satellites creating an artificial eclipse to study the Sun’s faint corona. The mission includes a Coronagraph satellite and an Occulter satellite flying 150 meters apart. The Occulter will block the Sun’s light, allowing the Coronagraph to image the corona. The mission aims to understand solar mass ejections and track solar energy changes impacting Earth’s climate.