11. What natural disaster recently led to reports of stranded manatees, an aquatic mammal, in Florida?
[A] Hurricane Helene
[B] Tsunami
[C] Earthquake
[D] Flood
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hurricane Helene]
Notes:
Biologists and the public are responding to reports of stranded manatees in Florida following Hurricane Helene. Manatees are aquatic mammals that belong to the Sirenia group, which also includes dugongs. They have paddle-shaped tails, while dugongs have fluked tails resembling those of whales. Manatees live in shallow coastal areas and rivers. There are three species of manatees: the Amazonian manatee, which lives only in freshwater; the African manatee, found in tropical West Africa; and the Caribbean manatee, located in Florida and the West Indies.
12. Which organization successfully delivered the first ‘Akashteer Air Defence System’ to the Indian Army?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[C] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[D] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)]
Notes:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has delivered 100 Control Centres for the Air Defence Control and Reporting system (Akashteer) to the Indian Army. These control centres will play a crucial role in protecting the country from aerial threats like missile and rocket attacks. The successful delivery highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its military self-reliance. It also emphasizes the modernization of India’s defense infrastructure, enhancing overall security capabilities.
13. What type of missile is “VSHORADS”, developed by DRDO?
[A] Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
[B] Man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS)
[C] Terminal high altitude area defence system (THAAD)
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS)]
Notes:
DRDO completed development trials of the 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) with three successful tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan. VSHORAD is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, with industry partners. The missile features advanced technologies like a miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, and is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.
14. Who have been awarded the MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2024?
[A] Vera Voronova and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos
[B] Jane Goodall and David Attenborough
[C] Assad Serhal and Alfred Oteng-Yeboah
[D] Kathy MacKinnon and Greta Thunberg
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vera Voronova and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos]
Notes:
The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2024 has been awarded to Vera Voronova from Kazakhstan and Ysabel Agustina Calderón Carlos from Peru. The prize was established by the AEON Environmental Foundation in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. The award is given biennially, every two years.
15. ‘Indian Air Force Day 2024’ is celebrated on which day?
[A] October 6
[B] October 7
[C] October 8
[D] October 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [October 8]
Notes:
Every year on October 8, India observes Indian Air Force Day to honor servicemen and pilots who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This year, the celebration marks the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The event takes place at Marina Beach in Chennai. Indian Air Force Day 2024 falls on a Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The theme for this year is “Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar,” which translates to “Potent, Powerful, and Self-Reliant.”
16. Which city is the venue of Mindfulness India Summit?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mumbai]
Notes:
The third edition of the Mindfulness India Summit is scheduled to take place on October 17 and 18 in Mumbai. It aims to provide leaders and professionals with strategies for healthier, more empathetic workplaces. It is organised by the Mindful Science Centre. The summit will focus on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. The theme, “Thrive in the Age of Disruption,” highlights mindfulness as essential for navigating today’s business challenges.
17. Recently, the MACE Observatory has been inaugurated in which state/UT?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Lakshadweep
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
The MACE Observatory was recently inaugurated by the Secretary of DAE and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in Hanle, Ladakh. It is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and the world’s highest, located at an altitude of about 4,300 meters. The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) aims to enhance international collaborations and strengthen India’s role in space research. Indigenously built by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with help from ECIL and other Indian industry partners, it will advance studies in astrophysics and particle acceleration. MACE will observe high-energy gamma rays, aiding global research on phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts while supporting Ladakh’s socio-economic development.
18. Which country is the host of World Pickleball Championship series?
[A] Myanmar
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) will host the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series in India for the first time. The event is scheduled for November 12th to 17th, 2024, in Mumbai. It will feature top pickleball talent from around the world, following successful tournaments in Vietnam and Bali. Approximately 650 players from 6 to 7 countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore, will participate. The tournament is expected to elevate Indian sports and attract global attention from pickleball enthusiasts.
19. What is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2024?
[A] Mental Health at Work
[B] Mental Health in an Unequal World
[C] Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority
[D] Mental Health for All
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mental Health at Work]
Notes:
World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 and was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. The day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and support mental health care globally. It has become a significant platform for collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals to promote lasting change in mental health care. The 2024 theme, “Mental Health at Work,” highlights the importance of mental health in the workplace, where around 60% of the global population is employed. It stresses the need for safe and inclusive work environments to promote mental well-being and support those in need.
20. Agasthyamalai Bambootail, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Damesfly
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Beetle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Damesfly]
Notes:
Researchers have discovered a new damselfly species named Agasthyamalai Bambootail in Manjadininnavila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This rare species belongs to the bambootail group, known for their long cylindrical abdomens resembling bamboo stalks. It was found in the Agasthyamalai landscape of the Western Ghats. The only other species in this genus is the Malabar Bambootail, located in Coorg-Wayanad. Agasthyamalai Bambootail can be identified by the absence of the anal bridge vein in its wings. It features a long black body with striking blue markings and differs from the Malabar Bambootail in specific anatomical structures.