11. Hirakud Dam is built on which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Godavari
[C] Krishna
[D] Mahanadi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mahanadi]
Notes:
The canal network connected to Hirakud Dam, a major project in eastern India, is set for renovation. Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India and the longest earthen dam in the world, with a length of 25.79 km. It is built across the Mahanadi River, 15 km upstream of Sambalpur, Odisha. The dam creates the Hirakud Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Asia, covering 746 sq. km. Inaugurated in 1957, it was India’s first major post-independence multipurpose river valley project. It provides irrigation for 1,55,635 hectares in Kharif and 1,08,385 hectares in Rabi seasons, with a power generation capacity of 359.8 MW.
12. Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Chhattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Two wild buffalo calves born in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh raise hopes for the conservation of this endangered species. The sanctuary is located in Raipur district, bordered by the Balmedhi and Jonk rivers, with the Mahanadi also nearby. The Indian Wild Buffalo is the state animal of Chhattisgarh and is a large bovine species native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They primarily inhabit alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, and river valleys.
13. Pashtun ethnic group is mainly found in which countries?
[A] Afghanistan and Pakistan
[B] Turkey and Iran
[C] Iraq and UAE
[D] Syria and Saudi Arabia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Afghanistan and Pakistan]
Notes:
Pakistan recently banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), calling it a national security threat. PTM advocates for the rights of ethnic Pashtuns. Pashtuns, also known as Pathans or Pakhtuns, are an ethnic group in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They mainly live between the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan and the northern Indus River in Pakistan. The Durand Line, drawn in the late 19th century, separated Pashtuns in Pakistan from those in Afghanistan. Pashtuns make up 40-50% of Afghanistan’s population and primarily speak Pashto. They also use Farsi for trade.
14. Which city is the venue of World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kolkata
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) takes place in New Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024.
WTSA has been held every four years since 2002 and is the governing conference of the ITU Standardisation Sector. It defines the work program and structure of study groups for telecommunication standardization. Hosting WTSA 2024 is a significant milestone for India in setting global telecommunication standards. The event will start with the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, focusing on ICT standardization policy debates.
15. Which virus has recently emerged in Rwanda with a high fatality rate?
[A] Mpox
[B] Marburg
[C] Ebola
[D] Japanese encephalitis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Marburg ]
Notes:
The Marburg virus, part of the filovirus family, is one of the deadliest pathogens, with case fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88%. The recent outbreak in Rwanda has already resulted in 12 deaths among 46 infections, predominantly affecting medical workers. Marburg spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials. Initial symptoms include high fever and severe headache, progressing to hemorrhagic symptoms. Currently, there are no approved vaccines, but experimental treatments are being sought, highlighting the urgent need for effective healthcare responses in affected regions.
16. Which university has launched The Climate Institute to address environmental challenges?
[A] Lucknow University
[B] Mumbai University
[C] Ahmedabad University
[D] Delhi University
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ahmedabad University]
Notes:
Ahmedabad University has launched The Climate Institute, focusing on research, education, and impact to address climate issues. The Institute is developing India’s first comprehensive Climate, Energy, and Environmental education program for future leaders. It operates in three areas: Energy and Climate Change, Cities and Settlements, and Air and Water, promoting interdisciplinary research and partnerships to inform policy design and innovation.
17. Russia recently conducted joint naval patrol with which country in the Pacific Ocean?
[A] Iran
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Russian and Chinese navy warships are conducting anti-submarine missions in the northwestern Pacific during a joint patrol after the Beibu/Interaction 2024 exercises. The operations involve complex training sessions and combat exercises, including anti-submarine defense and sea rescues. Key Russian vessels involved in the missions include Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs. China has deployed destroyers such as Xining and Wuxi, along with other ships for these exercises.
18. 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.
19. Hurricane Milton recently hit which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [United States ]
Notes:
Hurricane Milton has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing an extreme risk to Florida, USA, particularly the Tampa Bay area. With a central pressure of 897 mb, it ranks as the fifth most intense hurricane in Atlantic history. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of life-threatening winds and destructive storm surges as Milton approaches the Gulf coast. Evacuations are underway, and residents are urged to take precautions due to potential flooding and hazardous conditions.
20. Which space organization has launched the Europa Clipper mission?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] ESA
[D] CNSA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NASA]
Notes:
The NASA’s Europa Clipper mission launched on October 10, 2024. It aims to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is believed to harbor an ocean beneath its icy surface. Equipped with nine scientific instruments, the spacecraft will analyze the moon’s surface and subsurface for signs of life. Unlike Mars, Europa’s potential for life is linked to its liquid water beneath the ice, making this mission crucial for understanding extraterrestrial life possibilities.