11. The Chenchus Tribe primarily resides in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Chenchus, a Telugu-speaking tribe in the Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh, struggle with declining work under MGNREGA due to modernization. They are a Scheduled Tribe and have maintained their traditional lifestyle without adapting to modernity. Chenchus live in small villages called “Penta” and gather forest products like fruits, tubers, honey, and tamarind for minimal income. They rely on bows, arrows, and knives for hunting. Village elders, called “Peddamanishi,” hold authority in social matters. Chenchus have ties to the Srisailam temple and enjoy special privileges there.
12. India recently signed an MoU with which country to enhance supply chains for critical minerals?
[A] Russia
[B] United States of America (USA)
[C] Australia
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States of America (USA)]
Notes:
India and the USA have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains, aiming to leverage their complementary strengths for resilience in the sector. This agreement focuses on equipment, services, policies, and best practices for the commercial development of critical minerals exploration and processing. The MoU is part of broader efforts to enhance innovation ecosystems and secure supply chains in semiconductors and clean energy, following discussions held during the 6th US-India Commercial Dialogue in October 2024.
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. 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.
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. Kazakhstan establishes its first nuclear power station near which lake?
[A] Lake Alakol
[B] Lake Lemuria
[C] Lake Balkhash
[D] Lake Kryve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lake Balkhash]
Notes:
Kazakhstan, the world’s leading uranium producer, is considering its first nuclear power station to enhance energy capacity. The location, near Lake Balkhash, is significant due to past Soviet-era nuclear tests that exposed millions to radiation. The recent referendum reflects Kazakhstan’s cautious approach to nuclear energy amidst historical sensitivities around radiation and safety.
17. 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.
18. Kawal Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Telangana]
Notes:
The forest department held its first ‘Cyclothon’ to celebrate World Wildlife Week 2024 at the Kawal Tiger Reserve’s buffer zone. Kawal Tiger Reserve is in north-eastern Telangana, along the Godavari River. It covers an area of 2,015 sq. km in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. The government declared it a Tiger Reserve in 2012. The reserve features diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, rivers, and water bodies. It is part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connecting to Tadoba-Andhari in Maharashtra and Indravati in Chhattisgarh.
19. Thirukurungudi Temples are located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Thirukurungudi Temples, including the Nambi Rayar Temple, Thirumalai Nambi Temple, and Aniliswarar Temple, are situated in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently documented inscriptions from these temples, dating back to the 9th Century during the Pandya period. These inscriptions reveal historical donations, including sheep for temple lamps and tax-free land for gardens, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and religious practices during the Vijayanagara reign.
20. 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.