1.Recently, where was the ‘Critical Minerals Summit 2024’ held?
Notes:
The Ministry of Mines, along with partners Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, CEEW, and IISD, hosted the “Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities” in New Delhi from April 29th-30th, 2024. Aimed at bolstering India’s critical mineral supply chain, the summit convenes stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and startups. Key topics include mineral auction progress and sustainable solutions. Technical sessions focus on eight key minerals crucial for clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.
The Ministry of Mines, along with partners Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, CEEW, and IISD, hosted the “Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities” in New Delhi from April 29th-30th, 2024. Aimed at bolstering India’s critical mineral supply chain, the summit convenes stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and startups. Key topics include mineral auction progress and sustainable solutions. Technical sessions focus on eight key minerals crucial for clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.
2.Recently, which two countries are discussing an agreement to develop an electric propulsion system for Indian warships?
Correct Answer: A [India & UK]
Notes:
India and the UK are discussing an agreement for an electric propulsion system. Indian warships currently use diesel, gas, or steam turbines. The electric system targets larger warships over 6,000 tonnes. It’s a government-to-government deal involving GE Power Conversion and BHEL. They’ll develop the ‘Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System.’ The UK’s Queen Elizabeth Class carriers already use this. Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) reduces noise and emissions, moving towards complete electrification.
India and the UK are discussing an agreement for an electric propulsion system. Indian warships currently use diesel, gas, or steam turbines. The electric system targets larger warships over 6,000 tonnes. It’s a government-to-government deal involving GE Power Conversion and BHEL. They’ll develop the ‘Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System.’ The UK’s Queen Elizabeth Class carriers already use this. Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) reduces noise and emissions, moving towards complete electrification.
3.Hangor–class submarines, recently in the news, are launched by which country?
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China has launched the first of eight Hangor-class submarines for Pakistan under a defense agreement. Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group will construct four, while Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works will build the rest with technology transfer. The submarines boast advanced stealth, equipped with top-tier weapons and sensors to engage threats at stand-off ranges. Pakistan Navy recently inducted two Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates.
China has launched the first of eight Hangor-class submarines for Pakistan under a defense agreement. Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group will construct four, while Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works will build the rest with technology transfer. The submarines boast advanced stealth, equipped with top-tier weapons and sensors to engage threats at stand-off ranges. Pakistan Navy recently inducted two Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates.
4.Which organization recently released a satellite-data-based analysis on the expansion of glacial lakes in the catchments of Indian Himalayan river basins?
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently released a satellite-data-based analysis on the expansion of glacial lakes in the catchments of Indian Himalayan river basins. The analysis uses long-term satellite imagery from 1984 to 2023 to show significant changes in the lakes. According to ISRO, 676 of the 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares identified in 2016-17 have expanded significantly since 1984. The analysis highlights the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and their impact on infrastructure and settlements downstream of such lakes.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently released a satellite-data-based analysis on the expansion of glacial lakes in the catchments of Indian Himalayan river basins. The analysis uses long-term satellite imagery from 1984 to 2023 to show significant changes in the lakes. According to ISRO, 676 of the 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares identified in 2016-17 have expanded significantly since 1984. The analysis highlights the risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and their impact on infrastructure and settlements downstream of such lakes.
5.Which country’s parliament recently passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships?
Correct Answer: B [Iraq]
Notes:
Iraq’s parliament recently passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships, imposing up to 15 years in prison for such acts. Promoting homosexuality or prostitution can lead to a minimum of seven years behind bars. Additionally, changing one’s biological gender or dressing in an effeminate manner can result in one to three years of imprisonment. The legislation was supported by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, aiming to uphold religious values and protect Iraqi society from moral decay.
Iraq’s parliament recently passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships, imposing up to 15 years in prison for such acts. Promoting homosexuality or prostitution can lead to a minimum of seven years behind bars. Additionally, changing one’s biological gender or dressing in an effeminate manner can result in one to three years of imprisonment. The legislation was supported by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, aiming to uphold religious values and protect Iraqi society from moral decay.
6.Recently, Bru community participated in Lok Sabha elections for the first time as voters from which state?
Correct Answer: C [Tripura]
Notes:
In 2024, the Bru community, indigenous to Northeast India, voted for the first time in Tripura’s Lok Sabha elections. Predominantly residing in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam, they hold Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group status. Ethnically Indo-Mongoloid, they belong to the Austro-Asiatic linguistic groups. This historic development marks a milestone in their socio-political engagement, emphasizing the significance of their inclusion and representation in democratic processes.
In 2024, the Bru community, indigenous to Northeast India, voted for the first time in Tripura’s Lok Sabha elections. Predominantly residing in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam, they hold Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group status. Ethnically Indo-Mongoloid, they belong to the Austro-Asiatic linguistic groups. This historic development marks a milestone in their socio-political engagement, emphasizing the significance of their inclusion and representation in democratic processes.
7.According to Invest India report, India’s e-commerce market is expected to grow to $325 billion by which year?
Correct Answer: C [2030]
Notes:
Invest India projects India’s e-commerce to reach $325 billion by 2030, driven by 500 million consumers and widespread internet access. It anticipates India becoming the 3rd largest online retail market by 2030. The agency, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, revealed in 2022, e-commerce was worth $70 billion, constituting 7% of retail.
Invest India projects India’s e-commerce to reach $325 billion by 2030, driven by 500 million consumers and widespread internet access. It anticipates India becoming the 3rd largest online retail market by 2030. The agency, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, revealed in 2022, e-commerce was worth $70 billion, constituting 7% of retail.
8.Recently, who has been awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE, the International Chess Federation?
Correct Answer: A [Vaishali Ramesh Babu]
Notes:
Indian Chess Prodigy Vaishali Ramesh Babu, awarded Grandmaster by FIDE, highlighted India’s rising prominence in chess. She anticipates India’s strong showing in the World Championship. Praising Viswanathan Anand’s impact, she credits her father’s decision to steer her towards chess. Supported by her parents, Vaishali became India’s third female Grandmaster after Humpy and Dronavalli. She achieved the 2500 ELO points at the Llobregat Open, with FIDE formally granting her the title at the recent Candidates Tournament in Toronto.
Indian Chess Prodigy Vaishali Ramesh Babu, awarded Grandmaster by FIDE, highlighted India’s rising prominence in chess. She anticipates India’s strong showing in the World Championship. Praising Viswanathan Anand’s impact, she credits her father’s decision to steer her towards chess. Supported by her parents, Vaishali became India’s third female Grandmaster after Humpy and Dronavalli. She achieved the 2500 ELO points at the Llobregat Open, with FIDE formally granting her the title at the recent Candidates Tournament in Toronto.
9.Recently, which Indian received the ‘Green Oscar’ Whitley Gold Award 2024?
Correct Answer: B [Purnima Devi Barman]
Notes:
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, an Assamese wildlife biologist, clinched her second Whitley Gold Award, also known as the Green Oscar, for safeguarding the endangered Hargila or Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland home. She previously won in 2017. Princess Anne, the charity’s patron, presented her the trophy in London. Dr. Barman mobilized locals to protect the stork and its habitat, increasing their population from 450 to over 1800.
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, an Assamese wildlife biologist, clinched her second Whitley Gold Award, also known as the Green Oscar, for safeguarding the endangered Hargila or Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland home. She previously won in 2017. Princess Anne, the charity’s patron, presented her the trophy in London. Dr. Barman mobilized locals to protect the stork and its habitat, increasing their population from 450 to over 1800.
10.Which African country recently declared the Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) outbreak across the country a health emergency?
Correct Answer: C [Congo]
Notes:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces its largest Mpox outbreak, with a new strain detected in a mining town, posing higher transmission risks. Since January, over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, tripling from last year. The WHO highlights the severity, prompting Congo to declare a nationwide health emergency. Cases have also surfaced in the neighboring Republic of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces its largest Mpox outbreak, with a new strain detected in a mining town, posing higher transmission risks. Since January, over 4,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths have been reported, tripling from last year. The WHO highlights the severity, prompting Congo to declare a nationwide health emergency. Cases have also surfaced in the neighboring Republic of Congo.