1.Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Tamil Nadu, the second spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The facility will specialize in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles commercially. Spanning 2,350 acres, it features 35 facilities, including launch pads and rocket integration areas. The spaceport’s unique advantage is launching directly south over the Indian Ocean, saving fuel for small rocket launches compared to the existing site. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crore, boosting India’s space capabilities.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Tamil Nadu, the second spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The facility will specialize in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles commercially. Spanning 2,350 acres, it features 35 facilities, including launch pads and rocket integration areas. The spaceport’s unique advantage is launching directly south over the Indian Ocean, saving fuel for small rocket launches compared to the existing site. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crore, boosting India’s space capabilities.
2.Recently, which Indian received an Honorary Knighthood from United Kingdom’s King Charles III?
Notes:
King Charles III of the United Kingdom awarded Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, an honorary Knighthood. The honor is titled Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), one of the highest honors given by the British Sovereign to civilians.
King Charles III of the United Kingdom awarded Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, an honorary Knighthood. The honor is titled Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), one of the highest honors given by the British Sovereign to civilians.
3.Recently, which country’s parliament has approved a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill?
Correct Answer: C [Ghana]
Notes:
Ghana’s parliament has endorsed the contentious Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, awaiting presidential approval. The legislation seeks to preserve traditional family values, criminalizing LGBTQ identification with potential three-year prison sentences. Advocates or supporters of LGBTQ activities may face up to five years in prison. Ghana currently prohibits gay acts, punishable by a maximum three-year jail term. The bill reflects a tightening stance on LGBTQ rights, sparking both domestic and international debates.
Ghana’s parliament has endorsed the contentious Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, awaiting presidential approval. The legislation seeks to preserve traditional family values, criminalizing LGBTQ identification with potential three-year prison sentences. Advocates or supporters of LGBTQ activities may face up to five years in prison. Ghana currently prohibits gay acts, punishable by a maximum three-year jail term. The bill reflects a tightening stance on LGBTQ rights, sparking both domestic and international debates.
4.Recently, which state became the first state to issue five crore Ayushman cards under AB-PMJAY?
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has marked a milestone by issuing 5 crore Ayushman cards, making it the first state to do so under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The state boasts 50,017,920 issued cards, benefiting 74,382,304 individuals across 3,716 hospitals. With 3,481,252 health claims filed, an impressive 92.48% were settled, reflecting the scheme’s success. Sangeeta Singh, CEO of the State Agency for Comprehensive Health, credits the achievement to continuous support from the National Health Authority and the dedication of various healthcare workers.
Uttar Pradesh has marked a milestone by issuing 5 crore Ayushman cards, making it the first state to do so under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The state boasts 50,017,920 issued cards, benefiting 74,382,304 individuals across 3,716 hospitals. With 3,481,252 health claims filed, an impressive 92.48% were settled, reflecting the scheme’s success. Sangeeta Singh, CEO of the State Agency for Comprehensive Health, credits the achievement to continuous support from the National Health Authority and the dedication of various healthcare workers.
5.‘SAMOA Pathway’, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following groupings?
Correct Answer: C [Small Island Developing States (SIDS)]
Notes:
The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate change. Comprising 39 States and 18 Associate Members, SIDS, located in the Caribbean, Pacific, and AIS regions, exhibit unique vulnerabilities. Recognized as a special case in 1992, they suffer from low economic diversification, dependence on tourism, and high debt stress. The UN has established action programs like the Barbados Programme of Action and SAMOA Pathway to address SIDS’ challenges.
The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate change. Comprising 39 States and 18 Associate Members, SIDS, located in the Caribbean, Pacific, and AIS regions, exhibit unique vulnerabilities. Recognized as a special case in 1992, they suffer from low economic diversification, dependence on tourism, and high debt stress. The UN has established action programs like the Barbados Programme of Action and SAMOA Pathway to address SIDS’ challenges.
6.Yars Missile, recently seen in the news, is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by which country?
Correct Answer: A [Russia]
Notes:
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a recent successful test of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile. Developed by Russia, the Yars is a thermonuclear armed ICBM with a reported range of 12,000 km and the capability to hit targets over 11,000 km away. It can carry multiple independently targetable warheads and is designed to deploy multiple re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) for independent targeting, enhancing its strategic capabilities.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a recent successful test of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile. Developed by Russia, the Yars is a thermonuclear armed ICBM with a reported range of 12,000 km and the capability to hit targets over 11,000 km away. It can carry multiple independently targetable warheads and is designed to deploy multiple re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) for independent targeting, enhancing its strategic capabilities.
7.Eunectes Akiyama, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
Correct Answer: B [Anaconda ]
Notes:
In Ecuador’s rainforest, researchers led by Dutch biologist Freek Vonk have identified a new anaconda species, Eunectes Akiyama, diverging from its closest relatives 10 million years ago. Named the “northern green anaconda,” these massive 20-foot-long specimens, weighing up to 200 kilograms (441 pounds), exhibit substantial genetic differences. The discovery sheds light on the region’s biodiversity and the evolutionary history of these impressive snakes in the Amazon ecosystem.
In Ecuador’s rainforest, researchers led by Dutch biologist Freek Vonk have identified a new anaconda species, Eunectes Akiyama, diverging from its closest relatives 10 million years ago. Named the “northern green anaconda,” these massive 20-foot-long specimens, weighing up to 200 kilograms (441 pounds), exhibit substantial genetic differences. The discovery sheds light on the region’s biodiversity and the evolutionary history of these impressive snakes in the Amazon ecosystem.
8.What is the theme of ‘World Hearing Day 2024’?
Correct Answer: B [Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all]
Notes:
World Hearing Day, celebrated annually on March 3, 2024, addresses the global issue of hearing loss. This year’s theme, set by the World Health Organization, emphasizes “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all.” Serving as a global call to action, the day advocates for preventative measures, treatment, and overall ear health awareness. It encourages individuals to protect their hearing and seek help for hearing-related concerns.
World Hearing Day, celebrated annually on March 3, 2024, addresses the global issue of hearing loss. This year’s theme, set by the World Health Organization, emphasizes “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all.” Serving as a global call to action, the day advocates for preventative measures, treatment, and overall ear health awareness. It encourages individuals to protect their hearing and seek help for hearing-related concerns.
9.First-ever Made-in-India ASTDS tug ‘Ocean Grace’, is recently built by which manufacturer company under MoPSW promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat?
Correct Answer: A [Cochin Shipyard ]
Notes:
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH, virtually inaugurated the ‘Ocean Grace,’ a 60T bollard pull tug, and a Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW, Ocean Grace is India’s first ASTDS Tug. The MMU is part of the port’s corporate social responsibility. The event, attended virtually by dignitaries like Shri Shripad Naik and Shantanu Thakur, aligns with PM Modi’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH, virtually inaugurated the ‘Ocean Grace,’ a 60T bollard pull tug, and a Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW, Ocean Grace is India’s first ASTDS Tug. The MMU is part of the port’s corporate social responsibility. The event, attended virtually by dignitaries like Shri Shripad Naik and Shantanu Thakur, aligns with PM Modi’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
10.‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution]
Notes:
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative in New Delhi, aiming to make the agriculture sector the cornerstone of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The digital gateway, developed by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), streamlines farmers’ warehousing logistics through technology, ensuring fair prices for produce. Goyal also announced a reduction in security deposit charges at WDRA warehouses, from three percent to one percent, encouraging more farmers, particularly small-scale ones, to utilize the facilities and boost their income
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled the ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ initiative in New Delhi, aiming to make the agriculture sector the cornerstone of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The digital gateway, developed by the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), streamlines farmers’ warehousing logistics through technology, ensuring fair prices for produce. Goyal also announced a reduction in security deposit charges at WDRA warehouses, from three percent to one percent, encouraging more farmers, particularly small-scale ones, to utilize the facilities and boost their income
