1. Which organization developed the second-generation distress alert transmitter for fishermen?
A. India Meteorological Department
B. Ministry of Earth Sciences
C. DRDO
D. ISRO
- ISRO has developed a second-generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) that enhances safety for fishermen at sea. Operational since 2010, over 20,000 DATs are in use. The technology allows fishermen to send emergency messages with real-time acknowledgments through satellite communication. The DAT-SG, an improved version, utilizes advanced capabilities and features.
2. Who has been appointed as the first female neutral umpire by the ICC for a bilateral series?
A. Sue Redfern
B. Nida Dar
C. Shivani Mishra
D. Mary Waldron
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed Sue Redfern as the first female neutral umpire to officiate a bilateral series. Redfern will umpire the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship and T20I matches between Australia and South Africa. The ICC also appointed seven other impartial women umpires to officiate in the Women’s Championship series. The decision to appoint Redfern aims to promote gender diversity in officiating roles.
3. Chang’e 6 mission, recently seen in the news, is associated with which country?
A. China
B. India
C. Russia
D. UK
- The China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed that the Chang’e 6 sample return mission is scheduled to land on the Moon in the first half of 2024. This mission, aiming to collect lunar samples from the south pole, will contribute valuable data to understand the Moon’s geology. Marking the first attempt to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon, Chang’e 6 plans to bring back up to two kilograms of lunar samples and involves collaboration with international partners like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES.
4. Recently, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘NACIN’, a national-level institute, in which state?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Kerala
D. Arunachal Pradesh
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics’ (NACIN) new campus at Palasamudram, Andhra Pradesh. Declaring it a premier training institute, he highlighted the impact of tax reforms in the last 9 years on business ease, increased tax collection, and poverty reduction for 25 crore people. The 500-acre state-of-the-art campus will use advanced technologies like Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence for training Indian Revenue Service officials and allied services, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and achieving a Developed Nation.
5. Who has been appointed as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of Eastern Naval Command?
A. Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha
B. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar
C. Admiral R Hari Kumar
D. Admiral Vinay Sinha
- As of January 17, 2024, Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha is the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command. Jha is a 1993 graduate of the NDA and a recipient of the Nausena Medal. Before becoming Chief Staff Officer, Jha was the Commodore in (Strategy, Concepts & Transformation) at Naval Headquarters.
6. Parikrama Prakalpa project, that was in news recently, is in which state?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Gujarat
- Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the $107 million Parikrama Prakalpa project around Puri’s Jagannath Temple, witnessed by 90 Indian temple heads and Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple reps, to improve pilgrim infrastructure – the biggest in 700 years. The inaugural event coincided with a 3-day ritual and launching of other Puri projects.
7. In which river will India’s first solar-powered boat be launched?
A. River Sarayu
B. Periyaru
C. River Kaveri
D. River Palar
- India’s first solar-powered boat will be launched in the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency (UPNEDA) is behind the initiative, which aims to make Ayodhya a model solar city. The boat is made of a lightweight and durable fiberglass body and can stay in the water for five to six hours after a full charge.
8. Which scheme aims to provide scholarships to meritorious students from Scheduled Caste communities for higher education?
A. Saakshar Bharat Scheme
B. SWAYAM Scheme
C. SHRESHTA scheme
D. Samagra Shiksha Scheme
- The CBSE has issued guidelines for Residential Private Schools to join the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) Scheme, targeting meritorious students from Scheduled Caste communities for Classes 9-12.
- The scheme aims to offer scholarships, admitting around 3,000 students annually to private and NGO-run residential schools. It collaborates with voluntary organizations to uplift SC communities’ socio-economically. Implemented by the Department of Social Justice, the scheme operates through SHRESHTA schools (best private schools) and NGOs running schools and hostels up to Class 12.
9. Recently, which country launched the EcoMark green accreditation framework for MSMEs at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos?
A. Russia
B. India
C. UAE
D. China
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the EcoMark green accreditation framework for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on January 17, 2024. The EcoMark certification is based on ISO standards and is digitally enabled.
- The Ecomark scheme provides accreditation and labeling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards as per Indian norms. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of the Government of India introduced the Eco mark Certification Rules, 2023 to promote sustainability and environment friendly consumption patterns.
10. Recently, Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated an artificial reef project in which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Goa
- On January 17, 2024, Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala inaugurated an artificial reef project in Vizhinjam, Kerala. The project aims to increase fish populations and fishermen’s income. The project is a joint initiative between the Central and State governments. The artificial reefs will be placed on the seabed off the coasts of fishing villages.
11. What is the IUCN status of ‘Indian Vulture’ recently seen in the news?
A. Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Least Concern
D. Critically endangered
- Recently spotted in Thane after a two-decade absence, the Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is an Old-World scavenger native to Asia. Recognized for their longer beaks, they primarily feed on carcasses of dead animals. Females are smaller than males. With a drastic 97-99% population decline, they face extinction due to poisoning from diclofenac, a veterinary drug. Classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
12. What is ‘Senna spectabilis’, recently seen in the news?
A. Fungus
B. Invasive plant
C. Ancient Agricultural Techniques
D. Virus
- The Forest Department of Tamil Nadu successfully cleared 356.50 hectares of invasive Senna spectabilis in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. This legume species, native to South and Central America, was introduced for shade and firewood but became a threat to biodiversity. With bright yellow flowers, it hindered the growth of indigenous trees and grass. Classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
13. Who is the author of ‘Thirukkural’, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economy and love?
A. Thiruvalluvar
B. Kambar
C. Munrurai Araiyanaar
D. Various Jain Saints
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently honored poet and philosopher Saint Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day, originally celebrated on May 17-18, 1935. Now observed on January 15-16 in Tamil Nadu during Pongal festivities, the day pays tribute to Thiruvalluvar, a revered cultural icon. Known as Valluvar, his masterpiece, Thirukkural, consists of 1330 couplets covering ethics, politics, economy, and love. Divided into sections on virtue, wealth, and love, Thirukkural offers concise and poetic guidance on various aspects of life.
