1. Recently, which space company has successfully test-fired the ‘Kalam-250’ at the propulsion testbed of the ISRO?
A. Bellatrix Aerospace
B. AgniKul Cosmos
C. Skyroot Aerospace
D. Kawa Space
- Skyroot Aerospace recently conducted a successful test-fire of the Kalam-250 at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This second stage of the Vikram-1 space launch vehicle features a carbon composite rocket motor, EPDM thermal protection, and precision thrust vector control. Developed by Skyroot Aerospace, it will propel the launch vehicle from the atmosphere into outer space, playing a vital role in its ascent.
2. United Nations Secretary-General has appointed which Indian as his Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction?
A. Nikhil Seth
B. Kamal Kishore
C. Shailesh Tinaikar
D. Satya S Tripathi
- India’s National Disaster Management Authority official, Kamal Kishore, appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as special representative for disaster risk reduction. Kishore (55), currently serving as NDMA’s secretary to the government of India, succeeds Mami Mizutori.
- Appointed assistant secretary-general and special representative of the secretary-general for disaster risk reduction at UNDRR, Kishore’s role is crucial in global disaster mitigation efforts, announced by the UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
3. Kuttanad wetland system is located in which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Maharashtra
- Kuttanad, renowned for rice cultivation below sea level, faces a severe water crisis due to pollution, salinity, and erratic weather. Kuttanad, a delta on Kerala’s west coast, hosts the unique Kuttanad Below Sea-level Farming System, practicing rice cultivation below sea level in “Puncha Vayals” comprising Karapadam, Kayal, and Kari fields. The region is part of the Vembanad Kol wetland ecosystem, a Ramsar Site.
4. Global Summit on Extreme Heat, recently hosted by which two organizations?
A. USAID and Red Cross
B. UNICEF and UNDP
C. UNEP and WTO
D. WHO and ILO
- The 1st Summit on Extreme Heat, organized by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), aims to address the impacts of record-high temperatures in 2023. Initiatives include the IFRC and USAID Extreme Heat Global Action Hub, Fire Grand Challenge Prize, FEWS NET.
5. Koramangala-Challaghatta (KC) Valley project is related to which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Goa
- The Centre aims to expand Karnataka’s KC Valley project nationwide for wastewater reuse. It refills lakes in dry districts like Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, and Chikkballapura.
- The project’s success in recharging groundwater led the Ministry to consider replication for lake rejuvenation across states. It receives partial funding under the Atal Bhujal Yojana. India generates 72,368 MLD of wastewater daily. Sujalam 2.0 greywater recycling project was launched recently for kitchen, bathing, and laundry runoff reuse.
6. Khavda Renewable Energy Park is located in which state?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Odisha
D. Haryana
- Adani Green Energy Limited has operationalized 1,000 MW of solar energy at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Covering 726 square kilometers, it’s the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park, featuring windmills and solar panels. Fully operational by December 2026, it’s set to be visible from space. Expected to generate 30 GW of clean energy, it could power 16.1 million homes annually, avoiding 58mn tonnes of CO2 emissions.
7. Recently, Tata Motors and HPCL planned to set up how many EV charging stations by the end of 2024?
A. 5000
B. 3000
C. 8000
D. 18000
- TPEM and HPCL signed an MoU on March 27, 2024, to establish EV charging stations nationwide. The collaboration aims to install 5,000 chargers at HPCL pumps by December. With 21,500 petrol pumps across India, HPCL plans to enhance customer experience by collecting charger usage data. TPEM will strategically select charger locations.
8. Gyalsung project is associated with which country?
A. Nepal
B. Myanmar
C. Bhutan
D. Sri Lanka
- India disbursed the second installment of ₹500 crore to Bhutan for infrastructure development under the GyalSung Project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Bhutan, concluded on March 23, and emphasized India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development. Modi pledged ₹10,000 crore over five years to Bhutan. This reaffirms India’s support for its Himalayan neighbor’s growth, strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
9. What was the theme of METOC seminar ‘MEGHAYAN-24’?
A. At the Frontline of Climate Action
B. The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations
C. Early Warning and Early Action
D. The Ocean, Our Climate and Weather
- World Meteorological Day on March 23 commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950, recognizing meteorologists’ vital role. Recently, a METOC seminar named “Meghayan-24” was organized by Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre. Admiral R Hari Kumar emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, aligning with WMO’s theme “At the Frontline of Climate Action.”
10. Yunhai-3 02, an environmental monitoring satellite, recently launched by which country?
A. Russia
B. China
C. Japan
D. India
- China launched the Yunhai-3 02 satellite for environmental monitoring from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province. The satellite, now in its designated orbit, will focus on atmospheric and marine environment detection, space environment monitoring, disaster prevention, and scientific research.
11. Cumbum valley is located in which district of Tamil Nadu?
A. Madurai
B. Tenkasi
C. Theni
D. The Nilgiris
- Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grapes City of South India,” is known for Panneer Thratchai grapes, comprising 85% of India’s production. Introduced in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes thrive year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Cumbum Valley’s grapes, rich in nutrients, are used for wine, spirits, and more. Its location in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats adds to its allure.
12. Gagan Shakti 2024 exercise, recently conducted by Indian Air Force at which place?
A. Jaipur
B. Pokhran
C. Jodhpur
D. Ajmer
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’, the nation’s largest air military exercise, involving all Air Force stations. Held every five years, it will commence on April 1, 2024, at Pokhran’s field firing range. Approximately 10,000 airmen will participate, with maneuvers spanning the Western and Northern fronts.
