1. Shirshendhu Mukyopadhyaya, who recently won the 2023 Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar is a prolific writer of which language?
A. Tamil
B. Kannada
C. Bengali
D. Hindi
- Shirshendhu Mukyopadhyaya, a Bengali writer, was awarded the 2023 Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar. He is recognized for his contribution to Indian literature through his works in the Bengali language. Mukyopadhyaya has authored over 90 books, including travelogues and children’s fiction. The Kuvempu Rashtriya Puraskar is a prestigious national literary award, named after the late Kannada poet Kuvempu, and honors writers who have significantly contributed to Indian languages.
2. Professor B R Kamboj, who was recently announced winner of 14th M S Swaminathan Award, is associated with which field?
A. Agronomy
B. Veterinary Science
C. Environmental Science
D. Plant Biotechnology
- Professor B R Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, was awarded the M S Swaminathan Award for his significant contributions in the field of agronomy. Recognized as a scientist/extension specialist, Prof Kamboj’s work has been influential in agricultural science. He has published around 300 research papers and articles in various national and international journals, books, and technical magazines. His award was presented at the International Conference on ‘One Health One World’ in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting his impact on agricultural research and development.
3. Which state has recently become the first state to map all accident black spots on the Mappls App?
A. Rajasthan
B. Karnataka
C. Maharashtra
D. Punjab
- Punjab has become the first state in India to map all 784 accident black spots on the Mappls App, a navigation system developed by MapMyIndia. This initiative, announced by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, is part of the preparations for the launch of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ‘Sadak Suraksha Force’. This pioneering effort marks a significant step in using technology for improving road safety in the state.
4. Which country has recently declared a one-year moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters?
A. Myanmar
B. Thailand
C. Philippines
D. Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka declared a one-year moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters, with the official reason being for capacity building. This decision is seen as a response to concerns raised by India regarding Chinese research vessels docking in the region. Foreign Ministry spokesman Niluka Kadurugamuwa stated that the moratorium applies to all countries.
5. Petr Fiala, the Guest of Honour at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit, is the Prime Minister of which country?
A. Czech Republic
B. Slovakia
C. Hungary
D. Austria
- Petr Fiala, serving as the Guest of Honour at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit, is the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. His presence at this significant event in Gandhinagar underscores the strengthening ties and cooperation between the Czech Republic and India. The Summit, known for attracting global leaders and investors, is an important platform for international economic and trade discussions.
6. According to the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024 report, which region is expected to have the highest GDP growth in 2024?
A. European Union
B. East Asia
C. South Asia
D. Western Asia
- The UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2024 report forecasts that South Asia will experience significant GDP growth in 2024. It projects that the GDP in this region will increase by 5.2%, driven largely by the robust expansion in India, which remains the fastest-growing large economy in the world. India’s growth is forecast to reach 6.2% this year.
7. Which country recently imposed a ban on its citizens from traveling to Russia or Ukraine for employment?
A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Nepal
D. Bangladesh
- Nepal’s government imposed a ban on its citizens from traveling to Russia or Ukraine for employment due to concerns over their recruitment in the ongoing armed conflict. The Department of Employment in Nepal issued a notice following reports that Nepalese nationals were being recruited by the Russian Army to fight in the conflict, with some casualties and captures reported. There are also unconfirmed beliefs that some Nepalese citizens might be fighting as hired soldiers on the Ukrainian side. This decision by the Nepalese government highlights the measures taken to ensure their citizens safety and well-being.
8. Who has been named as the president-designate for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29)?
A. Rashad Allahverdiyev
B. Mukhtar Babayev
C. Sultan al-Jaber
D. Fatih Birol
- Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources, has been named as the president-designate for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29). Babayev, who previously worked as an executive at the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), will lead the global climate talks at COP29. His appointment follows the precedent set by Sultan al-Jaber, chief of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), who presided over the previous year’s COP28.
9. What is the overall cost of the “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme approved by the Union Cabinet of India?
A. Rs. 2542 crore
B. Rs. 3583 crore
C. Rs. 4797 crore
D. Rs. 5267 crore
- The Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences, for implementation during the period from 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs 4,797 crore.
- The scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)”, “Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources & Tech (O-SMART)”, “Polar Science & Cryosphere Research (PACER)”, “Seismology & Geosciences (SAGE)” and “Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)”.
10. Which Indian organization recently tested successfully a new kind of battery Silicon High energy Li-ion cell, featuring a Si-Graphite composite as anode material?
A. ISRO
B. DRDO
C. TATA Institute of Fundamental Research
D. Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a new kind of battery cell with an energy density of 190 Wh/kg. This Silicon High energy Li-ion cell, featuring a Si-Graphite composite as anode material, offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional Li-ion cells, which typically have an energy density of 157 Wh/kg.
- The successful flight demonstration of these cells on the POEM-3 platform of PSLV-C58 marks a significant advancement in space battery technology, showcasing ISRO’s continuous efforts in developing more efficient and cost-effective solutions for space missions.
11. Who has been appointed as India’s ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva?
A. Brajendra Navnit
B. Senthil Pandian C
C. Pankaj Kumar Bansal
D. M Selvendran
- Senthil Pandian C, an IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre from the 2002 batch, has been appointed as India’s ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on January 5, 2024, and is set for a tenure of three years from the date of assumption of charge. This appointment follows the end of Brajendra Navnit’s tenure as India’s ambassador to the WTO.
12. Which Indian Grandmaster recently received support from the Adani Group for the Candidates chess tournament?
A. Viswanathan Anand
B. Pentala Harikrishna
C. Vidit Gujrathi
D. R Praggnanandhaa
- 18-year-old Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa, one of India’s brightest young chess prospects, recently received significant support from the Adani Group for his participation in the upcoming Candidates chess tournament. This backing was announced following a meeting with Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who expressed pride in supporting Praggnanandhaa’s chess career. The Candidates chess tournament is set to take place from April.02 to 25 in Toronto.
13. Which organization has developed India’s man-portable air defense missile system, the VSHORADS?
A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
C. Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL)
D. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed India’s man-portable air defense missile system, known as the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This system is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at ranges up to 6 kilometers.
