31. Kirkuk, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Israel
[B] Iraq
[C] Australia
[D] Greece
Answer: B [Iraq]
Notes:
A curfew has been enforced in Kirkuk, a northern Iraqi city, after violent confrontations between rival demonstrations by Kurdish and Arab residents.
The clashes have prompted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to order extensive security operations in the affected areas.
32. Which city is the host of ‘Second edition of Naval Commanders’ Conference, 2023’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Varanasi
[C] Pune
[D] Mussoorie
Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The bi-annual Naval Commanders Conference recently commenced at New Delhi. Having shifted the venue of Commanders Conference outside Delhi with effect from 2023, as the first edition was conducted onboard INS Vikrant in March 2023.
The Indian Navy showcased ongoing indigenous projects and introduced new uniform items during the conference. The navy’s electronic service document project was also released.
33. ‘Gramodyog Vikas Yojna’ is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer: A [Ministry of MSME]
Notes:
The Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Manoj Kumar distributed tool-kits and machineries to artisans in a distribution ceremony in Bhubaneshwar, as a part of the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.
An Artisan Sammelan and a Pottery-Expo organized under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana was organised in Odisha.
34. Which Union Ministry has conceptualised the Culture Corridor – G20 Digital Museum?
[A] Ministry of Culture
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Answer: A [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Ministry of Culture has conceptualised the Culture Corridor – G20 Digital Museum to represent and celebrate the shared heritage of G20 members and invitee countries.
This project is based on India’s G20 theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the Culture Working Group’s (CWG) campaign ‘Culture Unites All’. This exhibition will be unveiled at Bharatmandapam, at the venue for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and will open to the public after Leaders’ Summit.
35. Typhoon Haikui has hit which region recently?
[A] Serbia
[B] Taiwan
[C] Philippines
[D] Indonesia
Answer: B [Taiwan]
Notes:
More than 40 people were injured in Taiwan after Typhoon Haikui ripped across the island, uprooting trees and forcing thousands to evacuate.
The storm, which made landfall on the east coast, was the first to directly hit the island in four years. Amid torrential rain and high winds, dozens of people were injured, mainly by falling debris.
36. Heath Streak, who passed away recently, is a famous cricketer from which country?
[A] Zimbabwe
[B] Australia
[C] West Indies
[D] England
Answer: A [Zimbabwe]
Notes:
Heath Streak, one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricketers, has passed away recently. He had been battling colon cancer.
He was the all-time leading wicket taker for Zimbabwe in Test cricket with 216 wickets and in ODI cricket with 239 wickets.
37. The 12 feet high statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated recently along with ‘Gandhi Vatika’ in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Surat
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kolkata
Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
On September 4, 2023, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, unveiled a 12-foot statue of Mahatma Gandhi and inaugurated ‘Gandhi Vatika’ at Gandhi Darshan, New Delhi. She praised Gandhi’s global influence, highlighting his non-violence principles during times of world turmoil like the world wars. The President cited leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama who followed Gandhi’s path for world welfare. She emphasized the role of institutions like Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in promoting his teachings through various media.
38. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), was launched by which agency?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] ROCOSMOS
[D] JAXA
Answer: A [NASA]
Notes:
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) recently captured an image of India’s Chandrayaan-3 lander. Launched in 2009, the LRO’s primary mission is to create a 3D map of the Moon’s surface from a polar orbit. Equipped with seven science instruments, including a powerful telescope and camera system that can discern details as small as 2.5 meters across, the LRO has played a pivotal role in lunar geology, mineralogy, and environmental studies. It orbits the Moon in an eccentric polar mapping orbit. One of its remarkable instruments is a laser altimeter, which measures reflection times to produce precise 3D maps of the lunar surface. The spacecraft also carries instruments designed to explore dark craters for signs of water ice and a temperature sensor that uncovered the coldest spot in the solar system.
39. What is the primary purpose of the National Carbon Registry launched by the UNDP in August 2023?
[A] To facilitate carbon credit trading between countries
[B] To track emissions and invest in emission-reducing projects
[C] To provide customizable software for carbon management
[D] To promote digital public infrastructure for climate challenges
Answer: B [To track emissions and invest in emission-reducing projects]
Notes:
National Carbon Registry is open-source software that allows countries to manage their carbon credit trading data and processes. The software was launched by the UNDP in August 2023. It is the first of its kind to allow countries to customize the code to their specific needs. The registry is supported by the Digital4Climate Working Group, which includes the UNDP, World Bank, UNFCCC, and EBRD. The group aims to build a digital public infrastructure to address climate challenges and carbon markets.
The carbon registry system allows companies to track their emissions and then offset them by investing in emission-reducing projects. For example, a company might invest in a project that captures methane from a landfill or replaces high-emitting lightbulbs with low-emitting LED lights. The registry’s framework is based on globally recognized ISO standards. Independent verification bodies ensure that carbon reduction projects follow strict rules in offsetting.
40. Umiam Lake is located in which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Mizoram
[C] Megahalaya
[D] Tripura
Answer: C [Megahalaya ]
Notes:
Meghalaya government has adopted AI-enabled robotic technology to safeguard Umiam Lake, a prominent tourist attraction. Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is located 15 km north of Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong, surrounded by lush East Khasi hills. Formed in 1965 for hydroelectric power generation, it resulted from the Umiam Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project. The lake primarily draws water from the confluence of Umkhrah and Umshvrpi streams, forming the Wah Ro-ro stream. With a catchment area spanning 220 square km, including Shillong, it offers water sports and adventure activities, making it a favored destination in Meghalaya.