1. Which African country recently reported an outbreak of the Marburg virus?
Rwanda reported a Marburg virus outbreak with six fatalities. Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, transmitted through bodily fluids, with African fruit bats as the reservoir.
2. What is the name of deep-sea creature recently captured on video in the Tonga Trench?
The bigfin squid (Magnapinna) was filmed at 10,800 feet in the Tonga Trench. Known for its long tentacles, it's rarely seen, with only 20 documented sightings, highlighting ocean mysteries.
3. Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated ‘Banjara Virasat Museum’ in which state?
The Banjara Virasat Museum was indeed inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on 5th October 2024, at Poharadevi, in the Washim district of Maharashtra.
4. Recently, the Red Panda Program of which zoological park has been selected as a finalist for the WAZA Conservation Award 2024?
Darjeeling's Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park's Red Panda Program is a finalist for the 2024 WAZA Conservation Award. It focuses on breeding, habitat restoration, and genetic preservation of endangered species.
5. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
A recent vulture survey in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 80 vultures. Located in Kerala's Western Ghats, it's part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, bordered by Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Mudumalai.
6. Zero Defect and Zero Effect initiative, which was seen in news, was launched by which ministry?
The ‘Zero Defect and Zero Effect’ (ZED) initiative, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of MSME, encourages MSMEs to produce quality products using advanced technology, supporting "Make in India" and reducing environmental impact.
7. Samarth Scheme, recently extended for two years, focuses on skill development in which sector?
The Samarth Scheme focuses on skill development in the textile sector, aiming to train 3 lakh people with a Rs. 495 crore budget, emphasizing women's employment and upskilling in traditional textile sectors.
8. Which of the following countries are a member of the Five Eyes Alliance?
The Five Eyes Alliance, formed after WWII, includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. It supports global surveillance via satellites, telephone networks, and fiber optic cables.
9. Which two places are connected by the Shetkari Samruddhi Special Train, recently inaugurated by Union Railway Minister?
The 'Shetkari Samridhi' Kisan special train was inaugurated by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, connecting Devlali in Maharashtra to Danapur in Bihar, aimed at benefiting farmers in both states.
10. Which organization recently released the Emissions Gap Report 2024?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for releasing the Emissions Gap Report, which evaluates the gap between current emission reduction efforts and the targets needed to limit global warming.
11. Which institute has developed new non-toxic molecules for treating Alzheimer’s disease?
Scientists at Pune’s Agharkar Research Institute developed non-toxic molecules for Alzheimer’s treatment. Using synthetic methods, these molecules target cholinesterase enzymes, boosting acetylcholine levels crucial for memory and learning.
12. Saudi Arabia and Iran recently conducted a joint naval exercise in which water body?
Saudi Arabia and Iran held joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman, a strategic waterway connecting the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf, fostering trade and regional cooperation.
13. Which day is celebrated as Ayurveda Day 2024?
The 9th Ayurveda Day, observed on October 29, 2024, celebrated Dhanteras. Prime Minister Modi launched health projects worth ₹12,850 crore. The 2024 theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” promotes Ayurveda’s global role.
14. What is the primary source of water for the Thottiyar Hydroelectric scheme in Idukki, Kerala?
The Thottiyar Hydroelectric scheme in Idukki, Kerala, uses water from the Deviyar stream. With a 40 MW capacity, it employs canals and penstock pipes to generate electricity, releasing water back into Periyar.
15. What is the rank of India in the Rule of Law Index 2024, released by the World Justice Project?
India ranks 79th in the 2024 Rule of Law Index, with challenges in fundamental rights, security, and criminal justice. Top-ranked nations include Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
16. Which country is the host of International Esports Championship in 2025?
India will host its first international Esports championship in March 2025, organized by Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF), attracting participants from 150 countries.
17. Where was the Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) 2024 held?
The 11th Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) 2024, held in Singapore from October 22-24, focused on promoting clean energy, accelerating net-zero goals, and fostering innovative solutions for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific.
18. Which state government recently launched a cultural initiative called the “Writers Village”?
The "Writers’ Village" in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, inaugurated on 27th October 2024, promotes global literary and cultural exchange. It coincided with an International Art, Literature, and Culture Festival with 300+ participants.
19. What is the primary objective of the EOS-06 satellite, developed by ISRO?
ISRO is using EOS-06 and Insat-3DR satellites to monitor Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ approaching Odisha and West Bengal. EOS-06, launched in November 2022, enhances oceanographic and coastal zone management studies.
20. The Soliga Tribe primarily resides in which states?
The Soliga tribes, living in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, face challenges in accessing clean drinking water. They are known as "children of bamboo," residing in Biligiri Rangana and Male Mahadeshwara Hills.
21. What is the primary objective of the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’, recently inaugurated by Prime Minister of India?
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 'Karmayogi Saptah' to strengthen civil servants' capacity development. Launched in 2020, Mission Karmayogi promotes lifelong learning, competency-linked learning, and citizen-centric service delivery.
22. What is the primary reservoir of the Rocahepevirus ratti strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV), recently in news?
The Rocahepevirus ratti strain of hepatitis E virus (HEV) primarily resides in rats and has infected humans. Concerns arise from rat-to-pig transmission, impacting the pork industry and global health.
23. According to Ministry of Food and Public Distribution, what is the position of India in ethanol production and consumption globally?
India is now the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol, derived mainly from sugarcane. Sugarcane cultivation increased by 18%, boosting sugar production and enhancing farmers' income through government support.
24. Recently, which two countries have redrawn their national boundaries due to melting Alpine glaciers?
Switzerland and Italy redrew their border due to shifting glacier ridgelines under the Matterhorn. Switzerland lost 10% of its ice volume in 2022-2023, impacting hydroelectric power production.
25. Rani Durgavati, recently honored with a memorial in Madhya Pradesh, was from which dynasty?
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved a Rs 100 crore project for a memorial and garden for Rani Durgavati, a Gond queen from the Chandela dynasty, marking her legacy and valor.
26. Which ministry launched Yuva Sangam Portal?
The Ministry of Education launched the Yuva Sangam portal for its fifth phase, aiming to connect youth aged 18-30 from various regions. Participants will explore tourism, tradition, progress, and technology.
27. What is the name of the Japanese organization that was recently awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize?
Nihon Hidankyo, a group of atomic bomb survivors, was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for advocating nuclear disarmament and raising awareness about the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.
28. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, spans 1,334 square kilometers and includes diverse landscapes. It became a national park in 1980 and is home to the UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort.
29. Which ministry has established iGOT Lab to facilitate online learning for all employees?
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting established the iGOT Lab for online learning, offering 16 courses like Budget Management and Leadership, aiming to enhance skills and promote transparency and grievance resolution.
30. West Nile Virus (WNV), recently reported in Ukraine, is primarily transmitted by which species?
West Nile Virus (WNV), first identified in Uganda in 1937, spreads through mosquito bites, often from migratory birds. Ukraine faces an outbreak, with rising cases and no specific treatment or vaccine.
31. Which organization recently released a report titled “Agriculture and Conservation”?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) report "Agriculture and Conservation" highlights how agriculture threatens 34% of species but also supports 17% of species on the IUCN Red List.
32. Which organization recently published the World Energy Outlook 2024 report?
The World Energy Outlook 2024, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), forecasts that India will experience the highest rise in energy demand globally, driven by rapid growth in energy consumption, transportation, and industrial sectors.
33. Which state government has recently installed pink alarms at the government-run district hospital and medical college for safety of women?
Madhya Pradesh's Datia district hospital installed 'pink alarms' for women's safety, triggered within five minutes of activation. Initiated after a Kolkata incident, it is the first government hospital in the state.
34. Leptospirosis, recently seen in the news, is caused by which type of organism?
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was diagnosed with leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through contact with infected animal urine. It causes symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and potentially liver damage.
35. What is the name of world’s first government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model, recently launched by India?
BharatGen, the world's first government-funded multimodal large language model, aims to enhance public service delivery and citizen engagement in Indian languages, supporting text and speech across diverse cultures.
36. Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, recently in news, is associated with which space organization?
NASA cancelled the VIPER mission due to delays and cost overruns. It aimed to explore the Moon’s south pole for water ice and resources as part of the Artemis Accords.
37. Silicosis, recently highlighted in news, is a disease primarily caused by prolonged exposure to what substance?
Silicosis, caused by inhaling silica dust, leads to lung hardening and severe respiratory issues. Many miners in Panna district face misdiagnosis as TB, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and compensation.
38. Who became the first woman officer to serve as the Director-General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DG AFMS)?
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin became the first woman Director-General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DG AFMS). She has held key positions in the Navy, Air Force, and Armed Forces Medical College.
39. The Chenchus Tribe primarily resides in which state?
The Chenchus, a Telugu-speaking tribe in Andhra Pradesh's Nallamala forests, rely on traditional livelihoods, including gathering forest products and hunting. They maintain a unique cultural lifestyle with limited modernization.
40. Recently, which languages have conferred the status of Classical Language by the union government?
The Union Cabinet of India has granted Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, based on criteria from the Linguistic Experts Committee. Other classical languages include Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
41. ‘SIPCOT’ is an industrial park initiative of which state?
SIPCOT, established in 1971, has facilitated over 3,290 industrial units in Tamil Nadu, aiming for a $1 trillion economy by 2030. It focuses on sector-specific parks and sustainable worker housing.
42. Which of the following are top four countries in terms of their forex reserves as of October 2024?
India’s forex reserves surpassed $700 billion for the first time in October 2024, making it the fourth country after China, Japan, and Switzerland with the highest foreign exchange reserves.
43. Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) is primarily found in which state?
he Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), a subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass, saw its population in Gujarat rise by 26.14%, from 6,082 in 2020 to 7,672 in 2024. Primarily found in the Little Rann of Kutch, it is an endangered species, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
44. The Pinnacles Desert is located in which country?
Recent research using iron-rich nodules in Australia’s Pinnacles Desert revealed intense weathering 100,000 years ago during the wettest period in 500,000 years, improving understanding of past climate and ecosystem changes.
45. What is the name of the campaign announced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution?
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the “Constitution Glorification Campaign” for the Constitution's 75th anniversary, aiming to raise awareness nationwide about its significance, Assembly debates, and government efforts to strengthen it.
46. Which organizations jointly released the ‘Mental health of children and young people – Service guidance’ Report?
WHO and UNICEF's report highlights that 1 in 7 children face mental health issues, emphasizing early intervention. Barriers include inadequate services, high costs, stigma, and low public funding globally.
47. Which country hosted 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)?
The 19th ICDRA, hosted by India, emphasized global cooperation in drug regulation, tackling antimicrobial resistance, AI in healthcare, and enhancing preparedness for health emergencies, reaffirming India's role as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
48. Where was the first ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue held?
The First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue in Singapore, co-chaired by Amit A. Shukla, focused on cybersecurity cooperation, threat assessments, capacity building, and advancing digital transformation as part of the ASEAN-India partnership.
49. Who was elected as the Chairperson of the 77th session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for Southeast Asia?
Union Health Minister JP Nadda was elected Chairperson of the 77th WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia. The session, held in New Delhi, focuses on enhancing public health systems and addressing regional challenges.
50. What is the name of the initiative recently launched by Himachal Pradesh to tackle drug trafficking?
Himachal Pradesh launched the ‘Sankalp’ initiative on October 6, 2024, to fight drug trafficking and support rehabilitation. A de-addiction center will be set up in Kotla Barog, Sirmaur district.