Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2024

1. Zika Virus, recently seen in the news, is transmitted by which mosquito?
   [A] Culex mosquito
   [B] Aedes mosquito
   [C] Anopheles mosquito
   [D] Mansonia mosquito

   Answer: B [Aedes mosquito]
   Explanation: India’s Health Minister introduced a new action plan to combat Zika virus. Discovered in Uganda in 1947, Zika is a mosquito-borne RNA virus, first reported in humans in 1952. It primarily spreads in tropical and subtropical regions through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The plan aims to effectively manage and control the virus’s spread.

2. What is Parkinson’s disease, recently seen in the news?
   [A] A cardiovascular disorder
   [B] A progressive neurological disorder
   [C] A respiratory illness
   [D] A type of cancer

   Answer: B [A progressive neurological disorder]
   Explanation: Researchers have found that gene mutations in Parkinson’s disease patients are more common than previously thought, suggesting a need for broader genetic testing. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement and balance, typically beginning around age 60. It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a shortage of dopamine and symptoms like tremors and slowed movements.

3. Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, recently in the news, is located in which state?
   [A] Maharashtra
   [B] Gujarat
   [C] Assam
   [D] Odisha

   Answer: C [Assam]
   Explanation: The Union Environment Ministry approved oil and gas drilling in the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, which may further endanger the Hoolock gibbon. Established in 1997, this evergreen forest sanctuary in Assam’s Jorhat district is home to the densest gibbon population in the state. The sanctuary is named after the gibbon, with the Bhogdoi River forming a semi-hydrophytic border region.

4. Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), recently seen in the news, was launched by which ministry?
   [A] Ministry of Defence
   [B] Ministry of Home Affairs
   [C] Ministry of Science and Technology
   [D] Ministry of Urban Development

   Answer: A [Ministry of Defence]
   Explanation: The Ministry of Defence has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) to set up three advanced testing facilities under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). Launched in May 2020 with a budget of ₹400 crore, the scheme aims to boost indigenous defence production by developing testing infrastructure for various defence technologies.

5. Legionnaires’ disease, recently seen in the news, is caused by which agent?
   [A] Virus
   [B] Bacteria
   [C] Fungus
   [D] Protozoa

   Answer: B [Bacteria]
   Explanation: Australia’s Victoria state recently reported 71 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, with one death. This severe form of pneumonia is caused by Legionella bacteria, commonly found in water systems like tanks. The disease spreads through inhaling contaminated water droplets, not through person-to-person contact.

6. Chaliyar River, recently in the news, originates from which hills?
   [A] Elambalari Hills
   [B] Nelliyampathy Hills
   [C] Kalrayan Hills
   [D] Coonoor Hills

   Answer: A [Elambalari Hills]
   Explanation: The Chaliyar River, originating from the Elambalari Hills in Tamil Nadu, flows through Kerala's Malappuram and Kozhikode districts before draining into the Arabian Sea. Recent heavy rainfall in Kerala has caused landslides along the river, which is historically significant for timber transport but has been polluted by industrial activities.

7. What is the causative agent of Lyme disease, recently seen in the news?
   [A] Virus
   [B] Fungus
   [C] Bacteria
   [D] Protozoa

   Answer: C [Bacteria]
   Explanation: Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted through the bites of infected black-legged ticks. It cannot be spread between humans or by other insects. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive "bull’s-eye" rash. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications.

8. Which department recently released commemorative postage stamps to celebrate the Paris Olympics 2024?
   [A] Department of Financial Services
   [B] Department of Science and Technology (DST)
   [C] Department of Posts
   [D] Department of Telecommunications

   Answer: C [Department of Posts]
   Explanation: The Department of Posts has issued commemorative stamps for the 2024 Paris Olympics. These limited-edition stamps celebrate significant national and international events and personalities, available through the Philatelic Deposit Account Scheme.

9. What is ‘Methylocucumis oryzae’, recently seen in the news?
   [A] Virus
   [B] Protozoa
   [C] Fungus
   [D] Bacteria

   Answer: D [Bacteria]
   Explanation: Researchers have identified India’s first indigenous methanotroph, Methylocucumis oryzae, from rice fields in Western India. This bacterium consumes methane and promotes rice plant growth by inducing early flowering and increasing grain yield.

10. Which statutory body recently inaugurated the Digital Shakti Center to combat cybercrimes against women?
    [A] National Commission for Minorities
    [B] National Human Rights Commission
    [C] National Commission for Women
    [D] National Green Tribunal

Answer: C [National Commission for Women]
Explanation: The National Commission for Women (NCW) inaugurated the Digital Shakti Center to address cybercrimes targeting women. This initiative builds on the successful Digital Shakti campaign launched in 2018 and aims to raise awareness and provide technical support to combat online threats like identity theft and cyberstalking.

11. What is ‘Glioblastoma’, recently seen in the news?
    [A] A type of brain or spinal cord cancer
    [B] A type of heart disease
    [C] A type of lung cancer
    [D] A type of skin cancer

Answer: A [A type of brain or spinal cord cancer]
Explanation: Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain or spinal cord cancer, originating from astrocytes that support nerve cells. Recently, scientists used AI to convert glioblastoma cells into dendritic cells, which help the immune system fight the cancer.

12. What is the causative agent of Lyme disease, recently seen in the news?
    [A] Virus
    [B] Fungus
    [C] Bacteria
    [D] Protozoa

Answer: C [Bacteria]
Explanation: Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through bites from infected black-legged ticks. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a “bull’s-eye” rash. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective.

13. Who won the gold medal in men’s singles tennis title at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
    [A] Jannik Sinner
    [B] Novak Djokovic
    [C] Carlos Alcaraz
    [D] Matthew Ebden

Answer: B [Novak Djokovic]
Explanation: Novak Djokovic won the men’s singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating Carlos Alcaraz. This victory marked his achievement of a Golden Slam, adding to his already impressive Grand Slam titles.

14. How many National High-Speed Road Corridor projects have been recently approved by the central government?
    [A] 6
    [B] 7
    [C] 8
    [D] 10

Answer: C [8]
Explanation: The central government has approved eight new national high-speed road corridor projects costing ₹50,655 crore, aimed at improving connectivity and economic growth.

15. ‘PARIVESH Portal’, recently seen in the news, is developed by which ministry?
    [A] Ministry of Defence
    [B] Ministry of Power
    [C] Ministry of Agriculture
    [D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer: D [Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]
Explanation: The PARIVESH portal, developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, provides a single-window platform for obtaining environment, forest, and wildlife clearances.

16. What is the main objective of the ‘Nandini Sahakar Scheme’, recently seen in the news?
    [A] To provide financial assistance to men-led cooperatives
    [B] To improve the socio-economic status of women through women cooperatives
    [C] To promote entrepreneurship among youth
    [D] To support rural development projects

Answer: B [To improve the socio-economic status of women through women cooperatives]
Explanation: The Nandini Sahakar Scheme, launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat, provides financial assistance to women-led cooperatives to boost their socio-economic status.

17. Which research institute has developed a herbal product called ‘NBRI-Gout Out’ to address the problem of Gout?
    [A] CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
    [B] CSIR-Centre for Cellular Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad
    [C] CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow
    [D] CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune

Answer: A [CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow]
Explanation: CSIR-NBRI developed ‘NBRI-Gout Out’ using five medicinal plants to treat gout, a form of arthritis caused by high uric acid levels in the blood.

18. Which three names were given to the underwater structures in the Indian Ocean?
    [A] Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru
    [B] Mahatma, Nehru, and Gandhi
    [C] Himalaya, Ganga, and Krishna
    [D] Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma

Answer: A [Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru]
Explanation: Three underwater structures in the Indian Ocean were named Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru, recognizing India's contributions to marine science.

19. What is the objective of the “Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services” (PCAPS) project, recently launched by WMO?
    [A] To improve space exploration
    [B] To increase weather and climate information in the Arctic and Antarctic
    [C] To develop new energy sources
    [D] To enhance global internet connectivity

Answer: B [To increase weather and climate information in the Arctic and Antarctic]
Explanation: The PCAPS project, launched by the World Meteorological Organization, aims to enhance weather and climate forecasting in the polar regions by improving observation systems and models.

20. What is an ‘Overnight Index Swap (OIS)’, recently seen in the news?
    [A] A fixed-income security
    [B] A derivative instrument that swaps fixed-rate returns with a daily overnight index
    [C] A type of equity investment
    [D] A foreign exchange contract

Answer: B [A derivative instrument that swaps fixed-rate returns with a daily overnight index]
Explanation: An Overnight Index Swap (OIS) is a financial derivative where parties exchange fixed interest rates for a floating overnight index rate to manage interest rate risks.

21. ‘Trichophyton indotineae’, recently seen in the news, is caused by which pathogen?
    [A] Virus
    [B] Fungus
    [C] Bacteria
    [D] Protozoa

Answer: B [Fungus]
Explanation: Trichophyton indotineae is a drug-resistant fungal infection known as ringworm or jock itch. It was first identified in India and has become a global health concern. The overuse of steroid creams has contributed to the strain's resistance to treatment.

22. Recently, which state has become the first in the country to give money to girl students to buy sanitary napkins?
    [A] Rajasthan
    [B] Gujarat
    [C] Madhya Pradesh
    [D] Odisha

Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation: Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to provide cash assistance to adolescent girls for purchasing sanitary napkins as part of the state’s Sanitation and Hygiene scheme, benefiting over 19 lakh girls.

23. What is the primary objective of the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) scheme, recently seen in news?
    [A] To increase the number of private schools
    [B] To ensure access to quality education for girls from disadvantaged groups by setting up residential schools
    [C] To provide scholarships for higher education
    [D] To promote co-educational schools

Answer: B [To ensure access to quality education for girls from disadvantaged groups by setting up residential schools]
Explanation: The KGBV scheme was launched to provide residential schools for girls from disadvantaged groups such as SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities, in regions with low female literacy and high gender disparities.

24. Thadou, Paite, and Hmar communities, sometimes seen in the news, are indigenous tribes of which state?
    [A] Jharkhand
    [B] Bihar
    [C] Odisha
    [D] Manipur

Answer: D [Manipur]
Explanation: The Thadou, Paite, and Hmar communities are indigenous tribes of Manipur. These tribes have been involved in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zomi people in the region.

25. What is the objective of the ‘National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)’, recently launched by the Union Government?
    [A] To reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers
    [B] To monitor soil quality
    [C] To monitor weather patterns
    [D] To improve irrigation techniques

Answer: A [To reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers]
Explanation: The NPSS is an AI-based system designed to help farmers with pest control by allowing them to send images of infested crops for expert diagnosis, reducing their reliance on pesticide retailers.

26. Recently, Paetongtarn Shinawatra became the youngest prime minister of which country?
    [A] Indonesia
    [B] Vietnam
    [C] Thailand
    [D] Egypt

Answer: C [Thailand]
Explanation: Paetongtarn Shinawatra became Thailand's youngest prime minister at 37 years old. She is the third member of the Shinawatra family to hold the position, following her father and aunt.

27. Recently, which state has become the third state after Kerala and Bihar to introduce a menstrual leave policy for working women?
    [A] Uttar Pradesh
    [B] Gujarat
    [C] Odisha
    [D] Jharkhand

Answer: C [Odisha]
Explanation: Odisha became the third state in India to introduce menstrual leave for working women, allowing them to take one day off during the first or second day of their menstrual cycle.

28. Recently, which country reported the first confirmed case of the deadly mpox variant outside Africa?
    [A] Germany
    [B] Barbados
    [C] Sweden
    [D] France

Answer: C [Sweden]
Explanation: Sweden reported its first confirmed case of the Clade 1b variant of mpox, which has caused severe outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

29. Which African country reported a cholera outbreak recently?
    [A] Tunisia
    [B] Sudan
    [C] Libya
    [D] Morocco

Answer: B [Sudan]
Explanation: Sudan is facing a cholera outbreak, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and severe floods. The outbreak has led to several deaths and hundreds of illnesses.

30. Which state government recently launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana’?
    [A] Rajasthan
    [B] Uttar Pradesh
    [C] Himachal Pradesh
    [D] Gujarat

Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Explanation: Himachal Pradesh launched the 'Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana', which provides nutritious food such as boiled eggs or fruits to school children once a week.

31. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, recently seen in the news, comes under which ministry?
    [A] Ministry of Railways
    [B] Ministry of Urban Affairs
    [C] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
    [D] Ministry of Home Affairs

Answer: A [Ministry of Railways]
Explanation: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Railways, aims at modernizing railway stations across India with long-term development plans and phased improvements.

32. Prerana Programme, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
    [A] Ministry of Education
    [B] Ministry of Culture
    [C] Ministry of Urban Development
    [D] Ministry of Defence

Answer: A [Ministry of Education]
Explanation: The Prerana Programme, initiated by the Ministry of Education, focuses on integrating Indian education principles with the NEP 2020’s value-based learning, targeting students from class IX to XII.

33. How many Gallantry Awards were approved by the President on Independence Day 2024?
    [A] 97
    [B] 100
    [C] 103
    [D] 110

Answer: C [103]
Explanation: On Independence Day 2024, President Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry Awards, recognizing the bravery of Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel.

34. Typhoon Ampil has hit which country recently?
    [A] France
    [B] China
    [C] Japan
    [D] India

Answer: C [Japan]
Explanation: Typhoon Ampil recently hit Japan, bringing heavy rains and warnings of mudslides and floods, particularly impacting travel in the Tokyo area.

35. Mera Peak, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
    [A] Bhutan
    [B] India
    [C] Nepal
    [D] Myanmar

Answer: C [Nepal]
Explanation: Mera Peak, located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, is one of the highest trekking peaks and was recently in the news for a Guinness World Record in ski BASE jumping.

36. Kosi-Mechi link project, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
    [A] Bihar
    [B] Jharkhand
    [C] Gujarat
    [D] Odisha

Answer: A [Bihar]
Explanation: The Kosi-Mechi Link Project aims to connect the Kosi and Mechi rivers in Bihar to enhance water resource management and irrigation.

37. Recently, India has sent about 1400 kgs of anti-cancer drugs to which country in humanitarian assistance?
    [A] Syria
    [B] Ukraine
    [C] Iraq
    [D] Iran

Answer: A [Syria]
Explanation: India provided 1400 kg of anti-cancer drugs to Syria as part of humanitarian assistance, reflecting India’s commitment to supporting Syria during a critical time.

38. Who has been appointed as India’s chef de mission for the Paris Paralympics 2024?
    [A] Devendra Jhajharia
    [B] Deepa Malik
    [C] Satya Prakash Sangwan
    [D] Yogesh Kathuniya

Answer: C [Satya Prakash Sangwan]
Explanation: Satya Prakash Sangwan, Vice-President of the Paralympic Committee of India, was appointed as the Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

39. What is the denomination of the commemorative coin issued in honor of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi?
    [A] Rs 50
    [B] Rs 100
    [C] Rs 600
    [D] Rs 800

Answer: B [Rs 100]
Explanation: A Rs 100 commemorative coin was released in honor of M. Karunanidhi, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, celebrating his birth centenary.

40. Recently, which airport has been awarded the best airport title at the India Travel Awards?
    [A] Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
    [B] Jaipur International Airport
    [C] Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
    [D] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

Answer: C [Rajiv Gandhi International Airport]
Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad was named the Best Airport at the India Travel Awards for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its excellence in passenger services.

41. What kind of vessel is ‘ICGS Sujay’, recently in news?
    [A] Fast patrol vessel
    [B] Offshore Patrol Vessel
    [C] Pollution control vessel
    [D] Hovercraft

Answer: B [Offshore Patrol Vessel]
Explanation: ICGS Sujay is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Coast Guard, stationed in Paradip, Odisha. It was recently in the news for visiting Jakarta, Indonesia, and is deployed for missions like surveillance, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

42. Recently, which organization has formed a task force to address challenges and drive the growth of surety bond insurance?
    [A] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    [B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    [C] Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
    [D] Ministry of Finance

Answer: C [Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)]
Explanation: IRDAI has set up a task force to promote the growth of surety bond insurance, a mechanism that guarantees the fulfillment of contractual obligations, primarily useful in sectors like construction.

43. What is ‘Mass Wasting’, recently seen in news?
    [A] Movement of rock and soil down slope under the influence of gravity
    [B] Largest and fastest AI supercomputing system
    [C] Advanced nuclear reactors
    [D] Formation of new land through volcanic activity

Answer: A [Movement of rock and soil down slope under the influence of gravity]
Explanation: Mass wasting refers to the movement of rock and soil down slopes due to gravity. A recent study linked the increase of mass wasting events in Sedongpu Gully on the Tibetan Plateau to rapid warming in the region.

44. Wular Lake, recently seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
    [A] Assam
    [B] Odisha
    [C] Kerala
    [D] Jammu and Kashmir

Answer: D [Jammu and Kashmir]
Explanation: Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, is located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir. It has been facing silt accumulation issues and plays a vital role in the region's ecosystem.

45. What is the primary objective of the ‘New India Literacy Programme (NILP)’, recently in news?
    [A] To promote sports among children aged 6-14
    [B] To provide food to 9th to 12th students
    [C] To provide free laptops to college students
    [D] To support the States and Union Territories in promoting literacy among non-literates aged 15 and above

Answer: D [To support the States and Union Territories in promoting literacy among non-literates aged 15 and above]
Explanation: The New India Literacy Programme (NILP) aims to enhance literacy rates among individuals aged 15 and above, offering foundational literacy and other skills as part of a centrally sponsored scheme.

46. Nagarni Spardha, which was seen in the news, is an old traditional oxen race held in which state?
    [A] Madhya Pradesh
    [B] Maharashtra
    [C] Rajasthan
    [D] Uttar Pradesh

Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Explanation: Nagarni Spardha is a traditional oxen race held in Dervan village, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It is an annual event, organized during the rainy season, and involves barefoot drivers controlling oxen on a muddy track.

47. Recently, which country unveiled new ‘Suicide Drones’ amid rising tensions with the US and South Korea?
    [A] United States
    [B] North Korea
    [C] China
    [D] Japan

Answer: B [North Korea]
Explanation: North Korea unveiled new suicide drones capable of targeting ground and sea objectives amid rising tensions with the US and South Korea. These drones are part of North Korea’s broader military advancements.

48. What type of technology is a ‘Solar Paraboloid’, recently in news?
    [A] Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
    [B] Wind Power
    [C] Hydroelectric Power
    [D] None of the Above

Answer: A [Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)]
Explanation: A Solar Paraboloid is a type of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology that uses parabolic mirrors to focus sunlight on a receiver to generate energy more efficiently than traditional solar photovoltaic systems.

49. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
    [A] Assam
    [B] Kerala
    [C] Maharashtra
    [D] Karnataka

Answer: B [Kerala]
Explanation: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kerala’s Kannur district, is Kerala’s northernmost sanctuary. It is part of the Western Ghats and hosts diverse flora and fauna, including tropical evergreen forests.

50. Which institution recently released “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Goal of Atma Nirbharta” report?
    [A] NITI Aayog
    [B] RBI
    [C] SEBI
    [D] NABARD

Answer: A [NITI Aayog]
Explanation: NITI Aayog released a report titled “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Goal of Atma Nirbharta,” which outlines strategies to boost oilseed production and reduce India’s reliance on edible oil imports.