1. Which is the first university in Rajasthan to get NAAC ‘A’ grade?
(A) Vardhman Mahavir Open University, Kota
(B) MBM University, Jodhpur
(C) Govind Guru Tribal University, Banswara
(D) Mohanlal Sukhadia University Udaipur
(E) Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur
Solution: Option A.)
Ans (A)
Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University in Kota, Rajasthan, has achieved a historic milestone by receiving an ‘A’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The accreditation was provided by NAAC, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, within two and a half months after conducting two evaluations of the university’s facilities and systems.
The NAAC team thoroughly assessed the university’s infrastructure, regional centers, and various administrative processes during both visits.
The university received the ‘A’ grade after the NAAC headquarters in Bangalore announced the decision on September 27.
This achievement makes Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University the first in Rajasthan to receive an ‘A’ grade.
The university, Vice-Chancellor Professor – Kailash Sodani.
2. Billionaire Sultan Ibrahim of Johor was sworn in as the new king of which country?
(A) Malaysia
(B) Singapore
(C) Indonesia
(D) Philippines
(E) Vietnam
Solution: Option A.)
Ans (A)
Billionaire Sultan Ibrahim was sworn in as Malaysia’s new king in a ceremony held at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur.
Under Malaysia’s unique rotational monarchy system, the heads of the country’s nine royal families take turns to be the King, known as the “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” (He Who is Made Lord ) every five years.
Sultan Ibrahim, 65, hails from the historic state of Johor, whose sultanate boasts a lineage tracing back to the 16th century.
Johor is also the only sultanate allowed to maintain its own private army – which was part of the deal with the state to join the Federation of Malaya before the country’s independence in 1957.
3. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary which has recently been added to Ramsar list, is located in which state?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Karnataka
(D) Maharashtra
(E) Telangana
Solution: Option B.)
Ans (B)
Five more Indian wetlands were added to the Ramsar list.
The wetlands added are Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary from Karnataka; and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest from Tamil Nadu.
The total number of such highly recognized waterlogged ecosystems in the country has jumped to 80.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav hailed this recognition.
4. What is the rank of India in the Corruption index 2023?
(A) 85
(B) 24
(C) 40
(D) 93
(E) 30
Solution: Option D.)
Ans (D)
Corruption index: India ranked 93 among 180 nations
In 2023, India’s overall score was 39 while in 2022, it was 40. India’s rank in 2022 was 85, while in 2023 it dropped down to 93.
In the Asian region, Singapore ranked at the top, scoring 83 and occupying the fifth slot.
The report has been released by Transparency International.
Denmark ranked at the top, followed by Finland, New Zealand, and Norway.
5. In a first in India, which autonomous body has developed lab-grown fish meat in Kerala?
(A) Indian Agriculture Research Institute
(B) National Research Centre on Meat
(C) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(D) Indian Institute of Aquaculture research
(E) Institute of Genetics and Breeding
Solution: Option C.)
Ans (C)
In a first in India, ICAR developed lab-grown fish meat in Kerala.
ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is developing lab-grown fish meat to meet increasing seafood demand.
Focus on high-value marine fishes like kingfish, pomfret, and seer fish to reduce strain on wild resources.
Collaboration with Neat Meatt Biotech to replicate original flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities in the lab-grown product.
6. The recently unveiled mascot of Khelo India Winter Games 2024 “Sheen-e She” symbolizes which species?
(A) Red panda
(B) Tiger
(C) Sloth bear
(D) Snow Leopard
(E) Asiatic lion
Solution: Option D.)
Ans (D)
Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot ‘Sheen-e She’ and logo unveiled.
Mascot: ‘Sheen-e She’ symbolizes the majestic Snow Leopard, integral to Ladakh’s tradition and biodiversity.
Logo: The Games’ logo captures the picturesque landscape and diverse sports, featuring the Indian tricolor & Dharmachakra.
Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur will inaugurate the Games on February 2 in Leh, marking the start of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.
7. Which company has partnered with Azad Engineering for military aircraft engine component procurement?
(A) Pratt & Whitney
(B) Rolls-Royce
(C) Cummins
(D) Eicher Motors
(E) Mitsubishi Motors
Solution: Option B.)
Ans (B)
Azad Engineering to procure military aircraft engines from Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce partnered with Azad Engineering for military aircraft engine component procurement.
Seven-year deal propels Azad Engineering into a global supply chain for defense engines.
The agreement emphasizes India’s leap in defense manufacturing.
The collaboration aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ for self-reliant India.
8. Which Indian tennis player has won the singles title at the Australian Open Deaf Championships?
(A) Dhanush Srikanth
(B) Jerlin Anika
(C) Prithvi Sekhar
(D) Abhinav Deshwal
(E) Virender Singh
Solution: Option C.)
Ans (C)
Indian tennis player Prithvi Sekhar won the singles title at the Australian Open Deaf Championships in Melbourne.
He defeated Gabor Mathe of Hungary in the final, whom he had lost to in the semifinals last year.
Prithvi also reached the doubles final, partnering with Glen Flindell, but finished runner-up.
9. Professor Radha Champakalakshmi, who has passed away recently, was a renowned –
(A) Historian
(B) Scientist
(C) Politician
(D) Author
(E) Journalist
Solution: Option A.)
Ans (A)
Renowned historian Prof. R. Champakalakshmi passed away.
Specializing in South Indian history, her research focused on religion, trade, urbanization, and art.
She served as a Professor at JNU and was President of the Indian History Congress.
She has authored numerous books covering topics like urbanization, religion, and architecture.
10. Who has been appointed as the president of the Asian Cricket Council for the third consecutive term?
(A) Mike Baird
(B) Richard Thompson
(C) Jay Shah
(D) Chris Nenzani
(E) Kishore Shallow
Solution: Option C.)
Ans (C)
BCCI secy Shah was reappointed as ACC chairman for a third successive term.
Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah was appointed as the president of the Asian Cricket Council for a third consecutive term.
Shah’s extension was proposed by the Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva and the nomination took place at ACC’s annual general meeting in Bali.
Shah initially assumed the role in January 2021 succeeding Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan.