1. Recently, what significant milestone did ISRO achieve with its reusable launch vehicle (RLV) program, RLV LEX-02, in April 2024?
A) Successful orbital insertion of a heavy-lift payload.
B) Autonomous landing experiment under diverse conditions.
C) Deployment of a new constellation of communication satellites.
D) First human-rated spaceflight from an RLV.
Correct answer: B) Autonomous landing experiment under diverse conditions. Notes: In a significant advancement for its reusable launch vehicle program, ISRO successfully conducted the RLV LEX-02 (Landing Experiment-02) mission in April 2024. This experiment demonstrated the RLV ‘Pushpak’s’ autonomous landing capabilities from a higher altitude, under more challenging release conditions, replicating conditions similar to a space re-entry vehicle’s landing on an airfield. The winged vehicle was released from an IAF Chinook helicopter at 4.5 km altitude, demonstrating precise landing capabilities involving sophisticated guidance, navigation, and control systems. This success marks a crucial step towards India’s ambition for fully reusable launch vehicles, significantly reducing space launch costs and enhancing accessibility to space.
2. In April 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the situation in Gaza. What was the primary focus of this resolution?
A) Demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
B) Calling for an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan.
C) Condemning all acts of violence by both sides.
D) Establishing an international peacekeeping force in Gaza.
Correct answer: B) Calling for an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan. Notes: In a notable development, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution in late March/early April 2024 demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the duration of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire. The resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and emphasized the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The United States abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass, marking a significant shift in its stance. This resolution highlighted the international community’s growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region and aimed to provide a temporary reprieve for aid delivery.
3. Which Indian state recently launched a new initiative, ‘Prakriti-Rakshak’, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and forest conservation among local communities?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Himachal Pradesh
D) Karnataka
Correct answer: C) Himachal Pradesh Notes: The state of Himachal Pradesh recently launched the ‘Prakriti-Rakshak’ initiative in April 2024, focusing on a holistic approach to environmental protection. This scheme aims to integrate traditional farming practices with modern sustainable techniques, encourage afforestation, and involve local communities in the conservation of forest ecosystems and biodiversity. It provides incentives for farmers to adopt organic farming methods and promotes community-led efforts to mitigate deforestation and soil erosion. The initiative is a proactive step by the state government to address climate change challenges specific to the Himalayan region and secure the ecological balance for future generations, emphasizing local participation.
4. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in early April 2024, maintained the repo rate at what percentage for the seventh consecutive time?
A) 6.00%
B) 6.25%
C) 6.50%
D) 6.75%
Correct answer: C) 6.50% Notes: In its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in early April 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for the seventh consecutive time. This decision reflects the central bank’s continued focus on bringing inflation within its target range of 4% while supporting economic growth. The MPC also maintained its ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ stance, indicating that liquidity withdrawal measures will continue to manage inflationary pressures. This stability in policy rates is aimed at providing predictability for businesses and consumers, fostering a balanced economic environment amidst global uncertainties and domestic growth considerations.
5. Which renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer was recently conferred with the prestigious ‘Nritya Kala Nidhi’ award at a national arts festival in April 2024?
A) Mallika Sarabhai
B) Alarmel Valli
C) Priyadarsini Govind
D) Aditi Mangaldas
Correct answer: B) Alarmel Valli Notes: Alarmel Valli, an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and choreographer celebrated for her mastery in the Bharatanatyam style, was recently honored with the prestigious ‘Nritya Kala Nidhi’ award at a prominent national arts festival in April 2024. This award recognizes her immense contributions to promoting and enriching Indian classical dance forms, both nationally and internationally. Known for her distinctive style that blends traditional rigor with innovative interpretations, Valli has received numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career, including the Padma Bhushan. Her dedication to expanding the vocabulary of Bharatanatyam and inspiring new generations of dancers makes her a deserving recipient of this significant cultural recognition.
