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301. Which country has recently joined the prestigious UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD)?
[A] India
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India joining the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD) is a significant step for the country’s statistical field. This move shows India’s dedication to using data and technology for better decision-making. The UN-CEBD focuses on understanding the advantages and challenges of Big Data, especially in tracking sustainable development goals. By being a member of this committee, India will help shape global standards and practices in official statistics.
302. The world’s first 300-megawatt compressed air energy storage (CAES) site is located in which country?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] Israel
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
The Nengchu-1 initiative located in Yingcheng, Hubei Province, represents a significant leap forward in China’s energy storage technology. This facility is recognized as the first demonstration project globally to utilize 300 megawatts of compressed air energy storage (CAES). It has successfully achieved full integration with the power grid and is actively generating electricity. The project has established three world records, underscoring China’s prominent position in CAES technology, which effectively tackles the issues associated with the intermittency of clean energy sources. Nengchu-1 features a single-unit power output of 300 megawatts and an impressive energy storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, utilizing an underground gas storage capacity of 700,000 cubic meters. The facility is capable of storing energy for a duration of up to eight hours and can release it over a five-hour period each day. Furthermore, its operational lifespan is projected to exceed 30 years.
303. Which of the following has recently partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) and IIT Jammu?
[A] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[B] Kineco Limited
[C] Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
[D] MAK Controls and Systems
Correct Answer: C [Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)]
Notes:
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) and IIT Jammu. Their goal is to create a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip to improve how spectrum is used. This partnership, established through the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), shows a commitment to advancing telecommunication research and development in India. The TTDF helps Indian startups and institutions develop new telecommunications technologies. This project is important for delivering cost-effective broadband and mobile services, especially in rural regions.
304. Pixel announced partnership with SIIS to supply Hyperspectral Satellite Data in which country?
[A] South Korea
[B] Japan
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: A [South Korea]
Notes:
Bengaluru-based space technology startup Pixxel has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s SIIS Co, representing a significant advancement in the introduction of sophisticated hyperspectral satellite data to the Korean market. This agreement, which was finalized late last year during the Satellite Utilization Conference held in Seoul, will enable the startup to provide high-resolution hyperspectral imaging services to various industries and institutions throughout the country. Pixxel is recognized for developing the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation, which offers imaging technology capable of capturing a much broader range of spectral detail compared to conventional systems. This partnership is a strategic initiative for Pixxel as it gears up for the launch of its Fireflies constellation in early 2025, which will consist of six commercial-grade satellites designed to deliver exceptional global coverage and high-fidelity data.
305. Who has recently launched an initiative called Mission Mausam to enhance weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities?
[A] President Droupadi Murmu
[B] Prime Minister Narendra Modi
[C] Union Minister Amit Shah
[D] Union Minister Piyush Goyal
Correct Answer: B [Prime Minister Narendra Modi]
Notes:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), founded in 1875, will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025. In recognition of this significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mission Mausam on January 14. This initiative is designed to improve India’s weather forecasting and disaster management systems. The mission plays a vital role in reducing the effects of natural disasters by enhancing meteorological services. Mission Mausam aims to advance the IMD’s forecasting, modeling, and information dissemination capabilities. The government has earmarked a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the initial two years of the project. The mission prioritizes the enhancement of weather monitoring and forecasting, which will benefit various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, defense, disaster management, tourism, and health. Its objective is to deliver comprehensive weather services throughout the nation.
306. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released ‘Vision 2047’ document on which foundation day of the India Meteorological Department?
[A] 100th
[B] 125th
[C] 150th
[D] 175th
Correct Answer: C [150th]
Notes:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently marked the 150th anniversary of its establishment. During this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Vision-2047 document, which delineates ambitious objectives for weather prediction and disaster management. The IMD aspires to achieve complete accuracy in weather forecasts for a three-day period and 90% accuracy for forecasts extending to five days. This initiative is designed to improve the detection of severe weather conditions at the village level, with the ultimate goal of eliminating fatalities from such incidents by the year 2047.
307. Which country has developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs)?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] France
[D] Israel
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry in China have pioneered a method known as Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) aimed at the environmentally sustainable extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). This innovative technique employs an electric field to enhance the concentration of REEs, thereby facilitating their separation process. Rare earth elements consist of 17 metallic substances that possess essential characteristics for contemporary technological applications, encompassing magnetic, electronic, and chemical uses. The EKM process is based on the principles of electrokinetics, which entails the movement of particles or fluids in response to an electric field to extract REEs from their ore sources.
308. Which country has recently successfully launched the ‘Shijian-25’ satellite to test orbital refueling in space?
[A] China
[B] South Korea
[C] North Korea
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China launched the Shijian-25 satellite on January 7, 2025, to test in-orbit refueling and increase satellite lifespan. The launch occurred at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China, using a Long March 3B rocket. The primary aim of the Shijian-25 satellite is to explore technologies for refueling satellites and prolonging their operational life. This mission aims to improve China’s capacity to maintain satellites for a longer time, reducing costs and supporting sustainability in space operations.
309. Which country has recently become the fourth country to achieve successful space docking in the world?
[A] France
[B] India
[C] South Korea
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, making India the fourth nation to do so, following the United States, Russia, and China. This docking, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, shows ISRO’s ability to perform autonomous satellite docking. This achievement is important for upcoming missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
310. The Government of India has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at which place?
[A] Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
[B] Paradeep, Odisha
[C] Thumba, Kerala
[D] Karavatti, Lakshadweep
Correct Answer: A [Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Indian Government has approved the construction of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative is intended to enhance India’s capabilities in space exploration, particularly in relation to forthcoming human spaceflight endeavors. The TLP will facilitate the operations of Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and will also function as a contingency for the existing Second Launch Pad. It is designed to accommodate both NGLV and LVM3 vehicles, offering versatility for various configurations. This project is crucial for addressing the increasing demand for launch services. The projected expenditure for the TLP is Rs. 3984.86 Crore, with an anticipated completion timeline of 48 months, or four years. The establishment of the TLP is expected to boost India’s launch frequency and capacity, thereby significantly contributing to human spaceflight initiatives and future exploration missions.
