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591. Recently, researchers at which IIT have successfully extracted silicon carbide from simulated moon soil?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Hyderabad
[D] IIT Madras
Correct Answer: D [IIT Madras]
Notes:
Researchers at IIT Madras have recently managed to extract silicon carbide from simulated lunar soil. This breakthrough could help in building habitats on the moon. Lunar regolith is the loose material that covers the moon’s surface, and getting real lunar soil is difficult since only a small amount has been returned to Earth. Simulated lunar soil is created for research. The moon has two main types of terrain: the maria and the highlands. The highlands contain a lot of silicon, aluminum, and calcium oxides. To make silicon carbide, which requires both silicon and carbon, researchers had to find a source of carbon on the moon. One possible source is the carbon dioxide that astronauts breathe out. At the International Space Station (ISS), the Sabatier process turns carbon dioxide into methane and water using hydrogen. Although methane is usually released into space at the ISS, it is important for this study. By mixing highland regolith simulant with methane at high temperatures, researchers were able to produce silicon carbide.
592. Which organization has suggest that switching from traditional table salt to potassium-based salts, known as K-salts?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] World Health Organisation (WHO)
[C] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
[D] United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Correct Answer: B [World Health Organisation (WHO)]
Notes:
Recent health advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that using potassium-based salts, or K-salts, instead of regular table salt may help control blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. This is especially important in countries like India, where high blood pressure is a major health issue. K-salts are alternatives to regular table salt, which is mainly sodium chloride, and they use potassium chloride instead. This change can reduce sodium intake while boosting potassium levels. Potassium is vital for heart health and can help lower blood pressure. The WHO suggests keeping sodium intake below 2 grams per day, which is about 5 grams of salt, and recommends partially replacing table salt with potassium-based options. However, these guidelines do not apply to certain groups, such as women, children, and people with kidney problems, because there is not enough information on safety and effectiveness for them.
593. Which space agency has recently achieved a historic milestone with its 100th launch?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] SpaceX
[D] JAXA
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with its 100th launch from Sriharikota on January 29, 2025. The GSLV-F15 rocket took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 6:23 a.m., successfully deploying the NVS-02 navigation satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit 19 minutes post-launch. This mission enhances India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, further solidifying the nation’s autonomy in satellite-based navigation.
594. The first international report on AI safety was released under whose president?
[A] Lov Grover
[B] George Varghese
[C] Yoshua Bengio
[D] Vikram Adve
Correct Answer: C [Yoshua Bengio]
Notes:
Launch of the First International Report on AI Safety chaired by Yoshua Bengio. January 29, 2025. Visual identity of the international report on AI safety. The International AI Safety report, published in 2025, highlights major issues related to the fast development of artificial intelligence technologies. This detailed document covers various dangers, such as job loss, environmental effects, and security threats. The report is based on talks from the 2023 global AI safety summit. It warns that AI advancements could significantly affect the job market. General-purpose AI might take over many tasks, resulting in job losses. Economists believe that while some jobs will vanish, new opportunities may arise in areas not affected by automation. About 60% of jobs in developed countries are at risk of AI disruption. Estimates suggest that as many as 3 million private-sector jobs in the UK could be lost, but the overall increase in unemployment might be less due to the creation of new jobs.
595. Elon Musk’s X to launch its first digital wallet in partnership with which company?
[A] Visa
[B] Master Card
[C] RuPay
[D] Paypal
Correct Answer: A [Visa]
Notes:
Elon Musk’s X, which was once called Twitter, is about to introduce a new feature: X Money. This digital wallet, supported by Visa, is a big move in X’s plan to change from a social media site to a complete “super app.” By adding payment services to its current offerings, X aims to rival major apps like China’s WeChat, providing users with messaging and financial services all in one platform. X is preparing to launch “X Money,” a digital wallet powered by Visa, which will enable real-time funding, peer-to-peer payments, and bank transfers.
596. Recently, nine Indo-Pacific nations participated in the La Perouse naval exercise, hosted by which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Germany
[C] France
[D] United Kingdom
Correct Answer: C [France]
Notes:
Recently, nine nations from the Indo-Pacific region engaged in the La Perouse naval exercise, which was organized by France. This event occurred in the strategically significant straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok, which are vital for maritime commerce between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Indian Navy was represented by its guided-missile destroyer, INS Mumbai. The primary objective of the exercise was to improve maritime safety and enhance interoperability among the participating navies, particularly in light of increasing Chinese naval activities in the area. The exercise included nine countries: Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, each contributing unique naval capabilities to bolster collective maritime security.
597. Which Indian Naval Ship (INS) is participated in the fourth edition of the Multinational Exercise LA PEROUSE?
[A] INS Mumbai
[B] INS Ganga
[C] INS Jamuna
[D] INS Mysore
Correct Answer: A [INS Mumbai]
Notes:
INS Mumbai, a domestically constructed guided missile destroyer, is actively engaged in the fourth iteration of Exercise LA PEROUSE. This exercise includes naval forces from Australia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. Its primary objectives are to improve maritime situational awareness, enhance surveillance capabilities, facilitate interdiction operations, conduct air operations, and promote information sharing among participating nations. The exercise underscores India’s naval collaboration, interoperability, and dedication to upholding a rules-based maritime framework. Furthermore, it is in line with India’s SAGAR vision, which aims to foster security and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
598. Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system is developed by India and which country?
[A] France
[B] Israel
[C] Italy
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [France]
Notes:
The Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, a collaborative development between India and France, has successfully obtained an export contract from Armenia. This artillery system, characterized by its 155 mm caliber and 52-calibre length, is the result of a partnership between Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and KNDS France, with production taking place in India. The gun boasts a range that surpasses 40 km, contingent upon the type of ammunition used, and is engineered for contemporary warfare. It incorporates sophisticated targeting and fire-control technologies, a modular design that facilitates transport, high firing rates, and adaptability to various terrains.
599. Which organization has developed the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL)?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] HAL
[D] IISc
Correct Answer: B [DRDO]
Notes:
The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) represents a significant enhancement in India’s artillery capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this system was created to supplant outdated Soviet-era artillery. As of January 2025, the Pinaka has garnered international attention, with nations such as Armenia and France showing interest in procuring the system. The Indian Army intends to increase its orders, highlighting the strategic significance of this artillery system. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced that two contracts for the Pinaka missile system are expected to be finalized before March 31, marking the conclusion of the current financial year. One contract, valued at ₹5,700 crore, pertains to high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition, while the other, amounting to ₹4,500 crore, focuses on area denial munitions.
600. Which state government has recently launched a new disaster risk warning system called KaWaCHaM?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
The Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard Management System (KaWaCHaM) is poised for inauguration by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This initiative is designed to bolster disaster preparedness and response mechanisms within Kerala, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide timely notifications concerning severe weather phenomena. The system employs a variety of communication channels to guarantee the effective distribution of warnings to the populace. Developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) with assistance from the National Disaster Management Authority and the World Bank, KaWaCHaM features 126 sirens equipped with strobe lights and 93 emergency operation centres interconnected through a VPN. These sirens are specifically engineered to issue alerts for heavy rainfall, high winds, and coastal surges. Each siren is outfitted with three colored lights (red, yellow, orange) and eight loudspeakers, capable of transmitting alerts over a distance of 1.2 kilometers.
