Current Affair January 2024
Which city in Maharashtra has been selected by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the venue to host the National Youth Festival 2024?
  • Mumbai
  • Nasik
  • Pune
Explanation:

The city of Nashik, Maharashtra, has been selected to host the National Youth Festival (NYF) 2024 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 5-day festival on January 12, which marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. This festival will witness the participation of around 7,500 youths from across India, celebrating youth engagement, culture, and leadership. The NYF is held annually in honor of Swami Vivekananda's legacy.

Who is the inspiration behind the new design of Indian Navy Admirals’ Epaulettes announced recently?
  • Maharana Pratap
  • Shivaji
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh
  • Chandragupta Maury
Explanation:
 

Unveiled on Navy Day 2023, the Indian Navy’s new shoulder rank insignias (epaulettes) for senior leadership are inspired by the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The design incorporates elements from the Naval Ensign and reflects India's rich maritime heritage and indigenization efforts. Notable features include the golden button and octagon shape, symbolizing strategic vision. The insignia also integrates symbols like the sword, telescope, and the ‘Rajmudra’ seal used by Shivaji in his decrees, creating a blend of historical significance and modern naval identity.

Who is the first woman officer to be appointed as Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)?
  • Shubhra Singh
  • Nina Singh
  • Binita Thakur
  • Roli Singh
Explanation:

Senior IPS officer Nina Singh has made history as the first woman to be appointed as the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). She has taken charge of the 1.65 lakh-strong force responsible for securing vital infrastructure. A Rajasthan cadre officer of the 1989 batch, Nina Singh has extensive experience and has served in a variety of policing roles throughout her career.

What is the name of China’s cutting-edge ocean drilling vessel designed to penetrate the Earth’s crust and reach the mantle for the first time in human history?
  • Mengxiang
  • Tianqi
  • Shuijing
  • Yueliang
Explanation:

China's revolutionary new ocean drilling vessel, Mengxiang, aims to penetrate the Earth's crust and reach the mantle for the first time in human history. If successful, its planned drilling to breach the Mohorovicic discontinuity (Moho) over 7,000 meters beneath the ocean floor would mark a significant milestone in scientific exploration. The Mengxiang is designed to withstand extreme conditions, reflecting its advanced engineering and the ambition behind this groundbreaking project. This achievement would open doors to unprecedented scientific discovery and understanding of the Earth's interior.

The recently renamed Maa Manikeswari University is located in which state of India?
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • West Bengal
  • Odisha
  • Karnataka
Explanation:

The Maa Manikeswari University, formerly known as Kalahandi University, is located in Odisha, India. It was renamed to honor Maa Manikeswari, the presiding deity of the Kalahandi district. The university has been operational since September 1, 2020, and the name change was officially announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on November 1, during the foundation day of Kalahandi district.

Which are the primary objects of study for the recently launched XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) by ISRO?
  • Exoplanets
  • Neutron stars and Blackholes
  • Distant stars and Solar system
  • Asteroids
Explanation:

The XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), recently launched by ISRO, aims to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources and explore the enigmatic world of black holes. It is India’s first dedicated scientific satellite for space-based polarization measurements of X-ray emissions from celestial sources.

XPoSat carries two key scientific payloads:

  • POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): Designed to measure polarization parameters in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons.
  • XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing): Provides spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.

These instruments will enhance our understanding of X-ray sources in space, particularly neutron stars and black holes, by offering detailed measurements of X-ray polarization and spectroscopy.

India’s longest sea bridge, recently making headlines, connects which two locations?
  • Bandra and Worli
  • Sewri and Chirle
    • Explanation:

    The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), India’s longest sea bridge, is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 12. Spanning 22 kilometers, it connects Sewri in south Mumbai to Chirle in the outskirts of Navi Mumbai, crossing over Thane Creek. Originally planned to be completed in 4.5 years, the project experienced an eight-month delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The MTHL is expected to greatly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion.