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1. Which court ordered an ossification test to determine whether one of the accused in a murder case is a minor or not?
The Mumbai court ordered the ossification test to ascertain if an accused individual in a murder case is a minor. This test is commonly used in legal cases to determine the age of an individual by examining the bones, especially those that change significantly with age, like the clavicle and sternum. The degree of bone growth or fusion can indicate the individual's age, which is particularly relevant in cases involving juveniles.
2. Which team did the Indian junior men's hockey team defeat 4-2 in the Sultan of Johor Cup?
The Indian junior men's hockey team secured a thrilling 4-2 victory against Japan in the Sultan of Johor Cup, showcasing their attacking prowess. Indian scorers included Amir Ali, Gurjot Singh, Anand Sourabh Kushwaha, and Ankit Pal, while Japan's Rakusei Yamanaka scored for his team. Led by legendary coach PR Sreejesh in his coaching debut, India dominated the match with impressive field goals and drag flicks. This win marked a strong start for the Indian team in the prestigious tournament, highlighting their potential for success.
3. By what year is global public debt expected to approach 100% of global GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report?
The IMF report projects that global public debt will reach 93% of global GDP in 2024 and approach 100% by 2030. This significant increase in debt levels raises concerns about sovereign yield volatility and debt risks. To mitigate these risks, the IMF recommends that countries implement fiscal adjustments between 3.0% and 4.5% of GDP. Additionally, the report introduces a "debt-at-risk" method to assess uncertainties in debt projections, estimating a potential surge to 115% of GDP by 2026 in a worst-case scenario. Effective management of debt levels is crucial for maintaining global economic stability.
4. In which city was Vikash Yadav, wanted by the FBI, arrested for extortion?
Vikash Yadav, an individual wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a murder plot and other conspiracies, was arrested by Delhi Police for extortion. The arrest took place in West Delhi, where Yadav had extorted money and issued threats in connection with his criminal activities, including his suspected involvement in a plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Khalil Singh and US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
5. By what year does India aim to achieve net zero emissions, according to the World Energy Outlook 2024 report?
India has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, as highlighted in the World Energy Outlook 2024 report. This goal is crucial for India, the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, with annual emissions reaching around 3 billion tonnes. To achieve this target, India plans to increase non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW and meet up to 50% of consumer demand through renewables by 2030. Significant progress has been made, with India ranking fourth globally in total renewable capacity, demonstrating a 400% growth over the last decade.
6. Which scheme by the Ministry of Defence, started in 2021, aims to promote innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace?
The iDEX scheme (Innovations for Defence Excellence) was launched by the Ministry of Defence to promote innovation and modernization in the Defence and Aerospace sectors. It encourages startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to engage in research and development, providing them with funding and technical support through partnerships with leading incubators. Managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), the iDEX scheme aims to develop military-grade products and advanced technologies that meet the critical needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The Ministry is now seeking additional funds to continue the scheme beyond 2021-26.
7. In which city did the Ministry of Education organize the two-day STARS knowledge-sharing workshop?
The Ministry of Education held a two-day Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) knowledge-sharing workshop in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The workshop focused on enhancing the "School-to-Work Transition" and "Strengthening the Assessment System" to better prepare students for workforce challenges. Discussions included the role of the National Education Policy, 2020, and frameworks such as the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in facilitating skill education, multidisciplinary learning, and improving educational outcomes through enhanced assessment models and career counselling approaches.
8. Which country developed the AGM-114R Hellfire missile?
The AGM-114R Hellfire missile was developed by the United States to meet the U.S. Army's need for an effective anti-tank weapon against Soviet armour during the Cold War. The missile's development began in 1972, and it has since become a prominent tactical weapon used by the U.S. and its allies for precision targeting. Its versatility and effectiveness have led to its deployment on various platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The recent procurement deal between India and the U.S. for 170 Hellfire missiles highlights its continued relevance in modern warfare.
9. Which system introduced by NIFTEM-K helps reduce post-harvest losses in perishable food transportation using solar power and IoT technology?
The SARTHI system (Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence) was introduced by NIFTEM-K to address the challenge of post-harvest losses in transporting perishable foods. By integrating IoT and real-time monitoring, SARTHI ensures optimal storage conditions for fruits and vegetables using sensors for temperature, humidity, and gas levels. Its solar-powered air-handling unit regulates temperatures when stationary, reducing spoilage and energy use. The system allows transporters to track and adjust conditions through a mobile app, improving shelf life and reducing both wastage and carbon footprints.
10. What industrial process is responsible for extracting nitrogen from the atmosphere and transforming it into fertilizer on a large scale?
The Haber-Bosch process is a groundbreaking industrial method that synthesizes ammonia by combining atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen, producing fertilizer on a massive scale. This process occurs in a high-pressure steel chamber, utilizing a specially designed valve and catalysts, such as iron oxides, to optimize energy efficiency and facilitate the reaction. Annually, the Haber-Bosch process extracts 100 million tonnes of nitrogen, generating 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen, significantly exceeding natural biological processes. This innovation has revolutionized fertilizer production, transforming agriculture globally.
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