1. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 aims to expand the scope of the Forest (Conservation) Act enacted in which year?
[A] 1972
[B] 1980
[C] 1992
[D] 2002
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1980]
Notes:
The Lok Sabha has recently passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023. It aims to expand the scope of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The Bill acknowledges India’s international commitments and the national target set by the country for achieving Net Zero Emission by 2070.
2. What is the theme of the ‘Summit on “Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs in India”?
[A] Sustainability and Circularity
[B] Sustainability and Fertility
[C] Sustainability and Chemicals
[D] Sustainability and Manufacturing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sustainability and Circularity]
Notes:
The 3rd edition of the Summit on “Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs in India” was held recently.
Themed “Sustainability and Circularity,” the summit was organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
3. Which state/UT released draft rules for implementation of ‘Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act’?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Bihar
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Notes:
The Jharkhand government released draft rules for the effective implementation of The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, commonly known as PESA, which was enacted in 1996.
The purpose of PESA is to establish self-governance through gram sabhas for the residents living in Scheduled Areas.
4. Which institution approved the Guidelines for Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] UGC
[C] AICTE
[D] CBSE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UGC]
Notes:
Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the Guidelines for Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
These guidelines are intended to assist HEIs in attaining academic and research excellence while enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Additionally, the IDP will offer direction to HEIs in exercising academic, administrative, financial, and business autonomy, while maintaining accountability.
5. Which state has announced the establishment of ‘Mangrove Cell’?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
West Bengal, which is home to about 40% of mangrove forests in India, announced the setting up of a ‘Mangrove Cell’ in the State, on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
This platform will bring continuity to the efforts of State government in mangrove management. The Cell has an annual action plan for the plantation of mangroves and it will look at maintenance and coordinate with NGOs.
6. As per the J&K Re-organisation Bill passed, who has the authority to appoint two Kashmiri migrants to the legislative assembly?
[A] Prime Minister
[B] Lieutenant Governor
[C] Vice President
[D] DGP of J&K
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lieutenant Governor]
Notes:
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is one of the four bills introduced by the Centre in the Lok Sabha recently.
The bill grants authority to the Lieutenant Governor to appoint two members, with one being a woman, from the Kashmiri migrant community, and one member from the displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) to the legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.
7. INDIAai has signed MoU with which company mutual cooperation in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI)?
[A] Samsung
[B] Apple
[C] Meta
[D] Google
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meta]
Notes:
Recently, INDIAai and Meta India entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a structure for collaboration and mutual cooperation in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
The objective of this partnership is to make Meta’s open-source AI models accessible and usable through joint efforts.
8. What is the name of the new forum created by OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic?
[A] Frontier Model Forum
[B] Learning Model Forum
[C] Knowledge Model Forum
[D] Public Model Forum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Frontier Model Forum]
Notes:
OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic have teamed up to create the Frontier Model Forum, aiming to regulate the development of large machine learning models, particularly “frontier AI models” that surpass current advanced capabilities.
These foundation models pose potential risks to public safety, and the forum will focus on ensuring their safe and responsible development, collaborating with policymakers, academics, and companies to advance AI safety research and establish best practices for deploying such models.
9. Which country is the host of ‘Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships’?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
For the first time, India is hosting the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Greater Noida. It was inaugurated recently by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs.
The international event will see the participation of more than 30 Indian weightlifters, including many Khelo India Athletes.
10. Micron is set to establish India’s first semiconductor plant in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Micron reaffirmed its commitment to establish India’s first semiconductor plant in Gujarat, creating 5,000 direct jobs and addressing demand from domestic and international markets.
The project entails a total investment of USD 2.75 billion. The first Made in India’ chip should be ready by December 2024.