1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Which country conducted the Han Kuang (Han Glory) military exercise?
[A] China
[B] Ukraine
[C] Taiwan
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Taiwan]
Notes:
Taiwan staged its first-ever military drill at Taoyuan International Airport, halting commercial traffic as soldiers practised defending the facility against a simulated attack by Beijing.
The exercise is part of Taiwan’s week-long massive wargames, the annual “Han Kuang” (Han Glory) drills. This is the first such drill held at Taiwan’s biggest airport near the capital since it opened in 1979.
5. Which city hosted the ‘UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] London
[C] Pune
[D] Liverpool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [London]
Notes:
Recently, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, in collaboration with India’s Bharat Shakti defense platform, organized the UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop in London.
The workshop aimed to explore joint initiatives in defense research and industrial production, focusing on various themes such as the changing strategic context of UK-India defense relations, perspectives on India’s Atmanirbhar program, and the UK’s defense technology partnerships.
6. Which state is set to launch ‘Shubhayatra’ scheme to provide financial support to overseas emigrants from the State?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The Kerala state government is set to roll out a unique scheme to provide financial support to first-time overseas emigrants from Kerala.
Titled ‘Shubhayatra’, the project envisages creating a positive and productive migration ecosystem by providing a financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh with a tax holiday for six months and interest subvention to meet the incidental expense of eligible candidates.
7. DGCA fined which airline for deficiencies in their procedures related to frequent tail strike incidents?
[A] Air India
[B] IndiGo
[C] Spicejet
[D] Akasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IndiGo]
Notes:
The DGCA fined IndiGo Rs 30 lakhs and issued a show cause notice due to deficiencies in their documentation and procedures related to frequent tail strike incidents on their A321 aircraft.
Tail strikes occur when the tail of an aircraft hits the ground or any stationary object, with a majority happening during landings.
8. Which institution has launched the ‘100 Microsites Project’?
[A] NABARD
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] National Health Authority
[D] National Institute of Virology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Health Authority]
Notes:
The National Health Authority has introduced the 100 Microsites Project, aiming to expedite the adoption of digital health services nationwide.
These microsites will consist of small and mid-sized health facilities that will be fully aligned with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission standards.
9. The United States has announced USD 345 million in military aid for which country?
[A] Ukraine
[B] Taiwan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Taiwan]
Notes:
The United States has announced USD 345 million in military aid for Taiwan. This is Biden administration’s first major package drawing on America’s own stockpiles to help Taiwan counter China.
The package would include defense, education and training for the Taiwanese. Washington will send man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
10. ‘Conjunctiva’ is a tissue layer present in which part of the body?
[A] Heart
[B] Lungs
[C] Eye
[D] Muscle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Eye]
Notes:
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is the condition characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent tissue layer that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eye.
The continuous rainfall has led to an increase in instances of conjunctivitis, also known as ‘pink eye,’ in various regions of the country, such as New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Gujarat.