1. Which leader initiated the motion of no-confidence against the Union Government, which was accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker?
[A] Pradyut Bordoloi
[B] Gaurav Gogoi
[C] Abdul Khaleque
[D] Jyotsna Mahant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaurav Gogoi]
Notes:
A no-confidence motion is a step typically taken by an Opposition party to compel the current government to demonstrate its majority in the House.
Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepted a motion of no-confidence against the government, which was initiated by Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, after fulfilling the requisite headcount of 50 MPs as mandated by the rules.
2. 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.
3. Which state implements the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana’?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Under ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana’, underprivileged women between 23 and 60 years were eligible for ₹1,000 every month.
However, after distributing two instalments the government decided that those completing 21 years from January this year would also be included. They should be married and fulfil the other existing eligibility criteria.
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. How many deaths were recorded due to manual scavenging in the last five years in India?
[A] 25
[B] 15
[C] 10
[D] 0
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [0]
Notes:
Union government said that India had seen no deaths due to manual scavenging in the last five years, as per the data submitted by the Social Justice Ministry.
It also added that 330 people had died while being engaged in cleaning sewers and septic tanks. Social Justice Ministry says manual scavenging no longer practised in India; Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Bihar among States with all districts reporting free status.
6. Which country has passed a bill which criminalises the citizens travelling abroad to pursue surrogacy arrangements?
[A] USA
[B] Italy
[C] Finland
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Italy]
Notes:
The Italian parliament has given its approval to a contentious bill that makes it a criminal offense for citizens to travel abroad to pursue surrogacy arrangements.
This law, which has faced significant opposition, is specifically aimed at discouraging Italians from participating in surrogacy arrangements, and it carries the possibility of substantial fines exceeding USD 1 million and potential prison sentences of up to two years for those found guilty.
7. 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.
8. ‘Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Mela’ pertains to which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Mela is a scheme pertaining to the state of Uttar Pradesh, was started in the year 2020. It has benefited over 12 crore patients in the state.
The Union Health Ministry has planned to adopt Uttar Pradesh’s successful healthcare model, including the concept of Jan Arogya Mela, which provide medical attention to attendees and refer critical patients to specialized hospitals.
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. Western Tragopan is the state Bird for which Indian State?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Western Tragopan (Tragopan-melanocephalus) is the Himachal Pradesh’s state bird. It has been reported that the species is experiencing habitat loss in certain regions of the country.
However, due to the dedicated efforts of the state authorities, there has been a steady rise in the population of this endangered species at the State’s Sarahan pheasantry, the conservation breeding center, providing hope for its survival and future expansion.