1. Agasthyagama edge, which was seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Snake
[B] Kangaroo lizard
[C] Wolf spider
[D] Frog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kangaroo lizard]
Notes:
Scientists recently discovered a new kangaroo lizard species, Agasthyagama edge, in the Western Ghats. Named after the EDGE program, it’s the second in the Agasthyagama genus. Found in Kulamavu, Idukki, it belongs to the Agamidae family. These terrestrial reptiles, lacking a fifth toe for climbing, prefer leaf-covered areas. Averaging 4.3 cm in length, they are fast runners feeding on small insects, and they hide within dry leaves to avoid predators. The species is significant for its distinctiveness and global endangerment.
2. Recently, which department launched the ‘StartupShala’, a flagship accelerator program of startup India?
[A] Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[B] Department of Economic Affairs
[C] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
[D] Department of Agricultural Research and Education
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade]
Notes:
StartupShala, launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), features the Flagship Accelerator Program. Designed to propel early-stage startups, the program aims to expedite their growth by furnishing resources and opportunities. Through a vast network of partners spanning incubation centers, educational institutions, and corporate entities, startups benefit from diverse facilities and resources, elevating their journey to the next level of success.
3. ‘Economics of the Food System Transformation’ report, recently seen in the news, is released by which organization?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[C] Food System Economics Commission (FSEC)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Food System Economics Commission (FSEC)]
Notes:
The Economics of the Food System Transformation report is a global policy report from the Food System Economics Commission (FSEC). The report estimates that transforming the global food system could create economic benefits of 5–10 trillion USD per year. The report also states that the policies and implementation to achieve these transformations would cost only 0.2–0.4% of global GDP. The report discusses the unsustainable trajectory of the global food system and the potential economic benefits of a transformation. It also states that transforming food systems worldwide could help address global climate, nature, and health emergencies.
4. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed restrictions on which payment bank?
[A] Airtel Payment Bank
[B] Paytm Payment Bank
[C] Jio Payment Bank
[D] India Post Payment Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Paytm Payment Bank]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL). The restrictions will come into effect on February 29, 2024. The RBI has ordered PPBL to stop accepting fresh deposits in its accounts or wallets after February 29, 2024. The RBI has also ordered PPBL to halt deposits and credit transactions after February 29, 2024. Customers will face restrictions on deposits, credit transactions, and top-ups. Certain services, including fund transfers and UPI facilities, will be discontinued. The RBI’s action against PPBL follows a comprehensive system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of external auditors.
5. Which Indian state was the theme state of World’s Largest International Crafts Fair, Surajkund Mela 2024?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
Notes:
The 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2024 will feature Gujarat as the theme state. The fair will take place from February 2–18, 2024 in Surajkund, Faridabad. The fair complex, including decorations and stalls, will reflect the rich heritage of Gujarati culture. The event will also feature artists and cultural groups from 20 Indian states and multiple countries. The Surajkund Mela is organized annually by the Haryana Tourism Department. The town of Surajkund is known for its picturesque surroundings and is easily accessible from Delhi and other major cities in the region.
6. What is Fentanyl, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] A type of drug
[B] Invasive plant
[C] Artificial intelligence tool
[D] Asteroid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A type of drug]
Notes:
A recent discussion between the United States and China have focused on joint efforts to combat the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid (a type of drug), has wreaked havoc in America and is linked to ingredients produced in China. The drug, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) -approved for severe pain but is also illegally manufactured and sold recreationally, often mixed with other drugs, posing a high risk of addiction and fatality in large doses or when combined.
7. U-WIN Platform, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following?
[A] Loan for Startups
[B] Digitization of India’s Universal Immunization Programme
[C] Promoting Excellence in Sports and Wellness
[D] Loan window for Women Entrepreneurs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Digitization of India’s Universal Immunization Programme]
Notes:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed the swift implementation of the U-WIN platform in the Union interim Budget 2024-2025 to streamline immunization management nationwide. The U-WIN portal is integral to digitizing India’s Universal Immunization Programme, currently undergoing pilot testing in two districts of every state and union territory, marking a significant step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
8. Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Blue Economy 2.O’, recently seen in the budget 2024?
[A] Sustainable development related to oceans, seas, and coasts
[B] Providing new agricultural practice methods
[C] Improving urban infrastructure
[D] Renewable energy sources
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sustainable development related to oceans, seas, and coasts]
Notes:
The Interim Budget prioritizes the advancement of ‘Blue Economy 2.0,’ concentrating on sustainable development concerning oceans, seas, and coasts. Key initiatives include schemes for coastal restoration, aquaculture, and mariculture, with an integrated approach. Plans encompass setting up five integrated aquaparks and enhancing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for increased productivity, exports, and job creation. The Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods, preserving ocean ecosystem health.
9. Which state government recently launched ‘Operation Smile X’ to rescue child labourers?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Telangana]
Notes:
Telangana police conducted Operation Smile-X, rescuing 3,479 child labourers state-wide. Cyberabad police alone saved 718 children, reuniting 526 with parents. 329 were from the state, 389 from other states. Of the rescued, 640 were from child labour, and one was a reported missing child. Throughout the operation, 2,947 children were reunited with parents, involving 676 police personnel working in teams coordinated with various departments and NGOs. The operation resulted in 254 registered cases in the Cyberabad Commissionerate.
10. Where was the 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) held?
[A] Kochi
[B] Thiruvananthapuram
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Kutch
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kochi]
Notes:
The 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) took place in Kochi from January 29 to February 2, 2024. Established in 2013 under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), India has consistently hosted the committee, with the Spices Board India serving as the organizing secretariat. In this session, quality standards for small cardamom, turmeric, juniper berry, allspice, and star anise were finalized. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly established by FAO and WHO, is an international body with 189 member countries, meeting annually in Geneva and Rome.