1. ‘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.
2. 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.
3. Sphaerotheca varshaabhu, recently seen in news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Frog
[B] Fish
[C] Spider
[D] Snake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Frog]
Notes:
Researchers have discovered a new frog species, Sphaerotheca varshaabhu, thriving in Bengaluru’s urban landscape. Named for its rain-loving behavior, the amphibian emerges from burrows during early showers. With unique characteristics, it adapts to urban challenges, displaying behaviors and physical attributes that set it apart. The team employed genetic analysis, morphological studies, and bioacoustics to confirm its distinctiveness from known frog species.
4. Which state of India has recorded the highest number of Ramsar sites?
[A] Kerala
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu leads India in environmental conservation with 16 Ramsar sites, the highest nationwide. The recent additions, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, underscore the state’s commitment to ecological preservation. Ramsar sites, designated under an international treaty, highlight the ecological importance, biodiversity richness, and their crucial role in supporting human life and environmental health. Tamil Nadu’s achievement reflects a robust strategy for sustainable wetland use and underscores the government’s dedication to biodiversity protection.
5. Who has been appointed as the first woman Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court?
[A] Ritu Bahri
[B] Hima Kohli
[C] Indira Banerjee
[D] Ruma Pal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ritu Bahri ]
Notes:
Justice Ritu Bahri made history by becoming the first woman Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, taking the oath administered by Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh. Previously a senior judge in Punjab and Haryana High Court, Bahri’s appointment marks a milestone for Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, Higher Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, and Chief Secretary Radha Raturi were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
6. Which state government recently announced free access to the Pertuzumab- Trastuzumab combination drug for the treatment of breast cancer?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
Goa Medical College, Bambolim, announced free access to the Pertuzumab-Trastuzumab drug for breast cancer treatment, costing Rs 4.2 lakh. Goa is the first state in India to integrate this drug into its treatment protocol, offering it free of charge. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane stated the initiative aims to cure breast cancer at earlier stages, with around 12 patients benefiting annually. The state has also conducted non-invasive screenings for breast cancer, detecting 52 cases and setting a target for 1.5 lakh more screenings.
7. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘ABHYAS’, recently seen in the news?
[A] A Transit method to detect planets
[B] A high-speed expendable aerial target
[C] A satellite
[D] A next generation Stealth aircraft
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A high-speed expendable aerial target]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved success with four flight trials of ‘ABHYAS,’ a high-speed expendable aerial target. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, ABHYAS serves as a realistic threat scenario for weapon systems practice and validates Armed Forces equipment for aerial engagement. It features an autonomous flying design, an indigenously made autopilot, and a laptop-based Ground Control System for integration and analysis.
8. Who has been awarded the prestigious Maha Gaurav Award 2024?
[A] Nikhil Mukund Wagh
[B] Nagraj Manjule
[C] Alfiya Pathan
[D] Vijay Surase
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nikhil Mukund Wagh]
Notes:
Nikhil Mukund Wagh, a public relations officer at Goa Shipyard Limited, was awarded the 2024 Maha Gaurav Award in February 2024. The award was presented by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on behalf of the Digital Media Editor Journalist Association Maharashtra.
9. Recently, who received the 2024 Best Green Bond-Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance?
[A] HINDALCO
[B] REC Limited
[C] TISCO
[D] NALCO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [REC Limited]
Notes:
REC Limited received the 2024 Best Green Bond-Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance. The award recognizes REC’s commitment to environmental and sustainable finance. REC Limited is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC. In April 2023, REC issued $750 million in Green Bonds, which is why they received the award.
10. ‘EV Upyog’ portal, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state government?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government is prioritizing electric vehicle (EV) use and manufacturing through the development of the ‘EV Upyog’ portal. The Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO) is hiring a software development agency for one year to upgrade the portal, which will include features like cloud storage, database capabilities, and specialized software. The Ministry of Electronics and IT Empanelled Service Provider will oversee the cloud server integration, emphasizing cybersecurity, cost-effectiveness, scalability, integration, API convenience, and reliability.