1. Shumang Leela, recently seen in the news, is a traditional form of theatre performed in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manipur]
Notes:
Shumang Leela, a traditional Manipuri theatre form, faces challenges due to ethnic violence, impacting its artists and jeopardizing the state’s cultural richness. Originating as a comic genre for royalty, it has evolved into a powerful medium for mass education and entertainment. In this unique theatre, male actors portray female roles (Nupi Shabis), and transgender actors take on female characters. The plays aim to educate the public on social, political, and economic issues, with two types – Nupa Shumang Leela (performed only by men) and Nupi Shumang Leela (performed only by women).
2. “Ungalai Thedi, Ungal Ooril” (Come Look for You, In Your Village) scheme, recently seen in the news, is launched by which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Government of Tamil Nadu introduces the Ungalai Thedi Ungal Ooril Scheme 2024, offering citizens monthly access to state government schemes and scholarships. This initiative aims to review project performance, inspect infrastructure, and address public concerns, ensuring effective implementation of government programs.
3. Recently, which neurotechnology company has embedded the first computer chip in a human brain?
[A] Neuralink
[B] Kernel
[C] Blackrock Neurotech
[D] Neurable
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Neuralink ]
Notes:
Neuralink is the first company to implant a computer chip in a human brain. Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded in 2016 by Musk and seven other scientists and engineers. The company’s implant, known as the “Link,” is a small device that’s surgically placed inside the human brain. Neuralink says its device can interpret neural activity so a person can operate a computer or smartphone by simply thinking. The company ultimately hopes to use the brain-machine interface to restore sensory and motor functions in people with disabilities, treat neurological conditions like dementia and depression, and even enable telepathic communication.
4. Which one of the following is the mascot for the Khelo India Winter Games 2024?
[A] Bengal Tiger
[B] Snow Leopard
[C] Hangul
[D] Arctic Fox
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Snow Leopard]
Notes:
The mascot for the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games is the snow leopard, named “Sheen-e She” or “Shan” in the Ladakh region. The mascot was chosen to reflect the region’s biodiversity and tradition. The games will be held in Ladakh from February 2–6, and in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir from February 21–25. The mascot symbolizes the spirit of the games and highlights the need to conserve this endangered species.
5. What is the main objective of ‘Ministry of Education-AICTE Investor Network’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Providing infrastructure mainly in rural areas
[B] Digitalize the education sector
[C] Strengthening the support ecosystem for edu-tech innovators
[D] Promoting yoga education to students
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Strengthening the support ecosystem for edu-tech innovators]
Notes:
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the ‘Ministry of Education – AICTE Investor Network,’ a collaborative effort by AICTE and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. The initiative aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in education by offering financial support, mentoring, and strategic guidance to early-stage student or faculty-led startups. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the network seeks to encourage private investment, empower educational institutions as innovation hubs, and foster a better environment for startup development.
6. In the interim budget 2024-25, which of the following crops are taken into consideration for ‘Atmanirbhar Oil Seeds Abhiyan’?
[A] Mustard, Groundnut, Sesame, Soybean & Sunflower
[B] Palm, Coconut, Canola & Castor
[C] Peanuts, cotton & flax
[D] Rapeseed & Palm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mustard, Groundnut, Sesame, Soybean & Sunflower]
Notes:
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted farmer’s welfare and rural demand in the interim budget 2024-25. The budget emphasizes achieving ‘atmanirbharta’ in oil seeds, outlining strategies like research for high-yielding varieties, modern farming techniques adoption, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance for mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower.
7. Recently, which institution launched North India’s first Human DNA Bank under ‘Make in India’ initiative?
[A] Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] Delhi University (DU)
[D] IIT Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Banaras Hindu University (BHU)]
Notes:
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) inaugurates North India’s first human DNA bank, equipped with an Automated DNA Extractor Machine developed indigenously under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Installed at the Gnyaneshwar Lab in the Zoology Department on January 30, 2024, the machine minimizes plastic usage, ensuring environmental sustainability. It efficiently extracts DNA from various biological materials, accommodating 32 samples in 30 minutes. The initiative stemmed from a three-day conference on Personalized Medicine held in March 2023, where BHU expressed readiness to establish a genome bank inspired by Estonia.
8. Intelligent Transportation System Endeavor (InTranSE) program, recently seen in the news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
[D] Ministry of Communication
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology]
Notes:
At the “Digital India FutureLABS Summit 2024,” three indigenous technologies – Thermal camera, CMOS camera, and Fleet Management System – developed by CDAC Thiruvananthapuram under the InTranSE Program of MeitY were transferred to 12 industries. The InTranSE initiative, led by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, collaborates with academic institutes and R&D centers to transform Intelligent Transportation Systems. The program aims to enhance traffic efficiency, optimize infrastructure usage, provide advance traffic information, reduce travel time, and improve the safety and comfort of commuters.
9. ‘Vyommitra’ robot, recently seen in the news, is associated with which space mission?
[A] Aditya L1
[B] Gaganyaan
[C] Chandrayaan 3
[D] Chandrayaan 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaganyaan ]
Notes:
India’s “Vyommitra,” a female robot astronaut, will precede the Gaganyaan mission, marking India’s inaugural human space flight. Set for a third-quarter launch in 2024, Vyommitra simulates human functions in space, monitoring parameters, issuing alerts, and executing life support operations. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed these details, emphasizing Vyommitra’s capabilities. Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2025, aims to launch Indian astronauts into orbit, demonstrating human space capabilities. The successful TV D1 test in October 2023 validated crucial systems for Gaganyaan, assuring readiness for the manned mission.
10. Where was the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on E-waste Management inaugurated?
[A] C-MET, Hyderabad
[B] C-MET, Maharashtra
[C] C-MET, Thrissur
[D] C-MET, Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [C-MET, Hyderabad]
Notes:
The Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India. It operates three R&D laboratories in Pune, Hyderabad, and Thrissur, focusing on critical electronic materials. C-MET, Hyderabad, is dedicated to developing advanced electronic and strategic materials. A major focus is environmentally friendly e-waste recycling technologies to address India’s 3.2 million tons of electronic waste, promoting resource efficiency. C-MET’s Centre of Excellence on E-waste Management, inaugurated under PPP, pioneers recycling technologies for various electronic components.