1. Recently, which ministry has released the report titled “The Indian Economy: A Review”?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Commerce & Industry
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Finance ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Finance released a report titled The Indian Economy: A Review in January 2024. The report was released a few days before the Union Budget for 2024-25 was presented in Parliament on February 1. The Ministry of Finance is made up of five divisions: Economic Affairs, Revenue, Expenditures, Investment and Public Asset Management, and Financial Services.
2. 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.
3. Which ministry has received the highest budgetary allocation in the Interim Budget 2024?
[A] Ministry of Railways
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Defence]
Notes:
The Defence Budget for the Financial Year 2024-25 has reached Rs 6,21,540.85 crore, constituting 13.04% of the total Union Budget. Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented this budget with a focus on self-reliance and exports. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) received the highest allocation, marking an 18.35% increase from FY 2022-23. Capital accounts for 27.67%, revenue for 14.82%, pay and allowances for 30.68%, defence pensions for 22.72%, and civil organizations under MoD for 4.11%.
4. Which state has secured the first position in the medal tally at the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra ]
Notes:
Maharashtra topped the medal tally at the 2023 Khelo India Youth Games with 158 medals. The host state, Tamil Nadu, finished second with 98 medals. Haryana came in third. Maharashtra’s medal count included 57 gold, 48 silver, and 53 bronze medals. Tamil Nadu’s medal count included 38 gold, 21 silver, and 39 bronze medals.
5. C- CARES web portal, recently seen in the news, is associated with which sector?
[A] Petroleum sector
[B] Renewable energy sector
[C] Coal sector
[D] Agriculture sector
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Coal sector]
Notes:
Recently, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launched the C-CARES web portal for the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO). Developed by C-DAC, it aims to digitize records and streamline processes for 3.3 lakh Provident Fund subscribers and 6.1 lakh pensioners in the coal sector. The portal enables online settlement of claims, ensuring transparency, faster processing, and better record management. Aligned with the vision of Digital India, it signifies a significant leap towards efficient and transparent operations in the coal sector.
6. ‘Digital Detox’ initiative, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka ]
Notes:
The Karnataka Government, in partnership with AIGDF and NIMHANS, introduced the Digital Detox Initiative to address mental health challenges arising from excessive technology use. The initiative aims to promote responsible gaming, offering awareness programs, personalized guidance at Digital Detox centers, and community connection through workshops. It responds to issues like decreasing attention spans and strained real-world connections due to over reliance on electronic devices, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to technology use for improved mental well-being.
7. 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.
8. Recently, which state cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) report?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand’s Cabinet, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill—a historic decision. Based on committee recommendations, the bill aims to standardize civil laws, transcending religious affiliations. The proposed measures include banning polygamy and child marriage, establishing a common marriageable age, and enforcing uniform grounds and procedures for divorce, promoting legal standardization.
9. What is the theme of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female FGM 2024?
[A] Unleashing Youth Power
[B] Achieving the new Global Goals through eliminating FGM
[C] Her Voice, Her Future
[D] Unite, Fund, and Act
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Her Voice, Her Future]
Notes:
The theme for the 2024 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is “Her Voice, Her Future”. The theme highlights the important role of community-led initiatives in achieving lasting change. The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is an annual awareness day sponsored by the United Nations that takes place on February 6 as part of the UN’s efforts to eradicate FGM. It was first introduced in 2003.
10. 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.