1. According to the ‘Solar Policy 2024’, what is the targeted installed capacity of solar power in Delhi by 2027?
[A] 5500 MW
[B] 3500 MW
[C] 4500 MW
[D] 2500 MW
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [4500 MW]
Notes:
The Delhi government has launched the Delhi Solar Policy 2024 to boost solar power adoption. Residents can install rooftop solar panels, leading to zero electricity bills and potential income from excess power sales to the grid. The policy targets 4500 MW of solar power by 2027, up from the previous goal of 1500 MW. Stemming from the 2016 policy, which yielded 1500 MW capacity, the new policy aims to curb air pollution, cut electricity costs, and promote sustainable energy in Delhi.
2. What is ‘Kudavolai System’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Caste system
[B] Electoral system
[C] Irrigation system
[D] Tax system
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Electoral system]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu’s Republic Day Parade 2024 featured the Kudavolai System, an ancient electoral method dating back to the 10th century Chola era. Documented in Uthiramerur inscriptions, it was employed to elect village administration representatives. The system involved dividing villages into wards, with residents choosing their representatives through a unique process: contestants’ names on palm leaf tickets (volai) placed in a pot (kuda), and a boy selecting tickets to declare elected leaders. Tamil Nadu’s tableau showcasing this historical system earned the third-best award.
3. 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.
4. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, recently seen in the news, are located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
India has included five additional wetlands in the Ramsar Convention’s global list of significant wetlands, bringing the nation’s total to 80. Announced by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the newly added wetlands include Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary from Karnataka, along with Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest from Tamil Nadu. This designation underscores India’s commitment to preserving vital waterlogged ecosystems.
5. ‘Kalaignar Sports Kit’ scheme, recently seen in the news, is launched by which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Sports Development and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced the ‘Kalaignar Sports Kit’ initiative, distributing sports equipment in 12,000 village panchayats to commemorate M. Karunanidhi’s birth centenary. The scheme begins on February 7 in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu and aims to support young athletes. Udhayanidhi emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting sports, paralleling the provision of books for education. He praised Khelo India 2023 for identifying and nurturing over 5,400 talented athletes across various disciplines, enhancing India’s international competitiveness.
6. Recently, the Government of India has declared which airport as an ‘International Airport’?
[A] Surat Airport
[B] Shimla Airport
[C] Gorakhpur Airport
[D] Jorhat Airport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Surat Airport]
Notes:
Surat Airport in Gujarat has achieved ‘International Airport’ status, per the Indian government’s recent announcement. The move, aimed at facilitating global travel and boosting import-export activities for the diamond and textile industries, is set to unlock economic potential. The elevation to international status is anticipated to drive economic growth, attract foreign investment, and bolster diplomatic ties. Surat’s enhanced role in passenger and cargo operations is seen as a key driver for regional development and prosperity.
7. 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.
8. What are Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs), recently seen in the news?
[A] Events related to ocean tides
[B] Astronomical phenomena involving a star and a black hole
[C] Weather disturbances on exoplanets
[D] Supernova explosions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Astronomical phenomena involving a star and a black hole]
Notes:
An international team of astronomers recently observed AT 2023clx, the nearest Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) to Earth. TDEs happen when a star comes too close to a supermassive black hole, torn apart by tidal forces. The resulting debris falls onto the black hole, emitting radiation that indicates a TDE’s occurrence. This international team’s multi-wavelength observations enhance our understanding of these celestial events.
9. 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.
10. Which Union Ministry implemented the ‘Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Women and Child Development]
Notes:
The budget allocation for Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 in 2023-24 is ₹25,449 crore, which is a 6%, increase from the revised estimates of ₹23,913 crore for 2022-23. In 2024, the budget estimate is ₹20,554 crore, which is 1.4% higher than the revised allocation of ₹20,263 crore for 2023. Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a part of the Mission Poshan 2.0, which was launched in February 2021 by Finance Minister. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for implementing this scheme.