1. What is Alpenglow, recently seen in the news?
[A] A new type of mountain
[B] A natural phenomenon involving the illumination of mountain slopes by the sun
[C] An environmental organization
[D] A rare flower discovered in mountain regions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A natural phenomenon involving the illumination of mountain slopes by the sun]
Notes:
Astronaut Lora O’Hara on the International Space Station captured Alpenglow near the Hindu Kush. This natural phenomenon occurs during sunrise or sunset, casting rosy, reddish, or orange hues on mountain slopes. Alpenglow’s colors vary due to the sun’s angle and atmospheric conditions. Vibrancy depends on sun location, light angle, clouds, humidity, and particulates. The phenomenon rapid changes make it a captivating spectacle during the twilight hours.
2. 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.
3. Where was the first ‘National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation’ held?
[A] Kutch
[B] Vadodara
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kutch]
Notes:
The National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation, chaired by the Union Minister of Fisheries in Koteshwar, Kutch, Gujarat, showcased diverse seaweed cultivation methods (Monoline, tube-net, and rafts). CMFRI, CSMCRI, and NFDB demonstrated these techniques. Seaweeds, macroscopic algae lacking true roots and leaves, thrive in marine and coastal waters. They are classified into four groups based on pigments that absorb specific wavelengths of light. The event aimed at fostering seaweed development and enhancing awareness about its potential in India.
4. 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.
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. What was the theme of the 20th National Good Governance Webinar Series for 2023-2024?
[A] Advancing Agricultural Practices for Sustainable Growth
[B] Enhancing Educational Opportunities through Digital Initiatives
[C] Promoting Excellence in Sports and Wellness through Khelo India Scheme
[D] Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure for Public Welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Promoting Excellence in Sports and Wellness through Khelo India Scheme]
Notes:
The theme of the 20th National Good Governance Webinar Series for 2023-2024 was “Promoting Excellence in Sports and Wellness through Khelo India Scheme”. The webinar included presentations on initiatives taken by the districts of Churu, Rajasthan and Bishnupur, Manipur, which were awarded the PM’s Award for 2021.
7. Which state government has recently launched a ‘Mass Drug Administration’ campaign to eliminate filariasis?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh ]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh Government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is launching the Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign from February 5 to 15 to eradicate filariasis. This initiative covers 17 districts and involves door-to-door visits by health workers to administer preventive medication, excluding specific demographics. The Chief Minister emphasizes active public participation, warns of filariasis symptoms, and advocates preventive medicine intake. The government is committed to eliminating filariasis by 2027, providing training for patient management, and involving Community Health Officers in the mission.
8. ‘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.
9. What are ‘Manatees’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Large aquatic mammals
[B] Invasive plants
[C] Asteroid
[D] Ancient irrigation system
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Large aquatic mammals]
Notes:
A record number of manatees recently gathered at a Florida state park. Manatees, often called “sea cows,” are large aquatic mammals belonging to the Sirenia group, which also includes dugongs. While they share similarities in appearance and behavior, the key difference lies in their tails – manatees have paddle-shaped tails, while dugongs have fluked tails, resembling whales. Manatees inhabit shallow coastal areas and rivers, with three species identified: Amazonian, African, and Caribbean manatees. They are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species
10. Recently, which state government police adopted Self-Balancing e-scooters For Smart Patrols?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
In February 2024, the Uttarakhand Police adopted self-balancing electric scooters to patrol the streets of Haridwar. The scooters are part of a new law enforcement method and are intended to improve safety for locals and tourists. The scooters are donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank and are intended to be used in crowded and narrow areas.