31. Recently, which organization has launched the ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)’?
[A] World Health Organization (WHO)
[B] UNICEF
[C] United Nations
[D] European Union
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) as part of India’s G20 presidency. The initiative aims to democratize digital health technologies, featuring components such as a country needs tracker and a transformation toolbox. Union Health Minister Mandaviya highlighted its role in creating an institutional framework for digital health, while Bagchi emphasized India’s digital response during the pandemic. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros emphasized GIDH’s support in addressing health system fragmentation and overlap, promoting global digital health standards.
32. Lough Neagh Lake, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Ireland
[B] Cyprus
[C] Malta
[D] Poland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ireland]
Notes:
Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, faces an alarming ecosystem collapse in 2024, marked by the absence of its native fly. Situated in East-central Northern Ireland, covering 392 sq km with a 5,700 sq km catchment area, it serves as a crucial water source, supplying over 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Known for Europe’s largest wild eel fishery and hosting 100 bird species, it holds cultural and archaeological significance as a jewel in the region.
33. Ameen Sayani, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Scientist
[B] Politician
[C] Radio Presenter
[D] Cricketer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Radio Presenter ]
Notes:
Renowned Indian Radio Presenter Ameen Sayani, born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, passed away at 91 on February 21, 2024, succumbing to heart failure. Known as a Radio Celebrity, his iconic presentation ‘Geetmala’ earned immense popularity, showcasing his charming voice and unique style. A key figure in popularizing radio in India, Sayani’s witty and captivating communication style left a lasting impact. Introduced to All India Radio by his brother, he transitioned from English to Hindi programming during his illustrious career.
34. Recently, how much amount of the development assistance loan has Japan committed to India?
[A] JPY 232.2 billion
[B] JPY 225.2 billion
[C] JPY 230.3 billion
[D] JPY 239.3 billion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [JPY 232.2 billion]
Notes:
Japan has pledged JPY 232 billion for nine projects in India, as confirmed by the exchange of notes on February 20, 2024, between Vikas Sheel of the Indian Ministry of Finance and Suzuki Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador. The committed ODA loan assistance covers various initiatives, including the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, NH 127B (Phulbari-Goeragre section), start-up promotion in Telangana, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (Phase 2), sustainable horticulture in Haryana, climate change response in Rajasthan, medical facilities in Nagaland, urban water supply in Uttarakhand, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project.
35. ‘Bag-Less School’ initiative, recently seen in the news, is introduced by which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh government unveils an innovative ‘bag-less school’ policy, challenging educational norms. Starting 2024-25, this initiative mandates a bag-free day each week. The state government issues weight limits for school bags, ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 kg for classes 1 and 2, to 2.5 to 4.5 kg for classes 9 and 10. This move aims to alleviate the physical burden on students, fostering a more comfortable and holistic learning environment.
36. What is the name of the ChatGPT-style service which is recently launched by the Reliance Industries group?
[A] Hanooman
[B] Mahavir
[C] Avtaar
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hanooman]
Notes:
Reliance Industries, in collaboration with top Indian engineering schools, is launching BharatGPT, a ChatGPT-style AI model named Hanooman. Backed by Reliance Jio, Hanooman aims to advance India’s AI in healthcare, governance, finance, and education, operating in 11 local languages with speech-to-text capabilities. Reliance Jio is concurrently developing Jio Brain for its 450 million subscribers. Other startups like Sarvam and Krutrim, supported by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Vinod Khosla’s fund, are also contributing open-sourced AI models for India’s growth.
37. Recently, which Indian private aerospace manufacturer has launched the Kalpana fellowship for women interested in space tech?
[A] Skyroot Aerospace
[B] Dhruva Space
[C] Bellatrix Aerospace
[D] Digantara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Skyroot Aerospace ]
Notes:
Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian aerospace manufacturer, introduces the Kalpana Fellowship, India’s inaugural program empowering women in space tech. Named after astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the initiative targets final-year students and recent graduates in relevant engineering disciplines, marking a significant step in promoting gender diversity in the space industry.
38. Uttar Pradesh government will establish its first ‘Turtle Conservation Reserve’ in which river?
[A] Sarju River
[B] Sharda River
[C] Gomti River
[D] Belan River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarju River]
Notes:
The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is partnering with Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India to create a turtle conservation reserve in the Sarju River. Home to approximately 5,000 adult crowned river turtles, recent studies show that the Sarju River hosts around half of this population. The collaboration aims to protect and preserve the rich turtle diversity in the region, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts for these endangered species.
39. What is the revised Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the Sugar Season 2024-25?
[A] Rs 340 per quintal
[B] Rs 320 per quintal
[C] Rs 310 per quintal
[D] Rs 360 per quintal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rs 340 per quintal ]
Notes:
The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane has been raised to Rs 340 per quintal for the Sugar Season 2024-25, up from Rs 315. The new FRP is set at 107% higher than the A2+FL cost of sugarcane. This announcement is crucial for Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, the top sugarcane-growing states. Sugarcane, a major Kharif crop in tropical regions, is vital for sugar, gur, and khandsari production and is also grown for biofuel, notably in Brazil for ethanol.
40. Statue of Unity, recently seen in the news, is located on the banks of which river?
[A] Narmada River
[B] Tapi River
[C] Sabarmati River
[D] Luni River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narmada River]
Notes:
Dozens of exotic birds and animals, relocated to Gujarat’s Sardar Patel Zoological Park near the Statue of Unity, have perished in the past two years. The 182-meter tall statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands on Sadhu Bet Island, Gujarat, by the Narmada Dam. Constructed by Larsen & Toubro and designed by Ram V Sutar, the statue honors India’s ‘Iron Man’. The Gujarat government funded the INR 3,050-crore project, covering 20,000 square meters with a surrounding artificial lake of 12 square kilometers.