31. The Chars, recently mentioned in the news, are riverine areas associated with which river?
[A] Ganga River
[B] Yamuna River
[C] Brahmaputra River
[D] Narmada River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brahmaputra River]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Assam has announced a mission to reclaim chars, riverine islands in the Brahmaputra, to preserve ecological integrity. Chars face constant migration, with erosion upstream and deposition downstream during floods, impacting their geometry. Char areas encounter challenges like poor communication, mobility, and infrastructure, hindering development. Issues include isolation, flood threats, and difficulties implementing schemes for roads, irrigation, power, and education in these unique, flood-prone regions.
32. Where was the 60th Munich Security Conference held?
[A] Germany
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Germany]
Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany, engaging in discussions with global leaders to address bilateral cooperation and global concerns. The three-day conference serves as a platform for high-level debates on pressing security challenges, fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
33. Archaeologists recently discovered a Harappan-era fortified settlement named Morodharo in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
Archaeologists recently uncovered Morodharo, a Harappan-era fortified settlement in Kutch District, Gujarat. Dating from 2,600 to 1,300 BCE, the settlement spans the mature to late Harappan period. The fortification, measuring 102m east to west and 58m north to south, boasts a 3.3m thick wall. Features include a 10x10m platform, a well, burial cairns, and Harappan pottery with perforated jar sherds. Resembling finds from Dholavira, the discovery sheds light on this ancient civilization.
34. ‘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.
35. Ancient Badami Chalukya temples were recently discovered in Mudimanikyam village along the banks of which river?
[A] Godavari River
[B] Kaveri River
[C] Krishna River
[D] Tapi River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Krishna River]
Notes:
Two Badami Chalukya temples, aged 1,300-1,500 years, and a 1,200-year-old label inscription were discovered in Mudimanikyam village, Telangana near the Krishna River. The Chalukyas ruled the Deccan from the 6th to 12th centuries, comprising the Badami Chalukyas and the sibling dynasties of the Western and Eastern Chalukyas. Pulakesi I founded the dynasty in 550, making Badami the capital. Pulakesi II expanded the empire, defeating Harsha and Vishnukundins, but later lost Vatapi to Pallava Narasimhavarman.
36. 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.
37. India’s first ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair’ has been established at which institute?
[A] IIM Ahmedabad
[B] IIM Shillong
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIM Shillong]
Notes:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and IIM Shillong have joined forces to establish India’s inaugural ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair.’ This collaborative effort aims to boost academic research in multimodal logistics, with a specific focus on the North-East region. The initiative aims to empower students in logistics-related fields by fostering skill development and creating career opportunities.
38. What was India’s ranking in the global cybercrime report for 2023?
[A] 79th
[B] 80th
[C] 85th
[D] 84th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [80th]
Notes:
According to a 2023 report, India is the 80th most targeted country worldwide for cybercrime. The report states that 34% of Indian users were targeted by local threats in 2023, totaling 74 million incidents. In 2023, India has a national cybercrime rate of 129 per hundred thousand citizens. In the third quarter of 2023, India was ranked 10th globally for data breaches, with 369,000 leaked accounts.
39. Recently, where was the 11th bilateral Consular Dialogue between India and the US held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] California
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 11th bilateral Consular Dialogue between India and the US took place in New Delhi. The Indian delegation, led by Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, is hosting the US delegation led by Ambassador Rena Bitter. The dialogue is intended to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries on consular issues.The discussion includes topics such as: Extradition, Mobility of students and professionals, Safe and legal migration, Protection of vulnerable women and children and Enabling smooth travel of their respective nationals
40. Which day is celebrated as Central Excise Day in India?
[A] 23rd February
[B] 24th February
[C] 25th February
[D] 26th February
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [24th February]
Notes:
February 24th marks India’s Central Excise Day, commemorating the 1944 enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act. First celebrated in 1944, it honors CBIC’s contribution to the nation. The day underscores tax obligations for citizens, vital for national development. In 2024, the government focuses on modernizing India’s tax system, prioritizing user-friendliness to advance the nation’s goals. Central Excise Day serves as a timely reminder to promote tax compliance for collective progress.
