31. Which bank of India recently collaborated with AIIMS to launch the Smart Payment Card for cashless transactions?
[A] SBI
[B] HDFC
[C] ICICI
[D] AXIS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [SBI]
Notes:
Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the AIIMS-SBI Smart payment card at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The card aims to facilitate hassle-free payments for patients, eliminating the need for carrying cash. Provided free of cost with no service charges, the card is linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification number and Ayushman Bharat Health Account ID. Termed ‘One AIIMS, One Card,’ the initiative plans to extend these services to all AIIMS institutions nationwide.
32. What is the purpose of the European Union’s recently launched ‘Mission Aspides’ in the Red Sea?
[A] Counterterrorism operations
[B] Humanitarian aid delivery
[C] Protection of commercial vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels
[D] Environmental conservation efforts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Protection of commercial vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels]
Notes:
The European Union has initiated Mission Aspides to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea from potential attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This EU naval mission involves deploying warships and airborne early warning systems in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters. Participating countries include France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium. Aspides vessels, operating under strict rules of engagement, are stationed in Larissa, Greece, and are authorized to fire only in response to Houthi attacks. The mission, initially planned for a year, is subject to renewal.
33. Which country hosted the 3rd meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)?
[A] Indonesia
[B] India
[C] Myanmar
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee met in New Delhi from February 16-19, 2024, marking its 3rd meeting since the agreement’s signing in 2009. Initiated in September 2022 for a comprehensive review, eight sub-committees were established to enhance the agreement’s trade facilitation and mutual benefits. The recent meeting assessed negotiation progress, identified focus areas for further deliberations, and updated the work program, directing sub-committees for continued negotiations.
34. Which country recently hosted the Ukraine reconstruction conference?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Notes:
Japan recently hosted a conference to discuss reconstruction of Ukraine. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida committed to long-term engagement in Ukraine’s reconstruction, framing it as a future investment. In a conference co-organized with Ukraine, Kishida emphasized Japan’s commitment to inclusive, humanitarian, and technologically-driven cooperation. Over 50 deals were signed between Japanese and Ukrainian entities, highlighting their collaborative efforts in supporting the war-torn nation two years after Russia’s invasion.
35. Which state recently collaborated with the World Bank to set up a Blended Finance facility?
[A] Goa
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goa]
Notes:
The Government of Goa is partnering with the World Bank to establish India’s first subnational blended finance facility, focusing on climate resilience. Announced at the 2024 India Climate and Development Partners Meeting, this innovative initiative aims to leverage concessional finance for low-carbon investments. The facility will bridge green financing and domestic capital markets, facilitating climate action projects with and without existing funding, ultimately enhancing Goa’s and other coastal states’ resilience to climate impacts.
36. Where was the Seminar on India Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 organized?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Dhaka
[C] Kathmandu
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhaka]
Notes:
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh hosted a Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 in Dhaka, featuring High Commissioner Pranay Verma and Lt. Gen. M.R. Shameem. Verma highlighted Indian defense industry advancements under Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, resulting in increased investments and exports. SIDE 2024 signifies India’s interest in advancing defense cooperation with Bangladesh, utilizing the US$500 million Defence Line of Credit extended by the Indian government.
37. ‘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.
38. AIIMS Jammu was recently established under which government scheme?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
[B] Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
[C] Ayushman Bharat Yojana
[D] Universal Health Insurance Scheme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana]
Notes:
AIIMS Vijaypur in Jammu is founded under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, addressing regional healthcare imbalances. The scheme aims to enhance affordable tertiary healthcare services and improve medical education facilities across India. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare infrastructure throughout the country.
39. Which state legislative assembly recently passed a bill that prohibits hookah bars in the state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka ]
Notes:
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a bill prohibiting hookah bars in the state, imposing imprisonment of 1-3 years and fines up to Rs 1 lakh for violations. The bill also bans tobacco products in public places, sale near educational institutions, and to those under 21. Titled the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024, it amends the 2003 central act in the state. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed protecting youth’s health and preventing tobacco-related diseases, citing hookah’s glamorization among the youth.
40. A team of conservationists recently discovered the nesting site of Cantor’s giant softshell turtle on the banks of which river in Kerala?
[A] Bhavani River
[B] Kallada River
[C] Chandragiri River
[D] Periyar River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chandragiri River ]
Notes:
A team of conservationists led by the University of Portsmouth discovered the nesting site of the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle on the banks of the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India. The discovery is the first-ever nesting evidence and discovery of a breeding population of this critically endangered species. The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is a native to the rivers of south and Southeast Asia. It is known for its rarity and secretive nature.