31. 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.
32. 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.
33. Which Indian cricketer has been appointed as a state icon by Punjab Chief Electoral Officer for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections?
[A] Harbhajan Singh
[B] Shubman Gill
[C] Virat Kohli
[D] Arshdeep Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shubman Gill]
Notes:
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C has named Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the state icon for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Gill will participate in various election campaigns to raise voter awareness and increase turnout in the state. Punjabi singer Tarsem Jassar has also been selected as a “state icon” and will conduct similar campaigns.
34. Which day is celebrated as International Mother Language Day?
[A] 20 February
[B] 21 February
[C] 22 February
[D] 23 February
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [21 February]
Notes:
On February 21, 2024, International Mother Language Day is celebrated globally, acknowledging linguistic diversity. Originating in Bangladesh, the day emphasizes the historical movement for linguistic rights. In 2024, the theme is “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” underscoring the importance of linguistic education. This Wednesday marks a special occasion to recognize and celebrate the significance of mother languages worldwide.
35. The Nilgiri marten, recently seen in the news, is endemic to which one of the following regions in India?
[A] Western Ghats
[B] Eastern ghats
[C] Wetlands
[D] Grasslands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Western Ghats]
Notes:
The Tamil Nadu Government has launched the “TN Endangered Species Conservation Fund” to protect lesser-known species like the Nilgiri Marten. This rare carnivore, scientifically named Martes gwatkinsii, is exclusive to the Western Ghats in India, spanning Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Found in Shola ecosystems, it boasts chocolate-colored fur and a canary yellow throat, resembling a civet or mongoose. The conservation effort focuses on its habitat in high altitudes (300 to 1200 m) across specific Western Ghats clusters.
36. Recently, which cricketer made fastest 10000 runs in T20?
[A] Rohit Sharma
[B] Babar Azam
[C] Travis Head
[D] Rishabh Pant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Babar Azam]
Notes:
Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain, set a historic record as the fastest batter to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket during a Karachi Kings vs. Peshawar Zalmi match in PSL 2024. This remarkable feat makes him the 13th player to achieve this milestone, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.
37. 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.
38. Recently, which country contributed $1 million to the IBSA fund for poverty and hunger alleviation?
[A] Brazil
[B] India
[C] South Africa
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
In February 2024, India contributed 1 million to the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. India has been a regular contributor to the fund since its inception, contributing a total of 15.1 million. The IBSA Fund’s projects aim to help partner countries in the Global South achieve their national priorities and other internationally agreed development goals.
39. Recently, who has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)?
[A] Suresh N. Patel
[B] A S Rajeev
[C] Praveen Kumar Srivastava
[D] Arvinda Kumar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A S Rajeev]
Notes:
A S Rajeev, former MD & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, is appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) by President Droupadi Murmu. Rajeev retired voluntarily from the bank, a decision approved by competent authority as per DFS letter. CVC, established under CVC Act, is now a three-member body with Praveen Kumar Srivastava as Central Vigilance Commissioner since May 2023 and Arvinda Kumar as Vigilance Commissioner since August 2022.
40. According to Morgan Stanley Research, what is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY 25?
[A] 6.1%
[B] 6.2%
[C] 6.5%
[D] 6.6%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6.5%]
Notes:
According to Morgan Stanley, India’s GDP growth is projected to drop to 6.5% in the financial year (FY) 2025, from 6.9% expected for FY2024. However, Morgan Stanley also says that GDP growth will remain healthy, with domestic demand improving and all the macro indicators slated to remain stable. The research emphasizes that domestic demand, supported by robust factors, will play a crucial role in sustaining India’s growth trajectory.
