31. Recently, where were the iron ore deposits uncovered in Rajasthan?
[A] Jodhpur
[B] Ajmer
[C] Karauli
[D] Bikaner
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karauli]
Notes:
The Rajasthan Mines Department has discovered over 840 million tonnes of iron ore in Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti near Hindon, Karauli. A composite license for iron ore blocks spanning 1,888 hectares is set for auction. Preliminary exploration revealed magnetite and hematite deposits across 462.3 hectares in Khoda, 754.38 hectares in Dadaroli, 260.71 hectares in Todupura, and 410.94 hectares in Liloti. The findings are expected to boost industrial investment, particularly benefiting steel, cement, coal, and related industries in the state, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.
32. What is the primary objective of ‘Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Promotion of Indian languages in education
[B] Promotion of foreign languages
[C] Promotion of science and technology
[D] Promotion of arts and culture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Promotion of Indian languages in education]
Notes:
The Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti recently advocated for promoting Indian languages in education, announcing that textbooks will soon be available in Indian languages on digital platforms. Established by the Ministry of Education in 2021, the committee’s mandate, under the National Education Policy 2020, involves recommending pathways for holistic growth of Indian languages, advising the Ministry on language revitalization, and organizing events to emphasize language promotion. The High-Powered Committee may appoint sub-committees and collaborate with government institutions for language teaching and research.
33. 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.
34. What is the name of the Indian Coast Guard ship that made a port call at Maputo Port, Mozambique?
[A] Varad
[B] Vikram
[C] Vajra
[D] Varaha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Varaha ]
Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ICGS Varaha made a port call at Maputo Port, Mozambique. The visit is part of a strategic overseas deployment to East Africa and is a milestone in diplomatic maritime engagements. The visit lasts three days and includes professional interactions in the fields of: Marine Pollution Response (MPR) Maritime Law Enforcement Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR). The visit also includes engagements with the Mozambican Navy, outreach events, yoga, and coastal cleanup as part of Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan.
35. Where was the 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue inaugurated?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Greece
[C] Switzerland
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as the Chief Guest. Mitsotakis praised India as a global power and essential ally in peace and security. He highlighted India’s role in the G20 and climate change. Mitsotakis urged deeper ties, emphasizing shared values and the strength of the partnership. He commended India’s economic prowess and mentioned mutual investment goals, noting India’s significant contributions to Greece’s infrastructure and the rising bilateral trade volume.
36. How many gold medals did India win in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Two
[D] Five
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Three]
Notes:
India has won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2024 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tehran, Iran. On the opening day of the championships, the following athletes won gold medals: Tajinderpal Singh Toor: Ace shot putter Jyothi Yarraji: 100m hurdler Harmilan Bains: 1500m
37. What is theme of the ‘World Thinking Day 2024’?
[A] Stand Together for Peace
[B] Our World, Our Thriving Future
[C] Our Planet, Our Peaceful Future
[D] Living Threads
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Our World, Our Thriving Future]
Notes:
World Thinking Day, celebrated on February 22, strengthens the bonds of friendship and sisterhood among young girls globally. It focuses on empowering young women, recognizing their immense potential. The day aims to break barriers and elevate the status of women through friendship and empowerment. This year’s theme is “Our World, Our Thriving Future,” emphasizing the need for a supportive global community. Funds raised on this day contribute to the empowerment and development of around 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide.
38. Which of the following countries participated in ‘Exercise Dosti’, recently seen in the news?
[A] India, Sri Lanka & Maldives
[B] Myanmar, Sri Lanka & Nepal
[C] India, Bangladesh & Myanmar
[D] Bhutan, Nepal & Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India, Sri Lanka & Maldives]
Notes:
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships recently joined the Maldives for Exercise Dosti 16, a trilateral coast guard exercise held every two years since 1991. Sri Lanka joined in 2012, and the 16th edition involves the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, with observers from Bangladesh. The exercise focuses on mutual operational capability, interoperability, and cooperation in scenarios like sea accidents and pollution. India’s participation includes ICGS Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier.
39. Recently, which institute has launched the India’s largest drone pilot organization?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] IIT Roorkee
[D] IIT Kanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Guwahati ]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has launched India’s largest drone pilot training facility. This program is aligned with PM’s Namo Drone Didi initiative. The program is also tailored for a variety of defense personnel. This initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to position India as a prominent drone hub by 2030.
40. Kiru Hydel Project, recently seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
The CBI conducted raids related to alleged corruption in awarding a contract for the Kiru Hydel Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, focusing on the former Governor. The Kiru Hydel Power Project is a run-of-the-river scheme over the Chenab River, developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture between NHPC, JKSPDC, and PTC. The project aims to benefit several states and union territories in Northern India, with a 49%, 49%, and 2% shareholding, respectively.