31. Researchers have recently discovered a new species of marine amphipod in which lake of Odisha?
[A] Tampara lake
[B] Kanjia lake
[C] Chilika lake
[D] Sar lake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chilika lake]
Notes:
Researchers at Odisha’s Berhampur University discovered a new marine amphipod species, a shrimp-like crustacean, in Chilika lagoon. Belonging to the genus Parhyale, which has 15 global species in marine and brackish water environments, this brown crustacean is around eight mm long with 13 pairs of legs. Notably, it distinguishes itself from the 15 species by featuring a stout robust seta on the male gnathopod’s propodus, the first pair of legs, used for capturing prey and feeding.
32. Where was the 12th edition of MILAN naval exercise held?
[A] Kutch
[B] Kochi
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Visakhapatnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Visakhapatnam ]
Notes:
The 12th edition of the MILAN naval exercise took place in Visakhapatnam from February 19–27, 2024. The exercise, which has the theme “Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future,” aims to strengthen collaboration between participating navies.
33. 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.
34. Recently, NASA and which country’s space agency have joined to launch the world’s first wooden satellite?
[A] Japan
[B] Russia
[C] India
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Japan]
Notes:
NASA and Japan’s space agency, JAXA, are planning to launch the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, in 2024. The satellite is designed to reduce space debris and is made of biodegradable magnolia wood, known as Hoonoki in Japanese. The satellite is being developed by scientists at Kyoto University. First tests have been performed in space-simulating laboratories, and wood samples found no signs of damage, decomposition, or mass changes. The initiative aims to make spaceflight operations more sustainable and pave the way for a more sustainable future in orbit.
35. 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.
36. Which district of Madhya Pradesh recently organized a ‘Banana Festival’?
[A] Burhanpur
[B] Ujjain
[C] Balaghat
[D] Rewa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burhanpur ]
Notes:
Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, known as the banana city, is hosting its annual Banana Festival in collaboration with the district administration. The two-day event, under the One-District One-Product programme, highlights Burhanpur’s agricultural strength with 23,650 hectares of banana cultivation involving 18,325 farmers. The region yields an impressive 16 lakh metric tonnes of bananas, contributing to a significant sales turnover of 1,700 crore rupees. The festival aims to attract investment by showcasing Burhanpur’s agricultural prowess to companies, experts, and scientists nationwide.
37. Recently, IREDA and which bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-finance renewable energy projects?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Punjab National Bank
[C] Union Bank of India
[D] Axis Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab National Bank]
Notes:
IREDA and PNB inked an MoU at IREDA’s New Delhi office on Feb 19, 2024, fostering collaboration for nationwide renewable energy initiatives. The agreement facilitates joint efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for diverse renewable energy projects, signaling a significant step towards sustainable energy development in India.
38. Where was the ‘Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair’ held?
[A] Bhopal
[B] Chennai
[C] Jaipur
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, hosted in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024, is a collaborative initiative led by ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi. With diverse stakeholders, the event highlights neem’s versatile applications in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Embracing the theme “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment,” the summit aims to spotlight neem’s multifaceted benefits and promote its role in fostering sustainability across various sectors.
39. 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.
40. Ministry of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship recently inaugurated the country’s first Skill India Centre (SIC) in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Bihar
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Skill India Centre in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiative aims to upgrade skills in demand-driven industries, empowering over 1200 students. Shri Pradhan emphasized the need for a skilled workforce to drive India’s development in the 21st century. The Centre offers low-cost courses to democratize access to quality education, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Equipped with modern facilities, it focuses on high-demand trades like Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, fostering industry-specific skills for youth empowerment.
