31. What is the primary role of the Chinook/CH-47F helicopter, recently seen in the news?
[A] Attack and armed reconnaissance
[B] Search and Rescue
[C] Medical evacuation
[D] Heavy troop and supply transport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Heavy troop and supply transport]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter made a precautionary landing in Punjab due to a technical snag. The Chinook/CH-47F, manufactured by Boeing, is a tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter used for troop and supply transport. India operates 15 Chinooks, featuring advanced cargo handling, a fully integrated digital cockpit, and a triple hook system. With a maximum speed of 160 knots, it can carry 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo, showcasing its versatility in military operations.
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. Recently, which organization released the report titled ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’?
[A] UNESCO
[B] UNESCAP
[C] UNDP
[D] IMF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UNESCAP]
Notes:
The UNESCAP’s ‘Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024’ reveals that the region is 32 years behind the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target. Established in 1947 as ECAFE, it became ESCAP in 1974, one of the UN’s five regional commissions. With 53 member states (including India) and 9 associate members, UNESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Its objective is to foster cooperation among members to address sustainable development challenges.
35. What is the theme of the ‘World Day of Social Justice 2024’?
[A] Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances
[B] Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment
[C] Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice
[D] Workers on the move: the quest for social justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances]
Notes:
Annually on February 20th, the World Day of Social Justice unites the global community to address worldwide inequality and injustice. Emphasizing decent work and fair globalization, the 2024 theme, “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,” underscores the significance of collaboration in confronting global challenges. This day serves as a crucial reminder to combat social exclusion and advocate for a more just and equitable world.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. ‘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.
39. 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.
40. Recently, which Indian private aerospace manufacturer has launched the Kalpana fellowship for women interested in space tech?
[A] Skyroot Aerospace
[B] Dhruva Space
[C] Bellatrix Aerospace
[D] Digantara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Skyroot Aerospace ]
Notes:
Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian aerospace manufacturer, introduces the Kalpana Fellowship, India’s inaugural program empowering women in space tech. Named after astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the initiative targets final-year students and recent graduates in relevant engineering disciplines, marking a significant step in promoting gender diversity in the space industry.
