31. Recently, which country became the first orthodox-majority nation to allow same-sex marriage?
[A] Greece
[B] Bulgaria
[C] Romania
[D] Cyprus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greece]
Notes:
In February 2024, Greece became the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage under civil law. The Athens parliament passed the bill with a vote of 176-76, and the bill also allows same-sex couples to legally adopt children.
32. Nohar irrigation project, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Nohar irrigation project in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is set to receive increased water supply as the Ferozepur feeder in Punjab undergoes repairs, enhancing its capacity and flow. Following Central Water Commission intervention, a technical committee recommended Nohar feeder remodelling due to inadequate water availability. Rajasthan and Punjab governments agreed to collaborate, and Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat convened a meeting to review the progress, focusing on renovating Baruwali distributary and Fatehabad branch. The estimated expenditure for the project is ₹139.51 crore.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. What is the primary focus of INDUS-X initiative, recently seen in the news?
[A] Protection of historical monuments
[B] Advancing of high-tech cooperation in the defense sector
[C] Advancing of cyber security measures
[D] Developing software solutions for startups
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Advancing of high-tech cooperation in the defense sector]
Notes:
The ‘INDUS-X’ summit in Delhi is a major milestone in the U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem, launched in June 2023. Its objective is to enhance technology partnerships and defense cooperation between India and the US, focusing on joint research, development, and production in the defense sector. INDUS-X includes initiatives like Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, academia engagement, industry-startup connections, private entity investments, and collaboration on projects such as jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles. iDEX and OSD, US, lead the initiative.
36. Kapilavastu Relic, recently mentioned in the news, is associated with which one of the following?
[A] Adi Shankaracharya
[B] Goswami Tulsidas
[C] Mahavir
[D] Buddha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Buddha]
Notes:
Four bone fragments of Lord Buddha, known as Kapilvastu Relics, discovered by William Claxton Peppé in 1898 at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, will be taken to Thailand after 30 years. The relics were excavated from the ancient city of Kapilavastu. According to Buddhist beliefs, Buddha attained salvation in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar at the age of 80, and his relics were divided among different communities to erect stupas, with Ashoka later enshrining them in numerous stupas to spread Buddhism.
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. NaViGate Bharat portal, recently seen in the news, is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Communications
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]
Notes:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recently launched four portals, including NaViGate Bharat, a bilingual platform by the New Media Wing. NaViGate Bharat serves as a unified gateway hosting government-related videos, simplifying access to developmental measures and citizen welfare initiatives. The platform empowers users with an interactive interface for searching, streaming, sharing, and downloading content, streamlining information retrieval from various sources into a single, reliable platform for both media and the public.
39. Government has recently launched Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana for which one of the following?
[A] AB PM-JAY beneficiaries
[B] PM Suraksha Bima Yojana beneficiaries
[C] PM SVANidhi beneficiaries
[D] PM Vishwakarma Yojana beneficiaries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [PM SVANidhi beneficiaries]
Notes:
The Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana is a National Entrepreneurship Development Project that aims to provide entrepreneurship training. The program is part of the Skill India Mission and is specifically tailored to beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme.
40. What is theme of the 8th Asia Economic Dialogue 2024?
[A] Asia and the Emerging World Order
[B] Global Trade and Finance Dynamics
[C] Sustainable Economic Development
[D] Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux]
Notes:
The theme of the 8th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2024 is “Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux”. The conference will be held in Pune from February 29 to March 2, 2024. The AED is an annual geo-economics conference that will feature 46 speakers from 11 countries participating in 12 sessions over three days. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre are jointly hosting the event.