31. Which of the following litterateurs have been named the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award?
[A] Kiran Desai and Arvind Adiga
[B] Kedarnath singh and Vikram Seth
[C] Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
[D] Vikram Seth and Arvind Adiga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya]
Notes:
Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been announced as the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award by the Jnanpith selection committee. This prestigious award is recognition of their significant contributions to literature. In 2022, the award was conferred upon Goan writer Damodar Mauzo, adding to the distinguished list of laureates. The Jnanpith Award, established in 1961, is one of the highest literary honors in India, celebrating outstanding writers in various Indian languages.
32. Melghat Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Kula Mama Volleyball Tournament-2024 at Melghat Tiger Reserve’s Semadoh promotes tiger and forest conservation with local youth engagement. Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, established in 1967, declared a tiger reserve in 1974, and the first in the state, is located in the Amaravati district. Characterized by tropical dry deciduous forests and major rivers, it plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife. The tournament underscores the significance of preserving this pristine landscape and its inhabitants.
33. ‘Aarogya-Doctors on Wheels’, recently seen in the news, is an initiative of which state/UT?
[A] Delhi
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
The “Aarogya-Doctors on Wheels” initiative has been introduced in Udhampur, J&K, featuring an AI-driven Tele Clinic to offer healthcare in remote areas. Patients can describe their ailments in their native language, and the AI doctor comprehends and responds in the same language. This free telemedicine service addresses challenges of accessibility, availability, and affordability, bringing healthcare solutions to underserved regions.
34. Recently, which state has secured ₹740 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh ]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh secures ₹740 crore, the highest in India, under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) Scheme, a revamped version of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). The centrally sponsored scheme, under the Ministry of Education, aims to enhance the quality of state higher educational institutions in line with the National Education Policy 2020. PM-USHA emphasizes conformity to prescribed norms, standards, and accreditation for quality assurance in higher education.
35. Mukhya Mantri Harit Vikas Chhattravriti Yojana, recently seen in the news, is launched by which state?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh’s 2024-25 annual budget prioritizes environmental concerns, unveiling the Mukhya Mantri Harit Vikas Chhattravriti Yojana for postgraduate researchers. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, in the February 17 presentation, emphasized climate change threats and outlined action plans at district and Panchayat levels. The state aims to collaborate with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the German development agency GIZ to address climate change’s impact on agriculture and horticulture, conducting a need assessment study for effective mitigation.
36. What are Iris and Massalia, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Asteroids
[B] Black holes
[C] Glacial lakes
[D] Patrol vessels
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Asteroids]
Notes:
Iris and Massalia are asteroids that have similar orbits and are potentially the first asteroids in our solar system to have confirmed water. Iris is 124 miles in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids in our solar system. It orbits between Mars and Jupiter and is the fourth brightest object in the asteroid belt. Massalia is 84 miles in diameter and is similar in size to Iris. Scientists using SOFIA’s infrared telescope discovered molecular water on the asteroids. The water could be stored in multiple ways, such as trapped in silicate glass beads or stuck to the silicates’ surface.
37. Which state government recently launched the ‘Swayam scheme’ to empower its youth with interest free loans?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government recently launched the “Swayam” scheme to provide interest-free loans to the state’s youth. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to help them start small businesses and contribute to the state’s business environment.
38. Faiz Fazal, who recently seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Wrestling
[B] Badminton
[C] Football
[D] Cricket
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cricket ]
Notes:
Esteemed Vidarbha cricketer Faiz Fazal, aged 38, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, marking the end of a remarkable career. Fazal leaves behind a significant legacy with immense contributions to Vidarbha cricket, celebrated for generations. The Vidarbha cricket team, representing eastern Maharashtra, participates in India’s domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
39. TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India Case, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following?
[A] Reservation
[B] Forest conservation
[C] LGBTQ Rights
[D] Privacy & Data protection
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Forest conservation]
Notes:
The Supreme Court of India recently directed governments to adopt a ‘broad’ definition of forests, emphasizing the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Enacted to safeguard forests and resources, the Act’s Section 2 defines ‘forest land’ broadly, encompassing reserved, protected, or government-recorded areas. The landmark TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India (1996) case reinforced this, interpreting ‘forest’ in line with its dictionary meaning. The Act applies to all areas resembling a forest, prioritizing conservation efforts across statutorily recognized forests in India.
40. 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.