41. Which state has become the first north-eastern state in India to achieve 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under Jal Jeevan Mission?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first state in North-East India and the 10th in the country to attain 100% saturation of Har Ghar Jal under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Chief Minister Pema Khandu credited Team Arunachal’s dedication, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for guidance and support. The mission, launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide assured tap water supply to every rural household in India by 2024, promoting an improved quality of life.
42. Where was the Seminar on India Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 organized?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Dhaka
[C] Kathmandu
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dhaka]
Notes:
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh hosted a Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment – SIDE 2024 in Dhaka, featuring High Commissioner Pranay Verma and Lt. Gen. M.R. Shameem. Verma highlighted Indian defense industry advancements under Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, resulting in increased investments and exports. SIDE 2024 signifies India’s interest in advancing defense cooperation with Bangladesh, utilizing the US$500 million Defence Line of Credit extended by the Indian government.
43. Recently, which country has become the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance?
[A] Malta
[B] Egypt
[C] Vietnam
[D] Ukraine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Malta]
Notes:
Malta has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), becoming its 119th member. Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary of Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the ISA Framework Agreement in New Delhi. Established in 2015 with headquarters in Gurugram, India, ISA aims to promote solar energy globally. India warmly welcomed Malta’s participation in this alliance, strengthening international cooperation for sustainable solar development.
44. Where was the Maritime Technical Exposition MTEX-24 inaugurated?
[A] Kochi
[B] Chennai
[C] Visakhapatnam
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Visakhapatnam ]
Notes:
The Maritime Technical Exposition MTEX-24 is a key feature of MILAN 2024 in Visakhapatnam, showcasing India’s strides in naval technology. Inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MTEX-24 spans three days and emphasizes self-reliance in defence. It highlights advancements in shipbuilding, communication, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy solutions. Key participants include major players, defence start-ups, PSUs, and Naval organizations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. MTEX-24 aims to propel India’s maritime industry towards a secure and prosperous future.
45. The first ever Maharashtra’s ‘MSME Defence Expo’ is recently hosted in which city?
[A] Amravati
[B] Nashik
[C] Pune
[D] Satara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pune]
Notes:
Over 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the defense sector are participating in Maharashtra’s inaugural MSME Defence Expo in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. Organized by the state government and inaugurated by Chief Eknath Shinde, the event showcases products developed for the Indian Armed Forces by these enterprises. The expo highlights the growing contribution of MSMEs to the defense industry, fostering innovation and collaboration in the region.
46. Which company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with iCreate to advance AI startups in India?
[A] Google
[B] Microsoft
[C] Amazon
[D] Meta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Microsoft]
Notes:
The International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (iCreate) and Microsoft signed an MoU, facilitated by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, to boost AI startups in India. The partnership, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, aims to support AI startups in both big cities and smaller towns/villages. The collaboration launches the IMPEL AI program, screening 1100 innovators to become AI Most Valuable Players (MVPs) and focusing on themes like Healthcare, Financial Inclusion, Sustainability, Education, Agriculture, and Smart Cities. The top 25 startups will receive go-to-market support from Microsoft’s Global Network.
47. Which state’s tobacco growers recently received approval for a Rs 10,000 interest-free loan from the Centre?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Indian government has approved a one-time interest-free loan of Rs 10,000 for Andhra Pradesh tobacco growers affected by Michaung cyclonic rains during the 2023-24 crop season. The loan, from the Grower Welfare Fund of the Tobacco Board, aims to aid flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers facing hardships. The cyclone damaged crops in Andhra Pradesh, affecting 20% of the 75,355-hectare planted area. Karnataka, another FCV tobacco-producing state, faces a drought, prompting the government to permit sales with waived penalties.
48. Neil Wagner, who recently retired from international cricket, is from which country?
[A] New Zealand
[B] Australia
[C] South Africa
[D] England
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Zealand]
Notes:
New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on February 27, 2024. Wagner, 37, made the decision after being told he would not be in the starting XI for the upcoming Test series against Australia.Wagner has played 64 tests for New Zealand and will finish fifth on New Zealand’s list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 260 at an average of 37.
49. Shafiqur Rahman Barq, recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Politics
[C] Social work
[D] Aerospace
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Politics]
Notes:
Shafiqur Rahman Barq, a 93-year-old Samajwadi Party MP representing Sambhal, passed away after a prolonged illness. He served as a four-time MLA and was elected as MP in 2019. Barq’s deteriorating health led to his admission to a Moradabad hospital. The Samajwadi Party mourns his loss, expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to his family.
50. Recently, where was the Asian Track Cycling Championship 2024 organized?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Bhopal
[C] New Delhi
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
India concluded its successful run at the 43rd Asian Track Cycling Championships 2024 in New Delhi on February 26, winning a total of 18 medals. Held at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, the competition featured 500 riders from 18 countries, encompassing junior and para track cycling events. Notably, this championship served as the ultimate qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, shaping the national team’s path to the prestigious global sports event.