11. Which three Indian cities have been recently nominated for Wetland City Accreditation under the Ramsar Convention?
[A] Indore, Bhopal, Jaipur
[B] Indore, Bhopal, Udaipur
[C] Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru
[D] Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indore, Bhopal, Udaipur]
Notes:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of India has submitted nominations for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention for three cities: Indore and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, and Udaipur in Rajasthan. These nominations, the first of their kind for Indian cities, aim to recognize the efforts made by these cities in conserving and protecting their urban and peri-urban wetlands. The wetlands in and around these cities, including Sirpur Lake in Indore, Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal, and several lakes around Udaipur, play crucial roles in providing various ecological and socio-economic benefits.
12. Which company has decided to introduce so called “Copilot key” in PC keyboards?
[A] Apple
[B] Dell
[C] Microsoft
[D] Lenovo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Microsoft ]
Notes:
Microsoft is introducing a notable feature in some of the new personal computers running its Windows operating system – the “Copilot key”. This special key is designed to launch Microsoft’s AI chatbot, marking a strategic move by the company to integrate and capitalize on its partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The addition of the Copilot key to PC keyboards is a significant step in making Microsoft a key player in the applications of generative AI technology. This initiative represents Microsoft’s most substantial change to PC keyboards since the introduction of the Windows key in the 1990s.
13. Which Indian organization recently tested successfully a new kind of battery Silicon High energy Li-ion cell, featuring a Si-Graphite composite as anode material?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
[D] Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ISRO ]
Notes:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a new kind of battery cell with an energy density of 190 Wh/kg. This Silicon High energy Li-ion cell, featuring a Si-Graphite composite as anode material, offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional Li-ion cells, which typically have an energy density of 157 Wh/kg. The new cell design not only improves the energy density but also utilizes cost-effective hardware and a crimped sealing-based design, significantly reducing the hardware and fabrication costs. This innovation is poised to be used in upcoming operational missions, offering potential weight savings of 35-40% in battery mass. The successful flight demonstration of these cells on the POEM-3 platform of PSLV-C58 marks a significant advancement in space battery technology, showcasing ISRO’s continuous efforts in developing more efficient and cost-effective solutions for space missions.
14. Sukanta Majumdar, who is one of the recipients of the Sansad Ratna Awards, belong to which political party?
[A] Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
[B] Shiv Sena
[C] Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
[D] Indian National Congress
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)]
Notes:
Sukanta Majumdar, one of the recipients of the Sansad Ratna Awards, belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Sansad Ratna Awards are presented annually to recognize the top-performing parliamentarians based on their performance in the Lok Sabha. Along with Majumdar, other recipients of the award include Shrikant Eknath Shinde from Shiv Sena, Sudheer Gupta from BJP, Amol Ramsing Kolhe from NCP, and Kuldeep Rai Sharma from the Congress. This award is a significant honor in Indian politics, highlighting the contributions and performance of Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha.
15. Kyaukphyu SEZ and deep sea port, that was recently in news, is located in which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Indonesia
[C] Myanmar
[D] Thailand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Myanmar ]
Notes:
China is pushing to expedite the construction of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state. This initiative aims to ensure smoother access to the Bay of Bengal and is being developed by the Kyaukphyu SEZ Deep Seaport Co. Ltd, a joint venture between the CITIC Myanmar Port Investment Ltd and the Myanmar government-backed Kyaukphyu SEZ Management Committee. The project involves the construction of the Kyaukphyu SEZ and deep sea port. China’s involvement in this project has strategic implications, potentially impacting India’s traditional role as a net security provider in the region and Beijing’s growing influence in Myanmar and the surrounding areas. The development of this SEZ is part of China’s broader efforts to expand its economic and strategic footprint in Southeast Asia.
16. What is the brand name of the environmental label under the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme recently launched by the environment ministry?
[A] VRIKSHA
[B] HARIT
[C] PRAMAAN
[D] VANIKARAN
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [PRAMAAN]
Notes:
The brand name of the environmental label provided under the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme, recently launched by the environment ministry, is PRAMAAN. This label is designed to inform both domestic and international consumers about the origin and source of forest and tree-based products. The certification scheme, which includes forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain of custody certification, aims to encourage sustainable forest management and agro-forestry practices. The PRAMAAN label plays a crucial role in addressing concerns regarding deforestation and illicit timber trade, thereby enhancing the marketability and export potential of India’s wood-based products.
17. Which state in India is set to release its Human Development Index report for tribal groups, becoming the second state to do so after Kerala?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka is set to release its Human Development Index (HDI) report for tribal groups, becoming the second state in India to do so after Kerala. The research project, undertaken by the University of Mysore’s Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP) led by its director DC Nanjunda and Professor GS Premakumar from the Mandya PG Study Centre Department of Economics, was sponsored by the Union ministry of tribal affairs. This comprehensive study, conducted over three years, involved collecting data from over 5,000 members of more than 51 vulnerable tribal groups spread across various settlements in Karnataka.
18. What is the primary focus of the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” initiative recently unveiled?
[A] Promotion of Water Sports
[B] Adoption of Eco-Friendly Practices for Inland Vessels
[C] Enhancement of Fishing Techniques
[D] Development of Waterway Infrastructure
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Adoption of Eco-Friendly Practices for Inland Vessels]
Notes:
The primary focus of the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” initiative, unveiled at the inaugural Inland Waterways Development Council meeting, is the adoption of eco-friendly practices for inland vessels. This initiative aims to contribute to sustainable development in waterway transportation by encouraging environmentally responsible operations and practices within the sector. The guidelines are designed to facilitate a transition towards greener and more sustainable methods in the operation and maintenance of inland water vessels, aligning with broader environmental objectives and sustainable development goals. This initiative reflects a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of waterway transportation and promoting sustainability in the industry.
19. Lanjia Saura paintings, which recently got GI tag, belong to which state?
[A] WEst Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha ]
Notes:
Lanjia Saura paintings, also known as ekons or iditals, are a unique style of wall mural art from Odisha. The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district. These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes. White paintings figure over a crimson-maroon background. It is believed that the Lanjia Sauras paint their walls with Idital artworks to show gratitude to their deities and forefathers, and also for the well-being of their community. Reflecting the love and affection of the primitive tribes for nature, they feature subjects like tribal humans, trees, animals, birds, the Sun and the Moon.
20. Laokhowa and Burhachapori wildlife sanctuaries are Protected Areas (PA) of which state?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Manipur
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
Two rhinos have recently returned to the Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam after nearly four decades, following a successful anti-encroachment operation. Located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, these two wildlife sanctuaries, despite having distinct names, form a unified entity both ecologically and geographically. Positioned as centrally located Protected Areas (PAs) in Assam, they serve as vital connecting corridors for animal migration between Kaziranga and Orang National Parks. Surrounded by key PAs like Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuaries, Pakke-Nameri National Parks, and the rich reserve forests of Karbi Anglong, Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries play a crucial role in the buffer zones of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
