1. Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Tamil Nadu, the second spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The facility will specialize in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles commercially. Spanning 2,350 acres, it features 35 facilities, including launch pads and rocket integration areas. The spaceport’s unique advantage is launching directly south over the Indian Ocean, saving fuel for small rocket launches compared to the existing site. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crore, boosting India’s space capabilities.
2. Recently, which South American country has declared a health emergency due to the rising cases of dengue fever?
[A] Chile
[B] Peru
[C] Argentina
[D] Bolivia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Peru]
Notes:
Peru declares a health emergency as dengue fever cases surge. The government activates the emergency in 20 out of 25 regions due to the rapid rise in cases, totaling over 31,000 with 32 deaths. Health Minister Cesar Vasquez cites El Nino’s impact, causing high temperatures and heavy rains since 2023, facilitating mosquito breeding. The declaration expedites fund transfers to affected areas and facilitates the swift deployment of medical personnel.
3. Which state recently passed a bill aimed at curbing illegal immigration?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Punjab
[C] Haryana
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
The Haryana Assembly passed nine bills, including the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and addressing the issue of unregistered travel agents exploiting youth. Home Minister Anil Vij highlighted the seriousness of the problem. Additionally, a bill to regulate private coaching institutions was passed to protect students’ and guardians’ interests. The bills were part of the concluding day of the week-long Budget session, with some introduced earlier.
4. ‘Annual Financial Literacy’ week campaign, is recently organized by which one of the following?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] RBI
[C] SBI
[D] ISRO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been conducting Financial Literacy Week (FLW) every year since 2016. The 2024 FLW will be observed from February 26 to March 1, 2024 with the theme “Make a Right Start – Become Financially Smart”. The FLW aims to promote financial literacy by spreading financial education messages to the public.
5. Which organizations recently collaborated to launch the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank
[B] International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Bank
[C] International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Trade Organization (WTO)
[D] World Health Organization (WHO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Trade Organization (WTO)]
Notes:
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have jointly initiated the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, with a substantial investment of USD 50 million. This global fund aims to support women-led businesses and entrepreneurs in developing economies and least-developed countries by facilitating the adoption of digital technologies. The primary objective is to enhance the online presence of these enterprises, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy.
6. Recently, Jal Shakti Ministry has signed an agreement with 12 technical education institutions for basin management of how many rivers?
[A] 5
[B] 6
[C] 7
[D] 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6]
Notes:
The Jal Shakti Ministry has partnered with 12 technical education institutions to collaborate on academic and research initiatives for basin management of six rivers: Narmada, Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, Cauvery, and Periyar, as part of the National River Conservation Plan. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted successful efforts in cleaning the Ganga, earning UNESCO recognition for the Namami Gange Mission. Emphasizing river conservation as a mass movement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Arth Ganga principle links it to livelihood, urging increased inter-state cooperation.
7. Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, recently mentioned in the news, is located in which city?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Indore
[C] Bikaner
[D] Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ujjain ]
Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock at Jantar Mantar, Ujjain. A world-first ‘Vedic Clock,’ it displays time using the traditional Indian Panchang. Positioned on an 85-foot tower, it also provides planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculations, IST, and GMT. Developed by Lucknow-based Sanstha Arohan, it connects to the internet via a mobile app. Ujjain, with its rich timekeeping heritage, is an ideal location due to its historical role in determining India’s time zones and its location at the interaction point of the zero meridian and Tropic of Cancer.
8. Which one of the following best describes about ‘Jacaranda Tree’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Thorny trees grows near the wetlands
[B] Soft trees found in the tropical thorn forests
[C] Deciduous hard tree that grows well in tropical climatic region
[D] Deciduous soft tree that grows well in temperate climatic region
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Deciduous hard tree that grows well in tropical climatic region]
Notes:
The premature blooming of the Jacaranda tree in Mexico City raised concerns among residents and scientists. Also called Jacaranda acutifolia, it’s a deciduous tree from the Bignoniaceae family, native to Brazil and North West Argentina. Thriving in tropical climates, well-drained soil, and sunlight, these hardy trees are cultivated worldwide for their vibrant blue or violet flowers. In Brazil, the wood is used for guitars, and its bark and root offer medicinal benefits. Early blooming poses ecological concerns, affecting hummingbirds and bees.
9. Recently, which state government has decided to establish a State Water Information Centre (SWIC)?
[A] Bihar
[B] Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government is establishing the State Water Information Centre (SWIC) to coordinate, store, and disseminate water resource data. Operating under the Water Resources Department, it aims to maintain a comprehensive repository of hydro-meteorological data for Odisha. The center will be staffed with experts in water resources management and data handling. Additionally, the approval for contractual supervisors will enhance service delivery in Internal Child Development Services in Odisha.
10. ‘SAMOA Pathway’, recently seen in the news, is associated with which one of the following groupings?
[A] African Union (AU)
[B] Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
[C] Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
[D] European Union (EU)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Small Island Developing States (SIDS)]
Notes:
The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the urgent need for increased funding to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate change. Comprising 39 States and 18 Associate Members, SIDS, located in the Caribbean, Pacific, and AIS regions, exhibit unique vulnerabilities. Recognized as a special case in 1992, they suffer from low economic diversification, dependence on tourism, and high debt stress. The UN has established action programs like the Barbados Programme of Action and SAMOA Pathway to address SIDS’ challenges.
