1. Which state’s tourism recently won the PATA Gold Award 2024 for innovative ‘Holiday Heist’ campaign?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala Tourism won the PATA Gold Award 2024 for its ‘Holiday Heist’ online contest in the Digital Marketing Campaign category. The campaign, launched in July 2023, used a bidding game on the WhatsApp ChatBot ‘Maya’ to attract tourists. Over 80,000 bids were made by travellers across India to visit Kerala’s prime destinations at low prices. The campaign generated more than 45 million impressions and over 13 million video views. Some participants won tour packages worth ₹30,000 for just ₹5. Kerala Tourism received the award in Bangkok on August 28, 2024.
2. Mona Agarwal recently won a bronze medal in which event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
[A] Table Tennis
[B] Boxing
[C] Shooting
[D] Wrestling
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shooting]
Notes:
Mona Agarwal became a well-known figure in para shooting, winning a Bronze medal in the R2 Women 10m Air Rifle SH1 event at the 2024 Paralympics. Born on November 8, 1987, in Sikar, Rajasthan, she faced early challenges, contracting polio at nine months, affecting her lower limbs. Despite this, she pursued her education, earning a degree in arts and pursuing a master’s in psychology via distance learning. At 23, Mona chose to live independently, excelling in HR and marketing roles. In 2016, she turned to para-athletics, winning gold in State debut throw events and earning medals in para powerlifting.
3. Satkosia Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Haryana
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved the resumption of the big cat relocation project in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha, after a four-and-a-half-year suspension. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in Odisha, spanning four districts: Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh. It covers 1,136.70 sq. km., with a core area of 523.61 sq. km., and is part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve. The reserve is a meeting point of the Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats regions. The terrain is hilly with slopes and valleys; the Mahanadi River flows through it.
4. What is the name of the cyclone that recently formed over the Kutch coast in Gujarat?
[A] Cyclone Gulabi
[B] Cyclone Jawar
[C] Cyclone Asna
[D] Cyclone Satrang
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Cyclone Asna]
Notes:
Cyclone Asna formed from a deep depression over Gujarat’s Kutch region and is set to become a tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea. Unlike typical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters, Asna developed over land in Gujarat. Historically, cyclones have originated over mainland India only three times in August (1976, 1964, and 1944) and strengthened as they moved into the Arabian Sea. Possible causes include unusual monsoon winds, moisture from the Arabian Sea, soil moisture, and warming of the Indian Ocean.
5. Musi River, which was seen in the news, is a tributary of which river?
[A] Godavari River
[B] Krishna River
[C] Kaveri River
[D] Narmada River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Krishna River]
Notes:
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) advised citizens to stay indoors due to heavy rains causing the Musi River to rise. The Musi River flows through Telangana and is a tributary of the Krishna River. The river was historically known as the Muchukunda River. Hyderabad is situated on its banks, with the river dividing the old and new parts of the city. The Musi River originates in the Anantagiri Hills near Vicarabad, covering about 240 km before joining the Krishna River. Two dams, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, are constructed over the Musi River.
6. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), recently marked its 7th foundation day, operates under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Commerce
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Communication
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Communication]
Notes:
India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) recently celebrated its 7th Foundation Day. IPPB was established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, with 100% ownership by the Government of India. It aims to provide efficient banking services to every household in India, enhancing financial security and empowerment. IPPB leverages a vast postal network of over 1,61,000 post offices across the country. Services offered include savings and current accounts, Direct Benefit Transfers, bill and utility payments, and access to third-party products like loans and insurance.
7. Which state government recently passed ‘Aparajita Women and Child Bill 2024’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
In response to a tragic crime of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical Centre and Hospital on August 9, the West Bengal Assembly passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, to strengthen protections for women and children. The bill amends several criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012. It proposes harsher penalties for rape, including life imprisonment for the convict’s natural life or the death penalty. The bill mandates time-bound investigations of rape cases within 21 days. It also imposes penalties for unauthorized publication of court proceedings and ensures convicts bear victims’ medical costs.
8. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Bihar
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
An elephant patrol team recently rescued a tusker stuck in a rail barricade in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka, at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
The reserve was once a hunting ground for the Mysore kingdom rulers. It was established as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore and expanded as Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. The reserve is bordered by the Kabini River to the north and the Moyar River to the south. Bandipur experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
9. Recently, where was the second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Shillong
[D] Prayagraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jodhpur]
Notes:
The second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It involved international participation, including Australia, which contributed three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel. The exercise took place from August 30 to September 13 and aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation. Other participating nations included Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US. The event highlighted the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.
10. Recently, which country has announced a new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to increase tourism from India and China?
[A] New Zealand
[B] Chile
[C] South Africa
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [South Africa]
Notes:
South Africa announced a new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), focusing on India and China. The scheme will start in January next year and aims to reform the visa system. It is expected to boost tourism jobs and help South Africa become a preferred destination for tourists from two of the world’s largest economies. The TTOS will remove barriers to attracting more tourists. Currently, Indian tourists make up only 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors.