1. Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Telangana
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Telangana]
Notes:
The National Board for Wildlife deferred road expansion projects impacting Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary due to environmental concerns. Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Adilabad district, Telangana. The sanctuary spans around 136 sq. km and is set in the scenic Deccan plateau. It features thick deciduous teak forests, hilly landscapes, and plateaus. Pranahitha River runs along its eastern boundary, and the Godavari River is to the south. Known for prehistoric rock formations, the sanctuary holds ecological and geological significance.
2. Which modern farming techniques are being added to Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)?
[A] Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, and Precision Agriculture
[B] Crop Insurance, Subsidies, Weather Forecasting, and Farm Mechanization
[C] Soil Testing and Drip Irrigation
[D] Drone Farming, Satellite Imagery and Data Analysis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, and Precision Agriculture]
Notes:
The Union Government plans to add Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Farming, and Precision Agriculture to the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). MIDH is a Central Sponsored Scheme started in 2014-15 for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector. It promotes the cultivation of various crops, including fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, flowers, coconut, cashew, cocoa, and bamboo. The mission also offers technical advice and support to State Governments and State Horticulture Missions for the Saffron Mission and other horticulture activities under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
3. Which organization has developed a catalyst to produce methanol using gases emitted from fossil-fired power plant?
[A] National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
[B] National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited
[C] Power Grid Corporation of India
[D] Northeast Electric Power Company (NEEPCO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited]
Notes:
NTPC has created a catalyst to produce methanol from gases emitted by fossil-fired power plants. This development was achieved in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum. CO2 mitigation is a major challenge for fossil-fired power plants. The focus is on capturing CO2 from flue gas and converting it into valuable fuels and chemicals. The catalyst produces methanol with a purity of over 99%.
4. What is the primary objective of Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY)?
[A] To empower tribal communities in India
[B] To promote urban development in Assam
[C] To enhance agricultural productivity in hilly areas
[D] To improve infrastructure in cities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To empower tribal communities in India]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) was launched on October 28, 2014, to empower tribal communities in India. It addresses historical neglect by providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable development. The initiative includes the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development in 36,428 tribal villages, focusing on connectivity, education, health, and sanitation. It supports Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with tailored development projects, allocating ₹15,000 crore for housing, water, sanitation, and education over three years. It provides pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for tribal students and funds research on tribal cultures and challenges. Funds are also allocated for project management units to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes.
5. Which state government recently declared a heatwave as a State-specific disaster?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government has declared a heatwave as a State-specific disaster to provide relief and compensation for heat-related casualties. Interim actions will be taken to manage the heat, funded by the State Disaster Response Fund. A heat wave is defined as a period of abnormally high temperatures above the normal maximum. In India, heat waves usually occur from March to June and can extend into July. On average, five to six heat wave events happen annually in northern India. A heat wave is considered if temperatures reach 40°C or more in plains and 30°C or more in hilly areas. Severe heat waves are classified by greater temperature deviations or higher maximum temperatures.
6. Recently, the government of India inaugurated the “One District One Product” (ODOP) Wall initiative in which city?
[A] Moscow, Russia
[B] New Delhi, India
[C] Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
[D] Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Riyadh, Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the “One District One Product” (ODOP) Wall at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ODOP initiative showcases unique products from different Indian districts on international platforms, promoting “Made in India” items. It aims to turn districts into hubs of local products, increasing market reach and visibility globally. The program focuses on sustainable livelihoods for Indian artisans and entrepreneurs by partnering with global retail chains.
7. Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), which was seen in the news, works under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Education
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) faculty and staff have appealed to the Education Minister regarding delays in implementing 7th Central Pay Commission pay scales. ICSSR was founded by the Government of India in 1969, based on Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao’s recommendations. It is an autonomous body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, promoting social science research. ICSSR funds projects, fellowships, international collaborations, and publications in social sciences. It supports 24 research institutes, six regional centers, and five recognized institutes across India.
8. Which Tennis player has won the Paris Masters title 2024?
[A] Jannik Sinner
[B] Daniil Medvedev
[C] Alexander Zverev
[D] Andrey Rublev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alexander Zverev]
Notes:
Alexander Zverev won the Rolex Paris Masters title 2024, defeating Ugo Humbert in the final. This victory marked Zverev’s seventh ATP Masters 1000 title and his first title in Paris, showcasing his comeback after a severe ankle injury. He dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-2, and never faced a break point. The Paris Masters is an annual men’s tennis tournament held in Paris, France.
9. What is the Harare Declaration, which was adopted at Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024)?
[A] Boosting economic growth
[B] Climate resilience in health systems
[C] Environmental conservation efforts
[D] Provide clean drinking water in every households
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Climate resilience in health systems ]
Notes:
The Harare Declaration, adopted at the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) in Zimbabwe, emphasizes enhancing climate resilience within health systems across Africa. It aims to address the severe health impacts of climate change, advocating for immediate collaborative actions from governments, researchers, and civil society. The declaration calls for prioritizing climate change as a public health emergency and strengthening research to combat climate-related health risks, ensuring that African nations proactively shape their health futures amidst climate challenges.
10. PM Vishwakarma scheme, that was recently seen in news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Commerce
[C] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]
Notes:
Two million applications have been successfully registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a central sector scheme designed to support traditional artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas. The objectives include recognizing artisans as Vishwakarmas and providing skill upgrades. The scheme also aims to promote their brands and create market linkages to access new growth opportunities.