1. What is the name of the mobile app recently launched by Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani for Haj pilgrims?
[A] Haj Pilgrims App
[B] Haj Suvidha App
[C] Haj Sewa App
[D] Haj Yatra App
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haj Suvidha App]
Notes:
Minister Smriti Zubin Irani has launched the Haj Suvidha App, aiming to enhance the pilgrimage experience by offering crucial information and services. Developed under her guidance by BISAG-N, the user-friendly app streamlines travel logistics, providing access to training modules, flight details, accommodation, emergency helpline, and health services. The Minister also introduced the Haj Guide-2024 in 10 languages, underscoring the app’s importance for all pilgrims, promoting a seamless and informed journey, particularly beneficial for first-time Haj performers.
2. Which state government recently approved the green hydrogen policy?
[A] Kerala
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government approved a 5-year green hydrogen policy with a goal to produce one million metric tonnes annually by 2028. Industries established within this period will receive subsidies and incentives totalling Rs 5,045 crore, with discounts ranging from 10 to 40 percent on capital expenditure. The policy includes provisions for energy banking, a 100 percent rebate on intrastate electricity charges, billing, and interstate transaction charges. Additionally, there’s a 100 percent exemption in electricity duty. Two 800 MW units in Anpara with NTPC collaboration were also approved at a cost of Rs 8,624 crore.
3. Recently, which city of Maharashtra launched the India’s first city-specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP)?
[A] Nagpur
[B] Pune
[C] Bombay
[D] Nasik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nagpur]
Notes:
Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, launched India’s first city-specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP). The plan aims to boost the decarbonization of the building sector by 2050 and contribute to India’s goal of net zero by 2070. The plan includes a roadmap for public buildings, government-led affordable housing, commercial buildings, and homes. It also includes an implementation strategy to achieve net-zero buildings city-wide by 2050.
4. Recently, where was the 125-foot statue of Lachit Borphukan unveiled?
[A] Golaghat, Assam
[B] Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Jorhat, Assam
[D] Aizawl, Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jorhat, Assam]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Statue of Valour,’ a 125-foot bronze monument honoring Ahom General Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat, Assam. Barphukan, born in 1622, bravely defended Assam against the Mughals in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, preventing their expansion. Former President Ram Nath Kovind initiated the project in February 2022, and the statue, standing at 84 feet on a 41-foot pedestal, commemorates Barphukan’s legacy in the Ahom Kingdom’s military history.
5. Recently, Ministry of Rural Development signed an MoU with which institute to formalize their partnership in applications of geospatial technology & AI?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIM Ahmedabad
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Delhi]
Notes:
The Ministry of Rural Development and IIT Delhi signed an MoU for rural advancement through geospatial technology and AI. Led by Shri Amit Kataria and Prof. Manabendra Saharia, the collaboration focuses on “BhuPRAHARI” project under MGNREGA. Officials, including Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, highlighted the partnership’s significance in enhancing MGNREGA’s efficiency and transparency. The integration of advanced tech aims to modernize rural development processes, ensuring accountability and optimal resource allocation.
6. What is the primary objective of the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan, recently launched by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation?
[A] Promoting mental health awareness
[B] Promoting cultivation of medicinal plants
[C] Providing loan facility to agricultural workers
[D] Developing infrastructure in urbanized villages and new urban areas of Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Developing infrastructure in urbanized villages and new urban areas of Delhi]
Notes:
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation launched PNG facilities under the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan.’ The initiative, led by the Delhi Development Authority, focuses on enhancing infrastructure in urbanized villages and new urban areas in Delhi. The inauguration marks a significant step in advancing the campaign’s objectives for comprehensive development in these regions.
7. Recently, where is North India’s first Government Homeopathic College being established?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Haryana
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
North India’s first government homeopathic college is being established in the Jasrota area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. The college will be centrally funded and cost around Rs 80 crore. The college will have a hospital complex, administrative block, and hostels for male and female students. The project aims to integrate traditional Indian medicine with allopathy, providing cost-effective healthcare solutions.
8. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, as a part of the Earth Day Celebrations, recently installed India’s biggest Climate Clock at which place?
[A] Chennai
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Chandigarh
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
As part of Earth Day Celebrations, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) unveiled India’s largest Climate Clock at its headquarters in Rafi Marg, New Delhi. The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change. Prof Chetan Singh Solanki, from IIT Bombay, emphasized the urgency for energy literacy among citizens, urging them to minimize energy consumption.
9. What is the primary purpose of a Look Out Circular (LOC), recently mentioned in the news?
[A] To track the movement of tourists within a country
[B] To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies
[C] To facilitate the smooth entry of diplomats into a country
[D] To monitor the movement of goods across borders
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies]
Notes:
The Bombay High Court ruled that public sector banks can’t recommend Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters. LOCs are government directives to immigration authorities, restricting a person’s movement. They’re used by law enforcement to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving or entering the country. Typically issued by police or intelligence agencies, LOCs are a tool authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to detain suspects at designated ports.
10. What is the purpose of the MoU recently signed between RailTel Corporation of India and the tech firm?
[A] To explore and deliver KAVACH implementation projects in India and other countries
[B] To develop a new version of KAVACH
[C] To develop a new railway lines
[D] To manufacture train engines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To explore and deliver KAVACH implementation projects in India and other countries]
Notes:
RailTel Corporation of India has partnered with a tech firm to implement KAVACH, an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System, in India and abroad. Developed by RDSO in collaboration with the Indian industry, KAVACH operates at Safety Integrity Level – 4 with a remarkably low error probability. Its features include centralized train movement monitoring, automatic overspeed prevention, and SOS message relaying.
