1. What is the maximum penalty stipulated in the new Indian telecom law for unsolicited messaging to users?
[A] Rs. 25,000
[B] Rs. 50,000
[C] Rs. 2,00,000
[D] Rs. 3,00,00
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs. 50,000]
Notes:
The new telecom law passed by the Indian parliament specifies a penalty of Rs 50,000 for sending unsolicited messages to users. For repeat offenders of such spam messaging, the law provides for suspension of their telecom network. This provision to curb pesky messages and calls was included in the law to address rising complaints of telemarketers disturbing subscribers despite do-not-disturb preferences.
2. Which organization recently issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for summoning government officials in judicial proceedings?
[A] Law Commission of India
[B] Supreme Court of India
[C] High Court of Delhi
[D] Ministry of Law and Justice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Supreme Court of India]
Notes:
The Supreme Court of India issued the SOP for summoning government officials after observing that the constant summoning of officials instead of relying on government lawyers runs contrary to the constitutional scheme. The SOP aims to outline guidelines and restrain the overuse of summons power by courts which often pressurizes the government. It states that officials cannot be summoned just because their stance differs from the court’s view. This move brings much-needed reforms to strengthen executive-judiciary coordination by avoiding unnecessary harassment of government officials.
3. Punganur Cow, recently seen in the news, is native to which state of India?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Prime Minister recently personally fed Punganur cows at his New Delhi residence. Punganur cows, native to Andhra Pradesh’s Punganur village, are one of the world’s smallest cattle breeds, standing 70-90 cm tall and weighing less than 200kg. Known for their resilience to drought, they adapt to low-quality feed and produce milk with 8% fat content, rich in nutrients. These eco-friendly cows play a significant role in cultural practices, as seen in Andhra Pradesh’s temples, including Tirupati Thirumala Temple.
4. Which city was the venue of International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition 2024?
[A] New Delhi, India
[B] Dubai, UAE
[C] Mumbai, India
[D] London, UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dubai, UAE]
Notes:
The second International AYUSH Conference in Dubai showcases AYUSH as a reliable and cost-effective healthcare approach for preventing and managing Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases. With over 1500 experts from across the globe, 50 talks, 300 research papers, and 1300 delegates, it aims to highlight traditional medicine’s efficacy in tackling NCDs.
5. ‘e-SAKSHI Application’ recently seen in news, is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]
Notes:
The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) e-SAKSHI Mobile App, recently launched by the Minister of State for Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), transforms the MPLAD Scheme’s fund flow procedure. Offering convenience and accessibility, the app revolutionizes how MPs manage development projects, enabling real-time proposal tracking and oversight. It enhances decision-making with instant updates, streamlining communication between MPs and authorities. The app promotes transparency through budget management features, ensuring efficient monitoring of expenditures for proposed projects, ultimately facilitating a more responsive and accountable development process.
6. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), that was recently in news, comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has issued a warning about scams on WhatsApp. Established in 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, BPRD aims to address police needs and challenges. It conducts research, recommends solutions, and stays updated on science and technology. Additionally, it aids in modernizing State Police Forces and Correctional Administration. Originally with two divisions, it later added a Training Division in 1973 and now oversees the National Police Mission.
7. What is the primary objective of the Election Seizure Management System, which was seen in the news?
[A] To manage election campaigns
[B] To digitize data for intercepted items during elections
[C] To monitor voter registration
[D] To analyze election results
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To digitize data for intercepted items during elections]
Notes:
The Election Commission of India conducted a virtual training program on the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) for Andhra Pradesh officers. ESMS is a dedicated platform digitizing data for intercepted items during elections, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and more. Its features include automated report generation, dashboard analytics, and QR code-based receipts for legal cash transfers. The system ensures real-time information sharing among enforcement agencies, promoting seamless coordination and intelligence sharing for recorded movements and seizures.
8. Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) primarily deals with which one of the following?
[A] Assault and murder
[B] Corruption in public sector
[C] Corruption in government sector
[D] Cheating and dishonest inducement
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cheating and dishonest inducement]
Notes:
The recent Supreme Court ruling clarified that prosecuting someone under Section 420 of the IPC for cheating requires examining if deceitful acts were coupled with inducement leading to property transfer. IPC 420 addresses cheating, inducing individuals to surrender property, alter valuable securities, or destroy signed/sealed items. This serious offence entails imprisonment up to seven years and fines. It is cognizable and non-bailable, emphasizing dishonest acts to gain advantages. The ruling sheds light on the crucial role of inducement in such cases.
9. Who is the chief guest of Republic Day 2024 celebrations?
[A] French President Emmanuel Macron
[B] Russian President Vladimir Putin
[C] British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
[D] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [French President Emmanuel Macron]
Notes:
French President Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations. India prepares for its grand Platinum Jubilee Republic Day celebration, showcasing military strength and cultural heritage at New Delhi’s ‘Kartavya Path’ on Republic Day.
10. Recently, PM Modi unveiled development projects worth over 19,100 crore rupees at which district of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Bulandshahr
[C] Saharanpur
[D] Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bulandshahr ]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 19,100 crore in Bulandshahr, UP. The projects include a 173-km double-line electrified section on the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) between New Khurja and New Rewari. Goods trains were flagged off through a video conference. Additionally, Modi inaugurated a rail line connecting Mathura-Palwal and Chipiyana Buzurg-Dadri sections, enhancing rail connectivity between the national capital and southern-western and eastern India.