31. Mekedatu Project, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka Chief Minister is ready to discussing the Mekedatu project with Tamil Nadu. This multi-purpose project aims to build a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Karnataka, close to Tamil Nadu. The project involves constructing a dam at the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers, with a capacity of 66,000 TMC, supplying over 4 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru. The estimated cost is around Rs 14,000 crores.
32. Which ministry recently launched the ‘National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal’?
[A] Ministry of Urban Development
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Education
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
Ministry of Education launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal, disbursing ₹100 crore in stipends via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The portal supports apprenticeships in IT, manufacturing, and automobiles, enhancing youth skills and employability. It simplifies registration, application, and contract management, ensuring timely stipend payments.
33. Recently, which armed force has launched the Electronic Services e-Health Assistance and Tele-consultation (E-SeHAT) module?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] National Security Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Army]
Notes:
Indian Army launched the E-SeHAT module, enabling tele-consultation for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries from home. The pilot project started at 12 ECHS Polyclinics, including remote areas like Baramulla and Imphal. The initiative, aligned with Digital India’s vision, aims to provide safe video-based medical consultations and will expand nationwide in November 2024. Future phases include pre-consultation checks, medicine delivery, and hospital referrals.
34. Which department recently released a set of commemorative postage stamps to celebrate the Paris Olympics 2024?
[A] Department of Financial Services
[B] Department of Science and Technology (DST)
[C] Department of Posts
[D] Department of Telecommunications
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Department of Posts]
Notes:
The Department of Posts released commemorative stamps for the Paris Olympics. These limited-edition stamps celebrate significant events, personalities, and issues. They are available at Philatelic Bureaux and through the Philatelic Deposit Account Scheme. Stamps can honor institutions on major anniversaries, personalities of national/international importance posthumously, and heritage sites. Proposals for stamps can be submitted by any Indian citizen, following specific guidelines by the Ministry of Communications.
35. Recently, which state has become the first in country to implement a Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS)?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagaland]
Notes:
The Government of Nagaland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SBI General Insurance to implement the Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS), making Nagaland the first state in India to adopt such a measure. The DRTPS aims to safeguard critical infrastructure and mitigate economic losses from floods, droughts, and mudslides. The government will cover the insurance premium for three years, addressing the rising risks from climate change-related extreme weather events.
36. Recently, who has been appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry?
[A] K . Kailashnathan
[B] Susheel Kumar Trivedi
[C] Arun Kumar
[D] Ardhendu Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [K . Kailashnathan]
Notes:
K Kailashnathan has taken oath as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry at a ceremony held at Raj Nivas. Acting Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar administered the oath, while Chief Minister N Rangasamy and other officials attended. Kailashnathan has assumed office as the new Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, marking a new chapter in the union territory’s administration under his leadership and guidance.
37. Recently, which three names were given to the underwater structures in the Indian Ocean?
[A] Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru
[B] Mahatma, Nehru, and Gandhi
[C] Himalaya, Ganga, and Krishna
[D] Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru]
Notes:
Three underwater structures in the Indian Ocean were recently named Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru, highlighting India’s influence in marine science. The names were proposed by India and approved by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Ashoka Seamount, discovered in 2012, is oval-shaped and spans 180 sq km. Kalpataru Ridge, also discovered in 2012, covers 430 sq km and may support marine biodiversity. Chandragupt Ridge, identified in 2020, is an elongated structure covering 675 sq km.
38. Recently, where was the India’s first digital court for handling cheque bounce cases, called 24*7 ONCOURTS inaugurated?
[A] Indore, Madhya Pradesh
[B] Kollam, Kerala
[C] Chennai, Tamil Nadu
[D] Surat, Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kollam, Kerala]
Notes:
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai inaugurated India’s first digital court, 24*7 ONCOURTS, in Kollam, Kerala, to handle cheque bounce cases. This digital court operates entirely online, from case filing to judgments, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce case backlog. The court will start accepting cheque bounce cases in September 2024 and may set a precedent for similar courts in Kerala. Automation is expected to improve productivity and reduce pending cases, with potential future expansion to cases under the Motor Vehicles Act.
39. What is the denomination of the commemorative coin issued in honor of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi?
[A] Rs 50
[B] Rs 100
[C] Rs 600
[D] Rs 800
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 100]
Notes:
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh released a Rs 100 commemorative coin for Kalaignar M Karunanidhi’s birth centenary in Chennai on August 18, 2024. Karunanidhi, a key figure in the Dravidian movement and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for nearly two decades, passed away on August 7, 2018. Known as Kalaignar (“the artist”), he led the DMK party, which remains influential under his son, Stalin. Commemorative coins celebrate events or notable individuals and often feature special designs. These coins are usually minted in limited quantities and held by the Reserve Bank of India as collectibles.
40. What is the primary objective of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), recently in news?
[A] To increase government revenue
[B] To resolve disputes between the Government as an employer and the employees
[C] To promote privatization of government services
[D] To monitor the efficiency of government employees
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To resolve disputes between the Government as an employer and the employees]
Notes:
The Prime Minister will meet staff representatives in the national-level Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) for the first time in 10 years. The JCM is a platform for dialogue between government employees and officials to peacefully resolve disputes. Introduced in 1966, the JCM aims to promote harmonious relations and cooperation between the Central Government and its employees. The JCM is a non-statutory scheme based on mutual agreement between staff and officials.
