1.What is ‘Juice Jacking’, recently seen in the news?
Correct Answer: A [Cyber attack]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cautions against charging mobile phones in public ports due to the increasing threat of juice jacking. Juice jacking is a cyberattack where hackers inject malware into public USB charging stations, compromising electronic devices. Incidents often occur in public spaces like airports, hotels, and shopping centers. This form of attack can lead to device lockout and unauthorized access, enabling cybercriminals to steal personal data and passwords. Stay vigilant to protect your devices in public areas.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cautions against charging mobile phones in public ports due to the increasing threat of juice jacking. Juice jacking is a cyberattack where hackers inject malware into public USB charging stations, compromising electronic devices. Incidents often occur in public spaces like airports, hotels, and shopping centers. This form of attack can lead to device lockout and unauthorized access, enabling cybercriminals to steal personal data and passwords. Stay vigilant to protect your devices in public areas.
2.Which organizations recently collaborated to launch the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund?
Correct Answer: C [International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Trade Organization (WTO)]
Notes:
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have jointly initiated the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, with a substantial investment of USD 50 million. This global fund aims to support women-led businesses and entrepreneurs in developing economies and least-developed countries by facilitating the adoption of digital technologies. The primary objective is to enhance the online presence of these enterprises, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have jointly initiated the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, with a substantial investment of USD 50 million. This global fund aims to support women-led businesses and entrepreneurs in developing economies and least-developed countries by facilitating the adoption of digital technologies. The primary objective is to enhance the online presence of these enterprises, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy.
3.Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP), sometimes seen in the news, is a bi-national hydropower project between which two countries?
Correct Answer: B [India and Nepal]
Notes:
Despite the recent India-Nepal agreement, the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) discussions remain deadlocked. Established through the Mahakali Treaty in 1996, the PMP is a cross-border hydropower initiative on the Mahakali River. With the goal of enhancing energy production and irrigation in both nations, it features a 315-meter dam (Sharda in India), aiming to generate 6,480 MW equally shared. Additionally, it targets irrigating 130,000 hectares in Nepal and 240,000 hectares in Indian Territory.
Despite the recent India-Nepal agreement, the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) discussions remain deadlocked. Established through the Mahakali Treaty in 1996, the PMP is a cross-border hydropower initiative on the Mahakali River. With the goal of enhancing energy production and irrigation in both nations, it features a 315-meter dam (Sharda in India), aiming to generate 6,480 MW equally shared. Additionally, it targets irrigating 130,000 hectares in Nepal and 240,000 hectares in Indian Territory.
4.Which northeastern state recently adopted a resolution against the centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border & scrap the FMR agreement with Myanmar?
Correct Answer: C [Mizoram]
Notes:
In February 2024, the 60-member Mizoram Assembly adopted a resolution against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with the neighboring country. The FMR allows people living on both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa.
In February 2024, the 60-member Mizoram Assembly adopted a resolution against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with the neighboring country. The FMR allows people living on both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other’s territory without a visa.
5.Which one of the following best describes about ‘Jacaranda Tree’, recently seen in the news?
Correct Answer: C [Deciduous hard tree that grows well in tropical climatic region]
Notes:
The premature blooming of the Jacaranda tree in Mexico City raised concerns among residents and scientists. Also called Jacaranda acutifolia, it’s a deciduous tree from the Bignoniaceae family, native to Brazil and North West Argentina. Thriving in tropical climates, well-drained soil, and sunlight, these hardy trees are cultivated worldwide for their vibrant blue or violet flowers. In Brazil, the wood is used for guitars, and its bark and root offer medicinal benefits. Early blooming poses ecological concerns, affecting hummingbirds and bees.
The premature blooming of the Jacaranda tree in Mexico City raised concerns among residents and scientists. Also called Jacaranda acutifolia, it’s a deciduous tree from the Bignoniaceae family, native to Brazil and North West Argentina. Thriving in tropical climates, well-drained soil, and sunlight, these hardy trees are cultivated worldwide for their vibrant blue or violet flowers. In Brazil, the wood is used for guitars, and its bark and root offer medicinal benefits. Early blooming poses ecological concerns, affecting hummingbirds and bees.
6.What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in the October to December 2023 Q3?
Correct Answer: A [8.4 %]
Notes:
India’s GDP growth rate for the October to December 2023 Q3 is estimated at ₹43.72 lakh crore, against ₹40.35 lakh crore in Q3 of 2022-23, showing a growth rate of 8.4 percent. India’s GDP growth rate for the October to December 2023 Q3 is estimated at ₹43.72 lakh crore, against ₹40.35 lakh crore in Q3 of 2022-23, showing a growth rate of 8.4 percent.
India’s GDP growth rate for the October to December 2023 Q3 is estimated at ₹43.72 lakh crore, against ₹40.35 lakh crore in Q3 of 2022-23, showing a growth rate of 8.4 percent. India’s GDP growth rate for the October to December 2023 Q3 is estimated at ₹43.72 lakh crore, against ₹40.35 lakh crore in Q3 of 2022-23, showing a growth rate of 8.4 percent.
7.Recently, which state government has decided to establish a State Water Information Centre (SWIC)?
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government is establishing the State Water Information Centre (SWIC) to coordinate, store, and disseminate water resource data. Operating under the Water Resources Department, it aims to maintain a comprehensive repository of hydro-meteorological data for Odisha. The center will be staffed with experts in water resources management and data handling. Additionally, the approval for contractual supervisors will enhance service delivery in Internal Child Development Services in Odisha.
The Odisha government is establishing the State Water Information Centre (SWIC) to coordinate, store, and disseminate water resource data. Operating under the Water Resources Department, it aims to maintain a comprehensive repository of hydro-meteorological data for Odisha. The center will be staffed with experts in water resources management and data handling. Additionally, the approval for contractual supervisors will enhance service delivery in Internal Child Development Services in Odisha.
8.India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry was deployed for service at which place of Uttar Pradesh?
Correct Answer: C [Varanasi]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, to operate in Varanasi. The hydrogen fuel cell system was developed by KPIT Technologies in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs. The initiative, named Harit Nauka (green boat), is led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, aiming for a green transition in inland vessels. Guidelines unveiled in January 2024 mandate states to use green fuels for 50% of inland waterways passenger fleets by 2034 and 100% by 2045 to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, to operate in Varanasi. The hydrogen fuel cell system was developed by KPIT Technologies in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs. The initiative, named Harit Nauka (green boat), is led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, aiming for a green transition in inland vessels. Guidelines unveiled in January 2024 mandate states to use green fuels for 50% of inland waterways passenger fleets by 2034 and 100% by 2045 to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
9.According to Status of Leopards in India 2022 report, which state has the largest population of leopards?
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The ‘Status of Leopards in India, 2022’ report reveals a leopard population increase to 13,874 from 12,852 in 2018. Indian leopards, found in various forested regions spanning India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan, are most abundant in Central India and Eastern Ghats (8,820), followed by the Western Ghats (3,596) and the Shivalik Hills/Gangetic Plains (1,109). Statewise, Madhya Pradesh leads with 3,907 leopards, followed by Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879), and Tamil Nadu (1,070).
The ‘Status of Leopards in India, 2022’ report reveals a leopard population increase to 13,874 from 12,852 in 2018. Indian leopards, found in various forested regions spanning India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan, are most abundant in Central India and Eastern Ghats (8,820), followed by the Western Ghats (3,596) and the Shivalik Hills/Gangetic Plains (1,109). Statewise, Madhya Pradesh leads with 3,907 leopards, followed by Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879), and Tamil Nadu (1,070).
10.Which state government recently announced a fully funded universal life insurance scheme?
Correct Answer: A [Nagaland]
Notes:
The Nagaland government introduced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme, aiming to alleviate financial hardships resulting from untimely deaths. This initiative guarantees financial security by offering coverage for both breadwinners and their family members. The scheme works in conjunction with the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, providing comprehensive protection and support.
The Nagaland government introduced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme, aiming to alleviate financial hardships resulting from untimely deaths. This initiative guarantees financial security by offering coverage for both breadwinners and their family members. The scheme works in conjunction with the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, providing comprehensive protection and support.
