AMTN QUIZZES

Bonalu is a Hindu Festival where Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. It is an annual festival celebrated in the twin Cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana state, India. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct..
Bonalu is celebrated usually during Ashada Masam that falls in July/August. Special poojas are performed for goddess Yellamma during the first and last day of the festival. The festival is considered as a form of thanksgiving to the Goddess after the fulfillment of vows. Bonam literally means Meal in Telugu. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Other temples such as AkkannaMadanna temple in Haribowli, Muthyalamma temple in Shah Ali Banda are the popular venues where Bonalu is celebrated.

Vice Admiral AN Pramod has been appointed as the Director General of Naval Operations (DGNO).

Recently, the first bilateral maritime exercise 'Ayutthaya' was conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. This is a bilateral exercise between India and Thailand. Indigenously built Indian Navy ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated in this naval exercise.

Deep sea mining is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed, the ocean below 200m which covers about two-thirds of the total seafloor.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulates activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction.Seabed mining doesn't use child labor like much of the land mining does. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The International Seabed Authority has allocated about 75,0000 square kilometres in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) to conduct exploratory mining. Union cabinet introduced ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ to be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
India has also committed to the High Seas treaty that seeks to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Deep-sea mining poses a significant risk of ecosystem damage, particularly in poorly understood deep-sea environments. The extraction of minerals can cause habitat destruction and disturbance, leading to potential loss of biodiversity and disruption of fragile ecosystems. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
CONTEXT –
Extracting minerals from the ocean floor could negatively impact biodiversity on a scale of up to 25 times greater than land-based mining, and fixing the damage would cost twice as much as extraction, a new report said recently.

Pangong has a unique feature, it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
1/3rd of the lake is lying in India & the other 2/3rd is in China. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The Line of Control (LoC) is a military control line between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir—a line which does not constitute a legally recognized international boundary, but serves as the de facto border. Pangong Lake is a disputed territory between India and China where the Line of Actual Control passes through the lake. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Pangong Tso is a high-altitude saltwater lake in Ladakh. It is the world’s highest saltwater lake.Pangong Lake, derives its name from the Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

It is an initiative of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
It aims to collect and organize the authentic handcrafted products from across the country. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Ministry of Rural development launches e-Saras Mobile App to Market products made by rural women registered with self-help groups. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect and statement 3 is correct.
The artisans get remunerated fairly with no middlemen to manipulate prices.Through this online portal, customers get access to 100% authentic handcrafted products emerging straight from the heart of India. E-Saras Fulfilment Centre will be managed by the Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC).
CONTEXT –
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched eSARAS mobile App which will add to eCommerce initiatives for products made by the SHGs.

Zo or Zou are officially recognized as one of the 33 indigenous peoples within the state of Manipur, and are one of the Scheduled tribes. The sub-tribes and clans such as the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Lushei, Zomi, Paitei, Hmar, Ralte, Pawi, Lai, Mara, Gangte, Thadou, etc. aslo included in the zo umbrella. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Zo peoples follow Predominantly Christianity, minority Animism and Buddhism. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The Zo peoples include all tribes of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group spread across Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh, along with many sub-tribes and clans such as the Chin, Kuki, Mizo, Lushei, Zomi, Paitei, Hmar, Ralte, Pawi, Lai, Mara, Gangte, Thadou, etc. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
CONTEXT –
Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), called for a reunification of the Zo people in view of the continuing ethnic violence between the dominant Meiteis and the Kuki-Zomi tribes in the neighbouring state.

The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is Asia's premier defense summit took place in Singapore recently.
It is a “Track One” inter-governmental security forum based on the Munich conference on security policy.It held annually by an independent think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Focus areas of 2023 – The implications of the Ukraine war, a possible escalation in the Taiwan Straits and the overall security in the Indo-Pacific.India has participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue.

NASA's Pioneer 9 (USA) was a solar-orbiting spacecraft designed to measure interplanetary phenomena from widely separated points in space on a continuing basis. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
NASA’s Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is an orbiting observatory designed to study the mysterious transitional part of the Sun’s lower atmosphere, where the heating of the material flowing into the corona takes place. Understanding the heating process may help predict solar storms as well. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
Yohkoh (“Sunbeam”) was a Japanese solar mission with USA and UK collaborators. Its mission was to observe in X-ray radiation the energetic phenomena occurring in the solar atmosphere or corona, such as solar flares and gamma-ray emissions. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
Helios, either of two unmanned solar probes developed by West Germany in cooperation with the U.S. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.
Both traveled closer to the Sun than any other spacecraft:
Helios 1 passed within 45 million km (28 million miles) and Helios 2 within 43.4 million km. Equipped with special heat-dispersal systems, the probes were able to withstand extremely high temperatures, which reached an estimated 700 °F (370 °C).
SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. It was launched in December 1995 and is still operational today. Hence, pair 5 is not correctly matched.
Parker Solar Probe is a NASA mission that was launched in August 2018. Parker Solar Probe's main objective is to approach the Sun closer than any previous mission, studying its outer atmosphere and solar wind. Hence, pair 6 is correctly matched.

It is a global nonprofit organizationestablished in 1997. It spans more than 50 countries and focuses on six critical issues at the intersection of environment and development: climate, energy, food, forests, water, and sustainable cities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
It established Global Forest Watch in 1997 as part of the Forest FrontiersInitiative.It started as a network of NGOsproducing up-to-date reports about thestate of forests. As of 2019 it providesdata on 82 countries (Including India). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The organization's mission is to promote environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and human health and well-being. WRI partners with local and national governments, private companies, publicly-held corporations, and other non-profits, and offers services including global climate change issues, sustainable markets, ecosystem protection, and environmental responsible governance services. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced the “Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States” with a significant allocation of Rs. 5,000 Crore. The primary goal of the scheme is to expand and modernize fire services in the States by enhancing preparedness and capacity-building components of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Hence, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
For project proposals under the scheme, State Governments need to contribute 25% of the total cost, except for the North-Eastern and Himalayan (NEH) States, which will contribute 10% from their budgetary resources. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The scheme is based on the recommendation of the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC), allowing an allocation of 12.5% from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the Funding Window of Preparedness and Capacity Building.

Recently, the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) has been very much in news.
LRS is a foreign exchange policy initiative introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2004.Prior to LRS, the remittance is controlled by FEMA 1999. This scheme helped Indians overcome international fund transfer restrictions as set by the FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999. Hence, statement-I is correct.
It is available to all resident individuals, including minors and students. The scheme is not available for Corporates, Partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family etc. The eligible citizens must have an Indian bank account, a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN), and a passport. Hence, statement-II is incorrect.

Diplomatic relations between India and Philippines were established in 1949. RIMPAC is a multilateral military exercise between India, Philippines and other countries. Defense ties were significantly enhanced with the signing in 2022 of a contract to supply the BrahMos missile system.
Philippines is one of the beneficiaries of India’s flagship capacity building programme – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is located in Manila, Philippines.
India continues to be the largest supplier of pharma products to Philippines. Philippines was the first ASEAN Member State to grant Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. CONTEXT – Recently, 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) was held in New Delhi.

Recently, the Ministry of Education has released a report on Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for States/UTs for the year 2021-22.
The Indian Education System is one of the largest in the world with about 14.9 lakh schools, 95 lakh teachers, and nearly 26.5 crore students from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, devised Performance Grading Index (PGI) for States and UTs which assesses the performance of school education system at the State/UT level by creating an index for comprehensive analysis. The PGI – States/UTs was first released for the year 2017-18 and so far, has been released up to the year 2020-21.
The new PGI structure covers 73 indicators, focused more on qualitative assessment besides including digital initiatives and teacher education. The grades/level obtained by States/UTs in previous edition of the PGIs are thus not comparable as with the grades/levels obtained by States/UTs in this new edition.
The PGI 2.0 structure comprises of 1000 points across 73 indicators grouped into 2 categories viz., Outcomes, Governance Management (GM). These categories are further divided into 6 domains : Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), Equity (E), Governance Process (GP) & Teachers Education and Training (TE&T).

It is the largest health assurance scheme in the world. It aims to provide a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 12 crores poor and vulnerable families that form the bottom 40% of the Indian population. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
PM-JAY provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital. It envisions to help mitigate catastrophic expenditure on medical treatment each year. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender.All pre–existing conditions are covered from day one. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
CONTEXT –
Union government has recently added more services to Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres.

The index is a key international resource that measures acute multidimensional poverty across more than 100 developing countries.
It was first launched in 2010 by the OPHI and the Human Development Report Office of the UNDP.
The MPI monitors deprivations in 10 indicators spanning health, education and standard of living and includes both incidence as well as intensity of poverty.
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index: dimensions and indicators of poverty

CONTEXT –
A total of 415 million people moved out of poverty in India within just 15 years from 2005/2006 to 2019/2021, the United Nations (UN) said on July 11, highlighting the remarkable achievement by the world's most populous nation.
Hence, options 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 are correct.

The Luna programme is one of the most successful programmes in space exploration. It included a series of robotic spacecraft missions that were aimed at the moon by the Soviet Union in the period between 1959 and 1976. Hence, pair 1 is correct.
It all started with Luna 1, which became the first human-made object to reach escape velocity – the speed and direction required to travel beyond the Earth’s gravity.
Chang'e 2 is a Chinese uncrewed lunar probe that was launched in 2010. It was a follow-up to the Chang'e 1 lunar probe, which was launched in 2007. Hence, pair 2 is incorrect.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is a NASA robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon in an eccentric polar mapping orbit. Hence, pair 3 is correct.
The Chandrayan programme also known as the Indian Lunar Exploration Programme is an ongoing series of outer space missions by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the exploration of the Moon. The programme incorporates lunar orbiter, impactor, soft lander and rover spacecraft. Hence, pair 4 is correct.
CONTEXT –
NASA scientists discover huge granite 'mass' buried on Moon based on the data gathered by the Chinese Chang’E-1 and Chang’E-2 lunar orbiters and NASA’s Lunar Prospector and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiters.

President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 5th edition of Meghalaya Games in Tura, Meghalaya. These games were started in the year 2001. Its fourth edition was organized in the year 2022.

Both CRR and SLR are monetary policy tools used by central banks to regulate and control the availability of credit in the economy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Under CRR, the commercial banks have to hold a certain minimum amount of deposit (NDTL) as reserves with the central bank. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The percentage of cash required to be kept in reserves as against the bank's total deposits, is called CRR.
Banks can’t lend the CRR money to corporates or individual borrowers, banks can’t use that money for investment purposes, and Banks don’t earn any interest on that money. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established at the Baghdad Conference in 1960 by founding members Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
OPEC has since expanded and now has 13 member states. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Member countries are Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela.
Headquarter: Vienna, Austria. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
OPEC produces about 40% of the world’s crude oil and its members’ exports make up around 60% of global petroleum trade.

Recently, India marked a remarkable victory in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship 2023 held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, securing their ninth title by defeating Kuwait in a thrilling football match.
SAFF was formed in 1997 by founding Member Associations from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and SriLanka.
Bhutan joined SAFF in 2000. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
The SAFF Secretariat currently operates from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
India has won nine men’s SAFF Championship titles out of the 14 editions. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has once again received the Best FIFA Men's Player Award. He left players like Erling Holland and Kylian Mbappe behind in this race. This is the third time in the last 4 years that Messi has received this award. Spain and Barcelona striker Aitana Bonamati was awarded the Best FIFA Women's Player Award.

NITI Aayog has recently introduced the Techno-Commercial Readiness and Market Maturity Matrix (TCRM Matrix) framework. It is an innovative assessment tool aimed at transforming technology evaluation, encouraging innovation, and nurturing entrepreneurship in India.
The framework presents an integrated assessment model that offers in-depth insights and actionable intelligence to stakeholders at every stage of the technology development cycle.

Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is geographically located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra but under the Sonitpur district in Assam. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
It is a part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system and comprises of a mosaic of wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river systems. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Fauna: This sanctuary is home to the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, and elephants.
The bird list includes the Bengal Florican (highly endangered), Black-necked Stork, Mallard, Open billed Stork, Teal, and Whistling Duck among others. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Recently, Indian Navy ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir have been decommissioned after four decades of glorious service. The decommissioning ceremony was held at Port Blair and the national flag, naval ensign and decommissioning pennants of the three ships were lowered for the last time. Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were built at the Gdynia Shipyard in Poland. These ships were inducted into the Indian Navy in 1984, 1985 and 1986 respectively.

The Global Innovation Index (GII), which is published annually by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The GII has also been recognized by the UN Economic and Social Council in its 2019 resolution on Science, Technology and Innovation for Development as an authoritative benchmark for measuring innovation in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation.
It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Its aim is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.
According to the Global Innovation Index 2022, India was ranked 40th in the world in terms of R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award in 2023.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on 23rd July 1856, was a freedom fighter, lawyer, and educationist known as Lokmanya Tilak.
Founder of the Deccan Education Society in 1884, he also established Fergusson College in 1885. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Tilak emphasized the need for self-rule or swarajya and popularized the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”
Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in 1890 and played a significant role in the Surat Split in 1907, advocating complete independence or swarajya.
He propagated the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement to promote Indian self-reliance. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Tilak founded the All-India Home Rule League in April 1916, aiming for Hindu-Muslim unity through the Lucknow Pact in 1916.
Known for his newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English) and authored books like Gita Rhasya and Arctic Home of the Vedas. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak passed away on 1st August 1920, leaving behind a significant contribution to India's freedom movement.

WTO is the only international organization that deals with the rules of trade between countries. It is officially commenced under the Marrakesh Agreement, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
It was created by the Uruguay round of negotiations and established in 1995. The WTO is run by its 164 members representing 98% of world trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra on January 12 and address the youth of the country. 12 January is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and it is celebrated as National Youth Day.

Major Initiatives Related to Immunization:
Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030): It sets an ambitious, overarching global vision and strategy for vaccines and immunization for the decade 2021 2030.
By the end of the decade, IA2030 aims to:
Reduce by 50% the number of children receiving zero vaccine doses. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Achieve 500 introductions of new or under-utilized vaccines in low- and middle-income countries
Achieve 90% coverage for essential childhood vaccines
World Immunization Week: It is celebrated every year in the last week of April. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Theme 2023 – 'The Big Catch-up'
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):
The program provides free immunization against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Nationally Against 9 Diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Hemophilus Influenza type B Sub-nationally Against 3 Diseases: Rotavirus diarrhea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Japanese Encephalitis
Two major milestones of the UIP have been the eradication of polio in 2014 and the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
Mission Indradhanush was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in 2014 with the aim to vaccinate all unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under UIP.

Australia and India concluded the Mutual Logistic Support Arrangement (MLSA) in 2020 during the virtual summit between Australia's former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement facilitates sophisticated logistic cooperation, enabling increasingly complex military engagement, and greater combined responsiveness to regional humanitarian disasters. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Engagement between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy has advanced significantly through the key bilateral exercise, AUSINDEX. In 2019, the third edition of the biennial exercise saw Australia send over 1000 Australian personnel to India, including five ships, Australian Army forces and RAAF aircraft. In the subsequent exercise held in Australia in 2021, India reciprocated sending two ships to participate in an activity, reduced in scope due to Australian COVID restrictions. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
In June 2020, Australia and India upgraded their Secretaries’ 2+2 dialogue (Defence and Foreign Affairs) to the Ministerial level. Ministers from the two countries meet regularly to engage on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Recently, the 2nd India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi, India, where foreign Affairs Ministers and Defense Ministers of both countries attended the Meeting. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Atal Tunnel (also known as Rohtang Tunnel) is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, India. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Jawahar Tunnel: It is also called Banihal Tunnel. The length of the tunnel is 2.85 km.
The tunnel facilitates round-the-year road connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Recently, an under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel along the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, collapsed, trapping a significant number of workers inside.
The Silkyara-Barkot tunnel is part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project of the Central Government. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India has recently signed an agreement with Catamarca Minera y Energetica Sociedad del Estado (Camayan SE), a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca Province, Argentina. Under this, Mineral Videsh India Limited will do the exploration and mining of five lithium blocks. Argentina is a South American country. It is the second largest country in South America after Brazil.

The UNCCD is the only legally binding framework set up to address desertification and the effects of drought.
There are currently 197 Parties to the Convention, including 196 country Parties and the European Union. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
According to the UNCCD, sand and dust storms are caused by both natural and human factors. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
About 75% of global dust emissions originate from natural sources in the world’s drylands, such as hyper-arid regions, topographic depressions, and dry ancient lake beds.
The remaining 25% are attributed to human activities, mainly agriculture. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

The much-awaited consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla was held in Ayodhya, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the rituals at the newly constructed grand temple. He also unveiled the idol of Ramlala in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. During the ceremony, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel also worshiped Ram Lalla.

The chief architect of Ayodhya Ram temple is Chandrakant Sompura. Chandrakant comes from a family which has already been engaged in temple construction work for years. Notable temples designed by him include Somnath Temple in Gujarat, Swaminarayan Temple in Mumbai, Akshardham Temple Complex in Gujarat and Birla Temple in Kolkata.

President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly is Dennis Francis.

Kuchipudi dancer Pendyala Lakshmi Priya was honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 by President Draupadi Murmu. Priya, a 15-year-old class 10 student from Kazipet, Telangana, was honored for her excellence in the field of art and culture. He is one of the 19 children who were honored in various categories this year.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT) Madras has joined hands with Altair to launch eMobility Simulation Lab. The Engineering Design Department of IIT Madras will develop it with the financial support of Altair. Altair is a company involved in simulation, high performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI).

Chhattisgarh state government has recently launched a new scheme named 'Mahtari Vandana Yojana' 2024. Under this, women will be provided annual financial assistance of Rs 1,000 every month/total Rs 12,000. To avail the benefits of this scheme, the applicant must be a resident of Chhattisgarh. This scheme is believed to be inspired by 'Ladli Brahmin Yojana' of Madhya Pradesh Government.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the creation of three posts of Joint Secretary level for the 16th Finance Commission. This Finance Commission was constituted through a notification dated December 31, 2023. The Finance Commission in India is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. Former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Panagariya is the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is going to set up its Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) focused on healthcare and life sciences in Hyderabad, Telangana. C4IR Telangana will be an autonomous, non-profit organization and will be the only organization of the World Economic Forum in India. A cooperation agreement was signed between the Telangana government and WEF at the Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

For the first time in India, a boat running on solar energy will be operated in the Saryu river in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The outline for the operation of this boat service has been prepared by Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency (UPNEDA). It has been prepared by Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Agency.

Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha has been appointed as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. The Rear Admiral is a graduate of the National Defense Academy and a navigation and guidance expert. Eastern Naval Command is one of the three command-level centers of the Indian Navy. Its headquarters is in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

MS Swaminathan (1925 to 2023), who passed away recently, played a crucial role in heralding the Green Revolution that helped India combat food insecurity.
Green revolution refers to the large increase in production of food grains resulting from the use of high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, especially for wheat and rice. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The problem with the traditional wheat and rice varieties was that they were tall and slender. They fell flat on the ground when they grew and their earheads were heavy with well-filled grains produced in response to high fertilizer doses. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
The seeds of the Green Revolution were sown in the 1940s, when an American scientist named Norman Borlaug (father of Green Revolution) was hard at work creating his dwarf varieties with Norin-10 dwarfing genes. Dr. Swaminathan was the key architect of this movement who worked towards safeguarding India’s food security. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was very much influenced by the 1943 Bengal famine, which killed up to three million people. He realised the need to improve agriculture and food security in India. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

In a recent operation named “Kachchhap,” the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully rescued nearly a thousand live baby Gangetic turtles, shedding light on the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade and the protection of these unique creatures. Some of the species rescued are specified as vulnerable/near threatened species under the IUCN Red List and Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Illegal trade, over exploitation for meat and habitat degradation are major threats to the survival of these species.

Recently, the Lok Sabha (LS) and Rajya Sabha (RS), both passed Women's Reservation Bill 2023 (128th Constitutional Amendment Bill) or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
The Bill proposes 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha, SLAs, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state legislatures. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Constitution Amendment Bill will require ratification by at least 50% of the States.Their consent is needed as it affects their rights. There is no time limit within which the States should give their consent to the bill. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
According to recent UN Women data, Rwanda (61%), Cuba (53%), Nicaragua (52%) are the top three countries in women representation. Bangladesh (21%) and Pakistan (20%) as well are ahead of India in case of female representation. The country with the highest percentage of women legislators in its Parliament is Rwanda, with 49 of its 80 Lower House seats occupied by women (around 61%). In the Rwandan genocide of the 20th century, the targets and participants of fatal violence were primarily men. As a result, 70% of the population was composed of women after the war. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

The 75th Emmy Awards have been announced. 'The Bear' and 'Succession' each captured six awards. “The Bear” was awarded the title of Best Comedy. Road rage drama “Beef” won the Best Limited Edition award. The award for best drama series was given to 'Succession'. 'Kieran Culkin' was given the Best Actor Award in the Drama Series category.

Indian Army in partnership with the United Service Institution of India (USI), wrapped up a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The discussion focused on “The Evolution of Indian Military Systems, Warfare, and Strategic Thinking: Current Research and Future Directions.”
Project Udbhav is an initiative set in motion by the Indian Army to rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
Project Udbhav seeks to blend ancient wisdom with modern military practices, creating a unique and comprehensive approach to modern security challenges. This visionary initiative by the Indian Army aims to integrate age-old wisdom with contemporary military education. Project Udbhav will focus on a broad spectrum of topics, including Indigenous military systems, Historical texts, Regional texts and kingdoms, Thematic studies, Kautilya studies. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Gabriel Attal as the next Prime Minister of France. At 34, he is the youngest prime minister in modern French history. He has also left behind Laurent Fabius, who was appointed Prime Minister in 1984 at the age of 37.

Sri Lankan Education Minister Dr. Sushil Premajayantha has said that a new campus of IIT Madras will be started in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The proposal was part of the Budget 2024 presented by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe as Finance Minister. Earlier, IIT-Madras had started its campus in Tanzania in November 2023.

The Sinai Peninsula is a triangle-shaped peninsula in Egypt. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
The Sinai Peninsula is a triangle-shaped peninsula that serves as a land bridge connecting Asia and Africa. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
The peninsula is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the south, and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east. The peninsula includes the Suez Canal, which is a man-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Recently, In the midst of India's extensive digital infrastructure development, Moody's report “Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets” has underscored that the world's largest digital identification program frequently denies services to users. The report raises concerns about the dependability of biometric technology, while also sounding a warning about potential privacy and security risks.
Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on behalf of the Government of India. The number serves as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.Aadhaar will provide a universal identity infrastructure that can be used by any identity-based application. Hence, statements 1 and 4 are correct.
It has lifetime validity. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Any individual, irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident in India and satisfies the verification process laid down by the UIDAI can enroll for Aadhaar. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its World Economic Outlook 2023 titled- Navigating Global Divergence, which stated that the Indian Economy will grow faster than previously estimated. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
The IMF expects global GDP growth to be 3% in 2023. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
According to the report, the projected economic growth rate for India's GDP in the fiscal year 2023-24 is 6.3%. However,the Chinese economy is expected to grow at 5% in 2023. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy inaugurated the 125 feet tall bronze statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar at Swaraj Maidan in Vijayawada. This statue has been named “Statue of Social Justice” and it is dedicated to Dr. It has been installed to remember the contribution of BR Ambedkar.

The Gaza Strip is situated in the eastern Mediterranean basin, sharing borders with Egypt in the southwest and Israel to the north and east. To the west, it is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas globally, with over 2 million residents living in a tiny area.
The term “open air prison” has been widely used by academics, activists, and journalists to characterise the conditions in Gaza. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The Gaza Strip and the West Bank are claimed by the de jure sovereign State of Palestine. The territories of Gaza and the West Bank are separated from each other by Israeli territory. Both fell under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, but the Strip has, since the Battle of Gaza in June 2007, been governed by Hamas, a militant, Palestinian, fundamentalist Islamic organization, which came to power in the last-held elections in 2006. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) was conducted for the first time in 1931.
SECC is meant to canvas every Indian family, both in rural and urban India, and ask about their economic status etc. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The Origin of the Census in India goes back to the colonial exercise of 1881.
Census has evolved and been used by the government, policymakers, academics, and others to capture the Indian population, access resources, map social change, delimitation exercise, etc. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The Justice Rohini Commission, which has been examining the question of sub-categorisation of OBCs only since 2017, submitted its report and recommendations are not yet made public. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to measure the employment and unemployment situation in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The NSO launched the PLFS in April 2017.
Objective of PLFS:
To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.
PLFS collects comprehensive labor market data in India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a series of commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the Ram temple in Ayodhya and a book containing stamps from around the world. With six different designs, these stamps depict the essence of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

The Alvars were a group of twelve Vaishnava (devotees of Lord Vishnu) saint-poets. Their compositions primarily centered on their deep devotion to Lord Vishnu and emphasized the concept of surrender to attain salvation. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
The Nayanars were a group of sixty-three Shaiva (devotees of Lord Shiva) saint-poets.
They were deeply devoted to Lord Shiva and composed hymns and poems in praise of him, emphasizing the path of bhakti (devotion) and love for the divine. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Odhuvars sing devotional hymns in Tamil Nadu’s Hindu temples but are not priests. They are in the service of Lord Shiva by singing his praise from Thirumurai in Saivite temples. They sing devotional hymns but do not enter the sanctum sanctorum.
The tradition of Odhuvars can be traced back to ancient times, with its roots firmly embedded in the Bhakti movement, which flourished between the 6th and 9th centuries in Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

India, USA, China, Russia, Micronesia, Myanmar and Ukraine are not member of the ICC whereas Armenia, Britain, Japan, Afghanistan, and Germany are members of ICC.Governed by an international treaty called 'The Rome Statute', the ICC is the world’s first permanent international criminal court. Hence, only options 3,4 and 6 are correct.
It investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.Through international criminal justice, ICC aims to hold those responsible for their crimes and to help prevent these crimes from happening again.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has selected Sue Redfern as the first female neutral umpire for a bilateral series. She has been named for the ICC Women's Championship and T20I matches between Australia and South Africa. Redfearn has played for England and has experience of officiating in several World Cups.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. India’s turmeric cultivation of 11.61 lakh tonnes production in 2022-23, stands over 75% of global turmeric production.India has more than 62% share of world trade in turmeric. Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia are India’s leading turmeric export markets. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Government of India has recently notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board (NTB). NTB aims for the growth and development of turmeric and turmeric products.It will provide leadership, augment the efforts and facilitate greater coordination with other agencies. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The board, under the Union Commerce Ministry, will be dedicated to the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric-related products in India. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

India’s location near major drug-producing regions, including the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran) has been associated with activities that may involve the transportation and distribution of controlled substances. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and 2 is correct.
FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying Economy), is an initiative by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Hence, statement 3 is correct.
It was established on 18th January, 2011 in order to address the pressing issue of illicit trade in counterfeits, pass-offs, and smuggled goods in India and globally.

Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Daljeet Singh is a 1990 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. The post of SSB Director General was vacant after former chief Rashmi Shukla was appointed DGP of Maharashtra earlier this month. The SSB guards India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan.

India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 was organized in Haryana from January 17 to 20, 2024. It was concluded in the presence of state Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced the state government's plans to develop a state-of-the-art science city spread over 50 acres in Faridabad. Several MoUs were signed at IISF 2023.

The Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) recently became the second community in the state to receive habitat rights, following the Kamar PVTG in Chhattisgarh.
The Baiga (means sorcerers) tribe mainly lives in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Traditionally, the Baiga lived a semi-nomadic life and practised slash and burn cultivation. Now, they are mainly dependent on minor forest produce for their livelihood.
Bamboo is the primary resource.
Tattooing is an integral part of Baiga culture, every age and body part has a specific tattoo reserved for the occasion. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The largest number of Baiga is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The very name 'Nilgiris’ with literary meaning ‘blue mountains’ has originated from the appearance of blue flower clad mountains (Neelakurinji flowers) of the Nilgiris plateau within the State of Tamil Nadu.
The reserve spans across three Indian states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
It was the first biosphere reserve in India established in 1986. It is India's first biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Home to several tribal groups such as the Adiyan, Aranadan , Kader , Kurichian , Kuruman , and Kurumbas.
It portray the confluence of Afro-tropical and Indo-Malayan biotic zones of the world.
Protected Areas in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve :
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley are the protected areas present within this reserve.

Every Census in independent India from 1951 to 2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, but not on other castes. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Mandal Commission was constituted to estimate the OBC population which revealed that OBC stands at 52%. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The Bihar government has released the results of its recently concluded survey of castes in the state. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The origin of the Decadal Census in India goes back to the colonial exercise of 1881 by Lord Rippon. However, the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) was conducted for the first time since 1931. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

According to a recent report by Forbes, 'Kuwaiti Dinar' is the most powerful currency in the world. Bahrain's currency 'Bahraini Dinar' is in second place and Oman's currency 'Omani Riyal' is in third place. The world's second most traded currency 'Euro' is at 9th place in the list and US dollar is at 10th place. According to this report, the United Nations currently recognizes 180 currencies as legal tender.

PMAY-U is a flagship housing scheme launched by the Government of India to provide affordable housing to urban residents. The scheme aims to address the housing needs of the economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income groups in urban areas across the country. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
The Vishwakarma scheme aims to revitalize traditional handicrafts and empower traditional artisans and craftspeople. The scheme seeks to enhance their skills, improve the quality of their products, and expand their market reach, contributing to economic growth and preservation of cultural heritage. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding India's rich artisanal traditions and fostering sustainable livelihoods for traditional artisans and craftspeople. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is the Nodal Ministry for the Scheme. The Scheme will be jointly implemented by the MoMSME, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct.

The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) was established in 1995 to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, and regional cooperation among its member countries in order to address various challenges facing the Amazon rainforest and its communities. ACTO works to promote sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and indigenous rights, while also supporting the economic and social development of the Amazon region.

The Malabar exercise is a multi-national naval exercise that aims to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It started in 1992 along the Malabar Coast as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States. It was expanded in 2007 with the participation of Japan, Singapore and Australia. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
It is a valuable tool for enhancing the participating navies' ability to respond to maritime security threats. By promoting interoperability, enhancing operational readiness, developing new tactics, techniques, and procedures, and building confidence and trust, the exercise helps to ensure that the participating navies are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st-century maritime environment. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
It takes place annually in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Oceans alternatively. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has scored his fifth century in T20 International. With this, he has also become the batsman who has scored most centuries in T20 International. Rohit scored this century in the third and final T20 match against Afghanistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Rohit played a blazing century inning of 121 runs in 69 balls in which he hit 11 fours and 8 sixes. In this matter, he left behind Suryakumar Yadav and Glenn Maxwell who have 4 centuries each.

The six member countries of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries share a common historical and cultural heritage, and have a strong interest in promoting regional cooperation and development.

Tejas was developed by the with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The Tejas program has been a complex and challenging undertaking, yet it has also been a remarkable achievement for India's defense industry.
It was initiated to replace aging MiG-21 fighters with a modern, indigenous aircraft. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
It is a type of fighter aircraft developed by India. It is a single-seat, single-engine, multi-role fighter designed to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

The ULLAS Initiative is primarily driven by volunteerism and community engagement. It encourages individuals to contribute their time and expertise to support the education and skill development of others, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.

India retains 40th rank out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Hence, both Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
The 2023 edition reveals the ranking of this year’s most innovative economies in the world amongst 132 economies and localizes the top 100 science and technology innovation clusters.
India ranks 1st among the 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

The SC collegium is headed by the CJI (Chief Justice of India) and comprises four other senior most judges of the court. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
A High Court collegium is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and two other senior most judges of that court. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
The Indian constitution does not mention the Collegium as a system, body, or word. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Arunachal Pradesh : Adis, Nyishi, Apatani, Tagin, Mismi, Khampti, Wancho, Tangsha, Monpa, etc. Hence, pair 1 is correct.
Nagaland : Angami, Ao, Chang, Chiru, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Zeliang, etc. Hence, pair 3 is correct.
Chiru Tribe belongs to the north-eastern state of Manipur in India. They depend on farming to sustain their livelihood. Hence, pair 4 is incorrect.
The Khasi people are an indigenous ethnic group of Meghalaya in north-eastern India with a significant population in the bordering state of Assam, and in certain parts of Bangladesh. Hence, pair 2 is incorrect.

Scientists have discovered a new fish species called Badis limaakumi in the Milak River in Nagaland. This species, named after Limaakum, an assistant professor and head of the zoology department at Fazl Ali College, Nagaland, is unique in that it can change its colour.
A small freshwater fish, under the family Badidae has 26 recognized fish species. It also belongs to the Badis Assamensis Sub-group (SG). It is also known as chameleon fish, for their ability to change color that helps them blend with the surroundings when under stress.

Pink Bollworm (PBW) is a destructive pest that primarily affects cotton crops. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
It is native to Asia and was first reported in India in 1842. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
Genetically modified Bt cotton seeds, initially effective against certain pests, have lost their efficacy in combating PBW due to the insect's resistance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Amendments to the Aircraft Rules, 1937:
The amendments can play a crucial role in enhancing aviation safety by addressing concerns related to the display of “false lights” around aerodromes. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The streamlined licensing process and the removal of redundant rules can contribute to a more business-friendly environment, attracting investment and fostering growth in the aviation industry. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
These amendments align India’s aviation regulations with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and international best practices. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): The OECD is an intergovernmental economic organization, founded to stimulate economic progress and world trade.
Most OECD members are high-income economies with a very high Human Development Index (HDI) and are regarded as developed countries. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
It was founded in 1961 with its Headquarters in Paris, France, and its total membership is 38 countries. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The most recent countries to join the OECD were Colombia, in April 2020, and Costa Rica, in May 2021. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The OECD is an observer in the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The OECD contributes to the work of UN bodies on issues such as: Sustainable development, Environment, Gender, Statistics, Social affairs. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
India is not a member, but a key economic partner.
Reports and Indices by OECD: Government at a Glance, OECD Better Life Index.

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published a Report titled- ‘Road Accidents in India-2022', shedding light on the concerning trends in road accidents and fatalities.
Initiatives Related to Road Safety:
Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015): The declaration was signed at the second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety held in Brazil. India is a signatory to the Declaration. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The countries plan to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6 i.e., to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
SDG Target 3.6: Reduce deaths and the trauma caused by road accidents.
Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030: The UN General Assembly adopted resolution “Improving global road safety ” with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The Global Plan aligns with the Stockholm Declaration, by emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to road safety.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar. On this occasion, he expressed confidence that India will be one of the top three economies of the world in the coming years. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest of the event.

Franz Beckenbauer, one of Germany's greatest football players, died at the age of 78. He won the European Championship in 1972 and captained the World Cup winning team on home soil in 1974.

Part XIV of the Constitution of India deals with Services under The Union and The State.
Article 309 empowers the Parliament and the State legislature to regulate the recruitment, and conditions of service of persons appointed, to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of any State respectively. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
According to Article 310, except for the provisions provided by the Constitution, a civil servant of the Union works at the pleasure of the President and a civil servant under a State works at the pleasure of the Governor of that State (English doctrine of Pleasure). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
But this power of the Government of India under Article 310 is not absolute and civil servants have multiple remedies available to them such as approaching the Central Administrative Tribunal, High Courts, Supreme Court. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

In the assessment year(AY) 2021-22 (financial year 2020-21), a total of 6.75 crore taxpayers submitted income tax returns, marking a 5.6% increase from the previous year's 6.39 crore filings.
However, approximately 2.1 crore taxpayers paid taxes but did not file returns. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Evolution of Taxpayer Base: The number of taxpayers has progressively increased in recent years: from 5.87 crore in AY 2018-19 to 6.75 crore in AY 2021-22.
However, the percentage of taxpayers paying nil tax has also risen from 40.3% in AY 2018-19 to 66% in AY 2021-22. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Critics highlight a widening wealth gap between the ultra-rich and the middle class in India, as the top 1% of income earners saw their income share rise from 17% to 23% from 2013-14 to 2021-22. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

The S-400 Triumf is a mobile, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia, capable of intercepting and destroying various aerial targets, such as aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
THAAD is an acronym for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, a transportable, ground-based anti-ballistic missile defence system. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
This system has been designed and manufactured by the USA company Lockheed Martin.
Iron Dome is a ground-to-air defence system that comprises radar and interceptor missiles that are capable of tracking and neutralising any rockets or missiles fired towards targets in Israel. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is an ambitious initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) which aims to develop technologies and capabilities for deep sea exploration.
Also, DOM is one of nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
Samudryaan and Matsya6000: As a part of DOM, India’s flagship deep ocean mission, Samudrayaan, was initiated in 2021 by the Minister of Earth Sciences. Hence, Statement-I is correct.
With Samudrayaan, India is embarking on a groundbreaking crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m to the ocean bed in the Central Indian Ocean.
The Central Indian Ocean bed is recognized for its significant resources of polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust. These nodules, often found on the ocean floor, contain valuable metals like nickel, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements, making them attractive for potential mining ventures. The cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust, which forms on seamounts and other hard surfaces, also holds promise for its cobalt content, essential for various technological applications like batteries used in electric vehicles. Hence, Statement-II is correct.

China embarked upon its one-child policy in 1980, when its government was concerned that the country’s growing population, which at the time was approaching one billion, would impede economic progress. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
From 2016, the Government of China finally allowed two children per couple– a policy change that did little to arrest the rapid fall in population growth. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
It was announced after China’s 2020 census data showed that the country’s rate of population growth is falling rapidly despite the 2016 relaxation.
The country’s fertility rate has dropped to 1.3, far below the replacement level of 2.1 required for a generation to have enough children to replace it. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated Asia's largest aviation expo, Wings India 2024, at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.

River dolphins are a group of freshwater cetaceans that inhabit various river systems across Asia and South America.
The Six Surviving River Dolphin Species include: Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and the Yangtze finless porpoise.
The Amazon river dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin or boto. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Ganges River Dolphin is also known by the name susu (popular name) . The Ganges river dolphin has been recognized by the Government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.However,Ganges river dolphin is not the largest river dolphin.
The Amazon river dolphin is the largest river dolphin. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Recently,Conservation efforts in populated river basins like the Indus and Yangtze have seen success.
For instance, the Indus river dolphin population in Pakistan doubled due to joint stakeholder action. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

As per the latest edition of Adaptation Gap Report, 2023 released by UN Environment Programme, developing countries, together, need at least USD 215 billion every year this decade to carry out meaningful adaptation work. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
The Adaptation Gap is the difference between the funds needed to adapt to climate change in countries (generally developing and least developed countries) and the actual financial support received. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
The current adaptation finance gap is now estimated at USD 194-366 billion per year. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Recently, the global higher education think-tank Quacquarelli Symonds has released the QS Asia University Rankings: Asia 2024, including 148 universities from India in the comprehensive list of 856 universities across Asia.
Top Ranking Universities:
Peking University (China) topped the list, followed by the University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) and National University of Singapore (NUS) (Singapore).
IIT Bombay retains its top ranking in India and is ranked 40th in Asia. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
Seven Indian institutions are among the top 100 in Asia, with five of them being Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), along with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Delhi University.
India has surpassed China in the number of universities featured in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024, indicating a significant increase compared to the previous year, with 37 new entries from India, while China had only seven new entries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
They provide rankings by subject, region, student city, business school, and sustainability. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Electoral Trusts Scheme, 2013 was notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
An Electoral Trust is a Trust set up by companies with the sole objective to distribute the contributions received by it from other Companies and individuals to the political parties. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Only the companies registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 are eligible to make an application for approval as an Electoral Trust. The electoral trusts have to apply for renewal every three financial years. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The scheme lays down a procedure for grant of approval to an electoral trust which will receive voluntary contributions and distribute the same to the political parties.
The provisions related to the electoral trust are under Income-tax Act, 1961 and Income tax rules-1962.

The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India formally commenced on September 17, 2022, to restore the population of cheetahs, which were declared extinct in the country in 1952. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The project involves the translocation of cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The project is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and cheetah experts from Namibia and South Africa. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released regulations that pave the way for foreign universities, ranked among the world's top 500, to establish branch campuses in India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory body under the provisions of UGC Act, 1956. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
The move aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, envisioning a legislative framework for top global universities in India.
The guidelines were notified after the draft norms announced by UGC for Foreign universities were made public for feedback.
Key Aspects of these Regulations:
Two or more foreign universities can collaborate to establish campuses in India.
Each participating institution must meet individual eligibility criteria.
Each foreign university has the opportunity to set up more than one campus in the country.
Faculty Engagement Requirements:
International faculty appointed for Indian campuses must commit to staying in the country for a minimum of one semester.
This ensures a sustained and meaningful contribution to the academic environment.
Autonomy:
Foreign universities are permitted to decide their admission process, fee structure, and also repatriate funds to their parent campuses. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

The Emissions Gap Report is UNEP's spotlight report launched annually in advance of the annual Climate negotiations. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 3 is correct.
The EGR tracks the gap between where global emissions are heading with current country commitments and where they ought to be to limit warming to 1.5°C. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Each edition explores ways to bridge the emissions gap.
As global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions break records, the latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) finds that current pledges under the Paris Agreement put the world on track for a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels this century, pointing to the urgent need for increased climate action.

Gohana in olden times was called Gavambhavana and was a place of pilgrimage. The place is said to be the site of a fort built by Prithvi Raj Chauhan, and this fort was destroyed by Muhammad Ghori when he defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192. It has now been made part of the new district of Sonepat.

Jal Mahal, also known as Jal Mahal of Narnaul or the Water Palace, is located to the south of the city, Narnaul in the outskirts. It was constructed by Shah Kuli Khan (the governor of Narnaul) in 1591.
According to legends, when Kuli Khan caught Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat, Akbar was pleased with him and handed over the fiefdom of Narnaul to Shah Kuli Khan.

Narnaul is a town in the Mahendragarh district of Haryana. It is known for its famous Jal Mahal and step wells. The town is also referred to as the “town of step wells and ponds”. The Battle of Nasibpur, also known as the Battle of Narnaul, was fought during the First War of Indian Independence on 16th November 1857. The battle was fought between the British government and the Indian citizens who started to fight for their liberalisation.

Bhiwani has been a prominent centre of commerce since the Mughals. Bhiwani is also known for its temples and is called as small Kashi of India because of numerous temples founded by Rajput King Neem after his wife named Bhani, changed to Bhiyani & subsequently to Bhiwani. Gauri Shankar temple of Bhiwani is known throughout the country. Besides being a seat of spiritual learning, it’s been the center stage of regional politics.

The famous Star Monument in Haryana is situated in the district of Bhiwani, Haryana.
This city is mentioned in the Ain-i-Akbari and has been a prominent centre of commerce since the time of the Mughals.
Radhaswami Satsang is the abode of Star Monument, which is Samadhi of Sant Tara Chand Ji Maharaj, its founder, the renowned saint of the 20th century.
It is one of the magnificent structures of Architecture built-in triangular shape constructed on the theme Star, depicting the splendour of designing & construction. It is a 3-Dimensional building structure. In Hindi, ‘tara’ means Star. It was built without any pillar or column; hence it is also an astonishing place for people to visit.

Badkhal Lake is a natural lake situated in Badkhal village near Faridabad, in the state of Haryana. Fringed by the hills of the Aravalli Range, this was a man-made embankment. Owing to unchecked mining in neighbouring areas, the lake began drying up two decades back and is now totally dried up.

Humayun Mosque is Situated in Mohalla Babapir, near old tehsil of Fatehabad city. This mosque known as Humayun’s mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun (1529-1556 AD) at a place where the Lat erected by the Delhi Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq was already standing. The mosque consists of an oblong open courtyard. To the west of this mosque is a screen made of Lakhauri bricks. The screen contains a mihrab flanked by two arched recesses on either side. An inscription praising emperor Humayun was found here.

Firoz Shah palace complex (Hisar-e-Firoza) is an archaeological complex located in modern-day Hisar, in the Haryana state, built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate in 1354 AD. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Bhuteshwar Temple is a Hindu temple in Jind, Haryana, in the series of 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra, dedicated to Bhuteshwar, a manifestation of Shiva. It was built by Raghbir Singh. Because it has a large water tank all around it is also called Rani Talab (meaning Queen Pond).

The floating sandy plains in Haryana are located in the area of Mahendragarh, Rewari, and Gurugram districts. These plains are formed due to the deposition of sand and are found in troughs that are filled with water during rainy seasons.

Marshy land has the lowest elevation of below 200m in Haryana state. Marshy lands are found in the western region of the state in the district of Sirsa.

Haryana, the northern Indian landlocked state, is guarded by Punjab in the west and north, Uttar Pradesh to the east, Rajasthan to the west and south, and Delhi to the west. The state has a subtropical, semi-arid to subhumid, continental climate with a monsoon pattern. The state is divided into three separate climate zones: hot semi-arid, hot desert, and hot subhumid. Haryana experiences extreme summer heat and extreme winter cold. In the months of May and June, the high temperature reaches 46 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season, which lasts from the middle of June to September, and the winter rains, which last from December to February, are the two clearly defined seasons of rainfall in the state.

Ambala district receives the highest rainfall in Haryana with an average rainfall of 47.16 inches per annum. It is the maximum rain-hit area in Haryana, receiving 70% of the total rainfall in the monsoon season and the remaining during the months of December to February.

The district in Haryana lies from July to September, that receives the least rainfall is Sirsa. The average annual rainfall in Sirsa is less than 218 mm.

The Punjab and Haryana plain constitute a vast alluvial plain in Eastern Pakistan and Northwestern India. The alluvial plain facilitates agricultural cultivation in these areas and thus these states are the major agricultural states of India.
Haryana is a landlocked state. It is between 27°39' to 30°35' N latitude and between 74°28' and 77°36' E longitude. The total geographical area of the state is 4.42 m ha, which is 1.4% of the geographical area of the country. The altitude of Haryana varies between 700 and 3600 ft (200 metres to 1200 metres) above sea level.

Rainfall in Haryana is unevenly distributed, with about 80% occurring during the monsoon season between July and September. The wettest region in terms of rainfall is the Shivalik Hills, while the Aravali Hills region is the driest.

Karoh Peak is a 1,467-metre (4,813 ft) tall mountain peak in the Sivalik Hills range of greater Himalayas range located near Morni Hills area of Panchkula district, Haryana. It is the highest point in the state of Haryana.
Dhosi Hill is located on the border of the Indian states of Haryana and Rajasthan. It has 3 villages in its foothills; Dhosi village in the west in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan; Kultajpur in the south with ropeway & Thana village in the east – both in Mahendragarh district of Haryana.
Morni is a village and tourist attraction in the Morni Hills at the height of 1,267 metres (4,157 ft) in the Panchkula district of the Indian state of Haryana. It is located around 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Chandigarh, 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Panchkula city and is known for its Himalayan views, flora, and lakes. The name of Morni is believed to derive from a queen who once ruled the area two thousand years back. She was said to be a just and noble ruler. Morni was also a jagir of Raja Mir Syed Muhammad Baquar Ali Khan.
The Aravalli Ranges is hills in western Indian and southeast Pakistan running approximately 800 kms through northeast till south west. The Aravalli hills ranges protects the Rajasthan states, Haryana, along with Gujarat and Pakistani regions of Punjab along with Sindh. The northern end of this selection in Indian are separated hills in Haryana state, ending near the Delhi. The Aravalli hills southeast end is Palanpur near the Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This is called Mewat hills regionally.
Ghaggar-Hakra River is an intermittent river in India and Pakistan that flows only during the monsoon season. Ghaggar plain is a semi-desert plain.

Haryana shares its border with 5 States and 2 Union Territories, which are as follows:
—Himachal Pradesh lies in the North-East,
—Rajasthan in South-West,
—Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand in East,
—Punjab and Chandigarh in North-West.
Delhi and Chandigarh are Union Territories. Haryana is surrounded by Delhi from three sides. Chandigarh is also the capital of Haryana. Haryana shares longest boundary with Rajasthan (about 1262 km) and shortest with Uttarakhand (about 12 km).

The Shivalik Hills, also known as the Churia Hills, are a mountain range of the outer Himalayas that stretches over about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) from the Indus River eastwards close to the Brahmaputra River, spanning the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. The hills are spread over several districts in India, including Ambala in Haryana, Panchkula in Haryana, and Yamunanagar in Haryana.

Hukam Chand Jain was born in 1816 at Hansi, Distt. Hissar, Haryana. He was son of Shri Duni Chand Jain, a learned man in Persian and Mathematics. He was author of several books on the subjects. He discharged his responsibilities as a high official in the court of Emperor Bahadur Shah at Delhi. Later he was appointed as Qanoongo of Hansi (Distt. Hissar) and some areas in Karnal district in 1841. He was also a big landlord and a generous philanthropist, reached Delhi on hearing of the preparations for the Great Revolt against British rule in 1857. He attended the conference of patriotic leaders at the Mughal court in which great revolutionary leaders like Tatya Tope were also present. He offered to organise the freedom struggle in the Haryana region and was promised the supply of soldiers and war materials, etc., began collecting an armed force after his return to Hansi. The promised help from the Mughal Emperor did not arrive, but he attached the British lines of communication with his own small armed force and inflicted heavy losses on the British although his soldiers were equipped with only ordinary weapon. He wrote a letter to the Mughal Emperor in association with his compatriot, Mirza Muneer Beg, requesting reinforcements. He held on to the territory captured from the British, awaiting help from Delhi which however, never reached him. A short time later, Delhi was occupied by the British army and the Mughal emperor was made a prisoner. The letter signed by him and Mirza Muneer beg was discovered by the British in the Mughal records. The British Commissioner immediately instructed the Collector of Hissar to take strong action against Lala Hukam Chand Join and Mirza Muneer Beg. Their houses were raided by the British authorties and both were arrested. He was tried and sentenced to death. Finally he was executed by hanging on January 19, 1858, in front of his own house. His 13-year-old nephew. Faqir Chand, was also forcibly sent to the gallows and hanged, although there was no sentence passed against him. Mirza Muneer Beg was also executed the same day. As a measure of cruel disrespect to the martyrs, the British got his body buried against the Hindu custom, while that of Mirza Muneer Beg was cremated against the Muslim custom. A municipal park has now been laid at this spot in honour of his memory.

Banarasi Das is credited with founding the ‘Youth Assembly’ in Rewari. He was a member of the Jind state Praja Mandal and was born in 1919 in Manharu village of Bhiwani. Banarasi left home to join the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930-31 and was arrested and sentenced for two years in 1941 during Individual Satyagraha.

Mukhya Mantri Samajik Samrasta Antarjatiya Vivah Shagun Yojna is a 50:50 sharing basis scheme of Government of India/State Government. In order to promote communal harmony, inter-caste marriages are encouraged.
Conditions of Eligibility :
Both the spouses should be citizen of India and one of the spouse should be Scheduled Caste and he/she should be permanent resident of Haryana State and he/she has not taken any benefit under similar scheme.
The grant shall only be given once for the first marriage.
A non-scheduled Castes boy who marriage a scheduled Castes girls and vice-versa, the concerned Scheduled Castes bride/bridegroom will be given a cash grant of Rs. 51,000/- in the joint account of married couple.
The beneficiary can apply for incentive within one year from the date of marriage.

Maharishi Dayanand came to Ambala for the first time in Haryana. He founded Arya Samaj 1875, and gave impetus to the idea of ​​Vedic supremacy throughout India. he reached ambala 17th july 1878.
After which he went to Punjab to propagate his socio-religious ideas.
Ambala is a municipal corporation in the Haryana state. It is located on the border in proximity to both state's capital Chandigarh and the Indian state of Punjab.
Because It has a large Indian Air Force and Indian Army presence within its cantonment area known as “Twin City”.
It surrounded Tangri and Ghaggar river to the north and to the south and separates the Ganges river from the Indus river.

The first Battle of Tarain was fought between the invading Ghurid army led by Muhammad of Ghor and the Rajput Confederacy led by Prithviraj Chauhan, near Tarain (modern Taraori in Haryana). The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Rajputs. The battle took place in 1191 AD.

The Loharu Movement took place in 1940 AD. It was a movement against the spread of Arya Samaj in Loharu, Haryana. The primary aim of Arya Samaj is to reform Hinduism by taking it back to its roots, that is, the Vedas.

Imam Ali Kalander was an important figure in the Indian uprising of 1857 in Panipat. He was one of the leaders of the rebellion in the region. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a significant event in the history of India. It began as a mutiny of sepoys of the British East India Company’s army on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, and quickly spread throughout the region.
Bisarat Ali was an important figure in the Indian uprising of 1857 in Rohtak, Haryana. He was a Risaldar in the British Army who took charge of the revolt along with Sabar Khan, a local peasant leader. The local people all came together and began attacking British property and residents. They soon attacked Rohtak.
Muhammad Azam was a prominent figure during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He and Rao Tula Ram conquered Hisar for a short period during the rebellion, but were defeated by General Van Cortlandt’s forces on November 16, 1857.
Sardar Mohan Singh was one of the leaders of the popular uprising of 1857 in Ambala against the British rule. The British government of Ambala failed to check the uprising in the district despite having the support of the Rajas of Patiala, Jind, Nabha, and a few other chieftains of the region. Sardar Mohan Singh and the 5th Native Infantry posted in Rupar staged an uprising against the government. The Rupar troops were joined by the villages of Naraingarh, Ferozepur, Govindpur, and Thuska. The Mir of Garhi Kotah, Pathans of Khizrbad, and numerous Banias and Mahajans of the region openly opposed British rule. The government brutally punished the disloyal citizens, and the revolt was successfully suppressed. However, the uprising symbolized people’s courage and continued inspiring the generations after to participate in the freedom struggle.
Rao Tula Ram was a Yaduvanshi Ahir King or chieftain of Rewari. He was one of the leaders of the Indian rebellion of 1857 in Haryana, where he is considered a state hero. On 17 May 1857, he along with his cousin, Rao Gopal Dev, and four to five hundred followers, deposed the local tehsildar and occupied Rewari. He raised a force of about 5000 soldiers and set up a workshop for manufacturing the guns and other ammunition.

Nawab Ahmad Ali Gulam Khan was the Nawab of Farrukhnagar. He was also the brave son of Haryana who waged battle against the English. Later, he helped the Delhi Emperor to regain his lost Sultanate of Delhi. He led the Revolt of 1857 in Farrukhnagar.
Nawab Bahadur Jung led the Revolt of 1857 in Bahadurgarh.
Nawab Sadruddin Mewati was a prominent figure in the Revolt of 1857 in Mewat, which was a part of the First War of Indian Independence. The people of Mewat, Nuh district, joined the revolt on May 10, 1857, as the sepoys broke out in rebellion in Meerut against the British government. The local leaders of the region wrote letters to Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, acknowledging his sovereignty over a foreign rule. By the end of May, the entire rural Mewat had joined the cause of the First War of Independence.
Maulvi Imam Ali Kalander led the Revolt of 1857 in Panipat.

During the Babar period, the Rajput ruler Mohan Singh Mandhar’s kingdom was located in Mandhar pargana of Kaithal in Haryana.