1. Pinaka, a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher was developed by which country?
A. China
B. Israel
C. Russia
D. India
- Two South American countries express interest in the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, designed by India’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). The Pinaka MBRL, utilized in the Kargil War, effectively neutralized Pakistan Army positions. It delivers lethal fire against various targets, boasting a range of 60 to 75 kilometers. With two pods of six rockets each, it can cover a 700 × 500 square meter area in 48 seconds.
2. What is the theme of the ‘India International Science Festival’, 2023?
A. Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal
B. Global Science for Global Wellbeing
C. Marching Towards Amrit Kaal with Science and Technology , and Innovation
D. Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a sustainable future
- The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 is started from January 17 –20, 2024. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, with coordination from the National Innovation Foundation-India, the festival is hosted by the Department of Biotechnology institutes Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute in Faridabad. The central theme is “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal,” with 22 participating countries.
3. Recently, the central government announced its plan to extend basic facilities under the PM-JANMAN scheme to which endangered tribe?
A. Sauras Tribes
B. Kolam Tribes
C. Koraga Tribes
D. Birhor Tribes
- The Central government is extending basic facilities to the endangered Kolam tribe through the Jan Jati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan, focusing on health and education. Kolam tribes, concentrated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. Historically, they served as priests for the Gond tribe. Primarily farmers, they’ve transitioned from shifting cultivation to settled farming. They speak Kolami and other languages, using Devnagari script for writing.
4. ‘e-SAKSHI Application’ recently seen in news, is associated with which Union Ministry?
A. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
C. Ministry of Power
D. Ministry of Home Affairs
- The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) e-SAKSHI Mobile App, recently launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, transforms the MPLAD Scheme’s fund flow procedure. Offering convenience and accessibility, the app revolutionizes how MPs manage development projects, enabling real-time proposal tracking and oversight. It enhances decision-making with instant updates, streamlining communication between MPs and authorities.
5. Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival, which was seen in the news, is celebrated in which state of India?
A. Assam
B. Sikkim
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Nagaland
- The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) is scheduled from January 18-20, 2024, in Seijosa, Arunachal Pradesh. Initiated in 2015, the festival celebrates the Nyishi tribal group’s conservation efforts for hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve. The theme, “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh,” emphasizes preserving these iconic birds.
6. Recently, which player has become India’s number one chess player, surpassing Vishwanathan Anand?
A. R Praggnanandhaa
B. Ding Lire
C. Gukesh D
D. Vidit Gujrathi
- On January 17, 2024, Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa became India’s top-ranked men’s chess player, surpassing five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand. The 18-year-old chess prodigy achieved this milestone after defeating the current world champion, China’s Ding Liren, in the fourth round of the Tata Steel Masters tournament.
7. In which region of India is the 12th edition of the ‘MILAN 2024’ naval exercise scheduled to be held?
A. Visakhapatnam
B. Mumbai
C. Kolkata
D. Chennai
- The 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN) will take place in Visakhapatnam from February 19–27, 2024. The Indian Navy will host the exercise, which is expected to have over 50 countries and nearly 20 ships participating. The exercise will include both harbor and sea phases, and will focus on strengthening maritime cooperation and security. MILAN is a biennial event that has been a cornerstone of maritime collaboration and cooperation since 1995. The previous edition of MILAN, in 2022, had 39 countries participating.
8. According to the Global Firepower (GFP) 2024 annual report, what is the rank of India among the world’s most powerful militaries?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
- According to the Global Firepower (GFP) 2024 annual report, India ranks fourth among the world’s most powerful militaries. The United States, Russia, and China rank first, second, and third, respectively. The GFP rankings consider various factors to provide a comprehensive perspective on global military strength. In 2024, the GFP review considered 145 world powers. According to the GFP, India has a Power Index (PwrIndx) score of 0.1023. A smaller PwrIndx value indicates a more powerful conventional fighting capability.
9. Recently, who has been selected for Assam’s highest civilian award ‘Assam Vaibhav’?
A. Ranjan Gogoi
B. Narendra Modi
C. Ratan TATA
D. Amit Shah
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will receive the ‘Assam Vaibhav’ award, the state’s highest civilian honor, for his contributions to law and justice. Gogoi, the 46th Chief Justice of India and a Rajya Sabha MP, is the first from Northeast India to hold the CJI post. The Assam Government selected 22 individuals for this prestigious award, acknowledging their excellence in various fields, including Gogoi’s pivotal role in the Ayodhya ‘Ram Temple’ decision.
10. Which article of the constitution grants the right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India?
A. Article 19 (1) (e)
B. Article 19 (1) (a)
C. Article 19 (1) (c)
D. Article 19 (1) (f)
- The Delhi High Court has ruled that foreigners cannot claim the right to reside in India under Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution. This decision, during a habeas corpus petition for Azal Chakma, a suspected Bangladeshi national, emphasized that foreign national can’t assert residency rights. The court cited the Supreme Court’s view, stating the government’s absolute power to expel foreigners. Article 19 (1) (e) grants Indians the right to reside anywhere inside India.
11. Kuno National Park, which was seen in the news, is located in which state of India?
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Kerala
- Recently, a cheetah named Shaurya died in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district. Shaurya was a seven-year-old cheetah from Namibia. With Shaurya’s death, 13 of the original 20 cheetahs that were imported from Africa remain. Since March 2023, seven adult cheetahs and three cubs born in India have died in the park. Some experts believe that heavy rain, extreme heat, and humidity may have contributed to the deaths.
12. What is the theme of the World Economic Forum (WEF), 2024?
A. Rebuilding Trust
B. Cooperation in a Fragmented World
C. Working Together
D. The Great Reset
- Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the Women Leadership Lounge at Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 16, 2024. Irani emphasized India’s commitment to women-led development, citing government schemes. Puri noted India’s shift to a women-led development model. The 54th WEF focuses on ‘Rebuilding Trust,’ addressing global conflicts, climate change, and deepfake.
13. Which state recently launched the Mahtari Vandana Yojana?
A. Chhattisgarh
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Bihar
- Chhattisgarh recently launched the Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024, inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s successful ‘Aarthik Sarkari Ladli Bahna Yojana.’ The state initiative aims to provide monthly economic assistance of 1,000 rupees to women, fostering self-reliance and skill development. The scheme supports women in managing expenses, initiating small-scale enterprises, and improving their financial conditions. With direct transfers to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, Mahtari Vandana Yojana 2024 proves to be a significant state-level effort empowering women in Chhattisgarh.
