1.Who won Finland’s presidential election in February, 2024?
- Pekka Haavisto
- Sauli Niinisto
- Jurgen Axelfot
- Alexander Stubb
The correct answer is Alexander Stubb.
In News
- Conservative ex-PM Alexander Stubb was elected president of Finland.
Key Points
- Alexander Stubb won Finland’s presidential election with 51.6% of the vote.
- His opponent, Pekka Haavisto, admitted defeat after the final results were announced.
- Stubb, a member of Finland’s National Coalition Party, took a hardline approach towards Russia.
- He emphasized the difficulty of having political dialogue with Putin due to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
- Stubb will officially assume office on 1 March, succeeding Sauli Niinisto as Finland’s president.
- The Finnish president is directly responsible for foreign and security policy and serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
2.Which state government announced a financial assistance package for kendu leaf pluckers and binders?
- Odisha
- Chattisgarh
- West Bengal
- Jharkhand
The correct answer is Odisha. In News
- Odisha CM announced financial assistance for Kendu Leaf Workers.
Key Points
- Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a financial assistance package of Rs 150 crore for kendu leaf pluckers and binders in the state.
- The package includes a 50% bonus for kendu leaf pluckers during the upcoming crop season, deposited directly into their bank accounts.
- Additionally, a 10% incentive was announced for binders and temporary workers, with temporary workers receiving additional work for another month.
- Temporary workers are now eligible for social security schemes until the age of 62, extended from the previous cap of 60.
- The state government also decided to provide Rs 25,000 in assistance for the marriage of a kendu leaf worker’s daughter, with a maximum benefit for two daughters per worker.
Additional Information
- Kendu leaf (Tendu Leaf, Diospyros Melanoxylon) is a nationalized product like Bamboo and Sal seed.
- Kendu leaf is one of the most important non-wood forest products of Odisha.
- Due to its unique characteristics, viz. matching aroma with tobacco, hygroscopic nature of dry leaves to withstand cracks, thinness and pliability, gradual combustion, resistance to fungus attack, etc., these valuable leaves are used for wrapping Bidis.
- Odisha is the third largest producer of kendu leaf next to M.P. and Chhattisgarh.
- The annual production of Bidi Leaf in Odisha is around 4.5 to 5 lakhs quintal, which is about 20% of the countries annual production.
3.Which state government has launched the ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ (Doh Shaher-Ek Rupayan)?
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Assam
- Bihar
The correct answer is Assam. In News
- The Assam government has launched the ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ (Doh Shaher-Ek Rupayan) for ensuring sustainable urban development.
Key Points
- The initiative aims to focus on the development of ten cities, including Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, Tezpur, North-Lakhimpur, Bongaigaon, Silchar, Karimganj, Dhubri, and Haflong/Diphu.
- These cities will serve as ‘Lighthouses’ for other urban local bodies in the state, guiding them towards sustainable development.
- The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to enhance urban infrastructure and services across Assam.
- It highlights the government’s commitment to promoting balanced and inclusive development in both urban and rural areas of the state.
- The ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ is expected to catalyze economic growth, improve living standards, and create employment opportunities in the selected cities.
4.What is the name of the initiative launched by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at IIT-Bhubaneswar in February, 2024?
- Start-Up Vision
- Start-Up Odyssey
- 100-Cube Start-Up
- Entrepreneurship Revolution
The correct answer is 100-Cube Start-Up.In News
- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the ‘100-Cube Start-up Initiative‘ at IIT-Bhubaneswar.
Key Points
- The initiative aims to create 100 startups with a valuation of Rs 100 crore each by the 100th anniversary of Odisha in 2036.
- It will provide essential resources, mentorship, seed capital, and access to potential investors to the startups.
- The Research and Entrepreneurship Park at IIT-Bhubaneswar will spearhead this initiative, expanding to about 80,000 square feet over the next two years with a support of Rs 130 crore.
- The initiative seeks to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth of Odisha and across India, shaping the future of the entrepreneurship landscape.
- Pradhan emphasized the growth of Odisha-related startups through this initiative and urged entrepreneurs nationwide to invest in such ventures.
5.What is the new name of Paytm E-commerce after its rebranding?
- Paytm Omnichannel Solutions
- Pai Platforms
- PayTm Bitsila
- PayRupai
The correct answer is Pai Platforms. In News
- Paytm E-commerce has rebranded itself as Pai Platforms.
Key Points
- The rebranding process was initiated approximately three months ago and was officially approved by the Registrar of Companies on February 8th.
- Elevation Capital, a significant stakeholder in Paytm E-commerce, remains the largest shareholder in Pai Platforms.
- Pai Platforms strategically acquired Bitsila, a prominent seller platform within the ONDC ecosystem.
- Bitsila, established in 2020, has quickly become one of the top three seller platforms on ONDC, serving esteemed brands like McDonald’s and BigBasket.
- The acquisition aims to strengthen Pai Platforms’ commerce capabilities within the ONDC network, leveraging Bitsila’s robust omnichannel and hyperlocal commerce infrastructure.
8.With which IIT has IREDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Clean Energy Innovation?
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Bhubaneswar
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Madras
The correct answer is IIT Bhubaneswar. In News
- IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd.) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Clean Energy Innovation with IIT Bhubaneswar.
Key Points
- The MoU aims to foster innovation and research in the renewable energy sector through collaborative efforts in innovation, research initiatives, and technology transfer.
- It was signed at the 100 Cube Start-up Conclave held at IIT Bhubaneswar on February 11, 2024.
- The collaboration will facilitate joint research efforts, technology transfer, and support for the start-up ecosystem in the renewable energy domain.
Additional Information
- The MoU was signed by the Chairman & Managing Director of IREDA, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, and the Independent Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, Dr. Debi Prasad Dogra, in the presence of Union Minister for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar.
- This partnership aims to drive impactful research initiatives and propel the growth of the renewable energy sector by leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations.
10.Who became Tamil Nadu’s first transgender train ticket examiner (TTE)?
- Sindhu Ganapathy
- Aruna Dhathathreyan
- Sellappan Nirmala
- Priya Davidar
The correct answer is Sindhu Ganapathy.In News
- Sindhu Ganapathy, hailing from Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district, became Tamil Nadu’s first transgender train ticket examiner (TTE).
Key Points
- She joined Southern Railway in 2003 and initially worked in the electrical department.
- Supported by the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union, Sindhu overcame challenges and pursued her dream of becoming a TTE.
- Despite facing an accident that caused injury to her hand, Sindhu expressed willingness to take up a non-technical job, leading to her role as a TTE.
- Sindhu emphasizes the importance of education for the transgender community to achieve respect and acceptance in society.
- She advocates for government quotas in jobs to provide better livelihood opportunities for the marginalized transgender community.
8.Who will present an award at the upcoming BAFTA Film Awards 2024?
- Deepika Padukone
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Priyanka Chopra
- Ranbeer kapoor
The correct answer is Deepika Padukone
In News
- Deepika Padukone will present an award at the upcoming BAFTA Film Awards 2024.
Key Points
- Deepika Padukone will present an award at the BAFTA Film Awards.
- The list of presenters includes several prominent names from the entertainment industry.
- Last year, Deepika Padukone introduced a live performance at the Academy Awards.
- The Rising Star Award will be presented by former winners Emma Mackay and Jack O’Connell.
- David Tennant is set to host the BAFTA Film Awards.
- The BAFTA is a leading independent arts charity promoting excellence in film, games, and television.
- The event aims to recognize and support creative talent in the UK and internationally.
10.What initiative was launched by Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya at AIIMS, New Delhi in Feb 2024?
- AIIMS-SBI Smart Health Card
- AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card
- AIIMS-SBI Digital Health Wallet
- AIIMS-SBI Cashless Transaction Card
The correct answer is AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card
In News
- Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the AIIMS-SBI Smart Payment Card initiative at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Key Points
- The card aims to streamline the payment process and eliminate cash transactions, particularly benefiting patients from remote areas.
- The card is linked to the patient’s Unique Hospital Identification (UHID) and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID.
- It has a validity period of five years and integrates with AIIMS’s e-hospital system for financial transactions.
- The government plans to extend this service to all 22 AIIMS centers across the nation.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the SBI-AIIMS Smart card system was formalized during the launch event, marking a significant milestone in healthcare digitization and patient welfare initiatives.
10.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of India’s first chief of defence staff late General Bipin Rawat in _________.
- New Delhi
- Dehradun
- Coonoor
- Pulwama
The correct answer is Dehradun.
In News
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of India’s first chief of defence staff late General Bipin Rawat in Dehradun.
Key Points
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, late General Bipin Rawat, in Dehradun.
- Gen Rawat, along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other military personnel, was killed in a helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8, 2021.
- Gen Rawat was appointed as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), which is one of the most significant reforms in the military history of the country.
- The defence minister highlighted the construction of the National War Memorial in New Delhi to pay tribute to the Bravehearts.
- Singh appreciated the idea of installing the statue inside the school complex to instil patriotism and dedication in students.
- He emphasized the importance of statues in society and culture, stating that they serve as inspiration for the future.
11.Which forest in Odisha has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in the state in Feb 2024?
- Gupteswar forest
- Purvatali Rai
- Ganeshkhind Garden
- Baneswar Shiva Dighi
The correct answer is Gupteswar forest
In News
- Gupteswar forest in Odisha’s Koraput district has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in the state.
Key Points
- The site covers 350 hectares of demarcated area and is known for its sacred grooves traditionally worshipped by the local community.
- The biodiversity inventory reveals the presence of at least 608 faunal species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, moths, odonates, spiders, scorpions, and lower invertebrates.
- Notable faunal species documented include mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred Grove Bush Frog, and various avifauna species.
- The limestone caves of Gupteswar are home to eight species of bats, two of which are under the near-threatened category.
- The forest boasts a rich floral diversity with numerous species of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, orchids, and threatened medicinal plants.
- The declaration of Gupteswar as a BHS aims to boost cultural attachment while conserving its precious biodiversity.
- The state government has allocated funds for the preparation of an action plan and awareness-building activities in the local communities for the conservation and development of the site.
- The decision is welcomed by nature lovers, intelligentsia, and the local populace, anticipating benefits in terms of livelihood through eco-tourism and minor forest produce.
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Quiz available at Current Affairs_ Feb 2024- Level 14
