1.How many units of free electricity per month are provided under the PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme?
- 200 units
- 300 units
- 400 units
- 600 units
The correct answer is 300 units. 
In News
- PM Narendra Modi unveild ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’. 🌤
Key Points
- Under the scheme, one crore (10 million) households across India will receive up to 300 units of free electricity every month, generated through solar power.
- The scheme is designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy, reduce the financial burden on households, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- This pioneering project, an earmarked investment exceeding Rs 75,000 crore
- The scheme aims to benefit one crore poor and middle-class families by installing rooftop solar panels.
- It offers up to 60% subsidy on the cost of solar panels, estimated at Rs 75,000 crore.
- Benefits of the scheme include reducing electricity bills, increasing energy security, reducing pollution, and creating employment.
- To apply for the scheme, individuals can register on the pmsuryagarh.gov.in website and follow the steps for rooftop solar installation.
- Once feasibility approval is obtained, individuals can proceed with installation and apply for net metering, followed by subsidy disbursement upon completion.
2.Which country instituted the 9th GovTech Prize for AI-Powered Government Services?
- Saudi Arabia
- United States of America
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
The correct answer is United Arab Emirates. In News
- India won the 9th GovTech prize for AI-Powered road safety. 🚗
Key Points
- The award recognizes India’s pioneering efforts in AI-powered government services.
- It is presented annually to government entities worldwide to acknowledge innovative solutions.
- India won under the category of ‘AI-Powered Government Services’ at the World Government Summit 2024.
- The Ministry for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, was honored for its project iRASTE.
- iRASTE aims to revolutionize road safety through AI integration, with ambitious objectives including a 50% reduction in road accidents in urban areas.
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, distributed the award, received by Tadu Mamu, Consul at the Consulate General of India, on India’s behalf.
3.What is the name of the scheme introduced by the Odisha government to provide interest-free loans to youth?
- Swayam
- Saubhagya
- Swapna
- Srestha
The correct answer is Swayam. In News
- Odisha government to give interest-free loans to youth. 👯♂️
Key Points
- ‘Swayam’ aims to create self-employment opportunities for rural and urban youth aged 18-35 years.
- Eligible individuals can receive interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh for starting or expanding their businesses.
- The scheme targets unemployed or underemployed youth without outstanding loans from government-supported schemes.
- For urban youth, the scheme ‘Swayam (Urban)’ facilitates self-employment with similar loan provisions.
- The initiative is expected to be operational for two years, with a total budget outlay of Rs 672 crore from the state’s coffers.
4.Which government unanimously passed a bill banning hookah parlours?
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Telangana
The correct answer is Telangana. In News
- Telangana Assembly passed bill banning hookah parlours. 🥂
Key Points
- The bill was moved on behalf of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy by State Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu.
- The decision to ban hookah parlours was made due to concerns about the increasing craze for hookah smoking among youth.
- The government aims to prevent youth, including college students, from getting addicted to hookah smoking, considering it more harmful than smoking cigarettes.
- This legislative action reflects the government’s commitment to public health and curbing the spread of harmful habits among the youth population.
- The unanimous passage of the bill signifies broad consensus among lawmakers on the importance of addressing the issue of hookah parlours.
5.Which country has declared a “national emergency” due to an oil spill in February 2024?
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Nauru
The correct answer is Trinidad and Tobago. In News
- Mysterious oil spill sparked national emergency in Trinidad & Tobago🗺
Key Points
- An overturned vessel caused a massive oil spill off the southern shores of Tobago Island.
- The spill has blackened approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) of coastline.
- Prime Minister Keith Rowley described the situation as a “national emergency” and stated that the spill is not yet under control.
- Efforts to contain the spill involve government agencies and over 1,000 volunteers.
- Booms have been deployed to prevent the oil from spreading further, and divers are attempting to plug the leak.
- The origin of the vessel responsible for the spill has not been identified.
6.Consider the following statements about the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team:
Statement no. 1: It is an air-squadron prepared to participate in the air-force exercise “Surya Kiran” conducted between the Indian Air Force and the Nepalese Air Force.
Statement no. 2: It is being conducted in Bagdogra, West Bengal, in February 2024.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Statement no. 1 only
- Statement no. 2 only
- All of the above
- None of the above
The correct answer is Statement no. 2 only. In News
- Surya Kiran aerobatic team at Bagdogra air show. ✈
Key Points
- The renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force (lAF) is all set to enthral the audience at the Air Show at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal..
- Hence, the statement no.1 is incorrect.
- The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will perform at the Air Show to be held at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal.
- Hence, the statement no.2 is correct.
- SIt is one of the very few nine-aircraft aerobatics teams globally and the only one in Asia.
- The team has conducted over 500 displays in India and participated in Air Shows abroad.
- SKAT aims to showcase the professionalism of the IAF and inspire the youth to join the armed forces.
- The team’s motto is “Sadhaiva Sarvottam” meaning “Always the Best.”
- The Air Show is scheduled to be held on February 16 at 9 AM at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal.
- The event will highlight the extraordinary skills of the pilots and the excellence of the Indian Air Force.
- It provides an opportunity for the public to witness the dedication of the armed forces and spread awareness about them.
Additional Information
| Nations | Exercise |
| India & Bangladesh |
|
| India & Myanmar |
|
| India & Sri Lanka |
|
| India & Thailand |
|
| India & US |
|
| India & Singapore |
|
| India & Indonesia |
|
7.Who is India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away in February 2024?
- Aunshuman Gaekwad
- Sushil Gaekwad
- Vijayprakash Gaekwad
- Dattajirao Gaekwad
The correct answer is Dattajirao Gaekwad. In News
- India’s oldest Test cricketer Dattajirao Gaekwad passed away 🏏
Key Points
- Dattajirao Gaekwad, the father of former India opener and national coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, was India’s oldest Test cricketer.
- He passed away at the age of 95 due to age-related ailments.
- Gaekwad had been battling for his life in the ICU of a Baroda hospital for the past 12 days before his demise.
- His contribution to Indian cricket, both as a player and as a figure in his son’s coaching career, leaves a lasting legacy in the sport.
- He appeared in 11 Test matches, toured England in 1952 and 1959 and West Indies in 1952.
- He was distantly related to Baroda royal family and served as the Deputy comptroller to the Baroda state.
8.In which field was Usha Kiran Khan associated with, who passed away recently?
- Science
- Literature
- Politics
- Pottery
The correct answer is Literature. In News
- Famous litterateur & Padma Shri awardee Usha Kiran Khan passed away📖
Key Points
- Usha Kiran Khan was renowned in the field of literature.
- She was a prolific writer who made significant contributions to Hindi and Maithili literature.
- Khan received prestigious honors such as the Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi awards for her literary works.
- Her notable works include novels in both Hindi and Maithili languages.
- Khan’s literary achievements and contributions earned her widespread recognition and accolades in the literary community.
- Her passing leaves a void in the world of Hindi and Maithili literature, and she will be remembered for her impactful works.
9.World Unani Day marks the birth anniversary of which personality?
- Maulana Abul Kalam
- Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari
- Hakim Ajmal khan
- Mohammad Ali Jauhar
The correct answer is Hakim Ajmal khan.
In News
- World Unani Day 2023: 11 February.
Key Points
- World Unani Day is celebrated on February 11 marking the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan.
- Hakim Ajmal khan was a famous Indian Unani scholar and founder of scientific study in the Unani system of medicine.
- The theme for 2024: ‘Unani Medicine for One Earth, One Health’
- Unani, also called Yunani is Greek medicine.
- It was mainly developed by the Arabs and Persians.
10.Which airport is set to house the world’s first green hydrogen plant, as per the recent announcement by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL)?
- Mumbai Airport
- Delhi Airport
- Cochin Airport
- Bengaluru Airport
The correct answer is Cochin Airport
In News
- Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to set up a green hydrogen plant at Cochin Airport.
Key Points
- This collaborative effort aims to establish the world’s first green hydrogen plant and fueling station within an airport setting.
- Green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy sources, is recognized as a future fuel aligning with zero-carbon energy strategies.
- The agreement exchange ceremony took place at the Legislative Complex, Thiruvananthapuram, in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is also the chairman of CIAL.
- CIAL’s Managing Director, S Suhas, highlighted the initiative as a groundbreaking journey towards sustainable aviation and a zero-carbon future.
- BPCL’s Chairman and Managing Director, G Krishnakumar, emphasized the significance of innovation and partnership in driving sustainable solutions, showcasing BPCL’s commitment to India’s energy independence.
- CIAL has a history of effective deployment of green energy, with a cumulative installed capacity of 50 MW producing two hundred thousand units of power a day.
- The MoU includes plans for a 1000 KW pilot project at the airport premises, with BPCL overseeing the establishment of the integrated plant and fueling station while CIAL contributes land, water, and green energy resources.
11.Who won the ICC Player of the Month award for January 2024 in the women’s category?
- Alyssa Healy
- Beth Mooney
- Amy Hunter
- Arlene Kelly
The correct answer is Amy Hunter
In News
- Amy Hunter won the ICC Player of the Month award for January 2024 in the women’s category
Key Points
- Shamar Joseph from the West Indies has won the Men’s ICC Player of the Month award for his performance in the Australia Test series.
- Amy Hunter from Ireland has won the Women’s ICC Player of the Month award for her performances against Zimbabwe.
- Shamar Joseph is the first West Indian to win the Men’s ICC Player of the Month award.
- Amy Hunter’s explosive batting performances against Zimbabwe earned her the Women’s ICC Player of the Month award.
- The awards recognize outstanding performances by cricketers in international cricket.
- Shamar Joseph’s impressive performance includes taking 7 wickets in his team’s victory over Australia in a Test match in Brisbane.
12.Which Indian company is the first to cross the Rs 20 lakh crore market capitalization mark in Feb 2024?
- Avenue Supermarts
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFS)
- Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL)
The correct answer is Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL)
In News
- Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is the first to cross the Rs 20 lakh crore market capitalization mark in Feb 2024.
Key Points
- Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) became the first Indian listed firm to surpass the Rs 20 lakh crore market capitalization milestone.
- The recent surge in RIL’s market capitalization, fueled by various factors including the demerger of its financial services arm (renamed Jio Financial Services Ltd), lifted Mukesh Ambani’s net worth to $109 billion, making him the richest Indian and the 11th richest globally according to the Bloomberg Billionaire index.
- Over the last decade, RIL has diversified its business portfolio, transitioning from a legacy oil & gas company to a conglomerate with interests in digital services, retail, and telecommunications.
- BNP Paribas sees RIL well-positioned to benefit from increasing data demand in India, potential tariff hikes, rapid expansion in its retail business, and investments in green-energy initiatives such as solar, batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen.
12.Who is the 23-year-old tribal woman who became a civil judge in Tamil Nadu in Feb 2024?
- Sripathi
- Mahalakshmi
- Aadarshini
- Aadhya
The correct answer is Sripathi
In News
- Sripathi, 23-year-old tribal woman, became a civil judge in Tamil Nadu in Feb 2024.
Key Points
- Sripathi, a 23-year-old tribal woman from Puliyur village near Jawadhu hills in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district, has become a civil judge.
- She wrote her selection exams in November 2023, immediately after delivering her baby.
- Chief Minister MK Stalin praised her achievement, highlighting her background and the challenges she faced.
- The DMK government’s policy of prioritizing Tamil-medium students in government jobs helped individuals like Sripathi to succeed.
February Days & Events
1.The World Social Justice Day is celebrated on February ______ every year.
- 21
- 23
- 22
- 20
The correct answer is 20.
Key Points
- World Social Justice Day is celebrated on February 20th every year.
- The main objective of celebrating World Social Justice Day is to raise a voice against social injustice and to bring the various communities internationally together.
- On 26 November 2007, the General Assembly declared that starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, 20th February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice.
- To raise a voice against social injustice and to remove barriers regarding gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, or disability World Social Justice Day is observed.
- The theme of the year 2023 is ‘Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice’.
Additional Information
World Social Justice Day Themes:
| Year | Theme |
| 2022 | Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment |
| 2021 | A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy. |
| 2020 | Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice. |
| 2019 | If You Want Peace & Development, Work for Social Justice. |
| 2018 | Workers on the move: the quest for social justice. |
2.On 28th February, the birth anniversary of which among the following Prime Minister was observed in India?
- Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
- Morarji Desai
- Indira Gandhi
- P.V Narsimha Rao
The correct answer is Morarji Desai.
- On 28 February 2021, India celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Morarji Desai.
- Morarji Desai was born on 29 February 1896, in Bhadeli village, now in the Bulsar district of Gujarat.
- His father was a school teacher and a strict disciplinarian.
- He was educated at St. Busar High School and passed his matriculation examination.
- After graduating from the Wilson Civil Service of the then Bombay Province in 1918, he served as a Deputy Collector for twelve years.
- Desai was imprisoned thrice during the freedom struggle. He became a Member of the All India Congress Committee in 1931 and was Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee until 1937.
- Morarji Desai served between 1977 and 1979 as the 4th Prime Minister of India and led the government formed by the Janata Party.
3.India observes 10 February and 10 August as the National ______ Days every year.
- Anti – Drug Addiction
- Pollution Prevention
- Deworming
- Nutrition
THe correct answer is Deworming.
- National Deworming Day-
- National Deworming Day is observed on 10 February and 10 August every year in all States and Union-Territories.
Key Points
- It was announced by the Government of India in 2015.
- The day aims to eradicate the intestinal worms among children in the age group of 1-19 years.
- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to make every child in India worm free.
- It is one of the largest public health initiative reaching a large number of children during a short period.
4.Which of the following Asian countries celebrates its Independence Day on 4th February?
- Sri Lanka
- Bahrain
- Cambodia
- Bangladesh
The correct answer is option 1, i.e. Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on 4th February.
- Bahrain celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August.
- Cambodia celebrates its Independence Day on 9th November.
- Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on 26th March.
5.Every year, 28 February is celebrated as National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of which of the following phenomenon?
- Diffraction of light
- Formation of a rainbow
- Tyndall effect
- Raman effect
The correct answer is ‘Raman effect’.
Key Points National Science Day
- It is celebrated in India on 28 February each year
- National Science Day is celebrated to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Nobel laureate, physicist CV Raman on this day in 1928.
- For his discovery, Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
- The theme for National Science Day of the year 2022 is ‘Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future‘.
Thus, the correct answer is Raman effect.
Important Points Let’s have a look at all options:
- Diffraction of light
- Diffraction is the slight bending of light as it passes around the edge of an object.
- The amount of bending depends on the relative size of the wavelength of light to the size of the opening.
- If the opening is much larger than the light’s wavelength, the bending will be almost unnoticeable.
- However, if the two are closer in size or equal, the amount of bending is considerable, and easily seen with the naked eye.
- Formation of a rainbow
- A rainbow is formed by sunlight and atmospheric conditions.
- Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending as it goes from air to denser water.
- The light reflects off the inside of the droplet, separating it into its component wavelengths or colours.
- When light exits the droplet, it makes a rainbow.
- Tyndall effect
- The Tyndall effect is light scattering by particles in a colloid or in a very fine suspension.
- Also known as Tyndall scattering, it is similar to Rayleigh scattering, in that the intensity of the scattered light is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength, so blue light is scattered much more strongly than red light.
- An example in everyday life is the blue colour sometimes seen in the smoke emitted by motorcycles, in particular two-stroke machines where the burnt engine oil provides these particles.
- Raman effect
- Raman effect is the change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules.
- When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam.
- Most of this scattered light is of unchanged wavelength.
- A small part, however, has wavelengths different from that of the incident light; its presence is a result of the Raman effect.
6.On what date is the World Cancer Day observed across the globe?
- 3 February
- 5 February
- 4 February
- 8 February
The correct answer is 4 February.
- World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
- The largest and oldest international cancer organization dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building, and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden.
- The Theme of the World Cancer Day (2019-2021) was “I AM AND I WILL”.
- World Cancer Day was born on 4 February 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.
- The day is celebrated to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
7.On February 2, we observed World Wetland Day which marks the signing of Ramsar Convention in which of the following year?
- 1968
- 1970
- 1971
- 1975
Concept:
Ramsar Convention:
- An intergovernmental agreement known as the Ramsar Convention offers a framework for domestic and international action to protect wetlands and their resources.
- The Ramsar Agreement was a wetlands convention signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.
- There are now 75 Ramsar sites in India.
Explanation:
World Wetland Day:
- On February 2nd of every year, World Wetlands Day is observed.
- It is done so in order to raise awareness of the value of wetlands to both people and the environment worldwide.
- This day also honours the Wetlands Convention, which was adopted on February 2, 1971, at Ramsar, an Iranian city on the Caspian Sea shores.
Thus, on February 2, we observed World Wetland Day the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971.
Additional InformationImortant environment days:
| Days | Importance |
| 22nd April | Earth day |
| 22nd March | Water day |
| 21st march | International day for forest |
| 4th December | Wildlife conservation day |
8.World Radio day is celebrating every year on
- 02nd February
- 13th February
- 21st February
- 28th February
The correct answer is 13th February
Key Points
- World Radio Day is celebrating every year on 13th February.
- The day was proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO.
- It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day.
- The first World Radio Day was celebrated in 2012.
- World Radio Day 2020 was celebrated with a theme of “Radio and diversity”.
- In 2021 UNESCO invites stations to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event and more than a century of radio.
Additional Information
- World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year.
- International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21st every year.
- National Science Day (India) is celebrated on February 28th every year.
9.The International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on ________.
- 20 February
- 19 February
- 23 February
- 21 February
- International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on 21st February.
- The main purpose of celebrating this day is to promote the awareness of language and cultural diversity all across the world.
- It was first announced by UNESCO on November 17, 1999. Since then it is being celebrated every year.
- This day was initiated by Bangladesh for Bangla language.
10.When was the capital of India shifted from Old Delhi to New Delhi?
- 5th February, 1931
- 4th February, 1931
- 6th February, 1931
- 13th February, 1931
The capital of India was shifted from Old Delhi to New Delhi on 13th February, 1931.
Key Points
The capital of India was shifted from Old Delhi to New Delhi on 13th February, 1931.
- The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by King George V in 1911, and the city was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
- However, construction was delayed due to World War I, and the city was not officially inaugurated until 1931.
Additional Information
Here are the details of the events leading up to the shift of the capital:
- In 1911, King George V and Queen Mary visited India for a Durbar, or grand ceremony. During the Durbar, the King announced that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
- The decision to shift the capital was made for a number of reasons. First, Delhi was seen as a more central location for the government of India. Second, the British wanted to show their commitment to India and to its future as a self-governing dominion. Third, they wanted to create a new capital that would symbolize India’s status as a modern and progressive nation.
- The construction of New Delhi was a major undertaking. The city was designed to be a grand and impressive capital, and it took over 10 years to complete. The architects, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, were inspired by the Mughal architecture of Old Delhi, but they also incorporated elements of European and American design.
- The new capital was officially inaugurated on 13th February, 1931, by Viceroy and Governor-General Irwin. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including the King and Queen of England.
- New Delhi has remained the capital of India ever since. It is home to the President’s house, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court. It is also a major cultural and commercial center, and it is visited by millions of tourists every year.
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