1. With which Indian Institute of Technology did the Armed Forces Medical Services sign a Memorandum of Understanding for collaborative biomedical research?
- IIT Bombay
- IIT Delhi
- IIT Kharagpur
- IIT Roorkee
he correct answer is IIT Roorkee. 
In News
- AFMS and IIT Roorkee to collaborate on medical research.
Key Points
- The Armed Forces Medical Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Roorkee for collaborative biomedical research.
- The MoU aims to improve combat medical support and patient care for serving personnel.
- Director General (Org & Pers) Lt Gen SK Singh and Director IIT Roorkee Prof Kamal Kishore Pant signed the MoU.
- The collaboration includes research, faculty exchange programs, joint academic activities, and promoting healthcare startups.
- IIT Roorkee’s expertise in fields like medical device development, robotics, nanotechnology, AI, and machine learning will be utilized by Armed Forces Medical Services.
- Both Lt Gen Daljit Singh and Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant highlighted the importance of this collaboration for advancing medical and defense-related research.
2. Recently, it was announced that PM Modi would lay the foundation stone for 300 MW Barsingsar Solar Plant. In which state will it be constructed?
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
The correct answer is Rajasthan. In News
- PM Modi will lay foundation stone for ₹1,756 Cr, Barsingsar Solar Plant.
Key Points
- The Barsingsar Solar Power Plant is located in the state of Rajasthan.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the project virtually.
- NLC India Limited is establishing the 300 MW Solar Power Project in Barsingsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.
- The project aligns with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s CPSE Scheme and aims to ensure affordable power supply to government entities.
- Equipped with advanced technology, the project will generate around 750 million units of green power annually.
- It will offset carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 18,000 million metric tons over its lifetime.
- The project is scheduled for commissioning by September 2024 and is expected to create employment opportunities for approximately 600 individuals indirectly during the project phase.
3. Arvind Krishna has joined the Board of Directors of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum. He holds the position of CEO at which company?
- Adobe
- Northrop Grumman
- IBM
- New York Federal Reserve Bank
The correct answer is IBM. In News
- IBM CEO Arvind Krishna has joined the USISPF Board.
Key Points
- Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, has joined the Board of Directors of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF).
- USISPF focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships and collaboration between India and the United States.
- Krishna’s appointment signifies a deeper collaboration between the two countries in technology, innovation, and economic growth.
- His expertise in areas like hybrid cloud business, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence will bolster this partnership.
- The forum aims to leverage the transformative power of technology to drive economic growth and address global challenges.
- Krishna’s involvement highlights the commitment to fostering strong economic and cultural ties between India and the United States.
4. Consider the following points about ‘Van Mitra’ scheme:
- It is aimed at encouraging community participation in tree planting activities in forest areas.
- The members of families with an annual income of less than Rs 1.80 lakh can register to become ‘Van Mitras.’
- Any individual aged between 18 and 60 can become a Van Mitra.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
- Statement no. 1 only
- Statement no. 2 & 3 only
- Statement no. 3 only
- All of the above
The incorrect answer is Statement no. 1 only. In News
- Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the ‘Van Mitra’ scheme to encourage tree planting.
Key Points
- The scheme aims to promote community participation in tree planting activities in non-forest areas (not forest areas).
- Hence, statement no. 1 is incorrect.
- Families with an annual income of less than Rs 1.80 lakh can register to become ‘Van Mitras.’
- Hence, statement no. 2 is correct.
- The objective is to increase forest areas, ensure higher survival rates of afforestation, and promote tree planting.
- Each ‘Van Mitra’ will receive incentives based on the maintenance of planted saplings.
- ‘Van Mitras’ can plant a maximum of 1,000 saplings and must be aged between 18 and 60.
- Hence, statement no. 3 is correct.
- In the first phase, 7500 ‘Van Mitras’ will be selected through the portal.
- They can choose non-forest land in their village, town, or city for tree planting.
- ‘Van Mitras’ will be considered the owners of trees if planted on their own land.
- The scheme outlines financial incentives for pit digging, tree planting, and plant maintenance over multiple years.
5. Who has been appointed as the Managing Director of Boeing Defence India?
- Rajeev Ranjan
- Nikhil Joshi
- Kamal Kishore Pant
- Rajneesh Singh
The correct answer is Nikhil Joshi. In News
- Nikhil Joshi appointed as MD of Boeing Defence India.
Key Points
- Nikhil Joshi has been appointed as the Managing Director of Boeing Defence India (BDI).
- The appointment aims to strengthen Boeing’s operations and growth strategy in India.
- Joshi will lead BDI’s current and future programs to enhance India’s defence forces’ mission readiness and modernization.
- He brings over 25 years of experience in the aerospace and defence industries, including service with the Indian Navy.
- Joshi’s appointment underscores Boeing’s commitment to bolstering its presence in the Indian defence sector.
- Based in New Delhi, Joshi’s leadership will contribute to advancing Boeing’s collaboration with India in defence technology and capabilities.
6. Which country is launching the “Dream of the Desert” luxury train in the Middle East?
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Iran
- Oman
The correct answer is Saudi Arabia. In News
- Saudi Arabia is launching the first luxury train in the Middle East.
Key Points
- The luxury train, named “Dream of the Desert,” is a project by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) in collaboration with the Arsenale Group.
- It will offer “luxury train cruise” journeys from Riyadh to Qurayyat, near the northern border with Jordan.
- The train will traverse Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes, including the city of Hail.
- The train will feature 40 luxury cabins with a design inspired by Saudi style and tradition.
- Reservations for the train are set to open at the end of the year, with one or two-night trips available.
7. Which organization has conducted the BSE EXPO-2024?
- Securities and Exchange Board of India
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Broadcast Engineering Society
- Ministry of Finance
The correct answer is Broadcast Engineering Society. In News
- The BSE EXPO-2024 was organized by the Broadcast Engineering Society (India).
Key Points
- The expo is part of the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology.
- Anurag Singh Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated the event in New Delhi.
- The focus of the event is on exploring next-generation broadcasting technologies.
- The expo emphasizes the importance of adopting cutting-edge and sustainable technologies in the broadcasting sector.
- It aims to cater to diverse needs of society and enhance user experience through localized content.
8. In which state are integrated townships and railway coach projects set for launch under GBC@IV?
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Uttar Pradesh
The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. In News
- The integrated townships and railway coach projects under GBC@IV are set for launch in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Points
- The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Ground Breaking Ceremony (GBC@IV) in Lucknow.
- UPSIDA is gearing up to launch 15% of the investment proposals worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Uttar Pradesh.
- Projects spanning diverse sectors like integrated townships, malls, industrial parks, rail coaches, logistics, and more will contribute to the economic growth of the state.
- Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony in 2024.
- The integrated township in Chandauli, with an investment of Rs 7,000 crores, will create 6,000 jobs as part of various state policies.
9. What is the name of the special train flagged off from Tripura to Ayodhya?
- Aastha
- Asha
- Agniban
- Ayodhya Safar
The correct answer is Aastha. In News
- The special train flagged off from Tripura to Ayodhya is named the “Aastha” train.
Key Points
- It carried around 400 pilgrims to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
- Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha flagged off the train from Agartala Railway Station.
- The train is part of the Indian Railways’ initiative to facilitate pilgrimage to Ayodhya.
- Named “Aastha Special,” these trains are organized to ferry devotees to Ayodhya from different parts of the country.
- The train consists of 20 sleeper coaches and can accommodate approximately 1,400 people.
- This initiative aims to facilitate the pilgrimage of devotees to witness the newly-built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
10. Who is recognized as the Father of Indian cinema and made India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913?
- Raj Kapoor
- Satyajit Ray
- Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
- Bimal Roy
The correct answer is Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
In News
- Dhundiraj Govind Phalke is recognized as the Father of Indian cinema and made India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913
Key Points
- Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, better known as Dadasaheb Phalke, is regarded as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’ for his pioneering contributions to the film industry.
- Phalke was born on April 30, 1870, in Trimbak, Bombay Presidency, to a Marathi family. His father, Govind Sadashiv Phalke, was a Sanskrit scholar and Hindu priest, while his mother, Dwarkabai, was a homemaker.
- Phalke established the Phalke Films Company in 1912 and made India’s first full-length feature film, “Raja Harishchandra,” in 1913. This silent film marked the beginning of the Indian film industry and was a commercial success.
- In his second film, “Mohini Bhasmasur” (1913), Phalke broke societal norms by casting women in leading roles, challenging prevailing notions about female actors.
- Phalke’s daughter, Mandakini Phalke, also appeared in his films, while his wife, Saraswatibai, became India’s first film editor, working on projects like “Raja Harishchandra.”
11. Which city is hosting the 16th conference of the World Social Forum in 2024?
- New Delhi
- Kathmandu
- Paris
- Lagos
The correct answer is Kathmandu
In News
- Kathmandu is hosting the 16th conference of the World Social Forum in 2024
Key Points
- The 16th conference of the World Social Forum (WSF) began in Kathmandu with the theme “Another World is Possible.”
- The five-day event aims to facilitate horizontal exchange among civil society organizations, social movements, trade unions, and individuals opposed to neoliberal globalization.
- The WSF 2024 kicked off with a Solidarity March starting from Bhrikutimandap and passing through various parts of Kathmandu.
- Around forty thousand people from 92 countries are expected to participate in the WSF, making it a global gathering of activists and organizations.
- The WSF will address pressing issues such as economic inequality, climate justice, labor rights, migration, caste discrimination, gender equality, peace, and sustainable development.
- Since its inception in 2001, the WSF has provided a platform for social movements, unions, and activists to come together and strategize for change.
- The Kathmandu Forum represents a significant milestone in showcasing global solidarity movements’ resilience and diversity.
- More than 1252 organizations from 92 countries are expected to participate, both in person and virtually, in the five-day Forum, which will conclude on February 19.
12. Who became the second-fastest bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, after Muttiah Muralitharan in Feb 2024?
- Nathan Lyon
- Rashid Khan
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Jim Laker
The correct answer is Ravichandran Ashwin
In News
- Ravichandran Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, after Muttiah Muralitharan in Feb 2024.
Key Points
- Ravichandran Ashwin achieved the remarkable milestone of 500 Test wickets during the match at Niranjan Shah Stadium on February 16.
- He became the second-fastest bowler to reach this milestone, following Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.
- Ashwin broke the partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett to pick his 500th Test wicket.
- His 100th Test wicket was West Indies’ Darren Sammy during their tour of India in 2013.
- Ashwin’s 200th Test wicket came against New Zealand’s Kane Williamson during the 2016 Test series.
- Lahiru Gamage from Sri Lanka was Ashwin’s 300th Test wicket, taken during a home Test match in 2017.
- Jofra Archer became Ashwin’s 400th Test wicket during a series in 2021, where India made a strong comeback after losing the first Test in Chennai.
- Ashwin’s consistent performance has been instrumental in India’s success, and his achievement of 500 Test wickets solidifies his status as one of the premier spin bowlers in cricket history.
13. What position does Rohit Sharma hold in terms of being the highest run-maker for India in international cricket as of Feb 2024?
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
The correct answer is 4th.
In News
- Rohit Sharma achieves the milestone of becoming India’s 4th highest run-scorer in international cricket.
Key Points
- Indian skipper Rohit Sharma surpasses former captain Sourav Ganguly to become the fourth-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
- Rohit achieved this milestone during the fourth Test against England in Rajkot, where he scored his 11th Test century, amassing 131 runs from 196 balls.
- In his international career spanning 470 matches, Rohit has accumulated 18,641 runs at an impressive average of 43.35, including 47 centuries and 100 fifties.
- The top three run-scorers for India in international cricket are Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid.
- Rohit Sharma’s exceptional batting record includes 3,958 runs in 57 Tests, 10,709 runs in 262 ODIs, and 3,974 runs in 134 T20Is.
- He holds the distinction of being India’s second-highest six-hitter in Tests, with 80 sixes, behind Virender Sehwag.
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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