The correct answer is IIT Guwahati. In News

• IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with EduRade, has launched India's largest Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO).

Key Points

• The RPTO aims to promote the advancement of drone technology in India and aligns with vision to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030.
• It spans 18 acres and has the capability to fly 9 medium-class drones simultaneously.
• The initiative includes a DGCA-Certified Medium Class Drone Pilot Training Course, initially focusing on youth in the North East and other regions of India.
• Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) sanctioned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India.

The correct answer is Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux.In News

• Asia Economic Dialogue 2024, annual geo-economics conference, organised jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Pune International Centre (PIC).

Key Points

• The theme of the 8th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2024 is "Geo-economic Challenges in an Era of Flux."
• The conference will feature 46 speakers from 11 countries.
• It will comprise 12 sessions over three days, covering diverse topics such as women in geo-economics, generative AI, and India's role in information technology.
• Key sessions will explore themes like the future of automobiles, drones, and revitalizing the World Trade Organization.
• The event aims to provide a platform for discussing pressing global issues and driving positive change through diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts.
• Participants will engage in discussions on critical and emerging technologies, regional connectivity, and the future of global trade and diplomacy.

The correct answer is DURGA-2.In News

• The laser weapon being developed by DRDO is named DURGA-2 (Directionally Unrestricted Ray Gun Array).

Key Points

• It is designed to neutralize aerial threats such as drones, ballistic missiles, and fighter aircraft.
• DURGA-2 represents India's advancement in laser weapon technology and its potential to revolutionize warfare.
• DRDO has achieved an advanced stage in testing a real prototype of DURGA-2.
• The weapon system aims to provide a highly effective and cost-efficient defense mechanism against aerial attacks.
• DURGA-2 is anticipated to be integrated with land, sea, and air-based platforms for comprehensive defense capabilities.

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh. In News

• The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the decision to observe 'bag less school' once a week for students in class 1 to 12 starting from the academic session 2024-25.

Key Points

• This initiative aims to reduce the stress of students by lightening the burden of school bags.
• The weight of school bags for different classes has been specified in the notice issued by the state government.
• School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh highlighted the importance of providing students with a day to enjoy various activities without the burden of carrying bags.
• The initiative is intended to make school a joyful experience for students and alleviate their stress.

The correct answer is A S Rajeev. In News

• A S Rajeev has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) by President Droupadi Murmu.

Key Points

• Prior to this role, Rajeev served as the Managing Director & CEO of Bank of Maharashtra, a public sector bank.
• Last week, Rajeev voluntarily opted to retire from his position at Bank of Maharashtra.
• The appointment of Rajeev fills one of the two Vigilance Commissioner positions in the CVC.
• The other members of the CVC are Praveen Kumar Srivastava, who serves as the Central Vigilance Commissioner since May 2023, and Arvinda Kumar, who has been a Vigilance Commissioner since August 2022.

The correct answer is Brihadeeswara – Form to Formless. In News

• The film launched by Bala Devi Chandrashekar at UNESCO headquarters is titled 'Brihadeeswara – Form to Formless'.

Key Points

• It portrays the essence and significance of the 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• The documentary captures the perspective of a temple dancer, providing insights into the temple's cultural and historical importance.
• Ambassador Vishal V Sharma, the Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO, inaugurated the film.
• 'Brihadeeswara – Form to Formless' celebrated India's craftsmanship and cultural philosophy embodied in the temple.
• The film aims to showcase the temple's architectural marvel and its global admiration as a UNESCO heritage site.

The correct answer is Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth. In News

• Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Hon’ble Vice President of India inaugurated the International Maritime Seminar as part of MILAN 2024.

Key Points

• The theme of the International Maritime Seminar was "Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth."
• The seminar aimed to foster collaboration and synergy among nations in the maritime domain.
• Esteemed speakers from twelve nations presented papers on critical topics such as economic growth, maritime security, and sustainable development.
• The seminar was attended by Naval Chiefs of Friendly Foreign Countries, senior dignitaries, and delegates from India and other nations.
• The discussions highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing challenges and opportunities in the maritime realm.
• The seminar served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and partnership to create a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous maritime community.

The correct answer is ​Colombo. In News

• The International Gita Mahotsav will commence from March 1 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Key Points

• Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickremanayake announced the event.
• The festival aims to popularize the timeless teachings of the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita.
• It will take place at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre premises with the financial sponsorship of Haryana's Kurukshetra Development Board.
• The event will include Gita yagna, chanting, seminars, and competitions, attracting thousands of delegates from around the world.
• On March 4, a copy of Srimad Bhagavada Gita will be presented to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, marking the conclusion of the festival.

Both the above statements are correct.

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station: KAPS-3 and KAPS-4.
• The inauguration took place at Navsari in South Gujarat.
• The project cost was estimated at 22,500 crore rupees.

Key Points

• The PHWR reactor has been developed since the 1950s in Canada as the CANDU, and from the 1980s in India.
• PHWRs generally use natural uranium (0.7% U-235) oxide as fuel, hence needs a more efficient moderator, in this case heavy water (D₂O). Hence statement 1 is Correct.
• The PHWR produces more energy per kilogram of mined uranium than other designs, but also produces a much larger amount of used fuel per unit output. Hence statement 2 is Correct.
• As in the PWR, the primary coolant generates steam in a secondary circuit to drive the turbines.
• The pressure tube design means that the reactor can be refuelled progressively without shutting down, by isolating individual pressure tubes from the cooling circuit.
• It is also less costly to build than designs with a large pressure vessel, but the tubes have not proved to be durable.

The correct answer is Rhodamine-B. In News

• Tamil Nadu banned the sale of cotton candy due to presence of 'cancer causing' chemical.

Key Points

• The presence of Rhodamine-B led to the banning of cotton candy in Tamil Nadu.
• Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced the ban after samples tested positive for the chemical.
• Rhodamine-B is known to be harmful to human health and is considered carcinogenic.
• The use of Rhodamine-B in food items violates the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006, making it a punishable offense.
• Puducherry had also recently banned the sale of cotton candy due to the same reason.
• Food safety officials have been instructed to take strict action against violators to ensure public safety.