Q1. Every year on January 10th, the world celebrates World Hindi Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the cultural significance and global influence of the Hindi language. What is the theme of World Hindi Day in the year 2024?
(a) Hindi – Connecting Generations
(b) Hindi – The Language of Innovation
(c) Hindi – Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence
(d) Hindi – A Journey Through Time
(e) Hindi – The Global Language
Q2. The board of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has recently approved to acquire up to what percentage of stake in a new company promoted by the National Housing Bank (NHB)?
(a) 5%
(b) 7%
(c) 10%
(d) 12%
(e) 15%
Q3. The inaugural Beach Games 2024, where Madhya Pradesh emerged as the overall champion, were held at the pristine blue flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu. The ‘Blue Flag’ certification is an esteemed eco-label awarded by which international organization?
(a) World Trade Organization (WTO)
(b) Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
(c) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
(d) Greenpeace International
(e) Food and Agriculture Organization
Q4. The spiritual city of Varanasi recently secured the top spot in the ‘Cleanest Ganga Town’ category of Swachh Survekshan 2023. Which city did Varanasi surpass to achieve this distinction?
(a) Haridwar
(b) Rishikesh
(c) Kanpur
(d) Kolkata
(e) Prayagraj
Q5. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has recently entered into a significant media rights partnership for the period 2023 to 2027, covering all FIH events except the FIH Nations Cup. Which organization has FIH partnered with for these rights?
(a) ESPN
(b) Viacom18
(c) Star Sports
(d) BBC
(e) Sony Pictures Networks
Q6. Which Indian state government is set to launch the Ramlala Darshan Scheme, a pilgrimage program to the newly built Ram Temple at Ayodhya?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Bihar
(e) Rajasthan
Q7. In which district of Maharashtra has the government established the new Atpadi Conservation Reserve?
(a) Pune
(b) Nashik
(c) Sangli
(d) Kolhapur
(e) Thane
Q8. The Indian government has named IAS officer Senthil Pandian C as the ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Where is the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) located?
(a) New York, United States
(b) Paris, France
(c) Geneva, Switzerland
(d) London, United Kingdom
(e) Tokyo, Japan
Q9. The New Development Bank (NDB) inked an agreement during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, pledging a substantial $500 million loan to the Gujarat government. This financial infusion is earmarked for the Mukhayamantri Gram Sadak Yojana, a pivotal project in the state. In which city is the New Development Bank (NDB) headquartered?
(a) Beijing
(b) Shanghai
(c) Mumbai
(d) New Delhi
(e) Moscow
Q10. Which year has the Indian Army declared as the “Year of Technology Absorption” to emphasize modernization and operational efficiency?
(a) 2027
(b) 2028
(c) 2024
(d) 2025
(e) 2026
Solutions
S1. Ans. (c)
Sol. The theme of World Hindi Day in the year 2024 is “Hindi–Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence.”
This theme highlights the role of Hindi in connecting traditional knowledge with modern advancements in artificial intelligence and technology.
S2. Ans. (c)
Sol. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), in a recent regulatory filing, announced that its board has approved the acquisition of up to 10% stake in a new company that is being promoted by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
This move signifies LIC’s expanding involvement in the housing finance sector.
S3. Ans. (b)
Sol. The ‘Blue Flag’ certification is a prestigious eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It is given to beaches that meet high environmental and quality standards. The Ghoghla Beach in Diu, being a blue flag-certified beach, signifies its high environmental and quality standards.
S4. Ans. (e)
Sol. Varanasi surpassed Prayagraj to secure the top spot in the ‘Cleanest Ganga Town’ category of Swachh Survekshan 2023. This achievement highlights Varanasi’s significant efforts in maintaining cleanliness and environmental standards along the banks of the Ganga River.
S5. Ans. (b)
Sol. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has entered into a notable media rights partnership with Viacom18 for a duration of four years, from 2023 to 2027.
This exclusive agreement includes all FIH events, with the sole exception of the FIH Nations Cup, thus providing Viacom18 with extensive coverage rights to a major portion of international hockey events.
S6. Ans. (c)
Sol. The Government of Chhattisgarh has announced the launch of the Ramlala Darshan Scheme. This scheme is aimed at facilitating pilgrimages to the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, providing an opportunity for devotees to visit the significant religious site.
S7. Ans. (c)
Sol. The Maharashtra government recently established the Atpadi Conservation Reserve in the Sangli district.
This initiative marks a significant step in wildlife conservation, particularly in this region of the state. The Atpadi Conservation Reserve aims to protect various species and their habitats, contributing to the biodiversity conservation efforts of Maharashtra.
S8. Ans. (c)
Sol. The headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WTO is an international organization that deals with the rules of trade between nations at a global or near-global level. The appointment of IAS officer Senthil Pandian C as the ambassador to the WTO in Geneva signifies India’s active participation and representation in global trade discussions and policies.
S9. Ans. (b)
Sol. The New Development Bank (NDB), which recently pledged a $500 million loan to the Gujarat government during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
S10. Ans. (c)
Sol. In a move to enhance its operational capabilities through technological advancements, the Indian Army has designated the year 2024 as the “Year of Technology Absorption.”
This initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to integrating modern technology into its operations for increased efficiency and effectiveness.