National

1. Justice AM Khanwilkar appointed as the new Lokpal of India by President Droupadi Murmu.
2. Six members appointed alongside Justice Khanwilkar.
3. Judicial Members of the Lokpal include Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi.
4. Additional members of the Lokpal are Sushil Chandra, Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey.

Q: Who has been appointed as the new Lokpal of India?

a) Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy
b) Justice AM Khanwilkar
c) President Droupadi Murmu
d) Sushil Chandra

Ans : b) Justice AM Khanwilkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the country’s longest signature stayed bridge, ‘Sudarshan Setu’, spanning about 2.32 km, connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwatka island at Dwarka in Gujarat on 25 February 2024.

1. The bridge is hailed as an engineering marvel and features footpaths adorned with verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna.
2. Sudarshan Setu incorporates solar panels on its footpaths, generating one megawatt of electricity, and is expected to ease transportation and reduce travel time between Dwarka and Bet-Dwarka significantly.
3. Previously, pilgrims had to rely on boat transport to reach Bet Dwarka, but the bridge will now provide easier access.
4. The inauguration of Sudarshan Setu was accompanied by the launch and foundation laying for projects worth over 4150 crore rupees, including a pipeline project at Vadinar and three Rail Electrification projects.

Q: What is the name of the country’s longest signature stayed bridge, recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat?

a) Bharati Setu
b) Sudarshan Setu
c) Dwarka Bridge
d) Vishwa Setu

Ans : b) Sudarshan Setu

The Education Ministry has sent letters to all states and Union Territories (UTs) requesting them to ensure that the age of admission to Grade 1 is 6 years starting from the 2024-25 session.

1. This directive aligns with the provisions outlined in both the National Education Policy 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
2. The Department of School Education and Literacy issued the letter on the 15th of the month, emphasizing the need for states and UTs to adjust the age requirement for Grade 1 admission accordingly for the upcoming 2024-25 session.

Q: According to the Education Ministry, from which academic session onwards should the age of admission to Grade 1 be 6 years?

a) 2026-27
b) 2023-24
c) 2024-25
d) 2025-26

Ans : c) 2024-25

Q: What legislation mandates the age of admission to Grade 1 to be 6 years?

a) National Education Policy Act
b) Right to Education Amendment Act
c) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
d) Educational Reforms Act, 2010

Ans : c) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024 on February 26, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

1. Bharat Tex 2024 is one of the largest-ever global textile events organized in India, with participation from over 100 countries.
2. The event will feature over 65 knowledge sessions with more than 100 global panelists discussing various issues in the textile sector.
3. It is expected to host major policymakers, global CEOs, over 3,500 exhibitors, and over 3,000 buyers.
4. More than 40,000 business visitors are attending, along with students, weavers, artisans, and textile workers.

Q: Bharat Tex 2024 event, inaugurated by PM Modi in Feb 2024 in New Delhi is related to which sector:

a) Technology
b) Agriculture
c) Textiles
d) Tourism

Ans : c) Textiles

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (KAPS-3 and KAPS-4) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.
• The inauguration took place in Navsari, South Gujarat, with an investment of 22,500 crore rupees.
• PM Modi also initiated the construction of PM MITRA Park in Navsari.
• The event saw the launch of various projects related to infrastructure, including roads, railways, drinking water, and healthcare.
• PM MITRA Park is the country’s first such park dedicated to the textile sector, aimed at boosting the textile industry and increasing India’s share in textile exports.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s efforts towards making India self-reliant, with PM MITRA Park being a step in this direction.
• He highlighted India’s competitiveness in the global textile sector and acknowledged Gujarat’s significant contribution to this achievement.

Question:What is the total investment in the two new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station?
a) 20,000 crore rupees
b) 22,500 crore rupees
c) 25,000 crore rupees
d) 30,000 crore rupees

• Correct answer: b) 22,500 crore rupees

The Union Government has approved the continuation of the Umbrella Scheme on ‘Safety of Women’ at a total cost of approximately ₹1,180 crore during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The decision was taken during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 21, 2024.

Key components of the scheme include:

• 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0
• Upgradation of Central Forensic Sciences laboratories, including the establishment of the National Forensic Data Centre
• Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs)
• Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children
• Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors to handle sexual assault cases against women and children
• Establishment of Women Help Desks and Anti-human Trafficking Units

Q: What is the 24-hour emergency helpline service number for the safety of women?

A) 112 
B) 100
C) 108
D) 181

Answers: A) 112

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 12th edition of MILAN 2024, the flagship naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 21 Feb 2024.

1. He also inaugurated the MILAN Village at the Eastern Naval Command base to mark the occasion.
2. MILAN 2024 is the largest multinational naval exercise of the Indian Navy, with more than 2,000 personnel from participating Navies.
3. The exercise reflects the spirit of international cooperation.
4. The Defence Minister participated in the inauguration ceremony at the Samudrika Naval Auditorium at the Eastern Naval Command.
5. Both the aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant will take part in the exercise.
6. MILAN provides a platform for participating navies to share ideas and ensure the safety of maritime commerce for the growth and prosperity of all.
7. MILAN is not just a military exercise but also a platform for the future of international naval cooperation.

Q: Which is the largest multinational naval exercise of the Indian Navy?

a) Operation Trident
b) Exercise Varuna
c) MILAN
d) Operation TROPEX

Correct answer: c) MILAN

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil five new AIIMS facilities across India on the 25th of this month.
• The new AIIMS locations include Rajkot (Gujarat), Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), and Kalyani (West Bengal).
• Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced these inaugurations during a media briefing in New Delhi.
• Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate various medical colleges and nursing colleges nationwide.
• Several advanced health facilities, such as Critical Care Blocks and Integrated Public Health Labs, under the PM-ABHIM initiative will also be opened.
• Advanced research labs and facilities of the Indian Council of Medical Research, as well as various National Health Mission Projects, will be dedicated to the nation.
• Advanced food safety infrastructure projects in multiple states will also be inaugurated to ensure the safety and quality of food consumed by millions.
• The total cost of these health projects exceeds 11,391 crore rupees.
• These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for all citizens and expand medical education in the country.
• The establishment of new medical and nursing colleges will contribute to nurturing future generations of healthcare professionals.
• In addition, seven AIIMS facilities will be inaugurated within a span of ten days, including the laying of the foundation stone for AIIMS Rewari and the inauguration of AIIMS Jammu by Prime Minister Modi.

Which initiative aims to ensure the safety and quality of food consumed by millions of Indians?
a) PM-CARES
b) PM-KISAN
c) PM-ABHIM
d) PM-JAY
Correct Answer: c) PM-ABHIM

The Supreme Court has invalidated the electoral bonds scheme for political funding. The court, consisting of a 5-judge bench, declared on February 15, 2024, that the scheme violates citizens’ right to information.

1. State Bank of India has been instructed to immediately cease issuing electoral bonds and provide donation details through this method to the Election Commission of India.
2. The court found that the scheme’s objectives of combating black money and maintaining donor confidentiality are insufficient justifications.
3. The Supreme Court emphasized that electoral bonds are not the exclusive solution to address the issue of black money.
4. The electoral bonds scheme was introduced by the government on January 2, 2018, aiming to replace cash donations and enhance transparency in political funding.
5. Eligibility for receiving electoral bonds was limited to political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, securing at least 1% of the votes in the last Lok Sabha or state legislative assembly elections.

Q: What did the Supreme Court do regarding the electoral bonds scheme for political funding?

a. Upheld its constitutionality
b. Invalidated the scheme
c. Proposed amendments to the scheme
d. Requested more information from the government

Ans : b. Invalidated the scheme

Q: On what grounds did the Supreme Court declare the electoral bonds scheme as violating citizens’ rights?

a. Violation of privacy
b. Violation of the right to information
c. Unfair distribution of funds
d. Lack of transparency in political funding

Ans : b. Violation of the right to information

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande conducted discussions with US Army Chief Gen Randy George and other senior military officials in Washington on Feb 15, 2024.

1. The discussions focused on bilateral aspects of importance and aimed at enhancing mutual commitment to global peace and security.
2. Gen Pande’s four-day official visit to the US started on February 13.
3. As part of the visit, he reviewed the US Army Honour Guard at Fort Myers and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
4. Gen Pande visited the Army Geospatial Centre at Fort Belvoir and interacted with the Vice President of the National Defense University at Fort McNair.
5. A visit to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC included interactions with Charge d’Affaires Sripriya Ranganathan to discuss ongoing and prospective initiatives.
6. The overall purpose of the discussions and visits was to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation between the Indian and US military forces.

Q: Who is the current Chief of the Indian Army?

a. Gen Bipin Rawat
b. Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag
c. Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane
d. Gen Manoj Pande

Ans : d. Gen Manoj Pande

Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), also known as the “One Nation One Student ID.”

APAAR is a unique identification system for students in India, designed to streamline academic and administrative processes. Here are some key points about APAAR:

1. Purpose and Features:
   • Digital ID Card: APAAR serves as a digital ID card for students across both government and private schools and colleges.
   • Academic Locker: It acts as a digital locker where students can store and manage their academic achievements.
   • Collecting Credits: Students can collect their academic credits, degrees, and other relevant information online.
   • Streamlining Admissions: APAAR also streamlines the admission process by providing a centralized student identification system.
2. Lifelong Identifier:
   • APAAR is not just for a specific educational phase; it serves as a lifelong digital identifier for students throughout their academic journey.
3. Academic Bank of Credits (ABC):
   • The Indian government established the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) to handle the issuance of APAAR ID cards.
   • ABC is an integral part of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
   • All college and university-going students are required to register on ABC.
   • Having an ABC ID is necessary for admission to any college or university

MCQs

1. What does APAAR stand for?
   • A) Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
   • B) Academic Bank of Credits
   • C) One Nation, One Student ID Card
   • D) Digital India Initiative
   • Answer: Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
2. What is the purpose of APAAR?
   • A) To track students’ academic progress and achievements
   • B) To issue digital ID cards for government schools
   • C) To facilitate streamlined admissions
   • D) To promote cultural exchange
   • Answer: To track students’ academic progress and achievements

Former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, and agricultural scientist Dr. MS Swaminathan will be conferred with the country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 9 February 2024.

1. Chaudhary Charan Singh:
   • Role: Former Prime Minister of India, freedom fighter, and farmers’ leader.
   • Contributions:
     • Served as the third Deputy Prime Minister and the fifth Prime Minister of India.
     • Held positions such as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Union Minister for Home Affairs and Finance.
   • Legacy:
     • His incomparable contribution to the country is acknowledged through this award.

2. Pamulaparthi Venkata Narasimha Rao (PV Narasimha Rao):
   • Role: Ninth Prime Minister of India (1991–1996).
   • Achievements:
     • Economic Reforms: Credited with opening up the Indian economy during his term.
     • Historic First: The first person from South India to become Prime Minister of India.
     • Father of Economic Reforms: Described by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the true father of economic reforms in India.

3. Dr. MS Swaminathan:
   • Role: Eminent agricultural scientist and the father of India’s Green Revolution.
   • Contributions:
     • Collaborated with Norman Borlaug and spearheaded a mass movement with farmers and other scientists.
     • Backed by public policies, he saved India and Pakistan from certain famine-like conditions in the 1960s.
     • Instrumental in achieving self-reliance in agriculture and modernizing farming practices.

Q: Which Indian Prime Minister, also having served as Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Union Minister for Home Affairs and Finance?

• a) P V Narasimha Rao
• b) Dr. MS Swaminathan
• c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
• d) Narendra Modi

Ans : c) Chaudhary Charan Singh

Q: Which Prime Minister is credited with opening up the Indian economy during his term ?

a) Chaudhary Charan Singh
b) P V Narasimha Rao
c) Dr. MS Swaminathan
d) Narendra Modi

Ans : b) P V Narasimha Rao

Q: Who is referred to as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution” ?

a) Chaudhary Charan Singh
b) P V Narasimha Rao
c) Dr. MS Swaminathan
d) Norman Borlaug

Ans : c) Dr. MS Swaminathan

• Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar on 8 Feb 2024.
• The decision aims to enhance internal security and preserve the demographic structure of North Eastern states bordering Myanmar.
• The Ministry of External Affairs is in the process of scrapping the FMR, and the Home Ministry has recommended its immediate suspension.
• Amit Shah emphasized that the move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders.

Q: What does FMR stand for in context of India and Myanmar?

a. Foreign Ministry Resolution
b. Free Movement Regime
c. Federal Movement Restriction
d. Frontier Management Regulation

Ans : b. Free Movement Regime

The Indian government has recently announced plans to fence the entire 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. This decision effectively ends the free movement regime (FMR) that allowed people on both sides to venture 16 kilometers into each other’s territory without any documents.

Here are the key points regarding this significant development:

1. Reasons for Fencing:
   • The move aims to enhance surveillance along the border.
   • It seeks to curb insurgencies, smuggling, and the drug trade in the region.
2. Details of the Decision:
   • Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to building impenetrable borders.
   • The entire 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border will be fenced.
   • To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved.
   • A 10-kilometer stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced.
   • Two pilot projects for fencing through a hybrid surveillance system are underway, covering 1 kilometer each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
   • Additionally, fence works covering approximately 20 kilometers in Manipur have been approved and will commence soon.
3. Impact and Implications:
   • Ending the FMR is expected to put a lid on insurgencies in the north-east, as well as smuggling and the drug trade.
   • Going forward, anyone wanting to enter India from Myanmar will need valid travel documents, similar to practices adopted for air and sea travel.

Q: What is the length of the Indo-Myanmar border that the Indian government plans to fence?

• A) 1,643 kilometers
• B) 2,000 kilometers
• C) 1,000 kilometers
• D) 3,500 kilometers

Answer: A) 1,643 kilometers

Q: What was the purpose of the free movement regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border?

• A) To promote tourism
• B) To facilitate trade
• C) To allow people to venture 16 kilometers into each other’s territory without documents
• D) To strengthen border security

Answer: C) To allow people to venture 16 kilometers into each other’s territory without documents

Q: Why is the Indian government fencing the Indo-Myanmar border?

A) To prevent wildlife trafficking
B) To curb insurgencies and smuggling
C) To promote cultural exchange
D) To facilitate cross-border trade

Answer: B) To curb insurgencies and smuggling

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that senior BJP leader LK Advani will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

Key Life Events of L K Advani:

• Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi.
• Joined RSS in 1942 during the Quit India movement.
• Shifted to Delhi in early 1957 to assist Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Married Kamla Advani on Feb 25, 1965, and had two children.
• Entered Rajya Sabha in April 1970.
• Elected President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Dec 1972.
• Arrested during Emergency in June 1975.
• Held the position of Union minister for Information and Broadcasting from March 1977 to July 1979.
• Became Party President of the BJP in May 1986.
• Re-elected party President in March 1988.
• Held the position of Home Minister in 1988 in the BJP Government.
• Started the Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 from Somnath to Ayodhya.
• Began the Swarna Jayanti Rath Yatra in 1997 to celebrate India’s Golden Jubilee.
• Served as Union Cabinet Minister for Home Affairs from Oct 1999 to May 2004.
• Held the position of Deputy Prime Minister from Jun 2002 to May 2004.

Q: With which award will LK Advani be conferred in February 2024?

a. Padma Bhushan
b. Bharat Ratna
c. Padma Vibhushan
d. Param Vir Chakra

Answer: b. Bharat Ratna