Nation & States _ Paper 1
What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in the October to December 2023 Q3?
  • 7.9 %
  • 7.6 %
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted that India is projected to achieve a robust 8.4% GDP growth rate for the October to December 2023 quarter (Q3 2023-24). This growth rate underscores the strength and potential of the Indian economy. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi emphasized the government's commitment to sustaining rapid economic growth, which aims to improve the quality of life for over 1.4 billion Indians and contribute to the vision of a developed India ("Viksit Bharat").
Recently, which institute has developed an indigenous electric standing wheel chair named ‘NeoStand’?
  • IIT Madras
  • IIT Kharagpur
  • IIT Roorkee
  • IIT Delhi
Explanation: IIT Madras has indeed developed the 'NeoStand,' an advanced indigenous electric standing wheelchair. Launched on March 20, 2024, this wheelchair is noted for being India's most customizable. It features motorized standing capability and navigation, designed to enhance the ease of transitioning between sitting and standing positions. The development of 'NeoStand' was led by Professor Sujatha Srinivasan at the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development. This follows her previous work on 'Arise,' India's first manual standing wheelchair, and 'NeoBolt,' the first motorized add-on for wheelchairs. The 'NeoStand' has been commercialized through NeoMotion, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, aiming to significantly improve the mobility and comfort of wheelchair users.
Recently, which state has filed a suit at the Supreme Court claiming that the Centre is withholding national disaster relief funds?
  • Karnataka
  • Kerala
  • Mahrashtra
  • Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Government has indeed filed a suit at the Supreme Court alleging that the Centre is withholding National Disaster Relief Funds (NDRF). This claim follows the impact of Cyclone Michaung and the subsequent floods that affected the state in December 2023. The state government seeks the release of these funds to support relief and recovery efforts.
Paharia Tribe, recently seen in the news, mainly speaks which language?
  • Magh
  • Malto
  • Kui
  • Megam
Explanation: The Paharia tribe primarily speaks Malto, their native language. Malto has influences from Havli and Chhattisgarhi languages, reflecting the cultural and linguistic interactions of the region.
Recently, which state launched the ‘Nakshatra Sabha’, India’s first astro tourism campaign?
  • Uttarakhand
  • Haryana
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Rajasthan
Explanation: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, in collaboration with Starscapes, launched "Nakshatra Sabha," India's first annual campaign focused on promoting astro-tourism. This initiative aims to attract visitors interested in stargazing and celestial phenomena, leveraging Uttarakhand's clear skies and scenic landscapes to enhance the astro-tourism experience.
Which armed force has recently launched Operation Sadbhavana in North Sikkim?
  • Indian Army
  • Indian Navy
  • Sashastra Seema Bal
  • Indian Air Force
Explanation: Under Operation Sadbhavana, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army has been supporting remote communities in the Naga and Rangrang villages of North Sikkim. This operation focuses on improving the lives of local residents through various development and welfare initiatives, including infrastructure development, medical aid, and educational support. The aim is to enhance the overall well-being of the communities in these remote areas.
Recently, the government of Uttar Pradesh has decided to set up a bioplastic park in which district?
  • Mathura
  • Agra
  • Lakhimpur Kheri
  • Explanation: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is establishing a Bioplastic Park in Kumbhi village, Gola Gokarnath tehsil, Lakhimpur Kheri district. The park, covering 1000 hectares and with a projected cost of Rs 2000 crore, will be developed by Balrampur Chini Mill, with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) serving as the nodal agency. The Bioplastic Park aims to address plastic pollution by promoting the use of bioplastics, which are derived from renewable sources and decompose more quickly than traditional petroleum-based plastics. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and reduce the ecological impact of plastic waste.