Nation & States _ Paper 1
Recently, the government of Uttar Pradesh has decided to set up a bioplastic park in which district?
  • Saharanpur
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.
What was the main objective of ‘Operation Bluestar’, recently in news due to its 40th anniversary?
  • To capture a group of militants in Kashmir
  • To root out Sikh separatists from the Golden Temple
  • To protect the Indian Parliament from attack
  • To suppress a communist uprising in West Bengal
Explanation: the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar saw slogans advocating Khalistan being raised at the Golden Temple. Operation Bluestar, ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1984, aimed to remove Sikh separatists led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple. The operation was characterized by intense fighting and resulted in significant damage to the temple complex and civilian casualties. The operation was a turning point that intensified separatist sentiments and contributed to significant political consequences, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi later that year. The legacy of Operation Bluestar continues to be a contentious and sensitive issue within Sikh history and broader Indian politics.
Which two institutions recently signed an MoU to strengthen cybersecurity in India?
  • Common Services Centers (CSC) & United Service Institution (USI)
  • United Service Institution (USI) & IIT, Kanpur
  • Common Services Centers (CSC) & DRDO
  • CSIR & IIT, Bombay
Explanation: Common Services Centers (CSC) and the United Service Institution (USI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cybersecurity in India. Here’s a detailed explanation: Purpose of the MoU: The MoU between CSC and USI aims to bolster cybersecurity by combining their expertise and resources. The collaboration is designed to improve cybersecurity awareness, research, and capabilities within India. Common Services Centers (CSC): CSCs are a network of centers established by the Indian government to provide various digital services and information to the public, especially in rural areas. They play a crucial role in digital infrastructure and community outreach, making them a key player in disseminating cybersecurity knowledge. United Service Institution (USI): USI is a premier institution in India focusing on research and education in the field of national security and defense. It brings its expertise in strategic studies and security to the partnership. Significance of the Collaboration: Cybersecurity Awareness: The partnership aims to enhance cybersecurity awareness and preparedness among the public, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Training and Capacity Building: Initiatives like training programs for cybersecurity professionals and the public will be part of the collaboration, helping to build a more knowledgeable and capable workforce. Research and Development: Joint research efforts and development of cybersecurity solutions are expected to be part of the MoU, addressing emerging cyber threats and challenges. Complementary Strengths: CSC’s extensive outreach network and USI’s expertise in security and defense create a synergistic effect, enhancing the overall impact of the cybersecurity initiatives. This MoU represents a strategic effort to address growing cyber threats and improve the security posture of India by leveraging the strengths of both institutions.
What is the primary purpose of the eSakshya app, recently tested by Ministry of Home Affairs?
  • To provide social networking services
  • To help police record and upload crime scene evidence
  • To offer cloud storage solutions to businesses
  • To provide details of infrastructural development of railways
Explanation:

The eSakshya (e-evidence) app is being tested by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs ahead of the implementation of three criminal laws. Its primary purpose is to assist police in:

  • Recording the scene of crime
  • Managing search and seizure operations in criminal cases
  • Uploading files related to these activities onto a cloud-based platform
How many women have won the recently Lok Sabha elections?
  • 67
  • 74
  • 79
  • 80
Explanation: In the 18th Lok Sabha, there are 74 women MPs. This represents a decrease from the previous Lok Sabha, which had 78 women MPs, the highest number recorded up to that point. This indicates that out of the total 542 MPs in the Lok Sabha, 74 are women MPs.
Recently, which institution has approved a USD 148.5 million loan to enhance power supply in Sikkim?
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB)
  • Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)
  • European Central Bank (ECB)
  • World Bank
Explanation: The details regarding the loan approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance power supply in Sikkim: Amount of Loan: USD 148.5 million Purpose: To improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply in Sikkim, India. Implementation: The loan will support the construction of 47.5 kilometers of 132 kV transmission lines and substations, as well as the installation of smart metering systems. This infrastructure upgrade aims to strengthen the electricity transmission and distribution network in Sikkim. This initiative is part of ADB's efforts to support sustainable development and improve infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.
Recently, which state has decided to implement the Central Government’s SMART-PDS scheme?
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Kerala
  • Maharashtra
  • Karnataka
  • Explanation: Kerala has decided to implement the Central Government's Scheme for Modernisation and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System (SMART-PDS). This scheme aims to centralize information on ration card members and related data. The implementation of SMART-PDS will also involve monitoring the distribution of food grains at the grassroots level, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the public distribution system. This initiative is part of a broader effort to use technology to streamline and modernize the distribution of essential commodities, making the process more efficient and reducing potential leakages or corruption.