Current News and Affairs Archives

21. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) works under which one o

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) works under which one of the following ministries of the Government of India ?

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Ministry of Science and Technology

Ministry of Rural Development

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

– GEAC is the apex body constituted under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989.
– These rules are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
– GEAC is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous micro organisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle, and proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

GEAC’s decisions are crucial for regulating the use and release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products in India, considering their potential impact on the environment and human health.

22. NOTTO comes under which one of the following ministries of the Governm

NOTTO comes under which one of the following ministries of the Government of India ?

Ministry of Water Resources

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Ministry of Power

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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NOTTO comes under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

– NOTTO stands for National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation.
– It is a national-level organization established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
– NOTTO is responsible for establishing a network for organ and tissue procurement and distribution, maintaining registries, and promoting deceased organ donation.

NOTTO plays a crucial role in regulating and streamlining the process of organ donation and transplantation activities in India, adhering to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.

23. Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 is introduced by which one of

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 is introduced by which one of the following ministries of the Government of India ?

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Ministry of Heavy Industries

Ministry of Power

Ministry of Earth Sciences

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 is introduced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

– The scheme aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in India.
– It specifically focuses on providing incentives for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers to accelerate their adoption and growth.
– The Ministry of Heavy Industries is responsible for the development and promotion of the heavy engineering and automotive industries in India, including electric vehicles.

This scheme is a successor to the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles) India scheme, aiming to provide continued support for electric vehicle adoption, especially in the context of achieving India’s climate goals and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

24. ULLAS initiative is related to which one of the following sectors ?

ULLAS initiative is related to which one of the following sectors ?

Education sector

Health sector

Agriculture sector

Finance sector

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The ULLAS initiative is related to the Education sector.

– ULLAS stands for “Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society”.
– It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Education focusing on promoting literacy and lifelong learning across the country.
– The initiative aims to bridge basic literacy gaps and promote functional literacy, vocational skills, and critical life skills among learners.

The ULLAS initiative is implemented under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme)” for the period 2022-27.

25. Which one of the following ministries of the Government of India launc

Which one of the following ministries of the Government of India launched the Digital Intelligence Platform and ‘Chakshu’ facility on Sanchar Saathi portal?

Ministry of Power

Ministry of Civil Aviation

Ministry of Communication

Ministry of Earth Sciences

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The Digital Intelligence Platform and ‘Chakshu’ facility on Sanchar Saathi portal were launched by the Ministry of Communication.

– The Sanchar Saathi portal is an initiative by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communication.
– The portal and its facilities like ‘Chakshu’ and Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) are aimed at empowering citizens, enhancing security, and preventing cyber frauds by allowing users to check the authenticity of mobile connections, report suspicious communication, and trace lost/stolen phones.

‘Chakshu’ allows citizens to report suspected fraud communication received over call, SMS, or WhatsApp, while the Digital Intelligence Platform facilitates real-time intelligence sharing and coordination among stakeholders for combating digital fraud.

26. Which one of the following cities of Indian Union Territories is renam

Which one of the following cities of Indian Union Territories is renamed as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ ?

Daman

Port Blair

Puducherry

Leh

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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In recent years, there has been a proposal or discussion to rename Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ in honor of the Chola dynasty’s historical influence and maritime reach into Southeast Asia (often referred to as Sri Vijaya empire in historical contexts relevant to their expeditions). While the renaming might not be officially finalized or implemented at a central level, the question refers to which city is *renamed* or associated with this name, pointing to Port Blair based on these proposals/discussions.

– Port Blair is the city proposed or discussed for renaming as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’.
– The renaming is linked to historical Chola influence.

The proposal to rename Port Blair is often linked to celebrating the historical maritime links of India, particularly the Chola Empire, which had extensive naval activities and influence extending to Southeast Asia. However, such renaming proposals often involve bureaucratic processes and public consultation before official implementation.

27. Which of the following countries are involved in the ‘TAPI Pipeline’ p

Which of the following countries are involved in the ‘TAPI Pipeline’ project to transfer natural gas ?

Turkmenistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan - India

Turkey - Azerbaijan - Philippines - Indonesia

Tajikistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan - India

Thailand - Azerbaijan - Philippines - Indonesia

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The TAPI Pipeline is a natural gas pipeline project designed to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. The name TAPI is an acronym derived from the first letters of the participating countries: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

– TAPI stands for Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
– It is a natural gas pipeline project.

The project aims to monetize Turkmenistan’s vast gas reserves, particularly from the Galkynysh field, and provide a long-term energy source for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The pipeline’s construction has faced numerous challenges, including security risks in Afghanistan and financing issues.

28. What is theme of ‘World Asthma Day 2024’?

What is theme of ‘World Asthma Day 2024’?

Closing Gaps in Asthma Care

Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions

Enough Asthma Deaths

Asthma Education Empowers

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UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The correct answer is Asthma Education Empowers (D).

World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care worldwide. The theme for World Asthma Day 2024, observed on May 7, 2024, was ‘Asthma Education Empowers’.

GINA sets a theme each year to focus global attention on a particular aspect of asthma care or management. The 2024 theme emphasized the importance of educating people with asthma about their condition and how to manage it effectively, highlighting that informed patients are empowered to take control of their health.

29. Which two Indian players won the Thailand Open 2024 badminton men’s do

Which two Indian players won the Thailand Open 2024 badminton men’s doubles title ?

HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty

Sai Praneeth and Sameer Verma

Nikhil Kanetkar and Dhruv Kapila

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The correct answer is Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (B).

Indian men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are prominent figures in international badminton. They won the Thailand Open 2024 men’s doubles title, defeating their opponents in the final.

HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen are successful Indian singles players. Sai Praneeth and Sameer Verma are also singles players, though less prominent recently. Nikhil Kanetkar was a former singles player, and Dhruv Kapila is a doubles player who has played with other partners. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty form India’s top-ranked men’s doubles team.

30. Where was ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal

Where was ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’ Conference held on 18^th – 19^th May, 2024 ?

Chennai

New Delhi

Guwahati

Bhopal

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2024

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The conference titled ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’ was held in New Delhi on 18th – 19th May, 2024.

The conference was organized to discuss the implementation of the three new criminal laws replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. It aimed to facilitate dialogue and preparedness among stakeholders for the transition to the new legal framework.

The conference involved participants from the judiciary, executive, legal fraternity, and academia to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.