Q.1) Who is the first Indian to receive the Ramsar Award for ‘Wetland Wise Use’?
[a] Ramesh Chandra Panda
[b] Sunita Narain
[c] Jayashree Vencatesan
[d] Medha Patkar
View Answer
Answer: [c] Jayashree Vencatesan
Explanation:
Jayashree Vencatesan, co-founder of Chennai-based Care Earth Trust, has become the first Indian to be honored with the Ramsar Award for ‘Wetland Wise Use’. This prestigious international recognition highlights her significant contributions to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands.
The Ramsar Convention is a global treaty for the protection and wise use of wetlands, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The Ramsar Award is one of the highest recognitions in wetland conservation efforts worldwide.
Q.2) Who are the recipients of the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award for their contributions to reinforcement learning?
[a] Geoffrey Hinton & Yann LeCun
[b] Andrew G. Barto & Richard S. Sutton
[c] Judea Pearl & John McCarthy
[d] David Silver & Stuart Russell
View Answer
Answer: [b] Andrew G. Barto & Richard S. Sutton
Explanation:
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) has named Andrew G. Barto and Richard S. Sutton as the recipients of the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award, widely regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Computing”. They were honored for their pioneering work in reinforcement learning, an essential field in artificial intelligence (AI).
The A.M. Turing Award, established by ACM in 1966, is the highest honor in computer science. It recognizes exceptional contributions that have significantly shaped computing and AI research. Barto and Sutton’s groundbreaking work in reinforcement learning has transformed the AI landscape, influencing deep learning, robotics, and decision-making systems globally.
Q.3) According to Morgan Stanley, which country is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028?
[a] Japan
[b] Germany
[c] India
[d] United Kingdom
View Answer
Answer: [c] India
Explanation:
According to a report by Morgan Stanley, India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, driven by macroeconomic stability, strong policy measures, and improved infrastructure. The country’s rising global economic influence is also attributed to a growing consumer market and an expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With this growth, India is expected to surpass Germany and Japan to secure the third-largest economy status by 2028, further reinforcing its position as a global economic powerhouse.
Q.4) Which global tech company has signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to enhance AI and advanced technology skills among youth?
[a] Google
[b] IBM
[c] Microsoft
[d] Intel
View Answer
Answer: [c] Microsoft
Explanation:
Andhra Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Corporation to promote AI and advanced technology skill development among school students and youth.
To provide vocational training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies for secondary school students and youth in Andhra Pradesh. To equip young individuals with industry-relevant skills needed for IT-based jobs.
Impact on Education & Employment: The initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap and create job-ready professionals. It will enhance career opportunities for youth by integrating AI-driven learning into the education system.
Q.5) Which financial institutions have signed an MoU to promote and finance 2,000 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh?
[a] Reserve Bank of India & SBI
[b] NABARD & J&K Grameen Bank
[c] Punjab National Bank & SIDBI
[d] NITI Aayog & World Bank
View Answer
Answer: [b] NABARD & J&K Grameen Bank
Explanation:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and J&K Grameen Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and finance 2,000 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Objectives of Initiative:
- Encourage group-based lending models to boost financial inclusion and rural development.
- Increase credit access for tenant farmers, sharecroppers, oral lessees, landless farmers, and economically weaker sections.
- Support those who lack formal land ownership but depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Q.6) Who has been appointed as Canada’s new Prime Minister, replacing Justin Trudeau?
[a] Chrystia Freeland
[b] Mark Carney
[c] Pierre Poilievre
[d] Jagmeet Singh
View Answer
Answer: [b] Mark Carney
Explanation:
Mark Carney, an economist and former central banker, has been appointed as Canada’s new Prime Minister, replacing Justin Trudeau. Carney was elected as the new leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, securing a decisive victory with 85.9% of the votes in the party leadership race. His appointment comes after Justin Trudeau resigned in early January 2025, following internal party opposition and Chrystia Freeland’s departure from the cabinet. Carney will now lead the Liberal Party in the upcoming general elections and manage Ottawa’s response to challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump.