1. Which is the first country to receive the batch of free Covid vaccines through COVAX scheme?
[A] DRC
[B] Ghana
[C] Sudan
[D] Ethiopia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ghana]
Notes:
Ghana became the first country to receive a batch of free Covid vaccine doses through the COVAX initiative.
The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the COVAX initiative together with Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. It aims to share the vaccines to poorer countries.
2. ‘Alpine Plant species’, which are critically endangered have been discovered in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
A new species of the ‘alpine plant’ in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district has been discovered by a team of scientists of three institutes.
The new species, which was named as ‘Cremanthodium indicum’, belongs to the family of Himalayan sunflower. The species is endemic to Penga-Teng Tso Lake of Tawang district of the state.
3. Where is the headquarters of the “International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)”?
[A] Geneva
[B] Paris
[C] Rome
[D] Lausanne
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Paris]
Notes:
“International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)” is an international non-governmental organization, which shares knowledge of design, construction, maintenance, and impact of large dams, based at Paris.
The ICOLD ‘Symposium on Sustainable Development of Dams & River Basins’ was inaugurated by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Jal Shakti. It has been organised with Central Water Commission (CWC), Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP) and National Hydrology Project (NHP).
4. What is the name of the messaging platform to be used by the Indian Army shortly?
[A] Secure Application for Internet
[B] Safe Messaging Service
[C] Secure Instant Messaging
[D] Safe Communication Network
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Secure Application for Internet]
Notes:
As per the recent statement of the Indian Army chief General M M Naravane, the Indian Army is set to start using a messaging platform called SAI (Secure Application for Internet), for internal communications.
The application, which was developed by Colonel Sai Shankar, is undergoing the process of obtaining cybersecurity clearance and data testing. After getting clearance, the platform will be used from April 1, this year.
5. In which place, ASI has discovered the first epigraphical reference to the death of Krishnadevaraya Nayaka?
[A] Agra
[B] Mathura
[C] Tumkur
[D] Keeladi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tumkur]
Notes:
Recently, members of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have discovered the first epigraphical to the death of Krishnadevaraya Nayaka.
Krishnadevaraya Nayaka was the emperor of Vijayanagara empire and ruled the kingdom from 1509-1529 AD. The epigraphical reference was found near Gopalakrishna temple at Honnenahalli of Tumkur district in Karnataka.
6. Which country presided over the virtual meet of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] France
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Italy]
Notes:
The virtual meet of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors was organised recently under the chairmanship of Italy. India was represented by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The meeting was aimed to discuss policy actions for economic recovery. Discussion on impact of climate change on financial stability was also made in the meeting.
7. Which country has approved military strike against Syria?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] Japan
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The United States of America (USA) headed by Joe Biden has recently approved a military strike against Syria. This was followed by retaliatory air strikes on Syria by the US forces.
Earlier, it is said that “Iran-backed militia” in Syria had launched rocket attacks against the US force in Iraq.
8. “Sugamya Bharat App” is being launched as a part of which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Women and Child Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Social justice and Empowerment has developed an app named “Sugamya Bharat App”. It has been developed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), for enhancing accessibility.
It is being launched along with a hand book named “Access – The Photo Digest”.
9. As per the 10th Edition of Hurun Global Rich List 2021, which country has the highest number of billionaires?
[A] U.S
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
According to the 10th Edition of Hurun Global Rich List 2021, China leads with the highest number of billionaires at 1058 followed by the U.S and India.
The index also highlighted that the world added 8 billionaires a week in 2020. The total wealth of all billionaires across the globe rose 32 per cent during the review period.
10. PRASAD Scheme, which is in news recently, was launched under which Union ministry?
[A] Ministry of Tourism
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Tourism]
Notes:
The Ministry of Tourism launched the PRASAD Scheme in the year 2014-2015. The full form of PRASAD Scheme is Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive.
The scheme aims at infrastructure development such as last mile connectivity, entry points, eco-friendly modes of transport, interpretation centres, ATM/Money exchanges, and other basic tourism facilities.