1. What is the estimated amount that the government will borrow for the first half of financial year 2023-24?
[A] Rs 5.55 lakh crore
[B] Rs 8.88 lakh crore
[C] Rs 11.11 lakh crore
[D] Rs 13.33 lakh crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 8.88 lakh crore]
Notes:
The Centre plans to raise ₹ 8.88 lakh crore through market borrowing in the April-September period of 2023-24 to fund the revenue gap to push economic growth.
The Finance Ministry announced this after consultation with the Reserve Bank of India.
2. World Health Organisation (WHO) certified which countries as Malaria-free recently?
[A] India and Sri Lanka
[B] Azerbaijan and Tajikistan
[C] Pakistan and Afghanistan
[D] Nepal and Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Azerbaijan and Tajikistan]
Notes:
Recently, the World Health Organisation certified Azerbaijan and Tajikistan as Malaria-Free Countries.
They succeeded in eliminating the Anopheles mosquito-borne disease in their territories. In Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, the last cases of regional spread of Plasmodium vivax malaria were discovered in 2012 and 2014.
3. Which country is associated with the ‘Anti-Spyware Declaration’?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] India
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
The First-Ever Anti-Spyware Declaration was issued recently by the United States and 10 other countries. It includes Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
This is in recognition of the misuse of the commercial spyware and the need for a stringent domestic and international controls on the proliferation and the use of spyware technology.
4. When is the ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ observed every yer?
[A] April 1
[B] April 2
[C] April 5
[D] April 8
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [April 2]
Notes:
World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 every year. The theme for 2023 is “Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All”.
This year’s celebration focuses on the contribution of autistic people in the home, work, arts and policy-making.
5. At present, how many percentage of inhabited villages in India have declared themselves ODF plus?
[A] 20 per cent
[B] 25 per cent
[C] 40 per cent
[D] 50 per cent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [40 per cent]
Notes:
An ODF Plus Village is the one that sustains is ODF status and ensures management of solid and liquid wastes while remaining visually clean.
Currently, more than 40 percent of inhabited villages in India have declared themselves ODF plus.
6. ‘Salar de Atacama’ is the largest salt flat found in which country?
[A] Argentina
[B] Chile
[C] South Africa
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chile]
Notes:
Salar de Atacama is Chile’s largest salt flat. Much of the country’s lithium deposits are found in this region.
Chile is planning to collaborate with India to tap into the lithium value chain. The copper-producing nation- Chile, holds the world’s largest known lithium reserves.
7. ‘Lean Diabetes’ condition is spreading among the tribal people of which state/UT?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Lean diabetes is a medical condition that involves dual stress of intermittent starvation and overload of carbohydrate metabolism.
Cases of lean diabetes is seen spreading among tribals in Chhattisgarh. The rise of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including diabetes, has been recognised as a problem area in India.
8. Which state topped the ‘India Justice Report 2022’ among the large and mid-sized states?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
India Justice Report 2022 is a national periodic reporting that measures the capacity of the four pillars of justice system (police, prison system, judiciary and legal aid).
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana took up the top three spots among the 18 large and mid-sized States (population above 10 million).
9. ‘Order of White Eagle’ is the highest distinction of which country?
[A] USA
[B] France
[C] Poland
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Poland]
Notes:
Order of White Eagle is Poland’s highest distinction. It was received recently by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Order of the White Eagle is the oldest and highest decoration of the Republic of Poland. Zelenski received the award in recognition of his merits in deepening relations between Poland and Ukraine, for his activities for security, and his steadfastness in defending human rights.
10. Which state/UT recently received the GI tag for its famous Wood carving?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Ladakh
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
Ladakh’s Wood Carving recently received GI (Geographical Indications) tag. In December last year, the government also granted GI Tag for Raktsey Karpo apricot of Ladakh.
Wood carving of Ladakh has been a vibrant art form in the Ladakh region, including the capital Leh and Kargil.