1. Which institution is to set up the ‘Corporate Debt Market Development Fund’?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] NSE
[D] BSE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
SEBI decided to set up a corporate debt market development fund in the form of an Alternative Investment Fund.
Corporate Debt Market Development Fund will be set up with an initial corpus of Rs 3,000 crore. It will function as a backstop facility for buying investment grade corporate debt securities during stressful times.
2. World Bank approved 100 million USD loan for implementation of State Capability and Resilient Growth Program of which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Kerala
[C] Goa
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The World Bank approved 100 million USD loan for the implementation of the Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Program.
This program will help the state strengthen early forecasting system for disaster management and provide social protection coverage for vulnerable households.
3. Which country recently described India as ‘Friendly Sovereign Global Centres of Power’?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] USA
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Russia]
Notes:
Russia recently announced unveiled a new concept of foreign policy by describing India and China as ‘friendly sovereign global centres of power’.
These countries will be given particular focus by Moscow by comprehensively deepening ties and improving coordination with them.
4. Sea Lamprey, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Turtle
[B] Fish
[C] Snake
[D] Spider
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fish]
Notes:
Sea Lamprey is a rare species of fish that is known to extract blood of its prey. It was recently spotted on the Dutch island of Texel. It was last sighted on the island in 2017.
The sea lamprey is also known as ‘vampire fish’ due to its nature of sucking blood from its host like a parasite.
5. Central Bureau of Investigation is set up under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
Central Bureau of Investigation is a premier investigative agency set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 1, 1963.
Its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on April 3 this year.
6. Hexacentrus ashoka, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Bush Cricket
[C] Turtle
[D] Snake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bush Cricket]
Notes:
Three new species of bush cricket was found recently. Two of these species (Hexacentrus tiddae and Hexacentrus ashoka) were found in Haryana. In the local dialect of Haryana, bush crickets are referred to as tiddaes.
The third species found in Meghalaya was named Hexacentrus khasiensis — after the Khasi hills where it was discovered.
7. ‘Mahila Nidhi’ is the first ever women’s cooperative fund launched by which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Mahila Nidhi is the first-ever women’s cooperative fund launched by Rajasthan. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal for giving 8% interest subsidy on loans obtained by the members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) from Mahila Nidhi.
Mahila Nidhi is operated entirely by women and acts as a complementary body with the formal banking system.
8. Which country has recently voted to ban rental e-scooters?
[A] USA
[B] India
[C] France
[D] Finland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [France]
Notes:
In a non-binding referendum held in France, 89.03% of the votes cast were opposed to the freestanding scooters, which are booked on a short-term basis through apps.
The rental e-scooters, which were introduced in 2018 to promote green alternative for cars. The city will completely ban these devices by September 1 this year.
9. Which Indian state organised the ‘Food Conclave 2023’ brainstorming event?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Food Conclave 2023 is a two-day event that will be organized by Telangana government. It will focus on agri-food sector and its challenges.
It is the inaugural edition of the State government’s annual brainstorming event for the agri-food sector. The event will bring together the top 100 agri-food industry thought leaders.
10. ‘Nathu La’ is a mountain pass located in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Assam
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sikkim]
Notes:
Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Dongkya Range of the Himalayas between Tibet and the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.
A massive avalanche had hit the East Sikkim’s Nathu La area recently. Seven tourists were killed and a dozen injured after the avalanche.