1. 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.
2. Which country’s company ALE, has planned to create an ‘Artificial Meteor Shower’?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Notes:
The ALE, a Japanese company, is currently planning to create an “Artificial Meteor Shower”. The meteor shower will be created using pressure driven system of gas tanks.
ALE is sending satellites into space to create the world’s first human-made meteor shower. It is named ‘Sky Canvas’ and the project was initially scheduled for launch in 2020. It was delayed due to a satellite malfunction.
3. What is the percentage fee levied for normal UPI payments, as per NPCI?
[A] 0 %
[B] 0.20 %
[C] 0.40 %
[D] 1.00 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [0 %]
Notes:
As of 2023, there is no fees levied on regular bank-to-bank UPI transactions, as per the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
NPCI, which owns and runs the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), said that it has implemented fees on UPI transactions on only Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) merchant transactions.
4. ‘Vaikom Satyagraha’ was held in which Indian state in 1924?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
The ‘Vaikom Satyagraha’ began on March 30, 1924 in the temple town of Vaikom, Kerala in the princely state of Travancore, marking the beginning of “temple entry movements” across the country.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers recently inaugurated the centenary celebrations of anti-caste struggle Vaikom Satyagraha.
5. Which country has launched a law that mandates firms to reveal their gender pay gaps by early 2024?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] USA
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes:
Australia, with gender pay gap of 13.3% as of 2023, has launched a new law that mandates firms with over 100 employees to reveal their gender pay gaps by early 2024.
This is expected to make businesses more accountable and improve working conditions of women in the country.
6. ‘National Buildings Construction Corporation’ functions under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
National Buildings Construction Corporation is a central public sector enterprise that comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
It recently bagged an order worth ₹488.02 crore from the Department of Border Management for the construction of a border and road with a length of 88.58 km.
7. Which state/UT hosted the ‘5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is being organized this year in New Delhi.
The theme for this event is ‘Delivering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure: Pathways for Risk Informed Systems, Practices and Investments’. The 50-million-dollar Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund was announced last year.
8. ‘Regiment of Artillery’ is the combat support arm of which armed force?
[A] Indian Navy
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Indian Army
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Army]
Notes:
Regiment of Artillery is the combat support arm of the Indian Army. It is the second largest in size after the Infantry regiment.
Recently, the Indian government gave the approval for the induction of women officers in this regiment.
9. Which state/UT has launched the ‘Family Doctor Programme’?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Andhra Pradesh is set to introduce a first-of-its-kind healthcare service for the rural population called ‘Family Doctor’ programme.
It seeks to provide a continual and comprehensive preventive healthcare service.
10. What is ‘Raccoon Stealer’ which was seen in the news?
[A] Animal
[B] Malware
[C] Crypto-currency
[D] Super computer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malware]
Notes:
Raccoon Stealer is an information stealing malware that is usually delivered via email. It was used to target 8 central government entities of India, including the IT Department and central paramilitary forces.
National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), a specialised intelligence agency under the National Security Advisor, wrote to the affected agencies informing them of the attack.