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. 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.
3. 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.
4. ‘National Maritime Week’ is observed in India in which month?
[A] March
[B] April
[C] May
[D] June
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [April]
Notes:
To mark the moment of the first Indian Steamship “S.S. LOYALTY”, Mumbai, venturing into international water on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London (UK) in 1919, April 5 was marked as “National Maritime Day.”
The government is celebrating National Maritime Week from March 30, 2023, to April 5, 2023, paying tribute to the services of seafarers.
5. ‘Capulopsyche keralensis’, which was recently discovered in Kerala, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Moth
[C] Snake
[D] Bee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Moth]
Notes:
A new genus and species of bagworm moth Capulopsyche keralensis has been discovered from the coffee plantations of Kerala.
Researchers have discovered the new species of bagworm moth, from Idukki district and Palakkad district.
6. Which country hosted the first ‘India-Central Asia Culture Ministers’ Meeting’?
[A] India
[B] Kyrgyzstan
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] Tajikistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region G. Kishan Reddy hosted the first India-Central Asia Culture Ministers’ Meeting virtually.
The Culture Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. The India-Central Asia Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.
7. Aroma Mission has been originally launched in which state/UT?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Sikkim
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
Aroma Mission, which was started off in Jammu and Kashmir, aims to promote the cultivation of aromatic crops for the manufacture of essential oils, which are in high demand in the aroma industry.
Himachal Pradesh Government is set to collaborate with the Central Government on this initiative to replicate its success seen in the Jammu and Kashmir.
8. ‘Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell’ functions under the aegis of which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[B] Ministry of Coal
[C] Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
[D] Ministry of Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas]
Notes:
Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell is the data backbone of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
It recently celebrated its 22nd foundation day. After the dismantling of Administered Pricing Mechanism (APM) in petroleum sector, Oil Coordination Committee (OCC) was abolished and a new cell called Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) was created effective 1st April 2002.
9. Which type of paint uses the nanoscale structural arrangement of aluminum and is the lightest paint in the world?
[A] Plasmonic paint
[B] Alumina paint
[C] Structural paint
[D] Pigment paint
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Plasmonic paint]
Notes:
The plasmonic paint makes use of nanoscale structural arrangement of aluminum and aluminum oxide and not traditional pigments to create different colors. It has been recently created by Florida-based researchers.
It is believed to be the lightest paint in the world. It is also the first environmentally friendly, large-scale and multicolor alternative to pigment-based colorants.
10. Which Asian country has been elected to UN Statistical Commission for a 4-year-term?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] China
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
The UN Statistical Commission is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities. Shigeru Kawasaki of Japan is the current chair of the Commission.
India has recently been elected to this body for a 4-year term starting from January 1, 2024.