11. ‘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.
12. Which is the headquarters of the ‘Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Israel
[C] UAE
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was founded in 1969 to protect the interests of the Muslim world.
The Indian government recently criticised the OIC after the organization’s secretariat issued statement alleging the targeting of Muslim community in several states during Ram Navami processions.
13. Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry signed agreement with which company to boost India’s creative economy?
[A] IBM
[B] Amazon India
[C] Google
[D] Microsoft
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amazon India]
Notes:
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Amazon India have signed a collaboration agreement in New Delhi to boost India’s creative economy and promote creative talent in the country.
As part of the agreement, Amazon Prime Video will sponsor scholarships, create internship programmes, and offer job opportunities for students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.
14. The ‘Stand Up India Scheme’ has been extended till which year?
[A] 2025
[B] 2027
[C] 2030
[D] 2050
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [2025]
Notes:
The Stand up India Scheme was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. The scheme has been extended till 2025.
Over Rs 40,700 crore was sanctioned under the Stand Up India Scheme over the seven years of its implementation. Around 80 percent of the loans under this scheme were provided to women.
15. Which country launched the ‘Overseas Security Assistance (OSA) programme’?
[A] USA
[B] Japan
[C] Australia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance (OSA) programme was announced recently. It will provide financial assistance to help foreign nations strengthen their defences.
As per the foreign ministry, since the help would be offered as grants, only poor nations will be able to receive it.
16. ‘B-52H strategic bomber’ was recently used in the bilateral air drills between which countries?
[A] South Korea -USA
[B] Japan- South Korea
[C] India – South Korea
[D] India – France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [South Korea -USA]
Notes:
B-52H strategic bomber is a long-range, supersonic, jet-powered strategic heavy bomber capable of carrying nuclear arsenals.
It was recently used during the bilateral air drills between South Korea and the United States. In recent weeks, North Korea has tested an underwater nuclear-capable drone and an intercontinental ballistic missile.
17. The Supreme Court set aside the orders of I&B Ministry and Kerala High Court, which refused to renew license of which channel?
[A] Alt News
[B] Media One
[C] News Minute
[D] Scroll
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Media One]
Notes:
The Supreme Court set aside the orders passed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) on January 31, 2022, and the Kerala High Court on March 2, 2022, refusing to renew Malayalam news channel Media One’s broadcast license.
The apex court recently quashed the ‘sealed cover’ ban on Media One after the channel argued that it went against the principles of natural justice.
18. Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease is prevalently spreading in which country?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] New Zealand
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Zealand]
Notes:
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus is a contagious and deadly viral hepatitis that affects adult domesticated and wild rabbits.
The rabbits are threatening the bio-diversity and agriculture of the southern region of Central Otago. New Zealand is currently considering the use of the virus that causes this disease to cull the rabbits, which are turning into a plague.
19. ‘AlUla Declaration’, which was seen in the news, is related to which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Qatar
[C] Israel
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Qatar]
Notes:
A fourth joint meeting between the delegates of the UAE and Qatar was held in Abu Dhabi to follow up on the implementation of the AlUla Declaration.
The AlUla Declaration, which was signed in 2021, resolved the dispute with Qatar and called for unity and the strengthening of relations among GCC countries.
20. Which state/UT has announced to set up the ‘Education Service Selection Commission’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The UP-Education Service Selection Commission will be set up by the Uttar Pradesh Government for the teacher recruitment in the state.
It will be responsible for conducting the UP Teachers Eligibility Test (UPTET) exam. Teachers in basic, secondary, higher and technical colleges in the state will be selected through the autonomous commission.