11. ‘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.
12. Which country launched the ‘Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative’?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Australia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative was launched by the US to increase Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself from Russia’s aggression.
Under this initiative, USD 2.6 billion military aid package was announced by the US. USAI is an authority under which the United States procures capabilities from industry.
13. Which state has tabled the ‘Sukh Ashraya (Care, Protection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya (Care, Protection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill, 2023 is set to be tabled at the state assembly.
It aims to ensure protection, development and self-reliance of orphans, semi-orphans and specially-abled children. Under this legislation, the state government will provide clothing and festival allowance for children living in child care or after care institutions.
14. What is the repo rate as of April 2023, after the Monetary Policy Committee Meeting?
[A] 6.2 per cent
[B] 6.5 per cent
[C] 6.8 per cent
[D] 7.2 per cent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6.5 per cent]
Notes:
After raising repo rate in six consecutive policies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), decided to pause its rate hike cycle amid rising concerns over global financial stability.
The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent in this meeting.
15. What is the name of the Dark Web market place, which was recently shut down?
[A] Hyper Market
[B] Genesis Market
[C] Dark Market
[D] Forum Hack
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Genesis Market]
Notes:
Genesis Market is one of the world’s largest black markets where internet fraudsters can purchase credentials.
The online forum hosted about 80 million credentials and digital fingerprints stolen from more than two million people. It was shut down recently due to a global law enforcement effort, including that of the UK.
16. Who is the head of the committee set up by the Urban Affairs Ministry to examine stalled real estate projects?
[A] Parameswaran
[B] Amitabh Kant
[C] Saraswat
[D] Urjit Patel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amitabh Kant]
Notes:
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has set up a committee headed by Amitabh Kant to examine stalled real estate projects.
It seeks to examine the issues related to legacy stalled real estate projects in the country and recommend ways to complete them.
17. As per the ‘Indian Space Policy 2023’, which institution focusses on research and development of space technologies?
[A] NSIL
[B] ISRO
[C] DRDO
[D] IN-SPACe
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ISRO]
Notes:
The ‘Indian Space Policy 2023’ was approved recently by the Union Cabinet. It seeks to streamline the process of private participation in the Indian Space Sector.
The policy will see Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) focusing on research and development of advanced space technologies. It delineates responsibility to ISRO, New Space India Limited (NSIL, a space sector PSU), and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).
18. ‘Rayyanah Barnawi’ is set to become the first woman astronaut from which country?
[A] UAE
[B] Saudi Arabia
[C] Israel
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Rayyanah Barnawi is set to become the first woman astronaut from Saudi Arabia. Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni will take off from Florida on a private mission to the International Space Station.
There are two other astronauts who will join Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni in their voyage. They are Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee who will serve as pilot.
19. Which NBFC firm has raised USD 750 million through issuance of green bonds?
[A] REC
[B] PFC
[C] Bajaj Finance
[D] Aditya Birla Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [REC]
Notes:
State-owned non-banking finance firm REC recently raised USD 750 million through issuance of green bonds
The net proceeds from the issue of the bonds will be applied to finance, in whole or in part, the eligible green projects in accordance with the approvals granted by the Reserve Bank of India from time to time and in accordance with the ECB guidelines.
20. ‘Bihu Naas’ is a dance form prevalently practised in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Bihar
[C] Assam
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
The Bihu naas (dance) is the defining feature of Rongali Bihu, or Bohag Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year.
The state government of Assam is planning to bring together 11,140 artistes from all districts of the state to perform this dance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium to create a Guinness Record.