11. 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.
12. ‘TOPS’ scheme, which was seen in the news, is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]
Notes:
Target Olympic Podium Scheme’s purpose is to identify, groom and prepare potential candidates for Olympic medals.
The Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell recently gave nod for financial assistance under this scheme for 12 para-badminton players, who are set to participate in the upcoming Brazil Para-Badminton International.
13. Which state/UT recently received the GI tag for its famous Wood carving?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Ladakh
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
Ladakh’s Wood Carving recently received GI (Geographical Indications) tag. In December last year, the government also granted GI Tag for Raktsey Karpo apricot of Ladakh.
Wood carving of Ladakh has been a vibrant art form in the Ladakh region, including the capital Leh and Kargil.
14. Which state is associated with the ‘Electronic Knowledge Network’?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Assam
[C] Bihar
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bihar]
Notes:
RailTel Corporation of India Limited recently bagged an order worth around ₹76.10 crores from Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation (BSEDC) to implement and manage Electronic Knowledge Network (100 Mbps internet connectivity, wi-fi system and Smart Classes).
This project will be implemented in the Academic/Administrative buildings of Government Engineering Colleges and Polytechnic Institutes within the state.
15. ‘Muthuvans’ are tribal cultivators in the hills of which state?
[A] Kerala- Tamil Nadu
[B] Odisha- Jharkhand
[C] Bihar- Jharkhand
[D] Karnataka- Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala- Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Muthuvans are tribal cultivators in the hills of Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore and Kerala’s Adimali and Devikulam forest regions.
According to an expert committee appointed by the Kerala High Court regarding human-animal conflict and the wild tusker Arikompan, the Muthuvan tribal community have coexisted with the wild animals in Chinnakkanal, However, the subsequent unscientific resettlements in the region triggered an increase in human-animal conflict.
16. Which institution developed the ‘3D-printed Dhawan II engine’?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] Skyroot Aerospace
[D] Dhruv Aerospace
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Skyroot Aerospace]
Notes:
The 3D-printed Dhawan II engine was developed by Telangana-based private space vehicle company Skyroot Aerospace. It was recently tested-fired for a duration of record 200 seconds.
Skyroot plans to carry out its first orbital flight by the year-end, as the updated Vikram II rocket scheduled to become launch-ready by next year.
17. Which institution manages the unclaimed deposits in India?
[A] SEBI
[B] RBI
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] BSE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RBI]
Notes:
After ten years of inactivity from the depositor, the unclaimed deposits are transferred to RBI’s Depositors Education and Awareness Fund.
The RBI has planned to open a web portal to allow depositors search for their unclaimed deposits across banks, and issued norms to make credit information companies (CICs) more accountable, measures aimed at helping consumers.
18. ‘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.
19. Namda, is the centuries-old traditional craft, is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
Namda is a type of rug made using felted wool. This centuries-old traditional craft from the Jammu and Kashmir is at the brink of extinction.
Namda is made in several stages and requires skilled craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
20. As per the 5th Cycle of India’s Tiger Census, how many tigers are in India, as of 2023?
[A] 1167
[B] 2167
[C] 3167
[D] 4167
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [3167]
Notes:
The 5th Cycle of India’s Tiger Census was released recently by Prime Minister Modi. This census revealed that India’s tiger population stands at 3,167 in the wild.
This figure is 200 more than it had four years ago. India is estimated to have more than 70% of the world’s tigers.