11. 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.
12. Places of Worship Act protects the character of the places of worship as it stood on which date?
[A] August 15, 1947
[B] January 26, 1950
[C] December 31, 1950
[D] January 1, 1947
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [August 15, 1947]
Notes:
Places of Worship Act, 1991 is a law that protects the character of the places of worship as it stood on August 15, 1947 and prevent any changes that could compromise the character.
The Supreme Court’s 3-judge bench will hear petitions challenging this law in July 2023.
13. 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.
14. Which state approved agreement with KfW for a loan to fund the ‘Kerala Green Energy Corridor’?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala Green Energy Corridor seeks to synchronize electricity produced from renewables with conventional power stations in the grid.
The state cabinet recently approved the agreement with the German development bank, KfW, for a loan to fund this project.
15. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Assam
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Idu Mishmi is a sub-tribe of the larger Mishmi group in Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet.
Idu Mishmi people are currently opposing National Tiger Conservation Authority’s proposal to notify Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh as a tiger reserve due to concerns regarding access to the forest.
16. ‘Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution Instrument’ is a device of which space agency?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] ESA
[D] JAXA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NASA]
Notes:
Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution Instrument is a new NASA device that will track pollution over North America.
It will enable scientists to monitor air pollutants and their sources from space. The spectrometer designed to measure air pollution across greater North America at a high resolution and on an hourly basis.
17. ‘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.
18. ‘Mircha’ Rice, which recently received GI Tag, is from which state/UT?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Assam
[C] Sikkim
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bihar]
Notes:
‘Mircha’ Rice from Bihar’s West Champaran recently received GI tag. Since this rice’s size and shape appear like a black pepper, it is known as Mircha or Marcha Rice.
This rice is famous for its aroma, palatability and its aromatic rice flakes making qualities. The cooked rice is fluffy, non sticky, sweet and easily digestible.
19. India held a ‘Business Summit’ recently, to commemorate 25 years of friendship with which country?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
The India-France Business Summit was organised to commemorate 25 years of India-France Friendship.
It will focus on themes like building a green future, emerging technologies, defence cooperation and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific regions. The Embassy of India, Paris, France, in association with India’s CII, France’s MEDEF and the Indo French Chamber of Commerce and Industry(IFCCI), organised the Summit and CEOs Roundtable.
20. Which state/UT launched the ‘Directorate of Paribar’ to have better connect with the people of the state within country and across the world?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The establishment of the Directorate of Odisha Paribar was approved recently by the state cabinet. It will be the one-stop point of contact and support system for Odias dwelling in other parts of India and across the world.
The Directorate of Odisha Parivar will be under the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture to have better connect with Pravasi Odias within the country and across the world.