11. What is the total merchandise value of Government e Marketplace (GeM) as of 2022-23?
[A] Rs 1 lakh crore
[B] Rs 2 lakh crore
[C] Rs 5 lakh crore
[D] Rs 10 lakh crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 2 lakh crore]
Notes:
In the financial year 2022-2023, procurement of goods and services from government portal Government e Marketplace (GeM) has crossed the Rs 2 lakh crore mark.
After the GeM portal was launched in 2017, business worth about Rs 400 crore was done and the business tripled last year to Rs 1 lakh crores, while it reached the 2 lakh crore-mark in 5 years.
12. Which state is the host of the ‘Cope India Exercise’?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Maharashtra
[C] West Bengal
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
The Air Forces of India and the U.S. are set to conduct the Cope India exercise from April 10 to 21 at the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal.
The exercise will see intense air manoeuvres aimed at improving interoperability. Japan will be the observer of the exercise.
13. ‘Basohli Painting’ is a famous painting based in which country?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
Basohli Painting is a world famous painting from Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. It recently received GI tag.
The Geographical Indications (GI) is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location.
14. Which country has invited Prime Minister to visit as a guest at the annual Bastille Day parade?
[A] France
[B] USA
[C] Ukraine
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [France]
Notes:
France has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Paris as a guest at the annual Bastille Day parade in July.
The Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to discuss a number of major agreements including those on the Indo-Pacific region, nuclear power and defence, as the two countries mark the 25 th year of their strategic partnership.
15. Which Indian state organised the ‘Food Conclave 2023’ brainstorming event?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Food Conclave 2023 is a two-day event that will be organized by Telangana government. It will focus on agri-food sector and its challenges.
It is the inaugural edition of the State government’s annual brainstorming event for the agri-food sector. The event will bring together the top 100 agri-food industry thought leaders.
16. Catanduanes Island, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Japan
[C] Philippines
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Philippines]
Notes:
Catanduanes Island is the 12th largest island in the Philippines. A shallow earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck this island recently.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), tsunami waves will arrive and last for hours.
17. Habrocestum togansangmai, a new species discovered, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Snake
[C] Turtle
[D] Gecko
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Spider]
Notes:
Four new species of jumping spiders were recently discovered from the Meghalaya. One among them is ‘Habrocestum togansangmai’.
It is named after Garo freedom fighter Togan Sangma.
18. Which institution released the ‘Government Trends Report’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Deloitte Center for Government Insights
[C] Oxfam International
[D] Amnesty International
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deloitte Center for Government Insights]
Notes:
The ‘Government Trends Report’ was released recently by the Deloitte Center for Government Insights.
It highlighted 9 trends that are reshaping how the governments deliver solutions to the common citizen. The report cites six shifts that have emerged as factors behind this transition in the government’s approach towards delivering public value.
19. 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).
20. Which country signed several economic agreements in energy, agriculture among other sectors, with China?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] UK
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [France]
Notes:
France and China have signed several economic agreements involving major companies in sectors such as transport, energy, agriculture, culture and science during President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to China.
One of the deals will create a new assembly line in French aircraft manufacturer Airbus’ Tianjin factory so the company can double its production capacity of A320 models.