11. Which type of paint uses the nanoscale structural arrangement of aluminum and is the lightest paint in the world?
[A] Plasmonic paint
[B] Alumina paint
[C] Structural paint
[D] Pigment paint
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Plasmonic paint]
Notes:
The plasmonic paint makes use of nanoscale structural arrangement of aluminum and aluminum oxide and not traditional pigments to create different colors. It has been recently created by Florida-based researchers.
It is believed to be the lightest paint in the world. It is also the first environmentally friendly, large-scale and multicolor alternative to pigment-based colorants.
12. 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.
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. The ‘Draft National Curriculum Framework for School Education’ provides frame work for children of which age group?
[A] 3-18
[B] 5-15
[C] 5-10
[D] 6-18
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [3-18]
Notes:
The Draft National Curriculum Framework for School Education provides framework for educational curriculum for children age groups 3 to 18 years.
The pre-draft of this framework was released recently and the Ministry of Education invites suggestions and public opinion.
15. As per the ‘Global Energy Monitor’s 9th Annual Survey’, which country accounted for the highest coal capacity as of 2023?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] USA
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
As per the report released by US-based Global Energy Monitor, the operating coal fleet grew by 19.5 gigawatt in 2022 globally.
As per the report, the war between Russia and Ukraine resulted in a slowdown of coal retirements. China accounted for 59 per cent of the new coal capacity while Bangladesh ranked the 9th among the rest of the countries after India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Indonesia, among others.
16. 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.
17. Who is the head of the Finance Ministry committee set up to review the pension system for government employees?
[A] Nirmala Sitharaman
[B] T V Somanathan
[C] Shaktikanta Das
[D] M K Jain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [T V Somanathan]
Notes:
The Union Finance Ministry notified the formation of a committee to review the pension system for government employees.
The four-member committee is headed by Finance Secretary T V Somanathan. It will also have Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT); Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure; and Chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) as its members.
18. ‘Comstock Act’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which country?
[A] Russia
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [USA]
Notes:
Comstock Act is a US law that was originally passed in 1873 to ban the mailing of contraceptives, lewd writings and any instrument, substance, drug, medicine, or thing that could be used in an abortion.
It is currently at the centre of the recent court ruling that threatens access to the popular abortion drug in the country.
19. Which state/UT launched the project Sanjeevani to empower dairy farmers?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh state government has launched a project named Sanjeevani that helps in empowering the livelihood of small dairy farmers and livestock owners.
It will enhance the lives of farmers by providing them convenient and quality care for livestock at their doorsteps. For this a collaboration was signed by the Animal Husbandry Department with Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd. (BFIL), a subsidiary of IndusInd Bank.
20. Which country has recently passed ‘Anti-Terrorism Bill’ to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] USA
[C] Australia
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
Sri Lanka’s Anti-Terrorism Bill was introduced recently to replace the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act.
There has been immense international pressure, including from the UN Human Rights Council, on Sri Lanka to repeal the 1978 law. It provides the police with broad powers to search, arrest, and detain suspects. The proposed legislation is facing criticism due to its broad definition of terrorist act.