11. Christina Koch, who was seen in the news, is associated with which profession?
[A] Sports-person
[B] Business-person
[C] Astronaut
[D] Scientist
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Astronaut]
Notes:
NASA named the first woman and the first African-American ever assigned as astronauts to a lunar mission.
Christina Koch, an engineer who already holds the record for the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman, was named as a mission specialist, along with Victor Glover, a U.S. Navy aviator, who was selected as the Artemis II pilot.
12. ‘National Buildings Construction Corporation’ functions under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
National Buildings Construction Corporation is a central public sector enterprise that comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
It recently bagged an order worth ₹488.02 crore from the Department of Border Management for the construction of a border and road with a length of 88.58 km.
13. 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.
14. ‘Order of White Eagle’ is the highest distinction of which country?
[A] USA
[B] France
[C] Poland
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Poland]
Notes:
Order of White Eagle is Poland’s highest distinction. It was received recently by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Order of the White Eagle is the oldest and highest decoration of the Republic of Poland. Zelenski received the award in recognition of his merits in deepening relations between Poland and Ukraine, for his activities for security, and his steadfastness in defending human rights.
15. ‘B-52H strategic bomber’ was recently used in the bilateral air drills between which countries?
[A] South Korea -USA
[B] Japan- South Korea
[C] India – South Korea
[D] India – France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [South Korea -USA]
Notes:
B-52H strategic bomber is a long-range, supersonic, jet-powered strategic heavy bomber capable of carrying nuclear arsenals.
It was recently used during the bilateral air drills between South Korea and the United States. In recent weeks, North Korea has tested an underwater nuclear-capable drone and an intercontinental ballistic missile.
16. 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.
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. Which institution launched the ‘cVigil App’?
[A] Supreme Court of India
[B] Election Commission of India
[C] Indian Medical Association
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Election Commission of India]
Notes:
cVigil App was launched by the Election Commission of India to fast track complaints regarding the Model Code of Conduct violations.
It is currently playing a critical role in enforcing the Model Code of Conduct and preventing irregularities in the polling process.
19. ‘Support for Poor Prisoners Scheme’ is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The ‘Support for Poor Prisoners Scheme’ is set to be launched by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Under this scheme, state government will receive financial support from the Home Ministry to help underprivileged prisoners who are unable to get bail or secure release from prisons due to financial constraints.
20. 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.