31. ‘The Digidog’, which was seen in the news, is a robot dog introduced in which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The Digidog is a robot dog that was reintroduced by the NYPD recently after being discontinued nearly two years ago.
It was criticised due to its resemblance to the fictitious dystopian killer robot dog that was shown in a Black Mirror episode. The new devices also include a GPS tracker for stolen cars and a cone-shaped security robot.
32. ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ has been launched under which scheme?
[A] Ayushman Bharat Health Mission
[B] National One Health Mission
[C] Swachh Bharat Mission
[D] PM Awas Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National One Health Mission]
Notes:
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala has launched the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative under the National One Health Mission.
He also launched the World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for One Health to enhance India’s preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics, in line with the One Health approach.
33. As per the ‘Banking on Climate Chaos Report’ which is the top bank in financing fossil fuels globally from 2016–2022?
[A] Citi Bank
[B] JP Morgan Chase
[C] Wells Fargo
[D] Bank of America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [JP Morgan Chase]
Notes:
The ‘Banking on Climate Chaos Report’ was co-authored by several institutions including Rainforest Action Network, BankTrack, Indigenous Environmental Network among others.
According to this report, world’s 60 largest banks have spent 5.5 trillion USD for funding fossil fuel projects since 2016, when the Paris Agreement came into effect. J P Morgan Chase is the top bank financing fossil fuels globally from 2016–2022.
34. ‘Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve’ is located in a region spanning across which states?
[A] Tamil Nadu- Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh -Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh- Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra- Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh -Telangana]
Notes:
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India, spanning across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
To ensure smooth traffic flow, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has enabled FASTag-based payments at forest entry points across Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
35. Which virus has been recently found to trigger cancer?
[A] Epstein-Barr Virus
[B] Aichi Virus
[C] Chikungunya virus
[D] Human astrovirus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Epstein-Barr Virus]
Notes:
The Epstein–Barr virus is one of the nine known human herpesvirus types in the herpes family. A new study has found that this virus, which primarily spreads via saliva, can evolve into cancer.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can exploit genomic weaknesses to trigger cancer, while also decreasing the body’s ability to suppress it.
36. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a MOU with which organisation for comprehensive rural mental health programme in 2 districts?
[A] Ashraya Hastha Trust
[B] Bill and Melinda Foundation
[C] World Vision foundation
[D] National Health Mission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashraya Hastha Trust]
Notes:
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ashraya Hastha Trust (a charitable trust in Karnataka) to implement a model comprehensive rural mental health programme in Munisiyari taluk – Pithorgarh district of Uttarakhand and in Belur taluk – Hassan district in Karnataka.
The programme would be subsequently expanded to the entire country, if proved successful.
37. ‘Srijana national conference’ is organised by which institution?
[A] AIMS
[B] AIIA
[C] ISRO
[D] RBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [AIIA]
Notes:
Srijana is a two-day national conference on female infertility, which was organised by by All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), under the Ministry of AYUSH on 17th April 2023, at New Delhi.
The conference witnessed participation of many scientists, practitioners and academicians from all over India who shared their success stories and knowledge through Ayurveda.
38. Which institution funds the ‘De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies (DRIVE)’ project?
[A] IMF
[B] World Bank
[C] WEF
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Bank]
Notes:
De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies (DRIVE) project is a World Bank-funded project that seeks to protect pastoralists against droughts with upgraded livestock value chain and increased financial services.
As part of this project, a unique insurance scheme has been launched in Kenya to protect herders against climate change-related droughts.
39. Aragam, which is set to made as India’s Largest Book Village, is in which state/UT?
[A] Assam
[B] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Kerala
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
Aragam village of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is set to be converted into India’s largest book village to promote Kashmiri literature and culture.
The initiative is jointly implemented by Pune-based NGO ‘Sarhad’ and the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
40. Which Union Ministry has developed the ‘National Climate Vulnerability Index’?
[A] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Science and Technology]
Notes:
National Climate Vulnerability Index, developed by the Department of Science and Technology, is used by the Indian government to estimate the impact of heatwaves.
A new study has revealed that more than 90 percent of the population is at risk of heatwaves and India has been underestimating the impact of heatwaves on its development.