1. The First ever Aadhaar Centre in Indian Army has been inaugurated in which city/town?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Ladakh
[C] Guwahati
[D] Tawang
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The inaugural ceremony of the first Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC) for the Army took place at 1 Central Base Post Office (CBPO) in New Delhi.
The PAEC is set up to provide convenient Aadhaar services, including enrolment and updates, for both Defence and civilian personnel of the tri-services, as well as their dependents. These services will be accessible through their Field Post Offices (FPO) at 48 designated locations across the country. The establishment of PAEC services is planned at all Command HQs, Corps HQs, and selected FPOs.
2. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 aims to expand the scope of the Forest (Conservation) Act enacted in which year?
[A] 1972
[B] 1980
[C] 1992
[D] 2002
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1980]
Notes:
The Lok Sabha has recently passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023. It aims to expand the scope of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The Bill acknowledges India’s international commitments and the national target set by the country for achieving Net Zero Emission by 2070.
3. Which city hosted the ‘UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] London
[C] Pune
[D] Liverpool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [London]
Notes:
Recently, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, in collaboration with India’s Bharat Shakti defense platform, organized the UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop in London.
The workshop aimed to explore joint initiatives in defense research and industrial production, focusing on various themes such as the changing strategic context of UK-India defense relations, perspectives on India’s Atmanirbhar program, and the UK’s defense technology partnerships.
4. Asian Development Bank (ADB) inked a deal with India for ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability in Roads Project’ for which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Assam
[C] Bihar
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bihar]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India inked a deal for a $295 million loan for the implementation of the Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability in Bihar Roads Project.
The loan aims to enhance approximately 265 kilometers of state highways in Bihar with climate and disaster resilient features, alongside incorporating road safety elements.
5. Which institution has released the guidelines on Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF)?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] Finance Ministry
[D] BSE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
The capital markets regulator – SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has released the guidelines for the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF).
The fund’s purpose is to serve as a backstop facility, facilitating the purchase of investment-grade corporate debt securities during times of market stress, thereby boosting confidence among participants in the corporate debt market.
6. Which state is set to launch ‘Shubhayatra’ scheme to provide financial support to overseas emigrants from the State?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The Kerala state government is set to roll out a unique scheme to provide financial support to first-time overseas emigrants from Kerala.
Titled ‘Shubhayatra’, the project envisages creating a positive and productive migration ecosystem by providing a financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh with a tax holiday for six months and interest subvention to meet the incidental expense of eligible candidates.
7. DGCA fined which airline for deficiencies in their procedures related to frequent tail strike incidents?
[A] Air India
[B] IndiGo
[C] Spicejet
[D] Akasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IndiGo]
Notes:
The DGCA fined IndiGo Rs 30 lakhs and issued a show cause notice due to deficiencies in their documentation and procedures related to frequent tail strike incidents on their A321 aircraft.
Tail strikes occur when the tail of an aircraft hits the ground or any stationary object, with a majority happening during landings.
8. Which country grants stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir?
[A] Myanmar
[B] China
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
A stapled visa is an unstamped paper attached to a passport page using a pin or staples, which can be easily torn off or removed as desired.
China has adopted a policy of granting stapled visas to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. While China considers these visas as valid documents, the Government of India has consistently rejected this stance.
9. India is collaborating with which country to frame a ‘Consensus Document’ for G-20?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] South Africa
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
As the G20 chair, India is working with Japan and other G7 countries on the one side, and Russia-China on the other side to formulate the G20 leaders’ declaration in Delhi.
Japan holds the current chairmanship of the G7 grouping, which has been the most vocal over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
10. Parkachik Glacier is located in which state/UT?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Ladakh
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ladakh]
Notes:
Researchers from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology have conducted a recent study, indicating the potential formation of three glacial lakes near Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melting.
The increasing glacial melt is concerning as it raises the risk of glacial lake outbursts and may also cause water scarcity, given that glaciers serve as the main water source for the region.