1. 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.
2. Which city hosted the ‘National Conference on ‘Moving Mental Health Beyond Institutions’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Pune
[C] New Delhi
[D] Mysuru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The National Conference on ‘Moving Mental Health Beyond Institutions’ was inaugurated recently in New Delhi.
The main purpose of the conference is to address the difficulties faced during the execution of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and to engage in thoughtful discussions about the future steps to resolve mental health concerns.
3. Which leader initiated the motion of no-confidence against the Union Government, which was accepted by the Lok Sabha Speaker?
[A] Pradyut Bordoloi
[B] Gaurav Gogoi
[C] Abdul Khaleque
[D] Jyotsna Mahant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gaurav Gogoi]
Notes:
A no-confidence motion is a step typically taken by an Opposition party to compel the current government to demonstrate its majority in the House.
Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepted a motion of no-confidence against the government, which was initiated by Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, after fulfilling the requisite headcount of 50 MPs as mandated by the rules.
4. Which company is preparing to launch the world’s largest privately-owned satellite called JUPITER-3?
[A] Space X
[B] Virgin Galactic
[C] Blue Origin
[D] Boeing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Space X]
Notes:
SpaceX is preparing to launch the world’s largest privately-owned satellite, called JUPITER-3. This impressive satellite will be sent into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A in Florida.
This launch will be the seventh for the robust triple-booster rocket.
5. Which country has successfully launched its first communications satellite named ‘Lingxi-03’?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] North Korea
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China successfully launched its first communications satellite, Lingxi-03, featuring an ultra-thin flexible solar wing to test technologies for a massive 13,000-satellite broadband mega constellation in low-Earth orbit.
It aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. The satellite was launched atop a Long March 2D rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in central China.
6. Which country has employed the ‘Cabbage strategy’?
[A] Ukraine
[B] China
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, China views the US presence as a violation of its territorial claims and has employed the “cabbage strategy,”.
It involves the construction of artificial islands and encircling disputed areas with numerous ships to assert control gradually. The situation has led to measures, including detaining trespassers and the possibility of implementing an air identification zone over the South China Sea by various nations involved.
7. Which Union Ministry has set up a working group to decriminalise laws to further promote ease of doing business?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has set up a working group to decriminalise laws to further promote ease of doing business.
The group comprised representatives from industry associations, business chambers, legal professionals, and officials of seven ministries. It would also have representatives of the National Housing Bank, NABARD and CPCB.
8. 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.
9. ‘Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam’ was organised to commemorate the anniversary of which scheme/policy?
[A] Beti Bachao; Beti Padhao
[B] National Education Policy
[C] Samagra Shiksha
[D] Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Education Policy]
Notes:
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. He also released the first instalment of funds under the PM SHRI Scheme.
The two-day conference aligns with the third anniversary of the introduction of National Education Policy -NEP 2020.
10. The United States has announced USD 345 million in military aid for which country?
[A] Ukraine
[B] Taiwan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Taiwan]
Notes:
The United States has announced USD 345 million in military aid for Taiwan. This is Biden administration’s first major package drawing on America’s own stockpiles to help Taiwan counter China.
The package would include defense, education and training for the Taiwanese. Washington will send man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.