1. 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.
2. Which state has announced the establishment of ‘Mangrove Cell’?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
West Bengal, which is home to about 40% of mangrove forests in India, announced the setting up of a ‘Mangrove Cell’ in the State, on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
This platform will bring continuity to the efforts of State government in mangrove management. The Cell has an annual action plan for the plantation of mangroves and it will look at maintenance and coordinate with NGOs.
3. 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.
4. Which institution releases Digital Payments Index (DPI) in India?
[A] RBI
[B] NPCI
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Finance Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [RBI]
Notes:
Digital payments across the country registered a growth of 13.24 per cent in a year through March 2023, as per RBI’s index that measures the adoption of online transactions.
RBI’s Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) stood at 395.57 at end-March 2023 compared to 377.46 in September 2022 and 349.30 in March 2022. The index is a base to capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country.
5. Which country has granted Pakistan a two-year rollover on USD 2.4 billion loan?
[A] China
[B] USA
[C] Russia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China has granted Pakistan a two-year rollover on a USD 2.4-billion loan for a period of two years.
This move is expected to provide relief to Pakistan, which is facing a severe Balance of Payments crisis. Its current reserves barely cover two months’ worth of import bills.
6. Which European country has been qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?
[A] Ireland
[B] Greece
[C] Spain
[D] Croatia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ireland]
Notes:
Ireland, a rising force in international cricket, has secured its spot in the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Ireland remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, having registered victories against Italy, Denmark, Austria, and Jersey before their clash against Germany resulted in a washout.
7. Norway, Germany and Finland reported which disease on fur farms and mammals?
[A] Anthrax
[B] Avian Influenza
[C] Foot and mouth disease
[D] Blue tongue
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Avian Influenza]
Notes:
Finland’s Food Authority reported H5N1 on two more fur farms, both housing foxes, raising the number of outbreaks to 14.
Norway reported the virus in a red fox pup while Germany reported the virus on a seal. Similar detections in seals and sea lions have occurred in multiple parts of the world.
8. ‘National Moth Week’ is observed in which month?
[A] June
[B] July
[C] August
[D] September
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [July]
Notes:
‘National Moth Week’ is observed across the country during July 22 to July 28. It encourages scientists and non-scientists to participate in surveys of moths.
A total of 26 species of moths were observed across the Nilgiris by students in Udhagamandalam throughout the National Moth Week. A total of 146 moths have been recorded in the Nilgiris over the years.
9. Which country has unveiled its first nuclear reactor built from scratch in decades?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Ukraine
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The first nuclear reactor in seven years has recently entered service in Georgia in the United States. At its full output of 1,100 megawatts of electricity, Unit 3 can power 500,000 homes and businesses.
The unit which is now in commercial operation, entered seven years late and USD 17 billion over budget. A number of other utilities in Georgia, Florida and Alabama are receiving the electricity, in addition to the 2.7 million customers.
10. ‘Rocket Force’ is the strategic and tactical missile force of which country?
[A] Ukraine
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
The Rocket Force of China’s People’s Liberation Army is responsible for the strategic and tactical missile operations and is tasked with managing the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
Recently, China introduced fresh leadership for its Rocket Force, appointing new officials to replace the two previous generals who were in charge of the country’s missile forces.