41. Veer Guardian 2023 Exercise is a maiden bilateral air exercise set to be held between India and which country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] France
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) are set to hold their maiden bilateral air exercise, Veer Guardian 23.
The exercise will be held at Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan in January 2023. It aims to promote mutual understanding and strengthen defence cooperation between the Air Forces.
42. Which Metro service in India has completed 20 years of its operations?
[A] Mumbai Metro
[B] Delhi Metro
[C] Kolkata Metro
[D] Chennai Metro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Delhi Metro]
Notes:
The Delhi Metro has recently completed 20 years of operations, since it started its journey in December 2002 with a corridor of just 8.2 km spanning six stations on the Red Line.
The DMRC’s network span is nearly 392 km with 286 stations in 2022. An exhibition named ‘Tracing Delhi Metro’s Journey’ was launched to mark the 20th year. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided financial support for rapid expansion of the metro network in Delhi-NCR.
43. Emperor penguins, which were seen in the news, are native to which region/ country?
[A] Antarctica
[B] Australia
[C] Greenland
[D] Iceland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Antarctica]
Notes:
As per a new research, two-thirds of Antarctica’s native species, including emperor penguins, are under threat of extinction or major population declines by 2100.
This is due to current trajectories of global heating. The study was conducted by scientists, conservationists and policymakers from 12 countries. It has identified emperor penguins as the Antarctic species at greatest risk of extinction, followed by other seabirds and dry soil nematodes.
44. Which institution initiated a study of fees and expenses of Mutual Funds?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] PM-EAC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
Capital markets regulator SEBI said that it has initiated a detailed study of fees and expenses charged by mutual funds.
The study would seek to encourage new participants, encourage adoption of technology, discourage cross subsidisation across schemes, close arbitrage opportunities, and curbing malpractices if any in the practice.
45. Which institution has recently cautioned that India’s fiscal space is at risk?
[A] World Bank
[B] IMF
[C] WEF
[D] ADB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IMF]
Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioned that India’s fiscal space is at risk, in its Article IV consultation report.
IMF also called for a more ambitious and well-communicated consolidation to ensure medium-term fiscal sustainability. It called for further structural reforms, including addressing the adverse impact of climate change, to secure strong and sustainable growth.
46. Home Affairs Ministry and which state signed cessation of operations agreement with ZUF armed group?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
The Union government and the Manipur government have signed a cessation of operations agreement with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF).
ZUF is a Manipur-based Naga armed group, which has been demanding a separate State for the Zeliangrong Naga tribe. The agreement seeks rehabilitation and re-settlement of the armed cadres.
47. Union Ministry of Power signed MoU with which organisation to set up early warning systems for vulnerable hydro projects?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] BHEL
[D] HAL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
Union Ministry of Power and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up early warning systems for vulnerable hydro projects or power stations.
Specific tasks will be formulated between DRDO and respective project developer, under this agreement.
48. Which state/UT celebrates the Losar Festival, to mark the Ladakhi New Year?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
Ladakh is celebrating Losar Festival on December 24, to mark the Ladakhi New Year. The Losar festivities continue for nine more days from the new year.
This is the major socio-religious festival of Ladakh celebrated in winter. The New Year is welcomed with dough Models of Ibex Sun and Moon and flour-painted lucky signs on the walls of the kitchen.
49. Which neighbouring country of India has recently inaugurated its first ever metro rail line?
[A] Bhutan
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Nepal
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first ever metro rail line in its capital city Dhaka.
Dhaka is regarded as one of the world’s most densely populated cities. The Metro project has been mostly funded by Japan and the train network has been in development for nearly 10 years.
50. Asian Development Bank (ADB) ranked which Indian firm in its ‘Top Consulting Services Firm’ list?
[A] WAPCOS
[B] Engineering Projects (India) Ltd
[C] MECON Ltd
[D] Engineers India Ltd
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [WAPCOS]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has ranked Indian-PSU company WAPCOS as top amongst consulting services firms in water and other infrastructure sectors.
In another report ‘Fact Sheet – 2022’ released by the ADB, WAPCOS was placed amongst the Top 3 consultants from India involved in consulting services contracts under ADB loan, grant, and technical assistance projects in energy, transport and water, and other urban infrastructure sectors.