21. ‘System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research (SAFAR)’ is associated with which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Earth Science
[B] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Electronics and IT
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Earth Science]
Notes:
Ministry of Earth Science’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research (SAFAR) recently announced that Mumbai has seen unusually high levels of pollution this week, with its air quality index reading frequently above 300.
An AQI between 301 and 400 is categorised as ‘red’ or ‘very poor’. Mazgaon, the most polluted area in the city had AQI of 495 in ‘severe’ category. The current high pollution is due to a second dust storm in less than two weeks that has hit Mumbai.
22. India’s first commercial-scale biomass-based hydrogen plant is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The country’s first commercial-scale biomass-based hydrogen plant is being developed up in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.
The plant will produce a tonne of hydrogen per day from 30 tonnes of biomass feedstock. It will also produce biochar and methane.
23. Which disorder is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone, resulting in increased height?
[A] Acromegaly
[B] Cushing’s Syndrome
[C] Graves’ Disease
[D] Addison’s Disease
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Acromegaly]
Notes:
Acromegaly is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone, most often from a tumor in the pituitary gland. The disorder causes increased height when it manifests in childhood and adolescent age group.
The Fairbank’s disease (Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia) patient usually requires management of pain and orthopaedic procedures. As per Health Ministry, patients of both these diseases are getting treatment at various tertiary health facilities in India.
24. According to 2020 data, what is the rank of India in Millet Exports?
[A] First
[B] Third
[C] Fifth
[D] Seventh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fifth]
Notes:
India is the fifth largest exporter of millets in the world, according to 2020 data, with exports increasing at around 3 per cent CAGR in the last five years ending with 2020.
In 2020-21, India exported millets worth USD 26.97 million against USD 28.5 million in 2019-20. World export of millet has increased from USD 380 million in 2019 to USD 402.7 million in 2020.
25. As per NASA, what is the total number of objects tracked on-orbit as of 2022?
[A] 1000
[B] 10000
[C] 25000
[D] 50000
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [25000]
Notes:
As per NASA’s recent announcement, there are currently 25,000 total objects tracked on-orbit and about 6,100 below 600 km.
SpaceX’s Gen2 expansion involves launching 30,000 satellites, which will double the number of tracked objects in orbit. As per NASA, this may impact NASA’s science and human spaceflight missions. Amazon also raised concerns that its Kuiper System may be impacted.
26. Which country has become the first to allow drones in civilian airspace?
[A] USA
[B] Israel
[C] Russia
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Israel]
Notes:
Israel’s Ministry of Transport and Road Safety has announced the country’s first certification for unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) to operate in civilian airspace.
With this, it has become the first country to allow drones in civilian airspace. For safety purposes, international aviation regulations prohibit uncertified aircraft from flying in civilian airspace.
27. Which country launched ‘National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)’ Program?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
U.S announced USD 5 billion to be made available under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.
It aims to build a national electric vehicle charging network. The money will be used over five years to build thousands of electric vehicle charging stations.
28. Which country has recently deferred ratification of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?
[A] Philippines
[B] Malaysia
[C] Maldives
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Philippines]
Notes:
Philippines has recently deferred ratification of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
This decision has been taken after farmers and other civil society groups in the country expressed strong apprehensions against the mega trade deal signed. India has decided to stay out of RCEP, as per current situations.
29. Which Union Ministry is associated with the ‘Umbrella scheme of modernisation of police force’?
[A] Ministry of Law and Justice
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Communication
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Government has approved the umbrella scheme of modernisation of police force for the next five years (2021-22 to 2025-26) with a financial outlay of Rs 26,275 crore.
More than Rs 18,000 crore of this money has been allotted towards security related expenditure in Jammu and Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism areas and the Northeast.
30. Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been re-elected as the President of which country?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Italy
[D] Austria
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Germany]
Notes:
Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been elected to a second term as Germany’s President. A special assembly voted the veteran politician, to the President Post.
Steinmeier was elected by secret ballot by a majority of the assembly for another five years. German presidents are elected by special assemblies comprising lawmakers and hundreds of other prominent citizens.