21. ‘PM KUSUM’ Scheme is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of New and Renewable Energy]
Notes:
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) Scheme for farmers for installation of solar pumps and grid connected solar and other renewable power plants.
Recently, the Central government has set the target for replacing diesel with renewable energy in the agricultural sector by 2024.
22. The new Group ‘A’ Central service ‘IRMS’ stands for?
[A] Indian Recruitment Management System
[B] Indian Railway Management System
[C] Indian Regional Management System
[D] Indian Research Management System
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Railway Management System]
Notes:
The Indian Railways has notified the Indian Railway Management System (IRMS) which will unify the eight existing services of the transporter.
IRMS is a new Group ‘A’ Central service and only the officers of IRMS will be eligible to become the functional members and chairman/CEO of the railway board.
23. Which Indian Armed Force has commenced RFID tagging of its ammunition inventory?
[A] Indian Navy
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Indian Army
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Army]
Notes:
The Indian Army has recently commenced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging of its ammunition inventory.
This will lead to increased efficiency in technical activities and reduce inventory carrying costs. The first consignment of RFID tagged ammunition was despatched from Ammunition Factory Khadki to Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) Pulgaon.
24. Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) functions under the aegis of which institution?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Commerce
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Finance]
Notes:
The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) is a government printing and minting agency. It functions under the Ministry of Finance.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the first colour souvenir coin on ‘Panchtantra’ on the occasion of 17th foundation day of Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL).
25. The Chief Justice of which neighbouring country of India has faced “impeachment” procedure?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Nepal
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Cholendra Shumsher Rana became the second Chief Justice of Nepal to face ‘impeachment’ procedure in Parliament in seven years over allegations of corruption
The Chief Justice Rana has been suspended pending final disposal of the case, and Dipak Karki, the senior most Judge in the Supreme Court has taken over as the acting Chief Justice.
26. Ministry of Defence signed a contract with which company to develop a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS)?
[A] DRDO
[B] HAL
[C] NewSpace Research & Technologies
[D] Skyroot Aerospace
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NewSpace Research & Technologies]
Notes:
The Ministry of Defence has signed up a design and development contract with NewSpace Research & Technologies, to develop a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS).
The Bengaluru-based company was mentored under the ministry’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. The HAPS aims to conduct surveillance operations and support communications by staying airborne for months.
27. Which is the first institution set up under the National river interlinking policy?
[A] Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority
[B] Kaveri-Godavari Link Project Authority
[C] Godavari-Krishna Link Project Authority
[D] Narmada-Tapi Link Project Authority
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority]
Notes:
The Central Government has constituted the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority to implement the first initiative under the national river interlinking policy.
The policy seeks to bring nearly 11 lakh hectares of land under irrigation in the Bundelkhand region spanning between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. KBLPA will be headed by a CEO at the level of additional secretary to the Government of India and assisted by five additional CEOs.
28. Asteroid (130) Elektra, which was seen in the news, is known for which feature?
[A] First quadruple asteroid
[B] Largest Asteroid
[C] Nearest Asteroid to Earth
[D] Hottest Asteroid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First quadruple asteroid]
Notes:
Astronomers have recently discovered a third moon orbiting the main-belt asteroid (130) Elektra, making it the first ‘Quadruple Asteroid’ ever found.
(130) Elektra is a large main-belt asteroid, first discovered in 1873 by Litchfield Observatory astronomers. It has an effective diameter of 199 km. The discovery of first quadruple asteroid system will help in understanding the mechanisms of the formation of these satellites.
29. Which Ministry of India organised the ‘International workshop on combating marine pollution’ with Australia and Singapore?
[A] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[B] Ministry of Earth Science
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Coal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Earth Science]
Notes:
The Government of India, in partnership with the Government of Australia and the Government of Singapore, conducted an international workshop on combating marine pollution focusing on marine plastic debris.
The sessions involved panel discussions to encourage discussion amongst participants from East Asia Summit countries. Ministry of Earth Science organised the workshop.
30. Which is the birthplace of Guru Ravidas?
[A] Amritsar
[B] Varanasi
[C] Patna
[D] Ahmedabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Varanasi]
Notes:
Guru Ravidas was an Indian mystic, poet and social reformer who made remarkable contributions in the form of devotional songs, verses, spiritual teachings during the Bhakti movement.
February 16 is marking the celebration of 645th birth anniversary of the Guru. It is observed as Guru Ravidas Jayanti all across the nation. He was born in 1377 C.E. in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He actively opposed the caste system and promoted communal harmony.