21. What is the target of All-India coal production up to 2023-24?
[A] 20 million tonne
[B] 50 million tonne
[C] 1.2 billion tonne
[D] 5.2 billion tonne
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1.2 billion tonne]
Notes:
Ministry of Coal announced that a target of all India coal production of 1.2 billion tonne up to the year 2023-24 has been fixed.
The Union government launched Single Window Clearance portal in 2021 for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. It is a unified platform that assists for clearances and approvals required for starting a coal mine in India.
22. Australia has recently designated which species as ‘Endangered’?
[A] Panda
[B] Koala
[C] Kangaroo
[D] Sloth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Koala]
Notes:
Australia has recently designated the koala an endangered species, which was classified as vulnerable only 10 years ago.
The impact of prolonged drought, summer bushfires, and the cumulative impacts of disease, urbanisation and habitat loss over the last twenty years have led to the decision. From now, Koalas will be provided with greater protection under Australia’s national environment law.
23. ‘Roadmap to 2025’ is a part of India’s partnership with which country/bloc?
[A] USA
[B] EU
[C] Japan
[D] ASEAN
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [EU]
Notes:
The seventh round of India-EU consultations on disarmament and non-proliferation matters was held in a virtual format.
The consultations are part of dialogue mechanisms under the ‘Roadmap to 2025’ for further strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
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. When is the ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ observed every year?
[A] February 6
[B] February 8
[C] February 11
[D] February 14
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [February 11]
Notes:
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed every year on 11 February. The United Nations calls for women’s full and equal access to and participation in science.
The day also celebrates those that are leading action and innovation around the world. As per UN Women, only 33 per cent of researchers are women, and they are awarded less research funding than men, and are less likely to be promoted.
26. Which space agency has released the first visible light images of the surface of Venus from space?
[A] ESA
[B] JAXA
[C] NASA
[D] CNA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NASA]
Notes:
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has captured its first visible light images of the surface of Venus from space.
Parker used its Wide-Field Imager (WISPR) to image the entire night side in wavelengths of the visible spectrum and extending into the near-infrared. Venus’ surface is usually hidden from sight as it is covered in thick clouds.
27. Mount Etna, which erupted recently, is located in which country?
[A] Philippines
[B] Italy
[C] Indonesia
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Italy]
Notes:
Mount Etna is an active strato-volcano located on the east coast of Sicily in Italy. Recently, the volcano has erupted causing a volcanic storm.
Volcanic storms can happen in particularly violent eruptions or with volcanoes located near the sea. Volcanologists observed volcanic lightning over the Mount Etna in 2021, after the one witnessed in 2015.
28. 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.
29. Hippocrates is a great philosopher and physician from which country?
[A] Greece
[B] Germany
[C] Italy
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greece]
Notes:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has suggested to medical colleges that the traditional Hippocratic Oath be replaced by a “Charak Shapath”.
Charak is considered as the father of Ayurveda in India. The Hippocratic Oath dates back to the Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates. It forms the foundation of modern medicine and is used in graduation ceremonies in many medical colleges.
30. Ministry of Electronics and IT ban applications prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, under which act?
[A] Information Technology Act
[B] Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
[C] COFEPOSA Act
[D] Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Information Technology Act]
Notes:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently recommended a ban on 54 Chinese mobile applications, including the popular game Garena Free Fire.
In 2020, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) banned TikTok and other popular short video apps from China. MeitY banned these apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which states that the government has the “Power to issue directions for interception or monitoring or decryption of any information through any computer resource.”