11. A rare low-altitude basalt plateau in the Western Ghats has been discovered in which state?
[A] Goa
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune have found a rare low-altitude basalt plateau in the Western Ghats.
This new plateau found by ARI team in Thane, Maharashtra could hold clues to how plant species globally survive climate change.
12. Sports For All (SFA) sporting services joined as the powered-by sponsor of which event?
[A] Women U-19 World cup
[B] Khelo India Youth Games
[C] FIH Women’s Hockey
[D] Khelo India University Games
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Khelo India Youth Games]
Notes:
Sports For All (SFA), India-based multi-sport tech driven competition organisers, joined Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) mission as a powered-by sponsor for the next five years.
Through this partnership, SFA will invest ₹12.5 crores over the next five years to contribute in developing India’s sporting culture.
13. Which is the first Asian country to receive financing under Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) of the IMF?
[A] India
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Pakistan
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board approved a total of USD 4.7 billion loan for Bangladesh.
It includes USD 3.3 billion under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and USD 1.4 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Bangladesh is the first country in Asia to receive financing under the RSF.
14. What is the sanctioned judicial strength of the Supreme Court of India?
[A] 25
[B] 28
[C] 30
[D] 34
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [34]
Notes:
The five-member Supreme Court collegium led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud recommended to the government two High Court Chief Justices for appointment as apex court judges.
The Supreme Court has seven vacancies now while it has a sanctioned judicial strength of 34. The central government is expected to clear the names of three high court chief justices and two HC judges. With this, the working strength of the Supreme Court will go up to 32. Currently, it is 27.
15. Which country emerged as the India’s third largest exports destination after the US and UAE during April-December 2022?
[A] Netherlands
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Netherlands]
Notes:
Netherlands emerged as India’s third largest exports destination after the US and UAE during April-December 2022.
The change is due to a surge in shipment of goods such as petroleum products, electronic items, chemicals, and aluminium goods. India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands has also increased from USD 1.5 billion in 2017 to USD 12.3 billion in 2022.
16. ‘VAYAM RAKSHAMAH (We Protect) is the motto of which armed force?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indian Coast Guard]
Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard celebrated its 47th anniversary of its distinguished service’ to the nation. Its motto is ‘VAYAM RAKSHAMAH’ meaning ‘We Protect’.
The Indian Coast Guard over these four and half decades has been patrolling the country’s maritime border. It stands tall as the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world.
17. Dholavira, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Gujarat
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
Dholavira is believed to have been occupied around 3500 BC (pre-Harappan) till around 1800 BC. It was also named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021.
The first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting will be held in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. During the occasion, delegates will be taken on an excursion to Dholavira, the southern centre of the Harappan Civilisation. Representatives from United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and International Labour Organisation (ILO) will also participate in the meeting.
18. ‘Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan’ who were seen in the news, are the eminent artists from which country?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Eminent artists Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan will be honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for their contribution to the film Industry in Bangladesh.
This was announced in the National Film Awards 2021 recently announced in the country. Lal Moroger Jhuti (Call of the Red Rooster) and Nona Joler Kabbo (The Salt in our waters) will be jointly awarded in the Best Film Category.
19. As per the Union Budget 2023, what is the per capita income in India, as of date?
[A] Rs 4.15 lakh per annum
[B] Rs 3.75 lakh per annum
[C] Rs 2.55 lakh per annum
[D] Rs 1.97 lakh per annum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rs 1.97 lakh per annum]
Notes:
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech that the per capita income in India has more than doubled to ₹ 1.97 lakh over the past nine years.
The EPFO membership has more than doubled to 27 crore. She also announced that the government made cash transfer of ₹2.2 lakh crore under the PM-KISAN scheme.
20. Which state/UT Child Rights body launched its WhatsApp chatbot for more effective interaction?
[A] Odisha
[B] Telangana
[C] New Delhi
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) launched its WhatsApp chatbot for more effective interaction.
The chatbot will be used for complaint registration, searching information, and tracking complaint status. It will be used by the commission for nudge-based awareness communications to children, women, Anganwadi workers, etc.