21. Which state topped the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data with highest disposal rate of cases of crime against women?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Bihar
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offenses (ITSSO) was launched in 2019 by the Central Government to monitor police investigations of sexual assault cases. It is currently operated by the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau).
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest disposal rate of 97.6 percent, as it disposed of over 74,000 cases against 75,800 cases registered in relation to crime against women.
22. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is prevalently found in which Indian state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
As per the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade database, 28 incidents of Red Sanders confiscation, seizure, and specimen were exported from India.
These consignments were exported to China (53.5%), Hong Kong (25.0%), Singapore (17.8%) and the United States of America (3.5%) from 2016 to 2020. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) or red sandalwood, is an endemic tree species with distribution restricted to the Eastern Ghats of India and is found in Andhra Pradesh.
23. Which Indian state/UT proposed the Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE)?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Sikkim
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE) is a zoo that is being proposed by the state government of Rajasthan.
It is set to be established within the Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site also known as the Bharatpur bird sanctuary. The WESCE will display a range of wetland species like water buffaloes, dolphins, crocodiles, and others.
24. Which country is the host of the ‘International Marine Protected Areas Congress’ in 2023?
[A] Canada
[B] Australia
[C] Chile
[D] Argentina
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Canada]
Notes:
Experts at the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress in Canada have recommended the setting up of Marine Protected Areas.
Marine protected areas are regions in the ocean where human activities are regulated by the government. These protected areas are set up to address issues such as pollution, litter, overfishing, and climate change.
25. What is the expansion of ‘GLOFs’, which are sudden and powerful releases of water?
[A] Global Level Outburst Floods
[B] Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
[C] Glacier Local Outburst Floods
[D] Geological Lake Outburst Floods
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Glacial Lake Outburst Floods]
Notes:
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, or GLOFs, are sudden and powerful releases of water from glacial lakes due to the failure of a dam made of glacial materials.
GLOFs are dangerous in mountainous areas, where they can lead to flash floods, landslides, and other environmental risks. According to a new study, over 3 million individuals in India are at risk from GLOF.
26. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Digital Payments Utsav’?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Notes:
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, launched a comprehensive campaign plan, ‘Digital Payments Utsav, in New Delhi.
Digital Payments Utsav, has been planned this year to promote Digital Payments across the country and to celebrate the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and G20 Presidency. Digital Payment Sandesh Yatra was also flagged off to make citizens aware of digital payment solutions. DigiDhan awards were presented to banks that perform well in digital payments.
27. Which Indian state implements the ‘Pudumai Penn’ scholarship scheme for girl students?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched phase 2 of the ‘Pudumai Penn’ scheme, a scholarship scheme for girl students, in Chennai.
The scheme involves the distribution of a scholarship amount of ₹1,000 per month to girl students pursuing their higher studies after completing their schooling at a government school. The scholarship is provided through the Social Welfare Department.
28. ‘Smart Cities Mission’ is an initiative of which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
Smart Cities Mission is the Indian Government’s urban renewal program that seeks to create sustainable and citizen-centric smart cities.
It is being implemented by the Union Ministry of Housing Urban Affairs in collaboration with the state governments. As many as 22 smart cities are expected to complete all projects under the Smart Cities Mission. The remaining 78 smart cities under this mission are expected to complete their projects in the next 3 to 4 months.
29. ‘Presidents’ Day’ which was seen in the news, is associated with which country?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] Brazil
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday in the US that is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year.
The holiday is a tribute to past US presidents, particularly George Washington, who was born on February 22. The significance of the holiday is to pay tribute to the leaders who have served the country.
30. Which planet has the highest number of moons, as of 2023?
[A] Saturn
[B] Jupiter
[C] Mars
[D] Venus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jupiter]
Notes:
Jupiter recently became the planet with the most moons, after a dozen new moons were discovered around it. The planet has surpassed Saturn with its list of 92 moons in all.
The spacecraft, dubbed Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer or Juice, has arrived at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. It is a new mission from Earth is ready to explore the planet’s biggest moons and will be launched in April this year.