21. ‘High Mobility Artillery Rocket System’ (HIMARS) is manufactured by which country?
[A] France
[B] Israel
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA]
Notes:
The US State Department gave the nod for the sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers to Poland.
The HIMARS and the related equipment will be sold to Poland at a cost of around USD 10 billion. HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a type of artillery system that can fire long-range rockets with pinpoint accuracy. It has been used in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
22. 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.
23. Which famous personality launched the ‘Global Climate Resilience Fund – USD 50 mn fund for women’?
[A] Melinda Gates
[B] Hillary Clinton
[C] Jeff Bezos
[D] Elon Musk
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hillary Clinton]
Notes:
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton announced a Global Climate Resilience Fund of 50 million dollars for women to fight climate change.
She announced the fund while addressing salt pan workers near Kuda village in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The fund will empower women and communities to fight climate change and help provide new livelihood resources and education.
24. As per a UNSC report, which country stole more cryptocurrency assets to support its ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programmes?
[A] North Korea
[B] USA
[C] Australia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [North Korea]
Notes:
North Korea stole more cryptocurrency assets in 2022 than in any other year, as per a recent report by United Nations.
As per the report, most of the money stolen was used to support its ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programmes. North Korea-linked hackers stole virtual assets worth USD 630 million while its cyber currency heist stood at USD 1 billion.
25. What is the rank of India in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021?
[A] First
[B] Third
[C] Fifth
[D] Seventh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fifth]
Notes:
India’s national accreditation system ranked fifth in the world in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021.
The GQII ranks the 184 economies in the world on the basis of the quality infrastructure (QI). India’s overall QI system ranking continues to be in the 10th position, with the standardization system (under BIS) at 9th and the metrology system (under NPL-CSIR) at 21st position in the world.
26. 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.
27. Hericium erinaceus, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Mushroom
[B] Cotton
[C] Apple
[D] Dragon Plant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mushroom]
Notes:
Hericium erinaceus, also known as lion’s mane mushroom, is an edible mushroom found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Researchers have recently identified a new active compound in the lion’s mane mushroom. This compound is found to be capable of boosting nerve growth and enhancing the memory capacity. This may have a potential to counter Alzheimer’s disease.
28. ‘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.
29. Which institution recently released guidelines on climate risk and sustainable finance?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] RBI
[C] SEBI
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RBI]
Notes:
Based on analysis of feedback received from the discussion paper on Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines to regulated entities.
The guidelines consist of a broad framework for acceptance of green deposits, disclosure frameworks on climate-related financial risks and guidance on climate scenario analysis and stress testing.
30. Saur Revolution, which was seen in the news, is associated with which country?
[A] USA
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Afghanistan]
Notes:
The Saur Revolution was launched by the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) in 1978 to overthrow Afghan president Mohammed Daoud Khan, who had set up an autocratic one-party system. This socialist revolution is also known as the April Revolution.
The Saur Revolution led to the creation of a socialist Afghan government that was closely aligned to the USSR.