21. When is the ‘International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation’ observed?
[A] February 1
[B] February 2
[C] February 4
[D] February 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [February 6]
Notes:
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed on February 6 each year to raise global awareness about the issue concerning the female genital mutilation (FGM).
This day was established in 2003 after the Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation officially declared “Zero Tolerance to FGM” in Africa on February 6.
22. Erzincan earthquake occurred in which country in 1939?
[A] USA
[B] Turkey
[C] Japan
[D] Philippines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Turkey]
Notes:
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the earthquake that hit Gaziantep in southern Turkey was the country’s worst disaster since 1939 Erzincan earthquake.
The 1939 Erzincan earthquake resulted in the deaths of around 33,000 individuals. It was caused by the movement of the North Anatolian Fault Zone, which resulted in a quake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. This earthquake caused damage to the Erzincan Plain and the Kelkit River Valley.
23. Which state budget announced a road map for setting up green hydrogen hubs with outlay of Rs 200 crores?
[A] Telangana
[B] Kerala
[C] Assam
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The Budget presented by Kerala announced a road map for setting up green hydrogen hubs in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in the next two years.
A scheme of ₹200 crore has been announced for viability gap funding/grant/equity support to set up the green hydrogen hubs. An amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked additionally for the purpose in the Budget.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. PK Rosy, who was honoured in the Google Doodle, was the first actress in which language?
[A] Tamil
[B] Malayalam
[C] Kannada
[D] Telugu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malayalam]
Notes:
PK Rosy, was the first actress in Malayalam cinema. She is famed for defying gender and social norms by acting in a film.
On her 120th birth anniversary, she was honored with a Google Doodle. PK Rosy belonged to a Dalit subcaste and learnt the traditional Kakkarissi Nattakam. Her debut film was Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child, 1928).
27. Which country launched ‘Operation Dost’ to extend assistance to Turkey and Syria after the massive earthquake?
[A] Pakistan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India launched ‘Operation Dost’ to extend assistance to Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquake.
The seventh ‘Operation Dost’ flight reached earthquake-hit Syria with over 23 tons of relief material. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the flight is carrying more than 35 tons of relief material, of which over 23 tons is headed for relief efforts in Syria, and around 12 tons to Turkey.
28. Which Union Ministry launched the Mission Antyodaya Survey (MAS) 2022-23?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Rural Development]
Notes:
Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh recently inaugurated Mission Antyodaya Survey (MAS) 2022-23.
The objectives of the scheme are- conducting an annual survey at the Gram Panchayat level to monitor the progress in the development process in rural areas, Panchayat wise ranking and making Gap report, which serves as an important input for the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
29. 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.
30. What is the theme of the ‘World Radio Day 2023’?
[A] Sustainability in Radio
[B] Radio and Peace
[C] Free Press
[D] Independent Journalism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Radio and Peace]
Notes:
World Radio Day is observed on February 13 to raise global awareness about the importance of radio as a medium of mass communication.
UNESCO declared this day to commemorate the establishment of the United Nations Radio in 1946. The theme for the year 2023 is ‘Radio and Peace’. It highlights the radio’s role as an independent medium of peacemaking. The subthemes for this day are ‘Support for Independent Radio’ and ‘Radio in Conflict Prevention and Peace-building’.