21. What is the name of the exercise between National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF)?
[A] VIKAS
[B] TARKASH
[C] BHIM
[D] VIRAT
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [TARKASH]
Notes:
The TARKASH exercise is a joint bilateral exercise between India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF).
The sixth edition of this exercise is being held in Chennai from January 16 to February 14. This is the first time that the ‘Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) terror response’ is included in TARKASH.
22. 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.
23. ‘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.
24. The Union Ministry of Mines announced that lithium reserves were found for the first time in which state/UT?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Mines announced that lithium reserves have been found in Jammu and Kashmir, a first in the country.
The Geological Survey of India established 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir. This could boost the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries for electric cars, smartphones, and laptops and cut India’s dependence on lithium imports.
25. Which company launched India’s First drone air traffic management system?
[A] Garuda
[B] Drona
[C] Skye Air
[D] Pixxel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Skye Air]
Notes:
Skye Air, a Gurugram-based drone solutions provider, launched traffic management system for drones in India.
The software was launched in the presence of Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari. It will allow drone operators to plan routes, make flight plans and assess risks before running drone-based operations in the country.
26. Which app has been India’s most accessible app for persons with disabilities, in a recent report?
[A] Zomato
[B] WhatsApp
[C] PayTm
[D] Bhim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [WhatsApp]
Notes:
WhatsApp has been named India’s most accessible app for persons with disabilities in a report titled ‘Making the Digital Ecosystem Disabled Friendly’.
The report was released by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, which evaluated accessibility features of messaging, online payments, transport, e-commerce, and food delivery. WhatsApp was the only app rated as ‘highly accessible’ based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
27. Brigadier B D Mishra (retired) has been appointed as the Governor/L-G of which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] West Bengal
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Ladakh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ladakh]
Notes:
President of India Droupadi Murmu appointed governors in 12 states and a Union Territory while accepting the resignation of two Governors namely Maharashtra’s Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Ladakh’s Radha Krishnan Mathur.
Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais is now Governor of Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh governor Brigadier B D Mishra (retired) has been appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
28. What is the theme of the 14th edition of Aero India Event held in 2023?
[A] The runway to a billion opportunities
[B] Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence
[C] Make in India, Make for the World’
[D] New India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The runway to a billion opportunities]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show ‘Aero India 2023’ in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
It was organised for five days on the theme ‘The runway to a billion opportunities’, by displaying India’s growth in aerospace and defence capabilities. The Defence Minister also hosted Defence Ministers’ Conclave, where Defence Ministers of friendly foreign countries participated.
29. Aksai Chin remains a disputed area between China and which country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] India
[C] Nepal
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
China announced that i will begin work on its ambitious new railway line connecting Xinjiang and Tibet.
The railway line is also running close to the LAC and through the disputed region of Aksai Chin, according to the new railway plan. Aksai Chin remains a disputed area between India and China for a long time. The proposed railway line is considered as a threat to India’s sovereignty, despite claims from Beijing that the new construction is civilian in nature.
30. 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.