11. Which state/UT recently joined the free rice scheme of the Centre under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Telangana
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Telangana government has decided to join the free rice scheme of the Centre under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The Central scheme aims to supply five kgs of rice per head per month in a family to 54.44 lakh NFSA cardholders in the State. The State government will extend the scheme to an additional 35.52 lakh cardholders at its own cost.
12. The ‘Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS)’ has been inaugurated in which state’s airport?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Goa
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa]
Notes:
Union Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane, inaugurated Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS) at MOPA (GOA) International airport.
ITRS is an Artificial Intelligence-based fully automatic machine that helps in providing enhanced passenger security with advanced screening technology. It is equipped with image analysis software with advanced tools to take correct decisions against baggages.
13. Afghanistan signed agreement with which country’s company to extract oil from Amu Darya basin?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] China
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
The ruling Taliban has signed a deal with a Chinese company to extract oil from northern Afghanistan’s Amu Darya basin.
The agreement is the first major international energy extraction deal the Taliban signed since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021.
14. Which institution recently developed macro/microporous ionic organic material to remove pollutants from water?
[A] IIIT Hyderabad
[B] IISc Bengaluru
[C] IISER Pune
[D] IIT Madras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IISER Pune]
Notes:
A team of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune has designed a unique molecular sponge-like material, which can swiftly clean polluted water by soaking up sinister contaminants.
The macro/microporous ionic organic framework can remove the pollutants that are direct threat to humanity and living organisms.
15. Chirag Ghropade, who was seen in the news, plays which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Motor Racing
[C] Weight Lifting
[D] Archery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Motor Racing]
Notes:
Bengaluru’s Chirag Ghropade, a 17-year-old racing driver has recently won his second race of the season.
In the Indian National Car Racing Championship, he surpassed Sai Sanjay and Mohammed Ryan.
16. Which institution launched the ‘Portal for mapping of Industrial Units and Laboratories’
[A] DPIIT
[B] BIS
[C] FICCI
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [BIS]
Notes:
On the 76th Foundation Day of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the portal for mapping of Industrial Units and Laboratories was launched.
Commerce and Industry Ministry also launched standards clubs in schools, Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022-27, revised National Building Code of India (NBC 2016) and National Electrical Code of India 2023.
17. Which state/UT imposed a ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] New Delhi
[C] West Bengal
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
Delhi government announced imposition of a temporary ban on plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the national capital.
The decision was in view of the worsening air quality, as it reached the severe category owning to unfavourable meteorological conditions including clam winds and low temperatures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed to implement anti-pollution curbs.
18. Which song from an Indian film won Golden Globe award 2023 for Best Original Song?
[A] Marenge Toh Wahin Jaakar
[B] Naatu Naatu
[C] Pasoori
[D] Kalakatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Naatu Naatu]
Notes:
Indian film RRR’s song Natu Natu has won the prestigious Golden Globe award for Best Original Song.
The track from the director SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster movie is composed by MM Keeravani. Natu Natu left behind Taylor Swift’s “Carolina” from Where the Crawdads Sing, “Ciao Papa” from Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick, and “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, performed by Rihanna.
19. ‘Nidhi Apke Nikat’ is the outreach program conducted by which institution?
[A] IRDAI
[B] PFRDA
[C] EPFO
[D] RBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [EPFO]
Notes:
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) conducts ‘Nidhi Apke Nikat’ outreach program on 10th of every month in all field offices.
It aims to expand its reach and attract more participation. Bhavishya Nidhi Adalat, which was a grievance redressal mechanism of EPFO has been renamed as Nidhi Aapke Nikat.
20. What is the new name of the new Integrated Food Security Scheme?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana
[B] Pradhan Mantri Antodaya Ann Yojana
[C] Pradhan Mantri Ann Raksha Yojana
[D] Pradhan Mantri Vikas Yojana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana]
Notes:
The Centre has named the new Integrated Food Security Scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, PMGKAY.
The Union Cabinet had approved new integrated food security scheme for providing free foodgrains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries.