1. A ‘2,100-Year-Old Farmstead’ was recently discovered in which country?
[A] China
[B] Greece
[C] Israel
[D] United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Israel]
Notes:
Israel archaeologists have recently found a 2,100-Year-Old ancient farmstead at the archaeological site of Horbat Assad in Israel.
They also unearthed loom weights used for weaving garments, large ceramic storage vessels, and iron agricultural implements, including various picks and scythes. The ancient coins retrieved date the farmstead to the second half of the second century BCE.
2. ‘Gen-Next Democracy Network’ is a programme organised by which institution?
[A] Indian Council for Cultural Relations
[B] NASSCOM
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Observer Research Foundation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Council for Cultural Relations]
Notes:
Indian Council for Cultural Relations organised a ten days programme named ‘Gen-Next Democracy Network’ concluded.
Under the Gen Next Democracy Network programme, Youth from various democratic countries come to India and get acquainted with India’s heritage, culture and functioning of Indian democracy. ICCR is an autonomous organisation involved in India’s global cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other countries.
3. Which company took over Ford’s passenger vehicle manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat?
[A] Ola
[B] Tata Motors
[C] Mahindra and Mahindra
[D] Hyundai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tata Motors]
Notes:
Tata Motors’ subsidiary Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (TPEML) signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ford India and Government of Gujarat to take over Ford’s passenger vehicle manufacturing plant at Sanand.
Tata Motors’ subsidiary TPEML can manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) at Ford India’s Sanand plant, located in the state of Gujarat.
4. Which state/UT hosted the ‘National Conference of School Education Ministers’ in 2022?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] New Delhi
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the ‘National Conference of School Education Ministers’ in Gujarat.
The Conference was organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy of Union Education Ministry and Education Ministry of Gujarat. It aims to focus on strengthening the education ecosystem in the country with a focus on the implementation of National Education Policy 2020, skilling in schools, and digital initiatives.
5. The Union Cabinet expanded the scope of Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to allow which entity to register as buyers?
[A] Post Offices
[B] Cooperative Societies
[C] Small Finance Banks
[D] Common Service Centres
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cooperative Societies]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet expanded the scope of the public procurement portal Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to allow cooperative societies to register as buyers.
This would help cooperatives in getting competitive prices through an open and transparent process. Over 8,54,000 registered cooperatives and their 270 million members will be benefitted. The registration of cooperatives as buyers was not covered within the existing mandate of GeM, so far.
6. Which country announced USD 700 million worth security assistance to Ukraine?
[A] Italy
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA]
Notes:
United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced the authorization of a security assistance valued at up to USD 700 million.
The assistance has been announced to meet critical Ukrainian needs for its fight. This authorization is the eleventh drawdown of equipment from the country for Ukraine since August 2021. The United States has now committed USD 5.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.
7. India signed a ‘Vision statement for defence cooperation’ with which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Israel
[C] Italy
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Israel]
Notes:
India and Israel adopted a ‘Vision statement’ for strengthening defence cooperation in future. The statement marked 30 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Israeli counterpart held bilateral talks in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed defence cooperation and the global and regional defence scenario. Israel recently signed the instrument of ratification of the International Solar Alliance.
8. Bhajan Sopori, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Business
[C] Music
[D] Politics
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Music]
Notes:
Santoor maestro Bhajan Sopori, also called as the ‘saint of santoor’ and ‘King of strings’ passed away recently at the age of 73.
The veteran musician received multiple awards throughout his career, including the Padma Shri in 2004, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992 and the Jammu and Kashmir State Lifetime Achievement Award.
9. Which country launched its manned mission to its Tiangong Space station?
[A] Japan
[B] Israel
[C] China
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China successfully launched its third manned mission to its new space station, sending three astronauts to continue construction work for six months.
China’s Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the Shenzhou-14 spacecraft was launched by a Long March 2F rocket. The team will live and work at the Tiangong Space Station’s Tianhe core module for six months.
10. Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), which was seen in the news recently, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
The forest department of Bihar has recently established an elephant rescue centre at Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) to rehabilitate stray and injured elephants.
The reserve is located in Bihar’s West Champaran district, with Nepal to its north and Uttar Pradesh to its west. In the last few years, several elephants stray into the reserve from the neighbouring Chitwan National Park in Nepal.