1. RBI has recently sanctioned the merger of which Co-op banks?
[A] Cosmos Co-op and Maratha Co-op
[B] Saraswat Co-op and Cosmos Co-op
[C] Bharat Co-op and Maratha Co-op
[D] SVC Bank and Maratha Co-op
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cosmos Co-op and Maratha Co-op]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned the merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank.
The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. All branches of Maratha Sahakari Bank will function as branches of The Cosmos Co-operative Bank.
2. What is ‘Gomphonema rajaguruii’, which was discovered recently?
[A] Algae
[B] Bacteria
[C] Fungi
[D] Virus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Algae]
Notes:
Gomphonema rajaguruii is a newly discovered species of oxygen-supplying algae. It is named after a veteran geo-archaeologist, the late Professor S N Rajaguru.
Gomphonema rajaguruii is a freshwater diatom species. The finding is unique because it shows the characteristics of two genus — Gomphonema and Gomphoneis.
3. Which institutions released the ‘Hunger Hotspots –Early warnings on acute food insecurity’ report?
[A] World Bank- IMF
[B] IMF- WEF
[C] FAO- WFP
[D] WHO- FAO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [FAO- WFP]
Notes:
A new report titled “Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity” was released recently.
According to this report, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar are among the hunger hotspots in the world. Acute food insecurity can potentially increase in magnitude and severity for 18 areas in 22 countries.
4. Which Asian country joined the ‘Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN)’?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] India
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India recently joined the Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) to test vaccines during pandemic and epidemics. This network currently has 15 partner facilities in 13 countries.
CLN is a part of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Network is the largest global group which has standardised methods and materials for testing.
5. Shanan hydropower project is situated in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The British-era 110 MW Shanan hydropower project is situated at Jogindernagar in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
Commissioned in 1932, the Shanan hydroelectric powerhouse was built under a 99-year lease. Its lease is being disputed between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh governments.
6. Which Indian chess player defeated Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess blitz tournament?
[A] R Praggnananda
[B] D Gukesh
[C] Nihal Sarin
[D] Arjun Erigaisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [D Gukesh]
Notes:
Indian chess player Gukesh defeats Magnus Carlsen in 97 moves in the Norway Chess blitz tournament.
Gukesh was mentioned by Carlsen last year as the one to watch out for. Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov (6 points) won the title by beating Gukesh (2.5) in the final round while Magnus Carlsen (4.5) finished seventh.
7. Which Union Ministry notified ‘New Rules for Anti-Tobacco Warnings on OTT platforms’?
[A] Union Health Ministry
[B] Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry
[C] Union Communication Ministry
[D] Union MSME Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Union Health Ministry]
Notes:
The Central government has recently notified new norms for anti-tobacco warnings on OTT platforms.
These rules mandate OTT platforms to carry anti-tobacco warning messages. The Union Health Ministry notification amended the rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2004.
8. Which country has approved ‘Debt Ceiling Deal’ to raise the government’s borrowing limit?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] USA
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA]
Notes:
The US Congress has approved the debt ceiling deal to raise the government’s borrowing limit and thwarting a potentially catastrophic default on US debt repayments.
It will allow the federal government to borrow money until after the next presidential election in November 2024. The agreement keeps non-defence spending flat next year, with a 1% rise in 2025.
9. Which country unveiled the ‘Obstetric Fistula Strategic Plan’?
[A] India
[B] Zambia
[C] Malaysia
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zambia]
Notes:
Obstetric fistula is a health condition characterized by the formation of an opening between the passage through which a baby is delivered and the urinary or digestive system.
Zamibia recently unveiled the Obstetric Fistula Strategic Plan for the period 2022 to 2026. On May 23, Zambia commemorated International Day for Elimination of Obstetric Fistula with theme “20 years on — progress but not enough! Act Now to End Fistula by 2030”. As of 2018, more than 33,000 women and girls were affected in the country.
10. Which country approved a Law to Tackle Loneliness and Social Isolation?
[A] Israel
[B] Ukraine
[C] Japan
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Notes:
The Japanese Parliament Diet’s upper chamber recently approved a legislation to tackle loneliness and social isolation. It will come to effect on April 1 next year.
In a survey conducted by the government in 2022 for people age 16 or over nationwide, 40.3% of all respondents said that they had felt lonely.