1. ‘Gateway to the Underworld’ is an artefact belonging to which country?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Mexico
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mexico]
Notes:
The ancient Olmec artefact known as “Gateway to the Underworld” has been returned to Mexico from the US five decades after it was stolen.
The piece, officially known as Monument 9 of Chalcatzingo, is considered Mexico’s most sought-after piece from the ancient Olmec civilization.
2. Which institution released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units?
[A] NGT
[B] CPCB
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] NAEB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CPCB]
Notes:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units.
The guidelines are based on the recommendations of the New Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment. CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. Which Union Ministry has granted Rs 45.34 crore to Unani medicine research and development bodies?
[A] Ministry of AYUSH
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Minority Affairs
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Minority Affairs]
Notes:
Unani or Arabian medicine is a comprehensive approach to promoting natural healing and overall wellness, originating from ancient Greek principles developed millennia ago.
For the first time, the Minority Affairs Ministry granted Rs 45.34 crore to two Unani medicine research and development bodies under the AYUSH ministry.
4. Which state is set to develop the Konark Sun Temple Complex?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Chhattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government has recently decided to develop the Konark Sun Temple Complex with an outlay of Rs.209 crore.
It will be developed as part of the Konark Heritage Area Development Plan (KHADP), under the Integrated Development of Heritage & Monuments and Tourist Destination Scheme.
5. Which country has granted approval to include TOEFL test as a valid option for Student Direct Stream program?
[A] China
[B] Canada
[C] Australia
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Canada]
Notes:
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has granted approval to include TOEFL test scores as a valid option for the Student Direct Stream program in Canada.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program designed to accelerate the processing of study permit applications for international students intending to enroll in designated learning institutions for post-secondary education in Canada.
6. Which institution has set up a Committee to Implement Rare Diseases Policy?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Delhi High Court
[C] BIS
[D] IRDAI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Delhi High Court]
Notes:
The Delhi High Court has recently set up a five-member committee to implement the rare diseases policy formulated by the Indian government.
It will ensure seamless coordination between the medical community, the providers of therapies for rare diseases and Governmental agencies.
7. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO)’?
[A] Ministry of Electronics & IT
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Electronics & IT]
Notes:Ministry of Electronics & IT launched pilot project on Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO).
Revenue potential from outsourced repair likely to be USD 20 billion in next 5 years and also generate millions of jobs. The pilot is being held in Bengaluru and will be run for a period of three months.
8. Which country introduced a category-based selection for Express Entry immigration management program?
[A] USA
[B] Canada
[C] Australia
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Canada]
Notes:
Canada has introduced a new category-based selection system for its economic immigration management program, Express Entry.
This year, priority will be given to candidates with a high proficiency in French or work experience in fields such as healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture/agri-food.
9. 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.
10. Which space agency confirmed that an alien signal has been beamed to the Earth from Mars for the first time?
[A] ISRO
[B] ESA
[C] NASA
[D] JAXA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ESA]
Notes:
European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed that an alien signal has been beamed to Earth from Mars for the first time.
The Trace Gas Orbiter, an ESA spacecraft orbiting Mars, transmitted a signal and it was received by the four telescopes/ stations. The transmission is part of “A Sign in Space” project, which is an interdisciplinary project by media artist Daniela de Paulis.