1. Which Asian country released its ‘National Climate Research agenda’?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Nepal
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India’s National Climate Research agenda was released during the inauguration of the 2-day International Climate Research Conclave. It was organised at Department of Science and Technology’s Centre of Excellence in Climate Studies at IIT Bombay.
Its aim is to coordinate national efforts focusing on the understanding and addressing climate change by 2030 and beyond.
2. Census 2021, which was postponed due to COVID-19, includes options for how many religions?
[A] Four
[B] Six
[C] Eight
[D] Ten
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Six]
Notes:
The Next Census will only count Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain as distinct religion options.
This is despite demands from several sections including Sarnaism, the Lingayat religion, to be counted as a separate religion. Census 2021, which was to be conducted in two phases, has been postponed indefinitely, with the Central government initially attributing the delay to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. A Submarine Mud Volcano has been recently spotted in which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Chile
[C] Norway
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Norway]
Notes:
A Submarine mud volcano is an underwater geological structure that was formed after the constant expulsion of gas or fluids like methane from the seabed.
Scientists have recently spotted a submarine mud volcano close to Norway’s Bear Island in Barents Sea. Bear Island is the southernmost island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago.
4. 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.
5. Pisodonophis kalinga, which was discovered recently, belongs to which species?
[A] Snake
[B] Eel
[C] Spider
[D] Turtle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Eel]
Notes:
Pisodonophis kalinga is a newly discovered species of eel found in Palur canal in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
It was found by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The new species has been named Pisodonophis kalinga after the name of ancient Odisha. It has a snake-like appearance and has length from 560 millimetres to 7 metres.
6. Which institution released guidelines for Investor Protection Fund (IPF) and Investor Services Fund (ISF)?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] PFRDA
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
Capital Market Regulator SEBI- the Securities Exchange Board of India has released guidelines for Investor Protection Fund (IPF) and Investor Services Fund (ISF).
These funds are maintained by stock exchanges and depositories. The new changes aim to strengthen investor protection measures and promote financial literacy and participation in the securities market.
7. Which city has successfully tested Medication Delivery via Drones with collision avoidance technology and real-time monitoring?
[A] New York
[B] Dubai
[C] Melbourne
[D] London
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
Notes:
Dubai Successfully Trials Medication Delivery via Drones with collision avoidance technology and real-time monitoring.
The trial, conducted at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) in partnership with Fakeeh University Hospital. ‘Dubai Programme to Enable Drone Transportation,’ was initiated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
8. What is the name of tariff levied on imported goods to offset subsidies given to producers of the goods in exporting country?
[A] Countervailing Duty
[B] Anti-Dumping Duty
[C] Safeguard Duty
[D] Protective Duty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Countervailing Duty]
Notes:
The Countervailing Duty (CVD) is commonly imposed to safeguard domestic companies that are unable to compete with low-cost imports benefiting from subsidies provided by the exporting country.
The Indian government is planning to impose this duty on stainless steel imports to prevent the flooding of cheap imports and protect the domestic manufacturers.
9. ‘Black-veined white butterfly’ was recently spotted in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] London
[C] New York
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [London]
Notes:
The Black-veined white butterfly (Aporia Crataegi), which became extinct in Britain a century ago, made a reappearance recently in London.
They were first labelled as a British species back in 1667. The Butterflies look like the Garden cabbage whites that can be spotted flying in Britain each summer.
10. India’s First International Cruise Vessel was flagged off recently to which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Japan
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
India’s First International Cruise Vessel was flagged off recently from Chennai to Sri Lanka. This marks the start of the international cruise tourism terminal at Chennai.
The MV Empress cruise has a capacity to accommodate 3,000 passengers. It will connect three ports— Triconmalle, Hambantota and Jaffna—in Sri Lanka.