1. Daam, which was seen in the news, is a?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Malware
[C] Super computer
[D] Cryptocurrency
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malware]
Notes:
The Indian government has recently issued an advisory against the malware called Daam. This virus is capable of hacking call records, contacts, history and camera.
The national cyber security agency advisory has warned that the ‘Daam’ virus is capable of bypassing anti-virus programs and deploying ransomware on the targeted devices.
2. Which state/UT launched the ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ initiative?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Telangana
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ initiatives.
In the first phase, the initiative will be implemented in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack. The state government has roped in global technology company Intel for the initiative.
3. Which institution launched the ‘Country Partnership Strategy’ for India?
[A] World Bank
[B] ADB
[C] WEF
[D] IMF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ADB]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank recently launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for India.
During 2023–2027, ADB operations in India will focus on accelerating structural transformation and job creation, promoting climate-resilient growth, and deepening social and economic inclusiveness.
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. Which Union Ministry released the ‘Swachh Jal Se Suraksha Campaign Report’?
[A] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Jal Shakti]
Notes:
Swachh Jal Se Suraksha Campaign Report was released recently under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The campaign was organised from 2nd October, 2022 to 31st March, 2023.
Water quality testing has been reported in 5.39 lakh (89.69 %) villages for chemical and in 4.47 lakh (74.46 %) villages for bacteriological contamination.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Which Article of the Constitution requires the state governments to present their budget each year before the legislature?
[A] Article 51
[B] Article 101
[C] Article 202
[D] Article 303
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Article 202]
Notes:
Article 202 of the Constitution requires the state governments to present their budget each year before the legislature.
A new report by think-tank PRS Legislative Research revealed that, on an average, 20 states discussed budgets for 8 days in 2022. State assemblies across the country met for an average of 21 days in 2022.
9. The Helmand River originates in which country?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] Egypt
[C] Israel
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Afghanistan]
Notes:
The Helmand is Afghanistan’s longest river. It originates near Kabul in the western Hindu Kush Mountain range and flows in a south-western direction through desert areas for about 1,150 kilometers before emptying into Lake Hamun, which spans the Afghanistan-Iran border.
Clashes broke out between Iran and Afghanistan along the border due to dispute over the sharing of water from the Helmand River. This conflict resulted in killing and wounding of troops.
10. When was the UGC Act passed in India?
[A] 1948
[B] 1956
[C] 1972
[D] 1984
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1956]
Notes:
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan today released the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.
The UGC Act 1956 provides for Central Government to declare any institution other than a University to a status of Institution Deemed to be University. The New Regulations will encourage universities to focus on quality and excellence, strengthen the research ecosystem and have a long-term impact in transforming higher education landscape.