1. What is ‘Acinetobacter baumannii’, which was seen in the news?
[A] Cryptocurrency
[B] Malware
[C] Bacteria
[D] Animal species
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bacteria]
Notes:
Acinetobacter baumannii, the multidrug-resistant bacteria, is a red alert pathogen notorious for its ability to resist many antibiotics.
Researchers have used machine-learning to identify a potential new antibiotic named Abaucin, against a challenging species of disease-causing bacteria
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. 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.
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. 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.
6. Which country has introduced a robot called ‘Kachaka’ with capacity to deliver items through voice commands?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] North Korea
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
A Tokyo-based startup Preferred Robotics has introduced a robot called Kachaka for home use. It has the capacity to deliver items through voice commands.
The robot’s AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles. Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table.
7. Lipizzans, which are seen in the news, belong to which species?
[A] Horse
[B] Dog
[C] Poultry
[D] Cat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Horse]
Notes:
The Lipizzans are horses that are descendants of long stallion lines crossing Spanish, Arabic and Berber horses.
Lipizzans are famous for their “airs above the ground” classical dressage jumps. The tradition of Lipizzan breeding was recently included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The name derives from Lipica where the horses are found in Slovenia.
8. 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.
9. Which institution launched ‘e-Appeal scheme 2023’?
[A] CBDT
[B] CBIC
[C] RBI
[D] SEBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [CBDT]
Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently launched “e appeal” scheme announced in the budget.
Its aim is to minimize pendency of appeals related to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) default issues and tax collection at source (TCS). The scheme empowers the Joint Commissioner (Appeals) for disposing of appeals filed before it or allocated or transferred to it.
10. 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.