21. Union Ministry of Defence has entered a contract with which institution for purchase of six Dornier-228 aircraft?
[A] BHEL
[B] HAL
[C] DRDO
[D] BEL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [HAL]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Defence has entered into a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the purchase of six Dornier-228 aircraft.
They are procured at the cost of Rs.667 crore. The procurement will boost the operational capability of the IAF in remote areas. The Dornier-228 aircraft will be used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for communication and transport purposes.
22. ‘Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023’ is associated with which country?
[A] USA
[B] Japan
[C] Canada
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
The Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives.
It aims to effectively utilize the employment-based visas allocated each year under existing federal immigration law. The legislation seeks to put an end to the country-based discrimination in high-skilled immigration and ensure that visas allocated under the law are properly used.
23. Which state government has tabled the ‘Right to Healthcare Bill’?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Rajasthan state government has tabled the Right to Healthcare Bill recently. The purpose of this legislation is to provide free and affordable medical services in public and private hospitals, clinics and laboratories.
The bill also requires the government to strengthen the public healthcare system and establish grievance redressal mechanisms. The bill provides 20 rights to state residents, including the right to informed consent and to seek medical information.
24. As per a recent report, how many countries are currently facing catastrophic levels of debt distress and rising hunger?
[A] 12
[B] 21
[C] 35
[D] 55
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [21]
Notes:
The report titled “Breaking the cycle of unsustainable food systems, hunger, and debt” was released recently by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems.
According to a report, at least 21 countries are currently facing catastrophic levels of debt distress and rising hunger. As many as 60% of low-income countries and 30% of middle-income countries are at high risk of debt distress or already in it.
25. As per Census 2011, the percentage share of population in which state in the age-group of 15 to 59 is 64% in comparison to 60.3% at all India level?
[A] Kerala
[B] Punjab
[C] Sikkim
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Notes:
In 2022, emigration clearances were issued to 3,73,434 Indians, of which 10,654 were from Punjab, as per the recent data provided to the Lok Sabha.
The percentage share of population in Punjab in the age-group of 15 to 59 is 64% in comparison to 60.3% at all India level as per census 2011.
26. Who was appointed as the chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)?
[A] Deepak Mohanty
[B] Sarad Kumar Hota
[C] M K Jain
[D] Urjit Patel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Deepak Mohanty]
Notes:
The government has appointed Deepak Mohanty as chairman of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). He replaced Supratim Bandyopadhyay, whose term ended in January.
Prior to this, Mohanty, a former executive director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), served as a member of PFRDA.
27. Mustatils are stone structures that have been recorded in which country?
[A] UK
[B] Saudi Arabia
[C] China
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Mustatils are monumental stone structures made of sandstone walls that have been recorded in Saudi Arabia since the 1970s. Recent excavations at the town of Al Ula revealed that these prehistoric structures were used for ritualistic purposes.
28. Which state announced Special Incentives Scheme to produce orthodox tea and specialty tea?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Sikkim
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
The Assam Government, during the state budget, announced the strengthening of the Assam Tea Industries Special Incentives Scheme.
The scheme will provide incentives to produce orthodox tea and specialty tea in the north-eastern state.
29. Which Union Ministry implements the ‘PM MITRA’ scheme?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Textiles
[C] Ministry of Steel
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Textiles]
Notes:
The Indian government announced 7 PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks recently.
The scheme is implemented by the Union Ministry of Textiles. PM MITRA Parks will come up in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra.
30. V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) is an autonomous civil service training institute under the Union Labour Ministry.
It is responsible for research in the field of labour. VVGNLI recently entered a strategic alliance with the ASSOCHAM to promote professional and organizational development in areas related to jobs and labour.