11. Which organization has successfully tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV)?
[A] ISRO
[B] HAL
[C] DRDO
[D] Indian Air Force
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [DRDO]
Notes:
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the Odisha coast.
The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30 kilometers from where cruise vehicle separated and moved on the desired flight path at a velocity of 6 times the speed of sound i.e., nearly 2 km/second for more than 20 seconds.
12. What is the name of the illegal software that has been blocked by Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways?
[A] Tik Tok
[B] Pub G
[C] Real Mango
[D] Real Apple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Real Mango]
Notes:
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways has disrupted the operation of illegal software called “Real Mango”, in a nationwide investigation.
The investigation was made on account of increase in touting activity after restart of the passenger train services. RPF have been able to arrest 50 criminals so far including the King pin (system developer) and key managers involved in operation of this illegal software.
13. Which neighbouring country of India has proposed to ban Cow-slaughter?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Nepal
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
As per the recent media reports, the ruling party of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has approved a proposal to ban cow slaughter.
In the country, about 99% people are meat-eaters. Whereas, the majority Hindus and Buddhists do not eat beef. Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections last month.
14. Where is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-SCO Foreign Ministers Meet scheduled to be held this year?
[A] Beijing
[B] New Delhi
[C] Moscow
[D] Hong Kong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Moscow]
Notes:
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is representing India at the Foreign ministers Meet of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) to be held at Moscow.
The meeting is hosted by Russian Foreign Minister. The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the side-lines of the SCO. India has been the fulltime member of SCO since 2017.
15. India has signed a USD 500 million loan agreement with which financial institution, for Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor?
[A] World Bank
[B] ADB
[C] AIIB
[D] NDB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ADB]
Notes:
India has signed a 500-million-dollar loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently.
This is the first tranche of one-billion-dollar credit facility offered by ADB to build high-speed Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system (RRTS) corridor. The RRTS is 82 km long and is aimed to improve the connectivity and mobility in the national capital region.
16. India signed ‘Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)’ with which country?
[A] Japan
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Japan]
Notes:
India and Japan have recently signed a key agreement for Reciprocal provision of supplies and services between their Defence forces.
Called as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), it facilitates smooth provision of supplies and services between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and India’s armed forces. This agreement is expected to promote military cooperation and regional security.
17. What is the new Foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the Defence Sector through automatic approval?
[A] 25%
[B] 49%
[C] 74%
[D] 100%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [74%]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the Defence Sector through automatic approval to 74 per cent.
Earlier, the policy allowed 49 per cent FDI in Defence Sector. The new policy has a ‘National Security’ clause as a condition, that has been proposed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Government has the right to review any foreign investment that may affect national security.
18. Which entrepreneur has topped the Forbes’ list of richest Americans?
[A] Bill Gates
[B] Donald Trump
[C] Jeff Bezos
[D] Warren Buffet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jeff Bezos]
Notes:
Jeff Bezos – the Chief Executive and co-founder of Amazon has topped Forbes’ list of richest Americans. He has been the richest American as per the Forbes’ list for 3 times in a row.
He is followed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. As per the Forbes and Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Jeff Bezoz became the first person whose net worth rose to over USD 200 billion.
19. Which social-media platform has launched a search prompt named ‘ThereIsHelp’, to prevent suicide?
[A] Facebook
[B] TikTok
[C] Twitter
[D] WeChat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Twitter]
Notes:
Social media major Twitter India has recently launched a dedicated search prompt for resources on mental health and suicide prevention.
This initiative has been launched on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day. The search prompt #ThereIsHelp has been launched in association with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
20. Which Indian bank has launched a programme for start-ups named ‘iStartup 2.0’?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ICICI Bank]
Notes:
Leading Private sector bank of India, ICICI Bank has launched an exclusive programme for start-ups named ‘iStartup2.0’.
Under this programme, a Current Account can be created for new businesses that are up to ten years old seamlessly. The Bank has integrated its APIs with the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the account number is obtained at the time of incorporation.