1. What is the name of India’s first space-based observatory, to be launched in September 2023?
[A] Arun-L1
[B] Aditya-L1
[C] Kathir-L1
[D] Surya-L1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aditya-L1]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch Aditya-L1 on September 2 to study the sun.
The Aditya-L1 mission is the first space-based observatory-class Indian solar mission to study the Sun. It will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.
2. Thiruvonam is a festival prevalently celebrated in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day during the Onam festival, is celebrated throughout Kerala. Onam is a harvest festival that celebrates the return of King Mahabali/Maveli to his beloved state.
The festival is celebrated for ten days and each day holds a lot of significance. Onam also marks the beginning of the Malayalam year, called Kolla Varsham.
3. Which European country has announced a ban on wearing the abaya robes in schools?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Spain
[D] Portugal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
The French government announced its decision to ban children from wearing the abaya, the loose-fitting, full- length robes worn by some Muslim women, in state-run schools.
France has enforced a ban on religious symbols in state schools since 2004, to uphold its strict brand of secularism, known as laicite.
4. As per the annual lightning report, which state recorded the highest number of flashes in 2022- 23?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Mizoram
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh is found to be the lightning hub of India with maximum flashes of 987,095 in 2022- 23 and highest deaths of 340 per year, according to the fourth annual lightning report.
It highlights that the country recorded more than 20 million lightning strikes in 2022-23, 60% increase in cloud-to-ground lightning from 2019-20. The Lightning Resilient India Campaign is a collaborative endeavour between the climate resilient observing systems promotion council (CROPC) and the India meteorological department (IMD).
5. Which company has launched a new mobile application called ‘Share(dot)Market’?
[A] PhonePe
[B] Paytm
[C] BharatPe
[D] CRED
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [PhonePe]
Notes:
PhonePe has entered into stock broking business with the launch of a new mobile application called ‘Share(dot)Market’, under its subsidiary PhonePe Wealth Broking.
It provides market intelligence and quantitative research-based WealthBaskets, a scalable technology platform. It will be available as a mobile app and a dedicated web platform, enabling retail investors to buy stocks, engage in intra-day trades, buy curated WealthBaskets and mutual funds.
6. India signed a MoU with which country to boost cooperation in civil aviation?
[A] New Zealand
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Zealand]
Notes:
The Government of India and the Government of New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in civil aviation.
This will cover the scheduling of new routes, code share services, traffic rights and capacity entitlement. An Air Services Agreement was signed between New Zealand and India in 2016. The New Zealand and India have reviewed the existing arrangements relating to air service between the two countries.
7. Nilachal Flyover, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the State’s longest flyover, named Nilachal Flyover after the Nilachal Hills near which it stands.
It measures a total of 2.63 kilometres and starting from Maligaon Chariali to Kamakhya Gate in Guwahati. The flyover was built at a cost of ₹420.75 crore.
8. Which institution launched the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ programme?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Archaeological Survey of India
[C] Union Culture Ministry
[D] Union External Affairs Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Archaeological Survey of India]
Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” programme under which corporates are invited to fund amenities at monuments from their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.
The aim of “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” programme is to enhance the visitor experience at centrally protected monuments, improve amenities, and bolster the culture and heritage value of the country.
9. ‘International Literacy Day’ is observed on which day?
[A] July 8
[B] August 8
[C] September 8
[D] October 8
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [September 8]
Notes:
The Government of India has decided to organise a literacy week from 1st September to 8th September 2023 to celebrate International Literacy Day.
UNESCO will celebrate International Literacy Day (ILD) on 8 September 2023 under the theme ‘Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies’.
10. Who is the chair of the Committee set up to assess the viability of the “one nation, one election” concept?
[A] Amit Shah
[B] Ranjan Gogoi
[C] Ramnath Kovind
[D] Pratibha Patil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ramnath Kovind]
Notes:
The Union government has formed a committee under former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the viability of the “one nation, one election” concept.
The members of the panel include Union home minister Amit Shah, ex-J&K chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission chairman N K Singh, Constitution expert Subhash C Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and ex-Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.