Q 1.‘REWARD Program’ is assisted by which institution in India?
A. IMF
B. WEF
C. World Bank
D. WTO
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Correct Answer: A [World Bank]Explanation
Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) program is a World Bank-assisted initiative that is being implemented from 2021 to 2026. Its implementation was reviewed recently by Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR) and the World Bank team.Q 2.‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’, which was seen in the news, is implemented by which Union Ministry?
A. Ministry of MSME
B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
C. Ministry of Defence
D. Ministry of Jal Shakti
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Correct Answer:-D. Ministry of Jal ShaktiExplanation
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal), a central sector water conservation scheme, will continue for an additional two years beyond its original 2025 end date. It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The major objective of the Scheme is to improve the management of groundwater resources in select water stressed areas in identified states viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.Q 3.Which Union Ministry unveiled the ‘National Medical Devices Policy, 2023’?
A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
C. Ministry of Women and Child Development
D. Ministry of Defence
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Correct Answer:-A. Ministry of Health and Family WelfareExplanation
National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 was unveiled recently by India’s Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. He also launched the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices along with Assistance for Medical Devices clusters for Common Facilities (AMD-CF).Q 4.Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Cheetah Project Steering Committee set up by NTCA?
A. Gagandeep Singh Bedi
B. Jitendra Singh
C. Rajesh Bansal
D. Ashwini Vaishnaw
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Correct Answer:-C. Rajesh BansalExplanation
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has constituted an 11-member Cheetah Project Steering Committee. Rajesh Bansal, the Secretary General of Global Tiger Forum, has been appointed as its Chairman, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a statement.Q 5.XPoSat, India’s first polarimetry mission, is being built by which institution?
A. HAL
B. DRDO
C. ISRO
D. BARC
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Correct Answer:- C.ISROExplanation
XPoSat (X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India’s first polarimetry mission. It is currently being built by ISRO and Raman Research Institute. According to ISRO, “XPoSat will study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions” and will carry two payloads. It is only the world’s second polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.Q 6.What is ‘Acinetobacter baumannii’, which was seen in the news?
A. Cryptocurrency
B. Malware
C. Bacteria
D. Animal species
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Correct Answer:- C. BacteriaExplanation
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 bacteriaQ 7.A ‘New Replenishment Mechanism for Flexible Funding’ has been proposed for which organisation?
A. DRDO
B. NSIL
C. WHO
D. NITI Aayog
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Correct Answer:-C. WHOExplanation
During the 76th World Assembly Health session, WHO member states discussed on a new replenishment mechanism to help the UN body have more flexible funding options. It will help WHO become more financial independent and function smoothly as the leading global health coordinator. Replenishment contributions would cover work by country offices, regional offices, and headquarters across all strategic priorities, as well as the enabling functions.Q 8.‘Gateway to the Underworld’ is an artefact belonging to which country?
A. India
B. Sri Lanka
C. Mexico
D. Australia
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Correct Answer:- C. MexicoExplanation
The ancient Olmec artefact known as “Gateway to the Underworld” has been returned to Mexico from the US five decades after it was stolen. The piece, officially known as Monument 9 of Chalcatzingo, is considered Mexico’s most sought-after piece from the ancient Olmec civilization.Q 9.Which institution released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units?
A. NGT
B. CPCB
C. NITI Aayog
D. NAEB
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Correct Answer:- B. CPCBExplanation
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.Show Answer
Q 10.Which Union Ministry has granted Rs 45.34 crore to Unani medicine research and development bodies?
A. Ministry of AYUSH
B. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
C. Ministry of Minority Affairs
D. Ministry of Science and Technology
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Correct Answer:- C. Ministry of Minority AffairsExplanation
Unani or Arabian medicine is a comprehensive approach to promoting natural healing and overall wellness, originating from ancient Greek principles developed millennia ago. For the first time, the Minority Affairs Ministry granted Rs 45.34 crore to two Unani medicine research and development bodies under the AYUSH ministry.Show Answer
Q 11.Which Asian country released its ‘National Climate Research agenda’?
A. India
B. Sri Lanka
C. Nepal
D. Bangladesh
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Correct Answer:- A. IndiaExplanation
India’s National Climate Research agenda was released during the inauguration of the 2-day International Climate Research Conclave. It was organised at Department of Science and Technology’s Centre of Excellence in Climate Studies at IIT Bombay. Its aim is to coordinate national efforts focusing on the understanding and addressing climate change by 2030 and beyond.Q 12.Which company will operate and maintain Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro’s line 3, Mumbai’s first fully underground corridor?
A. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
B. Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation
C. Chennai Metro Rail Corporation
D. Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation
Show Answer
Correct Answer:- A. Delhi Metro Rail CorporationExplanation
Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro’s line 3 is Mumbai’s first fully underground corridor. It will be operated and maintained by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The contract has been awarded to DMRC for a duration of 10 years for the operation and maintenance of the metro line.Q 13.Which institutions released the ‘Gaganyaan Recovery Training Plan’?
A. ISRO and Indian Air Force
B. ISRO and Indian Navy
C. ISRO and Indian Army
D. ISRO and NSIL
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Correct Answer:- B. ISRO and Indian NavyExplanation
The Indian Navy and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have released the Gaganyaan Recovery Training Plan at INS Garuda in Kochi. It provides a training plan for recovery of the Crew Module of the Gaganyaan Mission. The Crew Module Recovery Model was also formally handed over to the Indian Navy.Q 14.Daam, which was seen in the news, is a?
A. Bacteria
B. Malware
C. Super computer
D. Cryptocurrency
Show Answer
Correct Answer:- B. MalwareExplanation
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.Q 15.Census 2021, which was postponed due to COVID-19, includes options for how many religions?
A. Four
B. Six
C. Eight
D. Ten
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Correct Answer: B [Six]Explanation
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.Q 16.Who chairs the governing council meeting of NITI Aayog?
A. NITI Aayog CEO
B. Prime Minister
C. Finance Minister
D. Supreme Court Chief Justice
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Correct Answer: B [Prime Minister]Explanation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, at New Delhi. It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors representing 19 States and 6 UTs. HE urged the Centre, States and UTs should work as Team India and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of people for a Viksit Bharat at 2047.Q 17.‘Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma’ has been appointed as the MD and CEO of which bank?
A. Yes Bank
B. IDBI Bank
C. Karnataka Bank
D. HDFC Bank
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Correct Answer: C [Karnataka Bank]Explanation
Karnataka Bank appoints Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO). Sarma has nearly four decades of experience spread across Commercial, Retail, and Transactional Banking, Technology and Payments. He was part of the founding management team at HDFC Bank Ltd for over nine years.Q 18.RBI has recently sanctioned the merger of which Co-op banks?
A. Cosmos Co-op and Maratha Co-op
B. Saraswat Co-op and Cosmos Co-op
C. Bharat Co-op and Maratha Co-op
D. SVC Bank and Maratha Co-op
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Correct Answer: A [Cosmos Co-op and Maratha Co-op]Explanation
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned the merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank. The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. All branches of Maratha Sahakari Bank will function as branches of The Cosmos Co-operative Bank.Q 19.India has moved WTO dispute panel over which import duties?
A. Information and communication technologies (ICT)
B. Plastic Products
C. Petroleum Products
D. Manufactured Goods
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Correct Answer: A [Information and communication technologies (ICT)]Explanation
India has moved WTO dispute panel over Information and communication technologies (ICT) import duties. The WTO’s apex dispute resolution body, the Appellate Body, hasn’t been functional for nearly two years due to America’s blockage on appointment of judges.Q 20.Saudi Arabia announced to restore full diplomatic ties with which country?
A. UAE
B. Canada
C. Australia
D. Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Canada]Explanation
Saudi Arabia and Canada to restore full diplomatic ties and appoint new ambassadors, bringing an end to a dispute from 2018. The rift between the two countries began when Canada’s embassy in Riyadh published a tweet in Arabic, calling for the immediate release of women’s rights activists who were detained in Saudi Arabia.Q 21.Which country has launched the ‘Shenzhou-16’ Mission?
A. Japan
B. China
C. South Korea
D. Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]Explanation
China recently launched the Shenzhou-16 mission. As part of this mission, three astronauts lifted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert in northwest China. The astronauts aboard Shenzhou-16 spacecraft will stay in the Tiangong space station for the next five months. This is the country’s fifth manned mission to a fully functional space station since 2021.Q 22.Sabang port, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
A. India
B. Myanmar
C. Indonesia
D. Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indonesia]Explanation
Sabang port in Indonesia is situated 700 km from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recently, India and Indonesia completed a joint feasibility study on the development of this port. The successful development of this port would allow India easier access to the Malacca Straits, a narrow stretch of the sea between Indonesia and Malaysia and one of six chokepoints along the world’s maritime trading routes.Q 23.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]Explanation
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.Q 24.A Submarine Mud Volcano has been recently spotted in which country?
A. Australia
B. Chile
C. Norway
D. Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Norway]Explanation
A Submarine mud volcano is an underwater geological structure that was formed after the constant expulsion of gas or fluids like methane from the seabed. Scientists have recently spotted a submarine mud volcano close to Norway’s Bear Island in Barents Sea. Bear Island is the southernmost island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago.Q 25.‘Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)’ was founded in which year?
A. 1988
B. 1998
C. 2008
D. 2018
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Correct Answer: A [1988]Explanation
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is the largest public health initiative in history. It was founded in 1988. Recently Cameroon, Chad and Niger have initiated Africa’s largest polio vaccination campaign since 2020 with the support from WHO via the GPEI.Q 26.Northeast India’s First Vande Bharat Express travels from Assam to which state/UT?
A. West Bengal
B. Odisha
C. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [West Bengal]Explanation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the first Vande Bharat Express in Northeast India. It will travel from Assam’s Guwahati to West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri. The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week (except Tuesdays) and will cut down the travel time between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri by one hour.Q 27.What is ‘Gomphonema rajaguruii’, which was discovered recently?
A. Algae
B. Bacteria
C. Fungi
D. Virus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Algae]Explanation
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.Q 28.Which company is set to build Israel’s most powerful AI supercomputer- Israel1?
A. Samsung
B. NVIDIA
C. IMD
D. Qualcomm
Show Answer
Correct Answer:- B.NVIDIA]Explanation
Israel-1 is an Israeli supercomputer that is set to be built by Nvidia. It will be partly operational by the end of this year. The system is expected to deliver performance of up to eight exaflops of AI computing that will essentially make it one of the world’s fastest AI supercomputers.Q 29.Which institution reconstituted intermediary advisory committee for legal framework?
A. RBI
B. NPCI
C. SEBI
D. IRDAI
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Correct Answer:-C. SEBIExplanation
Capital Market Regulator SEBI has recently reconstituted its intermediary advisory committee. This committee is responsible for providing recommendations on matters concerning changes in legal framework and increasing transparency in systems and procedures of market intermediaries like stock brokers, clearing members and depository participants.Q 30.Which institution released the ‘Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling’?
A. WMO
B. UNEP
C. WHO
D. Greenpeace Philippines
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Correct Answer:- D. Greenpeace PhilippinesExplanation
The report titled “Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling” was released recently by Greenpeace Philippines. According to this report, recycling can increase the toxicity of plastics. The report was released ahead of the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop a Global Plastics Treaty, being held at Paris, France.Q 31.Which institutions released the ‘Hunger Hotspots –Early warnings on acute food insecurity’ report?
A. World Bank- IMF
B. IMF- WEF
C. WHO- FAO
D. FAO- WFP
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Correct Answer:-D.FAO- WFPExplanation
A new report titled “Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity” was released recently. According to this report, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar are among the hunger hotspots in the world. Acute food insecurity can potentially increase in magnitude and severity for 18 areas in 22 countries.Q 32.Which country has introduced a robot called ‘Kachaka’ with capacity to deliver items through voice commands?
A. China
B. South Korea
C. Japan
D. North Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer:-C. JapanExplanation
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.Q 33.Lipizzans, which are seen in the news, belong to which species?
A. Horse
B. Dog
C. Poultry
D. Cat
Show Answer
Correct Answer:- A.HorseExplanation
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.Q 34.Which Union Ministry releases ‘Periodic Labour Force Survey Figures’?
A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
B. Ministry of Labour and Employment
C. Ministry of MSME
D. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
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Correct Answer:-D. Ministry of Statistics and Programme ImplementationExplanation
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently released the latest figures from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). These figures indicate that the unemployment rate in Indian cities is at the lowest since the survey started in 2018. The unemployment rate among men stood at 6.0%, while for women it was 9.2%.Q 35.Which country has granted approval to include TOEFL test as a valid option for Student Direct Stream program?
A. China
B. Canada
C. Australia
D. Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer:- B. CanadaExplanation
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has granted approval to include TOEFL test scores as a valid option for the Student Direct Stream program in Canada. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program designed to accelerate the processing of study permit applications for international students intending to enroll in designated learning institutions for post-secondary education in Canada.Q 36.Which institution hosted the plenary on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO)?
A. BIS
B. NASSCOM
C. PIB
D. NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer:- A.BISExplanation
The 44th plenary on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO) is a four-day event hosted by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The ISO countries have renewed their commitment to incorporate the objectives of the SDGs into its standards programme. BIS’s initiatives, such as Manak Manthan, Quality Connect are aimed at enhancing consumer engagement in standardisation.Q 37.Which state/UT launched the ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ initiative?
A. West Bengal
B. Telangana
C. Odisha
D. Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer:-C. OdishaExplanation
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.Q 38.Which institution has set up a Committee to Implement Rare Diseases Policy?
A. Delhi High Court
B. IRDAI
C. BIS
D. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
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Correct Answer:-A. Delhi High CourtExplanation
The Delhi High Court has recently set up a five-member committee to implement the rare diseases policy formulated by the Indian government. It will ensure seamless coordination between the medical community, the providers of therapies for rare diseases and Governmental agencies.Q 39.Which country has launched USD 17 billion project known as the ‘Route of Development’?
A. Israel
B. Iran
C. UAE
D. Iraq
Show Answer
Correct Answer:-D. IraqExplanation
Iraq presented an ambitious plan to turn itself into a regional transportation hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, linking Europe with the Middle East. Once completed, the $17 billion project known as the ‘Route of Development’ would span the length of the country, stretching 1,200 km from the northern border with Turkiye to the Gulf in the south.Q 40.Which country has granted approval to include TOEFL test as a valid option for Student Direct Stream program?
A. China
B. Canada
C. Australia
D. Japan
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