1. Which institution is to set up the ‘Corporate Debt Market Development Fund’?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] NSE
[D] BSE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
SEBI decided to set up a corporate debt market development fund in the form of an Alternative Investment Fund.
Corporate Debt Market Development Fund will be set up with an initial corpus of Rs 3,000 crore. It will function as a backstop facility for buying investment grade corporate debt securities during stressful times.
2. ‘National League for Democracy’ is a famous political party based in which country?
[A] India
[B] Myanmar
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Myanmar]
Notes:
National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has been dissolved after it refused to comply with a tough new party registration law imposed by Myanmar’s military.
The military, which seized power in a coup in February 2021, set a deadline for political parties to re-register under the restrictive new law. It has promised to hold an election, though such a vote has been widely dismissed as lacking in any credibility.
3. ‘Lynx-U2 System’ is an indigenously developed naval gun fire control system, manufactured by which institution?
[A] HAL
[B] DRDO
[C] BEL
[D] BHEL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [BEL]
Notes:
Lynx-U2 System is an indigenously developed naval gun fire control system. The Union Defence Ministry recently signed a contract with BEL for the procurement of 13 of these systems for the Indian Navy.
The purchase under the Buy Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category will be placed on new-gen offshore patrol vessels to be constructed indigenously at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers and Goa Shipyard Limited.
4. World Bank approved 100 million USD loan for implementation of State Capability and Resilient Growth Program of which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Kerala
[C] Goa
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The World Bank approved 100 million USD loan for the implementation of the Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Program.
This program will help the state strengthen early forecasting system for disaster management and provide social protection coverage for vulnerable households.
5. Which country is associated with the ‘Anti-Spyware Declaration’?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] India
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
The First-Ever Anti-Spyware Declaration was issued recently by the United States and 10 other countries. It includes Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
This is in recognition of the misuse of the commercial spyware and the need for a stringent domestic and international controls on the proliferation and the use of spyware technology.
6. ’Squirrelpox virus’ disease is spreading in which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] UK
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UK]
Notes:
Squirrelpox virus is a deadly disease affecting the United Kingdom red squirrels. Invasive, non-native grey squirrels from North America are the main carriers of this pathogen.
The pox killed up to 80% of red squirrels over winter at one of just three sites 11,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Welsh government to fund vaccine research.
7. Which Indian state organised the ‘Food Conclave 2023’ brainstorming event?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Food Conclave 2023 is a two-day event that will be organized by Telangana government. It will focus on agri-food sector and its challenges.
It is the inaugural edition of the State government’s annual brainstorming event for the agri-food sector. The event will bring together the top 100 agri-food industry thought leaders.
8. When is the ‘International Day of Conscience’ observed?
[A] April 2
[B] April 4
[C] April 5
[D] April 8
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [April 5]
Notes:
The International Day of Conscience is observed every year on April 5. It was established by the UNGA in 2019 to highlight the importance of human conscience.
Kingdom of Bahrain had submitted a draft resolution titled ‘Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience’, which was adopted by the UNGA.
9. Habrocestum togansangmai, a new species discovered, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Snake
[C] Turtle
[D] Gecko
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Spider]
Notes:
Four new species of jumping spiders were recently discovered from the Meghalaya. One among them is ‘Habrocestum togansangmai’.
It is named after Garo freedom fighter Togan Sangma.
10. ‘TOPS’ scheme, which was seen in the news, is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]
Notes:
Target Olympic Podium Scheme’s purpose is to identify, groom and prepare potential candidates for Olympic medals.
The Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell recently gave nod for financial assistance under this scheme for 12 para-badminton players, who are set to participate in the upcoming Brazil Para-Badminton International.