1. In which country the multinational peacekeeping joint exercise “X Khan Quest 2023” involving military forces from 20 countries has been held?
A. Mongolia
B. China
C. Russia
D. America
2. India has announced gifting of missile corvette INS Kirpan to which country?
A. Libya
B. Vietnam
C. Bangladesh
D. Sri Lanka
3. Which Indian writer has been awarded the 45th European Essay Prize for Lifetime Achievement?
A. Jhumpa Lahiri
B. Jogendra Sharma
C. Arundhati Roy
D. jitesh kumar
4. Which country has launched a new landmark trading scheme for developing countries?
A. France
B. Germany
C. Italy
D. United Kingdom
5. World Music Day is celebrated on?
A. 21 June
B. 18 June
C. 19 June
D. 20 June
6. International yoga day is celebrated on?
A. 18 June
B. 21 June
C. 19 June
D. 20 June
7. Which state government has launched “Griha Jyoti Yojana: Dream Housing for the Poor”?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Maharashtra
C. Karnataka
D. West Bengal
8. India’s Defense Ministry plans to buy MQ-9B armed drones from which country?
A. Russia
B. China
C. Japan
D. America
9. Which state government has launched ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’?
A. Jharkhand
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Kerala
10. In which city the International Day of Yoga (IDY 2023) celebrations have been organized at the national level?
A. Bhopal
B. Jabalpur
C. Mumbai
D. Kanpur
11. Consider the following statements:
1. A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters has shed light on the significant impact of Groundwater Extraction on Earth’s Rotational Axis and its contribution to global sea-level rise.
2. Water’s role in altering the Earth’s rotation was discovered in 2013, and until now, the contribution of groundwater to drifts has been unexplored.
Which of the above statement/statements are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
12. Consider the following statements:
1. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), a unique space telescope developed by Pune’s Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), has been delivered to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
2. The telescope is set to be integrated with the ADITYA-L1 mission, expected to be launched in mid-August this year.
3. SUIT aims to study the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) emissions and capture high-resolution images of the Sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona, in various UV wavelengths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 are correct
B. 1 and 3 are correct
C. 2 and 3 are correct
D. All of the above
13. Consider the following statements:
1. discovery of an Alligator Gar fish (Atractosteus spatula), an invasive species in Kashmir’s Dal Lake has raised concerns.
2. The Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and the Department of Fisheries are collaborating to understand the extent of the invasion and its potential impact.
Which of the above statement/statements are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
14. Consider the following statements:
1. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has released the Monthly Report on Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States for the month of May, 2023.
2. This is the 10th report published by DARPG for State Governments/UTs.
3. The report presents a detailed analysis of the types, categories and status of disposal of public grievances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 are correct
B. 1 and 3 are correct
C. 2 and 3 are correct
D. All of the above
15. Consider the following statements:
1. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently released the latest Food Outlook Report, which revealed key trends and concerns regarding food imports.
2. The report focuses on the projected decline in food imports by vulnerable countries, highlighting the impact on purchasing power and the overall global food import bill.
Which of the above statement/statements are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:
Answer: 1) A
Explanation
With the participation of military contingents and observers from more than 20 countries, the multinational peacekeeping joint exercise “Ex Khan Quest 2023” began in Mongolia on 19 June.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Mongolian President Ukhnagin Khurelsukh at the exercise site.
The exercise is jointly sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
The Indian Army is being represented by a contingent of the Garhwal Rifles.
Answer: 2) B
Explanation
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced the gift of an indigenous in-service missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to the Vietnam People’s Navy.
The announcement is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Vietnamese Navy.
The announcement was made during talks between Defense Minister Singh and Defense Minister of Vietnam General Phan Van Gang in Delhi.
During the meeting, bilateral defense cooperation initiatives between India and Vietnam were reviewed and both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress of the ongoing engagements.
Answer: 3) C
Explanation
Arundhati Roy received the 45th European Essay Prize for Lifetime Achievement and the award is presented by the Charles Whelan Foundation.
Arundhati Roy’s book of essays, ‘Azadi’ (2021), especially the French translation, received acclaim.
‘Azaadi’ explores the concept of freedom in an increasingly totalitarian world, with an emphasis on fiction and alternative imaginations.
Roy is known for his notable works, including the Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things.
The award ceremony will be held on September 12 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Answer: 4) D
Explanation
UK launched the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) on 19 June.
This trade scheme provides a significant opportunity for India and 65 other poor and developing countries.
It scheme creates opportunities for businesses and supports livelihoods by facilitating trade between participating countries and the United Kingdom.
By lowering trade barriers and providing preferential treatment, the scheme aims to create employment opportunities for individuals in participating countries.
It plays a role in diversifying local and international supply chains, which contributes to job creation and economic growth in these countries.
Answer: 5) A
Explanation
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is celebrated annually on 21 June.
The program emphasizes the impact of music and its ability to connect people universally.
Musicians from different genres come together to showcase their talents in public areas.
World Music Day promotes a vibrant and inclusive environment for people around the world to appreciate music.
The theme for World Music Day 2022 was”Music at the Intersections”.
Answer: 6) B
Explanation
International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on 21 June.
The day aims to promote the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The theme chosen for International Day of Yoga 2023 is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
In 2023, the International Day of Yoga took place on June 21 at the United Nations Headquarters under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is the first time that a yoga session was organized by the Prime Minister at this place.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of a dedicated Yoga Day in 2014 during his speech at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
On 11 December 2014, all 193 member states of the United Nations unanimously agreed to observe 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
The inaugural ceremony of International Day of Yoga took place on June 21, 2015.
International Yoga Day has received global recognition and is celebrated in more than 190 countries.
Answer: 7) C
Explanation
The Government of Karnataka recently launched its Griha Jyoti Yojana, which aims to provide affordable housing to the poor and middle class families of the state.
The scheme is a part of the state’s ambitious “Housing for All” scheme and aims to provide housing to around 4.5 lakh families in the next five years.
Answer: 8) D
Explanation
India’s Ministry of Defence has granted approval for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the United States. The deal, worth a little over $3 billion, is expected to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington.
Answer: 9) A
Explanation
Jharkhand’s Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh inaugurated the ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’ in the auditorium of Animal Husbandry Department at Hesag. About 10 thousand farmers will be benefited in the first phase of the scheme.
Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh said that Godhan Nyaya Yojana is being started as a pilot project in five districts of the state. After reviewing the success of this project, a plan will be made to run it in the entire state.
The objective of this scheme is to reduce the dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers and to increase the income of farmers by preparing vermicompost using cow dung available in Jharkhand.
Cow dung plays an important role in the ecosystem of agriculture, as it increases the organic content of the soil by increasing the water holding capacity of the soil. An effective management is needed to effectively use cow dung in agricultural works, which will be beneficial for the farmers.
Answer: 10) B
Explanation
The program of International Yoga Day was organized at Sanskardhani Jabalpur.
The main program of Yoga Day was organized at Garrison Ground, where 15 thousand yoga practitioners simultaneously participated in the Yoga Day event from 6 am.
Answer: 11) A
Explanation
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters has shed light on the significant impact of Groundwater Extraction on Earth’s Rotational Axis and its contribution to global sea-level rise.
Researchers analyzed changes in the drift of Earth’s rotational pole and water movement — first, by accounting for just ice sheets and Glaciers and then by adding different groundwater redistribution scenarios.
Factors Affecting Earth’s Rotation
Factors contributing to polar motion include Weather, Seasonal Changes, the molten Core, and powerful Hurricanes.
Polar motion is the movement of the Earth’s rotational axis relative to its crust, reflecting the influence of the material exchange and mass redistribution of each layer of the Earth on the Earth’s rotation axis.
Generally, polar motion is caused by changes in the hydrosphere, atmosphere, oceans, or solid Earth.
Earth’s Geographic North and South Poles are where its axis intersects the surface; however, they are not fixed. The axis and hence the poles fluctuate due to variations in the Earth’s mass distribution.
In the past, the poles’ drift was only caused by natural forces like ocean currents and the convection of heated rock deep beneath the Earth.
But the new research pitched the redistribution of groundwater as the primary culprit for the drift.
Water’s role in altering the Earth’s rotation was discovered in 2016, and until now, the contribution of groundwater to drifts has been unexplored.
Answer: 12) D
Explanation
Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), a unique space telescope developed by Pune’s Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), has been delivered to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The telescope is set to be integrated with the ADITYA-L1 mission, expected to be launched in mid-August this year.
SUIT
SUIT aims to study the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) emissions and capture high-resolution images of the Sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona, in various UV wavelengths.
It will operate in the far and near ultraviolet regions, covering wavelengths of 200-400 nanometers.
It will observe the hotter and more dynamic regions of the Sun’s atmosphere, such as the transition region and the corona.
The Sun is one of the most difficult things to study outside Earth due to its high emissions and radiation.
Answer: 13) C
Explanation
Discovery of an Alligator Gar fish (Atractosteus spatula), an invasive species in Kashmir’s Dal Lake has raised concerns.
The Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and the Department of Fisheries are collaborating to understand the extent of the invasion and its potential impact.
Alligator Gar Fish and the Risks Associated
The alligator gar is a close relative of the bowfin species. It is a ray-finned euryhaline fish (creature’s ability to adapt to a wide range of water types that range in salinity) and is one of the biggest freshwater fish in North America and the largest species in the ‘gar’ family.
It is found in some parts of India such as Bhopal and Kerala.
They grow rapidly and have a life span of 20-30 years
Answer: 14) D
Explanation
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has released the Monthly Report on Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States for the month of May, 2023. This is the 10th report published by DARPG for State Governments/UTs.
Cpgrams report
The report presents a detailed analysis of the types, categories and status of disposal of public grievances.
A total of 65,983 grievances were redressed by the States/UTs in the month of May, 2023.
This is the highest ever monthly redressal of grievances across all states since DARPG started publishing the monthly report.
DARPG has also initiated the process of ranking the State Governments/UTs on the basis of their performance in CPGRAMS redressal.
The introduction of the ranking is part of DARPG’s effort to improve grievance redressal and distribution among states and is in line with the recommendations of the 127th Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Answer: 15) C
Explanation
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently released the latest Food Outlook Report, which revealed key trends and concerns regarding food imports.
The report focuses on the projected decline in food imports by vulnerable countries, highlighting the impact on purchasing power and the overall global food import bill.
According to the FAO report, vulnerable countries are expected to experience a decline in food imports this year.
The estimated drop in the food import bill for the least developed countries is 1.5%. Additionally, net food-importing developing countries may see a more significant decline in food import volume of 4.9%.
This decline raises concerns about the purchasing power of these countries, potentially leading to food security challenges.