1. The European Commission (EC) has awarded protected geographical indication (PGI) status to a unique variety of tea grown ‘Kangra tea’. In which Indian state Kangra Tea is grown?
1. West Bengal
2. Assam
3. Sikkim
4. Himachal Pradesh
5. Kerala
Option “4” is correct. The European Commission (EC) has awarded protected geographical indication (PGI) status to Kangra tea, a unique variety of tea grown in the Kangra district of India’s Himachal Pradesh. The PGI will be effective from April 11, 2023, as per the notification issued by the EC on March 22. The tag will help Kangra Tea to get an opportunity to enter the European market.
2. Which of the following state becomes the first state in India to have a 100% electrified railway network?
Option “4” is correct. In March 2023, the railway network in the state of Haryana in India was completely electrified by Indian Railways, making it the first state in the country to achieve 100% electrification of its railway network. The existing Broad Gauge network of Haryana is 1,701 Route kilometers, which is now 100% electrified, resulting in saving on account of reduced line haul cost (about 2.5 times lower), heavier haulage capacity, increased sectional capacity, reduced operating & maintenance cost of the electric loco, energy-efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation with reduced dependence on imported crude oil, saving of foreign exchange.
3. Which edition of the annual SLINEX-2023 bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka has commenced in Colombo, Sri Lanka that includes participation from the Indian Navy’s Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as well as Sri Lanka Air Force’s Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters?
1. 3rd
2. 5th
3. 12th
4. 10th
5. 7th
Option “4” is correct. The 10th annual SLINEX-2023 bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka has commenced in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The exercise is divided into two phases, the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, each lasting three days. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kiltan and INS Savitri, while the Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Samudura.
4. Give the name of a former Indian cricketer who was known for his striking looks, humor, and ability to hit powerful sixes, passed away at the age of 88.
1. Chandu Borde
2. Salim Durani
3. Dilip Sardesai
4. Eknath Solkar
5. Abbas Ali Baig
Option “2” is correct. Salim Durani, a former Indian cricketer known for his striking looks, humor, and ability to hit powerful sixes, passed away at the age of 88. Salim Durani, who was originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, was a talented cricketer known for his explosive batting and left-arm orthodox bowling.
5. Which of the following entity has shared details on India’s International Investment Position (IIP) at the end of December 2022?
1. United Nations
2. World Trade Organisation
3. Reserve Bank of India
4. World Bank
5. Securities and Exchange Board of India
Option “3” is correct. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has shared details on India’s International Investment Position (IIP) at the end of December 2022. According to the data, non-residents’ net claims in India dropped by US$ 12.0 billion between October and December 2022, settling at US$ 374.5 billion by the end of December 2022.
6. Which country launches the new Ofek-13 spy satellite into orbit to provide advanced intelligence capabilities to military and intelligence agencies?
1. Israel
2. USA
3. Russia
4. India
5. China
Option “1” is correct. Israel launches new Ofek-13 spy satellite into orbit. The satellite, Ofek-13, launched from the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel, is intended to provide advanced intelligence capabilities to the Israeli military and intelligence agencies. The Ofek-13 satellite is the latest addition to Israel’s Ofek series of spy satellites, which have been in operation since 1988.
7. According to the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022, which Indian state has achieved the top rank among the 18 large and mid-sized states with populations over one crore?
Option “3” is correct. According to the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022, which assesses the performance of states in terms of justice delivery, the state of Karnataka has achieved the top rank among the 18 large and mid-sized states with populations over one crore.
8. The Reserve Bank of India has announced its bimonthly monetary policy and kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50 percent. How much percent of GDP growth is projected by RBI for FY 22-23?
1. 7%
2. 6.5%
3. 5.9%
4. 6.3%
5. 7.5%
Option “1” is correct. Economic activity remains resilient, and real GDP growth is expected to have been 7 percent in FY 22-23. The RBI Governor also said that the withdrawal of accommodation and that the repo rate hike has been paused only for this meeting.
9. The Indian government has formed a committee to explore ways of enhancing the pension benefits of government employees under the National Pension System (NPS). Who will head the committee?
1. Finance Secretary
2. Chairman of PFRDA
3. RBI Governor
4. Finance Minister
5. CAG
Option “1” is correct. The committee will be headed by the finance secretary and consists of three other members: the secretaries of the Department of Personnel and Training, the special secretary in the Department of Expenditure, and the Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA). The committee will examine whether any changes are necessary to NPS for government employees and suggest measures to enhance the pension benefits of NPS-covered government employees while maintaining fiscal prudence.
10. Odisha Day or Utkal Divas is a significant day for the people of Odisha, India as it marks the formation of the state. On which day Odisha Day or Utkal Divas is celebrated?
1. 1st April
2. 4th April
3. 5th April
4. 2nd April
5. 3rd April
Option “1” is correct. Odisha Day or Utkal Divas is a significant day for the people of Odisha, India as it marks the formation of the state on April 1, 1936. Odisha, also known as the Land of Lord Jagannath, is famous for its scenic seas and ancient temples, such as the Jagannath Puri Temple and the Sun Temple of Konark, which attract tourists. This year, on April 1, Odisha will celebrate its 88th foundation day.
