Q1: SemiconIndia Conference 2023 is being held in which city?
a) Hyderabad
b) Mumbai
c) New Delhi
d) Kolkata
Solution: option c.)
The Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the ‘SemiconIndia Conference of Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem’in New Delhi.
The Secretary, MeitY, Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma; Shri Ajit Manocha, President SEMI and Member, Advisory Board of ISM, Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary, MeitY & CEO ISM, other senior officials from MeitY, state governments, delegates from the global semiconductor industry, potential semicon investors and academicians also participated in the event.
Q2: What is the name of the platform launched by the Indian Air force for steady jammer-proof communication?
a) Pawanputra
b) Vayulink
c) Pawanlink
d) Vayuputra
Solution: option b.)
Indian Air Force (IAF) recently developed an indigenous ‘Vayulink’ platform to enable jammer-proof communication with the base station.
About ‘Vayulink’ Platform:
• Vayulink is an ad-hoc data link communication system that would help pilots deal with bad weather and provide jammer-proof uninterrupted communication with the base station.
• It is developed by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• It uses the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) to send radio communication to the base station with low signals.
• Vayulink, when installed in an aircraft, gives the position of other aircraft close by and encrypted traffic data over a secure channel.
• Uses:
o The platform helps to prevent fratricide or friendly fire, i.e., it helps us to know where the friendly forces are present.
o It provides better combat teaming.
o Helps plan real-time basis where multiple teams can get together and go towards the target coming from different areas.
o It can also give the pilots data on the weather.
Q3: On which we celebrated ‘World TB day’?
a) 23 March
b) 24 March
c) 25 March
d) 28 March
Solution: option b.)
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed annually on 24 March to create global awareness about TB, and the preventive measures to put an end to this worldwide epidemic.
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious and contagious disease that generally affects the lungs. TB is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The TB bacteria usually affects the lungs but it can attack other organs as well including the spine, kidneys and brain.
What Is the Theme of World TB Day 2023?
Every year, World TB Day is observed under a specific theme. This year, the World TB Day Theme 2023 is ‘Yes! We can end TB!’
World Health Organization (WHO) says,” This year’s theme aims to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.
Q4: In which city, the UN 2023 Water Conference took place?
a) Davos
b) Tel Aviv
c) New York
d) Dubai
Solution: option c.)
The UN 2023 Water Conference – formally known as the 2023 Conference for the Midterm Comprehensive Review of Implementation of the UN Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation (2018-2028) – will take place at UN Headquarters in New York, 22-24 March 2023, co-hosted by the Government of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This will be only the second UN Conference dedicated to water, following the Conference in Mar del Plata, Argentina in 1977, and will provide a unique opportunity to undertake commitments and accelerate action towards achieving SDG 6 and other internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those set out in the 2030 Development Agenda.
Q5: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
a) Gujarat
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Maharashtra
d) Tamil Nadu
Solution: option a.)
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat, India. It is situated approximately 15 kilometres from Porbandar and 100 kilometres west of Gir Forest National Park. Previous to its 1979 establishment as a wildlife sanctuary, Barda was a private reserve for Porbandar and Jamnagar. Approximately 4,00,000 people live in Barda.
Gujarat is finally moving lions from the Gir National Park to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, the Centre has given the long-pending plan to shift some lions to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary which is around 100 kilometres away in-principal approval.
Let’s take a closer look at why the government is doing so:
First, Gujarat is the only abode of Asiatic lions in India.
According to the 2020 census, there are 674 lions in the state – a 29 per cent rise in its population compared to the 2015 census.
The state has a total of 206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 other unidentified big cats.
Q6: Kodava hockey festival is being held in which state?
a) Goa
b) Sikkim
c) Karnataka
d) Madhya Pradesh
Solution: option c.)
Kodagu is one of the most popular destinations in southern India. Nestled in the green Western Ghats, Kodagu or Coorg is well known for its coffee plantations and for being a paradise for nature lovers.
Kodavas, the native to the land of Kodagu, are a martial race known to worship weapons such as swords, arrows, bows, and guns. Kodagu also boasts of one of the richest hockey cultures in India.
The district has produced a line of superstars who have represented India at all levels from the Olympics to World Cups. From the veterans of the past like M.P. Ganesh, M. M. Somaya A. B. Subbaiah, B. P. Govinda, and Arjun Halappa to new-generation superstars like S. K. Uthappa, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Nithin Thimmaiah, V. R. Raghunath and S. V. Sunil, they have enthralled the crowd alike.
The Kodava Hockey Festival is a unique hockey event organized in the Kodagu district of Karnataka state in India. The land of Kodavas, Kodagu district is famous for being the cradle of Indian hockey in recent years. The Kodava Hockey Festival was incepted in the year 1997 and is organized by the Kodavas, regularly. It is a kind of family festival where more than 200 families participate every year.
Q7: Indian Army and the IAF conducted an AIR-Land exercise in the eastern theatre. what is the name of the exercise?
a) Chetak Chaukas
b) Vajra Prahar
c) Vayu Prahar
d) La Perouse
Solution: option c.)
The Indian Army and the Air Force held a joint multi-domain air-land exercise, Vayu Prahar, in the Eastern Command. The joint drill was held to validate joint plans to prosecute synergized multiple-domain operations.
By holding this drill, the Indian army and Air Forces aim to master its multi-domain operations, the Indian Army aims to orchestrate military activities across all domains to deliver converging effects.
What did the joint drill include?
• The joint exercise includes the rapid mobilization of an earmarked Rapid Reaction Force from the hinterland to undertake air-landed operations in a nominated advance landing ground.
• The air-landed force further executes contingency tasks as per a realistic exercise scenario in challenging high-altitude terrain conditions.
• It also includes training soldiers to handle deadly weapons, learning the process of combat and ways to defeat the attacker during the fight.
How was the joint drill conducted?
Conducting the exercise of Vayu Prahar, different forces got an opportunity to handle new weapons and to learn the process of coordination and rehearsal for quick mobilization, transportation, and deployment of forces within a theatre, which can be executed across theatres. During the drill, the forces carried out swift mobilization and it forces were deployed at various sites who were carrying the latest weapons.
Q8: Mesut Ozil announced retirement as a football player. He is from which country?
a) Italy
b) Netherland
c) Germany
d) England
Solution: option c.)
Mesut Özil, the Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, has announced his retirement from professional football aged 34.
Once regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position, Özil won the La Liga title with Real Madrid in 2012 and four FA Cup titles with Arsenal between 2014 and 2020.
He was also part of the German squad at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups and scored 23 goals in 92 appearances for his country.
“I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity,” Özil wrote on social media.
Q9: Tamil Nadu’s ___ wildlife sanctuary to come up in Erode.
a) 19th
b) 18th
c) 15th
d) 17th
Solution: option b.)
▪ The Tamil Nadu Government has notified Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state.
▪ It is spread over 80,567 hectares in the Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks forest in Erode district.
▪ It is close to Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, and Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka.
▪ It also acts as a connecting point between Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q10: The Regional Conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ conducted by Amit Shah in which city?
a) Jaipur
b) Chennai
c) Bengaluru
d) Mumbai
Solution: option c.)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the Regional Conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in Bengaluru. During the meeting, due emphasis will be laid on aspects like ways to curtail drug trafficking through maritime routes and stringent punitive action on drug traffickers resulting in zero tolerance.
Seamless coordination or cooperation between State and Central Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and containment of the spread of drug abuse through concerted awareness programmes are the other aspects which will also be discussed during the meeting. Mr Shah will also oversee the destruction of nine thousand 298 Kilograms of seized drugs valued at one thousand 235 crore rupees.
Q11: Which edition of Defence Exercise ‘La Perouse’ between the navies of India, the US, Japan, France, the UK and Australia begins in 2023?
a) 3rd
b) 4th
c) 5th
d) 6th
Solution: option a.)
The third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region. This edition will witness the participation of personnel, ships and integral helicopters of the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy.
The biennial exercise La Perouse is conducted by the French Navy and is aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and optimising maritime coordination amongst the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific Region. The two-day exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer links in planning, coordination and information sharing for seamless maritime operations.
Q12: According to the Finance Ministry report, the Indian economy is expected to grow at ______ in FY23 despite global headwinds.
a) 6.5%
b) 7%
c) 7.25%
d) 7.5%
Solution: option b.)
▪ Retail inflation would moderate in line with wholesale inflation which fell to a 25-month low in January 2023.
▪ It will be supported by the gains from high services exports, the moderation in oil prices, and the recent fall in import-intensive consumption demand.
▪ The current account deficit (CAD) of India is estimated to fall in FY23 and FY24.
Q13: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chairs ____ General Body Meeting of NCSCM.
a) 3rd
b) 2nd
c) 4th
d) 1st
Solution: option d.)
▪ Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired the 1st General Body Meeting of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) on 22 March in New Delhi.
▪ He emphasized the Blue Economy which focuses on sustainable and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure and livelihoods of coastal communities.
▪ The Government is moving forward with a Marine Spatial Plan for area-based management with multiple management objectives.
Q14: Which state signs MoU with French Agency to improve drinking water, and sanitation?
a) Haryana
b) Punjab
c) Himachal Pradesh
d) Sikkim
Solution: option c.)
▪ Himachal Pradesh signed an MoU with the French Development Agency Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) for Rs 817.12 crore project.
▪ Objective: To develop better sewerage facilities in five towns of the state – Manali, Bilaspur, Palampur, Nahan and Karsog.
▪ It also aims to improve the drinking water supply in Manali and Palampur towns.
▪ The beneficiaries of the project would receive house service connections in these five cities
▪ HP CM: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Q15: According to the 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List, released by Hurun India and M3M India, the Chairman of Reliance, who is the only Indian in the world’s top 10 billionaires list (rank 9)?
a) Gautam Adani
b) Praveen Mittal
c) Mukesh Ambani
d) Ratan Tata
Solution: option c.)
Chairman of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian to be included again in the list of top 10 billionaires in the world, according to a report compiled by research platform Hurun in coordination with real-estate group M3M titled ‘The 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List’ on Wednesday.
According to this list, among Indian billionaires, Ambani ranked first with a net worth of $82 billion, followed by Gautam Adani with a net worth of $53 billion. Cyrus Poonawalla is in third place with a net worth of $28 billion. Shiv Nadar and their family is fourth with $27 billion and Lakshmi Mittal is fifth with $20 billion.
• Gautam Adani and family (Rank 23) • Cyrus S Poonawalla (Rank 46) • Shiv Nadar and family (Rank 50) • Lakshmi N Mittal (Rank 76)
Q16: Who won the Asian Billiards Championship title in 2023?
a) Brijesh Damani
b) Pankaj Advani
c) Rohit Khanna
d) Iqbal Ahmed
Solution: option b.)
▪ Pankaj Advani has won the Asian Billiards Championship title held in Doha, Qatar.
▪ On 19 March, Pankaj defeated the defending national champion Brijesh Damani (India) 5– 1 to win the title for the second time in a row and ninth overall.
▪ After a 5–1 win over Thailand’s Praput Chaithanasakun in the quarter-finals, Pankaj defeated Myanmar’s Pauk Sa in the semi-finals.
▪ In the women’s section, China’s Bai Yulu won the title beating Panchaya Channoi of Thailand 3-0 in the final.
▪ Advani won gold medals in English Billiards singles in the 2006 and 2010 Asian Games.
Q17: Who has recently taken over as the CEO of STARBUCKS?
a) Bala Subramaniam
b) C.V Krishnan
c) Laxman Narasimhan
d) Ramakrishna Iyer
Solution: option b.)
Laxman Narasimhan has officially taken over as chief executive of Starbucks Corp., the coffee giant announced Monday — an earlier-than-expected move that installs a leader whom some analysts characterized as an industry outsider of sorts who would bring deeper global expertise to the company.
Narasimhan’s hiring as Starbucks’ SBUX, -0.71% CEO was announced at the start of September, and he joined the company as incoming CEO at the beginning of October. He appears to be assuming his new role a bit earlier than planned: The Sept. 1 announcement of his hiring said he would take over as CEO and join the board on April 1, 2023.
Q18: Who has won the Christopher Martin- Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award 2022?
a) Aasif Sheikh
b) KL Rahul
c) Virat Kohli
d) Babar Azam
Solution: option a.)
Nepali cricketer Asif Sheikh wins the 2022 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award: Aasif Sheikh, a Nepalese wicketkeeper, has won the 2022 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award for his sportsmanship during a T20 international match.
He refused to run out Ireland’s Andy McBrine, who was tripped over by bowler Kamal Airee. The judges also praised England’s, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes.