Q1.What is the sanctioned judicial strength of the Supreme Court of India?
[A] 25[B] 28
[C] 30
[D] 34
D – Explanation:
- The five-member Supreme Court collegium led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud recommended to the government two High Court Chief Justices for appointment as apex court judges.
The Supreme Court has seven vacancies now while it has a sanctioned judicial strength of 34. The central government is expected to clear the names of three high court chief justices and two HC judges. With this, the working strength of the Supreme Court will go up to 32. Currently, it is 27.
Q2.Which country emerged as the India’s third largest exports destination after the US and UAE during April-December 2022?
[A] Netherlands[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Australia
A – Explanation:
- Netherlands emerged as India’s third largest exports destination after the US and UAE during April-December 2022.
The change is due to a surge in shipment of goods such as petroleum products, electronic items, chemicals, and aluminium goods. India’s trade surplus with the Netherlands has also increased from USD 1.5 billion in 2017 to USD 12.3 billion in 2022.
Q3.Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Visit India Year – 2023’ initiative?
[A] Minister of Culture[B] Minister of Tourism
[C] Minister of Railways
[D] Minister of External Affairs
B – Explanation:
- Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy launched the Visit India Year – 2023 initiative. He also unveiled its logo, kicking off plans and activities for promoting tourism in the country.
Over one lakh foreign delegates will visit India this year and they will be showcased the entire arena of India’s culture, including monuments and festivals.
Q4.‘VAYAM RAKSHAMAH (We Protect) is the motto of which armed force?
[A] Indian Army[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
D – Explanation:
- The Indian Coast Guard celebrated its 47th anniversary of its distinguished service’ to the nation. Its motto is ‘VAYAM RAKSHAMAH’ meaning ‘We Protect’.
The Indian Coast Guard over these four and half decades has been patrolling the country’s maritime border. It stands tall as the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world.
Q5.Dholavira, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Assam[B] West Bengal
[C] Gujarat
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
C – Explanation:
- Dholavira is believed to have been occupied around 3500 BC (pre-Harappan) till around 1800 BC. It was also named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021.
The first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting will be held in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. During the occasion, delegates will be taken on an excursion to Dholavira, the southern centre of the Harappan Civilisation. Representatives from United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and International Labour Organisation (ILO) will also participate in the meeting.
Q6.Which Indian armed force unveiled a revised doctrine to lay out its role in “no war, no peace scenario” (NWNP)?
[A] Indian Army[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
C – Explanation:
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a revised doctrine in which it laid out the role of air power in the “no war, no peace scenario” (NWNP) that India typically faces.
The doctrine, which refers to air power as aerospace power, highlighted the use of air power as part of a joint military strategy involving the two other forces. The doctrine also emphasised that defensive and offensive counter-operations are linked.
Q7.Which neighbouring country of India marked its 75th independence anniversary on 4th February 2023?
[A] Bangladesh[B] Afghanistan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Nepal
C – Explanation:
- Sri Lanka marked its 75th independence anniversary on 4thFebruary 2023. Several activists, Buddhists and Christian clergy announced a boycott of the celebration in the capital.
A group of activists began a silent protest in the capital, condemning government’s independence celebration and failure to ease the economic burden. University students also attempted a protest march.
Q8.‘Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan’ who were seen in the news, are the eminent artists from which country?
[A] India[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Afghanistan
C – Explanation:
- Eminent artists Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan will be honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for their contribution to the film Industry in Bangladesh.
This was announced in the National Film Awards 2021 recently announced in the country. Lal Moroger Jhuti (Call of the Red Rooster) and Nona Joler Kabbo (The Salt in our waters) will be jointly awarded in the Best Film Category.
Q9.Which state/UT recently notified directions to charge groundwater extraction by industries and other establishments?
[A] New Delhi[B] Punjab
[C] Bihar
[D] West Bengal
B – Explanation:
- The state government of Punjab notify a policy to meter and charge groundwater extraction by industries and other establishments.
Anyone with an existing bore-well or digging afresh will have to take permission from Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA). There will be exemptions including farmers using water for agriculture purposes, places of worship, drinking and domestic Water Supply Scheme of Government, among others.
Q10.Which institution conducted the ‘G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill’?
[A] NASSCOM[B] CERT-In
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] CDAC
B – Explanation:
- The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) conducted the Cyber Security Exercise and drill in hybrid mode under India’s G20 presidency. Over 400 domestic and international participants attended the drill.
