Current Affairs

European Space Agency launches JUICE mission to explore icy moons of Jupiter

The European Space Agency launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) project successfully on April 14, 2023 from the ESA’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The Juice satellite was sent skyward on an Ariane-5 rocket from the ESA’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana

The JUICE project aims to send a satellite to study the icy moons of Jupiter after an eight-year journey.

The spacecraft will use a gravitational sling-shot technique around Earth and Venus to give it enough energy to reach Jupiter.

The probe is worth 1.6 billion Euros and could potentially provide information on whether Jupiter’s moons have conditions that can support simple life.

Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa, Jupiter’s major moons, are believed to have large liquid-water oceans beneath their icy shells.

The probe will head towards Jupiter more directly after the gravitational sling-shot, finally reaching the gas giant in July 2031.

JUICE will perform a flyby of the huge Jovian moon Ganymede, before positioning itself into orbit around Jupiter.

Question : What is the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) project?
A) A project by NASA to explore the gas giant Jupiter.
B) A project by ESA to explore the icy moons of Jupiter.
C) A project by SpaceX to colonize Jupiter’s moons.
D) A project by ISRO to study Jupiter’s magnetic fields.

Answer: B) A project by ESA to explore the icy moons of Jupiter.

Guinness World Records for largest Bihu dance and highest number of drummers, in Assam

On April 14, 2023, 11,304 Bihua and Bihuwati performers achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest Bihu dance performed in a single venue, at Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati, Assam.

Additionally, 2,548 drummers (dhulias) entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of drummers performing in a single venue.

The performers were selected from all across Assam by the state government and trained by master Bihu trainers.

Each artist received a token of appreciation of 25,000 rupees from the state government.

The Bihu dance was performed at Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Modi praised the Bihu festival as a celebration of harmony between humans and nature that transcends differences.

Question : How many Bihua and Bihuwati performers achieved the Guinness World Record for the largest Bihu dance performed in a single venue in Assam on April 14, 2023?

A) 2,548
B) 11,304
C) 25,000
D) 14,042

Answer: B) 11,304

Aman Sehrawat Wins Gold Medal at Asian Wrestling Championships 2023

India’s Aman Sehrawat won the gold medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 held in Astana, Kazakhstan. Sehrawat defeated Almaz Smanbekov of Kyrgyzstan 9-4 in the final match. This marks India’s fourth consecutive gold medal in the men’s freestyle 57kg category at the Asian Wrestling Championships. This is Sehrawat’s second podium finish this year, following his gold medal win at the Under-23 world championships in Spain last year. With Sehrawat’s victory, India’s medal tally in the tournament rose to 13, with four medals won by Greco-Roman wrestlers and seven medals won by women’s wrestlers.

Q. Who won the gold medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan?

A. Almaz Smanbekov
B. Aman Sehrawat
C. Bajrang Punia
D. Sushil Kumar

Ans : B. Aman Sehrawat

Dr S Jaishankar inaugurated the Buzi Bridge in Mozambique

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Mozambique and met with the President of Assembly Esperança Bias on 14 April 2023. They discussed counterterrorism, disaster resilience, and green growth.

Dr S Jaishankar virtually inaugurated the Buzi Bridge, which is a part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project built by India.

He also discussed expanding train networks, electric mobility, and waterways connectivity with Mozambican Minister of Transport and Communication Mateus Magala.

He took a ride on a Made in India train with Mr Magala and CMD of Rail India Technical and Economic Service RITES Rahul Mithal.

Dr Jaishankar offered prayers at the Shree Vishvambhar Mahadev Mandir and met community representatives and friends of India at a reception hosted by the High Commissioner in Maputo. He underlined the expanding historic relationship between the two countries.

Question : The Buzi Bridge built by India is located in which country ?
a) Angola
b) Mozambique
c) Zimbabwe
d) Mauritius

Ans : b) Mozambique

Mission Digital Mahila” launched in two-days Women 20 meeting in Jaipur

Two-days Women 20 meeting organizes under G-20 in Jaipur from 13 to 14 April 2023. During the meeting Mission Digital Mahila” launches to empower women.

  1. Elaborate discussions were made on topics related to gender equality and women empowerment on the first day of the two-day Women 20 meeting organized under G-20 in Jaipur.
  2. Three sessions were organized in the meeting, which focused on financial empowerment of women, digital and financial literacy, climate change, and a sustainable future.
  3. “Mission Digital Mahila” was launched in the meeting to empower women through financial and business literacy and digital proficiency, and to increase their access to digital and financial tools and the local ecosystem so they can start their own enterprises and expand their businesses.
  4. Despite an almost equal population of women in the country, the participation of women in the labor force is just 22 percent, while globally it is 49 percent.
  5. Three out of four women in the age group of 15 to 59 years in the country are out of the labor force.
  6. Increasing women’s participation in the labor force will also increase the GDP.

Question : When was “Mission Digital Mahila” launched?

a) During the Two-day Women 20 meeting in Jaipur
b) During the G-20 Summit in Jaipur
c) During the UN General Assembly in New York
d) During the World Economic Forum in Davos

Ans : a) During the Two-day Women 20 meeting in Jaipur

Exercise Orion in France : Indian Air Force Contingent Departed with Rafale Aircraft

A group of Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel departed to participate in the upcoming Exercise Orion. The exercise is scheduled to take place at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base of the French Air and Space Force. According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will be held from the 17th April to the 5th May 2023.

The IAF contingent will consist of 165 air warriors, four Rafale aircraft, two C-17, and two IL-78 aircraft. This will be the first overseas exercise for the IAF’s Rafale aircraft, as per the Ministry. The Exercise Orion will also feature participation from Air Forces of several other countries, including Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States of America.

Question: Where will the Exercise Orion be conducted?
a) Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base in France
b) Indian Air Force Base in India
c) German Air Force Base in Germany
d) British Air Force Base in the United Kingdom

Answer: a) Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base in France.

Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti : 14 April

Ambedkar Jayanti, celebrated on April 14th, marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar. He was a pioneer of the Indian Constitution and one of the most influential social reformers of India. Born on April 14th, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Ambedkar dedicated his life to fighting against social injustices and advocating for the rights of the marginalized sections of society.

Ambedkar played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution, which is considered one of the most comprehensive and progressive constitutions in the world. He believed that democracy could only thrive when all individuals were treated equally and had access to education, healthcare, and other basic amenities. His vision was to create a society that was free from discrimination and prejudice, where every citizen had equal opportunities to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

On his birthday, we pay tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution, who fought tirelessly for the rights of the downtrodden and disadvantaged. His contributions to the country will always be remembered and celebrated, and his teachings will continue to inspire generations to come. We owe it to him to continue working towards his vision of a just and equitable society, where everyone can live with dignity and respect.

Question : When is Ambedkar Jayanti celebrated?
a) January 26th
b) August 15th
c) April 14th
d) October 2nd

Answer: c) April 14th.

Indian Women wrestlers bag seven medals to finish third at Asian Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan

Indian women wrestlers have achieved a remarkable feat by winning a total of seven medals at the Asian Wrestling Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 9 to 14 April 2013. Out of these, two medals were silver and five were bronze. This achievement has led to India securing the third position in the Women’s Teams Ranking.

Antim Panghal and Nisha Dahiya were the two Indian wrestlers who won silver medals in their respective weight categories of 53-kg and 68-kg. Anshu Malik, Sonam Malik, Manisha, and Reetika were the other Indian wrestlers who claimed bronze medals at the event.

In the previous edition of the championships, India had won five medals and finished in fourth place. However, this time around, the Indian women’s wrestling team has surpassed their previous performance and exceeded expectations.

Question : In which position did India finish in the Women’s Teams Ranking at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023?
a) First
b) Second
c) Third
d) Fourth

Answer: c) Third

Kolkata Metro conducts successful test run of India’s first-ever underwater metro

  1. Kolkata Metro Railway carried out a successful test run of two six-coach metro trains under Hooghly river’s underwater tunnel, which is the country’s first-ever underwater Metro.
  2. The two six-coach trains underwent a trial run on the 4.8-kilometer stretch between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan as part of the Kolkata East-West Metro Project.
  3. The trial runs in the 4.8 KM underground stretch from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade will be conducted for the next seven months.
  4. Commercial services on this stretch are expected to begin this year only.
  5. Howrah will be the deepest Metro station (33 meters below surface) in the country once this stretch is open.
  6. The Metro is expected to cover the 520 meters stretch under the river Hooghly in 45 seconds.
  7. The tunnel under the river is 32 meters below the water level, the only one of its type in India.

Question: How deep is the Howrah Metro station located under the river Hooghly?
a) 32 meters
b) 45 meters
c) 20 meters
d)100 meters
Answer: a) 32 meters

SCO Young Authors’ Conference Inaugurated by Minister of State for External Affairs in Delhi

  1. Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Young Authors’ Conference in New Delhi.
  2. The SCO comprises eight Member States including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  3. Ms Lekhi emphasized the need to strengthen ties and find linkages of common heritage and social value systems in the youth.
  4. The two-day conference will explore modern education, training, advanced training of youth, and wider involvement in entrepreneurial activities and innovative projects.

Question: How many Member States currently comprise the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
a. 7
b. 8
c. 9
d. 10
Answer: b. 8

120 women leaders from 18 G20 countries gather for the Second Women 20 International Meeting to address gender inequality and promote women’s economic empowerment

  1. The Second Women 20 (W20) International Meeting is commencing today in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
  2. The meeting will bring together 120 women leaders from 18 G20 countries.
  3. The objective of the W20 is women’s empowerment, advocacy of women’s rights, and the creation of an equitable platform for them with a platform to raise their opinions.
  4. The theme of the meeting is “Women-Led Development: Leverage Women’s Untapped Potential to Accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
  5. The meeting’s agenda focuses on five key priorities: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Grassroots Women’s Leadership, Bridging the Gender Digital Divide, Education and Skill Development, and Climate Change.
  6. The meeting will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions on topics related to women’s issues.

Question: What is the objective of the Women 20 (W20) group?
a) To address gender inequality and promote women’s economic empowerment
b) To promote men’s rights and interests
c) To support the G20 countries in achieving economic growth
d) To promote men’s economic empowerment

Answer: a) To address gender inequality and promote women’s economic empowerment

India’s Aviation Safety Assessment Rating Remains in Category One, Permitted to Expand Services to the USA

  1. India’s International Aviation Safety Assessment rating will remain in Category One.
  2. The country has met the international standards for aviation safety oversight.
  3. India received category one status after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States audited the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in areas covering aircraft operations, airworthiness, and personnel licensing.
  4. The FAA determines whether a country complies with safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program.
  5. The DGCA was appreciated by the FAA for demonstrating a commitment to ensuring effective safety oversight of India’s aviation system.
  6. Countries with Category One status are allowed to operate and expand their services to destinations in the USA and codeshare with US air carriers.
  7. India’s Category One determination is a testimony to India’s commitment to effective safety oversight for its civil aviation system.
  8. The Indian aviation sector is on a high growth trajectory at present.

Question: What is the International Aviation Safety Assessment rating of India?
a) Category Two
b) Category One
c) Category Three
d) Category Four
Answer: b) Category One

Antim Panghal wins silver, four other Indian wrestlers secure bronze at Asian Wrestling Championships 2023

  1. Antim Panghal won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships in the 53-kg category.
  2. Panghal lost to Japan’s Akari Fujinami, the reigning world champion, in the final.
  3. Fujinami defended her Asian crown comfortably, leading 4-0 in the opening minute before winning the match in the first round.
  4. Four other Indian wrestlers, Anshu Malik (57kg), Sonam Malik (62kg), Manisha (65kg), and Reetika (72kg), won bronze medals in their respective weight categories.
  5. India’s medal tally in the championships was increased by the bronze medals won by the four wrestlers.

Question: Who won the silver medal in the 53-kg category at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships?
a) Anshu Malik
b) Akari Fujinami
c) Sonam Malik
d) Antim Panghal
Answer: d) Antim Panghal

PM Modi to distribute 71,000 appointment letters for various government positions

  1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to distribute around 71,000 appointment letters to newly recruited employees through video conference.
  2. New recruits will be joining various positions in the Central Government, including Train Manager, Station Master, Inspector, Constable, Stenographer, Junior Accountant, Postal Assistant, Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Professor, Teacher, and Nurse.
  3. PM Modi will also address the newly appointed employees.
  4. Newly appointed employees will have the opportunity to train themselves through an online orientation course called Karmayogi Prarambh.
  5. The Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to employment generation.

Question: PM Modi distribute how many appointment letters to newly recruited employees during Rozgar Mela on 13th April 2023 ?
a) around 1,50,000
b) around 90,000
c) around 71,000
d) around 51,000
Answer: c) around 71,000

DST and Indian Navy Collaborate to Develop Secure Maritime Communications Using Quantum Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy to develop secure maritime communications using Quantum Technology on 12th April 2023.

The Raman Research Institute under the Ministry of Science & Technology Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab will lead the research efforts towards developing quantum key distribution techniques. The QuIC lab is India’s first laboratory to propose and implement a wide range of applications using single and entangled photons for secure communications in strategic areas like banking, defence, and cyber security. The collaboration will help foster cutting-edge research towards the identification of potential maritime use-cases for the Indian Navy.

Question : Which technology will be used by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the DST to develop secure maritime communications?

A) Artificial Intelligence
B) Blockchain
C) Quantum Technology
D) 5G

Correct answer: C) Quantum Technology

PM Narendra Modi flags off Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express between Jaipur and Delhi Cantt

PM Narendra Modi flagged off Rajasthan’s first Vande Bharat Express via video conferencing on 12 April 2023.

  • This Vande Bharat Express train will run between Jaipur and Delhi Cantt. railway station.
  • The regular service of the train will start between Ajmer and Delhi Cantt from 13 April 2023.
  • The new Vande Bharat Express will have stops at Jaipur, Alwar and Gurgaon.
  • The train will cover the distance between Delhi Cantt. and Ajmer in 5 hours 15 minutes.
  • The new Vande Bharat Express will be faster by 60 minutes as compared to the present fastest train, Shatabdi Express, on the same route.

Question : How long does it take for the new Vande Bharat Express train to cover the distance between Delhi Cantt. and Ajmer?
a) 5 hours
b) 5 hours 15 minutes
c) 6 hours
d) 6 hours 15 minutes

Answer: b) 5 hours 15 minutes

New Data Protection Bill to be Introduced in Monsoon Session of Parliament

  • Centre government informs Supreme Court on 11th April 2023, that a new data protection bill is ready and will be introduced in the Monsoon session of Parliament.
  • Attorney General R Venkatramani informs a Constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph that the bill is ready.
  • The bench comprising justices Ajay Rastogi, Aniruddha Bose, Hrishikesh Roy, and C T Ravikumar takes note of the submission.
  • The matter is directed to be placed before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud so that a new bench can be constituted as Justice Joseph is set to retire on June 16.
  • The matter has been posted for hearing in the first week of August 2023.
  • Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the petitioners, submits that the court should not link the court hearings to the legislative process.
  • Divan states that the legislative process is complex and it may be again referred to some committees.

Question : Presently, Who is the Attorney General of India ?
a) R Venkatramani
b) Soli Jehangir Sorabjee
c) Mukul Rohatgi
d) DY Chandrachud

Ans : a) R Venkatramani

Nisha Dahia wins Silver in Asian Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan

Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya won a silver medal at the Asian wrestling championships in Astana, Kazakhstan on 11 April 2023. This is the biggest-ever medal of her career in the women’s 68 kg category.

Nisha, on a fine injury comeback, reached the final in but fell to Japan’s Ami Ishii 10-0 and finish as a runner-up. Overall, India have won six medals so far.

Question : Who won the silver medal at the Asian wrestling championships in the women’s 68 kg category?
a) Ami Ishii
b) Nisha Dahiya
c) Anshu Malik
d) Sakshi Malik

Answer: b) Nisha Dahiya

International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics to begin in New Delhi from 12th April 2023

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate 3-day International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics in New Delhi on 12 April 2023.
  • Conference to provide platform for policymakers, academicians, and officials to share insights and experiences on Defence Finance and Economics in present evolving security challenges
  • Delegates from USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya to participate in conference
  • Objective of conference is to disseminate best practices, experiences, and expertise of various countries
  • Conference to facilitate collaborations with foreign governments, international institutions, and global leaders in promoting government’s vision of Aatmanirbharta in Defence sector

Question : Who will participate in the International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics in New Delhi from 12th April 2023?
a) Delegates from USA, UK, Japan, and Australia
b) Delegates from India, Pakistan, and China
c) Delegates from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya
d) Delegates from Germany, France, and Russia

Answer: c) Delegates from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya

IMD predict that Southwest Monsoon 2023 Rainfall to be normal

The monsoon season 2023 rainfall from June to September (Southwest Monsoon) is predicted to be 96% (normal) of the Long Period Average (LPA) with a model error of 5%. The LPA for seasonal rainfall over India for the period 1971-2020 is 87 cm.

  • La Nina conditions have changed to neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific. The latest Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) coupled forecast system (MMCFS) and other climate model forecasts indicate that El Niño conditions are likely to develop during the monsoon season.
  • Coastal Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are currently prevailing over the Indian Ocean, and the latest climate model forecasts indicate that positive IOD conditions are likely to develop during the southwest monsoon season.
  • The snow cover area of Northern hemisphere areas during February and March 2023 was less than normal.
  • Winters and spring snow cover over Northern Hemisphere and Eurasia has a tendency of general inverse relationship with the summer monsoon rainfall.
  • IMD will issue an updated forecast for the monsoon season rainfall in the last week of May 2023.

Question : What is the Long Period Average (LPA) for seasonal rainfall over India for the period 1971-2020 ?
a) 98 cm
b) 92 cm
c) 87 cm
d) 82 cm

Ans : c) 87 cm

Papalpreet Singh, the main associate of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, has been arrested by Punjab Police

Papalpreet Singh, the main associate of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, has been arrested by Punjab Police from Kathunangal area of Amritsar on 10 April 2023.

  • Papalpreet had been on the run along with Amritpal Singh, the chief of “Waris Punjab De” since 18 March 2023, after the police launched a crackdown on Khalistan sympathisers.
  • Papalpreet Singh was wanted by the Punjab Police in six criminal cases.
  • The accused has been detained under the National Security Act.
  • Police teams were working on vital clues amidst the ongoing special operation.
  • Further legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.
  • The Inspector General of Police appealed to the people to continue maintaining peace and harmony in the state.

Question : Papalpreet Singh and Amritpal Singh is associated with which radical organisation ?
a) Khalistan Commando Dal
b) Waris Punjab De
c) Punjab Warriors
d) Liberation Front

Ans : b) Waris Punjab De

Exercise Cope India 23 has started between the Indian Air Force and the United States Air Force on 10th April 2023

Exercise Cope India 23 has started between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) on 10th April 2023. This 11 days exercise is being held at Panagarh, Kalaikunda and Agra air force stations.

The exercise aims at enhancing mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and sharing their best practices. In the exercise C-130J, C-17, MC-130J aircrafts are participating.

Question : Which two air forces are participating in Exercise Cope India 23?
a) Indian Air Force (IAF) and Australian Air Force
b) Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japanese Air Force
c) Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF)
d) Indian Air Force (IAF) and Russian Air Force

Answer: c) Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF)

Election Commission of India Grants National Party Status to AAP ; Trinamool Congress, CPI and NCP lose national party status

  • The Election Commission of India has granted national party status to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on 10th April 2023.
  • The national party status of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Communist Party of India and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been withdrawn.
  • The AAP has become a recognized state party in four states: Delhi, Punjab, Goa and Gujarat.
  • The Commission withdrew the state party status of AITC in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, Communist Party of India in West Bengal and Odisha, and NCP in Goa, Manipur, and Meghalaya.
  • Tipra Motha Party has been granted recognition as a state party in Tripura, and Voice of the People Party in Meghalaya.
  • Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been recognized as a state party in Nagaland.
  • The state party recognitions of Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Pattali Makkal Katchi, Revolutionary Socialist Party, People’s Democratic Alliance, and Mizoram People’s Conference have been withdrawn.

Question : The Election Commission of India has granted national party status to which political party on 10th April 2023.
a) All India Trinamool Congress (AITC)
b) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
c) Communist Party of India (CPI)
d) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Ans : d) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Bihar Government to Recruit Teachers Through Commission and Make All Government School Teachers State Employees

  • Bihar government decided to recruit teachers in government schools through a commission.
  • The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on 10 April 2023.
  • Currently, recruitment of teachers is done at panchayat, block, and district levels.
  • Appointments will no longer be made on a contractual basis.
  • Contract teachers can become regular government teachers after clearing entrance examinations conducted by the Commission.
  • Three lakh teachers will be appointed under new recruitment rules.
  • All government school teachers will now be state employees.

Question : How will the Bihar government recruit teachers in government schools?
a) Through block and district levels
b) Through panchayat, block and district levels
c) Through a commission
d) Through a contract system

Answer: c) Through a commission

Vibrant Villages Programme to develop villages on the Northern border

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ in Kibithoo, a border village in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on 10 April 2023. 

What is Vibrant Villages Programme ?

  • The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) was announced in the 2022 Budget Speech by the Finance Minister.
  • The programme aims to develop villages on the Northern border that are often left out from development gains due to sparse population, limited connectivity, and infrastructure.
  • The Government has approved the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ with central components of 4800 crore rupees, including 2500 crore rupees exclusively for road connectivity, for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
  • Under the VVP, 2967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territories of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development.
  • In the first phase, 662 villages have been identified for priority coverage, which includes 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Government of India is already implementing the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in habitations located within 0-10 kms of the international border in 460 border blocks of 117 border districts in 16 states and 2 Union Territories.
  • The BADP approves works related to village infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, sports, drinking water, and sanitation, as per its guidelines.

Question : What is the main aim of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?

A) To develop cities on the Northern border areas.
B) To replace existing schemes with new ones.
C) To provide financial support to all villages in India.
D) To develop villages on the Northern border

Answer: D) To develop villages on the Northern border

Hyderabad’s Bowenpally Vegetable Market turns waste into wealth with innovative waste management system

  1. Bowenpally Vegetable Market in Hyderabad has implemented an innovative waste management system that generates bioelectricity, biofuel, and bio-manure from vegetable waste.
  2. Nearly 10 tons of waste is collected every day in the market, which is now the major source of electricity for the vegetable market.
  3. The waste-to-energy plant generates around 500 units of electricity and 30 kg of biofuel every day, providing electricity to streetlights, stalls, an administration building, and the water supply network.
  4. The plant also generates employment for women in various roles such as sorting and segregating waste, operating machinery, and managing administrative tasks.
  5. The waste generated in the market is chopped into smaller pieces, shredded, and sent to anaerobic digesters, which generate biogas and bio-manure as by-products.
  6. The biogas generated is used for cooking and powering cold storage rooms, water pumps, streetlights, and other equipment.
  7. The biogas plant helps reduce the electricity bill by half and the liquid bio-manure is being used as fertilizer in farmers’ fields.
  8. The project has been funded by the Department of Biotechnology and Department of Agriculture marketing Telangana, and executed by the Hyderabad-based Ahuja Engineering Services Pvt Ltd.
  9. The project has been so successful that the Department of Biotechnology has announced further funding to establish five more similar plants in different market yards with varying capacities.

Question: In which state Bowenpally’s Biogas Plant is situated ?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Telangana
Answer: d) Telangana

Uttar Pradesh announces two-phase urban local body polls to be held in May

  1. The urban local body polls in Uttar Pradesh will be held in two phases on May 4 and May 11 2023.
  2. The counting of votes will take place on May 13.
  3. The first phase of voting will cover 37 districts in nine administrative divisions, including Agra, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Devipatan and Gorakhpur.
  4. The second phase of voting will be held in Chitrakoot, Ayodhya, Basti, Azamgarh, Meerut, Bareilly, Aligarh, Kanpur, and Mirzapur administrative divisions.
  5. The elections will take place across 760 urban local bodies, including 17 mayoral seats and 1,420 councillor posts.
  6. Uttar Pradesh is politically the most crucial state in the country and has 80 members in the Lok Sabha.
  7. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) have deputed senior leaders in districts to oversee the party’s preparation for the elections.
  8. The urban body polls in Uttar Pradesh are taking place after the Supreme Court allowed the State Election Commission to issue a notification in two days, with an OBC quota in line with the report of the recently constituted Uttar Pradesh Backward Classes Commission.

Question: How many urban local bodies will go to polls in Uttar Pradesh?
a) 560
b) 760
c) 960
d)1002
Answer: b) 760

World Homeopathy Day : 10 April

  1. World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on April 10th
  2. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Christian Fredrich Samuel Hahnemann, founder of Homoeopathy
  3. The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) is organizing a scientific convention in New Delhi
  4. The convention will be inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
  5. The theme of the convention is ‘Homoeoparivar- Sarvajan Swasthya, One Health, One Family’
  6. The convention will cover various sessions on policy aspects, advancement in Homeopathy, research evidence and clinical experiences in Homeopathy
  7. Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) will be exchanged between CCRH and various homoeopathic colleges and also between CCRH and Directorate of Homoeopathy, Government of Kerala
  8. One documentary, one portal and eight books of CCRH will be released during the event.

Question: When is World Homoeopathy Day celebrated every year?
a) 1st January
b) 10th April
c) 25th December
d) 23rd June

Answer: b) 10th April

Indian shuttler Priyanshu Rajawat wins men’s singles title at Orleans Masters 2023

  • Priyanshu Rajawat won the men’s singles title at the Orleans Masters on 9th April 2023.
  • He beat Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen in the final.
  • Rajawat is a 21-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, India.
  • He had played one match for the Indian team at the 2022 Thomas Cup.
  • Rajawat won the final 21-15, 19-21, 21-16 in 68 minutes.
  • Rajawat won the match by producing winners and playing a controlled aggressive game.
  • This is the biggest title of Rajawat’s career so far.

Question : Who won the men’s singles title at the Orleans Masters?
a) Magnus Johannesen
b) Priyanshu Rajawat
c) Srikanth Kidambi
d) Lakshya Sen

Answer: b) Priyanshu Rajawat

8th Anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana : 8 April 2023

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana was launched on 8 April 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit of up to ten lakh rupees to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.

  • Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana has sanctioned more than 40 crore 82 lakh loans amounting to over 23 lakh crore rupees.
  • 21% of the total loans have been sanctioned to new entrepreneurs.
  • About 68% of accounts under the scheme belong to women entrepreneurs and 51% of accounts belong to entrepreneurs of SC, ST, and OBC categories.
  • The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the scheme has enabled easy and hassle-free access to credit for micro-enterprises and has helped a large number of young entrepreneurs establish their businesses.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has helped in the generation of large-scale employment opportunities at the grassroots level and has proved to be a game changer while boosting the Indian economy.
  • Today marks the 8th Anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana.

Questions : What is Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana?
A. A scheme to facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs
B. A scheme to provide free healthcare to people living in rural areas
C. A scheme to provide free education to children of farmers
D. A scheme to provide free housing to urban poor

Answer: A

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