Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 1st April 2023

Correct Answer:  B. Kerala

Explanation:  Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan has observed that India’s G20 presidency based on the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has found resonance across the world with its all-encompassing message of universal brotherhood. The Minister was delivering his special remarks at the opening of the Plenary session of the 2nd Sherpa Meet at the KTDC’s Waterscapes Resort at Kumarakom this morning. He said the G20 priorities of Green Development, Digital infrastructure, accelerated inclusive and resilient growth, women-led development etc have found broad acceptance amongst the G20 member countries.

• He expressed hope that the Kumarakom meet will provide the delegates the opportunity to take stock of the work done so far, as well as a way forward for achieving ambitious and agreed outcomes.
• Later speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the plenary session, Mr. Muraleedharan said apart from the streams already planned, a G20 Chief Scientific Advisor’s Roundtable, Disaster Risk Reduction and a meet on Startups are also on the cards.
• The Chief Scientific Advisor’s meet will try to find ways and means to overcome the challenges and issues in the field of Science and Technology, while the meet on disaster risk reduction will discuss issues relating to climatic challenges.
• He said 46 meetings have been completed in 27 cities across the country so far.

Correct Answer:  C. Rs 1,700 crore

Explanation:  Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore for procurement of 13 Lynx-U2 Fire Control Systems for Indian Navy at a total cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category. The Lynx-U2 System is a Naval Gun Fire Control System designed and developed indigenously.

• It is capable of accurately tracking and engaging targets amidst sea clutter as well as air/surface targets.
• The 4th generation, completely indigenous systems, will be installed on New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels to be built indigenously at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Goa Shipyard Limited.
• This move will generate an employment of two lakh man-days over a period of four years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries, including MSMEs, thus significantly contributing to the Government’s efforts to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

Correct Answer:  C. 2030

Explanation:  The government released the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which aimed to increase the country’s exports to USD 2 trillion by 2030.The policy proposes to shift from an incentives-based regime to a remission and entitlement-based one to achieve this goal. The recently launched FTP 2023 highlights the identification of four new Towns of Export Excellence (TEE) – Faridabad, Moradabad, Mirzapur, and Varanasi – in addition to the existing 39 TEEs.

• One of the key features of the FTP 2023 is the extension of its benefits to e-commerce exports, which are predicted to reach USD 200-300 billion by 2030.
• The value limit for exports through courier service is being increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per consignment.
• The new FTP also seeks to make the Indian rupee a global currency and allow international trade settlement in the domestic currency.

Correct Answer:  C. Rs 10 crore

Explanation: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a penalty of Rs 10 crore on the Kerala government for failing to protect the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, which are included in the Ramsar list of wetlands. The Principal bench in New Delhi, chaired by Adarsh Kumar Goel, noted that the penalty levied per the ‘polluter pays principle’ should be deposited in a ring-fenced account.

• The Vembanadu – Kol wetlands, one of the richest wetland habitats and the largest on the southwestern coast of India, has been identified as a Ramsar site as per the guidelines of the Ramsar Convention of 1971. It was declared as a Ramsar site of international importance in 2002.
• Ashtamudi lake, home to several plant and bird species, was included in the Ramsar list on August 19, 2002. The 8 arms or channels of the Ashtamudi Lake are what gave it its name.
• The National Green Tribunal has been established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal.
• The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

Correct Answer:  B. Finland

Explanation:  Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has announced that Finland has become the 31st member of the alliance, thanks to Turkey’s unanimous vote. Despite Russia’s opposition to Finland’s membership, Turkey’s approval has allowed the extension of NATO. Finland shares a long border of over 1,300 kilometers with Russia, and its decision to join NATO was prompted by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Sweden’s application to join NATO has been declined by Turkey and Hungary. Finland’s membership in NATO has been a topic of discussion for many years, with some arguing that it would help to strengthen Finland’s defense capabilities, while others have expressed concerns about potential tensions with neighboring Russia. With Finland’s membership, NATO now includes most of the countries in Europe and North America.

To become a member of NATO, a country must meet the following criteria:

• Political and economic stability: The country must have a stable democratic government, a functioning market economy, and a proven record of respecting human rights and the rule of law.
• Military readiness: The country must have a capable and well-trained military that can contribute to the collective defense of the alliance. This includes a commitment to investing in defense and maintaining modern equipment.
• Commitment to collective defense: The country must be willing and able to contribute to the collective defense of the alliance, including by supporting other member countries in times of need.
• Compatibility with NATO values: The country must share the values of the alliance, including a commitment to democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.
• Geographic proximity: While not an official requirement, NATO tends to give preference to countries that are in close geographic proximity to existing members, as this makes it easier to coordinate and deploy forces in times of crisis.

Correct Answer:  B. Haryana

Explanation:  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 kilometre, 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 electric loco, energy efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation with reduced dependence on imported crude oil, saving of foreign exchange. Further, new Broad Gauge network shall be sanctioned along with electrification, in sync with Railways’ policy of 100% electrified network.

• As per the latest updates, the Broad Gauge routes of seven zonal railways in India have achieved the 100% electrification target.
• These railways are East Coast Railway (ECoR), North Central Railway (NCR), North Eastern Railway (NER), Eastern Railway (ER), South Eastern Railway (SER), West Central Railway (WCR), and Central Railway (CR).
• This achievement is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation in the country.
• The Indian Railways has set a target to achieve 100% electrification of its broad-gauge routes by December 2023, and this milestone achieved by these seven zonal railways is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Correct Answer:  B. 1st April

Explanation:  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. Every year on this day, the state celebrates with cultural programs, parades, and flag hoisting ceremonies. Community leaders and politicians give speeches highlighting the state’s achievements and history. This event provides the opportunity for the people of Odisha to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage and progress made by the state. 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.

Correct Answer:  C. $15.6 billion

Explanation:  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $15.6 billion support package to aid the economic recovery of conflict-torn country Ukraine. The Russian invasion has devastated Ukraine’s economy, causing economic activity to shrink by about 30 percent last year, according to the IMF. War has destroyed capital stock and promoted poverty. The 48-month Extended Fund Facility program approved by the Fund’s Board amounts to approximately $15.6 billion. It is part of the IMF’s $115 billion total support package, which includes debt relief, grants, and loans by multilateral and bilateral institutions. If the current conflict were to continue into 2025, it would raise Ukraine’s financial needs from $115 billion to around $140 billion, said the IMF.

Correct Answer:  C. Himachal Pradesh

Explanation:  Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Tea got a European Union(EU) Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tag). This will offer an opportunity for the Kangra tea to enter the European Market. Kangra tea is a type of tea that is grown in the Himachal Pradesh region of India. Since 1999, the cultivation and development of kangra tea have been improved in the Kangra region(‘Valley of Gods’) of Himachal Pradesh. Kangra tea is grown 900-1,400 meters above sea level with the annual rainfall being 270-350 centimeters (cm), on the slopes of the Dhauladhar mountain range in the Western Himalayas. The demand of Kangra tea has been increasing and it is being exported to Kabul and Central Asia via Peshawar. The Kangra tea received the Indian GI tag in 2005.

Correct Answer:  C. USD 5 billion

Explanation:  AMNS Luxembourg Holding S.A., the parent company of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited (“AM/NS India”), has entered into a USD 5 billion “JBIC co-financing loan” agreement with a consortium of Japanese banks. The banks that make up the Japanese banking consortium are: The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (“JBIC”), MUFG Bank, Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited, Mizuho Bank Ltd., and Mizuho Bank Europe N.V. ‘AM/NS India’ is the 60/40 steelmaking joint venture in India operated by Nippon Steel Corporation (“Nippon Steel”) and ArcelorMittal (“AM”).

The proceeds from the JBIC co-financing loan will be utilized to finance a portion of the funds for AM/NS India’s new construction and expansion of upstream, hot rolling, and other facilities. It will help AM/NS India increase its annual steelmaking capacity at its Hazira plant from 9 million tonnes to 15 million tonnes. Upon receiving environmental clearances, the expansion project, which began in October 2022, will generate more than 60,000 employment. AM/NS India” is currently the fifth-largest producer of crude steel in India. With these measures to increase its capacity, Nippon Steel intends to meet the rising demand in the Indian market and maintain its market position.

Correct Answer:  D. Azerbaijan and Tajikistan

Explanation:  The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Azerbaijan and Tajikistan for eliminating Malaria from their territories. WHO Director said that “people and governments of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have worked long and hard to eliminate malaria”. The Certification of malaria elimination is the official recognition by the WHO of a country’s malaria-free status. The certification is given to a country when the chain of malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted throughout the country for at least three consecutive years. The last case of locally transmitted Plasmodium vivax (P.vivax) was detected in Azerbaijan in 2012 and Tajikistan in 2014.

A total of 41 countries and 1 territory have been declared malaria-free so far by WHO, including 21 countries in European Region. Both countries governments guaranteed universal primary health care for more than six decades. Both Azerbaijan and Tajikistan used national electronic malaria surveillance systems to track cases in real time. The agricultural irrigation systems in both counties increase the risk of malaria for workers. Both countries established systems to protect agricultural workers by providing them free access to malaria diagnosis and treatment. India has a vision of a malaria free country by 2027 and elimination by 2030.

Correct Answer:  C. Sri Lanka

Explanation:  Sri Lanka‘s attempt to move up to the eighth spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League table has been unsuccessful, as they lost to New Zealand in the third ODI at Hamilton. The Super League is being used as a qualification tournament for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which will feature 10 teams. Seven teams have already secured their spots in the tournament, but Sri Lanka’s loss means they remain outside of the top eight in the Super League standings and must continue to fight for qualification. The World Cup 2023 was set to feature the top 8 teams in the points table, but Sri Lanka’s recent loss to New Zealand means they finished 9th in the standings. As a result, they must now compete in the ICC World Cup qualifiers, which will take place in Zimbabwe in June and July. The top two teams from the qualifiers will then qualify for the ICC ODI World Cup. This marks the first time in 44 years that the Sri Lankan team will have to play qualifiers in order to earn their place in the World Cup.

Correct Answer:  B. 1st April

Explanation:  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Central Office of the RBI, initially set up in Kolkata, was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937. Sir Osborne Smith the first Governor of the Bank. The Bank was constituted as a shareholders’ bank. The RBI is the central bank of India and is responsible for regulating the country’s monetary and credit system. It is also responsible for issuing currency and managing the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The RBI works closely with the government of India to formulate and implement monetary and fiscal policies that promote economic growth and stability. It was set up as a private shareholder’s bank with a capital of Rs. 5 crores.

Correct Answer:  B. Author

Explanation:  Sara Thomas is a two-time recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award. Her noted work ‘Narmadipudava’ won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1979. She was also awarded the academy’s award in 2010 for overall contribution to Malayalam literature. She has written 17 novels and more than 100 short stories.