Correct Answer : Option (A) - Germany

Note : The United States of America had previously imposed sanctions to prevent the completion of a major new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. Now it has now signalled its approval for the project. The US and Germany reached a deal on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline – which significantly increases Europe’s energy dependence on Russia– under which Berlin will respond to stop Moscow should the latter use the strategically critical gas system as political leverage.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - At least 300

Note : In response to the finding by a global collaborative investigative project that Israeli spyware Pegasus was used to target at least 300 individuals in India, the government has claimed that all interception in India takes place lawfully.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - INS Tabar

Note : Indian Naval Ship Tabar arrived at St Petersburg as part of a five-day goodwill visit to Russia and to participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy. India and Russia share special bilateral relations that span several decades. These include close military ties and strong cooperation between the two navies.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Mirabai Chanu

Note : * The 26-year-old Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won India's first medal in the Tokyo Olympics 24-07-2021, claiming silver in the women's 49kg weightlifting. Mirabai had a total lift of 202kg - 87kg in snatch and 115kg in clean and jerk as she finished second behind China's Hou Zihui 210kg (94 & 116) who set an Olympic record in snatch.

* The gold was won by China’s Hou Zhihui who lifted a total of 210kg, while Indonesia’s Aisah Windy Cantika won the bronze medal with a total of 194kg.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - 5 Years

Note : Union Cabinet recently approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for specialty steel. The duration of the scheme will be five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28. With a budgetary outlay of Rs 6322 crores, the scheme is expected to bring in investment of approximately Rs 40,000 crores and capacity addition of 25 MT for speciality steel.

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Reserve Bank of India

Note : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on phased introduction of such currencies, its deputy governor of RBI T Rabi Sankar said on Thursday. Delivering a speech at an online discussion, Sankar said that the idea of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is ripe, and many central banks in the world are working towards it.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Shri Gira Sarabhai

Note : The co-founder of the National Institute of Design, Shri Gira Sarabhai has taken his last breath at the age of 97. She was suffering from an age-related illness. She has played an important role in setting up several other institutions and also has made remarkable contributions in the field of art and architecture.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - USA

Note : The United States of America recently carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days as part of an effort to support the Afghan security forces fighting Taliban insurgents. On 2020, the U.S. signed a deal (at Qatar’s capital-Doha) with the Taliban that could pave the way towards a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months and represent a step towards ending the 18-year-war in Afghanistan.

Correct Answer : Option (B) - DRDO

Note : The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) recently successfully flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).  The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Gwalior and Orchha

Note : Gwalior and Orchha cities of Madhya Pradesh have been selected by UNESCO under ‘Historic Urban Landscape Project’, which was started in the year 2011, for the inclusive and well-planned development of fast-growing historical cities while preserving the culture and heritage.