Consider the following statements:
1. A large amount of rainfall in India is stored and utilized for various purposes.
2. Policymakers exaggerate the need for water conservation as it is not much needed because the Earth is predominantly covered in water, with approximately 71% of its surface consisting of oceans, seas, and other bodies of water.
3. Implementing strict regulations and limitations on water usage can hinder economic growth and development.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: India receives about 1,200 mm of rainfall each year, yet only 6% is effectively captured and stored. Despite the Earth is predominantly covered in water, there is still a need for water conservation because there is limited availability of freshwater (about 2.5%), and the majority of that is inaccessible in the form of glaciers and polar ice caps, increase in population worldwide has put stress on freshwater resources, climate change is also affecting rainfall patterns and leading droughts, along with other reasons. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production rely heavily on water, and imposing restrictions could negatively impact productivity and economic progress.
2.
Kyriakos Mitsotaki has been elected as the Prime Minister of which country?
(A)
Greece
(B)
France
(C)
South Korea
(D)
Japan
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Kyriakos Mitsotakis has achieved a majority and has been re-elected for a second term as the Prime Minister of Greece.
3.
What is the rank of India in ‘WCC’s Global Competitiveness Index’?
(A)
40
(B)
20
(C)
30
(D)
35
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Denmark, Ireland and Switzerland have been named the top three among 64 economies in the 2023 Global Competitiveness Index.
4.
Which bloc has conducted a joint military drill named ‘Solidarity Exercise’?
(A)
ASEAN
(B)
BIMSTEC
(C)
EU
(D)
G-20
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: ‘Solidarity exercise’ is a joint military drill involving the ASEAN nations -Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.
5.
Which organization approved USD 255.5 million in loans for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in India?
(A)
World Bank
(B)
IMF
(C)
ADB
(D)
AIIB
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: World Bank recently approved USD 255.5 million loans for the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Project.
6.
Utah Mountains, which were seen in the news for Watermelon Snow, is situated in which country?
(A)
Indonesia
(B)
USA
(C)
Ukraine
(D)
Russia
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Watermelon snow is a natural occurrence found in mountainous regions worldwide, where the vibrant color of the snow is caused by a green algae bloom that thrives in cold, snowy conditions.
7.
Consider the following statements:
1. Cyclogenesis occurs when the Earth's magnetic field interacts with atmospheric conditions, leading to gamma-ray bursts.
2. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) aims to enhance the preparedness and resilience of coastal communities.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Cyclogenesis is the development or strengthening of cyclonic circulation in the atmosphere (a low-pressure area). National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) aims to enhance the preparedness and resilience of coastal communities.
8.
Consider the following statements:
1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a system implemented by governments to track and monitor the personal financial transactions of individuals, infringing upon their privacy and violating their rights to financial autonomy.
2. Under the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS), an individual can use their biometric credentials to carry out banking transactions in Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
3.Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has been widely recognized as a transformative mechanism that aims to foster financial inclusion.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None of the above
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a system implemented by governments to provide welfare benefits and subsidies directly to beneficiaries, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring efficient and transparent delivery of funds. Under the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS), an individual can use their biometric credentials to carry out banking transactions in Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. DBT encourages people, especially from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, to open bank accounts, thus promoting financial inclusion.
9.
With reference to Precision fermentation, consider the following statements:
1. It involves programming microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce specific proteins by inserting genetic instructions or DNA sequences into their cells.
2. It holds immense potential in minimizing the environmental footprint associated with conventional methods of food production.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Precision fermentation s a cutting-edge technology that combines traditional fermentation methods with precision biology techniques. It involves programming microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce specific proteins by inserting genetic instructions or DNA sequences into their cells. Precision fermentation reduces the environmental impact of food production by minimizing deforestation, soil degradation, and methane emissions from livestock.
10.
Consider the following statements:
1. Yoga, as a philosophical system, revolves around the interpretation and understanding of the Vedas.
2. Shatkarmas, a variety of yogic practice, helps in developing the mind’s inherent capabilities and leads to benefits such as reduced stress, improved memory, and enhanced concentration.
3. Yoga has the power to enhance focus and clarity of thought.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Yoga focuses on the practice of physical postures, breath control, concentration, and meditation to attain self-realization and liberation. Shatkarmas (purification practice), a variety of yogic practice, help cleanses the body and prepares it for more advanced practices. Examples include Kunjal or Varisar Dhauti, which improve digestion, and Jal Neti and Sutra Neti, which aid in the cleansing of the nasal sinus and improvement of eyesight. Yoga has the power to enhance focus and clarity of thought.
11.
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an initiative of which ministry/Organisation
(A)
NITI Ayog
(B)
Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council
(C)
Ministry of Education
(D)
University Grants Commission
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Last month, the Department of Higher Education released, National Institutional Ranking Framework, the NIRF attempts to rank Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) across 13 categories and subject domains. This year over 5,000 institutions were ranked and the top 100 institutions (in some cases up to 200) declared in each category.
12.
Consider the following statements
1. United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with ensuring international peace and security
2. Any reform of the Security Council would require the agreement of at least two-thirds of UN member states in a vote in the General Assembly and must be ratified by two-thirds of Member States including all the permanent members of the Security Council.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
None of the above
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct:
The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN Charter
Statement 2 is correct:
Any reform of the Security Council would require the agreement of at least two-thirds of UN member states in a vote in the General Assembly and must be ratified by two-thirds of Member States. All of the permanent members of the UNSC (which have veto rights) must also agree
13.
In History term ‘Damin-i-Koh’ is related to
(A)
Forested hilly areas of Rajmahal hills
(B)
Land revenue practices during Mughal period
(C)
Agricultural practices during Birsa Munda period
(D)
Military cantonment of Ahom Kingdome
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Damin-i-koh was the name given to the forested hilly areas of Rajmahal hills broadly in the area of present Sahebganj, Pakur, and Godda districts in the Jharkhand.
14.
Consider the following statements, with respect to Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)
1. It is a US-led collaboration of 14 countries that aims to catalyse public and private investment in critical mineral supply chains globally.
2. Recently, India has been inducted to Mineral Security Partnership.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), a US-led collaboration of 14 countries that aims to catalyse public and private investment in critical mineral supply chains globally.
15.
Consider the following statements, with respect to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
1.It is released by National Statistical Office (NSO)
2. Core industries account for nearly 50 percent of the weight of items included in the IIP.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a composite indicator that measures the short-term changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products during a given period with respect to that in a chosen base period.
16.
Consider the following statements:
1. PM participated in the centenary celebrations of Delhi University and laid the foundation stone of five buildings.
2. The University of Delhi was established on May 1, 1922.
Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: PM participated in the centenary celebrations of Delhi University and laid the foundation stone of three buildings.
17.
India's national men's football team reached the _________ spot in the FIFA world rankings.
(A)
100th
(B)
102nd
(C)
105th
(D)
110th
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: India's national men's football team reached the 100th spot in the FIFA world rankings.
18.
Which of the following statements is/ are correct about the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission?
1. It has been launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1st July in Uttar Pradesh.
2. It will be implemented in 278 districts of 17 states.
Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission to be launched by PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh.
19.
The first National Doctor's Day was celebrated in India in ___________.
(A)
2001
(B)
2001
(C)
1996
(D)
1991
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: The first National Doctor's Day was celebrated on 1 July 1991.
20.
Defence Ministry has signed a contract of________ rupees with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of Submarine INS Shankush.
(A)
2,885 crores
(B)
2,725 crores
(C)
2,985 crores
(D)
2,505 crores
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: A contract worth Rs 2,725 crore has been signed by the Defence Ministry with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
21.
Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding Lausanne Diamond League?
1. Germany's Julian Weber won the competition with a javelin throw of 87.03m.
2. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished second in the Lausanne Diamond League title.
3. Jakob Wadlich of the Czech Republic finished third with an 86.13-meter throw.
Select the correct code:
(A)
1 and 2
(B)
1 and 3
(C)
2 and 3
(D)
All of the above
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the Lausanne Diamond League title.
22.
Housing Development Finance Corporation has merged with which of the following bank?
(A)
SBI
(B)
HDFC
(C)
ICICI
(D)
PNB
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: HDFC Bank and Housing Development Finance Corporation merger becomes effective from 1 July.
23.
Which of the following won the Asian Kabaddi Championships title for the eighth time?
(A)
South Korea
(B)
India
(C)
Pakistan
(D)
Iran
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Indian men’s kabaddi team defeated Iran by 42-32 in the finals of the Asian Kabaddi Championships.
24.
Which of the following statements is correct?
1. Growth in the Core sector remain stable at 4.3% in May.
2. Fiscal deficit stood at 11.8 percent of the full-year budget estimates by May-end 2023.
Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Growth in the Core sector remains stable at 4.3% in May.
25.
Consider the following statements regarding the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023.
1. The government has allowed all Public Sector Banks to implement and operationalise Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023.
2. The scheme is in operation since 1st April 2023 through the Department of Post.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The government has allowed all Public Sector Banks to implement and operationalise Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023.