Which sectors are part of the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)?
1. Coal
2. Gold
3. Electricity
4. Textiles
5. Fertilizers
Choose the correct code
(A)
1 and 3 only
(B)
2, 4 and 5 only
(C)
1, 3 and 5 only
(D)
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), which measures the combined and individual performance of 8 key sectors in the Indian economy. ICI is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA), Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
2.
Consider the following statements with respect to Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
1. It is an array of 30 antennas positioned in a ‘Y’ fashion, centered at Pune, Maharashtra.
2. It is the first telescope to use X-Rays to detect the presence of muons in outer space.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
Both 1 and 2
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is an array of 30 antennas positioned in a ‘Y’ fashion, centred at Pune, Maharashtra. It is used to detect the cosmic radio waves and support interferometry as well as array mode of operations. Atomic hydrogen gas content of galaxies 9 billion years ago was measured using GMRT. It was one of the world's six large telescopes that played a key role in finding the first direct evidence for the relentless vibrations of the fabric of the universe.
3.
Consider the following statements with respect to Credit Information Companies (CICs)
1. CICs are companies registered under Credit Information Companies Act, 2005.
2. CICs collect public data, credit transactions & payment histories of both individuals and companies.
3. Both banks & Non-banking financial institutions refer to the CIC’s report before granting loan or credit card.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
Only three
(D)
None
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: “Credit Information Company” means a company formed and registered under the Companies Act, 1956. CICs otherwise called as Credit Information Bureaus have details about all the creditors and borrowers in the financial system. CICs maintain credit information of borrowers (including individuals, corporate, SMEs) which can be accessed by banks and other lending institutions. CICs collects public data, credit transactions & payment histories of both individuals and companies. Both banks & Non-banking financial institutions refer to the CIC’s report before granting loan or credit card.
4.
Consider the following statements with respect to Red Tide
1. They refer to the Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) on water bodies.
2. HABs grow both in fresh and sea water.
3. HABs are mostly found in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, USA.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
Only three
(D)
None
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Red Tide is Harmful algal blooms (HABs) which are red in colour. It is caused by microscopic algae that produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat.
5.
Diversity for Restoration (D4R), often seen in the news, is associated with which of the following?
(A)
It is a tool that aids in agroforestry and systematic restoration of the ecosystem
(B)
Initiative of Human Rights to restore people displaced by Ukraine-Russia war
(C)
Programme by United Nations for restoration of mangroves along the coasts in Pacific Countries
(D)
It is the initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide skilled employment to tribal people
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Diversity for Restoration (D4R) is a tool that enables appropriate agroforestry and aids systematic ecosystem restoration. Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool was devised by Bioversity International. It was later modified by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) to adapt it to the Indian context. The tool will help improve the effectiveness of restoration programmes by providing manifold benefits to interested stakeholders while promoting sustainable development.
6.
Financial stability report is released by:
(A)
World Bank
(B)
Reserve Bank of India
(C)
Ministry of Finance
(D)
International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Financial Stability Report (FSR) is a biannual report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
7.
How many of the following committees/commissions are associated with the functioning of Governor?
1. Punchhi Commission
2. Sakaria commission
3. Rajamannar Committee
4. Usha Throat committee
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
Only three
(D)
None
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Supreme Court in the Nabam Rebia judgement (2016) ruled that the exercise of Governor’s discretion Article 163 is limited and his choice of action should not be arbitrary or fanciful. It must be a choice dictated by reason, actuated by good faith and tempered by caution.
8.
With reference to the BRICS countries, consider the following statements:
1. South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2020.
2. The grouping was formalized during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006.
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: (B)
Explanation: BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
9.
Consider the following statements:
1. The sugar industry is the second largest agro-based industry in India after cotton.
2. India is the world's top Producer, User, and Second-largest Exporter of sugar.
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: Statement 1 is correct: Sugar industry is an important agro-based industry that impacts the rural livelihood of about 50 million sugarcane farmers and around 5 lakh workers directly employed in sugar mills. The sugar industry is the second largest agro-based industry in India after cotton.
Statement 2 is correct: India is the world's top Producer, User, and Second-largest Exporter of sugar.
According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), the sugar production of India rose by 3.69% to 12.07 million tonnes during the October-December quarter of 2022.
10.
Which of the following is also referred to as ‘White Gold’?
(A)
Milk
(B)
Lithium
(C)
Titanium
(D)
Steel
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Lithium (Li), sometimes also referred to as ‘White gold’ due to its high demand for rechargeable batteries, is a soft and silvery-white metal.
11.
According to the Export data released by GoI for FY23 released in June 2023, which state has become India’s leading exporter of Electronic goods in FY23 with the export worth USD 5.37 billion?
(A)
Tamil Nadu
(B)
Karnataka
(C)
Uttar Pradesh
(D)
Bihar
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: According to the Export data released by the government of India for FY23 (financial year ended in March 2023), Tamil Nadu (TN) becomes India’s leading exporter of Electronic goods in FY23, with exports reaching USD5.37 billion (bn), nearly triple the export of FY22 (USD 1.86 bn).
12.
Which company has recently (in June ‘23) partnered with Shriram Finance to increase digital Financial Services?
(A)
PhonePe
(B)
BharatPe
(C)
Paytm
(D)
Freecharge
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Paytm announced a strategic partnership with Shriram Finance, a non-banking finance company (NBFC) of the Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based Shriram group, to extend financial services to its users, including loan products. Under this partnership, Shriram Finance products will be made available on Paytm’s platform digitally.
13.
India's external debt increased from US$ 619.1 billion to _______ at the end of March 2023.
(A)
$632.8 billion
(B)
$639.8 billion
(C)
$682.8 billion
(D)
$624.7 billion
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: According to the data released by the RBI on 30 June, India's external debt rose marginally to USD 624.7 billion at the end of March 2023, although the debt-to-GDP ratio declined.
14.
In which city was India’s first ‘Police Drone Unit’ launched on June 29?
(A)
Chennai
(B)
Jaipur
(C)
Bangalore
(D)
Mumbai
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: India’s first ‘Police Drone Unit’ launched in Chennai.
15.
How many animal species have been added 2022 to the faunal database of India?
(A)
670
(B)
664
(C)
680
(D)
668
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: In 2022, India added 664 animal species to its faunal database.
16.
Which company has become India’s national cricket team lead sponsor?
(A)
Dream 11
(B)
Paytm
(C)
CRED
(D)
Meesho
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Dream 11 becomes India’s national cricket team lead sponsor for three years.
17.
Who among the following has taken oath as the second Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
On 01 July 2023, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a three-day celebration program for the ______ Zoological Survey of India Day.
(A)
108
(B)
107
(C)
106
(D)
105
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a three-day celebration program for the 108th ZSI Day.
19.
Recently, which of the following country has launched a ‘digital nomad strategy’ for foreign workers?
(A)
Canada
(B)
Japan
(C)
Ukraine
(D)
France
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Canada launched the "digital nomad strategy" which will make temporary arrangements for foreigners looking for jobs.
20.
Which of the following statements is correct?
1. Chartered Accountants Day is celebrated every year on 1 July.
2. The 6th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day was observed on 1st July 2023.
Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Chartered Accountants Day is celebrated every year on 1 July to mark the foundation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
21.
Which Indian pair has won the gold medal at the Asian Mixed Doubles Squash Tournament?
(A)
Anahat Singh and Dipika Pallikal Singh
(B)
Dipika Pallikal and Harinderpal Singh Sandhu
(C)
Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa
(D)
Ramit Tandon and Dipika Pallikal Singh
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Dipika Pallikal and Harinderpal Singh Sandhu won the gold medal at the Asian Mixed Doubles Squash Tournament in Hangzhou, China.
22.
Which of the following ministry organized the Regional Symposium on Child Protection, Safety, and Child?
(A)
Ministry of Women and Child Development
(B)
Ministry of Education
(C)
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
(D)
Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Protection, Safety, and Child Welfare were organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
23.
Which country is ranked first in FIFA’s latest world rankings?
(A)
Argentina
(B)
France
(C)
Brazil
(D)
England
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: World Cup 2022 winners Argentina is the top-ranked team with 1843.73 points followed by France and Brazil.
24.
National Chartered Accountants Day, also known as CA Day, is observed on July 1. Which organization is responsible for issuing accounting standards guidelines in India?
(A)
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
(B)
National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)
(C)
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
(D)
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is responsible for issuing accounting standards guidelines that need to be followed by accounting and finance organizations in India.
25.
Which rank did the Indian men’s national football team achieve in FIFA’s latest world rankings?
(A)
100th
(B)
99th
(C)
90th
(D)
80th
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Indian men’s national football team climbed to the 100th rank in FIFA’s latest world rankings.