India joined the Champions Group of the Global Crisis Response Group. It was formed in which year?
(A)
2022
(B)
2021
(C)
2020
(D)
2019
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) was formed by the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) in March 2022.
2.
Which of the following statements is correct about the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2021-22?
1. No states/UTs have attained the highest grade ‘Daksh’.
2. Six states/UTs attained Grade Prachesta – 3.
Select the correct code:
(A)
1 only
(B)
2 only
(C)
1 and 2
(D)
None of the above
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Ministry of Education released Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2021-22.
3.
On 7 July 2023, the Election Commission of India and the Electoral Tribunal (ET) of ______________ signed an MoU in the field of election management and administration.
(A)
Canada
(B)
France
(C)
Italy
(D)
Panama
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: On 7 July 2023, the Election Commission of India and the Electoral Tribunal (ET) of Panama signed an MoU in Panama City to establish the institutional framework for their ongoing cooperation in the field of election management and administration.
4.
Which IIT has developed ways to check the alertness of loco pilots?
(A)
IIT Madras
(B)
IIT Kanpur
(C)
IIT Raipur
(D)
IIT Kharagpur
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: IIT Kharagpur has developed ways to check the alertness of loco pilots.
5.
Who has become the first openly gay head of state in the European Union?
(A)
Edgars Rinkevics
(B)
Krisjanis Karins
(C)
Maris Kucin
(D)
Egils Levits
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Latvia’s Edgars Rinkevics became the first openly gay head of state in the EU.
6.
Lakshya Sen got the Men’s Singles title of the Canada Open 2023 badminton tournament. He defeated Li Shi Feng of _____________.
(A)
Japan
(B)
China
(C)
North Korea
(D)
South Korea
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Lakshya Sen gets Men’s Singles title of Canada Open 2023 badminton tournament.
7.
Which of the following institute researchers have developed a new variety of wheat named PBW RS1?
(A)
IIT Kanpur
(B)
Punjab Agricultural University
(C)
Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
(D)
ICAR
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The Ludhiana-based Punjab Agricultural University, which had played a vital role during the Green Revolution, has developed a new variety of wheat.
8.
Which country has established a new Ministry of Investment to boost economic competitiveness?
(A)
Iran
(B)
UAE
(C)
Turkey
(D)
Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: UAE establish a new Ministry of Investment.
9.
India has started trade settlements in local currencies with which country?
(A)
Kenya
(B)
Tanzania
(C)
South Africa
(D)
South Sudan
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: India and Tanzania started trade settlements in local currencies.
10.
Which of the following phrase is a part of the theme of World Population Day 2023?
(A)
A world of 8 billion
(B)
Towards a resilient future for all population
(C)
Ensuring rights and choices for all
(D)
Unleashing the power of gender equality
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: The theme for World Population Day 2023 is ‘Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities’.
11.
With reference to the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program, consider the following statements:
1. The program has been initiated by the G20 with the primary objective of promoting and facilitating the widespread implementation of green hydrogen as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional fuels.
2. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is the implementing agency of the program in India.
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: SIGHT is a major financial measure under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Its objectives are – 1) to maximize production of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives in India 2) Enhance cost-competitiveness of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives vis a-vis fossil-based alternatives and 3) Encourage large scale utilization of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. SECI is the implementing agency of the programme.
12.
With reference to National Green Tribunal (NGT) consider the following statements:
1. The tribunal is guided by principles of natural justice and is not bound by the mainstream code of civil procedure.
2. The members of the tribunal hold office for a term of five years and are not eligible for reappointment.
3. The chairperson is appointed by the President of India.
4. It acts as an important institution for promoting economic justice..
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
Only three
(D)
All four
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and is not bound by the mainstream code of civil procedure. The members of the tribunal hold office for a term of five years and are not eligible for reappointment. The chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. It acts as an important institution for safeguarding the environment and promoting environmental justice.
13.
With reference to the Internationalization of the currency, consider the following statements:
1. Internationalization of the currency can lower seigniorage benefits.
2. Currency internationalization has an impact on the effectiveness of various monetary policy instruments.
3. Internationalization of rupee may result in increased volatility in the rupee’s exchange rate in the initial stages.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
Only one
(B)
Only two
(C)
All three
(D)
None
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Internationalization of the currency can lead to higher seigniorage benefits because there will be a greater number of currencies printed. Seigniorage is the difference between the value of currency/money and the cost of producing it. It is essentially the profit earned by the government by printing currency. Currency internationalization has an impact on the effectiveness of various monetary policy instruments. For example, the effectiveness of open market operations as an instrument for influencing interest rate and money supply is likely to reduce in an environment where residents and non-residents are free to buy and sell domestic currency. The RBI group has cautioned that the internationalization of rupee may result in increased volatility in the rupee’s exchange rate in the initial stages.
14.
With reference to Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, consider the following statements:
1. The flight duty time limitations (FDTL) are laid down by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
2. It ensures adequate rest timings for pilots and flight attendants and prevents fatigue-related safety issues. .
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 flight duty time limitations (FDTL) are laid down by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It ensures adequate rest timings for pilots and flight attendants and prevents fatigue-related safety issues.
15.
Consider the following statements:
1. India currently imports over 90% of its primary energy requirements.
2. Currently, around 42% of the power generation capacity of India is based on non-fossil fuels.
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: India currently imports over 40% of its primary energy requirements, worth over USD 90 billion every year. Currently, around 42% of the power generation capacity of India is based on non-fossil-fuels.
16.
Which of the following criteria are mentioned under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 for the registration of a new variety
1. Novelty
2. Distinctiveness
3. Uniformity
4. Stability
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(A)
1, 2 and 3 only
(B)
2 and 3 only
(C)
1 and 4 only
(D)
1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: Recently, Delhi HC rejects PepsiCo’s appeal over potato patent A “new variety” as PepsiCo has to conform to the criterion of novelty.
17.
Consider the following statements, with respect to the recently introduced National Research Foundation Bill, 2023
1. It aims to set up the National Research Foundation (NRF), an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy.
2. Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of the National Research Foundation.
3. Functions of the National Research Foundation will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A)
1 only
(B)
1 and 2 only
(C)
1, 2 & 3
(D)
2 and 3 only
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament. The approved Bill will pave the way to establish NRF that will seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D)
18.
As per the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, which of the following statement describe ‘ANTIQUITY’
1. Any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship that has been in existence for not less than fifty years.
2. Manuscript, record, or other document which is of scientific, historical or aesthetic value that is not less than a hundred years
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: (D)
Explanation: The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, implemented on April 1, 1976, defined “antiquity” as
“Any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship;
any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave;
any article, object or thing illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages;
any article, object or thing of historical interest” that “has been in existence for not less than one hundred years.”
For a “manuscript, record or another document which is of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value”, this duration is “not less than seventy-five years.”
19.
Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?
(A)
Promissory Note
(B)
Participatory Note
(C)
Commercial Paper
(D)
Certificate of Deposit
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Participatory Notes are Overseas Derivative Instruments that have Indian stocks as their underlying assets. They allow foreign investors to buy stocks listed on Indian exchanges without being registered. The instrument gained popularity as FIIs, to avoid the formalities of registering and to remain anonymous, started betting on stocks through this route.
20.
PBW RS1 is a variety of crop, which is recently in the news due to reducing risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
(A)
Rice
(B)
Wheat
(C)
Maize
(D)
Millet
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Recently, The Ludhiana-based institution, which played a pivotal role during the Green Revolution to make India surplus in foodgrains by developing high-yielding strains, has bred a new wheat variety with high amylose starch content, known to reduce risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
21.
What is the disbursal growth of PMMY loans in the first quarter of FY24 compared to the same quarter of the previous year?
(A)
25%
(B)
23%
(C)
29%
(D)
21%
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The disbursal of PMMY loans increased by 23% to ?81,597 crore in the first quarter of FY24, compared to ?62,650 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.
22.
What was the average size of Mudra loans in FY23?
(A)
73,489
(B)
68,571
(C)
61,238
(D)
50,392
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The average size of Mudra loans increased to ?73,489 in FY23.
23.
What is the new insurance cover provided under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana in Gujarat?
(A)
Rs 7 lakhs
(B)
Rs 8 lakhs
(C)
Rs 9 lakhs
(D)
Rs 10 lakhs
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: The insurance cover under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana in Gujarat has been doubled from Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs.
24.
Which category of loans experienced increased demand under Mudra loans leading to the growth in disbursals?
(A)
Tarun
(B)
Kishor
(C)
Shishu
(D)
Both A and B
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The increased disbursals were driven by the rising demand for Tarun category loans, as borrowers upgraded from the Sishu category of loans.
25.
What is the name of the rare brain-eating amoeba infection recently discovered in South Korea?
(A)
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)
(B)
Naegleria fowleri infection
(C)
Brain-Eating Amoeba Syndrome (BEAS)
(D)
South Korean Amoebic Encephalitis (SKAE)
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: The infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri is known as Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).