Nov 1st Week Top 60

Question 1

1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 16th Urban Mobility India
   (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2023 held in October 2023?
   A) The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs organised 16th UMI Conference & Exhibition
   2023 in collaboration with the Institute of Urban Transport (India) and with the support of
   Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
   B) Aishree Boruah, IIT Hyderabad (Telangana) won the 1st prize under the Trophy for best
   research paper category.
   C) Kochi Smart City Limited receives award for Best Public Transport System for Multimodal
   Transport System project
   1) Only A
   2) Only A & B
   3) Only B & C
   4) Only A & C
   5) All A, B & C

Answer 1

Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs organized 16th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference
& Exhibition 2023 in collaboration with the Institute of Urban Transport (India) and with the
support of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. The event took place from October 27th to 29th, 2023,
at the Manekshaw Centre, Parade Road, Delhi Cantt, New Delhi, Delhi.
· Aishree Boruah, IIT Hyderabad (Telangana) won the 1st prize under the Trophy for best
research paper category.
· Srinagar Smart City Limited receives award for Best Public Transport System for Srinagar’s
Multimodal Transport System project
· Jabalpur City Transport Services Limited won the City with the Most Innovative Financing
Mechanism for Financial Mechanism award for Sustainable City Bus Services project.

Question 2

2. Which organisation has recently (in Oct ‘23) released its first data dashboard with key
   finding that around 30.51 million hectares (Ha) of healthy land in India that were degraded
   from 2015 to 2019?
   1) United Nations Environment Programme
   2) United Nations Human Settlement Programme
   3) United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
   4) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
   5) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Answer 2

Answer- 3) United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Explanation:
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)’s first data
dashboard, around 30.51 million hectares (Ha) of healthy land in India were degraded from 2015
to 2019.
· Around 9.45% of India’s landmass was degraded as of 2019. This was 4.42% in 2015.

· India’s total degraded land is equivalent to the size of 43 million football pitches.
· According to the UNCCD Data, Between 2015 & 2019, the world lost at least 100 million ha of
healthy and productive land every year.
i. The data also reflected that 251.71 million Indians, 18.39% of the Indian population, faced land
degradation during 2015-2019.
ii. While 854.4 million Indians, 83.85% of the Indian population, were exposed to drought during the
2015-2018 period. This is the sum of the reported area under all drought intensity classes – mild,
moderate, severe and extreme.
iii. The UNCCD’s dashboard, released on 25th October 2023, compiles national reporting figures from
126 countries, which shows that land degradation is advancing at an astonishing rate across all
regions.

Question 3

3. Who has been recently (in Oct ‘23) honoured with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for
   Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the US-India Strategic Partnership
   Forum (USISPF)?
   1) Cyrus Poonawalla
   2) Gautam Adani
   3) Shiv Nadar
   4) Radhakishan Damani
   5) Nita Ambani

Answer 3

Answer- 5) Nita Ambani
Explanation:
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) honoured Nita Ambani, founder and
Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
i. John Chambers, Chairman of USISPF, presented the award to Nita Ambani at the award ceremony
held in New Delhi, Delhi.
ii. Reliance Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) established in
2010.

Question 4

4. In October 2023, Argentina’s Lionel Andrés Messi won the Ballon d’Or award or Golden Ball
   Award for the record ______ time and __________ won the Ballon d’Or (Women) award.
   1) 7th; Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
   2) 8th; Aitana Bonmatí Conca (spain)
   3) 7th; Alexia Putellas (spain)
   4) 9th; Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
   5) 6th; Aitana Bonmatí Conca (spain)

Answer 4

Answer- 2) 8th; Aitana Bonmatí Conca (spain)
Explanation:
Argentina’s Lionel Andrés Messi (Lionel Messi), who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF has won
the Ballon d’Or award or Golden Ball Award for the record 8th time.
· Messi is the first active player in Major League Soccer (MLS)(played in United States) history to
win this award.
i. Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí Conca (Aitana Bonmati) has won the Ballon d’Or (Women) award or Ballon
d’Or Féminin Award.

ii. The 67th edition of the Ballon d’Or 2023 was held on 30th October 2023 at the Théâtre du Châtelet,
Paris, France.
· The Ballon d’Or is annually presented by the French magazine ‘France Football’, since 1956.
· It was awarded based on achievements from the past season.
· This was the fifth edition of the Women’s Ballon d’Or since the first edition was held in 2018.

Question 5

5. Who has been recently (in Oct ‘23) appointed as a member of the Strategic and Technical
   Advisory Group (STAG) for Tuberculosis (TB) by the World Health Organization (WHO)?
   1) Shilpa Singh
   2) Runki Goswami
   3) Sarang Deo
   4) Ravinder Singh
   5) Aman Gupta

Answer 5

Answer- 3) Sarang Deo
Explanation:
Professor Sarang Deo, Professor of Operations
Management at the Indian School of Business (ISB)
has been appointed as a member of the Strategic
and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) for
Tuberculosis (TB) by the World Health
Organization (WHO).
i. He will be a part of a 15-member expert group
responsible for independently evaluating the
WHO’s efforts in eradicating TB.
Note: The 15-member STAG-TB, chaired by Ethel Leonor Maciel from the Brazilian health ministry,
includes other experts like Dr. Anurag Bhargava, Prof of Medicine from Yenepoya Medical College,
Karnataka.

Question 6

6. In October 2023, Fincare Small Finance Bank (SFB) merged with __________ (SFB) in an All-
   share Deal under Section 44A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
   1) Suryoday SFB
   2) AU SFB
   3) Equitas SFB
   4) Capital SFB
   5) Utkarsh SFB

Answer 6

Answer- 2) AU SFB
Explanation:
The board of AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) Limited and Fincare Small Finance Bank (SFB) Limited
has approved an all-stock merger of AU SFB and Fincare SFB under Section 44A of the Banking
Regulation Act, 1949.
· AU SFB will acquire Fincare SFB in an all-stock transaction valued at Rs 4,411 crore.
· This merger aims to expand the AU SFB’s reach in sourthern part of India and enter micro-
finance sector.
i. The merger is subject to approval by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Competition
Commission of India (CCI).
ii. The amalgamation will come into effect from 1st February, 2024 or such other date as may be fixed
mutually by the Transfer or Company and the Transferee Company and sanctioned by the RBI.

Question 7

7. When was the National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2023 observed across the globe to
   commemorate the 148th birth anniversary of “Iron Man of India,” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?
   1) 29th October 2023
   2) 31st October 2023
   3) 28th October 2023
   4) 30th October 2023
   5) 27th October 2023

Answer 7

Answer- 2) 31st October 2023
Explanation:
National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is annually observed across India on 31 October to
commemorate the birth anniversary of the “Iron Man of India,” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October
1875), who was dubbed “Sardar” (chief) for his leadership skills.
· He was the first Deputy Prime Minister(Dy PM) and Home Minister of Independent India from
1947 to 1950.
· 31st October 2023 marks the 148th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
· The first National Unity Day was observed on 31 October 2014.
i. As part of Prasar Bharati’s celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
on 31st October 2023.
ii. In 2023, Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture organised by Akashvani was delivered by Former President
Ram Nath Kovind.

Question 8

8. The _______ World Cities Day (WCD) was observed across the globe by the United Nations (UN)
   on 31st October 2023 with the theme of “Financing sustainable urban future for all”.
   1) 10th
   2) 8th
   3) 6th
   4) 9th
   5) 12th

Answer 8

Answer- 1) 10th
Explanation:
The 10th World Cities Day (WCD) was observed across the globe by the United Nations (UN) on 31st
October 2023 with the theme of “Financing sustainable urban future for all”
i. The theme aims to explore ways to use the potential of transformative investment in urban planning
and achieve adequate fiscal decentralization.
ii. The Global Observance of WCD 2023 was held at the Municipality of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Republic
of Türkiye.
iii. The event was held under the support and guidance of the First Lady of Türkiye, Her
Excellency(HE) Emine Erdoğan.
· The 1st WCD was observed on 31st October 2014, in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China.

Question 9

9. When was the World Savings Day (WSD)/World Thrift Day, 2023 observed across the globe
   with the theme of Conquer your Tomorrow?
   1) 27th October 2023
   2) 30th October 2023
   3) 28th October 2023
   4) 31st October 2023
   5) 29th October 2023

Answer 9

Answer- 4) 31st October 2023
Explanation:
World Savings Day (WSD), also known as World Thrift Day, 2023 was observed across the globe on
31st October 2023 with the theme of “Conquer your Tomorrow” through various saving methods.
i. India observes World Savings Day on 30th October, since 31st October marks the death anniversary
of Indira Gandhi, former(3rd) Prime Minister of India. Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31st October
1984.
ii. Every year the theme is set by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute(WSBI). The first WSD
was observed on 31 October 1924.

Question 10

10. In October 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (MY
    Bharat) platform.
    MY Bharat is an autonomous body under the _____________ (department) of Government of India
    (GoI).
    1) Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
    2) Department of Rural Development
    3) Department of Youth Affairs
    4) Department of Higher Education
    5) Department of Sports

Answer 10

Answer- 3) Department of Youth Affairs
Explanation:
On 31st October 2023, on the occasion of National Unity Day 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra
Modi launched the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (MY Bharat) platform for the youth of India during the
program held in Kartavya Path in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The MY Bharat platform encourages youth participation in nation-building efforts, fostering a
sense of responsibility and engagement.
• The program marked the culmination of the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign’s Amrit Kalash
Yatra.
i. MY Bharat is an autonomous body under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports(MoYAS), Government of India (GoI).
ii. It serves as a comprehensive government platform for the youth of India, aligning with the GoI’s
goal to offer equitable opportunities to the nation’s youth.

Question 11

11. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the report ‘Road Accidents in
    India-2022’ published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in October
    2023?
    A) The States and Union Territories (UTs) of India reported a total of 4,61,312 road accidents
    during 2022.
    B) Uttar Pradesh tops the list of States in Number of Accidents for the 6th consecutive year.
    C) Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents on National Highways in 2022
    1) Only A
    2) Only B
    3) Only C
    4) Only A & B
    5) Only B & C

Answer 11

Answer- 2) Only B
Explanation:
According to “Road Accidents in India-2022”, the annual report published by the Ministry of Road
Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The States and Union Territories (UTs) of India reported a total of
4,61,312 road accidents during 2022.
i. Tamil Nadu (TN) tops the list of States in Number of Accidents for the 5th consecutive year. TN
has reported 64,105 (13.9%) accidents in 2022.
ii. TN also recorded the highest number of road accidents on National Highways in 2022 with 18,972
accidents (12.5%) followed by Kerala with 17,627 (11.6%) accidents
iii. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of road accident fatalities on the National level in 2022
with 13.9% of fatalities followed by TN (9.8%).

Question 12

12. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent inauguration by
    Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi in October 2023?
    A) PM launched the “Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana” which aims to benefit more
    than 86 Lakh beneficiaries of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in Maharashtra by providing
    them additional Rs 6000 per year.
    B) The PM dedicated the 85 Km long, Left bank canal network of the Nilwande Dam/Upper
    Pravara dam.
    C) PM inaugurated various development projects worth around Rs7500 crore in Shirdi,
    Maharashtra & inaugurated the 37th National Games in Goa on 26th October, 2023.
    1) All A, B & C
    2) Only A & B
    3) Only B & C
    4) Only A & C
    5) Only A

Answer 12

Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated various development
projects worth around Rs7500 crore in Shirdi, Maharashtra on 26th October, 2023.
• Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 37th National Games in an official ceremony held
at Pandit JawaharLal Nehru Stadium, Margao, and Goa on 26th October, 2023. Motto: the
motto for the 37th National Games of India is “Get Set Goa’’.
• PM launched the “Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana” which aims to benefit more than 86 Lakh beneficiaries of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in Maharashtra by providing them additional Rs 6000 per year.
• The PM dedicated to the 85 Km long, Left bank canal network of the Nilwande Dam is also called Upper Pravara dam. It is developed at a cost Rs 5177 crore. The idea of Nilwande Dam was first conceived in 1970.

Question 13

13. The ________ edition of the Exercise KAZIND-2023, an annual bilateral exercise between India
    and Kazakhstan was commenced at Otar, Kazakhstan on 30th October 2023.
    1) 9th
    2) 6th
    3) 8th
    4) 5th
    5) 7th

Answer 13

Answer- 5) 7th
Explanation:
Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) participates in the Joint Military ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ at
Otar, Kazakhstan. The 7th edition of the KAZIND, an annual bilateral exercise between India and
Kazakhstan, is being held from 30th October till 11th November 2023.
i. 90 personnel led by a Battalion from the DOGRA Regiment of the Indian Army participated in the
exercise
ii. The Indian and Kazakhstan forces conduct Counter Terrorism operations in a sub-conventional
environment under the United Nations(UN) mandate.
iii. The exercise includes rehearsal of various tactical drills including Raid, Search, and Destroy
Operations, Small Team Insertion, and Extraction Operations.

Question 14

14. Which of the following cities has/have recently (in Oct ‘23) featured in the list of United
    Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network
    (UCCN)?
    1) Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)- UNESCO City of Music
    2) Kozhikode (Kerala)- UNESCO City of Literature
    3) Kolkata (West Bengal)-UNESCO City of Joy
    4) Both 1 & 2
    5) Both 2 & 3

Answer 14

Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On the occasion of World Cities Day (31 October 2023), 55 cities joined the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The list
featured 2 Indian Cities namely Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) and Kozhikode (Kerala).
i. Gwalior has been designated as the UNESCO ‘City of Music’ and Kozhikode as the UNESCO ‘City of
Literature’.
ii. With the latest inclusion, UCCN now counts 350 cities in more than 100 countries, representing 7
creative fields namely:
iii. Crafts and Folk Art; Design, Film; Gastronomy; Literature; Media Arts; and Music.

Question 15

15. Which word has been selected as Word of the Year 2023 by the Collins Dictionary in
    October 2023?
    1) AI
    2) Deinfluencing
    3) Moonlighting
    4) Quite Quitting
    5) Bazball

Answer 15

Answer- 1) AI
Explanation:
Collins Dictionary, a printed and online English dictionary published by HarperCollins in Glasgow,
Scotland, has named “AI” abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence, as the “Word of the Year 2023”.
i. ‘AI’, the uncountable noun, describes ‘the modelling of human mental functions by computer
programs’.
ii. Lexicographers (a person who compiles dictionaries) of Collins Dictionary stated that the use of the
term “AI” has increased and dominated the conversations of 2023.

Question 16

16. Who has recently (in Oct ‘23) won the 11th British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural
    Understanding (2023) for a book titled “Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins
    of Empire”?
    1) Arundhati Roy
    2) Nandini Das
    3) Kiran Desai
    4) Salman Rushdie
    5) Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Answer 16

Answer- 2) Nandini Das
Explanation:
India-born author Nandini Das, based in the United Kingdom (UK), has been named the winner of the
11th British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding (2023), for her debut book
titled “Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire”.
• The announcement was made by the Chair of the Book Prize judging panel, Professor Charles
Tripp, Fellow of the British Academy (FBA), at an event at the British Academy, London, UK.
i. The book is described as the origin story of Britain and India through the story of the arrival of Sir
Thomas Roe, first English ambassador in India, in the early 17th century.
ii. This is considered as a true origin story of Britain and India.

Question 17

17. In October 2023, Motilal Oswal Alternates received approval from the Competition
    Commission of India (CCI) for acquisition of the stake in __________ (company).
    1) IIFL Finance Limited
    2) SK Finance Limited
    3) Ceejay Finance Limited
    4) Shriram Transport Finance Company Limited
    5) Bajaj Finance Limited

Answer 17

Answer- 2) SK Finance Limited
Explanation:
Motilal Oswal Alternates, a subsidiary of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited(MOFSL), has received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for acquisition of the stake in SK Finance Limited.
i. CCI approves the proposed combination relating to the minority investment by the India Business
Excellence Fund-IV, which is an affiliate/fund of Motilal Oswal Alternates.
ii. India Business Excellence Fund – IV is a Category II Alternative Investment Fund(AIF) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI).
iii. SK Finance is a Jaipur(Rajasthan)-based Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC)registered with the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) as a Non-Banking Non-Deposit Taking Systemically Important Asset Finance Company engaged in the business of providing financing for vehicles (new and used) and loans to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.

Question 18

18. Which Credit Card Provider in India has recently (in Oct ‘23) collaborated with Reliance
    Retail Limited (RRL) to launch a co-branded credit card to provide a world-class customer
    experience?
    1) Mastercard
    2) SBI Card
    3) American Express
    4) HDFC Card
    5) ICICI Card

Answer 18

Answer- 2) SBI Card
Explanation:
SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited (SBI Card), in collaboration with Reliance Retail Limited
(RRL), has launched a co-branded credit card called the ‘Reliance SBI Card’ which aims to provide a
world-class customer experience.
i. The card comes in two variants namely Reliance SBI Card and Reliance SBI Card PRIME.
ii. Reliance SBI Card, made using recycled plastic, is powered by RuPay contactless technology.
iii. The unique security key feature of Visa payWave will ensure that only one transaction is processed
even if the card is waved multiple times at the reader.

Question 19

19. Name the company that has recently (in Nov ‘23) entered into a Co-Lending Model(CLM)
    partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide affordable and personalised financing
    solutions.
    1) Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited
    2) Muthoot Fincorp Limited
    3) Tata Capital Financial Services Limited
    4) Aditya Birla Finance Limited
    5) Bajaj Finance Limited

Answer 19

Answer- 1) Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited
Explanation:
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited, a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India, has entered into a Co-Lending Model(CLM) partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide affordable and personalised financing solutions to empower Micro, Small, Medium
Enterprises (MSME) sectors across India.
i. Mahindra Finance, by leveraging its extensive rural distribution network, will be responsible for customer origination and servicing; while SBI will provide the funding of the loan.
ii. They offer a personalized interest rate for each customer based on their credit profile.

Question 20

20. Which bank has recently (in Nov ‘23) became the first Foreign Bank in India to
    offer electronic-Bank Guarantees (e-BGs)?
    1) Standard Chartered Bank India
    2) DBS Bank India
    3) HSBC India
    4) CSB Bank India
    5) Citibank India

Answer 20

Answer- 3) HSBC India
Explanation:
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India), in association with the
National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL), has introduced the electronic-Bank Guarantees (e-
BGs) services to digitize trade finance.
• With this, HSBC India became the first Foreign Bank in India to offer e-BGs.
i. e-BG is a digital equivalent of a traditional paper-based Bank Guarantee.
ii. It is a guarantee issued by a bank to a beneficiary on behalf of an applicant, promising to pay the
beneficiary a specific amount of money if the applicant fails to fulfil a certain obligation.
iii. The process is made simple by introducing electronic stamping (E-stamping) and electronic
signing (E-signing).

Question 21

21. In November 2023, ______________
    became the 1st life insurance company in India to receive
    Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City)’s International Financial Services Centre
    (IFSC) Registration.
    1) HDFC Standard Life Insurance
    2) Future Generali India Life Insurance
    3) SBI Life Insurance
    4) IndiaFirst Life Insurance
    5) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

Answer 21

Answer- 4) IndiaFirst Life Insurance
Explanation:
IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life) has become the 1st life insurance
company in India to receive Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City)’s International
Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Registration.
• The IFSC Unit of IndiaFirst will soon commence operations.
i. India First Life Insurance is a three-way venture firm with BoB(holding 65% stake), UBI (holding
9% stake), and Carmel Point Investments India Private Limited(holding 26% stake).
ii. Carmel Point Investments India Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the
laws of India and affiliate of the Warburg Pincus Group.

Question 22

22. In November 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled a new
    format for the Scheme Information Documents (SIDs) of Asset Management Company (AMC).
    The new norms are recommended by the Mutual Fund Advisory Committee(MFAC), and will
    come into force from __________ .
    1) 1st January 2024
    2) 1st May 2024
    3) 1st April 2024
    4) 1st March 2024
    5) 1st December 2023

Answer 22

Answer- 3) 1st April 2024
Explanation:
Intending to streamline the dissemination of relevant information to investors, the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has unveiled a new format for the Scheme Information Documents
(SIDs) of Asset Management Company(AMC).
• The new norms are suggested by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and
recommended by the Mutual Fund Advisory Committee(MFAC).
• The new format will come into force from April 1, 2024.
i. The Scheme Information Document or SID contains detailed information about the scheme’s
investment objective, asset allocation pattern, investment approach, risks involved, fund managers,
fees, expenses etc.

Question 23

23. According to the ‘World Economic Outlook: Navigating Global Divergences’ report released
    by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2023, the global economic growth is
    projected to slow down from 3.5% in 2022 to ________ in 2023.
    1) 2.9%
    2) 2.5%
    3) 3.3%
    4) 3.2%
    5) 3%

Answer 23

Answer- 5) 3%
Explanation:
The ‘World Economic Outlook: Navigating Global Divergences’ report released by the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2023, projected the global economic growth to slow
down from 3.5% in 2022 to 3% in 2023 and 2.9% in 2024.
i. This is one of the lowest growth rates in decades and well below the historical average of 3.8%
recorded between 2000 & 2019.
• Advanced economies are expected to experience a decline, a drop from 2.6% economic growth
in 2022 to 1.5% in 2023 and 1.4% in 2024.
• This is attributed to policy tightening aimed at curbing inflation.
• The emerging markets and developing economies are expected to witness a decrease in growth
from 4.1% economic growth in 2022 to 4% in both 2023 and 2024.

Question 24

24. In November 2023, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president ___________ received the
    Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Recognition Bronze Award for grassroots
    football, while _______(country) Football Association won the Gold Award.
    1) Deepak Sharma; Chinese Taipei
    2) Kalyan Chaubey; Australia
    3) Deepak Sharma; United Arab Emirates
    4) Kalyan Chaubey; Chinese Taipei
    5) Anilkumar; Australia

Answer 24

Answer- 2) Kalyan Chaubey; Australia
Explanation:
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has won the
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s
Recognition Bronze Award for grassroots football.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey received the award
at the AFC Annual Awards 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
i. AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots
Football ‘Gold’ won by Football Australia.
ii. AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots
Football ‘Silver’ won by the Guam Football
Association
• AIFF has introduced several grassroots football development plans including the AIFF Blue
Cubs programme, Blue Cubs coaching courses, Blue Cubs leagues, Blue Cubs football schools,
and AIFF Grassroots Awards.

Question 25

25. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the Hangzhou Asian Para Games
    2022 held in October 2023?
    1) The Indian contingent finished 8th position in the medal tally with 122 medals (39 gold, 31 silver,
    and 52 bronze) in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2022 held in Hangzhou, China.
    2) The 4th edition of the Asian Para Games (2022) marks India’s record for the highest medal tally so
    far surpassing the previous record medal tally of 72 medals in the 2018 Asian Para Games.
    3) Sumit Antil won gold in the javelin throw F64 event with a new world record of 73.29m
    4) Sheetal Devi is the only current female international archer to shoot with her feet, won two gold
    (Women’s Individual Compound & Mixed Team Compound – Open) and a silver (women’s compound
    doubles) medal.
    5) Ankur Dhama set a new record by becoming the first Indian to win two gold medals (Men’s 5000m-
    T11 and Men’s 1500m-T11) in a single edition of the Asian Para Games.

Answer 25

Answer- 1) The Indian contingent finished 8th position in the medal tally with 122 medals (39
gold, 31 silver, and 52 bronze) in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2022 held in Hangzhou,
China.
Explanation:
The Indian contingent finished 5th position in the medal tally with 111 medals (29 gold, 31 silver, and
51 bronze) in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2022 held in Hangzhou, China from 22nd to 28th
October 2023.

• The 4th edition of the Asian Para Games (2022) marks India’s record for the highest medal
tally so far surpassing the previous record medal tally of 72 medals(15 gold, 24 silver, and 33
bronze) in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Sumit Antil won gold in the javelin throw F64 event with a new world record of 73.29m. He
broke his own previous world record of 70.83m
• Sundar Singh Gurjar set the world record in the javelin throw F46 event with a throw of
68.60m to surpass the earlier world record of 67.79m.
• Sheetal Devi is the only current female international archer to shoot with her feet.The 16-year-
old Sheetal Devi won two gold [Women’s Individual Compound & Mixed Team Compound –
Open(along with Rakesh Kumar)] and a silver [women’s compound doubles (along with
Sarita)].
• Ankur Dhama set a new record by becoming the first Indian to win two gold medals (Men’s
5000m-T11 and Men’s 1500m-T11) in a single edition of the Asian Para Games.
• Aruna Tanwar won India’s first-ever para taekwondo medal by winning bronze medal in the
Women’s K44 -47kg event.

Question 26

26. Shiv Nadar has retained the title of India’s Most Generous for the ________ consecutive year in
    the Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023, released in November 2023.
    1) 5th
    2) 3rd
    3) 2nd
    4) 4th
    5) 6th

Answer 26

Answer- 2) 3rd
Explanation:
On November 2, 2023, Hurun Research Institute and EdelGive Foundation released the Edelgive
Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023 in which Shiv Nadar (78) of HCL Technologies retained the title
of ‘India’s Most Generous‘ for the 3rd consecutive year as he donated Rs 2,042 crore during the
FY2022-23.
• Out of his total donation, Rs 1,774 crore for Arts and Culture and Education.
• Azim Premji, founder chairman of Wipro, is ranked 2nd, as he donated Rs 1,774 crore and
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries limited(RIL), is ranked
3rd with a donation of Rs 376 crore.
• Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, became the youngest philanthropist on the list as he
donated Rs 110 crore during FY22-23.
• There are 7 women in the list led by Rohini Nilekani, founder of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies,
is the most generous woman philanthropist as she donated Rs 170 crore during the year.
• With a donation of Rs 47 crore, K Dinesh 69, co-founder of Infosys, was the most generous new
entrant in the list.

Question 27

27. Which ministry has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed an MoU with the Election Commission of
    India (ECI) to develop an institutional framework to formally incorporate electoral literacy
    into the school and college education system?
    1) Ministry of Education
    2) Ministry of Home Affairs
    3) Ministry of Law and Justice
    4) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
    5) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Answer 27

Answer- 1) Ministry of Education
Explanation:
On November 2, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Election
Commission of India (ECI) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to develop an institutional framework
to formally incorporate electoral literacy into the school and college education system.
i. This MoU will extend ECI’s flagship Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation
(SVEEP) in schools and colleges.
• It envisages instilling electoral literacy in the young people through the educational
institutions.
ii. Under this MoU, there will be systematic integration of voter education and electoral literacy into
the curriculum, starting from classes 6 to 12 in all schools.
· Under the MoU, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will include
content on electoral literacy in school textbooks and advise state education boards to follow the same.

Question 28

28. Name the aircraft of Indian Navy (IN) that has recently (in Nov ‘23) decommissioned after
    46 years of service to the nation at INS Hansa at Dabolim, Goa.
    1) Ilyushin-46 Sea Dragon
    2) MIG 29-K
    3) Kamov-28 Sea Dragon
    4) Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon
    5) Boeing P-8I

Answer 28

Answer- 4) Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon
Explanation:
On 31st October 2023, Ilyushin (IL)-38 Sea Dragon (SD) long-range maritime patrol aircraft of the
Indian Navy(IN) was decommissioned after 46 years of service to the nation, at INS Hansa at Dabolim,
Goa.
• Indian Naval Air Squadrons (INAS) 315 was commissioned on 1st October 1977 with the
induction of IL-38 aircraft.
• The aircraft, IL-38 SD, was also featured in the 2023 Republic Day Flypast at New Delhi, Delhi.
• Two IL-38 SD aircraft will be stationed permanently at the National Maritime Heritage
Museum, Lothal, Gujarat and at Nipani in Karnataka.
i. On 31st October 2023, the Indian Air Force (IAF) phased out another Mig-21 fighter squadron, No.
4 squadron, known as ‘OORIALS’, based at Uttarlai, Rajasthan. The squadron will be re-equipping it
with Sukhoi-30 MKI (SU-30MKI) aircraft.
• No. 4 Squadron has been operating the MiG-21 since 1966.

Question 29

29. Name the Small Finance Bank (SFB) that has recently (in Nov ‘23) partnered with ixigo to
    launch a premium co-branded Travel Credit Card.
    1) Capital SFB
    2) Ujjivan SFB
    3) Equitas SFB
    4) AU SFB
    5) ESAF SFB

Answer 29

Answer- 4) AU SFB
Explanation:
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) along with a travel platform ixigo (Le Travenues Technology
Limited) announced the launch of their premium ixigo-AU co-branded credit card which aims to
enhance the travel experiences of modern travelers in semi-urban regions.
• The card is a first-of-its-kind value proposition across all travel verticals such as flights, trains,
buses & hotels.
i. The partnership combines AU SFB’s financial expertise and ixigo’s reach in tier 2 and tier 3 markets.
ii. These two Bharat-focused brands address the evolving needs of modern travellers, who seek
flexibility, convenience, and value.

Question 30

30. Which company has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed a 15-year agreement with GAIL (India)
    worth Rs 63,000 crore to supply propane for India’s 1st Propane Dehydrogenation and
    Polypropylene (PDH-PP) Plant project in Usar, Maharashtra?
    1) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
    2) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
    3) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
    4) Oil India Limited
    5) Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited

Answer 30

Answer- 3) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
Explanation:
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and GAIL (India) Limited, India’s leading natural gas
company, have signed a 15-year agreement worth Rs 63,000 crore to supply propane to GAIL’s
Propane Dehydrogenation and Polypropylene (PDH-PP) Plant project in Usar, Maharashtra.
• GAIL’s upcoming Usar-based PHD-PP plant represents India’s 1st PDH plant, which is likely to
launch operations in 2025.
i. Under the agreement, BPCL will provide GAIL with 600 kilotonnes per annum (KTPA) of propane, a
critical petrochemical feedstock from its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) import facility in Uran
(Maharashtra).
ii. GAIL’s Usar plant is expected to have a capacity of 500 KTPA, with propylene production seamlessly
integrated into a polypropylene (PP) plant of equal capacity.
iii. BPCL’s LPG facility at Uran is capable of handling 1 million tonnes per annum (MMPTA) of LPG
imports and is expanding to accommodate 3 MMTPA of propane and butane imports.

Question 31

31. Name the personality who has recently (in Nov ‘23) won the second edition of Rohini
    Nayyar prize 2023 for an outstanding contribution to Rural Development.
    1) Prakash Amte
    2) Deenanath Rajput
    3) Munishwar Chander Dawar
    4) Dilip Mahalanabis
    5) Appukuttan Poduval

Answer 31

Answer- 2) Deenanath Rajput

Explanation:
The Software engineer-turned-social worker Deenanath Rajput (33) from Jagdalpur, Bastar,
Chhattisgarh has won the second edition of Rohini Nayyar prize 2023 for an Outstanding
Contribution to Rural Development. The award was presented by Nand Kishore(NK) Singh who is the
Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
i. The prize was announced at the function which was held at India International Centre(IIC) in New
Delhi, Delhi.
• Deenanath Rajput worked for the upliftment of over 6,000 tribal women in Bastar,
Chhattisgarh, a region known for its challenges, including Naxalite activities.
• For that purpose, he founded Bhumgadi Mahila Krushak Producer Company Limited in 2018.
Note- The award was instituted by Nayyar Foundation in 2022, in the memory of former bureaucrat
Dr Rohini Nayyar IAS.

Question 32

32. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 2023 Champions of the
    Earth announced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in November 2023?
    A) Josefina Belmonte Mayor of Quezon City (Philippines) won the 2023 Champions of the Earth
    under Policy Leadership Category & Ellen MacArthur Foundation (United Kingdom) won under
    Inspiration and Action Category.
    B) Blue Circle (China) & José Manuel Moller (Chile) won the 2023 Champions of the Earth
    under Entrepreneurial Vision Category.
    C) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (South Africa) won the 2023 Champions
    of the Earth under Science and Innovation Category.
    1) Only A
    2) Only A & B
    3) Only B & C
    4) Only A & C
    5) All A, B & C

Answer 32

Answer- 5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced its 2023 Champions of the
Earth, the United Nations(UN)’s highest environmental honour to recognise individuals, groups, and
organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment.
i. The 2023 laureates – a city mayor, a non-profit foundation, a social enterprise, a government
initiative and a research council- are implementing solutions and policies to eliminate plastic
pollution.

Question 33

33. In November 2023, Zurich Insurance Company acquired a _________ stake in Kotak General
    Insurance for Rs 4,051 crore.
    1) 60%
    2) 35%
    3) 51%
    4) 64%
    5) 49%

Answer 33

Answer- 3) 51%
Explanation:
Kotak Mahindra Bank and Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company have entered into definitive
agreements with Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, whereby Zurich will invest approximately Rs
4,051 crore to acquire a 51% stake in Kotak General Insurance.
i. Kotak General Insurance is valued at approximately Rs 8000 crore on a post money valuation. The
transaction is expected to be completed by June 30, 2024.
ii. It is the single largest investment by a global strategic insurer in an Indian non-life insurer.

Question 34

34. In November 2023, the Indian Army conducted the inaugural test firing of 70 mm rockets
    and 20 mm turret guns of its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) _________ in both day and night
    conditions.
    1) Chinook
    2) Prachand
    3) Tejas
    4) Rudra
    5) Dhruv

Answer 34

Answer- 2) Prachand
Explanation:
The Indian Army conducted the inaugural test firing of 70 mm rockets and 20 mm turret guns of
its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand in both day and night conditions.
• It was carried out by the 1st LCH squadron from the Air Force station in Likabali in Arunachal
Pradesh.
i. The Prachand is India’s first indigenous multi-role class combat helicopter, developed by Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It received operational clearance in 2017.
• The Army inducted its first LCH Prachand in October 2022.
ii. Features:The 5.8-tonne twin-engine prachand can fly at a maximum speed of 268Kilometer per
hour (kmph) and has a combat radius of 550 km, which can go up to a service ceiling of 6.5 kilometers
(km).
• It is fitted with Shakti Engine, which is co-developed by HAL and France’s engine-maker Safran.
iii. Capabilities: It can carry out activities such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of
Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), operations against slow-moving aircraft, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft
(RPAs).

Question 35

35. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the inauguration of
    Development Projects in Power and Rail Sector by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and
    Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in November 2023?
    A) PM Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated a
    Akhaura-Agartala rail line starting from Tripura’s Nischintapur to Gangasagar in Bangladesh
    which will connect Agartala (Tripura) with Akhaura (Bangladesh).
    B) Both the leaders inaugurated Khulna-Mongla Port rail line which encompasses the
    construction of a 65 Km broad gauge rail route that will connect Mongla Port to the existing
    rail network in Khulna.
    C) Unit-II of Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant was jointly inaugurated under Indian
    Concessional Financing Scheme loan of USD 1.6 billion is a 1320 MW (2×660) Super Thermal
    Power Plant located in Rampal in Khulna division of Bangladesh.
    1) All A, B & C
    2) Only A & B
    3) Only B & C
    4) Only A & C
    5) Only A

Answer 35

Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On 1st November 2023, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India and Sheikh Hasina, PM of
Bangladesh, jointly inaugurated three Indian–assisted development projects via video conferencing.
• These 3 projects in the rail and power sector aim to strengthen connectivity and energy
security in India and Bangladesh.
• PM Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated a rail
line starting from Tripura’s Nischintapur to Gangasagar in Bangladesh which will connect
Agartala (Tripura) with Akhaura (Bangladesh). This project is also known as Akhaura-
Agartala rail link.
• Khulna-Mongla Port rail line has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi &
Sheikh Hasina, PM of Bangladesh which encompasses the construction of a 65 Km broad gauge
rail route that will connect Mongla Port to the existing rail network in Khulna. This marks the
integration of Mongla, the 2nd largest port of Bangladesh, with the broader-gauge (BG) railway
network. The project has been implemented under the Government of India’s concessional
Line of Credit with a total project cost USD 388.92 million.
• Unit-II of Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant was jointly inaugurated by the PM of India
and PM of Bangladesh virtually on November 1, 2023.
• The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project under Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan
of USD 1.6 billion is a 1320 MW (2×660) Super Thermal Power Plant located in Rampal in
Khulna division of Bangladesh.

Question 36

36. Which country has recently (in Nov ‘23) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with India for
    Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Administrative Reforms for 3 years?
    1) Germany
    2) United States
    3) United Kingdom
    4) France
    5) Australia

Answer 36

Answer- 4) France
Explanation:
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, and Ministry of Public Sector
Transformation & the Civil Service of the French Republic (France) have signed a Letter of Intent
(LoI) for Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Administrative Reforms for 3 years.
i. Aim: To enhance bilateral partnership between India and France through exchange visits, focused
on administrative reforms, good governance webinars, research publications, capacity building
programs, and replication of good governance practices.
• Under this LoI, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established to create a roadmap for
bilateral collaboration.
• Emphasis was laid upon high-level exchanges in the upcoming months.
• India presented Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Maximum Governance –
Minimum Government’ policy.

Question 37

37. Which government sector enterprise has recently (in Nov ‘23) unveiled the National
    Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) and the Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP)?
    1) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
    2) Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
    3) National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC)
    4) Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC)
    5) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)

Answer 37

Answer- 2) Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
Explanation:
On 2nd November 2023, Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh, Ministry of Power, has unveiled two new
programs of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): National Efficient Cooking Programme
(NECP) and the Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP), during the event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
• NECP aims to revolutionise cooking practices in India.
• EEFP aims to emphasise the importance and urgency of energy-efficient fans.
i. Under NECP, EESL will distribute 20 Lakh energy-efficient induction cook stoves to reduce the
environmental impact of cooking practices, leading to cleaner air and improved health for the
population.
• EESL collaborated with Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) to facilitate the widespread
adoption of induction cooktops.
ii. Under EEFP, EESL will distribute 1 crore 5-star energy-efficient BLDC (brushless direct current)
fans across India.

Question 38

38. In October 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the minimum amount for
    offering Non-Callable Term Deposits (TDs) from Rs 15 lakh to Rs __________.
    1) 40 lakh
    2) 80 lakh
    3) 30 lakh
    4) 2 crore
    5) 1 crore

Answer 38

Answer- 5) 1 crore
Explanation:
On October 26, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the minimum amount for offering
Non-Callable Term Deposits (TDs) from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 1 crore with immediate effect, allowing all
customers to prematurely withdraw money from Fixed Deposit (FD) of up to Rs 1 crore. This mandate
will cover all commercial banks and co-operative banks.
• This means all domestic TDs accepted from individuals for amounts of Rs 1 crore and below
will have a premature-withdrawal-facility.
• These instructions will be applicable for Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposit /
Ordinary Non-Resident (NRO) Deposits.
Note- Non-callable FDs are TDs that do not permit premature withdrawals until the tenure is
completed. Banks offer higher rates on non-callable FDs to discourage premature withdrawals.

Question 39

39. In November 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
    formed a task force under the Chairmanship of __________ to review the existing bancassurance
    framework.
    1) Thomas Devasia
    2) B.C. Patnaik
    3) S. N. Rajeswari
    4) Meena Kumari
    5) Parmod Kumar Arora

Answer 39

Answer- 4) Meena Kumari
Explanation:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a task force under
the Chairmanship of Meena Kumari, Executive Director(Life) of IRDAI, to review the existing
bancassurance framework.
• The task force was formed in response to concerns about mis-selling/forced selling of
insurance policies through the bancassurance channel.
• The taskforce will review the existing regulatory framework for bancassurance and suggest
ways and means to increase the efficiency of it.
• The taskforce will also examine best international practices and suggest suitable changes.
• The taskforce is asked to submit these recommendations within 31st December 2023.

Question 40

40. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the step taken by the Reserve
    Bank of India (RBI) in November 2023?
    A) RBI has decided to include all entities facilitating cross-border payment transactions for
    import and export of goods and services under the direct regulation of the RBI.
    B) Non-banks providing payment aggregation and payment processing services must have a
    minimum net worth of Rs 15 crore during application to RBI.
    C) RBI imposed Rs 72 lakh penalty on L&T Finance Limited for non-compliance with certain
    provisions of RBI (Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, 2016, RBI (Interest Rate on Advances)
    Directions, 2016, and Master Circular on Customer Service in Banks.
    1) Only A
    2) Only A & B
    3) Only B & C
    4) Only A & C
    5) All A, B & C

Answer 40

Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
On 31st October 2023, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Regulation of Payment Aggregator
– Cross Border (PA-CB). RBI has decided to include all entities facilitating cross-border payment
transactions for import and export of goods and services under the direct regulation of the RBI.
• The entities including Authorised Dealer (AD) banks, PAs and PAs-CB shall comply with these
instructions.
• All non-banks which provide PA-CB services must apply for authorization from the RBI by
April 30, 2024.
• Non-banks providing payment aggregation and payment processing services must have a
minimum net worth of Rs 15 crore during application to RBI. They need to increase net worth
to Rs 25 crore by March 31, 2026.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on the following entities:
· RBI imposed Rs 72 lakh penalty on Punjab National Bank (PNB) for non-compliance with
certain provisions of RBI (Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, 2016, RBI (Interest Rate on
Advances) Directions, 2016, and Master Circular on Customer Service in Banks
· RBI imposed Rs 30 lakh penalty on Federal Bank Ltd for non-compliance with certain directions
contained in RBI (Know Your Customer (KYC)) Directions, 2016.
· RBI imposed Rs 13.38 lakh penalty on Kosamattam Finance Limited, based in Kottayam, Kerala,
for non-compliance with certain provisions of the “Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) –
Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank)
Directions, 2016.
· RBI imposed Rs 10 lakh penalty on Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India Private Limited
(formerly known as Daimler Financial Services India Private Limited) for non-compliance with certain
provisions of the RBI (Know Your Customer (KYC)) Direction, 2016.
· RBI imposed Rs 2.50 crore penalty on L&T Finance Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra, for non-
compliance with certain provisions of the NBFC – Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking
Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016.

Question 41

41. Who has recently (in Nov ‘23) nominated as the Regional Director of the World Health
    Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR)?
    1) Saima Wazed (Bangladesh)
    2) Edwin Salvador (Indonesia)
    3) Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti (Botswana)
    4) Poonam Khetrapal Singh (India)
    5) Shambhu Prasad Acharya (Bhutan)

Answer 41

Answer- 1) Saima Wazed (Bangladesh)
Explanation:
On 1st November 2023, Saima Wazed, the candidate of Bangladesh, was nominated as the
Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR), one of the
6 WHO Regions.
i. Saima Wazed, the daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister(PM) Sheikh Hasina, won the election with
8 votes(including Bangladesh and India).
ii. Following the appointment, She will succeed the incumbent Regional director Dr. Poonam
Khetrapal Singh (since 2014) from India on 1st February 2024.
Note- 11 Members of SEAR: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(South
Korea), India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
• Myanmar was not eligible to vote.

Question 42

42. Name the personality from India who has recently (in Nov ‘23) re-elected as a member of
    the United Nations (UN) Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions
    (ACABQ) for a three-year term.
    1) Taranjit Singh Sandhu
    2) Sanjay Kumar Verma
    3) Prabhat Kumar
    4) Surendra Kumar Adhana
    5) Virander Kumar Paul

Answer 42

Answer- 4) Surendra Kumar Adhana
Explanation:
Senior Indian diplomat Surendra Kumar Adhana was re-elected as a member of the United Nations
(UN) Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for a three-year
term, 2024–26, beginning on 1st January 2024.
i. He has been a member of ACABQ, a subsidiary organ of the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA), since November 2022.
ii. United Nations -Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions is an expert
Committee of 21 Members elected by the UNGA for a term of three years.
iii. The members of UN-ACABQ serve in a personal capacity and not as representatives of member
states.

Question 43

43. When was the International Day for Biosphere Reserve (BR) 2023 observed across the
    globe by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)?
    1) 31st October 2023
    2) 3rd November 2023
    3) 2nd November 2023
    4) 4th November 2023
    5) 1st November 2023

Answer 43

Answer- 2) 3rd November 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s International Day
for Biosphere Reserve (BR) or World Biosphere Reserve Day is annually observed across the globe
on 3 November to raise awareness of the importance of biosphere reserves and to promote their
conservation and sustainable use.
• The day serves as a crucial reminder of the need to safeguard the delicate balance between
humans and the environment.
i. 3 November 2023 marks the 2nd observance of International Day for BR.
ii. The first-ever International Day for BR was observed on 3 November 2022.
Note- In India, at present there are 18 notified BRs spanning 60,000 square kilometres (sq km).

Question 44

44. In which city, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal
    flagged off the maiden voyage of the vessel “Costa Serena“ in November 2023?
    1) Panaji, Goa
    2) Kochi, Kerala
    3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
    4) Mumbai, Maharashtra
    5) Puri, Odisha

Answer 44

Answer- 4) Mumbai, Maharashtra
Explanation:
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) flagged
off the maiden voyage of the vessel “Costa Serena“, the India’s 1st International Cruise Liner at an
event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This launch symbolises the dawn of a new era in cruising and
tourism in India.
i. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative to the middle class
to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.
ii. The Costa Serena was constructed by Fincantieri (Shipbuilding company) at its Sestri Ponente
shipyard in Genoa, Italy and was inaugurated in Marseille, France.
• The Costa Serena is the tenth vessel to join the 17-ship fleet of Costa Crociere (Costa Cruises).
iii. Costa Cruises, Italy, operating under Carnival Corporation, announces domestic sailings in India.

Question 45

45. In November 2023, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi announced the extension of the
    Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) till ___________ (year).
    1) 2030
    2) 2026
    3) 2027
    4) 2029
    5) 2028

Answer 45

Answer- 5) 2028
Explanation:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years while addressing an election rally at Durg in
Chhattisgarh.The scheme which was supposed to be ended by December 2023 will be ending in 2028.
• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution had declared that the central
government would allocate over ₹2 lakh crore in 2023 for food subsidies under NFSA and
various other welfare programs.
• The scheme was initially rolled out in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• PMGKAY is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.This program is a part of the existing Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana welfare initiative.

Question 46

46. Which company has recently (in Nov ‘23) become the first foreign company to get GoI’s
    approval for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector?
    1) CTT Systems AB
    2) Boeing
    3) Thales Alenia Space
    4) Lockheed Martin
    5) Saab AB

Answer 46

Answer- 5) Saab AB
Explanation:
Swedish defence company Saab AB has become the first foreign company to get Government of
India (GoI)’s approval for 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the defence sector.
i. About Saab AB FDI:
• The FDI proposal is valued at around Rs 500 crore.
• With this, Saab is set to establish a facility to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket launchers in
India.
• The facility will support the production of the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian Armed Forces as
well as components for users of the system around the world.
• SAAB FFV India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Saab was Incorporated in 2022.

Question 47

47.Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Global Responsible
Tourism Award 2023 presented in November 2023?
A) The Responsible Tourism Partnership and International Centre for Responsible Tourism
(ICRT) announced the 8 winners of the Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023.
B) Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission won the award under Best for local sourcing, craft
and food category for promoting sustainable and women-inclusion initiatives.
C) Soar Excursions, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) from India won the award under Best for meaningful
connections category.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Answer 47

Answer- 5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
Responsible Tourism Partnership and International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT)
announced the 8 winners of the Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023, which includes Kerala
Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission(Kerala) and Soar Excursions, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) from India.
Winners of Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023:
Category Winner
Best for nature-positive tourism Wildlife Act, South Africa
Best for meaningful connections Soar Excursions, Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India)
Uthando, South Africa
Best for diversity and inclusion The Batuc Network, from Bahia in Brazil
Best for local sourcing, craft and food Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission, Kerala (India)
Ngwenya Glass, Estwatini
Best for tackling plastic waste Lemala Camps and Lodges in Tanzania
Best for addressing climate change Weeva, South Africa

Question 48

48. In November 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure
    of A S Rajeev, Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of __________ for 6 months.
    1) Bank of Maharashtra
    2) Bank of Baroda
    3) Bank of India
    4) Union Bank of India
    5) Canara Bank

Answer 48

Answer- 1) Bank of Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has extended the tenure of A S Rajeev, Managing
Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) for 6 months till his
superannuation.
• He has been serving as the MD & CEO of BoM since December 2018.
i. The ACC has also extended the tenure of Matam Venkata Rao(M V Rao), MD & CEO of Central Bank
of India (CBI) till 31st July 2025.
• MV Rao has been serving as the MD & CEO of CBI since March 2021.

Question 49

49. In November 2023, the Spear Corps, aviation unit of the Indian Army successfully test fired
    the New Generation Rocket and Turret ammunition from the first Indigenous Attack
    Helicopter ______________.
    1) Chinook
    2) Prachand
    3) Tejas
    4) Rudra
    5) Dhruv

Answer 49

Answer- 4) Rudra
Explanation:
The Spear Corps (the aviation unit of the Indian Army) successfully test fired the New Generation
Rocket and Turret ammunition from the first Indigenous Attack Helicopter Rudra.
• It also enhances the Army’s strike capability and lethality in the mountains.
i. The Rudra is a weaponized version of the Advanced Light Dhruv helicopter of 5.8 Ton class powered
by two Shakti Engines.
ii. It was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet the requirements
of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF).

Question 50

50. In which state, Scientists have recently (in Nov ‘23) discovered a new species of epiphytic
    plant named ‘Lysionotus namchoomii’?
    1) Arunachal Pradesh
    2) Sikkim
    3) Tripura
    4) Assam
    5) Nagaland

Answer 50

Answer- 1) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Scientists at the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Center of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have
discovered a new species of epiphytic plant named as Lysionotus namchoomii, from the Pakke-
Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern Himalayas.
• The new species is named after Late Chau Phunkyoo Nomchoon, a renowned Social Reformer
from the Khampti community in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The findings were described in the international peer reviewed journal, Turczaninowia.
• The new species namchoomii belongs to the genus Lysionotus, which is a genus of flowering
plants in the family Gesneriaceae.
• Lysionotus species are primarily epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial evergreen erect or
climbing subshrubs.
Note- An epiphyte, also called air plant, is a plant which grows on another plant, without being a
parasite.

Question 51

51. In which state Guindy National Park is located?
    1) Telangana
    2) Karnataka
    3) Andhra Pradesh
    4) Tamil Nadu
    5) Kerala

Answer 51

Answer- 4) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Guindy National Park teeming with blackbuck and birds which is one of the very few national parks
situated in an Indian city.
• Guindy National Park is India’s eighth-smallest national park and one of the very few national
parks located inside a city. It is located in the heart of Chennai’s metropolitan area of Tamil
Nadu.

Question 52

52. In which state Panna Tiger Reserve is located?
    1) Madhya Pradesh
    2) Uttar Pradesh
    3) Bihar
    4) Jharkhand
    5) West Bengal

Answer 52

Answer- 1) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Recently, a delegation of senior forest officers and frontline staff from Cambodia came for training at
Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) and studied India’s tiger reintroduction programme and all its aspects.
• Panna Tiger Reserve is a critical tiger habitat located in the Vindhya mountain range in the
northern part of Madhya Pradesh.
• It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994.

Question 53

53. In October 2023, J.P. Morgan has appointed _____________ as the new Asia Chief Executive
    Officer (CEO) of its Asia Private Bank.
    1) Ajay Gupta
    2) Jayanth Kumar
    3) Harshika Patel
    4) Vivek Jain
    5) Praveen Sharma

Answer 53

Answer- 3) Harshika Patel
Explanation:
J.P. Morgan has appointed Harshika Patel as the new Asia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Asia
Private Bank and Kam Shing Kwang as its Chairwoman of North Asia. Patel joins the private bank
from the J.P. Morgan’s corporate and investment banking business in Asia and will succeed Kwang, who has been the CEO of its Asia Private Bank for six and a half years.
· Patel will retain her existing role as CEO of J.P. Morgan Hong Kong, the bank added. She served as Asia’s Head of Strategy at J.P. Morgan prior to the appointment.
· Kwang, who has been with the American firm for 25 years, will advise on J.P. Morgan’s strategic agenda and continue to strengthen key stakeholder relationships in the region in her new role.

Question 54

54. In which state Rajaji Tiger Reserves is located?
    1) Gujarat
    2) Uttarakhand
    3) Madhya Pradesh
    4) Uttar Pradesh
    5) Bihar

Answer 54

Answer- 2) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
The Uttarakhand government decided to establish the Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation
Foundation to accelerate and facilitate ecological, economic, social and cultural development in the
landscapes in and around the reserve.
· The foundation will also provide support to local communities in providing alternative livelihood
opportunities to reduce dependence on forests, reap the benefits of ecotourism and deal with human-
wildlife conflict and related crimes.
· It will provide assistance as needed in filling gaps or providing additional resources for any
planned or ongoing conservation effort.

Question 55

55. Which company has recently (in Oct ‘23) received three gold awards at the International
    Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC-2023)?
    1) JSW Steel Limited
    2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
    3) Tata Steel Limited
    4) REC Limited
    5) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited

Answer 55

Answer- 5) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
Explanation:
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, received
three gold awards at the International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC-2023),
organised by the China Association of Quality (CAQ), held in Beijing.
• RINL’s Quality Circle (QC) teams Tesla, Rockers and Abhyuday clinched the awards.

Question 56

56. ____________, Wildlife Conservationist passed away in October 2023.
    1) Anne Wright
    2) Billy Lilly
    3) Berjis Driver
    4) Robin Banerjee
    5) Claude Alphonso Alvares

Answer 56

Answer- 1) Anne Wright
Explanation:
Anne Wright, the wildlife campaigner, who died aged 94 at her family’s Kipling Camp jungle resort on
the edge of Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, was one of the last of the British expatriates who
stayed on after independence in 1947.

• Anne Wright, wildlife campaigner, tiger enthusiast, horse breeder, party lover, and friend of
leading politicians and royalty,was one of the last of the British expatriates who stayed on after
independence in 1947.
• Wright received the Sanctuary Asia Lifetime Service Award in 2013.
• In 1972, Anne Wright was appointed a member of India’s elite Tiger Task Force, which
produced a remarkable document titled “Project Tiger; a planning proposal for the
preservation of tigers in India.” Launched the following year, initially with nine tiger reserves,
this was the beginning of one of the most ambitious-ever wildlife conservation projects.
• She also worked on the drafting of the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, and personally
pushed through the creation of a number of protected areas.

Question 57

57. Which of the following cities in Punjab have been recently (in Oct ‘23) included in the 30
    cities of historical and religious tourism importance of 15 States selected under the Swadesh
    Darshan 2.0 scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism?
    1) Kapurthala
    2) Amritsar
    3) Bathinda
    4) Both 1 & 2
    5) Both 2 & 3

Answer 57

Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
In Punjab, two cities, Amritsar and Kapurthala, have been included in the 30 cities of historical and
religious tourism importance of 15 States selected under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme of the
Union Ministry of Tourism.
• Earlier in the year 2018-19 Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib,
Ferozepur, Khatkar Kalan, Patiala and Kalanaur were selected in this Scheme.
• The objective of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Government is to make the visit of
tourists pleasant and memorable by providing better basic facilities in cities of historical and
religious importance.
• Under this, 70 crores of rupees will be spent on development works in Amritsar and
Kapurthala cities of Punjab.

Question 58

58. Which of the following countries does not share Boundary with Bolivia?
    1) Ecuador
    2) Peru
    3) Paraguay
    4) Argentina
    5) Brazil

Answer 58

Answer- 1) Ecuador
Explanation:
Bolivia recently announced it had broken diplomatic ties with Israel because of its attacks on the Gaza
Strip.
• Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country located in western-
central South America. It is named after independence fighter Simon Bolivar.
• Bordering Countries: It borders the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. The constitutional capital is Sucre, while the seat of government and executive capital is La Paz. Currency: Bolivian boliviano.

Question 59

59. In which state Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located?
    1) Assam
    2) Karnataka
    3) Jharkhand
    4) Uttar Pradesh
    5) Madhya Pradesh

Answer 59

Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
The tiger population at the Amangarh Tiger Reserve has increased from 21 mature tigers and six
cubs in 2021 to 28 mature tigers and four cubs now.
i. Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located in Amangarh in Bijnor district in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is
situated in the Terai region and covers an area of around 578 sq km. It shares its boundaries with Jim
Corbett National Park of Uttarakhand.

Question 60

60. Who has recently (in Nov ‘23) become the only Indian to win two gold medals in the annual
    World Masters Powerlifting championship held in Mongolia?
    1) Deepthi Jeevanji
    2) Monica Dogra
    3) Sharvari Inamdar
    4) Angrej Singh
    5) Ekta Bhyan

Answer 60

Answer- 3) Sharvari Inamdar
Explanation:
Dr. Sharvari Inamdar, a 40-year-old mother of two from Pune, India, has become the only Indian to
win two gold medals in the annual World Masters Powerlifting championship held in Mongolia.
i. Competing in the 57kg category, Inamdar lifted a total of 350kg to secure the gold medal. She also
achieved a total of 395kg in the ‘equipped’ category, earning her the second rank in the International
Powerlifting Federation’s ‘Best Lifters of Masters/Strong Woman’ title. Inamdar’s mother, Dr. Purna
Bharde, also won bronze medals in the 60-plus age category at the championship.