Nov to Dec 2023 Flashcards
Amit Shah launched the “Bharat Organics” brand to promote organic produce in India. The brand belongs to which entity and who is the chairman of the brand?
What are the 6 organic products launched under the “Bharat Organics” brand?
The products will be sold through which outlet?
Ans-
* It belongs to NCOL (National Cooperative Organics Limited), a newly formed cooperative society to promote organics production. Meenesh Shah is the chairperson of the entity.
- Tur Daal, Chana Daal, Sugar, Rajma, Basmati Rice and Sonamasoori rice
- Mother Dairy’s Safal Outlets.
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) signed an MoU with which institute in Nov for collaboration in academia and research related to regulatory issues in the Energy sector?
FSR (Florence School of Regulations) Global
According to WHO, ______people were diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) in 2022?
Tuberculosis cases were the highest in which region?
Ans-
* 7.5 million
* South East Asia (46%). It was followed by Africa and Western Pacific
India signed an MoI with which country in Nov for medical products regulation and enhance the quality of medical products and healthcare services?
The MoI was signed during which event?
Ans-
* Netherlands
* It was signed during the 2nd “World Local Production Forum” (WLPF)
Which were the top 3 Mutual Fund investment states in Q2 FY2023?
Rank 1- Maharashtra, Rank 2- Gujrat and Rank 3- Karnataka
What is the name of India’s first award show organised for Indian Forest Service officers?
Eco Warrior 2023
Who was appointed as the “UPI Safety Brand Ambassador” of the NPCI?
Pankaj Tripathi
What is the name of the 2nd edition of the biennial Mega food event organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI) in Delhi?
PM Modi announced ₹_____seed capital aid to support 1 lakh SHGs?
Which entity signed an MoU with Lulu Hypermarket to enhance the export of Indian agricultural products in Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC)?
India now ranks at ______position globally in agricultural export?
Which company signed an MoU with the LuLu Group International to produce and supply an exclusive range of frozen products?
Ans-
* World Food India
- ₹380 crores
- APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
- 7th
- Gujrat-based HyFun Food
Answer the following based on the 6th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held in New Delhi-
The ISA assembly was presided over by?
The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for solar projects was increased from 10% to ____% for member countries?
What is the grant provided under the VGF mechanism of the ISA?
Which country became the 95th member of the ISA?
4 Solarization projects were inaugurated during the assembly for which countries?
When was the ISA formed?
Ans-
* Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of New & Renewable Energy and Minister of Power
- 35%
- USD 150000 or 10% of the project cost
- Chile
- Solarization of Malawi Parliament
Solarization of Rural Healthcare Centres in Fiji
Solarizataion of a School in Kiribati
Installation of Solar Powered Cold Storage in Seychelles - It was conceived as a joint effort by India and France and conceptualized at the COP 21 (Conference of Parties) in 2015
Which entity signed an MoU with the DAY-NRLM to boost women-led enterprises in India?
SIDBI signed the MoU for the period of 2 years. The primary focus of the MoU is to demonstrate on-the-ground activities to establish a reliable and sensitive support structure for women entrepreneurs.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das released the “India Finance Report 2023” in November, stating that Fintech can replace traditional Banking in India. The report was made by which entity?
What was the theme of the report?
Ans-
* Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL)
- “Connecting the Last Mile: Non-Banking Financial Companies in India”
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) offered USD 553 million for Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a deepwater shipping container project at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The project is being led by which company?
Adani Ports
Which was the first Indian Private company which received the DGCA-type certification for its UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)?
Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies Pvt Ltd
Who was appointed as the new chief executive of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)?
Venkat Nageshwar Chalasani
Which Smart City launched the AI-powered Chat Bot “Birbal” developed by “CoRover.Ai” to provide information and services to the citizens?
Chandigarh Smart City
A “Water Smart Kid campaign” was launched in which state in Nov, an initiative under the JJM (Jal Jeevan Mission) that aims to educate children about water conservation and protection?
Meghalaya
The Government amended the SHAKTI policy for a more transparent coal allocation mechanism. The coal linkages will now be executed on which portal?
When was the SHAKTI policy launched?
Ans-
* DEEP (Discovery of Efficient Electricity Price)
- The SHAKTI (Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyala Transparently in India) policy was launched in 2018 to provide coal to stressed power units. It provides coal linkages to power plants which lack Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA) through auction
A comprehensive “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023” was approved for which entity in Nov?
Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
ADB (Asian Development Bank) jointly launched the Natural Capital Fund (NCF) for financing projects in ADB member nations with which company?
Global Environment Facility (GEF). The GEF has committed 15 million USD for the NCF
Hindustal Aeronautics Limited (HAL) decided to set up a joint venture with which company to manufacture helicopter engines?
The joint venture company will be set up in which place?
Ans-
* France-based “Safron Helicopter Engines”
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
Which Indian company was the first to unveil an LNG Engine named “LVTR 1992”?
Ahshok Leyland
What was the rank of India in the “Asian Archery Championship 2023” and how many medals India won?
Which country was ranked 1 in the medal tally?
Ans-
* India was ranked 2 with 7 medals including 3 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 bronze
* South Korea
IICA (Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs) signed MoUs with which two entities to empower corporate and women entrepreneurs through training programmes?
Lean Campus Startup Trust and Women Entrepreneurs International Chambers of India (WEICI)
India signed an MoU with Russia for the supply and production of which Hand-held Anti-aircraft missile?
What is the range of the missile?
Ans-
* Igla-S
- 500 meters to 6000 meters
The government of India signed a ____million USD agreement with the ADB for sustainable urban development and service delivery programme?
400 million USD
For the first time, an Insurance Surety Bond was approved for which entity in Nov?
What is the insurance security provided by the insurer?
Ans-
* It was approved for the Road Infrastructure sector for the NHAI’s Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) process.
- 0.25%
In a TOT model, the government leases the rights to collect tolls on a particular highway or a bundle of highways to a private entity (concessionaire) for a predetermined concession period.
What is the name of the dashboard launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to upload their data?
The data is categorized based on which 5 pillars?
Ans-
* AAINA dashboard for CITIES portal
- 1- Political & Administrative Structure
2- Planning
3- Finance
4- Citizen Centric Governance
5- Delivery of Basic Services
NSDC (National Skill Development Cooperation) signed an MoU with which UAE-based company to support skill development and employment for front line workers?
NSDC signed an MoU with which UAE-based company to facilitate skilled workforce mobility between UAE and India?
Ans-
* We One, a subsidiary of “DP World”, a logistic company based in UAE
- EFS Facilities Services Group
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched its open data platform for streamlining scientific data accessibility. What are the 3 main points on which the data is organised?
Where is the headquarters of IAEA?
Ans-
* 1- Nuclear Safety & Security
2- Nuclear Technology and Application
3- Safeguards and Verification
- Vienna, Austria
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) will award ₹1000 crore to which company for the supply of OTN (Optical Transport Network) equipment?
Finland-based Nokia
Who was given the “Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award” in Nov?
Salman Rushdie
What is the name of the portal launched by the ICMR-NIP to assist people in identifying public healthcare facilities?
DISHA (Diagnostic Services in Healthcare: Availability and Geo-Mapping of Laboratory Services in India) portal
Which state won the 37th edition of the National Games with how many medals and which trophy was awarded to the state?
Where was the 37th edition of the National Games held?
Ranks 2 and 3 were given to?
Ans-
* Maharashtra won by 228 medals and won the Raja Bhalindra Singh trophy
- Goa
- Rank 2-Services Sports Control Board (SSCB)
Rank 3- Haryana
During the 3rd “Janjati Gaurav Diwas” observed on 15 Nov, PM Modi became the first PM to visit the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda which is located in?
What is the name of the awareness campaign launched for delivering benefits of welfare schemes such as LPG cylinders, Housing for the poor, food security, nutrition, education etc for the tribal people?
PM JANMAN scheme was launched for the development of 75 PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups). What is the full form and what is the budget allocated for the scheme?
Ans-
* Khunti, Jharkhand
- “Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra”
- The budget allocated for the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) is ₹24000 crore
PM Modi released the 15th instalment of the PM Kisan scheme worth ₹________ from Jharkhand in Nov?
₹18000 crore
The first Australia-India Education and Skill Council Meet was held in which place?
IIT Gandhinagar, Gujrat
The first India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) meet was held in which place in Nov?
What is the name of the education initiative launched for the INDUS-X for startups and innovators?
Ans-
* New Delhi
- The “Gurukul” initiative was launched to help innovators and startups navigate the defence ecosystem of India and the US.
IIT Delhi signed an MoU with the “Samarkand Institute of Economics and Services” of which country for academic alliance for students?
Uzbekistan
Which was the second Indian Startup company to become a Unicorn in 2023?
InCred
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the Olympic Cup to which organization in Lausanne Switzerland?
Who is the president of the IOC?
Ans-
* Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF)
- Thomas Bach
The joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti-2023” was conducted with which country and at which place?
It was conducted with Sri Lanka in Pune, Maharashtra
SIDBI signed an MoU with which entity to support MSMEs which are developing indigenous technology or adapting imported technology for domestic commercial use in India?
The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology
Which Indian economist was awarded the Kenneth E. Boulding Memorial award by the International Society for Ecological Economics (ISEE)?
Bina Agarwal, professor of Development Economics and Environment at the University of Manchester
What is the name of the 4th Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) launched in Nov 2023 and it belongs to which class?
The submarine was built by which company?
Ans-
* “INS Amini” of Arnala class ships is 4th in the series of 8 Arnala class ships being built
- GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers)
India signed a Mobility and Migration Partnership and EPCC (Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation) agreement with which country in Nov?
Italy
Who was the first woman who received the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature from the Canada-India Education Society?
Deepti Babuta
Which product received the 4th GI tag in Ladakh?
Seabuckthorn
The Ministry of Ayush signed an agreement with which entity for the “Traditional Medicine Global Strategy 2025-34”?
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Indian government approved investment worth ______USD for the IT Hardware sector?
360 million USD
Who won the Miss Universe 2023 title and she belongs to which country?
Sheynnis Palacios from Nicargua
Venkitaramanan, the ____governor of the RBI passed away in Nov in Chennai?
18th governor
Answer the following based on the amendments of the Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS) by the government-
The maximum deposit limit of the SCSS was increased from ₹_____ to ₹____?
___% of the deposit as a penalty will be charged in premature withdrawal of the scheme before the expiry of 1 year of the investment?
There will be no limit on the extension of the SCSS wherein, the investment can be extended for “n” number of blocks of ____years each?
The time for investing in the scheme was extended from the current 1 month to ____months of receipt of retirement benefits?
Ans-
* ₹15 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs
- 1%
- 3 years each
- 3 months of receipt of retirement benefits
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) announced ___% interest rebate for Divyang borrowers who borrow from the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC)?
1%
Union Minister Piyush Goyal attended the 3rd in-person IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) ministerial meeting which was hosted by which country?
How many members are there in the IPEF?
What are the 4 pillars of IPEF?
Piyush Goyal also attended the 30th APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders Summit 2023 which was hosted by the US. What was the theme of the summit?
India was invited as a guest for the 30th APEC Leaders Summit along with which two other nations?
The 31st APEC Leaders Summit will be hosted by which country?
Who is the Executive Director of the APEC?
Ans-
* It was hosted by the US in San Francisco
* 14
* Pillar 1- Trade
Pillar 2- Supply Chain
Pillar 3- Clean Economy
Pillar 4- Fair Economy
* “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All”
* Fiji and Colombia
* Peru
* Rebecca Maria
IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework):
The IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) is an economic initiative launched in May 2022 by the US. It has 14 founding members of the Indo-Pacific nations which aims to strengthen economic engagement among member countries.
APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation):
It is a forum of 21 member countries in the Asia-Pacific region that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific. The Annual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting is held by the members except for Taiwan. It is headquartered in Singapore and its chairperson is Joe Biden.
Who was the first Indian Comedian who win an Emmy award at the 51st International Emmy Awards 2023?
Vir Das
What is the name of the 4th MCA (Missile Cum Ammunition) barge launched by the Indian Navy in Nov 2023 and it was built by which company?
LSAM 10 (Yard 78). It was built by Andhra Pradesh-based SEPPL (SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd)
Which state government collaborated with the CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and the DRDO for the incorporating a bulk drug park?
UP will set up a bulk drug park in Lalitpur
The special forces exercise “Vajra Prahar” was held in which country and which place?
It was held with the US in Meghalaya
The State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023 was conducted by which entity for the students of Grades 3, 6 and 9 in Nov 2023?
PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), is India’s first national assessment regulator for the education sector. It was launched as a part of the NEP-2020 and is a component of the NCERT (National Council for Education Research and Learning). The primary task of PARAKH is to conduct the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Survey (SAS).
The objectives of PARAKH are
- Setting uniform standards of evaluation and assessment across all school boards in India.
- Reduce evaluation disparity between the centre and states since there are diverse standards of evaluation between them which brings score differences.
- Setting a benchmark assessment as envisioned by the NEP 2020 which aims to eliminate rote learning.
- Improve assessment practises and processes among school boards.
Which project from India was selected in the global list of case studies of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization)?
Kerala’s Responsible Tourism mission. The only other Indian case study featured in the UNWTO global list is Maharashtra’s “Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Project”
SEBI’s chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch launched which platform in Nov for protecting the investment risk of investors?
Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA)
Who was appointed as the brand ambassador of West Bengal?
Sourav Ganguly
The National Book Trust (NBT) signed an MoU with which entity for establishing a Universal Design Centre for reading?
The NBT also signed an MoU with Daisy Forum of India (DFI) for providing access to digital books to people with print disabilities. The access to digital books will be provided through which platform?
. Ans-
* Dehradun-based National Institute for Empowerment of Person with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD)
- Sugamya Pustakalaya, an online digital library established by Daisy Forum India (DFI), NEIPVD and Tata Consultancy Services
Which company partnered with the Survey of India (SOI) to create a digital Twin-Mapping programme in India?
Genesys International
Which product of Jammu & Kashmir received a GI Tag in Nov?
Kishtwar Saffron
The Greenway Grameen Pvt Ltd signed ____million USD loan agreement with the ADB for the “Greenway Carbon Credits Gender Finance Project” in Nov?
Under the project, 1 million Greenway Stoves at a subsidized price will be provided to rural households in which states?
ADB’s Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF) worth _____USD will be used as a first-loss liquidity reserve?
Ans-
* 6.5 million USD
- Odisha and Madhya Pradesh
- 3.25 million
Which company signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Nov for utilizing the Ganga River to transport cargo?
The first cargo will be transported to which place?
Who is the chairperson of the IWAI, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and it is headquartered in which place?
Ans-
* Amazon
- From Patna, Bihar to Kolkata, West Bengal
- Sanjay Bandopadyaya is the chairperson and it is headquartered in Noida, UP
The India Post partnered with which company to launch an automated digital parcel locker system?
Bluedart
Who was appointed as the Vice-president of the “UN Panel of External Auditors 2024” at the 63rd session held in UN headquartered, in New York, USA?
Who is elected as the chairperson of the “UN Panel of External Auditors 2024”?
Ans-
* Girish Chandra Murmu, Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
- Pierre Moscovici from France
The primary responsibility of the UN Panel of External Auditors is to oversee the external audit of the UN Secretariat, funds and programmes, and various specialized agencies.
Which company was the first to receive approval for launching Satellite-based broadband internet services in India?
Eutelsat Oneweb
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated a new Eklavaya Model Residential School (EMRS) campus at which place in Nov 2023?
President Draupadi Murmu also launched the education campaign “New Education for New India” which belongs to which organization?
Ans-
* Mayurbhanj, Odisha
- Bhrahma Kumari
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) signed an MoU with which religious organization in Nov for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
What is the name of the world’s largest Solar PV project of 2Gw unveiled in Nov 2023 and it will be set up in which place?
Al Dhafra Solar PV project is the world’s largest Solar PV project of 2Gw that will be set up in Abu Dhabi, UAE
ADB approved 500 million USD for tertiary healthcare and medical education services to which state in Nov?
Maharashtra
Which bank signed an LOI worth 100 million pounds with the UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency to finance imports from the UK for MSMEs and corporates in India?
HSBC India
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) signed an MoU with which company in Nov to boost MSME export from India?
Amazon
Which company was awarded the “Best Employer for Policies in Diversity & Inclusion” by the ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India) in Nov?
REC (Formerly, Rural Electrification Corporation)
Who was the first Woman Judge of the Supreme Court of India, who died in Nov 2023?
Justice M.Fathima Beevi
West Bengal attracted ₹_____at the 7th edition of the West Bengal Global Business Summit including 188 MoUs and LOIs?
Reliance industries pledge to invest ₹_______in West Bengal at the summit?
Ans-
* ₹3.76 lakh crore
- ₹20000 crore
India became the chair of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) for 2024. Who was appointed as the chairperson from India?
Where is the headquarters of the ISO?
Ans-
* Sanjeev Chopra, secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution
- London, UK
In Nov, Mastercard partnered with which NBFC to provide digital supply chain financing solutions to small businesses in India?
“U Gro Capital”
Who was elected as the president of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry)?
Anish Shah
Which state declared Nov 25 as “No Non-Veg Day” to mark the 144th birth anniversary of Sadhu Thanwardas Vaswani?
UP
The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) signed an MoU with which entity in Nov for Disaster Risk Management (DRR)?
TERI (The Energy and Resource Institute)
The government mandated the blending of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and PNG (Piped Natural Gas). What are the blending targets set with respect to each financial year?
Blending target-
1% for FY2026
3% for FY2027
4% for FY2028
and 5% blending target from FY2029
NASSCOM signed an MoU with NRW Global Business, a company based in _______place for collaboration in tech, innovation, and investment and providing 180 days of rent-free office space to Indian tech companies in the respective country?
Germany
Which temple was recognized as the 8th Wonder of the World and it is located in which place?
The temple was built by?
Ans-
* Angkor Wat in Cambodia was recognized as the 8th Wonder of the World. It was an ancient Hindu Temple which was later converted into a Buddhist temple
- King Suryavarman 2
ADB approved a 170 million USD loan to modernize water supply services in which place?
Kochi, Kerala
Who was given the Booker Prize 2023 and for which novel?
Irish author Paul Lynch was given the award for his novel “Prophet Song”
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a Research Centre in which state in Nov to explore the history, culture and economy of the state?
Odisha
What was the theme of the 5th edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) held in New Delhi?
The Indian Navy organised the IPRD with _____as its knowledge partner?
Ans-
* “Geopolitical Impacts Upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade & Connectivity”
- National Maritime Foundation (NMF)
The ___edition of the National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX) was conducted by the ICG (Indian Coast Guard) in _____place?
9th edition was held in Gujrat
A 5-day ASEAN-India millet festival was organised in which country in Nov 2023?
Indonesia
The Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) became the first Indian depository to hold ______active Demat accounts by surpassing NSDL?
10 crore (100 million)
Union Minister Smriti Irani launched an Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children to track and help children with disabilities up to the age of 6 under the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” program. What is the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi Program”?
The “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” program was launched in May 2023 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development as an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to provide Quality education to Anganwadi children of the age group of 3 to 6.
- It provides a minimum of 2 hours of preschool instructions in the mother tongue to Anganwadi children.
- It is a component of the mission “Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0”
- It aims to create the World’s largest universal high-quality preschool network as envisaged by the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)
India’s first Telecom Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be established in which place?
IIT Roorkee, UP
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) rebranded the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre as the “Ayushman Arogya Mandir”. What is the tagline decided for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs?
For rebranding, the Ministry will provide ₹_______to each facility?
Ans-
* “Arogyam Parmam Dhanam”
- ₹3000 per facility
To provide a boost in fundraising by Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), SEBI granted what flexibility in the Social Stock Exchange (SSE)?
SEBI mandated all fresh investments made by the AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds) should be made in Dematerialized format after ______?
Ans-
* - Reduces the minimum issue size for public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) from ₹1 crore to ₹50 lakh
- And approved the minimum application size of public issuance of ZCZP from ₹ 2 lakhs to ₹10000
- Sept 2024
An 11-member committee was formed by the IRDAI to examine the impact of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP). Who was appointed as the chairman of the committee?
A person, company, or government entity who processes the data under the DPDP Act, 2023 are called?
The Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) will impose financial penalties for Data privacy violations for up to what amount?
The DPDP act is applicable outside India on what activities?
Ans-
* Ranjdip Singh Jaspal, Executive Director of the IRDAI
- Data Fiduciaries
- Up to ₹250 crore based on the breach severity and up to ₹10000 for Data Principals
- Activities related to offering goods & services to data principals
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 (DPDP) was launched to regulate digital personal data in India.
Applicability
- It applies to both digital data and data collected offline and then digitized.
- It applies to digital personal data processed outside India if it is related to offering goods & services to the Principal (Person for whom the data is concerned).
The Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) was established to handle compliance, grievances and sanction penalties if there is a data violation. The DPBI will impose a fine of up to ₹250 crores on Data Fiduciaries (persons, companies or Government entities who process data) and a fine of up to ₹10000 on Data Principals (Persons for whom the data is concerned)
Which state signed a LoI with Meta in Nov to elevate awareness of online user safety among students and teachers?
Karnataka
The Cabinet extended the PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana) till what period?
Under PMGKAY, ___kg of free foodgrains are provided monthly to beneficiaries in addition to benefits under the NFSA (National Food Security Act 2013)?
Ans-
* For 5 years from Jan 1, 2024, to 2029
- 5 kg. The PMGKAY was subsumed under the NFSA Act 2013 for the year 2023.
The Cabinet approved a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for providing drones to ______number of Women SHGs (Self Help Groups) with an outlay of ₹1261 crores?
What will be the financial assistance provided to Women SHGs under this scheme?
Ans-
* 15000
- A Central Financial Assistance of 80% up to ₹8 lakhs will be provided for the procurement of drones by Women SHGs. The drones procured by Women SHGs will be used to rent drone services to farmers for nano-fertilization and pesticide spraying by drones.
The Cabinet extended the Fast Track Special Court (FTSC) scheme till?
The scheme is implemented by which department?
Ans-
* For 3 years till March 2026
- The FTSC (Fast Track Special Court) scheme is implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice. The FTSCs are special courts established to expedite the litigation process related to sexual offences, particularly sexual offences that come under the POCSO(Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
The Government of India in Nov launched an auction process of 20 Critical Mineral Blocks with estimated worth ₹________?
₹45000 crores
OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) estimated the Real GDP growth of India at __% for FY2024?
6.3%
Who was awarded the “Chevalier dans I’Ordre des arts et des Lettres”, France’s highest civilian award?
Dr. VR Lalithambika, an ISRO scientist won the award for her contribution to promoting space cooperation between India and France
Who released the book “Resilient India: How Modi Transformed India’s Disaster Management Paradigm”?
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami released the book in Dehradun on the “World Congress on Disaster Management”
The 54th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa was jointly organized by?
Which film won the “Golden Peacock” and who was the director of the film?
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award was given to?
Ans-
* It was jointly organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG)
- “Endless Borders” directed by Abbas Amini
- American Actor Michael Douglas
President Draupadi Murmu conferred the “President’s Colour” to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) located at which place?
The first “President’s Colour” was given to which Indian Armed Force?
Ans-
* Pune, Maharashtra
- It was given to the Indian Navy by Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1951
The Water.Org, a global Nonprofit organization partnered with which bank to provide Water and Sanitation financing solutions?
Ujjvan Small Finance Bank
According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) India’s Real GDP is estimated at ___% for Q2 FY2024?
7.6%
India’s first Earth Science Model (ESM) for climate change assessment was developed by which entity?
It was developed at the centre for Climate change research at the IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meterology), Pune, Maharashtra
The world’s first portable hospital “Arogya Maitri Aid Cube” was unveiled. It consist of ___detachable mini-cubes, each being a specialized station health response and humanitarian efforts?
It was launched under which project?
The mobile hospital called the “Arogya Maitri Aid Cube” was designed under project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri). It consists of 72 tent-based Cubes with each detachable mini-cube for emergency health response having a capacity of treating 200 people
The Ministry of Mines launched the first ever auction of critical minerals in Dec. how many critical mineral blocks will be auctioned in the first phase?
Who will be the technical advisor transaction advisor respectively?
Ans-
* 20 critical mineral blocks will be auctioned in the first phase, wherein 16 blocks will be provided with complete license and 4 blocks will be provided with lease license. Critical minerals will be Graphite, Lithium, Nickel, Copper, Potash and Molybdenum
- Transaction advisor- SBI Capital Markets Ltd
Technical Advisor- MECL (Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd)
Union Minister RK Singh inaugurated a two-day national conference “Energy Transition in India- Road travelled and Opportunities Ahead” in which place?
Gandhinagar
India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the highest vote tally. Where is the headquarters of the IMO and when was it established?
When did India joined IMO?
Ans-
* It is specialized agency of the UN, responsible for regulating international shipping. It is headquartered in London, UK and was established in 1948. IMO currently has 175 members
- 1959
What was the theme of the “India Internet Governance Forum 2023” held in New Delhi
“Moving Forward- Calibrating Bharat’s Digital Agenda”
Who became the first Indian woman to command Indian Naval Warship, she will command which warship?
Lt Commander Prerna Deosthalee will command INS Trinkat
India to spend about ₹___for climate change adaptation over the next 7 years?
₹57 lakh crore
Union minister R.K Singh launched “4 E Wave” an energy conservation movement which was launched by a student from which place?
What are the four essential components of “4 E Wave”?
Ans-
* It was launched by a student from J&K
- Economy, Eco-Friendliness, Education and Empowerment
The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) was launched by which entity at the CoP 28 in Dubai, UAE?
NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga), Ministry of Jal Shakti
India joined the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) consortium, an initiative led by which entity?
With this, India stands among the nations committed to securing ___Gw of BESS commitments by the end of 2024?
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) will provide debt financing up to \_\_\_% of the total capital investment and Technical support?
- Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)
- 5Gw
- 70%
₹1000 crore was allocated for the development under the RCS UDAN scheme. How many RCS Udan routes are currently under operation?
519 routes across 76 airports, including 9 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.
India reduced its GDP emission intensity by __% between 2005 and 2019, achieving the target 11 years in advance?
India’s GDP grew at a cumulative annual growth rate of 7% but its emissions rose by only ___% per year during this period?
- 33%
- 4% per year
Union minister Nirmala Sitaraman inaugurated “Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajnam”, a music and cultural festival at which state?
Andhra Pradesh
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) hosted the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC). What was the theme of the conference and which entity participated from India?
Where is the headquarters of WAIPA?
- Theme of the conference was “Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth”. From India, “Invest India” participated, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation agency of the government of India
- Geneva, Swtzerland
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the “Uttarakhand Global investors Summit 2023” at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. What was the theme of the summit??
“Peace to Prosperity”
The Minsitry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) collaborated to launch an alternative livelihood promotion programme
in which ramsar site under the “Amrit Dharohar” scheme?
It was launched in the Sultanpur National Park, Haryana. The programme involves capacity building of local community members to strengthen nature toursim at the site and provide alternative livelihood to local the community.
The “Amrit Dharohar” scheme was launched in budget 2023-24 to convert ecologically fragile wetlands into sustainable tourism attractions.
The Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi in Dec. It is an initiative with ____member countries?
The GPAI was first launched in June 2020 with 15 founding members. Which entity hosts the GPAI?
Which initiative of the MeITY was featured at the GPAI summit?
- 29 member countries
- OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)
- “Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI”
Answer the following based on the “Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme” launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Dec to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in India-
What are the three types of third-party certification which will be provided to entities under the scheme?
The scheme will be implemented by which entity?
_______will act as a multistakeholder advisory body?
The Forest Management Certification will include ___criteria, ____indicators and _____verifiers to ensure responsible forest management?
What is the Chain of Custody (COS) Certification?
Ans-
* Forest Management Certification
Trees Outside Forest Management Certification
Chain of Custody Certification
- Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal
- Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council
- It is based on the Indian Forest Management Standards which include 8 criteria, 69 indicators and 254 verifiers
- The Chain of Custody (COS) certification will be provided to ensure sustainability from the source of the wood to the final wood products provided to the customers.
The World’s biggest Nuclear Fusion reactor “JT-60 SA” started operating in which place?
Japan
Who became the first Indian woman to operate the Perseverance rover of NASA on Mars?
D.R Akshata Krishnamurthy
IN-SPACE (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) jointly launched a seed fund scheme with ISRO to provide financial assistance up to ₹_____to startups which are working in Urban development and disaster management using space technology?
₹1 crore
Which state became the first to receive the highest numbers of GI Tags?
Uttarakhand received 18 GI tags
What is the name of the app launched by the Ministry of Gram Panchayat for spatial planning of various development projects such as sanitation, water harvesting, agriculture etc.?
“Gram Manchitra”
ADB approved ____million USD for the Clean Plant Program (CPP) which aims to improve the availability of disease-free, quality planting materials for high-value Horticultural Crops?
98 million USD
What is the name of the initiative launched by the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) in Dec to tackle diverse challenges in the digital commerce space?
“Build for Bharat”
What was the rank of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women” list?
32nd rank
What was the rank of Delhi University in the 2nd edition of the “QS World University Rankings on Sustainability”?
Which universities were ranked in the top 3?
Ans-
* Rank 220th globally
- Rank 1-University of Toronto, Canada
Rank 2- University of California, US
Rank 3- University of Manchester, UK
UNDP signed an MoU with which entity in Dec for sustainable infrastructure development in Asia and beyond?
AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank)
Who won the “Karamveer Chakra Gold” medal from the International Confederation of Non-Governmental Organizations (iCONGO) in association with the UN?
Rumana Sinha Sehgal, founder of “Serendipity”
Answer the following based on the “Crime in India-2022” report released by the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau)-
There was a decrease in the overall registration of crime cases by ___%?
Crime rate or Crime registered per lakh population decreased from 445.9 in 2021 to ______?
Crimes registered against women were increased by ___?
Cybercrime registrations were increased by ___?
Ans-
* 4.5%
- To 422.2 in 2022
- 4%
- 24.4%
What is the name of the “joint vision statement for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region” unveiled by India and Kenya in Dec?
India announced ____million USD line of credit to Kenya for its agriculture sector?
Who is the president of Kenya, who was on a visit to India?
Ans-
* Baharai (Ocean in Swahili)
- 250 million USD
- William Ruto
According to Mercom, Which Indian company was ranked 2 in the World’s largest Solar PV developers?
Which company was ranked 1?
ns-
* Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) was ranked 1 with a total capacity of 18 Gw
- Rank 1- France-based “Total Energies” Rank 3- Canada-based “Brookfield Renewables”
ADB in Dec signed a 175 million USD loan agreement with the government of India to improve road connectivity and resilience in which state?
Madhya Pradesh
According to the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), out of the total ₹16000 crores raised in FY2023 through Sovereign Green Bonds (SGB), what amount will be provided for offering low-cost funding for renewable energy projects?
₹6186 crores
Who became the chief minister of Telangana?
Anumula Reddy
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 100% packaging of foodgrains and ____% sugar in the Jute bags according to the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987?
The Cabinet also approved the extension of the “Interest Equalisation Scheme on Pre and post-shipping Rupee export credit” till June 30, 2024, with an outlay of ______?
The scheme is jointly monitored by which two entities?
What are the two types of rate of interest provided under the scheme?
Ans-
* 20% sugar
- ₹2500 crores
- RBI and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Merchants and Manufacturers under 410 tariff lines- 2% rate of interest equalization
MSME exporters under all tariff lines- 3% rate of interest equalization
The government approved the first Urban Flood Mitigation project worth ₹____ under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) for _____place?
The government also directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to release State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) of ₹493 crores to Andhra Pradesh and ₹450 crores to Tamil Nadu which were affected by the cyclone ______?
Ans-
* ₹561 crores including ₹500 crore central assistance in Chennai
- Cyclone “Mauchang”. The name was given by Myanmar
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the first “Indian Art, Architecture and Design Biennale”, an art exhibition in which place in Dec?
PM Modi also inaugurated the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Centre of Design (ABCD)” which will promote the unique crafts of India and connect artisans and designers for a collaborative work environment for the promotion of art. The ABCD project is being implemented by which entity?
Ans-
* Red Fort, New Delhi
- Indra Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture
Answer the following based on the 5th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy of the RBI, released in Dec 2023-
The RBI retained the repo rate at ___%
The reverse repo rate was set at ___%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) stood at ___%?
Bank Rate and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate stood at ___%?
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) stood at __%?
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) stood at ___%?
RBI Real-GDP growth projection for the FY2024 is ___?
CPI inflation or Retail Inflation is projected at ___% for FY2024?
Ans-
* 6.5%
- 3.35%
- 6.25%
- 6.75%
- 4.5%
- 18%
- 7%
- 5.4%
RBI increased the limit for recurring transactions from ₹15000 per transaction to ₹____per transaction for mutual fund subscriptions, payment of credit card bills and payment of insurance premiums?
RBI also increased the UPI transaction limit for Hospitals and education institutes to?
Ans-
* To ₹1 lakh per transaction
- From ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per transaction
To improve India’s logistics efficiency, the DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) collaborated with which entity in Dec?
World Bank. The aim is to improve India’s performance in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI)
REC (Formerly, Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) signed a 200 million USD agreement with which Germany-based bank to reform DISCOMS in India?
KfW Development Bank
Who was appointed as the 6th Chief Minister of Mizoram?
Lalduhoma
PM Modi virtually inaugurated the “Infinity Forum 2.0”, a Financial Technology event which was organized by which entity and at which place?
What was the theme of the event?
Ans-
* It was organised by the IFSC (International Financial Service Centre) at the GIFT City, Gandhinagar
- “GIFT IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services”
Answer the following based on the COP 28 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in 2023-
The COP 28 (Conference of Parties) climate change conference was hosted by which country?
Who was the president of the COP 28 climate change conference?
India was ranked ____in Co2 emissions and accounted for ___% of the overall Co2 emission?
Which countries were ranked 1 and 2 in carbon emissions?
A loss and Damage fund was approved amounting to______million USD approximately to help vulnerable countries affected by severe weather conditions?
“Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture” was signed by ____nations which produced 70% of the world’s food?
“Declaration on Climate & Health” was signed by ____nations which proposes to invest 1 bililion USD in Climate and Health?
Ans-
* UAE
- Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber
- India was ranked 3rd globally in Co2 emission and contributed 8% of the total Co2 emission which was increased by 8.2% from the previous year
- Rank 1- China (31%), Rank 2- USA (14%)
- 700 million USD
- 134 nations. The declaration aims to integrate sustainable agriculture into the Climate plans by 2025
- 123 nations. India refrained from signing the declaration
The RITES (Formerly Rail India Technical and Economic Services Limited) under the Ministry of Railways signed an agreement with a rail company of which country to supply 10 Diesel locomotives?
Mozambique
Answer the following based on the RBI’s report “State Finances: Study of Budgets 2023-24” released in Dec-
A ) According to the report, the Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) of states fell from ___% of the GDP in 2020-21 to __% of the GDP in 2022-23?
b) The Gross Market Borrowings of States increased by ___% to ₹7.58 lakh crore in FY2023?
c) The Debt to GDP ratio of states declined from __% in 2020-21 to __% in 2022-23?
d) States have budgeted the GFD to GDP ratio at ___% for FY2024 decline from the ___% limit set by the Central government?
e) States have budgeted Revenue Expenditure at ___% of the GDP with social sector expenditure at __% of the GDP?
Ans-
a. From 4.1% to 2.8% of the GDP
b. 8.1% to ₹7.58 lakh crore
c. From 31% in 2020-21 to 27.5% in 2022-23
d. 3.1%, 3.5% for FY2024
e. 14.4% of the GDP with social sector expenditure at 8% of the GDP for FY2024
“Zhuque-2 Y-3”, the world’s first launch Vehicle powered by liquid oxygen and methane was launched by which space company?
It was launched by the Chinese space company Landspace
India’s first Bullet Train terminal was built at which place?
Sabarmati Multimodal Transport Hub, Ahmedabad, Gujrat
Who was appointed as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh?
Mohan Yadav
Which three were the best Indian cities in terms of Living Standards and what were their respective ranks according to “Mercer’s Quality of Living Rankings 2023”?
Which were the top 3 cities with the best Living Standards in the world?
Ans-
* Hyderabad (Rank 153), Pune (Rank 154) and Bengaluru (Rank 156)
- Rank 1- Vienna (Austria), Rank 2- Zurich (Switzerland) and Rank 3- Auckland (New Zealand)
ADB in Dec approved ____million USD for the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP) for the development of Multi-Modal logistics under PM-Gati Shakti?
The NICDP was launched in 2016 and it is implemented by _______agency?
ADB also approved ____million USD in Dec to improve Solid Waste Management and Sanitation in India?
Ans-
* 250 million USD
- DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- 200 million USD
An industrial corridor is a package of infrastructure spending allocated to a specific geographical area, with the intent to stimulate industrial development.. An industrial corridor aims to create an area with a cluster of manufacturing or another industry.
Which bank signed a 70 million Line of Credit (LOC) with the Germany-based “KfW Development Bank” to support Solar PV Projects in India?
SBI
Which bank was recognised as the top performer of the “Climate Assessment for Financial Institution (CAFI) awards” by the International Financial Institution (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group?
Federal Bank
Which bank in Dec received authorization from the RBI to provide pensions to Railway employees?
Bandhan Bank
Which Indian actor received the “Italian Republic Order of Merit Officer”, an Italian civilian award in Dec?
Kabir Bedi
According to the NITI Ayog’s first Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) released in Dec, which two blocks were ranked in the top 2?
Rank 1- Tiriyani Block, Telangana and Rank 2- Kaushambi Block in UP
Who was honoured with the “Nyholm Prize for Education” by the Royal Society of Chemistry?
Savita Ladage, professor at the “Homi Baba Centre for Science Education”, Mumbai
Who was sworn in as the 4th Chief Minister of Chattisgarh?
Vishnu Sai
Which company unveiled India’s first Sodium Iio battery technology?
Pune-based KPIT Technologies Ltd
What is the name of the naval ship commissioned by the Indian Navy at the Vishakhapatnam dockyard in Dec?
The Naval ship was given to which Defence Force?
Ans-
* INS Tarmugli
- It was given to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in 2006 and Maldives commissioned it as the “MCGS Huravee” which was re-commissioned by the Indian Navy as INS Tarmugli
NITI Ayog signed a 5-year-long Statement of Intent (SOI) with which entity to strengthen NITI’s agricultural vertical in critical areas?
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Which entity released the report “Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-Term Framework” in Dec 2023 which provides a baseline aggregated Logistic cost estimate and a framework for a long-term logistic cost calculation in India?
The report was prepared by which entity?
According to the report, the Logistics Cost in India decreased in the range of ___% and ___% during 2021-22 from ___% and ___% in 2011-12?
The logistics cost was reduced from the range of 8.3%-9.4% during 2014-2015 to __%-__% in 2016-17 due to faster growth in Nominal GDP than in logistics cost?
The secondary data for the survey of the report is taken from which ministry?
Ans-
* DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- It was prepared by the NCAER (National Council of Applied Economic Research) in collaboration with the ADB (Asian Development Bank) experts
- To 7.8%-8.9% from 8.7%-9.9%
- To 7.8%-8.8% in 2016-17
- The report takes a survey for logistics cost estimation in a Hybrid mode wherein, the data is taken from both primary sources, secondary sources and real-time data sources. The secondary sources for data are taken from the MoSPI
Which company launched India’s first Self-Hosted payment orchestration platform “FlowWise” which allows payment management to directly takes place on the merchant’s infrastructure?
CashFree Payments
“Indra Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2023” was given to?
It was jointly given to Daniel Barenboim, an Israeli-Pianist and Ali Abu, Palestinian Peace Activist for their efforts for non-violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict
India was elected to the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) for what period?
Who will be the candidate from India?
Where is the headquarters of UNIDROIT and who is the current President?
Ans-
* For 5 years from Jan 1 2024 to 31 Dec 2028
- Uma Sekar, legal advisor in the Ministry of External Affairs
- It is headquartered in Rome, Italy and the current President is Maria Malaguti
What is the name of India’s fastest solar-electric boat launched in Dec and it was jointly built by which companies?
The Barracuda boat was jointly built by the GRSE and Navalt Solar & Electric Boats Pvt Ltd.
Which country commenced the operation of the World’s first 4th Generation 200 Gw Nuclear reactor?
China
The initiative “Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB)” was launched in which country in Dec for which India was chosen as a partner administrator to strengthen the tax administration of that country?
The TIWB initiative is a joint initiative of?
Ans-
* Saint Lucia, a country in the Caribbean
- UNDP and OECD
India’s first sustainability school “Kotak School of Sustainability” was launched in which place to promote education and research in sustainable development by the Kotak Mahindra Bank?
It was launched with an estimated cost of ₹_____crore?
Ans-
* IIT Kanpur, UP
- ₹200 crores
The RBI notified the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme for the 2023-24 (Series 3) with an issue price of ₹_____ per gram?
₹6199 per gram and a discount of ₹50 per gram is also allowed through digital payment
According to the Government, PSBs(Public Sector Banks) wrote off ₹10.42 lakh crores during 9 years from the FY2015-FY2023 and recovered only ___%?
Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) wrote off ₹____ lakh crores and recovered ₹___lakh crores from NPAs (Non-Performing Assets) during the past 5 years from FY2019-FY2023?
Ans-
* 15.45% (1.61 lakh crore)
- Wrote off ₹10.57 lakh crores in the last 5 years and recovered ₹7.15 lakh crores
Who was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan?
Bhajan Lal Sharma
What is the name of the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UNCAV) tested by the DRDO in Dec 2023?
Ghatak
In Dec, Which entity signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia to protect the interests of skilled Indian labourers?
NSDC (National Skill Development Council)
What is the global “Green Credit Initiative” launched at the CoP-28?
The Global Green Credit initiative will provide incentives to individuals and groups who are safeguarding the environment by providing Green Credit for tree plantation on wastelands and river catchment areas.
LIC in Dec notified raising the Gratuity limit to what amount for agents?
From ₹3 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs
The second phase of the LeaDIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition) programme was launched at the CoP-28 summit. The LeadIT was jointly launched by India and which other nation in 2019?
LeadIT has how many members?
Ans-
* Sweden
- It has 38 members which include 18 countries and 20 companies dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050
India’s first winter expedition to the Arctic was launched by which ministry in Dec to expand India’s scientific activities?
The winter expedition was launched under which scheme and the scheme was implemented by which entity?
What is the name of India’s research centre located in the Arctic and it is located in which country?
Ans-
* Ministry of Earth Science (MoES)
- It was launched under the Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER) scheme which aims for scientific experiments in the Cryosphere space located in the Arctic, Antarctica, and Southern Ocean. The scheme is implemented by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an autonomous institute under the MoES.
- “Himadri” research centre is located in Norway
Which cultural practice from India was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Dec at the 18th session of the committee held for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
Where was the Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) held?
Ans-
* Garba dance from Gujarat
- Botswana
According to the World Bank, India was the top remittance recipient in 2023 with an estimated inward remittance of _____?
Which countries were ranked 2 and 3 respectively?
Ans-
* 125 Billion USD
- Rank 2- Mexico (67 Billion USD), Rank 3- China (50 Billion USD)
IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) launched its retail division at CoP 28 and will provide loans to borrowers under which scheme for solar rooftops and other B2C sectors?
IREDA sanctioned 1st loan of ₹____under the scheme?
Ans-
* PM-KUSUM (PM-Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahaabhiyan) scheme
- ₹58 crores
What is the name of the network established during CoP28 to address Loss and Damage caused due to Climate Change?
Santiago Network
WHO added which disease to the list of “Neglected Tropical Diseases” in Dec making the list of diseases 21 diseases?
Noma disease. It predominantly affects children aged from 2 to 6 years old and causes infection in the mouth and face
Which bank in Dec launched the first banking program designed for the Diamond industry?
Indusland Bank
Who received Bhutan’s Order of Merit gold medal for contribution to public healthcare services in Bhutan?
Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director of the WHO (Southeast Asia)
“Janavani Kalushya Nivarani”, a public grievance mobile application to register complaints against environmental pollution was launched in which state in Dec?
Telangana
What is the name of the Certificate of Deposit (CD) trading platform for vehicles launched by the MoRTH in Dec and it was developed by which company?
Under the National Vehicle Scrapping Policy, a tax rebate of ___% is provided on road tax for new vehicles after scrapping older ones?
According to the National Vehicle Scrapping Policy, personal vehicles are subject to fitness tests after ___years while commercial vehicles are subject to fitness tests after ____years?
Ans-
* “DigiELV”, a CD (Certificate of Deposit) Trading platform was developed by MMCM (Meta Materials Circular Markets)
- 25% tax rebate
- Personal Vehicles- 20 years
Commercial Vehicles- 15 years
Which company from India joined the list of “Global Lighthouse Network” as a Factory Lighthouse in Dec?
The Global Lighthouse Network is an initiative of?
Ans-
* ACG Capsules, a capsule manufacturing company for the pharmaceutical sector in India
- The Global Lighthouse Initiative is an initiative of the WEF (World Economic Forum) and McKinsey & Company. The Global Lighthouse Network recognizes manufacturers who are using the 4th IR (Industrial Revolution) Technologies in manufacturing.
Which company launched the One Nation Corporate Card in partnership with NSDL Payment Bank and NPCI which allows cardholders to travel on any public transport that accepts the card?
Paycraft Solutions
“Vir Chakra” was posthumously given to whom at the marine engineering training institute “INS Shivaji” in Dec?
Vice Admiral Binoy Roy Chowdhury, served as the commander of INS Vikrant during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War
PM Modi inaugurated the World’s largest diamond trading centre in which place in Dec?
PM Modi inaugurated the world’s largest meditation centre “Swarved Mahamandir” in which place?
Ans-
* Surat Diamond Bourse
- Varanasi, UP
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1614 crore contract with which company in Dec for the procurement of 6 next-generation offshore patrol vehicles?
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
What is the name of the portal launched by the Ministry of Mines (MoM) in New Delhi for providing public access to geoscience data?
National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) portal
Sarabnanda Sonowal, Ministry of Ayush released a commemorative stamp to mark the first foundation day of the All India Institue of Ayurveda (AIIA) which is located in which place?
Goa
The World Bank in Dec formed a task force to assess the recommendations made by the Independent Expert Group (IEG) in strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Who were the 2 Co-conveners of the IEG which was formed during India’s G20 Presidency?
What were the 3 key recommendations made by the IEG?
Ans-
* NK Singh, former chairperson of the 15th Finance Commission and Lawrence Summers, Professor emeritus of the Harvard University.
- The Independent Expert Committee recommended a triple agenda for the development of MDBs which were
1- Triple the annual sustainable funding to 390 Billion USD per year by 2030
2- Adopt a triple mandate which is Eliminating extreme poverty, boosting shared prosperity and Contributing to Global Public Goods (GPSs)
3- Creating a third funding mechanism which would permit flexible and innovative arrangements for purposefully engaging with investors willing to support the elements of the MDB agenda
Which bank in Dec received authorization to collect revenue on the e-GRAS (e-Government Receipt Accounting System) of the Assam government?
Bandhan Bank. The e-GRAS allows citizens to pay their taxes, bills and other payments set by the state government
Who won the “Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize 2023” and for which book?
Sukrita Paul Kumar won the prize for her book “Salt & Pepper: Selected Poems”
ISRO won the 2023 Leif Erikson Award for its Chandrayan-3 mission awarded by the “Exploration Museum” which is located in which place?
Husavik, Iceland
The CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) launched which platform for estimating risks associated with climate-related hazards on the sidelines of CoP28?
GIRI (Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index)
On the sidelines of CoP28, ADB launched a Nature Solutions Finance Hub with an investment of ____to finance projects which will provide nature finance solutions for climate change?
G7 (Group of Seven) launched the G7 Climate Club to develop policies for decarbonization. The G7 Climate Club will be led by which two nations?
Ans-
* 2 billion USD
- Germany and Chile.
The LEADS survey report was released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Dec, what is the full form of LEADS?
Among Landlocked states which states were recognized as “Achievers”?
Among UTs which UTs were recognized as achievers?
LEADS report is based on how many indicators which are further divided into Objective indicators and Perception indicators?
What are the pillars of Perception indicators and Objective indicators respectively?
Ans-
* Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS)
- UP, Telangana, Haryana, Punjab
- Chandigarh and Delhi
- The report is based on 32 indicators which are divided into Objective indicators and Perception indicators
- Objective Indicators have two pillars:
- Process policies taken by States/UTs
- Logistics Infrastructure and Enablers
Perception indicators have three pillars:
- Infrastructure
- Services
- Operating & Regulatory environment
The LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) survey was launched in 2018 by the MOC&I and Deloitte to rank different states and UTs based on their logistics infrastructure and performances. The survey was inspired by the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
Which are the three sub-schemes launched under the RAMP (Raising & Accelerating MSME performance) scheme by the Ministry of MSME in Dec 2023?
The RAMP scheme was launched with support from the World Bank, what is the outlay division of the scheme?
Ans-
* MSME GIFT (Green Investment and Financing for Transformation)- The scheme will support MSMEs to adopt green technology by providing interest subvention and credit guarantee
MSE SPICE (Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy)- The scheme will support MSEs engaged in circular economy projects.
MSE ODR (Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments)- The scheme will address delayed payment issues for MSEs
- The outlay of the scheme is 808 million USD or ₹6062 crore out of which the World Bank will provide 500 million USD and the remaining 308 million USD will be funded by the Indian government
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) signed an MoU with which e-commerce company in Dec to provide employment opportunities to ex-servicemen?
Amazon
The UN declared 2024 as the “International Year of Camelids”. What is the slogan for the same?
“Heroes of Desert & Highlands: Nourishing People and Culture”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MeA) launched the project PRAYAS for the safe, regular and orderly movement of Indian students and workers in partnership with which organization?
What is the full form of PRAYAS?
Ans-
* International Organization for Migration (IOM), a specialized agency of the UN
- Promoting Regular and Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals (PRAYAS)
The JICA (Japan-India Cooperation Agency) signed a loan agreement with India in Dec which included ______amount for Mumbai-Ahemdabad High-Speed Rail Corridor and _____amount for Japan-India cooperation for SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)?
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Rail Corridor- 4 lakh million Yen
Japan-India cooperation in SDG- 15300 million yen
Which insurance company launched the TULIP term insurance policy in Dec?
Kotak Life insurance
The “Award of Excellence” at the UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation was given to which heritage in India?
The “Award of Distinction” was given to?
The “Award of Merit” was given to?
Ans-
* Rambagh Gates in Punjab
- Karnikara Mandapam at the Kunnamangalam Bhagwati temple in Kerala
- Church of Epiphany in Haryana
Which was the first airport terminal from India that won the “Prix Versailles” award, an architecture and design award in Dec?
Terminal-2 of the Kempagowda International Airport, Bangalore
Who was appointed as the new president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)?
Sanjay Kumar Singh
India’s first National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS 2023) was organized by which two entities at the Scope Convention Centre in New Delhi?
Who is the chairperson of the QETCI (Quantum Ecosystem and Technology Council of India) and where is the headquarters of QETCI?
Ans-
* QETCI (Quantum Ecosystem and Technology Council of India) and MeITY
- Dr V.K Saraswat is the chairman and it is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana
The NQSTS 2023 aims to stimulate the quantum ecosystem of India, foster collaboration and opportunities in Quantum Mechanics
Answer the following according to the new rules notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Offshore Wind Energy projects in Dec 2023-
The Lease term shall be valid for ____years for conducting resource management and survey activities and it can be extended for an additional of ___years?
Post the expiry of the lease term, the company shall submit the survey data to which entity unless the company has started wind energy capacity?
For the construction and operation of offshore wind energy farms, the lease period is ___years?
The area for lease ranges from ___sq km to ___sq km, depending on the size of the project?
Ans-
* It is valid for 3 years and can be extended up to 2 more years for conducting resource management and survey activities. The term expires after 5 years unless the lessee has started setting up wind energy capacity.
- National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Chennai
- 35 years
- From 25 sq km to 500 sq km
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed an MoU with which e-commerce company in Dec to onboard DAY-NRLM’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on the platform to boost the market reach of their products?
Jio Mart
Which entity approved a loan of 300 million USD in Dec to the Ministry of Finance for “Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient Urban Development Program” and 100 million USD to boost skill development and employment in _______place?
The World Bank approved 300 million USD for the “Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient and Urban Development” program and USD 100 million to boost skill development and employment in Sikkim.
In Dec 2023, RBI’s Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model predicted India’s Real GDP forecast at ___% for FY2024 and __% for FY2025?
What was the retail inflation projection of the RBI’s DSGE model?
Ans-
* FY2024- 7.1%, FY2025- 6%
- It predicts that after Q3 FY2024 the retail inflation will moderate to 5.3% and will further moderate to 4.8% in FY2025
The Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) is a type of macroeconomic model used for analyzing the dynamics of an economy. The features of a DSGE model are
Dynamic- It takes references from economic variables which are dynamic and evolving with time. It analyses the evolution and interaction of economic variables over time.
Stochastic- It considers random economic variables that can influence the economy for uncertainty and shocks such as changes in monetary and fiscal policy, events in the global economy, preference changes in households and firms etc.
General Equilibrium- It considers the entire economy for analysis in contrast to simpler models which consider analysis of a particular sector or market.
Who was roped in as the brand ambassador of Football by the Sony Sports Network (SSN) in India?
Kartik Aryan
What is the name of the mobile application launched by the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) in Dec to provide information about the MSP and agronomy to Jute farmers?
“Paat Mitra”
According to a Talent Assessment company “Wheelbox”, which state emerged as the most preferred state for both male and female employable talent?
Kerala
In Dec, India and Bangladesh agreed to extend the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route and declared ______place as the new port of call?
Safardighi in West Bengal
A Port of Call is a port in a country where cargo or passengers are discharged
ADB approved 100 million USD in Dec to improve Urban Facilities and Tourism Services of which state. It was also the first project in India prepared with Project Readiness Financing (PRF)?
Tripura
NABARD collaborated with which entity in Dec for the development of the ANR (Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development) sector?
A Technical support unit will be established for the ANR sector in collaboration with _______?
Ans-
* ADB
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched a PPP Beginner’s e-course focused on the infrastructure sector in partnership with?
World Bank
In Dec, the SIDBI granted ₹___to ETO Motors Pvt Ltd to deploy 300 Electric 3-wheelers in Hyderabad and New Delhi under “Mission 50K-EV4ECO?
₹12.45 lakh crore
The First trial run for the Gyrocopter was conducted in which place and for which scheme?
The Gyrocopter was purchased from which company?
ns-
* It was conducted in Haridwar, Uttarakhand under the “Himalaya Air Safari Scheme”
- “Auto Gyro”, a Germany-based company
What is the name of the initiative launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in Dec to empower Medtech innovators and boost healthcare solutions?
It is a collaborative initiative of which 3 entities?
Ans-
* “MedTech Mitra” initiative
- NITI Ayog, ICMR and CDSCO (Central Drugs Standards Control Organization)
India signed a joint vision statement titled “Partnership for the Future” with which country in Dec to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse areas?
Who is the sultan of that country?
Ans-
* Oman
- Haitham Bin Tarik
According to the “PwC Global Risk Survey 2023”, _______topped the list of the biggest threat for Indian organizations and it was followed by?
Cyber Risk (38%) topped the list of biggest threats and it was followed by Climate Change (37%) and Inflation (36%)
According to R.K Singh, Minister of the MNRE the total rooftop solar capacity of India crossed ___Gw as of Nov 2023 from 1.8 Gw in March 2019?
Which were the top 3 states with the highest rooftop solar installations?
Ans-
* 10 Gw
- Rank 1- Gujarat (3.2Gw), Rank 2- Maharashtra (1.85Gw), Rank 3- Rajasthan (1.06Gw)
The World’s largest solar power tender of 8000 Mw was signed between which two entities in Dec 2023?
It was signed between Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) and SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), MNRE. AGEL won the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) of 1800 Mw for 25 years from the SECI, thus setting a record for the World’s largest solar tender.
“Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future” book was authored by?
Raghuram Rajan, former governor of the RBI and Rohit Lamba, professor of economics at the Pennsylvania State University
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE), and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry signed an MoU with which charitable trust in Dec to strengthen the performance of the Indian Leather Industry?
Delhi-based Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC)
Which country in Dec quit the OPEC (Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries) following disagreements on the production targets of oil?
Where is the headquarters of the OPEC and who is the secretary general?
Ans-
* Angola
- It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria and Haitham Al Ghais is the secretary general
Which bank launched India’s first corporate credit card integrated with the Rupay network enabling it the first bank to integrate UPI functionality with a Corporate Credit Card?
Indusland Bank
RBI in Dec released a draft “Licensing Framework for Authorized Persons (APs)” under the FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management) Act, 1999. What are the two key proposals of the draft?
The Draft was released by the RBI to ease the licensing framework for the ease of doing business under the FEMA Act 1999. The two key proposals of the draft are
a) It introduced a new category of money changers which will conduct money-changing business as an agency by becoming Forex Correspondents (FxCs) of the Category 1 and Category 2 Authorized dealers. These entities will not be required to seek authorization from the RBI.
b) A Forex Correspondent Scheme (FCS) was introduced which will be based on the Principal-Agency model and the AD-Category 1 or AD-Category 2 will act as the principal for the Forex Correspondents (FxCs)
The annual literary awards “Sahitya Academi” given in Dec 2023 are given in how many Indian languages?
24
Who was appointed as the chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)?
Pramod Agrawal
A book titled “Introduction to Finite Element Analysis- A textbook for Engineering Students” was released in Dec. The book was released by?
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO. The Finite Element Analysis Software (FEAS) is the software that uses a computerized method to conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of aircraft, buildings, rockets and other varieties of structures. It predicts how a component or structure will react to real-world forces.
