Q 1.Article 280(1) of the Constitutions lays down that the modalities for setting up which institution?
A. Election Commission
B. Planning Commission
C. Finance Commission
D. NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Answer:-C. Finance CommissionExplanation
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission. The 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations, upon the acceptance by the government, would cover the period of five years commencing April 1, 2026. Article 280(1) of the Constitutions lays down that the modalities for setting up of a Finance Commission. The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted in 2017, whose recommendations are valid up to the financial year 2025-26.
Q 2.Which country reached an agreement with India and the Paris Club group of creditors on a debt treatment plan?
A. Afghanistan
B. Israel
C. Syria
D. Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Answer:-D. Sri LankaExplanation
Sri Lanka has reached an agreement in principle with India and the Paris Club group of creditors including Japan, on a debt treatment plan. It will help the crisis-hit island nation tap the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s nearly-$3 billion recovery package.
Q 3.IUCN has developed three Action Plans for threatened pollinator groups in which continent?
A. Europe
B. Asia
C. North America
D. Africa
Show Answer
Answer:-A. EuropeExplanation
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in collaboration with partners finalised three Action Plans outlining conservation needs and priorities for threatened pollinator species in the European Union. The first Action Plan focuses on pollinators endemic to the Canary Islands’ Laurel Forest zone, The second plan addresses the wild bees specialized in teasel plants and the third Action Plan is dedicated to six hoverfly species.
Q 4.Which country recently hiked its military spending to 30% of fiscal expenditure?
A. Israel
B. China
C. Russia
D. Germany
Show Answer
Answer:-C. RussiaExplanation
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his official approval to a significant increase in military spending that will see around 30% of fiscal expenditure directed towards the armed forces in 2024. The President signed draft budget plans into law. Russia is diverting ever more resources towards prosecuting its war in Ukraine. Spending on defence and security combined is set to reach around 40% of all budget expenditure next year.
Q 5.Who has been appointed as the Head Coach of Indian cricket team by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)?
A. Wasim Akram
B. Sachin Tendulkar
C. Rahul Dravid
D. Mohammad Kaif
Show Answer
Answer:-C. Rahul DravidExplanation
Rahul Dravid has been reappointed as the head Coach of the Indian men’s cricket team till the 2024 T20 World Cup. Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), Vikram Rathore (batting coach) and T. Dilip (fielding coach) have also been reappointed.
Q 6. Tushar Shelke and Sangeeta, who were seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
A. Chess
B. Archery
C. Tennis
D. Cricket
Show Answer
Answer:-B. ArcheryExplanation
Tushar Shelke and Sangeeta claimed the recurve men and women titles in the National archery championships. Prathamesh Jawkar and World champion Aditi Swami took the men and women top titles in the compound division.
Q 7.Angadvir Singh Bajwa and Ganemat Sekhon, who were seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
A. Football
B. Cricket
C. Shooting
D. Chess
Show Answer
Answer:-C. ShootingExplanation
Angadvir Singh Bajwa and Ganemat Sekhon won the mixed skeet gold for Punjab in the 66th National shooting championship. In the women’s 50-metre rifle 3-position event, Asian Games champion Sift Kaur Samra beat Olympian Anjum Moudgil by 1.9 point for the gold.
Q 8.Shamsi Talab, is a water storage reservoir located in which state/UT?
A. Assam
B. New Delhi
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Rajasthan
Show Answer
Answer:-B. New DelhiExplanation
The National Water Mission of Ministry of Jal Shakti is organizing ‘Jal Itihas Utsav’ at Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal situated in Delhi. It aims to raise public consciousness about safeguarding water heritage sites, creating a sense of ownership among the masses as well as promote tourism and restoration of such heritage structures. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has successfully implemented the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ 2023 with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water”.
Q 9.Which film received the Special Jury or Silver Peacock Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India?
A. Featherweight
B. Kantara
C. Sarpatta Parambarai
D. A Thursday
Show Answer
Answer:-B. KantaraExplanation
The Special Jury or Silver Peacock Award was given to the Kannada film ‘Kantara’, directed by Rishab Shetty at the 54th International Film Festival of India. Abbas Amini directed ‘Endless Borders’ which bagged the Best Film or the Golden Peacock Award, while the Best Director award went to Stephan Komandarev for the film ‘Blaga’s Lessons’.
Q 10.Lalithambika, who received Top French honours, is the former director of_:
A. CVC
B. ISRO
C. BARC
D. DRDO
Show Answer
Answer:-D. DRDOExplanation
French ambassador to India honoured Lalithambika, former director, Directorate of the Human Spaceflight Programme of ISRO with Legion d’Honneur. Lalithambika has worked extensively on various ISRO rockets, especially PSLV. Lalithambika is the second ISRO scientist after former ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar to be awarded the Legion d’Honneur of France for promoting Indo-French space cooperation.Q 11 .Ministry of Defence signed contract with which organisation for Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount and other equipment for around 3000 crores?
A. DRDO
B. BHEL
C. L&T
D. BEL
Show Answer
Answer:-B. BHELExplanation
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for procurement of 16 Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) along with associated equipment/ accessories for Indian Navy under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of ₹2956.89 Cr. The upgraded SRGM, which will be manufactured by BHEL is a medium caliber anti-missile/anti-aircraft point defence weapon system which provides a sustained rate of fire and high accuracy.Q 12. Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol are the names of which products recently launched?
A. Intercontinental Missiles
B. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
C. Submarines
D. Anti Submarine Warships
Show Answer
Answer:-D. Anti Submarine WarshipsExplanation
Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol, the first three ships of Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project were launched recently. The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited in 2019. The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.Q 13. Which institution constituted a taskforce to examine the impact of Digital Personal Data Protection Act on Insurance sector?
A. Ministry of Electronics and IT
B. IRDAI
C. RBI
D. SEBI
Show Answer
Answer:-B. IRDAIExplanation
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has constituted a taskforce to examine the impact of Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 on the insurance sector. The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Act in 2023. The insurance regulator formed a task force headed by Randip Singh Japal, Executive Director (Non-Life), IRDAI.Q 14. Which state collaborated with Meta to raise awareness among students and educators about online safety and digital citizenship?
A. Karnataka
B. Odisha
C. Kerala
D. Jharkhand
Show Answer
Answer:-A. KarnatakaExplanation
Karnataka government on signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with tech firm Meta to launch two initiatives aimed at raising awareness among students and educators about online safety and digital citizenship. The state government plans to train 1 lakh teachers and 10 lakh students in digital safety and AR/VR skills by 2025 through this partnership with Meta.Q 15. Which state clinched the title of 13th Senior National men’s hockey championship?
A. Punjab
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Rajasthan
D. Kerala
Show Answer
Answer:-A. PunjabExplanation
Punjab defeated the defending champions Haryana in a penalty shootout to clinch the title in the Senior Men’s National Hockey Championship in Chennai. Punjab skipper and India player Harmanpreet Singh scored for Punjab. Earlier, Tamil Nadu overwhelmed Karnataka 5-3 in penalty shootout to take the bronze medal.Q 16. MICE industry, which was seen in the news, is associated with which sector?
A. Mines and Minerals
B. Meetings and Conferences
C. Milk and Meat
D. Medicines and Chemicals
Show Answer
Answer:-B. Meetings and ConferencesExplanation
India’s Union Ministry of Tourism hosted an industry round-table on developing the country as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism destination in New Delhi. During India’s G20 Presidency, more than 200 meetings have been organized in 56 cities across the country.Q 17. Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) belongs to which category of scheme?
A. State scheme
B. Core Scheme
C. Centrally Sponsored scheme
D. Central Sector Scheme
Show Answer
Answer:-D. Central Sector SchemeExplanation
The Union Cabinet has approved Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose. the scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bringing new technologies through drone services in agriculture sector.Q 18. Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) Scheme was launched in which year?
A. 2013
B. 2017
C. 2019
D. 2020
Show Answer
Answer:-C. 2019Explanation
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) as, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) from 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2026 with financial implication of Rs. 1952.23 crore (Rs. 1207.24 crore as Central Share and Rs. 744.99 crore as State share). The Central Share is to be funded from Nirbhaya Fund. The Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) Scheme was launched on 02.10.2019.Q 19. PM JANMAN scheme, which was launched recently, is associated with which category of people?
A. MSME Owners
B. Farmers
C. PVTGs
D. NRIs
Show Answer
Answer:-C. PVTGsExplanation
Union Cabinet approved a special development mission for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) with a total outlay of over ₹24,104 crore over a three-year period. The scheme will focus on 11 critical interventions through 9 Ministries including Ministry of Tribal Affairs.An amount of Rs.15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).Q 20. Which institution launched the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
A. NITI Aayog
B. ILO
C. DPIIT
D. NSSO
Show Answer
Answer:-D. NSSOExplanation
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) launched Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Quarterly Bulletin for July – September 2023 As per the report, the unemployment rate in urban areas of the country decreased from 7.2% in July-September 2022 to 6.6% in July–September 2023.Q 21. Asa di vaar, ardas, Nagar kirtan, Akhand Paath Sahib and langar are associated with which religion?
A. Buddhism
B. Sikhism
C. Jainism
D. Islam
Show Answer
Answer:-B. SikhismExplanation
People celebrated the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith. The Sikh community mark Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav with various rituals, including Asa di vaar, ardas, Nagar kirtan, Akhand Paath Sahib, langar, and cultural programs. The festival includes worshipers singing hymns in procession during the pre-dawn hour. Pakistan issues 3000 visas to Sikh pilgrims to celebrate birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.Q 22. Which country signed MoU with Pakistan to invest around USD 20 billion in the country?
A. Israel
B. UAE
C. Oman
D. Afghanistan
Show Answer
Answer:-B. UAEExplanation
Pakistan and the UAE have inked several agreements under which the Gulf nation is likely to invest between USD 20-25 billion in the cash-strapped nation, according to a media report. The caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s meeting with the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was held in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan is battling an acute balance of payments crisis and falling foreign exchange reserves.Q 23.‘Parthenon Sculptures’ are ancient stone sculptures from which country?
A. Japan
B. Greece
C. Turkey
D. India
Show Answer
Answer:-B. GreeceExplanation
A diplomatic row sparked between Greece and the UK after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis over the status of the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum. Over the years, Greece has repeatedly asked for the sculptures’ permanent return to Athens, but Britain refused to do so. The Parthenon Sculptures are more than 30 ancient stone sculptures from Greece that are more than 2,000 years old. Most of them adorned the walls and grounds of the Parthenon temple on the rocky Acropolis hill in Athens. Completed in 432 BC, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena.Q 24. Which African country announced to construct its first utility-scale geothermal energy Independent Power Producer (IPP)?
A. Zimbabwe
B. South Africa
C. Rwanda
D. Congo
Show Answer
Answer:-A. ZimbabweExplanation
Zimbabwe announced that it will construct its first utility-scale geothermal energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) and support the reduction of greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the country. Energy sector is the highest contributor of the emissions in the country. Zimbabwe’s total energy generation in 2021 comprised of 29 per cent from non-renewable sources and 71 per cent from renewable sources, with hydropower (69%) as the largest share.Q 25. Pressmud is a residual byproduct obtained in which industry?
A. Automobile
B. Sugar
C. Coal
D. Steel
Show Answer
Answer:-B. SugarExplanation
Pressmud, a residual byproduct in the sugar industry often known as filter cake or press cake, has been acknowledged as a valuable resource for green energy production. The byproduct can help Indian sugar mills generate extra revenue by utilising it as a feedstock for biogas production through anaerobic digestion and subsequent purification to create compressed biogas (CBG).Q 26 .‘Raas Mahotsav or Raas Leela festival’ is celebrated in which state?
A. Rajasthan
B. Assam
C. West Bengal
D. Gujarat
Show Answer
Answer:-B. AssamExplanation
The annual Raas Mahotsav or Raas Leela has started in Assam’s Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island. Majuli is the core of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism. The river island over the river Brahmaputra has dozens of Vaishnavite monasteries, locally called Satras. Locals perform Bhaona, a traditional form of drama where artists play various mythological characters. Bhaona was started in the fifteenth or sixteenth century by a social-religious reformer and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam, Srimanta Sankardeva.Q 27. ‘AstroSat’ is a space telescope launched by which country?
A. USA
B. Russia
C. India
D. China
Show Answer
Answer:-C. IndiaExplanation
India’s AstroSat space telescope has crossed a major milestone by detecting 600th Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB). The Gamma Ray Bursts represent either the death of a massive or merger of neutron stars. AstroSat was launched in the year 2015 by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was designed to last for five years. However, it has exceeded its lifespan and is still functioning fine making important observations.Q 28. Saurauia Punduana plant, a critically endangered species, has been recorded for the first time in which Indian state?
A. Goa
B. West Bengal
C. Manipur
D. Karnataka
Show Answer
Answer:-C. ManipurExplanation
A critically endangered species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, has been recorded for the first time in Manipur’s Tamenglong district. The Saurauia Punduana plant was recorded during a recent Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) field survey. The survey covered the key areas of the biodiversity heritage sites of Longku forest. The local people call this plant as Anoibang.Q 29. Which institution launched Centre of Data for Public Good (CDPG)?
A. NITI Aayog
B. IISc
C. DRDO
D. IIT Madras
Show Answer
Answer:-B. IIScExplanation
In an initiative touted at aiming to leverage data for social good, the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) within the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) announced the launch of the Centre of Data for Public Good (CDPG). CDPG will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary research, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government to harness the power of data to benefit the public.Q 30. Which city is the host of the ‘2030 World Expo’?
A. Riyadh
B. Rome
C. New Delhi
D. Geneva
Show Answer
Answer:-A. RiyadhExplanation
The Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh won the right to host the Expo 2030 world fair, in another diplomatic victory for a Gulf country after soccer World Cup. South Korea’s port city of Busan and Rome in Italy were also in the running to host the five-yearly event that attracts millions of visitors and billions of dollars in investment.Q 31.Kangla Palace is a historical and archaeological site of which state?
A. Assam
B. Odisha
C. Manipur
D. Meghalaya
Show Answer
Answer:-C. ManipurExplanation
The Indian Navy received the warship Imphal from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The crest design depicts the Kangla Palace on the left and ‘Kangla-Sa’ on the right. Kangla Palace is an important historical and archaeological site of Manipur and was the traditional seat of the kingdom. With a dragon’s head and lion’s body, the ‘Kangla-Sa’ is the state emblem of Manipur. Imphal is the third of the four warships sanctioned under an important project called P-15B. INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao have already been commissioned. The ship has an indigenous content of around 75% including its medium range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos missiles and others.Q 32. Which Union Ministry launched a national protocol to provide training of anganwadi workers to help children with disabilities?
A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B. Ministry of Home Affairs
C. Ministry of Women and Child Development
D. Ministry of MSME
Show Answer
Answer:-C. Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentExplanation
The government launched a national protocol to provide for training of anganwadi workers to track and help children with disabilities. The anganwadi eco-system reaches out to over eight crore children from birth to six years on a daily basis, according to a statement issued by the Women and Child Development Ministry. According to the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021, one-third of most disabilities in India are estimated to be preventable, if they are detected early enough and adequately addressed.Q 33. Which Asian country has launched e-auction of 20 critical mineral blocks, including lithium and graphite?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Indonesia
C. India
D. Bangladesh
Show Answer
Answer:-C. IndiaExplanation
India for the first time invited bids for 20 critical mineral blocks, including lithium and graphite. This is not only seen to boost economic development but also a part of the nation’s strategy to ensure adequate domestic resources of essential raw materials for powering the green energy transition. The auction will be held online, using a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction process. Eligible bidders will be chosen based on the highest percentage of the quoted value of dispatched minerals they offer.Q 34. Which is the principal regulator for the sale and purchase of stressed loans in India?
A. RBI
B. SEBI
C. IBBI
D. NPCI
Show Answer
Answer:-A. RBIExplanation
SEBI proposed changes in the regulatory framework for Special Situation Funds to facilitate the acquisition of stressed loans. Special Situation Funds (SSFs) are sub-category of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). Sebi suggested a definition of ‘special situation assets’, eligibility of investors in SSFs in terms of Insolvency law, among others. The proposals have been floated after consultations with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is the principal regulator for the sale and purchase of stressed loans in India.Q 35. ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) was launched in which country?
A. Thailand
B. Malaysia
C. India
D. Cambodia
Show Answer
Answer:-B. MalaysiaExplanation
India along with 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) were represented by 200 participants, at the 4th edition of the annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) that was launched in Langkawi, Malaysia. The AIGIF is an annual programme focused on fostering a strengthened relationship between India and AMS on the premise of cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). Department of Science & Technology (DST) and National Innovation Foundation (NIF) of India and the Science and Technology Ministry of the host nation, Malaysia collaborated for the event.Q 36. Which automobile manufacturer has launched a registered vehicle scrapping facility (RVSF) in India?
A. Maruti Suzuki
B. Mahindra Group
C. Tata Motors
D. Hyundai Motors
Show Answer
Answer:-C. Tata MotorsExplanation
Leading automobile manufacturer Tata Motors has launched a registered vehicle scrapping facility (RVSF) in Punjab, which will be the company’s fourth such unit. Named ‘Re.Wi.Re – Recycle with Respect, the facility uses environmentally friendly processes and has the capacity to disassemble 12,000 end-of-life vehicles safely and sustainably, each year. It is equipped to scrap both passenger and commercial vehicles, regardless of their brand.Q 37. What is the target year of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, set by the United Nations?
A. 2025
B. 2027
C. 2030
D. 2035
Show Answer
Answer:-C. 2030Explanation
The UNAIDS agency said in its annual World AIDS Day Report that community-led responses are unrecognised, under-resourced and in some places under attack. The UN first set out in 2015 the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. There are 39 million people around the world living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Of them, 20.8 million are in eastern and southern Africa and 6.5 million are in Asia and the Pacific.Q 38. ‘Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam’ festival is associated with which state?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Kerala
D. Karnataka
Show Answer
Answer:-B. Andhra PradeshExplanation
The Union Ministry of Tourism in association with Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Academy and State Government of Andhra Pradesh successfully organised the prequel event of Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam. It is a first of its kind festival to celebrate the rich heritage of classical music and promote lesser-known tourist attractions. The main event is to be organized in December 2023 in Vijayawada. The event will also feature spectacular display and sale of regional cuisine, local handicrafts and handlooms.Q 39. Hambantota port, which was seen in the news, is in which country?
A. Israel
B. Ukraine
C. Afghanistan
D. Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Answer:-D. Sri LankaExplanation
The Sri Lankan cabinet has given clearance to allow China’s energy major Sinopec to establish a new $4.5 billion petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port in the island nation. The upcoming plant of Sinopec, which entered the Sri Lankan market in July this year, would be the largest foreign direct investment with $4.5 billion for Sri Lanka.Q 40. Which country scrapped world-first smoking ‘generation ban’ to fund tax cuts?
A. New Zealand
B. Argentina
C. Russia
D. Japan
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