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CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQ

FEBRUARY -2023
250 MCQ Q& A

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1. Which team has won the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 4. According to ISRO, India’s first mission to study the Sun,
2023 by beating Belgium? Aditya-L1, will be launched by which month in 2023?
A. Netherlands B. Australia A. March-April B. May-June
C. England D. Germany C. July-August D. June-July
E. Spain E. February-March
Ans. D Ans. D
Explanation: Germany beat Belgium 5-4 in the penalty Explanation: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) handed
shootout to win the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 at over to ISRO, the Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VELC),
the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India. the primary payload on board Aditya-L1, which is India’s first
This is Germany’s third Hockey World Cup title after they dedicated scientific mission to study the Sun, to be launched
won it in 2002 and 2006. by June or July.
With this, they draw level with Netherlands and Australia. The handing over ceremony was held in the presence of the
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands beat Australia 3-1 to claim ISRO Chairman S Somanath at the Centre for Research and
the bronze medal. Education in Science and Technology (CREST) campus of IIA.
It was the first time since 1998 that Australia failed to finish In total Aditya-L1 has seven payloads, of which the primary
on podium at the FIH World Cup. payload – the VELC, is designed and fabricated by the Indian
Institute of Astrophysics (IIA, Bengaluru).
The other six payloads are being developed by the ISRO and
2. Martyrs Day (Shaheed Diwas) on 30 January 2023 is other scientific institutions.
observed as death anniversary of whom? Understanding the effect of the Sun on the Earth and its
A. Mahatma Gandhi B. Nelson Mandela surroundings has become very important now and Aditya-L1
C. Jawaharlal Nehru D. Bhagat Singh aims to shed light on this topic. The payload will be taken to
E. Subhash Chandra Bose the R.
Ans. A Rao Satellite Centre (Bengaluru), where it will be integrated
Explanation: On January 30, 2023, India observed Martyrs’ with the Aditya-L1 satellite and will undergo further testing,
Day or Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to all the freedom evaluation and finally launched using the PSLV.
fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.
The day is also marked as the death anniversary of the
nation’s ’Bapu’, Mahatma Gandhi. 5. The nation observes the 158th birth anniversary of the
On this day in 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. He is popularly known as -
Godse in the compound of Birla House after one of his A. Man of Iron B. Punjab Kesari
routine multi-faith prayer meetings. C. Light of Asia D. Vishwa Kavi
Godse, a member of Hindu Mahasabha, blamed Gandhi for E. Jana Nayak
favouring the Muslim community during the partition of Ans. B
India in 1947. Explanation: The nation observes the 158th birth
Notably, Martyrs’ Day is also observed in India on March 23 anniversary of the freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly
to pay respect to Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and known as Punjab Kesari.
Sukhdev Thapar, who was hanged death on this day in 1931. Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28th January 1865 to his
The significance of Shaheed Diwas lies in the fact that maternal grandparents in Dhudike.
Mahatma Gandhi, who is known as the ’Father of the On the occasion of the 158th birth anniversary of the
Nation’, led major movements against British rule through a freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, the cabinet minister
non-violent approach. announced a grant of Rs 12 lakh on the demand of the
His death anniversary is observed as Shaheed Diwas or villagers.
Martyrs’ Day, and his philosophy was based on the principles Lala Lajpat Rai has made a huge contribution to the struggle
of non-violence, the fight for truth (satyagraha), and political for the independence of the nation.
and individual freedom (Swaraj). He was also known as the leader of the Swadeshi movement.
He is popularly known as "Punjab Kesari" and played a
3. Petr Pavel, former chairman of the NATO Military pivotal role in the Indian Independence movement.
Committee has became the president of which country? People also called him "Punjab da Sher" which means "Lion
A. Slovakia B. Czechia of Punjab".
C. Poland D. Hungary Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28th January 1865 in an Agrawal
E. Austria Jain family as the eldest son of six children of Munshi Radha
Ans. B Krishna.
Explanation: Petr Pavel, a former chairman of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military committee, has
become the new president of the Czech Republic. 6. World Leprosy Day has been observed on which day of
A former military general, Pavel got more than 58 per cent January 2023?
of the vote, according to the Czech Statistics Office. A. 27 January B. 28 January

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C. 29 January D. 30 January State Energy Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram said that the
E. 31 January State’s project has been approved in the Regional Power
Ans. C Committee meeting in New Delhi.
Explanation: World Leprosy Day (WLD) is celebrated on the Shri Sundaram said, to strengthen the power supply system,
last Sunday of January. In 2023, World Leprosy Day is the capacity of sub-stations will be increased in several
observed on 29 January. districts including Dehradun. All power lines in Haldwani will
This international day is an opportunity to celebrate people be underground, he added.
who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the
disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and
discrimination. 9. Which state government has launched Ladli Bahina
This date was chosen by French humanitarian, Raoul Scheme in January 2023?
Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who did A. Uttar Pradesh B. Rajasthan
much work with persons affected by leprosy and died at the C. Uttarakhand D. Madhya Pradesh
end of January in 1948. E. Haryana
The theme of World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act Now,End Ans. D
Leprosy.” This year’s theme calls attention to three key Explanation: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh
messages: Chouhan has launched Ladli Bahina Scheme.
Leprosy is curable with a combination of antibiotics known Under the new scheme state government will provide Rs
as Multi Drug Therapy (MDT). 1000 per month to women from financially poor background
This treatment is available for free across the world. If in the state.
leprosy is not treated, it can lead to serious complications. A sum of Rs 60,000 crore will be spent on this scheme in five
years.
The CM also announced plans to construct a Narmada
7. The cultural heritage of Odesa was designated as a World corridor and Narmada Lok on the lines of the Mahakal Lok at
Heritage in Danger site by the United Nations Educational, Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple.
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the Paris
meeting. This site is located in which country?
A. Russia B. Germany 10. What is the name of the cluster of digital solutions like
C. Ukraine D. India Aadhaar, UPI, Digi Locker, Co-Win, GeM, and GSTN?
E. France A. Bharat e-platforms B. India Stack
Ans. C C. e-Bharat D. Digi Bharat
Explanation: The United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO E. None of these
has designated the historic centre of Odesa, a strategic port Ans. B
city on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast, a World Heritage in Danger Explanation: India Stack is a multi-layer cluster of digital
site. solutions like Aadhaar, UPI, Digi Locker, Co-Win, GeM, and
The status, awarded by a UNESCO panel meeting in Paris, is GSTN that have played a significant role in the digital
designed to help protect Odesa’s cultural heritage, which has transformation in India.
been under threat since Russia’s invasion, and enable access The first India Stack Developer Conference will be held in
to financial and technical international aid. New Delhi, to ensure wider adoption of India’s digital goods
Earlier, UNESCO inscribed the Landmarks of the Ancient all over the world. India Stack will be one of the focus areas
Kingdom of Saba, Marib in Yemen and Rachid Karami at the World Government Summit 2023 which will be held at
International Fair-Tripoli in Lebanon to its list of World Abu Dhabi next month.
Heritage in Danger sites.

11. As per the latest estimates by the International Monetary


8. In January 2023, how much amount has been approved by Fund (IMF), which country will remain the world’s fastest
the government of India to Uttarakhand under the growing major economy despite global headwinds?
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme? A. India B. Japan
A. 1500 crore B. 2800 crore C. America D. China
C. 1700 crore D. 2600 crore E. None of these
E. 2000 crore Ans. A
Ans. D Explanation: As per International Monetary Fund (IMF),
Explanation: The Central Government has sanctioned 2,600 India to remain the fastest-growing major economy in the
crore rupees to Uttarakhand under the Revamped world despite global headwinds.
Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the construction of The IMF released its January update on World Economic
new power lines, sub-stations, and underground power Outlook.
lines.

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It said that India will grow at 6.1 per cent in 2023 before According to the survey, the annual rate of inflation is below
picking up to 6.8 per cent in 2024 fuelled by resilient 6 per cent and wholesale prices are rising at a rate below 5
domestic demand. per cent.
IMF also pointed out that the growth in emerging and The export of goods and services in the first nine months of
developing Asia is expected to rise at 5.3 per cent in 2023 the current financial year is up 16 per cent compared to the
and 5.2 per cent in 2024. same period in 2021-22.
On a positive note, IMF said that negative growth in global The Economic Survey presented to the Houses reflects the
GDP or global GDP per capita is not expected despite the fear state of India’s economy and presents detailed statistical
of recession. data on different sectors and how they performed during the
The IMF stated that the growth in China is projected to rise year gone by.
to 5.2 per cent in 2023 pointing to rapidly improving Meanwhile, base-line nominal GDP growth is projected at
mobility. 11% for FY24.
IMF Growth Projections: 2023 Note: The Economic Survey is prepared by Chief Economic
USA: 1.4% Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran
Germany: 0.1% Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Economic
France: 0.7% Survey in both Houses of Parliament. This survey is being
Italy: 0.6% prepared by: V. Anantha Nageswaran (Chief Economic
Japan: 1.8% Adviser)
UK: -0.6%
China: 5.2%
India: 6.1% 13. Which state’s Chief Minister has launched "Laadli Bahna
Russia: 0.3% Yojana" in the state after the success of Laadli Laxmi Yojana
Brazil: 1.2% for girls?
Mexico: 1.7% A. Uttar Pradesh B. Bihar
Saudi Arabia: 2.6% C. Madhya Pradesh D. Himachal Pradesh
Nigeria: 3.2% E. Jharkhand
South Africa: 1.2% Ans. C
International Monetary Fund: Explanation: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches ’Ladli
Formation: 27 December 1945 Bahna Yojna’
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh
Membership: 190 countries (189 UN countries and Kosovo) has launched the “Ladli Bahna Yojana” in the state following
Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva the success of the Ladli Laxmi Yojana for the girls.
First Deputy Managing Director: Gita Gopinath No matter their caste or status, underprivileged women
Chief Economist: Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas would receive Rs 1,000 each month under this Yojna in order
Parent organization: United Nations to gain financial independence.
“Ladli Bahna Yojana” will be created for the poor and lower
middle class women of the state, irrespective of caste or
12. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the category.
Economic Survey in both the Houses of Parliament. Who has On the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, and on the sacred
prepared this survey? banks of the Narmada, there was Ladli Lakshmi Yojana for
A. Mr. Sanjay Pant B. V. Ananth Nageswaran girls.
C. Alok Kumar Tiwari D. Shri Krishnendra Pratap Singh What is the distinction between a general class, a backward
E. Mr. Amarendra Tiwari class, a scheduled caste, and a tribal group? Sisters are
Ans. B sisters, and now those sisters will receive Rs 1,000 each
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2022-23 has projected a month.
baseline GDP growth of 6.5 per cent in real terms in the next The funds will be deposited each month into the accounts of
financial year. the recipients from every eligible family, enabling them to
The Survey was presented in both Houses of Parliament by achieve financial independence.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamna. In five years, it is predicted that this programme will cost
According to the survey, the Indian economy is expected to roughly Rs 60,000 crore.
grow at 7 per cent in real terms in the current financial year. Notably, the state had previously seen the Ladli Laxmi Yojna
It also said India to remain the fastest-growing major and Ladli Laxmi Yojna 2.
economy in the world. To empower the state’s underprivileged women, the state
The survey said India has become the world’s fifth largest government will now launch the Ladli Bahna Yojna.
economy and the nominal GDP of India will be around 3.5 Madhya Pradesh:
trillion US dollars in March this year. Capital: Bhopal
The survey stated that the rise in consumer prices has Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
slowed considerably. Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel

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16. Which sports brand has announced the appointment of
women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its latest
14. Who has won the 85th edition of Tata Steel Chess brand ambassador?
Masters 2023? A. Adidas B. Nike
A. Raghuraj Pratap B. Sarvesh Dubey C. Campus D. Puma India
C. Krishnakumar D. Anish Giri E. Abros
E. Ajay Dev Ans. D
Ans. D Explanation: Puma India ropes in cricket star Harmanpreet
Explanation: Anish Giri wins Tata Steel Masters 2023 Singh as brand ambassador
Dutch player Anish Giri, five times the runner-up in Wijk aan Sports brand Puma India announced roping in women’s
Zee, has won the 85th edition of Tata Steel Chess after cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its latest brand
pouncing on a blunder by Richard Rapport while Jorden van ambassador.
Foreest took down long-term leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov. As part of the partnership terms, Harmanpreet will endorse
Magnus Carlsen beat Arjun Erigaisi on demand to catch the brand’s footwear, apparel and accessories throughout
Nodirbek in a tie for 2nd place, while Wesley So finished 4th. the year.
Anish Giri (NED, 2764) has never lost a tournament game With this, Harmanpreet joins PUMA’s roster of brand
against Richard Rapport (ROU, 2740). ambassadors that include Virat Kohli, football stars Neymar
He has defeated the creative genius thrice and the remaining Jr and Sunil Chhetri, boxer MC Mary Kom, cricketer Harleen
encounters ended in draws. Deol and Para-Shooter Avani Lekhara.
Obviously, this statistic gave Giri the extra boost he needed The 33-year-old batter from Punjab has the record of the
to push for a win in the final round. fourth fastest women’s T20I hundred in the world to her
Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023: name and she is also India’s only centurion in the women’s
The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 is the 85th edition of T20I.
the annual chess tournament held in Wijk aan Zee. Harmanpreet has scored six international hundreds so far in
It was held from 13 January to 29 January 2023. her career, five of them coming in from ODIs. The most
The field of 14 players in the Masters section included the capped player in the T20I format has also been conferred the
numbers one and two of the FIDE World ranking, Magnus Arjuna award in 2017.
Carlsen and Ding Liren, as well as five teenage grandmasters. Puma:
Founded: 1948
Founder: Rudolf Dassler
15. Name the head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany
who has resigned from his post recently. CEO: Arne Freundt
A. Vikram Rathore B. Graham Reid
C. Dilip Kumar D. Ramesh Pawar
E. Avnish Singh 17. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with a
Ans. B current net worth of $84.4 billion, Gautam Adani is now the
Explanation: Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Graham ___ richest in the world.
Reid resigns A. 11th B. 12th
Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Graham Reid resigned C. 13th D. 14th
from his position after the host nation’s outing at the just- E. 15th
concluded World Cup. Ans. A
Reid, who was appointed India coach in April 2019, led the Explanation: Adani drops off list of world’s top 10 richest
team to a historic bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics people
in 2021. The Indian tycoon has fallen from fourth place to 11th on the
The 58-year-old Australian submitted his resignation to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with a personal wealth
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, a day after the wipeout of $34 billion in just three trading days.
conclusion of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, where With a current fortune of
Germany beat Belgium in a penalty shoot-out to emerge as 82.2 billion.
champions. Adani, incidentally, had the largest increase in wealth in
India men’s national field hockey team 2022, with a gain of about $40 billion each year. He appears
Nickname: Men in Blue, Bharat Army to have reversed all of the increases in his personal wealth
Association: Hockey India (2008–present) & Indian Hockey from earlier now.
Federation (1925–2008) LVMH’s Bernard Arnault is the world’s richest person with a
Confederation: AHF (Asia) net worth of $189 billion.
Manager: Shivendra Singh He’s followed by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Warren
Captain: Harmanpreet Singh Buffett, Larry Ellison, Larry Page, Steve Ballmer, Sergey Brin
and Carlos Slim.

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Full List of Australian Cricket Award Winners:
18. Name the best tableau of 2023 Republic Day Parade Belinda Clark Award – Beth Mooney
under States and Union Territories (UT) category? Allan Border Medal – Steve Smith
A. Tableau of Gujarat B. ’Manaskhand’ tableau Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year – Usman
C. Jammu and Kashmir tableau D. Nari Shakti Tableau Khawaja
E. Tableau of UP Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year – Courtney Sippel
Ans. B Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year – Lance Morris
Explanation: Uttarakhand’s Republic Day tableau declared Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Annabel Sutherland
best among states, UTs Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Michael Neser
Uttarakhand’s ’Manaskhand’ tableau has been declared the Men’s ODI Player of the Year – David Warner
best tableau of the 2023 Republic Day Parade among states Women’s ODI Player of the Year – Beth Mooney
and Union Territories (UT), according to a government Men’s T20I Player of the Year – Marcus Stoinis
release. Women’s T20I Player of the Year – Tahlia McGrath
The tableau featured the Jageshwar Temple in the midst of KFC BBL|12 Player of the Year – Matt Short
Deodar trees, the Corbett National Park, and animals and WBBL|08 Player of the Year Award – Ashleigh Gardner
birds unique to Uttarakhand, besides the famous Aipan art. Community Champion Award – Usman Khawaja
Maharashtra’s ’Sade Tin Shaktipithe and Nari Shakti’ tableau Woolworths Cricket Blaster of the Year – Mabel Tovey
and Uttar Pradesh’s ’Ayodhya Deepotsav’ tableau came Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees – Marg Jennings
second and third, respectively. and Ian Redpath
While Uttarakhand’s tableau was picked by a panel of
judges, an online public vote conducted by MyGov – have
been declared Gujarat’s adjudged best. 20. Recently who has been selected as the brand
Other Honours: ambassador of NMDC?
Three panels of judges were appointed for assessing the A. P V Sindhu B. Saina Nehwal
performance of Marching Contingents from three Services, C. Sania Mirza D. Nikhat Zareen
Marching Contingents from Central Armed Police Forces E. Saifali Verma
(CAPF)/other auxiliary forces and tableaux from various Ans. D
States/Union Territories and Ministries/Departments. Explanation: National Mineral Development Corporation
Punjab Regiment Centre Contingent was chosen as Best has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with world
Marching Contingent among the three services - Punjab boxing champion and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth
Regiment Centre Contingent, CRPF Marching Contingent Games gold medalist Nikhat Zareen to represent NMDC as
was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other its brand ambassador.
auxiliary forces.
The tableau of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Eklavya Model
Residential Schools (EMRSs)) bagged the top position among 21. India’s first green solar panel factory will be build by
ministries/departments Luminous Power Technologies in which state?
As per results of online poll on MyGov, Indian Air Force A. Uttar Pradesh B. Jharkand
Marching Contingent was the best Marching Contingent C. Uttarakhand D. Rajasthan
among the three services and CRPF Marching Contingent E. Himachal Pradesh
Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary Ans. C
forces. Explanation: Luminous Power Technologies revealed that it
has planned to build India’s first green energy-based solar
panel manufacturing plant in Uttarakhand which will be
19. Who won the Belinda Clarke Award at the Australian operational by the end of this year.
Cricket Awards 2023? The location of the new India’s first green energy-based solar
A. Beth Mooney B. Meg Lanning panel is Rudrapur which will be equipped with the latest
C. Ellyse Perry D. Rachael Haynes technology to design and produce high-quality solar panels
E. Megan Schutt that will be used for both residential and commercial
Ans. A applications.
Explanation: Australian Cricket Awards 2023: List of all Once India’s first green energy-based solar panel will be
winners operational, the facility, spread across 4.5 lakh square feet
Steve Smith won Allan Border Medal, while Beth Mooney per 10 acres will help enable a solar production capacity of
won Belinda Clark Award at Australian Cricket Awards 2023. 500 MW per annum.
Usman Khawaja was named Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year. It is expandable up to 1 GW, producing a range of solar
David Warner and Beth Mooney won ODI Player of the Year panels with a power output of 40W to 600W. Luminous
awards in their respective categories. would establish its first solar panel facility with this factory’s
Marcus Stoinis and Tahlia McGrath were named Men’s and commencement.
Women’s T20 Player of the Year respectively.

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This marks the second highest-ever mop-up for the GST
22. Indian Coast Guard has celebrated its 47th Raising Day collection and demonstrates a growth in the country’s
on which day of February in 2023? economy.
A. 1st February B. 2st February The GST collection for January 2023 has reached over the Rs
C. 3st February D. 4st February 1.50 lakh crore mark for the third time this financial year and
E. 5st February is only second to the highest collection of Rs 1.68 lakh crore
Ans. A in April 2022.
Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard has celebrated its 47th The revenues for the current financial year up to January
Raising Day on 1st February 2023. 2023 are 24% higher than the GST revenues during the same
From a modest beginning with just seven surface platforms period last year.
in 1978, the ICG today has 158 ships and 78 aircraft and is The total amount collected was Rs 1,55,922 crore, including
likely to achieve the targeted force levels of 200 surface Rs 28,963 crore in Central GST (CGST), Rs 36,730 crore in
platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025. State GST (SGST), RS 79,599 crore in Integrated GST (IGST)
As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, the Indian and Rs 10,630 crore in cess.
Coast Guard has played a significant role in securing the
Indian Coasts and enforcing regulations in the Maritime 25. As per the state government of Andhra Pradesh, which
Zones of India. city will be the new capital of the state?
The ICG was formally established on February 1, 1977, by the A. Vijayawada B. Tirupati
Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. C. Guntur D. Visakhapatnam
E. Mangalagiri
Ans. D
23. Shanti Bhushan, who has recently passed away, was Explanation: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan
former minister of which Ministry? Mohan Reddy’s government announced that
A. Ministry of External Affairs B. Ministry of Child Visakhapatnam city would be the new capital of the state.
Development The announcement of Visakhapatnam, a new capital for
C. Ministry of Law D. Ministry of Corporate Affairs Andhra comes nine years after the state of Telangana was
E. Ministry of Home Affairs carved out of its territory and given Hyderabad as its capital.
Ans. C At the International Diplomatic Alliance meet in Delhi CM
Explanation: Former Union law minister and eminent jurist Jagan urged investors to "visit Visakhapatnam and see how
Shanti Bhushan, passed away at the age of 97. easy it is do to business in the state of Andhra Pradesh".
He served as the law minister in the Morarji Desai-led Janata According to a study by Andhra University, the population of
Party government from 1977 to 1979, which came to power Vizag will grow to 30 lakh by 2035 from 23.5 lakh in 2021.
after Emergency. Visakhapatnam has necessary infrastructure like
Bhushan was among the founding members of the Aam international airport, road and port connectivity which is
Aadmi Party which was formed in 2012. important for the capital city.
He had also actively participated in the agitation led by social The announcement that Visakhapatnam, nicknamed "City of
activist Anna Hazare. Destiny," would be the new state capital, has elicited mixed
In his political career, he was a member of the Congress (O) response from different sections of people in the city.
and later of the Janata Party.
He served as a Rajya Sabha member too. 26. Which international organisation is observing World
He also had a six-year stint with the BJP. Interfaith Harmony Week from 1-7 February?
A vocal activist and jurist, Bhushan was also part of the anti- A. UNICEF B. UNGA
corruption movement that led to the formation of Aam C. UNESCO D. UNHRC
Aadmi Party. E. UNSSC
He later quit the party. Ans. B
Explanation: World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual
24. According to finance ministry Nirmala Sitharaman, the event observed during the first week of February(1-7), after
Goods and Services Tax collection in January 2023 has General Assembly designation in 2010.
reached at ___ lakh crore. These celebrations focus on creating mutual understanding
A. Rs 1.90 lakh crore B. Rs 1.55 lakh crore and interreligious dialogue to promote harmony between
C. Rs 2.01 lakh crore D. Rs 2.25 lakh crore people regardless of their faith.
E. Rs 1.87 lakh crore The General Assembly encourages all countries to voluntarily
Ans. B disseminate the message of interfaith tolerance and
Explanation: According to finance ministry Nirmala goodwill in accordance with their religious traditions or
Sitharaman, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in convictions.
January 2023 saw a significant increase, reaching over Rs World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), conceived to
1.55 lakh crore. promote a culture peace and nonviolence, was first

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proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, it has played
in 2010. a significant role in securing the Indian coasts and enforcing
regulations in the maritime zones of India.
27. Union Government has allocated a capital outlay of how In 1978 (establishment year), there were just seven surface
much for the Indian Railways in the Union Budget 2023? platforms, now, ICG has grown into a formidable force with
A. Rs 1.48 lakh crore B. Rs 2.40 lakh crore 158 ships and 78 aircraft in its inventory and is likely to
C. Rs 1.85 lakh crore D. Rs 2.01 lakh crore achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80
E. Rs 2.87 lakh crore aircraft by 2025.
Ans. B In keeping with the nation’s vision of ’SAGAR’ and
Explanation: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ’Neighbourhood First’ policy the ICG has trained several
has allocated a capital outlay of Rs 2.40 lakh crore for the foreign officers and personnel below officer ranks in 2022.
Indian Railways in the Union Budget 2023.
This highest-ever outlay is about nine times the outlay made 30. As per the budget 2023-24, by which year the
in FY 2013-14. government has aimed to produce 5 MMT of green
The 2023-24 budget announcement is likely to benefit a hydrogen?
large section of the middle class such as railways is unlikely A. 2050 B. 2025
to hike the passenger ticket or freight fare. C. 2030 D. 2040
The Union Budget 2023 is also expected to promote Make In E. 2045
India initiative and focus on bolstering the contour of Ans. C
renewable energy. Explanation: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on
Wednesday provided an outlay of Rs 35,000 crore to achieve
28. According to Finance Minister, The Central Government energy transition and net zero objectives and listed green
will hike the capital expenditure outlay for 2023-24 by what growth among seven priorities of the government.
per cent to Rs 10 trillion(lakh crore)? In January, 2022, the Union Cabinet had approved the
A. 41% B. 29% National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of Rs
C. 33% D. 47% 19,744 crore.
E. 24% The mission is aimed at development of green hydrogen
Ans. C production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne)
Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity
presenting Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament said, The addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030 and to
Centre will hike the capital expenditure (capex) outlay for bring investment of over Rs 8 lakh crore in total investments.
2023-24 by 33 per cent to Rs 10 trillion(lakh crore). It will help in abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual
In her Budget 2023 speech, she also said that the outlay for greenhouse gas emissions.
the PM Awas Yojana will be hiked by 66 per cent to Rs 79,000
crore. 31. World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on which day
The Centre has also identified 100 critical transport of February?
infrastructure projects for implementation. A. 01 February B. 02 February
This is the highest outlay for capex ever. C. 03 February D. 04 February
In FY23, the capex outlay was Rs 7.5 trillion. E. 05 February
The new outlay will amount to 3.3 per cent of the gross Ans. B
domestic product (GDP). Explanation: World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on
The Centre also proposed 50 new airports for increased 2nd February.
connectivity. The day is observed to create awareness among people
Also, Rs 10,000 crore will be set aside for the development about the importance of wetlands and different ways to
of urban infrastructure. restore their rapid loss and degradation.
The day is aimed at highlighting the vital role wetlands play
29. Which armed force has announced to install a new radar in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human well-
in the Sunderbans area in January 2023? being.0
A. Indian Coast Guard B. Indian Navy Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide many
C. Indian Air Force D. Indian Army important services to people and the environment, including
E. National Security Guard water purification, flood control, habitat for diverse plant
Ans. A and animal species, and support for local communities
Explanation: On the occasion of its 47th raising day livelihoods.
celebration, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) announced its decision The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day is "It’s Time
to install a new radar in the Sunderbans area for better for Wetlands Restoration".
patrolling and surveillance of the area while taking guard The theme highlights the urgency to prioritize wetland
against any terror activities from across the border. restoration.

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On 2 February 1971, Convention on Wetlands was accepted
as an International Treaty in Ramsar, Iran.
On 30 August 2021, UN General Assembly adopted
resolution 75/317 for World Wetlands Day.

32. Puma India has named whom as its brand ambassador?


A. Harmanpreet Kaur B. Smriti Mandhana
C. Mithali Raj D. Deepti Sharma
E. Jhulan Goswami
Ans. A
Explanation: Sports brand Puma India announced roping in
women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its latest
brand ambassador.
The 33-year-old batter from Punjab has the record of the
fourth fastest women’s T20I hundred in the world to her
name and she is also India’s only centurion in the women’s
T20I.
Harmanpreet has scored six international hundreds so far in
her career, five of them coming in from ODIs.
The most capped player in the T20I format has also been
conferred the Arjuna award in 2017.
PUMA has been actively contributing to the rise of sports
culture in the country by associating with 250+ athletes
across cricket, boxing, football and para-sports.

33.

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Who has been conferred with Lifetime Achievement Honour E. S Senadhipan
by United Kingdom? Ans. B
A. P Chidambaram B. Manmohan Singh Explanation: V Ramachandra, a former chief general officer
C. Sonia Gandhi D. Gursharan Kaur of Canara Bank, was appointed by the Reserve Bank on
E. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Tuesday to the advisory committees of Srei Infrastructure
Ans. B Finance Limited (SIFL) and Srei Equipment Finance Limited
Explanation: Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh (SEFL).
was recently conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by The RBI had created a three-member advisory council to
the India-UK Achievers Honours in London for his support the administrator of the two crisis-ridden
contribution to economic and political life. enterprises after replacing the boards of SIFL and SEFL in
To mark 75 years of India’s independence, the first-ever October 2021.
India UK Achievers Honours covered 75 high achievers and During the corporate insolvency resolution process, the
some key Outstanding Achievers who bolster the India-UK Advisory Committee shall provide advice to the
diaspora living bridge. Administrator regarding the management of SIFL and SEFL.
Other India UK Achievers - Srei Group, which primarily serves the infrastructure and
British Indian peer Lord Karan Bilimoria received the Living MSME sectors, owes over Rs 18,000 crore to approximately
Legend Honour at the awards ceremony on January 25. 15 lenders, including Axis Bank, UCO Bank and State Bank of
Opposition Labour Party MP Virendra Sharma, another a India, in addition to nearly Rs 10,000 crore in bonds and
patron of NISAU UK, was also conferred the Living Legend borrowings from other countries.
Honour.
Among the Outstanding Achievers honoured included 36. Who has joined oversight committee panel formed
Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against Wrestling Federation of India?
spokesperson Raghav Chadha, Serum Institute of India CEO A. Geeta Phogat B. Babita Phogat
Adar Poonawalla and Indian women’s football team C. Sangita Phogat D. Ritu Phogat
goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan. E. Priyanka Phogat
Ans. B
34. According to the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework Explanation: Babita Phogat, a former wrestler, joined the
ranking 2023, which Indian Institute of Management is the oversight committee established to look into the claims
top government college in India? made against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
A. IIM Bengaluru B. IIM Kolkata The Oversight Committee is also looking into claims of sexual
C. IIM Hyderabad D. IIM Ahmedabad misbehaviour, harassment, and/or intimidation, as well as
E. IIM Indore financial and organisational irregularities made by well-
Ans. D known athletes.
Explanation: According to the latest Indian Institutional The committee was established during the IOA’s emergency
Ranking Framework (IIRF) ranking (2023), the Indian Institute Executive Council meeting earlier this month, which was also
of Management Ahmedabad is the top government college attended by IOA President PT Usha, joint secretary Kalyan
in India for pursuing the Master of Business Administration Chaubey, and people like Yogeshwar and Abhinav Bindra.
(MBA) course. Key Points -
IIM Bengaluru (Karnataka) and IIM Kolkata (West Bengal) are Babita Phogat is currently the sixth member of the Oversight
ranked second and third, respectively after IIM Ahmedabad. Committee, which is led by MC Mary Kom, Chairperson of
The ranking was based on seven criteria: Research, the Athletes Commission and recipient of the Khel Ratna
Teaching-Learning Resource Pedagogy, Industry Income and Award.
Integration, Placement Performance, Future Orientation, Yogeshwar Dutt, a Khel Ratna Awardee, is on the executive
External Perception and International Outlook & Placement council of the IOA.
Strategies and Support. Trupti Murgunde, a Dhyanchand Awardee, is a member of
Top 5 Business Schools in the world - the Mission Olympic Cell.
1 - London Business School, United Kingdom (UK) Radhica Sreeman is a former executive director of TEAMS at
2 - Wharton- University of Pennsylvania, United States of the Sports Authority of India.
America
(USA) 37. Manuela Roka Botey has been appointed as the first
3 - Harvard Business School, USA female Prime Minister of which country?
4 - Stanford University, USA A. Equatorial Guinea B. Guinea‑Bissau
5 - INSEAD, France C. Ghana D. Burkina Faso
E. Côte d’Ivoire
35. Who has been appointed by RBI as member of Advisory Ans. A
Committee of SIFL, SEFL? Explanation: Equatorial Guinea has appointed Manuela
A. S Marakkar B. V Ramachandra Roka Botey as prime minister.
C. S Pullanikat D. Suthan W

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She became the first woman in the country to hold the
position. 41. Which national commission has organized a two-day
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled event to celebrate its 31st Foundation Day on 31st January?
the country since 1979, made the announcement in a decree A. Atomic Energy Commission of India B. National
read on state television. Commission for Women
Ms Rotey was previously the education minister and joined C. National Commission on Cattle D. National Statistical
the government in 2020. Commission
She replaces former premier Francisco Pascual Obama Asue, E. National Commission for Backward Classes
who has been in the position since 2016. Ans. B
Explanation: The President of India Droupadi Murmu
38. Morgan Stanley has named whom as new country head addressed the 31st Foundation Day of the National
for India? Commission for Women in Delhi on January 31st, 2023.
A. Anil Vasudev B. Parag Laxmikant The theme of the program was "Sashakt Nari Sashakt
C. Arun Kohli D. Aparna Amol Bharat" which aimed at acknowledging and celebrating the
E. Dhaval Desai stories of women who have excelled and paved their journey
Ans. C to leave a mark.
Explanation: Morgan Stanley named Arun Kohli as the new Key Points -
India head to replace Sanjay Shah. The Commission is organized a two-day event to celebrate
Kohli, currently the chief operating officer for EMEA, will its 31st Foundation Day from 31st January 2023 to 1st
head the US bank’s business in the country. February 2023.
With the bank since 2007, Kohli will relocate to Mumbai from NCW was founded in January 1992 as a statutory body under
London where he headed the firm’s post-Brexit strategy and the National Commission for Women Act, of 1990.
implemented growth strategies across markets in the region. It was established to review the constitutional and legal
Morgan Stanley CEO: James P. Gorman (1 Jan 2010–) safeguards for women.
Morgan Stanley Founded: 5 September 1935
Morgan Stanley Headquarters:New York, United States 42. According to the ministry of railway, India’s first
Hydrogen train will come by which year?
39. According to the Budget 2023, what is the revised A. 2023 B. 2024
average processing time for ITR? C. 2025 D. 2026
A. 21 days B. 20 days E. 2027
C. 18 days D. 16 days Ans. A
E. 15 days Explanation: The Indian Railways has introduced a green
Ans. D revolution and will be introducing hydrogen and electric
Explanation: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman trains to the eight heritage routes in the country by
stated during the presentation of the Union Budget on December 2023.
February 1, 2023, that the average processing time for The Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw
income tax returns has been lowered from 93 to 16 days. confirmed this recently.
She stated that 45 percent of ITRs are handled within 24 These hydrogen trains will include the modified version of
hours. steam engines, that will be back on tracks, equipped with
The administration aims to bring out next-generation vintage sirens and green steam vapours.
universal IT Return forms as well as reinforce the grievance The new trains will run on the routes of Kalka-Shimla
redressal process. Railways, Nilgiri Mountain Railways, Darjeeling Hills, Kangra
Railways, Bilimora Waghai, Mhow-Patalpani, Marwar-
40. How much money has been allocated to revamp the devgarh-Madriya and Matheran Hill Railways in
credit guarantee scheme for MSME in budget 2023? Maharashtra.
A. 1000 crore B. 5000 crore As a pilot project, the railways is manufacturing a prototype
C. 9000 crore D. 8000 crore of hydrogen fuel-based train at the Northern Railway
E. 7000 crore workshop. It would be test-run on the Sonipat-Jind section
Ans. C in Haryana.
Explanation: During the budget address on February 1,
2023, Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman proposed a Rs 43. Which country has been chosen as theme country at the
9,000 crore infusion into the corpus to reform the credit 46th International Kolkata Book Fair?
guarantee plan for MSMEs. A. Italy B. France
According to the finance minister, the policy would go into C. Spain D. Mexico
force on April 1, 2023. E. Brazil
Sitharaman further stated that the announced injection will Ans. C
enable extra collateral-free guaranteed credit of Rs 2 lakh Explanation: India will be invited as the focal country at the
crore and cut credit costs by 1%. Madrid International Book Fair in 2025.

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Spain is the theme country at the 46th International Kolkata Gujarat Maritime Cluster intends to host a wide array of
Book Fair. maritime, shipping, and logistics services providers in GIFT
The Madrid International Book Fair is an annual event held City at Gandhinagar.
in the Buen Retiro Park in Madrid. It is the first and only maritime cluster in India at present.
In 2022, the 45th International Kolkata Book Fair recorded a Besides serving as a vital platform enabling the regional
footfall of 18 lakh people and Rs 20 crore worth sales of maritime businesses to put forth their views and interests.
books. The Cluster has the unique advantage of leveraging the
According to the organisers of the book fair, there will be regulatory flexibility which is afforded by the first
nine entry and exit points for easy movement of visitors. International Finance Services Centre (IFSC) in the country.
Two big halls at the fair, having mainly English publications
have been named after Michael Madhusudan Dutt and 46. Recently, Eknath Shinde has declared "Jai Jai
Pyaricharan Sarkar. Maharashtra Majha" as the state song. Who has composed
Madrid International Book Fair - this song?
The Fair began in 1933. A. Shrinivas Khale B. Raja Badhe
It ceased for a few years because of the Spanish Civil War. C. Shahir Sable D. Hemant Bisht
The Madrid Book Fair is international in scope. E. Yashwantrao Chavan
Although it features mainly books from Spanish-speaking Ans. B
countries, the event promotes the literature of a guest Explanation: The Maharashtra government announced the
country, which may speak another language. "Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha" as the state song.
In 2018 the guest country was Romania; in 2019 it was the This song is usually performed at school cultural events on
Dominican Republic. May 1, second only to the national anthem.
The event scheduled for 2020 and 2021 were suspended The song’s two stanzas have a total duration of 1.41 minutes.
because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Soon after Gujarat adopted its own in 2011, Raja Badhe’s
cousin Ashok, a retired engineer, originally lobbied for this
44. Which State Government has launched the Vision for All to be regarded as the state song.
School Eye Health program in partnership with two others? Raja Badhe, a poet who worked for All India Radio from 1956
A. Assam B. Bihar to 1962, composed the song, which Shrinivas Khale set to
C. Kerala D. Goa music.
E. Punjab It was performed by well-known folk singer Shahir Sable in
Ans. D front of Yashwantrao Chavan during a ceremony for the
Explanation: The Government of Goa has launched the creation of the state on May 1, 1960, at Shivaji Park in Dadar.
Vision for All School Eye Health program in partnership with
OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and Prasad Netralaya. 47. Islam Nagar village situated in which state, which has
The program is an extension of the current Vision for All Goa recently been renamed as Jagdishpur?
eye health program. A. Uttar Pradesh B. Madhya Pradesh
The Vision for All Goa eye health program commenced in C. Haryana D. Telangana
February 2021 and its monthly camps have screened 50,000 E. Tamil Nadu
citizens and provided free spectacles to 16,000 people in Ans. B
need. Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh government announced
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is a registered that Islam Nagar village, situated in the Bhopal district, has
charitable organization reflecting the commitment of been renamed as Jagdishpur.
EssilorLuxottica to eliminating uncorrected poor vision in a The MP administration, in an official release, declared the
generation. changes and mentioned the change in the name with
immediate effect.
45. Who has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Previously, in February 2021, the CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan-
Officer of Gujarat Ports Infrastructure Company Limited of led government had renamed Hoshangabad as
the Gujarat Maritime Cluster? Narmadapuram and Nasrullahganj was renamed as
A. Madhvendra Singh B. Ashwini Kumar Bhairunda.
C. Rajendra Prasad D. Ajay Hazarilal
E. Mamta Verma 48. Which country has recently joined International Solar
Ans. A Alliance?
Explanation: Madhvendra Singh appointed as the first Chief A. Nigeria B. Russia
Executive Officer (CEO) of Gujarat Ports Infrastructure C. Ukraine D. Congo
Company Limited of the Gujarat Maritime Cluster. E. Kenya
The Gujarat Maritime Cluster (GMC) is the first of its kind Ans. D
Commercial Maritime Cluster in the country aimed at Explanation: India has welcomed Congo to International
creating a hub for maritime services of international Solar Alliance.
standards.

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The External Affairs Ministry said Ambassador of Republic of C. Meghalaya D. Odisha
Congo, Raymond Serge Bale signed the International Solar E. Madhya Pradesh
Alliance Framework Agreement in the presence of Joint Ans. A
Secretary (Economic Diplomacy). Explanation: Nagaland government has signed a
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Patanjali Foods
member-driven, collaborative platform for increased Limited for development and area expansion under palm oil
deployment of solar energy technologies. cultivation and processing for Zone-II (Mokokchung,
The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France Longleng, and Mon districts) of Nagaland under the National
to mobilize efforts against climate change through Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
deployment of solar energy solutions. The MoU was signed by the Director of Agriculture,
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Nagaland, M Ben Yanthan, and Patanjali Foods Ltd Head-NE
Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Region, Oil Palm Subhas Bhattacharjee at the Directorate of
It will help provide for regular and well-defined cooperation Agriculture, Kohima.
between the Alliance and the United Nations that would Patanjali Ayurveda is an Indian multinational conglomerate
benefit global energy growth and development. holding company based in Haridwar, India.
Patanjali is founded by Ramdev and Balkrishna in 2006.
49. K V Tirumalesh, who has passed away recently, was a Ramdev and Balkrishna established Patanjali Ayurveda in
famous - 2006.
A. Actor B. Writer Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Haridwar is the company’s
C. Athlete D. Politician main production facility.
E. Journalist The company manufactures cosmetics, ayurvedic medicine,
Ans. B personal care, and food production.
Explanation: Noted Kannada writer K V Tirumalesh has
passed away recently. 52. Which government agency has launched a "Pay as You
He is primarily recognized as a poet and was honored with Drive" policy to offer a comprehensive motor insurance
the Sahitya Akademi award for his innovative work Akshaya policy?
Kavya. A. National Investigation Agency B. Ministry of Transport
He wrote extensively across genres, including plays, short C. National Highways Authority D. Ministry of Rural
stories, novels, translations, and criticism. Development
K V Tirumalesh born in the year 1940, was an Indian poet, E. Ministry of Environment
writer, and critic in the Kannada and English languages, and Ans. A
a retired professor. Explanation: New India Assurance (NIA) has launched a ’Pay
K V Tirumalesh’s career as a writer began in the 1960s when as You Drive’ (PAYD) policy, which offers a comprehensive
he wrote the collection of poems MukhavaaDagalu (Masks motor insurance policy that charges a premium based on the
1968) in the Navya style. usage of the vehicle. The policy has two components- Third
Tirumalesh’s collection of poems, Akshaya Kavya (2010), as Party cover and own-damage cover.
described by him is an “epic fragment”. Key Points -
For instance, the customer can save money through
50. The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated how much for discounts on renewal premiums, provided the vehicle runs
the Deep Ocean Mission to explore marine biodiversity? within the specified kilometers.
A. Rs 200 crore B. Rs 400 crore The discount applied for the ’Pay as You Drive’ is basic own
C. Rs 600 crore D. Rs 800 crore damage premium.
E. Rs 900 crore About New India Assurance -
Ans. C The New India Assurance Co Ltd is a central public sector
Explanation: The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance,
600 crore to the Deep Ocean Mission to explore marine Government of India.
biodiversity for the sustainable use of resources. It is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Under this mission, a manned submersible will be developed It is the largest nationalized general insurance company in
to carry three people to a depth of 6,000 metres to facilitate India based on gross premium collection inclusive of foreign
mineral exploration in the central Indian ocean. operations.
In 2016, India was awarded a 15-year contract to explore an It was founded by Sir Dorabji Tata in 1919 and was
area of 75,000 km2 for mining polymetallic nodules from the nationalized in 1973.
Central Indian Ocean Basin at depths of 5,000-6,000 metres.
53. Which international organisation has recently observed
51. Which state government has signed a Memorandum of International Day of Human Fraternity on 4th February?
Understanding with Patanjali Foods Limited for A. United Nations General Assembly B. International
development and area expansion under palm oil cultivation? Atomic Energy Agency
A. Nagaland B. Mizoram

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C. United Nations Economic and Social Council D. United inaugurated the G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill for
Nations Human Rights Council more than 400 domestic and international participants
E. United Nations Environment Programme under India’s G20 presidency.
Ans. A The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
Explanation: The International Day of Human Fraternity was conducted the Cyber Security Exercise and drill in hybrid
established by the United Nations General Assembly on mode (Physical and Virtual) where international participants
December 21, 2020. from more than 12 countries joined through online mode.
The International Day of Human Fraternity has been Alkesh Kumar Sharma highlighted the fact that cyber
observed every year on February 4. incidents are increasingly becoming sophisticated &
This day falls in the middle of the International Interfaith disrupting affecting not only a nation but having a
Harmony Week which is recognised by one of the world’s transnational impact and there is an urgent need to work
leading transnational organisations the United Nations collectively to build joint resilience to counter cyber-attacks.
General Assembly. The second Tabletop Exercise, an Operational Drill was
The motto is "harmony in difference". designed for CISO and Mid-management on the theme
In 2023, the day will be marked in the backdrop of multiple “Building Collective Cyber Resilience”.
conflicts whether on grounds of political ideology, territorial The exercise was successful in meeting its objectives and
disputes, religious differences, or economic inequities. provided insights on enhancing and improving Crisis
They mark a sorry human condition, marked by many divides Management, Crisis Communication, Incident Response, and
and a lack of peace and harmony. global coordination & cooperation.

54. Which tech giant has invested around 300 million dollar 56. Which country will host 2027 Asian Nations Cup?
in Anthropic? A. India B. Saudi Arabia
A. Amazon B. Google C. Brazil D. Argentina
C. Meta D. Apple E. Mexico
E. Microsoft Ans. B
Ans. B Explanation: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
Explanation: Google has invested around 300 million dollar announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) won the
in Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup whose hosting of the 2027 Asian Nations Cup, for the first time in
technology is said to rival OpenAI, the company behind its history, since its inception in 1956.
ChatGPT. This came during the work of the 33rd Congress of the Asian
According to the deal, Anthropic has agreed to purchase Football Confederation (AFC), February 1, in the Bahraini
some of Google’s services to support its technology. capital, Manama.
The terms of the deal, through which Google will take a stake Saudi Arabia was the only bid presented at the Congress in
of about 10 per cent, requires Anthropic to use the money Manama after India’s withdrawal in December 2022.
to buy computing resources from the search company’s The Saudi Arabia 2027 committee concerned with the Saudi
cloud computing division. file to host the 2027 Asian Nations Cup revealed the new and
The partnership is designed so that the companies can co- developed stadiums that will be worked on to host the
develop AI computing systems. tournament.
Anthropic will leverage Google Cloud’s cutting-edge GPU It is noteworthy that Qatar will host the next edition of the
and TPU clusters to train, scale, and deploy its AI systems. Asian Football Cup, from June 26 to July 16, 2023.
Anthropic -
Anthropic was founded in 2021 by OpenAI former leaders at 57. What is the theme of World Cancer Day 2023?
OpenAI, including Daniela and Dario Amodei. A. Not Beyond Us B. I Am and I Will
Since its founding, Anthropic has published 14 research C. We can I can D. Close The Care Gap
papers showing how to build language models that are E. Dispel damaging myths
reliable and controllable. Ans. D
In January, Anthropic began deploying its technology Explanation: February 4th, is World Cancer Day 2023, which
publicly, starting off with a language model assistant named is being observed to create a cancer-free world.
"Claude". Cancer is any of a wide range of illnesses characterized by
the growth of abnormal cells with the capacity to invade and
55. Who has inaugurated the G20 Cyber Security Exercise damage healthy bodily tissue while dividing uncontrollably.
and Drill under India’s G20 presidency? The World Health Organization, on their initiative,
A. Ashwini Vaishnaw B. Rajeev Chandrasekhar established the inaugural Cancer Day in 1933 in Geneva,
C. Alkesh Kumar Sharma D. Piyush Goyal Switzerland.
E. Mansukh Mandaviya The goal of World Cancer Day is to increase public awareness
Ans. C of the risks associated with cancer, as well as its symptoms
Explanation: The Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and prevention.
and Information Technology (MeitY), Alkesh Kumar Sharma

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World Cancer Day was established in 2000 during the first C. USA D. Japan
World Summit Against Cancer. E. Russia
Theme - Ans. C
"Close The Care Gap" has been the theme for World Cancer Explanation: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval launched
Day for the past three years (2022, 2023, and 2024). the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies
Blue and Orange are the official colours for the world cancer laong with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan.
day 2023. In May 2022, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi announced iCET to expand their strategic
58. Who has launched the "Visit India Year – 2023" initiative technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation
and unveiled the logo in New Delhi? between the governments, businesses, and academic
A. Bandi Sanjay Kumar B. Meenakshi Lekhi institutions.
C. G Kishan Reddy D. Bandaru Dattatreya iCET Initiative -
E. Arjun Ram Meghwal The iCET initiative was launched by India and the US in May
Ans. C 2022, and is being run by the National Security Councils of
Explanation: Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy launched both countries.
the Visit India Year – 2023 initiative and unveiled the logo in Under iCET, the both countries have identified six areas of
New Delhi. cooperation which would include co-development and co-
Minister of Tourism G Kishan Reddy kicked off the year of production, that would gradually be expanded to QUAD,
grand plans and activities for promoting tourism in the then to NATO, followed by Europe and the rest of the world.
country. Under iCET, India is ready to share its core technologies with
Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy noted that the launch the US and expects Washington to do the same.
of the Visit India Year 2023 logo is taking place in this
important year as India is heading G20. 61. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has laid the
He also informed that more than one lakh foreign delegates foundation stone of fifth nano urea plant in which city?
will visit India this year and they will be showcased the entire A. Deoghar, Jharkhand B. Araria, Bihar
gamut of India’s culture, including monuments and festivals. C. Amethi, Uttar Pradesh D. Alwar, Rajasthan
E. Raipur, Chhattisgarh
59. IBM has collaborated with which space agency to gain Ans. A
new findings on Earth’s climate through the power of AI Explanation: Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the
technology? foundation stone of a ₹450 crore nano urea plant and
A. ISRO B. JAXA township of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative
C. SpaceX D. NASA (IFFCO) in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
E. Roscosmos The nano urea plant will be the fifth such plant in India.
Ans. D Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s first
Explanation: IBM has partnered with NASA to gain new nano urea plant in Gujarat in 2021.
findings on Earth’s climate through the power of AI Nano Urea helps in improving the crop productivity, soil
technology. health, and nutritional quality of products and aims to
The two organizations will use AI tech developed by IBM address the imbalance and excessive use of conventional
together with the large amounts of Earth observation and urea.
geospatial data that NASA has available to share. Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA)
Earth observation is the gathering of information about has allotted 20 acres of land to IFFCO for the complex in the
Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems, usually Jasidih area in the Deoghar district.
through the use of satellite imaging.
Key Points - 62. Who has won his third Grammy Award for his album
IBM informed that the goal of the partnership is to provide "Divine Tides"?
an easier way for researchers to analyze and draw insights A. Wouter Kellerman B. Ricky Kej
from these large data sets. C. Shankar Mahadevan D. Praveen D Rao
The company plans to apply its foundation AI models – which E. Matthew Shell
are trained on broad sets of data – to speed up the analysis Ans. B
of this data. Explanation: Ricky Kej, a musician, won his third Grammy
By analyzing the satellite data, it is hoped this foundational Award for the album "Divine Tides", which he co-wrote with
model will identify changes in natural disasters, crop yields, rock legend Stewart Copeland.
and wildlife habitats to help researchers analyze the Earth’s This is undoubtedly a proud moment for India.
environmental systems. The Indian music producer and composer from Bengaluru
received the prize for "Divine Tides" after being nominated
60. India launched the "Initiative on Critical and Emerging in the category of Best Immersive Audio Album.
Technologies" with which country? About Ricky Kej Grammy win -
A. Australia B. France

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In 2022, Kej and Copeland won another Grammy for Best Steingrubber who won gold, silver, and bronze medal
New Age Album for their collaboration on this song. respectively.
The musician also received a prize for his 2015 album,
"Winds of Samsara". 65. Mahindra Finance company has appointed whom as its
"Divine Tides", a tribute to the beauty of our natural world, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer?
features artists from all across the world. A. Anish Shah B. Raul Rebello
Ricky Kej, an Indian music composer and environmentalist C. Ramesh Iyer D. Milind Sarwate
who was born on August 5, 1981, is a two-time Grammy E. Rama Bijapurkar
Award winner and three-time nominee. Ans. B
Explanation: Mahindra Finance has appointed Raul Rebello
63. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Designate.
Mutilation has been observed on which day of February? Mahindra Finance is the vehicle financing unit of the
A. 03 February B. 04 February Mahindra & Mahindra Group.
C. 05 February D. 06 February Raul Rebello is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the
E. 07 February company and will take charge as MD and CEO when Ramesh
Ans. D Iyer retires on 29th April 2024.
Explanation: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Raul Rebello joined Mahindra Finance on 1st September
Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed on February 6. 2021 as the COO.
The primary objective behind observing this day is to amplify He previously served in the Axis Bank for 19 years where he
and direct efforts on the elimination of this cruel practice. was most recently the Executive Vice President and Head of
This year, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Rural Lending and Financial Inclusion.
Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation: Delivering the Raul is an active member of various industries and trade
Global Promise launched the 2023 theme; "Partnership with association bodies.
Men and Boys to transform Social and gender Norms to End The company received the certificate of commencement of
FGM". business on 19th February 1991.
In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th On 3rd November 1992, Mahindra Finance changed its name
as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital to Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited.
Mutilation, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts on
the elimination of this practice. 66. Which state has won the inaugural champions of
National Beach Soccer Championship?
64. Which gymnast has been banned for 21 months for A. Kerala B. Odisha
failing a dope test conducted by the International Testing C. Goa D. Bihar
Agency? E. Tripura
A. Sakshi Malik B. Pranati Nayak Ans. A
C. Aruna Reddy D. Jitu Rai Explanation: Kerala has crowned to their bulging cabinet of
E. Dipa Karmakar national football trophies, putting on a show in the final of
Ans. E the National Beach Soccer Championships and
Explanation: Gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been handed a overwhelming Punjab 13-4, to win the title, at Dumas Beach,
21-month ban for failing a dope test conducted by the Surat.
International Testing Agency. In the third place game played earlier in the day, Delhi beat
ITA is an independent organization that manages the anti- Uttarakhand 3-1.
doping program of the International Gymnastics Federation. The game was a rematch of the group stage, where Punjab
The ITA confirms that Dipa Karmakar has been suspended for had won a close affair 6-5.
21 months, effective until 10th July 2023 after testing Key points -
positive for higenamine. Kerala’s goalkeeper Santhosh Kasmeer was awarded the
About Dipa Karmakar - best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Dipa Karmakar is an Indian Gymnast from Tripura State. Rajasthan’s Amit Godara was the highest goalscorer, with 27
She is the first gymnast from India who competed in the goals.
Olympics. The best player of the tournament was awarded to Kerala’s
In her debut 2016 Summer Olympics in the final, she reached Siju S.
4th position.
At the Rio Olympics, she lost an Olympic medal by just 0.15 67. With which two countries India has agreed to establish a
points due to her historic achievement at Rio Olympics, she formal trilateral cooperation initiative with the aim of
became a well-known Gymnast as well as the face of expanding cooperation in various fields of mutual interest?
gymnastics in India. A. Germany and Iran B. France and UAE
In the final, she performed a difficult Prodonova Vault and C. Italy and USA D. Spain and China
competed against the world’s top Gymnasts such as Simone E. Russia and UK
Biles of the United States, Maria Paseka, and Giulia Ans. B

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Explanation: India, France and the United Arab Emirates Neither Vladimir Putin nor Xi Jinping figured among the 22
(UAE) announced the creation of a formal trilateral popular leaders globally.
cooperation initiative for projects in solar and nuclear The “Global Leader Approval” survey is based on data
energy, the fight against climate change and joint production collected from January 26-31 this year, said the Political
of military hardware. Intelligence research firm which collated a seven-day moving
The initiative will also act as a platform to bolster average of adult residents in each country, with sample sizes
cooperation on sustainable projects between the varying by country.
development agencies of the three countries, which will also
work to align their economic, technological and social 70. Legendary singer Vani Jayaram has been passed away
policies with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. recently. In which year she was honored with the Filmfare
The initiative follows the first meeting of the foreign Lifetime Achievement Award?
ministers of India, France and the UAE on the margins of the A. 2010 B. 2004
UN General Assembly in New York on September 19, 2022. C. 2012 D. 2018
Other Dimensions of The Trilateral Cooperation - E. 2015
It was agreed that the three countries should seek to focus Ans. C
on key issues such as single-use plastic pollution, Explanation: Vani Jayaram, a legendary playback singer
desertification, and food security in the context of the from the South film industry passed away.
International Year of Millets-2023. On this year’s Republic Day, she was awarded the prestigious
Padma Bhushan to recognize her contribution to Indian
68. Who has been appointed as a member of the Economic music for over 50 years.
Advisory Council to Prime Minister? Vani Jayaram passed away before accepting the award.
A. Bibek Debroy B. Sanjeev Sanyal Vani’s career started in 1971 and has spanned over five
C. Nilesh Shah D. Shamika Ravi decades.
E. Govinda Rao She did playback for over one thousand Indian movies
Ans. D recording over 10,000 songs.
Explanation: Economics professor and researcher Shamika Vani won the National Film Awards for Best Female Playback
Ravi has been appointed as a member of the Economic Singer three times and also has won State Government
Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM). awards from the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
She is currently non-resident senior fellow of the governance Nadu, and Gujarat.
studies program at the Brookings Institution Washington In 2012, she was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime
D.C. Achievement Award – South for her achievements in South
EAC-PM, chaired by economist Bibek Debroy, currently has Indian film music.
one member and six part-time members.
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) 71. Aaron Finch, who recently announced his retirement
is an independent body constituted to give advice on from international cricket, is associated with which national
economic and related issues to the Government of India, cricket team?
specifically to the Prime Minister. A. Australia B. New Zealand
The Terms of Reference of EAC-PM include analyzing any C. West Indies D. Zimbabwe
issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the Prime E. Ireland
Minister and advising him thereon, addressing issues of Ans. A
macroeconomic importance and presenting views thereon Explanation: Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning captain
to the Prime Minister. Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from the T20Is,
this brings an end to his international cricket career for
69. According to the US-based consulting firm "Morning Australia spanning 12 years.
Consult" who has been emerged as world’s most popular Earlier, the opening batsman had announced retirement
leader? from the 50-over format in September last year. Finch also
A. Narendra Modi B. Volodymyr Zelensky played five Test matches for Australia.
C. Joe Biden D. Emmanuel Macron Aaron Finch career:
E. Rishi Sunak Finch made his international cricket debut in a T20I against
Ans. A England in 2011. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in
Explanation: PM Narendra Modi has been pegged as the 2013.
world’s most popular leader with an approval rating of 78 Finch made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2018. Finch
per cent as per a survey by a US-based consulting firm became a permanent part of the leadership group in the
"Morning Consult". absence of regular captain Steve Smith and vice-captain
As per the rating PM Modi’s ratings trump those of other Warner.
leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Finch retires from T20I cricket after 103 caps for Australia,
Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. leading the country in 76 of those matches.
The poll surveyed 22 global leaders for the ratings.

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He retires as Australia’s leading run-getter in the format, ChatGPT was introduced in the month of November last
having scored 3120 runs at an average of 34.28 and a strike year. Since then, OpenAI has revealed the extraordinary
rate of 142.5. capabilities of ChatGPT and its impact on daily lives. Google
His career-best 172 came against Zimbabwe in 2018 and is has been working on AI for the past six years and it has finally
also the best individual score in the format. revealed Bard.
Google is releasing Bard initially with a lightweight model
72. Who has been appointed by Vedanta Ltd as CEO of its version of LaMDA, which requires less computing power,
semiconductor unit? making it easier to scale to more users and get more
A. David Reed B. Anil Agarwal feedback. The company plans to combine external feedback
C. Navin Agarwal D. Sunil Duggal with its internal testing to enhance Bard’s responses and to
E. Dindayal Jalan ensure higher ’quality, safety and groundedness in real-
Ans. A world information’.
Explanation: Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd named David ChatGPT:
Reed as the CEO of its semiconductor unit, where it is looking ChatGPT is an AI chatbot system.
to invest USD 20 billion to manufacture chips essential for
mobile phones to laptops and TV sets.. 74. Under which initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
The group is planning to start manufacturing over 20 thousand youth will travel across the country and
semiconductors at Gujarat’s Dholera in two to three years. gain a unique opportunity of cross-cultural learning?
Reed was previously the Executive Vice President and A. Yuva Sanyog B. Yuva Sangam
General Manager of Global Operations at NXP C. Yuva Samagam D. Yuva Saath
Semiconductors. E. Yuva Sangati
In September 2022, Vedanta signed an MoU with Gujarat Ans. B
government to set up India’s first semiconductor fab unit, a Explanation: The Yuva Sangam is an initiative of Prime
display fab unit, and a semiconductor assembling and testing Minister Narendra Modi to build close ties between the
unit in the state. youth of the North East Region and rest of India under the
Vedanta Group has earlier announced that the group has spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
earmarked investments of up to USD 20 billion for Under the initiative over 20 thousand youth will travel across
semiconductor business, and it plans to invest USD 15 billion the country and gain a unique opportunity of cross-cultural
in the first 10 years. learning.
Vedanta will look at making a 28 nanometer (nm) chipset. The program is an opportunity for the youth of the North
The semiconductors will be manufactured in joint venture East to explore the country.This Wide Cultural Exchange
with Taiwanese electronics company Foxconn. Vedanta Program will also give an opportunity to the country’s youth
holds a 63 per cent interest and the remaining is with to celebrate the ancient culture and natural diversity of
Foxconn in the joint venture. India. Out of one thousand, 300 students will be from the
Vedanta Limited: North East region.
Industry: Mining, Oil and Gas, Electric utility ’Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Yuva Sangam’, the youth of 18
Founded: 1979 years to 30 years will get an opportunity to see different
Headquarters: Mumbai, India states of the country, to understand their art, culture and
Chairperson: Anil Agarwal languages.
CEO: Sunil Duggal
75. Who has become the first Indian-American woman to
73. What is the name of Google’s new artificial intelligence head Harvard Law Review?
chatbot? A. Raj Chandra Bose B. Apsara A. Iyer
A. Bard B. Sbaitso C. Shamita Kachru D. Akshay Venkatesh
C. Perry D. Racter E. Shankar Abhyankar
E. Mark Ans. B
Ans. A Explanation: Second year law student at Harvard Law
Explanation: Google has announced that it will launch an School, Apsara A. Iyer has been elected the 137th president
artificial intelligence chatbot called ’Bard’ in the coming of the Harvard Law Review.
weeks. She is the first Indian American woman to hold the position.
The new AI-powered chatbot is based on Google’s LaMDA Harvard Law Review, was founded in 1887 and is among the
(Language Model for Dialogue Applications) technology and oldest student-run legal scholarship publications.
draws on information from the web to "provide fresh, high- Apsara Iyer’s distinguished predecessors in the role include
quality responses". Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and former
It can help people explain complex topics, such as president Barack Obama.
discoveries from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, to a She aims to include more editors in the process of reviewing
9-year-old, or learn about the best football players and get and selecting articles and upholding the publication’s
training drills to build skills. reputation for “high-quality” work.

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Apsara Iyer: In 2008 he suffered defeat in the polls and left the country
Iyer graduated from Yale in 2016 and received a bachelor’s six months later.
degree in Economics and Math and Spanish. When he returned in 2013 to try to contest the election, he
Iyer worked in the office in 2018 before coming to the Law was arrested and barred from standing. He was charged with
School, and took a leave of absence after her first year high treason and was sentenced to death in absentia only for
studying law to return to the role. the decision to be overturned less than a month later.
Iyer has previously been involved in the Law School’s He left Pakistan for Dubai in 2016 to seek medical treatment
Harvard Human Rights Journal and the National Security and had been living in exile in the country ever since.
Journal and is also a member of the South Asian Law
Students Association. 78. Which former Indian cricketer has been appointed as the
head coach of the Nepal national cricket team?
76. Which has become the first civic body in India to issue A. Piyush Chawla B. Yalaka Venugopal
green bonds? C. Joginder Sharma D. Monty Desai
A. Allahabad Municipal Corporation B. Lucknow E. Rohan Gavaskar
Municipal Corporation Ans. D
C. Indore Municipal Corporation D. Raipur Municipal Explanation: The Nepal Cricket Association has appointed
Corporation former Indian cricketer Monty Desai as the head coach of the
E. Patna Municipal Corporation Nepal national cricket team.
Ans. C He will replace another former Indian cricketer Manoj
Explanation: Indore Municipal Corporation has ranked top Prabhakar, who resigned from his post in December 2022.
in cleanliness survey for six consecutive years, has become Nepal Cricket Association has signed a two-year deal with
the country’s first civic body to launch green bonds, seeking Monty Desai.
to raise Rs 244 crore for a 60-mw solar plant at its water Monty has been the head coach of teams like West Indies,
pumping station. Canada, UAE. Monty has also served as the head coach of
The public issues of the green bonds will be open for the Rajasthan Royals team in the Indian Premier League
subscription from February 10-14. The issue will be listed on (IPL).
the National Stock Exchange. A total of 24 people had applied following a call for
The drinking water department of the city administration application by the CAN for the post of the national coach of
spends over Rs 300 crore in annual electricity charges. Its Nepali national cricket team.
Juladh pumping station, by the Narmada river falling in the Nepal is currently preparing for the triangular one-day series
Khargone district, is the biggest pumping station for the city. as part of the ICC Men’s World Cup Cricket League Two
The balance amount will come from the Centre: Rs 41 crore tournament.
as viability gap funding and Rs 26 crore or 13 per cent special The tournament featuring Nepal, Scotland and Namibia is
incentives that the Centre offers to municipalities for being held in Nepal from February 14.
launching bonds. The Centre caps this 13 per cent incentive Nepal:
for only up to Rs 200 crore of bond sales. Capital: Kathmandu
Green bonds: President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari
A green bond is a debt security issued by an organization for Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
the purpose of financing or refinancing projects that Currency: Nepalese Rupee
contribute positively to the environment and/or climate. A
green bond is alternatively known as a climate bond. 79. Who is the Managing Director & CEO of Manappuram
Finance, who has bagged the Hurun India’s award for his
77. General Pervez Musharraf, who died recently, was remarkable achievements in the world of business?
elected as Pakistan’s president in which year? A. Shailesh Mehta B. P Manomohanan
A. 2008 B. 2003 C. Sumitha Nandan D. VP Nandakumar
C. 2001 D. 2011 E. Gautam Ravi Narayan
E. 2010 Ans. D
Ans. C Explanation: Managing Director & CEO, Manappuram
Explanation: Pakistan’s former president General Pervez Finance Ltd, VP Nandakumar has bagged the Hurun India’s
Musharraf, who seized power in a coup in 1999, has died award for his remarkable achievements in the world of
aged 79. business.
The former leader - who was president between 2001 and He received The Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022
2008 - died in Dubai after a long illness. from top Hurun India officials at a function held in Mumbai.
He had survived numerous assassination attempts, and Adi Godrej, chairman, Godrej Group, Cyrus S Poonawalla,
found himself on the front line of the struggle between Managing Director, Serum Institute of India Ltd, Kris
militant Islamists and the West. Gopalakrishnan, co-founder, Infosys Ltd and Sanjiv Goenka
He supported the US "war on terror" after 9/11 despite of RPG Group were the earlier recipients of this award.
domestic opposition.

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80. Recently, India has provided 50 Buses to which country 82. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the
Under Economic Assistance Scheme? nation, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited helicopter factory
A. Bhutan B. Nepal in which state?
C. Myanmar D. Thailand A. Telangana B. Karnataka
E. Sri Lanka C. Tamil Nadu D. Maharashtra
Ans. E E. Kerala
Explanation: India delivered fifty buses to Sri Lanka at the Ans. B
Presidential Secretariat premises as Sri Lanka celebrated its Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates to
75th Independence Day. the nation the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay handed over the helicopter factory in Karnataka’s Tumakuru.
buses to Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The foundation stone of the facility, which is a dedicated
Ashok Leyland, the commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland new greenfield helicopter factory, was also laid by PM Modi
had bagged the contract for supplying 500 buses to the Sri in 2016.
Lank Transport Board. The facility will enhance India’s capacity and ecosystem to
The order is a part of a Line of Credit extended by the Export- build helicopters.
Import Bank of India, under the Economic Assistance This will result in providing employment for around 6000
Scheme of the Indian government. people in the region.
In January, India gave 75 buses as part of its support to This helicopter factory is Asia’s largest helicopter
strengthen the transport of its southern neighbor which is manufacturing facility and will initially produce the Light
going through its worst economic crisis since the 1948 Utility Helicopters (LUH), the PMO said in a release.
independence from the British colony. LUH is an indigenously designed and developed 3-tonne
India has handed over 165 buses so far, as the registration of class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with
40 is already being done. unique feature of high manoeuvrability.
President Wickremesinghe has instructed to use all the
buses received from India to strengthen the transport 83. Which Indian company has been named to FORTUNE
services in rural Sri Lanka. magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies?
India has also handed over 125 SUVs to the Sri Lanka Police A. Infosys B. Wipro
under the line of credit to help with the mobility restriction C. Accenture D. Cognizant
issues faced by the security personnel. E. Tata Consultancy Services
Ans. E
81. Recently, Ruskin Bond has been awarded by the Golden Explanation: Tata Consultancy Services has been named to
Book Awards 2023 for which of his creation? FORTUNE magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired
A. How To Live Your Life B. Fantastic Beasts Companies.
C. The Seven Spiritual Laws D. A Country Called Childhood Regarded as a barometer of corporate reputation, the list is
E. An Enticing Career based on a survey of business executives, directors and
Ans. A analysts.
Explanation: The "Golden Book Awards" is announced its About the TCS -
winner for 2023. TCS has invested heavily in research and innovation, taking
This prestigious event recognizes and celebrates the best up promising themes in each industry to envisage and design
book in literature. innovative solutions.
There were more than 75,000 books published in India and The company has over 6,500 dedicated researchers and
nominees include a diverse mix of literary genres, including innovators, with 2,694 granted patents to their credit.
fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books.
The awards are judged by a panel of literary experts, like Dr 84. What is the percentage of India in milk production in the
Kailash Pinjani (President Indian Authors Association), Dr world in 2021-22?
Deepak Parbat (Founder of Superfast Author) & Murali A. 18% B. 31%
Sundaram (Founder of TLC), who choose the winners based C. 44% D. 24%
on factors such as originality, creativity, and impact on the E. 22%
literary world. Ans. D
The winners of Golden Book Awards 2023 - Explanation: According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
Ashneer Grover – Doglapan: The Hard Truth About Life And Husbandry and Dairying, India is the highest milk producer in
Start-Ups the world contributing twenty-four per cent of global milk
Ruskin Bond – How To Live Your Life production in the year 2021-22.
Namita Thapar – The Dolphin And The Shark: Stories On According to production data of Food and Agriculture
Entrepreneurship Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT),
Sneh Desai, Sunil Tulsiani & Brian Tracy – Ultimate Secrets To India is the highest milk producer in the world contributing
Wealth twenty-four per cent of global milk production in the year
2021-22.

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The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying runs The initiative is currently being implemented in 10 states
various schemes to benefit farmer members, including with an emphasis on targeting women and
financially weaker farmers in the dairy sector. underrepresented groups.
The National Programme for Dairy Development aims at Through its extensive network and support from self-help
enhancing the quality of milk, milk products and increasing organizations, Reliance Foundation will assist with the
the share of organised procurement, processing, value deployment.
addition and marketing.
Due to the implementation of these schemes by the 87. In February 2023, the recently unveiled British stamp has
department, milk production in the country has increased featured with whose image?
from 146.31 Million Tonnes in 2014-15 to 221.1. A. Queen Elizabeth II B. King Charles III
C. King George VI D. Duke Edward V
85. Which payment company has recently launched cross- E. Wallis Simpson
border UPI payment services in February 2023? Ans. B
A. PhonePe B. Paytm Explanation: New "everyday" stamps featuring the image of
C. Google Pay D. Mobikwik King Charles III has unveiled for the first time.
E. BHIM From coins and banknotes and to the official royal cypher
Ans. A used by the government, Britain has been slowly introducing
Explanation: PhonePe announced the debut of a service replacements featuring the new monarch since his mother’s
that will enable its Indian users who are travelling overseas death in September.
to pay foreign businesses using the Unified Payments The new stamp will go on general sale at the start of April.
Interface (UPI). In tandem with a tradition dating back to the first Penny
"UPI international" enables retail locations with a native QR Black in 1840, the new stamp uses an adapted version of a
(quick response) code in the UAE, Singapore, Mauritius, portrait of Charles which is also appearing on new coinage.
Nepal and Bhutan. History -
Similar to how they do with overseas debit cards, users Great Britain issued the world’s first adhesive postage stamp
would be able to make direct payments in a foreign currency on 6 May 1840.
from their Indian bank. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was by photographer
The Walmart-backed finance app PhonePe claimed to be the Dorothy Wilding.
first to do so in India. Additionally, released before 1961, there were only 12
According to a report by Bain and Company, the money will commemorative stamps.
enable PhonePe to expand its business and compete with Issued in 1993 in the UK, was the first self-adhesive stamp.
Google Pay, Paytm, and Amazon Pay in the $350 billion Britain’s first ever customised stamps service, called
Indian fintech market by 2026. Smilers® followed in 2000.
This year, UPI International will be expanded to new nations,
according to plans by the National Payments Corporation of 88. Recently, Sculpture Park has been inaugurated by
India (NPCI) and NPCI International Payments Limited. UPI Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma in which city?
was made by NPCI. A. New Delhi B. Bikaner
C. Lucknow D. Mathura
86. Reliance Jio in collaboration with which company has E. Mumbai
unveiled a nationwide Digital Skill initiative in India? Ans. A
A. GSMA Association B. Deloitte Explanation: The Sculpture Park at Bikaner House in New
C. CTIA Association D. Statista Delhi was inaugurated by Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha
E. Motorola Solutions Sharma.
Ans. A Sculpture Park showcases a fusion of modern and
Explanation: Reliance Jio in collaboration with GSMA has contemporary art and culture in the traditional setting of
unveiled a nationwide Digital Skill initiative. This Bikaner House.
collaborative effort intends to provide rural women and The Sculpture Park is a trailblazer in the national capital and
people from low-income groups with training based on their offers a premier platform for emerging artists to showcase
specific needs. their work with ease.
As part of this effort, the GSMA and Jio teams collaborated Key Points -
to identify existing digital skill shortages and create need- The Sculpture Park at Bikaner House is the first of its kind in
based, India-specific digital skills training toolkits. the capital and will serve as a milestone in promoting
Following in-depth user input and field research, the toolkits modern and contemporary art.
were created. It showcases works from renowned and emerging artists
During the trial phase, more than 1,000 rural men and from India and the world, connecting Rajasthani art, culture,
women from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh took part and and heritage with national and international recognition.
contributed to the improvement of the digital training Chief Secretary Sharma highlighted that the launch of the
toolkits. sculpture park and the “Bikaner House Dialogues on Art,

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Literature, and Culture” is a unique initiative that provides a Established in 1906 at Mangalore by Ammembal Subba Rao
platform for young artists to showcase their contemporary Pai, the bank also has offices in London, Dubai and New York.
works.
The first open-air exhibition at Bikaner House features the 91. India received the highest ever foreign inward
works of the following artists - remittance of how many million dollars in a year in the
Akhil Chandra Das (Monk) financial year 2021-22?
Tapas Biswas (Benares Ghats, Three Girls) A. Dollor 48,452 million B. Dollor 98,288 million
Satish Gupta (Garuda and Zen Forest) C. Dollor 79,712 million D. Dollor 89,127 million
Satish Gujaral (The Trinity), KS Radhakrishnan (Airbond Maya E. Dollor 61,475 million
on The Move) Ans. D
Tutu Patnaik (Tree), Dhananjay Singh (Faces 2) Explanation: During 2021-22, India received foreign inward
remittances of USD 89,127 million which was the highest
89. Which company has launched "Bizkhata" for small ever inward remittances received in a single year.
businesses and merchant partners? This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj
A. ESAF Small Finance Bank B. Fino Payments Bank Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
C. Airtel Payments Bank D. Equitas Small Finance Bank Year - Inward Remittances
E. India Post Payment Bank (US Dollor million)
Ans. C 2017-18 - 69,129
Explanation: Airtel Payments Bank announced the 2018-19 - 76,396
availability of its current account, BizKhata, which offers 2019-20 - 83,195
small businesses and business partners across the nation fast 2020-21 - 80,185
activation and limitless transactions. 2021-22 - 89,127
Because they cannot maintain the minimum amount Remittance -
required for business accounts, many small business owners The World Bank defines remittance as the sum of worker’s
continue to use savings accounts for business-related remittances, compensation of employees, and migrants’
expenses. transfers as recorded in the IMF Balance of Payments.
This makes it difficult to distinguish between personal and Workers remittances are current transfers by migrant who
corporate dealings. are considered residents in the source.
Key Points - Remittances are a vital source of household income for low
The BizKhata business platform from Airtel Payments Bank and middle income countries.
was created with these small company owners and retailers
in mind. 92. An "epic tale" of a 14th-century woman “Victory City”
It unifies all corporate transactions on a single platform and novel has been authored by whom?
enables them to keep accurate records while taking A. Salman Rushdie B. Padma Lakshmi
advantage of several financial advantages. C. Arundhati Roy D. Taslima Nasrin
Do an unlimited number of credit and debit transactions, E. Kazuo Ishiguro
within five minutes of opening the account, the customer Ans. A
can begin utilizing it. Explanation: Salman Rushdie published his new novel
"Victory City", an "epic tale" of a 14th-century woman who
90. Recently, K Satyanarayana Raju has been named as new defies a patriarchal world to rule a city.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of which The much-anticipated work tells the tale of young orphan girl
bank? Pampa Kampana who is endowed by a goddess with magical
A. HDFC Bank B. Canara Bank powers and founds the city, in modern-day India, of Bisnaga,
C. IDFC Bank D. Yes Bank which translates as Victory City.
E. ICICI Bank 12 Notable Salman Rushdie Books -
Ans. B 1 - Grimus (1975)
Explanation: The Union Government has appointed K 2 - Midnight’s Children (1981)
Satyanarayana Raju as its Managing Director and CEO of 3 - Shame (1983)
Canara Bank, with immediate effect. 4 - The Satanic Verses (1988)
He will be replacing L V Prabhakar who demitted office on 5 - The Moor’s Last Sigh (1995)
December 31, 2022. 6 - The Ground Beneath Her Feet (1999)
He joined the erstwhile Vijaya Bank in 1988, and rose to the 7 - Fury (2001)
level of chief general manager in Bank of Baroda. 8 - Shalimar the Clown (2005)
His experience has led to digital transformation of banking 9 - The Enchantress of Florence (2008)
products and services. 10 - Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights (2015)
Canara Bank is an Indian public sector bank under the control 11 - The Golden House (2017)
and ownership of Ministry of Finance, Government of India. 12 - Quichotte (2019)

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93. Safer Internet Day 2023 has been observed on which day
of February? 95. In a collaboration with which space agency, ISRO will
A. 4 February B. 5 February launch Earth-observation satellite "NISAR" in September?
C. 6 February D. 7 February A. NASA B. Roscosmos
E. 8 February C. JAXA D. SpaceX
Ans. D E. CNSA
Explanation: This year’s Safer Internet Day took place on 7 Ans. A
February 2023. Explanation: National Aeronautics and Space
Significantly, it was the 20th edition of the campaign. Administration and the Indian Space Research Organisation
Safer Internet Day is marked to help the younger generation has jointly developed an Earth-observation satellite, called
understand safe practices on the Internet. NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) has got a send-
Theme - off ceremony at the American space agency’s Jet Propulsion
According to UK Safer Internet Center, the theme for Safer Laboratory in Southern California.
Internet Day 2023 is "Want to talk about it? Making space ISRO will use NISAR for a variety of purposes including
for conversations about life online". agricultural mapping, and monitoring of glaciers in the
History - Himalayas, landslide-prone areas and changes in the
In 1990, Computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the coastline.
World Wide Web, bringing the Internet that we know today NISAR -
into existence. NISAR has been built by space agencies of the US and India
Safer Internet Day began as an initiative of the EU under a partnership agreement signed in 2014.
SafeBorders project in 2004. The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-
Taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, which
in 2005, Safer Internet Day is now commemorated in makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.
approximately 180 countries and territories worldwide. While NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-
In 2009, the concept of Safer Internet Day Committees was capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload
introduced. data subsystem, ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the
GSLV launch system and spacecraft.
94. Which country is the world’s happiest country according
to the World Happiness Index 2023 Report? 96. Which company has bagged "ATD Best Awards 2023"?
A. Finland B. Denmark A. ONGC B. NHPC
C. Switzerland D. Iceland C. Coal India D. NTPC
E. Netherlands E. Indian Oil Corporation
Ans. A Ans. D
Explanation: The Gallup World Poll served as the main Explanation: The country’s largest power generating
source for this study. company, NTPC Limited has been honoured with "ATD Best
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network publishes Awards 2023" by the Association for Talent Development
an annual report called the World Happiness Index 2023. (ATD), USA.
The World Happiness Report is a gauge of overall happiness, This is the sixth time that NTPC Limited has won this award
according to the world happiness index. for demonstrating enterprise success in the field of talent
The World Happiness Index 2023 Report will mark its tenth development.
anniversary with this year’s Globe Happiness Reflect. About NTPC -
Finland was named the world’s happiest country for the fifth The NTPC which was earlier known as National Thermal
year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report. Power Corporation of India is owned by the Government of
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network of the UN India.
has published a new report, which was made public two days It was set up in 1975.
prior to the yearly International Day of Happiness. The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station in the Singrauli
It rates 150 countries (146 in 2023) based on factors such as district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed capacity of
GDP, life expectancy, and other indicators of quality of life. 4760MW, is currently the biggest thermal power plant in
According to a yearly UN survey released, Russia is not India.
having a happy year as it drops in the global happiness It is a coal-based power plant owned and operated by NTPC.
rankings again this year. The total installed commercial capacity of the company was
Top 5 countries are - 69454 MW before the JPL deal.
Finland
Denmark
Switzerland 97. Which operation has been launched by India to deploy
Iceland field hospital, supplies and rescue personnel in Turkey and
Netherlands Syria?
136 – India A. Operation Mitra B. Operation Dost

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C. Operation Swajan D. Operation Saathi The area is named Kala Ghoda due to the historical
E. Operation Rescue significance of the place.
Ans. B A statue of King Edward on the horseback was installed there
Explanation: As part of "Operation Dost", India will deploy initially during British times.
a field hospital, supplies and rescue personnel to the The theme of this year’s Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is ’Past
earthquake-stricken countries of Turkey and Syria. Forward’.
Operation Dost -
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to 100. Which company has become the first fintech apps to
provide Turkey with all necessary aid on Day 1, India made support RuPay Credit Cards on UPI?
the decision to dispatch search and rescue teams from the A. MobiKwik B. Paytm
National Disaster Response Force, medical teams, and relief C. Google Pay D. PhonePe
supplies to the nation right away. E. Freecharge
Search teams and rescue supplies have started to arrive by Ans. A
plane, and dozens of countries, including the United States, Explanation: India’s leading fintech, MobiKwik has become
China, and the Gulf States, have promised their support. the first fintech apps to support RuPay Credit Cards on UPI.
The development brings a new level of convenience to the
98. Defence Ministry has inked pact with which company for millions of Indians who use UPI for their daily transactions.
the purchase of 41 indigenous modular bridges Indian Army? The integration will also help in the development of new
A. ITC Limited B. Larsen & Toubro credit products on existing UPI rails that will drive credit
C. Adani Group D. Reliance Group penetration in smaller cities that largely remain
E. TATA Group underserved.
Ans. B The integration of RuPay Credit Cards with UPI is in line with
Explanation: The Ministry of Defence has inked a contract the National Payments Corporation of India and RBI’s vision
with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the purchase of 41 to boost credit card acceptance across merchants that are
indigenous modular bridges for the Corps of Engineers of the not part of the credit ecosystem.
Indian Army, valued at over Rs 2,585 crore.
Key Points - 101. 1. Who has won Kenya Ladies Open Title 2023?
A modular bridge is made of quick-installing components A. Aditi Ashok B. Diksha Dagar
that may be easily assembled on site. C. Smriti Mehra D. Pranavi Urs
Seven carrier vehicles based on 8×8 heavy mobility vehicles E. Amandeep Drall
and two launcher vehicles based on 10×10 heavy mobility Ans. A
vehicles must be included in each set of the modular bridge. Explanation: Indian Olympian Aditi Ashok won the 2023
Additionally, the modular bridges will take the role of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open Title with a final-round score of
Indian Army’s current manually launched medium girder 74.
bridges (MGB). This is the fourth Ladies’ European championship of Aditi
The modular bridges made in-country will be superior to Ashok overall.
MGB in several ways, including expanded span, quicker Her first LET title comes after winning the Fatima Bint
construction, and mechanical launching with retrieval Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi in 2017.
capability. The golf player, Aditi Ashok, played one of the most
dominant matches of her career.
99. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has begun in which city after She was competing in her first event in over two months,
break of two years? took a three-shot lead in the first round, increased it to five
A. Chennai B. Mumbai after two rounds, and increased it to six after the third.
C. New Delhi D. Kolkata At the end of every round, Aditi kept adding the points on
E. Lucknow the table that showed a clear lead at the end of the final
Ans. B round.
Explanation: The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival began on 4th
February and will go on till 12th February 2023. 102. Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is Asia’s biggest multicultural inaugurated Global Investors Summit 2023 in which city?
festival. A. New Delhi B. Lucknow
The festival is happening after a break of two years due to C. Mumbai D. Bengaluru
the Covid-19 pandemic. E. Chandigarh
Every year this festival is organized in January or February. Ans. B
Key Points - Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
The chairperson of the festival, Brinda Miller informed us the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 in Lucknow.
that this festival is for the people and by the people. The 10-12 February event is expected to be attended by
The festival is for 9 days organized by the Kala Ghoda several ministers of the Union and the state government and
association of the Kala Ghoda area of South Bombay. a host of leading industrialists.

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More than 300 renowned industrialists are expected to magnets and are being manufactured and tested in
participate. situations that are pertinent to fusion power plants.
The event is important for the state which initially set a Strong magnetic fields are needed to contain and manage
target to attract investment proposals of Rs 10 lakh crore at the extremely hot, positively-charged hydrogen fuel, which
the UPGIS-2023, and later revised it to Rs 17.3 lakh crore. creates a plasma several times hotter than the sun, in order
Along with partner countries including Singapore, Denmark, to produce clean, sustainable fusion energy.
Japan, UAE, Australia and the UK, space has been allocated Nearly a million times stronger than the magnetic field of the
to different government departments and private Earth, Demo4’s magnetic field will have a strength of over 18
companies to put up exhibitions there. Tesla.
It will need to be tested at minus 253 C, which is merely 20
103. Drugmaker company Pfizer India Limited has appointed degrees above absolute zero.
whom as an Additional Director and Managing Director for Large electrical currents are carried through arrays of
five years? electromagnet coils that will surround the plasma in future
A. Meena Ganesh B. Pradip Shah power plants to produce powerful magnetic fields.
C. Meenakshi Nevatia D. Sunil Lalbhai
E. Uday Khanna 106. What is the rank of India’s national accreditation system
Ans. C under the Quality Council of India in the Global Quality
Explanation: Drugmaker Pfizer Limited has announced the Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021?
appointment of Meenakshi Nevatia as an Additional Director A. First B. Third
and Managing Director for five years. C. Second D. Fifth
She comes in the place of S Sridhar, who announced his early E. Fourth
retirement in August 2022. Ans. D
Sridhar, the current India country President, will step down Explanation: India’s national accreditation system under the
as Managing Director and board member from March 31, Quality Council of India (QCI) has been ranked 5th in the
2023. world in the recent Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII)
The Board of Directors of Pfizer Limited, at their meeting 2021.
held on 9 th February 2023, considered the recommendation The GQII ranks the 184 economies in the world on the basis
of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, and of the quality infrastructure (QI).
approved the appointment of Meenakshi as the Managing India’s overall QI system ranking continues to be in the Top
Director with effect from 3rd April 2023. 10 at the 10th position, with the standardization system
(under BIS) at 9th and the metrology system (under NPL-
104. Quad Nations has begun Public Campaign to improve CSIR) at 21st position in the world.
which branch of computer systems? According to the report, the top 25 countries in the world are
A. Cyber Security B. Artificial intelligence mainly located in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe.
C. Data science D. Internet of things Some of these include India, Australia, Turkey and Brazil.
E. Cloud computing Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up in 1997 by
Ans. A Government of India.
Explanation: The commencement of a public campaign to It was set-up jointly with Indian Industry as an autonomous
strengthen cyber security in these four countries has been body under the administrative control of the Department to
announced by The Quad, a plurilateral structure made up of establish and operate the National Accreditation Structure
India, Australia, Japan and the US. for conformity assessment bodies.
These resources include fundamental cybersecurity
knowledge and training. 107. Who has become the fastest Indian bowler to pick up
The Quad partners are striving to guarantee that everyone 450 Test wickets?
has access to the information required to make wise A. Jasprit Bumrah B. Ravichandran Ashwin
decisions when using the internet and mobile devices. C. Umesh Yadav D. Mohammed Shami
This effort is being coordinated in India by the National E. Ravindra Jadeja
Security Council Secretariat and the office of National Cyber Ans. B
Security Coordinator. Explanation: Ravichandran Ashwin has picked up his 450th
Test wicket during the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy
105. Which fusion power research company in world has between India and Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket
developed first super magnets for testing in nuclear plant? Association Stadium in Nagpur.
A. TAE Technologies B. First Light Fusion He achieved the feat when he bowled Alex Carey in the 54th
C. Tokamak Energy Built D. General Fusion over.
E. Commonwealth Fusion Systems He also became the fastest Indian to scale the landmark,
Ans. C going past former leg-spinner Anil Kumble.
Explanation: Oxford-based Tokamak Energy created a new Ashwin took 89 Tests to reach the milestone as compared to
generation of high temperature superconducting (HTS) Kumble’s 93.

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Overall, he is the second-fastest to reach the milestone. Digital Locker (DigiLocker): It enables paperless governance
Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is only by providing digital space for users for their document
ahead of him, having reached the landmark in 80 matches. verification and storage.
Top 05 bowlers with the most test wickets -
Muttiah Muralitharan - Sri Lanka - 133 110. Which ministry has announced to reduce carbon
Shane Warne - Australia - 145 emissions in steel industry through promotion of Green
James Anderson - England - 177 Steel?
Anil Kumble - India - 132 A. Ministry of Health B. Ministry of Labour
Stuart Broad - England - 159 C. Ministry of Coal D. Ministry of Steel
E. Ministry of Earth Science
108. Which country has declared "State of Disaster" over Ans. D
electricity crisis? Explanation: Ministry of Steel seeks to reduce carbon
A. Nigeria B. Lesotho emissions in steel industry through promotion of Green
C. Kenya D. South Africa Steel.
E. Namibia Green Steel is the manufacturing of steel without the use of
Ans. D fossil fuels.
Explanation: ’State of Disaster’ over electricity crisis This can be done by using low-carbon energy sources such as
declared in South Africa. hydrogen, coal gasification or electricity instead of the
Since 2008, the nation has struggled with electricity traditional carbon-intensive manufacturing route of coal-
shortages that have reached historic heights, resulting in fired plants.
rolling blackouts every day of this year. It eventually lowers greenhouse gas emissions, cuts cost and
Since he assumed office in February 2018, Ramaphosa has improves the quality of steel.
promised to overhaul the monopoly state power provider Low-carbon hydrogen (blue hydrogen and green hydrogen)
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. can help reduce the steel industry’s carbon footprint.
The central bank of the country has reduced its estimate of Status of Steel Production in India -
economic growth for 2023 from 1.1% to 0.3% last month and Production: India is currently the world’s 2nd largest
expects blackouts to subtract two percentage points from producer of crude steel, producing 120 Million Tonnes (MT)
output growth. crude steel during financial year 2021- 2022.
Reserves: More than 80% of the country’s reserves are in the
109. Recently, which ministry has launched "Digital states of Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and
Payments Utsav" to promote digital payments across India? the northern regions of Andhra Pradesh.
A. Ministry of Environment B. Ministry for IT Consumption: India is the 2nd largest consumer of finished
C. Ministry of Home Affairs D. Ministry of Finance steel in 2021 (106.23 MT), preceded by China as the largest
E. Ministry of Renewable Energy steel consumer as per World Steel Association.
Ans. B
Explanation: Recently, the Ministry for Electronics & 111. According to DGCA, what is the rank of India in ICAO’s
Information Technology launched the "Digital Payments Aviation Safety Oversight Ranking?
Utsav". A. 112 B. 55
It is a comprehensive campaign promoting digital payments C. 89 D. 78
across India along with the launch of several significant E. 45
initiatives. Ans. B
The campaign will showcase India’s journey of digital Explanation: India’s aviation safety oversight ranking has
transformation, with a series of events and initiatives to be jumped to the 55th position from 112th place earlier, with a
held from 9th February to 9th October 2023. significant improvement in the country’s score under the
28 DigiDhan Awards were presented to top-performing ICAO’s coordinated validation mission, according to
banks, bankers, and fintech companies in different regulator DGCA.
categories for their performance in the digital payments Under its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme
space. (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach, an ICAO
Other Digital Initiatives - Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) was undertaken in
Digital India Bhashini: Digital India BHASHINI is India’s India from November 9 to 16, 2022.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) led language translation platform. The Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme allows the
Digital India GENESIS: Digital India GENESIS’ (Gen-next ICAO to continuously monitor the safety obligations of its
Support for Innovative Startups) is a national deep-tech 187 member states.
startup platform. As the international civil aviation watchdog, the ICAO
My Scheme: It is a service discovery platform facilitating ensures that member states fulfil their obligation to improve
access to Government Schemes. the safety of civil aviation within their own jurisdictions.
Meri Pehchaan: It is National Single Sign On (NSSO) for One
Citizen Login.

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112. Which Indian skipper has become first Indian skipper to A. Chennai B. Patna
Record Hundreds in All 3 Formats? C. Mumbai D. Nagpur
A. Virat Kohli B. Rohit Sharma E. Indore
C. Hardik Pandya D. Rishabh Pant Ans. C
E. Shreyas Iyer Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
Ans. B inaugurated the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Arabic Academy of
Explanation: Rohit Sharma led from the front as he scored the Dawoodi Bohra Community in Mumbai.
his ninth Test century to become the first Indian captain to Jamea is considered to be the principal educational institute
score hundreds in all formats. of the Dawoodi Bohars and looks to impart religious as well
This was Rohit’s first three-digit score in the longest format as other branches of knowledge.
of the game against Australia in the first Test of the four- PM Modi noted that it was important to have the pride place
match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. education system back in India, calling ancient India a place
Rohit is the fourth overall to have scored centuries in all of learning with universities like Nalanda and Taxila.
three formats as captain after Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne The PM called for a future based on ’Vikas’ or development,
Dilshan, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis and Pakistan’s Babar and ’Virasat’ or heritage and through modern infrastructure
Azam. and social investment.
Rohit had scored his maiden ODI century as Indian captain The PM shared cordial relations with the Dawoodi Bohra
against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017, in Mohali, unbeaten community and spoke fondly of his association with the
on 208. Spiritual leaders over the years and how the community has
In T20Is, his first and only century as Indian skipper also came worked for the progress of India.
against Sri Lanka on December 22, 2017, in Indore, as he A documentary showed his association with the community
smashed 118. leaders and his attending the Ashura event in Indore as PM
Rohit had scored his maiden century in Test cricket way back and his meeting with them as a chief minister.
more than nine years back in November 2013 against the
West Indies at the Eden Garden, a majestic 177. 115. The World Government Summit 2023 is set to begin on
He had scored his first double-century against South Africa 13th February 2023 in which city?
in October 2019, a superb 212 at the JSCA International A. Doha B. Dubai
Stadium in Ranchi. C. Riyadh D. Mumbai
Rohit Sharma has scored 30 hundreds overall in one-day E. Abu Dhabi
internationals. Ans. B
Explanation: The World Government Summit 2023 is set to
113. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has laid the begin on 13th February 2023 in Dubai.
foundation stone of "Himachal Niketan" in which city? The World Government Summit will be held under the
A. Chennai B. Lucknow theme of "Shaping Future Governments".
C. Mumbai D. New Delhi It will bring together global thought leaders, global experts
E. Bengaluru and decision-makers to share and contribute to the
Ans. D development of tools, policies and models.
Explanation: Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh This year’s edition of the World Government Summit will
Sukhu laid the foundation stone of "Himachal Niketan" bring together over 250 ministers from around the world, as
which will provide accommodation facilities to the students well as over 10,000 government officials, thought leaders,
and residents of Himachal Pradesh visiting New Delhi.+ and global experts.
"Himachal Niketan", a five-story building will be constructed World Government Summit -
in Dwarka, Delhi for Rs 57.72 crore. The World Government Summit is a global forum held
There are two VIP rooms and 36 general rooms exclusively annually in Dubai, that brings together leaders in
for the students with all facilities besides 40 other general government, business, technology and civil society to discuss
suites. the issues faced by the humanity and to shape the future of
In Himachal Niketan, there will be three dormitories for the governments worldwide.
staff. It will also have a facility to park around 53 vehicles and
87 two-wheelers in the basement. 116. Which state government has recently launched "Family
The Himachal Niketan will consist of 81 rooms in total. ID – One Family One Identity Portal" in February 2023?
The PWD has been directed to ensure quality construction A. Uttar Pradesh B. Bihar
and that the building would be completed by 2025 and the C. Madhya Pradesh D. Goa
PWD Minister would also review the progress of E. Andhra Pradesh
construction at regular intervals so that timely construction Ans. A
could also be ensured. Explanation: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched
the portal for the creation of "Family ID – One Family One
114. Prime Minister Modi has inaugurated Arabic Academy Identity", to identify families as a unit for implementing the
in which city? "one job per family" proposal.

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According to a state government, all such families that are It further stated that state governments received 51 mineral
not eligible for the National Food Security Scheme will be parcels, including lithium and gold.
able to avail of the ID. Non-ferrous metal lithium is one of the essential elements of
While the ration card ID of the families having it, will be EV batteries.
considered as their family ID. About Lithium -
Key Points - Lithium is an element and in nature tends to concentrate
A unique identity will be issued to each family under the One sufficiently in the two minerals, spodumene and lepidolite.
Family One Identity scheme, thereby establishing a live They are usually found in specialised rocks called rareCand
comprehensive database of family units of the state. greisens.
At present, about 3.59 crore families and 14.92 crore people The Geological Agency described lithium as high grade
living in Uttar Pradesh are getting the benefit of the National because it is found with 1-13% oxide content. Normally
Food Security Scheme. exploration begins at levels as low as 0.4%.
The ration card number of these families will serve as "family Grade (in %) is a measure of the concentration of lithium in
ID". Families not covered by the National Food Security the minerals and or rocks that contain it.
Scheme, who are not eligible for ration cards, will be Therefore, the higher the grade the more the economic
provided with the Family ID through the Family ID portal. viability. Higher grades are very rare for metals like lithium.
This portal was developed to provide a 12-digit unique family
ID to those families which were not ration card holders. 119. The United Nations General Assembly has designated
which day in February as the International Day of Women
117. What is the name of the president of Peter Burwash and Girls in Science?
International, who has inaugurated Tennis center in Pune? A. February 09 B. February 10
A. Rene Zondag B. Cesar Morales C. February 11 D. February 12
C. Sahaja Yamalapalli D. Rishi Reddy E. February 13
E. Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Ans. C
Ans. A Explanation: The United Nations General Assembly has
Explanation: Peter Burwash International (PBI), one of the designated February 11 as the International Day of Women
top tennis instruction programmes, has partnered with the and Girls in Science to recognise the significant contribution
Ileseum Club in Bavdhan, Pune, to open a second training that women make to the fields of science and technology.
facility there. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030
Through the leadership of its Director Cesar Morales, the also lays out gender equality in science as an essential
first PBI centre at the Padukone-Dravid Centre in Bengaluru component of the agenda.
has been effectively teaching some of the notable players, The theme for the 8th International Day of Women and Girls
including Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, and Rishi in Science is “Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance
Reddy. (IDEA): Bringing communities Forward for sustainable and
Over 200 players are present at the High performance equitable development.”
centre. The United Nations declared February 11 to be marked as
Gurpavit, who is pleased to join with PBI, expressed the the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015.
expectation that the improved infrastructure, workshops,
and educational programmes will assist advance India’s 120. The exercise named TARKASH has been conducted
tennis industry. between India and which country?
Over the following two days in Pune, there will be A. Britain B. Russia
demonstration sessions where professionals will give C. Japan D. USA
everyone a taste of the PBI coaching process. E. Iran
Ans. D
118. In Jammu and Kashmir, how much of lithium reserves Explanation: The exercise named TARKASH by the National
have been discovered for the first time in India? Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF)
A. 6.2 million tonnes B. 5.9 million tonnes is currently underway in Chennai.
C. 9.5 million tonnes D. 8.4 million tonnes With chemical and biological warfare being recognised as a
E. 7.1 million tonnes coming threat to the world, an ongoing Indo-US joint
Ans. B exercise has for the first time included a Chemical, Biological,
Explanation: In Jammu and Kashmir, 5.9 million tonnes of Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) terror response in its drill.
lithium reserves have been discovered for the first time in The objective of the joint exercise was to rapidly neutralise
India, according to the Mines Ministry’s announcement on the terrorists, rescue the hostages safely and deactivate the
February, 9. chemical weapons being carried by the terrorists
According to the Ministry of Mines, the Geological Survey of CBRN weapons, which are also classified as Weapons of
India has for the first time discovered 5.9 million tonnes of Mass Destruction (WMDs), have been used by States and
lithium inferred resources (G3) in the Salal-Haimana area of terror elements in the past. The most recent use of CBRN in
the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. the form of a sarin gas attack was witnessed in Syria in 2017.

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According to the UN, the prospect of non-state actors, The day was established by the United Nations General
including terrorists and their supporters, gaining access to Assembly in 2012, and its history can be traced back to the
and using WMDs or CBRNs is a serious threat to international first International Radio Conference in Geneva in 1974.
peace and security. February 13 was chosen as World Radio Day as it was the day
of the establishment of the United Nations Radio in 1946.
121. Who has been appointed as the new governor of Inventor of Radio -
Maharashtra state? The radio was invented in 1895 by Italian physicist and
A. Hemant Soren B. Ramesh Bais inventor Guglielmo Marconi.
C. Babulal Marandi D. Arjun Munda
E. Anusuiya Uikey 123. Recently, President of India has inaugurated the second
Ans. B Indian Rice Congress in which city?
Explanation: Ramesh Bais has appointed as the new A. Bhubaneswar B. Kolkata
Governor of Maharashtra after the resignation of Bhagat C. Cuttack D. Pune
Singh Koshyari. E. Chandipur
Bhagat Singh Koshyari stepped down after a sour Ans. C
relationship with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led Explanation: The 2nd Indian Rice Congress 2023 has been
by Uddhav Thackeray. inaugurated in Cuttack by President Droupadi Murmu.
Ramesh Bais has earlier served as the Governor of Union Minister Narendra Tomar informed that India is an
Jharkhand. agricultural country, and the government tries to give
President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of priority to agriculture.
Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The agricultural sector has made a lot of progress as the hard
Bhagat Singh Koshyari was appointed as the Governor of work of our farmers is supplemented by scientific research.
Maharashtra in 2019. About one-fourth of the total cropped area in India is under
Koshyari has been on sour terms with the MVA government, rice cultivation.
including Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP. Leading producer states: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and
Some of the previous Maharastra governor’s statements Punjab.
have triggered controversies in the state. High Yielding States: Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra
About Ramesh Bais - Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Kerala.
Ramesh Bais is an Indian Politician who is currently serving India is the second-largest producer of rice after China.
as the 23rd Governor of Maharashtra. In West Bengal farmers grow three crops of rice called ’aus’,
Bais earlier served as the Governor of Jharkhand from 2021 ’aman’ and ’boro’.
to 2023 and the Governor of Tripura from 2019 to 2021.
He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and has served 124. 12th World Hindi Conference has been inaugurated in
in various political capacities throughout his career, which country by External Minister S Jaishankar?
including as a Union Minister of State for Environment and A. Tonga B. Fiji
Forests in the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. C. Vanuatu D. Samoa
Bais has been elected seven times to the Lok Sabha, the E. New Zealand
lower house of the Indian Parliament, representing the Ans. B
Raipur constituency, including serving as a member of the Explanation: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Fiji
9th Lok Sabha (1989) and 11th to 16th Lok Sabha (1996- Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to inaugurate the three-day
2019). event’ the 12th World Hindi Conference on 15th February at
the Pacific Island nation.
122. What is the theme of World Radio Day 2023? The 12th World Hindi Conference, scheduled to be held at
A. Radio and Peace B. Radio and Trust Nadi from 15th February to 17th February 2023, will be on
C. New World, New Radio D. Pluralism in radio the theme "Hindi – Traditional Knowledge to Artificial
E. Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace Intelligence".
Ans. A The conference will be spread over one plenary session and
Explanation: World Radio Day is celebrated every year on ten parallel sessions on topics such as Hindi in Girmitiya
February 13 to mark the important role that radio plays in countries, Hindi in Fiji and the Pacific, Information
our lives and in society. Technology, and Hindi in the 21st century.
The objective of World Radio Day is to raise public awareness It also includes topics such as Media and the global
of the importance of radio and to encourage decision makers perception of Hindi; global reference to Indian knowledge
to use it. traditions and Hindi; Linguistic coordination and Hindi
In 2023, the theme for the World Radio Day is “Radio and translation.
Peace” which aims to focus on the importance of The conference will feature exhibitions on the evolution of
independent radio to foster peace and prevent conflict. Hindi. Indian Council for Cultural Relations has also proposed
cultural programs and Kavi Sammelan.

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125. World Unani Day has observed recently on February 11 127. Recently 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi
to commemorate the birth anniversary of whom? Dayanand Saraswati has been celebrated in the country. He
A. Mohammad Ali Jauhar B. Hakim Ajmal Khan founded Arya Samaj in which year?
C. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari D. Waqar‑ul‑Mulk A. 1785 B. 1845
E. Khwaja Salimullah C. 1905 D. 1875
Ans. B E. 1815
Explanation: World Unani Day is observed on February 11 Ans. D
every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of social Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the
reformer and renowned Unani scholar Hakim Ajmal Khan, 200th birth Anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati,
widely regarded as the pioneer of Unani medicine in India. who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875.
The day commemorates Hakim Ajmal Khan’s contribution to According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is
the growth of Unani medicine in India and throughout the making development thanks to nondiscriminatory efforts
world. and policies.
Hakim Ajmal Khan, who was born on February 11, 1868, was The first yagya for the nation, he claimed, is being performed
an educator, a Unani physician and the founder of scientific today in service of the poor, uneducated, and oppressed.
study in the Unani system of medicine. The Prime Minister made this statement in Delhi at the start
On February 10 and 11, the Central Council for Research in of a year-long celebration honouring Maharishi Dayanand
Unani Medicine, Ministry of AYUSH, host an international Saraswati’s 200th birthday.
conference on Unani medicine in a hybrid virtual mode with He claimed that throughout Amrit Kaal, the country adopted
the theme "Unani Medicine for Public Health" in Delhi. the same priorities as Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati.
The establishment of the Unani medical system in India was According to the prime minister, helping the poor and
significantly shaped by Hakim Ajmal Khan. marginalised has taken precedence.
He had a keen interest in the growth and advancement of He brought up the fact that the nation’s daughters are
the Unani system of medicine and established three currently flying Rafale fighter jets in relation to the
significant institutions, including the Central College in Delhi, empowerment of women.
the Hindustani Dawakhana, and the Ayurvedic and Unani As taught by Maharishi Dayanand, Mr Modi’s New Education
Tibbia College, also known as Tibbia College, located in Karol Policy encourages contemporary education while placing a
Bagh, Delhi. strong focus on Indianness.

126. Who has recently inaugurated AMRITPEX 2023? 128. Which financial service company has released a QR
A. Narendra Modi B. Droupadi Murmu Code with a G20 theme to commemorate India’s
C. Piyush Goyal D. Ashwini Vaishnaw presidency?
E. Nitin Gadkari A. Paytm B. Amazon Pay
Ans. D C. PhonePe D. Mobikwik
Explanation: The Minister for Communications, Electronics E. Google Pay
& Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw Ans. A
inaugurated AMRITPEX 2023 – National Philatelic Exhibition. Explanation: In honour of India’s G20 presidency and the
This five-day Mahakumbh of Stamps is being celebrated nation’s prominence in mobile payments, One97
from 11th February to 15th February 2023 and is being Communications Limited, the owner of the top payments
organized as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations. and financial services startup Paytm, unveiled a special G20-
Key Points - themed QR Code.
Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that under the vision of Prime Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways and IT,
Minister Narendra Modi, the Postal department has introduced the QR code at the India Habitat Center’s “Digital
transformed totally and has become a digital network for Payment Utsav.”
banking, service delivery and social security payments Paytm was a key player in the development of mobile
network. payments in India and is regarded as the inventor of QR code
The opening ceremony of AMRITPEX 2023 was attended by payments.
a large number of school students and philatelists from all The “DigiDhan Mission” logo from MeitY, the G20 2023 logo,
parts of the country. and the 75th anniversary of India’s independence are all
The Department of Posts also released a Commemorative included in the special commemorative QR code.
Postage Stamp on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Paytm is hosting a special event called “Digital Payments
This competition was organized at the Pan India level in Utsav” in which a branded automobile will tour different
partnership with the Department of School Education and parts of Delhi with active audience engagement.
the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The national winners of this competition were also 129. Who has been awarded by the UNESCO Peace Prize at
felicitated during the event. Ivory Coast?
A. Olaf Scholz B. Gerhard Schröder
C. Joachim Sauer D. Angela Merkel

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E. Frank‑Walter Steinmeier 131. National Women’s Day has been observed on which day
Ans. D of February to commemorate birth anniversary of Sarojini
Explanation: For her assistance to refugees in Germany, Naidu?
former German chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the A. 11 February B. 12 February
UNESCO peace prize. C. 13 February D. 14 February
According to Politico, the former German leader received E. 15 February
the UN prize for her choice to accept the refugees into Ans. C
German territory back in 2015. Explanation: Every year on February 13, the nation
The occasion took place in Yamoussoukro, the capital of the commemorates Sarojini Naidu’s birth anniversary.
Ivory Coast, where the chancellor received the “Felix The 144th anniversary of Sarojini Naidu’s birth is this year.
Houphout-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize.” She was well-known in India as a poet, politician, and
The 68-year-old lawmaker was complimented for her work administrator.
by the award jury’s president, Denis Mukwege, a year prior She was one of the well-known female figures of the 20th
to receiving the honour. century and was born on February 13th, 1879 in Hyderabad.
Her selfless choice in 2015 to accept more than 1,2 million Because of her poetry, she was often referred to as the
refugees, particularly those from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, "Nightingale of India".
and Eritrea, moved every jury member. She was a key figure in the Indian National Movement, which
She leaves behind a legacy like this. The former German fought for the nation’s independence.
Chancellor conveyed her appreciation for the honour. About Sarojini Naidu -
2015 saw a severe refugee crisis on the European continent On February 13, 1879, Sarojini Naidu was born. Since she
as refugees from Syria and other middle eastern and African was a young child, Sarojini had a high IQ.
nations flooded into various European nations. National Women’s Day 2014 will be observed on February
13, the 135th anniversary of Sarojini Naidu’s birth.
130. Who has been awarded with Maharashtra Bhushan When Sarojini Naidu’s collection of poems, Golden
award 2023? Threshold, was released in 1905, the world first recognised
A. Swami Samarth B. Samarth Ramdas her for her literary abilities and dubbed her the "Bul Bule
C. Dattatraya Narayan D. Swami Dharacharya Hind".
E. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari In 1914, Sarojini Naidu had her first encounter with
Ans. C Mahatma Gandhi and committed herself to the nation.
Explanation: The state government of Maharashtra has During her studies, she enlisted in the national movement.
announced that renowned social worker, preacher and She had the respect and confidence of all the major leaders,
reformer Dattatreya alias Appasaheb Dharmadikari will be including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who were
honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan award for the year convinced of her leadership abilities.
2022. In 1925, she was elected as the President of Congress.
The Maharashtra Bhushan award comprises a medal, a For her contributions during the plague outbreak in India,
citation and Rs 25 lakh, which will be conferred to the British government gave him the Kaiser-i-Hind medal in
Appasaheb at a function later in the year. 1928.
Appasaheb was honoured with Padmashri in 2017. In 1932, she travelled to South Africa on behalf of India.
Nanasaheb, also known as the ambassador of cleanliness, On March 2, 1949, she passed away from a heart attack.
trust has been undertaking various programmes, including
environment-friendly initiatives like production of fertilisers 132. Which state has topped in the medal tally at 5th Khelo
through remains of Ganesh idols after visarjan. India Youth Games 2022?
Maharashtra Bhushan - A. Maharashtra B. Karnataka
The Maharashtra Bhushan is a highest civilian award C. Gujarat D. Tamil Nadu
presented annually by the Government of Maharashtra E. Rajasthan
State in India. Ans. A
When the Shivsena- BJP alliance came to power in 1995, it Explanation: The fifth edition of the Khelo India Youth
proposed to institute this award. Games has recently concluded on February 11.
The Maharashtra Bhushan was first awarded in 1996. In the Khelo India Youth Games – 2022, Maharashtra was the
It was initially conferred in every years in the fields of overall champion by securing a total of 161 medals including
Literature, Art, Sport, and Science. 56 gold, 55 silver and 50 bronze medals.
Later the fields of Social Work, Journalism, and Public On the other hand, Haryana has been at the second position
Administration and Health Services were included. by getting a total of 128 medals including 41 gold, 32 silver
The award is presented for outstanding achievement in their and 55 bronze.
field. Host Madhya Pradesh finished third with 96 medals
including 39 gold.
Over 5,000 athletes from 36 states and union territories of
India participated in the Khelo India Youth Games 2022.

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Where athletes competed for 973 medals – 295 gold, 295 Prevention and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment)
silver and 383 bronze – in 27 sports. Ordinance 2023.
The participation of girls in these games was about 40 This comes after the UKPSC paper leak which led to
percent. cancellation of exam for around 1.4 lakh government job
Medal Tally: Top 5 are - aspirants.
Rank - State - Gold - Silver - Bronze - Total Under this Anti-Copying Law, a provision to impose a fine of
1 - Maharashtra - 56 - 55 - 50 - 161 10 crores rupees along with life imprisonment or 10 years in
2 - Haryana - 41 - 32 - 55 - 128 jail for the copycat mafia.
3 - Madhya Pradesh - 39 - 30 - 27 - 96 Apart from this, there is also a provision to attach the
4 - Rajasthan - 19 - 10 - 19 - 48 property of the copying mafia.
5 - Delhi - 16 - 22 - 26 - 64 This means that if a student is found indulging in this type of
activity, he/she will not be able to appear in any recruitment
133. Senior-most judge of the Orissa High Court, Justice examination for 10 years.
Jaswant Singh has been appointed as the chief justice of Uttarakhand Governor: Gurmit Singh
which state’s High Court? Uttarakhand Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
A. Kerala B. Tripura Uttarakhand Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain
C. Bihar D. Rajasthan (Summer)
E. Manipur
Ans. B 135. Govt will set up which portal to address existing
Explanation: Four judges, including two who will retire later protection gap across General Insurance Business?
this month, were appointed as chief justices of high courts. A. Get Insured Portal B. Bima Samriddhi Portal
Justice Sonia Giridhar Gokani, senior-most judge of the C. Bima Sugam Portal D. Bima Sadhan Portal
Gujarat High Court, was appointed its chief justice. E. Easy Insurance Portal
Once she takes oath, she will be the only woman chief justice Ans. C
of a high court. Explanation: The government has said that it proposes to
India has 25 high courts. set up a Bima Sugam portal to address the existing
Justice Sabina is functioning as the acting chief justice of the protection gap across life, health and general insurance
Himachal Pradesh High Court. businesses in the country.
Key Points - Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
Justice Jaswant Singh, senior-most judge of the Orissa High (IRDAI) has informed that the portal will be an insurance
Court was appointed as the chief justice of the Tripura High market infrastructure.
Court. Justice Jaswant Singh is due to retire on February 22. Portal is expected to improve accessibility and ease of
Justice Sandeep Mehta, Judge, Rajasthan High Court has insurance purchase to policyholders.
been appointed as chief justice of the Gauhati High Court This will also serve as a readymade digital platform for
while Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Judge, Gauhati High Court insurers and distribution networks.
has been made chief justice of the High Court of J-K and The initiatives taken by the Government to protect the
Ladakh. interest of General Insurance Agents and Life Insurance
Justice Singh’s appointment as the Chief Justice of Jammu & Agents when this new policy is implemented in insurance
Kashmir and Ladakh High Court was recommended by the sector.
Supreme Court Collegium on December 13, 2022. Types of insurance in India -
In 2011, Justice Singh was sworn in as an additional judge of Life insurance -
the Gauhati High Court and, in 2012, he was made a Life insurance policies deal with coverage against
permanent judge. unfortunate events like death or disability of the
He was appointed a judge of the Manipur High Court upon policyholder.
its creation in the year 2013. Examples:-
He was later transferred to the Gauahti High Court in 2018. Term Life Insurance
Whole Life Insurance
134. According to the new Anti-Copying Law of Uttarkhand Endowment Plans
what will be the new fine for the copycat mafia? Unit –Linked Insurance Plans
A. 01 crores B. 05 crores Child Plans
C. 75 Lakhs D. 10 crores Pension Plans
E. 80 Lakhs General insurance -
Ans. D General insurance plans comprise of other forms of
Explanation: The country’s strictest Anti-Copying Law has insurances which offer coverage against other unfortunate
come into force in Uttarakhand. events and loss except for the death of the policyholder.
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh has approved Examples:-
the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Motor Insurance
Home Insurance

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Fire Insurance Chuppu served as the coordinator of the Bangabandhu
Travel Insurance murder trial when Awami League returned to power in the
1996 elections.
136. India’s first Air Conditioner double decker electric bus
has recently introduced in which city? 138. What is the name of first-ever woman astronaut from
A. Kolkata B. Mumbai Saudi Arabia, who is going on a Space Mission in 2023?
C. New Delhi D. Chennai A. Anousheh Ansari B. Parisa Tabriz
E. Bengaluru C. Roxanne Varza D. Mona Jarrahi
Ans. B E. Rayyana Barnawi
Explanation: India’s first air-conditioned double-decker Ans. E
electric bus was inducted into the fleet of BEST- the civic Explanation: The first-ever woman astronaut of Saudi
transport public body in Mumbai. Arabia will go to space this year, Saudi woman astronaut
The wet-leased e-bus will be registered at the Regional Rayyana Barnawi will join fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni on a 10-
Transport Office before it hits the road for the public. day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) this year.
This air-conditioned double-decker electric bus is likely to ply Barnawi and Al-Qarni will fly to the ISS aboard a SpaceX
on the routes in suburbs where conventional double-decker Dragon spacecraft as part of a mission by the private space
buses that run on diesel are currently operated. company Axiom Space.
Lokesh Chandra, general manager of the Brihanmumbai Key Points -
Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, The Ax-2 will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from
informed that they are scheduled to receive 4-5 more Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in
double-decker air-conditioned e-buses in the next 8-10 days Florida.
and a total of 20 such buses before March end from Switch In 2019, Saudi’s neighbor the United Arab Emirates became
Mobility. the first Arab country to send one of its citizens into space.
The number of double-decker e-buses will reach 200 by this Neyadi, also known as “Sultan of Space”, will become the
year-end. first Arab astronaut to spend six months in space when he
blasts off for the ISS aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
137. Recently, Mohammad Shahabuddin has been elected as
22nd President of which country? 139. The Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
A. Afghanistan B. Saudi Arabia India has recently elected whom as its new president and
C. Bangladesh D. Indonesia vice president for the 2023-24 term?
E. Uzbekistan A. Aniket Sunil Talati B. Dayaniwas Sharma
Ans. C C. Vishal Doshi D. Debashis Mitra
Explanation: A former judge and freedom fighter, E. Durgesh Kumar Kabra
Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu, was elected unopposed Ans. A
as Bangladesh’s 22nd President. Explanation: The Council of the Institute of Chartered
A gazette was issued on the appointment of the new Accountants of India (ICAI) elected its new president and vice
Bangladesh President by the Chief Election Commissioner. president.
According to the country’s Chief Election Commission, 74- For the 2023-24 term, Aniket Sunil Talati will serve as the
year-old Chuppu will replace President Mohammad Abdul president of ICAI, while Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal will be the
Hamid. accounting body’s vice president.
Senior Awami League leader and seven-time lawmaker At the helm of the ICAI’s council, Talati and Agarwal will be
Hamid was elected Bangladesh president in the last two responsible for organising the three-tiered CA exam and
elections. looking after all administrative affairs.
He was sworn in for his second term on April 24, 2018. Talati has led various committees of the Branch and Regional
Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu - Councils of ICAI and has been active as the director of its
Born in the northwestern Pabna district, Chuppu was a Indian Institute of Insolvency Professionals of ICAI,
leader of Awami League’s student and youth wings in the Accounting Research Foundation and Extensible Business
late 1960s and early 1970s. Reporting Language India.
He also took part in the 1971 Liberation War and was He is a member of various other ICAI boards, committees,
imprisoned for waging a protest after the August 15, 1975 and directorates.
assassination of Bangladesh’s founder Bangabandhu Sheikh He is also the technical advisor to the ICAI’s nominee on the
Mujibur Rahman — the father of Prime Minister Hasina — in Professional Accountants in Business advisory group of the
a military coup along with most of his family members. International Federation of Accountants.
The coup also led to the toppling of the Awami League Alongside this, Sunil Talati is also a board member of the
government. In 1982, he was inducted into the country’s South Asian Federation of Accountants.
judicial service. He is taking over the post previously held by CA Debashis
Mitra.

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140. Who has become the second highest paid athlete in 142. The Gross direct tax collections has grew up what
2021-22? percent to so far this fiscal FY22?
A. LeBron James B. Cristiano Ronaldo A. 18% B. 12%
C. Neymar Jr D. Stephen Curry C. 20% D. 21%
E. Roger Federer E. 24%
Ans. A Ans. E
Explanation: Argentina’s Lionel Messi is the highest paid Explanation: Gross direct tax collections has grew up tp 24
athlete in 2021-22 with a total earning of 130 million dollar, per cent to Rs 15.67 trillion so far this fiscal.
a data compiled by Genuine Impact Newsletter. After adjusting for refunds, the net direct tax collection
The Argentine star player earned 75 million dollar from on- stood at Rs 12.98 trillion, a growth of 18.40 per cent.
field through salary and competition winnings. The net collections are about 79 per cent of Revised
Second in the list belong to Los Angeles Lakers power Estimates (RE) of direct tax collection for current fiscal, the
forward LeBron James who earns 121.2 million dollar, out of CBDT said.
which on-field earnings was 41.2 million dollar and the rest Key Points -
80 million dollar from off field. Between April to February 10, the growth rate for gross
Third and fourth position have been acquired by football Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and gross Personal Income Tax
stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr who earned 115 (PIT) collections was 19.33 per cent and 29.63 per cent
millions dollar and 95 millions dollar respectively. respectively.
The fifth position with 92.5 million dollar is occupied by After adjustment of refunds, the net growth in CIT
Golden State Warriors’ points guard Stephen Curry. collections is 15.84 per cent and that in PIT collections is
Sixth position goes to another American professional 21.23 per cent (PIT including STT).
basketball player Kevin Durant who earns 92.1 million dollar. Refunds amounting to Rs 2.69 trillion have been issued
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer earned 90 million dollar during April 1, 2022 to February 10, 2023, which are 61.58
from off-field, while 700k dollar came from on-field. per cent higher than refunds issued during the same period
in the preceding year.
141. Among the big States in the country, which two states
has allocated the most proportion of their budget towards 143. What is the theme of second global hackathon
education in FY23? "HARBINGER 2023 - Innovation for Transformation"
A. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar B. Jharkhand and Odisha launched by Reserve Bank of India?
C. Chhattisgarh and Bihar D. Kerala and Tamil Nadu A. Inclusive Digital Services B. The Crucible
E. Maharashtra and Gujarat C. Smarter Digital Payments D. On Demand Pay
Ans. C E. Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: Among the big States in the country, Ans. A
Chhattisgarh and Bihar allocated the most proportion of Explanation: The Reserve Bank announced its second global
their budget towards education in FY23. hackathon – "HARBINGER 2023 – Innovation for
While Chhattisgarh allocated 18.82 per cent of the State’s Transformation" with the theme "Inclusive Digital Services".
estimated net budget expenditure to education, Bihar Registration for the hackathon starts from February 22,
allocated 18.3 per cent. 2023.
The States/UTs that have spent a higher portion of their It had received 363 proposals submitted by teams from
budget expenditure on education are Delhi, Assam and within India and from 22 other countries including the US,
Himachal Pradesh, which allocated 22 per cent, 20 per cent UK, Sweden, Singapore, Philippines and Israel.
and 19 per cent, respectively, of their budgets on education Winner of the hackathon will be given a prize of Rs 40 lakh
this fiscal year. and runner-up Rs 20 lakh.
The literacy rate in Chattisgarh is 77.9 per cent, while the The first hackathon was announced in November 2021 and
rate for Bihar is 70.9 per cent, one of the lowest in the results were declared in June 2022.
country, according to the National Sample Survey 2018.
At 96.2 per cent, Kerala has the highest literacy rate in the 144. What is the total budgetary outlay for Namami Gange
country, while it is 82.9 per cent in Tamil Nadu. Mission-II till 2026?
The literacy rate of UP is 67.68%. A. 15,900 cr B. 22,500 cr
The literacy rate of Bihar is 61.8%. C. 11,800 cr D. 28,200 cr
The literacy rate of Chhattisgarh is 70.28%. E. 10,400 cr
The literacy rate of west Bengal is 76.26%. Ans. B
Rajasthan: 66.11%. Explanation: Namami Gange Programme was launched
So the overall observation says that TN is planning on from June 2014 till 31st March 2021 to rejuvenate River
increasing its literacy rates further though it is already Ganga and its tributaries with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore.
higher. The Government of India has approved Namami Gange
Mission-II with a budgetary outlay of Rs 22,500 crore till 2026

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including projects for existing liabilities (Rs 11,225 Cr) and Explanation: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore
new projects/interventions (Rs 11,275 crore). Students won AED 1 million by winning the gold medal at the
Till 31st December 2022, a total of 409 projects have been World Government Summit in Dubai.
taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 32,912.40 Crore, out of Niyati Totala and Neel Kalpeshkumar Parikh of The Indian
which 232 projects have been completed and made Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, were awarded the
operational. prestigious medal by Egyptian President Abel Fattah Al-Sisi.
Namami Gange Programme - The IIT students were the creators of the ’Blockbill’ app.
It is being operated under the Department of Water Blockbill is a blockchain-based receipt generation app that
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, generates digital receipts for all of its users’ transactions.
Ministry of Jal Shakti. This app solves multiple problems, which aids the transition
The Ganga River System - away from the production of thermal papers for printing
The headwaters of the Ganga called the ’Bhagirathi’ are fed receipts.
by the Gangotri Glacier and joined by the Alaknanda at The “M-Gov Award” and the “GovTech Award” are annual
Devprayag in Uttarakhand. awards organized by the UAE government as part of the
At Haridwar, Ganga emerges from the mountains to the World Government Summit.
plains. It is the eighth edition of "The Global Best M-Gov Award"
The Ganga is joined by many tributaries from the Himalayas, which is presented to students and researchers worldwide
a few of them being major rivers such as the Yamuna, the enrolled and registered in public and private universities.
Ghaghara, the Gandak and the Kosi.
147. According to a new forecast released by the
145. Recently, which app has been launched by Ministry of International Energy Agency, most of Asia’s electricity will be
Coal to curb illegal mining? used in which country by 2025?
A. Khanan Rakshak B. Khanan Chowki A. China B. India
C. Khanan Prahar D. Khanan Prahari C. Russia D. Japan
E. Khanan Badha E. Afghanistan
Ans. D Ans. A
Explanation: The Government of India has launched a Explanation: Asia will use half of the world’s electricity for
mobile app "KhananPrahari" and a web app Coal Mine the first time by 2025, even as Africa continues to consume
Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS) for far less than its share of the global population, according to
reporting unauthorized coal mining activities so that a new forecast released by the International Energy Agency.
monitoring and taking suitable action on it can be done by Most of Asia’s electricity use will be in China.
the concerned Law & Order enforcing authority. It is a country with 1.4 billion people whose share of global
The CMSMS has been developed to curb illegal mining and consumption will rise from a quarter in 2015 to a third by the
take transparent action as an e-Governance initiative of GoI middle of this decade.
on the use of Space Technology. International Energy Agency -
The objective of the development and launching of the The International Energy Agency is an autonomous
CMSMS application was to detect citizens’ participation Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1974 in Paris,
against illegal mining by receipt of citizen complaints France.
through a mobile app – KhananPrahari. IEA mainly focuses on its energy policies which include
Coal Sector in India - economic development, energy security and environmental
As a result of exploration carried out up to the maximum protection. These policies are also known as the 3 E’s of IEA.
depth of 1200 m, a cumulative total of 319.02 Billion tonnes India became an Associate member of IEA in March 2017 but
of Geological Resources of Coal have so far been estimated it was in engagement with IEA long before its association
in the country till April, 2018. with the organization.
Top 5 States in terms of total coal reserves in India are: Recently, India has inked a Strategic Partnership Agreement
Jharkhand > Odisha > Chhattisgarh > West Bengal > Madhya with the IEA to strengthen cooperation in global energy
Pradesh. security, stability and sustainability.
The Coal resources of India are available in older Gondwana
Formations of peninsular India and younger tertiary 148. A Science Center and Planetarium will be constructed in
formations of north-eastern region. which city by National Council of Science Museums?
A. Kolkata B. Kota
146. Students from which Indian Institute of Technology C. Bengaluru D. New Delhi
have won the gold medal at the World Government Summit E. Chennai
in Dubai? Ans. B
A. IIT Indore B. IIT Delhi Explanation: The Science Center and Planetarium will be
C. IIT Madras D. IIT Chennai constructed in Kota, Rajasthan.
E. IIT Kanpur The Science Center and Planetarium will be one of the best
Ans. A science centers and planetariums in the world.

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About 35 crore 25 lakh rupees will be spent on these. E. Japan
An MoU was signed between the National Council of Science Ans. C
Museums and the Science and Technology Department of Explanation: Scientists have discovered a third natural
the Government of Rajasthan in this regard. source of quasicrystals in the Sand Hills of north central
About National Council of Science Museums - Nebraska, USA.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is an Quasicrystals -
autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture. Quasicrystals are fascinating materials that possess a unique
It is the largest chain of science centers or museums under a combination of properties. They are a testament to the
single administrative umbrella in the world. beauty and power of irregularity in the natural world.
There are 24 science centers or museums and one R & D The discovery of quasicrystals was made by American-Israeli
laboratory and training center of NCSM, located in different scientist Dan Shechtman in 1982 in the lab.
states in India. Dan Shechtman received the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The first science museum, Birla Industrial and Technological for discovering quasicrystals.
Museum (BITM), Kolkata under CSIR43, was opened on 2 The first natural quasicrystal was discovered in the Khatyrka
May 1959. meteorite in Russia in 2009.
In July 1965, the second science museum of the country, the In 2021, scientists discovered a quasicrystal in the remains of
Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM) was the first-ever detonated atomic weapon, the Trinity test of
opened in Bangalore. the Manhattan Project.
Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is the largest planetarium in Asia These findings suggest that intense, fiery conditions like
and the second largest in the world. those experienced by the Khatyrka meteorite and the Trinity
It is one of the most famous planetariums in India. test are the birthplace of natural quasicrystals.
Popularly known as Taramandal, the planetarium was
inaugurated on 2 July 1963 by the then Prime Minister of 151. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
India, Jawaharlal Nehru. inaugurated the National Aadi Mahotsav in February 2023 in
which city?
149. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, in the last A. New Delhi B. Chennai
five years, which state has reported highest number of C. Bengaluru D. Mumbai
custodial deaths at 80? E. Kolkata
A. Gujarat B. Rajasthan Ans. A
C. Bihar D. Uttarakhand Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
E. Uttar Pradesh the National Aadi Mahotsav on 16th February 2023 at Major
Ans. A Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
Explanation: According to the Ministry of Home Affairs TRIFED is engaging with top designers to ensure quality and
(MHA) in the last five years, the highest number of custodial contemporary designs in tribal products, at the same time
deaths have been reported in Gujarat at 80. maintaining their originality.
Custodial death is a death that occurs while a person is in the The present edition of the flagship event of TRIFED has the
custody of law enforcement officials or in a correctional theme of “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture,
facility. Cuisine, and Commerce”, which represents the basic ethos
In the last five years, the highest number of custodial deaths of tribal life.
(80) has been reported in Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra More than 1000 tribal artisans and artists from 28
(76), Uttar Pradesh (41), Tamil Nadu (40) and Bihar (38). States/UTs will be participating in the festival.
Related Constitutional Provisions - This includes tribal cooks from 19 States/UTs for which 20
Article 21 - food stalls are being set up.
Article 21 states that “No person shall be deprived of his life
or personal liberty except according to procedure 152. According to Swiss air tracking index IQAir, which indian
established by law”. city is the second most polluted city in the world?
Article 22 - A. New Delhi B. Lucknow
Article 22 provides "Protection against arrest and detention C. Mumbai D. Patna
in certain cases". E. Kolkata
Sec 330 & 331 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 provides Ans. C
punishment for injury inflicted for extorting confession. Explanation: Mumbai has been ranked as the most-polluted
Crime of custodial torture against prisoners can be brought city in India and second most polluted city globally, according
under Sec 302, 304, 304A, and 306 of IPC. to Swiss air tracking index IQAir.
On January 29, Mumbai was ranked 10th in the rankings for
150. Recently scientists have discovered the third natural the poorest position.
source of quasicrystals in which country? Mumbai then clinched the second spot on February 2 before
A. Canada B. Australia falling in the following days.
C. America D. Africa Then it again rose to take the second place on February 8.

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On February 13, Mumbai took over Delhi as the most Explanation: Drone startup Garuda Aerospace has unveiled
polluted city in India and was the third most unhealthy city its solar-powered drone "SURAJ" designed specifically for
worldwide for air quality worldwide. surveillance operations, at Aero India 2023.
Top 5 most-polluted cities worldwide - SURAJ is an ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance)
Lahore (Pakistan), Mumbai (India), Kabul (Afghanistan), high-altitude drone designed specifically for surveillance
Kaohsiung (Taiwan) and Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). operations, providing "real-time information to the high
IQAir - command and protecting jawans on the ground".
IQAir, a Swiss air tracking index and a real-time worldwide Principal Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and former
air quality monitor, collaborates with UNEP and Greenpeace DRDO Chief Dr Satheesh Reddy unveiled it.
and measures air quality in India using data from the Central Recently, Garuda Aerospace had raised USD 22 Million, the
Pollution Control Board (CPCB). "largest ever" Series A funding in the drone sector.
The cities are categorised into ’healthy’, unhealthy’ and The drone is all set to support various Indian and global
’hazardous’ as per US air quality index (AQI) standards, which giants namely the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, BSF, CRPF,
are more stringent than in India. CISF, ITBP, DRDO, MOD, and MHA the company said in a
release.
153. The public sector oil refineries in India are estimated to
build green hydrogen capacity of 137,000 (1.37 lakh) tonnes 155. Recently two IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants has been
per annum (TPA) by which year? inaugurated in which two cities of Uttar Pradesh?
A. 2030 B. 2025 A. Aonla and Phulpur B. Noida and Amroha
C. 2035 D. 2040 C. Jhansi and Orai D. Rampur and Unnao
E. 2045 E. Sambhal and Banda
Ans. A Ans. A
Explanation: The public sector oil refineries in India are Explanation: Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr.
estimated to build green hydrogen capacity of 137,000 (1.37 Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the IFFCO Nano Urea
lakh) tonnes per annum (TPA) by 2030. Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh.
If fructified, besides boosting the economy with investments Dr Mandaviya stated that it is an important day because
and jobs, this massive capacity building in the green Nano urea plants have been dedicated to the nation.
hydrogen sector would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in He informed that Nano Urea, in the coming times will ensure
a large way. the progress of the farmers and increase their income.
Dr S S V Ramakumar, Director of R&D, Indian Oil Corporation The Union Minister highlighted the benefits of Nano urea
has revealed the above information while speaking at the stating that it is the best green technology and provides
India Energy Week in Bengaluru. solutions to pollution.
Indian Oil would first put up a seven thousand TPA It saves the soil and also increases productivity and hence is
electrolysis plant at its Panipat refinery. the best for the farmers.
Also, Dr Ramakumar opined that biomass gasification is a Key Points -
better way of producing green hydrogen in India. It is an alternate fertilizer. The farmers for years used urea
Green Hydrogen - and DAP to increase productivity. When urea is used, only
Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen that is produced 35% Nitrogen (Urea) gets used by the crop and the unused
through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy affects the soil.
sources such as solar or wind power.
The electrolysis process splits water into hydrogen and 156. In February 2023, The Ministry of Tourism has identified
oxygen, and the hydrogen produced can be used as a clean four pilgrim centers for development of which state under
and renewable fuel. PRASAD scheme?
Uses - A. Karnataka B. Kerala
Chemical industry: Manufacturing ammonia and fertilisers. C. Tamil Nadu D. Bihar
Petrochemical industry: Production of petroleum products. E. Maharashtra
Furthermore, it is starting to be used in the steel industry, a Ans. A
sector which is under considerable pressure in Europe Explanation: The Ministry of Tourism under its schemes of
because of its polluting effect. "Swadesh Darshan" and "National Mission on Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive
154. Which aerospace company has unveiled its solar- (PRASHAD)" has identified four pilgrim centers for
powered drone "SURAJ"? development.
A. Airnetz Aviation B. Bharat Dynamics They provide financial assistance to State Governments/UT
C. Garuda Aerospace D. Lockheed Martin Administrations etc for the development of tourism
E. Aroon Aviation infrastructure in the country.
Ans. C The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan
scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to develop
sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.

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Under SD2.0, the Ministry has identified "Hampi" and 159. Who has become the first female Indian cricketer to
"Mysuru" as destinations for development. take 100 wickets in T20I cricket history?
Pilgrim Centres Identified by Ministry of Tourism in A. Deepti Sharma B. Harmanpreet Kaur
Karnataka - C. Smriti Mandhana D. Poonam Yadav
(i) Development of Maa Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, E. Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Mysuru, Karnataka Ans. A
(ii) Sri Madhwa Vana, Kunjarugiri, Udupi District Explanation: India Women all-rounder Deepti Sharma has
(iii) Papnash Temple, Bidar District become the first Indian to take 100 wickets in T20I cricket
(iv) Sri Renuka Yallamma Temple, Saudatti, Belagavi District history.
Overall, the 25-year-old became the ninth bowler in the
157. Which aerospace company has received approval from women’s game to do so.
DGCA for indigenously developed "black boxes"? With her three wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
A. DRDO B. HAL match against West Indies, she completed 100 wickets in 89
C. BHEL D. ISRO T20Is.
E. BEML Deepti became India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with the
Ans. B wicket of veteran batter Stafanie Taylor.
Explanation: In Aero India, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Poonam Yadav (98), Yuzvendra Chahal (91) and
has received the Indian Technical Standard Order (ITSO) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (90) are among the highest wicket-
authorisation from Directorate General of Civil Aviation takers for India in T20I cricket.
(DGCA) for its indigenously developed Cockpit Voice She is India’s top-ranked bowler in the current ICC T20I chart
Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). CVR and FDR and ranks second in ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder’s
are popularly known as "black boxes". rankings.
However, these recorders are painted in orange colour to Veteran West Indies spinner Anisa Mohammed remains at
help in their recovery following an aircraft accident. the top with 125 wickets in 117 T20Is, having last played an
CVR and FDR are used to record critical flight parameters and international T20I in September 2021.
audio environment in a crash proof memory which is later
used for investigation of aircraft incident or accident. 160. Name the president of World Bank who resigned from
The term “black box” was a World War II British phrase, his post recently?
originating with the development of radio, radar, and A. Kristalina Georgieva B. Jim Yong Kim
electronic navigational aids in British and Allied combat C. David Malpass D. Anshula Kant
aircraft. E. Christine Lagarde
Ans. C
158. Who has been appointed as the interim Chief Financial Explanation: David Malpass has announced that he is
Officer of Vodafone Idea? quitting as the president of the World Bank to take on "new
A. Ravinder Takkar B. Himanshu Kapania challenges" after a rift with President Joe Biden’s
C. Sushil Agarwal D. Murthy GVAS administration over climate change policies.
E. Krishna Kishore He would be leaving the international development
Ans. D institution in June, ten months before the end of his five-year
Explanation: Vodafone Idea appointed Murthy GVAS as the term.
interim Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel His departure comes at a time when many countries around
of the company, effective from February 15. the world are facing severe financial problems.
Murthy is currently designated as the executive vice- Appointing the head of the World Bank is a prerogative of
president, financial controller and head of taxation. the US president and Biden will appoint Malpass’ successor.
Murthy GVAS has 32 years of experience and expertise in Malpass was close to former President Donald Trump, who
finance operations, consolidation, compliance, taxation, appointed him to the post in 2019 after Young Kim, an
systems integration, mergers and acquisitions. appointee of former President Barack Obama, quit.
The chartered accountant with over 32 years spent in the Malpass had worked in Trump’s 2016 election campaign and
trade, Murthy had a six-year stint at Tata Steel before joining became the Treasury undersecretary for international affairs
Vodafone. before going to the World Bank.
He joined Vodafone in April 2000 making him experienced in World Bank
the telecom sector for nearly 23 years. Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
Vodafone Idea Ltd: President: David Malpass
Founded: 31 August 2018 Founded: July 1944
Headquarters: Mumbai (Corp.), Gandhinagar (Reg.) Parent organization: World Bank Group
Chairman: Ravinder Takkar Founders: John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White
CEO: Akshay Moondra
161. Who will be the next Chief Executive Officer of
Alphabet-owned YouTube?

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A. Neal Mohan B. Jawed Karim It was amended in 2010 to "consolidate the law" on
C. Chad Hurley D. Steve Chen utilisation of foreign funds, and "to prohibit" their use for
E. Susan Wojcicki "any activities detrimental to national interest".
Ans. A The law was amended again by the current government in
Explanation: An Indian-American, Neal Mohan will become 2020, giving the government tighter control and scrutiny
the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alphabet-owned over the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by NGOs.
YouTube.
Susan Wojcicki has announced that she will be stepping 163. Recently India has started which exercise with Japan?
down from her role as the head of the video-sharing A. Dharma Guardian 2023 B. Malabar 2023
platform. C. JIMEX 2023 D. Shinyuu Maitri 2023
With this, Mohan will be joining the elite list of global tech E. None of these
chiefs of Indian origin such as Google parent Alphabet’s Ans. A
Sundar Pichai, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, IBM’s Arvind Explanation: India and Japan has kick started an exercise "Ex
Krishna, and Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen. Dharma Guardian" at Camp Imazu in Shiga Province, Japan
Neal Mohan - from February 17 to March 2, 2023.
In 2007, DoubleClick was bought by Google. Aftermath, Neal The Indian Army contingent arrived at the exercise location
Mohan played a key role in advancing Google’s advertising on February 12, 2023.
products, including AdWords, AdSense, and DoubleClick. India and Japan will kick off an exercise "Ex Dharma
A Stanford graduate, 49-year-old Neal Mohan has been Guardian" at Camp Imazu in Shiga Province, Japan from
serving as YouTube’s chief product officer since 2015. February 17 to March 2, 2023.
About YouTube - The Indian Army contingent arrived at the exercise location
Founders: Jawed Karim, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen on February 12, 2023.
Founded: 14 February 2005, San Mateo, California, United Other Exercise between India and Japan -
States Malabar Exercise
Headquarters: San Bruno, California, United States Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX)
Parent organization: Google Shinyuu Maitri

162. The RBI has made changes to which type of payment 164. With which country, India has agreed to cooperate in
systems for Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) digital infra, climate action, clean energy?
related transactions? A. France B. Italy
A. NEFT and RTGS B. Cheque and DD C. Portugal D. Spain
C. UPI and VPA D. Credit and Debit Cards E. Germany
E. Net Banking and Checks Ans. D
Ans. A Explanation: Indian and Spanish leaders agreed to
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate
changes to the NEFT and RTGS systems for Foreign action, clean energy transition and sustainable.
Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) related transactions They reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives and expressed
following the Home Ministry’s order for State Bank of India satisfaction at the recent high-level exchanges and growing
(SBI) to report details of overseas donors on a daily basis cooperation in defence, economic and commercial sectors.
including the purpose of remittances. They agreed to collaborate on issues such as digital
Under the FCRA, foreign contributions can only be received infrastructure, climate action, clean energy transition and
in the "FCRA account" of SBI’s New Delhi Main Branch, with sustainable development.
contributions coming directly from foreign banks through India’s Outreach For G-20 Summit -
SWIFT and from Indian intermediary banks through NEFT PM Modi briefed his Spanish counterpart on India’s priorities
and RTGS systems. for the G-20 Presidency oriented towards working to
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) - promote oneness based on the theme of Vasudhaiva
The FCRA was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 in an Kutumbkam (One Earth, One Family, One Future).
atmosphere of apprehension that foreign powers were Prime Minister Sánchez extended full support to India’s
interfering in India’s affairs by pumping in funds through initiatives under its G-20 Presidency.
independent organisations.
These concerns had been expressed in Parliament as early as 165. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Jal
in 1969. Jan Abhiyan in which state?
The law sought to regulate foreign donations to individuals A. Uttar Pradesh B. Rajasthan
and associations so that they functioned "in a manner C. Uttarakhand D. Nagaland
consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic E. Tamil Nadu
republic". Ans. B
Amendments in FCRA -

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Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
inaugurated the Jal Jan Abhiyan virtually on Abu Road in the 168. Which state/UT will host India’s First Frozen-Lake
Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Marathon?
PM Modi noted that the 21st-century world is realizing the A. Jammu & Kashmir B. Uttarakhand
seriousness of limited water resources on earth and pointed C. Himachal Pradesh D. Ladakh
out that water security is a huge question for India due to its E. Punjab
large population. Ans. D
The Prime Minister highlighted the sages of India who had Explanation: The Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh will host the
created a restrained, balanced, and sensitive system first-ever frozen lake marathon on 20th February 2023, at an
regarding nature, the environment, and water thousands of altitude of roughly 13,862 feet.
years ago. The first-ever frozen lake marathon which is of 21-kilometer
Current Government Initiatives Related to Water is India’s first of its kind.
Management - The marathon will occur at a height of 13,862 feet and it will
National Water Policy, 2012 be the first of its kind to ever take place in the globe at this
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana altitude.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain Campaign On 20th February Adventure Sports foundation of Ladakh
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ASFL) in collaboration with Ladakh Autonomous Hill
Development Council Leh and Ladakh Tourism Department
166. A climate campaign "Don’t Choose Extinction" has won is going to organize India’s first 21 km long Pangong Frozen
two Anthem Awards at the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards. This Lake Marathon.
scheme was launched by which international organisation? President ASFL, Chamb Tsetan informed that it will be a
A. UNICEF B. UNEP once-in-a-lifetime-experience with the Pangong Frozen Lake
C. UNDP D. UNPF Marathon to be held on 20 February 2023
E. UNESCO Participants will run on frozen sheets of ice on the majestic
Ans. C Pangong Lake during the one-day event.
Explanation: The "Don’t Choose Extinction" campaign,
launched by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to 169. Which bank has launched electronic bank guarantee
raise awareness about the climate emergency, has won Gold scheme?
and Silver in two different categories at the 2nd Annual A. Indian Overseas Bank B. HDFC Bank
Anthem Awards. C. State Bank of India D. Axis Bank
This was announced by The International Academy of Digital E. City Union Bank
Arts & Science (IADAS), which was launched by the Webby Ans. A
Awards in 2021. Explanation: Public sector Indian Overseas Bank has
The Awards are intended to celebrate mission-driven work launched the facility of issuance of e-BG (Electronic Bank
and the social impact of individuals, corporations and Guarantee) scheme in association with the National e-
organizations. Governance Services Ltd.
Its goal is to define a new benchmark for impactful work that The e-BG is an instrument issued by the city-headquartered
inspires others to take action in their communities. bank in which the bank undertakes to guarantee a specific
About the ’Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign - amount against the non-fulfillment of some
UNDP’s ’Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign and film shines action/performance of the applicant.
a spotlight on fossil fuel subsidies and their negative impact Key Points -
on the planet. The main features of the e-BG are completely paperless
mode with digital stamping and digital signature.
167. Which government entity has recently launched an AI The Indian Overseas bank is one of the pioneers in launching
Chatbot Aadhaar Mitra India? the Bank Guarantee through digital mode.
A. DRDO B. RBI Indian Overseas Bank -
C. UIDAI D. SBI Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is an Indian public sector bank
E. HDFC Bank based in Chennai.
Ans. C It has about 3,214 domestic branches, about 4 foreign
Explanation: The Unique Identification Authority of India branches, and a representative office.
(UIDAI) has recently launched a chatbot to help people get The bank was founded in February 1937 by M Ct M
an answer to their queries related to the Aadhaar card. Chidambaram Chettyar with twin objectives of specializing in
It is called "Aadhaar Mitra". foreign exchange business and overseas banking, it has
The Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-a based created various milestones in Indian Banking Sector.
chatbot can answer queries related to Aadhaar enrolment
number, PVC Card order status, and complaint status, among 170. Who will be the new Vice Chief of Indian Army?
other things. A. Anindya Sengupta B. B S Raju
It is available in both English and Hindi languages. C. Suchindra Kumar D. Rashim Bali

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E. Sundar Subramani 172. Which company will manufacture Israel’s LORA Ballistic
Ans. C Missile for Indian Tri-Services?
Explanation: Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar has been named A. Engineers India Limited B. Bharat Electronics
as the new Vice Chief of Army Staff, while incumbent Lt Gen C. Hindustan Aeronautics D. National Mineral
B S Raju will take charge as South Western Army Corporation
Commander. E. National Aluminium Company
Lt Gen Kumar has been promoted as Army Commander and Ans. B
appointed as the new Vice Chief of Army Staff. Explanation: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd
He is serving as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) in (BEL) has signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries
the Army Headquarters at present. (IAI) for the domestic manufacture and supply of its Long-
Lt Gen Kumar is an alumnus of the National Defence Range Artillery Weapon System (LORA) for the Indian Tri-
Academy, Khadakwasla. services.
He was commissioned into 1 Assam Regiment in June 1985. This state-of-the-art strategic weapon system will be
He has commanded the 59 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, an manufactured by BEL, as the prime contractor, based on the
Infantry Brigade and an Infantry Division on the Line of workshare arrangement with IAI.
Control. Key Points -
Lt Gen Kumar has also commanded the highly active White The MoU was signed at the ongoing Aero India 2023.
Knight Corps. It is in line with the Government of India’s "Make in India"
He has held the posts of Additional Director General Military initiative for major weapon systems.
Intelligence and Director General Military Intelligence at the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed that India is set to
Army headquarters. spend 75% of defense capital outlay on procurement from
Other Important Appointments - domestic firms.
Lt Gen Rashim Bali has been appointed as the commander of The LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for
Leh-based 14 Corps which takes care of security along the multiple ranges with a precision level of 10 meters CEP
Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the Ladakh sector. (circular error probable).
Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, the current commander of the 14 Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is an Indian Government-
Corps, will become the new Chief of Staff of Udhampur owned aerospace and defense electronics company.
headquartered Northern Command.
Lt Gen NSR Subramani, currently the Chief of Staff at the 173. World Pangolin Day 2023 has recently observed on
headquarters of the Northern Command in Udhampur, has which day of February?
been promoted to the rank of Army Commander and A. 15 February B. 19 February
appointed as the next Central Army Commander. C. 16 February D. 18 February
E. 20 February
171. According to Morgan Stanley report, India’s gross Ans. D
domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at what percent Explanation: World Pangolin Day is observed annually on
in FY24? the third Saturday in February, and this year it falls on
A. 4.1% B. 8.2% February 18.
C. 6.2% D. 5.4% It is a day to remember and celebrate pangolins, raise
E. 9.3% awareness and fight against global pangolin capture in Africa
Ans. C and Asia.
Explanation: India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is Pangolin Day marks the 12th edition of the event.
expected to grow at 6.2 per cent in FY24 as drivers of World Pangolin Day provides us with an opportunity to
domestic demand remain intact amid fears of an impending increase our awareness of these remarkable animals and the
slowdown, Morgan Stanley said in a research report threats they face.
released. About Pangolin -
Earlier, the Union Budget for FY24 had projected nominal There are eight species of pangolin:
GDP growth at 10.5 per cent, as the centre increased the 4 Species in Africa: Black-bellied pangolin, White-bellied
capital investment outlay steeply for the third year in a row pangolin, Giant Ground pangolin and Temminck’s Ground
by 33 per cent to Rs 10 trillion. pangolin.
The Economic Survey for 2022-23 projected that India would 4 Species in Asia: Indian pangolin, Philippine pangolin, Sunda
witness a growth between 6-6.8 per cent in FY24, depending pangolin and the Chinese pangolin.
on the trajectory of economic and geo-political
developments globally. 174. Which district of Kerala has won the Swaraj Trophy for
India is on track to become the world’s third largest economy the best district panchayat in the State for the 2021-22
by 2027, surpassing Japan and Germany, and have the third financial year?
largest stock market by 2030. A. Kollam B. Munroe Island
C. Punalur D. Kottarakkara
E. Karunagappalli

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Ans. A It will perform internet of things (IoT) communications,
Explanation: The Kollam district panchayat has won the advanced experimental laser communications, radio
Swaraj Trophy for the best district panchayat in the State for communications, and machine learning (ML) during orbit.
the 2021-22 financial year. Antaris SatOS software manages core bus responsibilities
The Kannur district panchayat stood second in the rankings. while orchestrating multitenant payloads and onboard
Kollam district, is one of 14 districts of the state of Kerala, computing—in addition to showcasing secure TT&C
India. protocols with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and ATLAS
The district has a cross-section of Kerala’s natural attributes. Space Operations, who are providing ground
It is endowed with a long coastline, a major Laccadive Sea communications services.
seaport and an inland lake. The project was completed in just 10 months from concept
Key Points - to launch readiness with a cost savings of 75% over
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation bagged the trophy for comparable satellite missions.
the best corporation.
The Mulanthuruthy grama panchayat won the award for the 176. Recently, the cabinet has approved the "Vibrant
best grama panchayat in the State and Pappinissery and Villages Programme" with an allocation of how much crores?
Marangattupilly grama panchayats won the second and third A. Rs 3500 crores B. Rs 4800 crores
places. C. Rs 5100 crores D. Rs 6300 crores
The award for the best block panchayat went to E. Rs 8400 crores
Perumpadappu, while Kodakara and Nedumangad won the Ans. B
second and third places. Explanation: To improve the quality of life and encourage
Tirurangadi won the award for the best municipality, while people to stay in their native locations in border areas, the
Wadakkanchery and Sulthan Bathery won the second and union government announced a Rs 4800 crore centrally
third places. sponsored scheme for four years through FY26.
The Kallikkad grama panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram won The Cabinet approved the "Vibrant Villages Programme" to
the Mahatma award for the best implementation of the ensure the comprehensive development of villages along the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee northern border areas.
Scheme (MGNREGS). Out of the financial allocation of Rs 4800 crore, Rs 2500 crore
The Kollam Corporation won the Mahatma Ayyankali award would be used for constructing roads.
for the implementation of the Ayyankali Urban Employment Vibrant Villages Programme -
Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS). The scheme will provide funds for the development of
Wadakkanchery and Vaikom won the award for essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood
municipalities. opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states
and 1 UT along the northern land border of the country
175. Which space company has launched world’s first cloud- which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining
built demonstration satellite JANUS-1? the population in the border areas. In the first phase 663
A. Antaris Space B. Blue Origin Villages will be taken up in the programme.
C. Boeing D. Sierra The scheme would help in encouraging people to stay in
E. SpaceX their native locations in border areas and reversing the
Ans. A outmigration from these villages adding to improved
Explanation: Antaris announced that the world’s first security of the border.
satellite fully conceived, designed and manufactured using
the company’s end-to-end cloud platform, JANUS-1 has 177. Famous Yakshagana singer and screenwriter Balipa
successfully reached orbit. Narayan Bhagwat, who has passed away recently, was from
JANUS-1 was launched by the Indian Space Research which state?
Organization’s (ISRO) SSLV-D2 rocket. A. Tamil Nadu B. Kerala
JANUS-1 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre C. Telangana D. Karnataka
of India under a commercial arrangement with New Space E. Goa
India Limited (NSIL). Ans. B
Key Points - Explanation: Famous Yakshagana singer and screenwriter
The JANUS-1 satellite features five payloads from a range of Balipa Narayan Bhagwat passed away at the age of 85.
global providers, which will be commissioned and begin He had mastered a unique style of singing, due to which fans
nominal operations. have given it the name of "Balipa Style".
JANUS-1 is a 6U satellite featuring payload and subsystem Bhagwat has written more than 30 Yakshagana "Prasanga"
technologies from AICRAFT, Morpheus Space, Netra, (scripts).
SayariLabs Kenya, SpeQtral, Transceles, trial, and Zero-Error He was well versed in over 100 Yakshagana episodes, which
Systems (ZES). he composed by heart.
He had served in the field of Yakshagana for about 60 years.

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He was the chief Bhagwat of Kateel Durgaparameshwari In February 2023, he came under severe attack after he
Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali (Kateel Mela). reveals confidential information about the Indian Cricket
Born on April 13, 1938 in Padre village of Kasargod district Team.
(Kerala), Bhagavata wrote several Yakshagana episodes. Indian National Cricket Selectors is a committee of cricket
He was honoured with several other awards including the administrators.
"Karnataka Sri" award in 2002 for All India Kannada It is usually composed of former cricket players and is
literature. appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Its responsibility is to select members of cricket teams to
178. The Central Water Commission has signed a represent India at various levels.
Memorandum of Agreement with which Indian Institute of The term for selectors was increased from one year to two
Technology for the development of International Centre of years in 2006, with a provision for an additional year based
Excellence for Dams? on performance.
A. IIT Chennai B. IIT Kanpur The selectors are appointed by the BCCI’s three-member
C. IIT Roorkee D. IIT Delhi Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
E. IIT Dhanbad
Ans. C 181. The 49th GST Council Meeting has been held in
Explanation: The Central Water Commission (CWC), February 2023 under the Chairmanship of whom?
Department of Water Resources, River Development & A. Finance Minister B. Prime Minister
Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti entered into a C. Finance Secretary D. President
Memorandum of Agreement for Development of E. Comptroller and Auditor General
International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED). Ans. A
This will be under externally funded Dam Rehabilitation and Explanation: The 49th GST Council Meeting has recently
Improvement Project Phase II and Phase III. held on 18th February 2023 in New Delhi under the
ICED, Roorkee will provide specialized technical support Chairmanship of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
services to the Indian and overseas dam owners. This meeting is being conducted within a span of three
It will also carry out applied research, education, and weeks from the Union Budget 2023.
technology transfer in dam safety management at local, Key Agendas - Appellate tribunals, mechanisms to curb tax
regional, national, and international levels. evasion, tax rate changes on cement, reports on taxation of
pan masala and sand mining.
179. Who has been named as managing director of Jaguar GST Appellate Tribunals – Recommendations of GoM on
Land Rover India? setting up GST Appellate Tribunals have been accepted with
A. Rohit Suri B. Anil Kumar Sinha certain amendments.
C. Govind Ramdas D. VP Rajan Amba GST Compensation Cess – Entire GST Compensation Cess of
E. Rajiv Gupta Rs 16,982 crores will be cleared today. The Centre shall
Ans. D release the payments from their funds and recoup from the
Explanation: Tata Motors has appointed Rajan Amba as the future collection.
Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover India. Special Composition Scheme – For certain industries, a
He will take charge on March 1, 2023. special composition scheme will be introduced. i.e. PAN
Rajan will be replacing Rohit Suri, who announced his masala, Gutkha, Tobacco etc
retirement from the position of MD and President back in
January 2023. 182. UNICEF India has appointed whom as national
Prior to joining Tata Motors, Amba was the Chief Operating ambassador of child rights?
Officer at Carat Lane. A. Annu Kapoor B. Rajkummar Rao
He also held several top managerial posts at Titan and Nike. C. Ayushmann Khurrana D. Shahrukh Khan
Tata Motors Founded: 1945, Mumbai E. John Abraham
Tata Motors Headquarters: Mumbai Ans. C
Tata Motors Founder: J. R. D. Tata Explanation: In India, Ayushmann Khurrana will represent
UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency
180. Name the Chief Selector of BCCI who has resigned Fund).
recently? The actor’s designation as the National Ambassador was
A. Chetan Sharma B. Subroto Banerjee announced by UNICEF.
C. Salil Ankola D. Sridharan Sharath As part of his duties, Ayushmann will work with UNICEF to
E. Shiv Sundar Das guarantee every child’s rights to life, health and protection
Ans. A while also fostering their voice and agency in matters that
Explanation: The Indian Cricketer Chetan Sharma submitted affect them.
his resignation letter to Jay Shah, secretary of BCCI and Prior to 2020, Ayushmann worked as a Celebrity Advocate
instantly received approval for the same. for UNICEF India to stop violence against children.

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Most recently, he worked with Sachin Tendulkar, Regional E. Karthik Subramaniam
Ambassador for UNICEF South, to highlight inclusion and Ans. E
non-discrimination through gender inclusive sports on Explanation: Karthik Subramaniam wins National
World Children’s Day 2022. Geographic’s "Pictures of the year".
UNICEF was created in 1946 as International Children’s Karthik Subramaniam of Indian descent, hobbyist
Emergency Fund (ICEF) by UN relief Rehabilitation photographer is winner of National Geographic’s "Pictures of
Administration to help children affected by World War II. the Year" Contest.
UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations in In the year 2020, Karthik Subramaniam began experimenting
1953. with his camera after being quarantined at his San Francisco,
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965 for “promotion California, house as a result of the epidemic.
of brotherhood among the nations”. A little under three years later, he captured eagles
Headquarters: New York City. competing for a tree branch in Alaska’s Chilkat Bald Eagle
It works in over 190 countries and territories with 7 regional Sanctuary.
offices.
186. Which state government has organized its first state-
183. Who has become the sixth and the fastest batter in the level "Prawn Fair" or Shrimp mela?
world to score 25,000 runs across formats in February 2023? A. Punjab Govt B. Haryana Govt
A. Rohit Sharma B. Virat Kohli C. Bihar Govt D. Odisha Govt
C. Hardik Pandya D. K L Rahul E. Rajasthan Govt
E. Surya Kumar Ans. A
Ans. B Explanation: Punjab Government has organized its first
Explanation: Virat Kohli became the sixth and the fastest state-level ’Prawn Fair’ (Shrimp mela).
batter in the world to score 25,000 runs across formats This "Prawn Fair" or Shrimp mela is an effort of the state
during the second Test against Australia. government to create awareness about shrimp farming.
He had come into his 492nd match overall with 52 runs Shrimp farming is an aquaculture-based activity in marine or
needed to reach the milestone. freshwater to produce shrimp for human consumption.
He scored 44 runs in India’s first innings before being By 2022-23, a total of 1212 acres of land has been taken up
dismissed for 20 runs to finish with 25012 runs. for shrimp farming in southwest Punjab, with a total
The other dependable players with more than 25,000 runs production of 2413 tonnes of shrimp.
across all forms are - Various schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar (34357 from 664 matches). Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) started in 2021 and will run till
Sri Lankans Kumar Sangakkara (28016 from 594 matches) 2025 to promote the "blue revolution".
and Mahela Jayawardene (25957 from 652 matches). The project cost for a fishpond on 2.5 acres of land has been
Australian Ricky Ponting (27483 from 560 matches) and earmarked at Rs 14 lakh under this project.
South African Jacques Kallis (25534 from 519 matches). Blue Revolution in India -
It was launched in India during the 7th Five Year Plan (FYP)
184. With which country, India has recently conducted 4th that went from 1985 to 1990, during which the government
joint Military Exercise "Dustlik"? sponsored the Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA).
A. Tajikistan B. Azerbaijan During the 8th FYP, from 1992-97, the Intensive Marine
C. Kazakhstan D. Uzbekistan Fisheries Program was launched in which collaboration with
E. Kyrgyzstan MNCs was encouraged.
Ans. D Over a period of time, fishing harbours in Tuticorin,
Explanation: The fourth iteration of the biennial training Porbandar, Visakhapatnam, Kochi and Port Blair were
exercise DUSTLIK (2023) will be held in Pithoragarh, established.
Uttarakhand from February 20, 2023 through March 5, 2023,
as part of a military-to-military exchange programme 187. What is the name of India’s permanent representative
between the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army. to the UN, who has been chosen to serve as the
The 14th Battalion, The GARHWAL RIFLES, a unit under commission’s chair during the 62nd session?
Western Command, will participate in this bilateral exercise A. Vinay Mohan Kwatra B. Ruchira Kamboj
on behalf of the Indian contingent. C. Arindam Bagchi D. Syed Akbaruddin
After ten days of combined training, the first Indo- E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu
Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise "DUSTLIK-2019" Ans. B
ended on November 13, 2019. Explanation: Ruchira Kamboj, India’s permanent
representative to the UN, has been chosen to serve as the
185. Who has won National Geographic’s "Pictures of the commission’s chair during the 62nd session.
year 2022"? At the opening session of the 62nd session of the UN
A. Michael Rooker B. Scott Wilson Commission for Social Development this week in New York,
C. Emily Kinney D. Laurie Holden Kamboj was chosen as chair by acclamation.

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Also, it chose Thomas Lammar of Luxembourg, Jon Ivanovski The Ranji Trophy founded by the Board of Control for Cricket
of North Macedonia and Carla Mara Carlson of the in India (BCCI), was named after one of India’s first test
Dominican Republic to serve as the 62nd session’s vice cricketer, Ranjitsinhji, who played for England and Sussex.
chairs. Ranjitsinhji known as "Father of Indian cricket", never
On the final day of its 61st session, the Commission for Social actually played for India.
Development forwarded four draught resolutions to the UN The series was announced in 1934, and the initial fixtures
Economic and Social Council for consideration. took place in 1934-35. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala
donated the trophy.
188. Who has inaugurated the "SemiconIndia Conference of Other Domestic Cricket Tournaments -
Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem"? Duleep Trophy - Named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji
A. Rajeev Chandrasekhar B. Ashwini Vaishnaw Vijay Hazare Trophy
C. Mansukh L Mandaviya D. Dharmendra Pradhan Deodhar Trophy
E. Nirmala Sitharaman Irani Cup - On completion of 25 years of the Ranji Trophy
Ans. B Championship, The BCCI inaugurated the Irani Trophy.
Explanation: The Minister for Communications, Electronics Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy - Introduced in the year 2008-09,
& Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a Twenty20 cricket domestic
inaugurated the "SemiconIndia Conference of Electronics championship, organized by BCCI.
Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem".
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the success 191.
achieved in telecom manufacturing and Vande Bharat Who won best actor awards at Dadasaheb Phalke
development enabled by the government. International Film Festival Awards 2023?
Semiconductor Production India - A. Ranbir Kapoor B. Vicky Kaushal
India currently imports all chips and the market is estimated C. Salman Khan D. Shahid Kapoor
to touch E. Arjun Kapoor
24 billion now. Ans. A
India’s own consumption of semiconductors is expected to Explanation: While Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor won the
cross USD 80 billion by 2026 and to USD 110 billion by 2030. best actress and actor awards at Dadasaheb Phalke
International Film Festival Awards 2023.
189. Who has been appointed as CEO of Oxford University ’The Kashmir Files’ won the best film and ’RRR’ won film of
Hospitals NHS Trust? the year.
A. Meghana Pandit B. Ash Soni Varun Dhawan won critics best actor for ’Bhediya’ while
C. Paula Hay D. Sarah Reddy Anupam Kher won most versatile actor of the year.
E. Jonathan Montgomery ’Anupamaa’ won television series of the year.
Ans. A Here Is The Complete List Of The Winners:
Explanation: One of the major teaching hospitals in the UK, Best Film: The Kashmir Files
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has Best Director: R Balki for Chup: Revenge of The Artist
named Professor Meghana Pandit, as its CEO. Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for Brahmastra: Part 1
In addition to being the first person of Indian descent to be Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
nominated CEO of any National Health Service (NHS) trust in Most Promising Actor: Rishab Shetty for Kantara
the Shelford Group, which includes some of the largest Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023
teaching hospitals in the nation, Ms Pandit becomes the for Outstanding Contribution In The Film Industry: Rekha
trust’s first female chief. Best Web Series: Rudra: The Edge of Darkness
Critics Best Actor: Varun Dhawan for Bhediya
190. Which cricket team has clinched its second Ranji Trophy Film of The Year: RRR
title 2022-23? Television Series of The Year: Anupamaa
A. Bengal B. Mumbai Most Versatile Actor Of The Year: Anupam Kher for The
C. Saurashtra D. Karnataka Kashmir Files
E. Delhi Best Actor In A Television Series: Zain Imam for Fanaa- Ishq
Ans. C Mein Marjawaan
Explanation: Saurashtra defeated Bengal by nine wickets to Best Male Singer: Sachet Tandon for Maiyya Mainu
clinch its second Ranji Trophy 2022-23 title at the Eden Best Female Singer: Neeti Mohan for Meri Jaan
Gardens in Kolkata. Best Cinematographer: PS Vinod for Vikram Vedha
Saurashtra won their second Ranji Trophy title at the Eden Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023
Gardens in Kolkata. for Outstanding Contribution In The Music Industry:
Saurashtra won the Ranji Trophy title for the first time in Hariharan
2019-20.
Ranji Trophy -

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192. Explanation: India Women captain Harmanpreet Kaur has
Om Prakash Kohli, who passed away recently, was the created history by becoming the first-ever cricketer to play
former governor of which state? 150 T20I matches.
A. Rajasthan B. Gujarat India’s ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 match against
C. Bihar D. Tamil Nadu Ireland is Harmanpreet’s 150th T20I.
E. Kerala Harmanpreet is followed by Team India captain Rohit
Ans. B Sharma, who has played 148 T20I matches and former New
Explanation: Former Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli Zealand Women captain Suzie Bates, who has played 143
passed away. T20Is.
Kohli was the 19th governor of Gujarat from 2014 to 2019. The Indian captain is leading the Women’s in Blue in the
While presiding as Gujarat governor, he also served as the 2023 T20 World Cup.
governor of Madya Pradesh and Goa. Harmanpreet made her debut in the shortest format in 2009
He served in the Rajya Sabha from 1994 to 2000 and chaired against England during the first edition of the Women’s T20
the housing committee, among other committee World Cup. Since then, she has played 150 games in which
memberships. she has scored 2993 runs at an average of 27.97, including
Gujarat: one century.
Capital: Gandhinagar Harmanpreet has been India’s T20I captain since 2018, and
Governor: Acharya Devvrat the 2023 edition is the third time, she is leading India in the
Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel marquee event. She led India into the 2018 semi-finals while
also becoming the first Indian captain to lead the team into
193. the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final, where India lost to
Who has been appointed as CEO of NITI Aayog? Australia.
A. VK Saraswat B. Ramesh Chand
C. BVR Subrahmanyam D. Dr VK Paul 195.
E. Dr Arvind Virmani With which country, India has launched a joint digital
Ans. E payment mechanism enabling residents of both the
Explanation: Former Commerce Secretary BVR countries to make easy and faster cross-border
Subrahmanyam has been appointed as NITI Aayog’s CEO transactions?
while the think tank’s current CEO, Parameswaran Iyer, has A. Hong Kong B. Taiwan
been appointed as World Bank’s Executive Director. C. Japan D. Malaysia
Subrahmanyam is a 1987 batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh E. Singapore
cadre and holds a management degree from London Ans. E
Business School. Explanation: India and Singapore have launched a joint
The Centre had scrapped Article 370 when Subrahmanyam digital payment mechanism enabling residents of both the
was J&K’s Chief Secretary. countries to make easy and faster cross-border transactions.
Iyer’s appointment will be for a period of two years from the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of
date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further Singapore have made a tie-up to facilitate these
orders. transactions.
He spent less than eight months at NITI Aayog and took over The facility was jointly launched by Reserve Bank of India
as its CEO on July 1, 2022. He is a civil servant and led the Governor Shaktikanta Das and Managing Director of the
government’s swachh bharat mission in 2014. He had taken Monetary Authority of Singapore Ravi Menon.
voluntary retirement In 2009 and joined the World Bank in Now people can transfer money with their mobile phones in
its water and sanitation initiatives. a cost effective, swift and faster manner.
NITI Aayog: Professionals, students among others will benefit with this
Formed: 1 January 2015 payment mechanism.
Headquarters: New Delhi Singapore:
Chairperson: Narendra Modi Capital Singapore (city-state)
Vice Chairperson: Suman Bery President: Halimah Yacob
CEO: Parameswaran Iyer Prime Minister: Lee Hsien Loong
Currency: Singapore dollar
194.
Who has created history by becoming the first-ever 196.
cricketer to play 150 T20I matches? In which category, Narmada Nithin Raju and Rudrankksh
A. Smriti Mandhana B. Shafali Verma Balasaheb Patil won gold medal on the second day of the
C. Mithali Dorai Raj D. Harmanpreet Kaur ongoing ISSF Shooting World Cup in Cairo, Egypt?
E. Pooja Vastrakar A. 10m Air Rifle Mixed team B. 15m Air Rifle Mixed team
Ans. D C. 20m Air Rifle Mixed team D. 25m Air Rifle Mixed team
E. 30m Air Rifle Mixed team

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Ans. A Jaguar Land Rover:
Explanation: India clinched two gold medals on the second Founded: 18 January 2008
day of the ongoing ISSF Shooting World Cup at Cairo in Egypt. Headquarters: Whitley, Coventry, United Kingdom
Indian 10m Air Rifle Mixed team of Narmada Nithin Raju and Interm CEO: Adrian Mardell
Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil and 10m Air Pistol Mixed team Chief creative officer: Gerry McGovern
of Rhythm Sangwan and Varun Tomar have bagged the
yellow metals. 199.
The 19-year-old Varun also won bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Recently, Rajesh Rai has been appointed as Chairman &
Men event after beating compatriot Sarabjot. Managing Director (CMD) of Indian Telephone Industries
India has so far won three medals in the competition with 2 Limited (ITI Ltd) for how many years?
golds and a bronze. A. 7 Years B. 5 Years
C. 3 Years D. 8 Years
197. E. 4 Years
Recently, Dmitry Dmitruk has been appointed as the coach Ans. B
of which Sport association? Explanation: Rajesh Rai has been appointed as Chairman &
A. Boxing Federation of India B. Badminton Association Managing Director (CMD) of Indian Telephone Industries
of India Limited (ITI Ltd), a PSU under the Department of
C. All India Football Federation D. Athletics Federation Telecommunications (DoT). The Central Government has
of India approved his appointment.
E. Table Tennis Federation of India The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has
Ans. A approved the appointment of Rai for a period of five years
Explanation: Boxing Federation of India (BFI) appointed with effect from the date of his assumption of charge of the
veteran coach Dmitry Dmitruk as the Indian boxing team’s post, or till the date of his superannuation, or until further
foreign coach for the next two years. orders, whichever is the earliest.
Before taking up the role in India, he was the high Presently, he is serving as General Manager in Mahanagar
performance coach of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
(IABA) as well as the Irish National Junior and Youth Teams Indian Telephone Industries Limited:
for the last 12 years. ITI Limited is a PSU in the telecommunications technology
The 47-year-old played a key role in elevating Ireland boxing segment established as a departmental factory in 1948. The
team’s performances and nurturing young talent over the company has manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Naini,
course of his stint in Ireland. Rae Bareli, Mankapur and Palakkad along with an R&D
He has coached notable boxers such as Joe Ward to World centre in Bengaluru and 25 Marketing, Services & Projects
Championships silver medals in 2015 and 2017 and Grainne (MSP) centers in India, which are located at Bengaluru,
Walsh to a bronze at the 2019 European Games. Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow,
As part of the Irish boxing team’s coaching staff, he Mumbai, New Delhi and 17 other places spread across the
contributed significantly to the qualification of the country’s country.
boxers for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Headquarters: Bengaluru
International Boxing Association (IBA): Founded: 12 October 1948
Formation: 1946
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland 200.
President: Umar Nazarovich Kremlev Statehood Day in Arunachal Pradesh has recently been
observed on which day of February?
198. A. 19th February B. 18th February
Who has been named as the new Managing Director of C. 20th February D. 21th February
Jaguar Land Rover India? E. 22th February
A. Rohit Suri B. Rajan Amba Ans. C
C. Anil Kumar Sinha D. Rajiv Gupta Explanation: Statehood Day in Arunachal Pradesh is a state
E. Neha Suresh Dave holiday observed on 20th February in the Northeastern
Ans. B Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Explanation: Rajan Amba has been named as the new Statehood Day in Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated to
Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover India, effective commemorate the granting of statehood to the state which
March 1, 2023. occurred in the year 1987.
Amba will replace Rohit Suri, who announced his retirement Arunachal Pradesh holds a key position in the whole
this year. northeastern Indian states, as it served as the general name
Amba, who has previously served in leadership positions at of the whole region before its statehood.
Titan and Caratlane, is the current Vice President of Sales, The celebration of Statehood Day in Arunachal Pradesh on
Marketing and Customer Care at Tata Motors Passenger February 20 has its origin in the year the state was granted
Vehicles. statehood in 1987.

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The state is located at the foot of the Himalayas, which gives Vikramaditya Singh, former executive director of Bank of
it its famous, exquisite name. It is bordered by an Indian Baroda, has been appointed to Reliance Capital’s advisory
state and three other countries. committee following the resignation of Srinivasan
Before gaining statehood in the late 1980s, Arunachal Varadarajan from the panel.
Pradesh had been a territory in the Union of India from 1972, The RBI on December 7, 2021, constituted an advisory
comprising other states. committee to advise the administrator in the operations of
The seven states in the territory were famously known as the the financial service providers during the corporate
’Seven Sisters. insolvency resolution process of RCap.
Going back to history, the northeastern region of India, The Advisory Committee comprise of following members -
where Arunachal Pradesh is located, had seen marked Shri Sanjeev Nautiyal, ex-DMD, State Bank of India
attention from the colonial British. Shri Praveen P Kadle, ex-MD & CEO, Tata Capital Limited
Shri Vikramaditya Singh Khichi, ex-ED, Bank of Baroda
201. Who has been selected for the Jnanappana Award - The Advisory Committee shall advise the Administrator in
2023 instituted by the Guruvayur Devaswom? the operations of Reliance Capital Ltd during the corporate
A. Sugatha kumari B. Ottaplakkal Kurup insolvency resolution process.
C. A. Ayyappan D. Kumaran Asan
E. V Madhusoodanan Nair 203. Which bank has emerged as the top performer among
Ans. E state-owned lenders in terms of loan growth percentage
Explanation: Poet V Madhusoodanan Nair has been during the third quarter of 2022-23?
selected for the Jnanappana Award – 2023 instituted by the A. State Bank of India B. Indian Overseas Bank
Guruvayur Devaswom. C. Union Bank of India D. Bank of Maharashtra
It will be presented to the poet by Minister for Higher E. IDBI Bank
Education R Bindu at a cultural meet to be held at Melpathur Ans. D
Auditorium, Guruvayur. Explanation: Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as
Madhusoodanan was selected for the prestigious award the top performer among state-owned lenders in terms of
considering the overall contribution he made to the field of loan growth percentage during the third quarter of 2022-23,
literature. an analysis of the latest financial results of public sector
The award consists of a Rs 50,001 cash prize, 10 gram gold banks showed.
locket with an image of Sree Guruvayoorappan, a citation The Pune-based lender recorded a 21.67 per cent increase in
and a memento. gross advances on a year-on-year basis, according to the
V Madhusoodanan Nair - latest quarterly numbers of the public sector bank (PSB).
V Madhusoodanan Nair is an Indian poet and critic of The bank has maintained the top slot in credit growth in
Malayalam literature, who is credited with contributions in percentage terms consistently for the past 10 quarters
popularizing poetry through recitation. despite COVID-19 pressures.
He is best known for Naranathu Bhranthan, the poem with In terms of Retail-Agriculture-MSME (RAM) loans, BoM has
the most editions in Malayalam literature as well as his music recorded the highest growth of 19.18 per cent, followed by
albums featuring recitations of his own poems and poems of Punjab & Sind Bank with 19.07 per cent and Bank of Baroda
other major poets. with 18.85 per cent on an annual basis.
Kerala Sahitya Akademi honoured him with their annual
award for poetry in 1993. 204. Recently, 49th Khajuraho Dance Festival has begin with
He is also a recipient many other honours including Sahitya at the Khajuraho temple declared as UNESCO heritage. The
Akademi Award, Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram, Dance is organised for how many days?
Padmaprabha Literary Award, Kunju Pillai Award, A. Seven Days B. Nine Days
Souparnikatheeram Prathibhapuraskaram and Janmashtami C. Six Days D. Eleven Days
Puraskaram. E. Four Days
Ans. A
202. Reserve Bank of India has appointed whom as a Explanation: The seven-day 49th Khajuraho Dance Festival
member in the Advisory Committee of M/s Reliance Capital has begun with Bharatnatyam and kathak at the temple
Ltd? declared as UNESCO heritage.
A. Sanjeev Nautiyal B. Vikramaditya Singh The annual event of the Khajuraho Dance Festival is being
C. Praveen P Kadle D. Venkat Nageshwar organized by Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Evam Kala
E. V Ramachandra Akademi and the directorate of culture in association with
Ans. B the tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed India.
Vikramaditya Singh Khichi to a panel to advise the Bharatanatyam dance has presented by Janki Rangarajan,
administrator of debt-ridden Reliance Capital (RCap), the whereas Kathak-Bharatnatyam has presented by Dhirendra
apex bank said in a release. Tiwari, Aprajita Sharma and Kathak by Prachi Shah
respectively.

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Key Points - As per the agreement, the e-commerce platform will help in
The performance of Srilakshmi Govardhanan (Kuchipudi), the marketing of products made by the Self-Help Groups
Maithil Devika and troupe (Mohiniattam) and Vaibhav under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural
Aarekar and troupe (Bharatnatyam), Pratisha Suresh (Satriya Livelihood Mission.
dance), Himanshi Katragadda and Aarti Nair (Kuchipudi - There were 2.35 crore SHG members when PM Narendra
Bharatanatyam Jugalbandi) and Kadamba Centre for Dance Modi takes charge but in the last 9 years, the number of SHG
(Kathak dance) will be held on 21st and 22nd February 2023. members has expanded to more than 9 crores and will touch
Odissi dance by Ramli Ibrahim and troupe, kathak by 10 crores by 2024.
Sanjukta Sinha and Tejaswani Sathe and troupe, kathakali by The minister informed that the cumulative loan to SHGs was
Akash Malik and Rudra Prasad Rai. about Rs 80,000 crore before 2014 and now the bank linkage
Odissi by Shashwati Garai Ghosh and Kathak-Bharatnatyam has crossed over 6.25 lakh crore in the last 9 years, with an
by Bala Vishwanath and Praful Singh Gehlot will be NPA of just 2.08 percent.
presented on the 23rd and 24th of February.
Janani Murali’s Bharatanatyam, Vyjayanthi Kashi, and Sathi’s 207. Recently, which edition of Police-Public Mela in Jammu
Kuchipudi group dance, Nivedita Pandya and Soumya Bose’s has been inaugurated by Lt Governor Manoj?
Kathak Odissi Jugalbandi and Gajendra Kumar Panda- A. 31st B. 33rd
Tridhara’s Odissi group dance will be held on 24th February C. 29th D. 37th
2023. E. 22nd
The festival will end with Mohiniyattam by Gopika Verma, Ans. B
Arupa Lahiri and troupe with Bharatnatyam, Bharatnatyam Explanation: Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor
and Odissi dance by Pushpita Mishra and troupe. Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 33rd Police-Public Mela at
Gulshan Ground, Jammu.
205. Recently, government has formed a panel to monitor LG Manoj Sinha informed that the Police-Public Mela has
Mission Karmayogi. Who will head the panel? emerged as a powerful platform for police officers and the
A. Pradeep Sinha B. Ajay Bhalla public to interact and celebrate the shared heritage.
C. Rajiv Gauba D. Rajiv Mehrishi He commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives
E. Nripendra Misra Welfare Association (JKPWWA) for carrying out numerous
Ans. C initiatives around the year to address the concerns of the
Explanation: Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba will head a top families of martyrs and serving personnel.
panel comprising a senior official from the Prime Minister’s About Jammu and Kashmir Police -
Office, seven secretaries, among others to monitor the The Jammu and Kashmir Police or JKP is the law enforcement
implementation of the government’s ambitious Mission agency of Jammu and Kashmir (union territory).
Karmayogi programme for training of government JKP was established in 1873 and has primary responsibilities
employees. in law enforcement and investigation within Jammu and
The government has recently approved setting up a Cabinet Kashmir in India.
Secretariat Coordination Unit or CSCU as part of the The first specific Jammu & Kashmir police force came into
institutional framework under the National Programme for existence in the year 1873 with one police officer known as
Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) or Mission Kotwal and 14 Thanedars for Srinagar City.
Karmayogi. This police force would control crime and take care of law-
Members of This Committee - and-order situations with help of Chowkidars and Harkars,
The CSCU will have as members a nominee of Prime who were paid mandatorily by the residents of Imperial
Minister’s Office (PMO), secretary (Coordination), cabinet Kashmir Union.
secretariat, DoPT secretary, home secretary, expenditure
secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change secretary, 208. Asian Development Bank has granted loan how much
Higher Education secretary and revenue secretary. for India’s infra, social and green needs?
A.
206. Ministry of Rural Development has signed a MoU with 15 billion
which company to help in the marketing of products made C.
by the Self-Help Groups? 10 billion
A. Meesho B. Amazon E. $35 billion
C. Flipkart D. Myntra Ans. C
E. ShopClues Explanation: The Asian Development Bank in order to help
Ans. A India fulfil its most pressing development requirements
Explanation: Ministry of Rural Development signed an MoU pledged up to 25 Billion Dollar over the course of the next
between the ministry and Meesho an e-commerce platform five years to support social development, climate change
owned by Bengaluru-based Fashnear Technologies Private and infrastructure development in India under the PM Gati
Limited. Shakti project.
Key Points -

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ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa informed PM Narendra The index calculated the "Physical climate risk" to built
Modi during their discussion that ADB intended to provide environments such as buildings and properties across 2,600
20–25 billion dollar in resources over a five-year period to States and provinces globally in 2050.
help the nation achieve its goals of rapid, inclusive, and The index assigned an Aggregated Damage Ratio (ADR) to
environmentally friendly growth. each region, which signifies the total amount of damage a
ADB will prioritise assisting in the transition to a circular region’s built environment would sustain in 2050. A high ADR
economy and the decarbonization of transportation as well signifies more peril.
as the clean energy transition as part of its green growth Global Findings -
plan. According to report the vast majority (80%) of 50 provinces
Asakawa discussed ADB attempts to attain yearly regular facing the highest climate risk to their physical infrastructure
financing of 4 billion dollar from its sovereign operations in by 2050 are in China, the US, and India.
the following few years during his discussion with Minister Two of China’s largest sub-national economies – Jiangsu and
Nirmala Sitharaman. Shandong – top the global ranking; followed by the U.S.
which has 18 regions in the top 100 list.
209. Which edition of ELECRAMA 2023 has been inaugurated Asia dominates the list with 114 of the top 200 regions falling
by Cabinet Minister of Power and New and Renewable in the continent, including Pakistan, Indonesia and most
Energy R K Singh? South East Asian countries.
A. 15th B. 14th
C. 13th D. 17th 211. Recently, India has signed pact with which country on
E. 18th information sharing in maritime security?
Ans. A A. Mauritius B. Maldives
Explanation: At ELECRAMA 2023, the largest solo electrical C. Madagascar D. Cabo Verde
exhibition in the world held at the India Expo Mart in Greater E. Seychelles
Noida, the Ministry of Power, Government of India displayed Ans. E
a number of advances in the energy sector. Explanation: India and Seychelles signed six agreements in
In front of Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Chairman & Managing key areas, including maritime security and on sharing of
Director, REC Limited and other REC representatives, the white shipping information that would enable the two
Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Power and New and Renewable countries to exchange data regarding identity and
Energy R K Singh officially inaugurated the Power Pavilion, movement of non-military commercial vessels.
ELECRAMA 2023. According to the MoU, the countries will work together and
Key Points - improve maritime safety in the Indian Ocean Region.
"Re-imagining the Future: Metamorphosis of the Power The safety provisions will be based on the SAGAR initiative –
Sector in India" is the focus theme of the Power Pavilion, Security and Growth for All in the Region.
ELECRAMA 2023. With this, they will be able to correlate better and can share
It is created as a metaphorical butterfly to demonstrate how information in a more compressed way.
India’s power sector has changed. About Indian Ocean Commission -
It is a tribute to the people, the policies, and the technology The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is an intergovernmental
that fuel transformation and offers a glimpse of the thriving body created in 1984 to protect the interests of the Western
and dynamic Indian Power Sector that is accelerating the Indian Ocean islands.
development of the nation with an aim to attain net zero It consists of Madagascar, Comoros, La Réunion (French
economic leadership in green energy. overseas territory), Mauritius and Seychelles.
The Commission has five observers — India, China, European
210. According to Gross Domestic Climate Risk ranking by Union (EU), Malta and International Organisation of La
Cross Dependency Initiative, currently India has how many Francophonie (OIF).
states in the 50 high risk states? Note: India is only an observer at the Indian Ocean
A. Eight B. Seven Commission; not a full member.
C. Six D. Nine
E. Five 212. Which organisation has launched India’s first hybrid
Ans. D sounding rocket Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu?
Explanation: According to Gross Domestic Climate Risk A. Martin Foundation B. Manjal Vanam Space
ranking by Cross Dependency Initiative (XDI), India has nine C. Arco Iris Foundation D. The Marshall William
states in the 50 high risk states including Punjab, Bihar, Uttar E. Tamil Research Foundation
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Ans. A
Kerala and Assam. Explanation: India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private
XDI is a global organisation specialising in climate risk players was successfully launched from Pattipulam village in
analysis for regions, banks and companies. the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu.
Martin Foundation, in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
International Foundation and Space Zone India, launched

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the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- Explanation: Agricultural and Process Food Export
2023. Development Authority (APEDA) is participating in the 28th
Key Points - edition of Gulfood 2023 which will be held in UAE.
The organisations mentioned that 5,000 students were India has been participating in GULFOOD.
involved in the project. GULFOOD is a platform that connects food and beverage
The rocket can be used for research in weather, atmospheric sectors around the globe, providing ample opportunities to
conditions and radiation. Indian exporters.
Sounding rockets - The India Pavilion was inaugurated by Pashupati Kumar
Sounding rockets are one or two stage solid propellant Paras, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries along
rockets used for probing the upper atmospheric regions and with Ambassador of India H E Sunjay Sudhir.
for space research. Key Points -
They also serve as easily affordable platforms to test or In Gulfood organized from 20th to 24th February 2023, there
prove prototypes of new components or subsystems is the participation of 5000 companies from 125 countries.
intended for use in launch vehicles and satellites. In the International Year of Millets (IYOM) 2023, India is
A hybrid-propellant rocket is a rocket with a rocket motor participating in GULFOOD with the theme focused on the
that uses rocket propellants in two different phases: one export promotion of millets and its value-added products.
solid and the other either gas or liquid. Indian Pavilion is promoting around 100 delegations of
The launch of the first sounding rocket from Thumba near exporters.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 21 November 1963, marked A Millet gallery has been prepared to showcase Millets and
the beginning of the Indian Space Programme. its products by the start-ups and new entrepreneurs to
provide them a platform to showcase their quality products.
213. Who has been awarded by the World Mother Language APEDA has signed an MoU with the Government of UAE
Award by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh? through its nodal agency Al Dhara Holding SP LLC for
A. Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra B. Dr Ranjit Singha procurement of food and food products from India as well as
C. Dr Habibur Rahman D. Dr Samrat Upendra to sell to buyers in UAE.
E. Dr Ramachandra Pattanayaka
Ans. A 215. Which IT services company has selected by Telefónica
Explanation: Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra has received the Germany to digitally transform specific operations?
World Mother Language Award from Prime Minister Sheikh A. Infosys B. Cognizant
Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh. C. Wipro D. Accenture
He is an Indian educator and social worker for the E. Tata Consultancy Services
advancement of indigenous languages in Odisha. Ans. E
Dr Mishra has worked over three decades on the language, Explanation: India’s largest IT services company Tata
culture and education of the marginalised languages of Consultancy Services (TCS) announced that it has won a deal
Odisha. to digitally transform Telefonica Germany’s specific
In Dhaka, four awardees received the two national prizes operations.
and the two international awards from Prime Minister The latter is a leading German telecom company.
Hasina. The Indian IT services exporter announced that the
The national prizes went to Habibur Rahman and Ranjit partnership would entail building service assurance
Singha of Bangladesh. applications and processes within the Operations Support
Mahendra Kumar Mishra and Mother Language Lovers of Systems (OSS) landscape of the German telecom company.
Global Society, Vancouver, received the honourable TCS and The Operations Support Systems -
mentions. TCS will leverage best in class methodologies like Agile,
The prize was established by UNESCO in 2021 and is granted DevOps, Continuous Integration and Continuous
to those who have made exceptional contributions to the Deployment to modernise the OSS service assurance
development, rehabilitation, and preservation of mother application estate using cloud-native technologies to predict
tongues. and pre-empt network faults.

214. Recently, Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras has 216. Which state’s High Court published a judgement in
inaugurated "India Pavillion Gulfood 2023" at the venue of regional language and become the first high court in the
28th edition of Gulfood 2023. 28th edition of Gulfood 2023 nation to do so?
has been held in which city? A. Odisha High Court B. Assam High Court
A. Abu Dhabi B. Dubai C. Kerala High Court D. Bihar High Court
C. Doha D. London E. Goa High Court
E. Paris Ans. C
Ans. B Explanation: On February 21, also known as International
Mother Language Day, the Kerala High Court published two

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of its most recent decisions in Malayalam, making it the first Key Points -
high court in the nation to do so. This is $5.1 billion more than their Indian counterparts.
The facility was used in Chief Justice of India D Y The UK’s FTSE 350 Index, which consists of firms in the
Chandrachud’s courtroom, when he presided over a domestically oriented FTSE 250 and FTSE 100, has increased
Constitution bench hearing the Maharashtra constitutional 5.9% so far this year.
crisis. Nifty 50 has decreased 3.5% thus far in 2023.
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said in January of this Since US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research published
year that the Supreme Court’s decisions would be translated a damning report against the conglomerate, India’s equity
into four languages: Hindi, Gujarati, Odia and Tamil after market has been dealing with a double whammy of a lower
noting that 99.9% of Indian population could not understand currency and the significant fallout of the stock tumble being
the English language in its "legal incarnation". experienced by Adani Group enterprises.

217. Recently, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral 219. Which has become first US city to pass an explicit ban
Radhakrishnan Harikumar has awarded "On-The-Spot" unit on caste-based discrimination?
citation to which ship for Salvage Operation? A. Portland B. Seattle
A. INS Sagardhwani B. INS Nireekshak C. Tacoma D. Vancouver
C. INS Dhruv D. INS Andamans E. New York
E. INS Astradharani Ans. B
Ans. B Explanation: The Seattle City Council passed an ordinance
Explanation: The Chief of the Naval Staff Adm R Harikumar adding caste to the list of protected classes in the city’s
visited INS Nireekshak at Kochi where he interacted with the municipal code, along with groups like race, religion, and
diving team of the ship involved in the salvage operations at gender identity.
a depth of 219 meters in the Arabian Sea. With this, Seattle has became the first US city to pass an
He commended the ship on the safe and successful conduct explicit ban on caste-based discrimination.
of the operations under the most challenging circumstances. Caste-oppressed people in the city are permitted to file
This is the deepest salvage carried out in the country’s complaints of discrimination under the law, which forbids
waters. caste discrimination in employment, housing, public
Key Points - facilities.
During his address to the ship’s crew, the CNS complimented In Seattle, one of the nation’s leading tech hubs and the
the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving location of significant businesses with sizable South Asian
operations. immigrant workforces, caste is particularly important.
He appreciated the undaunted spirit of the "Men Behind the The Coalition of Hindus of North America, the Hindu
Machine". American Foundation and the Vishva Hindu Parishad of
The CNS awarded the ship an "on the spot" Unit Citation, a America, among other organisations, opposed the ordinance
first in Indian Navy. despite its widespread support, claiming that it unfairly
He also awarded commendations to the crew involved in the singled out Hindus and contributed to negative stereotypes
salvage ops. about them.
Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off
the Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying a wreath at 80 m 220. Who has been appointed as new Drug Controller
depth, the resting site of erstwhile Khukri which sank during General of India?
the 1971 war. A. Dileep Kumar Rajput B. S Eswara Reddy
INS Nireekshak is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue C. Rajeev Raghuvanshi D. Ravi Kant Sharma
Vessel of the Indian Navy. E. Sunil Kulshreshta
Built by Mazgaon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in Ans. C
service with the Navy since 1989 Explanation: Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi has been appointed
It was commissioned in the year 1995. as the new Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Central
INS Nireekshak has been part of various diving operations Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi is a former Indian Pharmacopoeia
country to a depth of 257 m. Commission secretary-cum-scientific director.
Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi will supersede Dr PBN Prasad who
218. Which country has recently surpassed India as the sixth- is holding the position till 28th February 2023.
largest equity market in the world? The order which was released stated that Raghuvanshi will
A. China B. Japan continue to be the DGCI till February 28, 2025.
C. UK D. France Key Points -
E. UAE The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has
Ans. C recommended to the government his name as the successor
Explanation: The UK has surpassed India as the sixth-largest to Dr V G Somani, whose extended tenure will end in mid-
equity market in the world for the first time since May 2022. February.

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The recommendation was later approved by the Health Explanation: Sajjan Jindal, the chairman and managing
Ministry, followed by approval of the Appointments director of JSW Group, has been awarded as the EY
Committee of Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) 2022.
The DCGI heads the Central Drugs Standard Control The seven-member jury led by former ICICI Bank chairman K
Organisation (CDSCO) which is responsible for ensuring V Kamath selected Jindal as the EOY 2022 winner for his
quality drug supply across the country. "exceptional entrepreneurial journey in scaling the global
It also has the authority to give approval to new drugs and conglomerate with presence in steel, cement, infrastructure,
regulate clinical trials. energy and paints to revenues of 22 billion dollar.
Dr Raghuvanshi has 14 granted US patents along with more Winners in other categories included -
than 250 published patent cooperation treaties and Indian Mahesh Pratapneni, co-founder and group CEO of
patents. MedGenom, who was awarded in the startup category.
He has more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals IDFC First Bank MD V Vaidyanathan bagged the award in the
and has co-authored six chapters in books. financial services category.
Borosil Group executive chairman Pradeep Kheruka in
221. Which armed force will hold its raising day function in manufacturing;
the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh for the first time? Safexpress MD Rubal Jain in services.
A. CRPF B. CISF Vedant Fashions chairman Ravi Modi in products & retail.
C. BSF D. ITBP Gujarat Fluorochemicals MD Vivek Jain in business
E. SSB transformation category.
Ans. A
Explanation: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will 223. Classical dance legend Kanak Rele, who has passed
hold its Raising Day function in the Bastar district of away recently, was associated with which classical dance?
Chhattisgarh for the first time, a place that has been a A. Kathakali B. Manipuri
hotbed of left-wing extremism. C. Mohiniyattam D. Kuchipudi
The preparation for the celebration on March 19 will start in E. Bharatanatyam
a few days. Ans. C
They are preparing the infrastructure. Explanation: Classical dance legend Kanak Rele passed away
It will be held in Jagdalpur in a place called Karanpur — the at the age of 85. The Mohiniyattam exponent, who was
headquarter of the 204 and 201 COBRA battalion. awarded the first Guru Gopinath National Puraskaram of the
The parade will happen there. Government of Kerala.
It is about 15 km from Jagdalpur airport. Kanak Rele was the founding director of the Nalanda Dance
Key Points - Research Institute, Mumbai and the founding principal of the
Bastar along with other districts in Chhattisgarh such as Nalanda Dance Kala Mahavidyalaya.
Sukma, Dantewada and Bijawara have witnessed major She played a major role in popularizing Mohiniyattam and
attacks by Maoist groups in the past prompting the making it globally prominent.
paramilitary force to launch counter-offensive operations. Key Points -
The largest paramilitary force in the country, CRPF Born on June 11, 1937, in Gujarat to Shivdas and Madhuri,
celebrated its 83rd CRPF Day in Jammu last year. Kanak Rele spent her childhood in Santiniketan, West
In the CRPF, there are four zones – Jammu and Kashmir zone, Bengal.
Central Zone, the Northeast zone and the Southern zone — It was during this time that she turned to dance and became
each headed by a special director general. fascinated with Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
Under each zone, there are different sectors, each headed Kanak Rele received various awards and prizes over her
by an inspector general under whom there are several nearly eight-decade-long dancing career, including the
battalions. Padma Shri (1989), Padma Bhushan (2013), Sangeet Natak
The Chhattisgarh sector comes under the administrative Akademi Award (1994), Kalidas Samman (2006), M. S.
jurisdiction of the central zone. Subbulak.
The CRPF was entrusted with the task of anti-naxal
operations there in 2003. 224. Sergio Ramos, who has announced his retirement from
There are 6 COBRA battalions in the Chhattisgarh sector. international football hales from which country?
The Cobra battalion is a specialized force within the CRPF A. Argentina B. France
where personnel specializes in guerrilla warfare. C. Belgium D. Spain
E. England
222. Who has bagged "Entrepreneur of the Year 2022" title? Ans. D
A. Mukesh Ambani B. Sajjan Jindal Explanation: Paris Saint-Germain’s and former Real Madrid
C. Ratan Tata D. Gautam Adani defender Sergio Ramos has announced his retirement from
E. Shiv Narayan Birla international football, after a record 180 appearances for
Ans. B Spain.

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Ramos was part of Spain’s World Cup and Euro winning A. Casper Ruud B. Rafael Nadal
teams had represented Real Madrid in La Liga and now plays C. Carlos Alcaraz D. Jannik Sinner
for PSG in Ligue 1. E. Daniil Medvedev
Ramos made his Spain debut in 2005 while still a teenager Ans. C
playing for Sevilla. Explanation: Top-seeded Spanish player, Carlos Alcaraz won
He played in seven major tournaments for his country, his first title since his milestone US Open triumph by beating
winning three, but was left out of the squad by Luis Enrique Cameron Norrie in straight sets at the Argentina Open tennis
for Euro 2020, played in 2021 and the 2022 World Cup. Tournament.
It was Alcaraz’s first ATP tournament since November 2022
225. Which government entity has gave its final approval to after he missed the Australian Open due to abdominal and
NSE to launch Social Stock Exchange? hamstring injuries.
A. SEBI B. RBI Alcaraz also won his seventh ATP title and his first since
C. SIDBI D. NHB winning the US Open 2022 by beating Cameron Norrie in the
E. SBI final.
Ans. A Alcaraz is the first Spanish player to win the title in Buenos
Explanation: The NSE has got the greenlight from the capital Aires since Rafael Nadal in 2015.
markets regulator to launch its Social Stock Exchange. Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini defeated Nicolás Barrientos
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had given and Ariel Behar in the final, 6–2, 6–4 to win the doubles
an in-principle approval to National Stock Exchange (NSE) for tennis title at the 2023 Argentina Open.
setting up the exchange last December.
About The Social Stock Exchange - 228. Ex-Mastercard Chief Executive Officer Ajay Banga has
The idea of a social stock exchange was first mooted in the nominated by US President to lead which international
Union Budget 2019-20 to enable entities involved in social organisation?
activities such as charitable trusts and non-profit A. IMF B. WTO
organisations (NPO) to access the capital market for funds. C. WHO D. World Bank
NPOs and even for-profit social enterprises (FPE) will need to E. UNICEF
register on the exchange and mobilise funds through Ans. D
instruments such as zero coupon zero principal (ZCZP) Explanation: From Washington, US President Joe Biden is
through a public offering or even a private placement. nominating former Mastercard Chief Executive Ajay Banga
to lead the World Bank, after its current chief David Malpass
226. Mumbai’s Churchgate railway station has been announced plans to step down early.
renamed after whom? The development lender has just started accepting
A. Dr Radhakrishnan B. CD Deshmukh candidate nominations in a process set to run until March
C. Rajendra Prasad D. C Rajgopalachari 29, with the bank saying that women candidates would be
E. Ganesh Vasudev “strongly” encouraged.
Ans. B The president of the World Bank is typically American, while
Explanation: The Churchgate railway station in Mumbai will the leader of the International Monetary Fund is customarily
soon be called as "Chintamanrao Deshmukh station", named European.
after the first governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) CD Ajay Banga -
Deshmukh. Ajay Banga, 63, is an Indian-American currently serving as
The first national executive meeting of Eknath Shinde-led vice chairman at equity firm General Atlantic.
Shiv Sena faction, which was declared the original Shiv Sena He was previously chief executive at Mastercard.
by the Election Commission last week. He joined MasterCard as president and chief operating
The meeting passed a resolution to rename the Churchgate officer in August 2009 and was named its CEO in April 2010.
railway station after the former RBI governor and Union Banga worked for 13 years with Nestle, India and also spent
Finance Minister CD Deshmukh. two years at Pepsico, before joining Citigroup in 1996 where
About the CD Deshmukh - he served in a variety of positions of increasing
Chintaman Dwarkanath Deshmukh, also known as C D responsibility, including as CEO of its Asia-Pacific region.
Deshmukh, was the first Indian Governor of the Reserve
Bank of India. 229. Central Excise Day 2023 has recently observed on which
He joined RBI in 1939 and served as its Secretary to the day of February?
Board, Deputy Governor and the Governor. A. 22th February B. 23th February
In August 1943, he was appointed as Governor of the RBI and C. 24th February D. 25th February
served in that position till 1949. E. 26th February
Deshmukh is one of the eight Deputy Governors of the Bank Ans. C
who have gone on to become its Governor. Explanation: Every year on February 24, Central Excise Day
is observed to recognise and honour the contributions made
227. Who has won Argentina Open title 2023? by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

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Every year, Central Excise Day is observed to raise public The length of the ropeway, which comes at an altitude of
awareness of the dedication and labor-intensiveness of CBIC. 10797 feet, will be 3.38 km (aerial distance) and will be
The agency hosts a number of programmes and events on developed at a cost of Rs 166.82 crore.
Central Excise Day to raise public awareness of the value of
paying taxes and abiding by customs procedures. 232. According to HedgewithCrypto research, what is the
On this day, CBIC also launches brand-new campaigns with a rank of India in context to ready to adopt crypto in 2023?
variety of topics across its offices all over India to raise A. 8th biggest B. 7th biggest
awareness of the rules governing Central Excise and C. 5th biggest D. 9th biggest
Customs. E. 6th biggest
About CBIC - Ans. B
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is a Explanation: According to HedgewithCrypto research, India
branch of the Department of Revenue which lies under the emerged as 7th biggest nation ready to adopt crypto in 2023.
Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Australia is the biggest country when it comes to the
Work done by it is the calculations of policy related levy and adoption of cryptocurrency in 2023 with a score of 7.37 out
collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, CGST and IGST, of 10.
prevention of smuggling and administration of matters The sale of cryptocurrency and other digital assets is legal
relating the above mentioned subjects and Narcotics to the and regulated in Australia.
extent under CBIC’s purview. Following this, USA ranks as the second biggest country in
crypto adoption with a score of 7.07 out of 10.
230. In a view of sudden dengue attack, which country has Currently, there 33,630 crypto ATMs throughout the
declared "Health Emergency"? country.
A. Peru B. Brazil Ranking wise, Brazil comes third with a score of 6.81/10 and
C. Chile D. Bolivia has seen a huge increase in average monthly searches for
E. Suriname crypto of 355%.
Ans. A A new bill signed in December 2022 legalizes cryptocurrency
Explanation: The Health Ministry in Peru country, South throughout Brazil.
America has reported more than 11500 cases and 16 deaths Top 5 Countries are - Australia, USA , Brazil, United Arab
due to the dengue outbreak. Emirates, Hong Kong.
An emergency has been released which will continue for
about 90 days. A significant increase of 72 per cent has been 233. Which state has become first in the country to use
seen since 2022. robotic scavengers to clean manholes?
The emergency was declared on February 23, 2023 A. Odisha B. Bihar
(Thursday) in 13 departments operating in the country’s C. Haryana D. Kerala
north, southeast and centre. E. Nagaland
Ans. D
231. In February 2023, which state government has inked a Explanation: The Kerala government has launched robotic
deal with two private firms to construct ropeway? scavenger, "Bandicoot", to clean sewages in the temple
A. Uttarakhand B. Uttar Pradesh town of Guruvayur, becoming the first state in the country
C. Jharkhand D. Rajasthan to use robotic technology to clean all its commissioned
E. Himachal Pradesh manholes.
Ans. A Water Resources Minister, Roshi Augustine, launched
Explanation: The Uttarakhand government has signed a Bandicoot under the Guruvayur Sewerage Project in Thrissur
contract to construct a 3.38 km ropeway from Janki Chatti in district by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), as part of the
Kharsali to Yamunotri Dham. 100-day action plan of the state government.
To be built at a cost of Rs 166.82 crore, the ropeway will cut Bandicoot, developed by Kerala-based Genrobotics, had
down the travel time from the current 2-3 hours to just 20 recently bagged "Kerala Pride" award at the Huddle Global
minutes. 2022 conclave organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).
At present pilgrims have to trek for 5.5 km to reach Bandicoot robots are currently deployed in few towns across
Yamunotri Dham from Kharsali. 17 states in India and three Union Territories.
The contract was signed by Uttarakhand Tourism In 2018, KWA started using Bandicoot to clean the manholes
Development Board with two private construction company, in Thiruvananthapuram. Later, it was introduced in
namely SRM Engineering Solutions Pvt Ltd and FIL Industries Ernakulam also.
Pvt Ltd.
Key Points - 234. Which Indian movie has bagged the "Best International
Yamunotri is a part of Char Dham (along with Gangotri, Film" award at the Hollywood Critics Association Film
Kedarnath and Badrinath), the four most revered Hindu Awards?
pilgrimages in the Himalayas. A. RRR B. KGF
C. Saaho D. Eega

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E. Pushpa: The Rise The deepening of the collaboration will entail the
Ans. A onboarding of Infosys Cobalt solutions to Microsoft’s
Explanation: SS Rajamouli’s directorial, "RRR" has bagged industry clouds, to empower enterprises to build agile cloud-
the "Best International Film" award at the Hollywood Critics powered platforms and innovate at scale.
Association Film Awards. These will bring enterprises the benefits that come from best
The film director Rajamouli and actor Ram Charan accepted of breed Microsoft platforms, along with Infosys Cobalt suite
the award with joy and pride. of cloud-powered solutions, implemented to minimize time-
It has also won three more awards at the HCA film awards. to-market and maximize value.
Before bagging the "Best International Film" award, "RRR"
won three awards at HCA – "Best Action Film", "Best Stunts", 237. "Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava" cultural festival, which
and "Best Original Song". has recently inaugurated in Delhi, is celebrated in which
In January this year, "Naatu Naatu" won the Golden Globes state?
in the "Best Original Song" category. A. Tamil Nadu B. Telangana
"RRR" bagged two more awards at the 28th edition of the C. Kerala D. Karnataka
Critics Choice Awards. E. Andhra Pradesh
RRR is a fictional story based on the lives of two Telugu Ans. D
freedom fighters, Alluri Seetharama Raju and Komaram Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
Bheem. the "Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava" cultural festival at
Talkatora Stadium in Delhi on 25th February 2023.
235. Which country has agreed with India to cooperate in the "Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava" cultural festival is being
oil and gas sector, including long-term crude purchase in organized to celebrate Karnataka’s culture, traditions and
February 2023? history.
A. Suriname B. Guyana It is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of "Ek Bharat
C. Ghana D. Uruguay Shreshtha Bharat".
E. Paraguay Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Scheme -
Ans. B The "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" scheme was launched by
Explanation: India and Guyana have agreed to cooperate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Ekta Diwas, 31st October
the oil and gas sector, including long-term crude purchase 2015, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar
from the South American country and investment in its Vallabh Bhai Patel draws inspiration from the life of India’s
upstream sector. freedom fighter.
Oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri met Guyana president The scheme was launched to celebrate the cultural vibrancy
Mohamed Irfaan Ali. of India while establishing a strong mechanism to inculcate
The leaders agreed on direct government-to-government nationalism and cultural awareness among the citizens of
cooperation across the entire spectrum of the oil and gas our nation.
sector including increased long-term offtake, participation in The key aim of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is to promote the
exploration and production activities in Guyana. Indian ideology of "Unity in Diversity" India.
India is the third-largest consumer and importer of oil It aims to build the interest of people in their neighboring
worldwide and nearly 85 per cent of its oil demand is met states and UTs, and also encourages them to promote their
through imports from abroad that includes nearly 10 per culture.
cent from Latin America and Caribbean region (LAC).
In the world arena, with the growing energy demand in Asia, 238. Recently in February 2023, which country has
crude oil from Latin Americais moving eastward into China suspended from financial crime watchdog FATF?
and India. A. China B. Afghanistan
C. Russia D. Pakistan
236. Which IT company has collaborates with Microsoft to E. Japan
accelerate industry adoption of cloud? Ans. C
A. Infosys B. Cognizant Explanation: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global
C. Wipro D. HCL Tech organization that monitors financial crime, suspended
E. Tata Consultancy Services Russia’s membership after finding that Moscow (Russia)’s
Ans. A conflict in Ukraine breached the FATF’s principles.
Explanation: Infosys, a next generation digital services and Key Points -
consulting, announced that it will expand its collaboration FATF is an intergovernmental organization created to fight
with Microsoft, to help accelerate enterprise cloud money laundering and the financing of terrorism by
transformation journeys worldwide, via an exchange filing. establishing international standards and monitoring their
According to the Infosys cloud radar, enterprises can add up observance by nations.
to $414 billion in net new profits, annually, through effective Ukraine expressed its appreciation for the FATF’s decision to
cloud adoption. suspend Russia but also stated that it will keep working with
FATF members to further penalise and blacklist Moscow.

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As part of its efforts to exert pressure on Moscow, whose C. Chandra Shekhar D. Bhagat Singh
invasion began its second year, Ukraine has repeatedly E. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
called for Russia to be excluded from the organization. Ans. B
Russia is still a member, despite the fact that it has been Explanation: 26th of February has been marked as the 56th
suspended. death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known
as Veer Savarkar, a renowned revolutionary and
239. Which country has pursue an agreement with India to independence fighter.
build 6 submarines for 5.2 billion dollar? Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in the
A. France B. Germany Maharashtrian village of Bhagur in the Nashik district. On
C. Russia D. China February 26, 1966, he passed away in Bombay.
E. Japan Key Points -
Ans. B Savarkar believed his life’s work was complete in 1964 when
Explanation: Germany has signed a 5.2 billion dollar India attained independence and it was time to depart. On
agreement with India to jointly construct six conventional February 1, 1966, he stated his intention to achieve samadhi
submarines in India. and began a hunger strike. On February 26, 1966, he died.
The naval project is a Western military manufacturing Savarkar was referred to as the “remarkable son of India” by
power’s most recent effort to wean New Delhi off of its the late former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Her
reliance on Russian military hardware. government also released a postage stamp in Savarkar’s
Key Points - honour in 1970.
With 11 of its 16 conventional submarines being more than In 2002, the airport in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and
20 years old, India is looking to rebuild its ageing submarine Nicobar, was renamed “Veer Savarkar International Airport.”
fleet in an effort to stave off China’s expanding influence in
the Indian Ocean. 242. Which women cricket team has clinched 6th Women’s
Two indigenous nuclear-powered submarines are also T20 World Cup title?
available to the Indian Navy. A. Australia B. India
After being one of the top importers of weapons for many C. England D. Sri Lanka
years, the national government intends to increase domestic E. South Africa
weapon production in cooperation with foreign partners. Ans. A
Just before Modi’s visit to Paris in May 2022, France’s Naval Explanation: Australia have won the Women’s T20 World
Group backed out of the project due to its failure to meet Cup for the sixth time by beating South Africa by 19 runs in
the requirements set forth by the Indian government in the final at Newlands.
2021. Opening batter Beth Mooney anchored the Australian
innings, scoring an unbeaten 74 in a total of 156 for six.
240. Which country will host first I2U2 Vice-Ministerial Victory for the Aussies is their sixth in Women’s T20 World
meeting to discuss investment opportunities? Cup history and completes a hat-trick of tournament wins
A. Qatar B. Saudi Arabia under captain Meg Lanning after their triumphs in 2018 and
C. Kuwait D. Oman 2020.
E. United Arab Emirates Australia’s previous victories came in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018
Ans. E and 2020.
Explanation: A vice-ministerial level meeting of I2U2 Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner is the winner of the ICC Player
countries including Israel, India, the United States and the of the Tournament award.
United Arab Emirates discussed with private sector The outstanding Gardner took ten wickets and smashed 110
stakeholders investment opportunities to address issues runs in Australia’s triumphant campaign, playing a huge part
related to the management of the energy crisis and food in helping the team to a sixth Women’s T20 World Cup title.
insecurity. Beth Mooney is Player of the Match for her excellent half-
The UAE hosted the first vice-ministerial meeting of the I2U2 century. Beth Mooney top-scored with 74*.
in Abu Dhabi which was attended by senior officials from the
four countries, along with representations from the private 243. World NGO Day 2023 is observed every year on which
sector. day of February?
During the business forum, the I2U2 leadership discussed A. 24th February B. 25th February
opportunities to advance multi-regional cooperation and C. 26th February D. 27th February
investment opportunities to address some of the region’s E. 28th February
most pressing issues, including management of the energy Ans. D
crisis and food insecurity. Explanation: The World NGO Day is an annual international
observance on February 27 to recognize the contributions of
241. Whose 56th death anniversary has recently been non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
observed on 26th of February 2023?
A. Vishwas Damodar B. Veer Savarkar

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The day was first celebrated in 2010 and has since become The Marconi Prize is a top honour for computer scientists
an annual event that highlights the work of NGOs around the and is awarded by the US-based Marconi Foundation.
world. It is given to those "who have made a significant contribution
It provides an opportunity to advocate for policies that to increasing digital inclusivity through advanced
support their efforts. information and communications technology".
World NGO Day aims to create awareness about the sector Key Points -
and encourage people across the world who work in the Hari Balakrishnan is the Fujitsu Professor of Computer
sector for a good cause. Science and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of
History of World NGO Day 2023 - Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at
The Baltic Sea NGO Forum of the Council of the Baltic Sea Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
State officially recognised this day on April 27, 2010. He is also the Founder, Chief Technology Officer, and
The event was accepted by the forum in 2012. Chairman of Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT).
In 2014, February 27 was declared as World NGO Day and it Dr Balakrishnan has previously won the Infosys Prize (2020)
became a historic day for the NGO community across the and the IEEE Koji Kobayashi Computers and Communications
globe. Award (2021).
An international calendar day, which is now known as Previous winners of the Marconi Prize include Sir Tim
"World NGO Day", was inaugurated for the first time on this Berners-Lee, Google cofounder Sergey Brin, and sci-fi author
day. Arthur C. Clarke.
The Baltic Sea NGO Forum have member countries like
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, 246. Recently, Daniil Medvedev has won the Qatar Open title
Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway and Sweden. Overall, by defeating whom?
World NGO Day is observed in around 89 countries and 6 A. Novak Djokovic B. Andy Murray
continents. C. Carlos Alcaraz D. Kim Sears
E. Thanasi Kokkinakis
244. Which state government has signed a pact with UN Ans. B
Women to empower women in tourism? Explanation: Daniil Medvedev won the Qatar Open in his
A. Odisha B. Goa professional tennis debut by defeating Andy Murray 6-4, 6-
C. Kerala D. Bihar 4, in the final game.
E. Nagaland In every set, Medvedev converted quick beginnings. In the
Ans. C first, he got to 4-1, and in the second, he got to 3-1.
Explanation: The Kerala government and UN Women Key Points -
entered into an agreement, in order to promote activities Murray fought, but Medvedev defeated him and won his
that are welcoming to women in the State’s tourist industry. 17th singles championship.
Kerala Tourism and UN Women India committed to Medvedev has now won 18 Tour-level championships after
promoting gender-inclusive tourist destinations throughout winning in Rotterdam last week as well.
the State through the signing of a memorandum of
understanding (MoU). 247. Which country has ranked first in the International IP
The Responsible Tourism Mission will carry out the terms of Index 2023?
the Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed by A. USA B. UK
Susan Ferguson, a representative of UN Women India, and P C. France D. India
B Nooh, director of Kerala tourism. E. China
The four-day summit was officially opened by Kerala’s Ans. A
Minister of Tourism, P A Mohamed Riyas, who stated that Explanation: India has ranked 42nd among 55 leading global
the MoU was a continuation of the State government’s economies on the International IP Index released by the US
increased efforts towards women-friendly tourism since Chambers of Commerce.
October last year. The United States ranks first in the 2023 index, followed by
There are 280 delegates and 70 speakers in the conclave. the UK and France.
According to the report, India’s size and economic influence
245. Who has been awarded by the 2023 Marconi Prize? is growing on the world stage.
A. Hari Balakrishnan B. V Shambharao India is poised to become a leader for emerging markets
C. Randy Katz D. Keith Winstein seeking to transform their economies through IP-driven
E. Hamsa Radhakrishnan innovation.
Ans. A India has taken steps to improve enforcement against
Explanation: Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been copyright-infringement and provides a best-in-class
awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize. framework to promote better understanding and use of IP
Dr Balakrishnan has been cited "for fundamental assets.
contributions to wired and wireless networking, mobile
sensing and distributed systems".

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248. Which state will build the country’s first Marina or a Ans. D
boat basin offering dockage? Explanation: Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in the
A. Tamil Nadu B. Kerala multilateral air exercise ’Exercise Cobra Warrior’ at the Royal
C. Karnataka D. Gujarat Air Force’s (RAF) in the United Kingdom from March 6 to 24,
E. Maharashtra 2023.
Ans. C The Exercise Cobra Warrior is a multilateral Air exercise in
Explanation: The Karnataka Government will build the which Air Forces from Finland, Sweden, South Africa, the
country’s first Marina or a boat basin offering dockage, at United States of America and Singapore would also be
Byndoor in Udupi district to promote coastal tourism in participating alongside the RAF and IAF.
Karnataka. The aim of the exercise is to participate in various fighter
The government will also seek permission from the Centre aircraft engagements and learn from the best practices of
for the relaxation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) to take up various Air Forces.
beach tourism in coastal areas and pilgrim tourism. The other exercise held between both countries include:
The government will collect the history of the greatest Ajeya Warrior (Military), Konkan (Navy), Indradhanush (Air
dynasties such as Ganga, Kadamba, Rashtrakoota, Chalukya Force) and Konkan Shakti (First ever tri-services joint
and Hoysala from the Department of Archaeology and exercise)
develop the history of tourism in the state.
This will not only help the development of tourism but also
help people understand the rich history of the state.

249. Who has recently taken charge as Director General


Quality Assurance?
A. Pradeep Nair B. RS Reen
C. Rajinder Dewan D. Ajai Singh
E. CB Ponnappa
Ans. B
Explanation: Lt Gen RS Reen took over as Director General
Quality Assurance. A 1986-batch officer, Lt Gen Reen is an
alumnus of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
He had completed his BE (Electrical) from National Institute
of Technology, Srinagar, Specialisation in Radio Engineering
and post-graduation in Communication Engineering from
MC EME, Secunderabad.
He was a senior faculty at Defence Institute of Quality
Assurance, Bengaluru.
He has headed Senior Quality Assurance Estt, Brig at
Headquarters, Directorate General of Quality Assurance
(DGQA) and was Controller (Missile System) in
Secunderabad.
Reen also headed the DQA(L) as Additional Director General
(Electronics) at HQ DGQA, New Delhi.
Director General Quality Assurance -
The DGQA is an inter-service organisation functioning under
the Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of
Defence.
It is responsible for second party quality assurance of all
defence stores and equipment, both imported as well as
indigenous, for the Indian Army, Indian Navy (excluding
Naval Armaments) and common user items for the Indian Air
Force procured from private sector and public sector
undertakings.

250. Which armed force will participate in the multilateral


air exercise "Exercise Cobra Warrior" in the United Kingdom
from March 6 to 24, 2023?
A. Indian Army B. Indian Coast Guard
C. Indian Navy D. Indian Air Force
E. National Security Guard

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