Most Important Current Affairs MCQs (Jan-Feb 2023) Volume 1 Defense Ustaad

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1. With reference to Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PMJAY), consider the following statements:
1. It is the world’s largest government funded healthcare program.
2. The beneficiaries under the scheme will be identified on the basis of the Socio-
Economic Caste Census, 2011.
3. National Health Authority (NHA) is the nodal agency for its implementation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Consider the following statements regarding the recently released Global

Economic Prospects report:
1. It is released by International Monetary Fund.
2. It is released once a year.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Which of the following is/are Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)?
1. Methyl Bromide
2. Hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs)
3. Carbon tetrachloride
4. Methyl chloroform
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
4. Which of the following is not a function of the Central Bureau of Investigation

(CBI)?
(a) Investigating cases of corruption, bribery, and misconduct of Central government

employees.
(b) Probe terror attacks including bomb blasts, hijacking of aircraft and ships, attacks
on nuclear installations, and use of weapons of mass destruction.
(c) Investigating serious crimes, having national and international ramifications,

committed by organized gangs of professional criminals.
(d) Maintaining crime statistics and disseminating criminal information.
5. With reference to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C connector in news
recently, consider the following statements:
1. It is a double-sided connector with reversibility.
2. It is not backward compatible with previous USB Types.

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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
6. With reference to 'Bose-Einstein Condensate', often termed as the fifth state
of matter, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Its existence was posited by Albert Einstein and Indian physicist Jagadish
Chandra Bose.
2. It is formed when atoms of certain elements are heated to near critical

temperature.
3. It can be used in creation of atomic lasers and atomic clocks.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
7. Which one of the following is the best description of 'Tidal Disruption Event', that
was seen in the news recently?
(a) It is a lapse in time interval between two diurnal tides.
(b) It is a reversal in magnetism of Earth.
(c) It is a gravity anomaly on surface of moon.
(d) It is a destruction of a star by a black hole.
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8. Which of the following services, at present, are regulated under Information
Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021?
1. Social media sites
2. Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services
3. Online gaming services
4. Digital news sites
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
9. Which one of the following designates a bank as Domestic Systemically Important

Bank (D-SIB) in India?
(a) Ministry of Finance
(b) Reserve Bank of India
(c) Indian Banks' Association
(d) Securities and Exchange Board of India
10. 'It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes which has erupted again recently.
It is located near to world's largest active volcano, Mauna Loa.'
Which of the following volcanoes is being described in the passage given above?
(a) Mount Kilauea
(b) Mount Stromboli
(c) Mount Vesuvius
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(d) Mount Etna
11. Recently, Global Risks Report 2023, an annual report based on Global Risks
Perception Survey was released by
(a) World Bank
(b) World Economic Forum
(c) United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(d) Germanwatch
12. The PRANA portal was continuously in the news in recent times. Which of the
following statements best explains its objective?
(a) It is a portal for monitoring of implementation of National Clean Air Programme.
(b) It will provide online education to far flung areas where physical infrastructure of
education is not present.
(c) It will provide the Gram Panchayats with a single interface to prepare and
implement their Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
(d) It will ensure hassle-free disbursement of pension to retired state government

employees.
13. With reference to the production of millets in India, consider the following
statements:
1. They have low per-hectare yields at the national level compared to wheat and
paddy.
2. Their production has decreased in India during the last two decades.
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
14. With reference to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), consider the following
statements:
1. It is a statutory body established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
2. It is regulated under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution,
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
15. In the context of the defense sector, consider the following statements regarding
the Very Short-Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS) missile:
1. It is a portable surface-to-air missile.
2. It is being procured from Israel under the defense agreement.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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16. With reference to the sovereign green bonds, consider the following statements:
1. The bonds will be issued in maturities of five years and 10 years.
2. They are eligible for trading in the secondary market.
3. As of now, NRIs are not allowed to invest in them.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
17. Consider the following statements regarding the District Disaster Management
Authority (DDMA):
1. The District Magistrate is the ex-officio chairperson of the DDMA.
2. The chief executive officer of the DDMA is appointed by the state government.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
18. With reference to 'grey hydrogen', consider the following statements:
1. It is generated from natural gas or methane, through a process called “steam

reforming”.
2. It is called 'grey hydrogen due to the distinct grey smoke produced when burnt in
presence of oxygen.
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
19. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):
1. It is an integrated food security scheme for providing free foodgrains to Antodaya

Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries under National Food
Security Act (NFSA), 2013
2. The beneficiaries will also be getting food grains at subsidized prices.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
20. Recently the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was in the
news. FSSAI falls under which of the following ministries?
(a) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
(b) Ministry of Food Processing Industries
(c) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(d) It is an independent body and not part of any ministry
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21. Consider the statements regarding the Digital India Land Records Modernisation
Programme (DILRMP):
1. It is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development.
2. It aims to achieve computerization of land records.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
22. Recently, the Archeological Survey of India discovered votive stupas at Nalanda
Mahavihara. In this context, consider the following statements regarding the Nalanda
Mahavihara:
1. It was visited by both Hiuen Tsang and It-sing.
2. It was patronised by both Gupta and Pala dynasties.
3. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
23. Consider the following statements regarding the steps taken by the Centre to
promote app-based payment systems:
1. UPI Lite is an 'on-device wallet' feature by the National Payments Corporation of

India (NPCI) to allow users to make small-value payments of up to ₹1000 offline.
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2. All Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with NRE (non-resident external) accounts can
use the UPI platform from their international mobile numbers.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
24. Consider the following statements regarding International Health Regulations

(IHR), 2005:
1. It is a framework to build the capability to detect and report potential public health
emergencies worldwide.
2. It is legally binding on all WHO member states.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
25. Which of the following countries are bordering Lake Victoria?
1. Tanzania
2. Uganda
3. Rwanda
4. Kenya
Select the correct answer using the code
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given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
26. Consider the following statements regarding First Movers Coalition (FMC)
1. It is a global initiative to decarbonize seven industrial sectors.
2. India recently participated in the First Movers Coalition (FMC) Leadership Meeting
of the World Economic Forum.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
27. Consider the following statements regarding Choudhary Rehmat Ali:
1. He is credited with coining the “term” Pakistan.
2. The Muslim League’s Lahore session of 1940 advocated his idea of creation of a
'Pakistan'.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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28. Consider the following statements:
1. Transcriptome is a complete set of all RNA molecules in a cell that carry genetic
information from DNA.
2. RNA is a nucleic acid present in all living cells.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
29. Consider the following statements regarding Paigah Tombs:
1. Paigah Tombs presents a beautiful blend of Asaf Jah and Rajputani style of
architecture.
2. Paigahs were the highest ranking nobles in the princely state of Hyderabad.
3. Built of red marbles, they captivate visitors with intricately designed interiors.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
30. Which of the following countries has recently genetically engineered a Chestnut
tree to restore the forests in its region?
(a) United States
(b) Brazil
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(c) China
(d) India
31. Consider the following statements regarding the Hypersonic Technology

Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV):
1. It is an unmanned demonstration aircraft powered by ramjet engine.
2. It uses atmospheric oxygen for propulsion.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
32. Consider the following statements regarding the FireAId initiative:
1. It aims at using artificial intelligence to effectively manage wildfires.
2. It is launched by the World Economic Forum.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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33. Consider the following statements regarding Initiative on Critical and Emerging
Technologies (iCET):
1. The initiative has been launched by India and Russia to expand strategic
partnership between the two nations.
2. It is led by the Indian National Security Council Secretariat.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
34. Consider the following statements regarding Aditya L-1 mission:
1. It is the first observatory-class space based solar mission from India.
2. The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of
the Sun-Earth system.
3. It carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the

corona.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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35. Consider the following statements regarding a protected area:
1. It is located in North Eastern part of Telangana.
2. The reserve is nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges along the banks of
Godavari.
3. Geographically, the reserve is under the Indo-Malayan region with tiger and
leopard as important species.
Which of the following sanctuaries is best described by the statements given above?
(a) Amrabad Tiger Reserve
(b) Kawal Tiger Reserve
(c) Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
(d) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
36. Consider the following statements regarding Ottanthullal:
1. It is an ancient martial art-form of Kerala famous for its harmonious synergy of art,
science and medicine.
2. It is believed to have been developed in the forests by hunters observing the

fighting techniques of animals.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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37. This protected area is located in the Nicobar Islands. It is India's nesting site for
giant leatherback turtles. Recently, the entire Wildlife Sanctuary was denotified to
make way for International Container Transhipment Port.
Which of the following protected areas is being described in the passage given
above?
(a) Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
(b) Barren Island Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
38. Consider the following statements regarding BharOS:
1. It is an indigenous mobile operating system developed by IIT Madras.
2. BharOS is based on the Android Open Source Project and includes all Google
services.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
39. Consider the following statements regarding Basmati Rice:
1. It is cultivated mostly in the Indian subcontinent.
2. Recently the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified
standards for basmati rice.
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
40. In the context of virology, which of the following best describes 'reassortment'?
(a) It is the formation of a hybrid virus containing parts from the genomes of two
distinct viruses.
(b) It is the process in which a virus infects and replicates within bacteria.
(c) It is the process in viruses by which an enzyme makes a copy of DNA from RNA.
(d) It is the process of mutating the genetic code of a mammal in order to create a
new species.
41. Consider the following statements regarding the recently established Grievance
Appellate Committees (GACs) under the IT Rules 2021:
1. It has been set up by the government to look into users' complaints against large
social media companies.
2. It is a digital platform that will operate only online.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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42. Which of the following statements is correct regarding China+1 strategy, recently
seen in the news?
(a) It is a USA led strategic alliance to counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-
Pacific region.
(b) It is strategic decision being taken by MNCs to shift their supply chains outside
China.
(c) It a defence program that involves inclusion of one more member country in the
Quad alliance.
(d) It is a space cooperation program of China and Russia to set up a new

International Space Station.
43. Consider the following statements regarding Immune Imprinting:
1. It is the body's tendency to repeat its immune response through previously

encountered variant.
2. T cells lymphocytes play a central role in this process.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
44. Consider the following statements:
1. Anything that works as a superconductor above 70 Kelvin (-203°C) is generally

considered as a High-temperature superconductor (HTS).
2. Solid mercury behaves as a superconductor below its threshold temperature i.e.

(around –270°C).

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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
45. Consider the following statements regarding Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty
(MLATs) in criminal matters:
1. They are the bilateral treaties between the countries that allow for exchange of
evidence.
2. The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Ministry for providing mutual legal
assistance in criminal law matters.
3. Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) does not mention arrangements with the Foreign
Governments regarding service of judicial processes in this regard.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
46. Consider the following statements regarding World Economic Forum (WEF):
1. It is a non-governmental lobbying organisation largely funded by global

enterprises.
2. It has been used for pivotal international diplomacy and even avoiding wars.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
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(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
47. Recently, the Ministry of Culture announced a year-long commemoration of the

birth anniversary of Santh Sevalal Maharaj. He is a spiritual teacher/guru of which of
the following communities?
(a) Gujjar
(b) Hatti
(c) Banjara
(d) Kalbeliya
48. Gersoppa Falls in India is formed by which one of the following rivers?
(a) Kaveri
(b) Sharavati
(c) Pennar
(d) Tungabhadra
49. With reference to data embassies, consider the following statements:
1. They are a set of servers that store one country’s data in another country.
2. It is a physical data center of trusted nations that enjoy diplomatic immunity from
local laws.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
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(d) Neither 1 nor 2
50. Consider the following statements with regard to the Paris Club:
1. Its main objective is to find sustainable debt-relief solutions for countries that
cannot repay their bilateral loans.
2. India is a member of this club.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
51. With reference to River Cities Alliance (RCA), consider the following statements:
1. The alliance is open to only those cities which are situated across the river Ganga.
2. It is a collaborative effort between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
and the National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA).
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
52. Consider the following statements regarding aldermen:
1. They are members of a city council or municipal body.
2. They do not have the right to vote in meetings.
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
53. What is 'aubrite' recently seen in the news?
(a) It is a rare earth metal.
(b) It is a meteorite.
(c) It is a cryptocurrency.
(d) It is a type of lab-grown diamond.
54. Northern Ireland Protocol was recently seen in the news in the context of affairs
of United Kingdom and European Union. In this context, which of the regions given
below are part of the United Kingdom (UK)?
1. Wales
2. Scotland
3. England
4. Northern Ireland
5. Republic of Ireland
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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55. Consider the following term 'expunction', which is used in the day-to-day working
of the parliament in India:
1. It is the removal of certain words, sentences, or portions of a speech from the

records of Parliament.
2. The Presiding Officer of the House has the discretion to expunge the word or
usage.
3. Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Parliament provide for

‘expunction’.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
56. Which of the following volcanoes is known as the 'Lighthouse of the

Mediterranean'?
(a) Mt. Chimborazo
(b) Mt. Stromboli
(c) Mt. Fuji
(d) Mt. Vesuvius
57. Consider the following statements with respect to circuit breaker in the stock
market:
1. It is an emergency-use regulatory measure that temporarily halts trading on an

exchange.
2. It caps how much the value of a stock can fall in a single trading session.
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
58. Consider the following statements regarding MicroLED:
1. They have brighter and better color reproduction than OLED.
2. The basis of microLED technology is sapphires which can shine on their own
forever.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
59. Consider the following pairs:
Craft State
1. Longpi pottery : Sikkim
2. Dokra craft : Chhattisgarh
3. Pattachitra paintings : Odisha
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only

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(d) 1, 2 and 3
60. The term ‘Bard’ recently seen in the news is associated with which of the
following?
(a) Google’s own conversational AI chatbot.
(b) 3-D printed drugs manufactured by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.
(c) World's most powerful supercomputer.
(d) World’s most advanced drone developed by Lockheed Martin.
61. Consider the following statements regarding the virtual reality:
1. It is a 3-dimensional, digital environment completely generated through

computers.
2. Like augmented reality, one does not require any equipment or gear to view virtual
reality images.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
62. Consider the following statements with respect to reverse flipping:
1. It is the process of shifting the domicile of an overseas entity back to India.
2. Companies reverse flip due to VISA restrictions for employees in western

countries.
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) neither 1 nor 2
63. What is common between Baiga Pardhauni, Gusadi and Harul?
(a) These are harvest festivals celebrated by tribal communities.
(b) These are GI tagged rice varieties.
(c) These are traditional saree varieties.
(d) These are tribal dances.
64. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'follow on public offer',
recently seen in the news?
(a) A company issuing of additional new shares to its investors.
(b) A private company going public by the sale of its stocks to the general public.
(c) A company buying its own outstanding shares to reduce the number of shares
available on the open market.
(d) A process by which an underwriter attempts to determine the price at which an

initial public offering (IPO) will be offered.
65. Consider the following statements regarding the New START treaty often
mentioned in the news:
1. It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Iran.
2. Under it, deploying not more than 1000 strategic nuclear warheads and a
maximum of 500 long-range missiles and bombers has been provided.

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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
66. With reference to the ancient site 'Keeladi' recently seen in the news, consider
the following statements:
1. It is an urban civilization site of the Sangam Era in Tamil Nadu.
2. It is located along the Vaigai River.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
67. Consider the following statements in regard to the Great Backyard Bird Count
(GBBC) 2023:
1. It is a community science project conducted once every four years.
2. "The Bird Count India" organizes the GBBC in the country.
3. India has recorded the world's third highest number of bird species.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
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68. Consider the following statements regarding the Hoysaleswara Temple of
Halebidu:
1. It contains images with themes drawn from Jainism and Shaivism.
2. It is a twin temple dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingams,

named after the masculine and feminine aspects respectively.
3. Recently, India nominated the temple for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
recognition.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
69. With reference to Tsetse flies recently seen in the news, consider the following
statements:
1. The bite of an infected Tsetse fly can be fatal to humans.
2. Tsetse flies are found only in Africa.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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70. Bharat SHRI deals with which of the following?
(a) Digitization of inscriptions
(b) Preservation of Wetlands
(c) Revision of prize money for Bharat Ratna awardees
(d) Setting up of Textile Parks
71. “SIGHT fund” often seen in the news is associated with which of the following?
(a) Group of 20 (G-20)
(b) National Green Hydrogen Mission
(c) National Solar Mission
(d) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
72. Recently seen in the news Agasthyarkoodam Observatory is situated in:
(a) Telangana
(b) Kerala
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Karnataka
73. Recently, the term “MISHTI” was in news with regard to:
(a) It is an initiative of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to curb the use
of processed sugar.
(b) It is a scheme by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to raise awareness
about type-2 diabetes.
(c) It is a mission launched for mangrove preservation and conservation.
(d) It is a project to identify and track marsupials in India.
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74. With reference to the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s recent
notification on green debt securities, consider the following statements:
1. YES Bank issued the first green bond for financing renewable and clean energy
projects.
2. Yellow bonds and blue bonds will be raised for thermal energy generation and
sustainable maritime sector respectively.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
75. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has recently introduced
changes to the National Organ Transplantation Guidelines. In this context, consider
the following statements regarding the new guidelines for organ transplantation in
India:
1. A citizen can now register for organ donation in any state without any domicile
requirement.
2. The new guidelines allow even those above 65 years of age to register to receive
an organ for transplantation from deceased donors.
3. There is now, no registration fees required to register for organ transplantation.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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76. Recently, NSE Indices Ltd., an arm of National Stock Exchange has introduced
the country's first ever municipal bond index. In this context, consider the following
statements regarding the new Nifty India Municipal Bond index:
1. It will track the performance of municipal bonds issued by municipal corporations

in India.
2. The index will be reviewed quarterly.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
77. Which of the following countries are involved in the biennial trilateral coast guard
exercise ‘Dosti'?
(a) India, Thailand and Myanmar
(b) India, Bangladesh and Indonesia
(c) India, Somalia and Iran
(d) India, Sri Lanka and Maldives
78. Consider the following statements regarding the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture
Radar (NISAR) satellite, recently seen in the news:
1. It is a low earth orbit (LEO) observatory that will map the entire globe.
2. It is a dual-frequency (L-band and Sband synthetic aperture radar) imaging radar

satellite.
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
79. What is the aim of the Bhashini Mission?
(a) To promote the recruitment of regional language teachers in the primary schools
(b) To aid in local language translation
(c) To improve optical fibre connectivity
(d) To use satellite information for disaster Management
80. Consider the following statements about 'short selling', a term often seen in the
news:
1. It is the selling of stock and buying it later at a discounted price.
2. Such stocks need to be owned by the seller before the selling takes place.
3. Hindenburg Research LLC is an investment research firm with a focus on activist

short-selling.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 1.D
• With an objective to shift the focus of measuring the performance of hospitals

from the volume of services provided to the value of healthcare services,
National Health Authority (NHA) is introducing a new system to measure and
grade hospital performance under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
• The new initiative will introduce the concept of ‘value-based care’, where
payment will be outcome based and providers will be rewarded according to
quality of treatment delivered.
• AB PMJAY is a centrally sponsored health assurance scheme. It provides a
cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care
hospitalization. This is the “world’s largest government-funded healthcare
program” targeting more than 50 crore beneficiaries. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
• It provides cashless and paperless access to services for beneficiaries at
point of service. Beneficiary families have been identified from Socio-
Economic Caste Census, 2011. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for
implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme
called “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana” & has been
entrusted with the role of designing strategy, building technological
infrastructure, and implementing of “National Digital Health Mission” to create
a National Digital Health Ecosystem.
• Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Q 2.D
• Global Economic Prospects, a flagship report (issued twice a year) was

recently released by World Bank. Hence statements 1 and 2 are not
correct.
• It examines global economic developments and prospects, with a special
focus on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
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Q 3.D
• Recently, a report titled “Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2022”

was prepared in coordination with WMO, UNEP, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and European Commission.
• Ozone-depleting substances are man-made gases that destroy ozone once

they reach the ozone layer. The ozone layer sits in the upper atmosphere and
reduces the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation that reaches Earth from
the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can have detrimental effects on both humans and
the environment. For instance, inducing skin cancer and cataract distorts plant
growth, and damages the marine environment.
Ozone-depleting substances include:

• chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• hydrobromoflurocarbons (HBFCs). Hence option 2 is correct.
• Halons
• methyl bromide. Hence option 1 is correct.
• carbon tetrachloride. Hence option 3 is correct.
• methyl chloroform. Hence option 4 is correct.
Q 4.B
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was set up in 1963 by a resolution

of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Later, it was transferred to the Ministry of
Personnel and now it enjoys the status of an attached office. The Special
Police Establishment (which looked into vigilance cases) setup in 1941 was
also merged with the CBI. The establishment of the CBI was recommended
by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964). The
CBI is not a statutory body. It derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police
Establishment Act, of 1946.
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The functions of CBI are:
• Investigating cases of corruption, bribery, and misconduct of Central
government employees. Hence statement (a) is correct.
• Investigating cases relating to infringement of fiscal and economic laws, that
is, breach of laws concerning export and import control, customs and central
excise, income tax, foreign exchange regulations, and so on. However, such
cases are taken up either in consultation with or at the request of the
department concerned.
• Investigating serious crimes, having national and international ramifications,
committed by organized gangs of professional criminals. Hence statement
(c) is correct.
• Coordinating the activities of the anticorruption agencies and the various state
police forces
• Taking up, on the request of a state government, any case of public
importance for investigation.
• Maintaining crime statistics and disseminating criminal information. Hence
statement (d) is correct.
• Probing terror attacks including bomb blasts, hijacking of aircraft and ships,
attacks on nuclear installations, and use of weapons of mass destruction is
the function of the National Investigation Agency. Hence option (b) is not
correct.
Q 5.C
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs
has introduced standards for USB Type-C ports, plug, and cables used in
electronic devices like mobile phones, laptops, etc. It aims to provide common
charging solutions for various electronic devices sold in the country by March
2025.
Need for Common Charger:

• To reduce the number of chargers per consumer, thus reducing e-waste in
India
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• Ease out the technological ‘lock-in’ effect, whereby a consumer becomes
dependent on a single manufacturer.
• USB i.e., Universal Serial Bus (an industry standard) is used for connecting a
wide variety of devices to a processor.
• USB Types: USB-A is a flat and rectangular shape; USB-B has multiple
designs, but the common shape is a square; and USB-C is a smaller
rectangular with rounded corners.
• In the EU by 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras will be sold with a
USB Type-C charging port.
• USB Type-C uses a 24-pin double-sided connector allowing device
manufacturers to enable Alternate Mode, which unlocks the ability to use
alternate data protocols for direct device-to-host transmission. This allows you
to output VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, or other types of
connections from a single USB Type-C port with the help of compatible
adapters. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The USB Type-C is a new reversible connector that allows you to connect the
cable to your device in any direction, unlike its predecessors.
• The physical USB-C connector isn’t backward compatible, but the underlying
USB standard is. One can’t plug older USB devices into a modern, tiny USB-
C port, nor can one connect a USB-C connector to an older, larger USB port.
But that doesn’t mean one has to discard all your old peripherals. USB 3.1 is
still backward-compatible with older versions of USB, so one just needs a
physical adapter with a USB-C connector on one end and a larger, older-style
USB port on the other end. One can then plug your older devices directly into
a USB Type-C port. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 6.B
• A Bose-Einstein condensate (BECs) is so named because its existence was

posited almost a century ago by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician
Satyendra Nath Bose. It is often termed as fifth state of matter. Hence,
statement 1 is not correct.
• It exists when atoms of certain elements are cooled to temperatures near
absolute zero. At that point, clusters of atoms begin functioning as a single
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quantum object with both wave and particle properties. Hence, statement 2
is not correct.
• BECs have also been used to create atom lasers, atomic clocks and
gravitational, rotational or magnetic sensors with excellent sensitivity. Hence,
statement 3 is correct.
Q 7.D
• Recently, telescopes at National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(NASA) observed a massive black hole devouring a star. The incident was the
fifth-closest example of a black hole destroying a star and occurred 250
million light-years from the earth, in the centre of another galaxy.
• The astronomical phenomenon of the destruction of a star by a black hole is
called a Tidal Disruption Event (TDE).
• During a TDE, the tidal force of a black hole disrupts the star in vicinity. While
about half of the star’s debris continues on its original path, the other half is
attracted by the black hole’s gravitational pull. The gradual growth of this
material bound to the black hole produces a short-lived flare of emission,
known as a tidal disruption event.
• Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.
Q 8.C
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics

Code) Rules 2021 broadly deal with Social media sites, Digital news sites,
and Over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms. Hence options 1, 2, and 4 are
correct.
• It covers guidelines on Social Media Intermediaries, Grievance Appellate
Committees, ensuring online safety & dignity of users, and educating users
about Privacy Policies. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is
responsible for the formulation of an oversight mechanism to ensure the
same.
• Recently, draft rules for online gaming, were released by the Ministry of
Electronics and IT (MeitY). Online games will have to register with a self-
regulatory body, and only games that are cleared by the body will be allowed
to legally operate in India. Online gaming companies will not be allowed to
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engage in betting on the outcome of games, as per the proposed rules.
Hence option 3 is not correct.
Q 9.B
• Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIB) means that the bank is too
big to fail. According to the RBI, some banks become systemically important
due to their size, cross-jurisdictional activities, complexity, and lack of
substitute and interconnection. Banks whose assets exceed 2% of GDP are
considered part of this group.
• Recently, the Reserve Bank of India declared that the State Bank of India,
ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank will continue to be identified as Domestic
Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) in India for year 2023.
• Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 10.A
• Hawaiian volcano Kilauea has erupted again recently.

• Kilauea volcano is active shield volcano (erupts magma of low viscosity and
hence less steep) located on the Hawaiian island. Hawaii, USA is a group of 8
volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a crescent from
Kure Island in west to Hawaii in east. Out of 8, five main volcanoes are
considered active. Four of these active volcanoes are located on Big Island.
They include Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai.
• Kilauea, also called Mount Kilauea, the world’s most active volcanic mass,
located on the southeastern part of the island of Hawaii, Hawaii state, U.S.
• Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
• Mount Stromboli is one of the four active volcanoes in Italy. It is one of the
eight Aeolian Islands, a volcanic arc north of Sicily.
• Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania,
Italy.
• Mount Etna, or simply Etna, is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of
Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, between the cities of Messina
and Catania.
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 11.B
• The World Economic Forum has recently published the Global Risks Report
2023.
• The report is published annually based on Global Risks Perception Survey.
• Global risk is defined as the possibility of the occurrence of an event or
condition that, if it occurs, would negatively impact a significant proportion of
global GDP, population, or natural resources.
• Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 12.A
• PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities) is a

portal for monitoring of the implementation of the National Clean Air
Programme (NCAP). Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
About NCAP
• Launched in 2019, it is a time-bound, national level strategy from Central
Government to tackle air pollution problem across country in a comprehensive
manner.
• It aims a 40% reduction in Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations by 2026
(base year 2017) in 131 cities (123 non-attainment cities and 42 million plus
cities/urban agglomerations; 34 cities are common in both categories).
Q 13.C
• Recent Context: The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International
Year of Millets.
• Millet is a collective term referring to a number of small-seeded annual
grasses that are cultivated as grain crops, primarily on marginal lands in dry
areas in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. Some of the common
millets available in India are Ragi (Finger millet), Jowar (Sorghum), Sama
(Little millet), Bajra (Pearl millet), and Variga (Proso millet).
• India is the largest producer of millet in the world accounting for 20% of global
production and 80% of Asia’s production.
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• In India, the national average per-hectare yield is roughly 1 tonne for jowar,
1.5 tonnes for bajra and 1.7 tonnes for ragi, as against 3.5 tonnes for wheat
and 4 tonnes for paddy. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Between 2003-04 and 2021-22, India’s millet output has actually fallen from
21.32 million tonnes (mt) to 15.92 mt. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q 14.C
• Recently BIS celeberated its 75th foundation day.

• BIS was established under the BIS Act 1986, assuming the functions of the
erstwhile Indian Standards Institution (ISI) which was established in 1947.
Presently BIS operates under the framework of the BIS Act of 2016. Hence,
• It is the national Standards Body of India working under the aegis of Ministry
of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. Hence,
• BIS through its core activities of standardization and conformity assessment,
has been benefiting the economy by providing safe and reliable and quality
goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; protecting the environment,
promoting exports and imports substitute; controlling proliferation of varieties
etc
Q 15.A
• Recent Context: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of

Necessity (AoN) to procure VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system.
• Very Short-Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS) is a Man Portable Air
Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by
DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in collaboration with other
DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners. Hence statement 2 is not
correct.
• It is meant to target low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
• These are lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles. Hence statement
1 is correct.
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Q 16.B
• The Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are bonds issued by any sovereign
entity, inter-governmental groups or alliances and corporates with the aim that
proceeds of bonds are utilised for environmentally sustainable projects.
• SGrBs were announced in Union Budget 2022-23 and framework for SGrBs
was issued (by Ministry of Finance) in November 2022.
• RBI will issue 5-year and 10-year green bonds of Rs 4,000 crore each in
current financial year. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The only difference between Green Bonds and other ordinary government-
issued bonds is that the funds raised from investors are only used to support
initiatives that have a good influence on the environment, such as green
construction and renewable energy. Primarily these aim to contribute to the
planet and its sustainability.
• The government has tried to make them attractive for institutional investors by
giving sops like issuing them through a uniform price auction, making them
eligible for Repo as also SLR purposes, and making them eligible for trading
in the secondary market. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Even NRIs are allowed to invest in them. The risk is further reduced in these
bonds as per the framework announced earlier where the payments of
principal and interest on these bonds are not conditional on the performance
of the eligible projects and the investors in these bonds do not bear any
project-related risks. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Q 17.C
• Every state government should establish a District Disaster Management

Authority (DDMA) for every district in the state.
• A DDMA consists of a chairperson and other members, not exceeding seven.
The Collector (or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner) of the district is
the ex-officio chairperson of the DDMA. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The chief executive officer of the DDMA, the superintendent of police, and the
chief medical officer of the district are the ex-officio members of the DDMA.
The chief executive officer of the DDMA is appointed by the state government.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
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Q 18.A
• Recently, Union Cabinet approved a 20,000 crore budget for National Green
Hydrogen Mission.
• Grey hydrogen is the most common form of hydrogen and is generated from
natural gas, or methane, through a process called “steam reforming”. In this
process, natural gas containing methane (CH4) can be used to produce
hydrogen with thermal processes, such as steam-methane reformation and
partial oxidation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Hydrogen can be produced from a range of resources including fossil fuels,
nuclear energy, biomass, and renewable energy sources. Depending on
production methods, hydrogen can be grey, blue, or green and sometimes
even pink, yellow or turquoise. They’re essentially color codes, used within
the energy industry to differentiate between the types of hydrogen. Depending
on the type of production used, different colors are assigned to the hydrogen.
• Hydrogen emits only water when burnt. It derives the grey hydrogen name
because of the process of production and not on basis of the by products after
burning. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Q 19.A
• Centre has named its new integrated food security scheme for providing free
foodgrains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH)
beneficiaries under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 as Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Earlier, NFSA beneficiaries were getting foodgrains entitlement (35 kg per
AAY Household and 5 kg per person to PHH) at a subsidized rates (Rs 3/kg
rice, Rs 2/kg wheat, and Rs 1/kg coarse grains).
• Now, the government has done away with subsided prices and providing food
grains free of cost for a year. However, an additional quantity of 5 kg of food
grains will not be provided.
Q 20.A
• Recent Context: FSSAI Survey stated that 15% of dietary supplements were
found to be unsafe for consumption.
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• Unsupervised consumption of dietary supplements, warning poor-quality
products can affect cardiovascular health and kidneys.
• FSSAI is under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Hence option (a) is the
correct answer.
• It is an autonomous statutory body established under Food Safety and
Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.
• FSSA 2006 consolidates various acts & orders that had earlier handled food
related issues in various Ministries.
• It regulates and monitor, manufacture, processing, distribution of food while
ensuring safe and wholesome food to consumers.
• Headquarters – Delhi
Q 21.C
• Recent Context: The union government has informed that cadastral maps of
35% of over six lakh villages in the country have so far been geo-referenced
under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
• Cadastral Maps are a digital form of land records that show all boundaries of
different parts of land pieces based on their length, area, and direction.
• DILRMP is implemented by the Department of Land Resources under the
Ministry of Rural Development. It is a Central Sector scheme that has been
extended to 2023-24, to complete its original targets as well as expand its
ambit with a slew of new schemes. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Its three major components: Computerization of land record, Survey/re-
survey, Computerization of Registration. Hence statement 2 is correct
Q 22.D
• Recent Context: Votive stupas (offered in fulfillment of a vow) were

discovered by the Archeological Survey of India near Sarai Tila mound within
the premises of Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar.
• Stupa, Sanskrit for heap, is a mound-like (hemispherical) burial structure
containing relics of Buddhist monks. E.g. Sanchi Stupa built over Buddha
relics.
About Nalanda Mahavihara

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• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with archaeological remains of a
monastic and scholastic institution from the 3rd century BCE to 13th century
CE. Hence statement 3 is correct
• Gautam Buddha as well as Mahavira stayed at Nalanda.
• Other famous scholars at Nalanda Nagarjuna, Dharampala, Dinnaga,
Jinamitra Santaraksita etc.
• Imminent pilgrim monks like Hiuen Tsang and I-tsing also visited. Hence
• It prospered under Gupta Dynasty, Harsha of Kannauj and Pala Dynasty.
Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and
important art works in stucco, stone and metal.
Q 23.D
• Centre has recently cleared Rs. 2600 crore incentive scheme to promote
RUPAY, BHIM-UPI.
• The scheme aims to promote RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI
transactions (person-to merchant) in FY 2022-23.
Features of scheme:
• Banks would be provided financial incentives for promoting Point of Sale
(PoS) and e-commerce transactions using RuPay and UPI.
• Promote UPI Lite and UPI 123PAY as economical and user-friendly digital
payment solutions.
• UPI Lite is an 'on-device wallet' feature by the National Payments Corporation
of India (NPCI) to allow users to make small-value payments (upto ₹200)
offline. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• UPI 123PAY is an instant payment system for feature phone (non-
smartphone) users.
• In addition, NPCI has allowed Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with NRE (non-
resident external) or NRO (non-resident ordinary) accounts in 10 countries to
use the UPI platform from their international mobile numbers. Hence
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Q 24.C
• While disease outbreaks and other acute public health risks are often
unpredictable and require a range of responses, the International Health
Regulations (2005) (IHR) provide an overarching legal framework that defines
countries’ rights and obligations in handling public health events and
emergencies that have the potential to cross borders.
• The IHR are an instrument of international law that is legally binding on 196
countries, including the 194 WHO Member States. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
• The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 is an agreement of countries
to build the capability to detect and report potential public health emergencies
worldwide. IHR require that all countries have the ability to detect, assess,
report, and respond to public health events. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Q 25.C
• Lake Victoria, also called Victoria Nyanza, largest lake in Africa and the chief
reservoir of the Nile. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world after
lake Superior.
• Lake Victoria and its flora and fauna support the livelihoods of about 45 million
people. The ecologically unique water body is shared by three countries —
Tanzania (51 per cent), Uganda (44 per cent) and Kenya (5 per cent). Hence
option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 26.C
• The First Movers Coalition is a global initiative harnessing the purchasing

power of companies to decarbonize seven “hard to abate” industrial sectors
that currently account for 30% of global emissions: Aluminium, Aviation,
Chemicals, Concrete, Shipping, Steel, and Trucking; along with innovative
Carbon Removal technologies. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• India participated in the First Movers Coalition (FMC) Leadership Meeting of
the World Economic Forum which deliberated on the world need for clean
energy technologies to confront the climate crisis globally. Hence statement
2 is correct.
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Q 27.A
• Choudhary Rehmat Ali can be credited with coining the “term” Pakistan,
styling himself as the “Founder of the Pakistan National Movement”. On
January 28, 1933, he released a pamphlet titled “Now or Never: Are we to live
or perish forever”. In it he made a vehement “appeal on behalf of the thirty
million Muslims of PAKISTAN, who live in the five Northern Units of India, for
the recognition of their national status, as distinct from the other inhabitants of
India, by the grant to Pakistan of a separate Federal Constitution on religious,
social and historical grounds.” Hence statement 1 is correct.
• In 1940, the famous Lahore Resolution was passed, advocating that the
“geographical contiguous units” in the Muslim-majority areas in India’s “North-
Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped to constitute
Independent States in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and
sovereign.” While this resolution did not mention “Pakistan,” Jinnah’s ideas
echoed Rahmat Ali’s. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• Rehmat Ali was not a politician. Nor did he stay in the subcontinent for much
of the 1930s and 1940s when the struggle for Pakistan was taking shape. His
contribution to Pakistan are solely limited to his writings and ideas.
• Unlike Allama Iqbal, more popularly known as the philosopher behind
Pakistan’s creation, Ali’s work remained restricted to a far smaller audience.
Q 28.C
• The human genome is made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a long,

winding molecule that contains the instructions needed to build and maintain
cells. These instructions are spelled out in the form of "base pairs" of four
different chemicals, organized into 20,000 to 25,000 genes. For the
instructions to be carried out, DNA must be "read" and transcribed - in other
words, copied - into RNA (ribonucleic acid). These gene readouts are called
transcripts, and a transcriptome is a collection of all the gene readouts
present in a cell.
• The entire RNA landscape is known collectively as the transcriptome, and
mapping this allows researchers to better understand an individual’s gene
expression. Hence statement 1 is correct.
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• Ribonucleic acid (abbreviated RNA) is a nucleic acid present in all living cells
that has structural similarities to DNA. RNA’s most commonly recognized
function is to translate DNA into proteins. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 29.A
• Recently it was reported that the necropolis of noblemen dating from the Asaf
Jahi era known as Paigah Tombs Complex in Santosh Nagar is set to be
restored with funding from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural
Preservation.
• Paigah Tombs or Maqhbara Shams al-Umara, are the tombs belonging to the
nobility of the Paigah family, who were fierce loyalists of the Nizams. The
Paigah tombs are among the major wonders of Hyderabad State which are
known for its architectural excellence. These tombs are 200 years old and
represent the final resting places of several generations of the Paigah Nobles.
• One of the best examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the tombs present a
beautiful blend of Asaf Jah and Rajputani styles of architecture. Built of white
marble, Paigah tombs captivate visitors with intricately designed interiors.
Paigahs who married daughters of the Nizams were the highest ranking
nobles in the princely state of Hyderabad, after the family of Nizams. Paigahs
were the only noble family who was permitted by the Sultan to have their
private army. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 30.A
• The Darling 58 is a genetically engineered American chestnut tree. The tree

was created by American Chestnut Research & Restoration Program at the
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
(United States of America), to restore the American chestnut to the forests of
North America. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 31.B
• Recently, DRDO carried out the test of the Hypersonic Technology

Demonstrator Vehicle off the coast of Odisha. India's Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an indigenously-
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developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV) powered by
a scramjet engine. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• The air-breathing scramjet engine was successfully flight-tested at hypersonic
speed within the atmosphere. The test paves the way for development of
many more critical technologies, materials and hypersonic vehicles.
• The HSTDV has an air-breathing scramjet engine which means that it uses
atmospheric oxygen for propulsion. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 32.C
• FireAId initiative: Wildfire severity, spread and frequency have all increased
as a result of climate change. Wildfires pose a particular threat to forest
ecosystems as well as high-risk rural areas.
• Critical services and resources such as health and safety, forestry, natural
disaster and emergency relief agencies, and rural planning are also
overburdened, and existing hazard management systems would likely
struggle to respond to the increased number of fires. Their most important
need is technological innovation on two fronts: prediction and better
firefighting, where AI can help to predict locations at risk, and the best
possible strategy to extinguish the fire.
• To address this global issue, the World Economic Forum's Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning Platform, in collaboration with the C4IR
Network, Koç Holding and the Turkish Ministry of Forestry (TMF), has
launched a FireAId initiative to mitigate wildfire risks using AI systems.
• Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Q 33.B
• India and USA announced the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology
(iCET) in May 2022 to elevate and expand our strategic technology
partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the governments,
businesses, and academic institutions of our two countries. Hence statement
1 is not correct.
• iCET initiative is led by the Indian National Security Council Secretariat and
the US National Security Council. Hence statement 2 is correct.
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Q 34.D
• Recently it was reported that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
is planning to launch the Aditya-L1 mission by June or July this year.
• Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India.
The spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point,
L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major
advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses.
Hence statement 1 and statement 2 are correct.
• This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities
continuously. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere,
chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using
electromagnetic and particle detectors. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 35.B
• The Kawal Tiger Reserve is located in the North Eastern part (Old Adilabad
district) of Telangana State along the banks of river Godavari, forming part of
the Deccan peninsula-central highlands. The reserve is nestled in the
Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, and has diverse habitat comprising of dense
forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams and water bodies.
• Geographically the reserve is situated in the southern-most tip of the Central
Indian Tiger Landscape, having linkages with the Tadoba-Andhari
(Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) tiger reserves. Thus, the habitat
has tremendous significance for tiger conservation in the region. It is also a
major catchment of river Godavari and local rivulets like Peddavagu and
Kadam.
• Zoo-geographically, the reserve comes under the Indo-Malayan region, and
the major wild animals include: nilgai, chousinga, chinkara, black buck,
sambar spotted deer, wild dog, wolf, jackal, fox, tiger, leopard and the jungle
cat.
• The reserve has a low tiger density at present but has a tremendous potential
as a source area with stepped up protection and habitat amelioration under
Project Tiger.
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 36.D
• Ottanthullal (or Thullal, in short) is a recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala that is

famous for its humour and social satire, and marked by its simplicity as
opposed to more complex dance-forms like Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• Ottan thullal is the combination of storytelling along with singing and dancing.
It is an example of a famous proverb, “Old is Gold,” as this performing art is
almost 300 years old, created by poet Kunchan Nambiar in the 18th century.
The poet Kunchan Nambiar performed this art instead of another similar art
called “Chakyar Koothu” as a protest against society’s social, economic, and
prejudicated behaviour. Mostly, the performances take place outside the
temple during religious event. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 37.A
• As part of the holistic development of the Great Nicobar Islands, the Ministry
of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has invited Expression of
Interest for building an International Container Transhipment Port at Galathea
Bay.
• In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has de-notified Galathea Bay
Wildlife Sanctuary, an important nesting site of leatherback sea turtles in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists leatherback turtles
among the vulnerable species as their numbers are decreasing. Extremely
vulnerable to temperature extremes, the leatherback turtles are the world’s
largest turtles and the only species without scales and a hard shell. They are
named after their tough rubbery skin and have existed in their current form
since the age of the dinosaurs. Leatherbacks are migratory and some of them
swim over 10,000 miles a year between nesting and foraging grounds.
• The National Board for Wildlife has suggested the implementation of a
mitigation plan to facilitate the nesting of turtles as well as connectivity
between the Galathea river and the Bay of Bengal.
• Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
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Q 38.A
• Recently, the Union government conducted a successful test of 'BharOS', the

recently-unveiled indigenous mobile operating system developed by the
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT). Hence statement 1 is correct.
• BharOS is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This makes it
somewhat similar to Google’s Android operating system. iOS is Apple’s
proprietary OS and BharOS has no similarity with it per se. BharOS can run
virtually on all Android apps.
• The big difference between Android and BharOS is that the latter does not
come with any Google services or apps. BharOS just does not have any pre-
installed apps. This gives users the flexibility to download any app of their
choice. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• The BharOS has been developed by JandK Operations Private Limited
(JandKops), which has been incubated by IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies
Foundation, a Section 8 (Not for Profit) Company established by IIT Madras.
The Foundation is funded by the Department of Science and Technology
(DST), Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary
Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS).
Q 39.C
• Basmati is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice which is

traditionally grown in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. As of 2019, India accounted
for 65% of the international trade in basmati rice, while Pakistan accounted for
the remaining 35%.
• Basmati rice is cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian subcontinent.
In India, rice grown in specific parts of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,
Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir can be labelled as
basmati. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• In a bid to promote the business around basmati rice, the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified standards for basmati rice
January 12, 2023. They will be enforced from August 1, 2023. Hence
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Q 40.A
• The ongoing bird flu outbreak in the US is now the longest and deadliest on
record. It is caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1).
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus occurs mainly in
birds and is highly contagious among them. H5N1 can infect number of
mammals including humans. H5N1 has a frighteningly high mortality rate.
• For any pathogen to have the potential to cause a human pandemic, it has to
have three important qualities. It must spread easily among humans,
particularly through the air. It must cause human disease. And it must be
something that most of our immune systems haven’t encountered before —
that is, it must be novel.
• H5N1 doesn’t meet all of these criteria. H5N1 doesn’t easily bind to cells in
airways of humans. Flu viruses that can’t cause infection in humans’ airways
are much harder to transmit among humans — and therefore, they can’t
cause a pandemic. Unless something changes.
• If there’s anything concerning about the current bird flu, it’s that it could
mutate and evolve. Influenza viruses are incredibly changeable. Like other
viruses, H5N1 picks up small mutations as it replicates within a host; over
time, that can give the virus certain benefits. But influenza viruses can also
undergo much bigger and more consequential shifts through a process called
reassortment.
• Reassortment is the formation of a hybrid virus containing parts from the
genomes of two distinct viruses in a mixed infection. In simple terms,
Reassortment is: When two influenza viruses infect the same cell in the same
host, they can trade entire chunks of their genomes with each other, yielding a
variety of Franken-flus. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 41.C
• Recently, the Centre established three Grievance Appellate Committees

based on the recently amended Information Technology (Intermediary
Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules 2021”).
• The Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) set up by the government to
look into users' complaints against large social media companies such as
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will commence operation from March 1,
2023. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The GAC will be a virtual Digital platform that will operate only online and
digitally - wherein the entire appeal process, from filing of appeal to the
decision thereof, shall be conducted digitally. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 42.B
• The China-U.S. trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the need for
companies to diversify supply chains outside of China. This has given rise to
the “China plus one” strategy, in which multinational firms are moving to other
countries, in addition to China. Some Asian countries have put forward plans
to attract overseas investment as companies look for another center of
production or distribution. These include Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam,
which have introduced preferential policies for overseas firms investing in the
country. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Q 43.A
• Immune Imprinting: It is a tendency of the body to repeat its immune response

based on the first variant it encountered through infection or vaccination.
Imprinting acts as a database for the immune system, helping it put up a
better response in order to repeat infections. The concept was first observed
in 1947. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• After our body is exposed to a virus for the first time, it produces memory B
cells which circulate in the bloodstream and quickly produce antibodies. When
a similar or variant of virus enters the body, the immune system, rather than
generating new B cells, activates memory B cells, which in turn produce
antibodies which bind to features found in both the old and new strains,
known as crossreactive antibodies. Although the cross-reactive antibodies do
offer some protection against the new strain, they aren’t as effective as the
ones produced by the B cells when the body first came across the original
virus. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
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Q 44.C
• Recently theorists have finally explained the superconductivity of mercury, the

first superconductor ever discovered—gaining insights that could be relevant
to the search for room-temperature superconductors.
• Superconductivity is a set of physical properties observed in certain materials
where electrical resistance vanishes and magnetic flux fields are expelled
from the material.
• Superconductors are separated into two main categories: Low-temperature
superconductors (LTS), also known as conventional superconductors and
High-temperature superconductors (HTS) also called unconventional
superconductors.
• Anything that works as a superconductor above 70 Kelvin (-203oC) is
generally considered an HTS. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• In 1911, Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes discovered
superconductivity in mercury. He found that at a very low temperature, called
the threshold temperature (around –270°C), solid mercury offers no
resistance to the flow of electric current. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 45.C
• Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs): The MLATs in criminal matters

are the bilateral treaties entered between the countries for providing
international cooperation and assistance. These agreements allow for the
exchange of evidence and information in criminal and related matters
between the signing countries. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Nodal Agency in India: The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry and
the Central authority for seeking and providing mutual legal assistance in
criminal law matters. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) speaks of reciprocal
arrangements to be made by the Central Government with the Foreign
Governments with regard to the service of summons/warrants/judicial
processes. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• India has entered into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties/Agreements with 42
countries (November 2019).
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Q 46.C
• The World Economic Forum, mostly known for its annual summit in Davos,
Switzerland, is a nongovernmental lobbying organisation. Klaus Schwab
founded the WEF in 1971 and has been its chairperson since then. The WEF
is largely funded by its partnering corporations. These are generally global
enterprises with annual turnover greater than $ 5 billion. Hence statement 1
is correct.
• Its salience goes far beyond discussions on economic issues. In the past, it
has been used as a location for pivotal international diplomacy as leaders are
able to break tensions in the town. For instance, in 1988 Greece and Turkey
avoided war, when the two signed the now famous Davos Declaration. Hence
Q 47.C
• For the first time ever, the Ministry of Culture has announced a year-long
commemoration of the birth anniversary of Banjara Dharmaguru Santh
Sevalal Maharaj.
• Born in 1739 in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
• He was a social reformer and spiritual teacher of Banjara Community. Hence
option (c) is the correct answer.
• Spread across India, Banjara Community is a nomadic community with nearly
10-12 crore population. They are classified as SC, ST and OBC in different
states.
• Having sound knowledge in Ayurveda and Naturopathy, he eradicated myths
and superstitions prevalent among forest dwellers and nomadic tribe.
Q 48.B
• Gerosoppa Falls, also known as Jog Falls, is located in the Shimoga district of
Karnataka. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India, with a height of 253
metres (829 feet). It is a segmented waterfall that, depending on rain and
season, becomes a plunge waterfall.
• The waterfall is formed by the Sharavati River, which originates in the
Western Ghats. It is an important river in Karnataka, flowing towards the west.
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It flows through the dense forests of the Western Ghats and drops down the
rocky cliffs at Jog Falls. The water plunges into a deep green valley and
creates a spectacular view. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
Other important waterfalls in India-
• Kunchikal Falls - Varahi River
• Dhuandhar Falls - Narmada River
• Shivanasamudra Falls - Kaveri River
• Dudhsagar Falls - Mandovi River
Q 49.C
• They are a set of servers that store one country’s data and are under that
country’s jurisdiction while being located in another country. Hence
• It is a physical data center of trusted nations that enjoy diplomatic immunity
from local laws. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 50.A
• Recent context: Paris Club likely to provide financial assurances to IMF on Sri
Lanka debt.
• The Paris Club is a group of mostly western creditor countries that grew from
a 1956 meeting in which Argentina agreed to meet its public creditors in Paris.
• Their objective is to find sustainable debt-relief solutions for countries that are
unable to repay their bilateral loans. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• All 22 are members of the group called Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD).
• The members are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands,
Norway, Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom,
United States of America.
• India and China are not members. India acts as an ad-hoc participant. Hence,
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Q 51.B
• Recent Context: The Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers (DHARA)
Conference was organized recently by the National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in Pune.
• DHARA is the annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance
(RCA).
About River Cities Alliance (RCA)

• It is a collaborative effort between the National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG) and the National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA). Hence statement
2 is correct.
• It is launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti along with the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs.
• River Cities Alliance started with 30 cities in 2021 and currently has 95 cities
as members across India.
• The Alliance is open to all river cities of India. Any river city can join the
Alliance at any time. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Q 52.C
• Recent Context: The Supreme Court said the Constitution does not allow
nominated members (aldermen) of a municipality the right to vote in meetings.
• "Alderman” refers to a member of a city council or municipal body, with exact
responsibilities depending on the location of its usage. It is derived from Old
English. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Q 53.B
• Recent context: A paper was published by the Indian Academy of Sciences

peer-reviewed journal Current Science on the meteorite that fell in Gujarat’s
Banaskantha district on August 17 last year.
• It states that it was a rare specimen of an aubrite seen in India for the first
time since 1852.
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• Diyodar Meteorite streaked over India, breaking apart as it descended through
the air to scatter over two villages in Banaskantha, Gujarat. This is the second
recorded crash of an aubrite in India. The last was on December 2, 1852, in
Basti, Uttar Pradesh.
• Worldwide, aubrites have crashed in at least 12 locations since 1836,
including three in Africa and six in the U.S.
• Aubrites: are a type of achondritic (or achondrite) stony meteorite, which
means they do not contain chondrules, or small spherical grains of mineral
that are common in other types of meteorites. They are named after the
Aubres meteorite, which fell in France in 1836 and was the first known
example of this type of meteorite.
Q 54.D
• Northern Ireland Protocol: The Northern Ireland Protocol is a post-BREXIT

agreement that created a trade border between Northern Ireland and the rest
of the United Kingdom (UK).
• The protocol was an integral part of the 2019 BREXIT agreement signed
between the UK and the European Union (EU).
Under the protocol:

✓ Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market.
✓ Trade-and-customs inspections of goods coming from Great Britain take

place at Northern Ireland ports along the Irish Sea.
• The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and
Northern Ireland. Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
• Ireland (also known as the Republic of Ireland) is a sovereign state which is a
part of the European Union (EU) and is not a part of the UK.
• During Brexit Voting, England and Wales voted in favor of exit from the EU.
Scotland and Northern Ireland voted in favor of staying in the EU.
• Geographically, the United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain, the
northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern
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Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom that shares a land border with
another sovereign state—the Republic of Ireland.
Q 55.D
• Expunction is the removal of certain words, sentences, or portions of a

speech from the records of Parliament by the orders of the Speaker. Hence
• Deciding Authority - The Presiding Officer of the House (Speaker in Lok
Sabha under Rule 380) has the discretion to expunge the word or usage. The
presiding officer decides which parts of the proceedings will be expunged.
• Rule 380 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha
provides for ‘expunction’. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 56.B
• Stromboli is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily,
containing Mount Stromboli, one of the four active volcanoes in Italy. It is one
of the eight Aeolian Islands, a volcanic arc north of Sicily.
• The volcano has erupted many times and is constantly active with minor
eruptions, often visible from many points on the island and from the
surrounding sea, giving rise to the island's nickname "Lighthouse of the
Mediterranean".
• Mt. Fuji: Japan’s Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest
of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776
meters.
• Mount Vesuvius is located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy, about 9
km east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is one of several
volcanoes forming the Campanian volcanic arc.
• Chimborazo is a currently inactive stratovolcano in the Cordillera Occidental
range of the Andes.
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 57.C
• Recent Context: On the back of the Hindenburg revelations, many of Adani

Group companies’ stocks have hit the lower circuits in subsequent trading
sessions.
• The term "circuit breaker refers" to an emergency-use regulatory measure
that temporarily halts trading on an exchange. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Circuit breakers function automatically by stopping trading when prices hit
predefined levels in exchanges around the world.
• Circuit breakers are triggered to stop the sell-off by stockholders. They curb
panic-selling of stocks and prevent markets from crashing.
• Effectively, circuit-breakers cap how much the value of a stock can fall in a
single day/trading session. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 58.C
• Recent Context: Apple is reportedly working on a new display technology

called micro LEDs, which is considered the next big thing in the display
industry.
• MicroLED is a self-illuminating diode that has brighter and better color
reproduction than Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display technology.
• Principle: The basis of microLED technology is sapphires, which can shine on
their own forever. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 59.C
• Recent Context: Aadi Mahotsav, the mega National Tribal Festival at Major
Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.
• It is an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development
Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Many tribal
crafts, dances etc were displayed.
• Longpi (Nungbi) Pottery: Manipur. Hence pair 1 is not correctly matched.
• It is black earthenware crafted by Tangkhul tribe of Manipur who resides in
Nungbi village.
• Dhokra Craft: Chhattisgarh. Hence pair 2 is correctly matched.
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• Exquisite dull gold figurines and objects de art are crafted in the Bastar &
Raigarh region of Chhattisgarh out of bell metal, brass, and bronze.
• Pattachitra paintings: Odisha. Hence pair 3 is correctly matched.
• Pattachitra is a picture painted on a piece of cloth. This form of art is closely
related to the cult of Shri Jagannath and the temple traditions in Puri.
Q 60.A
• Bard is Google’s own conversational articficial intelligence (AI) chatbot.

Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
• Bard is based on Google’s AI model, Language Model for Dialogue
Application or Lambda.
• Google introduced LaMDA in 2021 as its generative language model for
dialogue applications which can ensure that the Google Assistant would be
able to converse on any topic.
Q 61.A
• Recent context: PlayStation VR2 has recently launched with dozens of

games.
• The term virtual reality refers to a computer-generated, three-dimensional
environment. It is a fully digital experience that can either stimulate or differ
completely from the real world. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• In order to experience and interact with virtual reality, you’ll need the proper
equipment, like a pair of VR glasses or a headset. Hence statement 2 is not
correct.
• Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
• Augmented Reality (AR) does not create a new reality, but it overlays digital
images onto the real world with the help of a device like a mobile phone or
tablet.
Q 62.A
• Recent Context: According to Economic Survey 2023 there is a reverse

flipping by start-ups
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• Flipping is the process of transferring the entire ownership of an Indian
company to an overseas entity. It is generally accompanied by a transfer of all
intellectual property and data owned by an Indian company.
• Reverse Flipping is the process of shifting the domicile of those companies
back to India who flipped earlier. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Companies reverse flip because of easy access to capital from private equity
and venture capital, changes in rules regarding round-tripping, and the
growing maturity of India's capital market. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 63.D
• Recently at the Aadi Mahotsav, an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative

Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of
Tribal Affairs tribal dance performances were held.
• Dance Performances:
✓ Bagurumba of Assam
✓ Panthi Dance of Chhattisgarh

✓ Gusadi of Telangana
✓ Baiga Pardhauni of Madhya Pradesh

✓ Tamang Selo of Sikkim
✓ Siddhi Dhamal of Gujarat

✓ Purulia Chhau of West Bengal
✓ Harul dance of Uttarakhand.

Q 64.A
• Recent Context: Adani Enterprises calls off Follow on Public Offer (FPO),
shares worth Rs 20,000 crore to be returned to investors
• Follow on Public Offer is an additional issue of a company, which is already
listed on an exchange.
• Under FPO, the company issues new shares to the investors or the existing
shareholders, usually the promoters. Hence option (a) is the correct
answer.
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• A company uses FPO after it has gone through the process of an IPO (Initial
Public Offering) to diversify their equity base.
• An FPO is an additional issue whereas an IPO is an initial or first issue.
Reasons to go for FPO

✓ To make more of its shares available to the public
✓ To raise capital to expand equity base
✓ To pay off debt.

• Initial public offering is the process by which a private company can go public
by the sale of its stocks to the general public. Companies can raise equity
capital with the help of an IPO by issuing new shares to the public or the
existing shareholders can sell their shares to the public without raising any
fresh capital. Hence option (b) is not correct.
• Book building is the process by which an underwriter attempts to determine
the price at which an initial public offering (IPO) will be offered. SEBI
guidelines define Book Building as "a process undertaken by which a demand
for the securities proposed to be issued by a body corporate is elicited and
built-up and the price for such securities is assessed for the determination of
the quantum of such securities to be issued by means of a notice, circular,
advertisement, document or information memoranda or offer document".
Hence option (d) is not correct.
• A buyback, also known as a share repurchase, is when a company buys its
own outstanding shares to reduce the number of shares available on the open
market. Under the stock exchange route, a company can buy back shares
only on the stock exchanges having nationwide trading terminals. The
buyback of shares is made only through the order-matching mechanism. In
this method, the promoters, or persons in control of a company are not
allowed to participate. Hence option (c) is not correct.
Q 65.D
• Recent Context: Russia claimed that the USA had not complied with the New
START treaty's provisions and had attempted to undermine Russia's national
security.
Arun Singh Tomar

• The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is a nuclear arms
reduction treaty between the United States and Russia (signed in 2010). It
entered into force in 2011. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Under the agreement, both sides are committed to the following:

• Deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of
700 long-range missiles and bombers. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Q 66.C
• The Keeladi excavation site, located along the Vaigai River, is an ancient
settlement dating back to the Sangam age. It is currently under excavation by
the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology and the Archaeological
Survey of India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Located about 12 km southeast of the temple city of Madurai, the site has
revealed evidence that supports the existence of an urban civilization during
the Sangam age providing valuable insights into the ancient history of Tamil
Nadu. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The Keeladi excavation site holds great significance as it has helped to push
back the timeline of the Sangam age to 800 BCE based on the archaeological
findings. This is a significant discovery as it provides new insights into the
ancient history of Tamil Nadu.
Q 67.C
• The annual event called the Great Backyard Bird Count, which began in 1998,
is organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon
Society. It is a community science project, that includes students, bird
watchers, and nature enthusiasts, who can participate in observing and
counting birds in their backyard every year. Hence statement 1 is not
correct.
• Bird Count India is a collaborative initiative among various organizations and
groups to enhance our understanding of birds' distribution and population. It
encourages and facilitates the listing and monitoring of birds in India, ranging
from individuals keeping track of their bird sightings to groups of students and
bird watchers observing the local avian fauna. Additionally, it supports large-
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scale projects that document the prevalence and geographic range of different
species across India. It also helped Great Backyard Bird Count conduct the
annual bird count event in India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• According to the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2023, West Bengal
recorded the highest number of bird species (489), followed by Uttarakhand
(426), Arunachal Pradesh (407), Assam (397), and Karnataka (371). Tamil
Nadu and Kerala secured the eighth and ninth positions, respectively, with
349 and 325 species. The survey reveals that India's avian population is
thriving in various habitats, ranging from urban to rural areas. The country has
witnessed a significant surge in participation, resulting in India ranking second
in the number of checklists submitted, just after the United States of America.
Additionally, India ranked third in the total number of species reported by any
country during the GBBC event. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Q 68.D
• The Hoysaleswara temple also referred to simply as the Halebidu temple, is a

12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest monument
in Halebidu, a town in the state of Karnataka, India, and the former capital of
the Hoysala Empire.
• The temple was built on the banks of a large man-made lake and sponsored
by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire. Its construction started
around 1121 CE and was completed in 1160 CE.
• The Hoysaleswar is mainly a Shaivite monument, yet reverentially includes
many themes from Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism. In fact,
it even has some images from Jainism. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is a twin temple dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Santaleswara Shiva lingas,
named after the masculine and feminine aspects. Hence statement 2 is
correct.
• India's famed Hoysala Temples in Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapura could
soon be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. According to
the latest reports, India has filed for the nomination of the temples for the year
2022-2023. Hence statement 3 is correct.
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Q 69.C
• Recent Context: A newly identified tsetse fly pheromone reveals new insights
into how the insects communicate—and may help in reducing disease spread.
• Tsetse, are large, biting flies that inhabit much of tropical Africa. Tsetse flies
are exclusively found in sub-Saharan Africa between latitudes 14° N and 20 °
S. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Tsetse flies include all the species in the genus Glossina, which are placed in
their own family, Glossinidae. The tsetse is an obligate parasite, which lives
by feeding on the blood of vertebrate animals.
• Tsetse flies are known to carry parasites called African trypanosomes.
• When the insects bite humans or animals, they transmit these parasites,
spreading diseases such as African sleeping sickness, which can be fatal to
humans, and nagana, a disease that affects livestock and other animals.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Q 70.A
• Recent Context: Karnataka’s cultural capital Mysuru is set to host the Centre’s
ambitious Bharat Shared Repository of Inscriptions (Bharat SHRI) project that
was announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget
speech.
• The project to be launched at the digital epigraphy museum aims to digitise
one lakh ancient inscriptions in the first phase. While all inscriptions have
been published in annual reports of Indian Epigraphy (ARIE), digital copies
are unavailable to researchers and historians
• Currently, the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) epigraphy division
headquartered at Mysuru has more than one lakh estampages of several
prominent inscriptions which will soon be digitised for widespread use by
historians and researchers.
• Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Q 71.B
• The Union Cabinet has approved National Green Hydrogen Mission with an
initial outlay of Rs.19,744 crore, including an outlay of Rs.17,490 crore for the
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SIGHT programme, Rs.1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs.400 crore for R&D,
and Rs. 388 crores towards other Mission components.
Q 72.B
• Recent Context: Research has shed light on the Agasthiyar Observatory

which was one of the few magnetic observatories in the world during the 19th
century.
• Agasthyarkoodam, the misty peak, and trekkers destination on the Western
Ghats straddling Tamil Nadu and Kerala were once home to a forgotten and
long-lost 19th-century observatory established by Scottish meteorologist John
Allan Broun.
• The Agasthyarkoodam Observatory is an astronomical research observatory
in Kerala, India.
• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics owns and operates it.
• Magnetic observatories continuously measure and record Earth’s magnetic
field at a number of locations.
Q 73.C
• ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’, MISHTI, is a

scheme launched in the recent budget. Under this scheme, multiple activities
will be taken up focusing on mangrove plantations along the coastline, on
saltpan lands, and wherever feasible. The funds for the same would be
sourced from the convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and
others. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.
Q 74.A
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) strengthened the

framework for green bonds by introducing the concept of ‘blue’ and ‘yellow’
bonds as new modes of sustainable finance. Yes Bank issued India's first
green bond in 2015 to raise INR 5 billion. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Blue bonds are modes of sustainable finance raised for sustainable maritime
sector including sustainable fishing, sustainable water management etc.
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• Yellow bonds are modes of sustainable finance raised for solar energy
generation and the associated upstream and downstream industries. Hence,
Q 75.D
• In a recent move aimed at improving the organ donation and

transplantation system in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoH&FW) has introduced several changes to the National Organ
Transplantation Guidelines.
• No domicile requirement: A citizen can now register for organ donation in
any state, previous requirement of registering in the state of domicile has
been removed. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Upper limit age: New Guidelines allow even those above 65 years of age
to register to receive an organ for transplantation from deceased donors.
• No registration fees: Centre has asked states to stop governments to stop
taking fees to register a patient for organ transplants. Hence statement 3
is correct.
Q 76.C
• Recent Context: NSE Indices Ltd., an NSE (National Stock Exchange) arm
has introduced the country's first ever municipal bond index.
About Nifty India Municipal Bond Index:

• Role of the index: The new Nifty India Municipal Bond Index will track the
performance of municipal bonds issued by Indian municipal corporations
across maturities and having investment grade credit rating. Hence
• Review: The index will be reviewed quarterly. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Municipal Bond Market is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI) in India.
Arun Singh Tomar

Q 77.D
• The aim of the India-Maldives-Sri Lanka Tri-Lateral Exercise ‘DOSTI’ is to

further fortify the friendship, enhance the mutual operational capability,
exercise interoperability, and to build cooperation between the Coast Guards
of Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka.
• Exercise Dosti was initiated in 1991, between the Indian and Maldives Coast
Guard. Sri Lanka joined the exercise for the first time in 2012.
Q 78.C
• Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received the NASA-

ISRO SAR (NISAR) satellite from the U.S. space agency.
• NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being
jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days and provide spatially and
temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth’s ecosystems,
ice mass, etc.
• The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic
aperture radar (SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging
radar satellite. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Q 79.B
• Recent Context: The government has integrated Bhasini Mission's capabilities

with the unified payment interface (UPI) ecosystem.
• Bhashini Mission is a local language translation mission that aims to break the
barrier between various Indian tongues by using available technology. It aims
to build a National Public Digital Platform for languages.
• Bhashini, the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), was launched
by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in July 2022 to provide artificial intelligence (AI)
and Natural Language Processing (NLP) based open-source language
technology solutions for speech and text translation through the Bhashini
platform to bridge the language barriers leveraging startup-academia
ecosystem. These technologies would enable organizations to create
Arun Singh Tomar

innovative and artificial intelligence-based multilingual interfaces including
voicebased interfaces in their websites and apps to provide better citizen
services and digital resources. As of date, 289 pre-trained AI models for
language translation in 10 Indian languages have been made available on the
Bhashini platform.
Q 80.D
• In finance, being short on an asset means investing in such a way that the
investor will profit if the value of the asset falls. This is the opposite of a more
conventional "long" position, where the investor will profit if the value of the
asset rises.
• Hence, short selling means borrowing a stock that you do not own, selling the
borrowed stock, and then buying and returning the stock if and when the price
drops. Here, the speculation is that the value of the asset will decrease in the
near future thus ensuring profit for the investor. Thus, short selling is mostly
done to earn in a falling market (bearish). Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• For example, an investor borrows a certain number of shares from a broker
and sells these shares in the market for Rs 100. In the future, when the price
of the shares falls to Rs 80, then the investor can buy them at a lesser price,
and return them to the broker, thereby making a profit of Rs 20. Hence,
• At present, in a realistic sense, there is no short selling in India. It's done in
the form of day trading, futures trading, etc. But actual short selling – which
involves borrowing shares for a multi-day horizon – is absent in India.
• The Hindenburg Research LLC is an investment research firm with a focus on
activist short-selling. In a report, they said that the Adani Group has
“substantial debt” and that the stock prices of the listed companies are
overvalued by 85%. Such a forecast caused panic selling making the stocks
hit the bottom of the market. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• It is speculated that Hindenburg is thus involved in short selling of the Adani
stocks (outside of India) to make a profit.
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2

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1. It is the world’s largest government funded healthcare program.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

2. Consider the following statements regarding the recently released Global

1. It is released by International Monetary Fund.

2. It is released once a year.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(b) 2 and 4 only

4. Which of the following is not a function of the Central Bureau of Investigation

(a) Investigating cases of corruption, bribery, and misconduct of Central government

(c) Investigating serious crimes, having national and international ramifications,

(d) Maintaining crime statistics and disseminating criminal information.

1. It is a double-sided connector with reversibility.

2. It is not backward compatible with previous USB Types.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. With reference to 'Bose-Einstein Condensate', often termed as the fifth state

of matter, which of the following statements is/are correct?

2. It is formed when atoms of certain elements are heated to near critical

3. It can be used in creation of atomic lasers and atomic clocks.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(a) It is a lapse in time interval between two diurnal tides.

(b) It is a reversal in magnetism of Earth.

(c) It is a gravity anomaly on surface of moon.

(d) It is a destruction of a star by a black hole.

Arun Singh Tomar

1. Social media sites

2. Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services

3. Online gaming services

4. Digital news sites

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

9. Which one of the following designates a bank as Domestic Systemically Important

(a) Ministry of Finance

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(c) Indian Banks' Association

(d) Securities and Exchange Board of India

(a) Mount Kilauea

(b) Mount Stromboli

(c) Mount Vesuvius

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(a) World Bank

(b) World Economic Forum

(c) United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

(a) It is a portal for monitoring of implementation of National Clean Air Programme.

(d) It will ensure hassle-free disbursement of pension to retired state government

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Arun Singh Tomar

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2