1. What is the GDP forecast for 2022-23 for India, as per the World Bank India Development Update?
[A] 8.1 %
[B] 7.5 %
[C] 7.2 %
[D] 6.9 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [6.9 %]
Notes:
World Bank raised its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for India during the current financial year (FY23) to 6.9 per cent from 6.5 per cent.
As per the India Development Update, the World Bank cited the economy’s resilience to external headwinds, and a strong out-turn in the second quarter of the current financial year. The report forecasts that the economy will grow at a slightly lower rate of 6.6 per cent in fiscal FY24 from the earlier projected 7 per cent.
2. After the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting in December 2022, what is the repo rate?
[A] 5.9 %
[B] 6.25 %
[C] 6.50 %
[D] 6.75 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6.25 %]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) hiked the repo rate by 35 basis points (bps) to 6.25 per cent with immediate effect.
The policy rate is now at its highest level since August 2018 and this is the fifth rate hike by the central bank in this financial year. MPC decided to remain focused on the withdrawal of accommodative stance. The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stands adjusted to 6.00 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 6.50 per cent.
3. Which cyclone recently formed over Bay of Bengal, crossing the coasts of southern states
[A] Mandous
[B] Asani
[C] Sitrang
[D] Mocha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mandous]
Notes:
Cyclone Mandous lies over southwest Bay of Bengal, about 620 km southeast of Chennai. The storm is likely to cross the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh between Puducherry and Sriharikota.
Under its influence, rainfall is expected over parts of coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh for two days. Red alert has already been issued for Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
4. Y K Alagh, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Economist
[B] Sports-person
[C] Business-person
[D] Scientist
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Economist]
Notes:
Yoginder K Alagh, a veteran economist and former Union minister, reecntly passed away at the age of 83.
He was the Union minister of state for Planning and Programme Implementation, Science and Technology and Power during 1996-98. He also served as the Vice Chancellor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.
5. Which country is the host of the ‘12th World Hindi Conference’?
[A] Italy
[B] Germany
[C] UK
[D] Fiji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Fiji]
Notes:
The ‘12th World Hindi Conference’ is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Fiji in February 2023 in Fiji.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the main theme of the Conference is “Hindi: From Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence”. Eleven World Hindi Conferences have been organized in various countries, so far.
