31. As per the recent monetary policy committee announcement, what is the repo rate as of August 2023?
[A] 5.5 %
[B] 6.5 %
[C] 7.5 %
[D] 8.5 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6.5 %]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the policy rate unchanged at 6.5% in the recent monetary policy committee meeting.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das retained FY24 GDP growth projections at 6.5%, but raised the CPI inflation forecast for FY24 to 5.4%.
32. As per recent data, which country is the largest source of Human Hair (raw material) in the world?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India is the largest source of Human Hair (raw material) in the world: Centre, as per the information provided by the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel.
India had exported 169.23 million dollar in value of Human Hair during last fiscal. PLEX Council is working with the government to provide training to Indian exporters to start producing high-value goods such as wigs.
33. ‘Kalyanamasthu and Shaadi Tohfa’ schemes are implemented by which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy provided financial aid to qualified individuals under the ‘YSR Kalyanamasthu and YSR Shaadi Tohfa’ programs.
The financial assistance is provided to parents from poor financial backgrounds to help them perform their children’s marriage after their education. The YSR Kalyanamasthu is meant for the girls belonging to SC, ST, BC and Minorities, disabled, construction worker families, while the YSR Shaadi Tohfa is for the Muslim girls.
34. Which state ranked at the top in overall fiscal health scorecard as per FY 23 revised budget estimates?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Based on the FY23 revised budget estimates, Maharashtra tops the ranking in overall fiscal health scorecard, followed by Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Telangana and Jharkhand.
Based on the FY24 first budget estimates, the top three states are Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, shows a report on the fiscal health of the key 17 states. It is based on the 4 fiscal parameters–fiscal deficit; own tax revenue, state debt levels (as a percentage of their individual gross state domestic product) and the interest payment to revenue receipts.
35. Which state/UT released dedicated guidelines for rescue and release of snakes?
[A] Odisha
[B] Kerala
[C] Sikkim
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government released guidelines permitting only certified snake handlers to rescue snakes from human areas, with violations leading to penalties under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Rescues are limited to situations where snakes pose threats to humans, and with snakebites accounting for 40% of disaster deaths in the state, the need for trained professionals is paramount.
36. As per the Chief Election Commissioner and other EC Bill, who is the head of the committee to appoint CECs and ECs?
[A] Chief Justice of India
[B] Prime Minister
[C] President
[D] Union Law and Justice Minister
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Prime Minister]
Notes:
Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha.
It proposes the setting up of a 3-member committee led by the Prime Minister for appointing future chief election commissioners and election commissioners.
37. Which country launched the Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
Recently, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, launched the second phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program for Lymphatic Filariasis.
Lymphatic filariasis is a tropical parasitic disease spread by infected mosquitoes that affects the lymph nodes and vessels.
38. Who was Dr. V S Arunachalam, who passed away recently?
[A] Sportsperson
[B] Politician
[C] Former Naval Admiral
[D] Former DRDO Director General
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Former DRDO Director General]
Notes:
The former DRDO Director General Dr.V S Arunachalam, passed away recently in the USA, at the age of 87 years. He was the head of DRDO and was the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister from 1982-92.
In 2015, Dr.Arunachalam was conferred with DRDO’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the field of scientific research and technology.
39. Which country is the host of the 15th BRICS Summit in 2023?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] South Africa
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [South Africa]
Notes:
The BRICS group of major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is holding its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between August 22 and August 24.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also invited the leaders of 67 countries to the summit, including 53 other African Countries, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Indonesia and Iran.
40. Which Union Ministry unveiled the ‘Wedding Tourism Campaign’?
[A] Ministry of Tourism
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Tourism]
Notes:
Ministry of Tourism unveiled an ambitious campaign aimed at showcasing India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage.
This campaign seeks to explore avenues of great potential, for scaling tourism in India to new heights. The campaign seeks to expand India’s wedding industry, by enticing couples from around the world to celebrate their special day in India.