41. As per a recent report, which sector has the maximum number of delayed projects?
[A] Railways
[B] Transport and highways sector
[C] Tele- communication
[D] Housing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Transport and highways sector]
Notes:
As per a recent report by the Centre, Transport and highways sector has the maximum number of delayed projects.
Of the 769 projects of the sector, 358 projects are delayed. The total original cost of implementation of the projects when sanctioned, was ₹4,33,744 crore, but this was subsequently anticipated at ₹4,60,524 crore with a cost overrun of 6.2%.
42. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) detected anomalies in updation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in which state/UT?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has detected large-scale anomalies in the updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam.
It also flagged the risk of data tampering due to improper software development for the exercise. The updation process of the 1951 NRC for Assam was done under the supervision of the Supreme Court. The updated final NRC was released on August 31, 2019 and it left out 1.9 million of the 33 million applicants on suspicion of their claims as Indian citizens.
43. Which country has banned women from working for domestic and foreign NGOs?
[A] USA
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Iran
[D] Saudi Arabia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Afghanistan]
Notes:
Taliban has banned women from working for domestic and foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Afghanistan.
This order by has been condemned by the United Nations, which said the move violated fundamental rights. The order of Taliban comes just days after female students were banned from universities.
44. Who is the only Indian player in the top 25 in Forbes’ annual list of the highest-paid female athletes in the world?
[A] Mary Kom
[B] P V Sindhu
[C] Mirabai Chanu
[D] Sania Mirza
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [P V Sindhu]
Notes:
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is the only Indian player in the top 25 in Forbes’ annual list of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.
The 27-year-old made 7 million US Dollars of her earnings, after having won a singles gold and doubles silver at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year in Birmingham. Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka tops the list, for the third straight year.
45. As per IMF’s recent Article IV Consultation report, what is the forecast for India’s economic growth in FY24?
[A] 6.1 %
[B] 7.1 %
[C] 8.1 %
[D] 8.5 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [6.1 %]
Notes:
As per the Article IV Consultation report is based on International Monetary Fund bilateral discussions with the Indian authorities.
As per the report, for India’s economic growth is expected to moderate to 6.1% in FY24 from 6.8% estimated for the current fiscal because of high oil prices, weaker external demand, and tighter financial conditions. IMF cautioned that the emergence of a more contagious coronavirus variant could impact trade and growth further.
46. The Competition Commission issued demand notices to which company for its failure to pay penalties within the stipulated time?
[A] Meta
[B] Xiaomi
[C] Google
[D] Amazon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Google]
Notes:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued demand notices to Google for its failure to pay the penalties within the stipulated time.
CCI earlier imposed penalties on the internet major for anti-competitive practices. Google has filed appeals before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) two orders in October.
47. Which country has ordered its judges to fully enforce aspects of ‘Sharia system’?
[A] Iran
[B] Iraq
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Afghanistan]
Notes:
Afghanistan’s supreme leader has ordered judges to fully enforce aspects of the Sharia system. It is the Islamic law that include public executions, stonings, floggings and the amputation of limbs for thieves among others.
‘Hudud’ refers to offences for which certain types of punishment are mandated under Islamic Law, while ‘Qisas’ is translated as retaliation in kind.
48. ‘Rythu Bandhu’ is the flagship scheme of which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Telangana
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
Telangana government has launched the 10th phase of Rythu Bandhu, the investment support scheme for farmers.
Under this phase, 7,676 crores will be deposited in the bank accounts of over 70 lakh farmers towards investment support for the Rabi crop season. The investment support is disbursed at a rate of 5000 rupees per acre.
49. Which state/UT passed a draft Solar Policy, aiming a total installed solar capacity of 6,000 megawatt by 2025?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Delhi
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Delhi]
Notes:
Delhi government has recently cleared the draft Delhi Solar Policy 2022. It aims to increase the share of the city’s annual electricity demand met by solar energy from 9% at present to 25% by 2025.
The draft targets a total installed solar capacity of 6,000 megawatt by 2025. It includes benefits such as Generation Based Incentives and subsidy for consumers. The draft has been put in public domain for 30 days after which it will be tabled before Cabinet for final approval.
50. Which state has set up a Commission to conduct a survey to ensure that OBCs are provided reservation on the basis of ‘Triple test’?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh has set up a five-member commission, which will conduct a survey to ensure that the OBCs are provided reservation on the basis of the triple test, as mandated by the Supreme Court. Earlier, the Allahabad High Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to hold urban local body elections without reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) because the ‘triple test’ requirement had not been fulfilled.