1. Mega International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) is proposed to be constructed in which state/UT?
[A] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
[B] Lakshadweep
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andaman and Nicobar Islands]
Notes:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working towards development of Mega International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay of Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The 41,000 crore international transhipment port at Great Nicobar Island aims to match with the global top container transhipment terminals. Other projects include, Airport, Township and Power plant.
2. As per the ‘Annual Death Penalty Report, 2022’, which state accounted for the highest death row inmate population?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Indian courts in 2022 awarded a 165 death sentences, the highest in over two decades, according to the Annual Death Penalty Report.
It was published by Project 39A, an advocacy group with the National Law University. Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest death row inmate population (100), followed by Gujarat (61) and Jharkhand (46).
3. Which country is facing a deadly flood emergency, as of January 2023?
[A] New Zealand
[B] USA
[C] Russia
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Zealand]
Notes:
In New Zealand, deadly flood emergency continued after heavy rainfall hit the country’s north island, causing landslides and flash floods.
At least three people have died and one is missing after New Zealand’s largest city Auckland experienced its wettest day. The nation’s weather forecaster, MetService, warned of more severe weather across Auckland.
4. Who is the winner of the Australian Open 2023 women’s singles title?
[A] Aryna Sabalenka
[B] Elena Rybakina
[C] Iga Swiatek
[D] Ons Jabeur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aryna Sabalenka]
Notes:
Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus beats Elena Rybakina to secure the women’s singles title in Australian Open 2023.
Aryna Sabalenka is the first athlete without a flag to win a singles Grand Slam since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Sabalenka, seeded 5th, will regain her second ranking after winning her first major championship. Sabalenka has 11 victories and two titles, so far in the year.
5. Which city is the host of the first G20 Energy Transition Working Group Meeting?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Chennai
[D] Amritsar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Notes:
The first G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting under India’s Presidency will be held in Bengaluru from February 5th to 7th.
Technology gaps in energy transition, low-cost financing for energy transition, energy security and diversified supply chain, industrial low carbon transition and fuel for future are the priority areas of the Working group discussion.
6. Which Indian armed force unveiled a revised doctrine to lay out its role in “no war, no peace scenario” (NWNP)?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Air Force]
Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a revised doctrine in which it laid out the role of air power in the “no war, no peace scenario” (NWNP) that India typically faces.
The doctrine, which refers to air power as aerospace power, highlighted the use of air power as part of a joint military strategy involving the two other forces. The doctrine also emphasised that defensive and offensive counter-operations are linked.
7. Which institution conducted the ‘G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill’?
[A] NASSCOM
[B] CERT-In
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] CDAC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CERT-In]
Notes:
The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) conducted the Cyber Security Exercise and drill in hybrid mode under India’s G20 presidency. Over 400 domestic and international participants attended the drill.
8. Which Union Ministry implements the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ scheme?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Skill Development
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Minority Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Skill Development]
Notes:
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by National Skill Development Corporation.
The Union Budget 2023 aims to give a push to job creation through proposals such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 and setting up of 30 Skill India international centres to encourage expansion in businesses and industry.
9. What is the fixed interest rate of the ‘Mahila Samman Bachat Patra’ announced recently?
[A] 6.5%
[B] 7.0%
[C] 7.5%
[D] 8.0%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [7.5%]
Notes:
In the Union Budget 2023, Finance Minister announced Mahila Samman Bachat Patra, a one-time new small savings scheme, for a two-year period up to March 2025.
This initiative will avail a deposit facility for a woman up to Rs 2 lakh for two-year period at a fixed interest rate of 7.5% with partial withdrawal option. Maximum deposit limit of Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme was increased from ₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh.
10. As per the proposed ‘National Data Governance Policy’, India Data Management Office (IDMO) will be formed under which Ministry?
[A] Electronics and IT Ministry
[B] Home Affairs Ministry
[C] Science and Technology Ministry
[D] External Affairs Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Electronics and IT Ministry]
Notes:
The Union Budget 2023 announced that the ‘National Data Governance Policy’ will be brought out to aid innovation and research by start-ups and academia.
It seeks for the formation of an India Data Management Office (IDMO) under the IT ministry. The new policy reform is that the anonymized datasets will be offered as part of the India datasets programmes to the Artificial intelligence ecosystem.