11. Who has assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force?
[A] Air Marshal AP Singh
[B] Air Marshal VR Chaudhari
[C] Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
[D] Air Marshal HS Arora
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Air Marshal AP Singh]
Notes:
Air Marshal AP Singh has assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force. The Air Marshal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in 1984.
He has more than 5,000 hours of flying experience. Prior to assuming his current appointment, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at Central Air Command. He is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
12. As per the Economic Survey, what is the budgeted expenditure on healthcare, as a percentage of GDP in FY23?
[A] 2.5 %
[B] 2.1 %
[C] 1.9 %
[D] 1.5 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2.1 %]
Notes:
As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, the central and state governments’ budgeted expenditure on healthcare touched 2.1 % of GDP in FY23 and 2.2% in FY22.
In FY21, the figure was only 1.6% in FY21. The Survey said that the share of expenditure on health in total expenditure on social services has risen from 21% in FY19 to 26 % in FY23 (BE). Out of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a percentage of total health expenditure has declined from 64.2% in FY14 to 48.2% in FY19.
13. Which Union Ministry issued orders to block over 100 betting and loan-lending Chinese apps?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Electronics and IT
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Electronics and IT]
Notes:
The Centre has initiated the process to block 138 betting and 94 loan-lending Chinese apps on an emergency basis.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued blocking orders based on emergency request by the Nodal officer of Ministry of Home Affairs. The move was taken after confirming that these apps contain material that is prejudicial to sovereignty of India under Section 69 of IT Act.
14. ‘Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan’ who were seen in the news, are the eminent artists from which country?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Eminent artists Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan will be honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for their contribution to the film Industry in Bangladesh.
This was announced in the National Film Awards 2021 recently announced in the country. Lal Moroger Jhuti (Call of the Red Rooster) and Nona Joler Kabbo (The Salt in our waters) will be jointly awarded in the Best Film Category.
15. What is the total budget outlay announced for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana?
[A] Rs 49000 crore
[B] Rs 59000 crore
[C] Rs 69000 crore
[D] Rs 79000 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rs 79000 crore]
Notes:
In the Union Budget 2023, the Government enhanced the outlay for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by 66 per cent to 79000 crore.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is an initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Finance Minister also proposed to use Permanent Account Number (PAN) card as a common identifier for all digital systems of government agencies.
16. Reliance Consumer Products announces strategic partnership with Maliban Biscuit Manufactories based in which country?
[A] China
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] UK
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
Reliance Consumer Products announces strategic partnership with Sri Lanka’s Maliban Biscuit Manufactories.
Reliance Consumer Products Limited is the FMCG arm of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited. Maliban is Sri Lanka’s pioneering biscuit manufacturer well-known for the last 70 years for its range of products.
17. Which country has removed the British monarchy from its bank notes?
[A] The Netherlands
[B] Poland
[C] Sweden
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Australia]
Notes:
Australia’s central bank said that its new USD 5 bill would feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III.
The King is still expected to appear on coins that currently bear the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The bank will consult with Indigenous groups in designing the USD 5 note.
18. Medium-density Amorphous Ice, which was seen in the news, was created in a container filled with which material?
[A] Plastic
[B] Stainless Steel
[C] Water
[D] Paper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Stainless Steel]
Notes:
Medium-density Amorphous (MDA) Ice is a new form of ice that was recently discovered by scientists. This ice has same density and structure as water.
The ice was created by scientists in a container with stainless steel balls at a -200°C. The MDA ice does not have any ordered structure. It will provide the opportunity to improve the understanding of the properties of water.
19. When is the ‘International Day of Human Fraternity’ observed?
[A] February 2
[B] February 4
[C] February 6
[D] February 8
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [February 4]
Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity in 2020.
It celebrates the values of compassion, religious understanding, and mutual respect. On the occasion, the UN chief called for renewed commitment to form an ‘alliance of peace’ amid a surge in hate speech, sectarianism and strife.
20. Which institution released regulatory measures on climate risks and sustainable finance?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Reserve bank of India
[C] Securities Exchange Board of India
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Reserve bank of India]
Notes:
The Reserve bank of India (RBI) has recently announced regulatory measures on climate risks and sustainable finance.
The new guidelines focused on creating a broad framework for promoting the acceptance of green deposits, a disclosure framework on financial risks associated with the climate crisis and guidelines for climate scenario analysis and stress testing.