11. Ministry of Textiles is implementing ‘Enhancing Circularity and Sustainability’ project in collaboration with which institution?
[A] UNICEF
[B] UNEP
[C] World Bank
[D] UNESCO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UNEP]
Notes:
Ministry of Textiles is implementing ‘Enhancing Circularity and Sustainability’ project in collaboration with United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
The main objective of the project is to minimize the negative environmental impacts of Indian Textile by promoting sustainable practices and mainstreaming knowledge on circular production based practices in the Textiles and Apparel sectors. Government also approved 20 strategic research projects in the areas of Specialty fibres and geo textiles.
12. The birth anniversary of which 15th-century poet and saint of Bhakti movement, is observed in February every year?
[A] Guru Ravidass
[B] Kabir Das
[C] Basava
[D] Guru Nanak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Ravidass]
Notes:
Guru Ravidass Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth of Guru Ravidas, a mystic poet-saint of the Bhakti movement during the 15th century.
The poet was a contemporary of Kabir Das and he taught monotheistic spirituality and message of equality and liberation from Indian caste system. His teachings are widely followed in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, among others.
13. India established a ‘Trade and Technology Council (TTC)’ along with which bloc?
[A] SAARC
[B] ASEAN
[C] EU
[D] G-20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [EU]
Notes:
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council was jointly established by the European Union and India.
Under this new council, three working groups have been set up with the focus on strategic technologies, digital governance, and digital connectivity; green and clean energy technologies; and trade, investment, and resilient value chains. The working groups will be responsible for preparing for the TTC meeting, which is set to take place before the next bilateral India-EU summit.
14. The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs. 2,516 crore for the computerization of which unit, over the next 5 years?
[A] State Cooperative Banks
[B] District central cooperative banks
[C] Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
[D] Multi-state Cooperative Banks
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Primary Agricultural Credit Societies]
Notes:
The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs. 2,516 crore for the computerization of 63,000 PACS over the next 5 years.
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are village-level cooperative credit societies that act as the last link to the 3-tier cooperative credit structure, which is headed by the State Cooperative Bank or SCB. Credit from the SCB is transferred to the district central cooperative banks (DCCBs), which will then transfer the credit to the PACS.
15. ‘High Mobility Artillery Rocket System’ (HIMARS) is manufactured by which country?
[A] France
[B] Israel
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA]
Notes:
The US State Department gave the nod for the sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers to Poland.
The HIMARS and the related equipment will be sold to Poland at a cost of around USD 10 billion. HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a type of artillery system that can fire long-range rockets with pinpoint accuracy. It has been used in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
16. Which neighbouring country of India is set to receive electricity from power plant in Jharkhand?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Nepal
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Bangladesh will start receiving electricity from the Godda power plant in Jharkhand from the first week of March.
750 megawatt power will come from the first unit of Adani power plant in Godda in March. Another 750 megawatt of power will come from the second unit of the Godda power plant in April. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) signed an agreement with Adani group for importing electricity.
17. ‘Operation Aag’ is associated with which state Police?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala Police have recently arrested 113 people who were accused in various criminal cases, under ‘Operation Aag’.
The raids are being held to arrest those who were placed under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. Other initiatives of the state police include ‘Pink patrol’ which is specifically for women’s safety, ‘Prasanthi’ for senior citizens among others.
18. ADB has approved 130 million USD for Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of 130 million USD for the implementation of the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project.
The purpose of this project is to assist at least 15,000 farm households to make them more resilient to climate change through improved irrigation and water management.
19. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Digital Payments Utsav’?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Notes:
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, launched a comprehensive campaign plan, ‘Digital Payments Utsav, in New Delhi.
Digital Payments Utsav, has been planned this year to promote Digital Payments across the country and to celebrate the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and G20 Presidency. Digital Payment Sandesh Yatra was also flagged off to make citizens aware of digital payment solutions. DigiDhan awards were presented to banks that perform well in digital payments.
20. After the RBI Monetary Policy Statement announced in February 2023, what is the repo rate?
[A] 5.50 %
[B] 5.75 %
[C] 6.25 %
[D] 6.50 %
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [6.50 %]
Notes:
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India hiked the key policy rate, the Repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.50 per cent in a bid to control the retail inflation.
The RBI has increased the repo rate by a cumulative 250 basis points to 6.50 per cent since May this year. The RBI has projected GDP growth for the next fiscal (FY2024) at 6.4 per cent.