11. Which country developed the Aadhaar-like platform for 9 countries called ‘Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP)’?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Israel
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB) has developed a platform to provide Aadhaar-like digital identities for nine countries.
The Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) is a digital identity platform. Citizens of Philippines, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Ethiopia, Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Togolese Republic will enrol on the platform.
12. Which article of Indian Constitution deals with the right to freedom of speech and expression?
[A] Article 14
[B] Article 16
[C] Article 19
[D] Article 22
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Article 19]
Notes:
Article 19(2) lists down eight grounds on which the right to freedom of speech and expression can be reasonably restricted.
The Supreme Court has ruled with a 4:1 majority that statements made by a minister, even if these statements are traceable to any affairs of the State or for protecting the government, cannot be attributed to the government.
13. What is the outlay of the ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme’?
[A] Rs 1500 crore
[B] Rs 2500 crore
[C] Rs 3000 crore
[D] Rs 4000 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 2500 crore]
Notes:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the Central Sector Scheme ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development’ (BIND).
The BIND scheme aims to bring modernisation to the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati i.e. All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD). The outlay of the scheme is Rs.2,540 crore for the time period up to 2025-26.
14. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a Strategic Dialogue with his counterpart from which country?
[A] USA
[B] France
[C] Australia
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his French counterpart Emmanuel Bonne held discussions on defence and security cooperation.
In addition to being the diplomatic advisor to the French president, Emmanuel Bonne is also France’s G7-G20 sherpa.
15. The ‘Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS)’ has been inaugurated in which state’s airport?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Goa
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa]
Notes:
Union Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane, inaugurated Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS) at MOPA (GOA) International airport.
ITRS is an Artificial Intelligence-based fully automatic machine that helps in providing enhanced passenger security with advanced screening technology. It is equipped with image analysis software with advanced tools to take correct decisions against baggages.
16. Which Union Ministry conducts ‘Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM)’?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Electronics and IT
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]
Notes:
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship conducts the ‘Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM)’.
PMNAM will be conducted across 242 districts across states and union territories this year. The event will see participation of several local businesses that will provide local youth the opportunity of apprenticeship training.
17. Which city is the host of the ‘Auto Expo 2023 – Components show’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Bengaluru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 16th edition of Auto Expo 2023- Components Show is scheduled from January 12 to 15, in New Delhi and over 800 companies from 15 countries will participate in the Auto Expo.
India’s Component industry witnessed a growth of nearly 35% to Rs 2.65 lakh crore in first-half of the year, due to domestic demand from the passenger vehicles segment. It is jointly organised by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
18. Which city is the host of the India-US Trade Policy Forum Meeting in 2023?
[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] California
[D] Washington DC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Washington DC]
Notes:
Union Commerce minister Piyush Goyal is visiting New York and Washington DC to participate in India-US Trade Policy Forum.
After roundtable meetings with business leaders and think tanks in New York, he will attend the 13th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting in Washington DC. The 12th TPF Ministerial meeting was held on 23 November 2021 after a gap of four years in New Delhi.
19. Which Indian public sector bank received RBI approval to hold special rupee vostro accounts of three banks from Sri Lanka?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Canara Bank
[C] Indian Bank
[D] Punjab National Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Bank]
Notes:
Indian Bank has received the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulatory approval to hold special rupee vostro accounts of three banks from Sri Lanka.
A vostro account in local currency would allow Sri Lanka to import from India without dipping into its dollar supply, as the country is facing a worst forex crunch.
20. Which state won the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Odisha
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
Odisha has won the UN-Habitat’s World Habitat Awards 2023 for Jaga Mission initiative of the state. Jaga mission is the world’s largest land titling and slum upgrading program which aims at empowering the lives of slum dwellers.
Odisha is undertaking Jaga Mission to upgrade all of the state’s 2,919 slums. In the last five years of the initiative, 1,75,000 families have been granted land tenure security.