1. What is the budgetary outlay of ‘Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)?
[A] Rs 216 Crore
[B] Rs 2516 Crore
[C] Rs 750 Crore
[D] Rs 7216 Crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 2516 Crore]
Notes:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with a budgetary outlay of ₹2,516 crore.
The objective is to increase efficiency of PACS, bring transparency and accountability in their operations This project proposes computerization of about 63,000 functional PACS over a period of 5 years with Government of India share of ₹1,528 crore. State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks were already automated by NABARD and brought on Common Banking Software.
2. Which organisation tested indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile from Maharashtra?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] NSIL
[D] HAL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
The DRDO and the Indian Army successfully tested indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile at KK range in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
The anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) was successfully test fired from Arjun battle tank. With the trial, the capability of ATGM to engage targets from minimum to maximum range has been established.
3. Which is the statutory authority under GST law to check the unfair profiteering activities?
[A] GST Council
[B] National Anti-profiteering Authority
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Controller General of Accounts
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Anti-profiteering Authority]
Notes:
The National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) is the statutory mechanism under GST law to check unfair profiteering activities by the registered suppliers.
The GST watchdog has held cosmetics and personal care company L’oreal guilty of not passing on the rate reduction benefits to consumers to the tune of ₹186 crore. NAA has directed L’oreal to deposit the sum along with 18% interest in the consumer welfare fund.
4. Which institution has released a report titled ‘Harnessing Green Hydrogen’?
[A] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] FICCI
[D] IRENA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
The NITI Aayog released its report titled ‘Harnessing Green Hydrogen — Opportunities for Deep Decarbonisation in India’.
It has recommended tax breaks like reduction or exemption of GST and custom duties on green hydrogen production. It has also proposed setting up green hydrogen corridors and offering grants to start-ups working on green hydrogen solutions.
5. Who is the new President of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)?
[A] T Raja Kumar
[B] Urjit Patel
[C] Viral Acharya
[D] Subash Chandra Garg
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [T Raja Kumar]
Notes:
T Raja Kumar of Singapore has been appointed as the president of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the anti-money laundering watchdog.
He has replaced Marcus Pleyer and will discharge his service for next two years. As per FATF, the President will focus on enhancing the effectiveness of global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, improving asset recovery and other initiatives.
6. As per the UN World Drug Report, which country has the most number of opiate users in the world?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] India
[C] Pakistan
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
As per the World Drug Report 2022, India has the most number of opiate users in the world. The trend is expected to rise with an increase in trafficking.
As per the report, the number of drug users increased 26 per cent globally over the last decade to 284 million people. An estimated 11.2 million injected drugs, half of whom lived with hepatitis C, 1.4 million with HIV and 1.2 million with both.
7. Which is India’s major seafood item exported from India in terms of quantity and value?
[A] Frozen shrimp
[B] Frozen squid
[C] Frozen fish
[D] Frozen cuttlefish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Frozen shrimp]
Notes:
India shipped 13, 69,264 MT of seafood worth Rs 57,586.48 crore (USD 7.76 billion) during 2021-22, despite heavy odds.
During the FY 2021-22, the export improved in rupee term by 31.71%. Frozen shrimp remained the major export item in terms of quantity and value. USA is the largest market of frozen shrimp, followed by China and European Union.
8. ‘Kai Chutney’ made of Weaver ants is a popular food made in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Odisha
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Weaver ants, whose scientific name is Oecophylla smaragdina, are present in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
The people of the district especially the tribals, make a food item with the ants called the Kai Chutney. Scientists from Odisha are in the process of presentation for the geographical indications (GI) registry of Kai Chutney.
9. Which institution has launched a portal named ‘Pariksha Sangam’?
[A] UGC
[B] CBSE
[C] NTA
[D] IGNOU
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CBSE]
Notes:
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a new portal named Pariksha Sangam.
The portal will act as a one-stop destination for all exam-related activities, which will include term results and more. It has 3 parts – Schools (Ganga), Regional Offices (Yamuna) and Head Office (Saraswati).
10. Which is the first country to announce equal pay for both Male and female cricketers?
[A] Australia
[B] India
[C] New Zealand
[D] England
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Zealand]
Notes:
As per the five-year agreement by New Zealand Cricket and the players’ association, male and female cricketers in New Zealand will earn equal pay.
According to the agreement, women players will be paid the same match fees as men in all forms and events at both the domestic and international levels.