1. Which country has introduced a robot called ‘Kachaka’ with capacity to deliver items through voice commands?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] North Korea
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
A Tokyo-based startup Preferred Robotics has introduced a robot called Kachaka for home use. It has the capacity to deliver items through voice commands.
The robot’s AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles. Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table.
2. The ‘Greentech Safety Award 2023’ was awarded to which organisation?
[A] REC
[B] RINL
[C] PFC
[D] SAIL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RINL]
Notes:
The Greentech Safety Award 2023 was recently conferred to RINL under the Safety Excellence Category. It was recognized for its role in contributing towards improving workplace safety in the year 2022-23.
RINL was applauded for the initiatives like use of Drone technology for inspection of high-rise structures and chimneys, development of Software Application for tracking the usage of Safety Harnesses.
3. Which institution has conceptualized ‘Lightweight Payments System’?
[A] NPCI
[B] RBI
[C] NASSCOM
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India has conceptualized a lightweight payment and settlements system that operates independently of conventional technologies, ensuring uninterrupted transactions in extreme situations.
It can be operated from anywhere is minimum staff during times of war or natural calamities.
4. Which institution released guidelines for Investor Protection Fund (IPF) and Investor Services Fund (ISF)?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] PFRDA
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
Capital Market Regulator SEBI- the Securities Exchange Board of India has released guidelines for Investor Protection Fund (IPF) and Investor Services Fund (ISF).
These funds are maintained by stock exchanges and depositories. The new changes aim to strengthen investor protection measures and promote financial literacy and participation in the securities market.
5. Which institution released the 11th edition of the World of Work report?
[A] WTO
[B] ILO
[C] Niti Aayog
[D] IMF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ILO]
Notes:
The 11th edition of the World of Work report was released recently by the International Labour Organisation.
According to this report, in 2023, the global unemployment is expected to decline below pre-pandemic level to 5.3 percent.
6. Which institution launched the ‘National Mission for Mentoring’?
[A] AICTE
[B] NCTE
[C] NASSCOM
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NCTE]
Notes:
The National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) is an initiative aimed at creating a pool of outstanding professionals willing to provide mentoring for school teachers and promote their professional development.
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) launched NMM in Pilot mode in selected 30 Central Schools across the country. As part of this initiative, the NCTE organized a capacity building workshop for 60 mentors.
7. Which country has approved ‘Debt Ceiling Deal’ to raise the government’s borrowing limit?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] USA
[D] Afghanistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA]
Notes:
The US Congress has approved the debt ceiling deal to raise the government’s borrowing limit and thwarting a potentially catastrophic default on US debt repayments.
It will allow the federal government to borrow money until after the next presidential election in November 2024. The agreement keeps non-defence spending flat next year, with a 1% rise in 2025.
8. The feasibility of Salt cavern-based oil storage facility in which state is being studied by Engineers India (EIL)?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The feasibility and prospects of the salt cavern-based oil storage facility in Rajasthan is being studied by the Government-owned engineering consultancy firm Engineers India (EIL).
It will increase India’s strategic oil storage capacity once this facility starts functioning. The country’s three existing strategic oil storage facilities — at Mangaluru and Padur in Karnataka, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh — are made up of excavated rock caverns.
9. Galleri test, which was seen in the news, is a blood test capable of detecting which disease?
[A] Cancer
[B] COVID 19
[C] Diabetes
[D] Hypertension
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cancer]
Notes:
Galleri test is a multi-cancer blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer. The test effectively detected tumors in 66.67% of the 5,000 people in England and Wales.
In 85% of those positive cases, it also pinpointed the original site of cancer. The Galleri test looks for distinct changes in bits of genetic code that leak from different cancers.
10. What is the name of tariff levied on imported goods to offset subsidies given to producers of the goods in exporting country?
[A] Countervailing Duty
[B] Anti-Dumping Duty
[C] Safeguard Duty
[D] Protective Duty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Countervailing Duty]
Notes:
The Countervailing Duty (CVD) is commonly imposed to safeguard domestic companies that are unable to compete with low-cost imports benefiting from subsidies provided by the exporting country.
The Indian government is planning to impose this duty on stainless steel imports to prevent the flooding of cheap imports and protect the domestic manufacturers.