1. Which Union Ministry unveiled the ‘National Medical Devices Policy, 2023’?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]
Notes:
National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 was unveiled recently by India’s Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
He also launched the Export Promotion Council for Medical Devices along with Assistance for Medical Devices clusters for Common Facilities (AMD-CF).
2. A ‘New Replenishment Mechanism for Flexible Funding’ has been proposed for which organisation?
[A] WHO
[B] NSIL
[C] DRDO
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [WHO]
Notes:
During the 76th World Assembly Health session, WHO member states discussed on a new replenishment mechanism to help the UN body have more flexible funding options.
It will help WHO become more financial independent and function smoothly as the leading global health coordinator. Replenishment contributions would cover work by country offices, regional offices, and headquarters across all strategic priorities, as well as the enabling functions.
3. Which institution released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units?
[A] NGT
[B] CPCB
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] NAEB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CPCB]
Notes:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units.
The guidelines are based on the recommendations of the New Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment. CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
4. 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.
5. Which institution hosted the plenary on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO)?
[A] NASSCOM
[B] BIS
[C] PIB
[D] NITI Aayog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [BIS]
Notes:
The 44th plenary on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO) is a four-day event hosted by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The ISO countries have renewed their commitment to incorporate the objectives of the SDGs into its standards programme. BIS’s initiatives, such as Manak Manthan, Quality Connect are aimed at enhancing consumer engagement in standardisation.
6. Which institution is set to introduce the ‘Expected Loss-based Approach for Bad Loan Provisioning’?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] EPFO
[D] PFRDA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to introduce expected loss-based approach for provisioning during 2023-24.
It will help strengthen India’s bad loan resolution ecosystem. This will enable banks to design their own credit loss models and spread the higher provisions over a five-year period.
7. Which institution launched ‘e-Appeal scheme 2023’?
[A] CBDT
[B] CBIC
[C] RBI
[D] SEBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [CBDT]
Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently launched “e appeal” scheme announced in the budget.
Its aim is to minimize pendency of appeals related to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) default issues and tax collection at source (TCS). The scheme empowers the Joint Commissioner (Appeals) for disposing of appeals filed before it or allocated or transferred to it.
8. Which Union Ministry implements the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet has approved the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0).
CITIIS 2.0 is a program conceived by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), KfW, the European Union (EU), and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). The program will run for a period of four years, from 2023 till 2027.
9. As of 2023, India has how many joint logistics nodes?
[A] One
[B] Three
[C] Five
[D] Seven
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Three]
Notes:
The armed forces are planning to set up additional joint logistics nodes across the country to boost integration in their logistical needs and streamline their supply chains.
While the last joint logistics node was operationalised in Mumbai in April 2021, the nodes in Guwahati and Tri-Services, Port Blair were operationalised in January 2021. The Joint Operations Division under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has been responsible for establishing the nodes.
10. 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.