1. What is the theme of ‘Vigilance Awareness Week 2023’?
[A] Integrity and ethics
[B] Say no to corruption, commit to the Nation
[C] Stay Vigilant; Stay Honest
[D] Information is Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Say no to corruption, commit to the Nation]
Notes:
The Vigilance Awareness Week, 2023 is being observed by the Central Vigilance Commission and all institutions across the country from 30th October till 5th November. This year the theme is – Say no to corruption, commit to the Nation.
Every year Vigilance Awareness Week is observed as an outreach measure to create greater awareness about the importance of integrity and ethics in public life.
2. Japanese Scientists have succeeded in cultivating embryos of which species aboard the International Space Station (ISS)?
[A] Lizard
[B] Mouse
[C] Rabbit
[D] Snake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mouse]
Notes:
A research endeavor led by Japanese scientists and a team from the Japan Aerospace Space Agency (JAXA), has achieved the successful cultivation of mouse embryos aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
This significant experiment represents a pivotal stride in exploring the potential for human reproduction in the space environment.
3. ‘Maitree Super Thermal Power Project’ is situated in which country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Nepal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, funded through an Indian Concessional Financing Scheme loan of USD 1.6 billion, is a 1320 MW Super Thermal Power Plant (MSTPP) situated in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, jointly inaugurated three development projects supported by India, including the Unit – II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.
4. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) aims to connect Kolkata Seaport with which country?
[A] Thailand
[B] Myanmar
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Cambodia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Myanmar]
Notes:
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) aims to connect the seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea. It also includes Inland Water Transport between Sittwe to River Kaladan.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that a cross-border road, part of the ambitious Kaladan Project, which connects South Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district with Myanmar’s Sittwe port, is on track to be completed by November of this year.
5. With reference to Indian military, what is ‘Prachand’?
[A] Drones
[B] Light Combat Helicopter
[C] Anti-ship missile
[D] Submarine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Light Combat Helicopter]
Notes:
The Indian Army’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), known as ‘Prachand,’ has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting live firing exercises with 70mm rockets.
These exercises were conducted in both day and night conditions at a firing range located near Likabali in Assam, showcasing the LCH’s capabilities and versatility.
6. Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited functions under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Ayush
[B] Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Ayush
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Ayush]
Notes:
The Indian government has received numerous expressions of interest for the strategic sale of Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL).
IMPCL is currently under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ayush, and the government holds a 98.11% stake in the company. This move is part of the government’s efforts to divest its holdings in certain public sector enterprises.
7. ‘Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project’ connects India with which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Myanmar
[D] Thailand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina together inaugurated the Agartala-Akhaura cross-border rail link project.
This railway connection is expected to enhance cross-border trade and substantially decrease the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata via Dhaka.
8. Which institution conducts the ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] RBI
[D] SEBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India announced the launch of ‘Inflation Expectations Survey of Households’ and ‘Consumer Confidence Survey’ which will provide key inputs for the bi-monthly monetary policy scheduled in December 2023.
The surveys are conducted across 19 cities, including Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Delhi.
9. Morocco is a country located in which region?
[A] Northern Africa
[B] Southern Africa
[C] Europe
[D] South America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Northern Africa]
Notes:
Morocco, a North African country, borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. According to the 2022 Morocco Country Climate and Development Report, it is projected that by 2050, renewable energy sources could account for more than 85% of the country’s electricity generation.
This represents a significant increase from the 20% reported in 2021. As a result of this transition, it is estimated that there could be a net increase of at least 28,000 jobs annually.
10. What is India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in October 2023?
[A] Rs 1.65 lakh crore
[B] Rs 1.72 lakh crore
[C] Rs 1.82 lakh crore
[D] Rs 1.92 lakh crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rs 1.72 lakh crore]
Notes:
India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in October 2023 increased by 13.4% to Rs 1,72,003 crore, the second-highest ever. The growth was driven by a rebound in imports.
The GST revenue collection for October 2023 is second highest ever, next only to April 2023. The gross GST for September, collected in October, rose 13% annually to Rs 1,72,003 crore. The growth in India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues bounced back in October with tax collections rising at a 10-month high pace of 13.4%.