CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY, 2023
1.Which country commenced its annual war-game ‘Zolfaghar-1401’, in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman?
[A] UAE
[B] Iran
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Israel
Answer: B [Iran]
Notes:
Iran has recently commenced its annual drill in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Commandos and airborne infantry would participate in the war-games, dubbed ‘Zolfaghar-1401’ along with drones, fighter jets, helicopters, military transport aircraft and submarines. The strait is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and is crucial to global energy supplies.
2.Which country has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first six months of 2023?
[A] Finland
[B] Sweden
[C] Italy
[D] Germany
Answer: B [Sweden]
Notes:
Sweden has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first six months of the year, on January 1, 2023,
It followed Czech Republic, which headed the Council in the second half of 2022. This is the third time that Sweden has taken over the Presidency of the Council. The EU Council Presidency rotates every six months between the Member States of the EU.
3.What is the name of the annual state-level Youth Festival organised in Kerala?
[A] Keralotsavam
[B] Kerala Sahavu
[C] Malayala Manorama
[D] Mallu Magic
Answer: A [Keralotsavam]
Notes:
Keralotsavam is the state-level Youth Festival of Kerala. It is coordinated by Kerala State Youth Welfare Board.
Palakkad emerged the overall champions of the state-level sports competitions held as a part of Keralotsavam. Kozhikode and Kannur stood in the second and third positions. The government provides support for setting up training grounds in all village panchayats.
4.As per a recent UN survey, which region has the highest unemployment rate in the world?
[A] African
[B] Arab
[C] South-Asian
[D] North-American
Answer: B [Arab]
Notes:
According to the latest UN survey, the Arab region registered a 12 per cent unemployment rate in 2022, which is the highest in the world.
Poverty measured against national lines also surged, affecting 130 million people in Arab countries. More than one-third of the region’s population is affected, excluding Libya and Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The survey showed an expected 3.4 per cent growth next year throughout the Arab region.
5.Which institution builds the K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers?
[A] DRDO
[B] HAL
[C] Larsen & Toubro
[D] BHEL
Answer: C [Larsen & Toubro]
Notes:
The Defence Ministry has started the process for procurement of 100 more K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers which are built in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
The howitzers are built using technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense. The K9-Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer.
6.Which institution developed the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app?
[A] RBI
[B] NPCI
[C] SEBI
[D] NASSCOM
Answer: B [NPCI]
Notes:
Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) was launched on 30 December 2016 in India. The payment application was indigenously developed by National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI). ·
The app lets users make simple and quick transactions using Unified Payments Interface (UPI). In November 2022, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced the launch of BHIM App open source license model. Recently, the sixth anniversary of BHIM app was celebrated.
7.Where is the headquarters of the Theosophical Society (TS) located?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and others. It is a worldwide body with the aim to advance the ideas of Theosophy.
The 147th International Convention of the Theosophical Society (TS) was organised at its international headquarters in Adyar. “The theme of this conference is ‘Our Responsibility in the Interconnected World’.
8.Which Ministry has been appointed as the nodal ministry for matters relating to online gaming with monetary risks?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[B] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Finance
Answer: A [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Notes:
The Centre recently appointed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as the nodal ministry for matters relating to online gaming with monetary risks.
As per a notice by the ministry, online companies may be required to practice self regulation. They will also be required to practice due diligence.
9.Anil Kumar Lahoti has taken over the charge of new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of which institution?
[A] UIDAI
[B] Railway Board
[C] PMFBY
[D] Tribes India
Answer: B [Railway Board]
Notes:
Anil Kumar Lahoti has taken over the charge of new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Railway Board, Ministry of Railways.
Prior to this, Anil Kumar Lahoti worked as Member (Infrastructure) of the Railway Board. He was behind the planning and construction of Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi and the Ajmeri Gate side station building. He was also associated with planning for redevelopment of New Delhi station as a World Class station
10.Which country has banned most foreigners from buying homes, to tackle housing crunch faced by locals?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] Canada
[D] Germany
Answer: C [Canada]
Notes:
Canada has banned most foreigners from buying Homes, to make more homes available to locals facing a housing crunch.
The ban prohibits people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents from buying residential properties, and imposes a C$10,000 fine on those who breach it.
11.Which footballer has been named as the ‘World’s Best Player’ for 2022 by IFFHS?
[A] Kylian Mbappe
[B] Neymar
[C] Lionel Messi
[D] Cristiano Ronaldo
Answer: C [Lionel Messi]
Notes:
PSG superstar Lionel Messi has been crowned the ‘World’s Best Player’ for 2022 by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
In 51 official games for club and country, Messi scored 35 goals and laid on 30 assists. Messi was also named the winner of the IFFHS World’s Best International Goal Scorer 2022 Award. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni was voted as the best coach.
12.What is the estimated GDP Growth of India in 2022-23, as per the NSO first advance estimates?
[A] 6 per cent
[B] 7 per cent
[C] 8 per cent
[D] 8.5 per cent
Answer: B [7 per cent]
Notes:
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the First Advance Estimates (FAE) of National Income for the financial year 2022-23.
Real GDP or in the year 2022-23 is estimated at ₹157.60 lakh crore. The growth in real GDP during 2022-23 is estimated at 7.0 per cent as compared to 8.7 per cent in 2021-22.
13.Which institution recently developed macro/microporous ionic organic material to remove pollutants from water?
[A] IIIT Hyderabad
[B] IISc Bengaluru
[C] IISER Pune
[D] IIT Madras
Answer: C [IISER Pune]
Notes:
A team of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune has designed a unique molecular sponge-like material, which can swiftly clean polluted water by soaking up sinister contaminants.
The macro/microporous ionic organic framework can remove the pollutants that are direct threat to humanity and living organisms.
14.Which Indian state has launched a 100-day Global City Campaign?
[A] Gujarat
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a statewide 100-day ‘UP Global City’ campaign, ahead of the upcoming Global Investors Summit and G20 summit.
The campaign will focus on urban facilities, improving air quality, better cleanliness, and proper disposal of garbage among others.
15.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
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.
16.One 97 Communications is the parent entity of which financial service company?
[A] PhonePe
[B] PayTm
[C] Groww
[D] BharatPe
Answer: B [PayTm]
Notes:
One 97 Communications is the parent entity of the leading Indian mobile payments and financial services company Paytm , headquartered in Noida.
Paytm Payments Bank appointed Surinder Chawla as Managing Director and CEO, after banking regulator RBI’s approval. However, the RBI continues to bar Paytm Payments Bank from on-boarding new customers.
17.India has deployed a women-only platoon of peacekeepers to Abyei UN Mission, located in which country?
[A] Israel
[B] South Sudan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Vietnam
Answer: B [South Sudan]
Notes:
India has deployed a women-only platoon of peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Abyei on the border of Sudan and South Sudan.
This is a part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA). It is also the single largest deployment of women peacekeepers in recent years. India is among the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping.
18.Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Statement on climate of India during 2022’ report?
[A] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[B] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: A [Ministry of Earth Sciences]
Notes:
India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences released the ‘Statement on climate of India during 2022’ report.
As per the report, the annual mean land surface air temperature averaged over India during 2022 was +0.510C above the long-term average (1981-2010 period). The year 2022 was the fifth warmest year on record since nationwide records commenced in 1901.
19.Which state is the host of the 26th National Youth Festival?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Bihar
[D] West Bengal
Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The 26th National Youth Festival is scheduled in the twin cities of Hubballi – Dharwad in Karnataka from 12th to 16th January.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur said that the theme of this year’s Youth Festival is ‘Vikasit Yuva, Vikasit Bharat’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Youth Festival-2023 on 12th January, on the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
20.Which city is the host of the ‘All India Presiding Officers (Assembly Speakers) Conference’?
[A] Pune
[B] Jaipur
[C] Chennai
[D] Varanasi
Answer: B [Jaipur]
Notes:
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has inaugurated the 83rd All India Presiding Officers in Jaipur.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Speakers and Deputy Speakers of various Legislative Assemblies including the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman also present in the conference. This 83rd Conference of All India Presiding Officers is being held in Rajasthan after eleven years.
21.India signed and exchanged letters for ‘Young Professionals Scheme’ with which country?
[A] Australia
[B] UK
[C] USA
[D] Finland
Answer: B [UK]
Notes:
India and the United Kingdom marked the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by exchanging letters to formalise the Young Professionals Scheme.
The scheme allows up to 3,000 graduates in age bracket of 18-30 to get a two-year visa to study in each other’s countries. It aims to pave a way for the youth to understand the culture of one another. The launch of the ‘Young Professionals’ scheme was announced in November 2022 at G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
22.Michael Debabrata Patra, whose term was recently extended serve in which organisation?
[A] Supreme Court
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Election Commission
Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
The Central government has extended the tenure of Dr Michael Debabrata Patra as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for one more year.
Michael Debabrata Patra took over as Deputy Governor of the RBI in January 2020. He was an Executive Director of India’s central bank before being elevated to the post of Deputy Governor.
23.USA announced USD 100 million to which neighbouring country of India for flood recovery and reconstruction aid?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Nepal
Answer: B [Pakistan]
Notes:
The United States has announced an additional USD 100 million to Pakistan for its recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The floods which occurred last year killed as many as 1,739 and affected 33 million people. The funding also includes humanitarian assistance to support flood relief and recovery efforts in refugee hosting areas.
24.‘Year of Enterprises’ Project is a flagship scheme of which Indian state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
The ‘Year of Enterprises’ project of Kerala has been regarded as the best practice model in the second Chief Secretaries National Conference.
It was selected in the ‘Thrust on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)’ category. The project by Kerala Government was started in the current fiscal year with the aim to create one lakh enterprises in a year, while the state achieved the goal in eight months.
25.As per a recent data, which two states were the top investment destinations in the country in 2021-22?
[A] Maharashtra and Gujarat
[B] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh
[D] Gujarat and Telangana
Answer: B [Gujarat and Rajasthan]
Notes:
As per a data by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Gujarat and Rajasthan are the top Indian states in the area of investments.
Both the states were successful in attracting investments from both domestic and international businesses. Fresh investments worth Rs 3.98 trillion were announced for Gujarat during 2021-22 while Rajasthan attracted new investments worth Rs 2.37 trillion.
26.India signed a MoU to enhance cooperation in training of diplomats, with which country?
[A] Maldives
[B] UAE
[C] Panama
[D] Malaysia
Answer: C [Panama]
Notes:
India and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the training of diplomats.
External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Panama’s Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo in Indore. The Minister from Panama participated in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.
27.Which is the first country to recognise Bitcoin as a legal tender?
[A] Iran
[B] Venezuela
[C] El Salvador
[D] Maldives
Answer: C [El Salvador]
Notes:
El Salvador became the first country in the world to recognise Bitcoin as a legal tender two years ago.
It has recently approved a law to regulate the issuance of other digital assets by both the state and private entities. The bill aims to attract national and foreign investors while creating new financing opportunities.
28.‘Pineapple Express’ phenomenon, which was seen in the news, is related to which field?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Transport
[C] Meteorology
[D] Tourism
Answer: C [Meteorology]
Notes:
California and other parts of the West Coast have been hit with a series of atmospheric rivers, which are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport most of the water vapour outside the tropics.
The atmospheric rivers are called ‘Pineapple Express’ when the tail end, where the moisture is pulled into the atmosphere, starts near Hawaii stretching towards the U.S. West Coast. It is a common atmospheric phenomenon that resembles a conveyor belt for moisture.
29.Which Ministry organised the ‘Sur Sarita – Symphony of Ganga’ program?
[A] Ministry of Tourism
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Jal Shakti
Answer: B [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The world’s longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
Ministry of Culture organised a grand curtain raiser cultural program ‘Sur Sarita – Symphony of Ganga’ on the eve of the launch of the world’s longest river cruise in Varanasi. The concert was organsied at the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
30.Which country hosted the ‘Voice of Global South Summit’?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] India
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Singapore
Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India is hosting the ‘Voice of Global South Summit’. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Foreign Ministers’ Session at the Voice of Global South Summit.
He said that the case for a Global South-sensitive model of globalisation is becoming stronger and India stands for a shift from self-centered globalisation to one that is human-centered.
31.When is the ‘National Startup Day’ celebrated every year?
[A] January 6
[B] January 16
[C] January 26
[D] February 6
Answer: B [January 16]
Notes:
The ‘National start-up Day’ is observed every year on January 16, to promote the startup culture at the grassroots level.
To celebrate National Startup Day and the Indian startup ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is organizing the Startup India Innovation Week.
32.‘White Tufted Royal Butterfly’ has been recently spotted in which state?
[A] Goa
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
A team of butterfly observers and researchers have found White Tufted Royal Butterfly, a rare butterfly species at Kalliyad in Kannur.
According to researchers, the butterfly is protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act. It was last spotted in Agasthyakoodam in 2017 and the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018. The wingspan of the butterfly is 32-40 mm. Its larvae feed on Scurrula parasitica, a plant belonging to the Loranthaceae family.
33.Which media company presented the ‘Excellence in Governance Awards’ for District Magistrates?
[A] The Hindu
[B] Indian Express
[C] Times of India
[D] Manorama
Answer: B [Indian Express]
Notes:
The Indian Express media group presents the ‘Excellence in Governance Awards’ to District Magistrates’.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah handed over awards for innovative and good governance to 18 District Magistrates at The Indian Express Excellence in Governance Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.
34.Which institution released the report titled ‘State Finances: A Study of Budgets’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Finance Ministry
[D] Enforcement Directorate
Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India recently released a report titled ‘State Finances: A Study of Budgets’. As pr the study, the fiscal health of States has improved from a sharp pandemic-induced deterioration in 2020-21.
The improvement is due to the back of a broad-based economic recovery and high revenue collections with their gross fiscal deficit (GFD) budgeted to decline from 4.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020-21 to 3.4% in 2022-23.
35.A Yeti Airlines with 72 passengers crashed in which country, in its deadliest plane crash in 30 years?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Nepal
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Indonesia
Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Nepal faces its deadliest plane crash in 30 years as the Yeti Airlines flight from Kathmandu to the tourist town of Pokhara crashed.
There were 72 passengers and crew aboard the Yeti Airlines and all passengers were dead after the crash. The Himalayan country has some of the most difficult terrain to navigate. The European Union has banned Nepalese airlines from its airspace over concerns about training and maintenance standards.
36.Which institution releases the ‘World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends’ every year?
[A] World Bank
[B] UNICEF
[C] ILO
[D] World Economic Forum
Answer: C [ILO]
Notes:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released the ‘World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2023 report’.
As per the report, the current global economic slowdown is likely to widen social and economic inequalities as more workers will be forced to accept lower quality, poorly paid jobs which lack job security and social protection. As per the report, total working hours per person are still below pre-pandemic levels in Asia Pacific region.
37.Chris Hipkins has sworn in as the Prime Minister of which country?
[A] France
[B] Australia
[C] New Zealand
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: C [New Zealand]
Notes:
New Zealand’s former minister for COVID-19, Chris Hipkins has been confirmed as the country’s next prime minister.
Hipkins was the only candidate to replace Jacinda Ardern, who announced she was resigning after more than five years as the Prime Minister. He will have less than nine months before contesting a general election. He was appointed health minister in July 2020 before becoming the COVID response minister at the end of the year.
38.Which country’s President is the Chief Guest of Republic Day celebrations of India?
[A] UAE
[B] Malaysia
[C] Egypt
[D] Australia
Answer: C [Egypt]
Notes:
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in New Delhi as he will be the chief guest at the 74th Republic Day parade of India.
This is the first time the President of Egypt has been invited as the chief guest on Republic Day. India and Egypt are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. India has also invited Egypt as a ‘guest country’ during its G20 Presidency.
39.Which country is the host of the ‘FIDE World Championship 2023’?
[A] Kazakhstan
[B] Italy
[C] Israel
[D] India
Answer: A [Kazakhstan]
Notes:
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan is set to host the FIDE World Chess Championship Match during April-May 2023.
The current world champion Magnus Carlsen won’t play in the 2023 FIDE World Chess Championship. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren will battle to seize the throne of the World Champion.
40.Who is the winner of the Bahrain’s ISA Award for Service to Humanity Himalayan Cataract Project?
[A] Dr Sanduk Ruit
[B] Dr Santhosh G Honavar
[C] Dr Vineet Ratra
[D] Dr Aditya Kelkar
Answer: A [Dr Sanduk Ruit]
Notes:
Nepalese ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit has won Bahrain’s ISA Award for Service to Humanity, a top civilian award of Bahrain.
The award carries a cash prize of USD 1 million, a certificate of merit and a gold medal. He is the recipient of the Padma Shri Award by the Indian Government, the National Order of Merit of Bhutan as well as the Ramon Magsaysay Award
41.Which city is the host of ‘G20’s first Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Meeting’?
[A] Chennai
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Kolkata
[D] Mumbai
Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Notes:
G20’s first Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Meeting is set to be held in Bengaluru.
It will focus on the promotion of the blue economy along with coastal sustainability, restoration of degraded lands and ecosystems, enhancement of biodiversity and strengthening of a circular economy. The delegates are scheduled to visit the Kalkere Arboretum and Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru.
42.As per the Finance Ministry data, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscribers figure crossed which milestone in 2022?
[A] 1 million
[B] 10 million
[C] 5 million
[D] 50 million
Answer: B [10 million]
Notes:
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a pension scheme targeted towards unorganised sector workers. It saw the highest-ever subscribers in 2022 with enrolments rising 36 per cent.
The figure crossed 10 million for the first time in a calendar year, data released by the finance ministry showed. The number of enrolments in 2022 rose to 12.5 million from 9.2 million in 2021. The majority of subscribers (82 per cent) opted for a Rs 1,000 pension per month.
43.When was the Uttar Pradesh foundation Day celebrated every year?
[A] January 21
[B] January 24
[C] January 27
[D] January 30
Answer: B [January 24]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh came into existence on January 24, 1950, when the governor-general of India passed United Provinces Order 1950, renaming United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh.
This is the 74th foundation day of Uttar Pradesh and it is being celebrated as ‘UP Day’. On the occasion, several schemes including Chief Minister Handicraft Pension Scheme, Handicraft Marketing Promotion Scheme, and exemption in stamp duty were launched. People were also awarded with ‘Rani Laxmi Bai Puraskar’ and ‘Laxman Puraskar’.
44.Cervical cancer vaccine Cervavac has been jointly developed by Indian Government along with which institution?
[A] Bharat Biotech
[B] Serum Institute
[C] Dr Reddys Lab
[D] Biocon
Answer: B [Serum Institute]
Notes:
The Cervavac vaccine has been developed jointly by the Serum Institute of India and the Indian Government’s Department of Biotechnology.
India’s first indigenously developed Cervical cancer vaccine ‘Cervavac’ for 9-14-year-old has been launched. The vaccine will be included in the National Immunisation Programme by mid-2023.
45.Which institution has proposed to use river names as tag line and branding for its products?
[A] FCI
[B] NABARD
[C] APEDA
[D] IRCTC
Answer: C [APEDA]
Notes:
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) proposes to use river names as tag line and branding for Indian agricultural products.
APEDA is identifying agricultural products that can be sourced from the Gangetic, Brahmaputra, Cauvery and Godavari river basins, among others. APEDA will showcase riverine source of agri exports as unique identifier.
46.As of 2022, which state is the biggest producer of bajra and second-largest in jowar?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Centre has estimated the millet procurement in the country to move up from current 6-7 lakh tonnes (lt) to 40-50 lt in the next few years.
Nine states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have launched their own programmes to procure millets and distribute those nutri-cereals. Rajasthan, the biggest producer of bajra and second-largest in jowar, is asked to start focusing on procurement of the grains.
47.Odesa Port City, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Ukraine
[C] Australia
[D] UAE
Answer: B [Ukraine]
Notes:
The historic centre of the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has been designated an endangered World Heritage site by UNESCO, despite opposition from Russia.
Odesa, also known as the pearl of the Black Sea, has been bombed several times since Russia invaded Ukraine. Seven other sites in Ukraine have been added to UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Saint-Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the historic centre of the western city of Lviv.
48.Which state is undertaking the Caste-Based Survey (CBS) in India?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: C [Bihar]
Notes:
The first phase of the Caste-Based Survey (CBS) is completed in Bihar. The caste-based survey is being carried out in two stages.
The first phase was a household counting exercise, which has now been completed. The form for its next phase where information on people’s caste and socio-economic status will be collected, is being finalised.
49.US-based Hindenburg Research published a report accusing which business group for stock manipulation?
[A] Reliance Industries
[B] Adani Group
[C] ITC Limited
[D] Aditya Birla Group
Answer: B [Adani Group]
Notes:
A report recently published by Hindenburg Research has accused Adani Group of stock manipulation, improper use of tax havens and money laundering.
It has also raised concerns about the group’s mounting debts. The report has led to sharp erosion in the valuation of listed companies like Adani Enterprises, Adani Power, Adani Total Gas, Adani Transmission, Adani Ports & SEZ, Adani Green Energy and NDTV among others.
50.Which state commenced its first survey of migrants?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: A [Jharkhand]
Notes:
Jharkhand Migration Survey is a part of the State’s Safe and Responsible Migration Initiative (SRMI) launched by the end of 2021.
The objective is to prepare a database of migrant workers that can be used when the government is formulating policies. Two-month exercise involves 24 districts, 60 enumerators and 11,000 households.
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