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2. In April 2023, Union Minister for Labour & Employment & Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched new features in _________ (Portal) for unorganised workers.
1) e-Saubhagya
2) e-Sachivalaya
3) eDharti
4) e-Aushadhi
5) eShram
Answer- 5) eShram
Explanation:
On 24, April 2023, the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched new features in eShram Portal to improve the utility of the
portal and facilitate ease of registration for unorganised workers.
3. In which state, the Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN),
India’s and Asia’s first mobile biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory was displayed at the G20
Meeting in April 2023?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) Maharashtra
4) Goa
5) Karnataka
Answer- 4) Goa
Explanation:
Rapid Action Mobile BSL-3 Advanced Augmented Network (RAMBAAN), India’s and Asia’s first
mobile biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory, designed to investigate emerging viral infections was
showcased at the G-20 (Group of 20) Health Working Group meeting held in Goa.
• RAMBAAN will play a major role in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
• RAMBAA, equipped with a -20 degree and -80-degree refrigerator, bio-safety cabinets, an
automatic Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extractor, and a real-time PCR( polymerase chain reaction)
machine, can access the remotest part of India.
4. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the ‘Trends In World Military
Expenditure, 2022’ report released by the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute) in April 2023?
A) World military expenditure grew for the 8th consecutive year in 2022 by 3.7% in real terms
to an all-time high of US$2240 billion.
B) India was the third largest spender in the world in 2022 with a military expenditure of USD
86.2 billion.
C) The United States topped the List followed by China, second largest spender in the world.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only A & C
4) Only B & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 3) Only A & C
Explanation:
According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Fact Sheet April 2023
‘Trends In World Military Expenditure, 2022’, World military expenditure grew for the 8th
consecutive year in 2022 by 3.7% in real terms (i.e. when adjusted for inflation) to an all-time high of
US$2240 billion.
5. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 60th round of quarterly
Order books, Inventories and Capacity Utilization survey (OBICUS) conducted by the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) in April 2023?
A) In Q3FY23, New order book of companies recorded a decline to 8.4% indicating a slowdown
in demand in the manufacturing sector.
B) The Capacity Utilization (CU) at manufacturing facilities was at a robust 74.3% in Q3 FY23,
up from 74% in Q2.
C) The average inventory level of manufacturing companies increased slightly by 2.3% to Rs
519.9 crore in Q3FY23 from Rs 508.2 crore in Q2FY23.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A. B & C
Answer- 5) All A. B & C
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has conducted the 60th round of quarterly Order books, Inventories
and Capacity Utilization survey (OBICUS) covering 762 manufacturing companies. It was conducted
during Q3:2022-23 to provide a snapshot of demand conditions in India’s manufacturing sector
during October-December 2022.
i. In Q3FY23, New order book of companies recorded a decline to 8.4% indicating a slowdown in
demand in the manufacturing sector.
• The average amount of new order books has dipped from its peak of Rs 307.9 crore in Q2 FY23
to Rs 212.2 crore in Q3FY23.
ii. Capacity Utilization (CU) at manufacturing facilities was at a robust 74.3% in Q3 FY23, up from
74% in Q2.
iii. The average inventory level of manufacturing companies increased slightly by 2.3% to Rs 519.9
crore in Q3FY23 from Rs 508.2 crore in Q2FY23. The inventory levels were the highest during the
pandemic in Q4 FY20 at Rs 609.9 crore.
6. Which government agency/company recently (in April ‘23) collaborated with the Indian
Navy (IN)and conducted a maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric ballistic missile
defence (BMD) interceptor off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal?
1) Indian Space Research Organisation
2) Defence Research and Development Organisation
3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
4) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
5) Bharat Electronics Limited
Answer- 2) Defence Research and Development Organisation
7. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi's recent (in April ‘23) inaugurations in Kerala?
A) PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various
development projects worth more than Rs 3200 crores at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
B) The development projects include India’s 1st Water Metro in Kochi (Kerala) developed by
the Cochin Shipyard and Kerala’s 1st Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvananthapuram and
Kasargod.
C) The PM also laid the foundation stone for India's first Digital Science Park in
Thiruvananthapuram which will give a boost to Digital India.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various
development projects worth more than Rs 3200 crores at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala.
i. The development projects include India’s 1st Water Metro in Kochi (Kerala) and Kerala’s 1st
Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod, which were inaugurated by PM.
• Kochi Water Metro is a Made in India project and the ports for the project were developed by
the Cochin Shipyard. It is a one-of-its-kind project that connects 10 islands around Kochi
through battery-operated electric hybrid boats for seamless connectivity with Kochi city.
• Kerala’s Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod will link North
Kerala with South Kerala. The train will ease the travel to pilgrimage places like Kollam,
Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur.
ii. The PM laid the foundation stone for India's first Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram
which will give a boost to Digital India.
iii. Vishu is a cultural festival celebrating one of the two harvest seasons in Kerala of India. Vishu falls
on the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam Calendar (April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian
calendar).
8. Which bank has recently (in April ‘23) collaborated with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
(RBIH) to launch ‘Digitalised Submission of Form 15G/15H’?
1) Canara Bank
2) State Bank of India
3) Union Bank of India
9. In April 2023, the Government of Rajasthan announced three new wildlife conservation
reserves: Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara, bringing the total
number of wildlife conservation reserves in Rajasthan to _______.
1) 20
2) 18
3) 30
4) 24
5) 26
Answer- 5) 26
Explanation:
On the occasion of International Mother Earth Day (Earth Day) 2023 (22nd April 2023), the Forest
Department, Government of Rajasthan announced 3 new conservation reserves that will protect
the rare and endangered wildlife of Rajasthan.
i. The 3 new wildlife conservation reserves are Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in
Bhilwara.
ii. With the declaration of 3 new conservation reserves, the total number of reserves in Rajasthan
has now reached 26.
10. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the recent step taken by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in April 2023?
A) RBI has granted a non-banking financial company (NBFC) licence to the Neobanking
platform Jupiter enabling the latter to scale up its lending business.
B) With the new NBFC licence, Jupiter will look at offering loans from Rs 10,000 up to Rs 3 lakh.
C) RBI also has cancelled the banking licence of the Adoor Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd, Kerala
and allows it to operate as NBFC.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
5) Only B & C
Answer- 2) Only B
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted a non-banking financial company (NBFC) licence to the
Neobanking platform Jupiter enabling the latter to scale up its lending business.
11. In April 2023, ________________ became the first Insurance company to accept eRupee(e₹)/
RBI’s CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) for premium payments in partnership with YES
Bank.
1) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
2) Reliance General Insurance
3) SBI General Insurance
4) Cholamandalam MS General Insurance
5) Future Generali India Insurance
Answer- 2) Reliance General Insurance
Explanation:
Reliance General Insurance, a subsidiary of Reliance Capital, has become the first company to accept
eRupee(e₹)/ Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) for premium
payments.
i. Reliance General Insurance accepts the eRupee through a partnership with YES Bank to enable its
customers to make premium payments digitally using the bank’s platform.
ii. The partnership will provide customers with a safe, easy, instant, and green payment solution,
enhancing the customer experience.
12. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 2023 Hyundai Archery
World Cup Stage 1 held at Antalya, Türkiye in April 2023?
A) India finished 3rd in the overall medal tally at the 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1
with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze).
B) The United States of America (USA) topped the medal tally with 4 medals (2 gold and 2
silver).
C) Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam wins individual gold in Compound Women in World
Cup Stage 1 by defeating Colombia’s Sara Lopez.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
13. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the cabinet approval on 26th
April 2023?
A) The Union Cabinet approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023, which is expected to
help the Medical Devices sector expand to USD 25 billion by 2025.
B) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the establishment of 157 new
nursing colleges in co-location with existing medical colleges established since 2014 with the
outlay of Rs 1,570 crore.
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C) The maximum number of nursing colleges will be set up in Uttar Pradesh (27) followed by
Rajasthan (23).
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 3) Only B & C
Explanation:
On 26th April 2023, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the
National Medical Devices Policy, 2023, which is expected to help the Medical Devices sector expand
to USD 50 billion(~Rs 4 lakh crore) by 2030.
• In 2020, the market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be USD 11 billion
(~Rs 90,000 crore) and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5%.
i. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the establishment of 157 new
nursing colleges in co-location with existing medical colleges established since 2014. The outlay for
the same will be Rs 1,570 crore.
ii. Uttar Pradesh (UP) will have the maximum number of colleges (27), while Rajasthan will have 23
and Madhya Pradesh, 14.
14. Which organisation/Institute has recently (in April ‘23) released the report “Promoting
Millets in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India”?
1) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
2) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
3) Indian Institute of Pulses Research
4) India Pulses and Grains Association
5) NITI Aayog
Answer- 5) NITI Aayog
Explanation:
NITI Aayog (National Institution For Transforming India) released a report titled “Promoting Millets
in Diets: Best Practices across States/UTs of India” which presents a collection of good and
innovative practices adopted by state governments and organisations in various aspects of the millet
value chain.
• Suman K. Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog unveiled the report in the presence of Member
(Health) Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Agriculture) Dr. Ramesh Chand and B. V. R. Subrahmanyam,
Chief Executive Office(CEO) of NITI Aayog.
i. The report discusses the best practices across various aspects, especially production, processing and
consumption and serves as a guiding repository to revive and mainstream millets in our diets.
ii. This report covers different themes
• State Missions and initiatives to promote millets.
• Inclusion of millets in Integrated Child Development Scheme(ICDS).
• Research and development and use of technology for innovative practices.
16. Which company has developed the world’s first liquid Nano DAP(Diammonium phosphate)
that was launched by the Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah in April 2023?
1) Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited
2) Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited
3) Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited
4) National Fertilizers Limited
5) Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited
Answer- 1) Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited
Explanation:
On April 26, 2023, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation,
launched “IFFCO Nano DAP(liquid)”, the world’s first liquid Nano DAP(Diammonium phosphate),
developed by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) at NewDelhi, Delhi
i. The launch of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid), a nano fertiliser product containing nitrogen and
phosphorus is intended to make India self-reliant in the field of food production and fertilizers.
ii. IFFCO has registered a patent, under which IFFCO will get 20% royalty on the sale of Liquid Urea
and Liquid DAP anywhere in the world for 20 years.
17. In which Indian city, the world’s 1st Social Currency Payment Card, ‘WYLD’ was launched in
April 2023?
1) New Delhi, Delhi
2) Bengaluru, Karnataka
3) Hyderabad, Telangana
4) Mumbai, Maharashtra
5) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Answer- 4) Mumbai, Maharashtra
18. India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge called ‘Anji Khad bridge’ in __________ (state/UT) will
be ready in May 2023 with the cost of over Rs.400 crore.
1) Arunachal Pradesh
2) Jammu & Kashmir
3) Uttarakhand
4) Himachal Pradesh
5) Sikkim
Answer- 2) Jammu & Kashmir
Explanation:
On 26th April 2023, the Anji Khad cable-stayed train bridge, the 96 cables on India’s 1st cable-stayed
bridge connecting Katra and Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), have been installed, which will
enable its ‘superstructure’ to be ready in May 2023 with the cost of over Rs.400 crore. The cable-
stayed bridge portion is 473 metres (m) long and has a total length of 725m.
i. The bridge is a vital rail link between Kashmir and the rest of India that runs for 326km from
Udhampur to Baramulla via Srinagar. The cable-stayed train bridge crosses the Anji River, a tributary
of the Chenab.
ii. The bridge forms an important link in Indian Railways’ aim to connect J&K to the rest of the country
with all-weather rail connectivity. It connects Katra and Reasi via tunnels T2 and T3 on the Katra-
Banihal section.
19. As per market capitalization (m-cap) in April 2023, ___________ has overtaken Infosys Limited
to become India’s 6th largest company, while Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) tops the list.
1) Hindustan Unilever Limited
2) ITC Limited
3) Wipro Limited
4) Vedanta Limited
5) Dabur Limited
Answer- 2) ITC Limited
Explanation:
ITC Limited has overtaken Infosys Limited, an Indian multinational information technology
company, to become India’s 6th largest company, as per market capitalization(m-cap). ITC’s market
cap stands at Rs 5.11 lakh crore (as of April 24, 2023) while the market cap of Infosys (7th place)
stands at ~Rs 5.08 lakh crore.
20. Which ministry has recently (in April ‘23) launched the ‘City Beauty Competition’ portal
across the country through an online process?
1) Ministry of Home Affairs
2) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
3) Ministry of Rural Development
4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
5) Ministry of Tourism
Answer- 4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Explanation:
On April 26, 2023 the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the ‘City Beauty
Competition’ portal for participation of all urban local bodies (ULBs) across the country through an
online process.
• The City Beauty Competition was launched by the MoHUA in December 2022.
i. Objective: To encourage and recognize the transformational efforts made by cities and wards across
the country to create beautiful, innovative and inclusive public spaces.
ii. Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) as the knowledge partner will provide handholding
support to the Wards / ULBs / States in this exercise.
Note- The last date for participating in the ‘City Beauty Competition’ is July 15, 2023.
21. According to the RBI data on ‘Sectoral Deployment of bank Credit- March 2023′, the
Scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) reported credit growth of _______ in FY23.
1) 15.4%
2) 17.5%
3) 12.8%
4) 16.2%
5) 13.7%
Answer- 1) 15.4%
Explanation:
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data on ‘Sectoral Deployment of bank Credit- March
2023′, Scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) reported a robust credit growth of 15.4% in FY23 as
compared to the 9.7% in FY22.
• The development is driven by growth in personal loans, and loans to services sector, and
agriculture and allied activities.
i. The data for the same was collected by RBI from 40 select SCBs accounting for about 93% of the
total non-food credit deployed by all SCBs.
ii. Personal loans registered a growth of 20.6% in FY23 as compared with 12.6% in FY22, driven by
housing loans.
23. Name the personality who was recently (in April ‘23) awarded with the honorary MBE
(Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by King Charles III.
1) Arjuna Misra
2) Naheed Abidi
3) Mandan Mishra
4) M.N. Nandakumara
5) G. Balakrishnan Nair
Answer- 4) M.N. Nandakumara
Explanation:
The United Kingdom (UK) based Saskrit Scholar, Dr M.N. Nandakumara, Executive Director of the
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan centre in London, UK has been awarded the honorary MBE (Member of the
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by King Charles III.
i. The honorary MBE has been granted “for services to the teaching, performance and accessibility of
Indian classical arts in the UK”.
ii. The honorary award is approved by the British monarch for foreign nationals for their contribution
to public life, and was confirmed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
24. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the launches made by the
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala in April
2023?
A) The Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, launched projects, ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness
Initiative’ (APPI) and ‘Animal Health System Support for One Health’ (AHSSOH), under the
aegis of National One Health Mission.
B) APPI is an initiative launched to enhance India’s preparedness and response to animal
pandemics and epidemics,
25. Which regulatory body of the Ministry of Finance has recently (in April ‘23) announced the
launch of a pilot scheme ‘Mission 50K-EV4ECO‘ to enhance the electric vehicle market?
1) Reserve Bank of India
2) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
3) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
4) Securities and Exchange Board of India
5) Small Industries Development Bank of India
Answer- 5) Small Industries Development Bank of India
Explanation:
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has announced the launch of a pilot scheme
‘Mission 50K-EV4ECO‘ to unlock the electric vehicle market by providing better financing terms and
understanding other solution bouquets needed to address the better adoption of electric vehicle (EV).
i. The scheme will provide direct finance at competitive rates for the purchase of EVs to Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
ii. This would cover vehicle aggregators, fleet operators, and leasing companies.
iii. SIDBI will also fund non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) that provide loans for EV purchases
and push electrification in the three-wheeler segment.
26. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 36th edition of Asian
Wrestling Championships, held at Astana, Kazakhstan in April 2023?
A) Aman Sehrawat won India’s 1st gold medal, under the men’s 57kg freestyle category by
defeating Kyrgyzstan’s Almaz Smanbekov.
B) India has won 10 medals (one gold, three silvers and six bronze) and is ranked 5th in overall
medal tally.
27. Which of the following points is/ are “correct” with respect to the recent framework
released by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in April 2023?
A) SEBI released a new framework for the upfront collection of amounts as charges from
eligible issuers at the time of allotment of debt securities to build the Settlement Guarantee
Fund of the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC).
B) The new framework will come into force from 1st October, 2023.
C) As per the framework, the eligible issuers shall be notified by the LPCC as per its risk
management policy.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a new framework for the upfront
collection of amounts as charges from eligible issuers at the time of allotment of debt securities to
build the Settlement Guarantee Fund of the Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC).
• The new framework will come into force from May 1, 2023.
i. As per the framework, the eligible issuers shall be notified by the LPCC as per its risk
management policy.
ii. Collection of an amount of 0.5 basis points of the issuance value of debt securities per annum
based on the maturity of debt securities by the Stock Exchanges will be held and placed in an escrow
account prior to the allotment of the debt securities.
• The amount is applicable on a public issue or private placement of debt securities under the
SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-convertible Securities) Regulations, 2021.
29. In April 2023, ___________ became India’s 1st commercial bank to connect with the Bharat Bill
Payment System (BBPS) for delivering bill payment services through video banking.
1) Equitas Small Finance Bank
2) Capital Small Finance Bank
3) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
4) Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
5) AU Small Finance Bank
Answer- 5) AU Small Finance Bank
Explanation:
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), has become India’s 1st commercial bank to connect with the
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) and deliver bill payment services through video banking. This
initiative’s primary goal is to promote digital accessibility and improve economic capability leading to
greater financial inclusion.
i. Customers can use this platform to pay their bills without having to go to a branch, which is
especially useful for senior citizens and others with mobility challenges who live in remote areas.
30. Name the union minister who has recently (in April ‘23) launched the “YUVA Portal” and
One Week- One Programme to help in connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups.
1) Bhupender Yadav (Union Minister of Labour and Employment)
2) Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)
3) Narayan Tatu Rane (Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
4) Jitendra Singh (Minister of State of Science & Technology)
5) Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Electronics and IT)
Answer- 4) Jitendra Singh (Minister of State of Science & Technology)
31. According to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2023’ released by Henley & Partners in
April 2023, _________ (city) tops the list with 340,000 millionaires in 2022, while Mumbai
(Maharashtra) India at _______ rank with 59,400 millionaires in 2022.
1) Tokyo, Japan; 21st
2) New York, United States of America; 25th
3) Tokyo, Japan; 23rd
4) New York, United States of America; 21st
5) London, United Kingdom; 25th
Answer- 4) New York, United States of America; 21st
Explanation:
The investment migration firm Henley & Partners released its annual ‘World’s Wealthiest Cities
Report 2023’ which is again topped by New York, United States of America (USA) with 340,000
millionaires, 724 centi-millionaires, and 58 billionaires in 2022.
• New York followed by Tokyo (Japan), California’s Bay Area (USA), London (United Kingdom)
and Singapore.
• The annual survey looked at 97 cities in 9 regions around the world viz. Africa, Australasia, CIS
(Commonwealth of Independent States), East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America,
South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The data is supplied by wealth intelligence firm, New World
Wealth.
i. The list also featured Mumbai (Maharashtra) India at 21st rank with 59,400 millionaires, 238
Centi-millionaires, and 29 Billionaires. It has shown 65% 10-year growth (from 2012 to 2022).
ii. The other Indian cities in the list include Delhi at 36th place with 16 billionaires, Bengaluru
(Karnataka) with 8 billionaires, Kolkata (West Bengal) 7 billionaires, and Hyderabad (Telangana) with
5 billionaires.
32. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the visit of union minister of
External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Uganda, Ethiopia & Mozambique in April 2023?
A) During his visit to Kampala, Uganda, Union Minister S. Jaishankar launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat
Restoration Project’ of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), a project funded by the Indian community of
Uganda.
B) He also inaugurated the Buzi Bridge constructed as part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-
Sofala Road project in Mozambique.
33. According to the State of World Population (SOWP)2023 report published by the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in April 2023, India overtakes China to become the most
populous nation in the world with __________ population.
1) 142.86 crore
2) 139.24 crore
3) 142.57 crore
4) 136.20 crore
5) 125.34 crore
Answer- 1) 142.86 crore
Explanation:
According to the State of World Population (SOWP) 2023 titled “8 billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities:
the case for Rights and Choices” published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India
overtakes China to become the most populous nation in the world, the population of India has
grown by 1.56% in the past year and it is estimated to be 142.86 crore.
• The population of China is estimated to be 142.57 crore.
i. The report states that India’s total fertility rate (births per woman in the reproductive age) is
estimated to be at 2.0 and the average life expectancy for an Indian male is 71 and Indian female is 74.
ii. India also has the largest youth cohort with 254 million youths – aged between 15-24 years.
35. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent cabinet approval
by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in April 2023?
A) The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with an outlay of
Rs.1234.24 crore for 5 years to scale-up Scientific & Industrial Research and
Development(R&D) for Quantum Technologies(QT).
B) The mission will be led by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of
Science and Technology (MoST) under a Mission Director.
C) The Union Cabinet also approved the Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2023 proposed by
the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 3) Only B & C
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has approved the following
proposals:
i. The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with an outlay of
Rs.6003.65 crore for 8 years (from 2023-24 to 2030-31) to scale-up Scientific & Industrial Research
and Development (R&D) for Quantum Technologies (QT).
36. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent approval granted
by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in April 2023?
A) Emkay Global Financial Services has received in-principle approval from the Investment
Management Department of the SEBI for sponsoring a Mutual Fund (MF) business and
incorporating an Asset Management Company (AMC).
B) Nexus Select Trust has received the final observations, and approval from the SEBI for its
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Initial Public Offering (IPO) of units.
C) The Nexus Select Trust’s Rs 4,000-crore REIT IPO consists of a fresh issue of Rs 1,600 crore
while the remaining Rs 2,400 crore is through an offer of sale from its sponsor Blackstone &
other small holders.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Emkay Global Financial Services has received in-principle approval from the Investment
Management Department of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for sponsoring a
Mutual Fund (MF) business and incorporating an Asset Management Company (AMC).
• Currently, there are 44 MF players with total assets under management of about Rs 40 lakh
crore with top 10 players accounting for major share of business.
i. Nexus Select Trust, the retail-focused real estate investment trust, sponsored by private equity
firm Blackstone, has received the final observations, and approval from the SEBI for its Real Estate
Investment Trust (REIT) Initial Public Offering (IPO) of units.
ii. The Nexus Select Trust’s Rs 4,000-crore REIT IPO consists of a fresh issue of Rs 1,600 crore while
the remaining Rs 2,400 crore is through an offer of sale from its main sponsor Blackstone and other
small holders.
• Nexus Select Trust plans to issue India’s first retail REIT by May 15, 2023 and the portion
raised by the REIT might be used to pay down debt.
37. Which of the following Small Finance Banks (SFBs) were recently (in April ‘23) received
Authorised Dealer(AD) category-I licence to deal in foreign exchange by Reserve Bank of India
(RBI)?
1) Equitas Small Finance Bank
2) AU Small Finance Bank
38. Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the 2023 edition of the Wisden
Cricketers’ Almanack released in April 2023?
1) Tom Blundell (New Zealand), Ben Foakes (England), Harmanpreet Kaur (India), Daryl Mitchell
(New Zealand) and Matthew Potts (England) were named the Five Wisden Cricketers of the Year
2023.
2) Indian Women’s cricket team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the 2nd India Women’s cricketer
to be named a “Wisden Cricketer of the Year”.
3) Ben Stokes, Captain of England’s Test team, was named leading cricketer for the 3rd time.
4) Australia batter Beth Mooney has been named the world’s top Women’s Cricketer for the 2nd time
in 3 years.
5) India’s Suryakumar Yadav picked up the Leading Twenty20 (T20) Cricketer in the World title.
Answer- 2) Indian Women’s cricket team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the 2nd India
Women’s cricketer to be named a “Wisden Cricketer of the Year”.
Explanation:
The 2023 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, the cricket reference book published annually
in the United Kingdom (UK), has announced the Five Wisden Cricketers of the Year 2023. Wisden
2023 is the 160th edition.
• Tom Blundell (New Zealand), Ben Foakes (England), Harmanpreet Kaur(India), Daryl Mitchell
(New Zealand) and Matthew Potts (England) were named the Five Wisden Cricketers of the
Year 2023.
• Indian Women’s cricket team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the 1st India Women’s
cricketer to be named a “Wisden Cricketer of the Year”.
• Ben Stokes, Captain of England’s Test team, was named leading cricketer for the 3rd time.
Previously he received the honour in 2019 and 2020.
• Australia batter Beth Mooney has been named the world’s top Women’s Cricketer for the 2nd
time in 3 years.
• India’s Suryakumar Yadav picked up the Leading Twenty20 (T20) Cricketer in the World title.
• He became the first Indian player to score 1,000 T20 International (T20I) runs in a
calendar year. Globally, he is only the 2nd player to achieve the feat.
• Jonny Bairstow (England) wins inaugural Wisden Trophy for Edgbaston masterclass for his
twin centuries against India at Edgbaston.
40. Which organisation, along with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), National Institution for
Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, has recently (in April ‘23) launched a whitepaper to make
India a global agri-tech leader?
1) United Nations Development Programme
2) International Monetary Fund
3) World Bank
4) Food and Agriculture Organization
5) United Nations Capital Development Fund
Answer- 5) United Nations Capital Development Fund
Explanation:
On April 20, 2023, a whitepaper has been jointly launched by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI
(National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and the United Nations Capital Development
Fund (UNCDF) which is aimed at making India a global leader in Agri-Tech innovation and expanding
these innovations to the least developed countries in Asia and Africa.
• It is prepared by experts from AIM, NITI Aayog, and UNCDF.
i. The whitepaper provides practical solutions to support the growth of Agri-Tech start-ups at both
national and international levels, by addressing the challenges they face.
ii. It contains important insights and recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural
practices and addressing issues such as food security, supply chain inefficiencies, and climate change
concerns, particularly in developing economies.
42. Which bank has secured 1st rank in the Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE)
Reforms Index for Q3 FY23 released by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in April 2023?
1) Punjab National Bank
2) State Bank of India
3) Bank of India
4) Union Bank of India
5) Bank of Baroda
Answer- 4) Union Bank of India
Explanation:
On April 20, 2023, As per the report on Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE) Reforms Index
for Q3 FY23 published by Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), the Union Bank of India, for the first time,
secures 1st rank among all PSB (Public Sector Banks) for adopting various reforms prescribed for
PSBs.
i. EASE is an initiative by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, as part of
the PSB Reforms Agenda and is currently under its 5th iteration which focuses on Enhanced Digital
experience, Data – driven, Integrated and Inclusive Banking.
44. In which city, Log9 Materials has recently (in April ‘23) inaugurated India’s first lithium-ion
cell manufacturing facility?
1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2) Bengaluru, Karnataka
3) Hyderabad, Telangana
4) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
5) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 2) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Explanation:
Log9 Materials, a Bengaluru (Karnataka) based nanotechnology company backed by Amara Raja
Group, inaugurated India’s first lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility at its campus in Jakkur,
Bengaluru, Karnataka. Log9’s commercial Li-ion cell production facility will have an initial capacity of
50 Megawatt hours (MWh).
i. This facility will cater to LTO (Lithium titanate (LTO) and LFP ((lithium ferrophosphate) cell
manufacturing
ii. The manufacturing line will support the production of large form factor cylindrical cells ranging
from 22 Series to 66 Series.
45. According to the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and its indicators report released by
World Bank (WB) in April 2023, India secured ________ rank in the index, while _________ tops.
1) 36th; Finland
2) 40th; Singapore
3) 38th; Finland
4) 36th; Denmark
46. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) introduced the first-of-its-kind EMI (Equated
Monthly Instalment) facility for UPI (Unified Payment Interface) payments made by scanning
QR code.
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) YES Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) ICICI Bank
Explanation:
The ICICI Bank introduced an easy first-of-its-kind EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment) facility for UPI
(Unified Payment Interface) payments made by scanning QR code.
• To improve convenience of the customers and to provide unique solutions to address their
evolving credit needs.
i. Eligibility: Customers who are eligible for PayLater, the Bank’s ‘buy now, pay later’ service can avail
of the EMI facility in an instant, easy and seamless manner.
• The facility can be availed across different categories such as electronics, groceries, fashion
apparels, travel and hotel bookings.
• Customers could pay transaction amounts above Rs 10,000 by scanning a QR code for easy
installments in three, six or nine months.
47. According to the Morgan Stanley data released in April 2023, India’s gross domestic
product (GDP) was proposed to grow at _______ in FY24 (Financial year 2023-24).
1) 5.9%
2) 5.5%
3) 6.2%
4) 5.7%
5) 6.0%
Answer- 3) 6.2%
48. In April 2023, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched PSLV-C55 with two
__________ (country) satellites – TeLEOS-2 (primary satellite) and Lumelite-4 (co-passenger
satellite), under the PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 mission from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
1) Indonesia
2) Singapore
3) Philippines
4) United Arab Emirates
5) Türkiye
Answer- 2) Singapore
Explanation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched PSLV-C55 with two Singaporean satellites –
TeLEOS-2 as the primary satellite and Lumelite-4 as a co-passenger satellite, as a part of the PSLV-
C55/TeLEOS-2 mission, from Satish Dhawan Space Center(SDSC)-Sriharikota Range(SHAR),
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
i. The 2 satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 were intended to be launched into an Eastward low-
inclination orbit.
• This marks the 57th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the 16th mission
using the PSLV Core Alone configuration (PSLV-CA).
ii. The PSLV-C55 also carried the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-2 (POEM-2).
iii. The two satellites are being launched under a contract with the New Space India Limited (NSIL),
the commercial arm of ISRO.
49. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the recent (in April
‘23) amendment notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)?
A) The MeitY notified the amendment of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines
and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 [IT Rules 2021], related to online gaming and
spread of false and misleading information regarding government business.
B) In accordance with the 2023 amendment, MeitY is given the authority to establish a “fact-
checking unit” with broad power to ascertain what is “fake, false, or misleading” in relation to
“any business of the Union Government.”
C) As of April 2023, the fact-checking unit of the Editors Guild of India is the “preferred
agency”.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
50. In April 2023, India presented ________ to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the
African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
1) USD 1 million
2) USD 3 million
3) USD 5 million
4) USD 6 million
5) USD 2 million
Answer- 5) USD 2 million
Explanation:
Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), presented USD 2
million to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the African Union Transition Mission in
Somalia (ATMIS).
• With this grant, the Government of India (GoI) reaffirms its dedication to promoting peace and
stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
i. ATMIS was founded on April 1, 2022, in accordance with Security Council decision 2628 (2022) and
African Union Peace and Security Council Communique 1068 of March 8, 2022.
• Objective: To assist in the implementation of the Somali Transitional Plan in order to fully
transfer security responsibilities to the Somali security forces and institutions by the end of
2024.
51. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) won the Best Production/Process
Development Award as part of the Vaccine Industry Excellence (ViE) awards at the World
Vaccine Congress Washington 2023.
1) Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
2) Biological E Limited
3) Bharat Biotech International Limited
4) Indian Immunologicals Limited
5) Serum Institute of India
52. In which city, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the program
‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’ in April 2023?
1) Guwahati, Assam
2) Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
3) Mysuru, Karnataka
4) Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
5) Palakkad, Kerala
Answer- 3) Mysuru, Karnataka
Explanation:
On April, 9, 2023, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the program ‘Commemoration of 50
years of Project Tiger’ at Mysuru University in Mysuru, Karnataka, the first of its kind in India,
organised to mark 50 years of Project Tiger.
• The Government of India (GoI) launched the “Project Tiger” in 1973 for conserving the national
animal, the tiger (Panthera tigris). Thus 2023 marks the 50th year of Project Tiger.
i. The PM launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) for the conservation of seven major big
cats – tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah in collaboration with 97 countries
which contain the natural habitat of these big cat species.
ii. He released the publications ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision For Tiger Conservation’, a summary report of the
5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves, declared tiger numbers and
released the summary report of All India Tiger Estimation (5th cycle).
• He also released a commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger.
53. Which state is set to get the world's 1st conservation and breeding centre for the Asian king
vulture?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) West Bengal
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Odisha
Answer- 1) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC), the world’s 1st conservation and breeding centre
developed exclusively for the conservation of the Asian king vulture in Maharajganj district in Uttar
Pradesh (UP) is set to be inaugurated by UP Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath on the occasion of
International Vulture Awareness Day(first Saturday of September).
54. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the ‘First International
Quantum Communication Conclave’ held in March 2023?
A) Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Two days ‘First International Quantum
Communication Conclave’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
B) Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, Bengaluru (Karnataka) won Pandit Deendayal
Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Awards – 2022 for the Work in Satellite communication
field.
C) Vihaan Networks Limited, Gurugram (Haryana) won Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom
Skill Excellence Awards – 2022 for Technology development and manufacturing of solar
powered 4G RAN in India for remote and rural areas.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
On March 27, 2023, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Communications, Electronics & Information
Technology and Railways, and Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications, inaugurated
the Two days ‘First International Quantum Communication Conclave’ which was held on 27-28 March
2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The conclave was organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of
Communications, and Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC), in collaboration with
Centre For Development Of Telematics (C-DOT), TSDSI (Telecommunications Standards
Development Society, India) and IEEE Communications Society – Delhi chapter.
i. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Awards – 2022 was presented on March 27,
2023 at the conclave.
Name of Awardee Work/ Contribution
Sterlite Technologies Ltd, Pune Pune Skill development works in telecom sector
(Maharashtra)
55. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the Reserve Bank of India’s
(RBI) Monetary Policy Report released in April 2023?
A) The credit growth continued to outpace deposit growth in FY23 at an 10-year high, despite
banks fully transmitting lending rates linked to external benchmarks (200 basis points) which
now account for nearly half of floating-rate loans.
B) The internal benchmark for loan pricing, the Marginal Cost of Funds-Based Lending Rate
(MCLR), increased by 140 bps from May 2022 to March 2023.
C) The 1-year median MCLR of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) increased by 135 bps from
May 2022 to February 2023.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
5) Only B & C
Answer- 1) Only A
Explanation:
According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Report (April 2023), credit growth
continued to outpace deposit growth in financial year 2022-23 (FY23) at an eleven-year high, despite
banks fully transmitting lending rates linked to external benchmarks [250 basis points (bps)], which
now account for nearly half of floating-rate loans.
• In FY23, bank loans increased 14.6% while deposits increased just 9.6%.
• The rate of credit growth in FY23 was the greatest since FY 2011–12, when credit increased
17%.
i. The internal benchmark for loan pricing, the Marginal Cost of Funds-Based Lending Rate (MCLR),
increased by 140 bps from May 2022 to March 2023.
ii. The 1-year median MCLR of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) increased by 135 bps from May
2022 to February 2023.
56. Who was recently (in April ‘23) awarded with the 2023 International Prize in Statistics?
1) Siva Ramachandran Athreya
2) Bimal Kumar Roy
3) S. R. Srinivasa Varadhan
4) Biswatosh Sengupta
5) Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao
Answer- 5) Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao
57. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the State Energy Efficiency
Index (SEEI) 2021-2022 released by the Union Minister of Power. K. Singh in April 2023?
A) Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Telangana have featured in the front-
runner category of the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) report for 2021-22.
B) Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab were featured in the Achiever category of the
SEEI report for 2021-22.
C) The best-performing states in their respective state groups are Chandigarh, Andhra
Pradesh, Assam, and Karnataka.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
During the RPM (Review, Planning, and Monitoring) meeting of States and State Utilities in New Delhi,
Delhi, Union Minister R. K. Singh, Ministry of Power, released the report of the State Energy Efficiency
Index (SEEI) 2021-2022.
• Five states are in the Front Runner category (>60 points) in SEEI 2021-22: Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
• Four states are in the Achiever category (50–60 points): Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, and
Punjab.
• The best-performing states in their respective state groups are: Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh,
Assam, and Karnataka.
• The two states that improved the most from the last index are: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
i. The SEEI 2021-22 index is developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory entity
under the Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
(AEEE).
58. According to the summary report of the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation
of Tiger Reserves in India in 2022 released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) in April 2023, which Tiger Reserve has topped the list of best-managed tiger reserves
in India?
1) Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
2) Satpura Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
59. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (in April ‘23)
direction/step taken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
A) RBI issued the directions named RBI (Outsourcing of Information Technology Services)
Directions, 2023 for the outsourcing of IT services by banks, NBFCs and Regulated Entities to
ensure that such arrangements do not undermine their responsibilities and obligations to
customers.
B) The Directions shall come into effect from 1st May, 2023 to provide the REs with adequate
time to comply with the requirements.
C) RBI simplifies the application process for registration of Core Investment Companies (CICs)
by reducing the application form to 18 from the existing set of 52 documents.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
On April 10, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the directions named RBI (Outsourcing of
Information Technology Services) Directions, 2023 for the outsourcing of Information Technology
(IT) services by banks, NBFCs (Non-bank financial companies) and Regulated Entities (REs) to ensure
that such arrangements do not undermine their responsibilities and obligations to customers.
• The Directions shall come into effect from October 1, 2023 to provide the REs with adequate
time to comply with the requirements.
i. As per RBI directions, the Outsourcing of any activity should not diminish RE’s obligations as also of
its Board and Senior Management.
ii. RBI has undertaken a comprehensive review of the system of processing of applications for
registration of Core Investment Companies (CICs) to make the process smoother and easier.
• To make the registration process user-friendly, the number of documents to be furnished along
with the application form has been reduced to 18 from the existing set of 52 documents.
61. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) signed a Rs 150 crore agreement with the
Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) to enhance power distribution in Delhi.
1) World Bank
2) International Monetary Fund
3) Asian Development Bank
4) New Development Bank
5) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Answer- 3) Asian Development Bank
Explanation:
A Rs 150 crore (USD 18.2m) agreement has been inked between the Tata Power Delhi Distribution
Limited (TPDDL), the distribution arm of The Tata Power Company Limited (Tata Power), and Asian
Development Bank (ADB) to boost Delhi’s power distribution.
62. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent inauguration/
launches (in April ‘23) made by the Ministry of Textiles?
A) The Ministry of Textiles launched 2 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items which
marked the first technical regulation from India for the Technical Textiles industry.
B) These QCOs consist of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in the Phase-I.
C) These two Geo Textiles and Protective Textiles QCOs will come into effect in 180 days
immediately after the date of the publication of the orders in the gazette.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On April 11, 2023, the Ministry of Textiles launched 2 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 31 items
which marked the first technical regulation from India for the Technical Textiles industry.
i. These QCOs consist of 19 Geo Textiles and 12 Protective Textiles in the Phase-I.
• The information for the same was provided by Joint Secretary, Rajeev Saxena, Ministry of
Textiles in a press conference in New Delhi, Delhi.
ii. These two Geo Textiles and Protective Textiles QCOs will come into effect in 180 days immediately
after the date of the publication of the orders in the gazette and both, domestic manufacturers as well
as foreign manufacturers who intend to export their products to India.
iii. In Phase-II, the Ministry of Textiles plans to issue two more QCOs for 28 items that will cover 22
agro textile products and 6 medical textile items. In Phase-III, it plans to bring over 30 technical textile
items under the QCO.
63. In April 2023, National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) named India’s first
semi high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) as ‘RAPIDX’.
RAPIDX with a design speed of _______kmph, will connect Delhi with the National Capital Region
(NCR), including Meerut, Alwar and Panipat.
1) 178
2) 136
3) 129
4) 182
5) 150
Answer- 4) 182
64. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Competition
(Amendment) Bill, 2023, as of April 2023?
A) Under the new bill, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) for more than Rs. 500 crore must be
reported to the CCI, if the acquired entity has significant business operations in India.
B) The amended law calls for the CCI to appoint a Director General (DG) [Investigation] in
addition to shortening the M&A clearance timelines (from 210 days to 150 days).
C) The bill proposes to define ‘turnover’ for the purposes of the penalty as global turnover
resulting from all products and services provided by a person or an entity.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 3) Only B & C
Explanation:
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which
aims to amend the Competition Act, 2002, that regulates competition in the Indian market and forbids
anti-competitive practices like cartels, mergers, and acquisitions that might have a negative impact on
competition.
• This Act may be referred to as the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, and it will go into
effect on the date that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) “appoints” for the amended law
to take effect.
i. Under the new bill, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) for more than Rs. 2,000 crore must be
reported to the CCI, if the acquired entity has significant business operations in India.
ii. The amended law calls for the CCI to appoint a Director General (DG) [Investigation] in addition to
shortening the M&A clearance timelines (from 210 days to 150 days). The DG (Investigation) has so
far been appointed by the GoI.
iii. The bill proposes to define ‘turnover’ for the purposes of the penalty as global turnover resulting
from all products and services provided by a person or an entity.
66. In April 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded India’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) forecast to ______ for the financial year 2023-24 from 6.1% in January 2023.
1) 5.6%
2) 5.2%
3) 5.5%
4) 5.7%
5) 5.9%
Answer- 5) 5.9%
Explanation:
On April 11, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its bi-annual World Economic Outlook
(WEO) 2023 report with a title ‘A Rocky Recovery’ has downgraded India’s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) forecast for the financial year 2023-24 by 20 basis points (-0.2%) to 5.9% from 6.1% in
January 2023 WEO Update.
• For FY25, India’s growth projections are cut by 50 basis points (-0.5%) to 6.3% from 6.8% in
January 2023 WEO Update.
67. In April 2023, Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance launched the
unified portal of the __________ (GoI agency/organisation) to instill efficiency and transparency
and reduce the time taken by the pharmaceutical industry to get a trade licence.
1) Central Board of Excise and Customs
2) Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
3) Central Bureau of Narcotics
4) Central Bureau of Investigation
5) Bureau of Indian Standards
Answer- 3) Central Bureau of Narcotics
Explanation:
On 11th April 2023, Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched the
Unified Portal of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), which will instill efficiency and
transparency and reduce the time taken by the pharma industry to get a trade licence.
i. The launch of the Unified portal of CBN will prove as a stepping stone to ease doing business with
NDPS and controlled substances in India with transparent and better compliance.
ii. Under the ambit of various United Nations Conventions and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, the CBN is a central government organisation that deals with the
international trade of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals.
68. Which company was recently (in April ‘23) accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I
Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)?
1) Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited
2) Bharat Dynamics Limited
3) Bharat Earth Movers Limited
4) Central Warehousing Corporation
5) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Answer- 1) Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited
Explanation:
On April 10, 2023, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) was accorded the status of
Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). A communication to this effect has been
issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• It is the only CPSU dedicated to the Solar Energy Sector.
i.Incorporated in the year 2011, SECI is the primary implementing agency for renewable energy
schemes/projects of MNRE towards fulfilment of India’s international commitments.
ii.It has the highest credit rating of AAA by domestic rating agency ICRA.
69. Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRCL) has recently (in April ‘23) conducted the
successful trial run of India’s 1st underwater metro train under the river bed of ___________.
1) Rupnarayan
2) Hooghly
3) Jalangi
4) Ichamati
5) Dwaraka
70. India ranks _____, in the 6th edition of the annual Artificial Intelligence(AI) index report
published recently (in April ‘23) by Stanford University’s Human-Centered Artificial
Intelligence (HAI).
1) 8th
2) 4th
3) 6th
4) 3rd
5) 5th
Answer- 5) 5th
Explanation:
According to ‘Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2023’, the 6th edition of the annual Artificial
Intelligence(AI) index report published by Stanford University’s Human-Centered Artificial
Intelligence (HAI), India is ranked 5th in terms of private investments received in 2022 by startups
offering AI-based products and services with a total investment of US$3.24 billion.
• In 2022, the United States (US) led the world in terms of total AI private investment with
US$47.4 billion investment followed by China (US$13.4 billion), United Kingdom (US$4.4
billion), Israel (US$3.24 billion).
• India which stood in 5th place was ahead of South Korea, Germany, Canada and Australia,
among others.
71. What type of Biometric Authentication was recently (in April ‘23) launched by Citi Union
Bank, which is considered to be India’s 1st for Logging into its Banking App?
1) Palm vein
2) Facial
3) Voice
4) Finger vein
5) Iris
Answer- 3) Voice
Explanation:
On 12th April 2023, the Citi Union Bank (CUB) based in Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu), launched India's
1st Voice Biometric Authentication for logging into its mobile banking app at an event held in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
• The voice biometric was developed by Kaizen Secure Voiz Pvt. Ltd based in Chennai (TN),
under the guidance of the 5G use case lab of the Institute for Development and Research in
Banking Technology (IDRBT).
72. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has recently (in April
‘23) published a report “Trade and Development Report Update: Global Trends and Prospects”
(April 2023).
According to the report, India’s economic growth is projected to decline to _____ in 2023 from
6.6% in 2022.
1) 6.3%
2) 5.8%
3) 5.9%
4) 6%
5) 6.1%
Answer- 4) 6%
Explanation:
According to the “Trade and Development Report Update: Global Trends and Prospects” (April 2023)
report published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India’s
economic growth is projected to decline to 6% in 2023 from 6.6% in 2022.
i.According to the report, India grew at a 6.6% annual rate in 2022, giving up the top spot among G20
(Group of Twenty) countries to oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which grew at an 8.6% annual rate.
• India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is anticipated to slow to 6.0% in 2023 as a result
of declining government spending and high export orders.
ii.According to UNCTAD, 81 developing countries’ international reserves decreased by $362 billion
(5.3%) in 2022, or $241 billion (7%) if China is excluded.
73. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the recent (in March ‘23)
contracts signed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD)?
A) The MoD has signed contracts for the acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol
Vessels (NG-OPV) and 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), equipment and BrahMos
supersonic missiles for coastal defence for the Indian Navy.
B)The Contract for acquisition of 11 NG-OPVs was signed with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore.
C) The Contract for acquisition of 6 NGMVs was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Limited at a cost of Rs 6,805 crore and delivery is scheduled to commence from March 2026.
1) Only A & B
2) Only B & C
3) Only A
4) Only B
5) Only C
Answer- 5) Only C
Explanation:
To boost ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, the Ministry of Defence(MoD) signed multiple deals worth ~ Rs
32,000 crore for the Indian Armed forces- Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Army(IA).
• MoD has signed contracts for the acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels
(NG-OPV) and 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV), equipment and BrahMos supersonic
74. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the amendments of the
Competition Act, 2002 in March 2023?
A) Lok Sabha approved the amendments of the Competition Act, 2002, that seek to cover global
deals by digital multinational companies (MNCs) under local laws.
B) Following the amendment, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) will now have the
power to impose penalties on MNCs for violations based on their international revenue.
C) According to the bill, the entities are expected to seek approval from the Competition
Commission if the deal value exceeds Rs 5000 crore.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & C
5) Only B & C
Answer- 3) Only C
Explanation:
On 29th March 2023, Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, approved the amendments of the
Competition Act, 2002, that seek to cover global deals by digital multinational companies (MNCs)
under local laws.
• The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was passed after Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman moved as many as 13 official amendments to the Bill.
i. Following the amendment, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) will now have the power to
impose penalties on MNCs for violations based on their international revenue.
• The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 aims to regulate transactions made by international
digital companies, provided that the entities involved have a strong business presence in India.
• According to the bill, entities are expected to seek approval from the Competition Commission
if the deal value exceeds Rs 2000 crore and if both companies (acquiring and the target) have
substantial business operations in India.
76. In April 2023, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) raised the interest rate on various
small savings schemes for the first quarter (Q1) of FY24.
Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to Small Saving Schemes (SSS) & their
interest rates as of April 2023?
1) The interest rate for Senior Citizen Savings Schemes has been increased from 8% to 8.2%.
2) The National Savings Certificates (NCS) witnessed the highest increase in rate, which increased
from 6.9 % to 7.5% from January to June.
3) Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) has changed to 115 months of maturity period with an interest rate of
7.5% from 120 months of maturity period with an interest rate of 7.2% .
4) The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has remained unchanged with the interest rate of 7.1% over Q1
FY24.
77. Which of the following points is/are “Correct” with respect to the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI)’s Liberalised Commission Regulations released in
March 2023?
A) IRDAI has announced three new regulations that are anticipated to have major economic
implications on market participants, including insurers and intermediaries.
B) In the IRDAI (Expenses of Management of Insurers transacting General/Health Insurance
business) Regulations, 2023, the standalone health insurers are permitted to incur EOM up to
25% of gross written premium in India during a financial year.
C) Under the IRDAI (Payment of Commission) Regulations, 2023, the insurance regulator has
replaced the earlier cap on different types of commission payments to intermediaries with an
overall board-approved cap that should be within the permissible expenses.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has announced three new
regulations that are anticipated to have major economic implications on market participants,
including insurers and intermediaries. The three new rules are as follows:
i. According to the IRDAI (Expenses of Management of Insurers transacting General or Health
Insurance business) Regulations, 2023, standalone health insurers are permitted to incur expenses of
management (EOM) up to 35% of gross written premium in India during a financial year, whereas
general insurers are permitted to incur EOM up to 30% of gross written premium in India for a
financial year.
78. Name the Mobile app of National Logistics Portal (Marine) that was launched by the Union
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal in March 2023.
1) Sagar Parikrama
2) Sagar Manthan
3) Sagar Mala
4) Sagar Baran
5) Sagar Setu
Answer- 5) Sagar Setu
Explanation:
On 31st March 2023, The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways (MoPSW) launched a mobile application – “SAGAR SETU”, the app Version of National
Logistics Portal (Marine) in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The app offers features such as Login Module, Service Catalogue, Common Application Format,
Letter of Credit, Bank Guarantee, Certification, Track and Trace, etc. that provide real-time
information on activities which are out of reach for importers, exporters, and customs brokers.
• This includes vessel-related details, gate information, container freight stations, and
transactions, all easily accessible through the app.
i. It enables digital transactions for payments required for the clearance process of import and export.
79. In April 2023, _______ became the 1st Indian Bank to open ‘Special Rupee Vostro Account
(SRVA)’ in Malaysia to facilitate transactions between India and Malaysia in the Indian rupee.
1) State Bank of India
2) Union Bank of India
3) Bank of India
4) Bank of Maharashtra
5) Bank of Baroda
Answer- 2) Union Bank of India
Explanation:
On April 1, 2023, the Union Bank of India (UBI) became the first Indian Bank to open its ‘Special
Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA)’ in Malaysia to facilitate transactions between India and Malaysia in
the Indian rupee.
• This will be done through the UBI’s corresponding bank in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia i.e. India
International Bank of Malaysia (IIBM).
• The will allow the Indian and Malaysian traders to invoice the trade in Indian Rupee.
• The total trade between India and Malaysia reached $19.4 billion in FY22, as per UBI.
81. In April 2023, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a Reusable Launch
Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in
Chitradurga, Karnataka.
The mission was performed in collaboration with which of the following
organisations/defence sectors?
1) Defence Space Research Organisation
2) Indian Air Force
3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the Reusable Launch
Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) at the Aeronautical Test Range(ATR) in Chitradurga,
Karnataka. The mission was performed in collaboration with the Defence Space Research
Organisation (DRDO), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The test involved a winged body lifted to an altitude of 4.5 km by an Indian Air Force (IAF)
Chinook helicopter, subsequently freed to execute an independent high-speed (350 kmph)
landing on a runway, and achieved the landing parameters.
• This is the first time that a winged body has been released mid-air by a helicopter and carried
out an autonomous landing.
82. In March 2023, _____________has become the 1st Country in the world to launch a
mathematical model to the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) cases.
1) Japan
2) India
3) New Zealand
83. In the “India Development Update” (Spring 2023 Edition) released in April 2023, the World
Bank (WB) reduced its fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24) growth projection for India to _________ from
6.6% in December 2022 (FY23).
1) 6.4%
2) 6.2%
3) 6.0%
4) 6.3%
5) 6.1%
Answer- 4) 6.3%
Explanation:
The World Bank (WB) lowered its fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24) growth projection for India to 6.3% in
its “India Development Update” (Spring 2023 Edition), down from 6.6% in December 2022 (FY23).
• It further added that slower consumption growth and unfavourable external conditions are
anticipated to restrain India’s GDP growth.
i. The World Bank projected a 6.9% growth in FY23.
ii. The report also states that, while headline inflation remains high, it is expected to fall to 5.2% in
FY24, down from 6.6% in the current fiscal year (FY23).
iii. According to RBI data, India’s services exports increased 24.5% year on year (Y-o-Y) in October-
December 2022, reaching a record of USD 83.4 billion during the quarter.
84. Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the Asian Development Outlook
April 2023 released by Asian Development Bank’s (ADB)?
A) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for the
Financial year 2022- 2023 (FY23) to 6.0 % from 6.4% of its earlier projection.
B) India’s GDP growth forecast for FY24 was projected at 6.7% due to improvement in private
investment and growth in the industry.
C) India’s Bank credit for agriculture and allied activities grew by 14.4% and for services by
21.5%
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
5) Only B & C
85. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data on India’s balance of payments (BoP) for
the third quarter of Financial Year 2022-23 (Q3 FY23), India’s current account deficit declined
to _________ of the GDP in Q3 FY23 from 3.7% of GDP in Q2 FY23.
1) 3.5%
2) 3.0%
3) 2.2%
4) 2.5%
5) 2.9%
Answer- 3) 2.2%
Explanation:
According to the Preliminary data on India’s balance of payments (BoP) for the third quarter of
Financial Year 2022-23 (Q3 FY23) (i.e., October-December 2022) released by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) on March 31, 20223, India’s current account deficit, declined to 2.2% of the GDP ($18.2
billion) in Q3 FY23 from 3.7% of GDP (US$ 30.9 billion) in Q2 FY23 and US$ 22.2 billion (2.7% of
GDP) in Q3 FY22.
i. With considerable compression in the average trade deficit in January-February 2023, relative to the
previous three months, the size of the CAD is expected to recede further to around US$10-12 billion in
Q4 FY23.
86. Name the personality from India who has recently (in April ‘23) conferred with “Chevalier
de la Légion d'Honneur” (Knight of the Legion Honour), the highest French civilian award.
1) Swati Piramal
2) Leena Tewari
3) Sangita Jindal
4) Anand Mahindra
5) Kiran Nadar
Answer- 5) Kiran Nadar
Explanation:
Kiran Nadar, Philanthropist and an art collector, was conferred with “Chevalier de la Légion
d'Honneur” (Knight of the Legion Honour), the highest French civilian award, by Emmanuel Lenain,
French Ambassador to India in a ceremony held at the Residence of France in New Delhi, Delhi.
87. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) launched ‘India’s 1st Cool Roof Policy 2023-2028’ to
reduce the heat island impact and heat stress?
1) Gujarat
2) Maharashtra
3) Telangana
4) Rajasthan
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 3) Telangana
Explanation:
Telangana launched “Telangana Cool Roof Policy 2023-2028” for all types of buildings to reduce
temperatures in Hyderabad and other urban areas in Telangana. With this launch, Telangana became
India's first state to introduce Cool Roof Policy.
• The Telangana Cool Roof Policy 2023-2028 aims to reduce the heat island impact and heat
stress in Telangana.
• This policy encourages and promotes the usage of cool roofs.
i. Telangana has set a target to cover an area of 7.5 square kilometers, including 5 sq km in Hyderabad,
Telangana in the first year (2023).
ii. The government is set to cool roof an area of 300 sq km of area including 200 sq km in Hyderabad
by 2030.
88. The Government of India (GoI) has recently (in April ‘23) given the Geographical Indication
(GI) tag to 33 new products from different states.
As of April 2023, How many products received GI Tags in India?
1) 465
2) 320
3) 534
4) 210
5) 350
Answer- 1) 465
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to 33 new products
from different states, including Bihar (1), Uttar Pradesh (10), Madhya Pradesh (1), Chhattisgarh (1),
and Tamil Nadu (11), as well as the Union Territories (UT) of Ladakh (1) and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
(8).
• The total number of GI Tags in India has risen to 465. Products that have received the GI Tag
90. Which of the following points is/are “Correct” with respect to the 37th Annual World
Billionaire List 2023, released by Forbes in April 2023?
1) Mukesh Ambani regained his spot as the richest person in Asia and India with a net worth of USD
83.4 billion, and ranked at No. 9 on the world billionaire list.
2) Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX & Tesla topped the list for the first time with a net worth of USD 211
Billion followed by Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH.
3) Gautam Adani is in 2nd place with a net worth of USD 47.2 billion as the richest person in Asia and
India and ranked at 24th Place on the world billionaire list.
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 1 & 3
Explanation:
Forbes released its 37th Annual World Billionaire List 2023 in which Mukesh Ambani regained his
spot as the richest person in Asia and India. With a net worth of USD 83.4 billion, he was ranked at
No. 9 on the world billionaire list.
i. Bernard Arnault, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) topped the
list for the first time with a net worth of USD 211 Billion followed by Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX &
Tesla, ranked 2nd with net worth of USD 180 Billion and Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon at 3rd rank
with a net worth of USD 114 Billion.
• This is the first time a French citizen has led the World’s Billionaires ranking, which began in
1987.
ii. Gautam Adani is in 2nd place with a net worth of USD 47.2 billion. His world ranking is 24th.
91. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) test-fired advanced fully 3D-printed
‘Dhawan-II’ cryogenic engine for Vikram II rocket.
1) AgniKul Cosmos
2) Bellatrix Aerospace
92. Which country has recently (in March ‘23) signed the first defence cooperation agreement
with India?
1) Lithuania
2) Croatia
3) Iceland
4) Romania
5) Finland
Answer- 4) Romania
Explanation:
On March 28, 2023, India and Romania signed the defence cooperation agreement during the
bilateral meeting on defence cooperation held between Giridhar Aramane, Secretary, Ministry of
Defence and Simona Cojocaru, State Secretary and Chief of the Department for Defence Policy,
Planning and International Relations of Romania in New Delhi, Delhi.
• This is the first defence cooperation agreement between India and Romania.
i. This agreement will set the foundation of the practical cooperation between the armed forces of
India and Romania & this will also provide a new impetus to the bilateral agenda on defence.
ii. Under this agreement, Romania will cooperate with India on military education, training, cyber
defence, military medicine, military history and other domains that can benefit both the nations.
93. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the ‘Top 10 Busiest Airports
Worldwide for 2022,’ report published by the Airports Council International (ACI) World in
April 2023?
A) Delhi Airport [Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)] in India ranked as the 9th busiest
airport in the world in 2022, surpassing Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport in France.
B) Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL, 93.7 million passengers) in the US is
ranked first on the list of the world’s top 10 busiest airports for 2022.
C) Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, 73.4 million passengers) is in the 2nd spot,
followed by Denver International Airport (DEN, 69.3 million passengers) in the 3rd spot.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
94. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data (as of April ‘23), India’s Bank credit
increased by _______ year-on-year (YoY) in the Financial year 2022-23 (FY23), which is highest
since ________ (FY).
1) 18%; FY14
2) 20%; FY12
3) 15%; FY14
4) 20%; FY15
5) 15%; FY12
Answer- 5) 15%; FY12
Explanation:
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, India’s Bank credit increased by 15% year-on-year
(YoY) in the Financial year 2022-23 (FY23), against 9.6% YoY in 2021-22 (FY22).
• FY23 credit growth is the highest since FY12 when it was 19.3%.
i. Bank deposits expanded 9.58% YoY in FY23, against 8.9% YoY growth in FY22.
95. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the election of the United
Nations (UN) Statistical Commission and subsidiary bodies of the United Nations (UN)
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in April 2023?
A) India was elected to the United Nations (UN) Statistical Commission and 3 other key
subsidiary bodies of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC).
B) India was elected unopposed to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs for 4 years starting from
1st January 2024 & Committee for Programme and Coordination for 3 years from 1st January
2024.
C) India was also elected to the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information
Management (UN-GGIM) for 4 years.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
96. Which company/GoI agency’s 1st Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas trainer (LT 5201)
aircraft has recently (in April ‘23) completed its maiden flight?
1) Defence Research and Development Organisation
2) Bharat Electronics Limited
3) Indian Space Research Organisation
4) Bharat Dynamics Limited
5) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Answer- 5) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Explanation:
The first series production Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas trainer (LT 5201) aircraft,
manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), successfully completed its maiden flight,
marking a major milestone in the LCA Tejas programme.
i. The 1st-ever Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) trainer (LT 5201) built to series production standards
took off from their airfield and successfully completed a 35-minute flight test before landing.
ii. The trainer plane was piloted by Group Captain Venu and Wing Commander Awasthi.
97. In which state, the India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) has recently (in April ‘23) commissioned its
1st Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project coupled with solar panels?
1) Rajasthan
2) Maharashtra
3) Punjab
4) Haryana
5) Gujarat
Answer- 2) Maharashtra
Explanation:
On 5th April 2023, India Grid Trust (IndiGrid), India’s 1st listed power sector infrastructure
investment trust, commissioned its 1st Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project coupled with
solar panels at its Dhule sub-station in Maharashtra.
i. The BESS project will meet the substation’s auxiliary consumption requirement.
98. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the cabinet approvals in April
2023?
A) The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the Indian Space Policy 2023 to
enable the private sector to participate in various space activities.
B) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a mechanism to fix pricing
for domestic natural gas in India.
C) the Central Government approved the Indian Army’s decision to induct women officers in
the artillery regiments.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following
proposals:
i. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has
approved the Indian Space Policy 2023 that will enable the private sector to participate in various
space activities, such as constructing satellites, rockets, and launch vehicles, as well as collecting and
sharing data.
ii. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved a
mechanism to fix pricing for domestic natural gas in India.
• It has revised domestic natural gas pricing guidelines for gas produced from nomination fields
of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)/Oil India Limited (OIL), New Exploration Licensing
Policy (NELP) blocks and pre-NELP blocks, where Production Sharing Contract (PSC) provides
for Government’s approval of prices.
• The new mechanism will adopt the key recommendations made by the Kirit Parikh Panel, set
to decide the deregulation of gas prices in India.
iii. The Central Government approved the Indian Army’s decision to induct women officers in the
artillery regiments.
• In this regard, the first lot of women will be commissioned in the Army’s artillery regiments by
the end of April 2023 when they pass out of the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai,
Tamil Nadu.
99. Which of the following policy rates is ‘wrongly matched’ with respect to the 1st Bi-Monthly
Monetary Policy of FY24 released by RBI in April 2023?
1) Policy Repo Rate - 6.50%
2) Reverse Repo Rate - 3.35%
3) Bank Rate - 6.25%
4) Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate - 6.25%
5) Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate - 6.75%
100. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (as of April’ 23)
step taken by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?
A) SEBI has issued a circular on the use of brand names or trade names by Investment Advisers
(IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs) with effect from May 1, 2023.
B) SEBI also released new rules on the advertisement code for IAs and RAs, as well as enforced
their compliance with the advertisement code, in order to further enforce the conduct of IAs
and RAs when releasing any advertisement.
C) The code of conduct for IAs and RAs is outlined in the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013 & Securities and Exchange Board of India (Research
Analysts) Regulations, 2014.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 5) All A, B & C