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Current Affairs Q&A PDF – April 2023
Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ................................................................................................................................................ 49
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................... 60
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................... 61
BANKING AND FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 63
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS ............................................................................................................................................ 103
MoU’s AND AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 115
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 121
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 132
SUMMITS, CONFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................. 150
COMMITTEE AND MEETING .......................................................................................................................................... 150
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................ 152
ACQUISITION AND MERGERS ........................................................................................................................................ 153
DEFENCE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 157
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ......................................................................................................................................... 162
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 179
BOOKS AND AUTHORS .................................................................................................................................................. 183
OBITUARY ...................................................................................................................................................................... 186
IMPORTANT DAYS ......................................................................................................................................................... 193
ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................................. 212
APP and WEB PORTAL ................................................................................................................................................... 215
CURRENT STATIC BANKING ........................................................................................................................................... 217
CA STATIC GK ................................................................................................................................................................ 219
2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (in March ‘23)
inaugurations by the Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah?
A) The Union Minister Amit Shah was on a visit to Uttarakhand to inaugurate development
works viz. Computerization of Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies
(MPACS) & Joint cooperative farming in 95 development blocks.
B) Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the statues of Lord Basaveshwara and Nadaprabhu
Kempegowda at the State Assembly premises in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
C) Union Home Minister also inaugurated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and also
unfurled the 103 feet high tricolour at Gorata ground in Kheda, Gujarat
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
The Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was on a visit to Uttarakhand (UK) to
inaugurate development works viz. Computerization of UK’s Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit
Cooperative Societies (MPACS), Joint cooperative farming, Jan Suvidha Kendras and Janaushadhi
Kendras in Haridwar, UK.
• He also launched the model of integrated collective cooperative farming in 95 development
blocks of the UK.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. According to the ‘Women and Men in India 2022’ report released by the Ministry of Statistics
and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in March 2023, for how many hours does an average
Indian woman, aged between 15 and 29, spend doing unpaid labour?
1) 5.5 hours
2) 3 hours
3) 4.5 hours
4) 3.5 hours
5) 6 hours
Answer- 1) 5.5 hours
Explanation:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released its report titled ‘Women
and Men in India 2022’ which is 24th in a series. As per it, an average Indian woman, aged between
15 and 29 spends 5.5 hours doing unpaid labour. A man in that age group spends about 50 minutes a
day doing work that yields no money.
• A senior woman (aged above 60) too spends four hours a day doing unpaid labour, while a
senior man spends an hour and a half on the same.
i. This report is on the lines of the Oxfam report from December 2021, which noted that the unpaid
work done by women looking after their homes and children is worth 3.1% of India’s GDP. The report
has sourced the data from the Time Use Survey.
• Of the total number of individual savings accounts in Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCB), only
35% are owned by women. The cumulative amount of money deposited in these accounts,
women own just 20%.
6. In Union Budget 2023-24, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the revamping of
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises from 1st April 2023, with the infusion
of Rs ._________ to the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)
corpus.
1) 7,000 crore
2) 5000 crore
3) 9,000 crore
4) 6,000 crore
5) 8,000 crore
Answer- 3) 9,000 crore
Explanation:
Nirmala Sitharaman, the union minister of finance, announced in the union budget for 2023–2024 the
revamping of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSE) with effect from 1st
April 2023.
i. It is revamped with an infusion of Rs 9,000 crore to the corpus to enable an additional Rs 2 lakh
crore in collateral-free guaranteed credit and the reduction in the cost of the credit by about 1%.
ii. The limit on the ceiling for guarantees has been enhanced from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore. For
settlement of claims in respect of guarantees for loans outstanding up to Rs 10 lakh, initiation of legal
proceedings will no longer be required.
iii. On 30th March 2023, Rs 8,000 crore was infused into the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro &
Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) corpus. CGTMSE created a new landmark by approving guarantees
totalling Rs 1 lakh crore during the financial year (FY) 2022–23.
7. Which company has recently (in March ‘23) bagged Rs 4,400 crore Sea Water Reverse
Osmosis (SWRO) project in Tamil Nadu ?
1) GE Water & Process Technologies Limited
2) Thermax India Limited
3) Aqua Innovative Solutions Limited
4) VA Tech Wabag Limited
5) Siemens Water Technologies Limited
Answer- 4) VA Tech Wabag Limited
Explanation:
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based VA Tech Wabag Ltd (WABAG) has bagged Rs 4,400 crore Sea
Water(salt water) Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) project in Tamil Nadu (TN) which after completion
would be the largest sea-water desalination project in the South East Asia region.
• The project has been bagged in a joint venture (JV) with Metito Overseas Limited and will be
implemented on a design, build, operate (DBO) model
i. WABAG with Metito Overseas wins an SWRO project from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and
Sewerage Board (CMWSSB).
ii. The largest seawater desalination plant in South East Asia, worth Rs 4,400 crore, with a 400
Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) capacity, was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA).
9. According to the data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India’s
unemployment rate increased to a 3-Month high of _________ in March 2023 from 7.45% in
February 2023.
1) 7.6%
2) 7.5%
3) 7.9%
4) 7.7%
5) 7.8%
Answer- 5) 7.8%
Explanation:
According to the data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India’s
unemployment rate increased to 7.8% in March 2023, the highest in 3 months, from 7.45% in
February 2023. The unemployment rate was 7.14% in January 2023
• Rural unemployment was 7.47% in March 2023, Urban unemployment was 8.51%.
i. Haryana had the highest unemployment rate among the states with 26.8%, followed by Rajasthan
(26.4%) and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) (23.1%).
ii. Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh have the lowest unemployment rate among the states and Union
Territories (UT) with 0.8%, followed by Puducherry (1.5%) and Gujarat (1.8%).
12. 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
14. In March 2023, the Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Stadium in __________, was renamed the
'Rani's Girls Hockey Turf' in honour of former captain of the Indian women's hockey team Rani
Rampal.
1) Ranchi, Jharkhand
2) Rourkela, Odisha
3) Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
4) Hyderabad, Telangana
5) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Answer- 3) Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) Stadium in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh(UP), has been renamed the
‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf’ in honour of former captain of the Indian women’s hockey team Rani
Rampal.
i. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2020 (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) and Padma Shri awardee
(2020) Rani Rampal became the 1st Indian woman hockey player to have a stadium named after her.
ii. She was the 1st woman hockey player to receive the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
15. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) entered into a partnership with the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in the fields of media, entertainment, and
public awareness.
1) Disney+ Hotstar
2) Netflix India
3) Amazon India
4) Jio Cinema
5) Voot
Answer- 3) Amazon India
16. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (in April’23)
launch made by M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (TN)?
A) M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of TN, launched “Anaivarukkum IITM” (IIT-M for All), the
initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) to connect 1 lakh Government
School students studying in rural locations to electronic science.
B) He also announced a new talent support scheme, “Thiranari Thervu Thittam” (skill
development), for state-run school students that offers Rs 1,000 per month as a stipend.
C) He also distributed electronic kits developed by IIT-M to the Government school students.
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 5th April 2023, Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin (M.K. Stalin), Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (TN),
launched “Anaivarukkum IITM” (IIT-M for All), the initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology-
Madras (IIT-M), Chennai, TN, to connect 1 lakh Government School students studying in rural
locations to electronic science.
i. He also announced a new talent support scheme, “Thiranari Thervu Thittam” (skill development),
for state-run school students that offers Rs 1,000 per month as a stipend at an event held at the IIT-M
campus in TN.
ii. M.K. Stalin also distributed electronic kits developed by IIT-M to the Government school students in
the presence of Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Anbil
Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Minister for School Education and Prof. V. Kamakoti, IIT-M Director.
Note: Thiranari Thervu Thittam means a scheme to spot and nurture talent.
17. 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
18. Which state’s Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation has recently (in April ‘23)
introduced its solar-powered hybrid boat “Sooryamshu”?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Maharashtra
3) Gujarat
4) Kerala
5) West Bengal
Answer- 4) Kerala
Explanation:
State-owned Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) has introduced its solar-
powered hybrid boat “Sooryamshu”, a first-of-its-kind tourist boat in Kerala, in Kochi backwaters,
Kerala.
i. The boat built by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Solas Marine Services Group was named
Sooryamshu after the Hindi translation of “Sunbeam.”
ii. The vessel is probably the 1st solar-powered tourist vessel and the biggest of its kind in Kerala. The
vessel has the capacity to accommodate 100 passengers.
iii. The vessel, which cost Rs 3.95 crore and was constructed in a yard in Sri Lanka, is one among the
few in Kochi whose safety and allied features have been approved by the Indian Registry of Shipping.
19. 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:
20. According to a list published by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in April 2023,
_______________ has ranked the best performing power generation company in the country for the
financial year 2022-23 (FY23).
1) National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
2) Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation
3) Damodar Valley Corporation
4) Odisha Power Corporation
5) West Bengal Power Development Corporation
Answer- 5) West Bengal Power Development Corporation
Explanation:
According to a list published by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the Ministry of Power, West
Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL) has ranked the best performing power
generation company in the country for the financial year 2022-23 (FY23).
i. WBPDCL has been ranked India’s best power generation corporation with PLF (Plant Load Factor)
of 85.23% followed by Odisha Power Corporation with 76.93 % , NTPC (coal based station)- 75.9%
and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) at 73.42%.
ii. Top 5 Power plants of India:
• Birbhum’s Bakreshwar Thermal Power Station (TPS) of WBPDCL has been ranked number one
(PLF- 92.38%), Purulia’s Santaldih TPS has been ranked second (PLF-91.37%) followed by
Murshidabad’s Sagardighi TPS at fifth position (PLF-89.39%).
• NTPC Korba has ranked third with 91.15 percent PLF and NTPC Vindyachal ranked fourth with
89.54 percent PLF.
21. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) introduced a plan to formulate an institution
mechanism to use 80+ Unused Helipads for Intra-state Helicopter Service?
1) Kerala
2) Tamil Nadu
22. 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
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (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.
• The amended rules will be known as the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and
Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 [IT Amendment Rules, 2023].
i. 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.”
ii. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State(MoS) for MeitY stated that the fact-checking unit of
the Press Information Bureau (PIB) is the “preferred agency” for the task and other government-
appointed fact-checking organisations may also be notified in future.
24. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (in April ‘23)
inauguration made by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Telangana?
A) PM Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development
projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore in Telangana.
B) He flagged off the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express train connecting
Secunderabad and Tirupati.
C) He also laid the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS)
Bibinagar in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana.
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 inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various
development projects worth over Rs 11,300 crore in Telangana during his visit to Telangana on 8th
April 2023.
• During his visit, he also addressed the public gathering at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds,
Secunderabad, Telangana.
• He also flagged off the prestigious Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express train
connecting Secunderabad and Tirupati.
• This is the second Vande Bharat train for the two Telugu States, Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh.
25. In April 2023, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur announced
that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has integrated the Khelo India sports certificate with
Digilocker.
Which Ministry's flagship initiative is DigiLocker, under the Digital India Programme?
1) Ministry of Home Affairs
2) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
3) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
4) Ministry of Science and Technology
5) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Answer- 3) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Explanation:
Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, announced that the Sports Authority
of India (SAI), the apex national sports body of India, has integrated the Khelo India sports
certificate with Digilocker.
i. This will allow the athletes of the Khelo India Youth Games and other stakeholders to access their
certificates of merits and participation from the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 in Madhya Pradesh
onwards.
ii. DigiLocker is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) under the Digital India
Programme. It is a secure cloud-based platform for storage that enables easy sharing and verification
of documents & certificates.
26. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (in April ‘23)
inauguration made by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN)?
A) During his visit to Tamil Nadu, PM inaugurated the Rs 1,260 crore New Integrated Terminal
Building (NITB- Phase 1) aka ‘Golden Terminal’ of Chennai International Airport
B) The PM has inaugurated TN’s second Vande Bharat train namely ‘Chennai–Coimbatore
Vande Bharat Express’ that will ply from Chennai to Coimbatore.
C) The PM also participated in the celebrations commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Sri
Ramakrishna Math at Vivekananda House in Chennai.
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
27. 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.
28. 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
29. 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.
Sterlite Technologies Ltd, Pune Pune Skill development works in telecom sector
(Maharashtra)
QuNu Labs Private Limited, Work in Quantum Communication and security solution
Bengaluru (Karnataka)
30. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Odisha Business Meet,
2023?
A) The Odisha government received investment intents worth around Rs 26,000 crore during
the Odisha Business Meet, 2023 held in Tokyo, Japan.
B) An MoU for collaboration in the skill development sector was also signed between Nihon-
Utkal (NITKAL) and International Institute of Information Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
C) Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik chaired the first digital cabinet meeting of Odisha from the city of
Kyoto, Japan.
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 Odisha government received investment intents worth around Rs 26,000 crore during the
Odisha Business Meet, 2023 held in Tokyo, Japan.
• Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister(CM) of Odisha, led the high-level delegation to Japan to attract
investment in Odisha.
i. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in the skill
development sector was also signed between Nihon-Utkal (NITKAL) and International Institute of
Information Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
ii. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik chaired the first digital cabinet meeting of Odisha from the city of
Kyoto, Japan and the cabinet members joined the meeting from Lok Seva Bhawan and other districts
of Odisha.
32. 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)
3) Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka)
4) Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
5) Similipal Tiger Reserve (Odisha)
Answer- 4) Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
Explanation:
According to the summary report of the 5th cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger
Reserves in India in 2022, by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Periyar Tiger
Reserve (TR) in Kerala has reserve topped the list of best-managed tiger reserves in India with a
Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) score of 94.38%.
• Periya TR is followed by Satpura TR (Madhya Pradesh) and Bandipur TR (Karnataka) with an
MEE score of 93.18% and Nagarhole TR with 92.42%.
• The report was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while inaugurating the
Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger programme, at Mysuru, Karnataka.
i. A total of 12 Tiger Reserves have achieved ‘Excellent’ category, followed by 20 Tiger Reserves in
‘Very Good’ category, 14 Tiger Reserves in ‘Good’ category and 5 Tiger Reserves in ‘Fair’ category.
34. Which University was recently (in April ‘23) notified as a centre of the Protection of Plant
Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare (MoA&FW)?
1) Punjab Agricultural University
2) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
3) Kerala Agricultural University
4) Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
5) Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology
Answer- 3) Kerala Agricultural University
Explanation:
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has been notified as a centre of the Protection of Plant
Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
(MoA&FW).
i. The objective of the notification is to protect the rights of Kerala farming communities over the
traditional plant varieties.
ii. Any individual, group of individuals, or governmental or non-governmental organisation may file a
claim for compensation on behalf of those communities that have significantly contributed to the
evolution of any registered plant variety.
36. 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.
38. 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.
39. In April 2023, the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag was granted by the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) to several products of Madhya Pradesh (MP).
Which of the following GI tags are ‘correctly’ matched with the respective district of MP?
1) Bhedaghat stone craft- Jabalpur
2) Wrought iron crafts- Dindori
3) Waraseoni handloom sarees- Balaghat
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
The Geographical Indication (GI) Tag has been granted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(MoC&I) to several products of Madhya Pradesh (MP), which include 5 handcrafts products, 1
Agricultural product, 1 Food stuff, 1 Textile product.
• The 5 handicraft products include Gond Painting of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Handmade
Carpet, Bhedaghat stone craft (Jabalpur), wrought iron crafts (Dindori), and Waraseoni
handloom sarees (Balaghat).
• Sharbati Gehu (wheat which is also called The Golden Grain), registered by the GI Registry in
the agricultural product category.
• Morena Gajak is a popular sweet treat made with jaggery, peanuts and sesame seeds.
• Ujjain Batik print has received the GI tag in the textile category.
40. Name the union minister who has recently (in April ‘23) unveiled the digital version of the
Employability Skills Curriculum for students enrolled in India’s Industrial Training Institutes
(ITIs) at the Future Skills Forum in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Ashwini Vaishnaw
2) Dharmendra Pradhan
3) Jitendra Singh
4) Amit Shah
5) Giriraj Singh
Answer- 2) Dharmendra Pradhan
Explanation:
On 11th April 2023, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship, unveiled the digital version of the Employability Skills Curriculum for students
enrolled in India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) at the Future Skills Forum in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The Future Skills Forum is an initiative of the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), a collaborative
effort by QUEST Alliance, Accenture, Cisco, and J.P. Morgan.
41. In April 2023, Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the
foundation stone of 234 development projects worth Rs 5,196 crore in the Azamgarh and
Kaushambi districts of _________.
1) Bihar
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) Odisha
Answer- 3) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
On 7th April 2023, Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs, inaugurated and laid the foundation
stone of 234 development projects worth Rs 5,196 crore in the Azamgarh and Kaushambi districts of
Uttar Pradesh (UP).
i. Of the total projects, 117 development works worth Rs 4,583 crore rupees are in Azamgarh, UP, and
117 development projects worth Rs 613 crore rupees are in Kaushambi, UP.
ii. Union Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the Hariharpur Sangeet Mahavidyalaya at
Namdarpur in Azamgarh, UP.
iii. Apart from unveiling the projects, Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Kaushambi
Mahotsav-2023 and also unveiled and laid the foundation stone of various development projects at
Kaushambi, UP, and also felicitated the winners of “Sansad Khel Spardha”.
42. 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.
44. Which country has recently (in April ‘23) retained the Category 1 status under the United
States Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment
(IASA) programme?
1) Australia
2) United Kingdom
3) India
4) Germany
5) Japan
Answer- 3) India
Explanation:
India has retained Category 1 status under the United States Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA)
International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme.
• The county with Air carriers of Category 1 status is permitted to operate/ expand its services
to destinations in the USA and codeshare with US air carriers.
• The IASA program, determines whether a country’s oversight of its air carriers complies with
safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
45. Name the drone startup company that has recently (in April ‘23) became India’s 1st
company to receive Agri Drone Subsidy for agricultural drones.
1) Aarav Unmanned Systems
2) Skylark Dronetech
3) Teja Aerospace and Dynamics
4) Garuda Aerospace
5) Paras Aerospace
Answer- 4) Garuda Aerospace
46. 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,
C) AHSSOH is India’s first animal pandemic response plan in collaboration with the World
Bank which will be implemented in 5 states over a five-year period as a Central sector scheme
with a financial provision of Rs 1228.70 Crore
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 Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
(MoFAHD), launched projects, ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ (APPI) and World Bank
(WB)-funded ‘Animal Health System Support for One Health’ (AHSSOH), under the aegis of National
One Health Mission to improve India’s preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics.
• AHSSOH is India’s first animal pandemic response plan in collaboration with the World Bank.
i. About APPI: It is an initiative launched to enhance India’s preparedness and response to animal
pandemics and epidemics, with a focus on zoonotic diseases or infections caused by microorganisms
that jump from animals to humans.
ii. About AHSSOH: The collaborative project will be implemented in 5 states over a five-year period
as a Central sector scheme with a financial provision of Rs 1228.70 Crore.
47. As per the data released (in April ‘23) by the Centre of Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE)
Private Limited, India’s employment rate has been increased to ________ in March 2023 quarter
from 36.6% in December 2022 quarter.
1) 39.2%
2) 36.9%
3) 38.5%
4) 37.7%
5) 40.9%
Answer- 2) 36.9%
48. Which of the following associations/agencies has recently (in April ‘23) connected with Atal
Tinkering Labs (ATLs) by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog & the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)?
1) Agricultural Technology Management Agency
2) Krishi Vigyan Kendra
3) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), and the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) agreed to connect Atal Tinkering Labs
(ATLs) with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency
(ATMAs) under the initiative.
• Objective: To promote innovation in the agricultural sector among school students across
India.
i. KVKs function as a “Single Window Agricultural Knowledge Resource and Capacity Development
Centre,” and this collaboration will provide the stakeholders with required information, training, and
inputs.
ii. KVKs, in partnership with ATMA, will collaborate with nearby ATLs to support agricultural-related
innovation.
iii. AIM has mapped and shared a list of 55 ATLs (mapping each of the 11 KVKs, and ATMAs with up to
5 ATLs) based on the list of KVKs and ATMAs shared by MoA&FW.
49. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) launched the “A-HELP” (Accredited Agent for Health
and Extension of Livestock Production) programme?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Jharkhand
3) Uttarakhand
4) Maharashtra
5) Odisha
Answer- 3) Uttarakhand
50. Which state government has recently (in April ‘23) renamed the Bhavanapadu Port as
“Mulapeta Port”?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Maharashtra
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Odisha
5) Gujarat
Answer- 3) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
The Andhra Pradesh (AP) Government renamed the Bhavanapadu Port as “Mulapeta Port”,
respecting the sentiments of local villagers in Srikakulam district, AP.
i. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister (CM) of AP, will lay the foundation stone for the greenfield
port on 19th April 2023.
ii. The AP government took this decision as farmers from Mulapeta and Vishnuchakram villages
requested the name change since Bhavanapadu village has no scope in the proposed port area,
considering all the lands of Mulpeta and some from Vishnuchakram have been earmarked for
acquisition.
51. Name the union minister who has recently (in April ‘23) launched the “Sangathan Se
Samriddhi” campaign to bring marginalised rural women into Self Help Groups (SHGs).
1) Smriti Zubin Irani (Union Minister of Women and Child Development)
2) Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)
3) Virendra Kumar (Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment)
4) Bhupender Yadav (Union Minister of Labour and Employment)
5) Giriraj Singh (Union Minister of Rural Development)
Answer- 5) Giriraj Singh (Union Minister of Rural Development)
Explanation:
Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Minister of Rural Development (MoRD), launched the “Sangathan Se
Samriddhi” campaign. It will empower marginalised rural households by bringing all eligible rural
women into Self Help Groups (SHGs).
i. The government is targeting to bring 10 crore women under the purview of SHGs from the existing 9
crores. The number of members has now crossed 9 crores from just over 2.3 crores in 2014.
ii. The government has also set a target that every woman associated with SHGs should be able to
earn Rs 1 lakh per annum.
53. In April 2023, ________ became the first state in India to adopt a water budget to tackle water
shortage in summer.
1) Rajasthan
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Maharashtra
5) Kerala
Answer- 5) Kerala
Explanation:
Kerala became the first state in India to adopt a water budget to tackle water shortage in summer.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala, unveiled the details of the 1st phase of the Water
Budget in Kerala covering 94 grama panchayats in 15 block panchayats.
• CM handed over a copy of the budget to Additional Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan
during the event held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Water Resources Minister Roshy
Augustine presided over the event.
i. The budget was prepared in consultation with the Centre for Water Resources Development and
Management (CWRDM).
ii. CM also inaugurated the 3rd phase of the Haritha Keralam Mission’s ‘Ini Njan Ozhukatte’ campaign
to revive rivulets, canals, and streams in the Western Ghats.
54. Which state’s Animal Husbandry Department has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with the
Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd. (BFIL) to launch ‘Sanjeevani’ initiative to provide doorstep
veterinary services to farmers?
1) Himachal Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) Uttarakhand
4) Haryana
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 1) Himachal Pradesh
55. In April 2023, Government of India (GoI) advanced its target to achieve 20% ethanol
blending in petrol from 2030 to ________.
1) 2028-29
2) 2025-26
3) 2027-28
4) 2024-25
5) 2026-27
Answer- 2) 2025-26
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) advanced its target to achieve 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol
from 2030 to 2025-26.
i. While addressing the Global CBG (Compressed BioGas) Conference of the Indian Federation of Green
Energy (IFGE) – CBG Producers Forum, Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum
and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) stated regarding GoI’s initiative to increase the usage of biofuels in the
energy and transportation sectors via National Policy on Biofuels, 2018.
ii. The GoI has set a target to increase the share of gas in the energy mix up to 15 per cent in 2030 to
make India a Gas based economy.
56. In April 2023, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) granted site clearance for the
Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project at _____________.
1) Neyveli, Tamil Nadu
2) Kottayam, Kerala
3) Vellore, Tamil Nadu
4) Kollam, Kerala
5) Kannur, Kerala
Answer-2) Kottayam, Kerala
Explanation:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has granted site clearance for the Sabarimala Greenfield Airport
project at Kottayam in Kerala, which aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity to Sabarimala.
• Once completed, the airport will become the 5th International Airport in Kerala.
i. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIC) has proposed the project, which is
expected to be built on 2,250 acres of land using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an
estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore.
57. 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).
• With this, India will join the top 6 nations (the United States of America (USA), Canada, China,
France, Austria, and Finland who are involved in the R&D in the QT.
ii. The mission will be led by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and
Technology (MoST) under a Mission Director.
iii. 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. It will be
introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, aimed to tackle the problem of film
piracy.
58. In April 2023, __________ became the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for
unidentified bodies.
1) Gujarat
2) Himachal Pradesh
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) Karnataka
Answer- 2) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Himachal Pradesh (HP) has become the first Indian state to develop a DNA database for
unidentified bodies. The process of creating this database started in April 2022.
• So far, the records of 150 DNA samples of unidentified bodies had been stored in the
database.
59. Name the state government that has recently (in April ‘23) launched the “One Panchayat,
One Playground” project to revive sports culture.
1) Telangana
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Kerala
5) Karnataka
Answer- 4) Kerala
Explanation:
The Government of Kerala launched the “One Panchayat, One Playground” project for reviving the
sports culture in Kerala by opening quality playgrounds in every panchayat of Kerala.
i. The project was inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister (CM) of Kerala, at Kallikkad,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
ii. The playgrounds would act as a hub for local gatherings and social interactions and the
playgrounds will be built in 3 years, and a list of 113 panchayats has been prepared for the project’s
initial phase.
60. 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.
62. Which state government has recently (in April ‘23) launched India’s first heavy lift logistics
eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) BonV drone?
1) Maharashtra
2) West Bengal
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Odisha
5) Karnataka
Answer- 4) Odisha
Explanation:
On April 20, 2023, Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha Naveen Patnaik launched India’s first heavy lift
logistics eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) BonV drone on the opening day of “Odisha
Skill Conclave 2023“.
i. The first-of-its-kind heavy-lift logistics drone was made by Odisha-based start-up ‘BonV Aero’. It is
capable of transporting 50 kg across distances of up to 10 kilometers.
ii. The drone will play a vital role in disaster management, emergency evacuation, flood relief,
firefighting, and medical supply delivery to remote areas.
63. In April 2023, Nongthombam Biren Singh, CM of Manipur inaugurated the 5th edition of
HUN (HUN-2023)- a Thadou Cultural Festival at ____________ district.
1) Bishnupur
2) Kangpokpi
3) Senapati
4) Kamjong
5) Thoubal
Answer- 2) Kangpokpi
Explanation:
On 18th April 2023, Nongthombam Biren Singh, Chief Minister(CM) of Manipur inaugurated the 5th
edition of HUN (HUN-2023)- a Thadou Cultural Festival at Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of
Manipur.
i. HUN festival is an annual cultural festival and a civilising act of the Thadous community of Manipur.
ii. According to the Thadous community, the festival is celebrated to mark the arrival of the new year.
64. In April 2023, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) launched the _______ phase of the
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).
1) 4th
2) 3rd
3) 2nd
4) 5th
5) 6th
Answer- 4) 5th
Explanation:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has launched the fifth phase of the Regional Connectivity
Scheme (RCS) – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) or UDAN 5.0, to improve the connectivity of the
country’s regional territories, after four successful rounds of bidding.
• On April 21 2023, the MoCA initiated the process of inviting bids from airlines for various
routes under the fifth round of bidding for its RCS UDAN 5.0 by releasing a bid document.
i. UDAN 5.0 will raise the momentum, and connect new routes, with the target of operationalising
1000 routes and 50 additional airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.
ii. The earlier stage length constraint of 600 km has been eliminated and there are no restrictions on
the distance between the origin and destination of the trip in UDAN 5.0, which concentrates on
Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats).
66. In April 2023, __________ (company) completed the construction of Asia’s largest underwater
hydrocarbon pipeline across ________ river.
1) Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited; Ganga
2) Bharat Petroleum; Godavari
3) Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited; Brahmaputra
4) Hindustan Petroleum; Ganga
5) Bharat Petroleum; Brahmaputra
Answer- 3) Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited; Brahmaputra
Explanation:
On 22nd April 2023, Mr. Ajit Kumar Thakur, CEO of Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL),
announced that the company has completed the construction of Asia’s largest underwater
hydrocarbon pipeline.
67. In which city, India’s Tallest Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji (BR) Ambedkar (125-ft bronze)
statue was unveiled to mark the 132nd birth anniversary (14th April’ 23) of the architect of the
Indian Constitution?
1) Hyderabad, Telangana
2) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
4) Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
5) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 1) Hyderabad, Telangana
Explanation:
On the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji (BR) Ambedkar (14th April
2023), Telangana Chief Minister (CM) K Chandrashekhar Rao unveiled the 125-ft tall bronze statue
of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji (BR) Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, in Hyderabad,
Telangana. This is the tallest statue of BR Ambedkar in India.
• The stands next to the State Secretariat on the banks of Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagarlake.
• The statue has been sculpted by 98-year-old Padma Bhushan awardee (2016) Ram Vanji
Sutar from Maharashtra, Mumbai.
i. On April 14, 2023 on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of social reformer Bhimrao Ramji
(BR) Ambedkar, a special tourist train named Bharat Gaurav has been launched by Union Minister of
Tourism, G Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Virendra
Kumar that will take passengers to various cities associated with him across the country.
• Bharat Gaurav tourist train is being operated under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative which
aims to promote domestic tourism and the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat”.
68. 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
69. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) announced its plans to set up the First
green hydrogen microgrid project in Leh Region (Ladakh).
1) Uneecops Technologies Limited
2) Adani Green Energy Limited
3) Reliance Industries Limited
4) Larsen & Toubro Limited
5) GAIL (India) Limited
Answer- 1) Uneecops Technologies Limited
Explanation:
On 24th April 2023, Uneecops Technologies Limited, a Delhi-based company specialising in green
hydrogen and solar development, announced its plans to set up the First green hydrogen microgrid
project in Leh Region (Ladakh). This is a pioneering initiative that is expected to revolutionise
sustainable energy solutions in the region and pave the way for similar projects in the future.
i. The project involves setting up a 25kWe(Kilowatt-electric) green hydrogen-based fuel cell
microgrid for a guest house located at the Power Station in Alchi, Leh, which is one of the most
challenging terrains in India.
ii. The electricity generation will be 200 units per day from the fuel cell (14 KG of hydrogen per day).
70. 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.
72. According to the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD) data (as of April ‘23), how many states /UTs have adopted the National Generic
Document Registration System (NGDRS) for Land Records?
1) 20
2) 18
3) 22
4) 19
5) 28
Answer- 5) 28
Explanation:
The National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) for Land Records has been adopted by
a total of 28 States and Union Territories (UT). According to the Department of Land Resources
73. Which of the following points is/are “Correct” with respect to the Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi's recent (in April ‘23) inaugurations in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and
Diu?
A) Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation
various development projects worth more than Rs 4850 crore in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli.
B) The PM inaugurated the new campus of NAMO Medical Education & Research Institute, the
first and only medical college in the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
C) PM stated that a new 300-bed hospital is under construction in the UT and permission has
been granted for a new Ayurvedic hospital.
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:
On April 25, 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to
the nation various development projects related to health, housing, tourism, education and urban
development, worth more than Rs 4850 crore in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Union Territory
(UT) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
• The PM inaugurated the new campus of NAMO Medical Education & Research Institute, the
first and only medical college in the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
• The PM laid the foundation stone and dedicated 96 projects worth more than Rs. 4850
crores to the nation at Sayli ground, Silvassa.
• PM stated that a new 300-bed hospital is under construction in the UT and permission has
been granted for a new Ayurvedic hospital.
• The Prime Minister noted that more than 1200 families have got their own houses in Daman,
Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and the women are given an equal share in the houses under PM
Awas Yojana.
• The PM also handed over the house keys to beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (PMAY) – Urban from Diu and Silvassa.
75. 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.
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.
77. In April 2023, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), approved the upgradation of ____________
(company) to a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) from a Category-I MiniRatna
CPSE.
1) Bharat Dynamics Limited
2) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
3) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
4) Central Coalfields Limited
5) Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited
Answer- 2) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
Explanation:
On 26th April 2023, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF), approved the
upgradation of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise
(CPSE) from a Category-I MiniRatna CPSE.
i. According to the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), RVNL, a public sector undertaking under
the Ministry of Railways (MoR), has become the 13th Navratna amongst CPSEs.
ii. The Government introduced the Navratna scheme, in 1977, to identify CPSEs with comparative
advantages and encourage them in their drive to become global giants.
78. 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
79. In April 2023, Union Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Narayan Tatu Rane
launched the revamped CGTMSE Scheme in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
In CGTMSE, what does ‘C’ stand for?
1) Central
2) Current
3) Credit
4) Capital
5) Coverage
Answer- 3) Credit
Explanation:
On April 27, 2023, the Union Minister Narayan Tatu Rane, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises (M/o MSME) launched the revamped Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small
Enterprises (CGTMSE) Scheme in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
i. This launch was on the lines of an additional corpus support of Rs 9,000 crore in the Union Budget
for FY 2023-24 to CGTMSE to revamp its Scheme to provide guarantee for additional Rs 2 lakh crore
to MSEs.
ii. Key Revamped Measures:
• Reduction in guarantee fees for loans upto Rs 1 crore by 50% bringing the minimum guarantee
fee to the level of 0.37% pa only.
• Raising of ceiling for guarantee from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore
• Enhancing the threshold limit for claim settlement without initiation of legal action to Rs 10
lakh.
80. Who has recently (in April ‘23) inaugurated 91 new 100W FM Transmitters of All India
Radio (AIR) across 18 States and 2 UTs to boost radio connectivity in India?
1) Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Communications)
2) Anurag Singh Thakur (Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting)
3) Jitendra Singh (MoS of Science and Technology)
4) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs)
5) Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
Answer- 5) Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
81. 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.
82. In which city, the Pushkaralu festival was recently (in April ‘23) commenced, after 12
years?
1) Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
2) Ranchi, Jharkhand
3) Bankura, West Bengal
4) Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
5) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 5) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
On April 22, 2023, the 12-day Pushkaralu festival of Telugu-speaking people commenced in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The festival is scheduled to be held from April 22 to May 3, 2023 and
it is being organised in Kashi for the pilgrims who will worship their ancestors and the river Ganga.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Which country has recently (in March ‘23) removed from the list of High-Risk Third-Country
Jurisdictions by the European Commission of the European Union(EU)?
1) Pakistan
2) Mozambique
3) Iran
4) Tanzania
5) Israel
Answer- 1) Pakistan
Explanation:
The European Commission of the European Union (EU) has removed Pakistan from its list of High-
Risk Third-Country Jurisdictions, this move is expected to improve the conditions of business
activities in Pakistan.
i. Following the deletion, Pakistan will no longer be subjected to enhanced EU scrutiny which includes
credit and financial institutions, auditors, external accountants, tax advisers, notaries and
independent legal professionals, among others.
• In December 2022, the European Commission updated its list of High-Risk Third-Country
Jurisdictions presenting strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering/countering the
financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes.
• Following the update, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gibraltar, Mozambique, Tanzania and
the United Arab Emirates, were added to the list while Pakistan along with Nicaragua and
Zimbabwe were delisted.
2. Which American state recently (in April '23) passed a resolution condemning "Hinduphobia"
and "anti-Hindu bigotry" for the first time?
1) California
2) Florida
3) Texas
4) Georgia
5) Arizona
Answer- 4) Georgia
Explanation:
Georgia, United States of America(USA) passed a resolution condemning “Hinduphobia” and “anti-
Hindu bigotry”- becoming the first state in the country to do so.
i. The resolution was introduced by Representatives Lauren McDonald and Todd Jones from Forsyth
County in the suburbs of Atlanta, home to one of the largest Hindu and Indian-American diaspora
communities in Georgia.
3. Which organisation has recently (in March ‘23) released a report with the key highlighting
that ‘South Asia’ is home to 9 of the top 10 polluted cities in the world?
1) World Bank
2) United Nations Environment Programme
3) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
4) United Nations Development Programme
5) United Nations Human Settlement Programme
Answer- 1) World Bank
Explanation:
According to the World Bank (WB) report “Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in
South Asia,” concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM) like soot and small dust (PM 2.5) in some
of South Asia’s most densely populated and underdeveloped areas are up to 20 times higher than the
World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/mᶾ).
i. According to the report, South Asia is home to 9 of the top 10 polluted cities in the world,
including Dhaka (Bangladesh).
• Nearly 60% of the population in South Asia lives in areas where concentrations of PM2.5
exceed an annual mean of 35 μg/m3.
• The report claims that around 20% of all premature deaths in Bangladesh are caused by air
pollution.
• It is estimated that it causes 2 million premature deaths in South Asia each year and imposes
huge economic damages.
4. On 4th April 2023, __________ became the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) which coincides with the _______ anniversary of the signing of NATO’s
founding treaty, Washington Treaty’.
1) Finland; 74th
2) Italy; 75th
3) Finland; 76th
4) Italy; 74th
5) Iceland; 76th
Answer- 1) Finland; 74th
Explanation:
Finland became the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on April 4, 2023,
when it presented its instrument of accession to the ‘North Atlantic Treaty’ (Washington Treaty) with
the United States (US) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
i. The accession of Finland coincides with the 74th anniversary of the signing of NATO’s founding
treaty i.e. the ‘Washington Treaty’(which was signed on April 4, 1949).
ii. The accession is commemorated by a flag-raising ceremony at NATO headquarters and it also
coincided with a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting.
6. Which organisation has recently (in April ‘23) released a report with key findings that the
global energy transition is still off-track and falls short of the 1.5 degrees Celsius(°C ) pathway?
1) The Energy and Resources Institute
2) World Energy Council
3) International Energy Agency
4) United Nations Environment Programme
5) International Renewable Energy Agency
Answer- 5) International Renewable Energy Agency
Explanation:
The “World Energy Transitions: Outlook (WETO) 2023: 1.5°C Pathway” released by International
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Berlin(Germany), shows that the global energy transition is off-
track, aggravated by the effects of global crises and calls for a fundamental change of course in the
energy transition.
i. The report stated that significant progress has been made in the power sector where renewables
account for 40% of installed power generation and contribute to 83% of global power additions in
2022.
ii. Despite the progress, the global energy transition is still off-track and falls short of the 1.5 degrees
Celsius (°C ) pathway.
7. Which country has recently (in March ‘23) become the 12th member of the Comprehensive
and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)?
1) United States of America
2) United Kingdom
3) Brazil
4) China
5) India
Answer- 2) United Kingdom
8. 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
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Airports Council International (ACI) World published the ‘Top 10 Busiest Airports Worldwide for
2022,’ which ranked Delhi Airport [Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA)] as the 9th busiest
airport in the world in 2022, surpassing Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport in France.
• IGIA improved from its previous positions of 13th in 2021 and 17th in 2019, registering a
footfall of 5,94,907 (5.94 crore) passengers in 2022.
• IGIA, operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), is the only airport in South and
Southeast Asia to make the top 10 list.
i. 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.
ii. 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, Chicago
O’Hare Airport (ORD, 68.3 million passengers) in the 4th spot.
9. According to a survey published by the global magazine ‘Time Out’ in April 2023, which
Indian city has ranked 19th in the list of ‘Best public transport in the world 2023‘?
1) Mumbai, Maharashtra
2) New Delhi, Delhi
3) Bengaluru, Karnataka
10. In April 2023, _________ became the 1st country to approve the “R21/Matrix-M” malaria
vaccine, developed by Oxford University in the United Kingdom (UK).
1) Republic of Zambia
2) Republic of Ghana
3) Republic of Namibia
4) Republic of Nigeria
5) Republic of the Gambia
Answer- 2) Republic of Ghana
Explanation:
The Republic of Ghana has become the 1st country to approve a highly effective malaria vaccine
“R21/Matrix-M” developed at Oxford University in the United Kingdom (UK).
• The vaccine was approved by Ghana’s Food and Drug Authority (FDA).
i. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has been licensed for use in children aged 5-36 months, who are most at
risk of dying from malaria.
ii. This vaccine is the first to surpass the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 75% efficacy.
11. Which organisation has recently (in April ‘23) released ‘The Status Of Women In Agrifood
Systems‘ report with key findings that tackling gender gap in agri-food systems can boost the
global economy by USD 1 trillion.
1) UN Women
2) International Fund for Agricultural Development
3) Food and Agriculture Organization
4) World Food Programme
5) United Nations Development Programme
Answer- 3) Food and Agriculture Organization
Explanation:
As per the ‘The Status Of Women In Agrifood Systems‘ released by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), tackling gender inequality in agri-food systems can reduce
hunger, boost the economy and reinforce resilience to shocks like climate change and the COVID-19
pandemic.
i. There would be an increase in the global gross domestic product (GDP) by 1% or nearly USD 1
trillion if there is no gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap in agri-food-system
employment.
12. Which of the following countries, along with India were recently (in April ‘23) announced a
common platform for the debt restructuring programme of Sri Lanka?
1) Australia
2) Japan
3) France
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
India, Japan, and France announced a common platform for talks among creditors to address the
debt restructuring programme of Sri Lanka, the country which was hit by an unprecedented financial
crisis in 2022.
• It was announced on April 13, 2023, while the representatives of the three creditor countries,
i.e. the Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman (India), FM Shunichi Suzuki (Japan), French
Director General of the Treasury Emmanuel Moulin, held a press briefing on the margins of the
annual spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in
Washington DC , United States.
i. Under the platform, the representatives will demonstrate the multilateral cooperation regarding the
debt restructuring process among the creditors, together with Sri Lanka.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Which organisation has recently (in April ‘23) released “State of the World’s Children 2023:
For Every Child, Vaccination” report with key highlighting that around 67 million children
missed out on one or more vaccinations over 3 years (during the COVID-19 pandemic)?
1) World Health Organization
2) United Nations Children’s Fund
3) World Bank
4) United Nations Population Fund
5) United Nations Human Settlement Programme
Answer- 2) United Nations Children’s Fund
Explanation:
According to the new report titled “State of the World’s Children 2023: For Every Child, Vaccination”
published by United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF), the routine vaccination coverage for the
children has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
i. According to the report, around 67 million children missed out on one or more vaccinations over 3
years with vaccination coverage levels decreasing in 112 countries.
ii. This decline is due to service disruption caused by strained health systems and diversion of scarce
resources, conflict and fragility, and decreased confidence.
iii. According to the 2023 report, India is one of the countries with the highest vaccine confidence in
the world.
17. 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
5) 38th; Singapore
Answer- 5) 38th; Singapore
Explanation:
According to the World Bank’s (WB) report titled Connecting to Compete 2023: Trade Logistics in an
Uncertain Global Economy – the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and its indicators” released on
April 21, 2023, India’s rank increased by 6 places to 38 in the index, from 44 in 2018. India shares
the 38th rank with Lithuania, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye.
• Singapore topped the ranking followed by Finland at second, and Denmark at third.
• This is the 7th edition of Connecting to Compet, a report that summarizes the findings from
the new dataset for LPI and its component indicators.
i. GoI (Government of India) had announced a National Master Plan, PM Gati Shakti for multi-modal
connectivity, in October 2021 to reduce logistics cost and boost the economy by 2024-25.
18. As of April 2023, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), India is building
Mongolia’s First greenfield Oil Refinery, which is to be completed by ___________ (Year).
1) 2027
2) 2025
3) 2028
4) 2024
5) 2026
Answer- 2) 2025
19. 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.
i. With a military expenditure of USD 81.4 billion, India was the fourth largest spender in the world
in 2022. Its spending increased by 6.0% from 2021 and 47% from 2013.
ii. The United States, China, Russia, India and Saudi Arabia, were the five biggest spenders in
2022, which together accounted for 63% of world military spending.
iii. Total world military spending accounted for 2.2% of global gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022.
20. With which country, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has
recently (in April ‘23) signed the new Work Plan on Quality Infrastructure (QI)?
1) Germany
2) Russia
3) France
4) Australia
5) Japan
Answer- 1) Germany
21. Which organisation has recently (in April ‘23) released the report ‘World Development
Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies’ with key highlighting that 184 million people
are migrants?
1) United Nations Development Programme
2) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
3) World Bank
4) United Nations Human Settlement Programme
5) United Nations Population Fund
Answer- 3) World Bank
Explanation:
According to the World Bank’s (WB) annual report ‘World Development Report 2023: Migrants,
Refugees, and Societies’, there are 184 million people (i.e. 2.3 % of the world’s population) who are
migrants (i.e. they lack citizenship in the country in which they live) in which the largest share of 43%
of them were living in low and middle-income countries.
i. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of international migration and its potential to serve
as a force for growth and shared prosperity in all countries and it proposes policies to better manage
migration in destination, transit, and origin countries.
ii. Out of the 184 million migrant people, 37 million are refugees, a number that has tripled over the
last decade.
22. According to the 2023 Special 301 Report released by the Office of the United States Trade
Representative (USTR) in April 2023, which of the following countries is ‘Not’ placed on the
Priority Watch list in 2023?
1) India
2) Singapore
3) Russia
4) China
5) Indonesia
Answer- 2) Singapore
Explanation:
According to the 2023 Special 301 Report, on the adequacy and effectiveness of the United
States(US) trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights, released
by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), India is retained in the Priority
Watch list of 2023 due to its inconsistency in its progress on IP protection and enforcement.
i. Along with India, Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia and Venezuela are placed on the
Priority Watch list in 2023.
24. The________ edition of ‘Ajeya Warrior’ 2023, a bilateral training exercise between India and
the United Kingdom (UK), was recently (in April ‘23) commenced at Salisbury Plains, UK.
1) 9th
2) 6th
3) 7th
4) 5th
5) 8th
Answer- 3) 7th
Explanation:
Ajeya Warrior 2023, The 7th edition of India and the United Kingdom (UK) bilateral training
exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior’ commenced at Salisbury Plains, UK on 27th April 2023.
• The exercise will culminate on 11th May, 2023.
i. Participants: The UK Soldiers of the 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles, a rifle regiment of the British Army, and
Indian Army soldiers from the BIHAR Regiment, an Indian Army infantry regiment, are participating
in the exercise.
ii. The Indian Army contingent arrived at RAF (Royal Air Force) Brize Norton, main operating base in
Oxfordshire, England on 26 April 2023 by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft with indigenous weapons
and equipment.
Note- Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training exercise between India and the UK, alternatively conducted
in the UK and India.
2. The Ministry of Finance marked the _______ anniversary of the launch of the Pradhan Mantri
MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) Yojana (PMMY) on 8th April 2023.
1) 7th
2) 9th
3) 5th
4) 8th
5) 6th
Answer- 4) 8th
Explanation:
8th April 2023, the Ministry of Finance marked the 8th anniversary of the launch of the Pradhan
Mantri MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) Yojana (PMMY).
• PMMY was launched on 8th April 2015 by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in New Delhi,
Delhi.
i. Aim of PMMY: To facilitate easy collateral-free micro-credit of up to Rs 10 lakh to non-corporate,
non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.
3. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent launch by the
Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in April 2023?
A) Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched ‘Marketing and Logistics
Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North -Eastern Region (PTP-NER)’ scheme
in Imphal, Manipur.
B) The scheme was launched for the benefit of Scheduled Tribes (STs) of NER and a substantial
Budget of around Rs. 143 Crore has been allocated to implement the scheme.
C) North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), India Post
& North Eastern State Government Departments/ Agencies are the Partners of the Scheme.
VISITS
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the King of Bhutan Jigme
Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's visit to India in April 2023?
A) During his visit, India and Bhutan have agreed on a number of new measures to strengthen
their cooperation in sectors such as hydropower, trade, and space.
B) India decided to increase its support for Bhutan’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2023-28),
and has agreed to an increase in the tariff on the Hewa Khola-A Hydroelectric Project.
C) India and Bhutan also agreed to work together on developing the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail
link project, which would be the first-ever rail link between India and Bhutan.
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:
From April 3–5, 2023, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, visited
India on an official trip at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.
• His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was accompanied by Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji,
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and other top Royal Government of Bhutan
officials.
2. 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.
C) EAM S Jaishankar made a short transit visit to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa and had
talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke
Mekonnen Hassen.
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:
Union minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) visited African nations
– Uganda, Ethiopia and Mozambique for 6 days from April 10 to 15, 2023 to strengthen India’s
bilateral relationship with the countries.
• During his visit to Kampala, Uganda, the External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar
launched the ‘Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project’ of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), a project funded
by the Indian community of Uganda.
• EAM inaugurated the first foreign campus of India’s National Forensic Sciences University
(NFSU) in Jinja, Uganda.
• EAM visited Mozambique from April 13 to 15, 2023, the first visit by an external affairs
minister of India to Uganda since 2010.
• Inaugurated Buzi Bridge in Mozambique: He also virtually inaugurated the Buzi Bridge
constructed as part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project. The bridge is being
constructed by India through Indian LoC.
EAM S Jaishankar made a short transit visit to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on April 13, 2023,
and had talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke
Mekonnen Hassen.
2. Which bank has recently (in March ‘23) signed a bancassurance partnership with Aditya
Birla Health Insurance Co Ltd (ABHICL) for the distribution of health insurance products?
1) Punjab National Bank
2) UCO Bank
3) Bank of Baroda
4) Canara Bank
5) Bank of India
Answer- 2) UCO Bank
3. Name the company that has recently (in March ‘23) partnered with SKALEUP to develop a
D2C (direct-to-customer) instant loan application to give business loans to MSME business
owners.
1) STCI Finance Limited
2) Religare Finvest Limited
3) Magma Fincorp Limited
4) Ambit Finvest Private Limited
5) Capital First Limited
Answer- 4) Ambit Finvest Private Limited
Explanation:
Ambit Finvest Private Limited has partnered with SKALEUP, the digital technology services arm of
Bajaj Finserv Direct, to develop a D2C (direct-to-customer) instant loan application to give business
loans to MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) business owners through a completely paperless
and automated digital onboarding process.
i. The platform will oversee a wide variety of processes and services offered by Ambit Finvest, along
with multiple products. It will be capable of handling complex workflows that involve sales,
underwriting, and operations.
ii. SKALEUP’s Creditech solution is a low-code/no-code digital platform that enables data-driven
decisions.
iii. Ambit Finvest is the NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) of the Ambit Group and has served
over 50,000 MSME business owners and disbursed more than Rs 3,500 crore in loans.
4. In March 2023, AMNS Luxembourg Holding S.A. entered into an agreement worth USD
__________ with “JBIC co-financing loan” a consortium of Japanese banks.
1) 2 billion
2) 4 billion
3) 3 billion
4) 6 billion
5) 5 billion
Answer- 5) 5 billion
Explanation:
AMNS Luxembourg Holding S.A., the parent company of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited
(“AM/NS India”), has entered into a USD 5 billion “JBIC co-financing loan” agreement with a
consortium of Japanese banks.
5. Name the bank that has recently (in March ‘23) signed an MoU with Godrej Capital Limited to
offer banking products & services.
1) Bank of Maharashtra
2) State Bank of India
3) Canara Bank
4) Kotak Mahindra Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Answer- 2) State Bank of India
Explanation:
Godrej Capital Limited, the financial services arm of the Godrej Group, and State Bank of India (SBI)
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership, where the bank
would provide various financial products and offerings.
• Godrej Capital and SBI will work together to increase the affordability and accessibility of
financial products, unlocking opportunities for financial inclusion.
6. Which bank has recently (in March ‘23) announced a partnership with Shriram Housing
Finance Limited (SHFL) under the co-lending model through the Yubi Co.Lend platform?
1) Kotak Mahindra Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 3) Axis Bank
Explanation:
On 30th March 2023, Axis Bank, the third largest private sector bank in India, and Shriram Housing
Finance Limited (SHFL) announced a partnership under the co-lending model through the Yubi
Co.Lend platform.
• Through this partnership, the lenders will each provide secured home loans and MSME (Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprise) loans to borrowers in the middle and low-income segments
based in rural and semi-urban areas.
7. 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.
8. Which of the following companies was/were recently (in March’ 23) identified as Domestic
Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for the financial year 2022–23 by the Insurance
Regulator and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)?
1) General Insurance Corporation of India Limited
2) Life Insurance Corporation of India
3) New India Assurance
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
On March 31, 2023, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), General Insurance Corporation of
India Limited (GIC Re), and New India Assurance continued to be identified by the Insurance
Regulator and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers
(D-SIIs) for the Financial year 2022-23.
• IRDAI annually identifies D-SIIs and publishes the name of the insurers for public information.
• In line with the Reserve Bank of India’s benchmarking, D-SIIs are perceived to be ‘too big (or
too important) to fail’.
• LIC, GIC, and New India Assurance were the D-SIIs from 2020-21.
10. Which insurance company has recently (in March ‘23) received a certificate of registration
by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to Commence Life
Insurance Business ?
1) Acko Life Insurance Limited
2) Credit Access Life Insurance Limited
3) Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Limited
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On March 25 2023, in its 121st meeting, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
(IRDAI), granted a certificate of registration to two new entities namely Acko Life Insurance
Limited and Credit Access Life Insurance Limited to commence the life insurance business.
• With the entry of the two firms into the insurance business, the number of life insurers
operating in India increased to 25 which was remaining unchanged since 2011 (after
Edelweiss Tokio’s registration).
11. Name the payment bank that has recently (in March ‘23) partnered with Bharti Airtel to
launch banking services through WhatsApp for its customers.
1) NSDL Payments Bank
2) Fino Payments Bank
3) Jio Payments Bank
4) India Post Payments Bank
5) Paytm Payments Bank
Answer- 4) India Post Payments Bank
12. 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.
13. Name the bank that has recently (in April '23) revised its interest rates on fixed deposits
(FDs) under Rs. 2 crore & introduced the "Amrit Mahotsav FD" scheme for retail investors.
1) ICICI Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) IDBI Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 4) IDBI Bank
Explanation:
IDBI Bank, a private sector lender, has revised its interest rates for fixed deposits (FDs) under Rs. 2
crore, effective April 1st, 2023.
i. In response, IDBI bank has introduced the “Amrit Mahotsav FD” scheme for its retail investors,
which provides returns of 7.65% for senior citizens and 7.15% for the general public.
ii. For deposits expiring in 7 days to 10 years, the bank currently guarantees interest rates ranging
from 3.00% to 6.25% for the general public and 3.50% to 6.75% for senior citizens.
iii. IDBI Bank currently offers 4.25% interest on deposits held for 46 to 90 days and 4.75% interest on
deposits held for 91 to 6 months.
15. Which bank has recently (in March ‘23) signed an agreement with SBI Life Insurance
Company Limited (SBI Life) to market the insurance scheme?
1) Karur Vysya Bank
2) South Indian Bank
3) IDBI Bank
4) Dhanlaxmi Bank
5) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Answer- 1) Karur Vysya Bank
Explanation:
In March 2023, Karur Vysya Bank Limited (KVB) signed an agreement with SBI Life Insurance
Company Limited (SBI Life) to market the insurance scheme of SBI Life Insurance through the
branches of the KVB.
i. SBI Life Insurance is a joint venture between the State Bank of India(SBI) and the French financial
institution BNP Paribas Cardif.
ii. This partnership will provide a boost to the insurance sector by making holistic insurance solutions
accessible to larger populations across India.
16. Name the fintech company that has recently (in April ‘23) introduced ‘Pincode,’ an e-
commerce consumer app on India's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) Platform.
1) Paytm
2) BharatPe
3) PhonePe
4) Google Pay
5) Razorpay Software
Answer- 3) PhonePe
17. In April 2023, the State Bank of India (SBI)’s ‘WECARE’ Senior Citizens’ Fixed Deposit
scheme for senior citizens was extended upto __________.
1) 31st July 2023
2) 31st August 2023
3) 30th November 2023
4) 31st May 2023
5) 30th June 2023
Answer- 5) 30th June 2023
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) has extended the term of “WECARE” special fixed deposit (FD) scheme
for senior citizens, which was introduced in May 2020 with an initial maturity date of September
2020. The scheme has now got an extension of 3 months and it will be now available for subscription
till 30th June 2023.
i. Previously in September 2022, the scheme was extended till 31st March 2023.
ii. SBI introduces a new Deposit Scheme “SBI WECARE” protecting their income by offering additional
interest on Term Deposits.
18. Which of the following banks has recently (in April ‘23) offered an e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG)
service in collaboration with National e-Governance Services Ltd. (NeSL).
1) IDBI Bank
2) YES Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
IDBI Bank and YES Bank, in collaboration with National e-Governance Services Ltd. (NeSL), has
developed an e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) service that substitutes the paper-based Bank Guarantee (BG)
issuance process with e-stamping and e-signature.
• An Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) eliminates the need for physical documentation while
issuing a BG.
20. 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.
21. 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%
Answer- 3) Bank Rate - 6.25%
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 6-members Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 3rd, 5th
and 6th of April 2023 and released its first bi-monthly monetary policy statement for FY24
(Financial year 2023-2024).
i. The MPC has decided to keep the policy rates unchanged with the stance remaining focused on the
withdrawal of accommodation.
ii. The Unchanged Policy rates are as follows:
22. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the ‘1st Bi-Monthly Monetary
Policy of FY24’ released by RBI in April 2023?
A) India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for FY24 was projected at 6.5 percent with
7.8 percent in Q1, 6.2 percent in Q2, 6.1 percent in Q3, and 5.9 percent in Q4.
B) RBI decided to develop a secured web-based centralised portal named ‘PRAVAAH’ (Platform
for Regulatory Application, Validation And AutHorisation)
C) Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was projected at 5.5 percent in FY24, with 5.2 percent
in Q1, 5.2 percent in Q2, 5.3 percent in Q3, and 5.4 percent in Q4.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 6-members Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 3rd, 5th
and 6th of April 2023 and released its first bi-monthly monetary policy statement for FY24
(Financial year 2023-2024).
• India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for FY24 was projected at 6.5 percent with
7.8 percent in Q1, 6.2 percent in Q2, 6.1 percent in Q3, and 5.9 percent in Q4.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was projected at 5.2 percent in FY24, with 5.1 percent in
Q1, 5.4 percent in Q2, 5.3 percent in Q3, and 5.2 percent in Q4.
• RBI decided to develop a secured web-based centralised portal named ‘PRAVAAH’ (Platform
for Regulatory Application, Validation And AutHorisation)
23. 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
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India’s capital markets regulator, has issued a
circular on the use of brand names or trade names by Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research
Analysts (RAs), following its previous publication of an extensive set of guidelines for advertisements
issued by these entities.
• The provisions of the circular will take effect on May 1, 2023.
i. SEBI has 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. The provisions of this circular will take effect on May 1, 2023.
ii. The code of conduct for IAs and RAs is outlined in the following regulations:
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014
iii. Both the SEBI circular issued in the exercise of powers granted under Section 11(1) of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
24. In April 2023, IIFL Finance Limited received a total of __________ in long-term funding from
Export Development Canada (EDC) and Deutsche Bank.
1) $ 400 million
2) $ 200 million
3) $ 100 million
4) $ 300 million
5) $ 500 million
Answer- 3) $100 million
25. Which bank has recently (in April ‘23) signed a bancassurance pact with Cholamandalam
MS General Insurance (Chola MS) to offer the health and general insurance products?
1) South Indian Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) IndusInd Bank
4) RBL Bank
5) Bandhan Bank
Answer- 1) South Indian Bank
Explanation:
South Indian Bank Limited (SIB) has signed a bancassurance pact with Cholamandalam MS General
Insurance (Chola MS) to offer the health and general insurance products of Chola MS to SIB’s
customers.
i. This partnership will enable SIB customers to have access to the range of insurance products offered
by Chola MS.
ii. This will also facilitate Chola MS to offer insurance products for SME customers and innovative
insurance covers for retail customers of the SIB.
26. 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.
28. 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.
30. 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.
31. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent (in April) steps
taken by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?
A) SEBI has mandated alternative investment funds (AIFs) to provide investors with the option
of a “direct plan” & framework for direct investments will go into effect on May 1, 2023.
B) SEBI announced a trail model for distribution commission, stating that category III AIFs
would only levy a distribution fee to investors on an equal-trail basis.
C) SEBI has also issued guidelines for excluding an investor from an investment in an AIF.
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 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated alternative investment funds (AIFs)
to provide investors with the option of a “direct plan” and introduced a trail model for distribution
commission. The framework for direct investments will go into effect on May 1, 2023.
• With this directive, SEBI intends to reduce misselling, promote transparency in fee payments,
bring transparency in expenses, and provide investors more options when investing in AIFs.
i. Direct plans allow investors to participate in an AIF without paying any distribution or placement
fees.
• AIFs must make sure that anyone approaching the AIF through a registered intermediary, who
is separately charging the investor for any fees, such as an advisory fee or a portfolio
management fee, is only accepted into the AIF through the direct plan.
ii. SEBI announced a trail model for distribution commission, stating that category III AIFs would
only levy a distribution fee to investors on an equal-trail basis.
• This implies that such AIFs would not impose any upfront distribution fees on their investors,
either directly or indirectly.
iii. SEBI has also issued guidelines for excluding an investor from an investment in an AIF. In light of
the recommendations made by the Alternative Investment Policy Advisory Committee (AIPAC), it has
been determined that an AIF may excuse its investor from taking part in a specific investment under
certain circumstances.
33. Which Insurance Company has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with actyv.ai to offer
insurance products to new-age Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)?
1) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
2) Future Generali India Insurance
3) Cholamandalam MS General Insurance
4) Go Digit General Insurance
5) Kotak Mahindra General Insurance
Answer- 5) Kotak Mahindra General Insurance
Explanation:
Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited (Kotak General Insurance-KGI) has partnered
with actyv.ai to offer basic insurance products to new-age Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs).
i. Through this KGI will offer its customized small OTC (Over The Counter) insurance products like
health and commercial policy by utilizing actyv.ai’s AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered platform to
support the business sustainability of small businesses.
ii. Under this partnership with Kotak General Insurance, Enterprises on actyv.ai’s platform will now
be able to offer group insurance to all of its distributors, retailers, and suppliers.
34. 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
35. In April 2023, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnered with Citibank to
provide a $125 million fund to _______ (Bank) for lending to the agricultural sector.
1) IndusInd Bank
2) YES Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) HDFC Bank
Answer- 1) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
Japanese lender Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has partnered with Citibank to
provide a $125 million funding line to domestic private sector lender IndusInd Bank.
i. IndusInd Bank will be utilising the co-finance funding for onlending to the agricultural sector in
India.
ii. The funding to Indusind Bank includes a JPY 13 billion (approx USD 97.45 million) loan from the
JICA and another $30 million from Citibank.
36. In April 2023, RBI notified an enclosed Framework for acceptance of Green Deposits for the
Regulated Entities (REs) to promote and develop a green finance ecosystem in India with effect
from __________.
1) 1st September 2023
2) 1st July 2023
3) 1st June 2023
4) 1st August 2023
5) 1st May 2023
Answer- 3) 1st June 2023
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notified an enclosed Framework for acceptance of Green Deposits for
the Regulated Entities (REs) to promote and develop a green finance ecosystem in India.
• The framework will come into effect from June 1, 2023.
37. Which of the following points is/are ‘’correct’’ with respect to the provisional statistics
released by the General Insurance Council (GIC) in April 2023?
A) In FY23, non-life insurers have underwritten a gross premium of Rs 2.6 crore, a 16.4%
increase over FY22.
B) The ICICI Lombard General Insurance revenue increased 17% year-on-year at Rs. 21,025
crore.
C) Star Health & Allied Insurance’s Gross premiums has increased 13% year-on-year to Rs.
12,951 crore.
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:
According to provisional statistics released by the General Insurance Council (GIC), India’s non-life
insurers recorded growth in the high teens in fiscal year 2023 (FY23) due to strong performance
across sectors.
i. In FY23, non-life insurers have underwritten a gross premium of Rs 2.6 crore, a 16.4% increase
over FY22.
ii. ICICI Lombard General Insurance: Revenue increased 17% year-on-year at Rs. 21,025 crore. In
March 2023, market share was 8.18%, up from 8.14% in March 2022.
iii. Star Health & Allied Insurance: Gross premiums for the standalone health insurer increased
13% year-on-year to Rs. 12,951 crore.
• Compared to 5.19% in March 2022, market share slightly decreased to 5.04% in March 2023.
• According to the IRDAI, the four public sector general insurance companies – New India
Assurance Co. Ltd, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., and
National Insurance Company Limited– have lost 803 basis points (bps) in market share to
their private counterparts in the past five years.
38. In April 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled a new logo on the
occasion of its ______ Foundation Day.
1) 40th
2) 35th
3) 36th
4) 41st
5) 30th
Answer- 2) 35th
Explanation:
On April 12, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled a new logo on the
occasion of its 35th Foundation Day. The function for the same was held at SEBI Head Office, Mumbai
39. Which bank has recently (in April ‘23) signed the ‘Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement’
with Export Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for a USD 300 million line of credit?
1) Indian Bank
2) UCO Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) Punjab National Bank
Answer- 4) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
On April 12, 2023, HDFC Bank signed a ‘Master Inter Bank Credit Agreement’ with Export Import
Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for a USD 300 million line of credit. The agreement was signed by the
representatives of HDFC Bank and KEXIM at GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Korea Eximbank is a Korean government export credit agency that supports Korean companies
doing business abroad by providing loans and credit.
• The pact will help HDFC Bank to do more business with Korean companies and products,
which could make their operations grow.
i.HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd., investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund (HDFC MF) launched
three schemes viz. HDFC S&P BSE 500 Index Fund, HDFC NIFTY Midcap 150 Index Fund & HDFC
NIFTY Smallcap 250 Index Fund allowing investors to diversify their portfolio to large, mid and small-
cap segments.
40. ___________ along with Bharat BillPay has recently (in April ‘23) tied up for cross-border bill
payments for the Indian diaspora in Oman.
1) Bank of India
2) Kotak Mahindra Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) Canara Bank
Answer- 5) Canara Bank
Explanation:
Canara Bank and NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) in co-ordination with Musandam Exchange, Oman
have launched cross-border inward bill payment services for Indians based in Oman.
i.This will enable the Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to utilize the platform offered by the Bharat Bill
Payment System (BBPS) to make bill payments on behalf of their families through the Musandam
Exchange in Oman.
ii.With this initiative, Canara Bank becomes the first public sector bank (PSB) in India to offer inbound
cross-border bill payments through BBPS
42. PhonePe has recently (in April ‘23) raised __________ (USD) from United States(US) based
firm, General Atlantic (GA) and other investors, as a part of its ongoing USD 1 billion fundraise
to expand into the lending space..
1) USD 100 million
2) USD 200 million
3) USD 150 million
4) USD 300 million
5) USD 50 million
Answer- 1) 100 million
Explanation:
Walmart Inc.-owned PhonePe, digital payments and financial services decacorn, raised USD 100
million (about Rs 820 crore) from United States(US) based private equity firm, General Atlantic (GA)
and other investors as a part of its ongoing USD 1 billion fundraise to expand into the lending space.
• PhonePe secured the fresh capital from General Atlantic and its co-investors at a pre-money
valuation of USD 12 billion.
So far, it has raised USD 750 million as part of the ongoing round.
43. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) collaborated with the Chennai Metro Rail
Ltd (CMRL) to launch the ‘Singara Chennai Card’ to facilitate seamless transportation for
passengers.
1) State Bank of India
2) HDFC Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 1) State Bank of India
44. 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.
45. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) received approval from Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) for control transfer in Merger Process?
1) Photon Capital Advisors Limited
2) CVC Capital Private Limited
3) Akara Capital Advisors Private Limited
4) HDFC Capital Advisors Limited
5) Centrum Capital Advisors Limited
Answer- 4) HDFC Capital Advisors Limited
Explanation:
In a letter dated April 10, 2023 to HDFC Capital Advisors Limited (HCAL), the market regulator
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the proposed change in control of HCAL
subject to a few conditions.
• HCAL is a subsidiary of HDFC Limited and a co-investment portfolio manager.
46. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) reintroduced the retail term deposit scheme
‘AMRIT KALASH’.
1) Bank of Baroda
2) State Bank of India
3) Bank of Maharashtra
4) Canara Bank
5) Union Bank of India
Answer- 2) State Bank of India
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) decided to reintroduce the retail term deposit scheme ‘AMRIT
KALASH’. It is a special scheme of 400 days tenor with an interest rate of 7.6% for senior citizens and
7.1% for others.
i. Backdrop: In February 2023, the SBI launched ‘AMRIT KALASH’, the retail term deposit scheme with
a specific duration with validity from February 15, 2023, to March 31, 2023.
ii. Now the Scheme was reintroduced with validity from April 12, 2023, to June 30, 2023.
47. 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.
49. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) completed its 1st blockchain-enabled Letter
of Credit (LC) transaction on Contour Pte. Ltd (Contour) for its client Cummins India Limited
(Cummins).
1) Standard Chartered Bank India
2) HSBC India
3) DBS Bank India
4) CSB Bank India
5) Citibank India
Answer- 5) Citibank India
Explanation:
Citibank India (Citi India) has completed its 1st blockchain-enabled Letter of Credit (LC)
transaction on Contour Pte. Ltd (Contour) for its client Cummins India Limited (Cummins), a
diversified industrial manufacturing company.
i. The transaction is the 1st for both Cummins and Citi India on Contour. Citi is a founding member
bank of Contour.
ii. Contour is a global digital trade finance network powered by blockchain technology, that enables
multiple parties, including corporations, and logistics partners, to work together smoothly and
securely in real time on a single platform.
50. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the ‘India Digital Payments
Annual Report 2022’ released by Worldline India in April 2023?
A) According to the report, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) remains to be the most preferred
medium for digital payments in 2022 in India.
B) As of 2022, The top UPI Apps in terms of volume is PhonePe and the Top UPI Remitter Banks
is State Bank of India (SBI).
51. Which bank has recently (in April ‘23) launched Regalia Gold Credit Card for travel and
lifestyle needs?
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) YES Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 1) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
HDFC Bank, India’s largest private bank, launches Regalia Gold Credit Card, for travel and lifestyle
needs. It is a super-premium credit card launched under the bank’s Regalia range of credit cards with
multiple features and benefits.
i. The card has Travel and Lifestyle benefits, allowing customers to redeem rewards for global travel
and a collection of premium brands via the Regalia Gold catalogue.
ii. It also offers cardholders complimentary airport lounge access globally, and the credit card was
designed to cater to the needs of high-income individuals too.
53. 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.
54. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) launched a special campaign for home loans
to mark its 100th year of establishment.
1) State Bank of India
2) Karnataka Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Answer- 2) Karnataka Bank
55. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) launched a new Digital Fixed Deposit (FD)
Scheme for new-to-bank customers.
1) Tamilnad Mercantile Bank
2) South Indian Bank
3) RBL Bank
4) Karnataka Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 3) RBL Bank
Explanation:
RBL Bank launched an innovative Digital Fixed Deposit (FD) Scheme available to new-to-bank
customers. Customers can book the Digital FD within minutes without having to visit a branch or
opening a savings account with the Bank.
i. It has an interest rate of up to 7.8 percent and a term of 15 months to 725 days.
ii. It will offer several additional benefits, such as embedded insurance cover, seamless savings
account opening process, ability to track and manage FD digitally, etc.
56. In April 2023, the Indian Banks Association (IBA) constituted a ______member working
group on Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
1) 6
2) 3
3) 5
4) 10
5) 4
Answer- 5) 4
Explanation:
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has constituted a four-member working group on Asset
Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) which will operate on various issues and report them to the IBA,
the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) and the Union government.
The four-member of the working group include:
• Hari Hara Mishra,Secretary, Association of ARCs in India.
• Purshotam Agarwal, Chief investment officer, National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited
(NARCL).
• Mythili Balasubramanian, Executive Director, Edelweiss.
• Tarun Kumar, Director, Encore Asset Reconstruction Company.
58. In April 2023, State Bank of India (SBI) approved to examine the status and decide on long-
term fund-raising in single/multiple trenches up to USD _________.
1) 6 billion
2) 4 billion
3) 2 billion
4) 5 billion
5) 3 billion
Answer- 3) 2 billion
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI), a public sector lender, in its Executive Committee of the Central Board,
approved to examine the status and decide on long-term fund-raising in single or multiple trenches
up to USD 2 billion (about Rs 16,000 crore) under Reg-S/144A, through Public Offer and/or private
placement of senior unsecured notes in USD or other convertible currency during FY 2023-2024.
i. SBI will raise USD 2 billion through foreign currency bonds in 2023-2024 in single or multiple
tranches.
ii. SBI will utilise the fund for augmenting additional Tier 1 capital and the overall capital base, and for
strengthening capital adequacy according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
59. 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
60. Which bank has recently (in April ‘23) signed a USD 100 million long-term credit deal with
the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to assist Indian firms interested in
purchasing Japanese construction equipment?
1) ICICI Bank
2) IndusInd Bank
3) RBL Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) HDFC Bank
Answer- 2) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
IndusInd Bank signed a USD 100 million long-term credit deal with the Japan Bank for International
Cooperation (JBIC) to assist Indian firms interested in purchasing Japanese construction equipment.
• The loan agreement was signed by GIFT City branch of IndusInd bank, an IFSC Banking Unit
(IBU) of the bank.
• This is the first of its kind lending by JBIC through any IFSC Banking unit at GIFT City.
• This facility will also be co-financed by Mizuho Bank of Japan, Shizuoka Bank of Singapore, and
Joyo Bank of Japan.
61. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with the Fasal to provide easy
financial access for farmers.
1) State Bank of India
2) Punjab National Bank
3) Canara Bank
4) Bank of India
5) Bank of Baroda
Answer- 1) State Bank of India
62. 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
3) Capital Small Finance Bank
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On 19th April 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted an Authorised Dealer(AD) category-I
licence to AU Small Finance Bank & Equitas Small Finance Bank under Section 10 of FEMA
(Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999 to deal in foreign exchange.
i. The permission is subject to compliance with applicable regulations.
ii. The licence will enable AU Small Finance Bank to open a range of foreign currency-related products
to serve the importer-exporter segment and process inward and outward remittances.
63. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) entered into a Banking Correspondent
agreement with Kisan Vikas (KiVi) to scale and expand its agriculture lending portfolio.
1) Axis Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) Federal Bank
4) Kotak Mahindra Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 3) Federal Bank
Explanation:
The Federal Bank entered into a Banking Correspondent agreement with Chennai-based
Agriculture fintech start-up Kisan Vikas (KiVi), to scale and expand its agriculture lending portfolio in
Tamil Nadu.
i. Under the agreement, KiVi will acquire, service and augment Federal Bank’s underwriting capability.
ii. In the initial phase of this partnership, KiVi aims to serve 10,000 farmers in Tamil Nadu.
65. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) received a Certificate of Registration (COR) from
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?
1) InPrime Finserv
2) MoneyTap
3) Volopay
4) ZestMoney
5) Capital Float
Answer- 1) InPrime Finserv
Explanation:
InPrime Finserv (a brand owned by STK Credit Private Limited), a financial services start-up catering
to the informal economy, has obtained a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
i. InPrime is on a mission to ‘Redefine the way informal customers access formal finance’.
ii. It is focused on providing financial services to the ‘Prime’ segment of India’s informal economy,
which consists of around 50 million households with an annual credit need of Rs. 5 Lakh Crores.
66. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) collaborated with the Life Insurance
Corporation of India (LIC) to launch the 1st phase of conversational AI chatbot LIC Mitra
(virtual assistant).
1) Builder.ai
2) NineHertz
3) CoRover
4) Tata Elxsi
5) Persistent Systems
Answer- 3) CoRover
Explanation:
CoRover, a Bengaluru-based startup, has collaborated with the Life Insurance Corporation of India
(LIC) to launch the 1st phase of conversational AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered chatbot LIC Mitra
(virtual assistant) to enhance LIC’s customer support services by automating real-time responses to
customers’ queries.
67. As of April 2023, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is set to establish its first
overseas office in ___________.
1) Manila, Philippines
2) Tokyo, Japan
3) Shanghai, China
4) Gujarat, India
5) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Answer- 5) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Explanation:
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed a host member agreement with the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish its first overseas office, an Interim Operational Hub, at Abu Dhabi
Global Market, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
i. The agreement was signed by Jin Liqun, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of AIIB, and
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Governor
of AIIB, during the signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
ii. The agreement is in line with UAE’s commitment towards enhancing cooperation with
international organizations and institutions focused on sustainable economic development for
developing countries.
68. Name the credit card payments app that has recently (in April ‘23) launched UPI-based
peer-to-peer (P2P) payments to provide its users with a new payment option.
1) Mobikwik
2) CRED
3) Paytm
4) Phone pe
5) Amazon Pay
Answer- 2) CRED
Explanation:
The credit card payments application CRED announced the launch of UPI-based peer-to-peer(P2P)
payments, providing its users with a new payment option. The new P2P payments system has been
made available with the introduction of Scan & Pay and is based on the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI).
i. This service is designed to enable CRED customers to make secure, instant payments to other users
via UPI IDs or contact numbers, thus elevating their overall user experience.
ii. Cred provides a variety of payment methods to its members, including bill payments, scan-and-pay,
tap-to-pay, UPI P2P, CRED Pay, and CRED flash for online merchants.
70. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital
invoice discounting solution to farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agri-
MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises)?
1) Mastercard
2) Visa Inc
3) American Express
4) Capital One
5) Rakuten Card
Answer- 1) Mastercard
Explanation:
Mastercard has collaborated with M1xchange to offer a digital invoice discounting solution to
farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and agri-MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises) through Farm Pass, its agritech platform.
i. This solution is the first of its kind for the agriculture sector and will help lenders in underwriting
credit offerings through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).
71. 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.
72. 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
73. Which of the following banks has recently (in April ‘23) signed definitive agreements with
Go Digit Life Insurance to pick up a 9.94% equity stake (each)?
1) HDFC Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On April 21, 2023, the two largest Private sector banks of India, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank signed the
definitive agreements with insurance technology startup Go Digit Life Insurance to pick up each a
9.94% equity stake of the insurance firm for a payment of each Rs 69.90 crore, which will be made in
two tranches.
i. HDFC Bank: It has made the first tranche of payment of Rs 10.93 crore towards the acquisition of
9.94% equity stake.
ii. Axis Bank: It has also made its 1st tranche of payment of Rs 10.93 crore towards the acquisition.
74. In April 2023, the Reserve Bank of __________ is set to launch a gold-backed digital currency to
serve as legal tender.
1) Australia
2) New Zealand
3) Zimbabwe
4) Denmark
5) Fiji
Answer- 3) Zimbabwe
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is set to launch a gold-backed digital currency to serve as legal
tender in Zimbabwe. This is an initiative of the government of Zimbabwe to stabilize the local
currency from continued depreciation against the United States (US) dollar.
i. This will allow small amounts of Zimbabwean dollars to be exchanged for the digital gold token,
enabling more Zimbabweans to hedge against currency volatility.
76. Name the Insurance company that has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with actyv.ai to
offer insurance products through their technology platform to MSME enterprises.
1) HDFC ERGO General Insurance
2) Future Generali India Insurance
3) ICICI Lombard General Insurance
4) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
5) Go Digit General Insurance
Answer- 4) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
Explanation:
actyv.ai, a Singapore-headquartered licensed corporate agency under IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India), has announced a partnership with Bajaj Allianz General
Insurance to offer insurance products through their technology platform to MSME (Micro, Small &
Medium Enterprises) enterprises and the business partner ecosystem.
i. SaaS (Software as a service) platform of actyv.ai with embedded B2B (Business to Business) BNPL
(Buy Now, Pay Later) and insurance will be used under the collaboration for providing affordable
insurance products.
77. 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
78. Which organisation/service of NPCI has recently (in April ‘23) launched the NOCS platform
to provide reconciliation & settlement services for transactions undertaken on the Open
Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network?
1) NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd
2) NPCI International Payments Ltd
3) Bharat Bill Payment System
4) RuPay
5) BHIM
Answer- 1) NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd
Explanation:
NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL),wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI) has developed and launched the NOCS platform to provide reconciliation and settlement
services for transactions undertaken on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network.
i. NOCS will help ONDC by providing a population-scale solution for the challenges of high transaction
volume among different entities on the network.
ii. The NOCS platform is integrated with banks, fintechs and e-commerce players, and will soon go live
with the first set of five banks on ONDC–AU Small Finance Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC First
Bank, and YES Bank.
79. Name the Insurance Company that has recently (in April ‘23) launched a digital-only health
insurance plan named ‘Health Edge Insurance’.
1) Go Digit General Insurance
2) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
3) HDFC ERGO General Insurance
4) SBI General Insurance
5) ICICI LOMBARD General Insurance
Answer- 4) SBI General Insurance
Explanation:
SBI General Insurance Company Limited announced the launch of a fully customizable digital-only
health insurance plan named ‘Health Edge Insurance’. It is a Single Comprehensive Plan variant with
9 Basic indemnity Covers and 18 Optional covers to stand in need of medical exigency.
80. 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.
81. Which stock exchange company’s subsidiary has recently (in April ‘23) introduced new
guidelines for retaining a demerged entity in its respective index?
1) Calcutta Stock Exchange
2) Vadodara Stock Exchange
3) Bombay Stock Exchange
4) Madras Stock Exchange
5) National Stock Exchange
Answer- 5) National Stock Exchange
Explanation:
The National Stock Exchange (NSE)’s subsidiary, NSE Indices Limited, has introduced new guidelines
for retaining a demerged entity in its respective index.
i. Under the new norms, a demerged company will only remain a part of the index if the exchange
conducts a Special Pre-Open session (SPOS) for the spun-off entity.
ii. The change will be applicable to the scheme of arrangement of all companies involving demerger
which may be approved by equity shareholders of respective companies on or after April 30, 2023.
82. 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
83. In April 2023, RBI removed restrictions on resident individuals from opening interest-
earning Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA) in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs)
for making investments under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
RBI also removed the condition of repatriating any funds lying idle in the FCA account for up to
__________.
1) 10 days
2) 15 days
3) 30 days
4) 60 days
5) 20 days
Answer- 2) 15 days
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed restrictions on resident individuals from opening interest-
earning Foreign Currency Accounts (FCA) in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) for
making investments under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
• RBI also removed the condition of repatriating any funds lying idle in the FCA account for up to
15 days.
• This move by the RBI will help the banks at IFSC mobilise liabilities and also give them cheaper
access to funds and in turn, allow them to lend at more competitive rates.
i. Removal of Restrictions:
• To align the LRS for IFSCs set up under the IFSC Authority Act, 2019 and other foreign
jurisdictions, RBI amended the above restrictions and enabled the interest-earning accounts.
• Thus the removal of the restriction would boost activity at Gift City(Gujarat International
Finance Tec-City), India’s first and only IFSC, as the individuals now would be able to park
money in IFSC and would be able to earn some interest on that amount.
84. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) signed a definitive agreement with NPCI
International Payments to facilitate global e-commerce payments through Unified Payments
Interface (UPI).
1) Worldline
2) Capgemini
85. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) joined with the Open Network for Digital
Commerce (ONDC) to offer payment reconciliation service for Network Participants (NPs)?
1) Freecharge
2) ZestMoney
3) Lendingkart Technologies
4) Razorpay
5) MobiKwik
Answer- 4) Razorpay
Explanation:
Razorpay, a fintech payments and banking platform for businesses joined with the e-commerce
network Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a non-profit company set up by the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and
Industry (MoCI), as an alternative for internet shopping.
i. With this, Razorpay becomes the first payment gateway to launch a Payment Reconciliation Service
for Network Participants (NPs) like buyers, sellers, and logistic partners on ONDC.
ii. This will provide them with an integrated single view of all their transactions.
86. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with the Redington Limited to
offer Solar Loans of up to Rs 5 crore.
1) ICICI Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) State Bank of India
4) Bank of Baroda
5) Bank of Maharashtra
Answer- 3) State Bank of India
Explanation:
Redington Limited (formerly known as Redington (India) Limited) and State Bank of India (SBI)
have partnered to offer Solar Loans of up to Rs 5 crore at interest rates linked to rates that the bank
charges its best customers.
87. 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.
88. Name the Small Finance Bank (SFB) that has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with the
Arya.ag to drive financial inclusion for farmers and FPOs (Farmers Producers Organisations).
1) Capital SFB
2) Shivalik SFB
3) Utkarsh SFB
4) Ujjivan SFB
5) Suryoday SFB
Answer- 2) Shivalik SFB
Explanation:
Arya.ag, India’s largest Grain commerce platform of Aryatech Platforms Private Limited, made
partnership with Shivalik Small Finance Bank (SFB) to drive financial inclusion for farmers and
FPOs (Farmers Producers Organisations) through offering loans via Shivalik SFB under warehouse
receipt finance.
i. Objective: The collaboration is formed with an intent to promote equitable growth in agriculture
and also offer more opportunities for the smallest stakeholders to access financial resources and drive
positive change in the agriculture industry.
89. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of Shivalik Small Finance Bank?
1) Anshul Swami
2) Samit Ghosh
3) Ajay Kanwal
4) P. N. Vasudevan
2. Which company has recently (in March ‘23) partnered with the Women Entrepreneurship
Platform (WEP) to support women entrepreneurs across India?
1) Razorpay
2) BharatPe
3) Paytm
4) Bill Desk
5) PolicyBazaar
Answer- 2) BharatPe
Explanation:
Bharatpe Group, one of the leading fintech companies in India, has partnered with the Women
Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) to support women entrepreneurs across India in their journeys of
self-reliance and business growth.
• The partnership, launched under the ‘BharatPe Cares’, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
initiative by BharatPe Group, is in line with the brand purpose of BharatPe “To empower lives
through inclusive fintech solutions”.
3. According to the report released by NASSCOM & ProHance in March 2023, the Small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Indian technology sector are expected to generate
revenues of USD 30- 40 billion by _________ Financial Year (FY).
1) FY28
2) FY25
3) FY30
4) FY26
5) FY27
Answer- 3) FY30
Explanation:
According to the report launched by National Association of Software and Service Companies
(NASSCOM) in collaboration with ProHance, ‘India’s Tech SMEs: Rising in the Global Digital Arena’,
the Digital technology SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) revenue share in FY30 (financial
Year 2029-2030) was expected to reach USD 30- USD 40 billion.
i. The tech SMEs which comprise 7-9% of the overall technology industry was also expected to
contribute an estimated USD 15-20 Billion in FY23 revenues.
ii. The tech SMEs offer cloud services, advanced analytics, and AI solutions and they were expected to
account for 35-40% of overall tech revenue by FY30.
iii. The report is a first-of-its-kind publication on the tech SME segment of the overall tech industry.
4. 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.
6. 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.
8. Name the company that has signed an MoU with Scirocco Enterprises Ltd. of Zambia for the
construction of 1 lakh low and medium-cost houses to mitigate an acute shortage of housing in
Zambia.
1) Larsen & Toubro Ltd
2) Reliance Infrastructure Ltd
3) NBCC (India) Ltd
4) Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd
5) Toyo Engineering India Ltd
Answer- 3) NBCC (India) Ltd
Explanation:
NBCC (India) Limited (formerly known as National Buildings Construction Corporation) signed the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Scirocco Enterprises Ltd. of Zambia for the
construction of 1 lakh low and medium-cost houses to mitigate an acute shortage of housing in
Zambia.
i. NBCC is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) under the Ministry of Housing & Urban
Affairs, Government of India.
ii. The housing units are to be constructed by 2030. NBCC will provide its engineering services as
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) Agency.
9. According to the “Global Trade Outlook and Statistics” report released by the World Trade
Organization (WTO) in April 2023, the merchandise trade volume is expected to grow by
_________ in 2023.
1) 1.2%
2) 1.7%
3) 2.1%
4) 1.5%
5) 1.8%
10. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) won a £ 74 million Pound sterling
contract from the United Kingdom’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(Defra) to enhance the government organisation’s supply chain model & add new digital
capabilities.
1) Accenture
2) Deloitte
3) Cognizant
4) IBM
5) Oracle
Answer- 3) Cognizant
Explanation:
Cognizant, an American multinational information technology company, won a £ 74 million Pound
sterling (approx USD 92 million) contract from the United Kingdom (UK)’s Department for the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to enhance the government organisation’s supply chain
model and add new digital capabilities. The tenure of the deal is for 2 years.
i. Cognizant will implement the new online services and digital platform capability under the
Application Development and Maintenance Support services program.
ii. It can be reused across the core Defra group, including its partner organizations – Environment
Agency, the Animal Plant Health Agency, and the Rural Payments Agency.
11. According to the data of Direct Tax collections for the Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23)
released in April 2023, the net Direct Tax collections rose by _________ to Rs 16.61 Trillion in
FY23.
1) 20.12%
2) 17.63%
3) 25.32%
4) 15.23%
5) 18.47%
Answer- 2) 17.63%
Explanation:
According to the provisional figures of Direct Tax collections for the Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23),
the net Direct Tax collections was at Rs. 16.61 lakh crore(trillion), an increase of 17.63% compared
to Rs. 14.12 lakh crore of FY 2021-2022.
12. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with UIDAI (Unique
Identification Authority of India) to process payments for online Aadhaar services.
1) Paytm
2) BharatPe
3) PhonePe
4) Freecharge
5) Razorpay Software Private Limited
Answer- 5) Razorpay Software Private Limited
Explanation:
Razorpay (Razorpay Software Private Limited) has partnered with UIDAI (Unique Identification
Authority of India) to process payments for online Aadhaar services. This partnership will enable
citizens accessing online Aadhaar services to enjoy a seamless secure payment experience.
i. The UIDAI allows Aadhaar holders to update their Aadhaar data such as names and addresses online
and charges a fee of Rs.50 for these services.
ii. The UIDAI website currently handles over 80,000 such transactions per day and there was a need
for a robust payment solution to ensure high success rates while handling such a large volume of
transactions.
13. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) won the contract from the United Kingdom (UK)
Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the supply of spares, consumables and accessories for the Land
Rover Wolf Platform?
1) Container Corporation Of India
2) Aegis Logistics Ltd
3) Blue Dart Express Ltd
4) TVS Supply Chain Solutions
5) Mahindra Logistics Ltd
Answer- 4) TVS Supply Chain Solutions
Explanation:
TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS), a part of TVS Mobility Group, won the contract from the
United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (MOD), acting through its agent, Babcock Land Defence Ltd,
for the supply of spares, consumables and accessories for the Land Rover Wolf Platform.
i. Under this contract for 2 plus 1 year, TVS SCS will use its accredited inventory management,
procurement and supply chain expertise to ensure the optimum availability of spares for this legacy
vehicle platform.
15. 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.
• However, India will continue to be the fastest-growing economy in the world.
16. In April 2023, a consortium led by ________ bagged an order worth more than __________ to
supply 80 sleeper class Vande Bharat trains to Indian Railways over a period of 6 years.
1) Electric Locomotive Factory; Rs 10,899 crore
2) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd; Rs 9,600 crore
3) Electric Locomotive Factory; Rs 15,000 crore
4) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd; Rs 10,899 crore
5) Chittaranjan Locomotives Works; Rs 9,600 crore
17. 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.
18. What’s the increased percentage of India's ‘exports’ to USD 447 billion in FY23, up from
USD 442 billion in FY22, while imports increased 16.5% to USD 714 billion from USD 613
billion in FY22 (as of April ‘23)?
1) 7%
2) 5%
3) 9%
4) 6%
5) 4%
Answer- 4) 6%
Explanation:
According to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), India’s exports
increased 6% to a “record” USD 447 billion in financial year 2022–23 (FY23), up from USD 442 billion
in FY22, while imports increased 16.5% to USD 714 billion from USD 613 billion in FY22.
19. Which Indian company has recently (in April ‘23) collaborated with LanzaJet Inc, from the
United States of America (USA) to set up India’s 1st Green Aviation Fuel Firm in Haryana?
1) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
2) Hindustan Petroleum Limited
3) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
4) Oil India Limited
5) Bharat Petroleum Limited
Answer- 3) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Explanation:
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is to set up a joint venture (JV) with United States of America
(USA)-based clean energy technology company LanzaJet Inc, and multiple domestic airlines for the
manufacturing of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• This will be India's 1st Green Aviation Fuel Firm.
i. The proposed venture will build a plant to manufacture SAF using alcohol-to-jet technology at the
Panipat refinery in Haryana at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore.
ii. IOCL and LanzaJet will invest Rs 1,500 crore and Rs 750 crore, respectively.
20. According to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce in April 2023, which country
emerged as India’s biggest trading partner in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23)?
1) China
2) United States
3) Saudi Arabia
4) United Arab Emirates
5) Singapore
Answer- 2) United States
Explanation:
According to the data of the Ministry of Commerce, the United States (US) has emerged as India’s
biggest trading partner in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23) at USD 128.55 billion followed by
China in the second position at USD 113.83 billion.
i. The bilateral trade between India and the US has increased by 7.65% in FY23 due to increasing
economic co-operation as against USD 119.5 billion in FY22. It was USD 80.51 billion in FY21.
ii. Followed by the US and China, the UAE with US$76.16 billion, was the third largest trading partner
of India. It was followed by Saudi Arabia (US$52.72 billion), and Singapore (US$35.55 billion).
21. According to the Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for the Month of March 2023,
the annual rate of inflation based on the all-India WPI number is reduced to ________ for the
month of March 2023, which is 30-month low.
1) 1.34%
2) 2.97%
22. Name the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU
with the National Science and Technology Centre for Disaster Reduction (NCDR), Taiwan to
develop technology solutions to natural hazards.
1) IIT Madras
2) IIT Roorkee
3) IIT Bombay
4) IIT Guwahati
5) IIT Kanpur
Answer- 2) IIT Roorkee
Explanation:
The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), Uttarakhand, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the National Science and Technology Centre for Disaster Reduction
(NCDR), Taiwan, to develop technology solutions to natural hazards, including earthquakes,
landslides, floods, debris flow, and compound disasters.
i. The agreement was signed during a visit by NCDR scientists and faculty members, as well as NCDR
director Dr Hongey Chen.
ii. The MoU aims to develop scientific and academic cooperation and scientific research to promote
relations and mutual understanding between NCDR and the Centre of Excellence in Disaster
Mitigation and Management (CoEDMM) of IIT Roorkee.
23. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) unveiled the world’s 1st smart gun using
fingerprints & facial recognition technology to protect against misuse.
1) Barrett Firearms
2) Sig Sauer
3) Biofire Technologies
4) Springfield Armory, Inc
5) Savage Arms
Answer- 3) Biofire Technologies
Explanation:
Colorado (United States of America-USA)-based Biofire Technologies, a gun-making company, has
unveiled the world’s 1st smart gun “Biofire Smart Gun”, a 9mm handgun secured by fingerprint and
24. 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%
Explanation:
According to Morgan Stanley, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) was proposed to grow at 6.2%
in FY24 (Financial year 2023-24) due to the contribution of a cyclical recovery in consumption,
increased private sector capex (Capital Expenditure), and acceleration on government spending.
i. The Inflation in India was projected to average around 5.5% in FY24 and it was likely to be below
5% in the Q2 of the calendar year 2024. Inflation for April 2023 is currently tracking at 4.7% YoY
(Year-on-Year).
ii. Inflation is expected to decrease to below 5% Q1 FY24, supported by favourable base effects and
moderating commodity prices.
25. Which country’s Power exchange has recently (in April ‘23) signed an agreement
with India’s Steel Mint for selling and buying energy directly?
1) Bhutan
2) Sri Lanka
3) Singapore
4) Bangladesh
5) Nepal
Answer- 5) Nepal
Explanation:
On 19th April 2023, In a major boost for energy cooperation between Nepal and India, private entities
and companies of India and Nepal signed an agreement for selling and buying energy directly.
i. Nepal Power Exchange (NEPEX), established by the private sector with the aim of trading electricity
abroad, signed the agreement with India’s Steel Mint.
• Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association (IPPA),
Nepal and Kshitij Pandey of SteelMint (BigMint Technologies Private Limited) were the
signatories.
• Under this agreement, Indian private-sector hydropower project developers can buy electricity
up to 200 MW from Nepal.
ii. The agreement was signed during the 8th Power Summit 2023 held on 18th-19th April 2023 in
Kathmandu, Nepal with the slogan Broodening Green Energy Markets.
27. 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.
i. India’s 5 biggest companies: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is India’s largest company with a
market cap of ~Rs 16.07 lakh crore followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with ~Rs 11.62 lakh
crore and HDFC Bank with ~Rs 9.28 lakh crore.
• ICICI Bank stands at the 4th position with an m-cap of ~Rs 6.38 lakh crore and Hindustan
Unilever Limited (HUL) stands at 5th place with an m-cap of ~Rs 5.85 lakh crore.
28. As per the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Report 2022, which country is the
largest recipient of ADB-funded programs/projects in 2022?
1) Sri Lanka
2) India
3) Pakistan
4) Indonesia
5) Bangladesh
29. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with The Nature Conservancy
Centre India (TNC India) for the repurposing of mined-out lands for the setting up of
renewable energy (RE) projects?
1) Coal India Limited
2) NTPC Limited
3) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
4) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
5) NLC India Limited
Answer- 5) NLC India Limited
Explanation:
NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a central public sector undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Coal, has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Nature Conservancy Centre India (TNC
India) to collaborate on research work pertaining to the repurposing of mined-out lands for setting
up of Renewable Energy (RE) projects.
i. The MoU would strengthen these efforts in line with India’s CoP-26 pledge to transition to a low-
carbon economy and focus on increased use of renewable energy sources.
2. Name the company that has recently (in March ‘23) signed a contract with the Ministry of
Defence (MoD) for the modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards (NAYs) at Goa and Kochi, Kerala.
1) ABG Shipyard Limited
2) Ultra Dimensions Private Limited
3) MTAR Technologies
4) Cochin Shipyard Limited
5) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Answer- 2) Ultra Dimensions Private Limited
Explanation:
On 31st March 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Ultra Dimensions Private
Limited (UDPL), Visakhapatnam for the modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards (NAYs) at Goa and
Kochi (Kerala), at a cost of approximately Rs 470 crore.
i. The NAYs would service and repair Naval Aircraft, Aero Engines, Rotables and Test Equipment at
Goa and Kochi, Kerala.
ii. The MoD has also signed a contract with Mecon Ltd, Ranchi, Jharkhand, as Project Monitoring
Consultant, at a cost of Rs 24 crore.
3. In April 2023, the union cabinet provided the approval for the signing of a tripartite
agreement by the _______ State government, and State Electricity Board with the KfW German
Bank for securing a loan for the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project.
1) Kerala
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Karnataka
4) Maharashtra
5) Gujarat
Answer- 1) Kerala
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has provided the approval for the signing of a tripartite agreement by the Kerala
State government, and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) with the German state-owned
development bank KfW (formerly KfW Bankengruppe) for securing a loan for the Kerala Green
Energy Corridor (GEC) project, which is being implemented by KSEB.
i. At the current rates, the project will be eligible for a KfW loan of €102.11 million (approximately Rs
916 crore) at 3% to 4% interest.
ii. A sum of Rs 138.71 crore will be available as a Central government grant. Both the Law and Finance
departments had provided the approval for the proposal.
5. In April 2023, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), GoI signed an MoU with the United Nations
(UN) World Food Programme (WFP) to send 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the people of
_________.
1) Indonesia
2) Bangladesh
3) Afghanistan
4) United Arab Emirates
5) Sri Lanka
Answer- 3) Afghanistan
Explanation:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP), clearing the way
for the delivery of 10,000 metric tonnes (the fifth tranche) of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.
i. The fifth tranche [to be supplied through Iran’s Chahbahar port] builds on aid already provided by
the WFP for people in need in Afghanistan.
ii. This MoU is a result of the Indian declaration in March 2023 that 20,000 metric tonnes of wheat
would be transported via the Iranian port of Chahbahar, which was made at the India-Central Asia
Joint Working Group on Afghanistan.
6. Name the state government that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the High
Glory Footwear India Private Limited to set up a footwear manufacturing facility with the
investment of Rs 2,302 crore over 12 years.
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Kerala
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Karnataka
7. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the Chempolis India
Private Limited to set up a Bamboo-based Bio-Refinery in Bongaigaon, Assam.
1) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
2) Hindustan Petroleum Limited
3) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
4) National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
5) Bharat Petroleum Limited
Answer- 4) National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
Explanation:
NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited), the largest power-
generating utility in India, and Chempolis India Private Limited, a Fortum group associate company
and a leading Finnish bio-refining technology provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to explore the feasibility of setting up a Bamboo-based Bio-Refinery in Bongaigaon, Assam.
i. Chempolis will work with NTPC to conduct the feasibility study for the project that would use
bamboo for the manufacturing of 2G Ethanol, Bio-Coal for thermal power plants, and other value-
added goods.
ii. The proposed Bio-Refinery is planned as an integration project with NTPC Bongaigaon Power Plant.
8. Which state government’s e-Governance Agency has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU
with the Indian Bank to offer payment aggregator services?
1) Telangana
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Karnataka
5) Tamil Nadu
Answer- 5) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
The Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA), a State Nodal Agency under the Information
Technology and Digital Service (IT&DS) Department, Government of Tamil Nadu (TN), signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the public sector Indian Bank for integrating Payment
Aggregator for e-Governance Application of various department in Tamil Nadu (TN).
i. With this MoU, all government departments now have access to a plug-and-play platform for their
payment-related needs.
9. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the Government of Assam to settle
the long-pending border dispute?
1) Sikkim
2) Meghalaya
3) Arunachal Pradesh
4) Nagaland
5) Manipur
Answer- 3) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
On 20th April 2023, the Government of Assam and Govt of Arunachal Pradesh signed a
Memorandum of Understating (MoU) to settle the long-pending border dispute of the 804-km
shared boundary between the two states.
i. The MoU was signed by the Chief Minister (CM) of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, and CM of
Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu in the presence of Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi, Delhi.
ii. The MoU involved state governments have agreed that the MoU regarding the 123 disputed villages
is “full and final,” and no new encroachment will be allowed in the border areas.
• One village from Arunachal Pradesh will become part of Assam, while 60 villages from Assam
will become part of Arunachal Pradesh, and 10 villages will remain in Assam.
• The boundary for 49 of the remaining 52 villages will be determined by the regional
committees within six months, and three villages in the Indian Air Force (IAF) bombing range
will require rehabilitation.
10. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to facilitate research in advanced technologies for
energy security.
1) Oil India Limited
2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
3) Coal India Limited
4) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
5) NLC India Limited
Answer- 1) Oil India Limited
Explanation:
According to a statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology, The Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, Delhi and Oil India Limited (OIL), have signed an umbrella
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate research in advanced technologies for energy
security.
• The MoU between CSIR and OIL will enable collaboration with all the labs of CSIR.
i. Under the MoU, Both organizations will accelerate the development of new technologies and
solutions that will enhance energy security and drive sustainable growth and also work towards
capacity building through training and skill development.
12. Name the GoI department that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the Art of
Living (AoL) to spread the message of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).
1) Department of Personnel and Training
2) Department of Commerce
3) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
4) Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
5) Department of Science and Technology
Answer- 4) Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
Explanation:
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) under the Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment (MoSJE), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Art of Living (AoL), a
non-profit, volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational non-governmental organization (NGO), for
spreading the message of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) among the youth, women, students
etc.
i. The MoU was signed at the event held at Dr. B.R Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi in
the presence of Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, MoSJE and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder
of Art of Living.
13. Which state government has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the Oil India
Limited (OIL) to establish a framework for cooperation in harnessing and developing new and
renewable energy sources (NRES)?
1) Uttarakhand
2) Odisha
3) Himachal Pradesh
2. Which company has recently (in March ‘23) re-appointed Praveer Sinha as its Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) for 4 years?
1) RattanIndia Power Limited
2) Adani Transmission Limited
3) JSW Energy Limited
4) Tata Power Company Limited
5) Reliance Power Limited
Answer- 4) Tata Power Company Limited
Explanation:
Tata Power Company Limited (TATA Power), one of India’s oldest and largest integrated power
utilities, re-appointed Praveer Sinha as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director
(MD) for 4 years with effect from 1st May 2023.
• His current tenure as the CEO and MD of Tata Power will conclude on 30th April 2023.
4. Who has recently (in April ‘23) taken charge as the 40th National President of the Federation
of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Ladies Organisation (FLO) for the term
2023-2024?
1) Jahnabi Phookan
2) Sudha Shivkumar
3) Ujjwala Singhania
4) Jayanti Dalmia
5) Pooja Chauhan
Answer- 2) Sudha Shivkumar
Explanation:
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based lawyer & investment banker Sudha Shivkumar took over as the 40th
National President of the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &
Industry (FICCI) – FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) for the term 2023-2024.
i. Sudha Shivkumar succeeds Jayanti Dalmia, 39th national president of FICCI FLO (2022-2023).
ii. Prior to this appointment, Sudha Shivkumar was serving as the National Senior Vice President of
FICCI FLO.
Note- FLO is a division of FICCI, the apex body of industry and commerce in India. It is the oldest
women-led and women-centric business chamber of Southeast Asia.
5. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) taken charge as the Vice-Chief of Naval
Staff (VCNS) of the Indian Navy.
1) Vice Admiral Suraj Berry
2) Vice Admiral S.N. Ghormade
3) Vice Admiral Atul Anand
4) Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
5) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Answer- 4) Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
6. Which regulatory body of GoI has recently (in April ‘23) appointed ‘Neeraj Nigam’ as the new
Executive Director (ED)?
1) Reserve Bank of India
2) Securities and Exchange Board of India
3) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
4) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
5) Small Industries Development Bank of India
Answer- 1) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation:
On 3rd April 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed Neeraj Nigam as the new Executive
Director (ED) with immediate effect. He will be in charge of 4 departments, including consumer
education and protection.
i. Before being promoted as ED, Neeraj Nigam was heading the Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) regional
office of the RBI as director.
7. Who was recently (in March ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Axis Securities Limited?
1) Pranav Haridasan
2) Rajiv Anand
3) Arun Thukral
4) Nithya Easwaran
5) Hemant Patel
Answer- 1) Pranav Haridasan
Explanation:
Axis Securities Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank, announced the appointment of
Pranav Haridasan as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a tenure
of 3 years.
i. He will succeed the current MD & CEO, B Gopkumar, who is set to transfer to Axis Asset
Management Company as MD & CEO as part of the internal succession plan of Axis Group.
ii. Prior to this appointment, Pranav Haridasan was serving as the MD and Co-Head of Equities at Axis
Capital.
9. In April 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) extended the term of Chandra Shekhar
Rajan (C S Rajan) as non-executive chairman of IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial
Services Ltd) till ___________.
1) 30th September 2023
2) 31st August 2023
3) 30th June 2023
4) 31st July 2023
5) 30th November 2023
Answer- 1) 30th September 2023
Explanation:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has extended the term of Chandra Shekhar Rajan (C S Rajan)
as non-executive chairman of IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd) up to 30th
September 2023.
i. MCA has also extended the term of Nand Kishore as Managing Director (MD) of IL&FS up to March
31, 2024.
ii. IL&FS is a Core Investment Company registered with the Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
11. Who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Karnataka Bank?
1) Ananthakrishna
2) Mahabaleshwara M S
3) Sekhar Rao
4) M S Krishna Bhat
5) P Raghuram
Answer- 3) Sekhar Rao
Explanation:
Karnataka Bank had appointed Sekhar Rao as the interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO), following the completion of Mahabaleshwara M S ’s term as the incumbent
CEO.
i. Mahabaleshwara M S, who served as the bank’s managing director and CEO, completed his second
three-year term and demitted office on April 14.
ii. Sekhar Rao, the bank’s executive director, assumed the role of interim managing director and CEO
on April 15, 2023, after receiving approval from the Reserve Bank of India on April 12, 2023.
12. Who was recently (in April’ 23) appointed as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of HDFC
Bank Limited?
1) Sanjiv Sachar
2) Sunita Maheshwari
3) Bhavesh Zaveri
4) Sashidhar Jagdishan
5) Kaizad Bharucha
Answer- 5) Kaizad Bharucha
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Deputy
Managing Director (DMD) and Bhavesh Zaveri as Executive Director (ED) of HDFC Bank Limited, one
of India’s largest private sector lender, for a period of 3 years with effect from 19th April 2023.
13. In April 2023, Miguel Diaz-Canel was re-elected as president of ______________ for a second
term.
1) Cuba
2) Chile
3) Jamaica
4) Brazil
5) Venezuela
Answer- 1) Cuba
Explanation:
The National Congress of Cuba re-elected Miguel Diaz-Canel as president for a second term as the
country faces one of the biggest social and economic crises since Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution.
i. Miguel Díaz-Canel, leader of the Communist Party, the country’s only recognized political movement,
won a landslide vote of 97.66% of the Cuba-aligned National Assembly, all of whose 470 members are
aligned with the party.
ii. The assembly also re-elected Salvador Valdes as Cuba’s vice-president Esteban Lazo as the
president of the National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP) and Manuel Marrero as prime minister.
iii. In 2018 Miguel Díaz-Canel succeeded Raul Castro as President and First Secretary of the Cuban
Communist Party in 2021. He is the first non-Castro born after the 1959 revolution to hold both of
those titles.
14. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the recent appointments made
by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in April 2023?
A) Anurag Jain, the current Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(MoRTH).
B) Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, MoRTH has been appointed as Secretary of Department of
Animal Husbandry and Dairy (AHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &
Dairying.
C) Saurabh Garg, CEO of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has been appointed
as Secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment.
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 20, 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi made a bureaucratic reshuffle of the 12 high-level officials in the government.
15. Name the cricket player who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the brand
ambassador of JioCinema.
1) Virat Kohli
2) Rohit Sharma
3) KL Rahul
4) Rishabh Pant
5) Shubman Gill
Answer- 2) Rohit Sharma
Explanation:
JioCinema, the Indian OTT (over-the-top) Platform and the official digital partner of the Indian
Premier League (IPL) 2023-27, has appointed Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian Cricket Team
and Mumbai Indians (MI), as its new brand ambassador.
i. Prior to signing with JioCinema, Rohit Sharma ended his association with Star Sports, the TV
broadcast rights holder of the IPL.
ii. JioCinema had partnered with the players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Suryakumar Yadav, and
Smriti Mandhana as its ambassadors.
16. Who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister (PM) of the United
Kingdom (UK) after the resignation of Dominic Raab?
1) Oliver Dowden
2) Therese Coffey
3) Nick Clegg
4) John Prescott
5) Michael Heseltine
Answer- 1) Oliver Dowden
Explanation:
The British government named Oliver Dowden Deputy Prime Minister (PM), replacing Dominic
Raab, who resigned following an inquiry into bullying allegations.
• Prior to this appointment, Oliver Dowden had been serving in Rishi Sunak’s (PM of the United
Kingdom) government as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office
secretary.
i. Dominic Raab, who was serving as the Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor,
resigned from the government of Rishi Sunak following the report from the inquiry conducted on
bullying allegations.
ii. British Lawmaker, Alex Chalk KC MP was appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for
Justice, following the resignation of Dominic Raab.
17. Name the Indian Cricketer who has been recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the brand
Ambassador of Star Sports Network India.
1) Rohit Sharma
2) Suryakumar Yadav
3) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
4) Rishabh Pant
5) Ishan Kishan
Answer- 4) Rishabh Pant
Explanation:
Star Sports Network India, also known as Star Sports India, owned by Walt Disney Company, has
signed Indian Cricketer Rishabh Pant as its brand ambassador.
i. Star Sports has also signed Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Shreyas
Iyer as its Believe Ambassadors.
ii. Star Sports has expanded its roster of 2 ambassadors in 2017 to 6 ambassadors, which also
includes former Indian cricket team Captain Virat Kohli.
18. Who has recently (in April ‘23) sworn in as the 8th Chief Justice (CJ) of the Tripura High
Court?
1) Ujjal Bhuyan
2) Biswanath Somadder
3) Aparesh Kumar Singh
4) Vipin Sanghi
5) Ravi Shankar Jha
Answer- 3) Aparesh Kumar Singh
Explanation:
Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Judge, High Court (HC) of Jharkhand has sworn in as the 8th Chief
Justice (CJ) of the Tripura High Court.
• Satyadeo Narain Arya, Governor of Tripura, administered the oath of office in a function at Raj
Bhavan.
i.On 11th April 2023, the Department of Justice (Appointments Division), Ministry of Law and Justice
issued the notification regarding the appointment of Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh as CJ of Tripura HC
replacing Justice T. Amarnath Goud, senior most puisne Judge of the HC of Tripura, who was serving
as the acting CJ of the HC of Tripura since 23rd February 2023.
19. Who was recently (in April ‘23) sworn in as the 22nd president of Bangladesh?
1) Mohammed (Md) Sahabuddin
2) Muhammad Jamiruddin Sircar
3) Mohammad Abdul Hamid
4) Badruddoza Chowdhury
5) Shahabuddin Ahmed
Answer- 1) Mohammed (Md) Sahabuddin
20. In April 2023, Shreekant M Bhandiwad took charge as the new Chairman of ________________
(Bank).
1) RBL Bank
2) Kotak Mahindra Bank
3) IndusInd Bank
4) Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Answer- 4) Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank
Explanation:
Shreekant M Bhandiwad took charge as the new Chairman of the Karnataka Vikas Grameena
Bank (KVGB), an Indian Regional Rural Bank sponsored by Canara Bank headquartered in Dharwad,
Karnataka.
i. Prior to the appointment, Shreekant M Bhandiwad was heading the Patna circle of Canara Bank,
Bihar.
ii. He succeeds Puttaganti Gopikrishna, who was serving as the Chairman of KVGB from 2019 to 2023.
P Gopikrishna, repatriated to Canara Bank as Circle Head, Bengaluru, in Karnataka.
21. Who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Chairman of the National Technical
Research Organisation (NTRO)?
1) Arun Kumar Sinha
2) Deepak Chauhan
3) Anil Dhasmana
4) Vikram Singh Rana
5) Anurag Jain
Answer-1) Arun Kumar Sinha
Explanation:
The Government has appointed Arun Kumar Sinha, a 1984 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of
Kerala cadre, as the appointed Chairman of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).
Arun Sinha has been an advisor in NTRO for 2 years.
i. Prior to the appointment as Chairman of NTRO, he was serving as an Acting Chairman of NTRO. He
has been working as the chief of the Special Protection Group (SPG) since March 2016.
22. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) taken charge as the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the Association of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
1) Pradeep Goel
2) Sanjay Jain
23. Who has been recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Chairperson of the National
Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) for the year 2023-24?
1) Anant Maheshwari
2) Krishnan Ramanujam
3) Sangeeta Gupta
4) Sanjeev Malhotra
5) Kritika Murugesan
Answer- 1) Anant Maheshwari
Explanation:
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) appointed Anant
Maheshwari, who is the President of Microsoft India, as its Chairperson for the year 2023-24.
i. Anant Maheshwari, who was Nasscom’s vice-chairperson, succeeds Krishnan Ramanujam, the
President of Business and Technology Services at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
• Krishnan Ramanujam served as Chairperson of Nasscom for 2022-23.
ii. Nasscom has also announced the appointment of Rajesh Nambiar, chairman and Managing Director,
Cognizant India as its Vice Chairperson at a group that represents India’s IT services sector for 2023-
24.
24. In April 2023, RBI approved the re-appointment of N Kamakodi as the Managing Director
(MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ___________ (bank) for a period of three years.
1) City Union Bank
2) RBL Bank
3) Tamilnad Mercantile Bank
4) South Indian Bank
5) IDFC FIRST Bank
Answer- 1) City Union Bank
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of N Kamakodi as the Managing
director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Kumbakonam (TamilNadu) based private sector
bank City Union Bank (CUB) for a period of three years with effect from May 1, 2023.
i. Dr. N. Kamakodi is serving as the MD & CEO of the CUB from May 2011
26. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) selected ‘A Madhavarao’ as its Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD)?
1) Bharat Electronics Limited
2) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
4) Bharat Dynamics Limited
5) Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited
Answer- 4) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Explanation:
A Madhavarao, Director (Technical) of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has been selected for the Post
of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) recommended by Public
Enterprises Selection Board (PESB).
i. The interview process has been conducted with 5 candidates (including A Madhavarao): 2 from
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and one each from the India Navy and the Indian Air Force
(IAF) and A Madhavarao were selected among the 5 candidates by the PESB Selection Panel.
27. In April 2023, ___________ was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Bank of Baroda (BoB), while Rajneesh Karnatak was appointed as the MD &
CEO of ____________ (Bank).
1) Atanu Kumar Das; Bank of Maharashtra
2) Debadatta Chand; Bank of India
3) Atanu Kumar Das; Canara Bank
4) Debadatta Chand; Bank of Maharashtra
5) Sanjiv Chadha; Bank of India
Answer- 2) Debadatta Chand; Bank of India
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi,
has approved the appointment of Debadatta Chand, Executive Director of Bank of Baroda (BoB) as
the new Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BoB with effect from the date of
assumption of office on or after 1st July 2023 for a period of three years.
28. In April 2023, Venkatasamy Jagannathan stepped down from the position of Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of _____________ (Insurance company).
1) Star Health and Allied Insurance
2) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
3) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
4) Bharti AXA Life Insurance
5) HDFC Life Insurance
Answer- 1) Star Health and Allied Insurance
Explanation:
Venkatasamy Jagannathan, 79, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Star Health and
Allied Insurance Co Ltd, stepped down from his position as CEO and would continue as Non-
Executive Director and Non-Executive Chairman of the Board effective from 4th May 2023.
i. He also holds a small stake in Star Health, which he helped establish in 2006 and posted a record-
high net profit of Rs 618 crore, including a record underwriting profit of Rs 204 crore.
ii. Prior to founding Star Health and Allied Insurance Company, he served as Chairman and Managing
Director (CMD) of United India Insurance Company. He retired from the united India in 2004.
3. 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.
i. Kiran Nadar was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the arts, her dedication to providing
greater access to culture both nationally and internationally, and her leading role in establishing
cultural ties between France and India.
ii. Kiran Nadar, the Chairperson of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) and a Trustee of the Shiv
Nadar Foundation is the founder of India’s 1st private museum.
• As a part of the mixed team, she won the Bronze Medal in the Bridge event at the 2018 Asian
Games.
4. Which of the following personalities was/were recently (in March ‘23) received the
President’s Police Medal by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India?
1) Vineet Vinayak
2) Seema Pahuja
3) Sardar Singh Chauhan
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
5. Name the non-government organisation (NGO) that has been recently (in March ‘23)
honoured with the Children’s Champion Award 2023 in the Health and Nutrition category.
1) Pratham (Maharashtra)
2) Tapoban (Assam)
3) Snehalaya (Maharashtra)
4) Katha (Kerala)
5) Bhumi (Gujarat)
Answer- 2) Tapoban (Assam)
Explanation:
Pathsala (Assam)-based Tapoban, a non-government organisation (NGO), which supports children
with special needs has been honoured with the prestigious Children’s Champion Award 2023 in the
Health and Nutrition category at a function held in Triveni Auditorium, Delhi.
i. The award was presented by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPR) on 25th
March 2023.
6. 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 the 2nd richest Indian behind Ambani, with a net worth of USD 47.2 billion 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.
7. Name the personality who has recently (in March ‘23) won the Best Supporting Actress
award at the 47th edition of the Olivier Awards (2023) for her role as Stella Kowalski in the
play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.
1) Aarti Mann
2) Anjana Vasan
3) Melanie Chandra
4) Padma Lakshmi
5) Aiysha Hart
Answer- 2) Anjana Vasan
Explanation:
On 2nd March 2023, Anjana Vasan, a Chennai-born Singaporean actress and singer-songwriter based
out of London, United Kingdom (UK), won Best Supporting Actress in the Play at the 47th edition of
Olivier Awards (2023) held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK.
• Anjana Vasan, 36 years old, is the 1st Singaporean to win the Olivier Award.
i. She was recognised for her role as Stella Kowalski in the revival of Tennessee Williams’ play “A
Streetcar Named Desire”.
8. Which of the following Indian cricketers was ‘Not’ recently (in April ‘23) awarded with the
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)’s honorary life membership?
1) Suresh Raina
2) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
3) Mithali Raj
4) Yuvraj Singh
5) Virat Kohli
Answer- 5) Virat Kohli
Explanation:
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) based at the Lord’s Cricket Ground (since 1814) in London, the United
Kingdom(UK), has awarded honorary life membership of the Club to 17 World’s finest cricketers,
including 5 Indian cricketers (3 men and 2 women): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni); Suresh
Raina; Yuvraj Singh; Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
i. MCC has also awarded a further 2 Honorary Life Memberships for non-playing contributions to the
game.
ii. 8 of the 12 Test Playing countries are represented on the 2023 Cohort of new Honorary Life
Memberships.
9. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) declared as the Best Performing State in the
Northeastern Region in the implementation of e-procurement jointly by the Ministry of
Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY)?
1) Sikkim
2) Assam
10. Name the Indian actor who has recently (in April ‘23) won the 2023 TIME100 Reader Poll.
1) Akshay Kumar
2) Shah Rukh Khan
3) Amitabh Bachchan
4) Ranbir Kapoor
5) Ranveer Singh
Answer- 2) Shah Rukh Khan
Explanation:
India’s Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan won the 2023 TIME100 Reader Poll, the 100th edition of
TIME’s readers poll in which readers voted for the individuals/groups that they think deserve a spot
on the Time’s annual list of the most influential people.
i. Shah Rukh Khan topped the list by receiving around 4% of the vote after more than 1.2 million votes
were cast.
• At the 2nd place there are Iranian women protesting for more freedom in Iran’s Islamic regime.
They garnered 3% of the vote.
• With 1.9 percent vote share, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of
Sussex, each of whom earned about 1.9% of the vote, came third and fourth on the poll and
Argentine Footballer Lionel Messi, stands 5th with 1.8% of the votes.
ii. Editors of the TIME magazine will reveal their choices for the 2023 TIME100 list on April 13, 2023.
11. 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
Answer- 3) Bharat Biotech International Limited
12. 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
Explanation:
Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao (CR Rao), a prominent Indian-American Statistician, has been
awarded the 2023 International Prize in Statistics, the statistics’ equivalent of the Nobel Prize, for
his monumental work 75 years ago that revolutionised statistical thinking.
i. CR Rao will receive the prize, which comes with a USD 80,000 award, in July 2023 the biennial
International Statistical Institute(ISI) World Statistics Congress, which will be held in Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada.
ii. The government of India honoured him with Padma Bhushan in 1968 and Padma Vibhushan in
2001 for science and engineering.
13. In April 2023, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the _______ Biennial
National Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards of the
National Innovation Foundation (NIF) at New Delhi, Delhi.
1) 8th
2) 11th
3) 7th
4) 10th
5) 9th
Answer- 2) 11th
Explanation:
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the 11th Biennial National Grassroots Innovation
and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Awards of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) at
Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), New Delhi, Delhi.
• On the same day, she also inaugurated the Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE)
2023 at the Sports Ground near RBCC.
i. The NIF has created a database of more than 325000 technological ideas, innovations and
traditional knowledge practices from around 625 districts across India.
14. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) received the All India Management
Association’s (AIMA)’s Business Leader of the Decade Award.
1) Azim Premji
2) Uday Kotak
3) Sunil Bharti Mittal
4) Cyrus S. Poonawalla
5) Kumar Mangalam Birla
Answer- 5) Kumar Mangalam Birla
Explanation:
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group, received the Business Leader of the Decade
Award at All India Management Association’s (AIMA) 13th Managing India Awards ceremony in
Durbar Hall, Taj Palace, New Delhi, Delhi.
i. Kumar Mangalam Birla won the award for his contributions to the Indian industry over the last
decade. He is credited for taking control of the diversified group and successfully consolidating its
operations since his early days
ii. T V Narendran, Chairman of Tata Steel Limited, was facilitated with the “AIMA-JRD Tata Corporate
Leadership” award.
15. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) presented with the Maharashtra
Bhushan Award for 2022 by the Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah.
1) Anil Kakodkar
2) Asha Bhosle
3) Appasaheb Dharmadhikari
4) Babasaheb Purandare
5) Jayant Narlikar
Answer- 3) Appasaheb Dharmadhikari
Explanation:
The Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) presented Maharashtra Bhushan
Award for 2022 to Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari during a public function at Kharghar area in
Raigarh district, Maharashtra.
i. Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was presented with a shawl, a citation and memento and a cheque of
Rs 25 lakh.
ii. In 2017, Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was recognized with Padma Shri for his outstanding
contributions to society.
Note: Appasaheb is the son of Dr. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari, an Indian spiritual Guru cum Social
Reformer. This is the first time that the Maharashtra Bhushan award has been given in the same
family for the second time. Nanasaheb was awarded with the same in 2008.
16. Who has recently (in April ‘23) won the 59th edition of Femina Miss India World 2023?
1) Sini Shetty
2) Manasa Varanasi
17. In April 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America
(USA) confirmed to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that India’s International
Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) category will continue to be published as _________.
1) Category 2
2) Category 1
3) Category 3
4) Category 4
5) Category 5
Answer- 2) Category 1
Explanation:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America (USA) confirmed to the
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) that India’s International Aviation Safety Assessment
(IASA) category will continue to be published as Category 1.
i. The FAA conducted the IASA program over a one-year period which included physical audits from
25 to 29 October 2021, and a further review in July and September 2022.
ii. In the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit conducted in November 2022,
India scored an Effective Implementation (EI) of 85.65% from the previous EI of 69.95%.
18. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent inauguration/
award presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu in April 2023?
A) The President of India, Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2023
and inaugurated the ‘National Conference on Incentivisation of Panchayats’ in New Delhi,
Delhi.
B) Ngopa (Assam) was awarded the Best Gram Panchayats/Equivalent Bodies & Hinjilicut
(Odisha), was awarded the best district panchayat or zilla parishad
C) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) conceptualized a series of Thematic Conferences for
the National Panchayat Awards Week on the theme of “Panchayaton ke Sankalpon ki Siddhi ka
Utsav”
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
19. Who has been recently (in April ‘23) selected for the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023 by
the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust (MEAT)?
1) Reetika Khera
2) Jayati Ghosh
3) Prabhat Patnaik
4) Abhijit Sen
5) Utsa Patnaik
Answer- 5) Utsa Patnaik
Explanation:
Utsa Patnaik, a renowned economist of national and international repute, has been selected for the
Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023 by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust (MEAT) based in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
i. The award will be given with a citation and a prize money of Rs. 2 lakh at a function which will be
held in Chennai, TN.
ii. She had won the V.V. Giri Memorial Award 2011 for her outstanding contribution to labour studies,
instituted by the V.V Giri National Labour Institute, Noida in Uttar Pradesh.
iii. The MalcolmAdiseshiah Award is annually presented by the MEAT to honour the contributions of
outstanding social scientists in the field of development studies.
20. Name the personality from the United States of America (USA) who has recently (in April
‘23) received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023 in the Business category.
1) Raj Subramaniam
2) Archana Sharma
3) Ramjee Prasad
4) Chandrakant Babubhai Patel
5) Sanjeev Mehta
21. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the Global Unicorn Index 2023
released by the Hurun Research Institute in April 2023?
A) According to the Global Unicorn Index 2023, India is ranked 4th on the index with 58
unicorns.
B) Online educator BYJU’S, worth USD 22 billion, topped the list of Indian Unicorns followed by
Swiggy and Dream11 (USD 8 billion each).
C) The United States of America (USA) topped the index with 666 unicorns, followed by China
in 2nd spot with 316 unicorns.
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 Global Unicorn Index 2023 published by Hurun Research Institute, India is ranked
3rd on the index with 68 unicorns (up 14 compared to 2022). Online educator BYJU’S worth USD 22
billion topped the list of Indian Unicorns, followed by on-demand delivery start-up Swiggy and
fantasy sports platform travel-stay finder Dream11 (USD 8 billion each).
i. The United States of America (USA) topped the index with 666 unicorns, up 179 compared to
2022, followed by China in 2nd spot with 316 unicorns (up 15).
ii. BYJU’S is the only Indian Unicorn among the list of the top 10 biggest rises in valuation since pre-
Covid.
22. In April 2023, Tata Steel was recognised as the 2023 Steel Sustainability Champions by the
World Steel Association for the __________ consecutive year.
1) 8th
2) 4th
3) 9th
4) 6th
5) 3rd
Answer- 4) 6th
23. 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.
25. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) became the first woman officer in the
Indian Air Force (IAF) to receive the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) for Gallantry.
1) Vijayalakshmi Ramanan
2) Surbhi Jakhmola
3) Deepika Misra
4) Avani Chaturvedi
5) Shaliza Dhami
Answer- 3) Deepika Misra
Explanation:
Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Deepika Misra became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force
(IAF) to be presented with the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) for Gallantry.
i. The award was presented by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari at
an Investiture Ceremony 2023 held at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi, Delhi.
• CAS presented Presidential Awards to a total of 58 persons, 57 from the IAF and one from the
Army received the awards.
• CAS presented Two Yudh Seva Medals, 13 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), 13 Vayu Sena Medals
(devotion to Duty) and 30 Vishisht Seva Medals.
Note- The Vayu Sena Medal(VM) instituted on January 26, 1960, recognises exceptional devotion to
duty or acts of courage by Air Force personnel.
26. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) received the national award for the best
implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the year 2022-23?
1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Chhattisgarh
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Gujarat
Answer- 1) Karnataka
27. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Prime Minister’s (PM)
Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 released in April 2023?
A) National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme of the Union Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare (MoH&FW) received the PM Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022
under the Innovation (Centre) category.
B) Latur –Maharashtra & Anakapalli –Andhra Pradesh won the PM’s Award for Excellence in
Public Administration 2022 under the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre category.
C) Mission Youth – Jammu and Kashmir & State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation
(SOTTO)- Gujarat won the PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 under the
Innovation (State) category.
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 21, 2023, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme of the Union Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) received the Prime Minister’s (PM) Award for Excellence in Public
Administration 2022 under the Innovation (Centre) category.
• Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, MoH&FW received the award for National COVID-19 Vaccination
Programme from PM Narendra Modi at a function organized on the occasion of 16th Civil
Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
i. PM GatiShakti Master Plan – Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
also received the Prime Minister’s (PM) Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 under the
Innovation (Centre) category.
ii. Latur – Maharashtra for promoting ‘Swasth Bharat’ under Ayushman Bharat and Anakapalli –
Andhra Pradesh for promoting ‘Swasth Bharat’ through many Health and Wellness Centres won the
PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 under the Ayushman Bharat Health &
Wellness Centre category.
ii.Mission Youth – Jammu and Kashmir and State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO)
– Gujarat won the PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2022 under the Innovation
(State) category.
29. Name the personality from India who has recently (in April ‘23) honoured with Order of
Australia(AO).
1) Amit Dasgupta
2) Mukesh Ambani
3) Gautam Adani
4) Ratan Tata
5) Azim Premji
Answer- 4) Ratan Tata
Explanation:
On 22nd April 2023, Ratan Tata, Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and chairman Emeritus of Tata
Sons, was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), Australia’s highest civilian honour, in
recognition of his contribution to strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Australia
particularly in trade, investment, and philanthropy.
• The announcement was made by the Australian Ambassador to India Mr. Barry O’ Farrell.
• In March 2023, Ratan Tata was appointed as an Honorary Officer in the General Division of the
Order of Australia.
i. The Order of Australia is Australia’s highest civilian honour established in 1975 by Queen Elizabeth
II to recognize significant achievements and services of Australian citizens and others.
• Appointments to the Order of Australia are made twice a year, on Australia Day (January 26th)
and the Queen’s Birthday (in June).
31. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Housing and Urban
Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) Awards of 2022-2023 presented in April 2023?
A) The HUDCO Award was announced on the 53rd Foundation Day of Housing and Urban
Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO).
B) The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the HUDCO Award
(2022-2023) for Best Practices to improve the Living Environment 2022-23 category for
Sanitation.
C) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Bank was conferred with the award from the HUDCO for its
outstanding contribution towards the housing sector of the country under the Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana (Urban).
1) Only B
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 25th April 2023, during a programme organised on the 53rd Foundation Day of Housing and
Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), the HUDCO Awards of 2022-2023 were
announced in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the HUDCO Award (2022-
2023) for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment 2022-23 category for Sanitation.
ii. Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Bank was conferred with the award from the HUDCO for its
outstanding contribution towards the housing sector of the country under the Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (Urban) – Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) through various innovative initiatives.
33. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) won First Prize in the Ministry of Steel’s
“Ispat Rajbhasha Samman” for the year 2021-22.
1) Tata Steel Limited
2) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
3) JSW Steel Limited
4) ESL Steel Limited
5) Steel Authority of India Limited
Answer- 2) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
Explanation:
RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited), also known as Vizag Steel, bagged the Ministry of Steel’s
“Ispat Rajbhasha Samman” First Prize for the year 2021-22.
i. The award was conferred by the Minister of State (MoS) Faggan Singh Kulaste, Ministry of Steel to
the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Atul Bhatt, RINL in the meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti
held at Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
ii. MoS also released RINL’s March issue of Hindi In-house Magazine “Rashtriya Ispat Sugandh”.
34. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the 68th edition of the Hyundai
Filmfare Awards (Filmfare Awards 2023) presented in April 2023?
A) Gangubai Kathiawadi directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Alia Bhatt, won 8 trophies
including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actress.
B) Veteran Bollywood actor Prem Chopra who predominantly acted in Hindi and Punjabi films
received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
C) Jahnvi Shrimankar, won the R D Burman Award For Upcoming Music Talent for her debut
song “Dholida” from Gangubai Kathiawadi.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
35. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Green World Awards
2023 presented by the Green Organization in April 2023?
1) Vedanta Limited has been conferred Global Gold Award in the Environmental Policy & Management
category at the Green World Awards 2023.
2) Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has been conferred Global Gold Award in
the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) category.
3) The Delhi Metro Rail Limited won the Global Silver Award in the Environmental Policy category of
the Green World Awards 2023.
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On 24th April 2023, the Green Organization, London, United Kingdom (UK), presented the Green
World Awards 2023, at Miami International Airport in the United States of America (USA).
i. Indian Award Winners:
• Vedanta Limited has been conferred Global Gold Award in the Environmental Policy &
Management category at the Green World Awards 2023.
• Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector
Undertaking (CPSU) of the Ministry of Power (MoP), has been conferred Global Gold Award in
the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) category.
• The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) won the Global Silver Award in the
Environmental Policy category of the Green World Awards 2023.
ii. Other Winners: Grupo Ambipar of Brazil has been named the Green World Champion of
Champions 2023 for their project Sustainable Biocapsules-Transforming Waste into trees.
37. 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).
2. In which city, the 2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting, under India's G20 presidency was
held in April 2023?
1) Gandhinagar, Gujarat
2) Jodhpur, Rajasthan
3) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
4) Siliguri, West Bengal
5) Mumbai, Maharashtra
Answer- 4) Siliguri, West Bengal
Explanation:
The 2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting was held in Siliguri, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, from
April 1-4, 2023, and was represented by 56 delegates from 17 Member Countries, 8 Invitee Countries,
and 4 International Organizations (IOs) including United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
International Labour Organization (ILO), and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
i. The event was also graced by the participation of Ambassadors from seven G20 countries: Australia,
Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, Indonesia, and South Korea.
ii. The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Culture;
Ministry of Tourism; and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and John
Barla, Union Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Minority Affairs.
3. In April 2023, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) formed a 4-member committee led by
_____________ to examine the pension system for government employees.
1) Anil Yadav
2) T. V. Somanathan
3) Vivek Singh
4) Ashok Kumar Rawat
5) Ankit Jalan
Answer- 2) T. V. Somanathan
Explanation:
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has formed a 4-member committee led by Finance Secretary T. V.
Somanathan to examine the pension system for government employees.
• The panel will also include Deepak Mohanty, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA); Annie Matthew, Special Secretary, Department of
Expenditure (DEA), MoF; and Radha Chauhan, Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training
(DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
i. According to its mandate, the committee would recommend any necessary changes to the National
Pension System (NPS), generally known as the New Pension Scheme, as it pertains to employees of the
government.
2. What is the rank of India in the world’s ‘most criminal countries’ list released by the World
of Statistics in April 2023?
1) 65th
2) 71st
3) 69th
4) 77th
5) 70th
Answer- 4) 77th
Explanation:
According to the ranking of the world’s ‘most criminal countries’ released by the World of Statistics,
Venezuela ranked first in the list followed by Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan. India was at the
position 77th on the list of criminal countries.
3. 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.
3. Which of the following companies has recently (in April ‘23) received an approval for the
acquisition of shares and control over SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited from
the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?
1) National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited
2) India Debt Resolution Company Limited
3) Reliance Asset Reconstruction Company Limited
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On 6th April 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of shares
and control over SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited by National Asset Reconstruction Company
Limited (NARCL) and India Debt Resolution Company Limited (IDRCL) under Section 5(a) of
Competition Act, 2002.
Acquirers: NARCL and IDRCL
Target: SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited
5. In which company, the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global has recently (in April
‘23) increased its stake by 1.73% through bulk deals?
1) Bharat Electronics Ltd
2) Exide Industries Ltd
3) Bajaj Electricals Ltd
4) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd
5) Havells India Ltd
Answer- 3) Bajaj Electricals Ltd
Explanation:
Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global has increased its stake in Bajaj Electricals Ltd by
1.73% (20 lakh shares) through bulk deals, bringing its total shareholding in the electrical appliances
company up to 3.03%
i. As per the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) data, the Government Pension Fund Global already holds
a 1.30% stake in Bajaj Electricals.
ii. Meanwhile, California-based venture capital firm SmallCap World Fund, which holds 5.3% in Bajaj
Electricals, has offloaded 22 lakh shares or 1.94% stakes in the company, reducing its holding to
3.36%.
7. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) received Competition Commission of India (CCI)
approval to acquire the Emerson Electric Co under the green channel route?
1) Putnam Investments
2) JPMorgan Chase & Co.
3) Capital Group
4) BCP Emerald Aggregator LP
5) Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P
Answer- 4) BCP Emerald Aggregator LP
Explanation:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI), has approved the acquisition of climate technologies’
business of Emerson Electric Co by BCP Emerald Aggregator LP under the green channel route.
i. BCP Emerald Aggregator LP is an affiliate of Blackstone, an alternative asset manager based in the
United States of America (USA).
ii. CCI has also approved the proposed investment by Stamford Bridge Investment Pte Ltd, a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of GIC (Ventures) Private Limited and Platinum Falcon B 2018 RSC Ltd
(Platinum), in BCP Emerald Aggregator LP.
8. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent approval given by
the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in April 2023?
A) The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) approved the merger of HDFC Investments
Limited and HDFC Holdings Limited with parent Housing Development Finance Corporation
(HDFC) Limited.
B) As a part of the composite scheme of amalgamation, MAS has also approved the acquisition
of a 5% or more stake in Griha Pte. Limited by HDFC Bank.
C) The proposed amalgamation is subject to receipt of final approvals from the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in respect of change in control of certain subsidiaries of HDFC
Ltd.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
9. In which bank, Hinduja Group, recently (in April ‘23) increased its stake by receiving in-
principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
1) ICICI Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) YES Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 5) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
Hinduja Group, the promoters of IndusInd Bank have received the in-principle approval from the
Reserve Bank of India(RBI) to increase their stake in IndusInd Bank.
• The promoters filled out the form to increase the stake and as per the RBI norms, the due
diligence process takes about 90-180 days.
i. At present, IndusInd’s promoters currently hold 16.5% stake in IndusInd Bank.
ii. In 2021, the RBI raised the cap on the stake promoters can hold in a bank to 26% from 15%.
Note- IndusInd International Holdings Ltd, an entity belonging to promoters Hinduja Group, has a
12.57% stake in the IndusInd Bank, while IndusInd Ltd has a 3.93% stake.
DEFENCE
1. 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.
2. In April 2023, the ______ edition of annual India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise –
SLINEX(Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise) 2023 was commenced in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
1) 8th
2) 5th
3) 7th
4) 10th
5) 6th
Answer- 4) 10th
Explanation:
On April 3, 2023, the 10th edition of annual India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise – SLINEX (Sri
Lanka-India Naval Exercise) 2023, between Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and India Navy (IN) commenced in
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
i. The exercise is divided into two phases, namely the Harbour Phase, which will be held from April 3-
5, 2023, in Colombo followed by the Sea Phase from April 6-8, 2023, off Colombo.
ii. Representors:
• IN: INS Kiltan (Advanced Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette) and INS Savitri (Offshore Patrol
Vessel). Participant: Chetak helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft
• SLN: SLNS Gajabahu (Advance Offshore Patrol Vessel) and SLNS Sagara (OPV). Participant: Sri
Lanka Air Force Dornier and BEL 412 helicopters
4. In which Indian state, the first phase of Exercise Cope India 23 (CI23) was commenced
between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force in April 2023?
1) Uttarakhand
2) Rajasthan
3) Odisha
4) West Bengal
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 4) West Bengal
Explanation:
The first phase of Exercise Cope India 23(CI23), a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force
(IAF) and the United States Air Force began on 10th April 2023 at Air Force Station Arjan
Singh(Panagarh Air Force base) in Panagarh, West Bengal(WB).
• The 11-day exercise is scheduled to be held in Panagarh, Kalaikunda(West Bengal) and Agra
(Uttar Pradesh)air force stations.
• Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) aircrew will also participate in the capacity of
observers.
i. Participants: The Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft will spearhead the IAF contingent which also
features the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas, IL-78 mid-air refuellers and air-borne early warning
aircraft.
ii. The USAF will field the F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets & both sides will field the C-130J and C-17
aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well.
5. In April 2023, the Indian Armed Forces set up an inter-services panel chaired by the _________
to examine the disability pensions among armed force personnel.
1) Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Bhinder
2) Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi
6. Which Military unit of Indian Government has recently (in April ‘23) conducted a Joint
Military Exercise “Ex KAVACH”?
1) Andaman and Nicobar Command
2) Central Command
3) Western Command
4) Northern Command
5) Eastern Command
Answer- 1) Andaman and Nicobar Command
Explanation:
Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the first and only Tri-Service theatre command in India,
conducted a large-scale Joint Military Exercise “Exercise KAVACH” (Ex KAVACH) involving the assets
of the Indian Armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) from 23rd February
2023 to 7th April 2023.
i. The aim of the exercise was to enhance joint warfare capabilities & Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) and enhance inter-operability and operational synergy between the forces.
ii. “Exercise KAVACH” showcased the capabilities and preparedness of the Armed Forces to protect
India’s maritime interests and ensure the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
7. As of April 2023, India is set to acquire armaments worth over USD 300 million from _______
(country) for the Indian Navy’s naval multi-role helicopters, the MH-60 "Romeo" chopper.
1) Russia
2) United States of America
3) France
4) Japan
5) Australia
Answer- 2) United States of America
Explanation:
India is set to clear the proposal to acquire armaments worth over USD 300 million from the United
States of America (USA) to arm the Indian Navy’s MH 60 “Romeo” chopper, the multi-role
helicopters which will enhance its capabilities to counter enemy warships and submarines.
i. Under this, the fleet of 24 choppers will get additional Hellfire missiles and Mk 54 lightweight
torpedoes.
8. In which city, the Indian Navy has recently (in April ‘23) conducted the offshore security
exercise ‘Prasthan’?
1) Chandipur, Odisha
2) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
4) Panaji, Goa
5) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Answer- 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
Explanation:
Indian Navy conducted the offshore security exercise Prasthan, a bi-annual co-ordinated exercise
along with other defence, state and civilian agencies on the Greatdrill Chaaya platform about 30
nautical miles(nm) South West of Mumbai harbour, Maharashtra.
• The exercise is held every six months, to verify the policies and methods for handling potential
emergencies on oil production platforms.
• It ensures offshore security and aims to integrate the efforts of all maritime stakeholders
involved in offshore defence.
i. A number of ships and helicopters from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, ONGC
(Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) and Directorate General of Shipping were deployed for the
exercise.
9. In April 2023, Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in __________, a Multilateral Military Exercise
commenced by French Air and Space Force (FASF) in France.
1) Exercise Desert Eagle II
2) Exercise Dustlik
3) Exercise Pitch Black
4) Exercise Orion
5) Exercise Nomadic Elephant
Answer- 4) Exercise Orion
Explanation:
Exercise Orion, a Multilateral Military Exercise, was initiated at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of
the French Air and Space Force (FASF) in France. Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent will take part in
the exercise which will be conducted from 17th April 2023 to 5th May 2023.
i. Along with IAF and FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom,
Spain and the United States of America (USA) also participated in the exercise.
• The Indian Air Force Contingent comprises four Rafale, two C-17, two IL-78 aircraft and 165
air warriors.
This is the first overseas exercise for the IAF Rafale aircraft. It is regarded as among the most powerful
fighter jets in service with any military in Asia.
2. Which defence sector/agency has recently (in March ‘23) conducted a field firing test of
indigenous man-portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III?
1) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
2) Indian Army
3) Bharat Dynamics Limited
4) Indian Navy
5) Bharat Electronics Limited
Answer- 3) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Explanation:
Bharat Dynamics Limited(BDL) successfully conducted a field firing test of its indigenous third
generation man-portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Amogha-III.
• Amogha-III has been developed under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
(IGMDP) by the Research and Development (R&D) Division of BDL.
• It features a dual-mode Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker with a range of 200 to 2500 meters.
i. The model of the new 3rd Generation ATGM, Amogha III was unveiled during the DefExpo 2020, a
flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence(MoD) held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in February
2020 in a hybrid format.
ii. The whole missile system comes with a command launch unit (CLU), remote operation capability
and a tripod.
4. 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.
6. Which space agency & National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently
(in April ‘23) announced the four astronauts crew for the Artemis II mission to Moon, including
1st Woman & 1st Person of Colour Astronauts?
1) Canadian Space Agency
2) European Space Agency
3) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
4) Indian Space Research Organisation
5) Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
Answer- 1) Canadian Space Agency
Explanation:
On 3rd April 2023, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and Canadian Space
Agency(CSA) announced the four astronauts crew for the Artemis II mission which includes 3 United
States of America (USA) nationals and one Canadian astronaut.
i. For the first time, the lunar mission crew includes a woman astronaut, Christina Koch, a person of
colour (African American) astronaut, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Canadian astronaut Jeremy
Hanse.
ii. The four-member crew was chosen to fly as early as 2024. Artemis II would be the first crewed
voyage around the moon in more than 50 years.
7. Name the research institute in India that has recently (in April ‘23) partnered with the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a new computer model that
combines AI & satellite data to sound alarms for dangerous space weather.
1) Indian Space Science Data Centre
2) Indian Institute of Remote Sensing
3) Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
4) Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
5) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Answer- 3) Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
8. 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
3) Dhruva Space
4) Vesta Space Technology
5) Skyroot Aerospace
Answer- 5) Skyroot Aerospace
Explanation:
Skyroot Aerospace, the Private space technology startup based in Hyderabad, Telangana successfully
test-fired advanced fully 3D-printed ‘Dhawan-II’ cryogenic engine for 200 seconds at Solar
Industries propulsion test facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra, using Skyroot’s indigenously developed
mobile cryogenic engine test pad.
i. The engine will be used in the upper stage of their Vikram II rocket, which is set to be launched in
2024.
ii. The Dhawan-II engine was built upon the foundation laid by Skyroot’s first privately developed
fully-cryogenic rocket engine, the 1.0 kN thrust Dhawan–I, which was successfully test fired in
November 2021.
9. Which country’s aerospace company, ‘Space Pioneer’, has recently (in April ‘23) launched
Tianlong-2(TL-2) Yaoyi carrier rocket, a liquid-fueled rocket into orbit?
1) Japan
2) North Korea
3) China
4) South Korea
5) United Arab Emirates
Answer- 3) China
Explanation:
Space Pioneer (also known as Beijing Tianbing Technology Company Limited), a Chinese aerospace
company developing reusable orbital rocket technology, launched its Tianlong-2 (TL-2) Yaoyi
carrier rocket, a liquid-fueled rocket, from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China.
i. With this launch, Space Pioneer becomes the 1st Chinese aerospace company(private) to launch a
liquid-fueled rocket into orbit and this also marks the first time a startup company has successfully
reached orbit on its 1st attempt.
ii. The rocket launched a small satellite named Ai Taikong Kexue or “Love Space Science”, developed
by Hunan Hangsheng Satellite Technology Co., Ltd, into a Sun-synchronous orbit, which will test its
remote sensing capabilities.
10. In April 2023, the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter of the ________ , performed its 49th flight,
breaking two world records: the highest altitude and the highest speed achieved by any self-
propelled aircraft outside of Earth.
1) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2) European Space Agency
3) Indian Space Research Organisation
4) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
5) Canadian Space Agency
Answer- 1) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Explanation:
The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
performed its 49th flight, breaking two records: the highest altitude and the highest speed achieved
by any self-propelled aircraft outside of Earth.
i. The little rotorcraft (Ingenuity) made its 49th flight during which it flew up to a height of 16 metres
and clocked a high speed of 23.4 kilometres per hour.
ii. Ingenuity covered a distance of 282 metres during the 49th flight, which lasted 142.7 seconds.
11. 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.
12. In April 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed
two significant tests- Vikas Engine Test Campaign for the L110 Stage & SDM (System
Demonstration Model) tests for the Crew Module Propulsion System for _________ mission.
1) Shukrayaan
2) Gaganyaan
3) Mangalyaan 2
4) Chandrayaan 3
5) Pragyan
Answer- 2) Gaganyaan
13. Which rocket of SpaceX has recently (in April ‘23) launched Intelsat 40e satellite with
NASA’s Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) from Florida, United States
(US)?
1) Falcon 9
2) Grasshopper
3) Falcon 1e
4) Starship
5) Falcon 5
Answer- 1) Falcon 9
Explanation:
On April 7, 2023, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument from Space
Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States (US).
• The instrument was built by Ball Aerospace and integrated onto satellite Intelsat 40eby
Maxar.
• TEMPO slogan is ‘It’s about time,’ which focuses on TEMPO's ability to provide hourly air
pollution data.
i. Intelsat 40e is an advanced geostationary satellite that will provide high-throughput connectivity to
the company’s government and enterprise customers across North and Central America.
ii. The satellite, developed by Colorado-based Maxar Technologies, carried NASA’s TEMPO as a
hosted payload.
14. In April 2023, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the 100th ___________
Repair and Overhaul (ROH) aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
1) Ilyushin Il-78
2) Mikoyan MiG-29
3) Sukhoi Su-30 MKI
4) LCA Tejas Mk-1A
5) Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Answer- 3) Sukhoi Su-30 MKI
15. From which Indian Naval Ship (INS), the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ER-ASR)
designed by two Pune based facilities of the DRDO, were successfully test-fired for the 1st time
in April 2023?
1) INS Vikrant
2) INS Chennai
3) INS Mormugao
4) INS Visakhapatnam
5) INS Vikramaditya
Answer- 2) INS Chennai
Explanation:
Extended Range Anti Submarine Rocket (ER-ASR) designed by two Pune (Maharashtra)-based
facilities of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were successfully test-fired
for the 1st time from the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Chennai.
• The ER-ASR was designed and developed by The Armament Research and Development
Establishment (ARDE) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) – DRDO
facilities located in Pune, Maharashtra.
i. The ER-ASR is intended to replace the existing Russian-origin Rocket Guided Bombs (RGBs) rockets
already installed on ships, as well as to intercept submarines at specific depths.
• The RGB has a range of 5 kilometers, whereas the ER-ASR has a range of more than 8
kilometres.
16. In April 2023, a team of 80 international astronomers from 10 countries detected 4 oldest
galaxies in the known universe using _____________ (Space Telescope).
1) James Webb Space Telescope
2) Kepler space Telescope
3) Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
4) Spitzer Space Telescope
5) Hubble Space Telescope
Answer- 1) James Webb Space Telescope
Explanation:
According to the papers published in the journal “Nature”, a team of 80 international astronomers
from 10 countries have detected 4 oldest galaxies in the known universe using the James Webb
Space Telescope (JWST).
17. Name the country that has recently (in April ‘23) launched ‘Ofek 13’, a spy satellite on the
Shavit launch vehicle into orbit.
1) China
2) South Korea
3) Israel
4) North Korea
5) Japan
Answer- 3) Israel
Explanation:
Israel successfully launched the Ofek 13, a new Israeli spy satellite onboard the Shavit launch
vehicle into space from Palmachim Airbase spaceport, located near the cities of Rishon LeZion and
Yavne, Israel.
• This would enhance around-the-clock regional monitoring as Israel braces for a possible
showdown with Iran.
i. The Ofek-13, manufactured by the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is the latest in a
series of Israeli-produced satellites first put into orbit in 1988 and the Ofek 13 is the newest Israeli
reconnaissance satellite to be launched, following the Ofek 16 in the summer of 2020.
ii. It was launched on a Shavit missile over the Mediterranean Sea, a westward direction Israel
generally uses to avoid sensitive technologies getting into the hands of Middle Eastern neighbours in
the case of a malfunction.
18. Which country’s company has recently (in April ‘23) launched the world’s first liquid
hydrogen-powered ferry vessel called ‘MF Hydra’?
1) Norway
2) Russia
3) China
4) United Kingdom
5) United States of America
Answer- 1) Norway
Explanation:
Norwegian company Norled has launched the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry vessel
called ‘MF Hydra’. The vessel has been going through sea trials and system tests at Hjelmeland since
the beginning of 2023. MF Hydra will now operate on the triangular route of Hjelmeland-Skipavik-
Nesvik.
i. MF Hydra, powered by Ballard Power Systems FCwave fuel cell modules that use hydrogen to
generate power, received clearance from the Norwegian Maritime Administration to start sailing.
ii. MF Hydra is the 82.4-meter-long ferry. It can carry up to 300 passengers and 80 vehicles and
decrease its yearly carbon emissions by up to 95%.
20. Name the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU
with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to develop touchless biometric
capture systems.
1) IIT Madras
2) IIT Delhi
3) IIT Kanpur
4) IIT Hyderabad
5) IIT Bombay
Answer- 5) IIT Bombay
Explanation:
On 10th April 2023, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology- Bombay (IIT-Bombay), Mumbai,
Maharashtra, to develop a robust touchless biometric capture system for easier usage by people
anytime, anywhere.
i. Under the MoU, UIDAI and IIT-Bombay will conduct joint research to develop a mobile fingerprint
capture system and a liveness model connected with the capture system.
ii. The touchless biometric capture system will enable fingerprint authentication from home, similar
to face authentication, once it is fully developed and operational.
21. Which Institute has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with the Weapons and Electronics
Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), the R&D wing of the Indian Navy to develop
secure maritime communications using quantum technologies?
1) Indian Institute of Sciences
2) Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
3) National Institute of Oceanography
4) Raman Research Institute
5) CSIR – National Geophysical Research Institute
Answer- 4) Raman Research Institute
22. 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.
23. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye has recently (in April ‘23)
unveiled the world's first unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) carrier.
What is the name of the Warship?
1) TCG Anadolu
2) TCG Bayraktar
3) TCG Burgazada
4) TCG Akcay
5) TCG Istanbul
Answer- 1) TCG Anadolu
Explanation:
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, officially unveiled ‘TCG Anadolu’, the
country’s largest warship and the world’s first unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) carrier. It is
an amphibious assault vessel of the Turkish Navy that can be configured as a landing helicopter dock
(LHD) and a drone carrier.
• TCG Anadolu was built as part of the ‘Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship Project’ and
began trials in March 2022.
24. Which country has recently (in April ‘23) conducted the test launch of an “advanced”
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) of a mobile ground-based missile system?
1) Russia
2) United Arab Emirates
3) Israel
4) Japan
5) Indonesia
Answer- 1) Russia
Explanation:
On 11th April 2023, the Russian Defense Ministry executed a successful test launch of an “advanced”
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) of a mobile ground-based missile system from the Kapustin
Yar test site in Russia’s southern Astrakhan region.
• The combat crew of the Strategic Missile Forces participated in the tests.
i. The purpose of the launch was to test the advanced combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic
missiles.
ii. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the missile hit the target at the Sary-Shagan training
ground in Kazakhstan.
25. In April 2023, China launched __________, its first satellite dedicated to monitor heavy
rainfalls during catastrophic weather conditions in global regions of low- and mid-latitude.
1) Pujiang-1
2) Tiankun-1
3) Zhongxing-1D
4) Yaogan- 18
5) Fengyun-3G
Answer- 5) Fengyun-3G
Explanation:
China launched Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), its first satellite allowing scientists to monitor the Earth’s
precipitation from space. It was launched by China’s Long March 4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite
Launch Center in Northwest China’s Gansu Province.
i. With a lifespan of 6 years (2023 – 2029), FY 3G is dedicated to monitoring heavy rainfalls during
catastrophic weather conditions in global regions of low- and mid-latitude i.e. it will forecast global
meteorological disasters through its powerful tool.
• This is one of only three such satellites in the world.
ii. FY 3G was developed by Eighth Research Institute under China Aerospace Science and Technology
Corporation (CASC), and its ground system is built and operated by the China Meteorological
Administration (CMA).
27. Which space agency has recently (in April ‘23) launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer
(JUICE), via the Ariane-5 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana?
1) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
3) European Space Agency
4) Canadian Space Agency
5) Indian Space Research Organisation
Answer- 3) European Space Agency
Explanation:
The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), via
the Ariane-5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport from Kourou, French Guiana.
i. Juice, a robotic explorer’s, mission was to make detailed observations of the solar system’s biggest
planet, Jupiter and three ice-encrusted moons which scientists believed to have underground oceans
where sea life could exist.
• Juice is expected to reach Jupiter in 2031 and has a mission lifespan of about three years which
could be extended by 200 or more days.
• It will make multiple flybys of Jupiter’s satellites Ganymede, Callisto and Europa before
orbiting around Ganymede.
28. Name the country that has recently (in April ‘23) tested the second underwater nuclear
attack drone called ‘Haeil-2’.
1) South Korea
2) China
29. 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)
Explanation:
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, launched the
“YUVA Portal” and One Week- One Programme at National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi,
Delhi, to help in connecting and identifying potential young Start-Ups.
• YUVA- Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors.
i. Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the 37 Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) Labs spread
across India as examples of India’s excellence in technology, innovation, and start-ups.
ii. The One Week – One Lab programme will offer the opportunity for the CSIR labs to showcase the
work being done by them so that others can avail of it.
• CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is going to organise the One Week- One Lab program
from 17 to 21 April 2023.
30. Which state’s Chief Minister (CM) has recently (in April ‘23) announced 3 online services to
digitally empower beneficiaries?
1) Pinarayi Vijayan (CM of Kerala)
2) Eknath Shinde (CM of Maharashtra)
3) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (CM of Himachal Pradesh)
4) Manohar Lal Khattar (CM of Haryana)
5) Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy (CM of Andhra Pradesh)
Answer- 4) Manohar Lal Khattar (CM of Haryana)
31. 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.
32. In April 2023, Solar Industries India Limited bagged an order to supply 400 Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ‘Nagastra – I’ to the Indian Army.
Which company has designed and developed the 1st indigenous man-portable loitering
munition (LM), Nagastra-1 UAV?
1) Economic Explosives Limited
2) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
3) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
4) Bharat Electronics Limited
5) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Answer- 1) Economic Explosives Limited
33. 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
Explanation:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy (IN) successfully
conducted a maiden flight trial of sea-based endo-atmospheric Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
interceptor off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal.
• This has enhanced India’s deterrence capabilities against aerial intrusion.
• Purpose: To engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat.
34. Name the SpaceX spacecraft that has recently (in April ‘23) exploded during its first flight in
Boca Chica, Texas.
1) Orion spacecraft
2) Artemis spacecraft
3) Dragon spacecraft
4) CubeSat spacecraft
5) Starship spacecraft
Answer- 5) Starship spacecraft
Explanation:
SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, the most powerful and biggest rocket ever built, exploded during its
first flight. The uncrewed Starship was launched from Starbase, the SpaceX spaceport in Boca Chica,
Texas.
i. The separation of the first-stage rocket booster failed to occur and the rocket experienced multiple
engines out during the test and lost altitude. The flight termination system was commanded on both
the booster and the ship.
ii. It is standard procedure to destroy a wayward rocket to prevent damage to people or property
below.
36. In April 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully
extracted __________ from simulated lunar soil (Moon Soil).
1) Hydrogen
2) Oxygen
3) Nitrogen
4) Carbon dioxide
5) Neon
Answer- 2) Oxygen
Explanation:
Scientists at the Johnson Space Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
in Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA), have successfully extracted oxygen from simulated
lunar soil- the fine-grained material that blankets the Moon’s surface.
i. The extraction, which occurs in a vacuum environment, represents the 1st time this has been
achieved and opens the door for astronauts to eventually harvest and utilise resources in a lunar
environment through in-situ resource utilisation.
ii. The Carbothermal Reduction Demonstration (CaRD) team of NASA utilized a special spherical
chamber with a 15-foot diameter known as the Dirty Thermal Vacuum Chamber to recreate the
conditions found on the Moon.
37. Which country’s microgravity research rocket, ‘TEXUS-58’, has recently (in April ‘23)
malfunctioned & landed in a mountain range 15 kilometres (km) inside Norway?
1) Germany
2) France
3) Russia
4) Finland
5) Sweden
Answer- 5) Sweden
38. Which country’s Hakuto-R Mission 1 (M1) lander has recently (in April ‘23) failed to land
on the lunar surface?
1) China
2) Russia
3) North Korea
4) Japan
5) South Korea
Answer- 4) Japan
Explanation:
Tokyo (Japan)-based iSpace Inc, a private lunar robotic exploration company, failed its moon landing
mission after its Hakuto-R Mission 1 (M1) lander unexpectedly accelerated and probably crashed
on the lunar surface.
i. The robotic Hakuto-R aimed to become the first private spacecraft, and the first Japanese-built
vehicle, ever to land softly on the moon.
ii. The HAKUTO-R Mission 1 was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the United States of America
(USA) on a SpaceX rocket in December 2022 and had completed several mission objectives leading up
to its landing attempt.
• Hakuto-R was over two metres (6.5 feet) tall and weighed 340 kilograms (kg).
39. Which institute/company have recently (in April ‘23) designed a combination of synthetic
nanoparticles and a polymer that can be injected into the body and help form blood clots at the
sites of internal injury?
1) Serum Institute of India
2) BioNTech SE
3) Massachusetts Institute of Technology
4) Novo Nordisk
5) Incyte Corporation
Answer- 3) Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Explanation:
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Massachusetts, United States of
America (USA), have designed a two-component system – a combination of Synthetic nanoparticles
and a polymer that can be injected into the body and help form blood clots at the sites of internal
injury.
• These materials mimic the actions of both platelets and fibrinogen, a protein that helps form
clots. The nanoparticle recruits platelets and a polymer mimics fibrinogen.
• The paper on the study was published in the “Advanced Healthcare Materials”.
SPORTS
1. Who has recently (in April ‘23) won the 1st ever Australian Grand Prix (GP) Title at the
Formula 1(F1) Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2023?
1) Fernando Alonso
2) Charles Leclerc
3) Lewis Hamilton
4) Max Verstappen
5) Sergio Perez
Answer- 4) Max Verstappen
Explanation:
On 2nd April 2023, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen(Belgian-Dutch racing driver) won his first ever
Australian Grand Prix (GP) Title at the Formula 1(F1) Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2023 held in the
Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne, Australia.
• This is Red Bull’s first victory in Melbourne since 2011 with Sebastian Vettel.
i. 7-time world champion, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton(British racing driver) secured 2nd position on
the podium, his first podium position of the season and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso(Spanish
racing driver) secured 3rd position.
ii. This also marks Max Verstappen’s 80th career Podium finish, with this he ties with Ayrton Senna’s
total podium finishes.
iii. This marks the 37th FIA F1 World Championship Australian GP.
2. Which of the following points is/are “Incorrect” with respect to the Madrid Spain Masters
2023?
A) PV Sindhu(India) won the Women’s singles title by defeating Gregoria Mariska Tunjung
(Indonesia)
B) Kenta Nishimoto (Japan) won the Men’s Singles title by defeating Kanta Tsuneyama(Japan)
C) Liu Sheng Shu & Tan Ning(China) won the Women’s Doubles title by defeating Chen Fang Hui
& Du Yue(China)
1) Only A & B
2) Only B & C
3) Only A
4) Only B
5) Only C
Answer- 3) Only A
Explanation:
Indonesian badminton player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung won the Women’s singles title at the
Madrid Spain Masters 2023 finals defeating India’s Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (PV Sindhu). Kenta
Nishimoto(Japan) won the Men’s Singles title by defeating Kanta Tsuneyama(Japan).
3. Name the Indian Grandmaster who has recently (in April ‘23) won Armageddon
championship series 2023-Asia and Oceania event held at Berlin, Germany.
1) Arjun Erigaisi
2) Gukesh Dommaraju
3) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
4) Vidit Gujrathi
5) Nihal Sarin
Answer- 2) Gukesh Dommaraju
Explanation:
Teenage Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju (16) has won Armageddon championship series
2023-Asia and Oceania event held at Berlin, Germany by defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov of
Uzbekistan. He won a prize money of 18,000 EUR.
i. It was the second regional tournament of the Armageddon Championship Series 2022-2023 which is
organised by World Chess Events Limited in cooperation with World Chess Europe GmbH.
4. 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.
C) Kazakhstan was topped in the medal tally followed by Japan and Iran.
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:
Aman Sehrawat, a freestyle wrestler, won India’s 1st gold medal, under the men’s 57kg freestyle
category, at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2023. The 36th edition of Asian Wrestling
Championships was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 9 April to 14 April 2023.
i. Aman Sehrawat won the gold medal by defeating Kyrgyzstan’s Almaz Smanbekov (9-4), who won
the bronze medal in 2022.
ii. India has won 14 medals(one gold, three silvers and ten bronze) and is ranked 7th in overall
medal tally.
iii. Kazakhstan was topped in the medal tally followed by Japan and Iran. List of Medals for India.
6. 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
Answer- 3) Only B & C
Explanation:
India finished 2nd in the overall medal tally at the 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1 held in
Antalya, Türkiye from 18th to 23rd April 2023, with 4 medals (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze). The
United States of America (USA) topped the medal tally with 4 medals(2 gold and 2 silver) and
China ranked 3rd with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze).
• The 2023 Hyundai Archery World Cup is the 17th edition of the international archery circuit
organised annually by World Archery.
i. Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam wins individual gold in Compound Women in World Cup
Stage 1 in Turkey by defeating Colombia’s Sara Lopez 149-146.
• She also won the Compound Mixed Team Event with her partner Ojas Pravin Deotale (India)
with a 159-154 win over Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yi Hsuan and Chem Chieh Lun.
7. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) became 1st Indian in 6 years to get on
Podium in the first round of the ROKiT British F4 Championship held at England, United
Kingdom (UK).
1) Jehan Daruvala
2) Jaden Pariat
3) Gaurav Gill
4) Armaan Ebrahim
5) Akhil Rabindra
Answer- 2) Jaden Pariat
Explanation:
India’s Jaden Pariat of Argenti Motorsport, a 16-year-old from Meghalaya, become the 1st Indian in
6 years to get on Podium in the first round of the ROKiT British F4 Championship, the FIA
(Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) certified championship, at Donington Park in
Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom (UK).
i. Jaden Pariat is the 2nd Indian to get an international podium in a Tatuus F4 car after Kush Maini of
Jenzer Motorsport who finished 3rd in the 2017 Italian F4 Championship.
ii. Jaden Pariat clinched the 3rd position in Race 2 of the ROKiT British F4 Championship.
8. Who has recently (in April ‘23) won the Men’s singles title at the 2023 Barcelona Open Banc
Sabadell (Barcelona Open 2023) for the 2nd consecutive time?
1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
2) Daniil Medvedev (Russia)
3) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)
4) Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
5) Casper Ruud (Norway)
Answer- 1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
Explanation:
On 23rd April 2023, Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) won the Men’s singles title at the 2023 Barcelona Open
Banc Sabadell (Barcelona Open 2023) by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. 2023 Barcelona
Open, the 70th edition of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell was held in Barcelona, Spain from 17th to
23rd April 2023.
• This marks his 2nd consecutive Barcelona Open title, he previously won the title in 2022, and
the 3rd Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour title of 2023.
• This also marks his 9th ATP Tour singles title(overall) and he has won his last 14 tour matches
on Spanish soil.
i. Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni won the Men’s doubles title defeating Wesley
Koolhof of the Netherlands and Neal Skupski of Great Britain.
2. Who authored the book, “Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire”?
1) Vikram Chandra
2) Nandini Das
3) Amitav Ghosh
3. Name the bank that has recently (in April ‘23) launched the coffee table book, “The Banker to
Every Indian”.
1) State Bank of India
2) Punjab National Bank
3) Bank of India
4) Central Bank of India
5) Bank of Maharashtra
Answer- 1) State Bank of India
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI) headquartered in Mumbai(Maharashtra) announced the launch of its coffee
table book titled “The Banker to Every Indian” which celebrates 75 years of Indian independence
and the 200-year history of SBI, which was established in 1955.
i. The coffee table book details the Bank’s history ever since independence.
ii. The book is a tribute to the spirit of India’s independence and SBI’s contribution to nation-building.
4. Who co-authored the book, “The Great Bank Robbery: NPAs, Scams and the Future of
Regulation '' along with Sabyasachee Dash?
1) Abhishek Kothari
2) Shravana Deepan
3) Balamuralikrishnan
4) Pattabhi Ram
5) Abi Muthuraj
Answer- 4) Pattabhi Ram
Explanation:
Pattabhi Ram & Sabyasachee Dash has co-authored a new book titled “The Great Bank Robbery:
NPAs, Scams and the Future of Regulation '' which discusses 11 scams that have rocked India since
its Independence (1947). The book is published by Rupa Publications India Pvt Ltd.
i. V. Pattabhi Ram, a Chartered Accountant based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is an author, public speaker
and teacher. He has authored several books such as “Ticking Times: An Accountant and a Gentleman”,
and “First Lessons in Strategic Financial Management” (co-authored with S.D. Bala).
ii. Sabyasachee Dash is a career corporate executive and a Chartered Accountant.
6. Health Special issues of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR)’s popular
science magazines ________________ and _______________ were recently (in April ‘23) released at the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Headquarters in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Science Reporter; Sanctuary Asia
2) Dream 2047; BioSpectrum
3) Vigyan Pragati; Dream 2047
4) BioSpectrum; Sanctuary Asia
5) Vigyan Pragati; Science Reporter
Answer- 5) Vigyan Pragati; Science Reporter
Explanation:
Health Special issues of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR)’s popular science
magazines “Vigyan Pragati” and “Science Reporter” were released at the Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) Headquarters in New Delhi, Delhi.
The magazines were released by Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR)
& Director General (DG) of ICMR and Prof Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-National Institute Of
Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR–NIScPR).
8. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) launched the 113-verse book titled
“Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih”, prepared by Shree Somnath Sanskrit University,
Gujarat.
1) Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
2) Droupadi Murmu (President of India)
3) Jagdeep Dhankhar (Vice President of India)
4) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs)
5) G. Kishan Reddy (Union Minister of Culture)
Answer- 1) Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
Explanation:
On 26th April 2023, Prime Minister of India (PM) Narendra Modi launched the 113-verse book titled
“Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamprashastih”(सौराष्ट्र-तमिलसङ्गिप्रशस्तिः) – Saurashtra Tamil Sangam
Praise) prepared by Shree Somnath Sanskrit University, Gujarat.
i. The book was launched via video conferencing during the closing ceremony of a 10-day Saurashtra
Tamil Sangamam, which was held from 17th April 2023 to 26th April 2023 in Somnath, Gujarat.
ii. The book is an amalgamation of renowned poets composing verses related to the emotions and
sentiments of Saurashtra Tamil Sangam.
OBITUARY
1. Kerala Sahitya Akademi Awardee ‘Sarah Thomas’, passed away in March 2023.
In which year did she receive the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the novel “Narmadi
Pudava”?
1) 1968
2) 1979
3) 1972
2. Japanese composer & Oscar awardee ‘Ryuichi Sakamoto’ passed away in April 2023.
For which film did he receive an Oscar Award in 1988?
1) The Last Emperor
2) The Revenant
3) The Sheltering Sky
4) Merry Christmas
5) Mr Lawrence
Answer- 1) The Last Emperor
Explanation:
Ryuichi Sakamoto, Oscar-winning Japanese pop pioneer, who was best known for his soundtrack
work passed away in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 71. He was born on 17th January 1953 in Tokyo,
Japan.
i. Ryuichi Sakamoto won the Oscar Award in 1988 for “The Last Emperor” with David Byrne and
Cong Su becoming the first Japanese composer to receive the award. He also won the Golden Globe
Award- Best Score – Motion Pictures for the same in 1988.
ii. In 1991, He won his 2nd Golden Globe Award for “The Sheltering Sky” under Best Score – Motion
Pictures 1991.
3. Former Indian Cricketer & Arjuna awardee ‘Salim Aziz Durrani’ passed away in April 2023.
In which year did he receive the Arjuna Award?
1) 1959
2) 1960
3) 1961
4) 1962
5) 1965
Answer- 3) 1961
Explanation:
On 2nd April 2023, Salim Aziz Durrani, a former Afghan-born Indian Cricketer, passed away in
Jamnagar, Gujarat, at the age of 88. He was born on 11th December 1934 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is
the only Indian Test cricketer to have been born in Afghanistan.
• In 1961, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award. He became the first cricketer to receive the
Arjuna Award.
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) honoured him with Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime
Achievement Award in 2011.
6. In April 2023, the Former Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of ____________, Naresh Gupta passed
away.
1) Karnataka
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Kerala
4) Telangana
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 2) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Former Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tamil Nadu (TN), Naresh Gupta, an IAS officer of the 1973
batch hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) at the age of 72.
i. Naresh Gupta has held various significant positions in TN, including the 1st Collector of Sivaganga,
TN, from 1985 to 1986. He also served as the CEO of TN from 1998 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2010.
7. India’s Oldest Billionaire, _________ former chairman emeritus of Mahindra & Mahindra
(M&M) Group, passed away in April 2023.
1) Keshub Mahindra
2) Anuradha Mahindra
3) Harish Mahindra
4) Aalika Mahindra
5) Kailash Chandra Mahindra
Answer- 1) Keshub Mahindra
Explanation:
On 12th April 2023, Keshub Mahindra, former chairman emeritus of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M)
Group, passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra, at the age of 99. He was born on 9th October 1923 in
Shimla, British India (now in Himachal Pradesh).
• According to the Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List 2023, Keshub Mahindra was named India’s
Oldest Billionaire.
i. He served as the chairman of the M&M Group from 1963 to 2012. The current Chairman of
Mahindra & Mahindra Group is Anand Mahindra.
ii. He also served as a Member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry from 2004 to
2010.
iii. In 1987, Keshub Mahindra was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’honneur
(Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor) by the French Government.
8. National Award-winning actress and noted theatre artist, Uttara Baokar has recently (in
April ‘23) passed away.
In which year did she win the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Acting (Hindi theatre)?
1) 1986
2) 1984
3) 1994
4) 1990
5) 1980
Answer- 2) 1984
Explanation:
National Award-winning actress and noted theatre artist Uttara Baokar passed away in Pune,
Maharashtra, at the age of 79. She was born on 5th August 1944.
Awards:
i. Uttara Baokar won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Acting (Hindi theatre) in 1984.
ii. In 1988, she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Ek Din Achanak”.
11. Tarek Fatah, a renowned Pakistan-born Canadian __________, passed away in April 2023.
1) Economist
2) Journalist
3) Doctor
4) Tennis player
5) Actor
Answer- 2) Journalist
12. Which state’s five-time Chief Minister (CM), Parkash Singh Badal, passed away in April
2023?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Haryana
3) Maharashtra
4) Punjab
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 4) Punjab
Explanation:
Five-time Punjab Chief Minister (CM) and veteran Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parkash Singh
Badal passed away at the age of 95 in Mohali, Punjab. He was born on 8th December 1927 at Abul
Khurana, near Malout in Punjab.
• He has served as the CM of Punjab and holds the record for being Punjab’s youngest CM, at the
age of 43 and for being the state’s oldest CM, at the age of 90.
• Parkash Singh Badal held the CM post for five terms: Between 1970 and 1971; from 1977-
1980; from 1997-2002; from 2007-2012 and from 2012-2017.
• He briefly held the position of 11th Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
under the Morarji Desai-headed government in 1977.
Note- The Government of India awarded him the second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in
2015(public affairs), however he returned his award in 2020 to support the 2020–2021 Indian
farmers’ protest against the farm laws.
13. Himangshu Mohan Choudhury, first recipient of Padma Shri from __________ (state) in 1972,
passed away in April 2023.
1) Assam
2) Tripura
3) Sikkim
4) Arunachal Pradesh
5) Bihar
Answer- 2) Tripura
Explanation:
On 25th April 2023, former Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Officer, Himangshu Mohan
Choudhury, who was the first recipient of Padma Shri from Tripura, passed away in Agartala,
Tripura.
• He was born into a family hailing from Feni district (now in Bangladesh). His family migrated
to Tripura in 1930.
14. Asian Games gold medallist and Arjuna awardee, Kaur Singh passed away in April 2023.
Kaur Singh won the Arjuna award in 1982 for the __________ Discipline.
1) Hockey
2) Shooting
3) Tennis
4) Wrestling
5) Boxing
Answer- 5) Boxing
Explanation:
The Veteran heavyweight boxer, a Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee, Kaur Singh, 74 passed away in
Kurukshetra, Haryana.
i. Kaur Singh won six gold medals in international competitions. Kaur Singh joined the Indian army as
havildar in 1971 and he was awarded Sena Medal and the Vishisht Sewa Medal in 1988 for his
bravery.
• He was introduced to boxing in 1977, and in 1979, Kaur Singh won a gold medal at the senior
national boxing championship and remained the holder of the gold medal for four consecutive
years till 1983.
• In 1980, Kaur Singh won a gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships held in Mumbai
(Maharashtra). On 27 January 1980, Kaur Singh fought against American boxing legend
Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match held at the National Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi.
• In 1982 he got the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest National Sports Award by the
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, for earning a gold medal in the Asian Games and in 1983,
the Government of India awarded Kaur Singh with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest
civilian honour award for outstanding contribution to Indian sports.
• In the 1984 Kaur Singh represented India in the Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, United
States of America.
15. N Gopalakrishnan, retired _________ and noted orator has passed away in April 2023.
1) High Court Judge
2) Scientist
3) Teacher
4) Indian Administrative Service Officer
5) Supreme Court Judge
Answer- 2) Scientist
Explanation:
Dr N Gopalakrishnan, retired scientist and noted orator, passed away at the age of 68 in
Thrippunithura, Kerala. He was born on 20th November 1955, in Tripunithura, Kerala.
i. He joined the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – Structural Engineering Research
Centre (SERC) as Scientist-B in 1987.
IMPORTANT DAYS
1. When was International Transgender Day of Visibility 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 31st March 2023
2) 30th March 2023
3) 29th March 2023
4) 28th March 2023
5) 27th March 2023
Answer- 1) 31st March 2023
Explanation:
International Transgender Day of Visibility 2023 was observed across the globe on 31st March
2023 to celebrate the achievements and contributions of transgender and gender-diverse people
(TGD) around the world.
• International Transgender Day of Visibility was founded by Rachel Crandall, the United States
of America (USA)-based transgender activist in 2009 and the 1st ever International
Transgender Day of Visibility was observed on 31st March 2009.
• International Transgender day was sparked by the brutal death of Rita Hester, a black
transgender woman, on 8th November 1998. The day was marked to commemorate her
demise.
2. What was the theme of Earth Hour 2023 that was observed across the globe on 25th March
2023?
1) Let Nature Shine
2) Reduce, Reuse, Change the Way We Live
3) The Biggest Hour for Earth
4) Shape Our Future
5) Climate Change to Save Earth
Answer- 3) The Biggest Hour for Earth
Explanation:
Earth Hour 2023 was observed across the globe on 25th March 2023 under the theme “The Biggest
Hour for Earth”.
The day is observed annually on the last Saturday of March by turning out the lights from 8:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m. (local time) as a symbolic act of support for the action taken on environmental issues and
protecting the planet.
i. “Goodwill Ambassadors for Earth Hour India 2023” are Padma Shri Awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, a
world-renowned Indian sand artist; Ranveer Brar, celebrity chef and MasterChef India Judge; and
Nakash Aziz, a renowned composer and singer.
ii. Three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej will be the ‘Face of Earth Hour India 2023.’ Amir Khan
was the 1st Earth Hour brand ambassador for Earth Hour India.
4. What was the theme of International Children’s Book Day 2023 that was observed across the
globe on 2nd April 2023?
1) Stories are wings that help you soar every day
2) I am a book, read me
3) The Music of words
4) Books Help Us Slow Down
5) Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale
Answer- 2) I am a book, read me
Explanation:
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) 2023 was observed across the globe on 2nd April 2023
under the theme “I am a book, read me”.
i. The Day is annually observed across the globe on or around April 2, the birth anniversary of the
Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, known for his fairy tales and stories.
• The message for ICBD 2023 was written by Children’s writer Vagelis Iliopoulos and the poster
for ICBD 2023 was illustrated by Illustrator Photini Stephanidi.
• ICBD 2023 was sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
Greece.
5. What was the theme of the United Nations (UN) International Day for Mine Awareness and
Assistance in Mine Action 2023 that was observed across the globe on 4th April 2023?
1) End the threat
2) Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home
3) Turning Minefields into Playing Fields
4) Mine Action Cannot Wait
5) Safe Mine, Safe Steps
Answer- 4) Mine Action Cannot Wait
6. The Indian Army celebrated the 259th Raising Day of Army Medical Corps(AMC) on
___________.
1) 1st April 2023
2) 3rd April 2023
3) 31st March 2023
4) 2nd April 2023
5) 30th March 2023
Answer- 2) 3rd April 2023
Explanation:
On 3rd April 2023, the Indian Army celebrated the 259th Raising Day of Army Medical Corps(AMC),
a specialist corps in the Indian Army which primarily provides medical services to all Army
personnel(serving and veterans along with their families).
i. The AMC raising day marks the foundation day of AMC and pays tribute to the medical personnel
who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
ii. The Indian Army Medical Corps (IAMC) came into existence as a homogeneous corps of officers and
men on the pattern of the Royal Army Medical Corps on 3rd April 1943.
• It was formed by the amalgamation of the Indian Medical Service (IMS), Indian Medical
Department (IMD) and Indian Hospital Corps (IHC).
• In May 1943, the IHC headquarters at Poona(Now Pune) became the Administrative
Headquarters of the IAMC.
• The IAMC was re-designated as Army Medical Corps with effect from 26 Jan 1950.
7. What was the theme of the 60th edition of Maritime Day that was observed across India on
5th April 2023?
1) Amrit Kaal in Shipping
2) Indian Shipping An Ocean of opportunity
3) Sustainable Shipping beyond Covid-19
4) Propelling Indian Maritime to Net Zero
5) Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet
Answer- 1) Amrit Kaal in Shipping
Explanation:
National Maritime Day (NMD) or Merchant Navy Flag Day is annually observed across India on April 5
to raise awareness about the economy and global trade and to commemorate the sailing of the 1st
Indian Steamship “S.S. Loyalty” of the Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., in 1919, from Mumbai
(Maharashtra) to London (United Kingdom).
i. 5th April 2023 marks the observance of the 60th edition (diamond jubilee) of National Maritime
Day with the theme of “Amrit Kaal in Shipping” (Golden Era in Shipping).
8. When was the United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Conscience 2023 observed across
the world?
1) 1st April 2023
2) 4th April 2023
3) 2nd April 2023
4) 5th April 2023
5) 3rd April 2023
Answer- 4) 5th April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Conscience is annually observed across the world
on 5th April to commemorate the importance of the human conscience.
• 5th April 2023 marks the observance of the 4th International Day of Conscience.
• The first-ever International Day of Conscience was observed on 5th April 2020.
9. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
(IDSDP) 2023 observed across the globe with the theme of “Scoring for People and the Planet”?
1) 2nd April 2023
2) 4th April 2023
3) 6th April 2023
4) 3rd April 2023
5) 5th April 2023
Answer- 3) 6th April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is annually
observed across the globe on April 6 to celebrate the role of sports and physical activity in our
individual lives and communities across the globe.
i. 6th April 2023 marks the observance of the 10th edition of the International Day of Sport for
Development and Peace with the global theme for IDSDP 2023 is “Scoring for People and the Planet”.
ii. The 1st ever IDSDP was observed on 6th April 2014.
10. What was the theme of United Nations (UN) World Health Day 2023 that was observed
across the globe on 7th April 2023?
1) Support Nurses and Midwives
2) Our planet, our health
3) Health for All
4) Build the world we want: A healthy future for all
5) Universal Health Coverage
Answer- 3) Health for All
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) World Health Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 7th April 2023
with the theme of “Health for All”.
11. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in
Rwanda 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 5th April 2023
2) 3rd April 2023
3) 6th April 2023
4) 4th April 2023
5) 7th April 2023
Answer- 5) 7th April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is annually
observed across the globe on 7th April to honour the memory of the victims of the 1994 genocide
against Tutsi, Hutu and others who opposed it in Rwanda.
• 7th April 2023 marks the 29th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
i. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/58/234 on 23rd
December 2003 and designated the 7th April as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in
Rwanda.
ii. Since 2004 (which marked the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda), the 7th April has been
observed as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.
iii. The 1994 Rwandan genocide occurred between 7th April 1994 and 15th July 1994 during the
Rwandan Civil War.
12. The Prevention of Blindness Week 2023 was observed across India from _________.
1) 1st to 7th April 2023
2) 25th to 31st March 2023
3) 24th to 30th March 2023
4) 23rd to 29th March 2023
5) 22nd to 28th March 2023
Answer- 1) 1st to 7th April 2023
Explanation:
The Prevention of Blindness Week 2023 was observed across India from 1st to 7th April 2023 to
promote the prevention of blindness and to create awareness about the cause of blindness.
• The Week is annually observed across India from 1st to 7th April (the first week of April).
i. The National Society for the Prevention of Blindness-India (NSPB-I) coordinates Prevention of
Blindness Week in India with the assistance of state and local branches.
ii. The government of India (GoI) launched the National Programme for Control of Blindness and
Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) in 1976 as a 100% centrally sponsored scheme (now 60:40 in all
states and 90:10 in NE States) with the goal of reducing the prevalence of blindness to 0.3% by 2020.
ii. The National Health Policy (NHP) targets to reduce the prevalence of blindness to 0.25% by 2025.
13. When was the International Romani Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 7th April 2023
2) 9th April 2023
14. When was World Homeopathy Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 8th April 2023
2) 6th April 2023
3) 9th April 2023
4) 7th April 2023
5) 10th April 2023
Answer- 5) 10th April 2023
Explanation:
World Homeopathy (or homoeopathy) Day is annually observed across the globe on April 10 to
honour Homeopathy and its contribution to treating people across the globe.
• 10th April 2023 marks the 268th birth anniversary of German physician Dr Christian
Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy.
• World Homeopathy Awareness Week is observed from 10 April to 16 April 2023.
i. Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) under the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) has organised a flag-off event, a scientific
convention, on the occasion of the World Homoeopathy Day on 10th April 2023 at Vigyan Bhavan in
New Delhi, Delhi.
• The theme of this scientific convention for 2023 is “Homoeoparivar- Sarvajan Swasthya, One
Health, One Family”.
15. The 58th Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day was observed on ________, 2023.
1) 8th April
2) 6th April
3) 9th April
4) 7th April
5) 10th April
Answer- 3) 9th April
Explanation:
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas is annually observed
across India on 9th April to commemorate the valour of CRPF personnel during the 1965 war against
the Pakistan army.
• 9th April 2023 marks the observance of the 58th CRPF Valour Day.
16. When was the National Safe Motherhood Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 9th April 2023
2) 7th April 2023
3) 10th April 2023
4) 8th April 2023
5) 11th April 2023
Answer- 5) 11th April 2023
Explanation:
National Safe Motherhood Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 11th April 2023 to promote
awareness about the importance of having proper access to healthcare during the various stages of
pregnancy and motherhood.
i. 11th April 2023 also marks the 154th birth anniversary of Kasturbai Gandhi (1869-1944), wife
of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and a great freedom fighter and social reformer.
ii. National Safe Motherhood Day was initiated by the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI), a
grassroots movement for the health and rights of women and newborns.
iii. 1st National Safe Motherhood Day was observed on 11th April 2003.
17. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Human Space Flight 2023 observed
across the globe?
1) 8th April 2023
2) 12th April 2023
3) 9th April 2023
4) 11th April 2023
5) 10th April 2023
Answer- 2) 12th April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Human Space Flight 2023 was observed across the
globe on 12th April 2023 to mark the beginning of the space era for mankind, the contribution of
space science and technology, and ensure the realisation of the conservation of outer space for
peaceful purposes.
i. 12th April 1961 was the date of the first human space flight. The 1st human space flight was
carried out by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, a citizen of the Soviet Union.
ii. He travelled into space on the Vostok 1 mission in 1961 and completed one orbit around the Earth
in 108 minutes in the Vostok 3KA spacecraft launched by the Vostok K launch vehicle.
18. When was the International Day for Street Children (IDSC) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 10th April 2023
2) 8th April 2023
3) 11th April 2023
19. When was the 39th Siachen Day observed across India?
1) 15th April 2023
2) 13th April 2023
3) 14th April 2023
4) 11th April 2023
5) 10th April 2023
Answer- 2) 13th April 2023
Explanation:
Siachen Day is annually observed by the Indian Army on April 13 to commemorate the Indian Army’s
“Operation Meghdoot”. The day honours the Bravehearts of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives
in the line of duty during Operation Meghdoot.
• The day also recognises the Indian army personnel (Siachen Warriors) who continue to guard
the Siachen Glacier, the northern frontier which is a part of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.
• The Siachen Glacier is a glacier located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas
• 13th April 2023 marks the observance of the 39th Siachen Day.
Operation Meghdoot:
i. Operation Meghdoot was led by Major (later Col) RS Sandhu.
20. 13th April 2023 marks the _________ anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as
the Amritsar massacre.
1) 100th
2) 102nd
3) 106th
4) 104th
5) 110th
Answer- 4) 104th
Explanation:
13th April 2023 marks the 104th Anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the
Amritsar massacre, on 13th April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India(now in Punjab, India).
About Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
i.On 13th April 1919, which also marked the Baisakhi festival, a harvest festival in Punjab, thousands
of Indians gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab to protest against the Rowlatt Act and
the arrest of pro-independence activists Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal.
ii.General Dyer opened fire on the gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in order to enforce Martial Law
prevailing that was in effect at Amritsar during the time.
22. What was the theme of National Fire Service (NFS) Day 2023 that was observed across the
globe on 14th April 2023?
1) Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure (AGNI)
2) Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!
3) Learn Fire Safety, Increase Productivity
4) Fire prevention is better than fire fighting
5) Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment Is Key To Mitigate Fire Hazards
Answer- 1) Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure (AGNI)
Explanation:
14th April 2023 was observed as National Fire Service (NFS) Day 2023 across India to pay homage
to the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and emphasize the importance of fire
service.
• The day is also commemorated as a Martyr’s Day to pay homage to the Fire Service personnel
who lost their lives on 14th April 1944 during the massive Bombay explosion at the Victoria
Dock in the Mumbai Port.
i. Fire Service Week (FSW) or Fire Prevention Week 2023 was observed nation-wide under the
guidance of the Fire Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs from April 14 – 20.
ii. The theme of National Fire Service Day/week 2023 is “Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of
National Infrastructure” (AGNI)”.
23. When was World Art Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 14th April 2023
2) 12th April 2023
3) 16th April 2023
4) 13th April 2023
5) 15th April 2023
24. When was World Voice Day (WVD) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 16th April 2023
2) 14th April 2023
3) 17th April 2023
4) 13th April 2023
5) 15th April 2023
Answer- 1) 16th April 2023
Explanation:
World Voice Day (WVD) 2023 was observed across the globe on 16th April 2023 to celebrate the
phenomenon of voice and raise awareness about the importance of voice.
i. World Voice Day 2023 was observed under the theme/motto “Your Voice Matters”.
• The theme for WVD was chosen by members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-
Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Voice Committee.
ii. World Voice Day was initiated by the Brazilian Society of Laryngology and Voice in 1999, and the
first World Voice Day was observed as Brazilian Voice Day on 16th April 1999.
25. What was the theme of 34th World Hemophilia Day that was observed across the globe on
17th April 2023?
1) Adapting to change: sustaining care in a new world
2) Access for All: Partnership. Policy. Progress.
3) Get + Involved
4) Outreach and Identification
5) Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care
Answer- 5) Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care
Explanation:
World Hemophilia Day is annually observed across the globe on 17th April to create awareness about
Hemophilia, an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly.
i. 17th April 2023 marks the 34th World Hemophilia Day and the theme of World Hemophilia Day
2023 is “Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care”.
ii. World Hemophilia Day was initiated by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) in 1989.
iii. The first ever World Hemophilia Day was observed on 17th April 1989.
27. When was World Liver Day 2023 observed across the globe with the theme of “Be Vigilant,
Do Regular Liver Check-Up, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone”?
1) 19th April 2023
2) 16th April 2023
3) 18th April 2023
4) 15th April 2023
5) 17th April 2023
Answer- 1) 19th April 2023
Explanation:
World Liver Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 19th April 2023 with the theme of “Be
Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-Up, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone”.
i. The day was observed to raise awareness about the importance of liver health and educate people
on how to maintain a healthy liver.
• The liver is the 2nd largest and the most complex organ in the body, after the brain.
ii. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), liver ailments amount to the 10th most
common reason for death in India.
• The most common causes of liver-related deaths in India are Alcohol, and non-alcoholic
steatohepatitis (NASH)/cryptogenic cirrhosis.
28. When was United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day 2023 observed across the globe with
the theme of “Chinese Wisdom for a Green World”?
1) 19th April 2023
2) 17th April 2023
3) 20th April 2023
4) 18th April 2023
29. When was the 16th National Civil Services Day observed across India with the theme of
‘Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile’?
1) 19th April 2023
2) 17th April 2023
3) 20th April 2023
4) 18th April 2023
5) 21st April 2023
Answer- 5) 21st April 2023
Explanation:
The 16th National Civil Services Day was observed across India on 21st April 2023 with the theme
of “Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile”.
i. The government of India has decided to mark the 21st April as the National Civil Services Day to
commemorate the day on which India’s first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the
newly formed and newly appointed Administrative Service Officers at the Metcalfe House, Delhi in
1947.
ii. Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi presented the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public
Administration to 15 awardees during the event organised at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi
on the occasion of 16th National Civil Services Day.
• He also released the e-books ‘Viksit Bharat – Empowering Citizens & Reaching the last mile
Volume I and II’ during the event.
30. When was the United Nations (UN)’s World Creativity and Innovation Day 2023 observed
across the globe?
1) 21st April 2023
2) 18th April 2023
3) 20th April 2023
4) 17th April 2023
5) 19th April 2023
Answer- 1) 21st April 2023
31. When was the United Nations (UN) International Mother Earth Day 2023 observed across
the globe?
1) 23rd April 2023
2) 20th April 2023
3) 22nd April 2023
4) 19th April 2023
5) 21st April 2023
Answer- 3) 22nd April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Mother Earth Day, also known as “Earth Day” is annually
observed across the globe on 22nd April to create awareness about humanity’s relationship with the
natural world.
i. 22nd April 2023 marks the 53rd anniversary of the Earth Day. According to Earthday.org, The
theme of Earth Day 2023 is "Invest in our Planet".
ii. According to the State of the Global Climate 2022, the annual report from the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO), released ahead of Earth Day 2023(April 22), the 8 years, 2015-
2022 were the warmest in the instrumental record back to 1850, despite the cooling impact of three
consecutive years of a cooling La Niña. 2022 was the 5th or 6th warmest year.
The global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15 [1.02 to 1.28] degree Celsius (°C) above the 1850-
1900 average.
32. The ___________ National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) was observed across India on 24th April
2023.
1) 15th
2) 18th
3) 14th
4) 17th
5) 16th
Answer- 3) 14th
Explanation:
The 14th National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) was observed across India on 24th April 2023 to
mark the day of the decentralisation of power to the grassroots, with the institutionalisation of
Panchayati Raj.
33. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for
Peace 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 24th April 2023
2) 21st April 2023
3) 23rd April 2023
4) 20th April 2023
5) 22nd April 2023
Answer- 1) 24th April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2023
observed across the globe on 24th April 2023 to raise awareness about preserving the values of
multilateralism and global cooperation to maintain peace laid out in the UN’s charter and to achieve
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
• This day aims to tackle global issues such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and
humanitarian crises.
i. The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace was first observed on 24 April
2019.
34. When was the United Nations (UN) English Language Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 22nd April 2023
2) 24th April 2023
3) 20th April 2023
4) 23rd April 2023
5) 21st April 2023
Answer- 4) 23rd April 2023
Explanation:
United Nations (UN) English Language Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 23rd April
2023 to promote the English language and to celebrate the history, culture and achievements
associated with the English language.
i. The day, 23rd April, also marks the birth and death anniversary of English playwright, poet and
actor, William Shakespeare.
36. What was the theme of World Malaria Day 2023 that was observed across the globe on 25th
April 2023?
1) Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives
2) Zero Malaria - Draw the Line Against Malaria
3) Ready to beat malaria
4) Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement
5) Zero Malaria Starts with Me
Answer- 4) Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement
Explanation:
World Malaria Day 2023 was observed across the world on 25th April 2023 with the theme of “Time
to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
• The annual observance of World Malaria Day is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• The first-ever World Malaria Day was observed on 25th April 2008.
i. According to the World malaria report 2022 (published in December 2022), around 619000
people died due to malaria in 2021. Around 247 new cases of malaria were reported in 2021.
• WHO African Region is the most affected region, accounting for an estimated 95% of all malaria
cases (~234 million) and 96% of all deaths(593000).
37. The ________ United Nations (UN) International Delegate’s Day 2023 was observed across the
globe on 25th April 2023.
1) 2nd
2) 4th
3) 5th
4) 3rd
5) 6th
Answer- 2) 4th
38. The World Penguin Day 2023 was celebrated across the globe on ______________.
1) 23rd April 2023
2) 21st April 2023
3) 24th April 2023
4) 22nd April 2023
5) 25th April 2023
Answer- 5) 25th April 2023
Explanation:
World Penguin Day 2023 was celebrated on 25th April 2023 to celebrate penguins, an educative
initiative that encourages people to learn more about these flightless birds and their environment,
how important they are to our ecosystems and the threats they face.
• According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition(ASOC), a global coalition of
environmental non-governmental organizations, 25th April coincides with the annual northern
migration of Adélie penguins, a species of penguin that is native to Antarctica.
i. Penguins are celebrated around the world twice a year i.e. the 20th of January is annually observed
as the Penguin Awareness Day to raise awareness to the conservation of Penguin Habitats globally.
39. When was the United Nations (UN) Spanish Language Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 23rd April 2023
2) 21st April 2023
3) 24th April 2023
4) 22nd April 2023
5) 25th April 2023
Answer- 1) 23rd April 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) Spanish Language Day 2023 was observed on 23 April 2023, to promote
and appreciate multi-linguism and the significance of Spanish culture in the world, as well as to
promote the use of Spanish language, one of the six official languages among the staff of the UN.
i. The Spanish Language day on 23rd April also marks the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes
Saavedra, a renowned Spanish writer who is widely regarded as one of the world’s preeminent
novelists.
40. When was the World Day for Laboratory Animals (WDLA) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 23rd April 2023
2) 21st April 2023
3) 24th April 2023
4) 22nd April 2023
41. What was the theme of World Intellectual Property Day (World IP Day) 2023 that was
observed across the globe on 26th April 2023?
1) IP and Youth Innovating for a Better Future
2) Intellectual property and small businesses: Taking big ideas to market
3) Innovate for a Green Future
4) Innovation – Improving Lives
5) Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity
Answer- 5) Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity
Explanation:
World Intellectual Property Day (World IP Day) 2023 was observed across the globe on 26th April
2023 with the theme of “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”.
i. The World IP Day also marks the anniversary of the establishment of the World Intellectual
Property Organization(WIPO).
ii. The first-ever World IP Day was observed on 26th April 2001.
iii. According to WIPO data released in March 2023, it is estimated that only 16.2 percent of inventors
named in international patent applications were women in 2022.
42. When was the United Nations (UN) International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
2023 observed across the globe?
1) 25th April 2023
2) 23rd April 2023
3) 26th April 2023
4) 22nd April 2023
5) 24th April 2023
Answer- 3) 26th April 2023
Explanation:
United Nations (UN)’s International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2023 was observed
across the globe on 26th April 2023 to mark the anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power
plant disaster.
i. 26th April 2023 marks the 37th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster, which took
place on 26th April 1986.
ii. The 1st ever International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was observed on 26th April
2017.
43. What was the theme of International Girls in ICT (Information and Communication
Technology) Day 2023 that was observed across the globe on 27th April 2023?
1) Digital Skills for Life
2) Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Futures
3) Access and Safety
4) Inspiring the Next Generation
5) Expand horizons, change attitudes
Answer- 1) Digital Skills for Life
Explanation:
International Girls in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Day is annually observed
across the globe on the 4th Thursday in April to encourage and empower girls and young women to
explore and pursue careers in the field of ICT.
• The International Girls in ICT Day 2023 was observed on 27th April 2023 with the theme of
“Digital Skills for Life”.
• The 1st ever International Girls in ICT was observed on 28th April 2011.
i. On 27th April 2023, as part of the Transform Africa Summit 2023, the global Girls in ICT event was
celebrated in Zimbabwe in coordination and collaboration with Smart Africa and the Postal and
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
44. When was the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 28th April 2023
2) 25th April 2023
3) 27th April 2023
4) 24th April 2023
5) 26th April 2023
Answer- 1) 28th April 2023
Explanation:
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 was observed across the globe on 28th April 2023
under the theme of “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at
work”.
i. The day was observed to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
The day is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on the importance
of the problem.
• The 1st ever World Day for Safety and Health at Work was observed on 28th April 2003.
ii. “World Memorial Day” or “International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers” was
another global event observed on April 28 by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to
remember action for workers killed, disabled, injured, or made unwell by their work.
45. Which state has observed the 132nd Khongjom Day on 23 April 2023?
1) Sikkim
2) Assam
46. The Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS), the National Regulator for Civil Aviation Security,
commemorated its ________ Raising Day on 27th April 2023.
1) 36th
2) 39th
3) 37th
4) 35th
5) 38th
Answer- 3) 37th
Explanation:
On 27th April 2023, the Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS), the National Regulator for Civil Aviation
Security, commemorated its 37th Raising Day in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Gen. Dr V.K. Singh (Retd.), Minister of State(MoS) for Civil Aviation, presented awards to a list
of screeners who had been chosen as the best screeners in different categories during the
opening session of the two-day programme.
i. The Minister also distributed awards to officers of BCAS conferred with the President’s Police Medal
for distinguished service on the occasion of Republic Day 2022 and the Police Medal for meritorious
service on the occasion of Republic Day 2023 (26th January).
ii. The BCAS was initially set up as a Cell in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in January
1978 on the recommendation of the Pande Committee constituted in the wake of the hijacking of the
Indian Airlines flight on 10th September 1976.
47. When was the International Dance Day/ World Dance Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 27th April 2023
2) 29th April 2023
3) 26th April 2023
4) 28th April 2023
5) 25th April 2023
Answer- 2) 29th April 2023
48. When was Administrative Professionals Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 27th April 2023
2) 29th April 2023
3) 26th April 2023
4) 25th April 2023
5) 28th April 2023
Answer- 3) 26th April 2023
Explanation:
Administrative Professionals Day, also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day, is annually
observed across the globe on the Wednesday of the last full week in April to recognize the work of
secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, executive assistants, personal assistants, and
other administrative support professionals.
• Administrative Professionals Day 2023 was observed on 26th April 2023.
i. The observance of Administrative Professionals Day is led by the International Association of
Administrative Professionals (IAAP), a non-profit professional association serving the administrative
profession.
ii. The Administrative Professionals Week 2023 is observed from 23rd April to 29th April 2023.
ENVIRONMENT
1. In which state, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) scientists has recently (in
March ‘23) discovered a Moray Eel fish of the Genus Gymnothorax at Mudasalodai fish landing
centre?
1) Maharashtra
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Kerala
5) Karnataka
Answer- 3) Tamil Nadu
2. In which state, the researchers has recently (in March ‘23) discovered predatory Bush
Cricket species namely “Hexacentrus khasiensis, Hexacentrus ashoka and Hexacentrus
tiddae”?
1) Punjab
2) Meghalaya
3) Haryana
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
Researchers from the zoology departments of Ashoka University, Haryana; Punjab University(PU),
Chandigarh; and the National Institute of Science Education and Research, Odisha have discovered 3
new predatory Bush Cricket (Hexacentrus) species namely Hexacentrus khasiensis in Meghalaya
and Hexacentrus ashoka and Hexacentrus tiddae in Sonipat, Haryana.
• The 3 new species were found in 2 study locations: a forested area around and inside the North
Eastern Hill University (NEHU) campus of Shillong, Meghalaya, and in the forested area around
Ashoka University Campus, Sonipat, Haryana.
• Hexacentrus is a genus of predatory katydids. Hexacentrus is a genus of 7 species, 6 of which
are morphologically defined in India and one of which is only acoustically characterised.
3. In which district of kerala, a new genus and species of bagworm moth “Capulopsyche
keralensis” was discovered by researchers from the Zoology Department of St. Thomas College
in March 2023?
1) Idukki
2) Palakkad
3) Kasaragod
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Researchers from the Zoology Department at St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala,
have discovered a new genus and species of bagworm moth “Capulopsyche keralensis” have been
discovered in the coffee plantations of Kerala in Nariyampara, Idukki district, and Nelliampathy,
Palakkad district.
4. In Which state, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have recently (in April
‘23) discovered “Amolops siju”, a new species of cascade ranid frogs of genus Amolops from the
Siju cave?
1) Mizoram
2) Sikkim
3) Tripura
4) Meghalaya
5) Assam
Answer- 4) Meghalaya
Explanation:
A team of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of
cascade ranid frogs of genus Amolops named “Amolops siju” from the Siju cave in the South Garo
Hills district, Meghalaya.
i. The discovery of the new species named after the siju cave was recently issued in the Journal of
Animal Diversity, an international journal published by Lorestan University, Iran.
• The new species belongs to the order: Anura and the family: Ranidae.
This is the 2nd time a frog has been discovered inside a cave in India. The 1st was the Micrixalus
spelunca, which was found in a cave in Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu in 2014.
5. In April 2023, researchers of the Central University of Odisha (CUO) & the Zoological Survey
of India (ZSI), found a rare new edible freshwater cyprinid fish species named
"Garralaishrami," from the _______ River at Koraput in Odisha.
1) Bahuda
2) Kolab
3) Kuakhai
4) Sabari
5) Dhamara
Answer- 2) Kolab
Explanation:
On April 16 2023, the researchers of the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, (Odisha) and
the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), found a rare new edible freshwater cyprinid fish species of Genus
Garra from the Kolab River at Ghatguda, Koraput in Odisha.
• The cyprinid fish species was named Garralaishrami.
i. The new species is named after Dr.Laishram Kosygin of ZSI to honour his remarkable contributions
to understanding the taxonomy of Indian freshwater fishes.
ii. The new species Garralaishrami has been found so far in Kolab River, one of the major tributaries of
Godavari, in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.
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.
• The new version also has a Data Sharing Portal (DSP) and a Data Analytics Portal.
i. The portal was added with a feature of capturing family details of migrant workers which will be
supportive in providing Child education and women-centric schemes to the migrant workers who
have migrated with family.
ii. Purpose: The new feature will enable the eShram registered workers to connect with Employment
opportunities, Skilling, Apprenticeship, Pension Scheme, Digital Skilling and States’ schemes through
eShram portal.
4. 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.
3. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Axis Bank?
1) Amitabh Chaudhry
2) Atanu Kumar Das
3) K Satyanarayana Raju
4) Ajay Kumar Srivastava
5) Shanti Lal Jain
Answer- 1) Amitabh Chaudhry
4. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company?
1) TA Ramalingam
2) Sasikumar Adidamu
3) Avinash Naik
4) Aditya Sharma
5) Tapan Singhel
Answer- 5) Tapan Singhel
Explanation:
About Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited:
It is a joint venture between Allianz SE, and Bajaj Finserv Limited.
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Tapan Singhel
Headquarters – Pune, Maharashtra
5. Who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Independent Director and Chairman of
Nippon India Life Asset Management?
1) Ajay Tyagi
2) UK Sinha
3) Ashvin Parekh
4) B Sriram
5) Ameeta Chatterjee
Answer- 2) UK Sinha
Explanation:
Nippon India Life Asset Management announced the appointment of UK Sinha as an Independent
Director and Chairman of the Board with effect from May 1. Sinha was the Chairman of SEBI from
February 18, 2011 to March 1, 2017.
i. He was succeeded by Ajay Tyagi. Sinha has also been the Chairman and Managing Director of UTI
Asset Management.
6. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reserve Bank Innovation
Hub (RBIH)?
1) Rakesh Ranjan
2) Gopal Natarajan
3) Aditi Namdeo
4) Rajesh Bansal
5) Atish Mathur
Answer- 4) Rajesh Bansal
CA STATIC GK
1. Truecaller, a Caller ID verification platform, has recently (in March ‘23) opened its first
exclusive office space outside of Sweden, in ________________, India.
1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2) Mumbai, Maharashtra
3) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4) Bengaluru, Karnataka
5) Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer- 4) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Explanation:
Truecaller, a Caller ID verification platform, has opened its first exclusive office space outside of
Sweden, in Bengaluru (Karnataka) India. The Bengaluru facility occupies a renovated space of
30,443 square feet and can accommodate up to 250 employees, offering top-of-the-line technology
and amenities.
i. Truecaller CEO & Co-founder Alan Mamedi speaks as Truecaller India MD Rishit Jhunjhunwala looks
on during the opening of Truecaller's first exclusive office space outside of Sweden, in Bengaluru.
ii. Truecaller is a Swedish company founded in 2009 in Stockholm, Sweden by Nami Zarringhalam and
Alan Mamedi.
3. According to the data given by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy,
Parshottam Rupala in March 2023, India is the ______ largest fish producing country,
contributing eight percent to the global fish production.
1) 3rd
2) 2nd
3) 4th
4) 6th
5) 5th
Answer- 1) 3rd
Explanation:
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Parshottam Rupala has announced that
India is the third largest fish producing country, contributing eight percent to the global fish
production.
i. Mr Rupala announced this in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, the overall fish production
in the country has shown an increasing trend, since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
Yojana.
4. In March 2023, the Asian Hockey Federation honored ‘Hockey India’ with the ‘Best Organizer
Award’ for the successful organization of the 2023 Hockey World Cup.
Who is the current (as of March ‘23) President of Hockey India?
1) Asunta Lakra
2) Sekar J Manoharan
3) Bhola Nath Singh
4) Sardar Singh
5) Dilip Kumar Tirkey
Answer- 5) Dilip Kumar Tirkey
Explanation:
The Asian Hockey Federation has honored Hockey India with the ‘Best Organizer Award’ for the
successful organization of the 2023 Hockey World Cup.
5. In March 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the annual player
contracts for India’s senior men team for the 2022/23 season.
Which Indian cricket player has been recently (in March ‘23) promoted to the A+ category?
1) Shubhman Gill
2) KL Rahul
3) Hardik Pandya
4) Ravindra Jadeja
5) Suryakumar Yadav
Answer- 4) Ravindra Jadeja
Explanation:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the annual player contracts for India’s senior
men team for the 2022/23 season. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been promoted to the A+
category, while KL Rahul has been demoted to Grade B.
i. Other inclusions in the A+ category are India skipper Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli and
Jasprit Bumrah, who has been injured since July 2022. The players in the A+ category will earn Rs 7
crore.
ii. Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel were
included in Grade A. These players will earn Rs 5 crore between October 2022 and September 2023.
iii. Cheteshwar Pujara, K L Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Suryakumar Yadav and Shubhman
Gill are part of Grade B. Rahul has been demoted while Shubman was given a contract promotion by
the BCCI. These players are set to earn Rs 3 crore.
6. Name the state government that has recently (in March ‘23) granted the approval for a 75-
feet tall 'Statue of Knowledge' dedicated to Dr B. R. Ambedkar.
1) Maharashtra
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Jharkhand
4) Bihar
5) Karnataka
Answer- 1) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Maharashtra government has given approval for a 75-feet tall 'Statue of Knowledge' dedicated
to Dr B. R. Ambedkar in Latur city.
i. The state government issued an order regarding the statue and also the beautification of the
Ambedkar Park in the city.
ii. Shrangare had last year installed a 75-feet replica of Ambedkar's statue and there was a demand
from some organizations that a permanent statue should be installed in the city.
8. Who is the current (as of March ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of UCO Bank?
1) Soma Sankara Prasad
2) Ishraq Ali Khan
3) Rajendra Kumar Saboo
4) Ashwani Kumar
5) Manish Kumar
Answer- 1) Soma Sankara Prasad
Explanation:
About UCO Bank:
MD & CEO– Soma Sankara Prasad
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal
Tagline– Honours your Trust
12. Which of the following ‘2023 Padma Shri awardees’ is/are “correctly” matched with their
respective field?
1) Modadugu Vijay Gupta- Literature & Education
2) Bikram Bahadur Jamatia- Social Work
3) M M Keeravaani- Art
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
13. On 2nd April 2023, International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the logo for the upcoming
2023 World Cup to commemorate the day the Indian team led by MS Dhoni stood victorious
over Sri Lanka to lift the ICC trophy in 2011.
Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)?
1) Wasim Khan
2) Greg Barclay
3) Richard Freudenstein
4) Geoff Allardice
5) Ankur Khanna
Answer- 2) Greg Barclay
Explanation:
The Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)- Greg Barclay.
On 2nd April 2023, International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the logo of the upcoming 2023 World
Cup on the same day the Indian team led by MS Dhoni stood victorious over Sri Lanka to lift the ICC
trophy in 2011.
i. Six months out from the flagship men's ODI event, the Cricket World Cup has been developed with
the 'Navarasa', nine emotions the game's audiences experience during the high-stakes action.
14. Name the country that has recently (in April ‘23) taken over the presidency of the UN
Security Council.
1) China
2) Russia
3) France
4) United Kingdom
5) United Arab Emirates
Answer- 2) Russia
Explanation:
As the war rages on in Ukraine, Russia has taken over the presidency of the UN Security Council.
The UN Security Council has 15 members and each member has one vote. Under the Charter of the
United Nations, all Member States are obliged to comply with Council decisions.
i. The last time Russia held the presidency was February 2022– the month it launched a full-scale
invasion of its neighbour Ukraine.
15. In which city, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) was inaugurated in March
2023?
1) New Delhi, Delhi
2) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
4) Bengaluru, Karnataka
5) Hyderabad, Telangana
16. Name the state that has observed its 88th foundation day on 1st April 2023.
1) Odisha
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) West Bengal
4) Gujarat
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 1) Odisha
Explanation:
Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Divas and Utkala Dibasa, was observed on 1st April 2023 to
commemorate the struggle for a separate political identity for the state that was once part of Kalinga,
ruled by emperor Ashok.
i. Odisha became an independent province on April 1, 1936, following a three-century battle. The year
2023 the state marks its 88th foundation day.
ii. Utkala Diwas, also known as the Odisha Diwas, is the foundation day of Odisha, a state located in
the eastern part of India.
17. As of March 2023, which of the following state/UT’s villages, along with Lakshadweep, have
achieved the ODF+ Model category?
1) Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu
2) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
3) Jharkhand
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded the commitment to build a clean India by the UTs
of Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that 3 UTS of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu are not only ODF+, but all
their village are of ODF+ Model category.
• As on date, 510 community GOBARdhan projects have been completed under SBM(G).
• Approx Rs. 52,049 Cr fund budgeted by all States/UTs for SBM(G) Phase II activities through
convergence for 2023-24.
• Central Share of Rs. 14,030 Crore has been tentatively allocated to all the states for FY 2023-24.
19. In April 2023, who became the first-ever Indian bowler to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket?
1) Amit Mishra
2) Yuzvendra Chahal
3) Harshal Patel
4) Deepak Chahar
5) Kuldeep Singh
Answer- 2) Yuzvendra Chahal
Explanation:
On 2nd April 2023, Rajasthan Royals leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal became the first-ever Indian
bowler to take 300 wickets in T20 cricket.
i. By registering figures of 4-0-17-4 against SRH, Chahal took his tally of wickets in T20 cricket to 303.
Ravichandran Ashwin, with 288 wickets, is the second-highest wicket-taker among Indians in T20
cricket.
20. Name the personality from India who has been recently (in March ‘23) awarded with a
lifetime achievement award by the University of Texas at Dallas.
1) Viren Rajan Raheja
2) Kumar Mangalam Birla
3) Naveen Jindal
4) Dilip Shanghvi
5) Ashwin Dani
Answer- 3) Naveen Jindal
Explanation:
Naveen Jindal has been awarded a lifetime achievement award by the University of Texas at
Dallas for his accomplishments in industry, politics, and education.
i. Naveen Jindal, who graduated from the University in 1992, received the award in a ceremony. This
award is the highest recognition given to an alumnus by the University of Texas, Dallas and is
presented to those whose contributions have positively impacted society.
21. Which company has recently (in March ‘23) signed a term sheet with HDFC Capital
Affordable Real Estate Fund-3 to create a Rs. 1000 crore platform for plotted development in
the Southern market?
1) Oberoi Realty Ltd
2) TVS Emerald Haven Realty Ltd
3) Lodha Group
4) L&T Realty Ltd
5) Indiabulls Infraestate
Answer- 2) TVS Emerald Haven Realty Ltd
Explanation:
Emerald Haven Realty Ltd (“TVS Emerald”) has signed a term sheet with HDFC Capital Affordable
Real Estate Fund – 3 to create a Rs. 1000 crore platform for plotted development in the Southern
market.
i. The investment manager to the fund HDFC capital and Emerald will deploy capital across Chennai
and Bangalore markets.
22. Name the company that has recently (in March ‘23) received the Airbus order to
manufacture cargo doors for A320neo family planes.
1) Bharat Electronics Ltd
2) BAE Systems India Services Pvt Ltd
3) Mahindra Aerospace Ltd
4) Airnetz Aviation Pvt Ltd
5) Tata Advanced Systems Ltd
Answer- 5) Tata Advanced Systems Ltd
Explanation:
European planemaker Airbus has awarded a contract to Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to
manufacture cargo doors for A320neo family planes.
i. TASL will produce these doors at a new facility in Hyderabad, Telangana using cutting-edge
robotics and automation technology.
ii. Airbus procures components and services worth USD 735 million every year from more than 100
Indian suppliers.
23. Who was recently (in March ‘23) appointed as the brand ambassador of Star Sports?
1) Ranbir Kapoor
2) Ranveer Singh
3) Deepika Padukone
4) Priyanka Chopra
5) Kiara Advani
Answer- 2) Ranveer Singh
Explanation:
The Walt Disney Company India-owned channel Star Sports has signed Bollywood actor Ranveer
Singh as its brand ambassador.
24. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) of Union Bank of India (UBI)?
1) Atanu Kumar Das
2) A. Manimekhalai
3) P V Bharathi
4) Matam Venkata Rao
5) Sanjiv Chadha
Answer- 2) A. Manimekhalai
Explanation:
About Union Bank of India (UBI):
Managing Director– A. Manimekhalai
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– Good People to Bank With
25. Who has recently (in April ‘23) taken charge as Executive Chairman of Haifa Port Company
(HPC)?
1) Mark Sofer
2) Naor Gilon
3) Daniel Carmon
4) Ron Malka
5) David Danieli
Answer- 4) Ron Malka
Explanation:
Former Ambassador of Israel to India Ron Malka has taken over the charge as Executive Chairman of
Haifa Port Company (HPC), which is owned by a consortium of Adani Ports and Special Economic
Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and Israel’s Gadot Group.
i. Ron Malka, who was named Israel’s ambassador to India in 2018.
28. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the new chief executive
officer (CEO) of Hero MotoCorp.
1) Pawan Munjal
2) Jagmohan Singh Raju
3) Niranjan Gupta
4) Pradeep Dinodia
5) Vikram S. Kasbekar
Answer- 3) Niranjan Gupta
Explanation:
The Board of Hero MotoCorp has appointed Niranjan Gupta as the new chief executive officer (CEO)
of the company, effective from May 1, 2023, elevating him from his current position as the chief
financial officer (CFO), Head - Strategy and M&A. Pawan Munjal will continue as executive chairman
and whole-time director on the Board.
29. Name the Indian-American personality who has recently (in March ‘23) received the 2021
National Humanities Medals from US President Joe Biden.
1) Vera Mindy Chokalingam
2) Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
3) Padma Lakshmi
4) Richa Moorjani
5) Sendhil Ramamurthy
Answer- 1) Vera Mindy Chokalingam
Explanation:
US President Joe Biden presented the 2021 National Humanities Medals, in conjunction with the
National Medals of Arts on 21st March, 2023. Indian-American Vera Mindy Chokalingam,
professionally known as Mindy Kaling will awarded the 2021 National Humanities Medal among
others
31. Name the Bank that has recently (in March ‘23) raised Rs.500 crore through Private
Placement of BASEL III Compliant Additional Tier I Bonds (Series I).
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) UCO Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 3) UCO Bank
Explanation:
UCO Bank has raised Rs. 500 crore through Private Placement of BASEL III Compliant Additional
Tier I Bonds (Series I). The security issued is 9.50% Unsecured, Subordinated, Perpetual, Non-
Convertible Fully Paid Up, Taxable, Basel III Compliant Additional Tier I Bonds in the nature of
Debenture of Rs.500 crore (Series I).
i. The bond will be listed on the WDM segment of NSE. Shares of UCO Bank was last trading in BSE at
Rs. 24.89 as compared to the previous close of Rs. 25.04. The total number of shares traded during the
day was 1112496 in over 1550 trades.
ii. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 25.43 and intraday low of 24.65.
32. Who has recently (in March ‘23) won the gold medal in the women’s 200m event at the
Indian Grand Prix I 2023 athletics meet in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
1) Swapna Barman
2) Dhanalakshmi Sekar
3) Dutee Chand
4) Dipa Karmakar
33. Which of the following ‘2023 Padma Shri awardees’ is/are “correctly” matched with their
respective field?
1) Cheruvayal K Raman- Others – Agriculture
2) Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri- Art
3) Mangala Kanti Roy- Social Work
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Cheruvayal K Raman- Others – Agriculture
Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri- Art
Mangala Kanti Roy- Art
34. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) became the first private InvIT to be listed on the
National Stock Exchange of India?
1) IndInfravit Trust
2) Roadstar Infra Investment Trust
3) Oriental InfraTrust
4) IRB Infrastructure Trust
5) Bharat Highways InvIT
Answer- 4) IRB Infrastructure Trust
Explanation:
IRB Infrastructure Trust, sponsored by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd was listed on the National
Stock Exchange of India Ltd, becoming the first private InvIT to be listed.
i. The move comes after the regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) listed guidelines
on the listing framework for the non-listed InvITs.
35. In March 2022, Merlin Group partnered with the World Trade Centers Association to
develop a World Trade Center in ___________.
1) Mumbai, Maharashtra
2) Kolkata, West Bengal
36. Who has recently (in March ‘23) retained his Asian Billiards title in the 100-up format by
defeating Brijesh Damani in the final played at Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF)
Academy?
1) Sourav Kothari
2) Geet Sethi
3) Aditya Mehta
4) Rupesh Shah
5) Pankaj Advani
Answer- 5) Pankaj Advani
Explanation:
India’s Pankaj Advani retained his Asian Billiards title in the 100-up format, defeating fellow
countryman Brijesh Damani 5-1 in the final played at Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF)
Academy.
37. Name the country that has recently (in March ‘23) announced a plan to build ‘world’s
largest’ chip center with USD 230 billion investment from Samsung Electronics.
1) North Korea
2) China
3) Japan
4) South Korea
5) Russia
Answer- 4) South Korea
Explanation:
The South Korea government announced a plan to build an enormous facility to make computer
chips in the greater Seoul area, with about USD 230 billion in investment from memory chip giant
Samsung Electronics.
i. The plans were announced by President Yoon Suk Yeol and confirmed by the electronics giant.
39. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) President of Asian Development Bank (ADB)?
1) Masatsugu Asakawa
2) Kristalina Georgieva
3) Ilene Cohn
4) David Robert Malpass
5) Achim Steiner
Answer- 1) Masatsugu Asakawa
Explanation:
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President– Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters– Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Establishment – 1966
Members– 68 members (49 from Asian and the Pacific and 19 outside)
40. Who has recently (in March ‘23) taken over as captain of France football team?
1) Hugo Lloris
2) Kylian Mbappé
3) Roger Marche
4) Michel Platini
5) Patrick Vieira
Answer- 2) Kylian Mbappé
Explanation:
Kylian Mbappe will take over as captain of France football team after Hugo Lloris stepped down
following the World Cup final defeat to Argentina.
i. Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, 24, accepted the role after discussions with coach Didier
Deschamps. His first game as captain will be the Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the
Stade de France, Les Bleus' first match since their World Cup final disappointment in Doha on
December 18, 2022.
41. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PhonePe?
1) Shashvat Nakrani
2) Nalin Negi
3) Nishant Jain
4) Sameer Nigam
5) Ankur Jain
Answer- 4) Sameer Nigam
43. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of SBI Life Insurance?
1) Mahesh Kumar Sharma
2) Ravi Krishnamurthy
3) M. Anand
4) Siva Rama Krishna
5) G Durgadas
Answer- 1) Mahesh Kumar Sharma
Explanation:
About SBI Life Insurance:
MD & CEO– Mahesh Kumar Sharma
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
47. In April 2023, Scientists from the University of Western _________ and Japan set a world
record by filming a fish swimming 8,336 metre below sea level in Japan.
1) New Zealand
2) Australia
3) China
4) South Korea
5) Singapore
Answer- 2) Australia
Explanation:
Scientists from the University of Western Australia and Japan set a world record after they filmed a
fish swimming 8,336 metre below sea level in Japan. This marks the deepest ever observation of a
fish, beating the previous record set at 8,178 metre in Mariana Trench.
i. The species is a type of unknown snailfish of the genus Pseudoliparis.
49. In April 2023, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) clarified the term “Sikkimese”
defined for the purposes of Section 10 (26AAA) of Income Tax Act,_________, is only for the
purposes of the IT Act and not for any other purpose.
1) 1983
2) 1961
3) 1953
4) 1971
5) 1991
Answer- 2) 1961
Explanation:
The term “Sikkimese” defined for the purposes of Section 10(26AAA) of Income Tax Act, 1961, is only
for the purposes of the Income-tax Act, 1961, and not for any other purpose, clarified by the Central
Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
i. Following the decision of the Supreme Court in a writ petition, certain amendments have been made
in the section 10 (26AAA) of the Income Tax Act.
50. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director
(MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orient Electric Ltd.
1) Rajan Gupta
2) Puneet Juneja
3) Saibal Sengupta
4) Sunil Kumar Singh
5) Desh Deepak Khetrapal
Answer- 1) Rajan Gupta
Explanation:
Orient Electric Ltd announced the appointment of Rajan Gupta as its Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) for a period of five years effective from 4th April 2023.
i. The company also informed that Rakesh Khanna has resigned from the position as MD & CEO,
effective from 3 April, 2023.
52. The exhibition "An Encounter with Korea Traditional Buddhist Culture in India, the Land of
Buddha" has been held in which Indian city?
1) Guwahati, Assam
2) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
3) Gangtok, Sikkim
4) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
5) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 5) New Delhi, Delhi
Explanation:
A Buddhist nun struck a tiny gong while reciting a soothing prayer in Korean for “strategic partners”
India and South Korea so that both “countries can enjoy greater wealth and power, and exert a
stronger influence on world peace.” The venue was the National Gallery of Modern Art, the premier
site for hosting exhibitions in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The exhibition titled “An Encounter with Korea Traditional Buddhist Culture in India, the Land
of Buddha'', which will run till 30 April, shows a series of media art of Buddhist painting scrolls called
‘Gwae Bul’, illuminated Korean traditional lanterns called ‘Yeongeunghoe’ – a UNESCO intangible
cultural heritage – and over 70 photographs with the theme of temple stay, a programme that allows
visitors to get a first-hand experience of the monastic life practised by Korean Buddhist monks.
54. In which year the ‘United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO)’ was established?
1) 1965
2) 1978
3) 1945
4) 1966
5) 1947
Answer- 3) 1945
Explanation:
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO):
Director-General– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established in 1945
56. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Director-General of the World Trade Organization
(WTO)?
1) Kristalina Georgieva
2) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
3) David Malpass
4) Achim Steiner
5) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Answer- 5) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
58. In April 2023, Citi launched operations at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City -
International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) through a new branch.
Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Citi India?
1) Ashu Khullar
2) Sunil Garg
3) Anand Selva
4) Mark Mason
5) Atish Mathur
Answer- 1) Ashu Khullar
Explanation:
Citi has launched operations at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City - International Financial
Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) through a new branch. It will provide acquisition financing to Citi’s global
and Indian clients with cross-border needs.
i. The branch will also provide structured trade and corporate financing solutions and offer an
international banking experience within India’s shores.
ii. Citi India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashu Khullar announced that the branch is a critical step in
Citi’s global strategy as it enhances its offerings for corporate clients and it will improve client
experience and turnaround times.
59. Name the personality who has recently (in April ‘23) become the first female umpire in
International Men's cricket between two ICC full-member countries.
1) Claire Polosak
2) Kim Cotton
60. Which of the following companies, along with Rashi Peripherals, were recently (in April
‘23) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds
through initial public offerings (IPOs)?
1) Cyient DLM
2) Zaggle Prepaid
3) Healthvista India
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
Healthvista India, which runs home healthcare business Portea Medical, and Cyient DLM, a unit of IT
services firm Cyient, are among the four companies that have received approval from the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to raise funds through initial public offerings (IPOs).
i. Rashi Peripherals and fintech firm Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services are the other two companies.
The companies filed their draft papers with the regulator between July 2022 and January 2023, and
received approval during 29-31 March.
ii. Since January, 44 Indian companies have launched IPOs worth Rs. 22,245.3 crore.
64. Ozza Mons and Maat Mons are the biggest volcanoes of _________ (Planet).
1) Venus
2) Mars
3) Jupiter
4) Saturn
5) Mercury
Answer- 1) Venus
Explanation:
Scientists made the new discovery by pouring over images of Venus taken by NASA’s Magellan
spacecraft between 1990 and 1992. During their examination, they looked at the planet’s Atla Regio
area, where two of the biggest volcanoes of Venus, Ozza Mons and Maat Mons, are located.
65. In which Indian city, Apple company is set to open its first ever retail store?
1) Bengaluru, Karnataka
2) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
4) New Delhi, Delhi
5) Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer- 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
Explanation:
Tech giants Apple is all set to open its first ever retail store in India and the first glimpse of the same
is out. The tech giant's first official store will be located in Mumbai (Maharashtra)'s Jio World Drive
mall, located at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
i. The store is inspired by the ‘Kaali Peeli’ taxis art popular in Mumbai.
66. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on _________________.
1) 5th April 2023
2) 2nd April 2023
3) 6th April 2023
4) 1st April 2023
5) 3rd April 2023
Answer- 5) 3rd April 2023
Explanation:
On 3rd April, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at 12 noon at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
This event marks 60 years of dedicated service by the CBI in investigating high-profile and complex
cases across the country.
i. During the celebrations, the Prime Minister presided over an Investiture Ceremony for recipients of
the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Gold Medal for Best Investigating
Officers of the CBI.
ii. These prestigious awards recognize the outstanding work and unwavering commitment of the
CBI’s officers in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law.
iii. Initially, the CBI was part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, but in 1963 it was transferred to the
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
68. The McMahon Line serves as the de facto boundary between ________ and India.
1) China
2) Pakistan
3) Bangladesh
4) Bhutan
5) Nepal
Answer- 1) China
Explanation:
Two United States Senators, a Republican and a Democrat, have introduced a bipartisan resolution in
the upper chamber of Congress reiterating that the US recognises the McMahon Line as the
international boundary between China and India in Arunachal Pradesh.
i. The resolution reaffirms India’s well-known and established position that Arunachal Pradesh, which
China calls ‘South Tibet’, is an integral part of India.
ii. The McMahon Line serves as the de facto boundary between China and India in the Eastern
Sector. It specifically represents the boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, from Bhutan in
the west to Myanmar in the east.
70. Name the company that has recently (in April ‘23) received in-principle approval to import
wagon wheels.
1) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
2) GAIL (India) Limited
3) Tata Steel Limited
4) Jindal Steel and Power Limited
5) Steel Authority of India Limited
Answer- 5) Steel Authority of India Limited
72. As of April 2023, which ministry & Government of India is committed to hold equal
stakeholders to build the ecosystem for Advanced and Short-Haul Air Mobility for All (ASHA)?
1) Ministry of Home Affairs
2) Ministry of Defence
3) Ministry of Science and Technology
4) Ministry of Civil Aviation
5) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Answer- 4) Ministry of Civil Aviation
Explanation:
Advanced and Short-Haul Air Mobility for All (ASHA) is at its infancy stage in India, and with a
massive hunger to grow, the Government of India (GoI) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are
committed to participating as equal stakeholders to build the ecosystem for ASHA, the Union Minister
of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said here on Tuesday.
i. Advanced air mobility (AAM) is expected to take off in the second half of this decade. The new form
of transportation uses electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs)-small, battery-powered
aircraft that can transport passengers and cargo-for a range of urban and regional transportation use
cases, including commutes, airport taxi services, and medical transport.
74. Who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Chairman of the Indian Electronics and
Semiconductor Association (IESA)?
1) Bhavna Sethi
2) Sanjay Gupta
3) Ruchir Dixit
4) Sreeram Srinivasan
5) Pradip Thaker
Answer- 2) Sanjay Gupta
Explanation:
The Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) announced it has appointed President
& CEO of Spark Minda, Sanjay Gupta, as the Chairman of the organisation for 2023-24.
i. The newly elected members of IESA’s executive council are Anku Jain (of MediaTek), Hitesh Garg
(NXP), and V Veerappan (Tessolve).
ii. The other members include Sudhir Naik (EInfoChips), Ashok Mishra (Reliance Jio), and Manoj
Kumar (STMicro). IESA represents the country’s electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM)
industry and it has more than 260 members.
76. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairman & Managing Director (MD) of Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA)?
1) Padam Lal
2) Rohini Rawat
3) Pradip Kumar Das
4) Ajay Yadav
5) Ram Nihal
Answer- 3) Pradip Kumar Das
Explanation:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the listing of Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) on stock exchanges through an initial public offer (IPO) by the part
sale of the government’s stake in the public sector entity.
About Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA):
Chairman & Managing Director– Pradip Kumar Das
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment– 1987
78. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) of IIFL Finance Limited?
1) Nirmal Jain
2) Geeta Mathur
3) R. Venkataraman
4) Vijay Kumar Chopra
5) Arun Kumar Purwar
Answer- 1) Nirmal Jain
Explanation:
About IIFL Finance Limited:
Managing Director– Nirmal Jain
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
81. Which of the following Tiger Reserves are ‘correctly matched’ with their respective state?
1) Sunderbans Tiger Reserve- West Bengal
2) Pilibhit Tiger Reserve- Uttar Pradesh
3) Dudhwa Tiger Reserve- Odisha
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve- West Bengal
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve- Uttar Pradesh
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve- Uttar Pradesh
83. In which year, Ales Bialiatski, from Belarus, received the Nobel Peace Prize?
1) 2022
2) 2018
3) 2021
4) 2017
5) 2019
Answer- 1) 2022
Explanation:
Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Belarusian court. A court in
Belarus capital Minsk convicted Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski on charges of smuggling
and ordered the maximum-security penal colony.
i. Bialiatski is known for his pro-democracy activism. Bialiatski has documented human rights abuses
in Belarus since the 1980s.
ii. He is also the founder of organization Viasna or Spring. It was established in 1996 following a
referendum that helped President Alexander Lukashenko who is considered as a close Russian ally.
ii. Bialiatski was arrested in 2020 during a nation-wide protest against Lukashenko. Bialiatski was
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2022. Human rights groups from Russia and Ukraine also received
the prestigious award in 2022.
84. In which state, the three days long Torgya Festival of the Monpa tribal community, was
celebrated in January 2023?
1) Sikkim
2) Arunachal Pradesh
3) Rajasthan
4) Assam
5) Mizoram
Answer- 2) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
The three days long Torgya Festival of the Monpa tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh is
celebrated at Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh. The main attraction of the festival is the ‘Sha-
na Cham’, the ritual dance performed by monks to showcase the Choe-Gyal Yap & Yum Tsa-Munde
86. Which defence sector of India has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched a mobile app to book
tickets for tourists from all over the world for the retreat ceremony parade?
1) Sashastra Seema Bal
2) Central Reserve Police Force
3) Central Industrial Security Force
4) Border Security Force
5) Assam Rifles
Answer- 4) Border Security Force
Explanation:
The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a mobile app to ease the process of booking tickets
for tourists from all over the world for the retreat ceremony parade. The parade is held at the Attari-
Wagah border joint check post (JCP) between India and Pakistan in Amritsar.
i. The retreat ceremony at the Wagah-Attari border began in 1959 and has been a routine practice
since then.
87. Name the personality who has recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the Administrator of ISSF
Shooting World Cup 2023.
1) Kurian Joseph
2) Rajat Sharma
3) Arjan Kumar Sikri
4) Jagdish Singh Khehar
5) Sharad Arvind Bobde
Answer- 3) Arjan Kumar Sikri
88. Which of the following states celebrates the Ugadi or Yugadi as the beginning of the New
Year?
1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Telangana
4) Both 2 & 3
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
The Hindu festival Ugadi will be observed on March 22, 2023. Ugadi or Yugadi is celebrated as the
beginning of the New Year in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
i. Ugadi is made up of two different words - Yug (era) and Adi (new beginning). Thus, Yugadi stands
for new beginnings.
89. Which country has become the world's 1st to import CO2 and bury it undersea?
1) Germany
2) Denmark
3) Netherlands
4) France
5) Norway
Answer- 2) Denmark
Explanation:
Denmark inaugurates a project to store carbon dioxide 1,800 metres beneath the North Sea, the
first country in the world to bury CO2 imported from abroad.
i. The CO2 graveyard, where the carbon is injected to prevent further warming of the atmosphere, is
on the site of an old oil field. Led by British chemical giant Ineos and German oil company Wintershall
Dea, the “Greensand” project is expected to store up to eight million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.
90. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has recently (in March ‘23) reopened the ________
(Pass) that acts as a gateway between the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
1) Zojila Pass
2) Mana Pass
3) Lipulekh Pass
4) Diphu Pass
5) Pangsau Pass
Answer- 1) Zojila Pass
Explanation:
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently reopened the strategic Zojila Pass that acts as a
gateway between the union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
91. Which state’s Pollution Control Board has recently (in March ‘23) directed by the National
Green Tribunal (NGT) to recover environmental compensation from Bhilwara municipal
council for its failure to take action to remedy the pollution of River Kothari?
1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Jharkhand
4) Rajasthan
5) Tamil Nadu
Answer- 4) Rajasthan
Explanation:
In March 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Rajasthan State Pollution Control
Board (RSPCB) to recover environmental compensation from Bhilwara municipal council for its
failure to take action to remedy the pollution of River Kothari.
i. This river joins the river Banas at Nandrai in Kotri tehsil. The Meja dam on the Kothari river
provides drinking water to the Bhilwara district.
95. India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, Indian Navy Ship (INS) Vikrant was recently (in
April ‘23) presented with a special gift in the form of its original bell from the first carrier of
the same name commissioned in ________ (year).
1) 1972
2) 1995
3) 1961
4) 2000
5) 1982
Answer- 3) 1961
Explanation:
The Indian Navy Ship (INS) Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, was presented with a
special gift in the form of its original bell from the first carrier of the same name commissioned in
1961.
i. The bell was given by Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, who recently retired as the Vice Chief of Navy
Staff, to the commanding officer of INS Vikrant on 22nd March, 2023.
• The INS Vikrant is expected to exhibit the original bell at the carrier to motivate current and
future officers and sailors about the warship’s significant history.
• In 1961, the bell was installed on the first INS Vikrant carrier after India acquired a British
aircraft carrier, HMS Hercules, and renamed it. The original bell was then transferred from the
decommissioned carrier, INS Vikrant, to the designated residence of Indian Navy Vice Chief
located at Motilal Nehru Marg.
98. In April 2023, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek announced a plan to buy an
additional ________ stake in Manipal Health Enterprises for more than Rs 16,300 crore.
1) 25%
2) 41%
3) 20%
4) 39%
5) 51%
Answer- 2) 41%
Explanation:
Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek will buy an additional 41 per cent stake in Manipal
Health Enterprises for more than Rs 16,300 crore (USD 2 billion), taking its total shareholding to 59
per cent in one of the country's largest hospital chains.
i. The acquisition of the stake, announced on Monday, is the largest deal in the Indian healthcare
sector. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Manipal Health Enterprises (MHE) runs a chain of 29 hospitals
under the brand name 'Manipal Hospitals' in 16 cities, with close to 8,300 beds.
100. According to the Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, India will get
9% of its electricity from nuclear sources by _______ (year).
1) 2028
2) 2047
3) 2030
4) 2035
5) 2025
Answer- 2) 2047
Explanation:
India will get 9 percent of its electricity from nuclear sources by 2047, the centenary year of the
country's independence, Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
i. The Science and Technology minister made these remarks after reviewing the functioning of the
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai, the rising share of nuclear power in India's energy basket
would help it get closer to the commitment of achieving the net zero target by 2070.
ii. He announced that the Department of Atomic Energy has been given the target of achieving 20
gigawatts (GW) capacity of nuclear power generation by 2030, which will make India the third-largest
producer of atomic energy in the world after the US and France.
102. In March 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a penalty of Rs 10 crore on the
________ government for failing to protect the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes.
1) Kerala
2) Andhra Pradesh
104. In March 2023, An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck the Kermadec Islands region in
________.
1) Australia
2) China
3) Japan
4) Indonesia
5) New Zealand
Answer- 5) New Zealand
Explanation:
In March 2023, An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck the Kermadec Islands region in New
Zealand. They are a volcanic island group in the South Pacific Ocean.
i. They are prone to earthquakes as it is located on the boundary of two of the world’s major tectonic
plates (convergent boundary) - the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate. They are uninhabited, except
for Raoul Island.
106. Which of the following is correct with respect to the following Geographical Indication
(GI) tag with their respective state/UT?
1) Banaras Langda Aam (Mango)- Uttar Pradesh
2) Manamadurai pottery- Tamil Nadu
3) Bhaderwah rajmash- Chhattisgarh
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Banaras Langda Aam (Mango)- Uttar Pradesh
Manamadurai pottery- Tamil Nadu
Bhaderwah rajmash- Jammu & Kashmir
108. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI)?
1) Saurabh Garg
2) Atish Mathur
3) Rajesh Kumar
4) Anil Yadav
5) Sinha Kumar
Answer- 1) Saurabh Garg
Explanation:
About the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI):
The UIDAI is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery
of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (“Aadhaar Act 2016”) on 12 July
2016 by the Government of India, under MeitY.
110. Name the Government that has recently (in April ‘23) signed an MoU with Urbanrise to
restore and rebuild Ameenpur Lake.
1) Karnataka
2) Kerala
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Telangana
5) West Bengal
Answer- 4) Telangana
Explanation:
Urbanrise has recently entered into a partnership with the Government of Telangana to restore
and beautify the 100+ acres Ameenpur Lake and rebuild its ecosystem.
i. The association is in line with the recently announced program by the Government of Telangana
that aims to rejuvenate and beautify 50 lakes in and around Hyderabad, thereby providing a clean and
healthy environment for the community.
114. Who is the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kotak Mahindra
General Insurance Company?
1) Ravichandran N
2) Suresh Agarwal
3) Mehul A Shah
4) Suresh Sankaranarayanan
5) Jayesh Sansare
Answer- 2) Suresh Agarwal
Explanation:
About Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Ltd. (KGI):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Suresh Agarwal
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
116. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDAI)?
1) Rakesh Joshi
2) S. N. Rajeswari
3) Parmod Kumar Arora
4) Suchindra Misra
5) Debasish Panda
Answer- 5) Debasish Panda
Explanation:
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
Chairperson – Debasish Panda
Headquarters – Hyderabad, Telangana
Establishment – 1999 (Incorporated on 1st April 2000)
117. In which state, National Geophysical Research Institute has recently (in April ‘23) found
large deposits of 15 Rare Earth Elements (REE)?
1) Arunachal Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Jharkhand
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 5) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute has found large deposits of 15 rare earth
elements (REE) in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. REE of the lanthanide series are critical
components in many electronic devices like cell phones, televisions, computers, automobiles used
daily and in various industrial applications.
i. Previously, 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves were found for the first time in the country in
Jammu and Kashmir.
120. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
located?
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Rome, Italy
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) London, United Kingdom
5) Paris, France
Answer- 1) Vienna, Austria
Explanation:
About the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):
Acting Director- Niklas Hedman
Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
Establishment- 1958
121. In April 2023, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari inaugurated
Peerah-Kunfer Tunnel at Ramban, ___________.
1) Himachal Pradesh
2) Uttarakhand
122. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Medical
research (ICMR)?
1) R. Ramakrishnan
2) Bharati Kulkarni
3) Rajiv Bahl
4) Geeta Jotwani
5) Rajeev Roy
Answer- 3) Rajiv Bahl
Explanation:
Science communication brings behavioural changes and the popular science magazines like Vigyan
Pragati and Science Reporter play a very effective role in this direction. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary,
Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, Indian Council of Medical research
(ICMR) was sharing his thoughts on 10 April 2023 at ICMR Headquarter during the release function of
Health Special issues of CSIR popular science magazines called ‘Vigyan Pragati’ & ‘Science Reporter’.
i. Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR said on the occasion that these two magazines of
CSIR carry a legacy of seven decades and serve the great responsibility to inculcate scientific temper
in the society through the dissemination of authentic S&T knowledge.
ii. The special issues comprise of several health-related articles such as mental health, epidemiology,
lifestyle diseases, maternal & oral health, health consequences of child marriage.
123. In April 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi flagged off ________ (state)’s first Vande
Bharat Express train which will cover the distance between Delhi Cantt. and Ajmer.
1) Rajasthan
2) Gujarat
3) Haryana
4) Odisha
5) Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 1) Rajasthan
124. According to the report released by the United Kingdom-based Brand Finance in April
2023, which Indian company has emerged as the second-strongest tyre brand in the world?
1) Continental Tyres Ltd
2) MRF Ltd
3) JK Tyre & Industries Ltd
4) Bridgestone Corporation
5) Ralco Tyres Ltd
Answer- 2) MRF Ltd
Explanation:
Madras Rubber Factory (MRF) Ltd. has emerged as the second-strongest tyre brand in the world,
according to the latest report by the U.K.-based Brand Finance, a leading brand valuation consultancy,
on the most valuable and strongest tyre brands in the world.
i. MRF scored high in almost all parameters and is also featured as the second fastest-growing tyre
brand in the world.
ii. The tyre major scored 83.2 out of 100 in brand strength and was awarded a AAA- brand rating.
128. Who is the Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) (as of
April ‘23)?
1) Padam Lal Negi
2) Suman Sharma
3) Sanjay Sharma
4) Kannan
5) Bhupinder Singh Bhalla
Answer- 2) Suman Sharma
Explanation:
About Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI):
The company holds Category 1 Power Trading Licence and is active in this domain through trading of
Solar Energy from the projects set up under the schemes being implemented by it.
Managing Director – Suman Sharma
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
131. When was the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
established?
1) 1963
2) 1964
3) 1977
4) 1966
5) 1972
Answer- 2) 1964
Explanation:
About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
Secretary-General – Rebeca Grynspan
Establishment – 1964
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
133. In April 2023, the World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided
to inscribe the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli in ________(country) on the List of
World Heritage in Danger.
1) Afghanistan
2) United Arab Emirates
3) Türkiye
4) Lebanon
5) Syria
Answer- 4) Lebanon
Explanation:
The World Heritage Committee meeting in an extraordinary session decided to inscribe the Rachid
Karameh International Fair of Tripoli (Lebanon) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
i. Located in northern Lebanon, the Rachid Karameh International Fair of Tripoli was designed in
1962 by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer on a 70-hectare site located between the historic
centre of Tripoli and the Al Mina port.
134. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Director-General (DG) of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)?
1) Marcos Prado Troyjo
2) Audrey Azoulay
3) David Malpass
4) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
5) Kristalina Georgieva
Answer- 2) Audrey Azoulay
Explanation:
About the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director-General- Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters- Paris, France
Establishment- 1945 (came into force in 1946)
Members- 193 Members and 11 Associate Members.
136. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Indian
Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL)?
1) Amitabh Jha
2) Hardik Agrawal
3) Kushal Veer Singh
4) Raju Francis
5) Ajmer Singh
Answer- 5) Ajmer Singh
Explanation:
About Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL):
IHMCL was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 to carry out Electronic Tolling and other
ancillary projects of NHAI jointly with its Concessionaires and Financial Institutions. The shareholding
pattern of stakeholders is NHAI-41.38%, Concessionaires-33.81% and Financial Institutions 24.81%.
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) – Ajmer Singh
Incorporated -26th December 2012
137. In which year, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) was established?
1) 1971
2) 1967
3) 1982
4) 1992
5) 1976
Answer- 5) 1976
Explanation:
About the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE):
Managing Director- Mahesh Vyas
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment- 1976
142. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)?
1) Nitesh Ranjan
2) Dilip Asbe
3) Venkatraman Srinivasan
4) Hemant Verma
5) Ajay K Khurana
Answer- 2) Dilip Asbe
Explanation:
About National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI):
NPCI is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under
the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
Settlement Infrastructure in India.
MD & CEO– Dilip Asbe
Incorporated – 2008
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
144. Which of the following is/are “correct” with respect to the Geographical Indication (GI)
tag with their respective state/UT?
1) Bakhira Brassware- Uttar Pradesh
2) Sholavandan Vetrilai- Tamil Nadu
3) Rajouri Chikri wood craft- Madhya Pradesh
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Bakhira Brassware- Uttar Pradesh
Sholavandan Vetrilai- Tamil Nadu
Rajouri Chikri wood craft- Jammu & Kashmir
146. In January 2023, the PepsiCo Foundation partnered with CARE, to expand the Global ‘She
Feeds the World’ Program to India in __________.
1) West Bengal
2) Odisha
3) Gujarat
4) Maharashtra
5) Andhra Pradesh
147. Every Year, which organisation will publish the World Economic Outlook?
1) World Bank
2) International Monetary Fund
3) United Nations Development Programme
4) United Nations Human Settlement Programme
5) World Trade Organization
Answer- 2) International Monetary Fund
Explanation:
The World Economic Outlook is published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) twice a year. It
presents analyses of global economic developments during the near and medium term. It gives an
overview as well as more detailed analysis of the world economy.
i. The IMF expects the world economy to slow down to 2.8 per cent in 2023, lower from 3.4 per cent in
2022.
150. In April 2023, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh,_________, inaugurated the newly
renovated Shar Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang (Gonpa) at Gyangkhar.
1) Pema Khandu
2) Nabam Tuki
3) Jarbom Gamlin
4) Kalikho Pul
5) Dorjee Khandu
Answer- 1) Pema Khandu
Explanation:
The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, inaugurated the newly renovated Shar
Nyima Tsho Sum Namyig Lhakhang (Gonpa) at Gyangkhar, his native village in Tawang district.
i. The Gonpa has great historical significance for the well-being of humans, particularly for the people
of Shar Nyima Tsho Sum and all Buddhists in general.
ii. The 11-12th century Gonpa was on the verge of collapse, but it has now been renovated, and all the
necessary rituals and blessings have been performed to restore it to its former glory.
151. Where is the Headquarters of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) located?
1) Geneva, Switzerland
2) Rome, Italy
3) London, United Kingdom
4) Montréal, Canada
5) Paris, France
Answer- 4) Montréal, Canada
Explanation:
About World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH):
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving and
sustaining care for people with inherited bleeding disorders
President– Cesar Garrido(Venezuela)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Alain Baumann
Headquarters– Montréal, Québec, Canada
154. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) handled _________ twenty-foot equivalent units
(TEUs) on 30 March 2023 for the first time.
1) 4.68 million
2) 2.10 million
3) 6.05 million
4) 3.12 million
5) 5.46 million
Answer- 3) 6.05 million
Explanation:
The Maharashtra based Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, the entity that runs India’s biggest state-
owned container gateway and the country’s second largest, announced that it handled 6.05 million
twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the fiscal year 2023 for the first time.
i. The container volumes handled at JNPA rose 6.45 percent in FY23 from 5.68 million TEUs a year
earlier.
156. Which of the following is/are “correct” with respect to the Geographical Indication (GI)
tag with their respective state/UT?
1) Mushqbudji Rice- Madhya Pradesh
2) Myladi stone carvings- Tamil Nadu
3) Nagina Wood Craft- Uttar Pradesh
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
Mushqbudji Rice- Jammu & Kashmir
Nagina Wood Craft- Uttar Pradesh
Myladi stone carvings- Tamil Nadu
158. Where is the Headquarters of the International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS) located?
1) Geneva, Switzerland
2) Paris, France
3) London, United Kingdom
4) Rome, Italy
5) Vienna, Austria
Answer- 2) Paris, France
Explanation:
About the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS):
President- Teresa Patricio
Secretary General- Mario Santana
Headquarters- Paris, France
Establishment- 1965
162. Who has recently (in April ‘23) assumed charge as Controller of Personnel Services in the
Indian Navy?
1) Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti
2) Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar
3) Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
4) Vice Admiral Naveen Chawla
5) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Answer- 5) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Explanation:
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as Controller of Personnel Services in the
Indian Navy on 17th April 23. The Flag Officer was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 87
and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare.
i. A recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, the Admiral has held several key
operational, staff and training appointments in his naval career including the command of missile
163. In April 2023, Government of India has set a target to increase the share of gas in the
energy mix up to 15% in _______ to make India a Gas-based economy.
1) 2027
2) 2030
3) 2025
4) 2028
5) 2026
Answer- 2) 2030
Explanation:
Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri
highlighted the need for domestic production of biofuels and stated that it will play a pivotal role in
achieving reduction in import of fossil fuel and ultimately help to achieve the target of net zero
emission.
• He was addressing the Global Conference on Compressed Biogas (CBG) in New Delhi, which
was organized by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE).
i. The production of CBG would have multiple benefits viz. reduction of natural gas imports, reduction
of GHG emission, reduction in burning of agriculture residues, providing remunerative income to
farmers, employment generation, effective waste management etc adding, “Government of India has
set a target to increase the share of gas in the energy mix up to 15% in 2030 to make India a Gas-
based economy”.
ii. Presently India imports around 50% of our requirement of Natural gas. Speedy expansion of CBG
will help in meeting our additional requirement from domestic resources.
165. Who was reappointed as the Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited for a term of
five years effective from May 1, 2023?
1) Abhyuday Jindal
2) Parth Jindal
3) Sajjan Jindal
166. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Nagarhole Tiger Reserves a. Karnataka
ii. Kanha Tiger Reserves b. Madhya Pradesh
iii. Anamalai Tiger Reserves c. Tamil Nadu
iv. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve d. Kerala
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
Explanation:
Name Location
167. Which of the following Geographical Indication (GI) tags is/are “correct” with respect to
its state/UT?
1) Ramban Anardana- Jammu & Kashmir
2) Banda Shazar Patthar Craft- Uttar Pradesh
3) Marthandam Honey- Chhattisgarh
4) Both 1 & 2
169. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) located?
1) London, United Kingdom
2) New York, United States of America
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) Rome, Italy
5) Paris, France
Answer- 2) New York, United States of America
Explanation:
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities,
is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
Executive Director– Natalia Kanem
Headquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)
170. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA)?
1) Atul Kumar Goel
2) Dinesh Kumar Khara
3) A S Rajeev
4) Madhav Nair
5) N Kamakodi
Answer- 1) Atul Kumar Goel
171. Name the Indian cricketer who has recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the brand
influencer of HSBC India.
1) KL Rahul
2) Suryakumar Yadav
3) Virat Kohli
4) Rishabh Pant
5) Hardik Pandya
Answer- 3) Virat Kohli
Explanation:
HSBC India has appointed Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as brand influencer.
i. As part of the association, a multi-media campaign featuring Virat Kohli will bring to life the value
proposition of banking with HSBC.
172. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Indian Bank?
1) Atanu Kumar Das
2) A. S. Rajeev
3) K Satyanarayana Raju
4) Matam Venkata Rao
5) Shanti Lal Jain
Answer- 5) Shanti Lal Jain
Explanation:
About Indian Bank:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Shanti Lal Jain
Headquarters- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Establishment- 15 August 1907
173. In April 2023, Former England Test batter Gary Ballance announced his retirement from
all forms of cricket, just three months after resuming his international career with____________
(country).
1) Zimbabwe
2) West Indies
3) New Zealand
4) Afghanistan
5) Australia
Answer- 1) Zimbabwe
Explanation:
Former England Test batter Gary Ballance has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket,
just three months after resuming his international career with Zimbabwe.
174. Who was recently (in April ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd (TEPL)?
1) Bhaskar Bhat
2) Venu Srinivasan
3) Randhir Thakur
4) Harish Manwani
5) Saurabh Agrawal
Answer- 3) Randhir Thakur
Explanation:
Tata Group appointed Dr. Randhir Thakur, as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd (TEPL), as the group has drawn a strategy to strengthen its
semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in an attempt to gain an edge over rivals in the country's
thriving precision machining business.
i. Randhir Thakur was associated with global electronic chip and circuits manufacturing giant Intel.
175. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Foundation Day 2023 observed on _________ 2023.
1) 4th April
2) 1st April
3) 2nd April
4) 3rd April
5) 5th April
Answer- 2) 1st April
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Foundation Day 2023 observed on 1st April 2023.
i. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the
provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Central Office of the RBI, initially set up in
Kolkata, was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937.
ii. Sir Osborne Smith the first Governor of the Bank.
176. Name the state government that has recently (in April ‘23) signed Memorandum of
Agreement (MoA) with Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) to set up five hydropower
plants.
1) Uttarakhand
2) Assam
3) Arunachal Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Odisha
Answer- 3) Arunachal Pradesh
178. On 29th March 2023, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi organized “Spring Fiesta”
2023 to celebrate _______ years of the museum.
1) 69
2) 45
3) 50
4) 47
5) 71
Answer- 1) 69
Explanation:
National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi for the first time organized “Spring Fiesta” 2023 on 29th
March 2023 to celebrate 69 years of the museum which was officially inaugurated on March 29,
1954 by Vice President Dr. S Radhakrishnan.
179. Which state has recently (in April ‘23) hosted a two-day science conclave on ‘Clean Energy
for a Green Future’ as part of G20 meetings for the first time?
1) Mizoram
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Tripura
4) Assam
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 3) Tripura
Explanation:
Tripura hosted a two-day science conclave on ‘Clean Energy for a Green Future’ as part of G20
meetings for the first time from April 3, 2023
i. The event will be held on April 3 and 4 at the International Fair Ground at Agartala, the state capital.
ii. The two days event is expected to have at least eight sessions on various topics, Chandra said,
adding the G20 delegates would be in Tripura from April 2 to April 5.
Note- India assumed the Presidency of the G20 or Group of 20 for one year from December 1, 2022.
180. Which of the following Geographical Indication (GI) tags is/are “correct” with respect to
its state/UT?
1) Manapparai Murukku- Tamil Nadu
2) Pratapgarh Aonla- Uttar Pradesh
3) Udhampur Kaladi - Madhya Pradesh
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Udhampur Kaladi (Dairy Product)- Jammu & Kashmir
Pratapgarh Aonla- Uttar Pradesh
Manapparai Murukku- Tamil Nadu
181. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification
(CBFC)?
1) Prasoon Joshi
2) Vivek Agnihotri
3) Narendra Kohli
4) Jeevitaa Rajashekhar
5) Ramesh Patange
Answer- 1) Prasoon Joshi
Explanation:
About Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):
Chairperson– Prasoon Joshi
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
183. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of IndusInd Bank?
1) Bhavna Doshi
2) Jayant Deshmukh
3) Sumant Kathpalia
4) Rajiv Agarwal
5) Sunil Mehta
Answer- 3) Sumant Kathpalia
Explanation:
About IndusInd Bank:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Sumant Kathpalia
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– We Care Dil Se, We Make You Feel Richer
186. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently (in April ‘23) launched its mRNA
vaccine technology hub in ___________.
1) Lima, Peru
2) Geneva, Switzerland
3) Cape Town, South Africa
4) London, United Kingdom
5) Brasilia, Brazil
Answer- 3) Cape Town, South Africa
Explanation:
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially launched its mRNA vaccine technology hub in Cape
Town, South Africa, a facility established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help poorer countries
struggling to access life-saving medication.
i. In 2021, the WHO picked South African biotech firm Afrigen Biologics for a pilot project to give poor
and middle-income countries the know-how and licenses to make COVID vaccines, in what South
African President Cyril Ramaphosa then called a historic step.
ii. Afrigen Biologics has used the publicly available sequence of Moderna Inc's (MRNA.O) mRNA
COVID vaccine to make its own version of the shot - AfriVac 2121 - at lab scale and is now scaling up
production.
189. Who is the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Au Small Finance
Bank?
1) Samit Ghosh
2) P. N. Vasudevan
3) Kadambelil Paul Thomas
4) Ajay Kanwal
5) Sanjay Agarwal
Answer- 5) Sanjay Agarwal
Explanation:
About Au Small Finance Bank Ltd:
MD & CEO – Sanjay Agarwal
Establishment – 1996
Headquarters – Jaipur, Rajasthan
190. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Corbett Tiger Reserve a. West Bengal
ii. Manas Tiger Reserve b. Uttarakhand
iii. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve c. Mizoram
iv. Dampa Tiger Reserve d. Assam
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
Explanation:
Name Location
191. Which of the following Geographical Indication (GI) tags is/are “correct” with respect to
its state/UT?
1) Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products- Ladakh
2) Hathras Hing- Uttar Pradesh
3) Cumbum Panneer Thratchai- Tamil Nadu
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products- Jammu & Kashmir
Hathras Hing- Uttar Pradesh
Cumbum panneer thratchai (grapes)- Tamil Nadu
Ladakh Shingskos (Wood Carving)- Ladakh
192. In which year, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) was established?
1) 1957
2) 1972
3) 1966
4) 1955
5) 1969
Answer- 3) 1966
Explanation:
About UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF):
Executive Secretary– Preeti Sinha
Headquarters– New York, United States of America(USA)
Established- 1966
195. Where is the Headquarters of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) located?
1) Tokyo, Japan
2) Manila, Philippines
3) Jakarta, Indonesia
4) Beijing, China
5) Dhaka, Bangladesh
Answer- 4) Beijing, China
Explanation:
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB):
AIIB began operations in 2016 with 57 founding Members (37 regional and 20 non regional).
President– Jin Liqun
Headquarters– Beijing, China
Member– 106
197. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairperson of Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI)?
1) Rajeev Kumar Jain
2) G. Kamala Vardhana Rao
3) Inoshi Sharma
4) Rajesh Bhushan
5) Satyen Kumar Panda
Answer- 4) Rajesh Bhushan
Explanation:
Rajesh Bhushan, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is the present Chairperson of Food
Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
i. In its endeavour of supporting ease of doing business in procuring licenses/ registration by Food
Business Operators (FBOs), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has undertaken
to translate its web-based application Food Safety and Compliance System (FOSCOS) in Hindi,
followed by all the regional languages.
ii. The latest measure promises to support ease of use for all new FBO’s in applying for licenses. As a
result, more than 1.2 crore have registered FBOs for license renewal.
iii. For the purpose of making the food safety ecosystem robust and facilitating wider reach, FSSAI has
initiated many user-friendly features in the application, of which the first step is making it available in
all other regional languages for license and registration purposes.
200. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Namdapha Tiger Reserve a. Arunachal Pradesh
ii. Orang Tiger Reserve b. Telangana
iii. Bhadra Tiger Reserve c. Karnataka
iv. Amrabad Tiger Reserve d. Assam
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Explanation:
Name Location
201. Ujjain Batik print recently got the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag , it belongs to which
State/UT?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Jammu and Kashmir
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Ladakh
5) Chhattisgarh
Answer- 1) Madhya Pradesh
202. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indradhanush Gas Grid
Limited (IGGL)?
1) Ajit Kumar Thakur
2) Rajib Kr. Bhattacharyya
3) Pankaj Patowary
4) Pradeep Kumar Shah
5) Atish Mathur
Answer- 1) Ajit Kumar Thakur
Explanation:
About Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL):
IGGL is the joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC), GAIL (India) Limited, Oil India Limited (OIL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited
(NRL).
CEO – Ajit Kumar Thakur
Headquarters – Guwahati, Assam
Incorporated in 2018
203. In April 2023, _________, the founder of Gemini Circus and a pioneer of Indian circus passed
away.
1) Kallan Gopalan
2) Priyanath Bose
3) Krishan Mehta
4) M.V. Sankaran
5) Rajkamal
Answer- 4) M.V. Sankaran
Explanation:
Moorkoth Vengakandi Shankaran (M.V. Sankaran also known as Gemini Shankaran) , the founder of
Gemini Circus and a pioneer of Indian circus, passed away. He was 99.
i. Sankaran, who was born in 1924, trained under noted circus artist Keeleri Kunhikannan for three
years and later joined the military and retired after the Second World War. After working with various
circus groups across the country, he purchased Vijaya Circus Company in 1951 and renamed it as
Gemini Circus. Later, he started his second company, Jumbo Circus.
204. In April 2023, the Union government intensified crackdown against drugs with the aim to
make India drug-free by ___________.
1) 2047
2) 2028
3) 2030
4) 2027
5) 2035
Answer- 1) 2047
205. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of M1xchange?
1) Jacob Raphael
2) Anurag Chaturvedi
3) Sundeep Mohindru
4) Amit Sachdev
5) Vivek Misra
Answer- 3) Sundeep Mohindru
Explanation:
About M1xchange:
TReDS platform ‘M1xchange’ was established by Mynd Solutions Private Limited in 2017.
CEO– Sundeep Mohindru
Headquarters– Gurugram, Haryana
207. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Prime Minister (PM) of New Zealand?
1) Jacinda Ardern
2) Bill English
3) Chris Hipkins
4) Helen Clark
5) Jenny Shipley
Answer- 3) Chris Hipkins
Explanation:
Australia announced a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in the country,
reversing controversial visa rules a day before a visit by New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
209. According to the ministry of external affairs, India positioned two IAF C-130J on standby
in Jeddah and Indian Naval Ship _________ reached Port Sudan in April 2023.
1) INS Sujata
2) INS Saryu
3) INS Sumedha
4) INS Sharada
5) INS Savitri
Answer- 3) INS Sumedha
Explanation:
Describing the security situation in Sudan as complex and evolving, the government on Sunday said it
is pursuing multiple options to evacuate the 3,000 Indian citizens stuck in the conflict-hit country.
i. The ministry of external affairs announced that India has positioned two IAF C-130J on standby in
Jeddah and that Indian Naval Ship ‘Sumedha’ has reached Port Sudan.
ii. India’s decision to deploy the Super Hercules military transport aircraft followed the high-level
meeting PM Narendra Modi chaired in which he asked officials to ready contingency evacuation plans.
India had used the C-130J earlier also for Afghanistan evacuation.
210. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Kamlang Tiger Reserve a. Maharashtra
ii. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve b. Arunachal Pradesh
iii. Bor Tiger Reserve c. Rajasthan
iv. Mukandra Hills Tiger Reserve d. Chhattisgarh
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
211. Sharbati Gehu of _____________ (State/UT) had recently got the Geographical Indication (GI)
Tag.
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Jammu and Kashmir
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Ladakh
5) Chhattisgarh
Answer- 1) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
In April 2023, Sharbati Gehu (wheat which is also called The Golden Grain) product of Madhya
Pradesh (MP), registered by the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry in the agricultural product
category.
i. Sharbati wheat is a regional variety of wheat grown in Sehore and Vidisha districts, the grains have a
golden sheen. Sehore district is the largest producer of Sharbati wheat in India
212. On 24th April 2023, the ______ based Sharjah Cricket Stadium 'West Stand' was renamed
the 'Sachin Tendulkar Stand'.
1) Sri Lanka
2) Qatar
3) United Arab Emirates
4) Zimbabwe
5) Bangladesh
Answer- 3) United Arab Emirates
Explanation:
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has honoured India batting great Sachin Tendulkar on his 50th
birthday by naming a stand after him. The venue in the United Arab Emirates held a ceremony for
214. Which state government has recently (in April ‘23) withhold the 12-hour workday bill for
factory workers?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Telangana
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Kerala
Answer- 4) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Tamil Nadu has put on hold a bill that was passed last week to allow a 12-hour workday from the
mandatory eight hours at factories in the state following protests by several political parties and
labour unions.
i. Chief Minister M K Stalin that based on the views expressed by various trade union representatives
and political parties on the bill passed in the Assembly, the process of implementing it had been
suspended.
ii. On 21 April, 2023 the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed the Factories (Amendment) Act 2023 providing
flexible working hours for employees across the state. The Tamil Nadu government passed the bill last
week but it has yet to become law.
215. Name the operation that was recently (in April ‘23) launched by India to bring back its
nationals from Sudan.
1) Operation Ganga
2) Operation Kaveri
3) Operation Devi Shakti
4) Operation Dost
5) Operation Vande Bharat
Answer- 2) Operation Kaveri
216. In April 2023, India's first elevated taxiway for aircraft at _____________ (airport) may start
its operation in September, 2023.
1) Sardar VallabhBhai Patel International Airport
2) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
3) Indira Gandhi International Airport
4) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
5) Kempegowda International Airport
Answer- 3) Indira Gandhi International Airport
Explanation:
India's first elevated taxiway for aircraft at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport may start
operating in September, 2023. Security concerns are being addressed to avoid any obstructions on the
new elevated cross taxiway (ECT). The 1.8 km terminal is the first of its kind in the country.
i. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have
already started examining Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL)'s request to clear the ECT for
operations.
ii. The elevated cross taxiway will have a 148-meter-long bridge section over the main road between
T3 and Mahipalpur. It will also have a smaller 43.8-meter bridge on the road along the T3-side airport
boundary wall. Earlier, the project was to be completed by December 2022.
217. Which of the following cricketers were recently (in April ‘23) honoured with Don
Bradman gates at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia?
1) Ricky Ponting
2) Sachin Tendulkar
3) Brian Lara
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
On his 50th birthday (24th April 2023) Sachin Tendulkar was honoured at the Sydney Cricket
Ground with a set of Don Bradman gates named after him and West Indies great Brian Lara.
i. The gates, used to access the field of play, were unveiled to mark Tendulkar's 50th birthday and 30
years since Lara's innings of 277 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
ii. The gates were unveiled by SCG and Venues NSW Chairman Rod McGeoch AO and CEO Kerrie
Mather, as well as Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.
iii. The Australian cricket team entered the field via the Don Bradman Gates, with the visitors now
coming through the Lara-Tendulkar Gates.
219. According to the World Silver Survey 2023 released by the Silver Institute in April 2023,
Hindustan Zinc Limited has emerged as the _______ largest silver producer in the world.
1) 5th
2) 2nd
3) 4th
4) 6th
5) 3rd
Answer- 1) 5th
Explanation:
Hindustan Zinc Limited, India's leading zinc-lead-silver producer, has emerged as the 5th largest
silver producer in the world, according to the World Silver Survey 2023 by the Silver Institute. This
places India in the top 20 silver-producing countries.
i. Earlier, the company was ranked 6th largest silver producer which has now changed to 5th largest
with 694 tonnes of silver production in the calendar year 2022.
ii. Hindustan Zinc produces 100% of India’s integrated Silver. The company has increased its
production of Silver manifold since disinvestment with a production capacity of 800 tonnes from a
meager capacity of 41 tonnes in 2002.
220. Who has been recently (in April ‘23) appointed as Military Advisor to the National
Security Council?
1) Air Marshal A P Singh
2) Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
3) Air Marshal VR Chaudhari
4) Air Marshal Ravi Gopal
5) Air Marshal Arjan Singh
Answer- 2) Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
221. Morena Gajak of _____________ (State/UT) had recently (April’23) got the Geographical
Indication (GI) Tag.
1) Ladakh
2) Jammu and Kashmir
3) Bihar
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Chhattisgarh
Answer- 4) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
In April 2023, Morena Gajak, (a kind of sweet) product of Madhya Pradesh (MP), registered by the
Geographical Indication (GI) Registry in the food ingredient category.
222. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve a. Maharashtra
ii. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve b. Telangana
iii. Melghat Tiger Reserve c. Chhattisgarh
iv. Amrabad Tiger Reserve d. Kerala
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
Explanation:
Name Location
223. In April 2023, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) placed a signboard at the border
village of “Mana” in _________, declaring it to be the “First Indian Village.”
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Uttarakhand
3) Assam
4) Arunachal Pradesh
5) Sikkim
Answer- 2) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) placed a signboard at the border village of “Mana” in
Uttarakhand, declaring it to be the “First Indian Village.” Located in the Himalayas, Mana shares a
border with China and was previously referred to as the “last village”.
i. Mana, a village located at the Indo-China border in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, was previously
known as the last Indian village but will now be referred to as the "first Indian village." -According to
the tourism website of Uttarakhand, the state government has designated Mana as a “Tourism
Village”, and is located on the banks of the River Saraswati, just 3 km away from the town of
Badrinath, making it one of the best tourist attractions in the region.
224. In which country, the Scientists have recently (in April ‘23) discovered the world‘s second-
deepest blue hole?
1) Mexico
2) China
3) Brazil
4) Chile
5) Australia
Answer- 1) Mexico
Explanation:
Scientists have discovered a colossal blue hole which has been confirmed to be the second-deepest
blue hole in the world off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The giant underwater cavern
is about 900 feet deep with 147,000 square feet of area. The gargantuan sapphire sinkhole has been
named ‘Taam ja', which means “deep water” in Mayan.
i. Blue holes are deep underwater caverns which are home to ancient limestone caves on the ocean
floor. The rare inland blue holes are black in appearance and devoid of light and oxygen.
ii. World's 1st deepest known blue hole, the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea, which was
discovered in 2016 and is thought to be more than 980 feet (300 m) deep.
225. Which country’s army has recently (in April ‘23) tested DF-27 hypersonic glide
Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)?
1) United Arab Emirates
2) Russia
3) China
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4) Indonesia
5) Japan
Answer- 3) China
Explanation:
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had successfully tested DF-27 hypersonic glide
intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which flew for 12 minutes with a range of 2,100
kilometers (1,300 miles), was “very likely” to penetrate the US ballistic missile defense system.
i. This is according to the recently leaked US intelligence documents. The US government officials said
last year that the DF-27 ballistic missile could be an intermediate or intercontinental ballistic missile
with a range of 5,000-8,000 kilometers. With DF 27, Chinese PLA will have greater precision strike
options with conventional and nuclear warheads.
227. Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL) chairman, ___________ has recently (in
April ‘23) announced his retirement.
1) Priyanka Gidwani
2) Rohit Malik
3) Dhanraj Mulki
4) Kavinder Singh
5) Arun Nanda
Answer- 5) Arun Nanda
Explanation:
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL) chairman Arun Nanda and a key member of
Mahindra group for 50 years, notified the Board that he will not seek reappointment, consistent with
the age limit for non-executive roles, and will retire at the upcoming AGM on July 25, 2023.
i. Mr Nanda has had a long and illustrious career with the Mahindra Group. He joined Mahindra as a
young accountant in Calcutta in 1973.
ii. Anand Mahindra is the present Chairman of Mahindra Group and Anish Shah, MD & CEO of
Mahindra Group
229. In April 2023, SpaceX received approval from the US Space Force to add ________ United
States (US) rocket launch site.
1) 6th
2) 3rd
3) 5th
4) 7th
5) 8th
Answer- 3) 5th
Explanation:
Elon Musk-led SpaceX has received approval from the United States (US) Space Force to operate a
new rocket launch site in the country. Space Launch Complex-6 will be SpaceX's second launch site at
Vandenberg Space Force Base and fifth overall in the US. The company runs two more launch sites in
Florida and one in Texas.
230. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Palamau Tiger Reserve a. Maharashtra
ii. Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve b. Tamil Nadu
iii. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve c. Jharkhand
iv. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve d. Karnataka
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
Explanation:
Name Location
231. Where is the Headquarters of the World Health Organisation (WHO) located?
1) Paris, France
2) London, United Kingdom
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) New York City, United States of America
5) Vienna, Austria
Answer- 3) Geneva, Switzerland
Explanation:
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director-General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
233. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Reliance General Insurance company?
1) Akhilesh Guleria
2) Rakesh Jain
3) Hemant K Jain
4) Anand Singhi
5) Rajendra Chitale
Answer- 2) Rakesh Jain
235. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Director General & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)?
1) Raj Kumar Malhotra
2) Yogesh Gupta
3) Ajay Sahai
4) Naren Goenka
5) Paresh Kantilal Mehta
Answer- 3) Ajay Sahai
Explanation:
About Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO):
Director General & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Ajay Sahai
Headquarter– New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment– 1965
239. In April 2023, ______________ based Hyundai Mobis developed the world's first rollable
display for vehicles.
1) Japan
2) China
3) Russia
4) South Korea
5) Germany
Answer- 4) South Korea
240. As of April 2023, what is the Minimum age limit for Class 1 students under National
Education Policy (NEP)?
1) 7 years
2) 6 years
3) 4 years
4) 5 years
5) 8 years
Answer- 2) 6 years
Explanation:
In February 2023, The Ministry of Education directed all states and Union Territories to fix the
minimum age for admission in Class 1 as six years.
i. According to the new National Education Policy (NEP), the foundational stage consists of five years
of learning opportunities for all children (between 3 to 8 years) that includes three years of preschool
education followed by Classes 1 and 2.
243. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Pakke Tiger Reserve a. Karnataka
ii. Nameri Tiger Reserve b. Arunachal Pradesh
iii. Bhadra Tiger Reserve c. Maharashtra
iv. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve d. Assam
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
Explanation:
Name Location
244. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI (National
Institution For Transforming India) Aayog?
1) Suman K Bery
2) B. V. R. Subrahmanyam
3) Urvashi Prasad
4) Shashi Singh
5) Ramesh Chand
Answer- 2) B. V. R. Subrahmanyam
245. Where is the Headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) located?
1) London, United Kingdom
2) Paris, France
3) Rome, Italy
4) Madrid, Spain
5) Geneva, Switzerland
Answer- 5) Geneva, Switzerland
Explanation:
About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
The ITU was established in 1865, which formally came into force on 1st January 1949 and recognizes
ITU as an UN-specialized agency.
Secretary-General- Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
246. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairman and Managing Director of Rail Vikas Nigam
Limited (RVNL)?
1) Pradeep Gaur
2) Sanjeeb Kumar
3) Vinay Singh
4) Rajesh Prasad
5) Anupam Ban
Answer- 1) Pradeep Gaur
Explanation:
About the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL):
Chairman and Managing Director-
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment- 24th January 2003
247. Smriti Zubin Irani is the union ministry of which of the following ministries?
1) Ministry of Women and Child Development
2) Ministry of Minority Affairs
3) Minister of Textiles
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani opened a
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) account at Sansad Marg Head Post Office in the national
capital, and urged more women to take benefit of the scheme.
248. The implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme was based on
recommendation of the ___________ committee.
1) Rajiv Mehrishi
2) Koshiyari
3) P K Mohanty
4) Abhijeet Sen
5) Pradip Shah
Answer- 2) Koshiyari
Explanation:
One Rank One Pension (OROP) implies uniform pension to personnel based on rank and length of
service, irrespective of the date of retirement.
• The Government had implemented the long pending demand of veterans in November 2015
and as per the notification, it is to be revised every five years.
• Armed Forces Personnel who had retired till 30th june 2014 are covered under it.
• The implementation of the scheme was based on recommendation of the Koshiyari
committee.
249. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of National Stock Exchange (NSE)?
1) K Narasimha Murthy
2) Girish Chandra Chaturvedi
3) Ashishkumar Chauhan
4) S Ravindran
5) Bishnu Charan Patnaik
Answer- 3) Ashishkumar Chauhan
Explanation:
About National Stock Exchange (NSE):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Ashishkumar Chauhan
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
250. In April 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Annual
Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Women) for the 2022-23 season.
Which of the following Women Cricketers were recently (in April ‘23) on the top A-grade list?
1) Harmanpreet Kaur
2) Smriti Mandhana
3) Deepti Sharma
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
251. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) announced a new multi-year global
distribution services partnership with the United States-based Sabre Corporation?
1) SpiceJet
2) IndiGo
3) Vistara
4) Air India
5) Go First
Answer- 4) Air India
Explanation:
Full service carrier Air India announced a new multi-year global distribution services partnership
with the U.S.-based Sabre Corporation.
i. The collaboration enables travel agents and corporations around the world to access Air India fares
and seats through Sabre's extensive global travel marketplace.
254. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Buxa Tiger Reserve a. Uttar Pradesh
ii. Rajaji Tiger Reserve b. West Bengal
iii. Ranipur Tiger Reserve c. Telangana
iv. Kawal Tiger Reserve d. Uttarakhand
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
Explanation:
Name Location
255. Where is the headquarters of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) located?
1) Geneva, Switzerland
2) Paris, France
3) London, United Kingdom
256. Who is the current (as of April ‘23) Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of ITC Limited?
1) Nakul Anand
2) Sumant Bhargavan
3) Mukesh Gupta
4) Hemant Bhargava
5) Sanjiv Puri
Answer- 5) Sanjiv Puri
Explanation:
About ITC Limited:
Chairman & Managing Director(CMD)– Sanjiv Puri
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal
258. In which year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) was established?
1) 1950
2) 1969
3) 1919
4) 1947
5) 1925
Answer- 3) 1919
Explanation:
About the International Labour Organization (ILO):
Director-General- Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment- 1919
261. In April 2023, the new NASA InSight lander research revealed that the core of ________
(planet) is less dense, and lacks a protective magnetic field.
1) Mercury
2) Venus
3) Jupiter
4) Saturn
5) Mars
Answer- 5) Mars
Explanation:
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected seismic waves traveling through the core of
Mars, providing crucial information about the Red Planet’s composition and leading to NASA’s InSight
lander about the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets.
i. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that Mars has
a completely liquid core, rich in sulfur and oxygen, which differs significantly from Earth’s core.
ii. Mars’ core is less dense and lacks a protective magnetic field, suggesting that it may have
evolved from a potentially habitable environment to its current hostile state.
263. Which company has recently (in April ‘23) became the official travel partner of the
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA)?
1) Tripadvisor
2) EaseMyTrip.com
3) Yatra.com
4) Cleartrip
5) MakeMyTrip
Answer- 2) EaseMyTrip.com
Explanation:
EaseMyTrip.com announced that it is now the official travel partner of the International Indian Film
Academy (IIFA) yet again.
i. In a BSE filing, the company announced it has an exciting offer for its users to attend the IIFA
Awards 2023, which will be held in Abu Dhabi. It further added that EaseMyTrip customers can now
avail of their complimentary ticket to IIFA 2023 upon booking their air tickets to Abu Dhabi.
ii. The offer is only valid till April 30, 2023. According to the BSE filing, the complimentary ticket can
be only availed by those customers who will be traveling to Abu Dhabi between May 25th and May
27th.
264. Name the state government that has recently (in April ‘23) launched its first air
ambulance services.
1) Bihar
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Jharkhand
4) Chhattisgarh
5) Odisha
Answer- 3) Jharkhand
Explanation:
Jharkhand launched its first air ambulance services, which are set to operate from Ranchi and six
other cities. This move will boost medical transport facilities by connecting it to other destinations in
case of requirement.
266. Match the following Tiger Reserves with their respective state:
i. Indravati Tiger Reserve a. Tamil Nadu
ii. Panna Tiger Reserve b. Chhattisgarh
iii. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve c. Maharashtra
iv. Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve d. Madhya Pradesh
1) i-c, ii-d, iii-a, iv-b
2) i-b, ii-d, iii-a, iv-c
3) i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d
4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
5) i-a, ii-d, iii-c, iv-b
Answer- 4) i-b, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
Explanation:
Name Location
268. Where is the Headquarters of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) located?
1) Geneva, Switzerland
2) London, United Kingdom
3) Shanghai, China
4) Paris, France
5) New York City, United States of America
Answer- 3) Shanghai, China
Explanation:
About International Theatre Institute (ITI):
ITI was created on the initiative of the first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Director General, Sir Julian Huxley, and the playwright and novelist, JB
Priestly in 1948.
President– Mohamed Saif Al-Afkham
Director General– Tobias Biancone
Headquarters– Shanghai, China
269. Who has recently (in April ‘23) took charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-
in-C) of South Western Air Command (SWAC)?
1) Air Marshal Vikram Singh
2) Air Marshal Suraj Kumar Jha
3) Air Marshal Jagdish Raj Bhasin
4) Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
5) Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora
Answer- 4) Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
271. The Jana Shakti exhibition commemorated the ______ episode of the popular radio program
“Mann ki Baat” inaugurated by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on All India Radio on
30th April 2023.
1) 25th
2) 50th
3) 120th
4) 75th
5) 100th
Answer- 5) 100th
Explanation:
A one of its kind exhibitions titled Jana Shakti, that commemorates the 100th episode of the popular
radio program “Mann ki Baat” by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on All India Radio,
inaugurated at NGMA New Delhi on 30 April 2023.
i. Globally recognized eminent artist Ms Anjolie Ela Menon inaugurated the exhibition Jana Shakti: a
Collective Power, an exhibition that celebrates the artistic diversity of India.