1. Which technology has been introduced by Indian Railways to prevent accidents caused by elephants on railway tracks?
(A) “Hathi Kavach”
(B) “Gajraj Suraksha”
(C) “Gaj Suraksha”
(D) “Gajendra Kavach”
(E) “Danti Suraksha”
Solution: Option B.)
Ans (B)
Indian Railways has introduced a state-of-the-art technology called ‘Gajraj Suraksha’ to prevent accidents caused by elephants on railway tracks.
It uses AI-based algorithms and a network of sensitive optical fiber cables to detect elephants coming close to railway tracks.
Its objective is to save elephants dying in train accidents.
Indian Railways is planning to introduce this technology in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Kerala, parts of Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.
2. Where is the COP-28 summit being organized?
(A) Riyadh
(B) Nairobi
(C) Sydney
(D) Dubai
(E) New Delhi
Solution: Option D.)
Ans (D)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is participating in the COP-28 summit being held in Dubai.
In this conference he will address the World Climate Action Summit.
COP28 or the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference is being held from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai.
3. In which state is the Hornbill Festival organized every year?
(A) Nagaland
(B) Assam
(C) Tripura
(D) Meghalaya
(E) Mizoram
Solution: Option A.)
Ans (A)
The Hornbill Festival 2023 or the 24th edition of the Hornbill Festival has started at Naga Heritage Village Kisama.
The participating countries for this year’s edition are the United States of America, Germany and Colombia along with the state of Assam.
The Hornbill Festival is an annual festival celebrated from 1 to 10 December in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland.
It is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals’.
4. Where has the India International Trade Fair organized?
(A) Mumbai
(B) New Delhi
(C) Lucknow
(D) Patna
(E) Chennai
Solution: Option B.)
Ans (B)
India International Trade Fair (IITF-2023) was organized in New Delhi. Odisha Pavilion has won the Gold Medal for “Excellence in Display” in the State Pavilion category.
It started on 14 November with the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – United by Trade”.
The trade fair is an opportunity for almost 3,500 exhibitors from both India and abroad to showcase their products.
Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra are the focussed states in this mega event of the year.
5. Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Kendra?
(A) Ujjain
(B) Varanasi
(C) Patna
(D) Raipur
(E) Deoghar
Solution: Option E.)
Ans (E)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10,000th Jan Aushadhi Center at AIIMS, Deoghar.
Jan Aushadhi Kendra is playing an important role in public health services.
There are about 182 Jan Aushadhi Centers in Assam alone.
The scheme was launched in 2015 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
On the occasion of “5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas” on 07 March, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare also inaugurated “NaMo Day Care Centre” and flagged off four NaMo Mobile Healthcare Units.
6. Name the author and translator, who has recently conferred with French Honour?
(A) Arshia Sattar
(B) Sudha Murty
(C) Anita Nair
(D) Suniti Namjoshi
(E) Namita Gokhale
Solution: Option A.)
Ans (A)
Renowned author and translator Arshia Sattar has been honored with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.
The prestigious award was presented by Thierry Mathou, the ambassador of France to India.
Notable among her works are translations of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as tales from Kathasaritsagara.
In 2008, Arshia Sattar co-founded the literary residency, Sangam House, alongside David William Gibson.
7. Shane Dowrich, who has recently announced his retirement from international cricket, was playing for which country?
(A) England
(B) West Indies
(C) Ireland
(D) Zimbabwe
(E) Australia
Solution: Option B.)
Ans (B)
Shane Dowrich, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, has announced his retirement from international cricket.
His last appearance for the West Indies was in a Test match against New Zealand in December 2020.
Despite a limited presence in ODIs, Dowrich’s sole appearance in the format came against Bangladesh in 2019.
His significant contribution with the bat in the longer format includes 1570 runs, featuring a notable high score of 125 not out against Sri Lanka
8. Which state has recently celebrated its 61st Statehood Day on December 1st?
(A) Mizoram
(B) Tripura
(C) Nagaland
(D) Manipur
(E) Meghalaya
Solution: Option C.)
Ans (C)
Nagaland, a vibrant state in the northeastern region of India, is celebrating its 61st Statehood Day on December 1, 2023.
On this day in 1963, it became the 16th state of India.
Nagaland is a North-eastern state of India which is bordered by Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Myanmar.
The capital of the state is Kohima.
Nagaland is inhabited by 16 tribes.
The sixteen Naga tribes include Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Dimasa Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Zeliang.
In 1957 leaders of Nagaland and the Government of India came to an agreement to create a separate region of the Naga Hills.
Special provision is given to Nagaland under Article 371-A in the Constitution.
9. Which insurance company has made a Guinness World Record with featuring 19,097 photos from ‘Insure India’ campaign contributors?
(A) LIC
(B) SBI Life
(C) HDFC Life
(D) TATA AIA
(E) Max Life
Solution: Option C.)
Ans (C)
HDFC Life has achieved a new Guinness World Records title.
The achievement was earned through the creation of the largest online selfie mosaic.
It is a remarkable compilation of 19,097 photos contributed by individuals as part of the ‘Insure India’ campaign.
As part of the campaign, HDFC Life implemented a series of initiatives supported by a multi-pronged communication strategy.
HDFC Life launched the ‘Insure India’ campaign to address the persistently low life insurance penetration in India, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of its importance and increased adoption.
10. Who has taken over the position of Director General (Inspection and Safety) of Indian Air Force?
(A) Makarand Ranade
(B) Pankaj Mohan
(C) Pushpakar Dharkar
(D) Vibhas Pande
(E) Narmdeshwar Tiwari
Solution: Option A.)
Ans (A)
Air Marshal Makarand Ranade took over the esteemed position of Director General (Inspection and Safety).
He will succeed the accomplished Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, who retired after more than 38 years of distinguished service.
Commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Ranade has held pivotal field and staff appointments throughout his career.
In recognition of his gallantry, Air Marshal Makarand Ranade was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006.
Additionally, he received the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.