Q1: Where were the National Open Race Walking Championships held?
a) Hyderabad
b) Patna
c) Ranchi
d) Indore
Show solution
Solution: option c.)
India’s Ram Baboo and Manju Rani set new national records to win the men’s 35km and women’s 35km races, respectively, at the National Open Race Walking Competition 2023 in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
In the process, the two Indian race walkers also breached the qualifying standards for the Asian Games set by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
Ram Baboo won the men’s 35km race walk in two hours, 31 minutes and 36 seconds. The entry standard for Asian Games 2023 in men’s 35km is 2:35:00.
Ram Baboo also set the previous national record of 2:36:34 to win the National Games in Gujarat last year.
Q2: Red Bull Driver Sergio Perez won the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, belongs to which country?
a) UK
b) Mexico
c) Switzerland
d) Netherland
Show solution
Solution: option b.)
Red Bull has continued their early dominance of the Formula 1 season, as Sergio Perez took victory in Saudi Arabia ahead of his charging teammate.
Max Verstappen produced a terrific drive to finish second after starting 15th, but the final placings were not settled for hours after the race, following dramatic scenes.
Fernando Alonso was third across the line in what was another terrific drive from the Spaniard, but he was given a 10-second penalty after the trophy presentation, only for it to be later overturned.
The Spaniard was given a five-second penalty following the start when Alonso did not line up in his grid box correctly.
Aston Martin served the penalty during Alonso’s pit stop, but the mechanic holding the rear jack was touching his car before the five seconds had been served.
Q3: In which state Gudi Padwa is mainly celebrated?
a) Sikkim
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Kerala
d) Maharashtra
Show solution
Solution: option d.)
Gudi Padwa is also popularly known as Samvatsara Padvo and it literally means the first day of new year or ‘Samvat’ and the same day is celebrated as the first day of Chaitra Navratri in North India and as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh. Gudi Padwa or the Marathi New Year gets its name from two words – ‘gudi’, which means a flag or emblem of Hindu Lord Brahma and ‘padwa’ means the first day of the phase of the moon and the festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm in the state of Maharashtra.
History:
According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Gudi Padwa. It is also said that on this day Brahma introduced days, weeks, months and years. As per another legend, the victory of King Shalivahana is celebrated on the day as the Gudi or flag was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan.
Q4: On which day we celebrated World Water Day?
a) 22 March
b) 23 March
c) 24 March
d) 25 March
Show solution
Solution: option a.)
Objectives of World Water Day
It is an annual United Nations (UN) observance day that is observed annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of fresh water.
The main objective of the day is to inspire people around the world to learn more about water-related issues in the world and to take appropriate steps to make a difference.
On the day, relevant issues like water pollution, water scarcity, inadequate water, and lack of sanitation are highlighted.
It also raises awareness about the critical importance of water and a call for increased action to solve the global water crisis.
History of World Water Day
World Water Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 1992, which declared March 22 as World Water Day. This became a reality in 1993 when it was celebrated all around the world.
The first World Water Day was observed in the year 1993.
The significance of the World Water Day theme “Accelerating Change” is that it underscores the critical need for immediate action to address the water and sanitation problem.
It encourages individuals, families, schools, and communities all across the world to make a difference by changing how they use and manage water in their daily lives.
Q5: What is its rank of India in the World Happiness Index 2023?
a) 125
b) 127
c) 126
d) 121
Show solution
Solution: option c.)
On the occasion of the ‘International Day of Happiness’ on Monday, annually observed on March 20, the ‘World Happiness Report’ unveiled its 11th edition this year, announcing European nation Finland as the ‘most happy’ among its peers for the sixth consecutive year.
India found its place at 126th rank on World Happiness Report 2023.
Published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report showed Finland scored “significantly ahead of all other countries” in the ranking, with Denmark and Iceland grabbing the next two spots respectively.
Israel and New Zealand were the only two non-European countries to feature in the top 10 list. Israel climbed five spots from last year to secure the fourth position.
While India’s neighbour Nepal featured at 78, China at 64, and Pakistan at 108, India itself fared poorly, stationed at 126. Bangladesh was seven spots above India while Sri Lanka was five places above Bangladesh at 112 out of 137 countries.
Q6: Who wins the Indian Wells 2023 to reclaim his World No. 1 spot?
a) Novak Djokovic
b) Danii Medvedev
c) Carlos Alcaraz
d) Rafael Nadal
Show solution
Solution: option c.)
Carlos Alcaraz won the BNP Paribas Open for the first time, capping a dominant run that may have been the most lopsided of the competition with a stunning 6-3, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev.
The 19-year-old Spaniard, who went undefeated in six matches at Indian Wells, will reclaim the top spot in the world in Monday’s ATP Rankings thanks to his trophy win. Alcaraz is the ninth and youngest person to have won both legs of the Sunshine Double in his career, Indian Wells and Miami.
He is currently a three-time ATP Masters 1000 champion and the current champion in Miami and Madrid. He joins fellow countryman Rafael Nadal as the only athlete to have captured at least three Masters 1000 titles while still a teenager, with Nadal having accomplished this feat six times before turning 20.
Q7: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed _____________ monetary penalty on mortgage financier HDFC Ltd for failing to transfer matured deposits of certain depositors to designated bank accounts of such depositors during 2019-20.
a) 4 Lakh
b) 5 Lakh
c) 6 Lakh
d) 10 Lakh
Show solution
Solution: option b.)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 5 lakh on mortgage financier HDFC Ltd for failing to transfer matured deposits of certain depositors to designated bank accounts of such depositors during the period 2019-20.
In a statement, the central bank said, the housing finance company was penalised because it was found to be non-compliant with certain provisions of the Housing Finance Companies (NHB) Directions, 2010 issued by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
HDFC MD: Sashidhar Jagdishan
HQ and ESTD: Mumbai and 1994.
The Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited or HDFC was among the first financial institutions in India to receive an “in principle” approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up a bank in the private sector. This was done as part of RBI’s policy for the liberalisation of the Indian banking industry in 1994.
HDFC Bank was incorporated in August 1994 in the name of HDFC Bank Limited, with its registered office in Mumbai, India. The bank commenced operations as a Scheduled Commercial Bank in January 1995.
As of June 30, 2022, the Bank had a nationwide distribution network of 6,499 branches and 18,868 ATMs in 3,226 cities/towns.
Q8: The Union Home Ministry has announced a __________ reservation for former Agniveers in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
a) 10
b) 15
c) 20
d) 12
Show solution
Solution: option a.)
▪ This reservation is similar to the reservation announced for former Agniveers in the Border Security Force (BSF).
▪ Former Agniveers will get relaxation in the upper age limit and will also be exempted from Physical Efficiency Test.
▪ The age limit for candidates of the first batch of Agniveers shall be relaxed by up to five years, whereas the other batches shall get age relaxation by up to three years.
Q9: Which state government has cancelled 813 gun licenses in the state to clamp down on the gun culture, along with a review of all licenses issued within 3 months?
a) Haryana
b) Punjab
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) Bihar
Show solution
Solution: option b.)
▪ The new rule will also bar the issuance of new licenses for the next 3 months, except in extraordinary circumstances
. ▪ The ban is on carrying and displaying weapons in public functions, religious places, marriage ceremonies, or any other events in Punjab.
What are the acts related to arms in India?
• The Indian Arms Act of 1959 was passed after India attained independence.
• It scrapped the erstwhile Act of 1878, passed by the British that restricted Indians from possessing firearms.
• The act was amended in 2019 decreasing the number of licensed firearms allowed per person.
• Conditions under the act
o No one can acquire, possess or carry any firearms in India without a license.
o The Act bars one person from carrying more than one firearm.
o It prevents persons of unsound mind or those out on bond from getting such a license.
o Validity: The validity of a firearm license was increased from 3 years to 5 years (2019 amendment).
What are the types of Licenses?
• Non- prohibited bore (NPB): Indian citizens aged 21 years and above are eligible to get Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) guns and these are issued by the state governments.
• Prohibited bore (PB): Prohibited Bore guns can only be issued to defence personnel or persons facing imminent threats to life and these are issued by the Central Government or Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q10: Who has been appointed as the new CMD of Cotton Corporation of India?
a) Kashif Khan
b) Lalit Sehgal
c) Mohit Gupta
d) Lalit Gupta
Show solution
Solution: option d.)
Lalit Kumar Gupta has been approved as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). CCI is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Textile.
An order from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has been issued, stating that Gupta will assume the role of CMD of CCI with immediate effect, for a period of five years or until his superannuation, or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Gupta was suggested by the PESB panel for the position of CMD of CCI, and he currently holds the position of Director (Finance) within the same organization.
Q11: Who has been appointed to the ‘Order of Australia for bolstering the relations between India and Australia?
a) Amitabh Bachchan
b) Salman Khan
c) Ratan Tata
d) Mukesh Ambani
Show solution
Solution: option c.)
India’s top industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has been appointed to the ‘Order of Australia’ for distinguished service to the Australia-India relationship, particularly to trade, investment, and philanthropy, Australia’s Governor General has announced.
As of 2022, Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and former Chairman of Tata Group, has a net worth of Rs 3800 crore.
“In recognition of his support for the Australia-India relationship, he is worthy of formal national recognition with an appointment as an Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO),” a statement by the office of Governor-General read.
Q12: Which Bank of Sri Lanka has opened an Indian rupee-denominated Nostro account in Indian Bank in Mumbai?
a) Amana Bank.
b) Bank of Ceylon
c) Seylan Bank
d) DFCC Bank
Show solution
Solution: option c.)
▪ Sri Lanka’s Seylan Bank ▪ Aim: To help in setting cross-border transactions using the Indian rupee ▪ It enables local customers to enter into transactions denominated in the Indian Rupee and eliminates the need to conduct Trade and Remittance transactions in US dollars.
▪ Nostro account: It is a bank account held in a foreign country by a domestic bank, denominated in the currency of that country.
Q13: Which of the following state will host the G20 Business Summit 2023 on 5 April 2023?
a) Tripura
b) Sikkim
c) Nagaland
d) Gujarat
Show solution
Solution: option c.)
▪ Nagaland is all set to host the G20 Business Summit 2023 at Kohima on 5 April 2023.
▪ About 110 delegates are being expected to visit, of which about 100 will be from 28 G20 countries and the remaining from international organizations that are part of the grouping.
▪ Business summit and cultural events, showcasing the strengths of Nagaland will be another highlight of the event.
▪ first 15 meetings of the Business 20 (B20) India Inception Meeting will be held in Gandhinagar from January 22nd to 24th, 2023.
▪ Second Business 20 (B20) Conference of North East India held in Aizawl, Mizoram ▪ 3rd Business 20 (B20) Meeting – Gangtok, Sikkim (16 March 2023)
▪ First Environment & Climate Sustainability Working Group (ESCWG) Meeting – Gandhinagar, Gujarat (27 – 29 March 2023
Q14: Women employees constitute over ___ % of nationalized banks in the country.
a) 20
b) 10
c) 15
d) 25
Show solution
Solution: option d.)
▪ Women employees constitute over 25% of the total workforce on average in the nationalized banks in the country.
▪ The largest Public Sector Bank– the State Bank of India (SBI), has 26.7% women employees in their total staff strength.
▪ While Indian Overseas Bank has a maximum of 36% women staff and the Punjab National Bank has the least 24% women staff strength.
▪ This data was provided by the Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha.
Q15: 2nd G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group meeting begins in _____?
a) Surat
b) Udaipur
c) Mumbai
d) Jaipur
Show solution
Solution: option b.)
▪ The 2nd Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) meeting under India’s G20 chairmanship began in Udaipur, Rajasthan and will last for three days.
▪ Two workshops were organised during the meeting, namely Non-pricing policy levers to support sustainable investment and efficient finance for Sustainable Development Goals.
▪ More than 90 delegates from G20 member states, guest countries and various international organisations participated in the event.
About the G20
• The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an international forum consisting of 19 countries and the European Union, representing the world’s major economies.
• Its members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• It is an international forum of the world’s leading economies, established in 1999, and its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
• The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
Q16: Water Stress to hit India’s Food Production by which year?
a) 2050
b) 2040
c) 2035
d) 2028
Show solution
Solution: option a.)
A new report on global temperatures and food situation has revealed that India will face a reduction of over 16 % in food supply due to water and heat stress in 2050, increasing the food insecure population by over 50%. However, the report placed China at the top, where food supply would be reduced by 22.4%, followed by South America by 19.4%.
The report says many Asian countries, including China and ASEAN members, who are currently net food exporters, would become net food importers by 2050.
The water stress means the demand for clean or usable water is exponentially growing while sources are shrinking. India ranks 13 globally on the facing water stress in 2019.
Q17: Which company has signed an MoU with Shell Energy India Private Ltd to explore prospects of importing and handling ethane and other hydrocarbons?
a) IOCL
b) NTPC
c) BPCL
d) GAIL
Show solution
Solution: option d.)
▪ GAIL (India) has signed MoU with Shell Energy India Private Ltd to explore prospects of importing and handling ethane and other hydrocarbons.
▪ It is primarily used as petrochemical feedstock and is separated from the other components of natural gas in most well-developed gas fields.
▪ It will be transported further through 14,830 km of natural gas pipelines to different demand centres.
▪ Ethane is mainly used to produce ethylene, which is used for other products.