Current Affairs. Oct.29 to Nov.4

Multiple Choice

Q1.  Which company has initiated the production of ‘Reference’ petrol and

diesel?

• BPCL

• HPCL

• IOC

• REC

Multiple Choice

Q2.      Which of the following statements about GDP growth is/are accurate?

 

Select the correct option from the following:

 

• A higher GDP growth rate always indicates a more equitable income distribution.

• GDP growth is a precise indicator of a nation's environmental sustainability

• . A country can have a negative GDP growth rate while still experiencing economic improvement.

• . A rising GDP growth rate is always accompanied by a decrease in the unemployment rate.

​GDP growth measures the overall economic performance of a country but doesn't necessarily reflect how that growth is distributed among its citizens. Disparities in income distribution can persist despite high GDP growth.GDP growth measures economic output and does not directly consider environmental sustainability. It's possible for a nation to experience GDP growth while harming its environment.

Multiple Choice

3.      Which of the following is NOT a function of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

Select the correct option from the following:

• Maintaining order and discipline in the Lok Sabha

• Protecting the rights and privileges of the members of the Lok Sabha

• Interpreting the rules of procedure of the Lok Sabha

• Dissolving the Lok Sabha

​Dissolving the Lok Sabha is not a function of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

The power to dissolve the Lok Sabha rests with the President of India, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister or as per the provisions of the Constitution, and not with the Speaker.

The Speaker's role primarily involves presiding over the proceedings, maintaining order, and facilitating the functioning of the Lok Sabha.

Multiple Choice

4.      Which of the following is NOT a joint military exercise conducted by India with another country?

 

Select the correct option from the following:

 

• Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI (Indonesia)

• Exercise Yudh Abhyas (United States)

• Exercise Pitch Black (Australia)

• Exercise Vostok (Russia)

​Exercise Vostok is not a joint military exercise conducted by India

It is a large-scale military exercise conducted by the Russian Armed Forces.

India has not participated in Exercise Vostok

Multiple Choice

5..      Which of the following best describes the discretionary power of a Governor in India?

 

 Select the correct option from the following:

 

• The Governor's discretionary powers are limited to specific matters such as granting pardons and commuting sentences and some other situational matters.

• The Governor's discretionary powers are subject to the approval of the President of India.

• The Governor's discretionary powers are only applicable in the case of emergency situations.

• The Governor's discretionary powers have been abolished in the Indian Constitution.

I​n the Indian constitutional framework, the discretionary powers of the Governor are not absolute.

They are limited to specific matters such as granting pardons, commuting sentences, and making recommendations during a constitutional crisis, like when no party has a clear majority in the state legislature.

The Governor is generally bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister in other routine matters.

The Governor's discretionary powers are circumscribed by the Constitution to maintain the federal structure and democratic principles.

 

Multiple Choice

6.      Which of the following statements about biosphere reserves is INCORRECT?

 

Select the correct option from the following:

 

• Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

• Biosphere reserves consist of three zones: core, buffer, and transition zones.

• Biosphere reserves are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including many endangered species..

• Biosphere reserves are located in all seven continents of the world.

​Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO under the MAB Programme to promote sustainable development and conservation.

They consist of three zones: core, buffer, and transition zones. The core zone is the most protected area and is used for research and monitoring.

The buffer zone protects the core zone and is used for sustainable activities such as tourism and recreation.

The transition zone is the outermost zone and is used for sustainable development activities such as agriculture and forestry.

Biosphere reserves are primarily located in mainland regions across different continents and are not typically found in the polar regions of Antarctica

Multiple Choice

7.Which of the following statements about Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is correct?

 

      Select the correct option from the following:

 

.

• EESL is a private energy company responsible for electricity generation in India

• EESL is a joint venture of the Government of India and the United Nations for promoting solar energy.

• EESL is a public energy service company that implements energy-efficient solutions and energy conservation programs.

• EESL is primarily focused on the production of non-renewable energy sources

​Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a public company under India's Ministry of Power that primarily focuses on implementing energy-efficient solutions, promoting energy conservation, and providing energy services.

EESL plays a crucial role in energy efficiency initiatives in India, including the distribution of LED bulbs, energy-efficient appliances, and other sustainable energy solutions.

It is a government-led initiative to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

 

Multiple Choice

8.      Which renewable energy source is most suitable for decentralized power generation, especially in remote and off-grid areas?

 

Select the correct option from the following:

 

• Wind Energy

• Solar Energy

• Hydropower

• Geothermal Energy

​Solar energy is the most suitable renewable energy source for decentralized power generation in remote and off-grid areas because it can be harnessed through photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems.

It's highly versatile, works well in diverse geographical locations, and doesn't rely on a centralized grid, making it ideal for areas with limited access to traditional power sources.

Solar energy's abundance and accessibility make it a practical choice for decentralizing power generation and increasing energy access in remote regions.

 

Multiple Choice

9..      Consider the following statements about the Indus Valley Civilization:

 

A. Cherts were mostly used to make stone weights.

 

B. Carnelian were mostly used to make beads.

 

C.  Gold was not used by the Indus Valley Civilization.

 

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

 

• Only one

• Only two

• All three

• None

​Stone weights: The stone weights were carefully and precisely shaped. These were made of chert, a kind of stone. These were probably used to weigh precious stones or metals.

Beads: A stunning red stone called carnelian was used to make the majority of the beads. After the stone was polished, sculpted, and cut, a hole was bored through the middle to allow a thread to pass through.

Multiple Choice

10.      Select the correct option from the following:

 

 

• The anti-defection law is enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

• A member of a political party who defects to another party is disqualified from being a member of the legislature

• There are certain exceptions to the anti-defection law, such as mergers and splits of political parties.

• The anti-defection law has been criticized for being undemocratic and for undermining the freedom of elected members to vote according to their conscience.

​The anti-defection law does not provide for any exceptions for mergers and splits of political parties.

In fact, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that mergers and splits of political parties are not protected by the anti-defection law.

 

Multiple Choice

11.Which of the following countries initiated the formation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?\

 

      Select the correct option from the following:

 

• United States

• Germany

• India

• China

​The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was initiated by India. It is an international organization with a mission to promote solar energy and reduce the use of fossil fuels by harnessing solar power.

ISA aims to facilitate cooperation among solar-rich countries and promote the development of solar energy infrastructure. India played a pivotal role in founding and promoting the alliance as it seeks to address global climate change and energy challenges through solar energy solutions

Multiple Choice

12.      Which of the following statements about the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is INCORRECT?

 

Select the correct option from the following:

 

• IIP is a measure of the volume of production in the industrial sector of the economy.

• IIP is calculated by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

• IIP is calculated on a base year, which is currently 2011-12.

• IIP is a key indicator of the overall health of the economy.

​IIP is a measure of the volume of production in the industrial sector of the economy, but it is not a key indicator of the overall health of the economy.

GDP is a more comprehensive measure of the overall health of the economy, as it takes into account all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, services, and industry.

 

Multiple Choice

13.      Which of the following statements about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union is INCORRECT?

 

Select the correct option from the following:

 

 

• He persuaded over 500 princely states to accede to the Indian Union.

• He used military force to annex most of the princely states.

• He was a strong advocate of the "steel frame" of the Indian civil service.

• He was known as the "Iron Man of India" for his uncompromising stance on national integration.

​Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did not use military force to annex the princely states.

The integration of these states into the Indian Union was primarily achieved through negotiations and diplomatic efforts.

He used military force only as a last resort, in the cases of Junagadh and Hyderabad.

 

 

 

Multiple Choice

14.Which institution has mandated 'penny drop' verification for NPS fund withdrawal?

• IRDAI

• PFRDA

• SEBI

• RBI

​The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has made 'penny drop' verification mandatory for the withdrawal of funds by subscribers of the National Pension System (NPS), Atal Pension Yojana and NPS Lite as well as modifications in bank account details.

Under the process, Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRA) check the active status of the savings bank account and match the name in the bank account number with the name in the PRAN or according to the documents submitted.

Multiple Choice

15.Which state/UT launched the 'Abua Awas Yojna'?

• Gujarat

• Jharkhand

• Assam

• West Bengal

​The Jharkhand Cabinet, last week, approved the 'Abua Awas Yojna' (AAY), a housing scheme for the poor, which will provide eight lakhs pucca houses to the homeless in the state, and has a total budget of Rs 16,320 crore. The scheme will be implemented in three phases, with a target of 2 lakh houses in the current financial year; 3.5 lakh houses in FY 2024-25 and 2.5 lakh houses in FY 2025-26.

Multiple Choice

16.Sultan of Johor Cup is associated with which sports?

• Cricket

• Hockey

• Basket Ball

• Football

​The Indian junior men's hockey team defeated New Zealand 6-2 to enter the semifinals of the Sultan of Johor Cup. Indian player Amandeep Lakra hit a hat-trick.

The Sultan of Johor Cup is an annual, international under-21 men's field hockey tournament held in Malaysia.

Multiple Choice

17.'Mahabali', which was launched under the "Make in India" initiative of Ministry of Defence, is a_:

• Submarine

• Anti-ship Missile (ASHM)

• Bollard Pull (BP) Tug

• Patrol Vessel

​The 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, 'Mahabali' was launched recently at Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat, under the "Make in India" initiative of Ministry of Defence.

This aligns with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative of the Government of India, promoting self-reliance and indigenous production.

Multiple Choice

18.The 'Hiroshima Al process', which was seen in the news, is associated with which bloc?

• SAARC

• G-7

• G-20

• ASEAN

​The Group of Seven (G7) industrial nations officially adopted a code of conduct for companies involved in the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems. Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) economies as well as the European Union, kicked off the process in May at a ministerial forum dubbed the 'Hiroshima Al process'. The code aims to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy Al worldwide and will provide voluntary guidance for actions by organizations developing the most advanced Al systems.

Multiple Choice

19.Scientists have detected which disease in Antarctic region for the first time in Antarctica?

• Avian Flu

• Anthrax

• Foot-and-mouth disease

• Bluetongue virus

​Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have made a significant discovery by detecting the presence of avian flu in the Antarctic region for the first time. This development has raised concerns about the health of remote populations of penguins and seals in the area.

Multiple Choice

20. As per a recent study, which planet may have undergone tectonic activity, 4.5 billion to 3.5 billion years ago?

• Venus

• Mars

• Mercury

• Jupiter

​A recent study suggests that Venus, frequently described as Earth's sister planet, may have undergone tectonic activity approximately 4.5 billion to 3.5 billion years ago. It is proposed that plate tectonics could have played a crucial role in the formation of Venus's carbon dioxide- and nitrogen-rich atmosphere.

Multiple Choice

21Japanese Scientists have succeeded in cultivating embryos of which species aboard the International Space Station (ISS)?

• Lizard

• Mouse

• Rabbit

• Snake

​A research endeavor led by Japanese scientists and a team from the Japan Aerospace Space Agency (JAXA), has achieved the successful cultivation of mouse embryos aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Multiple Choice

22.When is the 'International Day of Care and Support' observed by the United Nations?

• 25 October

• 29 October

• 25 December

• 29 December

​The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 'International Day of Care and Support' to be observed on 29 October.

This international day seeks to foreground care and support as a cornerstone of sustainable development and accelerator for equality. This year is the first time, the days is observed.

Multiple Choice

23.. India procured 'S-400 air defence missile squadrons' from which country?

• USA

• Israel

• Russia

• France

​The Indian Air Force has successfully operationalized three of its S-400 air defense missile squadrons along its borders with China and Pakistan. In 2018-19, India agreed with Russia to procure S-400 missiles worth 35,000 crore. Out of five squadrons that were to be delivered, three were delivered. Whereas the delivery of the remaining two was hindered due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Multiple Choice

24.Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) aims to connect Kolkata Seaport with which country?

• Thailand

• Myanmar

• Bangladesh

• Cambodia

​Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) aims to connect the seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea. It also includes Inland Water Transport between Sittwe to River Kaladan.

Multiple Choice

25.Which European country announced to discontinue its 'Golden visa initiative' from 2024?

• France

• The Netherlands

• Belgium

• Denmark

Launched in 2013, the Dutch golden visa initiative was designed to stimulate the economic growth of the Netherlands. The program required foreign investors to contribute a minimum of €1,250,000 to Dutch businesses. This program was in line with the goals of several other countries that offer similar investment schemes. However, as of January 2024, the Netherlands will be discontinuing its 'Golden Visa' program

Multiple Choice

26.Which institution regulates the Co-operative banks in India?

• RBI

• NABARD

• Ministry of Cooperation

• NITI Aayog

​The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that District Central Co- operative Banks now have the authority to close their unremunerative branches without the necessity for prior permission from the central bank.

Multiple Choice

27.Which country is associated with 'Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscope Experiment (INFUSE)'?

• USA

• UK

• China

• Germany

​NASA conducted a sounding rocket mission known as the Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscope Experiment (INFUSE).

This mission was launched from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico with the aim of studying a stellar event within the Cygnus Loop, a supernova remnant that occurred approximately 20,000 years ago.

Multiple Choice

28.Which Indian city has been added to the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network', in Literature' category?

• Madurai

• Kozhikode

• Mysuru

• Kurnool

​Two Indian cities, Gwalior and Kozhikode, have recently become part of the UNESCO ..

Multiple Choice

29. India's first-ever Lavender Farm is constructed in which state/UT? [A] [B] [C] [D] Show Answer

• Uttarakhand

• Jammu and Kashmir

• Himachal Pradesh

• Sikkim

​Indian Air Force has successfully operationalized three of its S-400 air defense missile squadrons along its borders..

Multiple Choice

30.What is the theme of 'Vigilance Awareness Week 2023'?

• Integrity and ethics

• Say no to corruption, commit to the Nation

• Stay Vigilant; Stay Honest

• Information is Power Show

India's first-ever Lavender Farm is coming up at Challa village in Jammu and Kashmir's..