CURRENT AFFAIRS: OCT 2023
CURRENT AFFAIRS: OCT 2023
1. Which Central Ministry prepared the ‘Smart Cities Mission, India: Localising SDGs’ Report?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Solution: ‘Smart Cities Mission, India: Localising Sustainable Development Goals’ was prepared by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry and UN-Habitat.
It revealed that around 70 percent of projects under the SCM align with the SDGs on cities, clean water and sanitation, clean energy and economic growth.
2. Which institution released the draft regulations on mobile number portability?
[A] NASSCOM
[B] TRAI
[C] TCIL
[D] C-DoT
Correct Answer: B [TRAI]
Solution: The Draft Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, 2023 was released recently by TRAI.
It proposes safeguards against SIM-swap frauds. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) seeks suggestions on connectivity and mobile porting.
3. Which institution released the ‘Women, power, and cancer’ report?
[A] WHO
[B] CDC
[C] Lancet Commission
[D] John Hopkins University
Correct Answer: C [Lancet Commission]
Solution: A new Lancet Commission report highlights that women’s experiences with cancer prevention, care, and treatment are negatively influenced by societal gender imbalances, resulting in greater suffering from the disease despite similar cancer burdens as men.
The report, titled “Women, power, and cancer,” emphasizes that gender inequality not only affects women as patients but also impacts their interactions with the cancer healthcare system.
4. Which institution released the report titled ‘Methane emissions in livestock and rice systems’?
[A] NABARD
[B] FAO
[C] UNEP
[D] UNFCCC
Correct Answer: B [FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations]
Solution: The “Methane emissions in livestock and rice systems: Sources, quantification, mitigation and metrics” report was released recently by FAO.
It revealed that approximately 32% of methane emissions caused by human activities stem from microbial processes taking place during the enteric fermentation of ruminant livestock and the management of manure systems worldwide.
5. What is the rank of India in the ‘Global Innovation Index 2023’?
[A] 60
[B] 50
[C] 40
[D] 30
Correct Answer: C [40]
Solution: Global Innovation Index 2023 was released recently by the World Intellectual Property Organization. India retains 40th rank in this index out of 132 economies.
India has been on a rising trajectory, over the past several years in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 40 in 2023.
6. Which state achieved 100% ODF Plus Coverage of all its 95,767 villages, in Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Solution: Uttar Pradesh has attained a significant milestone by achieving 100% ODF Plus coverage in the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, with 95,767 villages declaring themselves ODF+ with solid and liquid waste management systems.
Over 80,000 villages achieved ODF Plus status in the past nine months, coinciding with the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, where 88 lakh people participating in the state.
7. Which Indian state recently launched several Inland Water Vessels including Tug boats and Rescue Vessel?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Solution: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated an expansion of the state’s Inland Water Transport fleet.
As many as 10 Steel Catamaran Vessels, 3 Tug Boats, and a Search and Search and Rescue (SAR) boat were flagged off at the event. The aim is to utilize Assam’s extensive river systems to their fullest potential.
8. Who is the head of the ‘Law Commission of India (22nd Law Commission)’, as of Nov 2023?
[A] Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi
[B] Justice KT Shankaran
[C] Professor Anand Paliwal
[D] Professor DP Verma
Correct Answer: A [Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi]
Solution: The Law Commission of India has expressed support for enabling the registration of electronic First Information Reports (e-FIRs). The commission headed by former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi recommended this in its 292nd report.
It stated that this approach would address the problem of delayed FIR registration, allowing citizens to report crimes immediately and enhancing transparency.
9. K.N. Shanth Kumar has been appointed as the Chairperson of which institution?
[A] Press Trust of India
[B] Press Information Bureau
[C] Central Bureau of Investigation
[D] Central Reserve Police Force
Correct Answer: A [Press Trust of India]
Solution: K.N. Shanth Kumar of The Printers (Mysore) was elected Chairman of the Press Trust of India’s Board of Directors for a one-year term.
He was also Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), a member of the Executive Committee of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for more than 20 years. This is the second time that he is serving as the Chairman of the Board of PTI, the last time being 2013 to 2014.
10. Which country is undertaking a project to create the world’s most powerful laser, called “Vulcan 20-20”?
[A] China
[B] UK
[C] Israel
[D] USA
Correct Answer: B [UK]
Solution: The UK is undertaking a groundbreaking project to create the world’s most powerful laser, called “Vulcan 20-20,” with an £85 million investment from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council.
This laser, anticipated to be a million billion times brighter than the sun, is expected to have profound implications for various scientific fields, including clean energy and cancer treatment.
11. Sko valley, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Solution: The Ministry of Home Affairs has opened two more border tourist destinations ‘Marsemik La and Sko valley’ for tourists visiting Ladakh.
The previously restricted areas were close to the strategic Chang Chenmo sector north of Pangong lake in Ladakh. Tourists are allowed to trek through this high-altitude valley.
12. Which institution is associated with the ‘IGMS 2.0 Public Grievance portal’?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIIT Hyderabad
[D] NIC
Correct Answer: B [IIT Kanpur]
Solution: Recently, the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0 Public Grievance portal and Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard portal were launched.
IIT Kanpur has developed the IGMS 2.0 Dashboard, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DARPG. This MoU was aimed at enhancing the DARPG Information Systems (CPGRAMS) by integrating Artificial Intelligence features.
13. What is the age of consent under the POCSO Act, 2012?
[A] 18
[B] 19
[C] 20
[D] 21
Correct Answer: A [18]
Solution: The Law Commission of India’s Report No. 283 on ‘Age of Consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012’ was submitted recently to the Union Law Minister.
It has advised against changing the existing age of consent, which is 18 years under the POCSO Act, to exempt sexual acts among adolescents from criminal law. Instead, it recommends introducing “guided judicial discretion in sentencing” for cases involving those aged 16 to 18 to ensure a balanced approach that safeguards the child’s best interests.
14. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procure ‘Prachand’ Light Combat chopper with which institution?
[A] HAL
[B] DRDO
[C] BHEL
[D] BDL
Correct Answer: A [HAL]
Solution:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procure 156 additional ‘Prachand’ Light Combat choppers with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
They will be deployed at both the China and Pakistan front by the IAF and the Indian Army. Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced about the intent to buy around 100 more Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A to push indigenisation.
15. India recently signed ‘Social Security Agreement’ with which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Argentina
[C] Australia
[D] France
Correct Answer: B [Argentina]
Solution:
India and Argentina signed an agreement to ensure legal rights of professionals in each other’s domain that will assist in risk-free international mobility.
As per the Embassy of India, the ‘Social Security Agreement’ is aimed at ensuring rights of the growing number of Indian nationals employed in various Indian and international concerns in Argentina as well as for Argentine nationals seeking employment in India.
16. Rutuja Bhosale, who was seen in the news, plays which sports?
[A] Squash
[B] Chess
[C] Badminton
[D] Tennis
Correct Answer: D [Tennis]
Solution:
The mixed doubles pair of Rohan Bopanna and Rutuja Bhosale beat Chinese Taipei pair En-shuo Liang and Tsung-hao Huang in the finals to clinch gold at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou.
Earlier, another Indian duo Ramanathan Ramkumar and Saket Myneni bag silver in the men’s doubles.
17. Which country has discovered JuMBOs (Jupiter Mass Binary Objects)?
[A] Australia
[B] USA
[C] Japan
[D] India
Correct Answer: B [USA]
Solution:
NASA’s James Webb Telescope has made a remarkable discovery by detecting Jupiter-sized objects in space called JuMBOs (Jupiter Mass Binary Objects).
They were discovered during James Webb’s survey of the Orion Nebula.
18. Which state/UT is the host of the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) in 2023?
[A] Goa
[B] Kerala
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Solution:
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying- Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) at Kochi, Kerala.
Renowned agricultural economists, scientists, policymakers, academicians, farmers and entrepreneurs attended the event. Organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the Congress is being held for the first time in Kerala, hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
19. What is the theme of ‘World Sight Day 2023’?
[A] LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK
[B] NIGHT BLINDNESS
[C] COLOUR BLINDNESS
[D] DONATE YOUR EYES
Correct Answer: A [LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK]
Solution:
The World Sight Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of October. It is a global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment. This year it falls on 12th October.
‘LOVE YOUR EYES AT WORK’ is the theme of this year. This World Sight Day, the focus is on helping people understand the importance of protecting their vision in the workplace and calling on business leaders to priorities the eye health of workers, everywhere.
20. The ‘Global Health Innovation Fellowship’ which was recently launched in India, is supported by______________?
[A] WHO
[B] WIPO
[C] UNICEF
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: B [WIPO]
Solution:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh presided over the launch of the Global Health Innovation Fellowship, which is supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
This initiative is aimed at fostering medical technology startups and nurturing innovation among the youth. The DBT and WIPO fellowships will be executed at various DBT Bio-design centers across the country.
21. ‘Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 Campaign’ aims to vaccinate children up to which years of age?
[A] 3
[B] 5
[C] 6
[D] 8
Correct Answer: B [5]
Solution:
The Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) campaign, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the vaccination coverage for Measles and Rubella, completed all three rounds.
This campaign encompasses all districts in the country and targets children up to 5 years of age. During the initial two rounds of IMI 5.0, more than 34 lakh children and 6 lakh pregnant women received vaccine doses nationwide.
22. Which state launched ‘Mission Bhagiratha’ to deliver safe drinking water connection to every household?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: C [Telangana]
Solution:
Telangana is the first state to initiate a project known as ‘Mission Bhagiratha,’ which aims to deliver a safe drinking water connection to every household.
The project’s vision is to provide 100 liters per capita per day (LPCD) of treated and piped water to rural households, 135 LPCD to municipalities, and 150 LPCD to municipal corporations. The state government relies entirely on internal and external sources for this project, with no assistance from the Centre.
23. ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ are the Indigenous citizens of which country?
[A] USA
[B] Australia
[C] Russia
[D] China
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Solution:
Australians have roundly rejected greater rights for Indigenous citizens, ending plans to amend the country’s 122-year-old constitution after a divisive and racially tinged referendum campaign.
Around 59% of people had voted against a proposal to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within the 1901 constitution for the first time. The referendum could only pass with support from a majority of voters nationally and a majority of voters in at least four of the country’s six states.
24. When is the ‘World Food Day’ celebrated?
[A] October 2
[B] October 5
[C] October 12
[D] October 16
Correct Answer: D [October 16]
Solution:
October 16 is observed as World Food Day every year. It is celebrated by organisations which are involved in alleviating hunger and improving food security.
The World Food Day was established in 1945 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). For the year 2023, the theme of the World Food Day is – “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind”.
25. Pallikaranai marshland, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Solution:
Pallikaranai marshland, located in Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu has started welcoming first set of migratory birds.
Garganey, northern pintail, northern shoveler, common teal, western yellow wagtail, grey-headed lapwing, common sandpiper, and wood sandpiper have arrived. Raptors, such as red-necked falcon, osprey, and greater-spotted eagle were also sighted.
26. What is India’s Rank in Global Pension Index 2023?
[A] 35
[B] 45
[C] 65
[D] 85
Correct Answer: B [45]
Solution:
According to the 15th annual Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI), India ranked 45th out of 47 countries. India’s overall index value increased from 44.4 in 2022 to 45.9 in 2023.
The improvement was primarily attributed to enhancements in the adequacy and sustainability sub-indices. India was ranked 41st out of 44 in 2022. The Netherlands’ retirement income system regained the top spot on the list, with Iceland and Denmark taking second and third places respectively. The report states that retirement income systems around the world are under pressure as never before.
27. The Union Defence Ministry partnered with which ship building company for construction of a training ship for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)?
[A] Cochin Shipbuilders
[B] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
[C] Garden Reach Shipbuilders
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited
Show Answer: B
Solution: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the construction of one Training Ship for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai at a cost of Rs 310 crore under the Buy (Indian- IDDM) category in New Delhi on October 17, 2023.
28. Which Indian actor was conferred the 53rd Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 2023?
[A] Kamal Haasan
[B] Mohan Laal
[C] Waheeda Rehman
[D] Manorama
Correct Answer: C [Waheeda Rehman]
Solution: President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Film Awards for the year 2021 under various categories at the 69th edition of the ceremony
Veteran Bollywood actor, Waheeda Rehman was conferred with the 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the year 2023.
29. Which Asian country has recently eradicated lymphatic filariasis (LF)?
[A] India
[B] Nepal
[C] Laos
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: C [Laos]
Solution:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) has successfully eradicated lymphatic filariasis (LF).
This achievement marks the country’s second triumph over a neglected tropical disease (NTD) in just six years, following the elimination of trachoma as a public health concern in 2017.
30. ‘Anubhav Portal’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]
Solution:
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare is hosting the Anubhav Awards 2023 Ceremony in New Delhi.
The Anubhav Portal, initiated in March 2015 following the directive of the Prime Minister, offers a digital platform for retiring or retired government employees to present and highlight their noteworthy contributions, share their experiences of government service, and provide recommendations for enhancing governance.
31. Which country hosted a ‘Peace Summit’ regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict in October 2023?
[A] Turkey
[B] Greece
[C] Egypt
[D] France
Correct Answer: C [Egypt]
Solution:
At a Cairo summit hosted by Egypt, Arab leaders denounced the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, while European leaders emphasized the need to protect civilians.
Due to the absence of Israel and senior U.S. officials, there was no consensus reached on measures to contain the ongoing violence. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza enclave, home to 2.3 million people.
32. ‘Iron Sting’ munition is associated with which country?
[A] Israel
[B] Russia
[C] USA
[D] Iran
Correct Answer: A [Israel]
Solution:
During their aerial offensive, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) employed the ‘Iron Sting’ munition.
The laser and GPS guided mortar is designed to hit targets in urban environments, according to its manufacturer Elbit Systems. The precise mortar projectile is used to neutralize a rocket launcher.
33. What is the special attribute of ‘Chroococcidiopsis cubana’ bacteria?
[A] Cleans Pollutants
[B] Produces Oxygen
[C] Enhances Tree Growth
[D] Used in Solar Panels
Correct Answer: B [Produces Oxygen]
Solution:
Researchers are investigating an innovative approach to produce oxygen on Mars by utilizing a type of desert-dwelling bacteria called Chroococcidiopsis cubana.
These microorganisms have the ability to thrive in harsh environments by harnessing sunlight, absorbing carbon dioxide, and generating oxygen through their metabolic processes. This concept offers a potential for generating a sustainable oxygen supply for future Mars missions and human colonization efforts.
35. India’s first Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant has been inaugurated in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Bihar
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Punjab
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
Solution:
Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated IFFCO’s Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
IFFCO’s Kalol unit will produce about 42 lakh bottles of green technology-based Nano DAP. While a bag of conventional DAP costs around 1300 rupees, the farmers can get one bottle of nano liquid DAP for 600 rupees.
36. Which state is the host of the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2023?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Assam
[C] Goa
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Goa]
Solution:
Indian Panorama, the flagship component of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), announces the selection of 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films.
The selected films will be showcased at the 54th IFFI to be held in Goa. The Feature Film Jury’s choice for the opening feature film of Indian Panorama 2023 is the film Aattam, (Malayalam) directed by Mr Anand Ekarshi.
37. Indian Army’s first Vertical Wind Tunnel has been constructed in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Punjab
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Jammu and Kashmir
Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Solution:
Indian Army’s inaugural Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) has been inaugurated at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) located in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
This state-of-the-art wind tunnel is aimed to enhance and improve the Combat Freefall (CFF) skills of armed forces personnel.
38. What is ‘Betelgeuse’, with reference to space science?
[A] Exo-planet
[B] Supergiant Star
[C] Satellite
[D] Meteor
Correct Answer: B [Supergiant Star]
Solution:
Scientists have successfully determined the cause behind the dimming of the red supergiant star Betelgeuse between 2018 and 2020.
This discovery has refuted previous theories suggesting that the star might be approaching its final stage of evolution, leading to a supernova or a massive explosion. Instead, the dimming phenomenon was attributed to a burst of dust on the surface of the star.
