CURRENT AFFAIRS: NOV 2023
CURRENT AFFAIRS: NOV 2023
1. Which state/UT launched the ‘Abua Awas Yojna’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Assam
[D] West Bengal
Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Solution:
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.
2. ‘Mahabali’, initiative of Ministry of Defence was launched under the “Make in India” is a___________________:
[A] Submarine
[B] Anti-ship Missile (AShM)
[C] Bollard Pull (BP) Tug
[D] Patrol Vessel
Answer: C [Bollard Pull (BP) Tug]
Solution:
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.
3. Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited functions under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Ayush
[B] Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Ayush
Answer: A [Ministry of Ayush]
Solution:
The Indian government has received numerous expressions of interest for the strategic sale of Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL).
IMPCL is currently under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ayush, and the government holds a 98.11% stake in the company. This move is part of the government’s efforts to divest its holdings in certain public sector enterprises.
4. India signed a MoU with which gulf country to strengthen Education Ties?
[A] Oman
[B] Bahrain
[C] UAE
[D] Saudi Arabia
Answer: C [UAE]
Solution:
In Abu Dhabi, India’s Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, and his UAE counterpart signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The main objective of this MoU is to strengthen the existing educational cooperation between the two countries. It aims to facilitate the mobility of students and faculty, thereby promoting collaboration in the field of education.
5. Which country hosted the ‘International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards’ in 2023?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Germany
[C] India
[D] Australia
Answer: C [India]
Solution:
The Quality Council of India (QCI), an autonomous organization under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, held the International Convention on Sustainable Trade and Standards (ICSTS) in New Delhi.
This event was organized by the India National Platform on Private Sustainability Standards and hosted by QCI in partnership with the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards (UNFSS).
6. Which European country’s central bank announced to pilot wholesale digital currency?
[A] Germany
[B] Switzerland
[C] Finland
[D] Italy
Answer: B [Switzerland]
Solution:
The Swiss National Bank, Switzerland’s central bank, has announced its plans to commence a pilot project next month, involving the use of central bank digital currency (CBDC) for financial institutions.
UBS and Zuercher Kantonal Bank are among the participants who have signed up for this initiative, which will utilize a real Swiss franc wholesale CBDC. Additionally, four other commercial Swiss banks will also be part of this pilot project.
7. India recently signed a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement with which country?
[A] Italy
[B] Israel
[C] Ukraine
[D] Afghanistan
Answer: A [Italy]
Solution:
India and Italy sign Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement to facilitate movement of workers, students. With a population of around 1,80,000, the Indian diaspora in Italy is the third-largest in Europe, following the UK and the Netherlands.
8. According to McKinsey Health Institute survey, what is the rank of India in employee well-being?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Fifth
[D] Tenth
Answer: B [Second]
Solution:
According to a survey published by McKinsey Health Institute, India is the second-best country in the world for employee well-being.
Turkey stands first in the survey with 78% score, while India has the second highest score of 76%, closely followed by China. The survey measured employee well-being by assessing physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. The global average was 57%. Researchers found that individuals aged 18 to 24, employees of smaller enterprises, and non-managerial professionals exhibit elevated rates of burnout symptoms.
9. ‘2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report’ is released by which Institution?
[A] ADB
[B] AIIB
[C] UNDP
[D] WEF
Answer: C [UNDP]
Solution:
The 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report was recently released by the UNDP. As per the report, the share of the population living in multidimensional poverty fell from 25 to 15 per cent between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
The report also mentions that India has emerged among top countries with high income and wealth inequality. In India, between 2000 and 2022, per capita income soared from $442 to $2,389 while women are only 23 per cent of the labour force.
10. Which city hosted the 54th International Film Festival of India in 2023?
[A] Kochi
[B] Goa
[C] Chennai
[D] Guwahati
Answer: B [Goa]
Solution:
The 54th International Film Festival of India will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2023. British film ‘Catching Dust’ will be opening at the festival while the American film ‘The Featherweight’ will be the closing movie.
Turkish film About Dry Grasses will be the midfest movie. Hollywood star Michael Douglas will be honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI this year. During the 9-day festival, more than 270 films will be showcased. The opening Film in the feature section is a Malayalam film, Aattam, and in the non-feature section is Andro Dreams from Manipur.
11. Which male tennis player clinched the Paris Masters title 2023?
[A] Novak Djokovic
[B] Carlos Alcaraz
[C] Daniil Medvedev
[D] Stefanos Tsitsipas
Answer: A [Novak Djokovic]
Solution:
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic clinches record-extending seventh Paris Masters title, in a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the final. Djokovic has not lost a match since his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July.
12. Which country supplies ‘Hermes-900 drones’ to India?
[A] Russia
[B] Israel
[C] France
[D] USA
Answer: B [Israel]
Solution:
The introduction of Heron Mark-2 drones and the upcoming addition of Hermes-900 drones will significantly enhance the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Army.
13. Indian Navy’s latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer has been named after which Indian city?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Kochi
[C] Surat
[D] Panaji
Answer: C [Surat]
Solution:
The crest of Indian Navy’s latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’, was unveiled by Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, at a vibrant ceremony in the city of Surat, in presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff.
The crest of Surat depicts the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), located at southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat. Surat is the fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers.
14. When is ‘National Cancer Awareness Day’ observed?
[A] November 3
[B] November 5
[C] November 7
[D] November 9
Answer: C [November 7]
Solution:
‘National Cancer Awareness Day’ is observed in India on November 7 every year since 2014 to create public awareness about early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, representing nearly 1 in 6 deaths globally.
15. ‘Quota of special drawing rights (SDR)’, which is seen in the news, is associated with which institution?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] US Federal Reserve
[D] Bureau of International Settlements
Answer: A [International Monetary Fund]
Solution:
The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a proposal to make a 50 per cent increase in the special drawing rights (SDR) quota allocated to members in proportion to their current quotas. The proposal will now be considered and made effective by the board of governors as part of concluding the 16th general review of quotas.
Currently, India has a quota of special drawing rights (SDR) 13,114.4 million which denotes a share of 2.75 per cent, making it the eighth-largest quota-holding country in the IMF.
16. ‘APAAR’ is the term associated with which field?
[A] Business
[B] Academics
[C] Sports
[D] Finance
Answer: B [Academics]
Solution:
APAAR, an acronym for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a specialized identification system designed for all students in India, beginning from an early age.
Under this program, every student will receive a lifelong APAAR ID, streamlining the process of tracking academic progress from pre-primary education to higher education for students, schools, and government authorities. This initiative is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program, which is derived from the 2020 National Education Policy.
17. ‘Mars Sample Return mission’ is associated with which country?
[A] Israel
[B] UAE
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Answer: C [USA]
Solution:
The ambitious Mars Sample Return mission by NASA, considered one of the most intricate space endeavours, is at risk due to escalating expenses that could lead to a budgetary crisis for the space agency.
The objective of the Mars Sample Return mission is to gather rock samples from Mars utilizing unmanned probes and robotic rovers.
18. Which institution secured the top position in India in QS Asia University Rankings 2024?
[A] IISc Bengaluru
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] AIIMS Delhi
Answer: C [IIT Bombay]
Solution:
Quacquarelli Symonds released QS Asia University Rankings 2024. IIT Bombay has secured the top position in India and 40th position in overall Asia.
Peking University of China topped the Asia ranking list by securing Rank 1 followed by the University of Hong Kong in the second position and the National University of Singapore in the third place. A record 148 Indian universities found their place in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
19. Which country is the host of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting 2023?
[A] India
[B] Japan
[C] USA
[D] Australia
Answer: C [USA]
Solution:
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is currently convening in San Francisco, USA, for Leaders’ Week, which commenced on November 11 and will culminate with the Economic Leaders’ Retreat on November 17.
U.S. President Joe Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time in a year during the meeting and discussed US-China relationship and economic issues.
20. ‘Kill switch’ is associated with which disease?
[A] Diabetes
[B] Cancer
[C] HIV
[D] COVID -19
Answer: B [Cancer]
Solution:
Scientists at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in California have made a significant discovery by identifying a ‘kill switch’ that can initiate the death of cancer cells. They found that CD95 receptors, also known as Fas, located on cell membranes, when activated, release a signal that triggers self-destruction in the cells, offering potential implications for cancer treatment.
21. Which state has roped in ‘Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’ as a consultant for metro network for the first time in the state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Odisha
[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: B [Odisha]
Solution:
The Odisha government has roped in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to serve as a consultant for the development of the first phase of the metro rail project in Bhubaneswar.
The estimated investment for this project is approximately Rs 5,929 crore. In exchange for their consultancy services, DMRC will receive a fee of Rs 326 crore.
22. Which institution released the report titled ‘Sand and Dust Storms: A Guide to Mitigation, Adaptation, Policy, and Risk Management Measures in Agriculture’?
[A] FAO
[B] UNEP
[C] World Bank
[D] UNESCO
Answer: A [FAO]
Solution:
According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) titled “Sand and dust storms: A Guide to Mitigation, Adaptation, Policy, and Risk Management Measures in Agriculture,” sand and dust storms pose a significant obstacle to achieving 11 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Sand and dust storms are meteorological events involving powerful and turbulent winds that lift numerous small particles to significant altitudes.
23. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized which condition as a grave global health threat?
[A] Loneliness
[B] Social Exclusion
[C] Racism
[D] Casteism
Answer: A [Loneliness]
Solution:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized loneliness as a significant global health concern and has initiated multiple efforts to combat this pervasive issue.
24. Which European country presented a bill for “Guest-investor visa”?
[A] Austria
[B] Hungary
[C] Croatia
[D] Serbia
Answer: B [Hungary]
Solution:
Hungary’s government has presented a draft bill to parliament that includes plans for a “golden visa” program called the “guest-investor visa.”
This visa category is designed for individuals associated with projects deemed “strategically important investments” by the government and seeks to regulate immigration from third countries to Hungary.
25. Jannik Sinner is associated with which sports?
[A] Tennis
[B] Cricket
[C] Chess
[D] Badminton
Answer: A [Tennis]
Solution:
Jannik Sinner became the first Italian ever to reach the last four of the ATP Finals championship match in the tournament’s 54-year history.
World number four Sinner is guaranteed at least a second spot in the Green Group. Sinner’s win over Holger Rune was his 60th win of the year and 20th career win over a Top 10 player.
26. Which state is the host of the ‘Global Fisheries Conference India 2023’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: A [Gujarat]
Solution:
The Global Fisheries Conference India 2023, a two-day major event, will be organized in Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad.
With the theme ‘Celebrating Fisheries and Aquaculture Wealth,’ the conference aims to unite key stakeholders on a single platform to engage in productive discussions, share market insights, and facilitate networking opportunities.
27. Which state has signed CSIR and DRDO as knowledge partners for the proposed Bulk Drugs Park?
[A] Assam
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Odisha
Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Solution:
The Uttar Pradesh government has linked big institutions like the CSIR and DRDO with the Bulk Drug Park and made them its knowledge partners.
Adani Gas has been chosen as the PNG supply partner to create a nature-friendly zone for Bulk Drugs Park, while THDC has been selected as the solar power partner. CONCOR has been made the logistics partner.
28. Lost City Hydrothermal Field’ was discovered above which Ocean?
[A] Indian Ocean
[B] Atlantic Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Antarctic Ocean
Answer: B [Atlantic Ocean]
Solution:
Discovered in 2000 in the Atlantic Ocean, the Lost City Hydrothermal Field, situated over 700 meters beneath the ocean surface, holds mystery. With a history of at least 120,000 years, this environment reveals a unique interaction between the up-thrusting mantle and seawater. However, the delicate ecosystem faces a significant threat as Poland secures mining rights in the nearby regions of the Lost City.
29. Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) is associated with which space agency?
[A] NASA
[B] ESA
[C] ISRO
[D] JAXA
Answer: A [NASA]
Solution:
NASA is gearing up to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE), a mission designed to investigate a crucial factor influencing space weather – Earth’s atmospheric conditions. The focus of the study will be on Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGWs), which is a specific type of vertical wave.
30. Sone River is located in which state/UT?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] West Bengal
Answer: A [Bihar]
Solution:
After numerous attempts to curb the issue of illicit sand mining, officials in Bihar’s Bhojpur district are constructing pillars along the Sone River, flanking the Arrah-Sahar bridge, with the aim of preventing boats from transporting unlawfully extracted sand between Bhojpur and Patna, and vice versa.
31. ‘AGNI’ initiative launched recently by CCRAS, is associated with which sector?
[A] Defence
[B] Thermal Power
[C] Ayurveda
[D] Steel
Answer: C [Ayurveda]
Solution:
The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has initiated “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI) to advance research and validate Ayurvedic practices through scientific methods.
This program is specifically designed for physicians practicing Ayurveda, aiming to integrate evidence-based appraisal into mainstream Ayurvedic approaches.
32. Mythimna separata belong to the species of _________?
[A] Caterpillar
[B] Rat
[C] Spider
[D] Turtle
Answer: A [Caterpillar]
Solution:
Mythimna is known as ear head cutting caterpillar, rice ear-cutting caterpillar, or armyworm. Its separata has caused prolonged pest infestation in Assam, damaging 28,000 hectares of paddy crop in at least 15 districts.
33. U.S. began joint maritime and air patrols in the South China Sea, with which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Philippines
[C] Israel
[D] France
Answer: B [Philippines]
Solution:
The United States and Philippine troops began joint maritime and air patrols in the South China Sea. The Philippine Air Force’s aircraft had taken part in joint patrols in the vicinity of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, which is only about 200 kilometers from Taiwan, a self-governed island that China claims as its own.
34. Which institution hosts the ‘National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX)’?
[A] National Green Tribunal
[B] Central Pollution Control Board
[C] Indian Coast Guard
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: C [Indian Coast Guard]
Solution:
To assess and verify their approach to pollution response, the Indian Coast Guard collaborated with various government and private entities and inaugurated the 9th edition of the multi-agency National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX) in Vadinar, Gujarat. The practical sea-based segment and evaluation of real-world capabilities were organised off the coast of Vadinar.
35. Genesys International, a leading 3D mapping company announced a strategic tie-up with which institution?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] Survey of India
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: C [Survey of India]
Solution:
Genesys International, a leading 3D mapping company, announced a strategic tie-up with Survey of India (SOI), the country’s national surveying and mapping authority.
This collaboration is set to revolutionise India’s map content through the implementation of the ‘3D Digital Twin Mapping Program.’ Aligned with India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022, the partnership aims to create digital twins of major cities and towns.
36. Which country announced generic medicine for four rare diseases including Gaucher’s Disease and Wilson’s Disease?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] India
[D] Nepal
Answer: C [India]
Solution:
India’s Union Health Ministry said the production of four generic cost-effective medicines has begun in the country to bring down the high cost and provide relief to patients with rare diseases.
These drugs are now available in the market for the treatment of four rare diseases: Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease and Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.
37. What is the average resolution time in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), as of 2023?
[A] 653 days
[B] 525 days
[C] 415 days
[D] 365 days
Answer: A [653 days]
Solution:
Falling recovery rates from 43% to 32% between March 2019 and September 2023, and an increase in the average resolution time from 324 to 653 days versus the stipulated 330 days have emerged as impediments to the success of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), according to a report by CRISIL Rating.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was launched in 2016.
38. A salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes has been recorded in which country?
[A] China
[B] USA
[C] Egypt
[D] South Africa
Answer: B [USA]
Solution:
A salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products has caused at least two fatalities and severe illness in dozens of individuals, in the United States.
The outbreak has expanded to 32 states and Canada, with new cases emerging in 17 additional states. Consuming food contaminated with salmonella can lead to food poisoning within 12 to 72 hours, resulting in symptoms including diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
39. Ramkumar Ramanathan belong to which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Table Tennis
[C] Tennis
[D] Badminton
Answer: C [Tennis]
Solution:
Tennis player Ramkumar Ramanathan, a member of the Indian Davis Cup team, clinches Grand Double Title.
Tamil Nadu star Ramkumar, ranked 642 on the ATP ranking list, recorded a 6-0, 6-4 victory against the 874th ranked National Champion Vishwakarma, in the all-Indian men’s singles finals of the MSLTA $25000 Men’s ITF Tennis Championship 2023.
40. Which organisation manufactures the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for Indian Air Force?
[A] DRDO
[B] HAL
[C] BEL
[D] L&T
Answer: B [HAL]
Solution:
Indian public sector aerospace and defence manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics, which currently has the capacity to build eight Light Combat Aircraft per year, intends to take up to 24 in the course of the next three years.
The first version of the Tejas LCA aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2016. Currently, two squadrons of IAF, 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with LCA Tejas. An order worth Rs 36,468 crore for delivery of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft has been placed with HAL and delivery is scheduled to begin by February 2024.
41. Albatross (Appias albina) belongs to which species?
[A] Cattle
[B] Duck
[C] Butterfly
[D] Snake
Answer: C [Butterfly]
Solution:
Butterfly migration from the Eastern Ghats and plains towards the Western Ghats, an annual phenomenon coinciding with the onset of the Northeast monsoon, was below par this year. Before the onset of the Northeast monsoon, butterflies from the subfamily Danainae, such as Blue Tiger, Dark Blue Tiger, Double-branded Crow, and Common Crow (Tigers and Crows) fly towards the west.
Common Albatross (Appias albina), a butterfly species from the family Pieridae, in large numbers from hills of Anaikatti and the Nilgiris towards Sirumugai forest range and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve during the second week of November.
