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 Current Affairs Weekly Q&A PDF – September 2023 4th Week
(26 - 30)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

1. In which state, the First edition of ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or ‘Indian Lighthouse
Festival’ was held in September 2023?
1) Karnataka
2) Goa
3) Odisha
4) Kerala
5) West Bengal
Answer- 2) Goa
Explanation:
The First edition of ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or ‘Indian Lighthouse Festival’, the 3 day
long event to promote Lighthouses as Tourist Destinations was held in Goa from 23rd to 25th
September 2023.
i. The festival was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping &
Waterways (MoPSW) at Fort Aguada in Panjim, Goa on 23rd September 2023.
ii. This festival was celebrated across all the lighthouses in India to promote historic spots i.e.
Lighthouses as tourist destinations. It also highlights the invaluable role of lighthouses in the coastal
regions.
iii. The Central Government has selected 75 Lighthouses for the same. This transformation will be
done under the campaign ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’.

2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Swachh Bharat Mission
(Grameen) Phase II, as of September 2023?
A) India has achieved the major milestone under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase
II with 75% villages achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status under Phase II of the
Mission.
B) Total of 4.43 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step
towards achieving the Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G) phase II goals by 2024-25.
C) 100% ODF Plus Model villages Among States/ UTs are Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra
Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Answer- 1) All A, B & C
Explanation:
India has achieved the major milestone under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II with
75% villages achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status under Phase II of the Mission.

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 • An ODF Plus Model village adds ODF status to its name and has arrangements for both Solid
Waste and Liquid Waste Management.
• Total of 4.43 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step
towards achieving the Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G) phase II goals by 2024-25.
• The top performing States/UTs which have achieved 100% ODF Plus villages: Andaman &
Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh,
Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and
Tripura.
• 100% ODF Plus Model villages Among States/ UTs – Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra
Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim.
• Target has been fixed to make all villages ODF Plus by 2025.

3. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the recent inaugurations made by
Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi in September 2023?
1) The Prime Minister inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas(Residential Schools), built at a cost of
approximately Rs 1115 crores, across Uttar Pradesh.
2) PM flagged Off Nine Vande Bharat Express Trains, connecting 11 states on September 24, 2023, via
video conferencing to enhance connectivity and Passenger Experience.
3) Kerala gets the first Orange Vande Bharat Express on Kasaragod -Thiruvananthapuram route via
Alappuzha.
4) PM laid the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium in Patna, Bihar.
5) PM also inaugurates India’s 1st International Lawyers’ Conference 2023 at Vigyan Bhavan in New
Delhi.
Answer- 4) PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium in
Patna, Bihar.
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made significant inaugurations during September 23 & 24 2023.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated Kashi Sansad Sanskritik Mahotsav 2023 at
Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• The Prime Minister inaugurated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas(Residential Schools), built at a
cost of approximately Rs 1115 crores, across Uttar Pradesh.
• Shri Modi launched the portal for the registration of Kashi Sansad Khel Pratiyogita, promoting
sports and competitions in the region.
• Prime Minister flagged Off Nine Vande Bharat Express Trains, connecting 11 states on
September 24, 2023, via Video Conferencing to enhance connectivity and Passenger
Experience.
• Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala,
Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.
• Kerala gets the first Orange Vande Bharat Express on Kasaragod -Thiruvananthapuram route
via Alappuzha. The total count of Vande Bharat services will reach 68, featuring smaller 8-
coach versions with 25 improvements over their predecessors.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium
in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• The international cricket stadium in Varanasi will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators.

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 • It is being developed in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi, at a cost of about Rs 450 crores (The Uttar
Pradesh government spent ₹121 crores to acquire the land for the stadium, while the Board of
Control for Cricket in India [BCCI] will spend ₹330 crores on its construction.).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates International Lawyers’ Conference 2023 at Vigyan
Bhavan in New Delhi. First time such an initiative has been undertaken in the country.

4. Which state government has recently (in Sept' 23) unveiled its 7th Tiger Reserve, namely the
'Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve'?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) West Bengal
3) Maharashtra
4) Odisha
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
The State Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has unveiled its 7th Tiger Reserve namely
‘Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve’ which is spread over an area of 2,339 square kilometres
across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts of MP. Parts of it fall under the Narmada and Yamuna
River basins.
• The unveiling comes after the approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA).
• The declaration of this Tiger Reserve is in accordance with the provisions of clause (ii) of sub-
section (iv) of section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972).
• It will encompass areas within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Note- Other six Tiger Reserves in MP are Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench, Panna and Sanjay-
Dubri.

5. Which company recently (in Sept ‘23) delivered first-of-its-kind two Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Electric Vehicle (FCEV) buses to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL)?
1) Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
2) Hyundai Motor Company
3) Tata Motors Limited
4) Maruti Suzuki India
5) Ashok Leyland Limited
Answer- 3) Tata Motors Limited
Explanation:
On September 25, 2023, Tata Motors Limited delivered first-of-its-kind two Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Electric Vehicle (FCEV) buses to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL).
i. These were flagged off by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
(MoPNG); Minister of State (MoS) Rameswar Teli, MoPNG; Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, IOCL;
among others.
ii. The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprises.

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 • In June 2021, Tata Motors won a tender from IOCL to supply 15 FCEV buses for testing
hydrogen-based Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel-cell technology in India.
• These 12-meter buses, designed for easy boarding and seating 35 passengers, were developed
at Tata Motors’ R&D (Research & development) center in Pune, Maharashtra.

6. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent launches made by
the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F) in September 2023?
A) Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F)
launched National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech
Sector in India.
B) The Department of Pharmaceuticals has introduced Scheme for Promotion of Research and
Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) Sector with a budget of Rs. 5,000 crores
C) A scheme for the PRIP sector aims to shift the Indian pharmaceutical sector towards
innovation-driven growth by enhancing research infrastructure.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On September 26, 2023, Union Minister Dr.
Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Chemicals and
Fertilizers (MoC&F) launched National Policy on
Research and Development and Innovation in
Pharma-MedTech Sector in India; and Scheme for
Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-
MedTech (PRIP) Sector during an event in New
Delhi, Delhi.
• The National Policy on R&D and Innovation
in the Pharma-MedTech Sector in India to promote R&D in pharmaceuticals, including
traditional medicines, phyto-pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals has introduced the PRIP scheme with a budget of Rs. 5,000
crores, aiming to shift the Indian pharmaceutical sector towards innovation-driven growth by
enhancing research infrastructure. The scheme includes two components:
• Component A: Establishing 7 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) at NIPERs (National Institute of
Pharmaceutical Education and Research) with a budget of Rs 700 crores to bolster research
infrastructure.
• Component B: Promoting research in 6 priority areas like New Chemical Entities, Complex
generics, medical devices, stem cell therapy, orphan drugs, and Anti-microbial resistance with
a budget of Rs 4,250 crores.

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7. In September 2023, National Education ___________ for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recently (in Sept ‘23) launched the Phase II of the ‘Amazon
Future Engineer Programme’ in 54 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
1) Support
2) Service
3) Schools
4) Society
5) Scheme
Answer- 4) Society
Explanation:
National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched
Phase II of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Programme’ in 54 Eklavya Model Residential Schools
(EMRS) spread across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.
i. The second phase would include an Advanced Block Programming and Artificial
Intelligence(AI)curriculum in addition to coding, logical sequencing, learning loops, and block
programming.
ii. The program covers students from class six to class 9 by offering fundamentals of computer science
to the fundamentals of AI respectively.

8. In September 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recognized
___________ as a ‘food animal’.
1) Badri
2) Malvi
3) Gaolao
4) Mithun
5) Bargur
Answer- 4) Mithun
Explanation:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized Mithun (scientific Name-
Bos frontalis), the bovine (cow-like animal) as a ‘food animal’.
• The features of Mithun are its traditional semi-domestication and ability to thrive in a free-
range forest ecosystem with minimal human intervention.
• Mithun meat, particularly known for its low-fat content, has the potential to become a
premium meat product catering to health-conscious consumers.
• Mithun, often referred to as the “Cattle of the Hills”, is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh
and Nagaland, highlighting its profound cultural significance.
i. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the M-ANITRA app to register Mithun
farmers as “buyers” and “sellers” in order to assist them in conducting business at competitive prices.
ii. The ICAR – National Research Centre of Mithun (NRCM) in Nagaland celebrated the first National
Mithun Day on 1st September 2023.

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9. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced a new provision of
_____________ in the online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal.
1) Special Category
2) Risk Assessment
3) Quality Control
4) Import Clearance
5) Nutritional Labeling
Answer - 1) Special Category
Explanation:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced a new provision of ‘Special
Category’ in the online Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal to promote gender equality
and equal opportunities for women and transgender entrepreneurs in the food business sector.
i.According to this provision, licensing and registration authorities will prioritize ‘Special Category’
applications in a manner that ensures a one-to-one ratio with regular applications until there are no
pending applications in either category.

10. Which of the following schemes will offer financial assistance to the Compressed Bio-Gas
(CBG) plants and biogas plants who are all registered on the Unified Registration Portal for
Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan)?
1) Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
2) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
3) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
4) Stand Up India Scheme
5) Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme
Answer - 5) Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme
Explanation:
The Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants and biogas plants registered on the Unified Registration Portal
for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) are eligible for financial assistance
under the Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme of the Department of Fertilizers under the
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers(MoC&F).
• The MDA scheme has been launched with a budget of Rs. 1451.82 crore over a three-year term
(FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26) to encourage the production and use of organic fertilizers derived
from GOBARdhan plants.

11. Name the Ministry that has recently (in Sept ‘23) launched the CRIIIO 4 GOOD module in
association with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)?
1) Ministry of Education
2) Ministry of Women and Child Development
3) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
4) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
5) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer- 1) Ministry of Education

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Explanation:
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education launched a new online, life skills
learning module “CRIIIO 4 GOOD” to promote gender equity among girls and boys at the Narendra
Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
i. The programme was launched in association with International Cricket Council (ICC), Board of
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
ii. CRIIIO4 GOOD is an innovative youth engagement that promotes gender equality and equal
opportunities for all. It will equip children with the essential life skills needed to develop in an ever-
changing world.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1. As per the Economic Freedom of the World(EFW) 2023 Annual Report released by Fraser
Institute in September 2023, ____________ (country) has surpassed Hong Kong to become the
world’s freest economy, with a rating of 8.56, while India ranked _______ in the Index.
1) New Zealand; 97
2) Switzerland; 87
3) Singapore; 82
4) Switzerland; 97
5) Singapore; 87
Answer- 5) Singapore; 87
Explanation:
According to the Economic Freedom of the World(EFW) 2023 Annual Report released by
Canadian think tank Fraser Institute, Singapore is the world’s freest economy with a rating of 8.56.
India Ranked 87 in the index.
• Hong Kong and Switzerland stand as the second and the third freest economies with the rating
of 8.55 and 8.47 respectively.
• Hong Kong retained the top position since the start of the EFW Index in 1970. For the first
time, Hong Kong has slipped from its number one position to second place.
• The bottom five countries are – Yemen(161), Sudan(162), Syria(163), Zimbabwe(164) and
Venezuela(165).
• In the 2023 EFW report, India has slipped one spot and stays at 87th rank with the ratings of
6.62. In EFW 2022 Annual Report, India obtained 6.64 ratings and stood at 86th rank.
• New Delhi(Delhi) based independent Think-Tank ‘Centre for Civil Society’ is one among the Co-
publishers of the index.

2. Which of the following Indian Armed Forces participated in the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations(ASEAN) Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus Expert Working Group (EWG)
on Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise (FTX) 2023.
1) Indian Army
2) Indian Navy
3) Indian Airforce
4) Both 1 & 3
5) Both 2 & 3

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Answer - 1) Indian Army
Explanation:
Indian Army Participates Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise 2023 of ADMM Plus EWG Indian
Army participates in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) Defence Ministers Meeting
(ADMM) Plus Expert Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism Field Training Exercise (FTX)
2023.
i.The main objective of the exercise is strengthening and promoting regional cooperation in the field
of counter-terrorism.
ii.The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners Australia, China, India,
Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States of America(USA).

3. In September 2023, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched innovative

___________ as a proactive response to the increasing global need to support and enhance
sustainable finance.
1) Climate Finance Initiative
2) e-Learning Programme
3) Green Finance Lab
4) Peer2Peer Lending Mobile application
5) e-Commerce Website
Answer - 2) e-Learning Programme
Explanation:
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched an innovative e-Learning Programme as
a proactive response to the increasing global need to support and enhance sustainable finance.
• Sustainable finance is the basis of SDG ambitions, empowering individuals worldwide to align
funds with national SDG targets and crafting a universal sustainable finance framework for the
benefit of all.
• The UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) has played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable
finance initiatives.

4. Which of the following entity, along with the International Institute for Population Sciences
(IIPS), unveiled ‘Caring for Our Elders Institutional Responses: India Ageing Report 2023’.
1) World Health Organization (WHO)
2) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
3) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India
4) International Rescue Committee(IRC)
5) Amnesty International
Answer - 3) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India
Explanation:
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India, along with the International Institute for Population
Sciences (IIPS), unveiled ‘Caring for Our Elders Institutional Responses: India Ageing Report
2023’
• The India Ageing Report 2023 represents a thorough review of the living conditions and
welfare of older individuals in India.
• India Ageing Report 2023 is build on its previous released report India Ageing Report – 2017.

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 • Senior citizen occupies 10% of India’s population. By 2036, it will be 14.36%. In 2050 it will be
20.8%

5. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Times Higher
Education(THE) World University Ranking 2024 released in September 2023?
A) The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru) is Ranked No. 1 among Indian
institutions, falling into the 201-250 band ranking for the first time since 2017.
B) With 80 Indian institutes included in the rankings, India became the third most-represented
country on the list.
C) University of Oxford of the United Kingdom(UK) ranked 1st in THE World University
Rankings 2024 for the eighth consecutive year.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C
Explanation:
According to the ‘Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking 2024’, the Indian
Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru) is Ranked No. 1 among Indian institutions, falling
into the 201-250 band ranking for the first time since 2017. IISc Bengaluru has moved up from the
251-300 band in 2023.
• With 91 Indian institutes included in the “THE World University Rankings 2024”, India
is the fourth most–represented country on the list. In 2023,75 institutes from India
were featured in the list.
• University of Oxford of the United Kingdom(UK) ranked 1st in THE World University
Rankings 2024 for the eighth consecutive year, while Stanford University and
Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) of the United States of America(USA) in
second and third places respectively.
• The 43 Indian universities ranked under 1,000 in THE World University Rankings 2024.
• The 20 new Indian universities were featured in the 2024 ranking.
Note- .The 20th edition of ‘THE World University Rankings’ featured 1,904 universities across 108
countries and regions.

6. How many new sites were recently (in Sept ‘23) added to the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage List, including India’s
Santiniketan (West Bengal) and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Karnataka)?
1) 30
2) 40
3) 62
4) 50
5) 42
Answer- 5) 42

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Explanation:
The 45th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
concluding on September 25. This session witnessed the addition of 42 new sites to the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Heritage List, alongside
other significant decisions.
• The committee was chaired by H.H. Princess Haifa Al Mogrin, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent
Delegate to UNESCO.
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA) served as the host country for the 45th session of
WHC.
i. India’s Santiniketan in West Bengal and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka
have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
World Heritage list. Click here for complete information
ii. Of the 42 newly inscribed sites, 33 are cultural and 9 are natural. This brings the total number of
UNESCO World Heritage sites to 1199 (993 cultural, 227 natural, 39 mixed) across 168 countries. The
Committee also approved the extension of below 5 existing World Heritage sites

7. The Review of Maritime Transport 2023 report released by the United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in September 2023, stated that the decarbonising
shipping would cost over USD ___________ per year as the emission continues to increase.
1) 200 billion
2) 400 billion
3) 100 billion
4) 500 billion
5) 300 billion
Answer- 3) 100 billion
Explanation:
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s Review of Maritime Transport
2023 urged to take action and system-wide collaboration to decarbonize maritime transport. The
report warns that the decarbonising shipping would cost over USD 100 billion per year as the
emission continues to increase.
i. UNCTAD urges the need for cleaner fuels, digital solutions and an equitable transition to address
ongoing carbon emissions and regulatory uncertainties in the shipping industry.
ii. The Review of Maritime Transport 2023 was launched on September 27, 2023 (ahead of the World
Maritime Day 2023 – 28 September 2023).
iii. Shipping Dominance and Emissions:
• Accounts for over 80% of global trade volume.
• Contributes nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Emissions increased by 20% in the past decade.

8. In September 2023, International Air Transport Association (IATA) allotted the three-letter
code ‘DXN’ for the upcoming Jewar International airport at in ____________(state).
1) Odisha
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) West Bengal
4) Bihar

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5) Jharkhand
Answer- 2) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines, has
allotted the three-letter code ‘DXN’ for the upcoming greenfield airport at Jewar in New Okhla
Industrial Development Authority (Noida), Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• The code ‘DXN’ symbolises the airport’s proximity to Noida, Delhi, and western UP.
i. This three-letter code assigned by the IATA will be the designator that airlines and travel agencies
will use, internationally, to identify Noida International Airport.
ii. This ensures that travelers can easily identify the airport across various platforms.
iii. By the end of 2024, this initiative will be fully implemented. The code will become active once
airport operations start.

9. Which company has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed a supply contract with the Indian Railways
to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat trains, along with maintenance services for 35 years?
1) Kinet Railway Solutions
2) Japan Transport Engineering Company
3) Canadian Pacific Railway
4) Bombardier Transportation
5) Stadler Rail AG
Answer- 1) Kinet Railway Solutions
Explanation:
The Indian Railways has signed a supply contract with the Indo-Russian Joint Venture (JV) Kinet
Railway Solutions for manufacturing Vande Bharat trains. As per the contract, Kinet Railway
Solutions will manufacture 120 Vande Bharat trains, along with maintenance services for 35 years.
i. Kinet Railway Solutions is a JV between Metrowagonmash (MWM) and Locomotive Electronic
Systems (LES), Russia, and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), India for the production of Vande Bharat
trains. MWM is a subsidiary of rail equipment manufacturer, Transmashholding JSC Group
(Transmash).
ii. The collaboration between MWM, LES, and RVNL for the Vande Bharat train project faced
persistent challenges from the start, primarily over the issue of majority ownership between Indian
and Russian partners.
iii. The dispute delayed the contract signing with the Indian Railways till September 2023. The Indian
Railways had invited bids for Vande Bharat train sets in December 2022 and they were opened in
March 2023.

GOVT SCHEMES

1. Which state has recently (in Sept ‘23) launched the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana
to provide assistance for constructing houses?
1) Jharkhand
2) Chhattisgarh
3) Maharashtra
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Uttar Pradesh

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Answer- 2) Chhattisgarh
Explanation:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Bhupesh Baghel has launched the “Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas
Nyay Yojana” with the aim of providing assistance for constructing houses to eligible beneficiaries of
the scheme across the state.
i. The scheme includes beneficiaries who have not received the benefit of Pradhan Mantri (PM) Awas
Yojana which is based on Socio-Economic Survey 2011 (officially known as Socio Economic and Caste
Census – SECC 2011).
ii. The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs 1,30,000 and Rs 1,20,000 per family by dividing it
into IAP (hilly and inaccessible areas) and non-IAP (plain areas) districts, respectively.
iii. In addition, the eligible families will get Rs 12,000 as per their eligibility through the convergence
of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act(MNREGA).

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Which Financial Institute/Regulatory Body of India has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an MoU
with the Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI) to boost India’s fintech sector?
1) Reserve Bank of India
2) Export - Import Bank of India
3) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
4) Small Industries Development Bank of India
5) Securities and Exchange Board of India
Answer- 4) Small Industries Development Bank of India
Explanation:
On September 23, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI) to
boost India’s fintech sector by utilizing each other’s expertise.
i. The MoU was signed during the UnConvlave2023 event organized by DLAI in Goa.
ii. The MoU focuses on creating standard protocols for digital lending partnerships, including Bank-
Lending Service Providers (LSPs) alliances and co-lending arrangements.
iii. SIDBI will offer resource support to eligible DLAI member NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial
Company) and explore Assignment and Securitisation transactions.

2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent approval made by
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in September 2023?
A) SEBI approved the proposal to provide flexibility in the framework for large corporations
(LCs) to meet financing needs from the debt market through measures to the existing LC
framework.
B) SEBI Board extended the compliance deadline for enhanced qualification and experience
requirements for investment advisers to September 2025 from September 2023.
C) SEBI Board has approved amendments to make it easier for investors in debt to access
unclaimed amounts in debt-listed entities (excluding companies), Real-Estate Investment
Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
1) Only A

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2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) discussed various trends in the securities market,
and on SEBI approach to proactively plan for the same during its 202nd Board Meeting held on
September 21, 2023 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SEBI also approved the following proposals:
i. SEBI approved the proposal to provide flexibility in the framework for large corporations (LCs)
to meet financing needs from the debt market through measures to the existing LC framework.
• Raise the monetary threshold for defining LCs
• As per the current rules, LCs are those that need to have an outstanding long term borrowing
of at least Rs 100 crore, a credit rating of ‘AA and above’, and a target to finance themselves
with long term borrowings (above one year).
ii. SEBI Board extended the compliance deadline for enhanced qualification and experience
requirements for investment advisers to September 2025 from September 2023 and applied these
requirements to individuals, principal officers, and associated persons with investment advisers.
iii. SEBI Board has approved amendments to make it easier for investors in debt to access unclaimed
amounts in debt-listed entities (excluding companies), Real-Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and
Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
• In this regard amendments will be made in Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF)
Regulations, Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, InvIT
Regulations and REIT Regulations
• With this, Investors can directly approach the respective listed entities, REITs, and InvITs to
claim their unclaimed amounts, ensuring a smoother claim process.

3. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent step taken by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September 2023?
A) RBI sanctioned the Scheme of amalgamation of The Sahebrao Deshmukh Co-operative Bank
Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra with The Cosmos Co-operative Bank Limited, Pune, Maharashtra.
B) RBI imposed a monetary Penalty on the State Bank of India (Rs 1.30 Crore), Indian Bank (Rs
1.62 crore), and Bank of Baroda (Rs 2 crore).
C) RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 8.80 Lakh on Fedbank Financial Services Limited, a Non-
Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 4) Only A & C

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Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took the following decisions from September 21- 25, 2023:
• On September 25, 2023, RBI in exercise of its power conferred under Sub-Section (4) of Section
44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949 sanctioned the Scheme of
amalgamation of The Sahebrao Deshmukh Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra
with The Cosmos Co-operative Bank Limited, Pune, Maharashtra.
• On September 21, 2023, RBI imposed a monetary Penalty on the State Bank of India (Rs 1.30
Crore), Indian Bank (Rs 1.62 crore), and Punjab & Sind Bank (Rs 1 crore) in exercise of it
powers conferred under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and
51(1) of the BR Act.
• RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 8.80 Lakh on Fedbank Financial Services Limited, a Non-
Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in Mumbai, for non-compliance with certain provisions of
the Monitoring of Frauds in NBFCs (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016.
• On September 25, 2023, RBI cancelled the licence of the Kapol Co-operative Bank Limited,
Mumbai, Maharashtra amid inadequate capital and earning prospects.
• Following, it is immediately prohibited from conducting banking activities, including accepting
and repaying deposits, as defined in Section 5 (b) read with Section 56 of the BR Act, 1949 with
immediate effect.

4. In September 2023, Poonawalla Fincorp Limited received approval from Reserve Bank of
India(RBI) to issue co-branded credit cards with _____________ (Bank).
1) YES Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) RBL Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 5) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
Poonawalla Fincorp Limited has received Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s approval to issue co-
branded credit cards with IndusInd Bank Limited.
i. Poonawalla Fincorp Limited(formerly known as Magma Fincorp) is a Non-Banking Finance
Company (NBFC) belonging to Cyrus Poonawalla group.
ii. The co-branded credit card is designed to offer benefits to the customers with a favourable credit
history. The credit card is set to be launched within 3 months.

5. Which bank has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an MoU with the REC Limited to Co-Finance
Infrastructure Project Debts worth Rs. 55,000 crores?
1) Bank of Baroda
2) Indian Bank
3) Punjab National Bank
4) Bank of India
5) State Bank of India
Answer- 3) Punjab National Bank

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Explanation:
On September 26, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the REC
Limited (Formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) for
collaboration to hunt potential funding opportunities in the Power Sector and Infrastructure &
Logistics Sector through a consortium arrangement.
• Both entities jointly provide financing worth Rs. 55,000 crores over the next 3 years.
• REC Limited is venturing to expand its loan portfolio for green projects to Rs 3 lakh crore by
2030.
Note: REC Limited is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), focusing on power sector financing
and development across India.

6. Which of the following Asset Management Company(AMC) has recently (in Sep ‘23)
collaborated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to launch an Investor
Education and Awareness Initiative called “Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha”.
1) HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. (HDFC AMC)
2) ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd.(ICICI Prudential)
3) Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited(KMAMCL)
4) Axis Asset Management Company Ltd.
5) Nippon India Mutual Fund
Answer - 3) Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMCL)
Explanation:
Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited(KMAMCL) in collaboration with the Central
Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched an Investor Education and Awareness Initiative
called “Seekho Paiso ki Bhasha”.
• As part of the initiative, 75,000 educators(50% of them being women educators) will be
inculcated with the financial knowledge.
• The program will be taken care by 500 skilled trainers from the Centre for Investment
Education and Learning (CIEL) which is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

7. Which of the following mutual fund company has recently (in Sep ‘23) launched India’s first
Nifty 500 ETF (Exchange Traded Fund)?
1) Bandhan Mutual Fund
2) Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund
3) UTI Mutual Fund
4) Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund
5) SBI Mutual Fund
Answer- 4) Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund
Explanation:
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund launched India’s first Nifty 500 ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) “Motilal
Oswal Nifty 500 ETF”, an open-ended scheme replicating/tracking the Nifty 500 Total Return Index.
• This fund is ideal choice for investors seeking long-term capital growth.
• Investors can join with just Rs 500 per plan/option and invest in multiples of Re 1, with no
upper investment limit.

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8. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent step taken by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September 2023?
A) RBI issued the RBI (Prudential Regulations on Basel III Capital Framework, Exposure
Norms, Significant Investments, Classification, Valuation and Operation of Investment Portfolio
Norms and Resource Raising Norms for All India Financial Institutions) Directions, 2023 which
will be applicable w.e.f. April 1, 2024.
B) These were issued by RBI in exercise of powers conferred by Section 45L of the RBI Act,
1934.
C) RBI cancelled the licence of the Nashik Zilla Girna Sahakari Bank Limited, in Nashik,
Maharashtra, since the bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the RBI
(Prudential Regulations on Basel III Capital
Framework, Exposure Norms, Significant
Investments, Classification, Valuation and Operation
of Investment Portfolio Norms and Resource Raising
Norms for All India Financial Institutions)
Directions, 2023 which will be applicable w.e.f.
April 1, 2024.
i. These were issued by RBI in exercise of powers
conferred by Section 45L of the RBI Act, 1934.
ii. Applicability:
• These will be applicable to the five All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) viz.
• Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) Bank
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
• National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NABFID)
• National Housing Bank (NHB)
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
iii. With an order dated 25th September 2023, RBI cancelled the licence of the Nashik Zilla Girna
Sahakari Bank Limited, in Nashik, Maharashtra, since the bank does not have adequate capital and
earning prospects.
• The bank does not comply with the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d)
read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

9. Name the Bank that has recently (in Sep ‘23) collaborated with SahiBandhu to introduce
Door-Step Gold Loan service.
1) South Indian Bank
2) Karnataka Bank
3) HDFC Bank

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4) RBL Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) Karnataka Bank
Explanation:
Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) introduced an innovative Door-Step Gold Loan service called “KBL-
Swarna Bandhu” for its customers in collaboration with SahiBandhu.
i. It enables complete digitalization of gold loan processes, allowing the bank to offer gold loan
services directly to customers at their doorstep. It also expands its Gold Loan Portfolio.
ii. SahiBandhu, a leading aggregator platform for gold loans supported by The Manipal Group.

ECONOMY AND BUSINESS

1. As per the Monthly Economic Review – August 2023 released by the Department of Economic
Affairs, Ministry of Finance in September 2023, India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
growth was retained at __________ for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24).
1) 6.5%
2) 5.9%
3) 5.2%
4) 6.0%
5) 6.9%
Answer- 1) 6.5%
Explanation:
The Monthly Economic Review – August 2023 released by the Department of Economic Affairs
under the Ministry of Finance, has retained its estimate for India’s real Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth for the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) at 6.5%.
i. The risks to the growth outlook were offset by the bright spots in corporate profitability, private
sector capital formation, bank credit growth, and activity in the construction sector.
ii. High domestic demand for consumption and investment hiked the GDP growth rate in the first
quarter(Q1) of FY 24 (April-June 2023).
iii. High-Frequency Indicators(HFIs) suggest that the second quarter(Q2) of FY24 (July-September
2023) is shaping up well.

2. Which company has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an agreement with Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the sale of oil from Mumbai offshore fields?
1) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
2) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
3) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
4) Oil India Limited
5) Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
Answer- 1) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Explanation:
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the largest crude oil and natural gas Company in
India, signed an agreement to supply crude oil from Mumbai (Maharashtra) offshore fields to
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited(HPCL).

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 • This agreement covers the sale of approximately 4.5 million tonnes of crude oil per annum to
HPCL’s Mumbai refinery.
• ONGC and HPCL are the Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under the
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). HPCL is a subsidiary of ONGC
• This is ONGC’s 2nd term agreement sealed for the sale of Mumbai Offshore crude oil post-
marketing freedom.
Note: ONGC produces 13-14 million tonnes of crude oil per year from its resources in the Arabian Sea,
off the coast of Mumbai.

3. Name the company that has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an MoU with the Ministry of
Education(MoE) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to equip students with
skills and exposure to new technologies.
1) Wipro Limited
2) Tata Consultancy Services
3) Google
4) Infosys Limited
5) Microsoft
Answer- 5) Microsoft
Explanation:
The Ministry of Education (MoE), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and Microsoft
have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to equip students with skills and exposure to
new technologies.
i. The collaboration aims to provide students with opportunities for skill development, mentorship,
and project development, as well as to empower educators in the fields of AI, Cloud, Data Science, Data
Analytics, and Security.
ii. Microsoft is set to integrate Microsoft Learn with its centralized training and skilling platform to
complement AICTE’s existing curriculum and offer students hands-on experience with Microsoft
technologies.
iii. Microsoft will also engage students in the Azure Developer Community in India for industry
insights and mentorship.

MoU’s AND AGREEMENTS

1. Which organisation/Government agency has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an MoU with the
Iran-India Joint Chamber of Commerce to develop cooperation in the fields of trade,
investment, quality standards and technology transfer?
1) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
2) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
3) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
4) Federation of Indian Export Organisation
5) Confederation of Indian Industry
Answer- 4) Federation of Indian Export Organisation

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Explanation:
On September 22, 2023, Iran-India Joint Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi(Delhi) based Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO)
to develop cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, quality standards and technology transfer.
i. The MoU was signed by Mahdi Rangrona, Vice President of the Iran-India Joint Chamber of
Commerce; and Ajay Shai, Director General(DG) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIEO.

2. Name the Institute that has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an MoU with the Indian Navy (IN) to
promote academic cooperation in the varied field of Engineering & improve scientific
understanding of defense-related technologies.
1) Indian Institute of Science(IISc) Bengaluru
2) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
3) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
4) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
5) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
Answer- 1) Indian Institute of Science(IISc) Bengaluru
Explanation:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Indian
Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, to promote academic cooperation in the varied
field of Engineering, improve scientific understanding of defense-related technologies, and create new
technologies.
i. The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral K Srinivas, Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit) on
behalf of the IN and Captain Shridhar Warrier (Retd), Registrar IISc and Prof B Gurumoorthy, Director
of Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) Bengaluru. FSID is promoted by IISc
ii. It collaborates with IISc to undertake development indigenously designed & developed future-
ready Transcritical carbon dioxide (CO2) based Air Conditioner (AC) plant working on natural
refrigerant.

3. Name the company that has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed 8 Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) with the departments under the Ministry of Education (MoE), and Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to offer tailored courses to empower the Indian
youths with future-ready digital skills.
1) Infosys
2) Meta
3) Microsoft
4) IBM
5) Google
Answer- 4) IBM
Explanation:
IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) signed 8 Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) with the departments under the Ministry of Education (MoE), and Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to offer tailored courses to empower the Indian youths
with future-ready digital skills.

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i.This partnership focus on the co-creation of curriculum and access to IBM SkillsBuild, learning
platform of IBM, for learners across school education, higher education, and vocational skills on
emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence(AI) (including generative AI), Cybersecurity, cloud
computing, and professional development.

4. Electoral Commission of which country has recently (in Sep ‘23) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Election Commission of India (ECI) for cooperation to enhance
electoral management and administration.
1) Seychelles
2) Sri Lanka
3) South Africa
4) Singapore
5) Maldives
Answer - 1) Seychelles
Explanation:
Electoral Commission of Seychelles (ECS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
the Election Commission of India (ECI) for cooperation to enhance electoral management and
administration.
• This MoU will support improving electoral management and administration, building on
shared experience, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge.
• This will also strengthen exchange of best practices in election management and training of
officials.

5. Which state government has recently (in Sept ‘23) signed an MoU with the Norwegian
Geotechnical Institute (NGI) to explore and develop its geothermal potential?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Assam
3) Karnataka
4) Arunachal Pradesh
5) West Bengal
Answer- 4) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
On the occasion of World Tourism Day (WTD) 2023 (27th September 2023), Arunachal Pradesh
government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian Geotechnical
Institute (NGI) to explore and develop its geothermal potential through hot springs available in the
state.
i. The aim of the MoU coincides with the theme of WTD 2023 “Tourism and Green Investment.”
ii. The Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi, Delhi will technically support the project through NGI.
iii. On behalf of Arunachal Pradesh the MoU was signed by Repo Ronya (Secretary of Science &
Technology in the state) and Rajinder Bhasin (a technical expert from NGI) signed for NGI.

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 APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

1. Who has been recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed as the Vice-President (Market Solutions) of
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a period of 3 years?
1) Jayanth Kumar
2) Atish Mathur
3) Bhargav Dasgupta
4) Ajay Kumar
5) Praveen Sharma
Answer- 3) Bhargav Dasgupta
Explanation:
On September 22, 2023, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) appointed Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-
President (Market Solutions) for a period of 3 years.
i. Prior to this appointment, He was serving as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd since 2009.
ii. He has resigned from the post of MD & CEO of ICICI Lombard. His tenure as MD & CEO was set to
end in April 2024.

2. Which company has recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed Banmali Agrawala as the New
Chairman?
1) Mahindra Aerospace Limited
2) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
4) Bharat Electronics Limited
5) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Answer- 2) Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Explanation:
Banmali Agrawala has been appointed as the New
Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the
aerospace and defense solutions division and wholly
owned subsidiary of TATA Sons, the holding company of
TATA Group.
i. Prior to the appointment, he was serving as the Senior
Advisor at Tata Sons and Chairman of Tata Electronics
Private Limited (TEPL).
ii. He succeeds Vijay Singh who has retired from the post. He was serving as the Chairman of TASL
since 2018 and he is also serving as the Vice-Chairman of TATA Trust.

3. Who has been recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed as the Managing director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICICI Lombard General Insurance Limited?
1) Murali Sivaraman
2) Sandeep Jagdish Batra
3) Rakesh Jha
4) Sanjeev Mantri
5) Alok Kumar Agarwal

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Answer- 4) Sanjeev Mantri
Explanation:
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Limited appointed Sanjeev Mantri as the Managing director
(MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company following the resignation of Bhargav
Dasgupta from the post.
i. Sanjeev Mantri is currently serving as the Executive Director of ICICI Lombard General Insurance
(since 2015).
ii. Sanjeev Mantri will take on the position of MD and CEO from 1st December 2023 or the date of
approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), whichever is
later, for a period of five consecutive years or his date of retirement, whichever is earlier, subject to
the approval of IRDAI and the members of the company.
iii. However, till 30th November 2023, Bhargav Dasgupta will continue to be the MD&CEO.

4. In September 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the re-
appointment of M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor of __________ (Regulatory Body), for a period
of 1 year.
1) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
2) Securities and Exchange Board of India
3) Reserve Bank of India
4) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
5) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Answer- 3) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the re-appointment of M
Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for a period of 1 year with effect
from 9th October 2023.
• Initially, he was appointed as the Deputy governor of RBI in October 2020 for a period of 3
years.
i. According to the RBI Act 1934, besides the governor, RBI needs 4 DGs, 2 from within the ranks, one
commercial banker, and another economist to head the monetary policy department.
ii. The current 4 DGs of RBI are Swaminathan J, T. Rabi Sankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao and Dr. M.D. Patra.

5. Who has been recently (in Sept ‘23) named as the first Indian Brand Ambassador of Uniqlo?
1) Katrina Kaif
2) Alia Bhatt
3) Kangana Ranaut
4) Deepika Padukone
5) Kiara Advani
Answer- 1) Katrina Kaif
Explanation:
Bollywood Actress Katrina Kaif has been named as the first Indian Brand Ambassador of Uniqlo, a
Japanese multinational fashion retailer brand.
• The one-year agreement will feature the actress in advertising films for the company’s
‘LifeWear’ range of everyday apparel.

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 • Uniqlo is part of Japan’s largest fashion group Fast Retailing which has eight brands including
Uniqlo, GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse Tam-Tam, J Brand and Helmut
Lang. Uniqlo opened its first store in India in 2019.
• Switzerland’s Tennis Player Roger Federer has been the Uniqlo Global Brand Ambassador
since 2018.

6. Who has been recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed as the President of Intel India?
1) Gokul Subramaniam
2) Vikram Chauhan
3) Nivruti Rai
4) Sachin Katti
5) Debjani Ghosh
Answer- 1) Gokul Subramaniam
Explanation:
Intel Corporation, a leading digital chip maker based in the United States of America (USA), has
appointed Gokul Subramaniam as the President of Intel India.
i. As Intel India President, he will be responsible for Intel’s overall engineering and design operations
in India, including driving innovation, cross-group efficiencies, and execution of Intel products from
the site.
ii. He is currently a Vice President (VP) of the Client Computing Group (CCG) and serves as general
manager of Client Platforms and Systems. He will be assuming the Intel India president role in
addition to the existing leading client platforms and systems in CCG.
iii. Intel India is the company’s largest design and engineering center outside the United States of
America (USA), with state-of-the-art design facilities in Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Hyderabad
(Telangana).

7. Which bank has recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed KN Madhusoodanan as the Part-Time
Chairman?
1) South Indian Bank
2) RBL Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) Dhanlaxmi Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Answer- 4) Dhanlaxmi Bank
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of KN Madhusoodanan as the Part-Time
Chairman of Thrissur (Kerala)-based Dhanlaxmi Bank for a period of 3 years with effect from
September 26, 2023. He has been an Independent Director on the Board of the Bank with effect from 9
November 2022.
i. KN Madhusoodanan succeeded G Subramonia Iyer, Part-time Chairman and Independent Director of
the bank, who resigned in December 2021. Following his resignation, the bank had been without a
Chairman for 21 months.
ii. KN Madhusoodanan is the Managing Director of various private limited companies including Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) companies. He ventured into civil construction in 1983.

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 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

1. Which of the following Villages has/have been selected as the Best Tourism Village of India
2023 by the Ministry of Tourism(MoT) in September 2023?
1) Kiriteshwari in West Bengal
2) Biswanath Ghat in Assam
3) Lachung in Sikkim
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
Assam Chief Minister(CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Union Ministry of Tourism(MoT)
has selected Biswanath Ghat(also known as Gupta Kashi) of Sonitpur district of Assam as the Best
Tourism Village of India 2023.
• MoT has also selected Kiriteshwari village in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal as the
Best Tourism Village of India.
• The villages were selected from amongst 791 applications from 31 States and Union
Territories(UTs).
• Biswanath Ghat is known for cultural amalgamation and spiritual and religious sites like
Gangmou Than and Nagsankar temple.
• Kiriteshwari, located near Bhagirathi River, houses the Kiriteshwari temple, one of India’s 51
Shaktipeethas.

2. Name the personality who has recently (in Sept ‘23) became the third Indian scientist to
receive the Norman E. Borlaug award in Field Research and Application.
1) Shrinivas Kulkarni
2) Renu Khanna
3) Swati Nayak
4) Gagandeep Kang
5) Anil Kumar Gupta
Answer- 3) Swati Nayak
Explanation:
Indian Scientist Swati Nayak has been named the 2023 recipient of the Norman E. Borlaug Award
for ‘Field Research and Application’. She became the third Indian and first odia (Odisha)
scientist to receive this award in Field Research and Application. She is fondly called Bihana Didi
(seed lady) in Odisha.
• The award was announced in Climate Week New York City which was held from 17-24
September 2023.
• Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, endowed by the Rockefeller
Foundation
• The award is presented annually by the World Food Prize Foundation to an individual under
the age of 40 who has made a significant contribution to improving global food security and
nutrition.
Note: The other two Indians who received this award are Aditi Mukherji (2012) and Mahalingam
Govindaraj (2022).

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3. As of September 2023, Waheeda Rehman will be conferred with the ___________ Dada Saheb
Phalke Award for the year 2021.
1) 54th
2) 50th
3) 55th
4) 53rd
5) 56th
Answer- 4) 53rd
Explanation:
Veteran Indian actor and Padma Awardee Waheeda Rehman will be conferred with the Dada Saheb
Phalke Award for the year 2021 for her lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. She will become the
53rd recipient of this award.
• She will also be the 8th female artist to receive the dadasaheb phalke award.
• The award will be presented during the 69th National Film Awards ceremony.
• The Government of India (GoI) awarded her the National Film Award (Best Actress) for the
movie “Reshma and Shera” (1971).
• She was honoured with the Padma Shri (Art) in 1972, and Padma Bhushan (Art) in 2011.
Note- Dada Saheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969, was introduced by the GoI to commemorate the
contribution of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Dadasaheb Phalke) to Indian cinema.

4. How many eminent scientists received the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (SSB) Awards for
Science and Technology (S&T) 2022 from Union Minister of State of Science and Technology
Jitendra Singh on the 82nd Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR)-26th September 2023?
1) 10
2) 12
3) 20
4) 15
5) 25
Answer- 2) 12
Explanation:
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrated its 82nd Foundation Day on 26th
September 2023 with an event organised at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and
Technology (MoST) addressed the event and presented the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (SSB) Awards
for Science and Technology (S&T) 2022 to the 12 eminent Scientists under the age of 45.
Note: CSIR, a premier national Research and Development (R&D) organisation led by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, works under the administrative supervision of the MoST.

5. As per the Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands Report conducted by Wire
and Plastic Products (WPP) in September 2023, ____________ (company/Bank) retained its top
position as India’s most valuable brand for the second consecutive year.
1) Infosys Limited
2) HDFC Bank
3) Airtel Limited

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4) Tata Consultancy Services
5) HCL Technologies Limited
Answer- 4) Tata Consultancy Services
Explanation:
In the Kantar BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Indian Brands Report conducted by Wire and Plastic
Products (WPP) and Kantar, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) retained its top position as India’s
most valuable brand for the second consecutive year with a brand value of USD 43 billion.
i. Housing Development Finance Corporation(HDFC) bank and Infosys occupy 2nd and 3rd position
with a brand value of USD 33,612 and USD 24,170 respectively.
• India’s top 75 brands have a combined brand value of USD 379 billion, a decline of 4%
from 2022.
• The 2023 Indian brand ranking includes four newcomers and two re-entrants
• PhonePe(21st rank) has become India’s leading digital payment application.
• Other newcomers include fintech brand Cred, ShareChat(photo and video
sharing app), and Star(entertainment platform).
• The automotive category produced the two fastest risers.
• TVS gained 59% in value and leapt 24 places helped by a number of successful
product launches and a 10-year partnership with BMW that gives it leverage in
markets such as Europe, the US and Canada.
• Mahindra, which grew its value by 48%, due to the shift in preference from
hatchbacks to SUVs, and the demand for electric vehicles.
• Additionally, with 40% Year-on-Year change Sunfeast (54th most valuable
brand) is third fast riser

INDEX

1. Which country has recently (in Sept ‘23) topped the 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index
released by Chainalysis in September 2023?
1) China
2) India
3) Japan
4) Vietnam
5) United States
Answer- 2) India
Explanation:
According to the 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index released by Chainalysis, a crypto-analysis
firm, India has topped the index (rank 1), with a score of 1.0, among 154 countries. Previously, India
was ranked 4th in the 2022 index.
• Nigeria and Vietnam stand at second and third rank with the index score of 0.642 and 0.568
respectively.
• This is the 4th annual Global Crypto Adoption Index. The first edition of the Index was
published in 2020.
• The report combines on-chain data and real-world data to measure which countries are
leading the world in grassroots crypto adoption.
• The report aims to highlight the countries in which common people use cryptocurrency.

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Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2023 @ AffairsCloud.com 30
 DEFENCE

1. Name the Indian Naval Ship (INS) that has recently (in Sept ‘23) participated in the 1st India-
Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise.
1) INS Shivalik
2) INS Satpura
3) INS Sahyadri
4) INS Trishul
5) INS Talwar
Answer- 3) INS Sahyadri
Explanation:
From September 21-22, 2023, the first trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise was held between
the Indian Navy (IN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy where India was represented
by warship Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which is mission deployed in the Indo-Pacific.
i. INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built warship of the Indian Navy which was deployed in the Indo-
Pacific region.
ii. INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multirole
stealth frigates. It was built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra and is commanded by Capt
Rajan Kapoor.

2. Which state’s Army, along with Indian Army has recently (in Sept ‘23) begun the 19th edition
of the Exercise Yudh Abhyas 23?
1) Sri Lanka
2) France
3) Bangladesh
4) United States
5) Indonesia
Answer- 4) United States
Explanation:
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 23, the 19th edition of the annual joint military training exercise between
Indian Army and the United States Army is being conducted in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the United
States of America (USA).
• This is a 14-day-long exercise which began on 25th September 2023 is set to culminate on 8th
October 2023.
• The theme of Yudh Abhyas 23 is ‘Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/
Extreme Climatic Conditions’ under Chapter VII of United Nations(UN)
• Indian Army contingent comprising 350 personnel and 1-24 Infantry Battalion from the 1st
Brigade Combat Team of the US Army is participating in the exercise.
• The lead battalion from the Indian side is affiliated to MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.

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 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. In which country, a group of archaeologists has recently (in September ‘23) discovered
evidence of the world’s oldest wooden structure, dating back 476,000 years ago?
1) Egypt
2) Tanzania
3) Namibia
4) Uganda
5) Zambia
Answer- 5) Zambia
Explanation:
A group of archaeologists has discovered evidence of the world’s oldest wooden structure, “a pair
of interlocking logs connected by a notch” that date to 476,000 years ago at an archaeological site of
Kalambo Falls, Africa’s 2nd-highest waterfall on the Kalombo River in Zambia.
i. The findings of this structure were published in the journal ‘Nature’ on 20 September 2023.
ii. Kalambo Falls on the Kalambo River is a 235-metre single-drop waterfall on the border of Zambia
with the Rukwa Region of Tanzania at the edge of Lake Tanganyika.
iii. This falls was inscribed into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s
(UNESCO) World Heritage site in 2009.

2. Name the country that has recently (in September ‘23) unveiled its new 5th generation main
battle tank (MBT), the Merkava Mark 5/“Barak, which translates to “lightning” in Hebrew.
1) United Arab Emirates
2) Iran
3) Japan
4) Israel
5) Indonesia
Answer- 4) Israel
Explanation:
The Israeli Defense Ministry and Israel Defense Forces(IDF) unveiled its new 5th generation main
battle tank (MBT), the Merkava Mark 5, also known as “Barak,” which translates to “lightning” in
Hebrew. The Merkava 5 is the refined version of the Merkava IV.
i. The tank underwent five years of development.
ii. The Barak tank was developed jointly by the Defense Ministry’s Armored Vehicles Directorate and
the IDF’s Ground Forces and Armored Corps.
iii. The first models of the tank were delivered to the 52nd Armored Battalion of the 401st Brigade.

3. In which state, the 3rd Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge of the Indian Navy, Yard 77
(LSAM 9) was launched by Commodore G Ravi in September 2023?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Andhra Pradesh

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Explanation:
Commodore G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
launched Yard 77 (LSAM 9), the 3rd Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge of the Indian Navy, at
the at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the launch site of M/s SECON Engineering
Projects Pvt Ltd.
i. The Barge featuring major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous
manufacturers is in line with the Make in India initiative of the Ministry of Defence.
ii. The barge is constructed under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), with
a service life of 30 years.
iii. The contract for the construction and delivery of 08 X MCA Barges was concluded with M/s SECON
Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam, a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
shipyard, aligning with the GoI’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) initiatives.

4. Which company has recently (in Sep ‘23) introduced its Android Earthquake Alerts System
in India in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the
National Centre for Seismology (NCS), and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
1) Meta
2) Microsoft
3) Google
4) Apple
5) Zoho
Answer- 3) Google
Explanation:
Google has introduced its Android Earthquake Alerts System in India in collaboration with the
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), and
the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
i. This partnership will aid in Central Government efforts in providing timely earthquake alerts and
safety information.
ii. Android users with devices running Android 5 or newer will receive the feature.
• To receive alerts, users must have Wi-Fi and/or cellular data connectivity, and both Android
Earthquake Alerts and location settings enabled.

5. Which country has recently (in Sep ‘23) launched its first domestically built submarine
named “Hai Kun”?
1) South Korea
2) Taiwan
3) Myanmar
4) North Korea
5) Japan
Answer- 2) Taiwan
Explanation:
On 28th September 2023, President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen launched Taiwan’s 1st domestically
built submarine named “Hai Kun” during a ceremony at the submarine’s shipyard in its southern
Kaohsiung city, Taiwan.
• Hai Kun means “mythical sea creature” in Chinese and it is dubbed as ‘Narwhal‘ in English.

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i. Hai Kun is built with an outlay of Taiwan Dollar (T$) 49.36 billion (USD1.53 billion).
ii. It will use a combat system by Lockheed Martin Corp and carry US (United States)-made Mark 48
heavyweight torpedoes.
iii. The diesel-electric powered submarine will undergo several tests and will be delivered to the navy
by the end of 2024.

6. In September 2023, China launched a new remote sensing satellite named “Yaogan 33D” into
space by using ___________ rocket.
1) Long March 4C
2) Long March 3B
3) Long March 2D
4) Long March 4B
5) Long March 5
Answer- 1) Long March 4C
Explanation:
China launched a remote-sensing satellite, “Yaogan-33-04,” also known as Yaogan 33D carried off by
a Long March-4C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch center in northwest China.
i. Yaogan-33 04 was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. The Long March-
4C is a three-stage launch vehicle fueled by liquid propellant.
ii. The information from the “Yaogan-33 04” satellite will be used for scientific experiments, land
resource surveys, crop yield estimates, and disaster prevention and relief work.
iii. The launch marks China’s 45th rocket launch in 2023 and the 489th flight mission of the Long
March carrier rocket series.

7. Name the country that has recently (in Sept ‘23) launched a third military imaging satellite
Nour 3 into orbit.
1) France
2) Iran
3) Indonesia
4) United Arab Emirates
5) Japan
Answer- 2) Iran
Explanation:
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has successfully launched a third military imaging
satellite Nour 3 from the Shahroud spaceport of Iran into orbit.
• The satellite was launched by the three-stage Qased carrier which was developed by the
IRGC.
• In Persian, Nour (also spelled as Noor) means “light” and Qased means “Messenger”.
i. The Noor-3 was placed in Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) at the height of 450km (280 miles) from the
surface of the Earth.
ii. The Nour-3 satellite will be used to collect data and images for IRGC’s intelligence purposes.

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 SPORTS

1. Name the personality who has recently (in Sept ‘23) won the IndianOil Grand Prix of India
(Inaugural Edition of the MotoGP Bharat 2023) held at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
1) Marco Bezzecchi
2) Jorge Martin
3) Fabio Quartararo
4) Pedro Acosta
5) Ayumu Sasaki
Answer- 1) Marco Bezzecchi
Explanation:
Italy’s Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing team won the IndianOil Grand Prix of India 2023
(MotoGP Bharat 2023) held at the Buddh International Circuit(BIC), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
i. Jorge Martin(Spain) of Prima Pramac Racing and Fabio Quartararo ((France) of Monster Energy
Yamaha MotoGP finished second and third place respectively.
ii. The inaugural edition of the MotoGP India Grand Prix was held from 22nd to 24th September 2023.
This is the 1st time a motor racing event was hosted by India since the 2013 Formula 1 Indian Grand
Prix.
iii. Kadai Yaseen Ahamed was the only Indian rider at the MotoGP Bharat 2023. He made his debut
competing in the Moto3 level at MotoGP Bharat 2023.
• He has become the second Indian after S Sarath Kumar to participate in a MotoGP.
iv. India Grand Prix 2023 was the 13th out of 20 races in the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship
(MotoGP)

2. Name the personality who has recently (in Sept ‘23) won the Formula 1 (F1) Japanese Grand
Prix 2023 held in Suzuka, Japan.
1) Lando Norris
2) Max Verstappen
3) Oscar Piastri
4) Lewis Hamilton
5) Charles Leclerc
Answer- 2) Max Verstappen
Explanation:
Belgian-Dutch driver Max Verstappen (competing under Dutch flag) of Red Bull won the Formula 1
(F1) Japanese Grand Prix 2023 held in Suzuka International Racing Course in Suzuka, Japan from
22nd – 24th September 2023.
• British-Belgian driver Lando Norris (competing under British Flag) of McLaren finished second
while Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri of McLaren won third place.
• This marks Max Verstappen’s 13th victory in 16 races of the 2023 season and Red Bull’s 15th
title of the season. This also marks his 2nd consecutive Japanese Grand Prix title, He
previously won the title in 2022.
• This also marks Max Verstappen’s 48th career win. It was his 29th career pole position and the
9th pole in the 2023 season.

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i. Red Bull team won the F1 Constructors Championship 2023 by earning 623 points so far in the
2023 F1 season
• This marks Red Bull’s second consecutive Constructors title and also their sixth title since they
entered the sport in 2005.
• Red Bull won the constructors’ title in 2010,2011,2012,2013,2022
Note- Japanese Grand Prix 2023 Sponsored by Lenovo.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

1. Name the Indian company that has recently (in Sept ‘23) collaborated with the University of
Wollongong (UOW), Australia to launch the global (sixth) edition of the book Introduction to
Corporate Finance.
1) Acumen Academy Limited
2) NSE Academy Limited
3) Rural Technology and Business Incubator
4) Educate Girls Limited
5) Aavishkaar Investment Academy Limited
Answer- 2) NSE Academy Limited
Explanation:
The University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia in collaboration with the NSE Academy Limited
launched the global edition of the book Introduction to Corporate Finance (sixth edition) at the NSE
India(National Stock Exchange of India Ltd) headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
i. The book is authored by first year lecturers at UOW campuses (in Hong Kong and Dubai).
ii. The book covers the principles of valuing and trading of shares in UAE, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong
and Australia; The book hels in understanding the complexities and nuances of the corporate finance
landscape.
iii. The book was launched by NSE Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashishkumar
Chauhan, UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson, and UOW’s Global
Brand Ambassador Adam Gilchrist.

OBITUARY

1. In September 2023, Giorgio Napolitano, Former President of ____________ (country) from 2006
to 2015, passed away.
1) Brazil
2) Spain
3) France
4) Italy
5) Germany
Answer- 4) Italy
Explanation:
Giorgio Napolitano, Former President of Italy (2006 to 2015) and leader of the Italian Communist
Party, passed away at the age of 98 in Rome, Italy. He was born in 1925 in Naples, Italy.

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i. He was the longest-serving and longest-lived president in the history of the modern Italian
Republic(post-second world war democratic era).
ii. He joined the Italian Communist Party (PCI) in 1945 and became the 11th president of Italy in 2006
and later re-elected for a 2nd term in 2013 and later stepped down from the post in 2015.
iii. He was the first and the only president in Italy to be reelected to the office.

2. Veteran Malayalam film director and National Awardee Kulakkattil Geevarghese (KG)
George passed away in September 2023.
He won the National film award for best feature film in Malayalam for ___________ movie in 1976.
1) Irakal
2) Panchavadi Palam
3) Onappudava
4) Swapnadanam
5) Adaminte Variyellu
Answer- 4) Swapnadanam
Explanation:
Veteran Malayalam film director and National Award winner Kulakkattil Geevarghese (KG) George
passed away at the age of 77 near Kakkanad in Kochi, Kerala. He was born on 26 May 1946 in
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
i. He won the National film award for best feature film in Malayalam for his debut movie
‘Swapnadanam’ in 1976. The film also won 2 Kerala State Film Awards for Best Film and for Best
Screenplay.
ii. He was honoured with the JC Daniel Award for 2015 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to
Malayalam cinema.
• JC Daniel Award is the highest award for contribution to Malayalam Cinema.

3. Padma Awardee __________________, who is popularly known as the Father of India’s Green
Revolution, passed away in September 2023.
1) Nirpakh Tutej
2) Durgesh Patel
3) Sam Pitroda
4) Verghese Kurien
5) MS Swaminathan
Answer- 5) MS Swaminathan
Explanation:
Indian agricultural scientist and Padma Awardee Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (MS
Swaminathan), who is popularly known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, passed away at
the age of 98 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN). He was born on 7th August 1925 in Kumbakonam, Tamil
Nadu.
• He served as the Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR) and Secretary to the Government of India (GoI), Department of Agricultural
Research and Education from 1972-79.
• He has also served as the Member of the Parliament (MP) of India (Rajya Sabha –
Nominated) from 2007 to 2013.

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 • He founded M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), a research centre in
Chennai in 1988 and served as its Chairman, Emeritus Chairman, and Chief Mentor.
i. Award: GoI honoured him with the Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972) and Padma
Vibhushan (1989) for Science and Engineering.
• He was named the first World Food Prize Laureate for developing and spearheading the
introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties into India during the 1960s. He
received the award in 1987.

4. In September 2023, Ashwin Suryakant Dani, former Executive Chairman of ______________

(company) passed away.
1) Asian Paints Limited
2) Indigo Paints Limited
3) Berger Paints Limited
4) Shalimar Paints Limited
5) Sheenlac Paints Limited
Answer- 1) Asian Paints Limited
Explanation:
Ashwin Suryakant Dani, former Executive Chairman of Asian Paints Limited, India’s leading paint
and decor company, has passed away at the age of 79. He was born on September 26, 1944, in
Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• He is the son of Suryakant Dani, one of the co-founders of Asian Paints.
i. He joined the Asian Paints’ Board in 1970 and held the position of Vice Chairman and Managing
Director (MD) of Asian Paints from 1998 to 2009.
ii. He served as the founder director on the board of PPG Asian Paints, a Joint Venture (JV), formed in
1997 between Asian Paints Limited and PPG Industries Inc., USA.
iii. He served as the Non-Executive Chairman on the board of Asian paints from 2018 to 2021. He
stepped down from his post in 2021.
Note: Asian Paints is now among Asia’s biggest paint companies with operations in 19 countries.

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. When was World Rivers Day (WRD) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 21st September 2023
2) 24th September 2023
3) 22nd September 2023
4) 25th September 2023
5) 23rd September 2023
Answer- 2) 24th September 2023
Explanation:
World Rivers Day (WRD) is annually observed across the globe on the 4th Sunday of September to
promote awareness about the importance of rivers and aims to encourage the improved protection of
all rivers around the world.
• World Rivers Day (WRD) 2023 was observed on 24th September 2023.
• WRD 2022 was observed on 25 September 2022 and WRD 2024 will be observed on 22
September 2024.

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 • That first WRD was observed in 2005 and was celebrated across 12 countries.
i. To commemorate the WRD 2023, WRD organised a series of events such as paddling trips down
major rivers, river conferences, online panel events, and various new projects like riverside plantings
and habitat restoration projects have been launched.
ii. A campaign for the “Rights of Rivers” and the launching of “Adopt a Rivers” programs were also
organised.

2. What was the theme of 13th World Pharmacists Day (WPD) 2023 that was observed across
the globe on 25th September 2023?
1) Pharmacists: Your Medicines Experts
2) Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world
3) Pharmacy: Always trusted for your health
4) Safe and effective medicines for all
5) Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems
Answer- 5) Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems
Explanation:
The 13th World Pharmacists Day (WPD) 2023 was observed across the globe on 25th September
2023 with the theme of “Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems.”
• The day also marks the foundation day of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP–
Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique), global body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical
sciences, and pharmaceutical education.
• FIP’s message for WPD 2023 is “Let pharmacies do more”.
• The first-ever World Pharmacist Day was observed on 25th September 2010.

3. When was Antyodaya Diwas Day 2023 observed across India to commemorate the 107th
birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya?
1) 21st September 2023
2) 23rd September 2023
3) 25th September 2023
4) 22nd September 2023
5) 24th September 2023
Answer- 3) 25th September 2023
Explanation:
Antyodaya Diwas Day 2023 was observed across India on 25th September 2023 to commemorate
the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, former leader of the political party Bharatiya
Jana Sangh (BJS), which was a precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
i. 25th September 2023 marks the 107th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
ii. The term ‘Antyodaya’ means the “rise and development of the last person in society”, one of the
concepts promoted by Deendayal Upadhyaya. The aim of the Antyodaya is to uplift the poor in the
society.
iii. The first Antyodaya Diwas was observed on 25 September 2014.

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4. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear
Weapons 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 26th September 2023
2) 25th September 2023
3) 24th September 2023
4) 23rd September 2023
5) 22nd September 2023
Answer- 1) 26th September 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023
was observed across the globe on 26th September 2023 to enhance public awareness about the
threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination.
i. The first-ever International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was observed on 26
September 2014.
ii. Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) are regional agreements aimed at strengthening global
nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament efforts while promoting peace and security.

5. What was the theme of World Contraception Day 2023 that was observed across the globe on
26th September 2023?
1) Act responsible, created by choice
2) It's your life, it's your responsibility
3) Healthy families are created by choice, not by chance
4) Know your options
5) The Power of Options
Answer- 5) The Power of Options
Explanation:
World Contraception Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 26th September 2023 with the
theme of “The Power of Options”.
i. 26th September 2023 marks the observance of 17th World Contraception Day.
ii. The first-ever World Contraception Day was observed on 26 September 2007.
iii. World Contraception Day was established by the 10 International Family Planning Organizations
to highlight the importance of contraception as a conscious choice in family planning.

6. When was the World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) 2023 observed across the globe
with the theme of “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s
Health each and every day“?
1) 22nd September 2023
2) 24th September 2023
3) 26th September 2023
4) 23rd September 2023
5) 25th September 2023
Answer- 3) 26th September 2023

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Explanation:
World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) 2023 was observed across the globe on 26th September
2023 with the theme of “Global Environmental Public Health: Standing up to protect everyone’s
Health each and every day“.
i. On 26 September 2011, the Council of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH)
declared the 26th September of every year as the World Environmental Health Day (WEHD).
ii. 2023 Events in India:
• To commemorate the WEHD, the Department of Chemical Engineering of MS Ramaiah Institute
of Technology, Bengaluru (Karnataka) organized a series of events from 26 September 2023 to
3 October 2023 such as:
• SAFI Institute of Advanced Study (SIAS), Malappuram (Kerala) observed the WEHD with
programs like expert talks, community outreach programme, and a debate among the college
students.

7. What was the theme of United Nations (UN) World Tourism Day (WTD) 2023 that was
observed across the globe on 27th September 2023?
1) Tourism and Jobs: A better Future for All
2) Tourism for Inclusive Growth
3) Rethinking Tourism
4) Tourism and Rural Development
5) Tourism and green investment
Answer- 5) Tourism and green investment
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) World Tourism Day (WTD) 2023 was observed across the globe on 27th
September 2023 with the theme of “Tourism and green investment”.
• The annual observance of WTD is led by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a UN
specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally
accessible tourism.
i. 27th September 2023 marks the observance of 43rd World Tourism Day. The first-ever WTD was
observed on 27 September 1980.
ii. Annually, UNWTO designates a host country for the WTD celebrations. The host country for the
WTD 2023 is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• A series of programs were organized for the WTD 2023 and was hosted at Four Seasons Hotel,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 27 – 28 September 2023.
iii. Ministry of Tourism(MoT) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) has organised the Global Launch of ‘Travel for LiFE’(TFL), a sectoral
program under Mission LiFE(Lifestyle for Environment), focusing the tourism sector.

8. When was World Lung Day 2023 that was observed across the globe with the theme of
‘Access to prevention and treatment for all. Leave no one behind’?
1) 26th September 2023
2) 23rd September 2023
3) 25th September 2023
4) 27th September 2023

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5) 24th September 2023
Answer- 3) 25th September 2023
Explanation:
World Lung Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 25th September 2023 with the theme of
“Access to prevention and treatment for all. Leave no one behind.”
• 25th September 2023 marks the 6th World Lung Day.
i. World Lung Day was initiated by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) which is a
collaborative organization consisting of the world’s foremost international respiratory societies.
ii. The first World Lung Day was celebrated in 2017.
iii. FIRS was established in 2001; FIRS is dedicated to advancing lung health on a global scale.
iv. David CL Lam is the President of FIRS and the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR)

9. What was the theme of World Rabies Day (WRD) 2023 that was observed across the globe on
28th September 2023?
1) Rabies: Share the message, save a life
2) One Health, Zero Death
3) End rabies: collaborate and vaccinate
4) Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All
5) Rabies: Facts, Not Fear
Answer- 4) Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All
Explanation:
World Rabies Day (WRD) is annually observed across the globe on 28 September to raise awareness
of rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating this horrifying disease. The day also aims
to advocate for rabies elimination globally.
i. 28th September 2023 marks the 17th observance of WRD.
ii. The theme of WRD 2023 is “Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All”.

10. The __________ World Maritime Day (WMD) 2023 was observed across the globe by the United
Nation (UN) on 28th September 2023.
1) 46th
2) 42nd
3) 44th
4) 43rd
5) 45th
Answer- 1) 46th
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s World Maritime Day (WMD) is annually observed on the last Thursday of
September to recognize the contribution of the people who work in the maritime industry.
• WMD 2023, the 46th World Maritime Day, was observed on 28th September 2023.
• WMD 2022 was observed on 29th September 2022 and the WMD 2024 will be observed on
26th September 2024.
• The theme for World Maritime Day 2023 is ” MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”
• The WMD 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

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11. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day for Universal Access to Information
(IDUAI) 2023 observed across the globe with the theme of ‘The importance of the online space
for access to information’?
1) 27th September 2023
2) 25th September 2023
3) 28th September 2023
4) 26th September 2023
5) 24th September 2023
Answer- 3) 28th September 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is annually
observed across the globe on 28 September to spread awareness concerning the need to expand laws
related to information and their actual implementation.
• The expansion of these laws helps in building inclusive institutions to access the world.
• 28th September 2023 marks the 4th observance of UN’s IDUAI.
• The theme of IDUAI 2023 is “The importance of the online space for access to information”.

12. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
(IDAFLW) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 28th September 2023
2) 26th September 2023
3) 29th September 2023
4) 27th September 2023
5) 25th September 2023
Answer- 3) 29th September 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) 2023
was observed across the globe on 29th September 2023 with the theme of “Reducing food Loss and
waste: Taking Action to Transform Food Systems”.
• The day is co-convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• 29 September 2023 marks the observance of the 4th IDAFLW.
• The 2023 theme calls for the action to reduce food loss and waste (FLW) toward
transforming agrifood systems to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 agenda.
• The first IDAFLW was observed on 29 September 2020.

13. What was the theme of World Heart Day(WHD) 2023 that was observed across the globe on
29th September 2023?
1) Be a Heart Hero
2) Use Heart, Know Heart
3) Use Heart to Beat CVD
4) Use Heart to connect
5) Make your heart promise
Answer- 2) Use Heart, Know Heart

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Explanation:
World Heart Day(WHD) 2023 was observed across the globe on 29th September 2023 with the
theme of “Use Heart, Know Heart.”
i. The World Heart Day is celebrated to raise awareness about heart health and accelerate actions to
prevent, detect and manage cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
ii. The theme emphasises the crucial process of getting to know one’s own heart first; It intends to
think and act towards the reduction of CVD.
iii. WHD was established in 2000 by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in partnership with the
World Health Organization (WHO).
iv. The idea of WHD was introduced by Antoni Baie de Luna, former president of the World Health
Federation(1997-99) & the day was first observed on 24th September, 2000.

ENVIRONMENT

1. In which state, the scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have recently (in Sept ‘23)
identified a new species of vibrant orange deep-water marine fish namely ‘Pterygotrigla
intermedica‘?
1) Odisha
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) West Bengal
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 3) West Bengal
Explanation:
The scientists of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of vibrant orange deep-
water marine fish namely ‘Pterygotrigla intermedica‘ from Digha Mohana in West Bengal.
• The details of the new species were published in the international marine science Journal
Thalassas on September 20, 2023.
• The new species, commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins, belongs to the family Triglidae
and Indo-Pacific subgenus Otohime of the genus Pterygotrigla.
• It is the fourth Pterygotrigla species found in India, among a total of 178 Triglidae species
worldwide.
• The team of scientists was led by Anil Mohapatra of the Estuarine Biology Regional Centre
(EBRC) at ZSI, along with Sanmitra Roy and Subhrendu Sekhar Mishra.

2. In September 2023, Scientists identified a new Pangolin species, tentatively named “Manis
mysteria” through the analysis of 27 scales confiscated in Hong Kong in 2012 and 2013.
The Manis mysteria became the _________ pangolin species and the 5th Asian pangolin.
1) 6th
2) 8th
3) 4th
4) 7th
5) 9th
Answer- 5) 9th

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Explanation:
Scientists have identified a new Pangolin species, tentatively named “Manis mysteria” through the
analysis of 27 scales confiscated in Hong Kong in 2012 and 2013. This new species becomes the 9th
pangolin species and the 5th Asian pangolin.
i. The 8 extant species of pangolins, classified into three genera: Manis(Asia), Phataginus(Africa), and
Smutsia(Africa).
ii. The finding was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences(PNAS).

CURRENT STATIC BANKING

1. Which company has recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed DP Singh as the Deputy Managing
Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO)?
1) Shriram Asset Management
2) UTI Mutual Fund
3) ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund
4) SBI Funds Management
5) HDFC Asset Management
Answer- 4) SBI Funds Management
Explanation:
SBI Funds Management, the largest asset management company, has elevated DP Singh as Deputy
Managing Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
i. In his new role, he will continue to oversee all business verticals and segments of the organisation. A
mutual fund industry veteran, he has spent 25 years with SBI Mutual Fund and has held many senior
leadership roles.
ii. He has been instrumental in expanding the fund house’s reach in both urban and rural areas. He
was earlier the Deputy Managing Director and Chief Business Officer at AMC.

2. In which year, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Limited was established?

1) 2004
2) 2001
3) 2010
4) 2000
5) 2005
Answer- 2) 2001
Explanation:
About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Limited:
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Bhargav Dasgupta
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in – 2001

3. India’s International Bank is Tagline of __________ (Bank).

1) State Bank of India
2) Bank of India
3) Punjab National Park
4) Indian Bank

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5) Bank of Baroda
Answer- 5) Bank of Baroda
Explanation:
About Bank of Baroda (BOB):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Sanjiv Chadha
Headquarters – Vadodara, Gujarat (Head office), Mumbai, Maharashtra (Corporate centre)
Establishment – 20 July 1908
Tag line – India’s International Bank

4. What is the Tagline of IndusInd Bank?

1) We Understand Your World
2) Support All the Way
3) We Make You Feel Richer
4) India’s International Bank
5) Your Perfect Banking Partner
Answer- 3) We Make You Feel Richer
Explanation:
About IndusInd Bank Limited:
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Sumant Kathpalia
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in – 1994
Tagline – We Make You Feel Richer

5. In which year Punjab National Bank (PNB) was established?

1) 1934
2) 1956
3) 1880
4) 1894
5) 1945
Answer- 4) 1894
Explanation:
About Punjab National Bank (PNB):
MD & CEO– Atul Kumar Goel
Headquarters– New delhi, Delhi
Tagline– the name you can BANK upon !
Establishment– 1894

6. What is the Tagline of Karnataka Bank?

1) We Understand Your World
2) Support All the Way
3) Your Family Bank Across India
4) India’s International Bank
5) Your Perfect Banking Partner
Answer- 3) Your Family Bank Across India

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Explanation:
About Karnataka Bank Limited(KBL):
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer– Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma
Headquarters– Mangaluru, Karnataka
Tagline– Your Family Bank Across India
Establishment– 1924

7. _________ is a rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) borrows money from commercial
banks.
1) Repo rate
2) Reverse repo rate
3) Statutory Liquidity Ratio
4) Bank Rate
5) Cash reserve ratio
Answer- 2) Reverse repo rate
Explanation:
Repo rate – Repo rate is the rate at which RBI gives loans to commercial banks against government
securities.
Reverse repo rate – A reverse repo rate is a rate at which RBI borrows money from commercial
banks.

CA STATIC GK

1. What is the capital of Zambia?

1) Majuro
2) Honiara
3) Lusaka
4) Kampala
5) Palikir
Answer- 3) Lusaka
Explanation:
About Zambia:
Capital– Lusaka
President– Hakainde Hichilema
Currency– Zambian Kwacha/Ngwee

2. Who is the current (as of Sept ‘23) Director of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)?
1) A. Subramanian
2) Raghunathan
3) Gopinathan Maheswaran
4) Kosygin Singh
5) Dhriti Banerjee
Answer- 5) Dhriti Banerjee

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Explanation:
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):
ZSI is a statutory advisory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
(MoEFCC).
Director– Dr. Dhriti Banerjee
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal
Establishment– 1916

3. Where is the Headquarters of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) located?

1) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2) Geneva, Switzerland
3) Vienna, Austria
4) The Hague, Netherlands
5) London, United Kingdom
Answer- 4) The Hague, Netherlands
Explanation:
About International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP):
President(Acting)- Paul Sinclair (Australia)
Headquarters- The Hague, Netherlands

4. In September 2023, the first C-295 transport aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force
(IAF) at the Hindan Air Force Station in ____________ (state/UT).
1) Ladakh
2) Punjab
3) Assam
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Monday inducted the first C-295 transport aircraft in a formal ceremony
at the Hindan Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh, days after it received the delivery of the aircraft at
the Airbus facility in Seville, Spain.
• The first IAF squadron to be equipped with the aircraft, No. 11 Squadron, also named The
Rhinos, is based in Vadodara.
• It will replace the HS-748 Avro aircraft. The induction of C-295 will bolster medium lift tactical
capability of the IAF
• The first 16 C295s of the 56 aircraft on order will be assembled at the San Pablo Sur site in
Seville, with the second aircraft due to be delivered in May 2024 and the next 14 rolled out at a
rate of one per month until August 2025.
• The remaining 40 C295s of the IAF order will be manufactured and assembled – in partnership
with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) – at a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Gujarat’s
Vadodara.

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5. Which airline company has recently (in Sept ‘23) entered into a codeshare agreement with
AIX Connect to over 100 flights a day operated on 21 routes?
1) IndiGo
2) Vistara
3) SpiceJet
4) Air India
5) Alliance Air
Answer- 4) Air India
Explanation:
Air India has entered into a codeshare agreement with AIX Connect (formerly known as Air Asia
India). Air India will add its ‘AI’ designator code to over 100 flights a day operated by AIX Connect on
21 routes.
i. More routes under the codeshare agreement will be added progressively. Bookings for the
codeshare flights are being opened across points of sale for travel starting on September 27, 2023.

6. Which country is set to get its largest Hindu temple, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham on
October 8, 2023?
1) Russia
2) Canada
3) United States
4) France
5) Germany
Answer- 3) United States
Explanation:
The United States is all set to get its largest Hindu temple next month on October 8, 2023. The BAPS
Swaminarayan Akshardham is located 90 km south of Times Square in New Jersey. The 183-acre
temple took nearly 12 years to be built and its construction has involved more than 12,500 volunteers
from across the US.
i. As per reports, the temple has one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures),
and nine pyramidal shikhars. It also has the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture.
ii. This majestic grand temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a Hindu spiritual leader of the
19th century, and was inspired by his 5th spiritual successor and renowned saint Pramukh Swami
Maharaj.
iii. Akshardham was formally inaugurated by Mahant Swami Maharaj. It will be open for visitors from
October 18. This temple is possibly the second largest after Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a UNESCO
World Heritage site spanning across 500 acres. The Akshardham temple in New Delhi is spread over
100 acres.

7. Which team won the championship of the 2023 edition of the Caribbean Premier League
(CPL) 2023?
1) St Kitts and Nevis Patriots
2) Saint Lucia Kings
3) Jamaica Tallawahs
4) Trinbago Knight Riders
5) Guyana Amazon Warriors

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Answer- 5) Guyana Amazon Warriors
Explanation:
Guyana Amazon Warriors emerged champion of the 2023 edition of the Caribbean Premier League
(CPL) with a nine-wicket win over Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence, Guyana.
i. Dwaine Pretorius took four for 26 as Knight Riders were shot out for 94. Imran Tahir (4-0-8-2) and
Gudakesh Motie (4-1-7-2) came up with economical spells.

8. Name the state government that has recently (in Sept ‘23) partnered with Magic Bus India
Foundation to introduce project 'Saksham', a life skills education programme in government
schools.
1) Gujarat
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Odisha
4) Maharashtra
5) West Bengal
Answer- 2) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Magic Bus India Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides education and skilling, has
partnered with Madhya Pradesh government to introduce project 'Saksham', a life skills education
programme in government schools.
i. The Department of Tribal Affairs of Madhya Pradesh has partnered with Magic Bus India Foundation
to empower master trainers and government school teachers, equipping them to deliver life skills
education while nurturing the well-rounded development of adolescents across 20 districts and 89
blocks in the state

9. Which of the following national parks is not located in Kerala?

1) Mathikettan Shola National Park
2) Pampadum Shola National Park
3) Anamudi Shola National Park
4) Dehing Patkai National Park
5) Eravikulam National Park
Answer- 4) Dehing Patkai National Park
Explanation:
Dehing Patkai National Park is located in Assam. It was upgraded from Wildlife sanctuary into
National Park in 2020, It is located within the larger Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, which spreads
across the coal- and oil-rich districts of Upper Assam (Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts).
i. The oldest refinery of Asia in Digboi and ‘open cast’ coal mining at Lido are located near the
sanctuary.
ii. The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as the Jeypore Rainforest.

10. In Which state ‘Satkosia Tiger Reserve’ is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Karnataka
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Kerala

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5) Odisha
Answer- 5) Odisha
Explanation:
About Odisha:
Capital- Bhubaneswar
Chief Minister- Naveen Patnaik
Governor- Ganeshi Lal
Tiger Reserve- Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve

11. In which state, Chhari Dhand Bird Sanctuary is located?

1) Telangana
2) West Bengal
3) Gujarat
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 3) Gujarat
Explanation:
Chhari Dhand Bird Sanctuary is located in Gujarat. It is a wetland conservation reserve.
i. ‘Chhari’ means salt affected and ‘dhand’ means shallow wetland. Chhari-Dhand is a legally protected
wetland conservation reserve.
ii. The Banni Grasslands and Chhari-Dhand form one of the most important bird areas in the desert
ecosystems of India.

12. The Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve is located in ____________ (state).

1) Assam
2) Tripura
3) Sikkim
4) Himachal Pradesh
5) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer- 5) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
The Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve is a significant ecological region located in the northeastern
part of India, specifically in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
i. The biosphere reserve is named after two prominent rivers in the region, namely the Dihang (also
known as the Siang or Brahmaputra) and the Dibang.
ii. These rivers play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and supporting the diverse ecosystems
within the reserve.

13. In which state Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) West Bengal
3) Maharashtra
4) Odisha
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 5) Madhya Pradesh

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Explanation:
About Madhya Pradesh (MP):
Governor– Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
Chief Minister– Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary, Phen Wildlife Sanctuary

14. Who is the current (as of Sept ‘23) Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)?
1) Aiswarya Biswal
2) C Rajeev
3) Arun Kumar Singh
4) G Krishnakumar
5) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta
Answer- 3) Arun Kumar Singh
Explanation:
About Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC):
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Arun Kumar Singh
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established in– 14th August 1956

15. The Union government has recently (in Sept ‘23) extended the tenure of ___________ as the
Adviser to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
1) Rajiv Mehrishi
2) Nripendra Misra
3) Pradeep Kumar Sinha
4) Amit Khare
5) Rajiv Gauba
Answer- 4) Amit Khare
Explanation:
Clearing extension for a top administrator at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Union government
announced a service extension for Amit Khare, a 1985-batch IAS officer currently posted as advisor
to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
i. Khare a retired Jharkhand cadre officer is stated to be re-employed at Secretary level in Delhi for a
period coterminous with the term of Prime Minister or ‘until further orders’.
ii. Khare has served as Higher Education secretary and retired on September 30, 2021. He was
initially appointed to the advisory position for a two-year term in October 2021.

16. In which state/UT, Nokrek Ridge National Park is located?

1) Sikkim
2) Jammu & Kashmir
3) Meghalaya
4) Uttarakhand
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 3) Meghalaya

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Explanation:
Nokrek National Park is a prominent national park located in the state of Meghalaya in
northeastern India. It is one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the region and has been
designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
i. The Nokrek National Park is home to diverse ecosystems, including tropical and subtropical forests,
grasslands, and high-altitude plateaus.
ii. It encompasses the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, which consists of the Nokrek Peak, the highest peak
in the Garo Hills region.

17. In which state Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Karnataka
3) Rajasthan
4) Maharashtra
5) Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 3) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve is located in Rajasthan. It becomes the 5th Tiger reserve of
Rajasthan.
i. The forest covers an area of 1,058 square kilometres (368 sq km of core area and 690 sq km of
buffer area) and currently has 9 tigers.

18. In which state Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located?

1) Rajasthan
2) Punjab
3) Karnataka
4) Gujarat
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a protected area located in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh,
India. It was established in 1999 and covers an area of 4,926 square kilometers, making it the largest
biosphere reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
i. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 plant species, 50
mammal species, and 250 bird species.
ii. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several
tribal communities, including the Baiga, Gond, and Korku tribes.

19. In which state/UT, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located?

1) Tamil Nadu
2) Goa
3) Kerala
4) Delhi
5) Uttarakhand
Answer- 2) Goa

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Explanation:
The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on western tip of the Island of Chorao along the Mandovi
River in Goa. The sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat and is named after Salim Ali, the famous
Indian ornithologist.
i. The sanctuary is host to little bittern, black bittern, red knot, jack snipe, pied avocet, striated heron,
western reef heron, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, etc.

20. In which state Vembanad lake is located?

1) Karnataka
2) Gujarat
3) Odisha
4) Kerala
5) West Bengal
Answer- 4) Kerala
Explanation:
Vembanad lake, the second largest Ramsar site in India (Kerala) after the Sunderbans in West
Bengal, is shrinking and its unique biodiversity is under threat of ecological decay despite it being
declared as a Ramsar site 20 years ago.
i. Ramsar Site: In 2002, the lake was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as
defined by the Ramsar Convention.

21. The Angolan __________ is the currency of Angola.

1) Kwanza
2) Franc
3) Dinar
4) Peso
5) Dollar
Answer- 1) Kwanza
Explanation:
About Angola:
Capital-Luanda
Currency- Angolan kwanza

22. Where is the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) located?
1) Montreal, Canada
2) Jakarta, Indonesia
3) Dhaka, Bangladesh
4) Shanghai, China
5) London, United Kingdom
Answer-2) Jakarta, Indonesia
Explanation:
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
It is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries.

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Establishment – It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the
ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by founding members Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
Singapore and Thailand.
Secretary-General– H.E. DR. Kao Kim Hourn
Headquarters– Jakarta, Indonesia

23. In which year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established?
1) 1947
2) 1978
3) 1965
4) 1972
5) 1961
Answer- 3) 1965
Explanation:
About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
Establishment– 1965
Administrator– Achim Steiner
Headquarters– New York, United States

24. Who is the current (as of Sept ‘23) Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR)?
1) Nallathamby Kalaiselvi
2) Ritu Karidhal
3) Aditi Pant
4) Nandini Harinath
5) Tessy Thomas
Answer- 1) Nallathamby Kalaiselvi
Explanation:
About Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
President– Narendra Modi
Vice-President– Dr. Jitendra Singh
Director – General – Dr. Nallathamby Kalaiselvi
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established in– 1942

25. In which year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was established?
1) 1947
2) 1978
3) 1975
4) 1972
5) 1961
Answer- 3) 1975

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Explanation:
About United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
It is the UN agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and universally
accessible tourism.
Secretary-General– Zurab Pololikashvili
Headquarters– Madrid, Spain
Established in– 1975

26. Who is the current (as of Sept ‘23) Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education
(AICTE)?
1) Praveen Sharma
2) Ajay Kumar
3) Atish Mathur
4) Abhay Jere
5) T.G. Sitharam
Answer- 5) T.G. Sitharam
Explanation:
About All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE):
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is the national-level Apex Advisory Body for the
promotion of quality in technical education under the Ministry of Education(MoE).
Chairman – T.G. Sitharam
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1945

27. In September 2023, Green ammonia containers, containing 37.4 tons of green ammonia,
from Damietta Port, Egypt, has successfully handled by ______________ (Port) Authority.
1) Paradip Port
2) Jawaharlal Nehru Port
3) Deendayal Port
4) VO Chidambaranar Port
5) Chennai Port
Answer- 4) VO Chidambaranar Port
Explanation:
Green ammonia containers, containing 37.4 tons of green ammonia, from Damietta Port, Egypt, was
successsfully handled by VO Chidambaranar Port Authority on 23rd September 2023. The green
ammonia is for Tuticorin Alkali Chemical and Fertilizers Ltd (TFL), Tamil Nadu.
i. Conventionally, grey ammonia is utilized for soda ash production. As a go green initiative, TFL has
imported green ammonia to produce green soda ash, on a trial basis.
ii. TFL is planning to import 2000 MT this year subject to the availability of green ammonia. V.O.
Chidambaranar Port created a new record by handling 2,01,204 MT in a single day on September 24,
surpassing the earlier single day record of 2,00,642 MT on August 26.

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28. Google Doodle commemorated its _________ birthday on 27th September 2023.
1) 50th
2) 35th
3) 15th
4) 20th
5) 25th
Answer- 5) 25th
Explanation:
Google Doodle commemorates its 25th birthday on 27th September 2023 with a special Doodle.
Google is perpetually focused on the future but birthdays provide an opportunity for reflection.
i. Google Inc. was officially founded on September 27, 1998. by American computer scientists Larry
Page and Sergey Brin

29. In September 2023, the government extended support under the scheme for Remission of
Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) till __________ from September 30, 2023.
1) 30th June, 2024
2) 31st January 2024
3) 30th April 2024
4) 31st March 2024
5) 31st July 2024
Answer- 1) 30th June, 2024
Explanation:
The government extended support under the scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported
Products (RoDTEP) till June 30, 2024 from September 30, 2023. The commerce and industry
ministry said this will help exporters negotiate contracts in the present international environment on
better terms.
i. The scheme provides a mechanism for reimbursement of taxes, duties and levies, which are
currently not being refunded under any other mechanism, at the central, state and local levels, but
which are incurred by the export entities in the process of manufacture and distribution of exported
products.

30. In which state Mollem National Park is located?

1) Jharkhand
2) Gujarat
3) Odisha
4) Goa
5) Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 4) Goa
Explanation:
Mollem National Park is located in Goa. The core area of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
was declared as a National Park.
i. Popularly known as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park. Features
attractions like 12th century Tambdi Surla temple, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point

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31. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is located in ___________.
1) Uttarakhand
2) Maharashtra
3) Assam
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) West Bengal
Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is located in Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
• It was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2014.
• In 2020, it bagged international award TX2 for doubling up the number of tigers in the past
four years.
• It forms part of Terai Arc Landscape in the upper Gangetic Plain.
• The northern edge of the reserve lies along the Indo-Nepal border while the southern
boundary is marked by the river Sharada and Khakra.

32. In which state Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is located?

1) Tamil Nadu
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) West Bengal
5) Punjab
Answer- 2) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
The Seshachalam Hills are hilly ranges part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. In 2010 it was
designated as a Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
i. Seshachalam biosphere is spread over Chittoor and Kadapa districts. Tirupati, a major Hindu
pilgrimage town and the Srivenkateshwara National Park are located in these ranges.
ii. It is home to a number of endemic species including the famous Red Sanders and Slender Loris.

33. In which state/UT, ‘Hokersar bird sanctuary’ is located?

1) New Delhi
2) Chandigarh
3) Assam
4) Rajasthan
5) Jammu & Kashmir
Answer- 5) Jammu & Kashmir
Explanation:
About Jammu and Kashmir(J&K):
Lieutenant Governor– Manoj Sinha
Bird sanctuary– Hokersar bird sanctuary
Festival– Losar; Matho Nagrang

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34. Where is the Headquarters of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) located?
1) Geneva, Switzerland
2) London, United Kingdom
3) Shanghai, China
4) Paris, France
5) New York City, United States of America
Answer- 3) Shanghai, China
Explanation:
About International Theatre Institute (ITI):
ITI was created on the initiative of the first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Director General, Sir Julian Huxley, and the playwright and novelist, JB
Priestly in 1948.
President– Mohamed Saif Al-Afkham
Director General– Tobias Biancone
Headquarters– Shanghai, China

35. In which state Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Sikkim
2) West Bengal
3) Manipur
4) Arunachal Pradesh
5) Himachal Pradesh
Answer- 5) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
About Himachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister– Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Governor– Shiv Pratap Shukla
Wildlife Sanctuary– Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary; Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary
Festivals– Basant Panchami; Lossar

36. In which year, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
was established?
1) 1920
2) 1942
3) 1930
4) 1946
5) 1952
Answer- 1) 1920
Explanation:
About the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM):
President- Ajay Singh
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment- 1920

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37. When was the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) established?
1) 1957
2) 1962
3) 1967
4) 1958
5) 1952
Answer- 3) 1967
Explanation:
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
Secretary General – Dr Kao Kim Hourn
Headquarters – Jakarta, Indonesia
Established – 1967

38. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) located?
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Geneva, Switzerland
3) New York, United States of America (USA)
4) Paris, France
5) Washington DC, United States of America (USA)
Answer- 3) New York, United States of America (USA)
Explanation:
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
Executive Director – Natalia Kanem
Headquarters – New York, United States of America (USA)
Established in – 1969 (as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities. Later its the name was
changed to the United Nations Population Fund in 1987)

39. In September 2023, __________, who was famous for his role as “Albus Dumbledore” in Harry
Potter movies, passed away.
1) John Hurt
2) Richard Griffiths
3) Michael Gambon
4) Alan Rickman
5) Robbie Coltrane
Answer- 3) Michael Gambon
Explanation:
Veteran actor Michael Gambon, who was known for his portrayal of Hogwarts headmaster ‘Albus
Dumbledore’ in six of the eight Harry Potter films, passed away on 28 September 2023 at the age of
82.
• He also won three Olivier Awards and two ensemble cast Screen Actors Guild Awards - for
2001's "Gosford Park" and "The King's Speech".
• Gambon was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1992 and knighted for services to
drama in 1998.

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40. In Which City, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam
Rupala has recently (in sep ‘23) inaugurated the modernised Marine Museum at the Fish
Survey of India (FSI)?
1) Chennai
2) Visakhapatnam
3) Mumbai
4) Cochin
5) Mangalore
Answer- 2) Visakhapatnam
Explanation:
On 25th September 2023, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam
Rupala inaugurated the modernised Marine Museum at the Fish Survey of India(FSI),
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The museum is preserving more than 200 varieties of fish and other marine products.
• All the specimens in the museum were displayed with modern technology (such as QR coding).

41. Which is the capital of Seychelles?

1) Ngerulmud
2) Wellington
3) Victoria
4) Majuro
5) Port-Vila
Answer-3) Victoria
Explanation:
About Seychelles:
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa.
President– Wavel Ramkalawan
Capital– Victoria
Currency– Seychellois Rupee

42. Who is the present (As of Sep ‘23) Chairperson of the National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA)?
1) Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF)
2) Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM)
3) Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
4) Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD)
5) Droupadi Murmu, President
Answer- 2) Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM)
Explanation:
About National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
Headed by the Prime Minister (PM) of India, it is the apex body for Disaster Management in India.
Chairperson– Narendra Modi
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi

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43. In which state, Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is located?
1) Himachal Pradesh
2) Meghalaya
3) Gujarat
4) Sikkim
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 1) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve was established in 2009 in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is located in the Western Himalayas Region at Himachal Pradesh and the Spiti Valley is a part
of the reserve.
• Snow Leopards can be found in the biosphere.
• Biosphere reserves are the International recognition provided by United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and designated under the intergovernmental
Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

44. Name the 8th continent of the world that is beneath the Pacific Ocean, which was recently
(in sep ‘23) discovered by a team of seismologists and geologists by using the data obtained
from dredged rock samples recovered from the ocean floor.
1) Jordsand
2) Lemuria
3) Zealandia
4) Doggerland
5) Gondwana
Answer- 3) Zealandia
Explanation:
A group of seismologists and geologists discovered a continent that had been submerged for around
375 years. The team has generated a highly revised map of Zealandia, also known as Te Riu-a-Maui,
the 'eighth continent of the Earth' that lies beneath the Pacific Ocean.\
• Zealandia is a long, narrow landmass in the South Pacific Ocean that is mostly underwater. It is
more than six times the size of Madagascar and about half the size of Australia, measuring 4.9
million square kilometres.
• It extends from south of New Zealand northward to New Caledonia and west to the Kenn
Plateau off Australia’s east.
• The first evidence of its existence came in 1642, when Abel Tasman, a Dutch sailor, set out on a
mission to discover a vast continent in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Later, It was discovered in 2017 by a group of geologists and was once part of the ancient
supercontinent of Gondwana, which originated roughly 550 million years ago.

45. In which state, the Kulik bird sanctuary is located?

1) Jharkhand
2) Odisha
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Uttar Pradesh

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Answer- 4) West Bengal
Explanation:
Raiganj Wildlife sanctuary also popularly known as Kulik bird sanctuary. It is located near Raiganj in
Uttar Dinajpur district in the state of West Bengal. The bird sanctuary is home to 164 species of birds
and some 90,000 to 1,00,000 migratory birds visit the sanctuary every year.

46. Where is the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) located?
1) Copenhagen, Denmark
2) Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3) London, United Kingdom
4) Lisbon, Portugal
5) Paris, France
Answer- 3) London, United Kingdom
Explanation:
About International Maritime Organization(IMO):
Secretary-General – Kitack Lim
Headquarters - London, United Kingdom
Established in – 1958

47. In which state, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Kerala
2) Karnataka
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Odisha
Answer- 4) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest located near Visakhapatnam, near Andhra
Pradesh.
i. The sanctuary is a tropical deciduous forest with a canopy of tree cover of mixed composition along
with scrubland and meadows. It is bordered by Simhachalam hill range on the West and Gambheeram
reservoir on the North-east.

48. In Which year Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme was
launched?
1) 2017
2) 2015
3) 2018
4) 2016
5) 2019
Answer- 3) 2018
Explanation:
Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme, launched in 2018 under the
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen SBM(G)-Phase II program, is an umbrella initiative of the Indian
government that aims to convert waste to wealth towards promoting a circular economy.

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 • Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti is the
the nodal department for GOBARdhan.
• Objective: To generate wealth and energy by converting cattle dung, agri residue and other
organic waste into Biogas, CBG and biofertilizers.
• Target: The scheme aims to contribute to India’s climate action goals especially towards
achieving net zero emission by 2070.

49. In which state ‘Amrabad Tiger Reserve’ is located?

1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Telangana
4) Kerala
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 3) Telangana
Explanation:
About Telangana:
Chief Minister – Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao
Governor – Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan
Tiger Reserve – Amrabad Tiger Reserve

50. The self-declared republic of Nagorno-Karabakh region is set to cease existing as of January
1, 2024.
Nagorno-Karabakh lies within the borders of which country?
1) Russia
2) Iran
3) Georgia
4) Azerbaijan
5) Armenia
Answer- 4) Azerbaijan
Explanation:
The self-declared republic of Nagorno-Karabakh will cease to exist from January 1, 2024.
• It happened after the Nagorno-Karabakh president Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree
dissolving state institutions following its defeat by Azerbaijan.
• Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan’s borders but has for decades operated
autonomously with a de facto government of its own.
The result of this agreement is that more than half of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians who used to live
in Nagorno-Karabakh fled into Armenia

51. Who has been recently (in Sept ‘23) appointed as the secretary in the Department of
Telecommunications?
1) Umang Narula
2) Neeraj Mittal
3) VL Kantha Rao
4) S Krishnan
5) Vivek Bhardwaj

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Answer- 2) Neeraj Mittal
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Neeraj Mittal, a seasoned 1992
batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer as the secretary in the Department of
Telecommunications.
• Another significant appointment is that of S Krishnan, a distinguished 1989 batch IAS
officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre. Currently, Krishnan holds the position of industries
secretary in the Tamil Nadu state government. His extensive experience in
administrative roles has led to his selection as the new secretary of the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology.
• Krishnan’s appointment comes as Alkesh Kumar Sharma, the previous secretary, retired
on August 31.
i. Umang Narula has been designated as the secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs,
bringing his extensive administrative expertise to this crucial portfolio.’
ii. Vumlunmang Vualnam, an IAS officer from the 1992 Manipur cadre, has been entrusted with the
role of secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He previously served as an additional secretary in
the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.

52. In which year, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was established?
1) 1959
2) 1946
3) 1964
4) 1952
5) 1972
Answer- 2) 1946
Explanation:
About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):
Executive Director– Catherine Russell
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established on– 11 December 1946

53. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) located?
1) Geneva, Switzerland
2) London, United Kingdom
3) Italy, Rome
4) Paris, France
5) New York City, United States of America
Answer- 1) Geneva, Switzerland
Explanation:
About United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
It is an intergovernmental organization which promotes the interests of developing countries in world
trade.
Secretary-General– Rebeca Grynspan
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland

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54. In which state Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Mizoram
2) Sikkim
3) Odisha
4) West Bengal
5) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer- 5) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
About Arunachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister – Pema Khandu
Governor- Lt. General KT Parnaik
Wild Life Sanctuary – Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Yordi-Rabe Supse
Zoological Park – Itanagar Zoological Park, Roing Zoo

55. The Ntangki National Park is located in _____________ (state).

1) Jharkhand
2) West Bengal
3) Assam
4) Nagaland
5) Sikkim
Answer- 4) Nagaland
Explanation:
Ntangki National Park is located in Nagaland.
i. Located 40 km from the town of Peren and about 37 km from Dimapur is the Ntangki National Park
also known as the Intanki by many. Spread over a distance of 200 sq km, this park was established by
the British administrators in the year 1923.

56. In which state Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located?

1) Chhattisgarh
2) Arunachal Pradesh
3) Sikkim
4) West Bengal
5) Tripura
Answer- 1) Chhattisgarh
Explanation:
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975 and was declared as a tiger reserve in 2009
located in Chhattisgarh . The legend has it that a British man was killed by a sudden (‘achanak’)
attack (‘maar’) of a tiger at this forest.
i. The sanctuary is home to the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, striped hyena, Indian jackal, Dhole, Sloth
bear, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Four horned antelope, Barking Deer, Wild boar, among many
other species. It has more than 150 species of birds flying across the landscape.

57. The Agasthiyar Malai Biosphere Reserve is located in _________________ (State).

1) Telangana
2) Kerala

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3) Karnataka
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Tamil Nadu
Answer- 5) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
About Tamil Nadu:
Chief Minister– Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary
Biosphere Reserves– Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, and Agasthiyar
Malai Biosphere Reserve

58. In which state Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located?

1) Telangana
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Karnataka
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 3) Karnataka
Explanation:
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located in Karnataka. The main breeding ground for a variety of
local and migratory birds.
i. It comprises 6 (six) Islands and 6 (six) Islets in the river Cauvery.

59. In which year, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited was established?
1) 1992
2) 1958
3) 1982
4) 1965
5) 1975
Answer- 5) 1975
Explanation:
About the NTPC Ltd. (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation Limited):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) – Gurdeep Singh
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment – 1975

60. In which state/UT ‘Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Rajasthan
2) Jammu and Kashmir
3) Punjab
4) Ladakh
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 2) Jammu and Kashmir

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Explanation:
About Jammu & Kashmir (J&K):
Lieutenant Governor (LG) – Manoj Sinha
Wildlife Sanctuary – Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary
Airport – Srinagar International Airport (Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport), Jammu airport
Satwari Airport

61. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 with the signing
of ____________ (declaration).
1) Declaration of Philippines
2) Brunei Declaration
3) Myanmar Declaration
4) Bangkok Declaration
5) Vietnam Declaration
Answer- 4) Bangkok Declaration
Explanation:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 with the signing of the
ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok, Thailand (Bangkok Declaration).
i. Purpose: To accelerate the economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the South
Asian region, & promote regional peace and stability.
ii. Members – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam.

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