Feb 1
Feb 1
Feb 1
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Union cabinet approval on
24th January 2024?
A) The Cabinet committee approved a Rs 8,500 crore scheme for the promotion of Coal/Lignite
Gasification Projects of Government PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) and Private Sector.
B) The Union Cabinet was apprised of an MoU signed between India and United Arab Emirates
(UAE) on cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT).
C) The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the signing of a protocol between India and the
Dominican Republic for the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
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:
On January 24, 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the
following schemes and incentives:
i. The Cabinet committee approved a Rs 8,500 crore scheme for the promotion of Coal/Lignite
Gasification Projects of Government PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) and Private Sector.
ii. The Union Cabinet was apprised of an MoU signed between India and Oman on cooperation in the
field of Information Technology(IT).
iii. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the signing of a protocol between India and the
Dominican Republic for the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). Click
here to read more
2. In January 2024, India nominated the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’, a network of _____ forts
across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu for inclusion in the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list for 2024-25.
1) 12
2) 20
3) 15
4) 10
5) 25
Answer- 1) 12
Explanation:
India has nominated the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’, a network of 12 forts across Maharashtra
and Tamil Nadu(TN) for inclusion in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list for 2024-25 under the category of ‘Cultural Sites’.
i. The 12 components under this nomination are forts of Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad,
Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort
in Tamil Nadu. Click here to read more
3. According to the report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India released by the Union
Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav in January 2024, How
many snow leopards are reported in India?
1) 518
2) 690
3) 437
4) 718
5) 823
Answer- 4) 718
Explanation:
Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav released the
report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held
in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The exercise reported 718 snow leopards in India. It was conducted from 2019 to 2023.
4. Name the Union Minister who has recently (in Jan ‘24) launched the computerisation scheme
for the offices of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) & the Registrar of
Cooperative Societies (RCSs) of all States and Union Territories (UTs) in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Cooperation)
2) Giriraj Singh (Union Minister of Rural Development)
3) Arjun Munda (Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare)
4) Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister of Finance)
5) Hardeep Singh Puri (Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs)
Answer- 1) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Cooperation)
Explanation:
On 30th January 2024, Union Minister, Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), launched the
computerisation scheme for the offices of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) and the
Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCSs) of all States and Union Territories (UTs) in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The programmes were launched at an estimated cost of Rs.225 crore.
5. In January 2024, Chenab River was diverted through the diversion tunnels for 850 MegaWatt
(MW) Ratle Hydro Electric Project in ___________ (state).
1) Arunachal Pradesh
2) Uttarakhand
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Ladakh
5) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer- 5) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
On 27th January 2024, Chenab river was diverted through the diversion tunnels at Drabshalla in
Kishtwar district, in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• This is a major milestone of the 850 MegaWatt (MW) Ratle Hydro Electric Project on the
Chenab River in Kishtwar which is scheduled to be commissioned in May 2026.
• The project is being executed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a
Joint Venture(51:49) of NHPC Limited and Government of J&K.
6. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘24) delivered two customised Octaquad Coaxial X8
drones, India’s first mineral exploration drones, to NMDC Limited?
1) Marut Dronetech Private Limited
2) Info Edge (India) Limited
3) Drone Destination Limited
4) Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited
5) Droneacharya Aerial Innovations Limited
Answer- 1) Marut Dronetech Private Limited
Explanation:
Hyderabad (Telangana) based Marut Dronetech Private Limited has delivered two customised
Octaquad Coaxial X8 drones, India’s first mineral exploration drones, to NMDC Limited.
• Marut Drones Collaborates with NMDC for Drone-Based Mineral Exploration in India.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
7. In the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by the Transparency International
in January 2024, India ranked ___________ out of 180 countries, while ___________ (country) tops the
list.
1) 90; Denmark
2) 85; Finland
3) 93; Denmark
4) 85; New Zealand
5) 93; Finland
Answer- 3) 93; Denmark
Explanation:
The Transparency International released its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in which
India ranked 93 out of 180 countries with an overall score of 39. India’s score and Rank is shared by
Kazakhstan, Lesotho, and Maldives.
i. The CPI 2023 was topped by Denmark with a score of 90. It is followed by Finland with a score of
87 and New Zealand with a score of 85. Click here to read more
8. In January 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast India's growth to ________ for
2024.
1) 6.4%
2) 6.2%
3) 6.3%
4) 6.5%
5) 6.0%
Answer- 4) 6.5%
Explanation:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its ‘January 2024 World Economic Outlook update-
Moderating Inflation and Steady Growth Open Path to Soft Landing‘ stating India’s expected Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) to grow by 6.7% in 2023, stating a 40 basis point increase from the 6.3%
forecast made in October 2023.
• For 2024 & 2025, India’s GDP growth is seen steady at 6.5%.
9. Name the company that has recently (in Jan ‘24) finalized a long-term Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG) purchase agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
1) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
2) GAIL (India) Limited
3) Coal India Limited
4) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
5) Oil India Limited
Answer- 2) GAIL (India) Limited
Explanation:
GAIL (India) Limited has finalized a long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) purchase agreement
with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a state-owned oil company of the United Arab
Emirates (UAE).
• Under this agreement, GAIL will purchase approximately 0.5 million metric tonnes per year of
LNG from ADNOC GAS. The agreement is effective from 2026 for a period of 10 years.
10. Which of the following personalities have been appointed as full-time members of the 16th
Finance Commission (FC) by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu in January 2024?
1) Niranjan Rajadhyaksha
2) Ajay Narayan Jha
3) Annie George Mathew
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
President Droupadi Murmu appointed 4 members (3 full-time members and a part-time member) to
the 16th Finance Commission (FC), a constitutional body responsible for recommending the
distribution of federal taxes among states. Click here to read more
• 3 full-time members: Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew and Niranjan Rajadhyaksha.
• Part-time member: Soumya Kanti Ghosh.
11. Who has been recently (in Jan ‘24) appointed as the 9th Chairman of the Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for 3 years?
1) Anand Kumar Singh
2) Rajiv Ranjan Tiwari
3) Anil Kumar Lahoti
4) V. Raghunandan
5) Meenakshi Gupta
Answer- 3) Anil Kumar Lahoti
Explanation:
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of former railway
board chairman and chief executive officer(CEO) Anil Kumar Lahoti as the 9th Chairman of the
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for 3 years or until the age of 65 years.
• He will succeed PD Vaghela, who retired from the post on 30th September 2023.
12. Which Small Finance Bank (SFB) has recently (in Jan ‘24) appointed Harun Rashid Khan
(HR Khan) as its Part-Time Chairman?
1) Suryoday SFB
2) Equitas SFB
3) Capital SFB
4) AU SFB
5) ESAF SFB
Answer- 4) AU SFB
Explanation:
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) Limited has appointed
the former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) & its Non-Executive Independent Director, Harun
Rashid Khan (HR Khan) as its Part-Time Chairman with
effect from 30th January 2024. Click here to read more
• He succeeded Raj Vikash Verma whose tenure as
Part Time Chairman & Independent Director of the
Bank ceased on 29th January 2024.
Note- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved two proposals made by the
Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance concerning the transfer of the
executive directors of Bank of Baroda and Indian Overseas Bank.
13. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the recent approval made by
Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 30th January 2024?
A) CCI has approved the subscription of compulsorily convertible preference shares of Mumbai
based API Holdings Limited by Goldman Sachs India Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
Scheme-1 and Goldman Sachs India Alternative Investment Trust AIF Scheme-2
B) CCI has approved the subscription of compulsorily convertible preference shares of API
Holdings Limited by Singapore-based MacRitchie Investments Pte. Limited and EvolutionX
Debt Capital Master Fund 1 Pte. Limited.
C) CCI has approved the proposed subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares
in API Holdings Limited by CDPQ Private Equity Asia Pte Limited.
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 Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following on 30th January 2024.
• CCI has approved the subscription of compulsorily convertible preference shares of Mumbai
(Maharashtra) based API Holdings Limited by Goldman Sachs India Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF) Scheme-1 and Goldman Sachs India Alternative Investment Trust AIF
Scheme-2.
• CCI has approved the subscription of compulsorily convertible preference shares of API
Holdings Limited by Singapore-based MacRitchie Investments Pte. Limited and Singapore-
based EvolutionX Debt Capital Master Fund 1 Pte. Limited.
• CCI has approved the proposed subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares in
API Holdings Limited by CDPQ Private Equity Asia Pte Limited. Click here to read more
OBITUARY
14. In January 2024, ____________, Former Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Civil
Aviation passed away.
1) Ravi Shankar Prasad
2) Harmohan Dhawan
3) Kapil Sibal
4) Pramod Mahajan
5) Ram Bilas Paswan
Answer- 2) Harmohan Dhawan
Explanation:
Harmohan Dhawan, Former Union Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) from Chandigarh,
passed away at the age of 83 in Mohali, Punjab.
i. In 1989, he was elected as MP from the Chandigarh constituency and became Minister of State
(Independent Charge), Ministry of Civil Aviation, in the government of the late Prime Minister(PM)
Chandrashekhar.
IMPORTANT DAYS
15. When was Martyrs’ Day/Shaheed Diwas 2024 observed across India?
1) 30th January 2024
2) 28th January 2024
3) 31st January 2024
4) 27th January 2024
Explanation:
Martyrs’ Day, also known as Sarvodaya Day or Shaheed Diwas, 2024 was observed across India on
30th January 2024 to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to the nation.
i. The 30th January 2024 also marks the 76th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was
considered the “Father of the Nation”.
STATE NEWS
16. Which state government has recently (in Jan ‘24) launched LABHA (Laghu Bana Jatya
Drabya Kraya) Yojana, a new 100% state-funded minimum support price (MSP) scheme for
minor forest produce (MFB)?
1) Karnataka
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Odisha
4) Maharashtra
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Odisha
Explanation:
On 29th January 2024, the Odisha Cabinet led by Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik, launched
LABHA (Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya) Yojana, a new 100% state-funded minimum support price
(MSP) scheme for minor forest produce (MFB).
i. The scheme aims to eliminate the possibility of distress sale of the produce to middlemen.
CA STATIC GK
17. In which year, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established ?
1) 1999
2) 1990
3) 1992
4) 1995
5) 1997
Answer- 5) 1997
Explanation:
About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):
TRAI is a statutory body that regulates the telecommunications sector in India.
Chairman– Anil Kumar Lahoti
Headquarter-New Delhi, Delhi
Established in 1997
19. Which year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established?
1) 1935
2) 1947
3) 1950
4) 1969
5) 1980
Answer- 1) 1935
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established in 1935.
• Recently, RBI has called upon the internal ombudsman of banks, NBFCs, and CICs to provide
inputs for enhancing internal systems and processes.
• As part of the Reserve Bank's continuing engagement with regulated entities, the second
Conference of Internal Ombudsman on the theme 'Orchestrating Customer Delight through an
Empowered Internal Ombudsman', was held in Mumbai on January 16, 2024.
21. In January 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to make available an additional
aggregate amount of Rs. _________ to Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) under the Standing
Liquidity Facility at the prevailing repo rate starting from January 31, 2024.
1) 2,000 crore
2) 4,000 crore
3) 3,000 crore
4) 5,000 crore
5) 6,000 crore
Answer- 4) 5,000 crore
Explanation:
In view of the liquidity deficit in the banking system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to
make available an additional aggregate amount of Rs. 5,000 crore to Standalone Primary Dealers
(SPDs) under the Standing Liquidity Facility at the prevailing repo rate starting from January 31,
2024.
• The repo rate (the interest rate at which banks draw liquidity from the RBI to overcome short-
term liquidity mismatches) is at 6.50 per cent.
• The banking system has been facing a liquidity deficit since September 2023, with the deficit
standing at about Rs. 2.68 lakh crore as of January 29, 2024.
22. In January 2024, the Union government allowed a profit margin of up to _________ for
manufacturers of potassium and potassic fertilisers.
1) 20%
2) 19%
3) 12%
4) 15%
5) 17%
Answer- 3) 12%
Explanation:
The Union government has allowed a profit margin of up to 12% for manufacturers of potassium
and potassic fertilisers as part of guidelines issued to evaluate the reasonableness of maximum
retail prices for these fertilisers.
• For importers of P&K fertilisers, including di-ammonium phosphate and Muriate of Potash, the
profit margin allowed is 8%. It has permitted 10% profit for manufacturers and 12% for
integrated manufacturers.
• The guidelines for evaluation of the reasonableness of maximum retail prices of P&K fertilisers
under the Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy was issued on Jan. 18, 2024 but will be effective from
April 1, 2023, according to sources in the know.
23. Who is the author of the book 'The Last Dream’, which will be published in September
2024?
1) Alberto Iglesias
2) Pedro Almodovar
3) Javier Bardem
4) Antonio Banderas
5) Javier Cámara
24. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Chairman Deepak
Mohanty has recently (in Jan ‘24) announced that the total corpus under the National Pension
System and Atal Pension Yojana has surpassed Rs __________.
1) 20 lakh crore
2) 15 lakh crore
3) 10 lakh crore
4) 25 lakh crore
5) 11 lakh crore
Answer- 5) 11 lakh crore
Explanation:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Chairman Deepak Mohanty
announced that the total corpus under the National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana has
surpassed Rs 11 lakh crore. This milestone was achieved on January 10, 2024.
• The AUM has risen from Rs 10 lakh crore to Rs 11 lakh crore in just 4 months and 18 days.
Additionally, the private sector AUM has exceeded Rs 2 lakh crore.
25. In January 2024, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) extended the deadline
for completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) for FASTags to ______________.
1) 30th June 2024
2) 31st March 2024
3) 31st July 2024
4) 29th February 2024
5) 30th April 2024
Answer- 4) 29th February 2024
Explanation:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has extended the deadline for completing the Know
Your Customer (KYC) for FASTags for one month (February 29 2024), a move that will come as a
relief for a large number of vehicle owners. Earlier, the deadline was January 31, 2024.
26. In January 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board lifted the suspension of
__________ (country) Cricket.
1) Sri Lanka
2) New Zealand
3) Namibia
4) Zimbabwe
5) Afghanistan
Answer- 1) Sri Lanka
Explanation:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has lifted the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
with immediate effect.
• The ICC suspended Sri Lanka in November last year citing political interference.
28. Where is the Headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) located?
1) New York City, United States of America
2) Paris, France
3) London, The United Kingdom
4) Rome, Italy
5) Geneva, Switzerland
Answer- 3) London, The United Kingdom
Explanation:
About International Maritime Organisation:
The IMO Convention entered into force in 1958. India joined the IMO as its member state in the year
1959.
Secretary-General– Kitack Lim (South Korea)
Headquarters– London, the United Kingdom(U.K.)
Members– 175 member states and 3 associate members.
29. In which Article of Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is referred as the Annual Financial
Statement (AFS)?
1) Article 110
2) Article 112
3) Article 100
4) Article 114
5) Article 111
Answer- 2) Article 112
Explanation:
Article 112 of Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is referred as the Annual Financial Statement
(AFS).
i. In Parliament, The Budget goes through these stages:
• Presentation of Budget
• General Discussion
• Scrutiny by departmental committees
• Voting on Demands for grants
• Passing of appropriation bill
• Passing of finance bill.
30. Who presented the first budget for India in 1860 (Pre independence)?
1) Franklin Allen
2) Christopher Allsopp
3) James Wilson
4) Sir Alison
5) Julia Aglionby
Answer- 3) James Wilson
Explanation:
INDIA'S FIRST BUDGET: The Budget was first introduced in India on April 7, 1860 when Scottish
economist and politician James Wilson from East India Company presented it to the British Crown.
i. Independent India's first budget was presented on November 26, 1947 by the then Finance Minister
R K Shanmukham Chetty.
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