Q1. What is the name of the short-range ballistic missile which was recently test-launched by India?
[A] Prithvi II[B] Agni V
[C] Vikas II
[D] Bhim I
- A – Explanation:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out a training launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast.
The Defence Ministry said that the missile struck its target with high accuracy. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the Prithvi-II missile, which has a range of around 350 kilometres.
Q2. Which song from an Indian film won Golden Globe award 2023 for Best Original Song?
[A] Marenge Toh Wahin Jaakar[B] Naatu Naatu
[C] Pasoori
[D] Kalakatha
- B – Explanation:
Indian film RRR’s song Natu Natu has won the prestigious Golden Globe award for Best Original Song.
The track from the director SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster movie is composed by MM Keeravani. Natu Natu left behind Taylor Swift’s “Carolina” from Where the Crawdads Sing, “Ciao Papa” from Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick, and “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, performed by Rihanna.
Q3. What is the name of the international agreement signed in 1987 to ban Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
[A] Paris Agreement[B] Montreal Protocol
[C] Chicago Agreement
[D] Kyoto Protocol
- B – Explanation:
The Montreal Protocol, an international agreement in 1987 to stop using the harmful chemicals, has been successful, as per a recent UN report.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were commonly found in spray cans, fridges, foam insulation and air conditioners, were blamed for damaging the ozone layer.
Q4. As per the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report, what is the expected economic growth of India in 2023-24?
[A] 5.5 %[B] 6.6 %
[C] 7.0 %
[D] 7.7 %
- B – Explanation:
In its report titled Global Economic Prospects, the World Bank said that India will be fastest-growing economy among seven largest emerging markets and developing economies.
As per the report, India’s economic growth will slow to 6.6% in the next fiscal year from an expected 6.9% growth in the current year.
Q5.‘Year of Enterprises’ Project is a flagship scheme of which Indian state?
[A] Haryana[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
- D – Explanation:
The ‘Year of Enterprises’ project of Kerala has been regarded as the best practice model in the second Chief Secretaries National Conference.
It was selected in the ‘Thrust on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)’ category. The project by Kerala Government was started in the current fiscal year with the aim to create one lakh enterprises in a year, while the state achieved the goal in eight months.
Q6. Road Transport and Highways Ministry observes Road Safety Week in which month?
[A] November[B] December
[C] January
[D] February
- C – Explanation:
Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry observes Road Safety Week from 11th to 17th of January.
During the Week, various activities is being organised throughout the Country to create awareness among general public. Ministry will conduct several activities including Nukkad Nataks (Street Shows) and Sensitization Campaigns at various locations.
Q7. India signed a MoU to enhance cooperation in training of diplomats, with which country?
[A] Maldives[B] UAE
[C] Panama
[D] Malaysia
- C – Explanation:
India and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the training of diplomats.
External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Panama’s Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo in Indore. The Minister from Panama participated in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.
Q8. Which country has the world’s most powerful passport, as per the Henley Passport Index 2023?
[A] UK[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] USA
- B – Explanation:
Japan continues to top the list of the world’s most powerful passport for the year 2023, according to the Henley Passport Index report 2023.
Japanese citizens can travel to as many as 193 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival access destinations around the world. The second spot is shared by Singapore and South Korea. Indian passport ranks 85th in the world’s most powerful passport index 2023 and gives visa-free entry to 59 destinations.
Q9. Which state is the host of the 26th National Youth Festival?
[A] Kerala[B] Karnataka
[C] Bihar
[D] West Bengal
- B – Explanation:
The 26th National Youth Festival is scheduled in the twin cities of Hubballi – Dharwad in Karnataka from 12th to 16th January.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur said that the theme of this year’s Youth Festival is ‘Vikasit Yuva, Vikasit Bharat’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Youth Festival-2023 on 12th January, on the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Q10. What is the new name of the new Integrated Food Security Scheme?
[A] Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana[B] Pradhan Mantri Antodaya Ann Yojana
[C] Pradhan Mantri Ann Raksha Yojana
[D] Pradhan Mantri Vikas Yojana
- A – Explanation:
The Centre has named the new Integrated Food Security Scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, PMGKAY.
The Union Cabinet had approved new integrated food security scheme for providing free foodgrains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries.
