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Current Affairs Q&A PDF – August 2023
Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ......................................................................................................................................... 54
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 62
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................. 63
BANKING AND FINANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 67
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS ........................................................................................................................................ 101
MoU’s AND AGREEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 109
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS ................................................................................................................... 119
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS ................................................................................................................................ 133
SUMMITS, CONFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................... 138
COMMITTEE AND MEETING..................................................................................................................................... 141
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................................... 144
ACQUISITION AND MERGERS .................................................................................................................................. 145
DEFENCE...................................................................................................................................................................... 148
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 152
SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 165
BOOKS AND AUTHORS.............................................................................................................................................. 179
OBITUARY ................................................................................................................................................................... 182
IMPORTANT DAYS ..................................................................................................................................................... 188
ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................................................................................... 204
APP and WEB PORTAL ............................................................................................................................................. 205
CURRENT STATIC BANKING .................................................................................................................................... 209
CA STATIC GK ............................................................................................................................................................. 211

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the SemiconIndia 2023
conference held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat?
A) The Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) has collaborated with United
Kingdom (UK) based Arm through the “Arm Flexible Access for Startups” (AFAS) program to
expand semiconductor support under the Design Linked Incentive Scheme (DLI).
B) AFAS program gives USD $0 license fee access to a broad portfolio of verified Arm IP, tools
and training to startups.
C) Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Bengaluru, Karnataka signed an MoU with Lam Research India to support the skill
development of engineers.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & c
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 3) Only B & C
Explanation:
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has collaborated with United Kingdom
(UK) based semiconductor IP (Intellectual property) company Arm through the “Arm Flexible Access
for Startups” (AFAS) program to expand semiconductor support under the Design Linked Incentive
Scheme (DLI) and foster the growth of the sector in India during the 2nd day of the conference
‘SemiconIndia 2023’ at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
i. AFAS program gives USD $0 license fee access to a broad portfolio of verified Arm IP, tools and
training to startups.
ii. Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Bengaluru, Karnataka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lam Research India to
support the skill development of engineers at the SemiconIndia 2023 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha
Samagam (ABSS) 2023, an educational event held in July 2023?
A) Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi inaugurated the ABSS (‘Shiksha Mahakumbh’, a 2-days
event), jointly organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) in New Delhi, Delhi.
B) Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, introduced the logo, slogan – “Jan Jan Sakshar“, and
mobile application of the Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS): Nav
Bharat Saksharta Karyakram during the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2023.
C) The MoE and the MoSDE, signed 106 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with various
organizations and institutions on the occasion of the ABSS 2023.
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 30th July 2023, the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2023, an educational event was
concluded with a resolution collectively made by the education leaders to transform India into an
equitable and vibrant knowledge society. The event’s valedictory address was delivered by Union
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE).
• Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed that capacity building of teachers is a priority
and around 300 institutions including 100 from school education, 100 from higher education,
and 100 from skill will be developed as centres of excellence during this academic year.
• On 29th July 2023, Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi inaugurated the ABSS (‘Shiksha
Mahakumbh’, a 2-days event), jointly organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the
Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) at Bharat Mandapam in New
Delhi, Delhi.
• Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, introduced the logo, slogan – “Jan Jan Sakshar“, and
mobile application of the Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS): Nav
Bharat Saksharta Karyakram during the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2023.
• On 30th July 2023, the MoE and the MoSDE, signed 106 Memorandum of Understanding
(MoUs) with various organizations and institutions on the occasion of the Akhil Bhartiya
Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2023.
3. In July 2023, ____________ became the largest PSU-refinery (single location) in India for 2022-
23.
1) Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
3) Hindustan Petroleum Limited
4) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
5) Oil India Limited
Answer- 1) Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
Explanation:
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), a Mangaluru(Dakshina Kannada),
Karnataka based Miniratna Central public sector enterprise (CPSE) has become the largest PSU-
refinery (single location) in India for 2022-23. MRPL processes 10% of the total crude oil refined by
PSU petroleum refineries in India.
i. MRPL processed 17.14 million tonnes of crude oil in 2022-23, which was the highest-ever
throughput processed by any single-location PSU refinery in India’s petroleum refining history.
ii. The refinery configuration has a Nelson Complexity Index (NCI) of 11.3, one of the highest complex
PSU refineries. Its petrochemical (Petchem) Intensity is 9.5%, and the company aims to reach 15% in
the medium term.

4. As per the report of All India Tiger Estimation – 2022 titled "Status of Tigers: Co-Predators &
Prey in India-2022" released by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in July 2023,
the Tiger Population in India is estimated to be ____________ with an annual growth rate of 6.1%
per annum.
1) 2,678
2) 4,216
3) 3,925
4) 1,270
5) 2,500
Answer- 3) 3,925
Explanation:
Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC), released the detailed report of All India Tiger Estimation – 2022 titled "Status of Tigers:
Co-Predators & Prey in India-2022" during the event orgnised as a part of the Global Tiger Day (29th
July 2023) at Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand.
i. According to the report by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Tiger Population in
India is estimated to be 3,925 with an annual growth rate of 6.1% per annum. India currently retains
almost 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.
ii. Currently, more than 3/4th of the tiger population in India is concentrated within protected areas.
iii. Madhya Pradesh has the largest tiger population with 785 tigers, followed by Karnataka with 563,
Uttarakhand with 560, and Maharashtra with 444.
5. Which state has recently (in July ‘23) launched a mobile application-based elephant
movement tracking system?
1) Bihar
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Jharkhand
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 3) Jharkhand
Explanation:
On 28th July 2023, Jharkhand Chief Minister (CM) Hemant Soren launched Jharkhand elephant
Tracker, a mobile application-based elephant movement tracking system on the occasion of the
74th Van Mahotsav in Ranchi to reduce human-elephant conflicts in Ranchi, Jharkhand .
i. The mobile app will help villagers and the forest department of Jharkhand to track elephant
movements so that precautionary measures could be taken in advance.
ii. 2 applications have been developed by the forest department, one for use by common citizens, and
the other for department officials.
iii. Using the app, villagers can view the precise location of an elephant or a herd which will be fed by
the forest department field staff using their internal database.

6. Which state government has recently (in July ‘23) collaborated with the United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA) to launch ‘Just Ask!’ Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbot for
Adolescents & Young Adults on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) West Bengal
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) Gujarat
Answer- 3) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly known as the United Nations Fund for Population
Activities in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Department of Public
Health and Family Welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) launched an Artificial Intelligence
(AI)-enabled chatbot called ‘Just Ask!’ (Khulke Poochho in Hindi), for adolescents and young adults
(15-29 years) in India to explore information and become aware of the issues related to Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
i. The chatbot will equip, empower, and educate them about the need for accurate and accessible
information on social issues.
ii. The chatbot has been developed by the UNFPA sexual and reproductive health experts.
7. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the approval made by the
National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) in August 2023?
A) The National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) approved 7 projects worth Rs 692 crore for
the construction of Sewage Treatment Plants(STP)and other works to prevent pollution of the
river Ganga and its tributaries.
B) Out of 7 projected, Three projects worth Rs. 661.74 crore for sewage management in Uttar
Pradesh and To set-up two STPs (5 and 7 MLDs) at an estimated cost of Rs. 74.64 crore for
tapping of Pipra ghat drain and Chhatiya ghat drain in Bihar.
C) A Project to start the M.Sc. Course in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation at the Ganga
Aqualife Conservation Monitoring Centre, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, at a cost of Rs.
6.86 crore for ten years was approved by NMCG.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
The National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) approved 7 projects worth Rs 692 crore for the
construction of Sewage Treatment Plants(STP)and other works to prevent pollution of the river Ganga
and its tributaries.
• The projects were approved at the 50th meeting of the Executive Committee of NMCG held on
1st August 2023, under the chairmanship of G. Asok Kumar, Director General(DG) of NMCG.
• Three Projects in Uttar Pradesh: Three projects worth Rs. 661.74 crore for sewage
management in Uttar Pradesh were authorised at the meeting.

• Two Projects in Bihar: To set-up Two STPs (5 and 7 MLDs) at an estimated cost of Rs. 74.64
crore for tapping of Pipra ghat drain and Chhatiya ghat drain respectively along with I&D
works for Raxaul town in Bihar was also approved.
• A project worth Rs 20 crore has also been sanctioned for the preparation of 60-70 Urban River
Management Plans (URMPs) in two phases for optimal water management in urban areas.
• A Project to start the M.Sc. Course in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation at the Ganga
Aqualife Conservation Monitoring Centre, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, at a cost of Rs.
6.86 crore for ten years was approved by NMCG.
8. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Geographical Indications
(GI) tags granted by the Geographical Indications Registry, as of August 2023?
A) Geographical Indications Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and
Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry has granted GI tags for 7 new products
from 3 states– 4 from Rajasthan, 2 from Goa and 1 from Uttar Pradesh.
B) 3 new products of TN namely Tirunelveli’s Chedibutta saree, Kanniyakumari’s Matti banana,
and Tiruvannamalai’s Jaderi namakatti were also given GI tag status.
C) With the addition of 3 new products, Tamil Nadu (TN) has become the 2nd state with 61 GI
tagged products.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Answer- 2) Only A & B
Explanation:
Geographical Indications Registry headquartered in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) under the Department of
Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has
granted Geographical Indications (GI) tags for 7 new products from 3 states– 4 from Rajasthan, 2
from Goa and 1 from Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Bikaner Usta Kala Craft & Jodhpur
Bandhej Craft from Rajasthan, Goa Mankur Mango (Malcorado or Mankurad) & Goan Bebinca
from Goa and Jalesar Metal Craft (Jalesar Dhatu Shilp) from UP.
i. Tamil Nadu (TN) has now become the state with a maximum of 58 Geographical Indication (GI)
tagged products with the addition of 3 new products of TN namely Tirunelveli’s Chedibutta saree,
Kanniyakumari’s Matti banana, and Tiruvannamalai’s Jaderi namakatti.
ii. Uttar Pradesh holds the second position with 53 GI products followed by Karnataka (48), Kerala
(36) and Maharashtra (34).
9. In July 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) of India introduced new guidelines named as
Guidelines for Designation of Senior Advocates by the Supreme Court of India, 2023 for the
designation of senior advocates practising in the Supreme Court of India.
The new guidelines prescribe a minimum age of ____________ for applying for the ‘senior
advocate’ designation and minimum of 10 years of standing (mainly in Supreme Court).
1) 40 years
2) 45 years

3) 42 years
4) 50 years
5) 48 years
Answer- 2) 45 years
Explanation:
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has introduced
new guidelines named as Guidelines for
Designation of Senior Advocates by the Supreme
Court of India, 2023 for the designation of senior
advocates practising in the Supreme Court of
India.It replaced the guidelines issued in 2018.
• The new guidelines prescribe a minimum
age of 45 years for applying for the ‘senior
advocate’ designation and minimum of 10
years of standing(mainly in Supreme
Court).
• This age limit can be relaxed by the Committee, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme
Court judge if they recommend an advocate’s name.
• The new guidelines mention that “any Judge of the Supreme Court” can recommend an
advocate’s name in addition to the Chief Justice of India.
• The weightage for reported and unreported judgments, excluding those that don’t establish
legal principles, has been increased from 40 to 50 points.
• Guidelines reduced the marks for “publication of academic articles” from 15 to 5.
10. Name the cloud computing services company that has recently (in July ‘23) partnered with
the Directorate General of Training (DGT) to enhance students’ capabilities and employability
in emerging technologies.
1) Amazon Web Services India
2) Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
3) Google Cloud
4) IBM Cloud
5) Microsoft Azure India
Answer- 1) Amazon Web Services India
Explanation:
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) India to enhance students’
capabilities and employability in emerging technologies like cloud computing, data annotation,
artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).
i. The pact aims to provide students enrolled in DGT institutions with valuable self-paced online
learning programs at no cost.
ii. Under this partnership, AWS India will offer cutting-edge learning content through DGT’s Bharat
Skills platform.

11. Which state government has recently (in August’ 23) launched LEAP (Launch, Empower,
Accelerate, Prosper) Coworks membership card?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Kerala
5) Telangana
Answer- 4) Kerala
Explanation:
On 1st August 2023, Kerala Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan launched the Statewide membership
card of Kerala Startup Mission’s (KSUM) ‘LEAP (Launch, Empower, Accelerate, Prosper) Coworks’
and also inaugurated the refurbished headquarters of the KSUM at the Thejaswini Building in
Technopark Phase 1 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
i. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also inaugurated the operations of the first phase of India's first
Digital Science Park.
Note – Kerala has achieved significant milestones with the establishment of India’s first Digital
University named Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology ,as well as India’s
first technology park.
12. According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) -EY’s
report ‘Road Safety in India – Navigating through nuances‘ released in August 2023, the road
accidents claim around __________ lives in India every year.
1) 2.5 million
2) 2.1 million
3) 1.2 million
4) 1.5 million
5) 1.7 million
Answer- 4) 1.5 million
Explanation:
According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) -EY a report titled
‘Road Safety in India – Navigating through nuances‘, Road accidents claim around 1.5 million
lives in India every year. India accounts for 11% of all road crash deaths and tops the world in road
crash deaths and injuries.
i. The report was released by Tukuni Sahu, Minister for Transport, Water Resources & Commerce,
government of Odisha during the FICCI’s Conference on Role of Corporates in Road Safety and Awards
2023 in New Delhi, Delhi on 18th July 2023.
ii. Major finding of the report is that every 24 seconds, at least one person is lost due to a traffic
accident worldwide.
13. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the step taken by the Ministry
of Home Affairs (MHA) in August 2023?
A) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced a new Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals for
treatment under Ayush systems/Indian systems of medicine.
B) With this, a new chapter i.e. chapter 11A – Ayush Visa has been incorporated after Chapter
11 – Medical visa of the Visa Manual.

C) The Chapter 11A deals with treatment under the Indian systems of medicine and
accordingly necessary amendments have been made in various chapters of the Visa Manual,
2019.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
On August 2, 2023, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced a new Ayush (AY) visa for foreign
nationals for treatment under Ayush systems/Indian systems of medicine like therapeutic care,
wellness and Yoga.
i. With this, a new chapter i.e. chapter 11A – Ayush Visa has been incorporated after Chapter 11 –
Medical visa of the Visa Manual, which deals with treatment under the Indian systems of medicine and
accordingly necessary amendments has been made in various chapters of the Visa Manual, 2019.
• AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
ii. The Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) are collaborating to
develop a one stop Heal in India portal to promote India as a global Medical tourism destination.
iii. As per the report ‘The Global Wellness Economy: Looking beyond COVID’ by the Global Wellness
Institute (GWI), the Global Wellness economy will grow at 9.9% annually.
• Ayush based healthcare & Wellness economy is estimated to grow to $70 billion by 2025.
of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in August 2023?
A) The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya has made it
mandatory for all MSMEs drugmakers/pharma companies with an annual turnover of over Rs
250 crore to adopt Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) within 3 months starting 1st
September, 2023.
B) Companies with a turnover of less than Rs 250 crore can complete the process in 1 year.
C) The adoption will be made by implementing the revised Schedule M of the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On August 2, 2023, the Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(MoHFW) has made it mandatory for all Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
drugmakers/pharma companies with an annual turnover of over Rs 250 crore to adopt Good
Manufacturing Practices (GMP) within six months starting August 1, 2023.
i. Companies with a turnover of less than Rs 250 crore can complete the process in 1 year.

ii. The adoption will be made by implementing the revised Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act, 1940. It should be noted that World Health Organisation (WHO)-GMP standards are now a part
of the revised Schedule M. Drugmakers, who fail to follow the timeline, will be penalized.
iii. WHO GMP certification is for the quality of pharmaceutical products moving in international
commerce. The guidelines for the same were endorsed by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1997.
15. Name the Department of the Ministry of Finance that has recently (in August ‘23) launched
the Vivad se Vishwas II scheme to settle the pending contractual disputes of government and
government undertakings.
1) Department of Financial Services
2) Department of Revenue
3) Department of Economic Affairs
4) Department of Expenditure
5) Department of Investment and Public Asset Management
Answer- 4) Department of Expenditure
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance (MOF), launched the
scheme, Vivad se Vishwas II – (Contractual Disputes), to settle the pending contractual disputes of
government and government undertakings.
i. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala
Sitharaman.
ii. The scheme aims to promote ease of doing business and will cover disputes up to September 30,
2022, clear the backlog of litigation, and also resolve the government’s contractual disputes with
private parties.
of Education (MoE) in August 2023?
A) The Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), and Union Minister
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) jointly launched Study in
India (SII) Portal.
B) The Study in India (SII) Portal is an integrated one-stop solution for international student
registration and visa application process, which will be guided by National Education Policy
(NEP).
C) MoE selected Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to modernize the national education
technology platform Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA).
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A

Explanation:
On August 3, 2023, the Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), and Union
Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) jointly launched Study in
India (SII) Portal which is an integrated one-stop solution for international student registration and
visa application process.
• It was launched during an event in New Delhi, Delhi. This portal is guided by National
Education Policy (NEP).
i. On August 2, 2023, MoE selected Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to modernize the national
education technology platform Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA). This means,
DIKSHA is transformed and migrated onto OCI under a multi-year collaboration agreement between
both entities. It will help in making DIKSHA more accessible and lower it’s IT (Information
Technology) costs.
• The DIKSHA migration project is being implemented by two Oracle Partner Network members
viz. Bharti Airtel and Trigyn Technologies. DIKSHA will be deployed in the Oracle Cloud
Mumbai region in Maharashtra.
17. Which of the following points is/are “Incorrect” with respect to the status of Central Public
Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), as of August 2023?
A) The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance, upgraded the
status of Oil India Limited (OIL) as Maharatna from Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprises
(CPSEs) status.
B) The DPE upgraded the status of ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) as Navratna CPSEs from Category-I
Miniratna.
C) OIL will be the 15th Maharatna amongst the CPSEs and OVL will be 12th Navratna amongst
the CPSEs.
b1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
5) Only B & C
Answer- 3) Only C
Explanation:
On 3rd August 2023, the Department of Public
Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance,
upgraded the status of 2 oil sector Central Public Sector
Enterprises (CPSEs) namely Oil India Limited (OIL) and
ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL). The status of OIL and OVL has
been upgraded to the status of Maharatna and
Navratna CPSEs respectively. Earlier OIL was a
‘Navratna’ CPSE, while OVL was a Category-I ‘Miniratna‘ CPSE.
• OIL, the second-largest National Exploration & Production (E&P) Company in India, now will
be the 13th Maharatna amongst the CPSEs.
• OVL, the wholly owned subsidiary and overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Limited (ONGC), and the second largest petroleum company of India, now will be 14th
Navratna amongst the CPSEs.

Note: Both OIL and OVL are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas (MoP&NG), Government of India (GoI).
18. In which state, President of India Draupadi Murmu has recently (in August ‘23)
inaugurated the ‘Unmesha’ – International Literature Festival and ‘Utkarsh’ – National Festival
of Folk and Tribal Performing Arts?
1) West Bengal
2) Gujarat
3) Odisha
4) Maharashtra
5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
On 4th August 2023, President of India Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Unmesha’ – International
Literature Festival and ‘Utkarsh’ – National Festival of Folk and Tribal Performing Arts to promote
inclusivity and cultural diversity at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
i. The event, which will take place from 3rd–5th August 2023, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,
is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Department of Culture in collaboration with the Sangeet Natak
Akademi and Sahitya Akademi of the Union Ministry of Culture.
ii. The function was also addressed by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Madhya
Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
iii. A cultural exhibition of more than 1000 artists depicting the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”
is organized.
19. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) announced a plan to launch a new
project titled ‘Shubhayatra’, to provide financial support to first-time overseas emigrants?
1) Kerala
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Karnataka
4) Telangana
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 1) Kerala
Explanation:
The Kerala government is about to launch a new project titled ‘Shubhayatra’, to provide financial
support to first-time overseas emigrants from Kerala.
i. The project aims to create a positive and productive migration ecosystem by providing financial
assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakhs with a tax holiday for 6 months and attractive interest subvention to
meet the incidental expense of eligible candidates.
20. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC)
has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to set up the
first-ever regional Center for Species Survival (CSS) in India.
This will be the __________ CSS in the world and the first in South Asia.
1) 10th
2) 12th

3) 5th
4) 4th
5) 7th
Answer- 1) 10th
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the Wildlife Trust of
India (WTI) to set up the first-ever regional Center for Species Survival (CSS) in India.
i. The MoU aims to enhance conservation efforts by wildlife experts and specialist groups and
safeguard the rich biodiversity of India.
ii. This will be the 10th CSS in the world and the first of its kind in South Asia.
iii. The MoU was signed by Prof. Jon Paul Rodríguez, Chair of IUCN SSC and Vivek Menon, Executive
Director and CEO, WTI.
21. In August 2023, the National Health Authority (NHA) extended its Digital Health Incentives
Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till ____________.
1) 31st October 2023
2) 30th November 2023
3) 31st January 2024
4) 30th September 2023
5) 31st December 2023
Answer- 5) 31st December 2023
Explanation:
On August 5, 2023, the National Health Authority (NHA) extended its Digital Health Incentives
Scheme (DHIS) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till the 31st of December, 2023.
About DHIS:
Launched w.e.f. January 1, 2023, DHIS offers incentives of upto Rs 4 crores to hospitals and diagnostic
labs and Digital Solution Companies (DSCs) such as Hospital/ Health Management Information System
(HMIS) and Laboratory Management Information System (LMIS) for adopting and enabling
transformative digitization under ABDM.
22. In August 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) extended the deadline
for self-certification of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) inverters from 30th June 2023 to ____________
2023.
1) 31st October
2) 30th November
3) 31st August
4) 31st December
5) 30th September
Answer- 4) 31st December
Explanation:
On 27th July 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a notification
extending the deadline for self-certification of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) inverters (items 4-5) under
the SPV, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order,
2017.The extension is from 30th June 2023 to 31st December 2023 or till further orders.

i. The ministry has provided this extension on account of the limited availability of test facilities and in
order to provide additional time for compliance with the QCO.
ii. The government had previously extended the implementation of the QCO from 30th June 2022 to
31st December 2022 and further extended it from 31st December 2022 to 30th June 2023.
23. Which organisation has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with the Petroleum and
Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to develop a roadmap for Hydrogen transmission in
Natural Gas (NG) pipelines and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks?
1) United Nations Development Programme
2) Asian Development Bank
3) World Bank
4) United Nations Environment Programme
5) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Answer- 3) World Bank
Explanation:
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), a regulator of natural gas distribution
networks, collaborated with the World Bank to develop a roadmap for Hydrogen transmission in
Natural Gas (NG) pipelines and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.
i. The PNGRB-World Bank study, which is expected to be completed within 16 weeks analyses the
following:
• Mapping demand and supply of hydrogen
• Technical assessment for the compatibility of the existing pipeline network
• Commercial assessment of the pipeline sector
• Recognizing any hindrances in the policy and regulatory framework
• Framing roadmap milestones till 2040 for the expedited implementation of hydrogen blending
in India.
24. In July 2023, University Grants Commission (UGC) constituted an expert committee to
______________.
1) evaluate foreign campus application within 45 days
2) review its regulations and guidelines concerning anti-discrimination in Higher Educational
Institutions
3) enhance online education systems
4) suggest measures to deal with the delay of the academic cycle
5) evaluate the fund received from Government of India
Answer- 2) review its regulations and guidelines concerning anti-discrimination in Higher
Educational Institutions
Explanation:
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha(the upper house of Parliament), Minister of State(MoS)
for Education, Subhas Sarkar announced that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted
an expert committee on 21st July 2023, to review its regulations and guidelines concerning anti-
discrimination in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) for Scheduled Castes(SC), Scheduled
Tribes(ST), Other Backward Classes(OBC), Persons with Disabilities(PwD), and other minority groups.
i. The primary objective of the expert panel is to undertake a comprehensive review of existing anti-
discriminatory policies and to make campuses free of caste discrimination.

ii. The committee formed as per the direction given by the Supreme Court of India on 6th July, 2023.
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in August 2023?
A) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released an official
order of merger of the two flagship conservation programmes namely Project Tiger (PT)
Division and Project Elephant (PE) Division into a new division called Project Tiger and
Elephant (PT&E).
B) The Additional Director-General of Forests (ADGF) – PT (ADG-PT) has been re-designated as
ADGF (PT & E), with the Inspector General Forests and Project Director, PE will be the
divisional head of the PT&E division and will be reporting to the ADGF (PT&E).
C) In 2023-24, the combined budget of PT and PE schemes amounts to Rs.331 crore.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) announced the merger of the two
flagship conservation programmes namely Project
Tiger (PT) Division and Project Elephant (PE)
Division into a new division called Project Tiger and
Elephant (PT&E) in April 2023 and the official order
came up on June 2023.
• By merging, both projects will be funded
through a common allocation starting 2023-24. However, there remains uncertainty regarding
the allocation of finances between these 2 projects.
• The Additional Director-General of Forests (ADGF) – PT (ADG-PT) has been re-designated as
ADGF (PT & E), with the Inspector General Forests and Project Director, PE will be the
divisional head of the PT&E division and will be reporting to the ADGF (PT&E), who is also the
member secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• In 2023-24, the combined budget of PT and PE schemes amounts to Rs.331 crore. This
represents a decrease from the 2022 budget, which was Rs.335 crore, comprising Rs 300 crore
for PT and Rs.35 crore for Project Elephant.
• However, the combined budgets for PT and Project Elephant released in 2022-23 were Rs. 220
crore, which is only about two-thirds of the allotted amount.
26. In August 2023, Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled
the new logo of the ____________ (company).
1) National Aluminium Company
2) Hindustan Copper Limited
3) Steel Authority of India
4) GAIL (India) Limited

5) National Mineral Development Corporation
Answer- 5) National Mineral Development Corporation
Explanation:
On 5th August 2023, Union Minister of Steel and Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled the
new logo of the Navratna Public Sector Enterprise, National Mineral Development Corporation
(NMDC), India’s largest iron ore producer, in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The new logo signifies NMDC’s commitment towards sustainable & responsible mining and also its
global aspirations.
ii. The new logo is a manifestation of NMDC’s vision of NMDC 2.0.
27. In August 2023, India handed over a cheque of Rs. ___________ to Sri Lanka for supporting the
Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) project.
1) 610 million
2) 450 million
3) 320 million
4) 210 million
5) 540 million
Answer- 2) 450 million
Explanation:
On 4th August 2023, India handed over a cheque of Rs. 450 million in advance to Sri Lanka, for
supporting the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) project, which is expected to strengthen Sri
Lanka’s digital infrastructure and promote growth across various sectors.
i. The project supported by the Indian government is seen as a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s
path to economic recovery.
ii. With this move, Sri Lanka is paving the way for a more technologically advanced future,
anticipating substantial economic development and prosperity.
iii. The initiative comes under the objective of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which
demonstrates its commitment to India to assist its neighbouring countries in the South Asian region
for mutual cooperation and support.
28. In which city, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah, has recently (in
August ‘23) launched a digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS)
office?
1) New Delhi, Delhi
2) Bengaluru, Karnataka
3) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4) Noida, Uttar Pradesh
5) Pune, Maharashtra
Answer- 5) Pune, Maharashtra
Explanation:
On August 6, 2023, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of
Cooperation, launched a digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in
Pune, Maharashtra.

i. This launch is on the lines with Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar se
Samriddhi”, strengthening cooperative movement in India, deepening its reach to the grassroots and
to enhance the performance, productivity and profitability of cooperative societies.
ii. The CRCS office, under the Ministry of Cooperation, is responsible for administering the Multi-State
Co-operative Societies (MSCS) Act 2002. This portal will ease the functioning of over 1550 MSCS in
India and promote a digital ecosystem for new registrations.
29. Name the portal that was recently (in August ‘23) launched by the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare to conduct dead body/human remains clearance procedures electronically.
1) e-Clear
2) e-Public health clearance
3) e-CARe
4) e-Fast transport
5) e-clearance
Answer- 3) e-CARe
Explanation:
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, launched e-CARe (e-Clearance for
Afterlife Remains) portal for conducting dead body/human remains clearance procedures
electronically which is expected to transform the government functioning to a more efficient mode.
i. The portal will bring together all stakeholders into a single interface. Moreover, a dedicated Nodal
Officer will be present round-the-clock within the facility.
ii. Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi, Delhi), will serve as the nodal centre for all
international airports in the country.
iii. It is developed as a standard reusable product amenable to replication across the governments.
30. In August 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the
redevelopment of ________ Railway Stations covering 27 states and Union Territories (UTs)
under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at a cost of more than Rs __________.
1) 308; 24,679 crores
2) 508; 56,890 crores
3) 608; 45,890 crores
4) 308; 56,897 crores
5) 508; 24,470 crores
Answer- 5) 508; 24,470 crores
Explanation:
On August 6, 2023, the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the
redevelopment of 508 Railway Stations as Amrit Bharat Stations covering 27 states and Union
Territories (UTs) via video conferencing in New Delhi, Delhi . This redevelopment will be done at a
cost of more than Rs 24,470 crores under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
i. The redevelopment will cover 55 each in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in
Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal (WB), 34 in Madhya Pradesh (MP), 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in
Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Tamil
Nadu (TN), 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka among others.

ii. 55 will be developed at the cost of approx Rs 4,000 crores in UP, and Rajasthan, 34 stations in MP at
the cost of approx Rs 1,000 crores, 44 stations in Maharashtra at the cost of 1,500 crores, among
others.
31. Which state’s Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission) has recently (in August ‘23)
collaborated with United Nations (UN) Women India to organise the ‘Trainers of Trainer’
programme under the ‘Women-Friendly Tourism’ project?
1) Odisha
2) Karnataka
3) Kerala
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Gujarat
Answer- 3) Kerala
Explanation:
Kerala’s state Responsible Tourism Mission(RT Mission) in collaboration with United Nations (UN)
Women India organised the ‘Trainers of Trainer’ programme under the ‘Women-Friendly
Tourism’ project.
i. The two-day orientation programme for women was held in Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala on 31st
July and 1st August 2023, to focus the wide range of tourism activities in which women can play a
central role.
• The programme engaged a total of 85 women trainers, who will then train women involved in
tourist initiatives and other services around the state.
• This was the second in a series of training workshops planned by RT Mission that would cover
the entire state.
32. According to the data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt.Ltd.
(CMIE) in August 2023, the unemployment rate of India in July 2023 declined to __________ from
8.45% in June 2023.
1) 7.95%
2) 6.94%
3) 8.12%
4) 7.34%
5) 8.01%
Answer- 1) 7.95%
Explanation:
According to the recent data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt.Ltd. (CMIE),
the unemployment rate of India in July 2023 fell to 7.95% from 8.45% in June 2023. This decline is
due to the increased demand for agricultural labour in rural areas, as the monsoon season has begun.
i. However, in July 2023, the demand for labour in the rural non-agriculture sector declined, leading to
a decrease in the number of rural workers seeking employment, consequently affecting the rural
employment rate.
ii. The rural unemployment rate also declined to 7.89% in July 2023, from 8.73% in June 2023, while
the urban unemployment rate slightly increased to 8.06% from 7.87% in the same period.

33. Which of the following cities is set to establish India’s first Integrated Theatre Commands
(ITC)- South Western Command & Central Command in August 2023?
1) Patna, Bihar
2) Jaipur, Rajasthan
3) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
India is set to establish its first Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC) in August 2023. The Indian
Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air force) have overcome the differences and accepted the broad
commanding structure for ITC, developed by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan. 2
ITCs are set to be established in North India, one in Jaipur (Rajasthan) and the other in Lucknow
(Uttar Pradesh).
i. The Army’s South Western Command (SWC) in Jaipur will serve as the Headquarters (HQ) of the
ITC, and will primarily focus on countering threats from Pakistan, while the Central Command based
in Lucknow, will serve as the HQ of the ITC, will tackle security challenges coming out from China.
ii. Theatre commanders hold a four-star rank, making them equivalent in rank to the Chiefs of the
Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS will command all 6 theatre commanders.
34. In August 2023, the Union Cabinet approved Rs _________ for a last-mile broadband
connectivity plan for 6.4 lakh villages across India as part of the BharatNet project.
1) 2.78 lakh crores
2) 3.20 lakh crores
3) 1.39 lakh crores
4) 2.13 lakh crores
5) 4.20 lakh crores
Answer- 3) 1.39 lakh crores
Explanation:
On 4th August 2023, the Union Cabinet approved Rs 1.39 lakh crores for a last-mile broadband
connectivity plan for 6.4 lakh villages across India as part of the BharatNet project. It will involve a
change in execution strategy, with a focus on providing optical fiber-based connections to the last mile
through village-level entrepreneurs.
i. The last-mile connectivity will be delivered by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat
Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), an arm of state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in
partnership with village-level entrepreneur (VLE).
ii. This partnership aims to ensure effective and efficient broadband connectivity reaching the
grassroots level in the villages.
iii. BharatNet is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world.Around 1.94 lakh villages have
been connected at present, and the balance is likely to be connected over 2.5 years.

35. In which of the following states/UT, the Postal Life Insurance (PLI) has recently (in August
‘23) introduced a pilot program for ‘Direct Incentive Disbursement’ to recognize the role of its
sales force?
1) Haryana
2) Delhi
3) Uttarakhand
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
On August 7, 2023, Postal Life Insurance (PLI) introduced a pilot program for ‘Direct Incentive
Disbursement’ in the Delhi and Uttarakhand Circles to recognize the role of its sales force or PLI’s
agents.
i. It was unveiled by Alok Sharma, Director General, Postal Services. Chief Postmasters General of all
Postal Circles also participated in this program through video conference.
ii. This initiative is their agent incentive program under which agents’ commissions from the previous
month directly transferred to their Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) Accounts resulting in swift and
secure transactions.
36. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) introduced State Road Transport
Corporation (Absorption of Employees into Government Service) Bill 2023?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Telangana
4) Odisha
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 3) Telangana
Explanation:
On 06th August 2023, Telangana State Legislative Assembly passed the Telangana State Road
Transport Corporation(TSRTC) (Absorption of Employees into Government Service) Bill 2023, after
receiving approval from Tamilisai Soundarajan, Governor of Telangana. The bill was introduced by
Telangana Transport Minister, P Ajay Kumar.
i. The bill (with effect from 31st July 2023) aims to merge loss-making TSRTC with Telangana
government and to absorb the employees into the government service.
ii. The administrative control of TSRTC will remain under the Transport, Roads and Buildings
Department, with the head being the vice-chairman and managing director.
Note: Annually, the Telangana Government will inject Rs 3,000 crore to cover the salaries and
allowances of more than 43,000 employees.
37. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) bagged an order worth Rs 165 crore to supply
200 medium-altitude logistics drones, and accessories to the Indian Army?
1) Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd
2) Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd
3) Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Pvt. Ltd
4) Thanos Technologies Pvt. Ltd

5) TechEagle Pvt. Ltd
Answer- 3) Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Pvt. Ltd
Explanation:
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) based Drone Manufacturer, Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Pvt. Ltd(DUMS), a
subsidiary of Coromandel International Limited, an Agri-solutions provider, has bagged an order
worth Rs 165 crore to supply 200 medium-altitude logistics drones, and accessories to the Indian
Army.
• Recently, DUMS has also won a contract from the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative
(IFFCO), agri inputs cooperative, to supply 400 agri-spraying drones.
• These two orders are set to be delivered within the next 12 months.
i. DUMS has been selected by the Indian Army to supply its logistics drones. The company is
committed to building the latest technologies for drone manufacturing and serving the requirements
of the defense sector as well as the farming community of India.
38. In August 2023, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched
‘Transforming lives, building futures: Skill development and entrepreneurship in the North-
East’ program to create a robust skill-centric and industry-ready ecosystem in the North-
Eastern Region (NER).
The government of India has allocated a substantial fund of Rs __________ to promote inclusive
development, foster entrepreneurial talent, and catalyze socio-economic growth in the NER.
1) 240 crore
2) 190 crore
3) 520 crore
4) 360 crore
5) 450 crore
Answer- 4) 360 crore
Explanation:
On 8th August 2023, The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched
‘Transforming lives, building futures: Skill development and entrepreneurship in North-East’, a special
skill development program to create a robust skill-centric and industry-ready ecosystem in North-
Eastern Region (NER).
• The initiative was jointly unveiled by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister, MSDE, Union
Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(MoDONER) and
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State(MoS) for MSDE in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The government of India has allocated a substantial fund of Rs 360 crore to promote inclusive
development, foster entrepreneurial talent, and catalyze socio-economic growth in the NER.
• It will benefit more than 2.5 lakh youth in phase one, which will make them job ready for
domestic as well as international markets.
39. In August 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy joined as the
______________ member of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Global
Academy Network.
1) 6th
2) 8th
3) 12th

4) 10th
5) 7th
Answer- 4) 10th
Explanation:
On 8th August 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy, based in Ghaziabad, Uttar
Pradesh joined the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Global Academy Network
as its 10th member through a virtual signing ceremony organized between CBI and Interpol at Global
Complex for Innovation, Singapore for development and delivery of joint training program and
research projects.
i. INTERPOL Global Academy Network:
• Established in 2019, the INTERPOL Global Academy Network is under the leadership of
INTERPOL’s Capacity Building and Training Directorate. Its primary goal is to spearhead a
worldwide strategy for law enforcement training..
• The INTERPOL Global Academy currently has 10 members: Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Austria,
Botswana, Colombia, India, Korea, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and Spain.
40. Name the ministry that has recently (in August ‘23) launched the Indian Web Browser
Development Challenge (IWBDC) to create an indigenous web browser with advanced security
features.
1) Ministry of Science and Technology
2) Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
3) Ministry of Education
4) Ministry of Home Affairs
5) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer- 2) Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
Explanation:
On August 9, 2023, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Indian
Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC), Open Challenge Competition for Indian technology
enthusiasts to create an indigenous web browser with advanced security features.
• The dignitaries also unveiled the Challenge brochure during the event.
• This Challenge is spearheaded by MeitY, CCA and C-DAC Bengaluru.
i. Aim: To motivate and empower technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from India to
create web browsers with an inbuilt CCA India root certificate, advanced features and strong security
& data privacy measures.
ii. The total prize money of the challenge is Rs. 3.41 crore & the winner will receive a prize of Rs. 1
crore and ongoing support to further develop the browser.
41. Which state has recently (in August ‘23) received the support from the National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to get a Geographical Indications (GI) tag for
five traditional products including Nathdwara Pichhwai Craft?
1) Rajasthan
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) Jharkhand
5) Maharashtra

Answer- 1) Rajasthan
Explanation:
The National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) supported Rajasthan to get a
Geographical Indications (GI) tag for five traditional products including Nathdwara Pichhwai
Craft of Rajsamand, Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft
and Bikaner Usta Kala Craft.
i. GI tags are crucial in rural off-farm development because they act as product differentiators, boost
brand building, provide local employment, create a regional brand, generate spin-off benefits in
tourism and cuisine, and help to conserve biodiversity.
• The Nathdwara Pichhwai Craft has a 400-year history and depicts the glorious life of Lord
Shrinathji(Lord Krishna).
• These paintings were used to decorate the walls of temples in Nathdwara, Rajasmand district,
Rajasthan.
• The other four GI products Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur
Bandhej Craft, and Bikaner Usta Kala Craft explained in Rajasthan GI Tags
42. Name the Railway Station that has recently (in August ‘23) became the 3rd Pink Station in
Central Railway(CR).
1) Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station
2) Dadar Railway Station
3) Ghatkopar Railway Station
4) New Amravati Railway Station
5) Kandivali Railway Station
Answer- 4) New Amravati Railway Station
Explanation:
New Amravati Railway Station (Amaravti, Maharashtra) became the 3rd station within Central
Railway(CR) and the 1st station in Bhusaval Division of CR to be designated as a Pink Station, fully
managed by women staff.
• Central Railway became the first zone of the Indian Railways to set up all women managed
stations.
• Matunga suburban station in Mumbai division became the 1st railway station in India to be
operated by an all-woman staff in July 2017, followed by Ajni station in the Nagpur division in
2018.
i. The Ministry of Railways has granted in-principle approval for the closure of ‘Bastar Railway
Private Limited (BRPL), a Joint Venture(JV) of NMDC Limited , IRCON International Ltd., Steel
Authority of India Ltd.(SAIL) and Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (CMDC).
43. Which state government has launched the Sinh Suchna Web application on the occasion of
World Lion day, 10th August 2023?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Maharashtra
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Gujarat
Answer- 5) Gujarat

Explanation:
Gujarat Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel launched the Sinh Suchna Web application on the
occasion of World Lion day celebrated on 10th August 2023.
• The purpose of the mobile app is to help the state forest department track the movement of
lions to prevent incidents of human-animal conflict.
i. Bhupendra Patel launched the ‘Lion Anthem Film’ which is produced by Ekta Janmay Chokshi and
directed by Rohan Trivedi. The music has been composed by Nishit Mehta, sung by Brijraj Gadhvi
while Parth Tarpara is the lyricist.
ii. He also launched two books namely ‘The King of Jungle – Asiatic Lions of Gir’, written by Indian
Foreign Service (IFS) officer Sakkira Begum and ‘Hu Gir no Savaj’ by Shri Arvind Goswami.
44. In August 2023, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya
inaugurated the 2nd phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
campaign for _________ (disease) in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Helminthiasis
2) Lymphatic Filariasis
3) Echinococcosis
4) Dengue
5) Dracunculiasis
Answer- 2) Lymphatic Filariasis
Explanation:
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW),
inaugurated the 2nd phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The 2nd phase will cover 81 districts in 9 endemic States – Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh(UP).
ii. During the event, Union Minister Mandaviya also launched the National Guidelines for Clinical
Management of Dengue Fever 2023 and Chikungunya Fever.
Note: Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
LF is a Vector-Borne Disease transmitted by Culex mosquitoes.
45. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Study on Assessment of
Employment Potential of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) released by the Department of Drinking
Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti in August 2023?
A) The assessment was conducted by the Centre for Public Policy under Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Madras.
B) The report of the study has estimated an employment generation potential of JJM to the tune
of 2.82 crore person per year employment.
C) The report estimated that around 59.93 lakh persons get direct employment during the
construction phase of JJM per year from the total employment generation of 2.82 crore persons
per year.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C

5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On 10th August 2023, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal
Shakti, released the report of the Study on Assessment of Employment Potential of Jal Jeevan Mission
(JJM), in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The assessment was conducted by the Centre for Public Policy under Indian Institute of
Management Bangalore (IIMB), Benglauru(Karnataka).
• The report of the study has estimated an employment generation potential of JJM to the tune of
2.82 crore person per year employment.
• The report was prepared with technical support from the International Labour Organization
(ILO).
• Key Finding: The report estimated that around 59.93 lakh persons get direct employment
during the construction phase of JJM per year from the total employment generation of 2.82
crore person per year.
• Indirect Employment:It Provides additional indirect employment to 2.22 crore persons per
year in India through manpower engaged in production of the materials including pipes,
valves, pumps.
46. Which state government has recently (in August '23) launched the Indira Gandhi Smart
Phone Scheme to provide free smartphones with 3 years of data facility?
1) Jharkhand
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Odisha
4) Karnataka
5) Rajasthan
Answer-5) Rajasthan
Explanation:
On 10th August 2023, Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan, launched the Indira Gandhi
Smart Phone Scheme during an event organised at the B.M. Birla Auditorium in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• During the event, CM also launched the ‘Digital Sakhi Book’.
i. Under this scheme, free smartphones with 3 years of data facility will be distributed to 1.3 crore
women in Rajasthan. The beneficiaries will include girl students (class 9 to class 12) of government
schools, college students, single women, and widows.
ii. Rs 6800 will be deposited in an e-wallet through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) for the purchase of
these smartphones and SIM.
47. Name the state government that has recently (in August' 23) announced a complete waiver
of the fuel surcharge for all domestic and agricultural power consumers.
1) Maharashtra
2) Rajasthan
3) Haryana
4) Gujarat
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer-2) Rajasthan

Explanation:
Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan announced a complete waiver of the fuel
surcharge for all domestic and agricultural power consumers in Rajasthan.
• It is noted that hereafter, no consumer will be required to pay the surcharge after using more
than 200 units of electricity.
• Previously, the waiver was applicable only to those who used up to 200 units of electricity per
month.
i. A fuel surcharge for power consumers is an additional fee on electricity bills, covering the cost of
fuel used to generate power. This charge can vary based on factors such as the price of fuel and the
efficiency of power generation methods.
ii. It is often used to cover the expenses incurred in producing electricity using fossil fuels like coal, oil,
or natural gas.
48. Which company has recently (in August' 23) entered into an agreement with Technology
Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST) to the
commercialisation of digitally enabled advanced universal Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
ventilators?
1) M/s Bharati Robotic Systems Pvt Ltd
2) Rapyuta Robotics Pvt Ltd
3) M/s Noccarc Robotics Pvt Ltd
4) Sastra Robotics India Pvt Ltd
5) Asimov Robotics Pvt Ltd
Answer-3) M/s Noccarc Robotics Private Ltd
Explanation:
The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), has entered
into an agreement with M/s Noccarc Robotics Private Ltd., Maharashtra (Mumbai), a company
dedicated to the commercialisation of digitally enabled advanced universal Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
ventilators.
i. TDB, as a statutory body to promote the development and commercialization of indigenous
technology and the adaptation of imported technology for wider application, has promised to support
Rs 3.94 crore out of the total project cost of Rs 7.89 crore.
ii. Established in the Startup Incubation and Innovation Center of the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, M/s Noccarc embodies the spirit of innovation with its indigenously
developed technology.
49.Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the National Space Innovation
Challenge 2023 (NSIC 2023) held in August 2023?
A)Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) and Navars Edutech Private Limited to launch the National Space Innovation Challenge
2023 (NSIC 2023).
B)NSIC 2023 is a national-level campaign designed to bridge the gap in the Indian space
economy and the future space workforce and encourage future space entrepreneurs.
C) NSIC 2023 will be open from 11th August 2023 to 20th September 2023.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B

3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the flagship initiative of NITI Aayog (National Institution for
Transforming India), partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Navars
Edutech Private Limited to launch the National Space Innovation Challenge 2023 (NSIC 2023).
i.NSIC 2023 is a national-level campaign designed to bridge the gap in the Indian space economy
and the future space workforce and encourage future space entrepreneurs.
ii.NSIC 2023 will be open from 11th August 2023 to 20th September 2023.
• For Category 1 (Grade 5-8) - Space Junk collection robot design and Reusable Rockets design
• For Category 2 (Grade 9-12) - Satellite design for Global warming studies and Indian Spaceship
design for Planet Mars
50. Which of the following National developmental projects is/are “correct” regarding Prime
Minister(PM) Narendra Modi’s visit to Sagar, Madhya Pradesh (MP) in August 2023?
A) PM laid the foundation stone of two road projects at a cost of more than Rs 1580 crores.
These include a four-laning road project connecting Morikori – Vidisha – Hinotiya and a road
project that will connect Hinotiya to Mehluwa.
B) PM laid the foundation stones for Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial in MP.
C) PM Dedicated the project, Kota-Bina rail route to the nation which has been built at an
estimated cost of more than Rs 2475 crores. It passes through Kota and Baran districts in
Rajasthan, and Guna, Ashoknagar and Sagar District in MP.
1) Only C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On August 12, 2023, the Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and
dedicated to the nation, the following development projects in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh (MP):
i.Foundation stones laid for Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial:
Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will be constructed at a cost of more than Rs 100
crores in an area of more than 11.25 acres at Badtuma village of Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh. will
be built in Nagar style
ii.The PM laid the foundation stone of two road projects at a cost of more than Rs 1580 crores. These
include a four-laning road project connecting Morikori – Vidisha – Hinotiya and a road project that
will connect Hinotiya to Mehluwa.
iii.The project, Kota-Bina rail route, has been built at an estimated cost of more than Rs 2475 crores. It
passes through Kota and Baran districts in Rajasthan, and Guna, Ashoknagar and Sagar District in MP.
The additional rail line will increase capacity for better mobility and will help improve train speed
along the route.

51. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recently (in
August ‘23) launched One District One Product (ODOP) Wall at Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans
Society (SARAS) Aajeevika store in ____________.
1) Kolkata, West Bengal
2) New Delhi, Delhi
3) Mumbai, Maharashtra
4) Guwahati, Assam
Answer- 2) New Delhi, Delhi
Explanation:
One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, collaborated with Sale of
Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) Aajeevika, an initiative by Deendayal Antyodaya (DAY-
NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi, Delhi.
i.The initiative places particular emphasis on elevating women artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
acting as a dedicated platform for their meticulously crafted goods.
ii.The 'ODOP Wall' signifies India's remarkable heritage of craftsmanship, ready to enchant
international spectators and function as a dynamic platform that exhibits the nation's unparalleled
artistic legacy on a global scale.
52. Which of the following personalities has recently (In August ‘23) launched Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT) in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to encourage the
participation of both corporates and young individuals towards apprenticeship training?
1) Piyush Goyal
2) Narendra Modi
3) Nirmala Sitharaman
4) Amit Shah
5) Dharmendra Pradhan
Answer- 5) Dharmendra Pradhan
Explanation:
On 12th August 2023, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Ministry of Education(MoE), and the
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to encourage the participation of both
corporates and young individuals towards apprenticeship training in India, at an event in New Delhi,
Delhi.
• As part of the DBT launch, an amount of approximately Rs. 15 crores was disbursed to 1 lakh
apprentices.
i.Under the NAPS, the GoI reimburses 25% of the prescribed stipend, up to a maximum of Rs.1500/-
per month per apprentice, engaged by employers.
ii.With the implementation of DBT, it is anticipated that the number of apprentices will further
increase, expanding the coverage beyond the initial 30% target set under NAPS 2.0.
iii.More than 25 Lakh apprentices have been engaged since the inception of NAPS in 2016 till 31st July
2023, whereas around 2.6 lakh Apprentices have completed training in the financial year (FY) 2023-
2024.

53. Which of the following government sector enterprises has recently (In August ‘23) signed
an MoU with Universal Health Foundation for setting up of Gramin Gyan Jyoti Kendras in nine
villages of Jodhpur (Rajasthan) & one village of Nagore (Rajasthan)?
1) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
2) Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
3) National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC)
4) Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC)
5) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
Answer- 3) National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC)
Explanation:
i.NHPC Ltd. (formerly known as National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd.) the largest
hydropower development organization in India, signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Universal Health Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) initiative.
ii.The MoU aims to provide basic infrastructure facilities to Universal Health Foundation for setting up
of Gramin Gyan Jyoti Kendras by NHPC Ltd in government schools located in nine villages of
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) & one village of Nagore (Rajasthan).
54. In August 2023, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information
Technology (MeitY) launched the Hybrid Green Energy Microgrid in ___________.
1) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
2) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
3) Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh
4) Amritsar, Punjab
5) Patna, Bihar
Answer- 1) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Explanation:
Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
launched the innovative Technology of a Hybrid Green Energy Microgrid, developed by the Centre
for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
i.It was launched as part of the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) Program
for rural communities' electrical energy requirements.
ii.The ceremony took place at the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (ERC), Kottoor,
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala). The reliable green energy-based microgrids have emerged as a
dependable power source for critical systems within Veterinary hospital setups in the ERC.
iii.A renewable energy microgrid is an autonomous, localised, and self-contained energy system that
incorporates renewable energy sources as its primary generation inputs.
55. Name the state that has recently (in August ‘23) launched India’s 1st Agricultural Data
Exchange (ADeX) and Agriculture Data Management Framework (ADMF).
1) Punjab
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Telangana
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Karnataka

Explanation:
K Taraka Rama Rao, Cabinet Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (IT,
E&C), Telangana, launched India’s first Agricultural Data Exchange (ADeX) and Agriculture Data
Management Framework (ADMF) in Hyderabad, Telangana. The ADeX has been developed as a Digital
Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector.
i.ADeX is a collaboration between the Telangana Government, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and
the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Banglore(Bengaluru, Karnataka).
ii. Both ADeX and ADMF provide the right platform to ensure fair and efficient usage of agricultural
data by the industry and start-ups and provide a big growth to the data economy specifically in the
agriculture sector.
iii.These initiatives will create a comprehensive data economy for the future of agriculture and will
enable large-scale innovation that will drive impact to the farmer community.
56. The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari has recently
(in August ‘23) inaugurated a Rs 865 crore multi-level flyover built at Chandni Chowk
in______________.
3) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 1) Pune, Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) inaugurated
the Rs 865 crore multi-level flyover built at Chandni Chowk in Pune, Maharashtra.
• This bridge with a total length of 16.98 km will address traffic congestion in the city.
• The internal and external service roads have been aligned with Mumbai-Bengaluru National
Highway
i.One Pune Card launched for Pune Metro users
On August 12, 2023, the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) unveiled a multi-
purpose “One Pune Card” for metro travel. The card can also be used for retail payments across India.
It was inaugurated by the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
57. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the 77th Independence Day
event held on 15th August 2023?
1) The Central Government has organized the 77th Independence Day at Red Fort, New Delhi, Delhi
with the theme Support our Troops, Salute our Troops under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’
celebrations.
2) In 2023, PM Modi has also introduced the “HAR GHAR TIRANGA” means “Every Home, a Tricolor”
campaign ,encouraging the public to proudly hoist the tricolor flag on Independence Day.
3) During the event, Indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns were used for the first time for ceremonial
gun salute at Independence Day events.
4) The President of India Droupadi Murmu has approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM)
and five Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel.

5) The President approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPF) personnel & awarded 53 personnel with Fire Service Medals.
Answer- 1) The Central Government has organized the 77th Independence Day at Red Fort,
New Delhi, Delhi with the theme Support our Troops, Salute our Troops under the ‘Azadi Ka
Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
Explanation:
The Central Government has organized the 77th Independence Day at Red Fort, New Delhi, Delhi
which was addressed by the Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi.
• 2023 Independence Day signified the theme Nation First, Always First under the ‘Azadi Ka
Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which began in 2021.
• The year 2023 marked the 76th anniversary of Indian Independence, as the first anniversary
was marked a year from the actual year that is 1948. Hence, India celebrated its 77th
Independence Day and 76th Independence Day anniversary in 2023.
• In 2023, PM Modi has also introduced the “HAR GHAR TIRANGA” means “Every Home, a
Tricolor” campaign ,encouraging the public to proudly hoist the tricolor flag on Independence
Day.
• Indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns were used for the first time for ceremonial gun salute at
Independence Day events.
• The President of India Droupadi Murmu has approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal
(PTM) and five Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel for their act
of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished/meritorious service
on the occasion of Independence Day 2023.
• The President approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPF) personnel. The President awarded 53 personnel with Fire Service Medals.
The government’s “Vibrant Villages” initiative was highlighted that envisages transforming the
perspective on border villages.
58. Which of the following points is/are "correct" with respect to the assent given by the
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, to various Bills in August 2023?
A) The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023 facilitates the insertion of
provisions for digital registration and electronic delivery of certificates of births and deaths.
B) The “Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023
establishes the National Capital Civil Services Authority(NCCSA) to recommend various
service-related issues to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (LG).
C) The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 regulates the processing of digital personal
data and respects individuals’ right to protect their data while recognizing the necessity of
processing and using such data for lawful purposes.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
On 12th August 2023, the President of India Droupadi Murmu gave assent to four bills including the
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill
2023, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2023, and the Government of National Capital
Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023.
• The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023 facilitates the insertion of
provisions for digital registration and electronic delivery of certificates of births and deaths.
• The “Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023
establishes the National Capital Civil Services Authority(NCCSA) to recommend various
service-related issues to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (LG).
• The primary purpose of the Bill is to regulate the processing of digital personal data and
respect individuals’ right to protect their data while recognizing the necessity of processing
and using such data for lawful purposes.
• The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology.
• The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 falls under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Through The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, a total of 183 provisions are
being proposed to be decriminalized in 42 Central Acts administered by 19
Ministries/Departments.
59. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) launched the Gramin Mitra scheme to
provide doorstep delivery of government services across the state & promote digital
empowerment in rural areas?
1) Maharashtra
2) Goa
3) Karnataka
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Telangana
Answer- 2) Goa
Explanation:
Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister(CM) of Goa, launched Gramin Mitra, the flagship scheme of the
Government of Goa to provide doorstep delivery of government services across the state and
promote digital empowerment in rural areas at an event held at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan in Goa.
i. The scheme will play an important role to bridge the digital gap between Rural and Urban Areas.
The initiative is piloted by the Department of Information Technology (IT), Electronics, and
Communication (E&C) (DITE&C).
ii. Goa is the first state to offer doorstep delivery of government services through the Gramin Mitra
Scheme for village-level entrepreneurs.
60. Which of the points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the cabinet approval in August 2023?
1) The Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves seven multi-tracking projects of
Indian Railways with an outlay of Rs 32,500 crore.
2) The Union Cabinet also approved extension of Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs 14,903
crore.

3) The Central Government has approved a Rs 20,000 crore project for the construction of five Fleet
Support Vessels (FSVs) for the Indian Navy (IN).
4) The Union Cabinet approved the bus scheme ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ for augmenting city bus operation by
10,000 e-buses (electric buses) on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
5) The Union Cabinet has approved the signing and ratification of the Mutual Recognition
Arrangement (MRA) between the Central Board of Indirect taxes (CBI), India, and the Department of
Home Affairs, Indonesia.
Answer- 5) The Union Cabinet has approved the signing and ratification of the Mutual
Recognition Arrangement (MRA) between the Central Board of Indirect taxes (CBI), India, and
the Department of Home Affairs, Indonesia.
Explanation:
On August 16, 2023, the Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has
approved the following proposals:
• The Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves seven multi-tracking projects of
Indian Railways with an outlay of Rs 32,500 crore. These projects are fully funded by the
Central Government.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘Vishwakarma Yojana’ to benefit individuals skilled in
traditional craftsmanship/artisan works.
• The Union Cabinet also approved extension of Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs
14,903 crore.
• The Central Government has approved a Rs 20,000 crore project for the construction of five
Fleet Support Vessels (FSVs) for the Indian Navy (IN). These will be manufactured by the
Visakhapatnam (AP)-based Hindustan Shipyards Limited (HSL).
• The Union Cabinet approved the bus scheme ‘PM-eBus Sewa’ for augmenting city bus
operation by 10,000 e-buses (electric buses) on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the signing and ratification of the Mutual Recognition
Arrangement (MRA) between the Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs (CBIC),
Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and the Department of
Home Affairs, Australian Border Force, Australian Government.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in
Sports between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS), India; and the Department of
Health and Aged Care of the Government of Australia.
• The Union Cabinet has also given its approval for the MoU between Central Drugs Standard
Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government
of India and Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Suriname on Cooperation in the
field of health and medicine or medical product regulation.
61. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) announced a plan to establish India’s
first Common Testing Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (drones) under the Defence
Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS)?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Maharashtra
3) Odisha
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Uttar Pradesh

Answer- 1) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Tamil Nadu (TN) is set to establish India’s first Common Testing Centre for Unmanned Aerial
Systems (UAS) (drones) under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). The centre will be
established at a cost of Rs 45 crore over an area of 2.3 acres at the State Industries Promotion
Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) Industrial Park, Vallam Vadagal near Sriperumbudur in
Kanchipuram district, TN.
i. It would be established by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), which is
the nodal agency for implementing the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), which aims
to provide an ecosystem for the aerospace and defence industry in the region.
ii. The Centre will enable TN to become a significant contributor to the Self-reliance of India in the
aerospace & defence sector.
62. In August 2023, the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) in ___________ (city) was
officially renamed as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society.
3) New Delhi, Delhi
5) Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer- 3) New Delhi, Delhi
Explanation:
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) has officially been renamed as the Prime
Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society effective from August 14, 2023. It is located within
the Teen Murti House complex at New Delhi, Delhi.
• This institution operates independently under the India Ministry of Culture.
• It was established in 1964 after the death of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru who
had spent his lifetime in his official residence for 16 years until his demise on May 27,1964.
• The decision to change the name was taken in June 2023 in a meeting of the NMML Society. It
was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is the vice president of the society.
• Shri Nripendra Misra is the chairman of the Executive council of the Nehru Memorial Museum
and Library (NMML).
63. In which state Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam
Rupala has recently (in August ‘23) unveiled the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and
Extension of Livestock Production) programme?
1) Gujarat
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Maharashtra
4) Karnataka
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 1) Gujarat

Explanation:
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala has unveiled the
‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme under the
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, along with an Infertility Camp in Gujarat.
i. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is spearheading these
initiatives as part of the Pashudhan Jagrati Abhiyaan under Inclusive Development.
ii. The ‘A-HELP’ program is designed to empower women through their participation as skilled agents,
making substantial contributions to disease control, artificial insemination as part of the Rashtriya
Gokul Mission (RGM), animal tagging, and livestock insurance.
iii. Prime Minister (PM) Shri Narendra Modi launched nine campaigns under the theme Inclusive
Development as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the 24th April 2023 during the National
Panchayati Raj Day at Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
64. Which ministry has recently (in August ‘23) launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ in
Kochi, Kerala?
1) Ministry of Mines
2) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
3) Ministry of Coal
4) Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
5) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer- 4) Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
Explanation:
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma
launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ at a function in Maker Village Kochi, Kerala. The program
aims to bridge the gap between research & development and its commercialization, using the India
Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG) centers in Kochi.
i. The program has been allocated a total budget of Rs 94.85 Crore, with significant participation from
industry partners, including Carborundum Pvt Limited.
ii. Digital University Kerala will execute the program in collaboration with joint funding from MeitY,
the Government of India, the Government of Kerala, and industry partners.
iii. MeitY Secretary Alkesh Kumar Sharma announced the establishment of a section 8 company
named ‘India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC).‘
65. In August 2023, ________ (state) became the 1st state in India to provide free In Vitro
Fertilisation (IVF) therapy.
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Telangana
3) Karnataka
4) Goa
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 4) Goa
Explanation:
Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa inaugurated free In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) therapy at the
Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim,Goa along with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

i. With this, Goa has become the first state in the country to offer free artificial insemination
treatment.
ii. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment is the most common method of artificial insemination for
parents who are unable to conceive naturally.
iii. GMC is the first hospital in the country to offer free IVF treatment. Patients will not be charged. The
entire funding will come from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
66. As of August 2023, which country’s Air Force is set to host Tarang Shakti, a mega
multilateral military exercise in 2024?
1) Sri Lanka
2) India
3) Indonesia
4) France
5) Japan
Answer- 2) India
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force (IAF), the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces, is set to host a mega multilateral
military exercise in mid of 2024. It was initially scheduled for October-November 2023.
• The exercise, named Tarang Shakti, is scheduled to be the largest air exercise ever conducted
in India and will be its 1st edition.
i. Indian Air Force dispatched four Rafale planes, two C-17 aircraft, and two IL-78 mid-air refuelers to
France’s Mont-de-Marsan military base for a nearly three-week international air exercise ‘Orion’.
ii. The sixth edition of Cope India-2023, a joint Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and
the United States Air Force (USAF). The exercise took place at Air Force Stations Kalaikunda,Panagarh
of West Bengal, and Agra,Uttar Pradesh.
iii. The rescheduling of Tarang Shakti is due to the unavailability of participating nations as they are
engaged in several other exercises.
67. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the assent given by the
President of India Droupadi Murmu in August 2023?
A) The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Act, 2023 declares IIMs as institutes of
national importance in alignment with the acts governing the Indian Institute Of Technology
(IITs) and other Institutes of National Importance.
B) The National Dental Commission Act, 2023 declares that the National Dental Commission
consists of 33 members,will be formed to replace the existing Dental Council of India (DCI) and
repeal the Dentists Bill, 1948.
C) The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 amends
the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (‘OAMDR Act’), to
introduce crucial reforms in India’s offshore mining sector.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
The President of India Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the following bills during the
Monsoon Session, 2023 of Parliament:
i. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Act, 2023 falls under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Human Resource Development. It was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 28, 2023, amending
the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Act, 2017.
• The Act declares IIMs as institutes of national importance in alignment with the acts governing
the Indian Institute Of Technology (IITs) and other Institutes of National Importance.
• The Bill classifies the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai in
Maharashtra as IIM, Mumbai, means, NITIE is included in The IIM Act, 2017. Hence, NITIE is
India’s proposed 21st IIM.
• The Bill designates the President of India as Visitor of every Institute covered by the Act.
ii. The National Dental Commission Act, 2023 falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare.It was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 24, 2023,it repeals the Dentists Act, 1948.
• The National Dental Commission consists of 33 members,will be formed to replace the existing
Dental Council of India (DCI) and repeal the Dentists Bill, 1948.
iii. The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 falls under
the jurisdiction of Ministry of Mines.It was introduced in Lok sabha on July 27, 2023 ,and it amends
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (‘OAMDR Act’), to introduce crucial
reforms in India’s offshore mining sector.
68. In which city, Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information
Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has recently (in August ‘23) inaugurated India’s first three-
dimensional (3D) Printed Post Office?
3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
4) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 1) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Explanation:
Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information
Technology, inaugurated India’s first three-dimensional (3D) Printed Post Office located in
Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout, Karnataka.
i. The new post office was created using 3D Concrete Printing Technology by Larsen and Toubro
(L&T) Construction.
ii. The technology had been approved by the Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council
(BMTPC) and the structural design of the post office was validated by Indian Institute of Technology
Madras(IIT-M) .

69. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the State of School
(Elementary) Education in Rural India report released in August 2023?
A) Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education released India’s first “State of
School (Elementary) Education in Rural India” report during the Transforming Rural India
(TRI)’s India Rural Colloquy 2023 (IRC) held in New Delhi, Delhi.
B) The report revealed that a total of 78% of parents of girls and 82% of parents of boys
wanted to educate their children to graduation and above.
C) The survey indicated that 49.3% of children aged between 6 to 16 years have access to
smartphones in rural India.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education released India’s first “State of School
(Elementary) Education in Rural India” report during the Transforming Rural India (TRI)’s India
Rural Colloquy 2023 (IRC) held in India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.
• The report revealed that a total of 78% of parents of girls and 82% of parents of boys wanted
to educate their children to graduation and above.
• The study focused on children in rural communities between the age group of 6-to-16-year-
old.
• School Drop-out Rate: The data reveals that one-fourth of male children dropped out of school
during primary schooling and the female primary school dropout rates were higher, with
around 35%.
• The survey indicated that 49.3% of children aged between 6 to 16 years have access to
smartphones in rural India.
• Among parents who never went to school, 28.7% regularly inquire about school education,
while 25.1% rarely or never do so.
70. In August 2023, ____________ (Ministry) renewed the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
(FCRA) license of Observer Research Foundation (ORF) for ____________ (Years).
1) Ministry of External Affairs; 5 years
2) Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; 3 years
3) Ministry of Home Affairs; 5 years
4) Ministry of External Affairs; 6 years
5) Ministry of Home Affairs; 3 years
Answer- 3) Ministry of Home Affairs; 5 years
Explanation:
The Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a Delhi-based foreign policy think tank, has received a
five-year renewal of its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license from the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA).
i. The renewed license is valid from October 1, 2023, to September 20, 2028. ORF sought this renewal
to continue receiving foreign grants from voluntary sources and foreign entities.

ii. The renewal of the organization’s FCRA was pending with the government since March 2023.
During this time, extensions were provided to various non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
including ORF till September 30th 2023. .
iii. The ORF, in adherence to the amendment made to section 17 of The Foreign Contribution
(Regulation) Act, 2010, in the year 2020, took the necessary steps to meet the new legal requirements.
71. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the initiatives by the Ministry
of Science & Technology (MoST) in August 2023?
A) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh
unveiled “NBRI Namoh 108”, a unique variety of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) with 108 petals, in
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh(UP).
B) NBRI Namoh 108 was developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- National
Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, UP.
C) The Union Minister also introduced ‘NBRI-Nihar,’ a new Aloe vera variant with about 2.5
times greater gel yield compared to traditional Aloe vera.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
On August 19, 2023, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of
Science & Technology (MoST), unveiled “NBRI Namoh 108”, a unique variety of Lotus (Nelumbo
nucifera) with 108 petals, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh(UP).
NBRI Namoh 108 was developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- National Botanical
Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow(UP)-based institute of national importance which engaged
in research in the classical botanical disciplines.
• This is the first lotus variety whose genome is completely sequenced for its characteristics & it
will be registered as the official lotus variety out of India.
• The MoST Minister also introduced apparel made from lotus fibre and perfume ‘Frotus’. The
perfume is extracted from lotus flowers and was developed by the NBRI under the Lotus
Research Programme in collaboration with Fragrance & Flavour Development Centre (FFDC),
Kannauj, UP.
• The Minister also introduced ‘NBRI-Nihar,’ a new Aloe vera variant with about 2.5 times
greater gel yield compared to traditional Aloe vera. It has strong resistance to bacterial and
fungal diseases.
72. Which organisation/bank’s Education Ministers has recently (in August ‘23) agreed to
establish a new autonomous university rating system?
1) Association of Southeast Asian Nations
2) BRICS
3) BIMSTEC
4) New Development Bank
5) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Answer- 2) BRICS
Explanation:
BRICS Education Ministers recently assembled in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa and
reached an agreement to establish a new autonomous university rating system. BRICS nations
comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
i. Objective – It aims to take a significant step toward bringing excellence in higher education,
encouraging cross-border academic collaborations, and advancing the collective educational
objectives of these nations.
ii. The primary agenda of the BRICS Education Ministers’ meeting was addressing the need for
modern, accountable education and training.
73. In August 2023, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways (MoRTH) launched the BNCAP in New Delhi, Delhi.
What does C stand for in BNCAP?
1) Customer
2) Central
3) Car
4) Carriage
5) Crash
Answer- 3) Car
Explanation:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the
Bharat New Car Assessment Programme(BNCAP) in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The aim of the launch is intended to improve the road safety for M1 category motor vehicles
weighing less than 3.5Tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
ii. The BNCAP car test program begins on 1st October 2023,and will be led by the Central Institute of
Road Transport (CIRT).
• The purpose of this programme is to provide automobile buyers with a tool for comparing the
crash safety of motor vehicles on the market.
• Car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their vehicles to be tested in accordance with
Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197 under this scheme.
74. In August 2023, Group 20 (G20) Pandemic Fund approved USD ___________ to strengthen the
Animal Health System of India.
1) 20 million
2) 25 million
3) 35 million
4) 30 million
5) 42 million
Answer- 2) 25 million
Explanation:
Group 20 (G20) Pandemic Fund has approved the USD 25 million proposal by Department of
Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
(MoFAHD) on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and
Response(PPR)”.

i. The project will be carried out by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the lead implementing
entity, along with the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO).
ii. The fund will also provide dedicated resources for PPR and increase investments, enhance
coordination among partners, and serve as a platform for advocacy.
iii. The fund brings additional resources to India to reduce the risk of pathogens emerging from
animals (domesticated and wildlife) to be transmitted into the human population.
75. In August 2023, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved the Dholpur-
Karauli Tiger Reserve of ___________ (state) as 54th Tiger Reserve of India.
1) West Bengal
2) Karnataka
3) Rajasthan
4) Maharashtra
5) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) which operates under the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of the Government of India, has officially approved The Karauli-
Sarmathura-Dholpur sanctuary in Rajasthan as Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve of India under
Project Tiger.
i. It becomes the 5th Tiger reserve of Rajasthan and 54th Tiger Reserve of India.
ii. 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.
76. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) released Mayem Biodiversity Atlas -
India’s 1st Village Atlas?
1) Karnataka
2) Goa
3) Kerala
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 2) Goa
Explanation:
Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister (CM) of Goa, released the “Mayem Biodiversity Atlas”, India’s 1st
Village Atlas during an event held at Mahamaya Devalaya Mandap Mayem Mayem village (Bicholim
Town) in North Goa district, Goa.
• Along with the Atlas, the CM also released a dedicated website, Poster, and a logo during the
event.
• The event was jointly organised by Mayem Vaigunim Gram Panchayat, Biodiversity
Management Committee, Mayem Vaigunim, and Mayem Panlot Sangh.
i. The biodiversity atlas is a document of 250 pages which offers details of the diverse flora and fauna
found in the village of Mayem.

ii. The atlas was prepared based on the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) prepared by the village
Biodiversity Management Committee. Sakharam Pednekar is the Chairman of the Biodiversity
Management Committee.
77. In which city, National Health Authority (NHA) has recently (in August ‘23) launched India’s
first Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) microsite?
2) Aizawl, Mizoram
4) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 2) Aizawl, Mizoram
Explanation:
On 23rd August 2023, National Health Authority (NHA) launched India’s first Ayushman Bharat
Digital Mission (ABDM) microsite in Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. With this, Mizoram became
the 1st State in India to operationalise ABDM microsite project.
i. Mizoram has appointed Youth for Action as the Interfacing Agency for implementing the ABDM
Microsite in Aizawl.
• Microsites are clusters of ABDM-enabled small and medium-scale healthcare facilities, such as
clinics, nursing homes, hospitals (with less than 10 beds), laboratories, and pharmacies,
offering digital health services to patients like linking the health records generated at these
facilities with their Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs).
• These records can be accessed and shared using ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR)
applications on patients’ phones.
78. In August 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity
(AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth around Rs _____________ to enhance the operational
capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
1) 9,700 crore
2) 8,100 crore
3) 7,800 crore
4) 8,900 crore
5) 9,400 crore
Answer- 3) 7,800 crore
Explanation:
On 24th August 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by the Union Defence
Minister, Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals
worth around Rs 7,800 crore, to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
• To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, DAC granted AoN for the procurement and
installation of an Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Military/Transport Helicopters,
which will enhance better survivability of Helicopters.
• The procurements will be made under the Buy Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed,
Developed, and Manufactured) category.
• The EW Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), under the Ministry of
Defence(MoD).

• DAC has also granted AoN for the procurement of weapons to enhance the operational
capabilities of the MH-60R multi-mission helicopters in service with the Indian Navy.
• The DAC approved the procurement of a 7.62×51 millimeters (mm) Light Machine Gun (LMG)
and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT).
79. Which GoI office/Authority has recently (in August ‘23) launched TRINETRA, an
indigenously developed cyber threat detection and resolution system?
1) National Legal Services Authority
2) Common Services Centres (CSC) e-Governance Service India Limited
3) Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development
4) Centre for Development of Imaging Technology
5) Centre for Development of Telematics
Answer- 5) Centre for Development of Telematics
Explanation:
On the occasion of the 40th Foundation day of Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)(25th
August 2023), Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State(MoS), Ministry of Communication, launched C-
DOT’s TRINETRA, an indigenously developed cyber threat detection and resolution system.
• During the event, MoS Devusinh Chauhan also inaugurated the C-DOT’s Enterprise Security
Operation Centre (ESOC) at C-DOT campus New Delhi, Delhi.
• He also inaugurated the technical conference centered on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) &
Machine Learning (ML)” organised by C-DOT.
TRINETRA is a comprehensive security systems combining Security information and Event
Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration and Automated Response (SOAR), Data Loss Prevention
(DLP), User Entity and Behaviour Analytics (UEBA), Multi-Source Threat Intelligence and others.
80. Name the statutory body that has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with Innovation Cell
of Ministry of Education (MoE) to launch the 6th edition Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2023.
1) All India Council of Technical Education
2) University Grants Commission
3) National Council for Teacher Education
4) National Institute of Open Schooling
5) National Assessment and Accreditation Council
Answer- 1) All India Council of Technical Education
Explanation:
On 23rd August 2023, The Ministry of Education’s(MoE) Innovation Cell in collaboration with the All
India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) announced the launch of the 6th edition Smart India
Hackathon (SIH) 2023.
• SIH-2023 is supported by the participation of 26 Central Ministries, 6 State Ministries, and 4
Industry partners.
• The last date for the submission of problem statements for senior SIH is September 30, 2023,
whereas for Junior SIH, it is October 30, 2023.
i. Smart India Hackathon 2023 is a nationwide initiative to provide students with a platform to
address critical challenges we encounter in our everyday lives. It aims to foster a culture of product
innovation and cultivate problem-solving skills among participants.
ii. The competition is set to be held in two categories

• SIH Junior – Class 6th-12th students.
• SIH Senior – Higher Education Institution (HEI) students (Graduate/Post-Graduate/Doctor of
Philosophy).
81. In August 2023, Droupadi Murmu, The President of India, released a postage stamp in
memory of _________________, former chief of Brahma Kumaris in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Nirmala
2) Dadi Prakashmani
3) Karuna
4) Brijmohan
5) Santhosh
Answer- 2) Dadi Prakashmani
Explanation:
Droupadi Murmu, The President of India, released a postage stamp in memory of Dadi Prakashmani,
former chief of Brahma Kumaris, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The stamp was released under the ‘My Stamp’ initiative of the Department of Posts, Ministry of
Communications, to commemorate Dadi Prakashmani’s 16th death anniversary. Dadi passed
away on 25th August 2007.
i. Dadi Prakashmani served as the Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris from 1969 until 2007.
ii. During her lifetime, the organization expanded from 1 country to 120 countries with over 5,000
centres and sub-centres around the world.
iii. The Brahma Kumaris, officially known as the ‘Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa
Vidyalaya,’ is a global spiritual movement dedicated to personal change and world rejuvenation.
iv. The organisation was founded by Prajapita Brahma in 1936 in Hyderabad, Sindh. It is now
headquartered in Mount Abu, Rajasthan
82. In August 2023, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the _________
edition of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Safety Awareness campaign.
1) 2nd
2) 5th
3) 3rd
4) 1st
5) 4th
Answer- 3) 3rd
Explanation:
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched “UPI Chalega 3.0”, the 3rd edition
of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Safety Awareness campaign, developed in collaboration with
key stakeholders in the payments ecosystem.
i. The campaign aims to promote the adoption of UPI as a secure, easy, and instant mode of payment.
ii. The campaign is designed to educate users about UPI’s various features, including UPI LITE for
quick low-value transactions, UPI AUTOPAY for secure recurring payments, and UPI Interoperability
for seamless money transfers across all UPI-enabled applications.

83. In which state/UT India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) school was inaugurated in August
2023?
1) Kerala
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Karnataka
4) Delhi
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 1) Kerala
Explanation:
On 22nd August 2023, Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated India’s first
Artificial Intelligence (AI) school at Santhigiri Vidyabhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
i. AI School was created by iLearning Engines (ILE) of the United States of America(USA) in
collaboration with Vedhik eSchool which was managed by a committee of veteran professionals
including former Chief Secretaries, DGPs and Vice Chancellors.
ii. AI School facility will be initially available to students from classes 8 to 12. The curriculum and
methodology are designed in compliance with the National School Accreditation Standards, which are
based on the New National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
84. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) launched MODI (Most Outstanding
District Initiative), to reward the cleanest district?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Maharashtra
3) Assam
4) Odisha
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Assam
Explanation:
On 25th August 2023, the Assam cabinet in its 100th meeting chaired by Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief
Minister(CM) of Assam, launched MODI (Most Outstanding District Initiative), to reward the
cleanest district.
• This Clean district drive will boost solid waste management and sanitation.
i. The detailed guidelines of the initiative will be issued during the Conference of District
commissioners which will be held on 27th August 2023.
ii. The most outstanding district will be awarded Rs 100 crore towards infrastructure development
and the results will be declared by the first week of April 2024.
85. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) has signed a contract with the Ministry of
Defence to acquire five indigenously built Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy worth
Rs.19,000 crore?
1) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
2) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
3) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
4) Goa Shipyard Limited
5) Cochin Shipyard Limited
Answer- 3) Hindustan Shipyard Limited

Explanation:
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) for the acquisition of five
indigenously built Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy worth 19,000 crore (approximately).
About The Fleet Support Ships (FSS):
• The FSS will be built with a length of 225 metres and a width of 32 metres and will have a
displacement of 44,000 tonnes.
• It will be deployed for restocking ships at sea with fuel, water, ammunition and stores
• These ships can also be deployed for evacuation of people and human assistance and disaster
relief (HADR) operations.
• The 44,000-tonnes FSS will be the first of its kind to be constructed in India by an Indian
Shipyard and will be successfully delivered in eight years.
86. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 6th census on Minor
Irrigation (MI) schemes released in August 2023?
A) The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Department of Water Resources (WR), River Development,
and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) released the report on the 6th census on Minor
Irrigation (MI) schemes.
B) 23.14 million MI schemes have been reported in India, out of which 21.93 million are
Ground Water (GW) and 1.21 million are Surface Water (SW) schemes.
C) As per the report, Gujarat holds the largest number of MI schemes in India.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On 26th August 2023, the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Department of Water Resources (WR), River
Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) released the report on the 6th census on
Minor Irrigation (MI) schemes.
• This report also provides State-wise detailed information on all key parameters of MI projects
in India.
• This report will be useful for planners, researcher scholars, agricultural and groundwater
scientists, and all concerned with the development of irrigation and the agricultural economy
of India.
i. As per the report, 23.14 million MI schemes have been reported in India, out of which 21.93
million are Ground Water (GW) and 1.21 million are Surface Water (SW) schemes.
ii. Uttar Pradesh holds the largest number of MI schemes in India followed by Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
iii. Leading States in GW schemes are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and
Telangana.

87. In August 2023, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways(MoRTH) launched the world’s first prototype of BS-VI(Bharat Stage Six) Stage
II compliant “Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle”
Which company developed the Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle?
1) MG Motor India Private Limited
2) Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private
3) Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
4) Maruti Suzuki India Limited
5) Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited
Answer- 5) Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited
Explanation:
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH) launched the
world’s first prototype of BS-VI(Bharat Stage Six) Stage II compliant “Electrified Flex Fuel
vehicle”, Toyota Innova Hycross.It is a variant of Toyota’s Innova, developed by Toyota Kirloskar
Motor Private Limited(Toyota Kirloskar).
i. This is also India’s first flex-fuel electrified vehicle that can run in either electric mode or 100%
ethanol.
ii. This launch is in line with India’s target to increase ethanol blending in petrol by 20% by 2025-
2026.
iii. The new Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle(FFV) is based on the Innova Hycross and is designed and
developed to comply with the emission standards of India.
88. In August 2023, President of India Droupadi Murmu released a commemorative Rs.100
silver coin featuring the image of the __________________,a former Chief Minister of Andhra
Pradesh.
1) P. V. Narasimha Rao
2) N. Chandrababu Naidu
3) Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao
4) N. Janardhana Reddy
5) N. Bhaskara Rao
Answer- 3) Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao
Explanation:
Government of India(GoI) introduced a commemorative Rs.100 silver coin featuring the image of the
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (N.T. R),a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and a legendary
Indian actor.President of India Droupadi Murmu released the coin to mark the 100th birth
anniversary (centenary Year) of N.T.Rama Roa at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre(RBCC) in New
Delhi,Delhi.
• The coin is 44mm in diameter and it is made from 50 percent Silver, 40 per cent Copper, 5 per
cent Nickel and 5 per cent Zinc.
• The coin features the national emblem, the Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath, on one side and an
image of NTR along with the inscription ‘Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Satha Jayanthi’ on the
other side.
• NTR’s centenary, the coin also has the inscription 1923-2023.
• He served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms.

• N.T.Rama Rao was honored with three National Film Awards for his involvement in the
production of Telugu movies Thodu Dongalu (1954) and Seetharama Kalyanam (1960) and
directing Varakatnam (1970).
• He was also honoured with India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri in 1968 in
the field of arts and films.
89. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the cabinet approval in
August 2023?
A) The Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the reduction of LPG
(Liquefied petroleum gas) cost by Rs 500 per cylinder for all consumers w.e.f. September 30,
2023.
B) The Startup Guidelines for Technical Textiles - Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship
across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) providing grant-in-aid of up to Rs 50
lakh for up to a period of 18 months has been approved.
C) The Union Cabinet adopted a resolution hailing the soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the
lunar surface, highlighting that the mission’s achievement signifies not only Indian Space
Research Organization’s (ISRO) success but also India’s advancement and global stature.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following
proposals on 29th August 2023:
i. The Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the reduction of LPG (Liquefied
petroleum gas) cost by Rs 200 per cylinder for all consumers w.e.f. August 30, 2023.
• This will also be applicable to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which means, PMUY
beneficiaries will now get a total subsidy of Rs 400 per 14.2kg-LPG cylinder.
ii. The Ministry of Textiles has approved the Startup Guidelines for Technical Textiles – Grant for
Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT).
• This initiative offers a grant-in-aid of up to Rs 50 Lakhs, supporting aspiring innovators in the
technical textiles field for 18 months.
iii. The Union Cabinet adopted a resolution hailing the soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar
surface, highlighting that the mission’s achievement signifies not only Indian Space Research
Organization’s (ISRO) success but also India’s advancement and global stature.
• Through this resolution the Cabinet congratulated ISRO on its efforts, and thanked scientists
for making India, the first country to land near the Moon’s South Pole.
• The Cabinet also welcomed the decision to celebrate August 23 as the National Space Day.

90. In August 2023, Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) extended the deadline of Production
Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry till FY
_______________.
1) 2024-25
2) 2026-27
3) 2025-26
4) 2027-28
5) 2028-29
Answer- 4) 2027-28
Explanation:
Union Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey,Ministry of Heavy Industries(MHI) in ‘Review of Production
Linked Incentive-Auto Scheme’ announced the extension of the deadline of Production Linked
Incentive(PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry by another year.
• The program that was supposed to last for five years, from 2022-23 to 2026-27, will be active
till FY 2027-28.
• The distribution of the incentives will be on a quarterly basis, instead of an annual plan.
i. Under the Automotive PLI scheme, incentives are applicable for specified sales of Advanced
Automotive Technology (AAT) products (vehicles and components) manufactured in India starting
from April 1, 2022.These incentives will remain in effect for a continuous period of five years.
ii. Eligibility to Incentive: AAT products for which a minimum of 50 per cent Domestic Value
Addition (DVA) is achieved and has been certified by Testing Agencies (TAs) of MHI.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. According to the “World Health Organization (WHO) report on the global tobacco epidemic,
2023: Protect people from tobacco smoke” released in July 2023, around ___________ people are
protected with at least one best practice of tobacco control measures.
1) 3.0 billion
2) 2.9 billion
3) 5.6 billion
4) 3.2 billion
5) 4.2 billion
Answer- 3) 5.6 billion
Explanation:
The World Health Organization (WHO) released the “’WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic,
2023: Protect people from tobacco smoke“, the 9th report in the series that tracks the status of the
tobacco epidemic and interventions to combat it. The report monitors countries’ progress in tobacco
control since 2008 and also marks 15 years since the introduction of MPOWER,WHO’s technical
package which is designed to assist countries in implementing demand-reduction measures of the
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).1
• The report states that around 5.6 billion people (71% of the world’s population or 7 in 10
people globally) are protected with at least one best practice of tobacco control measures, a 5
times increase from 2007.

• The report showed that 2 new countries, Mauritius and the Netherlands, have achieved best-
practice level in all MPOWER measures. Until now, this was achieved by only Brazil and
Türkiye.
• Mauritius has become the first African country to fully implement the entire MPOWER
Measures. It has recorded a 25% decline in the prevalence of smoking among adults between
1992 and 2021.
2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 69th edition of Fortune
Global 500 list of 2023 released in August 2023?
A) Walmart tops the list for the 10th consecutive year, followed by Saudi Aramco and State
Grid in the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
B) 10 Indian Companies are featured in the 2023 Fortune Global 500 list & Adani Group
secured 78 rank in the Fortune Global 500 list of 2023.
C) Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked 2nd in the annual
Fortune Global 500 list of 2023 and emerged as the most profitable company ever on the list,
earning USD 159 billion in the fiscal year 2022.
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 2nd August 2023, Fortune, a global media organisation released the 69th edition of Fortune
Global 500 list of 2023, an annual ranking of the largest 500 corporations across the world as
measured by total revenue for fiscal 2022(FY 2022-23). Walmart tops the list for the 10th
consecutive year, followed by Saudi Aramco and State Grid in the 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
It was Fortune’s 34th Global 500 list since 1989.
i. Walmart, an American (United States of America (US)) Retail and Wholesale company with USD
611.3 billion in revenue.
ii. China tops the 2023 list with a total of 142 companies in the geographical regions in mainland
China including Hong Kong and Taiwan.
iii. Reliance Industries, led by Billionaire Mukesh Ambani, featured in the Fortune Global 500 list of
2023.Reliance Industries climbed 16 places and now holds a rank at number 88 in the Fortune Global
500 list of 2023. Among the 8 Indian Companies on the list, Reliance Industries maintained its
highest ranking.
iv. Saudi Aramco (also known as Saudi Arabian Oil Company), is one of the largest integrated energy
and chemicals companies in the world in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
ranked 2nd in the annual list of Fortune Global 500 list of 2023 and it has emerged as the most
profitable company ever on the list, earning USD 159 billion in the fiscal year 2022.
3. As of August 2023, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) All Rice
Price Index increased by ________ in July 2023 to 129.7 points, which is a nearly 12-year high.
1) 1.9%
2) 2.5%

3) 2.8%
4) 3.2%
5) 1.5%
Answer- 3) 2.8%
Explanation:
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) All Rice Price Index increased by
2.8% in July 2023 to 129.7 points as compared to 126.2 points in June 2023.
• This is the highest level in nearly 12 years as prices in key exporting countries raised on
increased demand and India’s move to curb the rice exports.
• The FAO’s July 2023 rice index is almost 19.7% higher than 108.4 points in July 2022, and the
highest nominal value since September 2011.
• India is a big exporter of rice, sending 40% of the world’s rice exports, followed by Thailand
(13% share) and Vietnam (9% share), among others. But in July 2023, the Indian government
decided to stop exporting non-basmati white rice to boost domestic supply and to keep prices
stable during the upcoming festive season.
• Additionally, they also put a ban on exporting de-oiled rice bran (DORB) until November 30,
2023 which was previously allowed for export.
4. Name the country that has recently (in August ‘23) became the 18th country to be recognized
by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
1) Ghana
2) Gambia
3) Togo
4) Iraq
5) Malawi
Answer- 4) Iraq
Explanation:
On July 31, 2023, Iraq became the 18th country recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO)
for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. It is also the 5th country in WHO’s Eastern
Mediterranean Region to achieve this feat. It is also acknowledged by the WHO as the 50th country
for eliminating at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), globally.
• This represents reaching the halfway mark to the 100-country target set for 2030 in the 2021–
2030 NTD roadmap that targets the prevention, control elimination and eradication of 20
diseases and disease groups.
• Trachoma is a contagious bacterial eye infection caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
It primarily affects the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.
It is transmitted through direct contact with the eye or nose secretions of infected individuals or from
fomites and flies or indirectly through contaminated objects like towels or clothes.
5. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the World Trade Statistical
Review 2023, (WTSR 2023) released by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in August 2023?
A) India is ranked 10th among the Leading exporters in world merchandise trade 2022, while
United States of America (USA) topped the Leading exporters list in world merchandise trade
2022

B) India is ranked 9th among the merchandise importers, while the United States of America
(USA) topped the importers list in World Merchandise Trade 2022.
C) India is ranked globally 7th among exporters and 9th among importers in the world in
commercial services 2022.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
According to the World Trade Statistical Review 2023, (WTSR 2023) the annual flagship publication
of the World Trade Organization (WTO) featuring key data on global trade in merchandise and
commercial services, India is ranked 18th among the Leading exporters in world merchandise trade
(2022).
• India is ranked 9th among the merchandise importers.
i. China, the United States of America(USA), and Germany are the top 3 exporters in world
merchandise trade 2022.
ii. USA, China and Germany are the top 3 importers in World Merchandise Trade 2022.
iii. India is ranked globally 7th among exporters and 9th among importers in the world in commercial
services 2022. Commercial services exports of India registered a very strong 206% increase.
6. In August 2023, India pledged to support USD 700,000 from the India-United Nations
Development Partnership(UNDP) Fund to _________ (country)’s clean water initiatives and
community development in schools project.
1) Vanuatu
2) Fiji
3) Tonga
4) Samoa
5) Tuvalu
Answer- 5) Tuvalu
Explanation:
India has pledged to support worth USD 700,000 from the India-United Nations Development
Partnership(UNDP) Fund to the project in Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation for clean water initiatives
and community development in schools.
i. India will provide funding support for the “Motufoua Concrete Water Cistern” project, initiated
by the Tuvalu Government.
ii. The project aims to construct a concrete water cistern, at Tuvalu’s only public school called
‘Motufoua Secondary School’,a capacity of 760 metric cubes which will store and provide clean water
to students, teachers and school staff promoting hygiene and reducing water-borne diseases.
iii. This financial commitment aligns with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s “Sagar Amrut
Scholarship” scheme for the Pacific Island countries.

7. In August 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) __________ (country) and
India’s eGov Foundation signed an MoU to tackle the critical challenge of infectious medical
waste management.
1) Maldives
2) Indonesia
3) Sri Lanka
4) United Arab Emirates
5) Mauritius
Answer- 2) Indonesia
Explanation:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia and India’s eGov Foundation have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle the critical challenge of infectious medical
waste management in Indonesia.
i. Aim: To utilize eGov Foundation’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – DIGIT (Digital Infrastructure
for Governance, Impact & Transformation) to implement a cohesive solution at speed and scale
ii. Through the partnership, Indonesia will use eGov Foundation’s DIGIT Sanitation platform to handle
various waste types.
iii. Notably, UNDP Indonesia through the ME-SMILE is collaborating and utilizing the expertise of
regional and global partners. ME-SMILE has started managing medical waste in 32 hospitals and 1
health center.
8.Name the Naval Exercise that recently (in August ‘23) saw the participation of the Indian
Navy (IN) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy in Dubai, UAE?
1) Exercise Khanjar
2) Exercise Ajeya Warrior
3) Exercise Zayed Talwar
4) Exercise Kakadu
5) Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr
Answer- 3) Exercise Zayed Talwar
Explanation:
From August 8 - 11, 2023, a bilateral naval maritime partnership exercise 'Zayed Talwar' was held
between the Indian Navy (IN), India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy, in Dubai, UAE.
• From India, INS (, Indian Navy Ship) Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand participated. The
delegation of IN was commanded by Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty, Flag Officer Commanding
Western Fleet (FOCWF).
INS Visakhapatnam is an indigenously developed destroyer, and is commanded by Captain Ashok
Rao, whereas INS Trikand, an advanced stealth frigate, is commanded by Captain Pramod G
Thomas.
9. Which country’s Air Force has recently (in August ‘23) received the Dornier 228 maritime
surveillance aircraft from the Indian Navy?
1) Seychelles
2) Maldives
3) Sri Lanka
4) Indonesia

Answer- 3) Sri Lanka
Explanation:
On August 16, 2023, India presented the Indian Navy’s Dornier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft
to the Sri Lanka Air Force(SALF) at the event in Katunayake SLAF Base, Colombo, SriLanka.
• On the occasion of India’s 77th Independence day celebration,the high commissioner of India,
Gopal Baglay ceremonially handed over the aircraft to Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, the Chief of Staff
and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security.
i. The 19-seater Dornier 228 aircraft is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft.
ii. Dornier 228 was designed and manufactured for the first time by Dornier GmbH (a German aircraft
manufacturer).
10. Name the organisation that has recently (in August ‘23) developed an open-source software
called ‘National Carbon Registry’.
1) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
2) International Fund for Agricultural Development
4) United Nations Children's Fund
Answer- 5) United Nations Development Programme
Explanation:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) developed an open-source software called
‘National Carbon Registry’. This software enables countries to effectively manage national data and
processes for trading carbon credits.
i. The software has recently been accredited as a digital public good (DPG).As a DPG,the registry
utilizes open-source programming, allowing countries to reproduce and change the information to
their own requirements and contexts.
ii. About National Carbon Registry:
• The registry follows national and international best practices based on inputs from countries
and is a result of ongoing work by the Digital4Climate (D4C) Working Group.
• D4C includes UNDP, the World Bank, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) among
others.
11. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Namaste Vietnam Festival
(Hello Việt Nam Festival) held in August 2023?
A) The 2nd edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival was held in the 3 southern cities of
Vietnam viz. Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, Da Lat city and Tuy Hoa city with the theme of “People
unite, warm friendship”.
B) It was jointly organised by the Indian Embassy, Consulate General of India in Vietnam under
the aegis of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, IFFW (Indian Film Festival Worldwide)
and Innovations India.
C) As part of the 2nd Namaste Vietnam Festival, various seminars and meetings led to the
signing of MoUs worth over USD 1 billion between Indian and Vietnam businesses.
1) All A, B & C

2) Only A & C
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & B
5) Only A
Explanation:
The 2nd edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival (Hello Việt Nam Festival) was held in the 3 southern
cities of Vietnam viz. Ho Chi Minh(HCM) City, Da Lat city(Central Highlands province) and Tuy Hoa
city (south-central coastal province) from 12th to 20th August 2023.
• The theme of the 2nd Namaste Vietnam Festival was “People unite, warm friendship”.
• It was jointly organised by the Indian Embassy, Consulate General of India in Vietnam under
the aegis of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, IFFW (Indian Film Festival Worldwide)
and Innovations India.
• As part of the 2nd Namaste Vietnam Festival, various seminars and meetings led to the signing
of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over USD 1 billion between Indian and
Vietnam businesses.
• The MoUs were signed across 3 major sectors: Railways, Tourism, and Cinema
• Indian enterprises like RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), Ashoka Buildcon
Limited, Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd, and JMV LPS Limited signed MOUs with Vietnam’s Hoa
Binh Group and Vietnam – International Entrepreneurs Networking Club (VIENC) during India
Vietnam Railway Cooperation Seminar.
Vietnam plans to build 2000 km of new track for Trans Vietnam High-Speed Rail by 2030, investing
over USD 58 billion.
12. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the naval Exercise MALABAR
2023 held in August 2023?
A) The 27th edition of naval Exercise MALABAR 2023 was held at the East Coast of Australia off
Sydney, between the Indian Navy (IN), United States Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence
Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
B) Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tarkash, INS Surat & P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft are
Representatives from India to the Exercise MALABAR 2023.
C) Indian Navy’s INS Vagir, the 5th Kalvari class submarine, sets a new record for the longest
deployment of a scorpene-class submarine, covering 7,000 km to reach Australia for joint
military exercises.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
The 27th edition of naval Exercise MALABAR 2023 was held at East Coast of Australia off Sydney,
between the Indian Navy (IN), United States Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF)
and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from August 11-21, 2023.
• The exercise was hosted by RAN and held in Australia for the first time.

i. Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sahyadri– It is the third vessel of the indigenous Project-17 class frigates,
commanded by Capt Rajan Kapoor.
ii. INS Kolkata– It is the first in the Project-15A class destroyers, under the command of Capt Sharad
Sinsunwal.
• Both ships, built at Mumbai, Maharashtra’s Mazagon Dock Ltd, are armed with advanced
weaponry and sensors for comprehensive threat detection and response.
iii. P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft – It was manufactured by Boeing specially for the Indian Navy.
iv. Indian Navy’s INS Vagir, the 5th Kalvari class submarine, sets a new record for the longest
deployment of a scorpene-class submarine, covering 7,000 km to reach Australia for joint military
exercises.
13. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 7th Assembly of the
Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in August 2023?
A) The Government of France hosted the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) in August 2023.
B) The Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched the new Global Biodiversity Framework
Fund (GBFF) designed to mobilize and accelerate investment for the conservation and
sustainability of wild species and ecosystems globally.
C) GEF selected 23 civil society organizations as winners of its Inclusive GEF Assembly
Challenge Program, and the winning projects were announced during the 7th GEF Assembly.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
The Government of Canada hosted the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in
Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from 22-26 August 2023. The
assembly gathered environmental leaders from 185 countries.
• Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada, was the chair and co-host of
the 7th Assembly of GEF.
i. On 24th August 2023, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched the new Global Biodiversity
Framework Fund (GBFF) designed to mobilize and accelerate investment for the conservation and
sustainability of wild species and ecosystems globally.
• Representatives from 185 countries ratified and launched the fund during the 7th Assembly of
the GEF held from 22nd to 26th August 2023 in Vancouver, Canada.
ii. GEF selected 23 civil society organizations as winners of its Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge
Program, and the winning projects were announced during the 7th GEF Assembly held at the
Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada.
• Each awardee received a grant of up to USD 100,000 and gained access to networking, training,
and knowledge exchange opportunities through the GEF.

14. In August 2023, _______________ African countries agreed to adopt the Kampala Ministerial
Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC) to address climate
change and human mobility challenges in Africa.
1) 54
2) 48
3) 60
4) 50
5) 46
Answer- 2) 48
Explanation:
48 African countries have agreed to adopt the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration,
Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC) to address climate change and human mobility
challenges in Africa and leverage the opportunities for sustainable development.
• This was announced during the Technical Conference of States on the continental expansion of
the KDMECC held from 23rd to 25th August 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The KDMECC-AFRICA is expected to be signed by Member States during the Africa Climate
Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on 4th September 2023.
• The conference was co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Uganda with support from
the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• The conference also enabled the African States to develop a common position ahead of the
Africa Climate Summit and the Conference of Parties (COP 28).
GOVT SCHEMES
1. In August 2023, ____________ (state) became the first state in India to provide free breakfast to
students in all government schools.
1) Karnataka
2) Maharashtra
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Gujarat
5) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
On 25th August 2023, Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM), MK Stalin inaugurated the expansion of
the state governments’ free breakfast scheme to all state-run primary schools from classes 1 to 5.
i. With this scheme, TN has now become the first state in India to provide free breakfast to students in
all government schools.
ii. The scheme was inaugurated at a government school at Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district, the
birthplace of M Karunanidhi, former CM of TN and DMK patriarch.
Note: TN was the first to introduce the mid-day meal scheme in India in 1922 in the then-Madras
Presidency(Now Tamil Nadu).

2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a National Mission for Financial Inclusion (FI)
completed ___________ years of successful implementation on 28th August 2023.
1) 7
2) 9
3) 5
4) 6
5) 8
Answer- 2) 9
Explanation:
On 28th August 2023, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a National Mission for Financial
Inclusion (FI) completed 9 years of successful implementation.
i. PMJDY, the biggest financial inclusion initiative in the world, was introduced by Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi on 15th August 2014 (Independence Day) and was launched on 28th August 2014.
About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
• PMJDY aims to ensure access to financial services, namely, basic savings & deposit accounts,
remittance, credit, insurance, and pension in an affordable manner to all households in India.
• Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank
branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other
account.
• Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh for new PMJDY accounts opened
after 28th August 2018) is available with a RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
• An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.
VISITS
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Prime Minister(PM)
Narendra Modi’s visit to Pune, Maharashtra in August 2023?
A) PM Narendra Modi was conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2023 by the Tilak
Smarak Mandir Trust.
B) PM Modi flagged off metro trains which marks the inauguration of services on completed
sections of the two corridors of Pune Metro Phase I, which run from Phugewadi station to Civil
Court station, and from Garware College station to Ruby Hall Clinic station.
C) PM Modi handed over more than 1,280 houses constructed by PCMC under Pradhan Mantri
Awas Yojana(PMAY).
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi visited Pune, Maharashtra on 1st August 2023. He flagged off the
Pune metro trains and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects.

i. PM Narendra Modi was conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2023 by the Tilak
Smarak Mandir Trust, which comes with a memento and citation, in appreciation for his exceptional
leadership and his work promoting patriotism among citizens.
• It comes up with a memento, citation and cash reward of Rs 1 lakh.
• He decided to donate the award money of Rs 1 lakh to the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
ii. The award was constituted by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983 to honour the legacy of
Lokmanya Tilak on August 1 every year, to mark the death anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
iii. PM Modi flagged off metro trains which marks the inauguration of services on completed sections
of the two corridors of Pune Metro Phase I.
• These sections run from Phugewadi station to Civil Court station, and from Garware College
station to Ruby Hall Clinic station.
iv. PM Modi handed over more than 1,280 houses constructed by PCMC under Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana(PMAY).
2. Which of the following points is/are "correct" with respect to the visit of Union Minister of
Home Affairs Amit Shah in August 2023?
A) Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah inaugurated various development works worth
Rs.5000 crore in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
B) He laid the foundation stone of Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)’s
Nano DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) (Liquid) Plant in Gandhidham, Gujarat.
C) He also laid the foundation stone of the Regional Hub of National Security Guard (NSG) in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Amit Shah, Union Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation (MHA), during his 2
days visit to Gujarat on 12th and 13th of August 2023, inaugurated various development works worth
Rs.1052 crore in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Gujarat.
• The development works were jointly done by the Government of India (GoI) and the
Government of Gujarat.
i. On 12th August 2023, Union Minister Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone of Indian Farmers
Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)’s Nano DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) (Liquid)Plant in
Gandhidham, Gujarat.
ii. On 13th August 2023, Union Minister Amit Shah on his 2-day visit to Gujarat, laid the foundation
stone of the Regional Hub of National Security Guard (NSG) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
iii. He also unveiled a memorial plaque under the Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi’s
“MeriMatiMeraDesh” campaign, to pay respect to the persons who laid down their lives for the
motherland.

3. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Visit of Droupadi Murmu,
President of India to West Bengal in August 2023?
A) President Droupadi Murmu launched the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vindhyagiri, the sixth ship
of project 17A of Indian Navy (IN) at Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers (GRSE) Limited
facility on the banks of Hooghly river in Kolkata, WB.
B) INS Vindhyagiri is named after the mountain range in Karnataka, it is the sixth of seven
ships being built under Project 17A (Alpha) Frigates.
C) The President launched the ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’ Campaign under the ‘Nasha
Mukt Bharat Abhiyan‘, organized by Brahma Kumaris at Raj Bhavan, Kolkata.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & C
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & B
5) Only A
Explanation:
On 17th August 2023, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, visited West Bengal(WB). This mark’s her
2nd visit to West Bengal as President of India.
• During her 1-day visit to Kolkata, WB, she launched the ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’
Campaign and INS (Indian Naval Ship) ‘Vindhyagiri‘(Y – 3024), a Project 17A Frigate (Shivalik
Class).
i. President Droupadi Murmu launched the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vindhyagiri, the sixth ship of
project 17A of Indian Navy (IN) at Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers (GRSE) Limited facility on the
banks of Hooghly river in Kolkata, WB.
ii. INS Vindhyagiri is named after the mountain range in Karnataka, it is the sixth of seven ships being
built under Project 17A (Alpha) Frigates.
iii. The President launched ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’ Campaign under the ‘Nasha Mukt
Bharat Abhiyan‘, organized by Brahma Kumaris at Raj Bhavan, Kolkata.
4. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Philippine Coast Guard’s
official visit to India in August 2023?
A) A 5 member delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard(PCG) led by Admiral Artemio Manalo
Abu, Commandant of PCG was on an official tour to India
B) The Indian Coastal Guard (ICG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
PCG on enhanced maritime cooperation.
C) Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff(CNS), Indian Navy, and Admiral
Artemio Manalo Abu, Commandant of PCG signed the Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) for
the exchange of White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and PCG.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
A 5 member delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) led by Admiral Artemio Manalo Abu,
Commandant of PCG was on an official tour to India from 20th to 24th August 2023.
• On 21st August 2023, the delegates visited Goa and witnessed the operation capabilities of the
Indian Coastal Guard (ICG) Ships and aircraft under “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
• They toured several ICG facilities including the frontline offshore patrol vessel- Indian Coast
Guard Ship(ICGS) Sujeet.
• The aerospace industry capabilities were also showcased along with a customer demonstration
flight (CDF) on the Indian Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter MK-III (ALH MK 3 helicopter)
by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• ICG and PCG held their first-ever bilateral meeting on a range of maritime issues in Goa & the
Indian Coastal Guard (ICG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PCG on
enhanced maritime cooperation.
• Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff(CNS), Indian Navy, and Admiral
Artemio Manalo Abu, Commandant of PCG signed the Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) for
the exchange of White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and PCG, in New Delhi,
Delhi.
5. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the visit of Prime Minister (PM)
of India Narendra Modi to Greece in August 2023?
A) Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece honoured PM Narendra Modi with The Grand
Cross of the Order of Honour, with this He became the first Indian PM to receive the honours.
B) PM Modi highlighted India and Greece’s plan to double the bilateral trade between India and
Greece by 2030 and announced an agreement in the field of agricultural production.
C) India and Greece have decided to strengthen their bilateral relations into a strategic
partnership for the benefit of the people of India and Greece.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi embarked on a one-day visit to Greece on 25th August
2023 at the invitation of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister (PM) of Greece.PM Modi’s visit to Greece
marks the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Greece in 40 years.
• He paid tributes at the ‘Tomb of Unknown Soldier’, a war memorial dedicated to the Greek
soldiers killed during various wars, in Athens, Greece.
i. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece honoured PM Narendra Modi with The Grand Cross
of the Order of Honour. He became the first Indian PM to receive the honours.
• He is also the 1st foreign head of government to be awarded the honour since 2017.
• The Order of Honour, established in 1975, is the second-highest civilian honour in Greece.
ii. During his visit to Greece, PM Modi highlighted India and Greece’s plan to double the bilateral
trade between India and Greece by 2030 and announced an agreement in the field of agricultural
production.

• The bilateral trade stood at nearly USD 2 billion in 2022-23.
iii. India and Greece have decided to strengthen their bilateral relations into a strategic partnership
for the benefit of the people of India and Greece.
BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Which payment bank has recently (in July ‘23) approved the proposal for the transition of
the Bank into a Small Finance Bank (SFB) licence?
1) Airtel Payment Bank
2) India Post Payment Bank
3) Fino Payments Bank
4) Jio Payment Bank
5) Paytm Payment Bank
Answer- 3) Fino Payments Bank
Explanation:
On 28th July 2023, the board of Fino Payments Bank Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Fino Paytech
Ltd approved the proposal for the transition of the Bank into a Small Finance Bank (SFB) licence.
i. The board has also formed a committee to explore the possibility of group corporate restructuring
and evaluate the implications and other considerations.
ii. The bank received a letter from holding company Fino PayTech Ltd, regarding a group corporate
restructuring proposal, following which the board formed a committee.
2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the ‘Sectoral Deployment of
Bank Credit – June 2023‘ report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in July 2023?
A) As per the report, a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of non-food bank credit to 18.5% in June
2023 as compared with 14% in June 2022.
B) The food bank credit shows a decline of -25.4% in June 2023 as compared to a decline of -
55% in June 2022.
C) The Total Bank Credit (Food Credit + Non-food Credit) grew to 16.2% in June 2023 from
14.5% in June 2022.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On July 31, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a report ‘Sectoral Deployment of Bank
Credit – June 2023‘ showcasing a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of non-food bank credit to 16.3% in
June 2023 as compared with 15% in June 2022.
• This rise is due to the strong demand for credit from sectors such as services, retail and
agriculture, and allied activities.
i. On the other hand, the food bank credit shows a decline of -25.4% in June 2023 as compared to a
decline of -55% in June 2022.

ii. The Total Bank Credit (Food Credit + Non-food Credit) grew to 16.2% in June 2023 from 14.5% in
June 2022.
iii. The credit growth in the agriculture and allied activities sector showed significant improvement,
increasing to 19.7% (y-o-y) in June 2023 from 12.9% in June 2022.
iv. In June 2023, the credit growth to the industry sector registered a positive trend, growing by 8.1%
(y-o-y)), although slightly lower than the 9.5% recorded in June 2022.
3. Name the company that has recently (in July ‘23) introduced two new cutting-edge payment
devices, the Pocket Soundbox and Music Soundbox.
1) Freecharge
2) PhonePe
3) Paytm
4) Razorpay
5) BharatPe
Answer- 3) Paytm
Explanation:
On July 31, 2023, Paytm, owned by One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), introduced two new cutting-
edge payment devices, the Paytm Pocket Soundbox and Paytm Music Soundbox. Both devices are
equipped with 4G capabilities, providing enhanced convenience for on-the-go merchants.
i. About Paytm Pocket Soundbox: It is a first-of-its-kind ‘Made in India’ portable device as small as a
debit card to empower on-the-go merchants with instant audio payment alerts. This easy-to-carry
device has all the features of Paytm Soundbox.
ii. About Paytm Music Sound Box: It is a unique device that allows merchants to play music from their
mobile phones via Bluetooth while managing payment transactions. It serves both as a speaker for
payment notifications and a Bluetooth music player.
4. Which regulatory body of Government of India has recently (in July ‘23) released a circular
stating that Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) should set up a common Online Dispute
Resolution (ODR) portal?
1) Small Industries Development Bank of India
2) Reserve Bank of India
3) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
4) Securities and Exchange Board of India
5) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Answer- 4) Securities and Exchange Board of India
Explanation:
On 31st July 2023, Security market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) released a
circular stating Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) such as stock exchanges, depositories and
clearing corporations should set up a common Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) portal to resolve
disputes involving investors, listed companies, designated intermediaries and regulated entities.
i. Market participants such as all listed companies, specified intermediaries and regulated entities
should enrol in the portal.
ii. Essential features and functionalities will be integrated into the ODR Portal to facilitate the
registration of investors and market participants, the submission of complaints, and the uploading of
relevant documents or papers related to the dispute.

iii. The portal will include a status update facility that retrieves information from the ODR Institution
concerning the progress of the complaint.
5. Name the bank that has recently (in July ‘23) hosted the Fintech Growth Program.
1) RBL Bank
2) Karnataka Bank
3) Kotak Mahindra Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) Karur Vysya Bank
Answer- 2) Karnataka Bank
Explanation:
Karnataka Bank Limited, a leading ‘A’ Class Scheduled Commercial Bank in India, hosted the first
edition of ‘KBL – FinOne’, “A Fintech Growth Program” in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
i. The objective is to forge collaborations to develop innovative business models, providing seamless
banking experience & offering a complete product suite.
ii. Srikrishnan H is the Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the bank.
6. Name the fintech company that has recently (in July ‘23) collaborated with the National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to introduce RuPay credit card-based Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) payments.
1) CRED
2) PhonePe
3) Razorpay
4) Paytm
5) Freecharge
Answer- 1) CRED
Explanation:
CRED, a Bengaluru (Karnataka) based fintech company, in collaboration with the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI), introduced RuPay credit card-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
payments for CRED members.
i. Multiple payment options for UPI will be now available for the CRED members such as linking their
Rupay Credit Card, Peer-to-Peer (P2P), Scan and Pay, and paying on online merchants.
Note: Currently, the CRED app is the 4th most preferred UPI app.
7. In August 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of
the _______________ (co-operative Bank) with Rajadhani Co-op. Urban Bank Ltd.
1) Chaitanya Co-Operative Urban Bank
2) Gayatri Co-Operative Urban Bank
3) Adarsh Cooperative Urban Bank
4) Navanirman Co-operative Urban Bank
5) A.P. Mahesh Co-Operative Urban Bank
Answer- 4) Navanirman Co-operative Urban Bank

Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of The Navanirman Co-
operative Urban Bank Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana with Rajadhani Co-op. Urban Bank Ltd.,
Hyderabad, Telangana. The Scheme of Amalgamation is with effect from August 3rd, 2023.
i. The Navanirman Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd branch (Hyderabad, Telangana) will function as a
branch of the Rajadhani Co-op. Urban Bank Ltd (Hyderabad, Telangana) with effect from August 03,
2023.
ii. The Scheme has been sanctioned in the exercise of the powers conferred under Sub-Section (4) of
Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
8. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with Kiwi to launch ‘Credit
on Unified Payment Interface (UPI)’ on RuPay Credit Cards.
1) YES Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) Axis Bank
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, Axis Bank, India’s third-largest private sector bank in collaboration with
National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), partnered for the first time with Kiwi, the
revolutionary credit on Unified Payment Interface (UPI) platform to launch the Axis KWIK virtual
credit card that offers credit card rewards along with the convenience of UPI’s fast and secure
payment for seamless online and offline transactions.
i. This functionality enables users to conduct merchant payments within the Kiwi app utilising their
credit cards through UPI, resulting in a virtualized payment encounter that eliminates the necessity
for physical cards.
ii. The partnership offers a complete “Credit on UPI” platform on the RuPay network.
9. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the step taken by the Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in August 2023?
A) SIDBI, partnered with the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship
(CIIE.CO), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Gujarat (IIM-A)’s startup
incubator and investor, to set up a SIDBI Accelerator Fund, at IIMA’s CIIE.CO.
B) SIDBI and IIMA’s CIIE.CO jointly established the fund with a total corpus of Rs.40 crore in
which SIDBI is contributing Rs.20 crore to the fund and CIIE.CO is contributing the remaining.
C) SIDBI has participated as an anchor investor in the Promising Lenders Fund (PLF) managed
by Vivriti Asset Management Private Limited (VAM) with an aggregate target corpus of Rs. 700
crore in two tranches.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), partnered with the Centre for Innovation,
Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE.CO), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad,
Gujarat (IIM-A)’s startup incubator and investor, to set up a SIDBI Accelerator Fund, at IIMA’s
CIIE.CO.
• The objective of establishing the Accelerator Fund is to provide support and extend seed
investment to early-stage enterprises, especially for deep technologies start-ups in India.
• This collaboration is a part of SIDBI’s “India of Tomorrow” initiative, which intends to
strengthen India’s developmental and funding ecosystem for early-stage start-ups.
i. SIDBI and IIMA’s CIIE.CO jointly established the fund with a total corpus of Rs.40 crore.
ii. SIDBI is contributing Rs.20 crore to the fund and CIIE.CO is contributing the remaining Rs.20 crore.
iii. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has participated as an anchor investor in the
Promising Lenders Fund (PLF) managed by Vivriti Asset Management Private Limited (VAM), a part
of Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based Vivriti Group, with an aggregate target corpus of Rs. 700 crore in two
tranches.
10. Which Life Insurance company has recently (in August ‘23) launched a ‘Guarantee of Life
Dreams (G.O.L.D)’ Plan to provide policyholders with a regular long-term income option?
1) Tata AIA Life Insurance
2) SBI Life Insurance
3) IndiaFirst Life Insurance
4) HDFC Life Insurance
5) Max Life Insurance
Answer- 3) IndiaFirst Life Insurance
Explanation:
On 31st July 2023, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), launched a new plan
“IndiaFirst Life Guarantee of Life Dreams (G.O.L.D.)” a non-linked, non-participating, individual life
insurance plan is designed to provide policyholders with a regular long-term income option.
i. The highlight of this product is that one can plan to receive future income from the end of the first
month itself.
ii. The plan offers Premium Paying Terms (PPT), with options of 6 years, 8 years, and 10 years for a
policy tenure of 30 years or 40 years.
11. Name the Bank that has recently (in July ‘23) partnered with Tiger Fintech Private Limited
to launch a co-branded credit card Powered by Visa.
1) IndusInd Bank
2) YES Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) HDFC Bank
Answer- 1) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
On 3rd August 2023, IndusInd Bank Ltd. and Tiger Fintech Private Limited, a Bajaj Capital Group
company, announced the launch of the ‘IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card’, a co-branded credit card

powered by Visa Inc (Visa), the global digital payments technology company, to give the best-in-class
credit card access to the customers, to meet their lifestyle requirements.
i. The card offers a ‘Magnificent Rewards Program’, where customers earn up to 6X accelerated
rewards.
ii. Cardholders will also be able to convert their rewards points to air miles (by redeeming the reward
points for flight tickets) and enjoy discounted foreign currency markup of 1.5%, which can lead to
considerable savings on their international expenses.
12. Which regulatory body of India has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with Association
of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI) to establish performance audit standards for portfolio
management services (PMS) providers?
4) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Explanation:
On August 2, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Association of Portfolio
Managers in India (APMI) collaboratively established performance audit standards for portfolio
management services (PMS) providers, effective from October 1, 2023.
i. This information by SEBI is provided in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the
SEBI Act, 1992, read with the provisions of Regulation 43 of SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations,
2020, to protect the interest of investors in securities and to promote the development of the
securities market.
13. In August 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed Offer For Sale
(OFS) for units of private listed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvlTs) through a stock
exchange mechanism in exercise of powers conferred under ________ (Section) of the SEBI Act,
____________.
1) Section 15 (1); 1992
2) Section 12 (2); 1990
3) Section 11(1); 1992
4) Section 12 (2); 1994
5) Section 11(1); 1990
Answer- 3) Section 11(1); 1992
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed Offer For Sale (OFS) for units of private
listed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvlTs) through a stock exchange mechanism. This
information by SEBI is provided in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act,
1992.
i. Offer For Sale (OFS) mechanism is allowed for the sale of units of both Real Estate Investment Trusts
(REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) by their respective sponsors or sponsor group
entities. Additionally, other unit holders of listed REITs can also use the OFS mechanism to sell their
units.

ii. Now, it has been decided to modify the framework to allow OFS for units of private listed InvITs.
iii. OFS is a method that allows existing investors (promoters, shareholders, etc.) of a company or
trust to sell their securities (shares or units) to the public through the stock exchange platform.
14. Which state has recently (in August ‘23) received Rs 1,974.07 crore funding from the
National Bank for Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) under the Rural
Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2023-24?
1) Bihar
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Rajasthan
4) Gujarat
5) Odisha
Explanation:
National Bank for Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned Rs 1,974.07 crore
to the Government of Rajasthan under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2023-
24. A budget of Rs.930.44 crore has been sanctioned for 3 rural drinking water supply projects in the
districts of Rajasthan namely Ajmer, Jalore, and Kota.
i. Further, Rs.926.48 crore was sanctioned for the construction of 676 rural roads in the desert and
tribal areas of Rajasthan. Earlier, Rs.117.15 was allocated for the establishment of 104 veterinary
hospitals and 431 sub-centres in all the districts of Rajasthan.
ii. The drinking water supply projects are expected to provide clean and potable water to 2.87 lakh
households in 2,500 villages, whereas rural road projects will improve connectivity in 1,229 villages
across 12 districts.
iii. NABARD is also supporting the Rajasthan government to bring 4.28 lakh hectares under micro-
irrigation with support of Rs.740 crore from the Micro Irrigation Fund.
15. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) introduced Card Verification Code (CVC)-free
online transactions for customers?
1) Visa Inc
2) Mastercard
3) American Express
4) Capital One
5) Discover Card
Answer- 2) Mastercard
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, Mastercard introduced Card Verification Code (CVC)-free online transactions
for customers who have tokenized their debit and credit cards on merchant platforms.
i. The move aims to reduce the checkout time and make CVC-free payment to enhance the payment
security.
ii. Mastercard’s token-based transactions leverage 3 key factors that ensure a high degree of safety
and security which includes:
• Enhanced Security Features
• Authenticated User Identity Check
• Domain Control

16. Name the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that has recently (in August ‘23) signed a
USD 15 million funding deal with Swiss impact investor responsAbility Investments AG to
promote green financing in India.
1) Lendingkart Finance
2) Fullerton India
3) Electronica Finance
4) Avendus Capital
5) Indiabulls Group
Answer- 3) Electronica Finance
Explanation:
Swiss impact investor responsAbility Investments AG signed a USD 15 million funding deal with
Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Electronica Finance to promote green financing in India in
line with its sustainability goal.
i. Electronica Finance is headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, and is a part of the SRP Electronica
group. It is supported by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
ii. Electronica Finance will use the funding for financing energy efficient machines and promoting
rooftop solar installation. It has already received USD 7.5 million from responsAbility in July 2023 will
get remaining part in later 2023. The fund was raised at 11.4%.
17. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with ICICI Lombard General
Insurance along with other partners to provide car and two-wheeler insurance plans.
1) Shriram Finance Limited
2) Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Limited
3) Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services Limited
4) Bajaj Finance Limited
5) Muthoot Finance Limited
Answer- 4) Bajaj Finance Limited
Explanation:
Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) has partnered with ICICI Lombard General Insurance along with
other partners to provide car and two-wheeler insurance plans on the platform Bajaj Finance
Insurance Mall.
i. The ICICI Lombard Car and Two-wheeler Insurance policies offer comprehensive damage coverage,
(including own and third-party damage), personal accident cover, No Claim Bonus (NCB) to vehicle
owners and vehicles.
ii. ICICI Lombard also offers a range of add-on covers to help customers enhance their vehicle
insurance such as NCB protector cover, 24×7 roadside assistance cover, Zero depreciation add-on
cover, Engine protection add-on cover.
18. Which Insurance company has recently (in August ‘23) entered into a bancassurance tie-up
with Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) to sell health Insurance Products?
1) Aditya Birla Health Insurance
2) Reliance General Insurance
3) Star Health & Allied Insurance
4) Care Health Insurance
5) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance

Answer- 3) Star Health & Allied Insurance
Explanation:
Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Ltd.,(Star Health) India’s leading private Health Insurance
company has entered into a strategic corporate bancassurance tie-up with Standard Chartered Bank
(SCB), a reputed international bank to enhance the accessibility of health insurance products through
the bank’s extensive distribution network.
i. The SCB, with 100 branches spread across 42 cities, will function as a convenient single point of
access for customers seeking health insurance.
ii. The agreement also provides top-tier services that align with the distinct needs of India’s affluent
clientele.
19. In August 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated Foreign
Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to place at least ______ of their trades in corporate bonds through the
Request For Quote (RFQ) platform of stock exchanges w.e.f. October 1, 2023.
1) 25%
2) 40%
3) 20%
4) 10%
5) 30%
Answer- 4) 10%
Explanation:
On August 7, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated Foreign Portfolio
Investors (FPIs) to place at least 10% of their trades in corporate bonds through the Request For
Quote (RFQ) platform of stock exchanges w.e.f. October 1, 2023.
• This information by SEBI is provided in exercise of its power conferred under
Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act 1992, read with the provisions of
Regulation 20(5) and Regulation 44 of SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations,
2019 to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and
to regulate the securities markets.
20. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently (in August ‘23) decreased
the validity period of approval for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and Venture Capital
Funds (VCFs) to make overseas investments to 4 months from _______(months).
1) 7 months
2) 6 months
3) 10 months
4) 8 months
5) 12 months
Answer- 2) 6 months
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decreased the validity period of approval for
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) to make overseas
investments to four months from six months.
i. If these funds do not utilize their investment limits within this timeframe, SEBI has the authority to
allocate the unutilized limits to other applicant AIFs and VCs.

ii. This information by SEBI is provided in exercise of its power conferred under Section 11(1) of the
SEBI Act 1992.
21. Which Small Finance Bank (SFB) has recently (in August ‘23) became the first bank in India
to offer 24X7 video banking facility for 365 days?
1) AU SFB
2) Jana SFB
3) Ujjivan SFB
4) Suryoday SFB
5) ESAF SFB
Answer- 1) AU SFB
Explanation:
On 08th August 2023, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s Largest Small Finance Bank, became
the first bank in India to offer 24X7 for 365 days video banking facility to all the
customers(including account holders under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) ) for free of
cost.
i. Video Banking provides customers with a branch-like experience, enabling them to engage in face-
to-face interactions with AU Video Banking relationship managers over a video call.
ii. The customer needs to be at least 18 years of age and located within India while making the video
call.
22. Name the Payment Bank that has recently (in August ‘23) launched India’s 1st eco-friendly
debit card.
1) Paytm Payments Bank
2) India Post Payments Bank
4) Airtel Payment Bank
5) Jio Payments Bank
Answer- 4) Airtel Payment Bank
Explanation:
On 8th August 2023, India’s first payment bank, Airtel Payment Bank also became the first Indian
Bank to launch an eco-friendly debit card for its new and existing customers with a savings bank
account.
i. The debit cards will be crafted from recycle- Poly Vinyl Chloride (r-PVC) material, a certified eco-
friendly material, against normal PVC cards.
ii. Airtel Payments Bank debit card comes in two variants(under Classic variant): Personalised Classic
Card – Availed through the Airtel Thanks mobile application.
• Insta Classic Card – Availed at selected neighbourhood banking points (by the close of the
current quarter).
23. Which Public Sector Financial Institutions of GoI has recently (in August ‘23) launched its
subsidiary at the Gujarat International Financial Tec (GIFT) City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat?
1) Industrial Finance Corporation of India
2) National Bank of Financing Infrastructure and Development
3) Export-Import Bank of India

4) India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd
Answer- 3) Export-Import Bank of India
Explanation:
On August 8, 2023, the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank of India) launched its subsidiary-
India Exim Finserve IFSC Private Limited (Exim Finserve) at the Gujarat International Financial Tec
(GIFT) City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
i. It was inaugurated by Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of
Finance.
ii. This subsidiary is set to provide a suite of trade finance solutions to Indian exporters, with a
primary emphasis on export factoring.
iii. Exim Finserve is the first finance company in GIFT City for export factoring.
24. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with the CSC Academy to
provide digital and financial literacy to the weak and underprivileged segments of society.
1) PayU India
2) Freecharge
3) Razorpay
4) Infibeam
5) PhonePe
Answer- 1) PayU India
Explanation:
PayU India and CSC Academy collaborated to provide digital and financial literacy to the weak and
underprivileged segments of society from July 1 2023 to June 30, 2024.
i. Under this Mobile vans will be stationed in and around three districts in Delhi/Gurugram (Haryana),
Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Bengaluru (Karnataka) to provide financial and digital literacy
instructions as well as other civic services for people between the ages of 15 and 60.
ii. Underprivileged segments of society include SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), BPL
(Below Poverty Line), and Women.
25. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with the Government of Odisha, to
support the payment solutions for the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC)
Limited?
1) RBL Bank
2) Bandhan Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 2) Bandhan Bank
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, Kolkata (West Bengal) based-Bandhan Bank Limited, partnered with the
Government of Odisha, to support the payment solutions for the Odisha Tourism Development
Corporation (OTDC) Ltd.

i. The Bank has introduced Point of Sale (PoS) machines, which offer a seamless card payment
experience and are placed in prime locations across popular tourist destinations in Odisha including
Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Chilka, and Gopalpur.
ii. Bandhan Bank will be providing the machines to OTDC and these PoS machines provide easy and
quick payment solutions to tourists, thus bringing convenience, both for the tourists and OTDC
officials.
26. In August 2023, _____________ (organisation/regulatory body) constituted a sectoral

committee to frame the unique regulatory landscape and address challenges faced by _________
member banks operating within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
1) Reserve Bank of India; 26
2) Small Industries Development Bank of India; 24
3) Indian Banks’ Association; 26
4) Reserve Bank of India; 24
5) Indian Banks’ Association; 20
Answer- 3) Indian Banks’ Association; 26
Explanation:
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) constituted a sectoral committee to frame the unique regulatory
landscape and address challenges faced by 26 member banks operating within the Gujarat
International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
i. The committee is intended to function as a bridge connecting the banking sector and regulatory
bodies, ensuring effective communication and resolution of concerns and perspectives.
ii. Due to the differential regulatory guidelines between banks operating within GIFT City and those
outside, there is a need for a dedicated committee to focus on resolving the challenges encountered by
International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Units (IBUs) .
iii. The committee will represent the collective interests of the banks operating within GIFT City.
27. Which bank has recently (in August’ 23) announced a plan to raise its stake in Max Life
Insurance Company to 16.22% from 9.99% by infusing Rs 1,612 crore investment?
1) IndusInd Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) YES Bank
Explanation:
On August 9, 2023, Axis Bank Limited announced to raise its stake in Max Life Insurance Company
Limited to 16.22% from 9.99% by infusing Rs 1,612 crore (USD 194.6 million) through a
preferential allotment of shares.
i. The proposal for the same was approved by the acquisitions, divestment and merger committee of
Bank’s board.
ii. This capital infusion will help Max Life to support its growth ambitions, augment capital position
and improve solvency margins.

28. Name the Life Insurance company that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with the ESAF
Small Finance Bank (ESAF Bank) to offer life insurance.
1) Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance
3) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
Answer- 1) Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance
Explanation:
Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd (Kotak Life) announced its corporate agency tie-up with
ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF Bank) to offer life insurance to ESAF Bank customers.
i. The tie-up plans to benefit 68 lakh customers of ESAF Bank through life insurance products
provided by Kotak Life, including protection, savings, investment and retirement through ESAF Bank’s
700 banking outlets spread across 21 States and 2 Union Territories(UTs).
29. Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the 3rd Bi-Monthly Monetary
Policy statement for FY24 released by RBI in August 2023?
1) The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the Policy Repo Rate at
6.50%.
2) The Reverse Repo Rate are kept at 3.35% & the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate are kept
6.75%
3) The Bank Rate is kept at 6.25%.
4) India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth retained at 6.5% in FY24 (2023-24).
5) Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is projected at 5.4% for FY24 from the 5.1% forecast in June
2023.
Answer- 3) The Bank Rate is kept at 6.25%.
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on August 8-10, 2023, and
released the ‘Monetary Policy Statement, 2023-24 Resolution of the MPC‘ which kept India’s real
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth retained at 6.5% in FY24 (2023-24) with FY24’s Q1 at 8%, Q2
at 6.5%, Q3 at 6%, and Q4 at 5.7%. This is attributed to the growth in rural and urban areas, a rise in
investment activity, and the government’s intention to increase capital expenditure.
• This marks the 3rd MPC meeting in FY24, following the bi-monthly policy reviews held in April
2023 and June 2023.
• Real GDP growth for Q1FY25 (April-June, 2024-25) is projected at 6.6%.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation or retail inflation is projected at 5.4% for FY24 from the
5.1% forecast in June 2023.
i. The MPC kept the policy rates unchanged in August 2023.
Category Rates
Policy Repo Rate 6.50%
Reverse Repo Rate 3.35%
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate 6.75%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate 6.25%

Bank Rate 6.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.50%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 18%
30. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the initiatives by the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) in August 2023?
A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates banks to hold an Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio
(ICRR) of 10% on increase in deposits between May 19 and July 28, 2023 with effect from 12th
August 2023.
B) RBI has increased the transaction limit to Rs 500 from Rs 200 to encourage wider adoption
of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) Lite.
C) Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) is developing a digital Public Tech Platform to
facilitate easy lending by providing necessary digital data to lenders.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates banks to hold an Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (ICRR) of
10% on increase in deposits between May 19 and July 28, 2023 with effect from the fortnight starting
Aug. 12, 2023.
• In order to encourage wider adoption of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) Lite, RBI has
increased the transaction limit to Rs 500 from Rs 200. This will eliminate the need for multiple
transactions for users.
• However, overall limit is retained at Rs 2000 to contain the risks associated with relaxation of
two-factor authentication.
• UPI Lite is an ‘on-device wallet’ feature that will allow users to make real-time small-value
payments without using a UPI PIN. It was launched in September 2022.
• Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) is developing a digital Public Tech Platform to facilitate
easy lending by providing necessary digital data to lenders.
• RBI unveils framework allowing borrowers to switch to fixed interest rate from floating
interest rate, providing relief to home, auto loan borrowers.
31. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the IIITD Innovation
and Incubation Centre (IIITD-IC) to support and scale up the growth of the startup ecosystem
in India.
1) IndusInd Bank
2) YES Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) Axis Bank
Answer- 2) YES Bank

Explanation:
IIITD Innovation and Incubation Centre (IIITD-IC), a section 8 company promoted by the
Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIITD), has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with YES Bank Limited (YES Bank) to support and scale up the growth of
startup ecosystem in India.
• Aim: To enable enterprise banking, personal banking and beyond banking solutions required
by the Startups.
• To bridge the gap between startups and corporates with the right and in-time mentorship.
32. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI), as of August 2023?
A) SEBI has reduced the timeline for listing securities after the closing of an Initial Public
Offering (IPO) to 3 days (T+3) from the present requirement of 6 working days (T+6).
B) Singapore-based Helios Capital Management PTE Ltd has been granted approval from the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch a Mutual Fund (MF) business.
C) Once launched, Helios Mutual Fund will become the 46th entity to enter into the MF industry
with an Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs.46-lakh crore.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the timeline for listing securities after
the closing of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to 3 days (T+3) from the present requirement of 6
working days (T+6).
• This will be an option for IPOs opening on or after September 1, 2023, and will be mandatory
for public issues opening after December 1, 2023.
• According to SEBI, the reduction in timelines for listing and trading of shares will benefit both
issuers and investors. Under the new guidelines, companies will have to finalise allotment
before 6 pm on T+1 day. The transfer of funds will be made to unsuccessful applicants on T+2
days.
• Singapore-based Helios Capital Management PTE Ltd, which offers Portfolio Management
Services (PMS) has been granted approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) to launch a Mutual Fund (MF) business.
• Once launched, Helios Mutual Fund will become the 46th entity to enter into the MF industry
with an Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs.46-lakh crore.
33. Chakr Innovation Pvt Ltd, Haryana- based technology start-up has recently (in Aug ‘23)
secured substantial funding of Rs.18 crores from the ___________________ under its Ubharte Sitare
Programme (USP)
1) Export-Import Bank of India
2) Canara Bank
3) Bank of India

4) Union Bank of India
5) Indian Bank
Answer- 1) Export-Import Bank of India
Explanation:
Chakr Innovation Pvt Ltd, a Gurugram (Haryana)- based technology start-up focused on
environmental sustainability and pollution reduction solutions, secured substantial funding of Rs.18
crores from the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) under its Ubharte Sitare Programme
(USP), for developing the environmental sustainability and technology sector in India.
• The funds were sanctioned under EXIM Bank’s USP, reflecting the institution’s commitment to
promoting domestic growth and addressing international demands.
34. Which of the following banks has recently (in Aug ‘23) signed an MoU with Amul, to finance
Amul’s retailers?
1) IndusInd Bank
2) YES Bank
3) Punjab National Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) HDFC Bank
Answer- 3) Punjab National Bank
Explanation:
Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gujarat
Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMFL) also known as Amul, to finance Amul’s
retailers, wholesale dealers/area milk distributors and exclusive Amul preferred outlets-milk
parlours.
• The financing is made through small ticket financing under Micro Units Development &
Refinance Agency (MUDRA).
35. In August 2023, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority(PFRDA) in

coordination with the __________ (Statutory Body/Ministry) has integrated the National Pension
System (NPS) Statement of Transaction (SoT) with the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS).
5) Employees' Provident Fund Organisation
Explanation:
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in coordination with the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has integrated the National Pension System (NPS) Statement of
Transaction (SoT) with the Consolidated Account Statement (CAS).
i. Now, PFRDA has enabled Central Record Keeping Agencies (CRAs) to integrate with depositories
registered with SEBI to provide NPS Subscribers with the option to include NPS transactions in CAS.
ii. The facility to include NPS SoT in CAS will be available to NPS subscribers on consent basis.

36. In August 2023, Zerodha Broking Limited received final approval from Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch an Asset Management Company (AMC) – Zerodha
Asset Management Private Limited called as “Zerodha Fund House”.
Who has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zerodha Fund House?
1) Seema Patil
2) Nikhil Kamath
3) Shrikant Pandit
4) Vishal Jain
5) Vasanth Kumar Jayapal
Answer- 4) Vishal Jain
Explanation:
Zerodha Broking Limited (Zerodha) has received final approval from Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI) to launch an Asset Management Company (AMC) – Zerodha Asset Management Private
Limited called as “Zerodha Fund House”.
• Zerodha Fund House is the joint venture (JV) of Zerodha with Smallcase Technologies Private
Limited(smallcase), a fintech platform.
i. Vishal Jain has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Zerodha Fund House.
Previously, He headed the Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) division of Nippon Life India Asset
Management Ltd.
ii. SEBI new timeline for the exit option window period given to the mutual fund unitholders in the
event of a change in the control of an AMC.
iii. Under the new guidelines, the change in control of the AMC will require the unitholders of the MF
to be granted the choice of exiting at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV), devoid of any exit load,
within a span of 15 calendar days from the date of communication (earlier it was 30 days).
37. Which organisation/Bank has recently approved a USD 40.5 million loan for an integrated
project focussing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Maternal Mental Health in
Meghalaya, India?
1) World Health Organization
3) United Nations Children's Fund
4) New Development Bank
5) African Development Bank
Answer- 2) Asian Development Bank
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 40.5 million loan for an integrated project
focussing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Maternal Mental Health in Meghalaya. The
Government of Meghalaya is contributing USD 15.27 million to the project.
i. This initiative attempts to focus on daycare centers known as Anganwadi centers (AWC), aiming to
enhance access to nurturing care including crucial elements such as maternal mental health support
and inclusive group-based parenting programs involving fathers.
ii. The project is initiated to strengthen home-based childcare for children aged 0 – 1.5 years and
center-based childcare for those aged 1.5 – 6 years.
iii. The ADB-supported project will upgrade 1,800 AWCs and construct around 600 new AWCs in
remote and challenging areas with climate-resilient designs.

38. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) launched Jeevan Dhara, a unique savings
bank account designed for pensioners.
1) Canara Bank
3) Bank of Baroda
4) Bank of India
5) Indian Bank
Answer- 1) Canara Bank
Explanation:
Canara Bank launched Canara Jeevan Dhara, a unique savings bank account designed for
pensioners and those who are planning for retirement, including all the employees who retired on a
voluntary basis or standard retirement procedures.
Variants:
• Under this scheme, the bank provides two variants based on the amount of pension credit.
• Diamonds account is designed for pension credits of up to Rs 50,000.
• Platinum account caters to pension credits exceeding Rs 50,000.
39. As per the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by National Statistical Office (NSO)
in August 2023, India’s retail inflation rate hiked to __________ in July, 2023 surpassing the upper
limit of the RBI’s 2-6% tolerance range.
1) 7.16%
2) 7.21%
3) 6.32%
4) 7.44%
5) 6.89%
Answer- 4) 7.44%
Explanation:
As per the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by National Statistical Office (NSO) under
the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s retail inflation rate hiked
to 7.44% in July, 2023 surpassing the upper limit of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2-6%
tolerance range. The inflation rate recorded 4.87% in June 2023.
• This is due to a surge in prices of vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices and milk.
i. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its inflation forecast for the current FY2024 to
5.4% from the earlier estimate of 5.1%.
ii. Rajasthan registered the highest inflation rate at 9.66%, followed by Jharkhand at 9.16%, Tamil
Nadu at 8.95%, Odisha at 8.67%, and Uttarakhand at 8.58%.
iii. In July 2023, wholesale prices continued to display deflationary trends for the fourth consecutive
month. This notable increase in food and primary article prices led to a substantial reduction in the
overall price decline, narrowing it to (-)1.36%.
40. Which of the following companies has recently (in August ‘23) received the Rs. 91
Crores contract from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the use of advanced analytics,
artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning(ML) to analyse its huge database and improve
regulatory supervision?
1) Cognizant India Private Limited

2) Mckinsey & Company India Llp
3) Accenture Solutions Private Limited India
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) awarded the contract worth Rs. 91 Crores to McKinsey and Company
India LLP (Limited Liable Partnership) and Accenture Solutions Private Limited India for the use of
advanced analytics, artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning(ML) to analyse its huge database
and improve regulatory supervision over banks and Non Banking Financial Services(NBFCs).
i. AI and ML technologies are used for real-time data reporting, effective data management and
dissemination.
ii. The Department of Supervision in RBI is developing and using linear and a few machine-learnt
models for supervisory examinations.
41. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the initiative taken by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in August 2023?
A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) commenced its digital lending pilot project for Public Tech
Platform for Frictionless Credit which is developed by Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH).
B) RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das introduced a centralized web portal called “उद्गम UDGAM”
(Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation) to simplify the process for the public to
locate their unclaimed deposits in various banks through a single platform.
C) Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied
Services (IFTAS) and participating banks have collaborated to develop this portal.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On August 17, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) commenced its digital lending pilot project for
Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit which is developed by Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
(RBIH), a wholly owned subsidiary of RBI.
i. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das introduced a centralized web portal called “उद्गम UDGAM”
(Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation) to simplify the process for the public to locate
their unclaimed deposits in various banks through a single platform.
ii. Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied
Services (IFTAS) and participating banks have collaborated to develop this portal.

42. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) emerged as the top performer among public sector
lenders in terms of loan and deposit growth in percentage during the first Quarter (Q1) of the
current financial year (FY24)?
1) State Bank of India
2) Bank of Baroda
3) Bank of Maharashtra
4) Bank of India
5) Indian Overseas Bank
Answer- 3) Bank of Maharashtra
Explanation:
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), an Indian Public Sector Bank(PSB), has emerged as the top performer
among public sector lenders in terms of loan and deposit growth in percentage during the first
Quarter (Q1) of the current financial year (FY24).
i. Its deposit and advances recorded around 25% rise, the highest by any PSB, during the April-June
quarter.
ii. According to the recently published quarterly data of PSBs, BoM’s gross domestic advances surged
by 24.98%, reaching a total of Rs. 1,75,676 crore at the end of June 2023.
• BoM was followed by UCO Bank with a growth rate of 20.70% in the 2nd spot.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) with 16.80% and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) with 16.21% growth rates
are at 3rd and 4th spots, respectively.
• India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) stood at the 5th spot with a 15.08% rise in
domestic advances growth.
43. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with Reserve Bank Innovation
Hub (RBIH) to launch Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and unsecured Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) loans powered by Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC).
1) IndusInd Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) YES Bank
5) Axis Bank
Explanation:
Axis Bank Limited has launched two new financial products, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and unsecured
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) loans powered by Public Tech Platform for Frictionless
Credit (PTPFC), an initiate of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), wholly owned subsidiary of the
Reserve Bank of India(RBI)
i. On Pilot basis, the Kisan Credit Cards(KCC) will be introduced in Madhya Pradesh(MP).
ii. Customers can access these cards for amounts up to Rs. 1.6 lakhs.
iii. MSME loans will be made available across India, and this will offer loans up to Rs 10 lakh to
customers.
iv. Both the products will be of fully digital process and require no paperwork.

44. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) launched Visa multi-branded credit card in
partnership with British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club?
1) IndusInd Bank
2) HDFC Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) YES Bank
5) Axis Bank
Answer- 1) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
IndusInd Bank Limited launched first-of-its-kind Visa multi-branded credit card “IndusInd Bank
Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card” in partnership with British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways
Privilege Club.
i. This card aims to offer best-in-class rewards and benefits to customers, across travel, wellness and
lifestyle experiences.
ii. Avios, the rewards currency for British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
which can be used for travel rewards, including hotels and car hire.
45. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) established 10 start-up cells across various
cities in India.
1) Bank of Baroda
2) Bank of India
3) Canara Bank
4) Indian Bank
5) UCO Bank
Answer- 4) Indian Bank
Explanation:
Indian Bank, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) bank headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has
established 10 start-up cells across various cities in the country to mark its 117th foundation day (15
August 1907).
i. These cells aim to cater to specialized banking needs and promote the growth of the startup
ecosystem in India.
ii. The start-up cells have been set up in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Coimbatore &
Chennai in Tamil Nadu, New Delhi in Delhi, Gurgaon in Haryana, Guwahati in Assam, Hyderabad in
Telangana , Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Mumbai in Maharashtra.
46. In August 2023, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) mandatory to all
finfluencers/Finance Influencers working in the banking, financial services, and insurance
(BFSI) sector offering investment advice to be registered with the _______________(Regulatory
Body) .
3) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
5) Employees' Provident Fund Organisation

Explanation:
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) announced that it is mandatory to all finfluencers
or finance influencers working in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector offering
investment advice to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• The new guidelines are to safeguard consumers from the consequences of advice from non-
experts.
i. Finfluencers who have certifications from recognized institutions need to openly share their
certified expert status and their credentials.
ii. They should display their registration number along with name and qualifications.
iii. For other financial advice, suitable credentials like a licence from the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDAI), being a chartered accountant (CA) or holding a company
secretaryship are required.
47. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) launched mobile banking application ‘iris’?
1) Axis Bank
2) YES Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) ICICI Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) YES Bank
Explanation:
YES Bank Limited (Ltd) launched ‘iris by YES BANK’ , a state-of-the-art mobile banking application
which was developed in collaboration with customer feedback.
i. It is the bank’s first Direct to Consumer platform,allowing new and existing customers to access
more than 100 features and services.
ii. The app demonstrates the bank’s commitment to fostering a digitally empowered ecosystem and
showcases its dedication to delivering top-notch digital solutions.
48. Name the company/bank that has recently (in August ‘23) launched new life insurance and
asset management services at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) situated in
Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, Gujarat.
1) Reliance Group
2) Aditya Birla Group
3) HDFC Group
4) Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
5) ICICI Bank
Answer- 3) HDFC Group
Explanation:
HDFC Group launched new life insurance and asset management services at International Financial
Services Centre (IFSC) situated in Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, Gujarat. This
initiative offers services to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the global Indian diaspora.
i. HDFC Life unveils HDFC International Life and Re, and HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Ltd by HDFC
Asset Management Company to cater to the financial needs of the worldwide Indian community.
ii. HDFC Life created HDFC International Life and Re to provide specialized insurance solutions.

49. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) became the First Public Sector Bank (PSB) to
extend the facility of execution of on-line locker agreement through Digital Document
Execution (DDE) Platform of National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL)?
1) Canara Bank
3) Bank of Baroda
4) Indian Bank
Answer- 4) Indian Bank
Explanation:
Indian Bank became the First Public Sector Bank (PSB) to extend facility of execution of on-line
locker agreement through Digital Document Execution (DDE) Platform of National E-Governance
Services Limited (NeSL), India’s first Information Utility under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI).
i. Online locker agreements are available 24/7, improving customer convenience and reducing
agreement execution time.
ii. DDE is a fully automated contract execution platform with paperless e-stamp and electronic
signature (e-Sign) facility. The facility of e-Sign includes Aadhar based (OTP/Biometric) and dongle-
based digital signature.
50. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data released in August 2023, Bank credit
growth to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has decelerated on a year-on-year (y-
o-y) basis in the first three months (April-June) of the Q1FY24.
The Credit to medium industries grew by __________ in June 2023.
1) 11.8%
2) 14.2%
3) 12.5%
4) 15.2%
5) 13.2%
Answer- 5) 13.2%
Explanation:
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, Bank credit growth to Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) has decelerated on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis in the first three months (April-
June) of the FY24 i.e. Q1FY24.
• Banks’ cautious attitude towards risk makes them hesitant to provide loans to small units,
leading to a deceleration in bank credit growth.
i. Credit to medium industries grew by 13.2% in June 2023 (compared to 47.8% in June 2022).
ii. The Expert Committee on MSME, constituted by RBI in December 2018, has estimated the overall
credit gap in the MSME sector to be in the range of Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh crore.
iii. RBI has issued comprehensive guidelines to the Regulated Entities (REs) regarding penal charges
in loan accounts to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the lending practices of
financial institutions. These will come into effect from January 1, 2024.
• RBI issued these instructions under sections 21, 35A and 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR)
Act, 1949, sections 45JA, 45L and 45M of the RBI Act, 1934, and section 30A of the National
Housing Bank (NHB) Act, 1987.

51. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) initiative in August 2023?
A) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reviewed guidelines for Infrastructure Debt Fund-Non-
Banking Financial Companies (IDF-NBFCs) to enhance their role in infrastructure financing
and align regulations across NBFCs in this sector.
B) IDF-NBFCs must maintain a Net Owned Fund (NOF) of at least Rs 500 crore & can issue rupee
or dollar-denominated bonds with a minimum maturity of 3 years.
C) RBI advised banks and finance companies to reset Floating Interest Rate on Equated
Monthly Instalments (EMI) for select personal loans in response to rising interest rates
through the new rules, w.e.f. December 31, 2023.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in consultation with the Government of India (GoI), has reviewed
guidelines for Infrastructure Debt Fund-Non-Banking Financial Companies (IDF-NBFCs) to enhance
their role in infrastructure financing and align regulations across NBFCs in this sector.
• The updated regulations for IDF-NBFCs will be effective from August 18, 2023.
i. IDF-NBFCs must maintain a Net Owned Fund (NOF) of at least Rs 300 crore.
ii. IDF-NBFCs can issue rupee or dollar-denominated bonds with a minimum maturity of five years.
iii. RBI advised banks and finance companies to reset Floating Interest Rate on Equated Monthly
Instalments (EMI) for select personal loans in response to rising interest rates through the new rules,
w.e.f. December 31, 2023. This will apply to both new and existing borrowers.
52. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) launched its Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) Interoperable Digital Rupee mobile application.
2) Canara Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) Bank of India
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) Canara Bank
Explanation:
Canara Bank launched its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Interoperable Digital Rupee mobile
application, called the “Canara Digital Rupee app”, as a part of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project.
i. Canara Bank is now the first among the public and commercial sector banks to provide this feature
in its CBDC mobile app, Canara Digital Rupee app.
ii. The app has been created in accordance with RBI guidelines and is powered by advanced
blockchain technology to ensure great security and efficiency.

53. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) contributed Rs 22.5 crore to set up a Banking Data
and Analytics Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B)?
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 3) State Bank of India
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI) is contributing Rs 22.5 crore through its Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) arm, SBI Foundation, to set up a Banking Data and Analytics Hub at the Indian Institute of
Technology, Bombay (IIT-B), Mumbai, Maharashtra, to tackle the distinct challenges facing by the
Indian banking and financial services industry.
i. The collaboration will boost SBI’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities and promote the exchange
of innovative concepts through cooperation between the banking industry and academia.
ii. The partnership’s positive impact will extend to the entire Banking, Financial Services, and
Insurance sector (BFSI) sector, facilitating the incorporation of emerging technologies such as
ChatGPT.
54. In August 2023, the Central Board for Direct Tax (CBDT) notified the Income Tax
Amendment (Sixteenth Amendment), Rules, 2023, prescribing the 11UACA rule for calculating
income from maturity of life insurance policies issued after April 1, 2023, with the amount of
premiums exceeding Rs ____________ .
1) 4 lakh
2) 6 lakh
3) 5 lakh
4) 2 lakh
5) 3 lakh
Answer- 3) 5 lakh
Explanation:
The Central Board for Direct Tax (CBDT) under Department Of Revenue in Ministry of Finance has
notified the Income Tax Amendment (Sixteenth Amendment), Rules, 2023, prescribing rule
11UACA for calculating income with respect to sum received upon maturity of life insurance
policies wherein the amount of premiums exceed Rs 5 lakh and such policy/policies are issued on or
after April 1, 2023.
i. Amendment:
• If the annual total premium paid does not surpass Rs. 5 lakhs, life insurance policies issued
post 1 April 2023 will qualify for tax exemption on maturity benefits under Section 10(10D) of
the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• However, policies with premiums surpassing the sum of Rs. 5 lakhs will have their maturity
proceeds integrated into the policyholder’s income and will be subject to the relevant income
tax rates.
ii. Presently, Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 offers an exclusion from income tax for
sums obtained from a life insurance policy, encompassing bonus allotments, subject to certain
outlined criteria.

55. In August 2023, ______________ became the first private life insurance company in India to
provide 24X7 inbound contact centre.
1) Exide Life Insurance
4) IndiaFirst Life Insurance
Answer- 5) SBI Life Insurance
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI) Life Insurance became the first private life insurance company in India to
provide 24X7 inbound contact centre via toll-free number 18002679090 to address before and
after purchase queries with the aim to offer real time solutions to queries related to policies and
insurance solutions.
i. The contact centre is available to both existing and new consumers, throughout the year.
ii. This is aligned with the goal of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ set by Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
56. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) received USD 100 million investment from
International Finance Corporation (IFC) to increase access to housing finance among
economically weaker sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) in India?
1) India Home Loans Ltd
2) Gic Housing Finance Ltd
3) IIFL Home Finance Ltd
4) Indiabulls Housing Ltd
5) LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Answer- 3) IIFL Home Finance Ltd
Explanation:
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has invested up to USD
100 million in IIFL Home Finance Ltd (IIFL HFL), to increase access to housing finance among
economically weaker sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG), including women borrowers in
India.
i. The investment also aims to induce India’s affordable housing space, promote green construction,
and support India’s climate goals.
ii. Through this partnership with IFC, IIFL HFL aims to bring sustainable living in self-constructed
houses.
Note: IIFL HFL is a subsidiary of IIFL Finance Limited, formerly known as IIFL Holdings Limited,
doing business as India Infoline Finance Limited(IIFL).
57. Name the Insurance company that has recently (in August ‘23) launched “Smallcap Quality
Index Fund” in the Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) segment.
3) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

Answer- 1) Max Life Insurance
Explanation:
Max Life Insurance Company Limited (Max Life) launched “NIFTY Smallcap Quality Index Fund” in
the Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) segment to provide an opportunity to capitalise on the growth
potential of smallcap companies, aiming for long term index linked returns.
i. This is the first smallcap index fund of the life insurance segment.
ii. Max Life Nifty Small Cap Quality Index Fund is similar to Nifty Smallcap 250 Quality 50 Index which
offers 22% Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 10 years.
58. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) became the Global Partner for
International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
1) Capital One
2) OPPO
3) Mastercard
4) BharatPe
5) BYJU'S
Answer- 3) Mastercard
Explanation:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has signed a global partnership with Mastercard, a global
payment-processing corporation, for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which is scheduled to
be held in India from 5th October 2023 to 19th November 2023.
i. The tie-up aims to connect cardholders and cricket enthusiasts to priceless experiences throughout
the tournament.
ii. Exclusive 24-hour pre-sale window, chance to meet cricket players, getting up close to the Men’s
Cricket World Cup trophy and a chance for the children of cardholders (aged between 12-18 years) to
be a part of the flagbearer programme.
59. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with Marriott International to launch
India’s first co-branded hotel credit card?
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) YES Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 1) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel chains, in collaboration with HDFC Bank
launched India’s first co-branded hotel credit card in the name Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit
Card.
i. The card aims to enhance the travel experiences of cardholders by offering exclusive benefits,
rewards, and seamless access to Marriott International’s loyalty program Marriott Bonvoy .
ii. The co-branded credit card will run on Diners Club, part of the Discover Global Network.

60. In August 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated additional
disclosures from Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) that have concentrated holding in a single
company or a group firm w.e.f. November 1, 2023.
FPIs with over 50% of Indian equity Assets Under Management (AUM) in a single corporate
group get ___________ days to reduce holdings, followed by further ownership disclosures.
1) 15
2) 10
3) 30
4) 20
5) 25
Answer- 2) 10
Explanation:
On August 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated additional
disclosures from Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) that have concentrated holding in a single
company or a group firm w.e.f. November 1, 2023.
i. Such FPIs will be required to identify all entities with any ownership, economic interest and control
rights.
Key Points:
• FPIs with over 50% of Indian equity Assets Under Management (AUM) in a single corporate
group get 10 days to reduce holdings, followed by further ownership disclosures.
• FPIs with equity AUM exceeding Rs 25,000 crore have 90 days to reduce holdings.
• Accounts of all such FPIs will be blocked for further equity purchases until the holding is
brought below Rs 25,000 crore.
• If investment remains high after deadlines, 30 days for disclosures, then FPI registration
invalid.
• Invalid registration leads to securities liquidation and market exit within 180 days from
invalidation.
61. In August 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the Scheme of Voluntary
Amalgamation of Hyderabad, Telangana based Twin Cities Co-operative Urban Bank Limited
with ___________________in Hyderabad, Telangana.
1) Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank
2) Agrasen Co-Operative Urban Bank
3) Gayatri Co-Operative Urban Bank
4) A.P. Mahesh Cooperative Urban Bank
5) Sudha Co Operative Urban Bank
Answer- 1) Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) sanctioned the Scheme of Voluntary Amalgamation of Hyderabad
(Telangana) based Twin Cities Co-operative Urban Bank Limited with Hyderabad (Telangana)
based Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank Limited.
• RBI has the authority to approve the voluntary amalgamation of Urban Cooperative Banks
(UCBs) based on its discretion.
• This authority is granted under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

• These sections were modified through an amendment introduced by the Banking Regulation
(Amendment) Act 2020 (Act No. 39 of 2020).
62. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) launched an innovative all-in-one
digital financial platform.
1) Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited
2) Muthoot Fincorp Limited
3) Tata Capital Financial Services Limited
4) Aditya Birla Finance Limited
5) Bajaj Finance Limited
Answer- 2) Muthoot Fincorp Limited
Explanation:
Muthoot Fincorp Limited(MFL), a leading Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) based in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, launched “Muthoot FinCorp ONE”, an innovative all-in-one digital
financial platform.
i. The platform will provide a range of services including Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
and Gold loans along with investment products like Digital Gold and Non-Convertible
Debentures(NCDs).
ii. The platform introduced its gold loans in May 2023 and aims to add insurance, personal loans, two-
wheeler loans, housing loans, and money transfer services within the next 6 months.
63. In August 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the upper limit for offline
transactions to Rs _________ from Rs 200.
1) Rs 300
2) Rs 600
3) Rs 800
4) Rs 500
5) Rs 400
Answer- 4) Rs 500
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the upper limit for offline transactions to Rs 500 from Rs
200 w.e.f. August 24, 2023, following its announcement during the bi-monthly policy review on
August 10, 2023.
i. However, the overall limit is retained at Rs 2000 to contain the risks associated with relaxation of
two-factor authentication.
ii. The information for the same was provided by RBI under Section 10 (2) read with Section 18 of the
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (Act 51 of 2007)/PSS Act.
iii. PSOs/PSPs are entities authorized by the RBI to operate payment systems enabling transactions
between payers and beneficiaries.

64. In August 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
approved amendments to Reinsurance Regulations.
The amendments include a reduction of the minimum capital requirement for Foreign
Reinsurance Branches (FRBs) from Rs ____________ to Rs 50 Crore, with the provision to
repatriate any excess assigned capital.
1) 120 Crore
2) 100 Crore
3) 80 Crore
4) 70 Crore
5) 150 Crore
Answer- 2) 100 Crore
Explanation:
On August 24, 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), during its
123rd Authority Meeting, approved amendments to Reinsurance Regulations to enhance the business
environment, and to attract more reinsurers to set up operations in India.
• These amendments streamline the existing regulations for all insurance market participants
including Indian insurers, Indian reinsurers, Foreign Reinsurance Branches (FRBs), and
International Financial Services Centre(IFSC) Insurance Offices (IIOs).
• This will also position India as a key global reinsurance center.
i. The amendments include a reduction of the minimum capital requirement for FRBs from Rs 100
Crore to Rs 50 Crore, with the provision to repatriate any excess assigned capital.
65. Name the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered
with HSBC to support Innovation-led Green Hydrogen production.
1) IIT Roorkee
2) IIT Guwahati
3) IIT Kanpur
4) IIT Madras
5) IIT Bombay
Answer- 5) IIT Bombay
Explanation:
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, (Mumbai) Maharashtra has partnered with HSBC
to pursue technological advancements towards making green hydrogen production more efficient,
cost-effective, and scalable.
• This partnership will help boost the Indian government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission
(NGHM) focused on providing policy support towards achieving global leadership in green
hydrogen transition.
• This partnership was unveiled by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance at
Delhi on August 24, 2023.
66. In August 2023, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay received an _____________
donation from an alumnus to establish a Green Energy and Sustainability Research Hub.
1) USD 23.4 million
2) USD 19.3 million
3) USD 15.2 million

4) USD 18.6 million
5) USD 17.3 million
Answer- 4) USD 18.6 million
Explanation:
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, (Mumbai) Maharashtra has received an USD 18.6
million donation from an alumnus to establish a Green Energy and Sustainability Research Hub,
which will redefine the institute’s role in tackling the global climate crisis.
i. The hub will be located within a state-of-the-art academic building on the IIT Bombay campus in
suburban Powai.
ii. It will focus on vital aspects such as assessing climate risks, devising mitigation strategies, climate
adaptation, and environmental monitoring.
iii.It also aims to promote renewable energy adoption, efficient technologies, and research in key
domains like battery tech, solar energy, biofuels, clean air, flood forecasting, and carbon capture.
67. In August 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the Scheme of Voluntary
Amalgamation of Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank Limited with ______________ (Co.operative
Banks).
1) Cosmos Cooperative Bank Limited
2) Bharat Co-operative Bank Limited
3) Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank Limited
4) Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Limited
5) Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank Limited
Answer- 3) Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank Limited
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the Scheme of Voluntary Amalgamation of Akola
(Maharashtra) based Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank Limited with Jalgaon (Maharashtra) based
The Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank Limited. Both of the banks are Urban Co.operative
Banks(UCB).
i. The authority is granted under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking
Regulation Act, 1949.
ii. After Amalgamation:
• The Scheme of Amalgamation will come into force with effect from 28th August, 2023.
• Following the amalgamation, the branches of Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank Ltd., will
function as branches of The Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd.
68. Which Payments Bank has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with Frontier Markets and
the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to launch ‘She Leads Bharat: Udyam’?
1) Airtel Payments Bank
2) Jio Payments Bank
3) India Post Payments Bank
4) Paytm Payments Bank
Answer- 1) Airtel Payments Bank

Explanation:
Frontier Markets, a Social Commerce Platform, in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank and the
Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth launched an initiative ‘She Leads Bharat: Udyam’ . The
announcement was made at the 1st edition of Asia Inclusive Growth Forum.
• The initiative aims to elevate 1,00,000 women-owned small businesses in Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh.
i. Frontier Markets will implement the program and utilize its team of Saral Jeevan Sahelis, who are
women entrepreneurs. Their role involves identifying and enrolling women-owned small businesses
onto the Meri-Saheli platform.
69. Which bank, along with Maptrasco, has recently (in August ‘23) completed the first “live”
transaction of electronic Bills of Lading (eBL) for shipments between Singapore and India?
1) Standard Chartered Bank
2) Citi Commercial Bank
3) HSBC Bank
4) DBS Bank
5) Barclays Bank
Answer- 4) DBS Bank
Explanation:
DBS Bank Ltd (formerly known as Development Bank of Singapore Limited) in collaboration with
Maptrasco, a Singapore-based commodities trader, has completed the first “live” transaction of
electronic Bills of Lading (eBL) for shipments between Singapore and India.
i. The transaction was implemented under the TradeTrust framework, an initiative by the Infocomm
Media Development Authority (IMDA) and supported by Enterprise Singapore.
ii. With this first shipment, businesses in Singapore and India can now access the benefits of the
TradeTrust network via their preferred TradeTrust-enabled platforms.
iii. The TradeTrust network can enable the digital trade finance of live shipments of goods between
the 2 countries.
70. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with Zaggle to launch a co-
branded corporate credit card.
1) HDFC Bank
2) YES Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Answer- 2) YES Bank
Explanation:
Yes Bank Ltd launched a co-branded Corporate Credit Card named ‘YES BANK Zaggle Corporate
Credit Card’ in partnership with Zaggle, a spend management platform, to empower businesses to
redefine their corporate payments, expenditure management, and cash flow optimisation.
i. The card provides a solution by granting businesses direct authority over company expenses. This
includes setting individual spending limits, applying merchant category restrictions, and
implementing diverse controls.

ii. The card will facilitate businesses to bring in greater cost efficiencies by facilitating integration with
Zaggle’s ZatiX, a spend management and analytics platform, allowing corporates to optimise cash
outflows.
iii. Yes Bank’s partnership with Zaggle allows businesses to enhance their operational efficiency by
consolidating banking transactions, managing business expenses, and offering a centralized solution
for tracking all business-related overheads.
71. Which cooperative Bank has recently (in August ‘23) tied up with the Life Insurance
Corporation of India (LIC) to increase the distribution of life insurance products through the
Bancassurance channel?
1) Saraswat Co-operative Bank
2) Shri Anand Co-operative Bank
3) Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank
4) Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank
5) Kalupur Commercial Co-operative Bank
Answer- 1) Saraswat Co-operative Bank
Explanation:
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) tied up with a Mumbai (Maharashtra) headquartered
Saraswat Cooperative Bank Ltd., India’s largest urban cooperative bank, to increase the distribution
of life insurance products through the Bancassurance channel.
i. Citizens and Customers of Saraswat Bank can now purchase LIC insurance products directly through
Saraswat Bank.
ii. LIC, being the premier insurer of India, has insurance products for all segments of society, from
annuity, Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIP), and term insurance to savings plans.
72. Name the Organisation/bank that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an Rs 1.2 billion
worth of agreement with the Fourth Partner Energy (4PEL) Private Limited to build and
operate a solar photovoltaic power plant in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
3) World Bank
4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
5) International Monetary Fund
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement of worth Rs 1.2 billion (about USD 14.7
million) with Fourth Partner Energy (4PEL) Private Limited (Fourth Partner), an Independent
Power Producer(IPP) to build and operate a solar photovoltaic power plant in Tirunelveli, Tamil
Nadu.
• The 25 Megawatt(MW) power plant will produce electricity of about 50.7 GigaWatt-
hours(GWh) annually.
• Open Access enables heavy users with a connected load exceeding 1 MW to purchase
affordable electricity from the open market.
• India’s open access renewable energy policy allows businesses to buy electricity directly from
IPP.

73. Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) launched ‘Infinity Savings Account’, a first-
of-its-kind fully Digital fixed fee-based savings account with no paperwork or branch visits.
1) HDFC Bank
2) ICICI Bank
3) Axis Bank
4) YES Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Explanation:
Axis Bank Limited launched ‘Infinity Savings Account’, a first-of-its-kind fully Digital fixed fee-based
savings account with no paperwork or branch visits. We are able to open completely in digital through
the Video Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
i. This account is designed for customers who are comfortable using digital services and often sign up
for subscription-based services.
ii. Any Resident Indian who is 18 years and above with Initial Funding of Rs 5,000.
74. Name the Bank that has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) to act as an authorized bank for pension disbursement for civil pensioners on
behalf of the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO).
1) IndusInd Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) YES Bank
4) Bandhan Bank
5) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
Bandhan Bank Ltd has been appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act as an authorized
bank for pension disbursement for civil pensioners on behalf of the Central Pension Accounting Office
(CPAO), an entity under the Ministry of Finance.
i. Bandhan Bank will soon be integrating with the office of the CPAO to operationalise the
disbursement process.
75. Which of the following Institute has recently (in August ‘23) received Rs.3.32 crore from
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop, test & implement passenger safety projects in the
public transport systems of Hyderabad?
1) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
2) Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Hyderabad
3) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted Rs.3.32 crore to a team of technology experts from
Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Hyderabad (Telangana), Indian Institute of

Technology (IIT) Bombay (Maharashtra), and IIT Kharagpur (West Bengal) to develop, test, and
implement passenger safety projects in the public transport systems of Hyderabad.
i. The experts’ team led by Prof. Prasanta Sahu, was working on developing technology solutions to
improve last-mile security for metro rail and public transit passengers under the guidance of NVS
Reddy, Managing Director (MD) Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL).
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS

1. Name the organisation/bank that has recently (in July ‘23) signed USD 200 million loan
agreement with Government of India (GoI) to expand urban service in Rajasthan.
1) World Bank
4) International Monetary Fund
5) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation:
On 28th July 2023, The Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a
USD 200 million loan agreement as additional financing for the ongoing Rajasthan Secondary
Towns Development Sector Project as additional financing, to expand water supply and sanitation
systems and enhance urban resilience and heritage living in selected towns.
i. The additional financing will assist the Government of Rajasthan in reducing the basic infrastructure
gaps in its secondary towns by expanding water supply and sanitation services and improving
livability in selected urban local bodies.
ii. This initiative includes the reconstruction of water structures with heritage value, integrating
nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience for expanding basic urban services.
2. As per the data released by Controller General of Accounts(CGA) under Department of

Expenditure, Ministry of Finance in July 2023, the fiscal deficit for first quarter (Q1 – April
2023 to June 2023) stood at Rs __________ , accounting for 25.3% of annual estimates for the
financial year 2023-2024 (FY2024).
1) 5.20 trillion
2) 4.20 trillion
3) 3.21 trillion
4) 2.98 trillion
5) 4.51 trillion
Answer- 5) 4.51 trillion
Explanation:
Based on the data released by Controller General of Accounts(CGA) under Department of Expenditure,
Ministry of Finance on 31st July 2023, the fiscal deficit for first quarter (Q1 – April 2023 to June
2023) stood at Rs 4.51 trillion(USD 54.86 billion) as against the full year estimate of Rs 17.86 trillion,
accounting for 25.3% of annual estimates for the financial year 2023-2024(FY2024).
i. It was lower at Rs 3.5 trillion or 21.2% of the Budget estimate in the corresponding period in FY
2022-2023 (FY23).

ii. The rise in fiscal deficit is attributed to increased capital expenditure and accelerated tax
devolution to state governments, which offset the sharp increase in non-tax revenues.
3. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with Brookfield Asset
Management to manufacture renewable energy and decarbonization equipment in Australia?
1) REC Limited
2) Adani Green Energy Limited
3) Reliance Industries Limited
4) Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
5) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Answer- 3) Reliance Industries Limited
Explanation:
Brookfield Asset Management signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance
Industries Limited (RIL) to explore opportunities to manufacture renewable energy and
decarbonization equipment in Australia.
i. The MoU with RIL is a part of Brookfield’s efforts to bring global manufacturing technology and
expertise to Australia.
ii. The MoU aims to accelerate and de-risk Australia’s energy transition by enabling it to locally
produce clean energy equipment such as photovoltaic (PV) modules, long-duration battery storage,
and components for wind energy which will help Australia transition to a net zero future
4. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with United States (US)-
based International Battery Company (IBC) to set up a recyclable Lithium-ion battery
manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 8,000 crores?
1) Jharkhand
2) Maharashtra
3) Karnataka
4) Odisha
5) Gujarat
Answer- 3) Karnataka
Explanation:
On 1st August 2023, the Karnataka government and the United States (US)-based International
Battery Company (IBC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a recyclable
Lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 8,000 crores (USD 1 Billion) in
Karnataka.
• The MoU was signed and exchanged by Venkatesh Valluri IBC President, IBC India Pvt. Ltd., and
Dr Selvakumar, Principal Secretary for the Department of Commerce and Industries.
i. This will be the 2nd Lithium-ion manufacturing facility in Karnataka. it is expected to be established
on a 100-acre land at the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) at Devanahalli in the
Bengaluru Rural district.

5. As per the S&P Global’s report titled ‘Look Forward: India’s Moment’ released in August
2023, India will grow at an average of ________ per year from financial year 2023-24 (FY24) to
FY31.
1) 5.9%
2) 6.7%
3) 6.2%
4) 5.7%
5) 6.0%
Answer- 2) 6.7%
Explanation:
As per an United States based corporation S&P Global’s report titled ‘Look Forward: India’s Moment’,
India will grow at an average 6.7% per year from financial year 2023-24 (FY24) to FY31. This will
increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India to USD 6.7 trillion from USD 3.4 trillion in FY23.
The Per capita GDP will rise to about USD 4,500.
i. For FY24, India will be the fastest growing economy in the G20 (Group of Twenty) and will grow by
6% amid global slowdown and policy rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
ii. India shows a GDP growth of 7.2% in FY23.
iii. The report projected India’s economic growth from FY24 to FY31.
6. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed a contract with Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL) for the sale of crude oil from the Mumbai region in Maharashtra.
4) National Mineral Development Corporation
5) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
Answer- 5) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
Explanation:
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertaking
(PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), has entered into a term contract
with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna PSU under MoPNG, for the sale of
crude oil from the Mumbai region in Maharashtra.
i. This agreement represents the first-ever term contract under the Marketing Freedom system of
government.
ii. The contract comes after the Government of India’s (GoI) decision to grant marketing and pricing
freedom for domestic crude oil replacing the previous allocation mechanism.
7. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of
Science, (IISc) Bengaluru to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the
shipbuilding and defense sectors?
1) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

Answer- 4) Goa Shipyard Limited
Explanation:
On 4th August 2023, the Indian Institute of Science,(IISc) Bengaluru & Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for
the shipbuilding and defense sectors.
i. IISc Bengaluru’s Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) will assist GSL to
streamline shipbuilding processes, shorten construction timelines and boost overall productivity.
ii. The partnership aims to enhance productivity, safety, and defense readiness while also
strengthening indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
8. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed a MoU with REC Ltd. and Power
Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) to receive Rs 9,120 crore for funding wind, transmission, and
advanced metering projects in India.
1) Orient Green Power Ltd
2) Websol Energy Systems Ltd
3) Suzlon Energy Ltd
4) Hindustan Power Private Ltd
5) Apraava Energy Private Ltd
Answer- 5) Apraava Energy Private Ltd
Explanation:
Apraava Energy Private Ltd, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based integrated energy solution provider,
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with REC Ltd (Formerly Rural Electrification
Corporation Limited) and Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), to get finance of Rs 9,120 crore for
funding its wind, transmission, and advanced metering projects in India.
i. This collaboration strengthens the strategic roadmap of Apraava Energy for sustainable and
integrated growth in the future.
ii. The signing of MoUs occurred during the Green Finance Summit hosted by REC. This event was held
on 21st July 2023, in Goa, coinciding with the Green Business Summit Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM)
and Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) Ministerial and aligning with India’s G20 Presidency.
9. In August 2023, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and its green hydrogen joint venture (JV)
partners- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and ____________(company) will invest upto USD
_____________ in their green hydrogen businesses over next three to five years.
1) Azure Power; 8 billion
2) ReNew Power; 4 billion
3) Azure Power; 5 billion
4) ReNew Power; 6 billion
5) Vikram Solar; 7 billion
Answer- 2) ReNew Power; 4 billion
Explanation:
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and its green hydrogen joint venture (JV) partners viz. Indian Oil
Corporation Limited (IOCL) and ReNew Power, will invest upto USD 4 billion (Rs 32,000 crore) in
their green hydrogen businesses over next three to five years.
• This is a part of the L&T’s plans to invest around USD 12 billion over the next five years.

• L&T has approached some coastal states in India to acquire 500-1,000 acres of land for
hydrogen facilities.
• The venture into hydrogen production will commence with the manufacturing of electrolyzers,
scheduled to begin operations in December 2023.
10. In August 2023, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) announced a plan to procure the 26%
stake of____________(company) in L&T Special Steel and Heavy Forging.
1) Power Grid Corporation of India
2) NTPC Limited
3) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited
5) Power Finance Corporation
Answer- 3) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited
Explanation:
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) is looking to procure the 26% stake that Nuclear Power
Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) currently holds in L&T Special Steel and Heavy Forging. In
pursuit of this acquisition, L&T is prepared to invest approximately Rs 150 crore.
i. L&T Special Steels and Heavy Forgings is a Joint Venture of L&T and Nuclear Power Corporation of
India Limited.
ii. L&T has a forge shop that plays a critical role in the production of nuclear and defense-oriented
items. However, the presence of NPCI’s stake has posed challenges, hindering L&T’s efforts to broaden
its horizons.
11. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with the Protean eGov
Technologies to provide credit services on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
network for borrowers & Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
1) PhonePe
2) Paytm
3) PayNearby
4) Policybazaar
5) MobiKwik
Answer- 3) PayNearby
Explanation:
Protean eGov Technologies(Protean) has partnered with PayNearby, a fintech platform owned by
Nearby Technologies Private Limited to provide credit services on the ONDC (Open Network for
Digital Commerce) network for last-mile borrowers and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs).
i. Under this partnership, Protean will be an ONDC technology service provider through PayNearby’s
Distribution as a Service (DaaS) network through over 12 lahks active PayNearby outlets.
ii. Protean will also aggregate Loan Service Providers (LSPs) onto a single platform.
12. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) unveiled its new logo ‘The Vista’ at the
rebranding event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Air India
2) IndiGo

3) Go First
4) SpiceJet
5) Akasa Air
Answer- 1) Air India
Explanation:
On 10th August 2023, Air India, Tata Group-owned airline unveiled its new logo, branding, and plane
livery at the rebranding event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The new logo called ‘The Vista’ was inspired by the peak of the gold window frame that
signifies the limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and Air India’s bold, confident outlook for
the future.
• The Vista replaces the old logo “Wheel of Konark”, a red swan adorned with the distinctive
orange Konark Chakra.
• Air India’s new aircraft livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold
highlights and a chakra-inspired pattern.
• The rebranding of Air India gained momentum following its acquisition by the Tata Group. Tata
Sons, via its fully owned subsidiary, Talace Private Limited (“Talace”), acquired a 100% stake
in Air India on 27th January 2022.
13. In August 2023, Crisil estimated that the Indian economy will experience a growth rate of
__________ during FY24.
1) 8.3%
2) 6%
3) 7.2%
4) 8.0%
5) 6.5%
Answer- 2) 6%
Explanation:
On August 16, 2023, Crisil, a global analytics company, estimated that the Indian economy will
experience a growth rate of 6% during FY24, a decline from the 7.2% growth achieved in FY23.
i. The report stated that the global economic slowdown is expected as a result of rising interest rates
and the exports may continue to be a drag on industrial output.
ii. Retail inflation in India escalated to 7.44% in July of the current year, surpassing the upper
tolerance level set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) i.e. 2-6%.
14. In August 2023, ICRA Limited projected India's economic growth at ___________ in the April
2023 to June 2023 period – 1st Quarter of financial year 2023-24 (Q1FY24).
1) 8.0%
2) 8.5%
3) 6.1%
4) 7.5%
5) 7.9%
Answer- 2) 8.5%
Explanation:
On August 22, 2023, ICRA Limited (formerly Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of
India Limited) projected that India’s economic growth will accelerate to 8.5% in the April 2023 to

June 2023 period – 1st Quarter of financial year 2023-24 (Q1FY24) from the 6.1% growth rate
witnessed in the January 2023 -March 2023 quarter (Q4FY23).
i. ICAR has projected that the real Gross domestic product (GDP) growth of India will be maintained at
6% for FY24 which is lower than the RBI estimates of 6.5%.
ii. India’s Q1FY24 GDP increase is supported by a strong Q1FY23 base, improved profit margins, and
service sector revival.
15. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) entered into an MoU with NHPC Limited to
construct a railway siding for 2,880 megawatts (MW) of Dibang Multi-Purpose Project
development at Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh?
1) Amtek Railcar Industries
2) RailTel Corporation of India Limited
3) RITES Limited
4) Engineers India Limited
5) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
Answer- 3) RITES Limited
Explanation:
NHPC Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RITES Ltd, previously
known as Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited to construct a railway siding at Pasighat,
Arunachal Pradesh, in support of NHPC’s 2,880 megawatts (MW), Dibang Multi-Purpose Project
development.
i. NHPC Limited (erstwhile National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) is a prestigious Miniratna
(Category–I) Schedule ‘A’ Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) under the Ministry of Power while RITES is a
distinguished Miniratna Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of
Railways.
ii. NHPC’s total installed capacity is 7,097.2 MW of renewable power including Wind & Solar, through
its 25 power stations including 1,520 MW through subsidiaries.
16. According to the State Bank of India (SBI) Ecowrap released in August 2023, India’s per
capita income will rise 7.5 times by ___________ (year).
1) 2057
2) 2040
3) 2036
4) 2028
5) 2047
Answer- 5) 2047
Explanation:
According to SBI Ecowrap, research division of the State Bank of India (SBI), India’s per capita
income will rise 7.5 times by 2047, reaching Rs14.9 lakh (USD 12,400) annually from the present Rs
2 lakh (USD 2,500) in FY23.
• This aligns with the government’s target of transforming India into a developed economy by
2047.
i. The mean income of tax-filing individuals is projected to increase to Rs 49.9 lakh by FY47 from Rs
13 lakh in FY22, driven by economic shifts, tax trends, and initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) and the UDYAM Portal.

ii. State Contributions: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and West Bengal contribute
significantly to total tax returns, accounting for nearly half by FY22.
17. In August 2023, Quinag Acquisition (FPI) Ltd offloaded its entire stake in Manappuram
Finance Limited for Rs ___________ through an open market transaction.
1) 5,230 crore
2) 3,490 crore
3) 1,177 crore
4) 2,400 crore
5) 4,100 crore
Answer- 3) 1,177 crore
Explanation:
Quinag Acquisition (FPI) Ltd, a foreign fund house, has offloaded its entire stake, 8,37,85,880 shares
amounting to a 9.90% stake, in Manappuram Finance Limited, a Kerala based Non-Banking
Financial Company (NBFC), for Rs 1,177 crore through an open market transaction.
i. The shares were offloaded at an average price of Rs 140.50 apiece.
ii. Bofa Securities Europe SA has acquired 62.60 lakh shares and Chartered Finance and LeasiNG has
acquired 50 lakh shares of Manappuram Finance.
18. Name the company that recently (in August ‘23) launched India’s first Open Network for
Digital Commerce (ONDC)-focused venture platform, Antler ONDC, for start-up founders.
1) Sequoia Capital
2) Accel Partners
3) Matrix Partners
4) Antler India
5) Helion Venture Partners
Answer- 4) Antler India
Explanation:
Antler India, a Venture Capital (VC) firm launched India’s first Open Network for Digital
Commerce (ONDC)-focussed venture platform, Antler ONDC, to provide resources, an expert
network, community, and capital to start-up founders building on ONDC.
i. The platform aims to increase talent density and enable opportunities on ONDC and is also set to
democratise e-commerce in India. It will also support pre-team and pre-idea founders to build on
ONDC.
ii. The platform has been created in partnership with Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder and Chairman of
the Infosys Board; Foundation for Interoperability in Digital Economy (FIDE) (Beckn Protocol), and
ONDC.
19. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 46th Annual General
Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) held in August 2023?
A) Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) is all set to launch ‘Jio AirFiber’, a new Fixed Wireless
Access (FWA) internet service for homes and offices, on September 19, 2023.
B) Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani, and Anant Ambani were appointed as the Non-Executive
Directors on the board of RIL.
C) RIL will set up 100 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants to convert agri-waste into gas.

1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On August 27, 2023, the 46th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was held
through video-conferencing where Managing Director (MD) and Chairman Mukesh Ambani of RIL
made key announcements.
• RIL’s consolidated revenues stood at Rs 9,74,864 crore, while Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for FY23 was Rs 1,53,920 crore. The net profit was Rs
73,670 crore.
• Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) is all set to launch ‘Jio AirFiber’, a new Fixed Wireless
Access (FWA) internet service for homes and offices, on September 19, 2023.
• The new and the demerged financial services company of RIL, Jio Financial Services Limited
(JFSL), will foray into insurance segment including life, general and health, using predictive
data analytics to co-create contextual products.
• Isha Ambani (31), Akash Ambani (31), and Anant Ambani (28), the children of Mukesh and
Nita Ambani, were appointed as the Non-Executive Directors on the board of RIL.
• Mukesh Ambani will continue as chairperson-MD for 5 more years i.e. till 2028, and mentor the
next generation leaders.
• RIL will set up 100 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants to convert agri-waste into gas. It has
already set up two demo units for CBG at Jamnagar while it has commissioned the first
commercial scale CBG plant at Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• Reliance has become India’s largest Bio-energy producer.
MoU’s AND AGREEMENTS

1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the MOUs signed by Centre for
Development of Telematics (C-DoT) in July 2023?
A) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and C-DoT signed anMoU to establish the
mechanism of technical and institutional cooperation in telecommunications, at TRAI
headquarters in New Delhi, Delhi.
B) Through the MOU, TRAI Centre of Studies and Research (TRAI CSR) and C-DoT have
collaborated to explore the potential of emerging technologies.
C) The C-DOT has signed a consortium agreement with leading industry partners for
‘Collaborative Development of Disaggregated 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) Solution’ to
bolster India’s telecom R&D capabilities.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
On 25th July 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Centre for Development
of Telematics (C-DoT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the mechanism of
technical and institutional cooperation in telecommunications, at TRAI headquarters in New Delhi,
Delhi.
• The MoU has been signed by Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, DG (TRAI CSR) and Rajeev Kumar,
Registrar, C-DoT.
i. Through the MOU, TRAI Centre of Studies and Research (TRAI CSR) and C-DoT have collaborated to
explore the potential of emerging technologies.
ii. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom Research and
Development (R&D) Centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a consortium
agreement with leading industry partners for ‘Collaborative Development of Disaggregated 5G Radio
Access Network (RAN) Solution’ to bolster India’s telecom R&D capabilities.
iii. The industry partners include Lekha Wireless Solutions Private Ltd, Signaltron Systems Private
Ltd, Sooktha Consulting Private Ltd, and Resonous Technologies Private Ltd.
2. Name the country that has recently (in July ‘23) signed an MoU with India for cooperation in
the agriculture sector.
1) Hungary
2) Spain
3) Peru
4) Brazil
5) Moldova
Answer- 5) Moldova
Explanation:
India and eastern European country Moldova agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding
(MOU) for cooperation in the agriculture sector during a meeting between Shobha Karandlaje,
Minister of State(MoS) for Agriculture, and Vladimir Bolea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Agriculture & Food Industries of Moldova at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
i. During the meeting, the Ministers emphasized the potential for increasing bilateral trade in
agricultural commodities and for strengthening of bilateral agricultural cooperation through the
exchange of knowledge and technology.
3. Which Institute/University has recently (in July ‘23) signed an MoU with the Indian Sign
Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL)?
1) National Institute of Open Schooling
2) Indira Gandhi National Open University
3) Andhra Pradesh Open School Society
4) Karnataka State Open University
5) Uttar Pradesh State Open School University
Answer- 1) National Institute of Open Schooling
Explanation:
On 29th July 2023, Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) signed a
Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to promote

Indian Sign Language (ISL) and collaborate on standardization and development of quality learning
resources during the 3rd year of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 celebrations and 2nd Akhil
Bharatiya Shiksha Sangam at India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Pragati Maidan, New Delhi,
Delhi.
i. Under the MoU, ISLRTC and NIOS have planned to work on designing and developing a process of
review of learning content in ISL, and developing a smooth strategy for examination and evaluation of
deaf and hard of hearing.
ii. The expertise and resources of ISLRTC will be deployed for the standardization process of ISL in
selected areas.
4. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the National
Hydroelectric Power Commission (NHPC) to provide aids and assistive devices to 1000
Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities).
1) Mahika Medical Private Limited
2) Koenig Conveyors Private Limited
3) Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India
4) Prasaditi Medical Equipments Limited
5) Ossur India Private Limited
Answer- 3) Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India
Explanation:
On 1st August 2023, the National Hydroelectric Power Commission (NHPC) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)
functioning under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice
& Empowerment (MSJE) to provide aids and assistive devices to 1000 Divyangjans (Persons with
Disabilities) in close proximity to NHPC projects in states in the north and north east.
i. The MoU was signed under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the NHPC at the
NHPC Corporate Office, Faridabad, Haryana.
5. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Delhi) to initiate the technical assessment for the
solarisation in the AIIMS, New Delhi campus?
1) REC Ltd
2) Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd
3) Solar Energy Corporation of India
4) Power Finance Corporation Ltd
5) THDC India Ltd
Answer- 2) Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd
Explanation:
On 1st August 2023, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Delhi) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) to initiate the technical assessment for the solarisation of the AIIMS, New Delhi campus.
i. The MoU was signed by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), IREDA, and Dr. M
Srinivas, Director of AIIMS at the AIIMS New Delhi Campus.
ii. The partnership helps AIIMS institute to reduce its electricity expenditure while minimizing its
carbon footprint with the help of IREDA.

6. Which country has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoUs with the Indian embassy to
undertake 4 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs)?
1) Bangladesh
2) Nepal
3) Bhutan
4) Sri Lanka
5) Maldives
Answer- 2) Nepal
Explanation:
On 4th August 2023, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and
General Administration of Nepal signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for undertaking 4
High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal under the grant assistance of the
Government of India.
i. A total of 170 million Nepalese rupees (NPR) are expected to be spent on the four projects, three of
which will be in the education sector and one in the water supply and sanitation sector.
ii. The project will provide better education facilities, water supply and sanitation facilities for the
local community in Nepal.
iii. Construction of the School Building of:
• Shree Galainath Secondary School, Shailashikhar Municipality; Darchula district,
Sudurpashchim Province of Nepal.
• Shree Himalaya Secondary School, Byas Rural Municipality in Darchula District,
Sudurpashchim Province of Nepal.
• Diding Primary School, Chichila Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha District, Koshi Province
of Nepal.
7. Name the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an
MoU with Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) to
establish the India 5G testbed at IRISET in Secunderabad, Telangana.
1) IIT Kanpur
2) IIT Madras
3) IIT Guwahati
4) IIT Bombay
5) IIT Delhi
Answer- 2) IIT Madras
Explanation:
Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET), under the Ministry
of Railways (Indian Railways) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Chennai,
Tamil Nadu (TN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India 5G testbed at
IRISET in Secunderabad (the twin city of Hyderabad), Telangana for testing and development of 5G
use cases for Indian Railways.
i. Aim: To accelerate the indigenization efforts of Indian Railways in the field of communications and
create a testing facility for it.

8. Which Government office/Department has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoUs with 35
institutions across India for collaboration in standardization and conformity assessment?
1) Bureau of Indian Standards
2) Confederation of Indian Industry
3) Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India
4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
5) NITI Aayog
Answer- 1) Bureau of Indian Standards
Explanation:
On August 5, 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) with 35 institutions across India for collaboration in standardization and conformity
assessment.
i. The institutions included prominent NITs (National Institutes of Technology), Government and
Private Engineering colleges from different states across India.
ii.The MoU will enhance the standards formulation activities.
9. Name the Institution/think tank that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the
Power Conversion Technologies (PCTI) & Common Service Centres (CSC) – e-Governance India
Limited to promote Military Heritage Guided Tourism.
1) Banaras Hindu University
2) Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management
3) Lovely Professional University
4) National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management
5) United Services Institution of India
Answer- 5) United Services Institution of India
Explanation:
The United Services Institution of India (USI), the country’s oldest and prestigious National Security
and Defence Services think tank, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Power
Conversion Technologies (PCTI) for the inaugural Military Heritage Guided Tour at Hussainiwala in
Firozpur district, Punjab on August 12, 2023.
i. An additional MoU was signed between PCTI and Common Service Centres (CSC) – e-Governance
India Limited for the local support and accessibility for these heritage sites and it will be facilitated
through CSC – special purpose vehicle (SPV).
10. Name the state government that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the
Government of Nuevo Leon, Mexico for investment in tourism, infrastructure, pharmaceutical
and medical sectors.
1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:
On 5th August 2023, the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the Government of Nuevo Leon,
Mexico, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for investment in several sectors, including
tourism, infrastructure, pharmaceutical and medical sectors.
i. Through this mutual cooperation, Nuevo Leon of Mexico and UP will have to increase trade with
each other.
ii. With this MoU, strong industrial relations are being established between UP and Nuevo Leon.
11. Which state's cottage and rural Industries Department has recently (in August ‘23) signed
an MoU with Amazon India & Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) to boost
e-commerce exports?
1) Haryana
2) Gujarat
3) Maharashtra
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Rajasthan
Answer- 2) Gujarat
Explanation:
Amazon India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Entrepreneurship
Development Institute of India (EDII) and the Cottage and Rural Industries Department, Government
of Gujarat, to help boost e-commerce exports from Gujarat.
i. Amazon will focus on bringing weavers, artisans and other micro, small and medium enterprises
(MSMEs) from Gujarat on Amazon Global Selling, the e-commerce exports program.
ii. Through its Hastkala Setu Yojana program, the Cottage and Rural Industries Department will
identify about 1,000 artisans in handloom and handicrafts
12. Name the Insurance company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed a contract with the
Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya for the implementation
of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) & the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)-Phase 6.
1) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
2) Shriram General Insurance
3) SBI General Insurance
4) Reliance General Insurance Company
5) Max Life Insurance Company
Answer- 4) Reliance General Insurance Company
Explanation:
On 8th August 2023, Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd (RGICL) signed a contract with the
Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya for the implementation of the
Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(AB-PMJAY)-Phase 6 in Meghalaya.
i. RGICL emerged as the successful bidder to implement a revised MHIS 6 scheme in convergence with
PMJAY, providing an insurance cover of Rs 5.3 lakhs for all eligible beneficiaries on a family floater
basis.

ii. Meghalaya has decided to review the health benefit packages and other terms in the insurance
contract of MHIS 6.
13. Name the country that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU for sharing of ‘India
Stack‘, a collection of open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and Digital Public
Goods(DPGs).
1) France
3) United Kingdom
4) Trinidad and Tobago
5) United States of America
Answer- 4) Trinidad and Tobago
Explanation:
On 17th August 2023, India and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on sharing of ‘India Stack‘, a collection of open Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs), and Digital Public Goods(DPGs) that aim to facilitate identity, data, and payment
services on a large scale.
i. Under this MoU, Both India and T&T have agreed to collaborate in the areas of digital
transformation by means of capacity building, training programmes, exchange of best practices,
exchange of public officials and experts, and development of pilot or demo solutions, among others.
ii. The collection of APIs in the India Stack serves as the foundation upon which external entities can
construct software that taps into government identification, payment networks, and data
repositories.
14. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the North Eastern
Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) to empower digitisation of
the handloom and handicraft sector in northeast India.
1) Vena Solutions
2) iCapital Solutions
3) Addepar Limited
4) Tide Platform Limited
5) Anaplan Limited
Answer- 4) Tide Platform Limited
Explanation:
Tide Platform Limited (Tide), a London, United Kingdom(UK)-based Small and Medium-Sized
Enterprise (SME) focused financial platform, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) to empower
digitisation of the handloom and handicraft sector in northeast India.
i. This year-long partnership aims to strengthen financial inclusion for nearly 2.1 million handloom
weavers and 3.5 million handicraft artisans across 800 clusters in Northeast India and provide them
with greater market access.

15. According to the MoU signed between Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
Limited (IREDA) & Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in August 2023, the GoI has
set a target of achieving Rs ___________ revenue from operations during FY 2023-24 and Rs.5,220
crores during FY 2024-25.
1) 3895 crores
2) 4000 crores
3) 3,268 crores
4) 5000 crores
5) 4,350 crores
Answer- 5) 4,350 crores
Explanation:
On 21st August 2023, The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a Mini
Ratna(Category I) Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy (MNRE), signed a performance-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MNRE,
Government of India(GoI) outlining the strategic targets of IREDA for the FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25.
i. GoI has set a target of achieving Rs 4,350 crores revenue from operations during FY 2023-24 and
Rs.5,220 crores during FY 2024-25.
ii. The MoU is in line with the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under
the Ministry of Finance.
16. Name the organisation that has recently (in August ‘23) entered into a MoU with the
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) to enhance and accelerate
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in northeastern regions of India.
2) International Labour Organization
3) World Bank
Answer- 4) United Nations Development Programme
Explanation:
On 22nd August 2023, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN’s Global Development Network, entered
into a MoU to enhance and accelerate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in northeastern regions
of India.
• The Ministry of DoNER has taken steps across critical sectors such as infrastructure,
connectivity, health, education, climate change, and economic growth to transform the lives of
the people in the northeast region.
• In this collaboration, UNDP has been the key partner for the Ministry in promoting data-driven
decision-making, especially through the NorthEast Region (NER) District SDG Index.
• NER District SDG Index helped in forming the flagship Prime Minister’s Development Initiative
for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.

17. Which state’s electronics and communications (ITE&C) department has recently (in August
‘23) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) to implement the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial
Intelligence (AI)?
1) Maharashtra
2) Karnataka
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Telangana
5) Odisha
Explanation:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Information
Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department, Government of Telangana,
signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate and make efforts in order to implement the UNESCO
Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
i. The partnership is focused on raising awareness of ethical AI development and use, creating
capacity, and making contributions to the UNESCO Global Observatory on AI Ethics.
18. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with Inland Waterways
Authority of India (IWAI) to export Petroleum Cargo via National Waterways (NW)-2
(Brahmaputra) and Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
1) Jamnagar Refinery Limited
2) Numaligarh Refinery Limited
3) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
5) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
Answer- 2) Numaligarh Refinery Limited
Explanation:
On August 25, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Inland
Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Guwahati, Assam to
use National Waterways (NW)-2 (Brahmaputra) and Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) for
export of petroleum products to Bangladesh and other southEast Asian countries.
• The petroleum products will be transported through the IWAI’s upgraded jetty in Jogighopa in
lower Assam.
19. Which country has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the Government of India for
an Open Sky Policy?
2) New Zealand
3) France
4) Australia
Answer- 2) New Zealand

Explanation:
On August 29, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government
of India and the Government of New Zealand for an Open Sky Policy, allowing more flights between
various cities in the two countries.
i. This will further boost the bilateral relationship between both nations in civil aviation by scheduling
of new routes, code share services, traffic rights and capacity entitlement.
ii. Under this, New Zealand’s designated airline(s) can operate unrestricted services with any type of
aircraft, holding third and fourth freedom traffic rights to/from six Indian cities: New Delhi (Delhi),
Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), and
Kolkata (West Bengal). This is set to amplify bilateral civil aviation relations.
20. Name the organisation that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the National
Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog to speed up the efforts to achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1) United Nations Environment Programme India
2) International Labour Organisation India
3) United Nations Children's Fund India
4) World Health Organization India
5) United Nations Development Programme India
Answer- 5) United Nations Development Programme India
Explanation:
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) India have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to speed up the
efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The agreement aims to make a clear plan of cooperation on a range of areas, including SDG
localisation, data-driven monitoring, Aspirational Districts and Blocks programme, and SDG
financing.
• The MoU was signed for a period of five years.
• UNDP will also provide support for NITI Aayog’s work on women’s livelihoods, innovation, and
Mission LiFE.
• UNDP plays the integrator role in coordinating efforts to fast-track progress on the SDGs within
the United Nation system.
21. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with Kenya Shipyard
Limited(KSL) for collaboration of ship design and building.
3) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited
Answer- 1) Goa Shipyard Limited
Explanation:
The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya
Shipyard Limited (KSL) for capacity building and collaboration in ship design and building.

i. The MoU was signed during the bilateral Defence Ministers meeting between Union Defence
Minister Rajnath Singh and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale in New Delhi, Delhi
on August 29, 2023.
ii. About the bilateral meeting:
• During the meet, India and Kenya discussed capacity building and cooperation in defence
industry and equipment. They also discussed the other regional security issues of mutual
interest.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented 15 pairs of parachutes (main and reserve)
manufactured by Gliders India Limited to Aden Bare Duale for Kenyan forces as a mark of
friendship.
• India also offered assistance in the setting up of an advanced CT scan facility in Kenya.
• India and Kenya have agreed to expand their collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR)’s
marine security, counter-insurgency training, and UN peacekeeping domains.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

1. Who has recently (in July ‘23) elected as the Board of Directors and a Constituency Director
of BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB)?
1) A H Mustafa Kamal
2) Anil Kishora
3) Mohamed Maait
4) Anton Siluanov
5) Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi
Answer- 5) Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi
Explanation:
BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) has elected Thuraiya Hamid Alhashmi, Director of
International Financial Relations and Organisations Department at the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Ministry of Finance, as a member of its Board of Directors and a Constituency Director.
i. Alhashmi will become the first Emirati and Arab woman to assume a Director’s position at the NDB
bank, established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) in July 2015 to support
infrastructure projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies
ii. She was appointed following an internal voting process during NDB’s 8th annual meeting held in
Shanghai, China.
2. Who was recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of
Engineering Projects (India) Ltd (EPI)?
1) Vinod Kumar Yadav
2) Shivendra Nath
3) Dhirendra Singh Rana
4) Ashok Shankarrao
5) Rajesh Kumar
Answer- 2) Shivendra Nath

Explanation:
On 27th July 2023, the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) panel selected Shivendra Nath for
the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Engineering Projects (India) Ltd (EPI), a Public
Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
i. He is currently serving as the Senior General Manager of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a
PSU under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
ii. He will replace Dhirendra Singh Rana, the incumbent CMD of EPI, who took charge in 2019 and is
scheduled to retire on September 30, 2023.
3. Name the personality who has recently (in July ‘23) elected as the Chairperson of the
Microfinance Industry Network (MFIN).
1) Jayanth Kumar
2) Manoj Kumar Nambiar
3) Devesh Sachdev
4) Udaya Kumar Hebbar
5) Vivek Tiwari
Answer- 4) Udaya Kumar Hebbar
Explanation:
On 31st July 2023, Microfinance Industry Network (MFIN) elected Udaya Kumar Hebbar as
Chairperson and Manoj Kumar Nambiar as the Vice Chairperson in its 14th Annual General Meeting
(AGM) in Delhi.
• Udaya Kumar Hebbar assumed the position from Devesh Sachdev, MD & CEO of Fusion Micro
Finance Ltd. on completion of his respective term.
• Hebbar is the Managing Director (MD)of CreditAccess Grameen Ltd.
• Manoj Kumar Nambiar assumed the position from Vivek Tiwari, MD & CEO of Satya
MicroCapital Ltd. on completion of his respective term.
4. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the Director of the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council (NAAC)?
1) Sivakumaran
2) M. Arivazhagan
3) Ganesan Kannabiran
4) Bhaskar Bhat
5) G. Aghila
Answer- 3) Ganesan Kannabiran
Explanation:
On 28th July 2023, Professor Ganesan Kannabiran, a former Dean of Research & Consultancy and
Director in charge of the National Institute of Technology (NIT)- Trichy (Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu),
assumed charge as the new Director of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in
Bengaluru, Karnataka, and his tenure will be for 5 years.
i. He replaced Prof. S. C. Sharma, who served as the Director of NAAC from May 2018 to May 2023.

5. In August 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-year
extension for Cabinet Secretary ___________, who became the longest-serving cabinet secretary in
India.
1) Rajendra Singh Yadav
2) Prabhat Kumar
3) Rajiv Gauba
4) Naresh Chandra
5) Ajit Kumar Seth
Answer- 3) Rajiv Gauba
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension to Cabinet
Secretary Rajiv Gauba, by making him the longest-serving cabinet secretary in India’s history. This
marks his third extension in the position.
i. The extension for a further period of one year goes beyond August 30th, 2023 in relaxation of All
India Services (AIS) (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits or DCRB) Rules, 1958 and Rule 56 (d) of the
Fundamental Rules.
6. In July 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension for
___________ as Union Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs up to August 22, 2024.
1) Rajiv Kumar
2) Anshuli Arya
3) Ajay Kumar Bhalla
4) Jagannatha Rao
5) Saket Kumar
Answer- 3) Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Explanation:
On 4th August 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a further one-year
extension for Ajay Kumar Bhalla as Union Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs beyond
August 22, 2023, up to August 22, 2024. This is his 4th extension in the post.
i. This has been done in relaxation of FR 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-
Retirement Benefits) Rules, 19.
ii. Home Secretary is the administrative head of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and is the principal
adviser to the Home Minister on all matters of policy and administration within the Home Ministry.
7. Name the personality who has recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the Chairman of the Central
Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
1) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal
2) Rajiv Talwar
3) Surjit Bhujbal
4) Vivek Johri
5) Sungita Sharma
Answer- 1) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal

Explanation:
On 5th August 2023, the Government of India (GoI) appointed Sanjay Kumar Agarwal as the
Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), an apex policy-making body for
indirect taxes under the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.
• He succeeds Vivek Johri, who superannuated on 31st July 2023.
i. Prior to this appointment, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal was serving as the CBIC Member (Compliance
Management) from March 1, 2022, to August 4, 2023.
ii. Surjit Bhujbal has been appointed as the Member (Compliance Management) of CBIC board
succeeding Sanjay Kumar Agarwal.
8. Who has been recently (in August’ 23) appointed as the Chairman of Quantum Ecosystems
Technology Council of India (QETCI)?
1) Rameshchandra Ketharaju
2) Arun Pati
3) Reena Dayal
4) Ananth Srinivas
5) Vijay Kumar Saraswat
Answer- 5) Vijay Kumar Saraswat
Explanation:
Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) has announced the appointment of
scientist and defense expert Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat as Chairman of the Governing Board.
• He has been conferred with many prestigious awards including the highest civilian awards like
the Padma Shri (1998) and Padma Bhushan (2013) in the field of Science and Engineering.
• Note: QETCI a not-for-profit-Section 8 company. It is a think tank and an ecosystem entity
dedicated to enabling and accelerating the Quantum Ecosystem in India. It is headquartered in
Hyderabad, Telangana.
9. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Prime Minister (PM) of Cambodia for
a 5 year-term?
1) Bin Chhin
2) Hun Sen
3) Ung Huot
4) Prak Sokhonn
5) Hun Manet
Answer- 5) Hun Manet
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree appointing Hun
Manet as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Cambodia for a 5 year-term. Hun Manet is the son of Hun
Sen, the former PM of Cambodia and one of Asia’s longest-serving PMs. Hun Manet will succeed Hun
Sen, who has ruled for about 38 years.
• Hun Manet has been appointed as the new PM of the Kingdom of Cambodia for the 7th
mandate of the parliament, through a royal decree, effective from the day of signature.

10. In August 2023, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure
of Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of ___________(company), for a period of 1 year, i.e from
September 1, 2023, till August 31, 2024.
2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
5) Coal India Limited
Answer- 1) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the proposal of the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) and extended the tenure of Shrikant Madhav Vaidya,
Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), for a period of 1 year beyond the date of his
superannuation i.e with effect from September 1, 2023, till August 31, 2024, or till the time of
appointment of the regular incumbent to the post on contract basis.
i. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, who took charge as chairman of IOC on July 1, 2020, turned 60 on 7th
August 2023, and as per the rules, he was to superannuate from service on August 31, 2023.
11. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) elected as Vice Chair of Working Group II (WGII) of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) bureau for the 7th Assessment Report
(AR7) cycle?
1) Ajit Kumar Banerjee
2) Raman Sukumar
3) Kamaljit S. Bawa
4) Rohini Balakrishnan
5) Dilip K. Biswa
Answer- 2) Raman Sukumar
Explanation:
Indian Ecologist, Scientist and Asian elephant expert Raman Sukumar has been elected as Vice Chair
of Working Group II (WGII) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) bureau for the
7th Assessment Report (AR7) cycle.
i. The elections for the new IPCC Bureau were held during the 59th Session of the IPCC held at the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, from 25th-28th July
2023.
ii. The panel elected the new IPCC Bureau comprising 34 members, including the new IPCC
Chair James Ferguson ‘Jim’ Skea of the United Kingdom(UK) and 3 Vice-Chairs. The panel also elected
the 12 members of the Task Force Bureau on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI).
iii. Awards: Presidential Award of the Chicago Zoological Society in 1989, the Order of the Golden Ark
in 1997, the Whitley Gold Award in 2003 and the International Cosmos Prize in 2006.
12. In August 2023, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine was appointed as the transitional Prime
Minister (PM) of ___________ (country).
1) Niger
2) Guinea
3) Senegal

4) Ghana
5) Uganda
Answer- 1) Niger
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, the Military Junta of the Republic of Niger appointed Ali Mahaman Lamine
Zeine, an economist and former Minister of finance of Niger Republic, as a transitional Prime Minister
(PM) of Niger, according to a decree by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who is the self-declared Head
of State of the Transitional Government of Niger.
i. The appointment comes nearly 2 weeks after the military coup dismissed President Mohamed
Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021.
ii. Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine is the current Country Manager of the African Development Bank
(AfDB) in Chad (Africa).
iii. He is the former Commander of Niger’s presidential guard, who dismissed President Mohamed
Bazoum and suspended the constitution on July 26, 2023.
13. Who has recently (in August ‘23) taken oath as the 33rd Chief Justice (CJ) of the Orissa High
Court?
1) Debabrata Dash
2) Biswanath Rath
3) Subhasis Talapatra
4) Arindam Sinha
5) Sangam Kumar Sahoo
Answer- 3) Subhasis Talapatra
Explanation:
On 8th August 2023, Justice Subhasis Talapatra, Judge of the Orissa High Court, took oath as the
33rd Chief Justice (CJ) of the Orissa High Court. The oath ceremony was administered by Prof.
Ganeshi Lal, the Governor of Odisha.
i. Justice Subhasis Talapatra succeeded Justice Dr. S Muralidhar following his superannuation on 7th
August 2023.
ii. Justice Subhasis Talapatra is set to retire on October 3, 2023.
14. In August 2023, Supreme Court (SC) of India constituted an all-women committee led
by _____________, former Chief Justice (CJ) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court (HC) to
oversee the relief rehabilitation and rebuilding measures in Manipur.
1) Pankaj Mithal
2) Gita Mittal
3) Kotiswar Singh
4) Vinod Chatterji Koul
5) Tashi Rabstan
Answer- 2) Gita Mittal
Explanation:
The Supreme Court of India(SC) is set to constitute an all-women committee of 3 former High Court
judges led by former Chief Justice(CJ) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court (HC) Gita Mittal to
oversee the relief rehabilitation and rebuilding measures in Manipur.

• The other members of the team include Justices Shalini Shashank Phansalkar Joshi, former
Judge of Bombay HC and Justice Asha Menon, former Judge of Delhi HC.
• The committee was constituted by the SC bench comprising Dhananjaya Yeshwant
Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India(CJI); Justice Jamshed Burjor Pardiwala and Justice Manoj
Misra.
Note- The Supreme Court has also appointed Dattatray Padsalgikar, retired IPS officer of Maharashtra
Cadre & former Director General of Police(DGP) of Maharashtra, to monitor the overall investigation
of criminal cases (excluding 12 cases referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)) from 42
state police Special Investigation Teams (SITs).
15. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of SBI Life Insurance Company Limited?
1) Amit Jhingran
2) Sangramjit Sarangi
3) Mahesh Kumar Sharma
4) Abhijit Gulanikar
5) Anand Pejawar
Answer- 1) Amit Jhingran
Explanation:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved the
appointment of Amit Jhingran as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBI
Life Insurance Company Limited (SBI Life).
i. Amit Jhingran is set to succeed Mahesh Kumar Sharma, the incumbent MD & CEO of SBI Life.
ii. Amit Jhingran is currently serving as the Chief General Manager(CGM), in State Bank of India (SBI),
Hyderabad Circle, Telangana.
16. Which country has recently (in August ‘23) appointed Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar as the 8th
Caretaker Prime Minister(PM)?
1) Israel
2) Pakistan
3) Türkiye
4) Bangladesh
Answer- 2) Pakistan
Explanation:
On 14th August 2023, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar became the 8th Caretaker Prime Minister(PM) of
Pakistan following the dissolvement of Former PM Shehbaz Sharif government.
i. He was administered oath of the office by President Arif Alvi in a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr
(the President House) in Islamabad, Pakistan.
ii. He will lead the Pakistan government until the formation of the next elected government.
17. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of the Life
Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)?
1) Anil Kumar
2) Vinod Kumar Verma

3) R Doraiswamy
4) Siddhartha Mohanty
5) M.Jagannath
Answer- 3) R Doraiswamy
Explanation:
The Government of India(GoI) have appointed R Doraiswamy as Managing Director (MD) of the Life
Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the office on
or after September 1, 2023, and upto the date of his superannuation (August 31, 2026) or until further
orders, whichever is earlier.
i. R Doraiswamy is currently the Executive Director (Information Technology (IT)/Software
Development (SD)), at the LIC central office in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
ii. He will replace Mini Ipe, one of the current MDs of LIC, who is set to retire at the end of August
2023.
18. Name the personality who has recently (in August ‘23) given an additional charge as the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA).
1) Ajay Kumar
2) Faiz Ahmed Kidwai
3) Ashok Dalwai
4) Chanchal Kumar
5) Jayanth Dalwai
Answer- 2) Faiz Ahmed Kidwai
Explanation:
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions has issued an order appointing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) on an additional charge basis.
• This appointment is effective for a period of 9 months starting from June 5, 2023, until the
appointment of a new CEO or until further orders.
• He is currently serving as the Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare(DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(MoA&FW).
• Faiz Ahmed Kidwai succeeds Dr. Ashok Dalwai, who was serving as CEO of NRAA since July
2017.
i. Anuradha Thakur has been given additional charge as the Director of Serious Fraud Investigation
Office (SFIO), a statutory corporate fraud investigating agency in India, for a period of 6 months with
effect from 31st July 2023, till the appointment of regular incumbent or until further orders.
19. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) given an additional charge as the Managing Director
(MD) of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)?
1) Riten Kumar Singh
2) Atul Kumar
3) Mahmood Ahmed
4) Ashish Gupta
5) Ramesh Kumar Pahuja
Answer- 3) Mahmood Ahmed

Explanation:
Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), has been
given additional charge as the Managing Director (MD) of National Highways and Infrastructure
Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the MoRTH.
• Mahmood Ahmed is a 1993 batch Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance
Service (IP&TAFS) officer.
• He will hold the post till the appointment of the regular incumbent or until further orders.
• The post has been vacant since Chanchal Kumar, MD of NHIDCL, was moved to the Ministry of
Civil Aviation(MCA) as Officer On Special Duty(OSD).
20. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) appointed Parminder Chopra as its first
woman full-time Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)?
1) Power Finance Corporation Limited
2) National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited
3) Rural Electrification Corporation Limited
4) Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
5) Power System Operation Corporation Limited
Answer- 1) Power Finance Corporation Limited
Explanation:
With the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), the Power Finance
Corporation Limited (PFC) has appointed Parminder Chopra as its first woman full-time Chairman
and Managing Director (CMD) effective from (w.e.f) 14th August, 2023.
i. The Ministry of Power has approved Chopra’s appointment “till the date of her superannuation
(April 30, 2027) or until further orders.
ii. Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) is India's largest non-banking financial company (NBFC)
and a Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertaking(CPSU) under the Ministry of Power.
21. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of South Indian Bank?
1) Sankara Narayanan
2) P R Seshadri
3) Murali Ramakrishnan
4) Salim Gangadharan
5) Radha Unni
Answer- 2) P R Seshadri
Explanation:
On 17th August 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of P R Seshadri as
the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Indian Bank for a period of 3
years with effect from 1st October 2023.
i. He is currently mentoring businesses both at an operating level as well as at the board level at
various companies.
ii. He will replace Murali Ramakrishnan, whose tenure as MD & CEO of South Indian Bank is set to end
by 30th September 2023. He has been serving in the post since 2020.

22. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) appointed 4 directors, Ketan Shivji Vikamsey,
Mrugank Madhukar Paranjape, Rajesh Kumar Dubey and Dharmendra Singh Shekhawat to the
central board of the bank?
3) Canara Bank
4) Bank of India
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) has appointed four directors namely Ketan Shivji Vikamsey, Mrugank
Madhukar Paranjape, Rajesh Kumar Dubey and Dharmendra Singh Shekhawat to the central board of
the bank.
• They were appointed for a period of 3 years with effect from 26th June 2023 to 25th June
2026.
• Ketan Shivji Vikamsey and Mrugank Madhukar Paranjape have been reappointed as the
director (elected under Section 19(c) of SBI Act 1955) at SBI’s Central board.
• Rajesh Kumar Dubey and Dharmendra Singh Shekhawat have been appointed as the Directors
(elected under section 19 (c) of the SBI Act, 1955) at SBI’s Central Board.
• Rajesh Kumar Dubey and Dharmendra Singh Shekhawat have replaced B Venugopal and
Ganesh Natarajan, whose tenure as Director ended on 25th June 2023.
23. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the brand ambassador of Bharat
Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL)?
1) Sunil Manohar Gavaskar
2) Krishnamachari Srikkanth
3) Rahul Dravid
4) Yuvraj Singh
5) Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri
Answer- 3) Rahul Dravid
Explanation:
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), has named Rahul Dravid, Former Indian
Cricketer and the current Head Coach of Indian Cricket Team, as its new brand ambassador.
i. Rahul Dravid will represent BPCL’s ‘Pure for Sure’ initiative and its range of MAK lubricants, and his
association with BPCL will serve to emphasise BPCL’s promise of quality and dependability to
consumers across India.
24. In August 2023, César Bernardo Arévalo de León won the presidential election of
________________ (country).
1) Venezuela
2) Ecuador
3) Honduras
4) Nicaragua
5) Guatemala

Answer- 5) Guatemala
Explanation:
César Bernardo Arévalo de León, an anti-corruption candidate, won Guatemala’s presidential
election. He secured 58% of votes against his opponent, the former first lady (2008 to 2011) Sandra
Torres, of the National Unity of Hope who secured 37%.
i. Arevalo will succeed the current President Alejandro Giammattei, a leader of the right-wing party
Vamos.
ii. He will be sworn in on 14th January 2024.
25. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Part-time Chairman of the Unique
Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)?
1) Amit Agrawal
2) Neelkanth Mishra
3) Rajesh Kumar
4) Satyanarayana
5) Atul Kumar Chaudhary
Answer- 2) Neelkanth Mishra
Explanation:
Neelkanth Mishra has been appointed as the Part-time Chairman of the Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI). He has been serving as the Chief Economist at Axis Bank Limited and Head
of Global Research at Axis Capital Limited since May 2023.
i. The Chairman post was vacant for almost 4 years. Previously, J. Satyanarayana served as the part-
time Chairman of UIDAI from July 12, 2016, to April 15, 2019.
ii. He will be the second non-bureaucrat after Nandan Nilekani (2009 to 2014) to chair UIADI.
26. Which country has recently (in August ‘23) elected Srettha Thavisin as the 30th Prime
Minister (PM)?
1) Türkiye
2) Maldives
3) Philippines
4) Thailand
5) Indonesia
Answer- 4) Thailand
Explanation:
On 22nd August 2023, Srettha Thavisin (61 years old) of Pheu Thai Party (PTP) was elected as the
30th Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand after winning the joint vote of the bicameral parliament.
i. He has also received the approval from the Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn to assume the office as
PM of Thailand.
ii. He succeeds Prayut Chan-o-cha, the 29th PM of Thailand (2014 to 2023), who announced
retirement from politics in July 2023.
27. Name the Pakistani cricketer who has recently (in August ‘2023) announced his retirement
from all forms of cricket?
1) Shaheen Afridi
2) Fakhar Zaman

3) Abbas Afridi
4) Mohammad Amir
5) Wahab Riaz
Answer- 5) Wahab Riaz
Explanation:
Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz announced his retirement from international cricket across all
formats. He continues to play in franchise cricket.
• He has been serving as the caretaker Sports Minister of the Punjab province in Pakistan since
January 2023.
• Wahab Riaz made his international debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2008.
i. He was part of the Pakistan team in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s World Cup (ODI)
in 2011, 2015 and 2019 & He was also the leading wicket taker for Pakistan in 2015 World Cup with
17 wickets.
ii. At present, he is playing Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka
Premier League (LPL), and County cricket in England.
28. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) named as the ‘National Icon’ for voter awareness and
education for the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
1) Manoj Bajpayee
2) Mary Kom
3) Sachin Tendulkar
4) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
5) Pankaj Tripathi
Answer- 3) Sachin Tendulkar
Explanation:
Former Indian cricketer and Bharat Ratna awardee Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar was named as the
‘National Icon’ for voter awareness and education for the Election Commission of India(ECI).
• Sachin and ECI entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a period of 3 years at
the event held in New Delhi, Delhi, in the presence of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC),
Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners Shri Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri Arun Goel.
i. Sachin Tendulkar is the recipient of Bharat Ratna(2014), Padma Vibhushan(2008), Padma
Shri(1999) for his achievement in sports. He has also received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna(1997) and
Arjuna Award(1994) for cricket.
ii. ‘Playing it my Way’ co-authored by Boria Majumdar and Sachin is the official autobiography of
Sachin.
29. Name the Indian cricketer who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the brand
ambassador of Tata Capital Limited.
1) Mohammed Siraj
2) Shubman Gill
3) Jasprit Bumrah
4) KL Rahul
5) Ravindra Jadeja
Answer- 2) Shubman Gill

Explanation:
Indian cricketer Shubman Gill was named as the brand ambassador of Tata Capital Limited, a
subsidiary financial services company of Tata Sons Private Limited.
i. He will feature in the multi-media campaign of Tata Capital Limited.
• According to the Tata Capital, Shubman style of play, which combines the qualities of
determination, reliability, and trustworthiness, aligns seamlessly with Tata Capital’s brand
promise ‘Count on Us’.
• The other brands endorsed by Shubman Gill are BeatXP, Wings, ITC Engage,Fiama Men,
MuscleBlaze.
30. Who has been recently (in July ‘23)appointed as the chairperson of the National Green
Tribunal(NGT)?
1) Prakash Shrivastava
2) Jyotirmay Bhattacharya
3) T S Sivagnanam
4) Debasish Kar Gupta
5) Ashutosh Kumar
Answer- 1) Prakash Shrivastava
Explanation:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC), headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi,
has appointed Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Former Chief Justice(CJ) of Calcutta High Court(HC) as
chairperson of the National Green Tribunal(NGT).
i. He took charge as chairperson of NGT on 23rd August 2023, succeeding Justice Sheo Kumar Singh-I,
acting chairperson of NGT(July 2023- August 2023).
31. Which of the following tennis players has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the
ambassador of Infosys Limited?
1) Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
2) Rafael Nadal (Spain)
3) Iga Świątek (Poland)
4) Both 1 & 3
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
Infosys Limited, an Indian multinational information technology (IT) company, has signed a 3 years
partnership with Spanish Tennis Icon Rafael Nadal appointing him as the ambassador for its brand
and Infosys’ Digital Innovation.
• Infosys and Rafael Nadal entered into a three-year partnership.
• This marks Nadal‘s first-ever collaboration with a digital services company.
i. Infosys Limited also signed a multi-year partnership with women’s tennis World No. 1 Iga Świątek
of Poland, appointing him as the ambassador to promote digital innovation and inspire women
worldwide.

32. In August 2023, Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected as the President of ___________
(country) for the second term of 5 years.
1) Rwanda
2) Zimbabwe
3) Tanzania
4) Ghana
5) Ethiopia
Answer- 2) Zimbabwe
Explanation:
Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, re-elected to the post for the second term of 5
years(ie., 2023-28) and final term. He belongs to the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic
Front (ZANU–PF) political party.
i. He secured 52.6 percent of the vote against his opponent Nelson Chamisa of political party Citizens’
Coalition for Change (CCC) who secured 44 percent votes.
ii. He is known as ‘The Crocodile’ for his ruthlessness.
33. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the chairman of the Finance Industry
Development Council (FIDC) for a period of 2 years?
1) Theepak Jain
2) Ajay Kumar
3) Atish Mathur
4) Umesh Revankar
5) Jayanth Kumar
Answer- 4) Umesh Revankar
Explanation:
Umesh Revankar was appointed as the chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council
(FIDC) for a period of 2 years with effect from 23rd August 2023. He is currently serving as the
Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of Shriram Finance Limited.
i. FIDC is a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) cum Representative Body of Asset and Loan Financing
of the Non-Banking Financial Corporation (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
ii. Kamlesh Gandhi, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of MAS Financial Services Limited, and K.
V. Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Profectus Capital Pvt Limited, will act as co-chairmen of
FIDC.
34. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the first woman Chargé d’Affaires
(CDA) at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan?
1) Seema Pujani
2) Sneha Dubey
3) Geetika Srivastava
4) Ruchira Kamboj
5) Asma Garg
Answer- 3) Geetika Srivastava
Explanation:
Geetika Srivastava, a 2005 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer was appointed as the first
woman Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan.

i. She is currently serving as the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and looks
after the Indo-Pacific division.
ii. She will succeed Dr M Suresh Kumar, who will be returning to New Delhi.
iii. She has served in the Indian embassy in China from 2007-09, and also served as Director in the
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division of the MEA as well as a Regional Passport Officer in Kolkata, West
Bengal.
Note: Pakistan has appointed Saad Ahmad Warraich as its new CAD in the High Commission of
Pakistan in New Delhi, Delhi.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

1. Name the company that has recently (in July ‘23) became the first member from India to join
the Asia Transition Finance Study Group (ATFSG).
1) NTPC Limited
3) National Hydroelectric Power Corporation
4) Power Finance Corporation Limited
5) THDC India Limited
Answer- 4) Power Finance Corporation Limited
Explanation:
Power Finance Corporation Limited(PFC), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU)
under the Ministry of Power & a leading Non-Banking Financial Corporation(NBFC) in India, became
the first member from India to join the Asia Transition Finance Study Group(ATFSG), an initiative by
Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for promoting sustainable transition
finance for Asian Countries.
i. This was announced during the Bilateral Ministerial Meeting between Raj Kumar Singh, Union
Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy and Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy,
Trade and Industry, Government of Japan on the sidelines of the G20(Group of 20) summit held at
Goa.
2. In July 2023, the Pegasus Universal Aerospace Team, led by __________, won the 2022/2023
National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards under the Innovation Award:
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) category.
1) Kailash Chand
2) Jonathan Jansen
3) Vivek Murthy
4) Shiv Pande
5) Mohamed Reza Mia
Answer- 5) Mohamed Reza Mia
Explanation:
Team of Johannesburg (South Africa) based- Pegasus Universal Aerospace (PUA) Company, led by its
Chairman Mohamed Reza Mia, an Indian-origin South African, won the 2022/2023 National Science
and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards for outstanding contributions to Science,

Engineering, Technology (SET) and innovation in SA for the category “Innovation Award: Small,
Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME)“.
i. The Innovation Award was won by the Pegasus Universal Aerospace team, recognised for the design
and development of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
ii. The design and development of VTOL aircraft is expected to create between 7 000 and 11 000 new
jobs.
3. Who has recently (in August ‘23) emerged as the highest-paid bank Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) in the financial year 2022-2023(FY23)?
1) Amitabh Chaudhary (Axis Bank)
2) Sandeep Bakhshi (ICICI Bank)
3) Prashant Kumar (YES Bank)
4) Sashidhar Jagdishan (HDFC Bank)
5) Dinesh Kumar Khara (State Bank of India)
Answer- 4) Sashidhar Jagdishan (HDFC Bank)
Explanation:
HDFC Bank’s Sashidhar Jagdishan emerged as the highest-paid bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in
the financial year 2022-2023(FY23) with over Rs 10.55 crore in total pay.
i. Kaizad Bharucha, deputy managing director, HDFC Bank, drew Rs 10 crore for FY23 and is likely to
be the second-highest-grossing banker in India
ii. Among bank CEOs, Amitabh Chaudhry, the CEO of Axis Bank, received a payout of Rs 9.75 crore in
FY23 making it the second-highest in terms of overall pay among bank chief executives.
iii. Sandeep Bakhshi ,CEO of ICICI Bank got paid Rs 9.60 crore for the fiscal year.
4. In August 2023, _______________ is India's Only Movie to enter it to the semifinals of the Oscar’s
Student Academy Awards (SAA) 2023.
1) Period. End of Sentence
2) Writing with Fire
3) All That Breathes
4) Chhello Show
5) Champaran Mutton
Answer- 5) Champaran Mutton
Explanation:
Indian film "Champaran Mutton" directed by Ranjan Kumar(Bihar), from the Film and Television
Institute of India(FTII) in Pune, Maharashtra, has made it to the semifinals of the Oscar's Student
Academy Awards (SAA) 2023, 49th edition of SAA, an international student film competition.
• The film is being judged in the Narrative category of the Student Academy Awards 2023.This is
the first Indian film to enter the semifinals of the SAA, which was established in 1972.
5.Who has recently (In August ‘23) been awarded the ‘Women Icon Award' from the House of
Lords of the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament?
1) Laxmi Agarwal
2) Kriti Bharti
3) Medha Patkar
4) Myra Grover

5) Sunitha Krishnan
Answer- 4) Myra Grover
Explanation:
Myra Grover, a distinguished author and Secretary of the New Delhi Social Workers
Association (NDSWA) has been awarded the Prestigious 'Women Icon Award', an
international recognition and award from the House of Lords, the United Kingdom (UK)
Parliament, for her contributions to the society in the domain of Mental Wellness.
• In 2022, she launched the cover of her book, 'The Evolving Mindset - A Psychological Lens into
21st-Century Youth Culture' at the biggest wellness event in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Also Dr. Gaurav Grover, Chairman of NDSWA, a Delhi based Non-Profit Organisation(NGO) has
been honored with the Bharat Gaurav Samman by the House of Lords, UK Parliament.
6. In August 2023, the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation, 2023 was
awarded to _____________ Police Personnel, in recognition of their outstanding service in the
investigation.
1) 110
2) 120
3) 140
4) 100
5) 135
Answer- 3) 140
Explanation:
On 12th August 2023, the “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation, 2023” was
awarded to 140 Police Personnel, in recognition of their outstanding service in the investigation.
i. Among the 140 personnel, 15 are from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), 12 are from the
National Investigation Agency (NIA), and 2 are from Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and so on.
ii. This medal was constituted in 2018, with the objective to promote high professional standards of
investigation of crime and recognize such Excellence in Investigation.
iii. Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation is an annual medal, instituted by the
Ministry of Home Affairs (Government of India) to the members of Central Investigating Agencies and
State/UT Police Investigating Agencies for excellence in investigation.
7. The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) team of ____________

(Government agency) has recently (in August ‘23) won the Gold Award under the Excellence in
Government Process Reengineering for Digital Transformation Category-1 of the Department
of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public
grievances and Pensions.
1) National Investigation Agency
2) Central Bureau of Investigation
3) Narcotics Control Bureau
4) Intelligence Bureau
5) National Crime Records Bureau
Answer- 5) National Crime Records Bureau

Explanation:
The National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) team of the National Crime
Records Bureau (NCRB) won the Gold Award under the Excellence in Government Process
Reengineering for Digital Transformation Category-1 of the Department of Administrative Reforms
and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public grievances and Pensions.
i. The award recognised the dedication of the NAFIS team in creating a fool-proof fingerprint
identification system.
ii. MoHA provided NAFIS devices to all Districts, Police Commissionerates, Central and State
Fingerprint Bureaus, and Central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
8. Name the personality who has been recently (in August ‘23) honoured with the ‘Udyog Ratna
Award’ in the 1st Maharashtra Industry Awards 2023.
1) Gautam Adani
2) Ratan Tata
3) Adar Poonawalla
4) Mukesh Ambani
5) Ajit Pawar
Answer- 2) Ratan Tata
Explanation:
Padma Awardee and former Chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata was honoured with the first-ever
‘Udyog Ratna Award’ for his outstanding contribution to Maharashtra’s industrial development.
The Udyog Ratna Award is one of the category awards presented in the 1st Maharashtra Industry
Awards 2023, instituted by the Maharashtra government.
• The award was presented to Ratan Tata by Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra,
and Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Deputy CMs at Ratan Tata’s home in Colaba in south
Mumbai,Maharashtra.
i. Apart from Udyog Ratna Award, there were other 3 awards presented in the ceremony namely
• Udyog Mitra Award (Young Entrepreneur Award) – Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of
India was honoured with the Udyog Mitra Award
• Udyogini Award (Best Women Entrepreneur) – Gauri Kirloskar of Kirloskar Group was
honoured with this award
• Utkrusht Marathi Udyojak Award (Outstanding Marathi Entrepreneur) -Vilas Shinde, Chairman
and MD (CMD) of Sahyadri Farms was honoured with this award
9. Which city’s information technology (IT) hub has recently (in August ‘23) secured first rank
in the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Swachh Vayu Survekshan-2023 ranking of
Category 1 cities?
1) Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
2) Thane, Maharashtra
3) Agra, Uttar Pradesh
4) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
5) Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Answer- 4) Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Explanation:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released ‘Swachh Vayu Survekshan- 2023’, an
initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to rank cities on the
basis of air quality.
• The Information Technology (IT) hub of Indore, Madhya Pradesh stood first among 47 cities
in Category 1 cities.
• This recognition is a part of the National Mission for Clean Air and takes place annually on the
7th of September, observed as the “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.”
Rank City State
1 Indore Madhya Pradesh
2 Agra Uttar Pradesh
3 Thane Maharashtra
4 Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir
5 Bhopal Madhya Pradesh
10. Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the 69th National Film Awards
(2023) announced in August 2023?
1) Telugu Actor Allu Arjun became the first Telugu actor to win the National Award under Best Actor
category by winning the Best Actor award for the film Pushpa (The Rise Part I) under Rajat Kamal
(Silver Lotus) for feature films.
2) The Best Actress award was shared by Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon for Mimi
under Rajat Kamal(Silver Lotus) for feature films.
3) Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, directed by R Madhavan won the Best Feature Film award under
Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) Award for Feature Film.
4) The Kashmir Files directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on
National Integration.
5) RRR(Rise Roar Revolt), a Telugu film directed by S. S. Rajamouli has won 8 awards.
Answer- 5) RRR(Rise Roar Revolt), a Telugu film directed by S. S. Rajamouli has won 8 awards.
Explanation:
On 24th August 2023, the winners of the 69th National Film Awards (2023) were announced by the
jury panel during the event held at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, Delhi. Anurag Thakur, the
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, was presented with the list of the winners.
• 69th National Film Awards honoured the best films of 2021 in Indian cinema.
• Telugu Actor Allu Arjun won the Best Actor award for the film Pushpa (The Rise Part I) under
Rajat Kamal(Silver Lotus) for feature films. With this, he became the first Telugu actor to win
the National Award under Best Actor category.
• The Best Actress award was shared by Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon for
Mimi under Rajat Kamal(Silver Lotus) for feature films.
• Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, directed by R Madhavan won the Best Feature Film award under
Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus)Award for Feature Film.

• The Kashmir Files directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film
on National Integration.
• RRR(Rise Roar Revolt), a Telugu film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, has won the most number of
awards i.e. 6 at the 69th National Film Awards.
11. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the winners of the India
Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC), announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) in 2023?
A) Indore topped the National Smart City Award, followed by Surat and Agra in second and
third place respectively.
B) Madhya Pradesh topped the state award, followed by Tamil Nadu in second place.
C) Delhi has been awarded the best Union Territory award & Ahmedabad took the top spot for
built environment in the Project Awards category.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has announced the winners of the India Smart
Cities Award Contest (ISAC) organised under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), MoHUA.
• Indore topped the National Smart City Award, followed by Surat and Agra in second and
third place respectively.
• Madhya Pradesh topped the state award, followed by Tamil Nadu in second place, and
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in third place.
• Chandigarh has been awarded the best Union Territory award.
i. In the Project Awards category, Coimbatore took the top spot for built environment, Ahmedabad
for the culture and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) themes, Jabalpur for economy,
Chandigarh for governance and mobility, Indore for sanitation, water and urban environment,
Vadodara for social aspects.
ii. The 4th edition of the ISAC was launched in April 2022 during the ‘Smart Cities-Smart Urbanization’
event in Surat, Gujarat.
SUMMITS, CONFERENCES
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 2nd Edition of the Annual
Global Summit, ‘SemiconIndia Conference 2023′ held in July 2023?
A) Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd Edition of the Annual Global
Summit, ‘SemiconIndia Conference 2023′ in Gandhinagar, Gujarat under the theme of
‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’.
B) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology included 2 more semiconductor
design startups/ o, MSMEs namely Aheesa Digital Innovations and Calligo Technologies under
its SemiconIndia future DESIGN Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme.

C) GlobalWafers Singapore company committed to investing approximately USD 100 million in
India over the next 3 years.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On 28th July 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd Edition of the Annual
Global Summit, ‘SemiconIndia Conference 2023′ in Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• SemiconIndia 2023, the 3-day program held from July 28 to 30, 2023, was organised by India
Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations.
• The theme of SemiconIndia 2023 is ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’.
• On 29th July 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) included 2
more semiconductor design startups/ o, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) namely
Aheesa Digital Innovations and Calligo Technologies under its SemiconIndia future DESIGN
Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme at the SemiconIndia 2023 conference in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
• On 28th July 2023, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), a California (United States of America-
USA)-based computing, graphics, and visualization technologies company, committed to
investing approximately USD 400 million in India over the next 5 years.
• On 27th July 2023, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India,
held the 15th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Yoshimasa Hayashi,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan in New Delhi, Delhi.
2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 2023 Group 20 (G20)
health ministerial meeting held in August 2023?
A) The First World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Global Summit held in
Indore, Madhya Pradesh alongside the G20 health ministerial meeting.
B) The summit was hosted together by WHO and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
and the theme of Summit is “Towards Health and Well-being for All”.
C) The World Bank launched a report titled “Digital-in-Health: Unlocking the Value for
Everyone” which introduced a shift in perspective, moving beyond the mere digitization of
health data and emphasizing the complete integration of digital technology into health
systems.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Explanation:
The First World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Global Summit held between
August 17 and 18 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat alongside the Group 20(G20) health ministerial meeting
which concluded on August 19, 2023.India holds the G20 presidency in 2023.
i. The summit was hosted together by WHO and the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India and the
Theme of Summit: “Towards Health and Well-being for All”.
ii. The 2023 G20 Health Ministers’ meeting took place as part of the G20 India Presidency from 17th
to 19th August,2023 in Gandhinagar,Gujarat.
iii. The World Bank launched a report titled “Digital-in-Health: Unlocking the Value for Everyone”
which introduced a shift in perspective, moving beyond the mere digitization of health data and
emphasizing the complete integration of digital technology into health systems.
• “Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector” with a cost of Rs 700 crore
for five years which would help National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
(NIPERs) to become world class research institutes by establishing Centres of Excellence.
• Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the ‘Global
Initiative on Digital Health’ (GIDH), a World Health Organization-managed network launched
at Mahatma Mandir convention centre,Gujarat.
• The first Joint Finance and Health Ministerial G20 meeting was chaired by Ms.Nirmala
Sitharaman the Union Finance Minister and Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh
Mandaviya.
3. Which of the following is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India,
China, and South Africa) Summit 2023 held in August 2023?
A) The Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi visited Johannesburg, South Africa (SA) to
attend the 3 day annual 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Summit
2023.
B) During the summit, a loan agreement was inked between the New Development Bank(NDB)
and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) for the implementation of phase II of the
Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the largest bi-national infrastructure project
between Lesotho and South Africa
C) The Indian PM gifted a pair of ‘surahi‘ from Gujarat to SA President Jacob Zuma, and a Assam
shawl to his wife and first lady of SA.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
5) Only B & C
Answer- 3) Only C
Explanation:
The Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi visited Johannesburg, South Africa (SA) from August
22-24, 2023 to attend the 3 day annual 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
Summit 2023 at the invitation of Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of SA.
• It should be noted that, the SA President Cyril Ramaphosa is the Chair of 15th BRICS Summit.
• On August 23, 2023, PM Narendra Modi attended the 15th BRICS Summit held under SA’s
chairship, in Sandton in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

• The theme of 15th BRICS summit was ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated
Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism’.
• During the summit, a loan agreement was inked between the New Development Bank(NDB),
formerly the BRICS Development Bank, and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) for
the implementation of phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the largest bi-
national infrastructure project between Lesotho and South Africa
• As per it, NDB will provide a project loan of 3.2 billion South African Rand (USD 173 million) to
TCTA under the sovereign guarantee of SA.
• SA President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of 6 new
members’ viz. Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) as
its full time members.
• The membership will come into force from January 1, 2024.
• The Indian PM gifted a pair of ‘surahi‘ from Telangana to SA President Cyril Ramaphosa, and
a Nagaland shawl to his wife and first lady of SA.
4. In August 2023, PM Narendra Modi addressed the Business 20 (B20) Summit India 2023,
held in New Delhi, Delhi.
What is the theme of B20 India 2023?
1) People, Planet, Prosperity
2) One Earth, One Family, One. Future
3) Shaping an interconnected world
4) R.A.I.S.E: Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable Businesses
5) Recover Together, Recover Stronger
Answer- 4) R.A.I.S.E: Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable, Equitable Businesses
Explanation:
From August 25-27, 2023, the Business 20 (B20) Summit India 2023, an official G20 (Group of
Twenty) dialogue forum with the global business community, was held in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi, addressed the summit on 27th August 2023.
ii. The theme of B20 India 2023 was ‘R.A.I.S.E’, an acronym for ‘Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative,
Sustainable, Equitable‘.
iii. The B20 India 2023 Communique includes 54 recommendations and 172 policy actions for
submission to G20.
COMMITTEE AND MEETING

1. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently (in August ‘23) set up a _______
member committee to provide suggestions for achieving gender equality in the aviation sector
in India.
1) 6
2) 4
3) 7
4) 5
5) 3
Answer- 2) 4

Explanation:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a Civil aviation regulator has set up a 4-member
committee namely, R P Kashyap, Director (Training); Survita Saxena, Director (Operations); Pavan
Malviya, Deputy Director (Administration); and Kavita Singh, Deputy Director (Aircraft Engineering
Directorate), to provide suggestions for achieving gender equality in the aviation sector in India.
i. The committee is expected to formulate norms and submit them to DGCA, which the civil aviation
regulator will further circulate among aviation stakeholders to adopt and bring into practice for
gender equality.
ii. The deadline for the committee to submit its report/recommendation is six months from the date
of its constitution.
2. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the G20 (Group of Twenty)
Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting & G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA)
Summit held in August 2023?
A) The 3rd meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG), organized by the
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was held in Indore, Madhya
Pradesh.
B) The Detailed deliberations on the draft “G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration” were
held regarding the priority areas: Digital Public Infrastructure, Security in the Digital Economy,
& Digital Skilling.
C) MeitY and the MeitY Start-up Hub have organized the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA)
Summit at the Bangalore Palace in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
The 4th and the Final meeting of the G20 (Group of Twenty) Digital Economy Working Group
(DEWG), organized by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as a part of the
India’s G20 Presidency, was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka from August 16-17, 2023.
• It was formally opened by the Chair of G20 DEWG Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, MeitY, and
was addressed by co-chair of G20 DEWG Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY.
i. Detailed deliberations on the draft “G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration” were held
regarding the priority areas: Digital Public Infrastructure, Security in the Digital Economy, and Digital
Skilling.
ii. The declaration for the consideration and acceptance in the Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting
(DEMM) was undertaken.
iii. MeitY and the MeitY Start-up Hub have organized the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA)
Summit at the Bangalore Palace in Bengaluru (Karnataka) from August 17th to 19th, 2023.
• The summit was inaugurated by the MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MeitY.
• The focal theme of the event is ‘Driving Digital Innovation for World Economies’.

3. In which country, the 20th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Economic
Ministers’ meeting was held in August 2023?
1) Manila, Philippines
2) Hanoi, Vietnam
3) Bangkok, Thailand
4) Semarang, Indonesia
5) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Answer- 4) Semarang, Indonesia
Explanation:
On August 21, 2023, the 20th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Economic
Ministers’ meeting was held in Semarang, Indonesia which was co-chaired by the Indian
representative Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry and Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Trade, Indonesia.
• Before the Economic Ministers’ meeting, an AITIGA Joint Committee meeting took place. This
committee discussed the roadmap for the review, outlining the Terms of Reference and the
Work Plan for AITIGA Review Negotiations.
i. The agenda of the meeting was the timely review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement
(AITIGA) which was signed in 2009 amid Indian businesses’ long-standing request in order to
enhance trade facilitation and mutual benefits.
ii. India and ASEAN have mutually decided to finalize the review of their current free-trade agreement
(FTA) concerning goods by the year 2025.
4. In August 2023, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) set up a 9-member
committee of experts headed by ____________, to maintain the Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO).
1) V. K. Saraswat
2) Ajay K. Sood
3) Rajagopala Chidambaram
4) Manjul Bhargava
5) K Vijay Raghavan
Answer- 5) K Vijay Raghavan
Explanation:
Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set up a 9-member committee of experts
to maintain the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The committee will be
headed by Prof K Vijay Raghavan, former Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India (GoI).
i. The 9-member committee has been tasked with the mission to review and redefine the role of
various departments within DRDO and submit a report within 3 months.
Note: Prof Vijay Raghavan was one of the key architects of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
5. In which city, the Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Minister’s Meeting (TIMM)
was held in August 2023?
3) Jaipur, Rajasthan

5) Patna, Bihar
Answer- 3) Jaipur, Rajasthan
Explanation:
The Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Minister’s Meeting (TIMM) was held under the
India’s G20 Presidency at the Pink City of India i.e. Jaipur in Rajasthan.
• The meeting was led by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(MoCI).
• The meeting concluded with the finalisation and adoption of G20 Trade and Investment
Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary.
i. First deliverable involves High-Level Principles for digitalizing trade documents, encompassing 10
principles guiding effective transition to paperless trade with emphasis on security, interoperability,
and inclusivity.
ii. A Jaipur Call for Action was issued to improve MSMEs’ (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises)
information access, with plans for the International Trade Center (ITC), Geneva, Switzerland to
upgrade its Global Trade Helpdesk, addressing MSMEs’ information gaps with the consultation from
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and World Trade Organization
(WTO).
INDEX
1. In July 2023, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched the Heat Index on an
experimental basis.
Which colour code is used for the Experimental heat Index greater than 55 degree Celsius (C)?
1) Yellow
2) Red
3) Orange
4) Green
5) Black
Answer- 2) Red
Explanation:
In July 2023, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched the Heat Index on an experimental
basis. This information was provided by the Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Earth Sciences
(MoES) in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
i. The heat index measures how hot it feels by considering both the air temperature and relative
humidity. It offers guidance for regions in India, indicating the apparent temperature/feel like
temperature to show the potential discomfort for people caused by weather conditions, along with the
day’s minimum and maximum temperatures.
ii. Aim: To provide information on the effect of humidity on high temperatures
iii. Colour codes used for Experimental Heat Index are as follows:
• Green: – Experimental heat Index less than 35 degree Celsius (C)
• Yellow: – Experimental heat Index in the range 36-45 degree C
• Orange: – Experimental heat Index in the range 46-55 degree C
• Red: – Experimental heat Index greater than 55 degree C

ACQUISITION AND MERGERS
1. In July 2023, Life Insurance Corporation of India(LIC) Mutual Fund completed the
acquisition of Industrial Development Bank of India(IDBI) mutual fund from IDBI Asset
Management Limited.
The total product offering of LIC Mutual Fund increased from 28 schemes to ________ schemes.
1) 40
2) 35
3) 30
4) 38
5) 43
Answer- 4) 38
Explanation:
On 29th July 2023, Life Insurance Corporation of India(LIC) Mutual Fund completed the acquisition
of Industrial Development Bank of India(IDBI) mutual fund from IDBI Asset Management Limited
following the approval of Competition Commission of India (CCI) in March 2023.
• A Scheme Transfer Agreement was entered into between LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management
Limited (“LIC AMC”), the asset management company, and LIC Mutual Fund Trustee Private
Limited (“LIC Trustee”), the trustee company of LIC MF, with IDBI Asset Management Limited
(“IDBI AMC”), the asset management company, and IDBI MF Trustee Company Limited (“IDBI
Trustee”), the trustee company of IDBI Mutual Fund (“IDBI MF”).
• Out of the 20 schemes of IDBI Mutual Fund, 10 schemes would undergo a merger with
corresponding schemes of LIC Mutual Fund.
• The remaining 10 schemes would be directly taken over by LIC Mutual Fund as standalone
offerings.
• This will expand the total product offering of LIC Mutual Fund from 28 schemes to 38
schemes.
2. Societe Generale has recently (in July ‘23) bought shares of __________ (Bank) for Rs 382 crore
through open market transactions.
1) IDFC FIRST Bank
2) YES Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) Bandhan Bank
5) Axis Bank
Explanation:
On 31st July 2023, Europe-based financial services group Societe Generale bought shares of Kolkata-
based Bandhan Bank Ltd. for Rs 382 crore through open market transactions.
i. According to the bulk deal data available with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock
Exchange (NSE), Societe Generale has acquired a total of 1.74 crore equity shares or 1.08 percent
stake in Bandhan Bank of which 89.23 lakh shares were bought on the NSE and 85.52 lakh shares on
the BSE.

ii. The average buying price for the above shares was Rs 218.6 per share, and the stake buy amounted
to Rs 382.01 crore.
3. Which company has recently (in August’ 23) acquired a 56.74 % stake in Gujarat-based
Sanghi Industries(SIL) at an enterprise value of around Rs 5,000 crore?
1) Ambuja Cements Limited
2) India Cements Limited
3) UltraTech Cement Limited
4) Dalmia Cement Limited
5) JK Cement Limited
Answer- 1) Ambuja Cements
Explanation:
On 3rd August 2023, Adani Group-owned Ambuja Cements Ltd (ACL), acquired a 56.74 % stake in
Gujarat-based Sanghi Industries(SIL) at an enterprise value of around Rs 5,000 crore.The acquisition
will be fully funded through internal accruals.
i. The deal will boost Ambuja Cements’ capacity to 73.6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and help it
reach its goal of 140 MTPA by 2028 .
ii. The deal marks the first major acquisition for the Gautam Adani-led conglomerate for 2023.
4. In August 2023, Shares of One 97 Communications Ltd jumped over 12% to Rs. 887.55 on
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) after Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder & Chief Executive Officer of
Paytm entered into an agreement to buy __________ (percent) worth USD 628 Million from Ant
Financial (Antfin) Netherlands Holding BV.
1) 7.9%
2) 11.4%
3) 10.3%
4) 9.3%
5) 8.3%
Answer- 3) 10.3%
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, Shares of One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm, jumped
over 11.6%(~12%) to Rs. 887.55 on BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) during intra-day trade,
after Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm entered into an
agreement to buy 10.3% worth USD 628 Million from Ant Financial (Antfin) Netherlands Holding BV,
a Chinese fintech via Resilient Asset Management BV (Resilient), a 100% owned overseas entity of
Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
i. As a result of this transaction, Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s shareholding in Paytm (direct and indirect)
will increase to 19.42%, whereas Antfin’s shareholding will reduce to 13.5%.
ii. As per the agreement, Antfin will receive Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCDs) by Resilient
Asset Management B.V. in exchange for transferring ownership and voting rights. This will allow
Antfin to retain the economic value of its 10.30% stake in Paytm.
iii. The Paytm-Antfin deal is likely India's biggest buy now, pay later deal. It involves a cash outgo, but
only later.

5. Which of the following companies has recently (in August ‘23) merged with Tata Capital
Limited (TCL), after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approval?
1) Tata Investment Corporation Limited (TICL)
2) Tata Cleantech Capital Limited (TCCL)
3) Tata Capital Financial Services Limited (TCFSL)
4) Both 1 & 3
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
On August 8, 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the merger of Tata Cleantech
Capital Limited (TCCL) and Tata Capital Financial Services Limited (TCFSL) into Tata Capital Limited
(TCL).
• TCL, registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is a Core Investment Company (CIC). Its
main focus is on investing in its subsidiary companies operating in the financial services sector
• TCFSL, fully owned by TCL, is an important Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under
RBI’s supervision. Its core operations include lending and providing financial services within
the financial sector.
• TCCL, another subsidiary of TCL, is also an RBI-registered NBFC.
6. In August 2023, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the combination
involving the acquisition of 90% of the shareholding of ___________ (company) by Kopvoorn B.V.,
Moss Investments Limited, Infinity Partners and Defati Investments Holding B.V.
1) Poonawalla Fincorp Limited
2) HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited
3) India Infoline Finance Limited
4) Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited
5) Bajaj Finserv Limited
Answer- 2) HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited
Explanation:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the combination involving the acquisition of
90% of the shareholding of HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited(HDFC Credila) by Kopvoorn
B.V., Moss Investments Limited, Infinity Partners and Defati Investments Holding B.V.
• In June 2023, HDFC Ltd, HDFC Bank, and HDFC Credila declared their proposal to sell a
substantial stake in HDFC Credila to a consortium of private equity firms including BPEA, EQT,
and ChrysCapital at a transaction value of Rs 9,060 crore.
• Kopvoorn B.V., owned by BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII managed by EQT AB, is the
Netherlands incorporated company, part of the global EQT investment group.
Moss Investments Limited (Moss), Infinity Partners (Infinity), and Defati Investments Holding B.V.
(Defati) are collectively known as ChrysCapital Acquirers, are private equity investors.
7. In August 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of
__________ of the issued share capital on a fully diluted basis of IBS Software Pte Limited by
Pelipper HoldCo SARL from Techware Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd.
1) 50%
2) 30%

3) 60%
4) 40%
5) 20%
Answer- 2) 30%
Explanation:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of ~ 30% of the issued
share capital on a fully diluted basis of IBS Software Pte Limited by Pelipper HoldCo SARL from
Techware Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., a portfolio company of Blackstone Inc.
i. Pelipper HoldCo SARL is a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) indirectly wholly owned by investment
funds advised by Apax Partners LLP (AP).
ii. IBS Software Pte Limited is the parent company of the IBS group of companies (Target Group),
which is mainly active as a software vendor, predominantly for the aviation industry and the travel
industry.
• Target– IBS Software Pte Limited
• Acquirer– Pelipper HoldCo SARL
• Seller – Blackstone Inc.
8. In August 2023, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) acquired _________ shareholding in
Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL).
1) 4.28%
2) 7.23%
3) 5.23%
4) 8.21%
5) 6.66%
Answer- 5) 6.66%
Explanation:
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), an Indian multinational public sector life insurance
company, has acquired 6.66% shareholding in Jio Financial Services Ltd. (JFSL).
i. Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL), previously named Reliance Strategic Investments Limited, the
demerged financial subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited(RIL).
• LIC holds a 6.49% stake in RIL as of June 30, 2023.
ii. The acquisition of the shareholding in Jio Financial Services by LIC occurred as a part of the process
in which Jio Financial Services was separated from its parent company.
DEFENCE
1. Which country has recently (in August ‘23) delivered the air-launched Spike Non Line of
Sight (NLOS) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles(ATGM) to Indian Air Force (IAF)?
1) France
2) Japan
3) Russia
4) Iran
5) Israel
Answer- 5) Israel

Explanation:
Indian Air Force (IAF) received air-launched Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-Tank Guided
Missiles(ATGM) from Israel which can hit targets upto 50 km from a helicopter and 32 km from the
ground.
• The NLOS missiles will be integrated with the fleet of Russian-origin Mi-17V5 helicopters,
manufactured by Kazan Helicopters.
i. It was designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems & It is available in various
configurations, including man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants.
ii. Utilizes a fire-and-forget system with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance features.
iii. The long and extended range versions of the Spike introduce the “Fire, Observe and Update”
operating mode.
2. In August 2023, India’s Indigenous Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and the variant of
HELINA (Helicopter-launched NAG) Weapon System ‘Dhruvastra’ are set to be inducted into the
Indian army and Indian Air Force (IAF).
Which company manufactures the Nag ATGM and Helina (Dhruvastra) missiles?
2) Bharat Electronics Limited
3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
4) Bharat Dynamics Limited
5) Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited
Answer- 4) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Explanation:
India’s indigenous Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and the variant of HELINA (Helicopter-
launched NAG) Weapon System called ‘Dhruvastra’ are set to be inducted into the Indian army and
Indian Air Force (IAF) after clearing all the trials.
• Both the Nag ATGM and Helina (Dhruvastra) missiles are developed by Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited(BDL).
i. Nag is the surface-to-air missile and Dhruvastra is the air-to-surface missile. NAG, also known as
Prospina, is a third generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile with Fire and Forget top attack capability.
• The Nag has an operational range of up to 4 km and is armed with a tandem High-Explosive
Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead.
ii. Helina is an Air to Surface Missile system launched from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). ALH is
fitted with two Twin launchers, one on each side, each carrying eight missiles.
• It has the operational range up to 7km and length of 1.946m, and a diameter of 0.150m.
3. Name the Indian Naval Ship (INS) that has recently (in August ‘23) participated in a Passage
Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Saudi Naval Ship HMS Al Jubail.
1) INS Mormugao
2) INS Chennai
3) INS Kolkata
4) INS Kochi
5) INS Mumbai
Answer- 2) INS Chennai

Explanation:
On 5th August 2023, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Chennai participated in a Passage Exercise
(PASSEX) with Royal Saudi Naval Ship HMS Al Jubail.
i. The exercise was conducted off the coast (Red Sea) of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which included tactical
manoeuvres, seamanship evolutions and communication drills that contributed to reinforcing mutual
trust, cementing operational understanding, and enhancing interoperability between the Indian and
Saudi navies.
ii. INS Chennai, a P-15A Guided Missile Destroyer, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in
November 2016. It was constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra
4. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) launched “Neerakshi”, India’s 1st indigenous
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to detect mines?
1) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd
2) Larsen & Toubro Ltd
3) Cochin Shipyard Ltd
4) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
5) Goa Shipyard Hindustan Shipyard Ltd
Answer- 4) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
Explanation:
On 28th July 2023, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Public Sector Undertaking
(PSU) under the Ministry of Defence(MoD) launched “Neerakshi”(Eyes in the Water), India’s first of
its kind indigenous Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to detect mines in Kolkata, West
Bengal(WB).
• It is developed through a collaboration between Kolkata-based warship maker GRSE Ltd and
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) entity Aerospace Engineering Private Ltd (AEPL).
i. AUV Neerakshi was unveiled by Samir V Kamat, Secretary Department of Defence Research and
Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
ii. Neerakshi is an orange-colored prototype of the cylindrical unmanned vehicle is 2.1 meter long,
about a foot (0.30 meter) in diameter and weighs around 45 kilograms.
iii. It has an endurance of 4 hours and can go up to 300 meters deep.
5. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) delivered 200th Empennage of C-130J
(world’s workhorse) Super Hercules under Make in India initiative.
1) Airnetz Aviation Private Limited
2) BAE Systems India Services Private Limited
3) Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited
4) BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited
Answer- 3) Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited
Explanation:
Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced
Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, delivered its 200th Empennage (the tail
structure located at the rear of an aircraft for stabilisation) of C-130J (world’s workhorse) Super
Hercules under Make in India initiative.

i. TLMAL is the sole worldwide provider of C-130J empennage assemblies, which are integrated into
all new Super Hercules aircraft manufactured in Marietta, Georgia, United States of America (USA).
ii. The empennages of C-130J Super Hercules were delivered from TLMAL’s manufacturing facility
located in Hyderabad, India.
6. Which defence sector/statutory body has recently (in August ‘23) secured a patent for an
‘Accident Prevention System based on Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ to enhance road safety and
mitigate accidents?
1) Border Security Force
2) Indian Army
3) Central Reserve Police Force
4) Indo-Tibetan Border Police
5) Border Roads Organisation
Answer- 2) Indian Army
Explanation:
The Indian Army (IA) has secured a patent for an ‘Accident Prevention System based on Artificial
Intelligence (AI)’ which is poised to enhance road safety and mitigate accidents.
• It is developed within the Army’s research and development (R&D) division, and Colonel
Kuldeep Yadav has been credited as the inventor of this prevention system.
i. This system saves lives by alerting drivers from falling asleep & reduces accidents caused by
drowsiness.
ii. The patent will remain valid for a duration of 20 years from 2nd February 2021(date of filing), in
accordance with the provisions of Patents Act 1970. The patent was officially granted on July 11.
7. Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is participating in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, biennial
multilateral tri-service exercise held in ____________ (country) from 27th August to 16th
September 2023.
1) Indonesia
2) Bangladesh
3) Sri Lanka
4) Egypt
5) Japan
Answer- 4) Egypt
Explanation:
Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent will be participating in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, a biennial
multilateral tri-service exercise scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt, from August 27
to September 16, 2023, towards encouraging global defence cooperation with Egypt. This is the first
time that IAF is participating in Ex Bright Star-23.
i. The IAF contingent will consist of five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft.
ii. Personnel from the IAF’s Garud Special Forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78, and
81 Squadrons, will be participating in the exercise.
iii. The IAF transport aircraft will also provide airlift to approximately 150 personnel from the Indian
Army.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the step taken by the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in July 2023?
A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C56/DS-SAR Mission, Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV–C56) carrying 7 Singapore Satellites – DS-SAR as primary
satellite along with 6 co-passengers, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
B) The Commercial Mission conducted by ISRO under a contract with NewSpace India Limited
(NSIL) for ST Engineering, Singapore.
C) The launcher placed all 7 satellites from Singapore into a circular Near-equatorial Orbit
(NEO) at an altitude of 535 km with 5 degree orbital inclination.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & c
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
On 30th July 2023, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the PSLV-
C56/DS-SAR Mission, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV–C56) carrying 7 Singapore Satellites –
DS-SAR as primary satellite along with 6 co-passengers, from the First Launch Pad (FLP) Satish
Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
i. This is a Dedicated Commercial Mission conducted by ISRO under a contract with NewSpace India
Limited (NSIL) for ST Engineering, Singapore.
ii. This marks the 58th flight of PSLV and 17th flight of PSLV in core alone configuration.
iii. This was the 431st foreign satellite launch from India by ISRO and the 4th dedicated PSLV mission
for the Singapore government.
iv. The launcher placed all 7 satellites from Singapore into a circular Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO) at
an altitude of 535 km with 5 degree orbital inclination.
v. ISRO attempted a unique De-Orbiting Experiment using the PS4, the 4th stage of the PSLV-C56
rocket.
2. In July 2023, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched a

Telecommunications satellite, Intelsat Galaxy 37/Horizons-4 (G-37/H-4) using ___________
(rocket) from Florida, the United States of America (USA).
1) Falcon 1e
2) Grasshopper
3) Falcon 5
4) Starship
5) Falcon 9
Answer- 5) Falcon 9

Explanation:
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched the Intelsat Galaxy 37/Horizons-4
(G-37/H-4), satellite to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to provide advanced television
broadcasting services over North America.
i. The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the United States of America (USA).
ii. The Satellite was manufactured by Maxar Technologies Inc., a Space technology Company in the US.
iii. It was the 52nd Orbital launch for SpaceX in 2023 and the 6th launch for this particular Falcon 9
first-stage booster, which landed successfully on the ‘Just Read the Instructions’ drone ship stationed
in the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) handed over the first Radio Frequency
(RF) Seeker of the Akash Next Generation(Akash-NG) Missile to the Defence Research and
Development Organization (DRDO).
1) Electronics Corporation of India Limited
Answer- 3) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) handed over the first Radio Frequency (RF)
Seeker of the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) Missile to the Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO).
• The 1st RF Seeker was handed over by Commodore A Madhavarao (Retired), Chairman and
Managing Director of BDL to Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research &
Development and Chairman DRDO.
i. Seeker is a crucial and technologically advanced subsystem used in the terminal phase of Surface-to-
Air Missiles and Air-to-Air Missiles for target tracking.
ii. Akash-NG Missile is the short-range mobile surface-to-air missile system (SRSAM) developed by
DRDO. It has an Operation range of 4.5 km to 25 km and can travel up to 2.5 times the speed of sound
(2.5 Mach)
4. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) won a project to provide a
comprehensive Key Management System to Satish Dhawan Space Centre-Sriharikota Range
(SDSC-SHAR).
1) AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited
2) Rocket Lab
3) NewSpace India Limited
4) Dhruva Space Private Limited
5) Godrej Security Solutions
Answer- 5) Godrej Security Solutions

Explanation:
Godrej Security Solutions a division of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd and the flagship company of the
Godrej Group has won a project to provide a comprehensive Key Management System to Satish
Dhawan Space Centre-Sriharikota Range (SDSC-SHAR), the Spaceport of India.
i. The project undertaken by Godrej Security Solutions entails the implementation of sophisticated
encryption protocols and the safeguarding of critical keys and the bolstering of the overall
institutional security framework of SDSC-SHAR.
ii. SDSC SHAR is one of the lead centres of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of
Space (DOS), Government of India,located at Sriharikota in Andhrapradesh.It became operational on
October 9, 1971 with the flight of ‘Rohini-125’, a small sounding rocket.
5. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) received the Indian Mini-Satellite 1 (IMS-1) Bus
Technology from the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO)’s commercial arm NewSpace
India Limited (NSIL)?
1) Sicon Design Technologies Private Limited
2) Alpha Design Technologies Private Limited
3) Excel Design Technologies Private Limited
4) KriSemi Design Technologies Private Limited
5) Kriya Design Technologies Private Limited
Answer- 2) Alpha Design Technologies Private Limited
Explanation:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that it’s commercial arm NewSpace India
Limited (NSIL) transferred the Indian Mini-Satellite 1 (IMS-1, a low-cost microsatellite imaging
mission of ISRO) Bus Technology to Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Alpha Design Technologies Private
Limited (ADTL).
i. The Technology Transfer Documents had been formally handed over by Shri. D Radhakrishnan,
Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, to Col. H. S. Shankar (Retd.) VSM, Chairman and Managing
Director of ADTL.
ii. ADTL is one of the two private players identified to receive the transfer of this technology through
Interest Exploratory Note (IEN).
6. In August 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Axiom Space has
signed a mission order for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the 4th private astronaut mission to the
International Space Station (ISS) to launch in 2024 on ___________ Rocket.
1) Falcon 1e
2) Grasshopper
3) Falcon 9
4) Starship
5) Falcon 5
Answer- 3) Falcon 9
Explanation:
NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the 4th private astronaut mission to the
International Space Station (ISS), named Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) scheduled to launch in 2024 on
Falcon 9 rockets from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Kennedy Space
Center in Florida, United States of America (USA).

i. Ax-4 is part of Nasa’s broader strategy to transition low Earth orbit activities.
ii. The Ax-4 mission will involve a team of four crew members.
7. In August 2023, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched a __________

rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) from Florida, the United States
of America (USA) and set a new record for the swiftest turnaround ever achieved from a single
launchpad.
1) Falcon 1e
2) Grasshopper
3) Falcon 5
4) Starship
5) Falcon 9
Answer- 5) Falcon 9
Explanation:
On 6th August 2023, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched a Falcon 9
rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral
Space Force Base in Florida, the United States of America (USA), to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).
i. This launch set the new record for the swiftest turnaround ever achieved from a single launchpad.
It has been 3 days 21 hours and 41 minutes since the launch of Intelsat’s Galaxy 37 mission from pad
40.
ii. Following the separation from the second stage, the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage returned to
SpaceX’s drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas’, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
iii. This was the 4th launch and landing for this Falcon 9 first-stage booster, which previously
launched Crew-6, SES O3b mPOWER, and one Starlink 4-4 mission.
8. Which country has recently (in August’ 23) launched the Luna-25 Mission, its first lunar
mission since 1976, aboard a Soyuz 2.1b Fregat rocket?
1) Japan
3) Russia
4) China
Answer- 3) Russia
Explanation:
On 11th August 2023,Russia successfully launched Luna-25 Mission onboard the Soyuz 2.1b Fregat
rocket to the Moon from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia (Russian Far East). This is Russia’s
first moon mission since 1976
• Luna-25 is also the first domestically produced moon probe in modern Russian history.
i. With the Luna-25 mission, Russia aims to achieve the distinction of being the first country to achieve
a soft landing on the lunar south pole, a region believed to hold valuable reservoirs of water ice.
ii. The lander is expected to touch down on the moon on August 21, 2023. Once safely down safe,
Luna-25 will work on the moon’s south pole for at least one Earth year.

9. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has recently (in August '23) decided to replace the Microsoft
Operating System (OS) in all the computers with internet connectivity with the new
indigenously developed OS _________ by the end of 2023
1) Indira
2) BharOS
3) Ganga
4) Maya
5) Devi
Answer- 4) Maya
Explanation:
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has decided to replace the Microsoft Operating System (OS) in all the
computers with internet connectivity with the new indigenously developed OS “Maya” based on open-
source Ubuntu, by the end of 2023.
i. Maya OS offers several features such as cloud storage integration, full disk encryption, digital
signature, biometric authentication, and a feature named “Chakravyuh.”
ii. The development of the Maya OS began in 2021 and is developed collaboratively by the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-
DAC), National Informatics Centre (NIC), along with Indian software companies and academic
institutions within 6 months.
10. In August 2023, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) collaborated with the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment
(ADRDE) and conducted a series of Drogue Parachute Deployment Tests for Gaganyaan
mission at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility in ___________ (state/UT).
1) Karnataka
2) Odisha
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Chandigarh
5) Kerala
Answer- 4) Chandigarh
Explanation:
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC) in collaboration with Aerial Delivery Research and Development
Establishment (ADRDE) successfully conducted a series of Drogue Parachute Deployment Tests to
qualify the drogue parachutes, affirming their preparedness for integration into the Test Vehicle
Demonstration (TV-D1) under the Gaganyaan mission
• The tests were held at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics
Research Laboratory of DRDO, Chandigarh.
i. VSSC (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala ) is a major space research centre of Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO); ADRDE (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) is a pioneer Research & Development lab of
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
ii. The Gaganyaan mission entails the safe transportation of astronauts to space and back. At the heart
of this endeavour lies the deployment of drogue parachutes, pivotal in stabilizing the crew module
and curbing its re-entry velocity to a secure level.
iii. Distinguished by their conical ribbon-style configuration with diameter of 5.8 metres, these drogue
parachutes find their place within pyro-based devices called mortars.

11. Name the Institute that has recently (in August ‘23) discovered a unique carbon-enhanced
metal-poor (CEMP) star “HE 1005-1439”.
1) Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
2) Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational-Sciences, Nainital (Uttarakhand)
3) Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
4) Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
5) Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali (Punjab)
Answer- 1) Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Explanation:
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, Karnataka have discovered a
unique star named “HE 1005-1439”. This star defies the conventional classification of stars and
stands out as a carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) star, a rare class of chemically peculiar stars.
i. CEMP stars have [C/Fe] (Carbon/Iron) > +1, compared to the Sun CEMP stars have carbon enhanced
at least 10 times more than iron, and [Fe/H] (Iron/Hydrogen) < -1, meaning that iron is less than a
10th that in the Sun.
ii. The discovery of the new star challenges the previous understanding of star formation processes.
12. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) commenced the process of integration
of its first state-of-the-art launch vehicle, Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technological
Demonstrator) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh(AP).
1) AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited
2) Rocket Lab
3) NewSpace India Limited
4) Dhruva Space Private Limited
5) Godrej Security Solutions
Answer- 1) AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited
Explanation:
On 15th August 2023, Agnikul Cosmos Private Ltd, a space-tech start-up, commenced the process of
integration of its first state-of-the-art launch vehicle, Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technological
Demonstrator), with its exclusive private launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR
(formerly Sriharikota Range) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh(AP).
i. The integration process is the significant step taken by the Agnikul Cosmos, toward its first
controlled sub-orbital flight, which brings Agnikul closer to fulfilling its vision of delivering reliable
and affordable access to space.
ii. Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine, a
fully 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kilonewton (kN) semi-cryogenic engine.
13. In August 2023, India’s first long-range side swing revolver ‘Prabal’ with twice the range of
other revolvers was launched at the Small Arms Factory (SFA) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Which company manufactured the swing revolver?
1) Astra Microwave Products Ltd
2) Amol Steel Pvt Ltd
3) Bharat Earth Movers Ltd
4) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
5) Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd

Answer- 5) Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd
Explanation:
On 18th August 2023, India’s first long-range side swing revolver ‘Prabal’ with “twice the range of
other revolvers”, manufactured by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL), was
launched at the Small Arms Factory (SFA) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh for civilians and arms dealers.
i. AW&EIL, a Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) based fully government-owned enterprise ultimate weapon
system provider
ii. Prabal revolver is a lightweight .32 caliber ‘side swing’ revolver and weight: 675 grams (without
cartridges).
iii. The Prabal revolver uses an innovative side-swing mechanism for loading/unloading bullets,
replacing the traditional tilting or frame-breaking methods. This side-swing cylinder opening is also
lighter by 25 to 50 grams compared to other revolvers.
14. In Which state, the second Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge Yard 76 (LSAM 8) was
inaugurated by Commodore G Ravi in August 2023?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
Commodore G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh,
inaugurated the second Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, known as Yard 76 (LSAM 8).
i. The launch took place at Guttenedevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, at the manufacturing site of
M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, a Micro-Small-Medium enterprise (MSME) specializing in
manufacturing.
ii. The contract for constructing 8 MCA Barges was signed with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt
Ltd, aligned with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) initiatives of the Government of India.
15. In August 2023, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Delhi Lieutenant Governor(LG) launched Blockchain
Technology in the ICJS for electronic-forensic application(e-forensic app).
What does ‘S’ stand for in ICJS?
1) Software
2) System
3) Storage
4) Secondary
5) Standard
Answer- 2) System
Explanation:
Vinai Kumar Saxena,Delhi Lieutenant Governor(LG) launched Blockchain Technology in the Inter-
Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) for electronic-forensic application(e-forensic app) of the
Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory (DFSL) and Delhi Police at Raj Niwas, official residence of the LG in
Delhi.

i. With this, Delhi FSL will be the first institution of its kind in India to utilize blockchain technology
“for transparent and tamper-proof (protected against unauthorized changes) digital evidence
recording.”
ii. Integrating Blockchain Technology into DFSL’s e-forensic app guarantees that all physical evidence
submitted from the crime scene to the DFSL will remain free of human interaction and tampering.
16. In August 2023, the Indian Army inducted the first Swathi Mark II Mountain variant
Weapon Locating Radar(WLR), a lighter and compact version WLR for mountains & high-
altitude areas.
Which company has developed the Swathi Mk II Mountain variant WLR?
2) BEML Limited
3) Bharat Dynamics
Answer- 5) Bharat Electronics Limited
Explanation:
The Indian Army inducted the first Swathi Mark II Mountain variant Weapon Locating Radar(WLR),
a lighter and compact version WLR for mountains & high-altitude areas.
i. The WLR was flagged off by Lieutenant General JB Chaudhari, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (CD&S) in
Agra, Uttar Pradesh(UP).
ii. Swathi Mk II was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL), a Navratna Public Sector
Enterprise(PSE) under the Ministry of Defence(MoD), in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
iii. The SWATHI WLR mountain version is the result of a collaborative effort between Radar House
Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with BEL.
17. Which country’s Luna-25 Mission has recently (in August’ 23) failed, as the spacecraft spun
out of control and crashed into the moon after a problem preparing for pre-landing orbit?
1) Japan
3) Russia
4) China
Answer- 3) Russia
Explanation:
Russia’s first lunar mission in 47 years, Luna-25, failed as the spacecraft spun out of control and
crashed into the moon after a problem preparing for pre-landing orbit (orbital maneuver).
i. Roscosmos, State Space Corporation of Russian Federation, announced that the initial analysis of the
moon lander indicates that a difference between the planned and actual propulsion maneuver caused
the spacecraft to move into an unintended orbit.
ii. Luna-Glob-Lander (Luna-Glob-1), also known as Luna-25, was launched on 10th August 2023 atop
a Soyuz-2.1b rocket(Soyuz-2 Fregat) from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia.
iii. It was anticipated to land near the lunar south pole on 21st August 2023.

18. In which state/UT, NTPC Limited has recently (in August ‘23) begun the trial of India’s 1st
hydrogen bus?
1) Himachal Pradesh
2) Jammu and Kashmir
3) Ladakh
4) Uttarakhand
5) Delhi
Answer- 3) Ladakh
Explanation:
NTPC Limited (formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation), a Maharatna Public Sector
Undertaking(PSU) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), has begun the trial of India’s 1st hydrogen
bus in Leh, Union Territory (UT) Ladakh.
i. This marks India’s 1st-ever use of hydrogen buses on public roads. The first hydrogen bus arrived in
Leh, marking the initiation of a 3-month process involving field trials, roadworthiness tests, and
necessary regulatory steps.
ii. The first of its kind Green Hydrogen Mobility Project at 11,562 ft is co-located with a dedicated
Solar plant of 1.7 MW for providing renewable power.
19. Name the country that has recently (in August ‘23) launched a new Earth observation
satellite, ‘Gaofen-12 04’ by a Long March-4C carrier rocket.
1) China
2) Japan
3) Russia
4) Israel
Answer- 1) China
Explanation:
China has launched a new Earth observation satellite, named Gaofen-12 04, atop a Long March-4C
carrier rocket, into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.
i. The satellite has been positioned in the designated orbit around the Earth as originally intended for
its mission.
ii. This launch represents the 484th flight mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.
20. In August 2023, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Naval Trainer Prototype ‘NP5‘ successfully
completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Which of the following companies/agencies has designed and developed the LCA Navy?
1) Aeronautical Development Agency
3) Defence Research and Development Organisation
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3
Explanation:
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Naval Trainer Prototype ‘NP5‘ successfully completed its maiden
flight in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

i. LCA Navy is designed and developed jointly by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and
HAL.
ii. Captain Amit Kawade of the Indian Navy and Wing Commander Siddarth Singh (Retired) piloted the
aircraft, which was flying for 57 minutes and displayed normal parameters during the mission.
iii. The LCA Navy NP5 is equipped with cutting-edge technology such as a fly-by-wire flight control
system, a glass cockpit, and modern mechanical systems.
• LCA Navy demonstrated 18 arrested landings and ski-jump takeoffs from Indian Navy Ship
(INS) Vikramaditya in 2020, including hot refuelling capability.
21. In August 2023, Union Minister of State of Science & Technology Dr.Jitendra Singh launched
CSIR Prima ET11, India’s 1st indigenous e-Tractor.
Which Institute of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed the CSIR
Prima ET11?
1) Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI)
2) National Environmental Engineering Research Institute(NEERI)
3) Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI)
4) National Geophysical Research Institute(NGRI)
5) Structural Engineering Research Centre(SERC)
Answer- 1) Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI)
Explanation:
Union Minister of State(MoS) Dr.Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology, launched CSIR
Prima ET11, India’s 1st indigenous e-Tractor. It was developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR) -Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur, West
Bengal.
i. He also released a book by CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and a
compendium on 75 technologies developed by CSIR.
ii. This event highlights the introduction of advanced technology in the form of electric tractors to
promote sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector.
22. Name the country that has recently (in August ‘23) unveiled Mohajer-10, the new
domestically built attack drone (unmanned combat aerial vehicle – UCAV).
2) Israel
3) Indonesia
4) Iran
5) Qatar
Answer- 4) Iran
Explanation:
The Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics unveiled Mohajer-10, the new
domestically built attack drone (unmanned combat aerial vehicle – UCAV) with enhanced capabilities.
i. The drone was unveiled in the presence of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at an exhibition
celebrating Defense Industry Day.
ii. Mohajer-10 is the upgraded version of the “Mohajer-6” and resembles the MQ-9 Reaper drone of
the United States of America(USA).

23. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Chandrayaan-3 (Moon
Craft) developed by Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO), as of August 2023?
A) India successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 near the moon's south pole by the Vikram(Valour)
Lander Module (LM).
B) With this successful landing, India became the 4th country to soft land on the moon and
became the first country to land a spacecraft near Moon’s South Pole at 70 degrees latitude.
C) The mission life of LM & Rover is One lunar day (~14 Earth days), and their Landing Site
(Prime) is 4 km x 2.4 km 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
August 23, 2023 will always be remembered for the successful soft landing near moon’s South Pole by
the Vikram(Valour) Lander Module (LM) of ‘Chandrayaan-3 (Moon Craft)’, making India the first
country to land spacecraft near Moon’s South Pole at 70 degrees latitude.
• It was Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) third lunar mission which resulted in an
unprecedented milestone in space exploration. Chandrayaan 1 was launched in 2008, and
Chandrayaan 2 in 2019.
• With this successful landing, India became the 4th country to soft land on the moon after the
United States (US) with its Surveyor 1 in 1966; Soviet Union/Russia’s Luna 9 in 1966, and
China with Chang’s 3 in 2013.
• Developed by ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 consists of indigenous LM Vikram, Propulsion Module (PM)
and Rover named Pragyaan (Wisdom).
• As Vikram settles on the moon, Pragyaan rover comes out from the LM and rolls onto the lunar
surface to start analyzing lunar soil and rocks.
• The mission life of LM & Rover is One lunar day (~14 Earth days), and their Landing Site
(Prime) is 4 km x 2.4 km 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E.
• Namakkal, a district in Tamil Nadu (TN), played a pivotal role in this achievement. Its unique
soil, similar to the Southern Pole of lunar surface’s ‘Anorthosite‘ (a type of intrusive igneous
rock) type, was supplied to ISRO for testing purposes.
24. Name the Aircraft/Helicopter that has recently (in August ‘23) test fired the ASTRA
indigenous state–of-the-art Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air missile (AAM) off the coast of
Goa.
1) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Prachand
2) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) DHRUV
3) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Kiran
4) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra
5) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
Answer- 5) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

Explanation:
On 23rd August 2023, India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7 aircraft successfully test fired
the ASTRA indigenous state–of-the-art Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air missile (AAM) off the
coast of Goa.
• The missile release was carried out by Tejas at an altitude of about 20,000 feet(ft).It was a
flawless text book launch and all test objectives were met.
i. The test launch was monitored by the Test Director and scientists of the Aeronautical Development
Agency (ADA), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) along with officials from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification
(CEMILAC), and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA).
ii.ASTRA is designed to be mounted on a fighter aircraft and engages and destroys highly
manoeuvring supersonic aerial targets.
iii. It is designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL),
Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other laboratories of DRDO.
25. In August 2023, the Indian Navy successfully undertook the maiden test drop of the
____________ and Rescue Kit (SARK) from the Boeing P-8I long-range patrol aircraft.
1) System
2) Ship
3) Search
4) Saturated
5) Scalar
Answer- 3) Search
Explanation:
The Indian Navy successfully undertook the maiden test drop of the Search and Rescue Kit (SARK)
from the Boeing P-8I long-range patrol aircraft on 15th August 2023(77th Independence Day of
India). The Test flight was conducted by the Indian Navy’s INS(Indian Navy Ship) Hansa-based Indian
Naval Air Squadrons (INAS) 316 squadron.
i. SARK is an indigenous (Made in India) kit that can be dropped from aircraft with the help of
parachutes to carry out rescue missions in the deep sea.
ii. It was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment(ADRDE), a unit
of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh(UP).
26. Which company, along with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has
recently (in August ‘23) launched the international Crew-7 astronaut mission to the
International Space Station (ISS)?
1) Blue Origin
2) Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
3) Boeing Company
4) Lockheed Martin Corporation
5) Roscosmos
Answer- 2) Space Exploration Technologies Corporation

Explanation:
On 26th August 2023, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) and the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully launched the international Crew-7
astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• The agency’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission is the seventh commercial crew rotation mission for
NASA.
i. The 4 astronauts of the Crew-7 mission lifted off atop a brand-new SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at NASA’s
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, the United States of America (USA).
ii. The Crew-7 team will ride on the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, Endurance, which is a trained
spaceflight that previously completed missions as part of SpaceX’s Crew-3 and Crew-5 missions to the
ISS.
iii. The journey from Earth to the ISS is estimated to take nearly 30 hours.
27. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the V.S.Dempo
Holdings Private Limited for building commercial vessels.
1) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
2) Larsen & Toubro Ltd
3) Cochin Shipyard Ltd
4) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd
5) Goa Shipyard Hindustan Shipyard Ltd
Answer- 1) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
Explanation:
The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, West Bengal has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V.S.Dempo Holdings Private Limited (Dempo Group) for
building commercial vessels.
• The vessels will be built at the 3 shipyards of the Dempo Group, including two in Goa and one
in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
• It marks the GRSE’s first attempt to build commercial vessels.
i. According to a recent study, the Indian shipbuilding market is worth USD 7.1 billion in 2023 and is
predicted to grow to USD 8.76 billion by 2028.
ii. Globally, the shipbuilding market is expected to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of 5.45% from USD 170 billion to USD 230 billion by 2028.
28. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) manufactured India’s first set of
Indigenous Catalysts for Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) for limiting oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
1) National Aluminium Company Limited
3) Electronics Corporation of India Limited
5) Hindustan Aluminium Company Limited
Answer- 2) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Explanation:
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has manufactured India’s first set of Indigenous Catalysts
for Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) for limiting oxides of nitrogen (NOx).This production is in line
with the government’s “Make in India” Initiative.

i. Ms. Renuka Gera, Director (Industrial Systems & Products), BHEL flagged off the first set of
indigenously manufactured SCR catalysts for the 5×800 MegaWatt(MW) Yadadri Thermal Power
Station in Telangana, from the company’s Solar Business Division (SBD) unit in Bengaluru,Karnataka.
ii. Combustion of coal converts the nitrogen bound in coal to form various products such as nitric
oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O).These products are collectively called
oxides of nitrogen (NOx) which are significant major pollutant.
29. On the occasion of National Sports Day 2023 (29th August 2023), Union Minister Anurag
Singh Thakur, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launched the National Sports
_____________ (NSF) portal .
1) Functions
2) Federations
3) Funds
4) Foundations
5) Facility
Answer- 2) Federations
Explanation:
On the occasion of National Sports Day 2023 (29th August 2023), Union Minister Anurag Singh
Thakur, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launched the National Sports
Federations(NSFs) portal during the event organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, New
Delhi, Delhi.
• The portal is in line with the Government of India’s vision for Digital India which will ensure
ease of business and good governance.
i. About the portal:
• It is a unified online portal and a single window system for the NSFs for processing of annual
renewal of recognition of NSFs, elections of NSFs etc.
• It will replace the existing system of physical mode of submission of documents by NSFs and
ensure better coordination among the Department of Sports and the NSFs.
ii. Union Minister Anurag Thakur also launched the 3rd edition of Fit India Quiz and other initiatives
during the event.
iii. He also launched the Information booklet on Sports Infrastructure Projects sanctioned under the
Khelo India Scheme.
SPORTS
1. In July 2023, Badminton player from Denmark ____________ won the men’s singles title in the
Daihatsu Japan Open 2023 Badminton Championships, while An Se Young from ___________ won
the Women’s Singles Title.
1) Mathias Boe; China
2) Viktor Axelsen; South Korea
3) Carsten Mogensen; Japan
4) Viktor Axelsen; China
5) Carsten Mogensen; South Korea
Answer- 2) Viktor Axelsen; South Korea

Explanation:
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and South Korea’s An Se Young won the men’s singles and Women’s
singles titles respectively of Daihatsu Japan Open 2023 Badminton Championships.
• The 40th edition of Daihatsu Japan Open 2023 Badminton Championships held from 25th-30th
July 2023 at Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
• India’s Lakshya Sen was defeated by Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the semifinals of men’s
singles.
• Women’s singles: An Se Young of South Korea became ranked 1 in the world by winning the
women’s singles title against He Bing Jiao of China in the finals.
• Men’s Doubles: Lee Yang and Wang Chi Lin of Chinese Taipei(Taiwan) won the men’s doubles
title by defeating Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi.
• Women’s Doubles: Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee yong of South Korea won the women’s
doubles title by defeating China’s Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan.
• Mixed doubles: Japan’s Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino won the mixed doubles finals
against Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand.
2. Name the sports personality who has recently (in July ‘23) won the Formula 1(F1) MSC
Cruises Belgian Grand Prix 2023.
1) Sergio Perez
2) Charles Leclerc
3) Max Verstappen
4) Fernando Alonso
5) Lewis Hamilton
Answer- 3) Max Verstappen
Explanation:
On 30th July 2023, Redbull’s racing driver Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgium) won the Formula 1(F1)
MSC Cruises Belgian Grand Prix 2023 at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot,Belgium.
• Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (Mexican) finished 2nd and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (Monacan)
finished 3rd.
• This marks his 8th straight win and 10th win of the season 2023.
• This marks Red Bull’s record of 13th straight wins & Verstappen’s 45th win in F1.
3. In July 2023, Indian women’s hockey team won the Torneo del Centenario 2023 by defeating
_______________ (country).
1) Spain
2) Netherland
3) England
4) France
5) Brazil
Answer- 1) Spain
Explanation:
On 29th July 2023, the Indian women’s hockey team defeated the host Spain at the three-nation
Torneo del Centenario 2023 (100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation – International
Tournament) by winning the title in Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain

• This was the Indian women’s team’s first win at the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey
Federation International Tournament 2023.
• The Indian women’s team was led by the goalkeeper Savita Punia.
i. On 30th July 2023, the Indian men’s hockey team defeated the Netherlands by securing third place
and the bronze medal in the four-nation Torneo del Centenario 2023 in Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain.
• Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Dilpreet Singh scored notable goals(all goals came from
penalty corners) in India’s victory.
4. In July 2023, England Cricketer _________ announced his retirement from all forms of Cricket,
while Moeen Ali confirmed his test cricket retirement after the end of the Ashes Test series.
1) James Michael Anderson
2) Ben Matthew Duckett
3) Stuart Christopher John Broad
4) Zak Crawley
5) Eoin Joseph Gerard Morgan
Answer- 3) Stuart Christopher John Broad
Explanation:
The 37 year old England Cricketer Stuart Christopher John Broad announced his retirement from
all forms of Cricket on 29th July 2023 during the midway of England vs Australia’s 5th Ashes Test at
The Oval stadium, London, United Kingdom(UK).
• He was honoured with Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2016 for his
services to cricket.
• As of now(July 2023), he is the Fifth highest wicket taker in Test history with 602 runs in 167
matches.
i. England all-rounder Moeen Ali confirms his test cricket retirement after the end of the Ashes series
and he will play in other formats of cricket.
• He was awarded the Order of the British Empire(OBE) in June 2023 for his services to cricket.
ii. Australia cricket team retained the 5 match test series ‘Ashes 2023’ after the 2-2 draw against
England.It was held from 16th June to 31st July in the United Kingdom(UK).
• This marks Australia’s 4th consecutive win in the series.
5. Which country’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has recently (in August ‘23) announced his
retirement from football?
1) Portugal
2) Argentina
3) Italy
4) Spain
5) France
Answer- 3) Italy
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (45 years old) announced his retirement
from football. He was part of the Federation Internationale de Football Association(FIFA) World Cup
winning Italian team in 2006 in Germany (against France).
• He retired from international football in 2018 after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA
World Cup in Russia.

• He was awarded the FIFA’s best men’s Goalkeeper award in 2017.He earned nicknames
including ‘superman’ and ‘Gigi’.
• He was also the first ever goalkeeper to win the Golden Foot Award in 2016. He was part of the
FIFPro World11 three times (2006,2007,2017).
• The FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is composed of the best 11 men’s players from around the
globe.
6. Which Sports society/school has recently (in August’ 23) signed an MoU with the All India
Football Federation (AIFF) to promote and elevate youth football in India?
1) Bhaichung Bhutia Football School
2) Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society
3) Major Dhyan Chand Sports school
4) GD Goenka International School
5) Sehwag Sports Society
Answer- 2) Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (SMSES) to promote
and elevate youth football in India at a formal function in Air Force Station in New Delhi, Delhi.
i. The Air Force Sports Control Board conducts the tournament from 1994, priorly it was done by
Durand football tournament committee
ii. Under the MoU, SMSES will field a Subroto XI team in the AIFF’s youth competitions, comprising
players from various age categories of the Subroto Cup.
7. In August 2023, England’s Twenty20 International(T20I) World Cup 2022 winner _____________
announced his retirement from International Cricket.
1) David Willey
2) Alexander Daniel Hales
3) Chris Woakes
4) Harry Brook
5) Chris Jordan
Answer- 2) Alexander Daniel Hales
Explanation:
England’s Twenty20 International (T20I) World Cup 2022 winner Alexander Daniel Hales (Right-
Handed Batsman) announced his retirement from international cricket on 4th August 2023. However
he continues to play in domestic and franchise cricket.
• Hales scored an unbeaten 86 runs, which led England to win over India in the T20I World
Cup2022 semi-finals in Australia.
i. Career: Hales represented England for 156 matches across all formats (T20I, ODI & Tests) and
scored 5066 Runs.
• He played 75 T20Is and scored 2074 runs with a century and 12 half-centuries.
• He also played 70 One Day Internationals(ODI), and scored 2419 runs with 6 centuries and 14
half-centuries.
• He scored 573 runs in 11 test matches with 5 half-centuries.

ii. Records: He was the second highest individual ODI scorer for England by scoring 171 runs against
Pakistan at Nottingham, UK in 2016.
8. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 52nd edition of the
Hyundai World Archery Championships 2023, held in Berlin, Germany in August 2023?
A) India won the gold medal for the first time in the World Archery Championships and topped
the medal tally with 4 medals (3 gold and 1 bronze) at the 52nd edition of the Hyundai World
Archery Championships 2023.
B) The Indian women’s compound team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami and Parneet
Kaur won the gold medal beating Mexico in the final.
C) Aditi Gopichand Swami became the youngest archer to win an individual event at the senior
world championships by winning the gold medal in the women’s compound event defeating
Andrea Becerra of Mexico.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
India topped the medal tally with 4 medals(3 gold and 1 bronze) at the 52nd edition of the Hyundai
World Archery Championships 2023, held in the Berlin Olympic Park in Berlin, Germany from 31st
July to 6th August 2023.
• India won the gold medal for the first time since its 1st edition that was held in 1931.
• South Korea secured 2nd position in the medal tally with 3 medals(2 gold and 1 bronze)
followed by Germany,Poland and Türkiye in 3rd position each with 2 medals (1 gold and 1
silver).
• The Indian women’s compound team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami and Parneet
Kaur won the gold medal beating Mexico in the final.
• This marks India’s first-ever gold medal in the World Archery Championships.
• Aditi Gopichand Swami(aged 17) became the youngest archer to win an individual event at
the senior world championships by winning the gold medal in the women’s compound event
defeating Andrea Becerra of Mexico.
• Ojas Pravin Deotale(aged 21)won the gold medal(world champion) in the men’s individual
compound event defeating Lukasz Przybylski of Poland. He became the first Indian male archer
to win a gold medal at the world championships.
9. In August 2023, China’s Weng Hong Yang won the men’s singles title by defeating ____________
(Indian Badminton Player) in the Sathio Group Australian Open 2023(Australian Open 2023)
held in Sydney.
1) HS Prannoy
2) Srikanth Kidambi
3) Chirag Shetty
4) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
5) Lakshya Sen

Answer- 1) HS Prannoy
Explanation:
India’s Prannoy Haseena Sunil Kumar won the silver medal in the men’s singles finals against
China’s Weng Hong Yang (Winner) at the Sathio Group Australian Open 2023(Australian Open 2023)
held at the state sports centre in Sydney, Australia from 1st to 6th August 2023.
• HSBC Badminton World Federation(BWF) Australian Open 2023 is the World Tour Super 500
tournament.
Championship Winner Runner
Men’s Singles Weng Hong Yang HS Prannoy

(China) (India)
Women’s Singles Beiwen Zhang Kim Ga Eun

(United States of America) (South Korea)
Men’s Doubles Kang Min Hyuk and Takuro Hoki and

Seo Seung Jae Yugo Kobayashi
(South Korea) (Japan)
Women’s Doubles Kim So Yeong and Liu Sheng Shu and

Kong Hee Yong Tan Ning
(South Korea) (China)
Mixed Doubles Feng Yan Zhe and Hiroki Midorikawa and

Huang Dong Ping Natsu Saito
(China) (Japan)
10. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Asian Youth and Junior
Weightlifting Championships 2023 held in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh from July to August
2023?
A) The Indian Weightlifting contingent won 42 medals (15 in Junior events and 27 in youth
events) in the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023.
B) Siddhanta Gogoi won India’s first gold medal in Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships 2023 under the men’s junior 61 kg category including 3 gold medals in Overall,
Snatch, clean and jerk.
C) Sabar Jyoshna won the first medal for India for Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships 2023 & won 3 bronze medals under the women’s youth 40kg category
(overall, snatch, clean and jerk).
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A

Explanation:
The Indian Weightlifting contingent won 42 medals(15 in Junior events and 27 in youth events) in
the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023 held from 28th July to 5th August 2023
in the Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
i. In the Asian Youth(Boys & Girls) and Junior (Men & Women) competition, medals were given out for
the snatch, clean & jerk, and overall categories and India won 14 medals in the clean & jerk; 13 medals
in the snatch;15 in the overall category.
• The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023 is held in India for the first
time.
ii. Sabar Jyoshna from Uttar Pradesh won the first medal for India for this tournament, She won 3
bronze medals in the women’s youth 40kg category(overall, snatch, clean and jerk).
iii. Siddhanta Gogoi won India’s first gold medal in this tournament in the men’s junior 61 kg
category including 3 gold medals in Overall, Snatch, clean and jerk.
11. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 31st edition of the
Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games 2023 held in
China from July to August 2023?
A) India finished 6th with 28 medals (12 gold, 6 silver and 10 bronze) at 31st edition of the
FISU World University Games 2023, while China finished 1st in the medal tally with 178 medals
(103 gold, 40 silver and 35 bronze).
B) Rifle shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won 4 medals including 3 gold medals in Men’s
10m air rifle, Men’s 50m rifle 3P, & Men’s 10m air rifle team along with Arjun Babuta &
Divyansh Singh Panwar and won 1 bronze medal in Men’s 50m rifle 3P team.
C) Jyothi Yarraji won the bronze medal in the women’s 100m hurdles and set a new national
record with a timing of 12.78 seconds in the women’s-only 100m hurdles.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
India finished 7th with 26 medals (11 gold, 5 silver and 10 bronze) at 31st edition of the Fédération
Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games 2023 held in Chengdu,
Sichuan province, China, from 28th July to 8th August 2023.
• China finished 1st in the medal tally with 178 medals(103 gold, 40 silver and 35 bronze).
• FISU World University Games, formerly known as ‘Universiade’ was organised by the
International University Sports Federation.
• Rifle shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won 4 medals including gold medals in Men’s
10m air rifle, Men’s 50m rifle 3P, and Men’s 10m air rifle team along with Arjun Babuta and
Divyansh Singh Panwar.
• He also won a bronze medal in Men’s 50m rifle 3P team along with Sartaj Singh Tiwana and
Surya Pratap Singh.
• Jyothi Yarraji won the bronze medal in the women’s 100m hurdles and set a new national
record with a timing of 12.78 seconds in the women’s-only 100m hurdles.

• The 32nd FISU World University Games 2025 is set to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany from
16th July to 27th July 2025.
• The 2025 FISU World University Games winter is set to be held in Torino, Italy from 13th to
23rd January 2025.
12. Which country’s men’s hockey team has recently (In August ‘23) won the Asian Champions
Trophy Chennai 2023 by Defeating Malaysia?
1) China
2) India
3) Pakistan
4) Japan
5) South Korea
Answer- 2) India
Explanation:
The 7th edition of the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 held from 3rd to 12th August 2023 in
the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.The Indian Men’s hockey team won the Hero
Asian Champions Trophy 2023 Title defeating Malaysia (4-3) in the finals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The Indian men’s hockey team moved to 3rd position(2771.35 points) from 4th in Fédération
Internationale de Hockey(FIH) ranking following the title winner of the tournament.
• This victory marks India’s 4th win in the tournament including 2011,2016,2018,2013 and
becomes the Successful team in the tournament after Pakistan(2012,2013,2018).
Winners:
Position Team
1 India(Gold)
2 Malaysia(Silver)
3 Japan(Bronze)
13. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the Indian Men’s Cricket team
toured the West Indies and United States of America against the West Indies cricket team from
July to August 2023?
1) India won the two-match Test series against West Indies 1-0 after the rain drew the second Test at
the Queen Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad.
2) India Won the ODI series 2-1 by winning 1st & 3rd ODI matches against West Indies.
3) India defeated West Indies by 8 wickets in the 5th and final T20I held on 13th August in Lauderhill
in Florida, United States of America(USA).
4) During the 2nd test match against West Indies, India reached 100 runs in 12.2 overs with the
partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, which is the fastest ever 100 runs a team
has ever taken in a test match.
5) Virat Kohli surpassed South Africa’s Jacques Kallis( 25,534 runs in 519 matches)to become the
fifth-leading scorer in International cricket during the 2nd test match against West Indies.
Answer- 3) India defeated West Indies by 8 wickets in the 5th and final T20I held on 13th
August in Lauderhill in Florida, United States of America(USA).

Explanation:
Indian Men’s Cricket team toured the West Indies and United States of America for 2-Test matches, 3-
One-Day Internationals(ODI) and 5-Twenty 20 Internationals(T20I) against the West Indies cricket
team from 12th July to 13th August 2023.
• Two T20I matches were played in Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Lauderhill in
Florida, United States of America(USA).
• India won the two-match Test series against West Indies 1-0 after the rain drew the second
Test at the Queen Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad.
• India won the 1st ODI by 5 wickets against West Indies held on 27th July in the Kensington
Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
• India won the 3rd ODI by 200 runs held on 1st August 2023 in Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba,
Trinidad & India Won ODI series 2-1 against West Indies.
• West Indies defeated India by 8 wickets in the 5th and final T20I held on 13th August in
Lauderhill in Florida, United States of America(USA).
• On 1st July 2023, Indian Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin achieved the feat of becoming the
1st Indian bowler to dismiss father and son in Tests when took the wicket of Tagenarine
Chanderpaul, son of former great batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
• He first dismissed Shivnarine Chanderpaul in his test debut in 2011 in New Delhi.
• He was also the 5th bowler to dismiss a father-son duo in international cricket.
• Virat Kohli surpassed South Africa’s Jacques Kallis( 25,534 runs in 519 matches)to become
the fifth-leading scorer in International cricket during the 2nd test match against West Indies.
• Kohli scored 25,548 runs in 500 matches across formats at an average of 53.67, with 75
centuries and 132 half-centuries.
• During the 2nd test match against West Indies, India reached 100 runs in 12.2 overs with the
partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, which is the fastest ever 100 runs a
team has ever taken in a test match.
14. Which country’s Women’s football team has recently (in August ‘23) won the Fédération
Internationale de football Association(FIFA) Women’s World Cup 2023 by defeating England?
2) Germany
3) Sweden
4) Japan
5) Spain
Answer- 5) Spain
Explanation:
Spain Women’s football team (nicknamed La Roja) won the Fédération Internationale de football
Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup 2023 by defeating England 1-0 in the finals at Stadium
Australia in Sydney, Australia on 20th August 2023.
i. This marks Spain’s 1st title at the senior level and they won 1st Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2022
and two U-17 FIFA World Cups in 2018 & 2022.
• England’s Mary Earps was awarded the Golden Glove following her incredible campaign,
including key saves in the final against Spain.
• Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) was awarded the Golden Boot award with a total of five goals.

ii. Spain and Germany become the only two countries to win both men’s and women’s World Cup
titles.
iii. The 9th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup was co-hosted for the first time by Australia and
New Zealand from 20th July to 20th August 2023.
• Mascot: ‘Tazuni’, a fun football-loving penguin named as the mascot of the 2023 FIFA Women’s
World Cup.
• Spain becomes the fifth nation to win the Women’s World Cup after the United States of
America(USA), Germany, Norway and Japan.
15. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the World Under-20
Wrestling Championships 2023 held in Amman, Jordan in August 2023?
A) India wrestlers won a total of 14 medals (4 golds, 3 silver and 7 bronze) in the World
Under-20 Wrestling Championships 2023.
B) India also claimed its first women’s team title at the World Under-20 Wrestling
Championships 2023 with seven medals (3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze).
C) Antim Panghal won the Gold Medal in Women’s 53kg event & Mohit Kumar won the Gold
medal in the 61kg freestyle category (Men’s).
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
India wrestlers won a total of 14 medals (4 golds, 3 silver and 7 bronze) in the World Under-20
Wrestling Championships 2023 held in Amman, Jordan from 14th to 20th August 2023.
i. India also claimed its first women’s team title at the World Under-20 Wrestling Championships
2023 with seven medals(3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze).
ii. The 19-year-old Antim Panghal from Haryana won the gold in Women’s 53kg event defeating
Mariia Yefremova of Ukraine .
• She is the first Indian woman to become an Under-20 (U-20) wrestling world champion in
Sofia, Bulgaria in 2022.
• She became the first Indian woman wrestler to win two U-20 world championships.
iii. Priya Malik won the gold in women’s 76 kg category by defeating Laura Celine Kuehn of Germany.
iv. Mohit Kumar became the U-20 world champion in the 61kg freestyle category (Men’s) by
defeating Eldar Akhmadudinov of Russia.
16. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the International Chess
Federation (FIDE) World Chess Cup 2023 held in Baku, Azerbaijan in July and August 2023?
A) Norwegian Grandmaster (GM) and World No. 1 player Magnus Carlsen won his first FIDE
World Cup title by defeating India’s GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in the FIDE Chess World
Cup 2023 finals.
B) Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup title by
defeating Nurgyul Salimova of Bulgaria in the finals.

C) Praggnanandhaa becomes the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to reach the Chess
World Cup final in 2002 and became the third-youngest player to qualify for this event after
Carlsen and GM Bobby Fischer.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
Norwegian Grandmaster (GM) and World No. 1 player Magnus Carlsen won his first International
Chess Federation (FIDE) World Cup title by defeating India’s GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
in the FIDE Chess World Cup 2023 finals.
• The 10th edition of the FIDE Chess World Cup 2023 was held from 29th July to 24th August
2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• Fabiano Caruana of the United States of America(USA) defeated Nijat Asabov of Azerbaijan to
secure the 3rd place.
• Carlsen defeated Praggnanandhaa in the tie-breaker after the two classical games ended in a
stalemate.
• Praggnanandhaa becomes the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to reach the Chess World
Cup final in 2002.
• Praggnanandhaa’s performance in the World Cup earned him a spot in the 2024 FIDE
Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, Canada.
• Praggnanandhaa (18-year-old) is the third-youngest player to qualify for this event after
Carlsen and GM Bobby Fischer.
• This was the first time four Indians qualified for the quarterfinals including Praggnanandhaa,
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, D. Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi.
• Alongside FIDE World Cup 2023, the 2nd edition of the Women’s only version of the Women’s
World Cup 2023 took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 29th July to 22nd August 2023.
• Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia won the 2023 FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup title by
defeating Nurgyul Salimova of Bulgaria in the finals.
17. Which country's wrestling Federation membership has recently (in August ‘23) got
suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) due to lack of elections in the organisation?
1) Russia
2) Ukraine
3) Iraq
4) China
5) India
Answer- 5) India
Explanation:
United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling,
has indefinitely suspended the membership of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the governing
body of wrestling in India with immediate effect due to lack of elections in the organisation.

• The elections of WFI were supposed to be held in May 2023 but they were postponed due to a
series of protests by Indian wrestlers and legal petitions from various state units.
i. Following this, Indian wrestlers will not be competing in the 2023 World Wrestling Championships
in Belgrade, Serbia under the Indian flag but instead, they will have to participate as ‘neutral athletes’.
If an Indian athlete makes it to the winner’s podium, the national anthem will not be played.
ii. The Indian athletes will compete in the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China under the Indian flag
since the entries were sent by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
18. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the Total Energies Badminton
World Federation(BWF) World Championships 2023 held in Royal Arena, Copenhagen,
Denmark?
A) Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand won the men’s singles title by defeating Kodai Naraoka of
Japan.
B) India’s Srikanth Kidambi won the bronze medal in the men’s singles at the BWF World
Championships 2023.
C) An Se-young of South Korea won the women’s singles title by defeating Carolina Marin of
Spain.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
The Total Energies Badminton World Federation(BWF) World Championships 2023 held in Royal
Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark from 21st to 27th August 2023.
• India’s HS Prannoy won the bronze medal in the men’s singles at the BWF World
Championships 2023.
Championship Winner Runner
Men’s Singles Kunlavut Vitidsarn Kodai Naraoka

(Thailand) (Japan)
Women’s Singles An Se Young Carolina Marin

(South Korea) (Spain)
Men’s Doubles Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup
Jae Rasmussen
(South Korea) (Denmark)
Women’s Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan Apriyani Rahayu and Silva Ramadhanti
Doubles (China) (Indonesia)
Mixed Doubles Seo Seung Jae and Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong
Chae Yu Jung (China)

(South Korea)
19. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the World Athletics
Championships 2023 held in August 2023?
A) The 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has won the gold medal in the men’s
javelin with an 88.17 meter (m) throw in the World Athletics Championships 2023.
B) Indian men’s 4x400m relay team comprising Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amob Jacob,
Muhammed Ajmal and Rajesh Ramesh finished fifth in the finals.
C) Indian men’s 4x400m relay team also set an Asian record in the men’s 4x400m relay event
in the qualifying round by taking 2:59.05 seconds and surpassed Japan (2:59.51 seconds).
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Explanation:
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has won the gold medal in the men’s javelin
with an 88.17 meter (m) throw in the World Athletics Championships 2023.
• The 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships (2023) was held in (Venue – The
National Athletics Centre) Budapest, Hungary from 19th to 27th August 2023.
i. Indian men’s 4x400m relay team comprising Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amob Jacob, Muhammed
Ajmal and Rajesh Ramesh finished fifth in the finals.
• The United States of America(USA) finished first followed by France and the United Kingdom in
second and third place respectively in the finals of men’s 4x400m.
• They also became the first Indian men’s 4x400m relay team to reach a World Championship
finals.
ii. They set an Asian record in the men’s 4x400m relay event in the qualifying round by taking 2:59.05
seconds and surpassed Japan(2:59.51 seconds).
iii. India’s Parul Chaudhary finished 11th in the finals of the Women’s 3000m steeplechase & India’s
Jeswin Aldrin finished 11th in the Men’s long jump finals with a 7.77 m Jump.
20. Who has recently (in August ‘23) won the Formula 1 (FI) Heineken Dutch Grand Prix(GP)
2023?
1) Max Verstappen
2) Sergio Pérez
3) Charles Leclerc
4) Fernando Alonso
5) George Russell
Answer- 1) Max Verstappen
Explanation:
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver (Dutch-Belgian) won the title at the Formula 1 (FI) Heineken
Dutch Grand Prix(GP) held at Circuit Zandvoort, Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 25th to 27th
August 2023.

• Spain’s Fernando Alonso(Aston Martin) won second place and France’s Pierre Gasly finished
in third place for the first time with Alpine.
• This also marks Verstappen’s 11th victory of the 2023 season out of 13 and 46th of his career.
• This marks his 9th consecutive F1 win of the 2023 season equals German racing driver
Sebastian Vettel’s record in 2013 with Red Bull.
• In 2023, Max won 11 GP including the Spanish GP, Monaco GP, Miami GP, Australian GP,
Bahrain GP, Canadian GP, Austrian GP, British GP, Hungarian GP, Belgian GP and Dutch GP.
21. Name the team that has recently (in August ‘23) won the 1st edition of World Chess
Federation (FIDE) World Rapid Team Championship 2023 held in Dusseldorf, Germany.
1) WR Chess
2) Armenia
3) Team Freedom
4) MGD1
5) Columbus Energy Kings Of Chess
Answer- 1) WR Chess
Explanation:
The WR Chess team won the 1st edition of World Chess Federation (FIDE) World Rapid Team
Championship 2023 held in Dusseldorf, Germany from 25th to 28th August 2023.
• Team Freedom finished second, while the Indian squad of MGD1 was third.
• The team Columbus Energy Kings Of Chess from Kraków(Poland) won 12,500 Euros as the
best-performing team with a rating below 2400.
• The special prize ‘Rainer Niermann Cup’ for the best game by a youngster was won by 12-year-
old Christian Glöckler of Germany for his victory over South African Grand Master(GM) Kenny
Solomon.
i. R Praggnanandhaa in the title-winning WR Chess team and Viswanathan Anand and Vidit Gujrathi in
Team Freedom.
ii. MGD1 team has Aditya Mittal, GM Srinath Narayanan, GM Pentala Harikrishna, GM Arjun Erigaisi,
GM Raunak Sadhwani, GM Nihal Sarin, GM Harika Dronavalli and Peter Anand A.
22. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with Deutsche Fußball
Liga GmbH (DFL) to develop the football ecosystem in India?
1) Uttarakhand
2) Tamil Nadu
3) West Bengal
4) Maharashtra
5) Assam
Answer- 4) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Government of Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deutsche
Fußball Liga GmbH (DFL) to develop the football ecosystem in India.
i. The agreement focuses on advancing football expertise and professionalising structures within the
state of Maharashtra.
ii. DFL operates Bundesliga, a professional association football league in Germany.

iii. The MoU was signed by Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Dr. Suhas Diwase as part of the
prestigious Shree Shiv Chhatarapati Awards ceremony in Pune, India.
23. In August 2023, the Indian Women‘s Hockey Team won the inaugural Women’s Hockey5s
Asia Cup by defeating ________________ (country) held in Salalah, Oman.
1) Bangladesh
2) Indonesia
3) Thailand
4) Malaysia
5) Japan
Answer- 3) Thailand
Explanation:
On 28th August 2023, The Indian Women‘s Hockey Team won the inaugural Women’s Hockey5s
Asia Cup by defeating Thailand (7-2) in the final match.
i. Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023, held in Salalah, Oman from 25th to 28th August 2023, was the
qualifying tournament FIH(Fédération Internationale de Hockey) Women Hockey 5s World Cup 2024.
ii. With this victory, India qualifies for the FIH Women Hockey 5s World Cup 2024, the inaugural
edition of FIH Hockey5s World Cup, which is to be held in Muscat, Oman from 24th to 27th January
2024.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS

1. Who co authored the book ‘Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die‘, along with Dr. APJM
Nasima Maraikayar?
1) Shiv Prasad Kosta
2) Nilamber Pant
3) Nandini Harinath
4) Yagnaswami Sundara Rajan
5) G. Madhavan Nair
Answer- 4) Yagnaswami Sundara Rajan
Explanation:
On 29th July 2023, Union Minister Amit Shah unveiled the book ‘Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Memories
Never Die‘, an English translation of the Tamil book ‘Abdul Kalam: Ninaivugalukku Maranamillai‘,
which was co-authored by Dr. APJM Nasima Maraikayar (niece of Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam) and
Dr. Yagnaswami Sundara Rajan (Y. S. Rajan), a scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO).
i. The book is a tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the late former President (11th
President served between 2002 and 2007).
ii. The book was released in an event organised at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu(TN), during the Home
Minister’s 2-day visit to Ramanathapuram district of TN.

2. Who authored the book, “Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani” that was released by the Union Minister
of State for Defence of India, Ajay Bhatt in July 2023?
1) Rishi Raj
2) Indrapramit Das
3) Anand Neelakantan
4) Durjoy Datta
5) Anuj Dhar
Answer- 1) Rishi Raj
Explanation:
On 23rd July 2023, Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Defence (MoD), released the book
and illustrations titled “Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani” (Hindi Edition) authored by Rishi Raj at the
Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, Delhi. The book which pays tribute to the Martyrs of Kargil War
was published by Prabhat Prakashan.
i. The book portrays the lives of all the 527 soldiers, who laid down their lives for our nation in the
Kargil War.
ii. The book highlights the importance of the Kargil Vijay Diwas and giving rich tributes to the brave
soldiers.
iii. Rishi Raj has authored as many as 21 books, out of which four bagged the Rahul Sankrityayan
Award from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (GoI).
3. Who authored the book, “Monsoon: A Poem of Love and Longing”?

1) Vikas Swarup
2) Rajiv Dogra
3) Satish Chandra
4) Abhay Kumar
5) Madhu Bhaduri
Answer- 4) Abhay Kumar
Explanation:
On 1st August 2023, Indian-poet-diplomat Abhay Kumar (Abhay K), Deputy Director General of
Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), launched his new book titled “Monsoon: A Poem of Love
and Longing”, a book-length poem running across 150 four-line stanzas, at Kathika Culture Centre in
Old Delhi, Delhi.
i. The book was published by Sahitya Akademi on the occasion of its 68th anniversary (13th March
2022).
ii. The book is a poem that follows the monsoon which originates from Madagascar and travels to
Srinagar in the Himalayas and back to Madagascar.
Note: His upcoming book titled ‘Celestial’ (Mapin India) is a poem in 100 rhyming couplets, that
details the journey to all the 88-star constellations visible from Earth. It is illustrated with the
drawings of star constellations of the 10th-century Persian astronomer Al Rahman Al Sufi.
4. Which of the following union ministers who has recently (in August ‘23) launched 2 books
namely “Kuwi Primer” and “Desia Primer” in Kuwi and Desia languages at an event held in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha?
1) Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs)
2) Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Minister of Education & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)

3) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation)
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education(MoE) and Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE), and Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance and
Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA) launched 2 books namely “Kuwi Primer” and “Desia Primer”
in Kuwi and Desia languages at an event held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to simplify primary education
for tribal children in Odisha.
• The event also witnessed the special postal cover release on behalf of the Department of Posts,
Ministry of Communications, Government of India (GoI).
i. The event marks a collaborative effort with the Central University of Odisha, Koraput, the
Department of Posts, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
• In this regard, NCERT, for the first time, in collaboration with the Central University of Odisha,
has prepared the 2 books for those children, who are speaking Kuwi and Desia tribal languages
in the undivided Koraput district of Odisha.
ii. The Ministers also attended a series of events under the nationwide “Meri Maati Mera Desh”
campaign, a tribute to the heroes who have made supreme sacrifices for the country.
5. Name the Governor who has recently (in August ‘23) authored the three new books-‘Heritage
Trees of Goa’, ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’, and ‘Ente Priya Kavithakal‘ (‘My Dear Poems’ a
collection of poems).
1) Tamilisai Soundararajan (Telangana & Puducherry)
2) Acharya Dev Vrat (Gujarat)
3) PS Sreedharan Pillai (Goa)
4) Arif Mohammed Khan (Kerala)
5) Bandaru Dattatraya (Haryana)
Answer- 3) PS Sreedharan Pillai (Goa)
Explanation:
Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai launched his recently authored three new books namely
‘Heritage Trees of Goa’, ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’, and ‘Ente Priya Kavithakal‘ (‘My Dear Poems’ a
• Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the event in Panaji, Goa. Sreedharan Pillai has
written over 200 books.
i. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose unveiled the book ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’. Additionally, Goa
State Minister for Tourism Rohan Khaunte and the 2021 Jnanpith winner and Konkani Novelist
Damodar Mauzo released the other two books ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’ and ‘Ente Priya Kavitakal’ (a
ii. ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’ is a book that reveals the importance of ancient heritage trees, some over
100 years old, found in Goan villages and places of worship,adding to the experience of ‘Goa Sampurna
Yatra’.

OBITUARY
1. In July 2023, Vakkom Purushothaman, Former Governor/Lieutenant Governor of Mizoram,
__________ and Andaman & Nicobar Island passed away.
1) Sikkim
2) Tripura
3) Manipur
4) Assam
5) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer- 2) Tripura
Explanation:
On 31st July 2023, Vakkom Purushothaman, Senior Congress leader and former Speaker of Kerala,
who also served as Governor of Mizoram, Tripura and Andaman & Nicobar Island passed away at
the age of 95 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
i. He was the longest-served Speaker of the Kerala assembly, from 1982 to 1984 and again from 2001
to 2004.
ii. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha twice, from the Alappuzha constituency, and served from
1984-1989 and 1989-1991.
iii. He served as the 6th Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 1993 to 1996,
and Governor of Tripura (Additional Charge) for two months in 2014.
2. Padma Shri awardee & _________ (language) poet Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor passed away in
August 2023.
1) Marathi
2) Bengali
3) Gujarati
4) Punjabi
5) Santali
Answer- 1) Marathi
Explanation:
On 3rd August 2023, Marathi poet and lyricist Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor, popularly known as Na
Dho Mahanor, passed away at the age of 81 in Pune, Maharashtra.
i. Mahanor was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) in 1978.
ii. He was honored with the Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian honor of India, in 1991 for
his contribution in the field of literature.
iii. He was also given the Sahitya Akademi Award for his contribution to Marathi poetry in 2000.
3. In August 2023, Nagarajan Vittal, a Padma Bhushan awardee and a former Civil Servant
passed away.
In which year did he receive the Padma Bhushan award in the field of Civil Service?
1) 2016
2) 2018
3) 2015
4) 2014

5) 2012
Answer- 5) 2012
Explanation:
On 3rd August 2023, Nagarajan Vittal, a Padma Bhushan awardee and a former Civil Servant passed
away.
i. Vittal, who was born on 31st January 1938 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is a 1960 batch Indian
Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat Cadre.
ii. He has held the appointments of Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Gujarat;
• Additional Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India; Secretary,
Department of Electronics, Government of India;
• Chairman, Telecom Commission and Secretary, Department of Telecommunication,
Government of India;
• Chairman, Public Enterprises Selection Board and before retirement, his last appointment was
as Central Vigilance Commissioner.
iii. He received Padma Bhushan in the discipline of Civil Service by the Government of India in 2012.
iv. He is the Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers
(IETE).
4. In August 2023, Oscar-winning American director William Friedkin passed away.

He received the Best Director award at the 44th Academy Awards in 1972 for _________ (Film).
1) Sorcerer
2) To Live and Die in L.A.
3) The Exorcist
4) The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
5) The French Connection
Answer- 5) The French Connection
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, William Friedkin, the Oscar-winning American director of films like The
Exorcist and The French Connection passed away in Los Angeles(LA), California, United States of
America (USA) at the age of 87.
i. His 1971 film “The French Connection”, a crime thriller, won 5 Oscars including Best Picture, and
Best Director for Friedki at the 44th Academy Awards (1972).
ii. His 1973 film “The Exorcist”, a horror film based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, had won the
award for Writing (Screenplay–Based On Material From Another Medium) and for Sound at the 46th
Academy Awards (1974).
• The Exorcist became the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture in the Oscar award.
iii. His last film, “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial,” is set to premiere at the the 80th Venice
International Film Festival,Venice, Italy in September 2023.
5. In August 2023, Polali Jayarama Bhat, the former Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive
Officers (CEO) of ___________ (Bank) passed away.
1) HDFC Bank
2) Karnataka Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) Axis Bank

Answer- 2) Karnataka Bank
Explanation:
On 09th August 2023, Polali Jayarama Bhat, the former Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive
Officers (CEO) of Karnataka Bank passed away. He was born on 14th November 1951, in Polali, a
small town near Mangalore, Karnataka.
i. He served the Bank for over 48 years from April 1973 to November 2021.
ii. Awards and Recognition:
• Outstanding Manager Award from Mangalore Management Association.
• CEO with HR(Human Resource) Orientation by Asia Pacific Human Resource Management
(HRM) Congress.
• A. Shama Rao Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award by A. Shama Rao Foundation.
• New Year Award-2015 jointly by Manipal University, Academy of General Education, and
Syndicate Bank.
• T. A. Pai Memorial Shrestha Banker Award from Delhi Kannadiga.
6. Padma Awardee and renowned nuclear physicist Bikash Chandra Sinha passed away in
August 2023.
In which year did he received the Padma Bhushan Award in the field of Science &
Engineering?
1) 2019
2) 2001
3) 2005
4) 2018
5) 2010
Answer-5) 2010
Explanation:
Padma Awardee and renowned nuclear physicist Bikash Chandra Sinha (aged 78) passed away in
Kolkata due to age related ailments.
i. He has also served as the director of Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata, WB from
1992 to 2009 and Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre(VECC), Kolkata, WB, from 1987 to 2009.
ii. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Prime Minister of India from 2005 to
2009 and also nominated to the council again in 2009. He has also served as the President of the
Indian Physics Association from 2007 to 2010.
iii. Awards:
• He was honoured with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2010 in the Science &
Engineering field.
• He is also the recipient of West Bengal highest state award ‘Bangabibhushan’ (2022). He also
received the ‘Rabindra Smriti Puraskar’ in 2022.
• He has authored a book titled ‘Sristi O Krishti Bandhanhin Granthi’ in Bengali, published by
Ananda Publishers in 2012.

7.Padma Shri Awardee Professor MR Satyanarayana Rao passed away in August 2023.
In which year did he receive Padma Shri Award for Science and Engineering?
1) 2020
2) 2022
3) 2009
4) 2010
5) 2012
Answer- 4) 2010
Explanation:
Former President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)(Bengaluru,
Karnataka) and Padma Shri award recipient (2010) Professor MR Satyanarayana Rao passed
away. He was born in 1948 in Mysuru, Karnataka.
• He served as JNCASR president from 2003 to 2013. Before 2003, he was the Chairman in
Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science(IISC),Bengaluru.
i.He received Padma Shri Award in 2010 for Science and Engineering.
ii.Goyal Prize by Kurukshetra University to honour eminent scientist in 2012-13.
8. In August 2023, Padma Bhushan Awardee & Founder of Sulabh International Social Service
Organisation, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, passed away.
In Which year did he receive the Padma Bhushan Award in the field of social service?
1) 1991
2) 2008
3) 1995
4) 2000
5) 1997
Answer- 1) 1991
Explanation:
On 15th August 2023, Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, a renowned Social activist
and the Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, passed away at the age of 80
in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on 2nd April 1943, in Rampur Baghel village in the Vaishali district
of Bihar.
• He is a pioneer of Public toilets in India who is known as the “Toilet Man of India”.
• In 1991, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his distinguished social service.
• In 2003, he was honoured with the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour 2003 Award and also received
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global 500 Scroll of Honour Award.
• In 2009, he won the Stockholm Water Prize, conferred by the Royal Swedish Academy of
Sciences.
• In 2016, he received the World Health Organisation (WHO) Public Health Champion Award.
• Books: His notable works include: The Making of Legend: Narendra Damodar Das Modi
(2017); New Princesses of Alwar Shame To Pride (2009); Road to Freedom (2000) and so on.
9. In August 2023, ____________, Indian football player & Former Indian captain passed away.
1) Subhash Bhowmick
2) Mahesh Gawli
3) Mohammed Habib

4) Pradip Kumar Banerjee
5) Bhaichung Bhutia
Answer- 3) Mohammed Habib
Explanation:
Mohammed Habib, the legendary Indian football player and Former Indian captain, passed away
at the age of 74 in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was born in Hyderabad in undivided Andhra Pradesh
(now Telangana) on July 17, 1949.
i. He was affectionately referred to as the ‘Bade Miya’ of Kolkata football, and he played international
football till 1975.
ii. Dedicated to football, he refused all the job offers that came his way and became India’s 1st “True
Professional Footballer”.
iii. He was a part of the bronze-medal winning team at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
iv. Awards/Honours:
• He was conferred with the Arjuna Award 1980-81 for football.
• He was also conferred with the East Bengal Bharat Gaurav Award in 2016.
In 2018, the West Bengal Government instituted him the title Banga Bibhushan in the field Footballer.
10. Padma Awardee & former Director General (DG) of Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO), Vallampadugai Srinivasa Raghavan Arunachalam passed away in August
2023.
In Which year did he received the Padma Vibhushan Award in the field of Science and
Engineering?
1) 2002
2) 2000
3) 1990
4) 1995
5) 1997
Answer- 3) 1990
Explanation:
Padma Awardee Dr Vallampadugai Srinivasa Raghavan Arunachalam (V S R Arunachalam), an Indian
Scientist and the former Director General (DG) of Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), passed away at the age of 87 in California, the United States of America (USA).
i. He served as the DG of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development
(DDRD) and Scientific Adviser (SA) to the Defence Ministry from 1982 to 1992. He became the 1st
DRDO scientist to head the DRDO.
ii. Awards: In 1986, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan for Civil Service and in 1990, he was
awarded the Padma Vibhushan for Science and Engineering.
• He was awarded DRDO’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for his outstanding contribution
to the field of scientific research and technology.
iii. Book: His notable work includes: From Temples to Turbines: An Adventure in Two Worlds
(2019).
11. Australian Olympic Swimming Gold Medallist ____________ passed away in August 2023.
1) Michael Wenden
2) Frederick Lane

3) John Thomas Devitt
4) Brendon Smith
5) Mitchell James Larkin
Answer- 3) John Thomas Devitt
Explanation:
Australian Olympic Swimming Gold Medallist John Thomas Devitt(Aged 86) passed away in Sydney,
Australia. He was born in Granville, Australia on February 4, 1937
i. John Thomas Devitt totally won two gold, a silver, and a bronze medal in Olympic competition.
ii. He won the gold medal in 1956 Melbourne Olympics in the 100-meter freestyle and a silver medal
in the 100 freestyle swimming event.
iii. In The 1960 Rome Olympics, he won the gold medal in the 4-x-200 freestyle relay team event and
a bronze medal in the 4-x-200 relay team event.
12. In August 2023, a renowned American actor, ______________, who won Emmy Awards for
Outstanding Guest Actor in 2018 and 2020 for the "This Is Us" drama series, passed away.
1) Bryan Cranston
2) Ron Cephas Jones
3) Aaron Paul
4) Frankie Muniz
5) Bob Odenkirk
Answer- 2) Ron Cephas Jones
Explanation:
Ron Cephas Jones, a renowned American actor who won an Emmy Award twice, has passed away.
He was born on January 8, 1957, in Paterson, New Jersey, United States of America(USA).
i. He won widespread recognition for his performance in the hit television series “This Is Us.” He
portrayed the character, William Hill.
ii. Ron Cephas Jones won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor for his role in the drama
series “This Is Us” in both 2018 and 2020.
• In 2020, Ron Cephas Jones’ daughter, Jasmine Cephas Jones, earned her first Emmy Award.
This achievement made them the first-ever father-daughter winners in Emmy history. Jasmine
won the Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her role in
“#FreeRayshawn.”
13. Indian-American Statistician and mathematician ________________, who won Padma Vibhushan
(2001) in the field of science and Engineering passed away in August 2023.
1) CR Rao
2) K. R. Parthasarathy
3) S. R. Srinivasa Varadhan
4) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
5) Veeravalli S. Varadarajan
Answer- 1) CR Rao
Explanation:
Renowned Indian-American Statistician and mathematician Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao (CR Rao)
passed away at the age of 102 in Buffalo, New York, the United States of America(USA).

i. He was awarded the 2023 International Prize in Statistics which is equivalent to the Nobel Prize
in statistics in April 2023. He worked in India at the Indian Statistical Institute(ISI) for 40 years
(1941-1979).
• He was the founder of CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer
Sciences (CR Rao AIMCS) at the University of Hyderabad, Telangana.
• He served as chairman of the Committee on Statistics (1962-69), and chairman of the
Demographic and Communication for Population Control (1968-69).
ii. Awards: He was honoured with Padma Bhushan(1968 ) and Padma Vibhushan (2001) in the
field of science and Engineering.
• He was also awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1963) and the India Science Award
(2009).
• He was awarded the National Medal of Science (2002) by then President George Bush in the
USA.
14. In August 2023, Jayanta Mahapatra, who was the first recipient of Sahitya Akademi award
for ___________ (language) poetry in 1981, passed away.
1) Gujarati
2) Malayalam
3) Kannada
4) Hindi
5) English
Answer- 5) English
Explanation:
Jayanta Mahapatra, an Eminent Indian English poet and Litterateur, who was the first recipient of
Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry(1981), passed away in Cuttack, Odisha. He was born on
22nd October 1928 in Cuttack, Odisha.
Award: He received the Sahitya Akademi Awards in 1981 for Relationship (poetry), the first
Akademi Awad for English poetry.
• The Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri in 2009 for Literature and
Education.But he returned the award in 2015 to protest against “rising intolerance in India”.
• He won the prestigious SAARC (South Asian Association Regional Cooperation) literary Award
for the year 2009.
IMPORTANT DAYS
1. When was the United Nations (UN) World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 observed
across the globe?
1) 27th July 2023
2) 31st July 2023
3) 28th July 2023
4) 30th July 2023
5) 29th July 2023
Answer- 4) 30th July 2023

Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023 was observed on 30th
July 2023 to raise awareness about the situation of human trafficking victims and to promote and
protect their rights.
• The 2023 campaign theme of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is: “Reach every
victim of trafficking, leave no one behind“.
• The first-ever World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was observed on 30th July 2014.
i. The 2022 edition of the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, is UNODC’s 7th report
mandated by the UNGA through the 2010 UN’s Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
ii. This edition of the report covers 141 countries and provides an overview of the response to the
trafficking of persons at global, regional, and national levels, by analysing trafficking cases detected
between 2017 and 2021.
2. When was World Ranger Day 2023 celebrated across the globe?
1) 27th July 2023
2) 28th July 2023
3) 30th July 2023
4) 29th July 2023
5) 31st July 2023
Answer- 5) 31st July 2023
Explanation:
World Ranger Day 2023 was celebrated across the globe on 31st July 2023 to commemorate
Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the
planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage.
i. The 2023 World Ranger Day theme is ’30 by 30‘ based on the 2022 United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity (UNCBD), 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15), where a Global Biodiversity
Framework was agreed upon by world leaders and decision-makers.
ii. During the virtual award ceremony in 2023, a total of 9 awards were presented by the 2023 IUCN
World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) International Ranger Awards to recognize the
outstanding contributions of 5 individual rangers and 4 ranger teams.
iii. The winners come from Bhutan, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, South
Africa and Ukraine.
3. What was the theme of Aviation Security Culture Week 2023 that is being observed across
India from July 31st to August 5th 2023?
1) Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development
2) See it, Say it, Secure it
3) 75 Years of Connecting the World
4) Working Together to Ensure No Country is Left Behind
5) Flying Safely into the 21st Century
Answer- 2) See it, Say it, Secure it
Explanation:
India’s aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of
Civil Aviation (MoCA), inaugurated ‘Aviation Security Culture Week’ at its headquarters in New
Delhi, Delhi from July 31st to August 5th 2023, for the first time in India.

i. The theme of the ‘Aviation Security Culture Week’ is “See it, Say it, Secure it” which will be
celebrated across all the major and non-major airports of India.
4. The United Nations (UN) World Breastfeeding (WBW) week 2023 observed across the globe
on _____________.
1) 10th to 16th July 2023
2) 17th to 23rd July 2023
3) 24th to 30th July 2023
4) 1st to 7th August 2023
5) 25th to 31st July 2023
Answer- 4) 1st to 7th August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) World Breastfeeding (WBW) week is annually celebrated worldwide during
the first week of August, from 1st to 7th to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits.
i. 1st August to 7th August 2023 observed as the United Nations (UN) World Breastfeeding (WBW)
week 2023. According to WHO, the theme for 2023 is “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, work”.
ii. WBW was 1st observed in 1992. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has set a
theme for WBW 2023 – “Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents.”
5. When was World Lung Cancer Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 28th July 2023
2) 29th July 2023
3) 30th July 2023
4) 31st July 2023
5) 1st August 2023
Answer- 5) 1st August 2023
Explanation:
World Lung Cancer Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 1st August 2023 to create
awareness about the causes and treatment of lung cancer and to educate people about the habits and
factors that can cause lung cancer.
• The day also aims to focus more on lung cancer research and arrange financial and moral
support for it.
• Symbol: Pearl or White-coloured Ribbon represents Lung Cancer Awareness.
i. The conference is organized by the International Conference Services Ltd. (ICS), International
Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and will be held from September 9 – 12, 2023 at
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Suntec City, Singapore, Singapore.
ii. WCLC 2023 is a global, multi-disciplinary meeting designed for physicians, nurses, clinicians,
researchers, scientists, survivors, and advocates.
6. When was the World FinTech Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 2nd August 2023
2) 29th July 2023
3) 30th July 2023
4) 31st July 2023
5) 1st August 2023

Explanation:
World FinTech Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 1st August 2023 to celebrate and
recognize financial technology and its transformative impact on the global financial industry.
i. August 1st marks the death anniversary of Cosimo de’ Medici in 1464.
ii. Medici was a 15th-century Italian politician and banker who established the Medici Bank and
influenced the present-day banking system.
7. When was the Muslim Women’s Rights Day 2023 observed across India to commemorate the
enactment of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019?
1) 30th July 2023
2) 1st August 2023
3) 29th July 2023
4) 2nd August 2023
5) 31st July 2023
Explanation:
The Muslim Women’s Rights Day is annually celebrated across India on 1st August to commemorate
the enactment of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, which prohibits the
practice of triple talaq in India.
i. 1st August 2023 marks the observance of the 4th Muslim Women’s Rights Day. The 1st ever
Muslim Women Rights Day was observed on 1st August 2020.
ii. The term ‘Talaq’ derives from an Arabic verse which means ‘freeing or undoing the knot‘ that refers
to a divorce or dissolution of marriage.
iii. Under Muslim law, Triple talaq means liberty from the relationship of marriage, eventually or
immediately.
iv. This instant divorce is called Triple Talaq, also known as Talaq-e-biddat.
8. When was the World Wide Web Day 2023 observed across the globe to commemorate the
introduction of the World Wide Web (WWW)?
1) 3rd August 2023
2) 1st August 2023
3) 31st July 2023
4) 2nd August 2023
5) 30th July 2023
Explanation:
World Wide Web Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 1st August 2023 to commemorate
the introduction of the World Wide Web (WWW) and its impact on the world.
i. Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist, developed the WWW on 1 August 1989, which
marked the beginning of the Internet, at the CERN center (the European Organisation for Nuclear
Research) located in Geneva, Switzerland, as a way for him to interact with coworkers via hyperlinks.
ii. The world’s first website went live on 6th August 1991 which was hosted on Berners-Lee’s NeXT
computer.

Note- WWW, also known as Web, is a collection of websites or web pages stored in web servers and
connected to local computers through the internet.
9. When was the Earth Overshoot Day (EOD) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 3rd August 2023
2) 1st August 2023
3) 31st July 2023
4) 2nd August 2023
5) 30th July 2023
Answer- 4) 2nd August 2023
Explanation:
Earth Overshoot Day (EOD) marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and
services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.
• Earth Overshoot Day 2023 falls on 2nd August 2023. This means that humanity currently
uses 75% more than what the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate.
• The first Earth Overshoot Day was calculated on 25th December 1971.
i. Earth Overshoot Day is hosted and calculated by Global Footprint Network, an international
research organization that uses United Nations(UN) data to calculate the supply and demand for
ecological categories.
ii. Earth’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint x 365 = Earth Overshoot Day.
10. When was the National Bone and Joint Day 2023 observed across India?
1) 5th August 2023
2) 3rd August 2023
3) 1st August 2023
4) 4th August 2023
5) 2nd August 2023
Answer- 4) 4th August 2023
Explanation:
National Bone and Joint Day 2023 was observed on 4th August 2023 across India to increase
awareness about the importance of bone and joint health and to educate people about preventive
measures and early detection of various musculoskeletal disorders and conditions.
i. The Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA) had launched the 2023 campaign under the theme ‘Each
One Train One Save One’.
ii. The first-ever National bone and joint day was observed on 4th August 2012
11. When was Hiroshima Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 5th August 2023
2) 3rd August 2023
3) 6th August 2023
4) 4th August 2023
5) 7th August 2023

Explanation:
Hiroshima Day is annually observed across the globe on the 6th of August in accordance with the
remembrance of the victims of the world’s 1st nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945, during
World War II (WW2) (1939-1945).
• 6th August 2023 marks the 78th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombings.
i. The Hiroshima Peace Festival Association organized a Peace Festival on August 6, 1947 for
promoting a lasting peace.
• On 6th August 1945, the United States (US) Boeing-29(B-29) bomber aircraft dropped the
powerful “Little Boy”, the first atomic bomb, over Hiroshima in Japan, killing over 140,000
people.
• The bombing of Hiroshima resulted in the loss of 39% of the city’s civilian population.
• The Little Boy is a gun-type (uranium-235), which weighed 9,700 pounds, with a Diameter of
28 inches and 10ft length, and had a force of 15,000 tons of TNT (Trinitrotoluene).
12. What was the theme of 9th National Handloom Day 2023 observed across India on 7th
August 2023?
1) Promote Handloom in India
2) Festival: ‘YUVAAH – Utsah Naye Bharat Ka”
3) Handloom, an Indian legacy
4) Handloom: symbol of India's glorious cultural heritage
5) Handloom for Sustainable Fashion
Answer- 5) Handloom for Sustainable Fashion
Explanation:
National Handloom Day is annually observed on the 7th of August across India to promote handloom
and to recognise and honour the efforts and skills of the handloom weaving community engaged in the
sector and the contribution it has made to India’s socio economic development.
• This day is also celebrated to commemorate the Swadeshi movement which was initiated in
1905.
i. August 7, 2023, marks the 9th National Handloom Day with the theme of “Handloom for
Sustainable Fashion”.
ii. The first National Handloom Day was inaugurated on 7th August 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at the Centenary hall of Madras University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
13. When was the Quit India movement Day 2023 observed across India?
1) 8th August 2023
2) 5th August 2023
3) 7th August 2023
4) 4th August 2023
5) 6th August 2023
Explanation:
The Quit India Movement Day is annually observed across India on 8th August to commemorate the
launch of the Quit India Movement on 8th August 1942.
• 8th August 2023 marks the 81st anniversary of the Quit India movement.

i. The Quit India Movement, also referred to as the August Movement, August Kranti, and Bharat
Chhdo Andolan, was a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding India’s independence from
British rule. The Quit India Movement was the result of the failure of the Cripps Mission in April 1942.
ii. It was officially launched by the Indian National Congress (INC) led by Mahatma Gandhi on 9th
August 1942, at the Bombay (now Mumbai) session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) during
World War II (WW2) demanding an end to British rule in India.
14. What was the theme of United Nations (UN) International Day of the World’s Indigenous
Peoples (IDWIP) 2023 that was observed across the globe on 9th August 2023?
1) Indigenous Peoples' Resilience
2) Indigenous Peoples' Migration and Movement
3) Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination
4) Leaving no one behind: Indigenous Peoples and the call for a new Social Contract
5) Indigenous Peoples' Languages
Answer- 3) Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (IDWIP) 2023
observed on 9th August 2023 across the world with the theme of “Indigenous Youth as Agents of
Change for Self-determination” with the sub-themes: Climate Action and the Green Transition;
Mobilizing for Justice and Intergenerational Connections.
• This day is also known as World Tribal Day or World Indigenous Peoples Day.
• The first-ever International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed on 9th August
1995.
i. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its partners announced the winners of
the 14th Equator Prize, on the occasion of the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples,
recognizing 10 Indigenous peoples and local communities from 10 Countries namely Bolivia, Brazil,
Burundi, Ecuador, Guatemala, Greenland, Liberia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Zambia.
15. When was Nagasaki Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 9th August 2023
2) 8th August 2023
3) 7th August 2023
4) 6th August 2023
5) 5th August 2023
Explanation:
Nagasaki Day is annually observed across the globe on the 9th of August to create awareness about
the hazards of nuclear weapons and to promote peace among nations.
• The day is also observed to remember the victims of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki, a city on
the island of Kyushu in Japan.
i. 9th August 2023 marks the 78th anniversary of Nagasaki Day.
ii. On 9th August 1945, the American USAAF B-29 aeroplane named “Bockscar”, piloted by United
States (US) Army Air Force Major Charles W. Sweeney, dropped the plutonium implosion-type bomb,
code name “Fat Man” the 2nd atom bomb on Japan’s Nagasaki.
iii. The bomb was dropped 3 days after the 1st uranium bomb ‘Little Boy’ on Japan’s Hiroshima.

16. When was the National Javelin Day 2023 observed across India?
1) 8th August 2023
2) 6th August 2023
3) 9th August 2023
4) 7th August 2023
5) 5th August 2023
Explanation:
National Javelin Day is annually celebrated across India on 7th August to commemorate the day on
which Neeraj Chopra won the men's javelin throw gold at Tokyo 2020 Olympics and became the first
Asian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in men's javelin throw.
• 7th August 2023 marks the observance of the 2nd National Javelin Day
• The annual observance of the National Javelin Day is led by the Athletics Federation of India
(AFI), apex body for athletics in India.
• On 11th August 2021, the The Athletics Federation of India(AFI) declared the 7th August of
every year, starting from 2022, as the National Javelin Day. The first ever National Javelin Day
was observed on 7th August 2022.
17. When was World Bio-Fuel Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 8th August 2023
2) 6th August 2023
3) 9th August 2023
4) 7th August 2023
5) 10th August 2023
Explanation:
World Bio-Fuel Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 10th August 2023 to create awareness
about the importance of non-fossil fuels or bio-fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels for
the energy sector.
• The day also honours Rudolf Diesel, a French-German Inventor, who invented the Diesel
Engine in 1892.
i. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) initiated the observance of World Biofuel Day
in India in 2015.
ii. 10th August marks the day on which German inventor and mechanical engineer Sir Rudolf
Christian Karl Diesel for the first time successfully ran the Diesel engine with peanut oil in 1893.
iii. India is the third-largest primary energy consumer in the world after China and the United States
of America (USA).
18. When was World Lion Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 10th August 2023
2) 9th August 2023
3) 8th August 2023
4) 7th August 2023
5) 6th August 2023

Explanation:
World Lion Day 2023 was observed on 10th August 2023 across the globe to raise awareness about
Lions, the ‘Majestic King of the Jungle‘ and highlight the threats faced by the lion population across the
world.
i. The day also aims to promote efforts for the conservation and protection of the Lion, the second-
largest Big Cat Species in the World.
ii. The Lions (Panthera Leo) roamed freely across the jungles of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle
East some 3 million years ago.
iii. The first World Lion Day was observed in 2013.
19. When was the first World Steelpan Day 2023 observed across the globe by the United
Nations (UN)?
1) 11th August 2023
2) 8th August 2023
3) 12th August 2023
4) 9th August 2023
5) 10th August 2023
Answer-1) 11th August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s first-ever World Steelpan Day was observed on 11th August 2023, to
recognise the cultural and historical significance of the Steelpan, the National Musical instrument of
Trinidad and Tobago, and its correlation to cultural, social, and economic development.
• Steelpan or steel drums originated in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), one of the
wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, during the 1930s.
Note: ‘Steelpan’ was declared as the National Musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago in August
1992.
20. What was the theme of International Youth Day 2023 that was observed across the globe by
the United Nations (UN's) on 12th August 2023?
1) Safe Spaces for Youth
2) Transforming education
3) Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
4) Intergenerational solidarity: creating a world for all ages
5) Youth Engagement for Global Action
Answer- 3) Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
Explanation:
United Nations (UN's) International Youth Day is annually observed on 12th August across the
globe to celebrate the potential and contributions of young individuals to society and to create
awareness about the problems faced by them globally. The day also aimed to draw attention to a given
set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth.
• The 2023 Theme of International Youth Day is "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a
Sustainable World".
• The first International Youth Day was observed on 12th August 2000.

21. When was World Elephant Day 2023 observed annually around the globe?
1) 15th August 2023
2) 12th August 2023
3) 10th August 2023
4) 13th August 2023
5) 11th August 2023
Explanation:
i.World Elephant Day is annually celebrated on 12th August across the globe to increase public
awareness of the preservation and protection of elephants, the 'Gentle Giants' worldwide.
• The theme of World Elephant Day 2023 observed on 12th August 2023 is "Ending the Illegal
Wildlife Trade".
ii.Project Elephant was launched in 1992, intended to preserve habitat and establish elephant
corridors, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) provides technical and
financial support for elephant conservation and welfare and the support.
iii.On April 2023, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 'Gaj Utsav 2023' at the Kaziranga
National Park (World Heritage Site (1985)) in Assam to mark 30 years of Project Elephant
22. The World Organ Donation Day 2023 is observed across the globe on ________.
1) 16th August 2023
2) 14th August 2023
3) 12th August 2023
4) 13th August 2023
5) 15th August 2023
Explanation:
World Organ Donation Day is annually observed on the 13th August across the globe to spread
awareness about the importance of organ donation to save more lives and to make people aware of
the misconceptions about organ donation.
• The theme of World Organ Donation Day 2023 observed on 13th August 2023 is “Step up to
volunteer; we need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”.
23. When was the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day/‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas‘
2023 observed across India?
1) 16th August 2023
2) 13th August 2023
3) 15th August 2023
4) 12th August 2023
5) 14th August 2023
Explanation:
The 3rd Partition Horrors Remembrance Day or ‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas‘ 2023 was
observed across India on 14th August 2023 to remember the struggles and sacrifices during the
partition of India into India and Pakistan in 1947.
i. The first ever Partition Horrors Remembrance Day was observed on 14th August 2021.

• The Partition of India was rooted in the demand for a separate country for Muslims, led by
Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League.
• In 40 days, the British judge Cyril Radcliffe drew revised boundaries on either side of the
Indian subcontinent.
The Partition of India was announced by Lord Louis Mountbatten on June 3, 1947 who assumed the
role of the last viceroy of India on 24 March 1947.
24. When was the United Nations (UN) World Humanitarian Day (WHD) 2023 observed across
the globe?
1) 17th August 2023
2) 19th August 2023
3) 16th August 2023
4) 18th August 2023
5) 15th August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s World Humanitarian Day (WHD) 2023 was observed on 19th August
2023 across the globe to pay tribute to humanitarian people around the world, who have committed
their lives in order to support or help others, particularly in times of crisis and conflict.
i. WHD is a campaign by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA).
ii. In 2023, the WHD campaign brings together the global humanitarian community to mark the 20th
anniversary of the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. The 2023 WHD Campaign tagline
is #NoMatterWhat.
iii. The first World Humanitarian Day was observed on 19th August 2009.
25. What was the theme of World Photography Day 2023 that was observed across the globe on
19th August 2023?
1) Transcending the boundaries of language
2) Be Nice
3) Pandemic Lockdown through the lens
4) Understanding Clouds
5) Landscapes
Answer- 5) Landscapes
Explanation:
World Photography Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 19th August 2023 with the theme
of “Landscapes“.
i. World Photography Day commemorates the announcement of the Daguerreotype process of
photography by the French government as a ‘free gift to the world’.
ii. World Photography Week was introduced in 2022. It is a 2-week worldwide celebration of
Photography, beginning a week before World Photography Day, on 12th August, and running a week
after, through 26th August.

26. When was the Sadbahavana Diwas/ Harmony Day 2023 observed across India to celebrate
the birth anniversary of India’s 6th Prime Minister (PM) Rajiv Gandhi?
1) 20th August 2023
2) 18th August 2023
3) 21st August 2023
4) 17th August 2023
5) 19th August 2023
Explanation:
Sadbahavana Diwas, also known as Harmony Day, is annually celebrated on 20th August across
India to celebrate the birth anniversary of India’s 6th Prime Minister (PM) Rajiv Gandhi.
i. The Sadbahavana Diwas 2023 (20th August 2023) marks the 79th birth anniversary of former PM
Rajiv Gandhi, who was born on 20 August 1944.
ii. The first Sadbhavana Diwas was observed in 1992, a year after Rajiv Gandhi was assasinated by a
suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu on 21st May 1991.
• 21st May, the death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi was declared National Anti-Terrorism Day.
iii. The Indian Government honoured him with the Bharat Ratna (posthumously) in 1991 for his
public service.
27. When was the World Mosquito Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 17th August 2023
2) 20th August 2023
3) 18th August 2023
4) 21st August 2023
5) 19th August 2023
Explanation:
World Mosquito Day 2023 was observed across the globe on 20th August 2023 to commemorate
Sir Ronald Ross, a British doctor who discovered the relationship between mosquitoes and the
transmission of malaria between humans in 1897.
• On August 20, 1897, Ronald Ross discovered the malaria parasite while dissecting the stomach
tissue of a Female Anopheles mosquito. Later, he confirmed the growth of the parasite in the
mosquito.
i. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for this work.
ii. He was the first Briton to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine.
iii. Ross wrote extensively on malaria including his book The Prevention of Malaria in 1911.
28. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the
Victims of Terrorism 2023 observed across the globe with the theme of “Legacy: Finding Hope
and Building a Peaceful Future”?
1) 17th August 2023
2) 20th August 2023
3) 18th August 2023
4) 21st August 2023
5) 19th August 2023

Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of
Terrorism 2023 was observed across the world on the 21st August 2023 with the theme of “Legacy:
Finding Hope and Building a Peaceful Future.”
i. 21st August 2023 marks the 6th commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and
Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
ii. The first International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was
observed on 21st August 2018.
29. When was World Senior Citizens Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 20th August 2023
2) 18th August 2023
3) 22nd August 2023
4) 19th August 2023
5) 21st August 2023
Explanation:
World Senior Citizens Day 2023 was celebrated across the globe on 21st August 2023 to honour
the efforts, contributions, and achievements made by elderly people to society, families, and
communities.
• The observance of World Senior Citizens Day was started in 1988, when Ronald Reagan, the
40th President of the United States of America (USA) signed the Proclamation of 5847 on
August 19, 1988, and declared the 21st of August every year as the “National Senior Citizens
Day”.
• The Proclamation of 5847, which was signed on 19th August 1988 initially appeared as
National Day of the Third Age on 21st August.
• On 14th December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution
declaring 1st October as the International Day of Older Persons.
30. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of
Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 22nd August 2023
2) 19th August 2023
3) 21st August 2023
4) 18th August 2023
5) 20th August 2023
Answer- 1) 22nd August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence
Based on Religion or Belief is annually observed across the globe on 22nd August to condemn the
violence and acts of terrorism against individuals of religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name
of religion or belief.
i. 22nd August 2023 marks the observance of the 5th International Day Commemorating the Victims
of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

ii. The first-ever International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion
or Belief was observed on 22nd August 2019.
31. What was the theme of World Water Week 2023 that was observed across the globe on
20th to 24th August 2023?
1) Water and Climate Change
2) Building Resilience Faster
3) Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World
4) Seeing the Unseen: The Value of Water
5) Leaving no one behind
Answer- 3) Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World
Explanation:
World Water Week is annually observed across the globe during the last week of August with an aim
to examine the pivotal role of water in addressing several pressing global challenges such as water
crisis, global warming, biodiversity loss, and so on.
i. World Water Week 2023 takes place from 20-24 August 2023 with the theme of “Seeds of Change:
Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World”.
ii. World Water Week is annually organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).
32. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave
Trade and its Abolition 2023 was observed across the globe?
1) 19th August 2023
2) 21st August 2023
3) 23rd August 2023
4) 20th August 2023
5) 22nd August 2023
Answer- 3) 23rd August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its
Abolition 2023 was observed on 23rd August 2023 to remind people of the tragedy of the
transatlantic slave trade during colonial rule and to raise awareness about the abolition of slave
trading and related practices.
i. This date also pays tribute to those who worked hard to abolish the slave trade and slavery
throughout the world.
ii. The annual observance of the day is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO).
iii. The day was first observed in Haiti on 23rd August 1998 and Gorée Island in Senegal on 23rd
August 1999.
33. In August 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi declared that _____________ of every year
will be observed as “National Space Day” in India to commemorate the soft landing of
Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon.
1) 25th August
2) 22nd August
3) 24th August

4) 26th August
5) 23rd August
Answer- 5) 23rd August
Explanation:
On 26th August 2023, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi declared that 23rd August of every year
will be observed as “National Space Day” in India to commemorate the soft landing of Chandrayaan
3 on the Moon.
• The announcement was made while addressing the team of Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) Scientists at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network Mission
Control Complex (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• The day will celebrate the spirit of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and inspire younger
generations to get involved in the field of science, technology, and space.
i. The successful 3rd lunar mission has made India the 1st nation to reach near the Moon’s South Pole
and the 4th to land a spacecraft on the lunar surface.
ii. PM Narendra Modi also announced that the spot, where the moon lander of Chandrayaan-3,
landed on the lunar surface will be known as ‘Shivshakti’ Point. He also announced that the point on
the Moon where Chandrayaan-2 crash landed in 2019 will be called ‘Tiranga Point‘.
34. The __________ National Sports Day(Rashtriya Khel Divas) 2023 was observed across India on
29th August 2023.
1) 16th
2) 12th
3) 14th
4) 15th
5) 13th
Answer- 2) 12th
Explanation:
The National Sports Day, also known as Rashtriya Khel Divas, is annually celebrated across India on
29th August to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian field hockey
player, who is regarded as the greatest field hockey player in history.
i. He was popularly known as “The Wizard” or “The Magician of hockey” for his skill in ball
control. He was born on 29th August 1905 in Allahabad, British India (Present day Prayagraj, Uttar
Pradesh).
• 29th August 2023 marks the celebration of the 12th National Sports Day(Rashtriya Khel
Divas).
• The government of India(GoI) declared that 29th August of every year will be observed as
National Sports Day, starting from 2012, to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey
legend Major Dhyan Chand.
• The first National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29, 2012.
35. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day against Nuclear Tests 2023 observed
across the globe?
1) 25th August 2023
2) 28th August 2023
3) 26th August 2023

4) 29th August 2023
5) 27th August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN) International Day against Nuclear Tests 2023 was observed across the
globe on 29th August 2023 to create awareness about the harmful effects of nuclear weapon tests or
other nuclear explosions.
• The first-ever International Day against Nuclear Tests was observed on 29th August 2010.
• The observance of International Day against Nuclear Tests commemorates the closure of the
Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site in Kazakhstan on 29 August 1991.
i. India’s 1st Nuclear Test: Operation Smiling Buddha, also known as Pokhran-I was the first
successful nuclear weapons test of India.
ii. The test was conducted on 18th May 1974 in the Indian Army’s Test Range in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
36. When was the National Small Industry Day 2023 observed across India?
1) 28th August 2023
2) 30th August 2023
3) 26th August 2023
4) 29th August 2023
5) 27th August 2023
Explanation:
National Small Industry Day 2023 was observed across India on 30th August 2023 to celebrate the
invaluable contributions made by the small-scale industry(SSI) towards the development and growth
of India. .
• This day also aimed to promote small businesses nationwide and offer job opportunities to the
unemployed for the betterment of their lives.
i. Small-scale Industries contribute to income generation both at the individual and national levels by
providing opportunities in the form of both self-employment and entrepreneurship.
ii. India’s MSME sector had a contribution of nearly 30 per cent to India’s gross domestic product
(GDP) in FY22 and a 43.6 per cent share in exports in FY23.
37. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of the Victims of Enforced
Disappearances 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 28th August 2023
2) 26th August 2023
3) 29th August 2023
4) 27th August 2023
5) 30th August 2023
Explanation:
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2023
was observed on 30th August 2023 across the world, to commemorate and pay respect to those who
have undergone enforced disappearances.
i. This day also aims to provide effective access to justice for victims of enforced disappearance.

ii. The first-ever International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances was observed on the
30th of August 2001.
ENVIRONMENT
1. Which of the following points is/are “correct” with respect to the 108th Zoological Survey of
India (ZSI) Day 2023 celebration programme held on 1st July 2023?
A) The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) commemorating its 108th Foundation Day, released a
publication titled ‘75 Endemic Birds of India‘ with keyfinding that 78 (about 5%) of birds found
in India are Endemic.
B) MoU was signed with the Royal Government of Nepal to conduct a population assessment of
the Asian Elephant, through a non-invasive method.
C) MoUs were signed with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur in Rajasthan and the
University of Burdwan, West Bengal for research collaborations and student exchange
programmes.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Explanation:
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
inaugurated a 3-day celebration programme of the 108th Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Day with
Special Focus on ‘Mission LiFE‘ (Lifestyle for Environment) at Nicco Park in Kolkata, West Bengal. ZSI
was established on 1st July 1916.
• Inauguration of Animal Taxonomy Summit (ATS) 2023, it's a first of its kind in our country,
was organised by ZSI as part of the programme , where 400 delegates across India and abroad
including the Natural History Museum, London, the United Kingdom (UK) were participating.
i. The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) commemorating its 108th Foundation Day, released a
publication titled ‘75 Endemic Birds of India‘ during the 3 days programme held in Kolkata, West
Bengal.
• As per the publication, 78 (about 5%) of birds found in India are Endemic and are not reported
in other parts of the world.
ii. ZSI signed 3 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for research and academic collaboration as
follows:
• MoU was signed with the Royal Government of Bhutan to conduct a population assessment of
the Red Panda, through a non-invasive method.
• MoUs were signed with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur in Rajasthan and the
University of Burdwan, West Bengal for research collaborations and student exchange
programmes.

2. According to the “State of India’s Birds 2023: Range, Trends and Conservation Status” report
released in August 2023, out of the 338 bird species studied in India, ___________ of bird species
have declined over the past 30 years.
1) 40%
2) 60%
3) 80%
4) 50%
5) 70%
Answer- 2) 60%
Explanation:
According to the report titled “State of India’s Birds 2023: Range, Trends and Conservation
Status”, out of the 338 bird species studied in India, 60% of bird species have declined over the past
30 years.
• The 2023 report is the 2nd iteration of the State of India’s Birds report.
i. The report was produced as a partnership between 13 organisations which includes the Bombay
Natural History Society(BNHS), the Wildlife Institute of India(WII), and the Zoological Survey of
India(ZSI).
ii. The report was created to assess the conservation status of the migratory species that regularly
occur in India.
• The 2023 report has assessed a total of 942 species of Indian birds and long-term trends could
be determined for 338 species.
• The current annual trends could be determined for 359 species, of which 142 have declined
(64 rapidly), 189 are stable, and 28 have increased.
• Around 40% (142) of the 359 species evaluated for change over the last 7 years have declined.
APP and WEB PORTAL

1. Name the state government that has recently (in August’ 23) launched the Amrit Brikshya
Andolan app & Wood-based Industry (WBI) registration web portal.
1) West Bengal
2) Mizoram
3) Assam
4) Odisha
5) Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 3) Assam
Explanation:
On 2nd August 2023, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Amrit Brikshya
Andolan web portal/mobile application, the theme song for the Amrit Brikshya Andolan and the
Wood-based Industry (WBI) registration web portal at the event held at Janata Bhawan in
Guwahati, Assam.
i. Amrit Brikshya Andolan is a massive tree plantation drive that aims to plant one crore commercial
saplings across Assam on 17th September 2023 which provides a major boost to Assam’s green
economy and will help against climate change and also increase the income of Assam’s farmers.

ii. The Government of Assam aims to plant 3 crore commercially-viable saplings in 2024 and increase
the target to 5 crore saplings in 2025.
iii. A website for registration of the WBI was also launched for ease of doing business in the sector.
2. In August 2023, Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi launched the e-portal ‘Bhartiya
Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh (भारतीय वस्त्र एवं शिल्पकोष)– A Repository of Textiles & Crafts’ in Delhi.
Which Institute has developed the portal in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles?
1) Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi
2) National Institute of Fashion Technology
3) Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Madras
4) Vogue Institute of Art and Design
5) National Institute of Design
Answer- 2) National Institute of Fashion Technology
Explanation:
On August 7, 2023, Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi launched the e-portal ‘Bhartiya
Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh (भारतीय वस्त्र एवं शिल्पकोष) – A Repository of Textiles & Crafts’ developed by
the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in collaboration with Ministry of Textiles.
i. This launch was made during the 9th National Handloom Day celebration held at Bharat Mandapam,
Pragati Maidan, Delhi which was presided over by the PM.
ii. The event was hosted jointly by the Ministry of Textiles & Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises (M/o MSME).
iii. It was attended by over 3000 weavers and artisans from across India.
3. Which High Court has recently (in August ‘23) launched Warrant Management System and
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) portal to benefit all stakeholders?
1) Manipur High Court
2) Orissa High Court
3) Telangana High Court
4) Delhi High Court
5) Kerala High Court
Answer- 2) Orissa High Court
Explanation:
On 7th August 2023, S Muralidhar, Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, on the day of his
superannuation, dedicated 2 e- initiatives : Warrant Management System and Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) portal, for the benefit of all stakeholders, including the police.
i. Warrant Management System is a portal of the high court collaboratively developed with the State
Crime Records Bureau to ensure expeditious transmission and monitoring of warrants.
• The portal has the facility of issuing warrants to the police, tracking the status of execution, and
acknowledgment of execution.
ii. PIL Portal serves as a tool for the public to access important PILs, its relevant orders, and reports
from the High Court which will benefit both researchers and students.

4. Name the Mobile App that has been recently (in August ‘23) launched by Chief Justice of
India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud to get e-passes to enter the Supreme Court of
India(SC).
1) Abhivadati
2) Svagata
3) Abhinandan
4) SuSwagatam
5) SUPACE
Answer- 4) SuSwagatam
Explanation:
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud launched ‘SuSwagatam’, a web-based
and mobile-friendly application which enables advocates, visitors, interns and others to register
themselves online and get e-passes to enter the Supreme Court of India (SC).
• This will enable a user to avoid long queues, and obtain a paperless entry pass (e-pass) for
access to the Supreme Court of India.
This was launched under the guidance of CJI DY Chandrachud to promote citizen-friendly access to
justice delivery systems.
5. Name the state government that has recently (in August ‘23) launched ‘Athidhi Portal’ for the
registration of migrant workers.
1) Karnataka
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Telangana
Answer- 2) Kerala
Explanation:
Kerala government has launched a user-friendly web portal named ‘Athidhi Portal’, for the
registration of migrant workers in Kerala. The portal will establish a unique identification system to
streamline the registration process.
i. The portal will allow the government to address the grievances against sexual crimes allegedly
committed by migrant workers.
ii. The portal will serve as a centralised platform to collect and manage information about workers,
ensuring they have access to essential social security benefits.
6. Which attached office/Government agency of the GoI has recently (in August ‘23) launched
FloodWatch, a mobile application to provide real-time flood information and forecasts?
1) Central Water Commission
2) Central Water and Power Research Station
3) Central Ground Water Board
4) NITI Aayog
5) Paani Foundation
Answer- 1) Central Water Commission

Explanation:
Kushvinder Vohra, Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), launched FloodWatch, a
mobile application to provide real-time flood information and forecasts for up to 7 days to the
general public by using mobile phones.
• This initiative is an innovative solution to enhance flood information dissemination and
preparedness.
i. FloodWatch, developed by the CWC, is a user-friendly app which offers both readable and audio
broadcast. It presents information in 2 languages: English and Hindi.
ii. The app has a map of India with coloured circles at water stations across India and the current risk
of flooding.
iii. A ‘Green’ circle indicates ‘Normal’; Yellow, Above Normal; Orange, ‘Severe’ and Red, ‘Extreme’.
7. Name the state government that has recently (in August ‘23) launched the Manav Sampada
portal to ensure transparency in the work of all the officers and employees.
1) Bihar
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Gujarat
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) launched the Manav Sampada portal to ensure transparency
in the work of all the officers and employees of all 74 departments in the UP government.
i. Section 5, a new division will be established within the Personnel department to oversee the
operations and manage the portal.
ii. National Informatics Centre (NIC) will oversee the security of the portal to ensure cyber safety.
iii. The UP government has also instructed the officials to declare their movable and immovable assets
on the portal before December 2023.
8. Which state has recently (in August ‘23) launched Panchayati Raj Accounting Information
System Automation (PRAISA) software to make online payment compulsory for Panchayati Raj
institutions at a state-level ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh‘campaign?
1) Odisha
2) West Bengal
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) Gujarat
Answer- 5) Gujarat
Explanation:
Chief Minister(CM) of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel launched a software called the Panchayati Raj
Accounting Information System Automation (PRAISA), to make online payment compulsory for
Panchayati Raj institutions at a state-level ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh‘ campaign in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
i. Panchayati Raj institutions & local self-governed bodies will be handling their financial transactions
worth Rs 34,000 crore in PRAISA to increase transparency.

ii. This portal facilitates all financial and accounting transactions for 33 districts and 248 taluka
panchayats through this online platform, making the administration paperless and more effective.
9. Name the state/UT that has recently (in August ‘23) launched a portal to boost the
awareness about the protection of forest and wildlife sanctuary areas.
1) Maharashtra
2) Uttarakhand
3) Delhi
5) Himachal Pradesh
Answer- 3) Delhi
Explanation:
Delhi Environment and Forest Minister Gopal Rai launched a portal (evanlekh.eforest.delhi.gov.in) to
boost the awareness about the protection of forest and wildlife sanctuary areas in Delhi.
i. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, it helps to visualize data effectively, and also,
users can generate KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files on the portal.
ii. KML files are a type of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) file format used to display geographic
data in an Earth browser, such as Google Earth or Google Maps.
CURRENT STATIC BANKING

1. Name the Bank that has recently (in July ‘23) inaugurated 34 Transaction Banking Hubs
across 21 district centres across India.
1) Bank of Baroda
2) YES Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
Explanation:
On the occasion of its 68th foundation day July 1st, 2023, the State Bank of India (SBI) inaugurated
34 Transaction Banking Hubs across 21 district centres in the country. These hubs aim to provide
efficient and quick Transaction Banking solutions to customers.
i. The SBI’s goal is to meet all customer needs and offer comprehensive solutions for transaction,
payment, and collection requirements in one place.
ii. The bank aims to transform its Transaction Banking services and Current Account-related offerings
to enhance customer experience.
2. In July 2023, Bank of Baroda (BoB) intended to sell up to ____________ of its ownership in the
credit card division BOB Financial Solutions Ltd.
1) 30%
2) 25%
3) 49%
4) 51%

5) 35%
Answer- 3) 49%
Explanation:
The government-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) intends to sell up to 49% of its ownership in the credit
card division BOB Financial Solutions Ltd. BoB currently holds a 100% ownership interest.
i. BOB intends to offloadThe government-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) intends to sell up to 49% of its
ownership in the credit card division BOB Financial Solutions Ltd.
ii. BoB currently holds a 100% ownership interest. up to 49 per cent in a combination of primary and
secondary capital from one or multiple investors to create more value in BOB Financial Solutions and
take it to the next level of growth.
iii. By issuing about 1.2 million credit cards in FY23 as opposed to 0.5 million the previous year, BOB
Financial more than doubled the acquisition of new credit cards.
3.Name the bank that has recently (in August ‘23) launched Prime Minister Street Vendors
Aatmanirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi) publicity campaign to access affordable working capital
loans for their livelihood activities.
2) Bank of India
3) Bank of Baroda
4) Indian Bank
Explanation:
State Bank of India, Hyderabad Circle, launched Prime Minister Street Vendors Aatmanirbhar Nidhi
(PMSVANidhi) publicity campaign to facilitate more street vendors to access affordable working
capital loans for their livelihood activities.
i. Five PMSVANidhi branded vehicles were flagged off by SBI Deputy Managing Director Amit Jhingran
and Chief General Manager of Hyderabad Circle Rajesh Kumar. The vehicles would be going around
the city explaining the details and urging street vendors to make the best use of the scheme, the bank
said in a release on the launch from its local head office here.
4. What is the tagline of IndusInd Bank?

1) Good People to Grow With
2) The Banker to Every Indian
3) We Make You Feel Richer
4) Banking With Personal Touch
5) Together we can
Answer- 3) We Make You Feel Richer
Explanation:
About IndusInd Bank Limited(Ltd):
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Sumant Kathpalia
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in – 1994
Tagline – We Make You Feel Richer

5. In August 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of Rs. 40 lakh
on _________ (Bank) for failing to notify the regulator about its acquisition of a stake in CSC e-
Governance.
1) IndusInd Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) YES Bank
Explanation:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 40 lakh on Axis Bank for
failing to notify the regulator about its acquisition of a stake in CSC e-Governance.
i. The watchdog said in an order that the transaction under consideration comprised acquisition of a
9.91 per cent stake in CSC e-Governance by Axis Bank and was completed in November 2020.
ii. The private lender has/had representation on the board of CSC e-Governance.
iii. Axis Bank is required to pay the penalty within 60 days from the date of order.
6. What is the Tagline of YES Bank?

4) Experience Our Expertise
5) Together we can
Answer- 4) Experience Our Expertise
Explanation:
About YES Bank Limited (Ltd):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief executive Officers (CEO) – Prashant Kumar
Tagline –Experience Our Expertise
CA STATIC GK
1. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
located?
1) London, United Kingdom
2) Geneva, Switzerland
3) Rome, Italy
4) Vienna, Austria
5) Paris, France
Answer- 4) Vienna, Austria

Explanation:
About United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):
Executive Director– Ghada Fathi Waly
Headquarters– Vienna, Austria
Established in– 1997
2. In which country, the world's largest coral reef system, Great Barrier Reef is located?
1) Indonesia
3) Philippines
4) Maldives
5) Australia
Answer- 5) Australia
Explanation:
A United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage committee
stopped short of listing Australia's Great Barrier Reef as a site that is "in danger" but warned the
world's biggest coral reef ecosystem remained under "serious threat" from pollution and the warming
of oceans.
i. Australia has been lobbying for years to keep the reef - which contributes about A$6 billion ($4
billion) to the economy and supports 64,000 jobs - off the endangered list as it could lead to losing the
heritage status, taking some shine off its attraction for tourists.
ii. UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - in November said
the reef should be put on the danger list after frequent coral bleaching events.
3. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) partnered with Fortis Healthcare to treat
underprivileged children suffering from thalassemia under the 'Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana'?
4) Hindustan Petroleum Limited
5) Bharat Petroleum Limited
Answer- 3) Coal India Limited
Explanation:
Fortis Healthcare has joined hands with Coal India Limited to treat underprivileged children
suffering from thalassemia under the 'Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana' CSR initiative of the central
public sector enterprise.
i. An MoU in this connection was signed on 28th July 2023 at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute in
Gurugram.
ii. Coal India launched the 'Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana' in 2017 to support the treatment of
underprivileged children affected by thalassemia.
4. In July 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced its new
online streaming service called ________.
1) NASA TV
2) NASA+

3) NASA Live
4) NASA Network
5) NASA Star
Answer- 2) NASA+
Explanation:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced its new online streaming
service called NASA+ globally. The streaming platform from the space agency will be available for all
users in the beta phase and the agency has also confirmed that the service will be available to users as
early access.
i. NASA has confirmed that the on-demand streaming service is available for users to access in beta at
https://beta.nasa.gov/. Users can enjoy the streaming service and users will be asked to provide
feedback as well.
ii. NASA+ will be available on most major platforms via the NASA App on iOS and Android mobile and
tablet devices; streaming media players such as Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV; and on the web across
desktop and mobile devices.
5. Name the personalities who have recently (in July ‘23) become world’s fastest to climb all 14
tallest peaks.
1) Cecilie Skog (Spain)
2) Tenjen (Lama) Nepal Sherpa
3) Kristin Harila (Norway)
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
A Norwegian woman Kristin Harila and Nepal’s Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa became the world’s fastest
climbers (their 14th highest mountain in just over three months) to scale all peaks above 8,000 metre
(26,246 feet) in the shortest time.
i. Kristin Harila, 37, and Nepal’s Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa, 35, scaled K2, which is the world’s second
highest at 8,611 metres (28,251 feet) with eight other guides, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, managing director
of the Seven Summit Treks (SST) company which is providing logistics to the climbers.
6. Number panels of the bank note are printed in ________.

1) Nylon Ink
2) Phosphorus Ink
3) Fluorescent Ink
4) Ribbon Ink
5) Latex Ink
Answer- 3) Fluorescent Ink
Explanation:
RBI addressed rumours circulating on social media platforms, clarifying that the star (*) symbol on
the number panel of the banknote indicates that it is a replaced or reprinted banknote. These star (*)
banknotes are identical to other legal banknotes and are considered valid currency.
• The number panel of the banknote is printed in embedded fluorescent ink and optically
variable ink.

i. A banknote with a Star (*) symbol is identical to any other legal banknote, except that in the number
panel, a Star (*) symbol is added between the prefix and the serial number. The Star (*) symbol is an
identifier that is a replaced/reprinted banknote.
ii. The RBI has been issuing ₹500 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series,
which bear the inset letter ‘E’ in both number panels. Some of these banknotes have an additional
character ‘*’ (star) in the number panel, placed between the prefix and the number. This practice was
introduced earlier with ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100 banknotes, even before 2016.
7. Which country has recently (in July ‘23) won all six of their matches in the ICC Men's T20
World Cup East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualified and has Qualified for ICC Men's T20 World Cup
2024?
1) Timor-Leste
2) Australia
3) New Zealand
4) Indonesia
5) Papua New Guinea
Answer- 5) Papua New Guinea
Explanation:
Papua New Guinea (PNG) won all six of their matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East Asia
Pacific (EAP) Qualifier and have earned a spot in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be played in the
West Indies and United States of America (USA) in June 2024. This is the second time that PNG has
qualified for a Men's T20 World Cup.
i. The side made it to the T20 WC in 2021 held in UAE and Oman but finished at the bottom. Norman
Vanua was the chief wicket-taker, returning four wickets for just 20 runs in his four-over spell, while
John Kariko added 2/18 to reduce Japan to 106/8 at the end of their innings after Japan won the toss
and elected to bat first in front of a big PNG supporting crowd in Port Moresby.
8. In which state/UT, India's first online gaming academy is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Maharashtra
4) Gujarat
5) Delhi
Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh government has seen "astounding" demand for its Online Gaming Academy,
India's first online gaming academy and has extended the registration deadline for the E-sports
Junior Championship from 27th July to 1st August to accommodate it.
i. The academy has 200 places, and the selection process will distribute 80% of these to local youths.
The academy will provide training for competition and also career paths in coding, tournament
operations, content creation, game development and more.

9. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) manufactured the FIREFITE LITHEX
EXTINGUISHER in India, Under the Progressive Make in India policy?
1) Safemax Fire Services India
2) Kanex Fire Extinguishers
3) G Tech Fire Engineers
4) Fire Safety Services India
5) Bharati Fire Engineers
Answer- 5) Bharati Fire Engineers
Explanation:
FIREFITE LITHEX EXTINGUISHER, is ISI-marked and made specifically to put out lithium-ion battery
fires. It employs a brand-new,ground-breaking technology in collaboration with AVD, UK called
aqueous vermiculite dispersion (AVD), a fire extinguishing solution that uses both fixed and mobile
delivery methods to successfully put out lithium-ion battery fires.
i. Under the Progressive MAKE IN INDIA policy, Bharati Fire Engineers is proudly manufacturing
FIREFITE LITHEX in India after securing the technology from a UK-based corporation. This reflects
the company's commitment to supporting the growth of Electric Vehicles in India and enhancing
overall fire safety standards.
10. Name the sports personality who has recently (in July ‘23) won the bronze medal in the
men’s trap event at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup Lonato 2023 in Italy.
1) Saurabh Chaudhary
2) Apurvi Chandela
3) Rituraj Singh
4) Prithviraj Tondaiman
5) Manu Bhaker
Answer- 4) Prithviraj Tondaiman
Explanation:
India shooter Prithviraj Tondaiman bagged the bronze medal in the men’s trap event at the ISSF
Shotgun World Cup Lonato 2023 in Italy.
i. Prithviraj Tondaiman’s bronze was India’s only medal at the Lonato shooting meet. This was his
second individual ISSF World Cup medal, having won a bronze in Doha in March.
ii. Prithviraj Tondaiman finished third in the final with 34 points. Britain’s Nathan Hales won the gold
medal with 49 points while Qi Ying of the Republic of China bagged the silver medal with 48 points. A
total of six shooters qualified for the men’s trap final.
11. As of July 2023, ___________ (state/UT) stands number one in Geo Tagging of Cluster
Development Projects (CDPs) in the country, implemented by the Union Ministry of Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
1) Delhi
2) Uttar Pradesh
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Gujarat
Answer- 3) Jammu and Kashmir

Explanation:
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir stands number one in Geo Tagging of Cluster
Development Projects (CDPs) in the country, implemented by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSME).
i. The Union Ministry of MSME is implementing Cluster Development Projects in the country including
J&K through which the central government’s grant up to 80% is applicable for common facility centre
projects and 70% for development of Industrial Estates.
ii. J&K has received 10 projects from the Ministry of MSME for the development of Industrial Estates
and Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and the total project value of CFCs and ID’s in J&K is
approximately 90.73 crore rupees Recently, the Union Ministry called for Geo Tagging of all the
projects under MSE-CDP for all states including J&K.
12. The Madhav Gadgil’s Committee report is related to __________.

1) Examine the Western Ghats ecology
2) Agricultural Credit System
3) Taxation system
4) Poverty Estimation
5) Banking Reforms
Answer- 1) Examine the Western Ghats ecology
Explanation:
A landslide in Maharashtra’s Raigad district claimed 27 lives, flattened an entire village, and brought
back into focus the 2011 Dr Madhav Gadgil report on the conservation of the Western Ghats.
i. In 2010, then Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh appointed the Western Ghats Ecology
Expert Panel (WGEEP), to be chaired by ecologist Dr Madhav Gadgil. The commission submitted its
552-page report to the Centre in August 2011.
ii. The report recommended classifying 64 percent of the Western Ghats, spread over six states, into
Ecologically Sensitive Zones called ESZ 1, ESZ 2 and ESZ 3.
13. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) received Rs 30 lakhs fine from the Directorate
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)?
1) SpiceJet
2) IndiGo
3) Go First
4) Vistara
5) Akasa Air
Answer- 2) IndiGo
Explanation:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has fined IndiGo a sum of Rs 30 lakhs and issued a
show cause notice to the airline, following a special audit concerning frequent tail strike incidents.
• The special audit uncovered “certain systemic deficiencies” in IndiGo’s documentation
pertaining to “operations/training procedures and engineering procedures
• A tail strike refers to an incident where the tail of an aircraft hits the ground or strikes any
other stationary object. While tail strikes can occur during takeoff, a majority happen during
the landing of an aircraft. According to Airbus statistical data, over 65 percent of tail strikes
happen during landings.

• Tail strikes can cause significant damage to the aircraft, with major repairs needed to restore
the plane’s structural integrity.
14. In which state Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) Maharashtra
4) Goa
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 4) Goa
Explanation:
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Goa. Spanning over an area of 208.5
square kilometers, this sanctuary is a precious gem in the Western Ghats of South India. With its
diverse range of flora and fauna, the sanctuary has gained recognition for its ecological significance.
15. In which state ‘Vembanad Lake’ is located?

1) Kerala
2) Odisha
3) Karnataka
4) Telangana
5) Andhra Pradesh
Answer- 1) Kerala
Explanation:
Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala. The lake is situated at sea level and is separated from the
Laccadive Sea by a narrow barrier island
i. Vembanad lake’s water retention capacity had decreased by 85% in the last 120 years due to huge
encroachment and devastation of its ecology.
16. What is the capital of Moldova?

1) Vilnius
2) Chisinau
3) Pristina
4) Valletta
5) Tbilisi
Answer- 2) Chisinau
Explanation:
About Moldova:
Prime Minister(PM)- Dorin Recean
President- Maia Sandu
Currency- Moldovan Leu (MDL)
Capital- Chisinau
17. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) located?
1) Vienna, Austria

3) Rome, Italy
5) New York, United States of America
Answer- 5) New York, United States of America
Explanation:
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
It is the United Nations (UN)’s sexual and reproductive health agency.
Executive Director– Dr. Natalia Kanem
Headquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)
Motto– “Ensuring rights and choices for all”
18. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the Additional Director General of Military
Nursing Service (MNS)?
1) Amita Rani
2) Madhuri Kanitkar
3) Punita Arora
4) Smita Devrani
5) Susan Ferguson
Answer- 1) Amita Rani
Explanation:
Maj Gen Amita Rani assumed the appointment of Additional Director General, Military Nursing
Service (MNS) on 01 Aug 2023. The General Officer is an alumnus of the College of Nursing, Army
Hospital (R&R), Delhi. Prior to assuming the present appointment, she held the post of Principal
Matron of Army Hospital (Research & Referral).
i. The General Officer was commissioned into the Military Nursing Service in 1983. She has completed
short-term courses on Quality Control, Infection Control and Prevention Management, Six Sigma
Green Belt in Health care, among others and a Post Graduate Certificate course in Hospital and Quality
Management from the National Health Care Academy headquartered at Singapore.
ii. As an able administrator, she has held key appointments such as DPM CH(EC) Kolkata, Principal
Matron at 154 GH, MH Jalandhar, MH Allahabad and Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore.
19. In which city, India will host the fifth World Coffee Conference (WCC) for the first time in
Asia?
2) New Delhi. Delhi
Explanation:
India would host the fifth World Coffee Conference (WCC) for the first time in Asia from 25th to 28th
September in Bengaluru, Karnataka. WCC also announced tennis player Rohan Bopanna as its brand
ambassador.

i. "Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture" is the central theme for the
event.
20. Name the personality who has recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the President of Microsoft
India and South Asia.
1) Aneesh Mehta
2) Rajiv Kumar
3) Puneet Chandok
4) Anand Gupta
5) Deepak Menon
Answer- 3) Puneet Chandok
Explanation:
Tech giant Microsoft announced the appointment of Puneet Chandok as Corporate Vice President of
Microsoft India and South Asia.
i. Effective September 1, 2023, Chandok will assume the operational responsibilities from Anant
Maheshwari.
21. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) given additional charge of the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT)?
1) Anand Prakash
2) Apurva Chandra
3) Neelam Singhal
4) Amit Katoch
5) Anuradha Joshi Durgapal
Answer- 2) Apurva Chandra
Explanation:
Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Apurva Chandra has been given additional charge of the
Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
i. K. Rajaraman, hitherto the Telecom secretary, has been tapped to head the International Financial
Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), a regulator for IFSCs such as the one in GIFT city, Gujarat; the sole
one in existence as of now.
ii. The appointment will stand until a permanent successor to Mr. Rajaraman is named. Mr. Rajaraman
took charge as Telecom secretary in October 2021, and is an IAS officer from the 1989 batch in the
Tamil Nadu cadre.
iii. Mr. Chandra has been I&B secretary since August 2021, before which he was with the Ministries of
Labour, Employment and Defence.
22. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm?
1) Vijay Shekhar Sharma
2) Surinder Chawla
3) Anubrata Biswas
4) Rishi Gupta
5) Vinod Easwaran
Answer- 1) Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Explanation:
About Paytm:
Founder & CEO– Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
23. In July 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had temporarily lost
contact with the Voyager 2 space probe, the second-farthest man-made object sent into space.
When was Voyager 2 launched?
1) 1980
2) 1983
3) 1977
4) 1985
5) 1975
Answer- 3) 1977
Explanation:
American space agency NASA has temporarily lost contact with the Voyager 2 space probe, the
second-farthest man-made object sent into space. It is currently located more than 12.3 billion miles
(19.9 billion kilometres) from Earth.
i. Voyager 2 is the successor to Voyager 1 and the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space.
Launched from Florida in 1977 to study the outer solar system, it joined its twin on December 10,
2018.
ii. Voyager 1 and 2 were designed to take advantage of a rare planetary alignment to study the outer
solar system up close. Voyager 2 studied Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
24. In which state Koundinya wildlife sanctuary is located?

1) Kerala
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Karnataka
4) Telangana
5) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Koundinya wildlife sanctuary is located in Palamner - Kuppam forest ranges of Chittoor district of
Andhra Pradesh.
i. This Sanctuary comes under Project elephant - a Countrywide Elephant Conservation Project taken
up by the Government of India. Uniqueness: The only home for Asiatic elephants in the State of
Andhra Pradesh.
25. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme launched in ________.
1) 2016
2) 2014
3) 2017
4) 2019
5) 2018
Answer- 4) 2019

Explanation:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme was formally launched on 24th
February, 2019 by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a grand function at Gorakhpur, Uttar
Pradesh.
i. Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in three 4-monthly installments
of Rs.2000/- directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria
relating to higher income status.
ii. He released the 14th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme
worth over Rs 17,000 crore to more than 8.5 crores farmers.
26. In which state, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located?

1) Sikkim
2) Uttarakhand
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar
Answer- 2) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Nanda Devi National Park, is a spectacular
expanse of wilderness in the upper reaches of the Himalayas.
i. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers, both a part of the prestigious United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List, encompass a
unique transition zone between the Zanskar mountain range and the Great Himalaya.
ii. Located under the guard of the Nanda Devi peak, the rugged and dramatic reserve is spread across
three districts of Uttarakhand, i.e. Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar.
27. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in ____________ (state).

1) Telangana
2) Odisha
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Jharkhand
5) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
A male tiger was recently discovered dead in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), after getting
ensnared in a trap intended for deer.
i. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
ii. Its area is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and
BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
28. Name the state government that has recently (in July ‘23) launched an awareness program
“Anu Awareness Yatra 2023” with the theme of ‘Atoms in the service of the nation’.
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Telangana

3) Tamil Nadu
4) Gujarat
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
An awareness program named “Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023” with the theme of ‘Atoms in the service
of the nation’ was launched at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil
Nadu.
i. It is organised in association with the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM), Ministry of
Culture, Government of India, Vigyan Bharathi – Arivial Sangam, Tamil Nadu and Indian Association
for Radiation Protection.
29. In which state/UT, Pangong Tso lake is located?

1) Sikkim
2) Uttarakhand
3) Himachal Pradesh
5) Ladakh
Answer- 5) Ladakh
Explanation:
Three years after the violent clash between Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan, both countries ramp
up infrastructure on the north bank of Pangong Tso.
• Pangong Tso lake is one of the most famous lakes in Leh Ladakh, derives its name from the
Tibetan word, “Pangong Tso”, which means “high grassland lake”.
• It is also known as Pangong Lake which is a long narrow, endorheic (landlocked) lake situated
at a height of more than 14,000 ft (4,350 meters) in the Ladakh Himalayas.
• An endorheic lake is a type of lake that does not have an outlet to a river or ocean. Instead,
water in an endorheic lake remains within its basin, either through evaporation or seepage into
the ground.
30. In July 2023, SoftBank sold an additional ________ stake in One 97 Communications in a series
of transactions.
1) 8%
2) 2%
3) 3%
4) 4%
5) 6%
Answer- 2) 2%
Explanation:
SoftBank has sold an additional 2% stake in One 97 Communications, the parent of Paytm, in a series
of transactions, generating USD 180-200 million.
i. This will bring the Japanese investment major’s stake in the payments company to below 10% for
the first time.
ii. SVF India Holdings (Cayman) Ltd has disposed of an aggregate of 12,771,434 equity shares of One
97 Communications Ltd in a series of disposals undertaken between May 9, 2023, and July 13, 2023,

31. Name the Typhoon that has recently (in July ‘23) caused extensive damage in the
Philippines, Taiwan, and China.
1) Sanvu
2) Guchol
3) Khanun
4) Mawar
5) Doksuri
Answer- 5) Doksuri
Explanation:
Typhoon Doksuri has rapidly intensified and may become a super typhoon as it threatens to hit land
north of the Philippines before possibly heading to Taiwan. The typhoon, called Egay in the
Philippines, has maximum sustained winds of 140 kph and gusts of up to 170 kph.
• It was a powerful tropical cyclone that caused extensive damage in the Philippines, Taiwan,
and China.
• The fifth named storm and third typhoon of the 2023 Pacific typhoon season.
• It started as a low-pressure area in the Philippines, far off the coast of Mindanao.
32. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) launched the ‘Income Tax Payment’ feature on its
application to enable taxpayers?
1) Freecharge
2) PhonePe
3) Paytm
4) Razorpay
5) BharatPe
Answer- 2) PhonePe
Explanation:
Fintech major PhonePe has launched the ‘Income Tax Payment’ feature on its application to enable
taxpayers such as individuals and businesses to pay self-assessment and advance tax directly from
within the PhonePe app, the company announced on Monday. Users can now pay taxes with their
credit card or over UPI.
i. Users can pay taxes by tapping the ‘Income Tax’ icon on the PhonePe app homepage. Additionally,
they can select the type of tax they would pay, the assessment year, and PAN Card details.
ii. Users then will have to enter the total tax amount and pay using the preferred mode of payment.
The amount will be credited to the tax portal within two working days post successful payment.
33. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) became the first Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) service provider in India to connect over 20 million devices
through its Internet of Things (IoT) solutions?
1) Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited
2) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
3) Vodafone Idea
4) Bharti Airtel Limited
5) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
Answer- 4) Bharti Airtel Limited

Explanation:
Bharti Airtel Limited announced it has become the first Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) service provider in India to connect over 20 million devices through its Internet of
Things (IoT) solutions.
i. IoT describes the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other
technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over
the internet.
34. In July 2023, India’s Annu Rani and ________ won the gold medal in the women’s and men’s
javelin throw events, respectively at the Lebanon Athletics Championships 2023 in Beirut.
1) Shivpal Singh
2) Davinder Singh Kang
3) Shaili Singh
4) Vipin Kasana
5) Kishore Jena
Answer- 5) Kishore Jena
Explanation:
India’s Annu Rani and Kishore Jena won the gold medal in the women’s and men’s javelin throw
events, respectively at the Lebanon Athletics Championships 2023 in Beirut.
i. Annu Rani recorded a best throw of 55.32m to top the six-woman field. Her effort, though, was far
from her national record-setting mark of 63.82m, achieved last year.
ii. In four competitions since the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where she won the
bronze, Annu Rani has not crossed the 60m mark.
iii. In the men’s event, Kishore Jena hurled the spear 78.96m to win the gold. His personal best is
82.87, achieved in Bhubaneshwar last month.
35. In July 2023, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory
flagging the emergence of a new ransomware called __________.
1) Akira
2) Petya
3) Ryuk
4) Conficker
5) Cerber
Answer- 1) Akira
Explanation:
The central government’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory
flagging the emergence of a new ransomware called Akira. The Gurgaon police have also raised an
alert about Akira.
i. Ransomware is essentially a kind of malware — a software used to gain unauthorised access to
systems to steal data. This data can then be used by cyber criminals to demand a ransom.
ii. Akira targets computer systems that run on Windows and Linux operating systems and is known to
spread laterally across networks.
iii. Akira is a new family of ransomware that was used for cyber attacks in the US and Canada in
March this year. This is different from the Akira ransomware that was flagged by Microsoft Defender

Antivirus in 2017. In the US, the ransomware was reported to actively target several organisations
and expose their sensitive data.
36. As of July 2023, which country is the world's top rice exporter, accounting for some 40% of
the global trade in cereal?
1) Philippines
2) Thailand
3) India
4) Brazil
5) China
Answer- 3) India
Explanation:
India, the world’s largest rice exporter, banned the exports of non-basmati white rice on 20th July
2023. The government is seeking to tame surging domestic food prices and “ensure adequate
domestic availability at reasonable prices.” Besides Asia, many African and Middle East nations are
also vulnerable to the export ban.
i. India is the world's top rice exporter, accounting for some 40% of the global trade in the cereal.
(Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan and the US are the other top exporters). Among the major buyers of rice
are China, the Philippines and Nigeria.
37. Which of the following countries is set to host the second edition of the International
Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Nations Cup in 2024?
1) France
2) Spain
3) Poland
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Explanation:
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that Poland and Spain will host
the second edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2024.
i. The winners will join the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League season. The city of Gniezno, Poland, will
host the men’s event which will involve some of the best teams in the world: Poland, Korea, Malaysia,
France, South Africa, Pakistan, Canada, Austria and – as the team relegated from the 2022-23 FIH
Hockey Pro League season - New Zealand.
38. Name the company that has recently (in July ‘23) launched InsuranceGPT – a world-first
custom-built GPT tool.
1) Ipsoft Global
2) Exzeo Software
3) Simplifai
4) Kofax
5) Prodapt Solutions
Answer- 3) Simplifai

Explanation:
Simplifai, an AI automation solutions provider, launches Simplifai InsuranceGPT – a world-first
custom-built GPT tool, fuelled by the company's revolutionary no-code AI-powered platform. The
first custom-built AI GPT tool for insurers offers ChatGPT-like enhanced decision making for
automated claims management, while maintaining privacy and data security.
i. With InsuranceGPT, Simplifai has strengthened its end-to-end business process automation
capabilities, providing enriched communication between insurers and their customers through the
power of generative AI - delivering fast, concise, and accurate responses in a secure way.
39. Which bank has recently (in July ‘23) announced a plan to set up a new trustee company as
its wholly-owned subsidiary for managing the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund
(CDMDF)?
1) Bank of India
2) Canara Bank
3) Indian Bank
4) Bank of Baroda
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI) announced that SBI will set up a new trustee company as its wholly-
owned subsidiary for managing the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF).
i. CDMDF will act as a backstop facility for purchase of investment grade corporate debt securities to
instill confidence amongst the participants in the corporate bond market during times of stress and to
generally enhance secondary market liquidity by creating a permanent institutional framework for
activation in times of market stress.
ii. SBI Funds Management Ltd (SBIFML), the asset management company (AMC) of SBI Mutual Fund,
has been identified as the investment manager-cum-sponsor of CDMDF, India’s largest bank. SBI has
62.53 per cent stake in SBIFML.
40. In July 2023, the Indian Surf Team won the bronze medal at the Asian Surfing
Championship 2023 held in _____________ (country).
1) Philippine
2) Maldives
3) Japan
4) China
5) India
Answer- 2) Maldives
Explanation:
The Indian Surf Team won the bronze medal at the Asian Surfing Championship, held at Thulusdhoo
Island in Maldives. 18 countries from Asia took part in this championship.
• The Surfing Federation of India sent a team comprising 4 senior Surfers in the men’s category
and 2 Surfers in the Under 18 category. 5 out of the 6 Surfers were from Tamilnadu.
• Srikanth from Kovalam, Tamil Nadu made it to the semi-finals in the Men's Category.
• The President of the Surfing Federation of India Arun Vasu said that the Surfing team finished
overall 3rd with a bronze medal.

• Indian Surfers will now get ready for the first-ever World Surfing League (WSL) event in India
to be held in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu from August 14 to 20 this year.
41. In July 2023, the Union government approved Market Development Assistance (MDA) of Rs
______ per MT to promote organic fertilizers.
1) 3500
2) 3000
3) 2500
4) 1500
5) 2000
Answer- 4) 1500
Explanation:
Minister of State for Chemical and Fertilizers Bhagwanth Khuba informed the Lok Sabha that the
Centre has approved the Market Development Assistance (MDA) of 1500 rupees per metric tonne to
promote organic fertilizers.
i. The Minister said the Indian Council of Agricultural Research conducts research to test and develop
organic inputs for different crops. It also promotes these products among the stakeholders through
the network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
ii. The manure is produced at plants under GOBARdhan initiative, PM Programme for Restoration,
Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth, PM-PRANAM and Sulphur
Coated Urea also known as Urea Gold.
42. In which city, the fourth G-20 Employment Working Group and the Labour and Ministers'
Meeting was held in July 2023?
1) Amritsar, Punjab
3) Guwahati, Assam
4) Jodhpur, Rajasthan
5) Patna, Bihar
Answer- 2) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
The fourth G-20 Employment Working Group and the Labour and Ministers' Meeting was held in
Indore, Madhya Pradesh (19th to 21 July) with focus on finalising the Ministerial Declaration and
Outcome Documents.
i. The fourth Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting will focus on finalizing the Ministerial
Declaration and outcome documents. In this the efforts of all the three meetings will be consolidated
in this meeting.
ii. The EWG delegate's deliberations will end at the G-20 Labour and Ministers' Meeting (LEM), where
they will gather to discuss and adopt these results.
43. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) collaborated with Max Life Insurance to launch an
innovation and development centre?
1) Wipro
2) Accenture
3) Tata Consultancy Services

4) HCL Tech
5) Cognizant Technology
Answer- 5) Cognizant Technology
Explanation:
Cognizant Technology announced that it has launched an innovation and development centre in
collaboration with Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd (Max Life) in Chennai. The facility aims to bring together
teams from both companies to accelerate Max Life’s digital transformation efforts.
i. The centre aims to drive product innovations, enhance customer experiences, and lead operational
excellence for Max Life. Cognizant will utilise its expertise in consulting and emerging technologies,
including artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud transformation to further enhance the digital
experience for customers.
44. Who is the current (as of August’ 23) President of Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI)?
1) Subhrakant Panda
2) Rajeev Chandrasekhar
3) Anish Shah
4) Sanjiv Mehta
5) Sudarshan Kumar Birla
Answer- 1) Subhrakant Panda
Explanation:
About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI):
President – Subhrakant Panda
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment – 1927
45. In which city, Union Minister for Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti
Zubin Irani inaugurated the G20 EMPOWER Summit in August 2023?
1) Amritsar, Punjab
4) Jodhpur, Rajasthan
5) Patna, Bihar
Answer- 3) Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Explanation:
The G20 EMPOWER Summit took place on August 1, 2023, at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat. The summit, organised around the theme- “Women-Led Development: ensuring a
sustainable, inclusive, and equitable global economic growth”, witnessed the participation of
delegates from across G20 nations, invited guest countries and international organisations in addition
to many global experts, policymakers and stakeholders.
i. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal Ministry for EMPOWER which is the
G20 Alliance for Empowerment and Progress of Women’s Economic Progression.
ii. Union Minister for Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs, India, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani
inaugurated the summit.

iii. The inaugural session will also see the launch of key outcomes under the G20 EMPOWER agenda
this year including the G20 EMPOWER Tech Equity Digital Inclusion Platform, the Best Practices
Playbook, the KPI Dashboard, and the adoption of the G20 EMPOWER Communique 2023.
46. Which trade association/body has recently (in July ‘23) launched an online platform
National Digital Nagrik Forum?
1) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
2) Confederation of Indian Industry
3) Confederation of All India Traders
4) Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
5) National Association of Software and Service Companies
Answer- 3) Confederation of All India Traders
Explanation:
The traders’ representative body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has launched an online
platform National Digital Nagrik Forum to put forward the rights of traders, consumers and other
sections of society and to shape policy discourse around the digital economy trade.
i. The forum will provide a space for dialogue, advocacy, and learning on various aspects of digital
trade, such as data protection, e-commerce, fintech, and digital literacy.
47. In July 2023, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (IT) extended the date
for accepting applications under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for IT
Hardware till ______________ 2023.
1) 30th November
2) 30th September
3) 31st December
4) 30th August
5) 31st October
Answer- 4) 30th August
Explanation:
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware was notified on May 29, 2023, with a
budgetary outlay of Rs. 17,000 crore. The scheme is aimed at broadening and deepening the IT
hardware manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
i. The Operational Guidelines of Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware has been
notified on 14.07.2023.
ii. The application window for receiving applications under PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware has been
extended till August 30, 2023 by the Ministry of Electronics & Information TechnologyIT .
48. Name the Bank that has recently (in July ‘23) opened four special rupee vostro accounts
with Russian banks & has received permission from Reserve Bank of India for opening eight
more accounts.
1) Bank of India
2) Canara Bank
3) Indian Bank
4) Bank of Baroda
5) UCO Bank

Answer- 5) UCO Bank
Explanation:
UCO Bank has opened four special rupee vostro accounts with Russian banks so far and has
received permission from Reserve Bank of India for opening eight more accounts. Of these eight, six
are with Russian banks and two are with banks in Belarus.
49. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the
US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)?
1) Jayanth Kumar
2) Nisha Biswal
3) Atish Mathur
4) Praveen Sharma
5) Ajay Ghosh
Answer- 2) Nisha Biswal
Explanation:
Nisha Biswal has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the US International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC). With over 30 years of experience in US foreign policy and
international development programs across the Executive Branch, Congress, and the private sector,
Biswal’s nomination was put forward by President Joe Biden.
i. Nisha Biswal is currently serving as the Senior Vice President for international strategy and global
initiatives at the United States Chamber of Commerce.
50. In July 2023, _______________ (city) based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-
Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) have released
BARI Chinabadam-12 (ICGV 07219), an improved groundnut variety in Bangladesh.
4) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
5) Karnal, Haryana
Answer- 1) Hyderabad, Telangana
Explanation:
The Hyderabad, Telangana based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) have released BARI Chinabadam-
12 (ICGV 07219), an improved groundnut variety in Bangladesh.
i. The variety is available for cultivation for the upcoming season post rains. It demonstrates greater
resistance to foliar fungal diseases and matures four days earlier than its counterpart. Additionally,
the variety features desirable seed size, with kernels weighing 44-48 grams per 100 kernels, showing
a sizable increase of 4-8 grams compared to the check variety.
51. Who authored the book, My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions?
1) Nambi Narayanan
2) Subhas Chandra Bose
3) Jawaharlal Nehru
4) Vikram Sarabhai

5) APJ Abdul Kalam
Answer- 5) APJ Abdul Kalam
Explanation:
27th July is celebrated as the death anniversary of Missile Man of India APJ Abdul Kalam. 27th July
2023 is celebrated as 8th death anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam
• APJ Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India by winning the 2002 presidential
election. His term lasted from 25th July 2002 to 25th July 2007.
• APJ Abdul Kalam won Padma Bhushan (1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990) & Bharat Ratna
(1997).
• APJ Abdul Kalam authored several books, including Wings of Fire, India 2020, Ignited Minds,
and My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions. His books continue to inspire and
motivate people around the world.
52. Who has recently (in July ‘23) won the Miles Franklin Literary Award 2023 for the novel
‘Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens’?
1) Vaibhavi Sonawane
2) Ashwin Sanghi.
3) Kanwalpreet Kaur
4) Shankari Chandran
5) Raj Shamani
Answer- 4) Shankari Chandran
Explanation:
Shankari Chandran has been announced as the winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award 2023
for her novel ‘Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens’. Chandran’s award-winning novel ‘Chai Time at
Cinnamon Gardens’ is a story about family, memories, community, race.
i. The Miles Franklin Literary Award is an annual prize given to “a novel which is of the highest
literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases”.
ii. The Miles Franklin Literary Award is one of the prestigious literary awards in Australia. Previous
winners of the award include Thea Astley, Jessica Anderson, Tim Winton, among others.
53. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) elected as the Central Council Member (CCM) of the
Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)?
1) Sushil Kumar Pareek
2) Navneet Kumar Jain
3) Neeraj Joshi
4) Manish Kandpal
5) Chaitanya Moharir
Answer- 3) Neeraj Joshi
Explanation:
Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) Neeraj Joshi has been elected as the Central Council Member
(CCM) of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) and CMA Chaitanya Moharir elected as the
Western India Regional Council Member (RCM).
i. This is the second time that Joshi & Moharir represented Pune at the central and regional council.
ii. The Institute was established by a special act of Parliament, namely, the Cost and Works
Accountants Act, 1959 as a statutory professional body for the regulation of the profession of cost and

management accountancy. Institute has various chapters across the nation and it is contributing to the
Indian economy.
54. Which state’s transport department has recently (in July ‘23) introduced a Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) payments system at inter-state check posts to curb corruption?
1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Gujarat
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
Andhra Pradesh transport department has introduced a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments
system at inter-state check posts to curb corruption.
i. The new policy has been implemented at 15 check posts of the transport department across the
state. The transport department has implemented the cashless system in all check posts, which would
curb the officials from taking bribes.
55. Who co-authored the book “India Rising Memoir of a Scientist”, along with R.
Chidambaram?
1) Suresh Gangotra
2) Nidhi Dalmia
3) Vauhini Vara
4) Mrinal Pande
5) Neerja Chowdhury
Answer- 1) Suresh Gangotra
Explanation:
A book titled “India Rising Memoir of a Scientist” authored by R. Chidambaram and Suresh
Gangotra. The book looks at the life of one of India’s foremost scientists, Dr R. Chidambaram, who
served as principal scientific advisor (PSA) to the Government of India and as chairman of the
Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C) from November 2001 to March 2018.
i. As one of India’s most distinguished experimental physicists, Dr Chidambaram has made
outstanding contributions to many aspects of basic science and nuclear technology. He is a Padma
Vibhushan awardee, he played a leading and integral role in the design and execution of the peaceful
Nuclear Explosion experiment at Pokhran in 1974 and led the team of the Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE), which designed the nuclear devices and carried out in cooperation with the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) the Pokhran tests in May 1998.
56. Name the personality who has recently (in July ‘23) appointed as a Member in the Board of
International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA).
1) Jayanth Kumar
2) Sujit Prasad
3) Mitesh Vishwa
4) Pramod Rao
5) Ajay Kumar

Answer- 4) Pramod Rao
Explanation:
The Finance Ministry has appointed Pramod Rao, Executive Director, SEBI, as a Member in the Board
of International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA).
i. Rao has replaced Sujit Prasad, Executive Director SEBI, who was appointed as a Member
(representing SEBI) in IFSCA in July 2020. It may be recalled that Rao took charge as SEBI Executive
Director on July 15, 2022.
ii. Prior to this assignment at SEBI, Rao, an alumnus of the National Law School of India University,
held the position of Group General Counsel at ICICI Bank and provided strategic oversight to the legal
function for the ICICI Group.
57. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Oil India
Private Limited (OIL)?
1) Praveen Sharma
2) Jayanth Kumar
3) Atish Mathur
4) Ranjit Rath
5) Ajay Kumar
Answer- 4) Ranjit Rath
Explanation:
About Oil India Private Limited (OIL):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)– Dr. Ranjit Rath
Headquarters– Duliajan,Assam
Incorporated on– 18th February 1959
58. What is the Tagline of IndusInd Bank?

5) Let’s Make Money Simple
Answer- 3) We Make You Feel Richer
Explanation:
About IndusInd Bank Ltd:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Sumant Kathpalia
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– We Make You Feel Richer
59. According to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in July 2023,
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation remained in negative territory for the
third consecutive month in June 2023, falling to a nearly eight year low of ______(per cent), from
-3.48 per cent in May 2023.
1) -4.25 %
2) -4.12 %

3) -5.34 %
4) -5.12 %
5) -4.59 %
Answer- 2) -4.12 %
Explanation:
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation remained in negative territory for the third
consecutive month in June, falling to a nearly eight year low of -4.12 per cent, from -3.48 per cent in
May, data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
i. The continuing disinflation in the factory gate inflation comes on the back of a high base effect and
due to a fall in prices of mineral oils, food products, basic metals, textiles and crude petroleum &
natural gas.
60. In which state, the Chachin grazing festival was celebrated in July 2023?
1) Sikkim
2) Tripura
3) Mizoram
4) Assam
Answer- 5) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
The local graziers of the Tawang region near Bumla Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated the
Chachin grazing festival on July 14-15, 2023.
i. The two-day event held at Chachin saw enthusiastic participation from Graziers from all over the
Tawang region. The event was attended by nearly 100 graziers and their herd of yaks numbering
more than 400.
61. Which of the following countries does not share its border with Black Sea?
1) Romania
2) Bulgaria
3) Georgia
4) Greece
5) Türkiye
Answer- 4) Greece
Explanation:
The Black Sea is a body of water located in Southeastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by
six countries. Black sea bordering countries are Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, and
Romania.
• On July 17, 2023, Russia announced that it was pulling out of the year-old deal, which allowed
shipments of grains and other foodstuffs to travel past the Russian naval blockade in the Black
Sea. And to make matters worse, over the next two days Russia bombed the Ukrainian grain
port of Odesa, destroying over 60,000 tons of grain.
• As a result, food prices have surged, with the cost of wheat, corn and soybeans in Europe, the
Middle East and elsewhere all skyrocketing.

• Ukraine has been called the breadbasket of Europe and is a major supplier of wheat, barley,
sunflower products and corn to Europe as well as to developing countries such as in the Middle
East, Northern Africa and China.
• Ukraine has exported more than 32 million tons of food products through the Black Sea since
August 2022.
• The World Food Program, the world’s largest humanitarian agency, purchased 80% of its
wheat from Ukraine. Ethiopia, Yemen, Afghanistan and Turkey have been the biggest recipients
of humanitarian shipments.
62. In which state, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda
Sonowal has recently (in July ‘23) launched the curtain raiser of Global Maritime India Summit
(GIMS), 2023?
2) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 1) Mumbai, Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal launched the
curtain raiser of Global Maritime India Summit (GIMS), 2023 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
i. The event is aimed at unlocking potential for new investment opportunities along with
collaborations for knowledge and technology to enhance cooperation in trade and promote Ease of
Doing Business (EODB).
ii. The event was attended by the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and
Tourism, Shri Shripad Naik among others.
63. In July 2023, which country issued 'stapled visas' to Indian citizens from Arunachal
Pradesh?
1) Vietnam
2) Thailand
3) Myanmar
4) Bangladesh
5) China
Answer- 5) China
Explanation:
China’s issuance of stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh has sparked controversy
and diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
i. This practice involves attaching a separate piece of paper to the visa instead of directly stamping it
on the passport.
ii. The recent incident involving three Indian wushu players receiving stapled visas led to India’s
withdrawal of its wushu contingent from the Summer World University Games in Chengdu.
iii. Stapled visas are meant to indicate that China doesn’t recognise India’s sovereignty over Arunachal
Pradesh.

64. In July 2023, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs was given its nod for the
continuation of the umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing
Systems & Services (ACROSS)” from 2021 to ___________.
1) 2028
2) 2026
3) 2025
4) 2024
5) 2027
Answer- 2) 2026
Explanation:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
has been given its nod for the continuation of the umbrella scheme “Atmosphere & Climate Research-
Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)” for the next finance cycle of five years (2021-
2026).
i. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is implementing the ACROSS scheme through its units,
namely India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather
Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and Indian National Centre
for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
65. Which Investment banking company has recently (in August ‘23) upgraded Indian markets
to overweight from equal weight?
1) JPMorgan Chase
2) Wells Fargo
3) Morgan Stanley
4) Fidelity Investments
5) Goldman Sachs
Answer- 3) Morgan Stanley
Explanation:
Morgan Stanley has upgraded its view on Indian markets to “overweight” from “equal weight”,
citing easing valuations as compared to October 2022, when the global brokerage identified the onset
of a new bull market in Asian and emerging market equities.
i. India is now the top ranked, most-preferred market among emerging markets (EMs), rising from the
sixth spot, due to supportive foreign inflows, macro stability and positive earnings outlook
ii. Morgan Stanley’s upgrade on India comes when it also cut its rating for China to equal weight and
said investors should capitalise on a rally spurred by government stimulus pledges to take profits.
66. Name the author of the book, ‘Western Lane’ that has been recently (in August ‘23) long-
listed for the 2023 Booker Prize.
1) Mrinal Pande
2) Chetna Maroo
3) Ashwin Sanghi
4) Shashi Deshpande
5) Rishi Raj
Answer- 2) Chetna Maroo

Explanation:
British-Indian author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel ‘Western Lane’ has been long-listed for the 2023
Booker Prize. The prestigious list containing 13 books was announced.
i. The selection was made from a total of 163 books, published betweenOctober 2022 and September
2023. It features books from four continents, four Irish writers, four debut novelists, as well as 10
authors who are recognised by the Booker Prize for the first time.
67. As of August 2023, which state government provided the highest daily wage paid under the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme of Rs 357 per
day?
1) Jharkhand
2) Chhattisgarh
3) Haryana
4) Rajasthan
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 3) Haryana
Explanation:
Haryana is paying the highest daily wage at Rs 357 per day and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh the
lowest at Rs 221 under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
scheme.
i.The Government of India passed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,
2005 in September, 2005.
ii. The Act gives legal guarantee of a hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to adult
members of a rural household who demand employment and are willing to do unskilled manual work.
68. In August 2023, Vedanta has appointed __________ as the chief executive officer of the
company’s aluminium business.
1) Roy Harvey
2) Michael Morris
3) Stephen Russell Moore
4) Sunil Duggal
5) John Slaven
Answer- 5) John Slaven
Explanation:
Vedanta announced the appointment of John Slaven as the chief executive officer of the company’s
aluminium business. While Stephen Russell Moore was designated as the Deputy CEO of Vedanta’s
subsidiary Cairn Oil & Gas.
i. John Slaven would be elevated as a senior management personnel (SMP from October 3, 2023 when
the appointment will come into effect, for a period of 3.5 years, the company informed the stock
exchanges.
ii. While Moore, who was currently designated as the chief operating officer of the Cairn Oil & Gas has
been elevated as the Deputy CEO of the company with immediate effect.

69. Which Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), along with the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology, has recently (in August ‘23) organised the Digital India RISC-V
Symposium on ‘future of Electronics in India through the RISC-V pathway’?
1) IIT Madras
2) IIT Delhi
3) IIT Bombay
4) IIT Kanpur
5) IIT Guwahati
Answer- 1) IIT Madras
Explanation:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
Madras organised the Digital India RISC-V Symposium on ‘future of Electronics in India through the
RISC-V pathway’ on 6th August 2023.
i. The Symposium featured insightful tech talks by esteemed academics and industry experts,
interactive stalls showcasing indigenous RISC-V processors, an engaging hackathon, and a special
Investor meeting.
ii. The Symposium was organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology,
Government of India, IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
70. In August 2023, An MSME influencer forum was launched to promote micro, small and
medium enterprises and raise awareness about various government schemes.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises?
1) Sarbananda Sonowal
2) Dharmendra Pradhan
3) Narayan Tatu Rane
4) Virendra Kumar
5) Giriraj Singh
Answer- 3) Narayan Tatu Rane
Explanation:
An MSME influencer forum has been launched to promote micro, small and medium enterprises and
raise awareness about various government schemes to boost their growth.
i. Inaugurating the forum virtually, Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan
Tatu Rane announced that such initiatives will bring great thrust to motivate MSMEs and build them
towards a bigger and brighter tomorrow.
ii. Influencers and leaders who are working towards the growth of MSMEs would also be felicitated as
MSME will play a key role in achieving the USD 5 trillion economy target, it added.
iii. The collaborative programme which was inaugurated is promoted by financing platform
Dealplexus and SMEStreet.
71. In which state, India Post has recently (in August ‘23) released a special cover of dudap – a
traditional Adi ornament?
1) Mizoram
2) Sikkim
3) Assam

5) Tripura
Explanation:
India Post released a special cover of dudap – a traditional Adi ornament – at the Adi Bane Kebang
(ABK) office in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
DC Tayi Taggu, former ABK (Apex) president Tony Pertin, Adi Cultural and Literary Society president
Kaling Borang, Itanagar Post Office Superintendent Jayanta Bhattacharjee, Adi Bane Ane Kebang
president Onam Pertin and its general secretary Binoimoti Modi Taying released the special cover.
72. Name the Indian Grandmaster who has recently (in August ‘23) become India’s top-ranked
chess player, surpassing India’s first GM Viswanathan Anand in live ratings.
1) Arjun Erigaisi
2) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
3) Gukesh D
4) Vidit Gujrathi
5) Anish Giri
Answer- 3) Gukesh D
Explanation:
Chess prodigy and Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh (Gukesh D) has now become India’s top-ranked
chess player, surpassing India’s first GM Viswanathan Anand in live ratings. This comes after the 17-
year-old Gukesh qualified for the third round of the FIDE Chess World Cup, a major single-elimination
tournament being held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
i. Gukesh beat the home turf’s GM Misratdin Iskandaro to secure a live rating of 2755.9, narrowly
beating Anand’s 2754.0. Anand has been India’s top chess player in the published rankings for the last
36 years.
73. Who has recently (in August ‘23) defeated Francesco Bagnaia to win the British MotoGP in
Silverstone?
1) Maverick Viñales
2) Aleix Espargaro
3) Pol Espargaró
4) Jorge Martín
5) Jack Miller
Answer- 2) Aleix Espargaro
Explanation:
Aprilia Racing's Aleix Espargaro won the British MotoGP on the final lap from world champion
Francesco Bagnaia in Silverstone.
i. Espargaro's late move on the championship leader was further aided by light rain on the circuit
during the closing stages.
74. Name the state government that has recently (in August ‘23) unveiled a first-in-India logo
that promotes awareness of breastfeeding.
1) Telangana
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Tamil Nadu

4) Kerala
5) Karnataka
Explanation:
The Telangana Government unveiled a first-in-India logo that promotes awareness of breastfeeding.
This logo symbolizes the need to breastfeed with love and nourish for life.
i. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5; 2019-21) statistics have recorded the largest
improvement in the percentage of children who were exclusively breastfed under six months of age,
from 54.9% in NFHS-4 to 63.7% in NFHS-5.
ii. The NFHS-5 report further stated that only 68% of children under six months are exclusively
breastfed in Telangana while only 38% mothers start breastfeeding in the first hour of life even
though 88% are put to the breast within the first day.
75. In which state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently (in August ‘23) inaugurated
the four-laning of Kamakhyanagar-Duburi section of National Highway-53 on EPC
(Procurement and Construction) mode?
1) Assam
2) West Bengal
3) Mizoram
4) Odisha
5) Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 4) Odisha
Explanation:
Paying rich tributes to freedom fighter and Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi on his death
anniversary, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the much awaited four-laning of
Kamakhyanagar-Duburi section of National Highway-53 on EPC (Procurement and Construction)
mode in Odisha in presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik,.
i. Union Minister who was on a two-day tour to this eastern State, started his programme with a
tribute to Bordoloi and credited him as the person for whom the entire northeast region is now part of
India.
ii. The Centre has spent ₹761 crore for four-laning the 51km national highway connecting
Kamakshyanagar and Duburi.
76. Name the personality who was recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Chief Electoral
Officer cum Development Commissioner of Puducherry.
1) Vanjulavalli Sridhar
2) P. Jawahar
3) Ravideep Singh Chahar
4) S. Revathy
5) A. Sivagnana Ganesan
Answer- 2) P. Jawahar
Explanation:
Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has designated P. Jawahar as the Puducherry Chief
Electoral Officer cum Development Commissioner. He will also continue to hold charge of the subjects
already handled by him, Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma said in an order.

i. Jawahar is also the link officer for the Finance Department and handles portfolios such as education,
industries, commerce and the port. He belongs to the 2007 batch of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh,
Goa, Mizoram, Union Territory) cadre.
77. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary is located in _________ (state).

1) Bihar
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Karnataka
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
About Uttar Pradesh:
Chief Minister (CM)- Yogi Adityanath
Governor- Anandiben Mafatbhai Patel
Bird Sanctuary- Samaspur Bird Sanctuary; Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Festival- Ayudha Pooja; Lath Mar Holi
78. In which state/UT, a national conference on “Moving Mental Health Beyond Institutions
was inaugurated in July 2023?
1) Delhi
2) Gujarat
3) Maharashtra
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 1) Delhi
Explanation:
Minister of State for Health Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar inaugurated a national conference on “Moving
Mental Health Beyond Institutions, in New Delhi, Delhi on 26th July 2023. Chairperson of the National
Human Rights Commission Justice Arun Mishra was also present on the occasion.
i. The main purpose of the conference is to address the difficulties faced during the execution of the
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and to engage in thoughtful discussions about the future steps to resolve
mental health concerns.
79. In which state, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has recently (in July ‘23) virtually
inaugurated the Sai Hira Global Convention Centre?
1) Telangana
2) Odisha
3) West Bengal
4) Karnataka
5) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Sai Hira Global Convention
Centre in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of Chitravathi River which is a

tributary of Penna River in Andhra Pradesh. It is widely known for the birthplace of the Indian
spiritual leader and guru Sathya Sai Baba and his ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam.
80. Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in __________ (state).

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Kerala
5) Odisha
Explanation:
A leopard was found dead in the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated in Maharajganj,
Uttar Pradesh. On the northern side, it shares a boundary with Nepal, and on the eastern border is
Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
i. It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1987. It is drained by the great Gandak, the little Gandak,
Pyas and Rohin rivers.
81. Name the first research reactor in Asia which became operational in Trombay campus of
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in August 1956.
1) Bhavini
2) Indra
3) Apsara
4) Devi
5) Ganga
Answer- 3) Apsara
Explanation:
“Apsara”, the first research reactor in Asia became operational in Trombay campus of Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre in August 1956.
i. India's Apsara reactor at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay is being
transformed into a public museum in a project that could set a global precedent.
ii. The reactor is Apsara at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which became critical 67 years
ago at 3.45pm on August 4, 1956, ushering in the nuclear era for not only India, but Asia as well. It was
dedicated to the nation by Jawaharlal Nehru on January 20, 1957.
iii. The one megawatt reactor was shut down in 2009 for refurbishment and restarted on September
10, 2018, as Apsara U. Scientists used it for basic research in the fields of nuclear physics, medical
application, material science and radiation shielding. Apsara U was decommissioned a few years later.
The museum project has been on the cards for quite some time.
82. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) become the first major financial technology
firm to launch U.S. dollar stablecoin stablecoin?
1) Visa
2) PayPal
3) Mastercard
4) Stripe
5) Tencent

Answer- 2) PayPal
Explanation:
Payments giant PayPal has launched a U.S. dollar stablecoin, becoming the first major financial
technology firm to embrace digital currencies for payments and transfers.
i. While stablecoins - crypto tokens whose monetary value is pegged to a stable asset to protect from
wild volatility - have been around for years now, they are yet to successfully make headway into the
mainstream consumer payments ecosystem.
ii. PayPal's announcement, which lifted its shares 2.5% in afternoon trading, reflects a show of
confidence in the troubled industry that has over the last 12 months grappled with regulatory
headwinds that were exacerbated by a string of high-profile collapses.
83. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) started beaming of television channels from
GSAT-24 satellite?
1) Tata Play
2) Dish TV
3) Sun Direct
4) d2h
5) YuppTV
Answer- 1) Tata Play
Explanation:
Direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Tata Play announced that it has started beaming of television
channels from its dedicated GSAT-24 satellite which it has leased from Indian space agency ISRO.
i. GSAT-24 was specifically launched for Tata Play (earlier known as TataSky) in June last year, which
will help increase its carrying capacity to 900 channels and cover the length and breadth of the
country including far-flung places like Andaman Nicobar and Lakshsdweep islands.
ii. After the launch, ISRO took time to place the satellite in the desired slot of 36,000 kilometre
geosynchronous orbit.
iii. The satellite was first tested by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and handed over to
Tata Play, which carried out its own tests.
84. In which state, Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is located?

1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Odisha
3) Bihar
4) Karnataka
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Bihar
Explanation:
After a substantial increase in the number of tigers in Bihar, the State government is now all set to
constitute a 'Rhino Task Force' for suggesting measures for the reintroduction of the terrestrial
mammals in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district.
i. At present there is only one rhino in VTR and 14 rhinos in Patna Zoo

85. In which state, India’s first Vedic-themed park was opened in July 2023?
1) Haryana
2) Gujarat
3) Maharashtra
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Odisha
Explanation:
India’s first Vedic-themed park has been opened to the public in Noida’s Sector 78, inaugurated by
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. Known as the Ved Van Park, the place is home to over 50,000
plants, such as banyan, kalpavriksha, and coconut, which have been mentioned in Vedic literature.
i. Construction on the park commenced in January 2021, and reports say that the park now stands on
what was once a dump yard. In order to create a suitable environment for planting trees and
facilitating construction, the soil had to undergo compaction.
86. Name the personality who has recently (in July ‘23) elected as the president of the
Basketball Federation of India (BFI).
1) Seema Sharma
2) Aadhav Arjuna
3) Manohara Kumar
4) Kulvinder Singh Gill
5) Ajay Sud
Answer- 2) Aadhav Arjuna
Explanation:
Aadhav Arjuna, the president of the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association (TNBA), emerged victorious
in the election held at Nehru Stadium and secured the position of president of the Basketball
Federation of India (BFI).
i. Aadhav garnered an impressive 38 out of the 39 votes, defeating the incumbent president, K
Govindaraj.
ii. Kulvinder Singh Gill, a former player and the president of the Madhya Pradesh Basketball
Association, was elected as the secretary general.
87. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) selected as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
Managing Director (MD) of L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH) with effect from January 24,
2024?
1) Dinanath Mohandas
2) Shailesh Haribhakti
3) Shankar Raman
4) Sudipta Roy
5) S N Subrahmanyan
Answer- 4) Sudipta Roy
Explanation:
L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH) announced that Sudipta Roy will assume the position of Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of the company with effect from January 24,
2024, subject to necessary regulatory and/or statutory approvals.

i. LTFH’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Roy, who joins the non-banking finance
company (NBFC) from ICICI Bank, as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).
ii. Roy’s appointment as COO and subsequent elevation as MD & CEO is part of the NBFC’s succession
planning. Dinanath Dubhashi, MD & CEO, LTFH, will superannuate from the Company on April 30,
2024.
88. Name the personality from India who has recently (in July ‘23) received the Best Director
award at British National Awards for ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ film.
1) Satish Kaushik
2) Shekhar Kapur
3) Mira Nair
4) Kaveri Kapur
5) Shazad Latif
Answer- 2) Shekhar Kapur
Explanation:
Ace filmmaker Shekhar Kapur received the Best Director award for ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’
at the British National Awards.
i. The director’s film was released in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India and received a
tremendous response globally.
ii. The British National Awards were held earlier this week, and the film won four awards out of the
nine categories in which it was nominated: best director, best British film, best screenplay, and best-
supporting actor.
iii. The film’s screenplay has been written by Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ex-wife
Jemima Goldsmith. Actor Emma is also a part of the movie.
89. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
Managing Director (MD) of Lloyds Technology Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana?
1) Amrapali Gan
2) Anjali Sud
3) Sirisha Voruganti
4) Revathi Advaithi
5) Devika Bulchandani
Answer- 3) Sirisha Voruganti
Explanation:
Lloyds Banking Group, one of the leading UK-based financial services groups, has appointed Sirisha
Voruganti as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of its new Lloyds
Technology Centre, based in Hyderabad, Telangana India.
i. Sirisha Voruganti, a globally renowned technology and innovation leader joins from JCPenney,
where she has served as the managing director and member of the Board for JCPenney in India.
90. Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah has recently (in July ‘23) laid the foundation
stone of Shri Motibhai R. Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School in ___________ (state).
1) Haryana
2) Jharkhand
3) Maharashtra

4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Gujarat
Answer- 5) Gujarat
Explanation:
The foundation stone-laying ceremony of Shri Motibhai R. Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School in
Boriyavi village of Mehsana, Gujarat marked a significant milestone in the education sector.
i. This groundbreaking project, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is set to become the
first Sainik School in India to be operated by a cooperative organization.
ii. With an estimated cost of Rs 75 crore and spread across 11 acres of land, the school is being
managed by DudhSagar Research and Development Association (DURDA), an entity of DudhSagar
Dair.
91. Name the personality who has been recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the chairperson of
the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for the Indian Council for Agricultural Research
(ICAR)-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) in Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh.
1) B. Neeraja Prabhakar
2) Neema Mohamed
3) Kalyana Babu
4) G.RaviChandran
5) V. Prathap
Answer- 1) B. Neeraja Prabhakar
Explanation:
B. Neeraja Prabhakar, the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural
University, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for the
Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) in
Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh.
i. Ms. Prabhakar’s appointment as RAC chairperson is effective from June 13 and she will lead a
committee of ten members for a duration of three years.
ii. The ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) located in Pedavegi is the sole esteemed
institute in India dedicated to conducting research on oil palm and developing technologies applicable
to all oil palm-growing states.
92. Who has recently (in July ‘23) emerged as the best swimmer in the men’s category at the
Senior National Aquatic Championship 2023?
1) Virdhawal Khade
2) Srihari Nataraj
3) Anshul Kothari
4) Aryan Nehra
5) Sajan Prakash
Answer- 4) Aryan Nehra
Explanation:
Aryan Nehra and Lineysha AK emerged as the best swimmers in men and women’s categories
respectively at the Senior National Aquatic Championship 2023 which concluded here last evening
Aryan Nehra, who had already qualified for the continental showpiece in men’s 800m freestyle, won
four gold medals -the most by any at this Championship swimmer in the edition,

i. Sajan Prakash made a comeback to win gold medals in his pet 100m and 200m butterfly events.
93. Which state’s Road Transport Corporation has recently (in July ‘23) won Asia's Best Brand
Employer Award under the 'Organisation with Innovative HR Practices' category ?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Kerala
3) Telangana
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Karnataka
Explanation:
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has won Asia's Best Brand Employer
Award under the category 'Organisation with Innovative HR Practices'.
i. The award was announced at the 14th edition of the 18th Brand Congress on Tuesday and will be
presented on August 17 in Singapore.
94. In which country, the 67th Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) convention was
commenced in July 2023?
2) Sri Lanka
3) Maldives
4) Thailand
5) Bhutan
Explanation:
The three-day 67th Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) convention commenced in Colombo,
Sri Lanka on 6th July 2023. The conference brought together industry professionals from India and
Sri Lanka, offering valuable business opportunities and fostering collaboration in the travel industry.
i. The convention kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring esteemed guests such as
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay.
95. Who has been recently (in July ‘23) selected as the additional charge of Chairman of Bhakra
Beas Management Board (BBMB)?
1) Naveen Kumar Gupta
2) Amarjit Singh Juneja
3) Sanjeev Dutt Sharma
4) Nand Lal Sharma
5) Ajay Kumar Sharma
Answer- 4) Nand Lal Sharma
Explanation:
Hydro power major SJVN announced its Chairman and managing Director Nand Lal Sharma has
assumed the additional charge of Chairman, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He has taken
over the additional charge with effect from July 1, 2023.
i. Sharma holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from International Centre for Promotion
of Public Enterprises, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (Europe).

ii. He has been the CMD of SJVN since December 2017 and is also the Chairman of three other
Subsidiary companies including SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company, SJVN Thermal Private
Limited and SJVN Green Energy Limited.
96. In which city, the fourth edition of the Space Economy Leaders Meeting, as part of India’s
G20 Presidency, was held in July 2023?
1) New Delhi, Delhi
Explanation:
As part of India’s G20 Presidency, the fourth edition of the Space Economy Leaders Meeting began in
Bengaluru, Karnataka on 6th July 2023.
i. Addressing the delegates during the inaugural event, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced
that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Space programme’s benefits were extended to
neighbouring friendly countries and as part of space sector reforms, the private partnership was
encouraged in this sector.
ii. 140 start-ups have come up by successfully contributing to the Indian space programme.
97. Which company has recently (in July ‘23) signed an MoU with King George's Medical
University (KGMU), Lucknow to facilitate the procurement of life-saving medical devices
specifically aimed at assisting underprivileged cancer patients?
1) REC Limited
3) Indian Railway Finance Corporation
4) Power Finance Corporation
5) Indian Oil Corporation
Answer- 4) Power Finance Corporation
Explanation:
Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC) a Maharatna Company and India's leading NBFC in the power
sector has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King George's Medical
University (KGMU), Lucknow to facilitate the procurement of life-saving medical devices specifically
aimed at assisting underprivileged cancer patients.
i. Under the terms of this MoU, PFC has committed to providing financial assistance amounting to
about Rs. 10.19 crore to KGMU.
ii. This substantial funding will be allocated to support the procurement of essential medical devices
that are crucial for the effective treatment and care of underprivileged cancer patients.
98. Name the Actor who was recently (in July ‘23) appointed as the brand ambassador of
Zupee.
1) Vicky Kaushal
2) Akshay Kumar
3) Sunil Grover

4) Ajay Devgn
5) Kapil Sharma
Answer- 5) Kapil Sharma
Explanation:
Zupee announced Kapil Sharma as its brand ambassador. By joining forces with Kapil Sharma,
Zupee seeks to expand its presence in the expanding realm of skill-based online gaming while also
offering a wide array of engaging casual and board games.
i. Zupee announced its latest campaign, ‘India ka Apna Game’ which celebrates the bond and
popularity of Ludo, honouring its connection among the masses, while further extending the
platform’s outreach.
ii. With the partnership, Zupee further adds to its celebrity associations which also include stars like
Salman Khan.
99. When was World UFO Day 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 6th July 2023
2) 4th July 2023
3) 2nd July 2023
4) 5th July 2023
5) 3rd July 2023
Answer- 3) 2nd July 2023
Explanation:
World UFO Day 2023 was observed on 2nd July 2023, and serves as a platform for individuals
around the globe to delve into the intriguing realm of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).
i. This day, initially observed on June 24, aims to raise awareness about UFOs, spark conversations,
and foster an exchange of ideas regarding the existence of extraterrestrial life.
ii. World UFO Day traces its roots back to two significant events in the United States. The first event
occurred on June 24, 1947, when pilot Kenneth Arnold reported observing several unidentified
objects near Mount Rainier, Washington. Subsequently, on July 2, 1952, radar operators confirmed
multiple UFO sightings over Washington.
iii. To avoid conflicts with other UFO-related events, the official date for World UFO Day was shifted to
July 2, honouring this notable occurrence.
100. When was the National Postal Worker Day 2023 observed across India?
1) 3rd August 2023
2) 1st July 2023
3) 5th July 2023
4) 1st August 2023
5) 5th August 2023
Answer- 2) 1st July 2023
Explanation:
On July 1 2023, National Postal Worker Day 2023 was observed as a way to show gratitude and
recognize the tireless efforts of postal workers.
i. These often overlooked individuals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth delivery of mail to its
intended recipients, thereby fostering connections between people and communities. Whether it

involves delivering letters or packages or providing essential services, postal workers have been an
indispensable component of our society for many years.
101. Which state government has recently (in July ‘23) changed the name of Itwari station to
'Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari ' station?
1) Jharkhand
2) Gujarat
3) Jharkhand
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Maharashtra government has decided to change the name of Itwari station in Nagpur district to
'Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari ' station.
i. Nagpur East MLA Krishna Khopde announced a notification was issued by the state's Home
Department, which also informed that a no-objection certificate to the name change had been received
from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
ii. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had
played an important role in ensuring such a tribute could be paid to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
102. Where is the Headquarters of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) located?

1) Rome, Italy
2) Vienna, Austria
5) Paris, France
Answer- 4) Geneva, Switzerland
Explanation:
About Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC):
Chairman- Jim Skea
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Established- 1988
Members- 195 member states
103. What is the capital of Niger?

1) Kampala
2) Niamey
3) Kigali
4) Addis Ababa
5) Abuja
Answer- 2) Niamey
Explanation:
About Niger:
Capital– Niamey
Prime Minister (interim)- Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine

Currency– West African CFA franc, XOF
104. When was the Dharma Chakra Divas 2023 observed across India?
1) 7th August 2023
2) 3rd August 2023
3) 5th August 2023
4) 3rd July 2023
5) 5th July 2023
Answer- 4) 3rd July 2023
Explanation:
At the Dharma Chakra Divas (3rd July, 2023), the President of India highlighted the importance of
Buddha’s teachings and called upon their attention to take inspiration from them. The Ministry of
Culture, government of India in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
celebrated Dharma Chakra Day.
i. Dharma Chakra also known as wheel of Dharma is a widespread symbol used in most of the Indian
religion which includes Hinduism, Jainism and especially Buddhism. Dharma Chakra is widely used to
represent the Buddha’s dharma i.e. Buddha’s teachings and the universal moral order.
ii. Dharma Chakra Day is celebrated to commemorate the Buddha’s first teaching after attaining
enlightenment. Dharma Chakra Day is observed on the full moon day of Asadha in the Indian Sun
calendar. Dharma Chakra Day is also observed on Guru Purnima.
105. As of August 2023, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched
the sale of chana dal in retail packs under the brand name of Bharat Dal at highly subsidized
rates of Rs. ________ for 30 kg pack.
1) 20 per kg
2) 40 per kg
3) 55 per kg
4) 60 per kg
5) 30 per kg
Answer- 3) 55 per kg
Explanation:
The Government launched the sale of chana dal in retail packs under the brand name of Bharat Dal on
17.07.2023 at highly subsidized rates of Rs.60 per kg for 1 kg pack and Rs.55 per kg for 30 kg pack in
order to make pulses available to consumers at affordable prices.
i. Bharat Dal is distributed through retail outlets of National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation of India (NAFED), NCCF, Kendriya Bhandar and Safal.
ii. The chana dal, under this arrangement, is also made available to state governments for supplies
under their welfare schemes, police, jails, and also for distribution through the retail outlets of state
government controlled cooperatives and corporations.
iii. This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &
Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

106. In August 2023, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) extended the deadline
for implementing the Track and Trace system for pharmaceutical and drug exports until
__________.
1) 1st November 2023
2) 1st March 2024
4) 1st February 2024
5) 1st April 2024
Answer- 4) 1st February 2024
Explanation:
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has extended the deadline for implementing the
Track and Trace system for pharmaceutical and drug exports until 1st February 2024. The extension
applies to both Small Scale Industries (SSI) and non-SSI manufactured drugs.
i. This move follows a series of notifications intended to establish a procedural framework for
implementing the Track and Trace system for drug formulation export consignments.
ii. The Track and Trace system, which involves maintaining a Parent-Child relationship at packaging
levels and uploading data onto the Central Portal, is a critical measure for increasing transparency in
the pharmaceutical supply chain.
iii. It allows for tracking the movement of drug consignments through various stages of packaging and
distribution.
107. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the President and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Honeywell?
1) Bhaskar Pramanik
2) Anant Maheshwari
3) Puneet Chandok
4) Vijay Mamtani
5) Sundar Srinivasan
Answer- 2) Anant Maheshwari
Explanation:
Anant Maheshwari, the former president of Microsoft India, has been appointed as the President
and CEO of Honeywell's High Growth Region portfolio.
i. The announcement was made by Honeywell on August 4 and Maheshwari is set to assume his new
role on September 4, 2023.
ii. He will be succeeding Ben Driggs, who will transition to another leadership position within the
company.
108. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Union Minister of Earth Sciences?
1) Kiren Rijiju
2) Jitendra Singh
3) Arjun Ram Meghwal
4) Rao Inderjit Singh
5) G. Kishan Reddy
Answer- 1) Kiren Rijiju

Explanation:
Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that India aims to have its first Polar Research
Vessel (PRV) in the next five years in order to sustain its bases in Antarctica.
i. He noted that in 2014, the Cabinet had approved Rs 1,051 crore to acquire the vessel. A tender was
also floated for the same.
ii. The government later abandoned the project as the company which had got the order to build the
ship raised certain conditions that were not part of the tender process. The cost of the vessel is now
estimated to be Rs 2,600 crore.
109. In July 2023, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Resource
Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) on the sidelines of the 4th G-20
Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and
Climate Ministers meeting in ___________(city).
Answer- 5) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Resource
Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) on the sidelines of the 4th G-20
Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate
Ministers meeting in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
i. Union Minister announced that this mission of this coalition is to promote greater company-to-
company collaboration, build advanced capabilities across sectors, bring learnings from diverse and
global experiences of the coalition members among others.
110. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Group Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Gujarat International Finance Tec-city (GIFT-City)?
1) Sanjeev Kumar
2) Tapan Ray
3) Hasmukh Adhia
4) Rajkumar Beniwal
5) Anjali Bansal
Answer- 2) Tapan Ray
Explanation:
About Gujarat International Finance Tec-city co. ltd. (GIFT-City):
Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Tapan Ray
Headquarters – Gandhinagar, Gujarat
111. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) conferred with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award
2022' by the Madhya Pradesh Government?
1) Navneet Sehgal
2) Anil Jain

3) Chintan Parikh
4) Anil Dhupar
5) Vijay Amritraj
Answer- 4) Anil Dhupar
Explanation:
All India Tennis Association (AITA) secretary general Anil Dhupar has been conferred with the
'Lifetime Achievement Award 2022' by the Madhya Pradesh Government for his contribution to
the sport in the state.
i. Dhupar, who is also the secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Tennis Association (MPTA), was elected
AITA secretary general in September 2020 and will hold office of the national federation till
September 2024.
ii. A former state champion, Dhupar was also previously conferred with the Vikram Award in tennis
by the MP government.
112. In August 2023, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy (LSA) in __________ (city) won the coveted
International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) held by National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA).
1) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 5) Kolkata, West Bengal
Explanation:
Lakshmipat Singhania Academy (LSA) Kolkata, West Bengal, a part of Lakshmipat Singhania
Education Foundation of the JK Group, has won the coveted International Space Settlement Design
Competition (ISSDC) held by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
i. This is the fifth time that LSA Kolkata has brought home the winning trophy in competition with
other top-ranking schools of India thus making India shine on the international platform.
ii. LSA Kolkata has been participating in this program since the year 2012. The academy has won
ISSDC in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 and now in 2023. LSA Kolkata's repeated success underscores the
academy’s dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering scientific curiosity.
113. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu
government to set up a manufacturing unit in Chengalpattu district?
1) Godrej Consumer Products Limited
2) Britannia Industries Limited
3) Hindustan Unilever Limited
4) ITC Limited
5) Dabur Limited
Answer- 1) Godrej Consumer Products Limited
Explanation:
The Tamil Nadu government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Godrej Consumer
Products Limited (GCPL) to set up a manufacturing unit in Chengalpattu district.

i. The MoU for setting up the unit near Thiruporur with an investment of ₹515 crore was signed in the
presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the Secretariat. The unit is expected to provide
employment for more than 400 people.
114. Which port has recently (in August ‘23) become the fastest Major Port by clocking record
cargo throughput of 50.16 MMT Cargo in current fiscal (2023)?
1) Jawaharlal Nehru Port
2) Paradip Port
3) Deendayal Port
4) Visakhapatnam Port
5) V.O. Chidambaranar Port
Answer- 2) Paradip Port
Explanation:
Paradip Port, Odisha became the fastest Major Port by clocking record cargo throughput of 50.16
MMT Cargo in current fiscal (2023), exhibiting 6.5% growth over the corresponding period of
previous fiscal.
i. This feat has been achieved by the Port in 129 days in the current fiscal compared to 140 days
during the previous year. PPA has also handled 942 nos. of Vessels in comparison to 812 nos. handled
in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.
115. Name the state that has recently (in August ‘23) secured the first position in the country in
recovery of lost and stolen mobile devices using the Central Equipment Identity Register
(CEIR) portal.
1) Maharashtra
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Telangana
Explanation:
Telangana state has secured the first position in the country in recovery of lost and stolen mobile
devices using the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. With 5,038 mobile devices
recovered and a recovery rate of 67.98 percent.
i. Telangana stands first in the list of recovery of lost and stolen mobile devices using CEIR portal,
followed by Karnataka (54.20 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (50.90 per cent).
ii. CEIR portal, developed by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to curb the menace of mobile
theft and counterfeit mobile devices, was officially launched nationwide on May 17, 2023 and was
started on pilot basis in Telangana from April 19, 2023 and in Karnataka in September 2022.
116. The world’s only floating national park located in ________ lake.
1) Pulicat
2) Wular
3) Loktak
4) Pangong Tso
5) Vembanad

Answer- 3) Loktak
Explanation:
Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating park in the world and it is located in the Loktak
lake of Manipur.
i. It has the unique ecosystem called ‘Phumdi’ (a Manipuri word meaning floating mats of soil and
vegetation).
ii. This is the last natural habitat of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai) , the dancing deer of Manipur.
iii. Loktak lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar
Convention in 1990. Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993.
117. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Director of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)?
1) Vikas Kumar
2) Avtar Kaur Sidhu
3) Ajay Banerjee
4) C. Raghunathan
5) Dhriti Banerjee
Answer- 5) Dhriti Banerjee
Explanation:
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):
Director– Dhriti Banerjee
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal
It was established on 1st July 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the
advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of an exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile British
Indian Empire.
118. In which state Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is located?

1) Bihar
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Odisha
4) West Bengal
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 3) Odisha
Explanation:
Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is located within the Mayurbhanj District, in the Northernmost part of
Odisha.
• It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu
and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level).
• It was declared a 'Tiger Reserve' in the year 1956 and included under the national
conservation programme 'Project Tiger' in 1973.
• The STR, along with a 'transitional area' of 2250 sq. km, was included as a part of the World
Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in the year 2009.
119. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?
1) Rishi Kumar Shukla
2) Praveen Sood

3) Alok Kumar Verma
4) Subodh Kumar Jaiswal
5) Anil Sinha
Answer- 2) Praveen Sood
Explanation:
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
The CBI is a premier training institution in the fields of crime investigation, prosecution and vigilance
functioning.
It is the National Central Bureau of Interpol for India as well as a Nodal Agency for Transnational
Organised Crimes, Anti-Corruption Crimes, Bank Fraud Cases and Cyber Crimes.
Director – Praveen Sood
120. In which state Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Odisha
3) Assam
4) Maharashtra
5) West Bengal
Answer- 3) Assam
Explanation:
Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra in Assam. It
is part of the larger Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape.
i. It was declared a Reserved Forest in 1974 and became a sanctuary in 1995. It serves as a notified
buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
121. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’
campaign by hoisting the National Flag on the Gorakhnath temple?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Bihar
3) Uttarakhand
4) Jharkhand
5) Odisha
Explanation:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign by hoisting
the National Flag on the Gorakhnath temple premises in Gorakhpur. Mr. Adityanath, who took a
selfie with the national flag, appealed to the people to join the campaign initiated on the eve of 77th
Independence Day. The Chief Minister is also the mahant (head priest) of the Gorakhnath Temple.
i. The Uttar Pradesh government plans to hoist the Tricolour on residential and non-residential
buildings, government and non-governmental offices, institutions, like the previous year when 45
million Tri Colours were hoisted across the State.

122. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive
Officer(CEO) of YES Bank?
1) Amitabh Chaudhary
2) Sandeep Bakhshi
3) Prashant Kumar
4) Sashidhar Jagdishan
5) Dinesh Kumar Khara
Answer- 3) Prashant Kumar
Explanation:
About YES Bank Limited:
YES Bank was incorporated in November 2003 & Commenced operations in 2004.
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Prashant Kumar
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– Experience our expertise
Chatbot– YES ROBOT
123. In Which state ‘Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Himachal Pradesh
2) Maharashtra
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Odisha
Answer- 1) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
About Himachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister– Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Governor– Shiv Pratap Shukla
Wildlife Sanctuary– Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
124. In which state ‘Rajaji Tiger Reserve’ is located?

1) Uttarakhand
2) Bihar
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Odisha
Explanation:
About Uttarakhand:
Chief Minister– Pushkar Singh Dhami
Governor– Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Binsar wildlife sanctuary, Mussoorie wildlife sanctuary
Tiger Reserves– Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji Tiger Reserve

125. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (IRDAI)?
1) Rakesh Joshi
2) S. N. Rajeswari
3) Parmod Kumar Arora
4) Suchindra Misra
5) Debasish Panda
Answer- 5) Debasish Panda
Explanation:
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
Chairman- Debasish Panda
Headquarters – Hyderabad, Telangana
Established under – Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act(IRDAI), 1999
126. In Which state Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Jharkhand
3) Maharashtra
4) Gujarat
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 4) Gujarat
Explanation:
Project Lion: In recognition of endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of
Nature(IUCN)’s Red List of threatened species, the Union government has allocated Rs 2,900 crore
under Project Lion for the conservation of Asiatic lions.
i. As part of the project, plans are underway to establish a lion breeding centre, an isolation facility,
installation of CCTV cameras, procurement of radio collars, acquisition of drones and additional
resources to ensure prompt medical care for the lions.
ii. Project Lion proposes Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat as second home for Asiatic lion
127. The Karikili Birds Sanctuary is located in _________(State).

1) West Bengal
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Maharashtra
4) Odisha
5) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
About Tamil Nadu:
Chief Minister- M. K. Stalin
Governor- R. N. Ravi
Airports- Tuticorin or Thoothukudi Airport; Salem airport
Bird sanctuary- Karikili Birds Sanctuary, Kancheepuram; Kanjirankulam Birds Sanctuary,
Ramanathapuram

128. In which state ‘Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) West Bengal
3) Jharkhand
4) Maharashtra
5) Chhattisgarh
Answer- 5) Chhattisgarh
Explanation:
About Chhattisgarh:
Governor – Biswa Bhusan Harichandan
Chief Minister (CM) – Bhupesh Baghel
National Parks – Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary
129. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Director-General (DG) of the International Labour
Organisation (ILO)?
1) Audrey Azoulay
2) Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo
3) Tedros Adhanom
4) Klaus Schwab
5) Guy Ryder
Answer- 2) Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo
Explanation:
About International Labour Organisation (ILO):
Director-General – Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
130. In which state Ramgarh Visdhari Tiger Reserve is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Rajasthan
4) Bihar
5) Karnataka
Explanation:
Ramgarh Visdhari Tiger Reserve lies in the southeastern part of Rajasthan in Bindi district with
representation of both Vindhyan and Aaravalli elements.
i. It is in continuation with the buffer area of Ranthambore tiger reserve in the North-eastern side and
Mukundara Hills tiger reserve in the southern side. Mez, a tributary of Chambal river , passes through
the tiger reserve.

131. The Adichanallur Museum, a world-class archaeological endeavor is located in __________
(state).
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Karnataka
5) Telangana
Explanation:
The Adichanallur Museum, a world-class archaeological endeavor, is set to take visitors on a
captivating journey into India’s ancient past. Laid by the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman,
the foundation stone for the museum marks a momentous occasion in the Thoothukudi district of
Tamil Nadu.
132. Name Information Technology(IT) company that has recently (in August ‘23) won the
contract to redesign and build a new version of public procurement platform Government e-
Marketplace (GeM).
1) Wipro Limited
2) Infosys
3) HCL Technologies
4) Tata Consultancy Service
5) Tech Mahindra Limited
Answer- 4) Tata Consultancy Service
Explanation:
i.Tata Consultancy Service(TCS) bagged a contract from the government to redesign and build a new
version of public procurement platform Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
ii.The new GeM platform will be based on e-commerce and e-marketplace principles with multi-
tenancy, multi-rule, multilingual, open source, and open-API-based architecture.
iii.Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a one stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common
use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs. GeM aims
to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
133. Who is the Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission (as of Aug ‘23)?
1) Deepali Upadhyay
2) Dr Chintan Vaishnav
3) Vishnu Priya Bijapur
4) Prateek Deshmukh
5) Dipyaman Sinha
Answer- 2) Dr Chintan Vaishnav
Explanation:
About Atal Innovation Mission:
AIM is a flagship initiative of the Indian government to create and promote a culture of innovation and
entrepreneurship across India.It is supported by Mission High-Level Committee (MHLC), which is led
by the respected Dr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Education and Skills Development.

Mission Director– Dr Chintan Vaishnav
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
134. Pound ____________ is the currency of the United Kingdom?

1) Krone
2) Sterling
3) Koruna
4) shilling
5) Lats
Answer- 2) Sterling
Explanation:
About United Kingdom:
Capital– London
Prime Minister– Rishi Sunak
Currency– Pound sterling (GBP)
135. Who is the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (as of Aug ‘23)?
1) Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
2) Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
3) Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
4) Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
5) Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Answer- 5) Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Explanation:
About United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital– Abu Dhabi
Currency– UAE Dirham
Crown Prince– Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
136. Where is the headquarters of Asian Hockey Federation(AHF) situated?

1) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2) New Delhi, Delhi
3) Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
4) Beijing, China
5) Lahore, Pakistan
Answer- 3) Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
Explanation:
About Asian Hockey Federation(AHF):
President – Dato Fumio Ogura
Headquarters -Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
Established -1958
137. In which State the Nehru Zoological Park is located?

1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Tamil Nadu

3) Kerala
4) Telangana
5) Karnataka
Explanation:
About Telangana:
Chief Minister– K. Chandrashekar Rao
Governor– Tamilisai Soundararajan
Zoological Park– Nehru Zoological Park, Vana Vigyan Kendra Mini Zoo (Kakatiya Zoological
Park)
138. _____________(country’s) bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has recently (in Aug
‘23)retired from Test cricket.
1) Nepal
2) Sri Lanka
3) Pakistan
4) Hong Kong
5) Afghanistan
Explanation:
Sri Lanka bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga retires from Test cricket to extend his limited-
overs playing career.
• Hasaranga, 26, made his Test debut in December 2020 against South Africa, and since then has
featured in only four Tests.
• His last Test was against Bangladesh at home, more than two years ago in April 2021.
• Hasaranga informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) of his decision to retire on Tuesday, 15 August and
the board accepted it.
139. Joint secretary in the Ministry of Finance, ________________ has recently (in Aug ‘23)been
appointed for the post of whole-time member at the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI).
1) S.S Nakul
2) Vivek Singh
3) B.N.Bhaskar
4) Kamlesh Varshney
5) Gaurav Shukla
Answer- 4) Kamlesh Varshney
Explanation:
Joint secretary in the Ministry of Finance Kamlesh Varshney has been appointed for the post of
whole-time member at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).The IRS officer is being sent
to Mumbai from New Delhi to fill the vacancy at SEBI.
Earlier this month, Varshney was being considered for the whole-time member position.

140. Which company aced its first-ever private astronaut mission in August 2023 with a six-
person jaunt aboard its VSS Unity space plane that lifted off from New Mexico's Spaceport
America, United States of America?
1) Virgin Galactic
2) SpaceX
3) Blue Origin
4) Bigelow Aerospace
5) Space Adventures
Answer- 1) Virgin Galactic
Explanation:
Virgin Galactic's 1st private astronauts on a landmark mission. The company aced its first-ever
private astronaut mission last week, a six-person jaunt aboard its VSS Unity space plane called
Galactic 02 that lifted off from New Mexico's Spaceport America.
Those six folks experienced a few minutes of weightlessness and got to see Earth against the
blackness of space.
141._____________ has recently (in Aug ‘23) joined hands with Indian Banks' Association (IBA) to
improve audit quality?
1) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
2) Indian Institute of Finance and Accounts
3) PIRON School of Business and Finance
4) Pearn Accountants, International Accountants and Business Consultants
5) International School of Financial Studies
Answer- 1) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
Explanation:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in association with the Indian Banks
Association (IBA) has approved a plan to develop and jointly control a common balance confirmation
portal which promises high efficiency and reliability. The IBA has engaged with the RBI’s Institute for
Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) and National E-Governance Services
Limited to ensure the platform’s efficient and secure implementation. Further, the portal’s
development and maintenance will be managed by PSB Alliance Pvt. Ltd., which will collaborate with
IDRBT.
142. Where is the headquarters of Airports Council International (ACI) located?

1) Montréal, Canada
2) Brussels, Belgium
3) London, United kingdom
4) Bonn, Germany
5) Jakarta, Indonesia
Answer- 1) Montréal, Canada
Explanation:
Organisation Headquarters
Airports Council International (ACI) Montréal,
Canada

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Jakarta, Indonesia
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Dhaka,
BIMSTEC Bangladesh
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa Shanghai, China
BRICS
143. The government of India has recently (in Aug ‘23) imposed restrictions on the import of
__________________.
1) Laptops
2) Supercomputer
3) Data Processing Units
4) Only 1 & 3
5) All 1,2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1,2 & 3
Explanation:
Citing “security risks”, the government has imposed import restrictions on laptops, tablets, personal
computers, supercomputers and other similar data-processing units.
Although China was not mentioned, the restrictions would mean such items could be sourced only
from “trusted partners” via a licensing regime. In FY23, India imported $8.8 billion worth of the seven
items now under the licensing regime. In that amount, products worth $5.1 billion (58 per cent) were
sourced from China.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued the notification, clarifying that airline
passengers returning to India could still carry such items purchased abroad.
144. In which state/UT Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Punjab
2) Bihar
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Haryana
5) Delhi
Answer- 5) Delhi
Explanation:
About the National Capital Territory(NCT) of Delhi:
Chief Minister – Arvind Kejriwal
Governor – Vinai Kumar Saxena
Wildlife Sanctuary – Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Festivals – Bhai Dooj Festival, Chhat Festival
145. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairperson of Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA)?
1) B N Bhaskar
2) Deepak Mohanty
3) Ankit Jalan
4) Vivek Singh
5) Anil Yadav

Answer- 2) Deepak Mohanty
Explanation:
About Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA):
Chairperson – Deepak Mohanty
146. In August 2023, the Supreme Court launched a handbook on combating gender
stereotypes.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chief Justice of India?
1) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud
2) Uday Umesh Lalit
3) Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana
4) Sharad Arvind Bobde
5) Ranjan Gogoi
Answer- 1) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud
Explanation:
The Supreme Court launched a handbook on combating gender stereotypes that would guide judges
to avoid the usage of inappropriate gender terms in court orders and legal language.
i. Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud said the guidebook is to identify and
eliminate the usage of words and phrases that carry gender biases within court orders and legal
language.
147. As of August 2023, Which state government will become India's 1st to complete
digitisation of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services?
1) Karnataka
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Haryana
4) Gujarat
5) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Rajasthan will become the first State in India with a complete digitisation of Reproductive and Child
Health (RCH) services following the implementation of a project with the assistance of a global health
organisation. The initiative will ensure real-time monitoring of RCH services.
i. The National Health Mission-Rajasthan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the
Johns Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego) for
the digitisation work.
ii. The RCH related to pregnant women and newborn children was proposed to be digitised under the
project.
148. In which state, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is located?

1) Sikkim
2) Uttarakhand
3) Himachal Pradesh

4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar
Explanation:
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Nanda Devi National Park, is a spectacular
expanse of wilderness in the upper reaches of the Himalayas.
i. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers, both a part of the prestigious United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List, encompass a
unique transition zone between the Zanskar mountain range and the Great Himalaya.
ii. Located under the guard of the Nanda Devi peak, the rugged and dramatic reserve is spread across
three districts of Uttarakhand, ie Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar.
149. In which state, ‘Udhwa Bird Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Jharkhand
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Bihar
4) West Bengal
5) Assam
Explanation:
Udhwa Bird Sanctuary, located in the Sahibganj district in Jharkhand, is the state’s only bird
sanctuary. For a place that’s popularly known for illegal mining, a nature pocket like Udhwa Bird
Sanctuary is a much-needed change.
i. At present, Udhwa Bird Sanctuary is hoping to get the prestigious Ramsar Site status. The bird
sanctuary is spread across an area of 565 hectares and supports a large number of resident and
migratory birds.
ii. The Ramsar Site tag will definitely aid in the conservation and preservation of the wetland.
150. According to a survey by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) released in August
2023, the 24 central banks are expected to have digital currencies in circulation by ___________
(year).
1) 2026
2) 2030
3) 2028
4) 2025
5) 2024
Answer- 2) 2030
Explanation:
By 2030, 24 central banks are expected to have digital currencies in circulation, according to a survey
by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). This includes up to 15 retail and nine wholesale
central bank digital currencies (CBDC).
i. In total, the share of central banks that said they were engaged in some form of CBDC-related work
rose to 93 percent.

151. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the brand ambassador of Pluckk?
1) Katrina Kaif
2) Alia Bhatt
3) Deepika Padukone
4) Kareena Kapoor Khan
5) Sara Ali Khan
Answer- 4) Kareena Kapoor Khan
Explanation:
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has signed on as an investor and brand ambassador of
Pluckk, which is engaged in the fresh fruit and vegetables business .
i. The company has a range of 400 products in more than 15 categories, including essentials, exotics,
hydroponics, and cuts and mixes. The range includes innovative do-it-yourself (DIY) meal kits crafted
within certified food-tech facilities.
ii. Pluckk has also introduced ozone-washed products and traceability concepts.
152. Which country, along with India has recently (in August ‘23) signed a tripartite agreement
to supply up to 500 megawatts (MW) of hydropower to Bangladesh?
1) Bhutan
2) Sri Lanka
3) Nepal
4) Myanmar
5) China
Answer- 3) Nepal
Explanation:
In a first, India, Nepal and Bangladesh are working on a tripartite power trade deal under which
Nepal will supply up to 500 megawatts (MW) of hydropower to Bangladesh using India’s transmission
line, a move that can further boost cross-border electricity trading in South Asia. The electricity will be
supplied from Nepal’s 900 MW Upper Karnali hydropower project.
i. Besides, there are also plans to lay a dedicated transmission line connecting Nepal and Bangladesh
via India, which is at official level talks at present. Two routes have been identified for the same.
153. The Geographical indications (GIs) Tag in India is valid for the period of _____ years.
1) 4 years
2) 10 years
3) 5 years
4) 8 years
5) 6 years
Answer- 2) 10 years
Explanation:
The footwear company Agra Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Chamber (AFMEC) was granted a
Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making it the 53rd product of Uttar Pradesh to enter the elite club.
i. With the cooperation of NABARD UP and the state government, 2 handicrafts of the state, Agra
leather footwear (GI registration number-721), and Jalesar metal craft (GI registration number-722)
got GI tag status.

ii. The Geographical indications (GIs) tag in India is valid for a period of 10 years following which it
can be renewed.
154. In August 2023, The government of India issued mandatory quality norms for smart
meters and welding rods to curb the import of sub-standard goods and boost domestic
manufacturing of these products.
Now, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products are prohibited as per the
BIS Act, _________(year).
1) 2014
2) 2012
3) 2016
4) 2010
5) 2013
Answer- 3) 2016
Explanation:
The government announced mandatory quality norms for smart meters and welding rods to curb the
import of sub-standard goods and boost domestic manufacturing of these products.
• A notification in this regard was issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT) on 14th July 2023.
• These items cannot be produced, sold/traded, imported and stocked unless they bear the
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark, the notification stated.
• Now, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products are prohibited as per the
BIS Act, 2016.
• Violation of the provision of the BIS Act can attract imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of
at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence.
• In case of second and subsequent offences, the fine will increase to a minimum of Rs 5 lakh and
extend up to 10 times the value of goods or articles.
155. In which year, ‘Asian Development Bank (ADB)’ is established?

1) 1972
2) 1945
3) 1958
4) 1994
5) 1966
Answer- 5) 1966
Explanation:
About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President– Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters– Mandaluyong, Philippines
Establishment– 1966
156. In which state ‘Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve’ is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Maharashtra
3) Madhya Pradesh

4) Gujarat
5) Rajasthan
Explanation:
About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister (CM) – Ashok Gehlot
Governor – Kalraj Mishra
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary; Kaila Devi Sanctuary
Tiger Reserves – Ranthambore Tiger Reserve; Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
157. In which state Khongsang railway station is located?

1) Meghalaya
2) Tripura
3) Manipur
4) Assam
5) Mizoram
Answer- 3) Manipur
Explanation:
The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway in association with the state’s transport department dispatched
the first goods trains carrying food grains and essential commodities to Khongsang railway station at
Manipur from Guwahati.
i. Khongsang is the latest station which was commissioned in 2022 in the Jiribam-Imphal new line
project. The first direct passenger train service namely ‘Jan Shatabdi Express’ was earlier inaugurated
between Tripura’s Agartala and Khongsang .
158. In which state Pushkar Lake is located?

1) Odisha
2) Bihar
3) Uttarakhand
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan
state of western India.
i. Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake of the Hindus.
159. What is the tagline of Canara Bank?

5) Together we can
Answer- 5) Together we can

Explanation:
About Canara Bank:
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – K. Satyanarayana Raju
Headquarters- Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established in – 1906 (as Canara Hindu Permanent Fund Ltd. and renamed as Canara Bank Limited
in 1910)
Tagline – Together we can
160. Manoj Bajpayee has recently (in August ‘23) won the Best Actor Award for the film
__________ at the Durban International Film Festival 2023.
1) Joram
2) Kabzaa
3) Sam Bahadur
4) Gulmohar
5) Bandaa
Answer- 1) Joram
Explanation:
Actor Manoj Bajpayee won the Best Actor Award for the film 'Joram' at the Durban International
Film Festival 2023. Piyush Puty bagging the Best Cinematography award for Joram Film
i. Helmed by Devashish Makhija, ‘Joram’ is a survival-thriller about a displaced indigenous man, made
in collaboration with Makhijafilm, an independent production house jointly owned by Devashish
himself and curator-producer Anupama Bose.
161. Who authored the book, How Prime Ministers Decide?

1) Rahul Kanwal
2) Neerja Chowdhury
3) S Dorairaj
4) Prabhakara
5) Vinod Dua
Answer- 2) Neerja Chowdhury
Explanation:
A new book, titled How Prime Ministers Decide, by veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury recalls
the drama that led to Sonia’s announcement, prompted by Rahul’s “fear for his mother’s life”.
i. A new book also claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had good relations with several
RSS leaders but carefully kept a distance between the organisation and herself.
ii. The author analyses the operating styles of the country’s prime ministers through the prism of six
decisions of historic significance.
162. Which Place has been recently (in August ‘23) recommended by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to its list of world heritage in
danger?
1) Niagara Falls, United States of America
2) Grand Canyon, United States of America
3) Venice, Italy
4) Great Barrier Reef, Australia

5) Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Answer- 3) Venice, Italy
Explanation:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the cultural agency of the
United Nations recommended Venice, Italy be added to its list of world heritage in danger.
i. The agency said that it is high time the Italian authorities step up their efforts in order to secure the
historic city and its surrounding lagoon.
163. In August 2023, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the 28%
Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming, casinos and horse racing is expected to be
implemented from ____________.
1) 1st January 2024
3) 1st November 2023
4) 1st October 2023
5) 1st September 2023
Answer- 4) 1st October 2023
Explanation:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
on online gaming, casinos and horse racing is expected to be implemented from 1st October 2023.
i. However, in a reprieve to the online gaming sector, the government has clarified that the tax will be
levied on the contest entry amount, excluding the winnings.
ii. The GST Council also recommended that valuation of supply of online gaming and actionable claims
in casinos may be done based on the amount paid or payable to or deposited with the supplier, by or
on behalf of the player (excluding the amount entered into games or bets out of winnings of previous
games or bets) and not on the total value of each bet placed
164. Name the state government that has recently (in August ‘23) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI)
with Foxconn to set up two additional projects with an estimated investment outlay of Rs.
5,000 crore.
1) Maharashtra
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Karnataka
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Gujarat
Explanation:
The Karnataka government has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Foxconn, a major iPhone
assembler for tech giant Apple, to undertake two marquee projects in the state with an estimated
investment worth Rs.5,000 crore.
i. The projects would create employment opportunities for 13,000 people in the state.

165. According to the data released by Raj Kumar Singh, Union minister for new & renewable
energy and power in August 2023, India’s installed wind energy capacity will rise to 99.9GW by
_____________ (year).
1) 2024-25
2) 2025-26
3) 2026-27
4) 2028-29
5) 2029-30
Answer- 5) 2029-30
Explanation:
According to the data by Raj Kumar Singh, Union minister for new & renewable energy and power,
India’s installed wind energy capacity to rise to 99.9GW by 2029-30 & India’s wind energy sector is
witnessing a remarkable surge, with the installed capacity reaching an impressive 43,773 megawatts
(MW) as of 30 June 2023.
i. The country’s focus on sustainable energy sources has resulted in a substantial 71,814 million units
of electricity being generated from wind energy during the fiscal year 2022-23.
166. In August 2023, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology
Jitendra Singh launched India’s first Indigenously developed, Affordable, lightweight, Ultrafast,
High Field (1.5 Tesla), Next Generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in New
Delhi, Delhi.
Which company has developed a compact, lightweight, next generation MRI Scanner?
1) Radimage Technologies Pvt. Ltd
2) Voxelgrids Innovations Pvt Ltd
3) Jansen Medtech India Pvt Ltd
4) Akshar Pharma Pvt Ltd
5) S.B.M. Healthcare (India) Pvt. Ltd
Answer- 2) Voxelgrids Innovations Pvt Ltd
Explanation:
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public
Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched India’s first Indigenously
developed, Affordable, lightweight, Ultrafast, High Field (1.5 Tesla), Next Generation Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in New Delhi.
i. Dr Jitendra Singh said that it is indeed a milestone achievement for National Biopharma Mission
(NBM), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) as we unveil the first indigenously developed state-of-the-art MRI Scanner under
Public-Private Partnership mode.
ii. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that Under the National Biopharma Mission, Voxelgrids Innovations
Pvt Ltd has developed compact, lightweight, next generation MRI Scanner to solve the unmet need of
the country.
iii. The Minister underlined that out of Rs 17 Crore spent for developing the world class MRI, Rs 12
Crore was provided by DBT through BIRAC.

167. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recently (in August
‘23) developed the ‘MASI’ application for real-time monitoring of Child Care Institutions (CCIs).
In MASI, what does I stands for:
1) Inspection
2) Institute
3) Instruction
4) Interaction
5) Integrated
Answer- 1) Inspection
Explanation:
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has developed The ‘MASI’
application for real-time monitoring of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their inspection process
across the country.
i. The primary objective behind the development of the Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection
(MASI) is to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the inspection mechanism for CCIs as
provided under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
ii. The app aims to synchronise the monitoring of the system by various authorities, including Child
Welfare Committees (CWCs), State Inspection Committees, District Inspection Committees, Members
of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs).
168. In August 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) cancelled the licence of
___________ (company) as a stock broker for its involvement in illegal “paired contracts".
1) Nirmal Bang
2) Upstox
3) 5Paisa
4) MMTC Ltd
5) Angel Broking
Answer- 4) MMTC Ltd
Explanation:
The markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cancelled the licence of
MMTC Ltd as a stock broker for its involvement in illegal “paired contracts" in a case related to
National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL).
i. The SEBI also directed MMTC to allow its existing clients to withdraw or transfer their securities or
funds held by it within 15 days.
ii. MMTC is a commodity derivatives broker registered with Sebi, from December 2015 and is
currently a member of the Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX).
169. Which country, along with China, will conduct the Falcon Shield-2023, a joint training
exercise in Xinjiang, China in August 2023?
1) Israel
2) Indonesia
3) Australia
5) Iran
Answer- 4) United Arab Emirates

Explanation:
According to the annual plan and the consensus reached by China and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), the Falcon Shield-2023 joint training exercise between the Chinese and UAE air forces will be
held in China's Xinjiang in August.
i. This is the first joint training between both air forces, aiming to deepen pragmatic exchanges and
cooperation between the two militaries and enhance mutual understanding and trust.
170. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) extended the relief on loans to its customers in
Manipur, who have been affected by the Violence?
1) Bank of Baroda
2) ICICI Bank
3) HDFC Bank
4) Indian Bank
Explanation:
The State Bank of India (SBI) has offered to extend relief on loans to its customers in Manipur, who
have been affected by the ongoing unrest in the state.
i. The relief package includes a moratorium of up to 12 months on equated monthly installments
(EMIs), interest payments, and other installments.
ii. It will be available to borrowers whose accounts had not turned non-performing assets (NPAs) as
on May 3, 2023
171. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ola Electric?
1) Sanjay Mahesh
2) Bhavish Aggarwal
3) Praveen Sanjay
4) Ajay Kumar
5) Vineet Aggarwal
Answer- 2) Bhavish Aggarwal
Explanation:
Ola Electric founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bhavish Aggarwal announced that India's
first large-scale gigafactory which will be a manufacturing facility for rechargeable batteries for
electric vehicles (EV) will be up and functioning by next year.
i. The initial capacity of the Gigafactory will be 5 GWh. At full scale, the factory will have 100 GWh
capacity, which will also be the world's largest battery manufacturing unit.
172. Which state has recently (in August ‘23) received the award for the best State Organ and
Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant
Organisation (NOTTO)?
1) Kerala
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Karnataka
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Telangana

Explanation:
Tamil Nadu received the award for the best State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation
(SOTTO) from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), on the occasion of
the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day on 3rd August 2023.
i. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian received the award from Union Health Minister Mansukh L.
Mandaviya in New Delhi. Ministers of State (Health) Bharati Pravin Pawar and S.P. Singh Baghel, Tamil
Nadu Health Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi and Member-Secretary of Transplant Authority of Tamil
Nadu N. Gopalakrishnan were present on the occasion.
173. In August 2023, the __________ edition of the Malabar River Festival opened at Thusharagiri
in Kozhikode, Kerala.
1) 8th
2) 6th
3) 11th
4) 5th
5) 9th
Answer- 5) 9th
Explanation:
In Kerala, the ninth edition of the Malabar River Festival opens at Thusharagiri in Kozhikode. The
three-day event, organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and the Kozhikode
District Tourism Promotion Council will be held at Iruvanjhipuzha and Chalipuzha rivers at
Thusharagiri.
i. Besides Indian Kayakers, paddlers from ten countries including the US, UK, Israel, Kazakhstan and
South Africa are participating in the event. The competition will be held in Kayak Slalom,
Boardercross and Down River events.
ii. The National Whitewater Kayaking Championship will also be held as part of the Malabar River
Festival this year.
174. In August 2023, the Ministry of Tourism identified ‘Prayagraj’ and ‘Naimisharanya’ in
_______________ (state) as destinations for development under ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’.
1) Uttarakhand
2) Maharashtra
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Bihar
5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
The Ministry of Tourism has identified ‘Prayagraj’ and ‘Naimisharanya’ in Uttar Pradesh as
destinations for development under ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop
sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.
i. In a written reply in Lok Sabha Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy said that the State Perspective
Plan (SPP) prepared by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh did not include Hastinapur Wildlife
Sanctuary for development.

ii. He further added that the government launched ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’ (SDS) in the year 2014-
15 for integrated development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits in the country and there are 08
projects of identified thematic circuits in Uttar Pradesh.
175. In August 2023, the Sahitya Akademi will bring out an anthology of poems titled ‘Under
the Same Sky’ with contributions from each of the G-20 nations.
Who has curated the collection of poems?
1) Krishen Khanna
2) Ranjit Hoskote
3) Nancy Adajania
4) Sudhir Patwardhan
5) Gayatri Sinha
Answer- 2) Ranjit Hoskote
Explanation:
The Sahitya Akademi will bring out an anthology of poems with contributions from each of the G-20
nations to commemorate India’s presidency of the grouping.
i. The Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous body under the Union Culture Ministry. The collection of
poems, to be titled Under the Same Sky, has been curated by noted poet Ranjit Hoskote.
176. Name the North India’s first River Rejuvenation Project that was recently (in August ‘23)
inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Jammu & Kashmir.
1) Devika
2) Shakthi
3) Devi
4) Chandra
5) Maya
Answer- 1) Devika
Explanation:
North India’s first River Rejuvenation Project, named Devika, is almost finished and was inaugurated
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This project, modeled after the ‘Namami Ganga‘ initiative, is aimed
at restoring the health of the Devika River (in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir).
i. The Liquid Waste Management Project involves creating a network of pipes and manholes
connecting households under the Devika Rejuvenation Project. Additionally, a Solid Waste
Management Project is planned to further enhance the river’s restoration.
177. Name the sports personality who has recently (in August ‘23) won the only gold medal
under the women’s 61kg weight division in the 2023 World Cadet Wrestling Championships.
1) Antim Panghal
2) Vinesh Phogat
3) Savita
4) Sonam Malik
5) Sarita Mor
Answer- 3) Savita

Explanation:
India ended their 2023 World Cadet Wrestling Championships, meant for under-17 grapplers, with
a total of 11 medals, including a gold, at Istanbul, Turkey.
i. Savita, who entered the event as the defending champion, won the only gold medal for India at
Istanbul in the women’s 61kg weight division
178. In which country the 'Havana Syndrome' was first reported in 2016?
1) Italy
2) France
3) Spain
4) Germany
5) Cuba
Answer- 5) Cuba
Explanation:
The Centre has told the Karnataka High Court that it will look into the 'Havana Syndrome' issue in
India. The response was filed on a petition of Bengaluru resident A Amarnath Chagu, who sought an
inquiry into the mysterious illness in India and directions to the central government to prevent its
transmission within India.
i. The mysterious illness was first reported in 2016 when CIA employees stationed in Cuba's Havana
reported experiencing unusual symptoms such as migraines, nausea, memory lapses, dizziness,
hearing sounds without any external noise, and vertigo. Some of these officials claimed that the
symptoms lasted for months.
179. Which District has been recently (in August ‘23) ranked as the top performing District
under Jal Jeevan Survekshan(JJS-2023) among 114 Har Ghar Jal Certified districts across India?
1) Jamnagar, Gujarat
2) Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
3) Nagpur, Maharashtra
5) Dhanbad, Jharkhand
Answer- 2) Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
The Srinagar District (Jammu and Kashmir) has been Ranked as the top performing District under
Jal Jeevan Survekshan (JJS-2023) among 114 Har Ghar Jal Certified districts across the Country in the
implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM) during October, 01, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
i. The Srinagar District has attained the top rank in implementation of JJM by obtaining the highest
score of 83.0.
180. Which state/UT has recently (in August ‘23) plans to build Rs 6,134-crore dam at
Hathnikund to to prevent floods caused by the Yamuna?
1) Haryana
2) Uttarakhand
3) Delhi
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar

Answer- 1) Haryana
Explanation:
To prevent a repeat of the July floods caused by the Yamuna in Delhi and in adjoining areas of the
river in Haryana, the Haryana government is planning to build a dam at a cost of Rs 6,134 crore. It
will have a 14-km-long reservoir and will be built 4.5 km upstream from the Hathnikund Barrage in
Yamunanagar district. Nine villages will be displaced for its construction, besides shifting an 11-km
stretch of NH-73.
i. It will also submerge a large chunk of forest land, including areas in Kalesar National Park and
Wildlife Sanctuary.
ii. The dam area also shares borders with Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Its reservoir will have a
capacity of 10.82 lakh cusecs.
181. In August 2023, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) released its first ever
‘extinction alert,’ focusing on the vaquita porpoise, a species with a mere 10 remaining
individuals located in the Sea of Cortez in ___________ (country).
1) Colombia
2) Peru
3) Mexico
4) Canada
5) Chile
Answer- 3) Mexico
Explanation:
On August 7, 2023, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) released its first ever ‘extinction
alert,’ focusing on the vaquita porpoise, a species with a mere 10 remaining individuals located in the
Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez in Mexico.
i. The vaquita is exclusively present in the northern section of the Gulf of California, Mexico, with its
population dwindling from around 570 in 1997 to roughly 10 animals in 2018.
ii. The vaquita porpoise’s survival hangs by a thread, with a mere 10 individuals remaining in the Gulf
of California, Mexico.
iii. This narrow population puts the species on the brink of extinction, underscoring the dire
circumstances that have prompted the IWC’s intervention.
182. In August 2023, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) partnered
with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) to conduct a significant
webinar under the theme 'Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road
Ahead'.
Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under ____________ (Ministry).
2) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
3) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
4) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
5) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Answer- 2) Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Explanation:
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in partnership with the National
Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), successfully conducted a significant webinar under
the theme 'Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead'.
• The IEPFA is under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
i. The webinar witnessed the convergence of diverse stakeholders including government entities,
academic institutions, and industry experts.
ii. The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO, IEPFA and Joint Secretary at the
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
iii. Ms. Akella's address underscored the critical importance of financial education and protection in
the rapidly evolving financial landscape. As financial markets undergo transformation, the paramount
significance of informed decision-making and safeguarding investor interests
183. Who is the current (as of August’ 23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-founder of
AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited?
1) Srinath Ravichandran
2) PV Ramakrishnan
3) SR Chakravarthy
4) Naranyan Shekar
5) RV Perumal
Answer- 1) Srinath Ravichandran
Explanation:
About AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited:
AgniKul Cosmos is an Indian aerospace manufacturer based in National Center for Combustion
Research & Development (R&D) (NCRD) of Indian Institute of Technology Madras(IIT Madras),
Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-founder– Srinath Ravichandran
Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu
184. The ___________ Conference of the State Finance Secretaries was held in Mumbai,
Maharashtra in July, 2023.
1) 31st
2) 34th
3) 33rd
4) 32nd
5) 30th
Answer- 3) 33rd
Explanation:
The 33rd Conference of the State Finance Secretaries was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra on 6th July,
2023. The conference, inaugurated by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), focused on the
theme of ‘Debt Sustainability: States’ Perspective.’
i. The event was attended by Finance Secretaries from 23 states, one Union Territory, officials from
the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Controller General of Accounts, and the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India.

185. Novak Djokovic has recently (in August ‘23) won the ________ Association of Tennis
Professionals (ATP) Masters 1000 title.
1) 36th
2) 39th
3) 37th
4) 40th
5) 38th
Answer- 2) 39th
Explanation:
The 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic at the Centre Court produced a masterclass
performance and won one of the finest matches in recent memory as he saved one championship
point en route to a 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) triumph against World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz for the Cincinnati
Masters title.
i. The 36-year-old staged a comeback from a set and a breakdown against Alcaraz to win his 39th
Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Masters 1000 title.
186. Name the state/UT government that has recently (in August ‘23) declared the whole state
as 'natural calamity affected area.'
2) Maharashtra
3) Uttarakhand
4) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Amid a wide scale of destruction due to rains which has killed more than 75 people in the last four
days, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to declare the whole state as 'natural calamity
affected area.'
i. The order comes as the state is witnessing horrible landslides and cloudburst incidents in multiple
districts amid incessant rains.
ii. Himachal Pradesh has been battering continuous rains for the past few days and around 113
landslides have rocked the state in the last 55 days.
iii. The loss incurred by the state Public Works Department (PWD) is calculated at ₹2,491 crore while
the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also lost around ₹1,000 crore in the tragedies.
187. Which state/UT has recently (in August ‘23) launched a portal for better resolution of
complaints from people on offences related to forests and wildlife?
1) Karnataka
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Maharashtra
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Delhi
Answer- 5) Delhi

Explanation:
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched a portal for better resolution of complaints from
people on offences related to forests and wildlife.
• He launched the portal during a tree plantation drive in Rohini.
i. Through the portal, https://ghl.eforest.delhi.gov.in, people can check the status of their complaint
and it will also enable better coordination within the government.
ii. The Environment Minister also administered an oath to people on the importance of the
environment and encouraged them to plant more trees to keep Delhi green.
188. In August 2023, the Indian Air Force conducted successful trials of the Heavy Drop System,
from a cargo aircraft.
The Heavy Drop system is designed and developed by a laboratory of the
______________(Government agency/company).
2) Indian Space Research Organisation
Answer- 3) Defence Research and Development Organisation
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force recently conducted successful trials of the Heavy Drop System, from a cargo
aircraft.
i. The Heavy Drop system is designed and developed by a laboratory of the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).
ii. The trial of the system has been completed in partnership with Aerial Delivery Research and
Development Establishment towards achieving self-reliance in the military sector.
iii. The DRDO lab based out of Agra is tasked to develop such systems for the defence forces.
189. Name the personality who has recently (in August ‘23) won the women's title at the
International Surf Open Tamil Nadu.
1) Ishita Malaviya (India)
2) Sara Wakita (Japan)
3) Anastasia Ashley (United States of America)
4) Molly Picklum (Germany)
5) Paige Alms (China)
Answer- 2) Sara Wakita (Japan)
Explanation:
The International Surf Open Tamil Nadu, WSL QS 3000 came to the conclusion at Mamallapuram
near Chennai. It was a nail-biting finish for both the men's and women's finals. Sara Wakita from
Japan won the women's title with a score of 13.50 and a very close second was Shino Matsuda with a
score of 13.10.
i. The men's final went down to the last few seconds with Tenshi Iwami from Japan making his last
wave count and winning with a score of 16.30 while Kian Martin from Sweden finished second with a
score of 14.70.
ii. This is the first international event in surfing to be held in India.

190. In which state Jim Corbett National Park is located?
1) Odisha
2) Assam
3) Sikkim
4) Uttarakhand
5) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
About 275 bird species, including two critically endangered, four vulnerable ones and two endangered
species, were counted during the bird survey at Corbett Tiger Reserve in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
i. The survey, conducted between June 20 and 23 by a 62-member team consisting of ornithologists,
conservationists, volunteers from World Wide Fund (WWF) India, Tiger Conservation Foundation and
Village Volunteer Protection Force, covering overall 540 km of 135 forest trails provided insights into
the diverse bird species inhabiting at Corbett Tiger Reserve.
ii. As per the report, two species, namely white-rumped vulture and red-headed vulture, considered
critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list, have been
documented in the survey, which covered the vast range of landscape in the reserve, including
grassland, dense forest, rivers and hilly terrains.
191. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
located?
4) Paris, France
5) Vienna, Austria
Explanation:
About United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
Administrator – Achim Steiner
Head Quarters – New York, United States of America (USA)
Established – 1965, began its operations on 1966
192. In Which state, Youth 20 (Y20) India engagement Group meeting concluded on 20th
August 2023?
1) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
3) Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
4) Begusarai, Bihar
Answer- 1) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
Under the overall framework of G20 Presidency, the Youth 20 (Y20) India engagement Group
meeting concluded successfully in Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh (20th August, 2023).

i. Y20, as part of the overall framework of G20 under the Presidency of India has set new milestones
for the world. During the summit, Y20 Communiqué was discussed and negotiated, thereafter, it was
signed successfully with unanimous consent.
ii. The Y20 Summit was organized from 17th to 20th August, 2023.
193. Photoshop maker Adobe’s co-founder ___________ passed away in August 2023.
1) Ivan Sutherland
2) John Warnock
3) Charles Geschke
4) Ola Sevanderson
5) Bob Frankston
Answer- 2) John Warnock
Explanation:
Photoshop maker Adobe’s co-founder John Warnock passed away at the age of 82.
i. Warnock co-founded Adobe in 1982 with Charles Geschke. He retired as CEO in 2000 and was
chairman of the board, a position he shared with Geschke, until 2017.
194. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Advanced
Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL)?
1) Ajay Kumar
2) Praveen Sharma
3) Rajesh Choudhary
4) Jayanth Kumar
5) Atish Mathur
Answer- 3) Rajesh Choudhary
Explanation:
About Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL):
It is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
It is incorporated under the Companies Act 2013 on 14th August 2021.
Chairman and Managing Director– Rajesh Choudhary
Headquarters– Ordnance Factory Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Commenced business on– 1st October 2021
195. In which state ‘Ghatigaon wildlife sanctuary’ is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Maharashtra
3) Gujarat
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar
Explanation:
About Madhya Pradesh (MP):
Chief Minister (CM) – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Governor – Mangubhai Patel

National Parks – Panna National Park; Pench National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) – Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary; Ghatigaon wildlife sanctuary
196. In which state Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Assam
3) Sikkim
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Mizoram
Answer- 2) Assam
Explanation:
Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is a small Sanctuary, famous for rare and endangered animals and
birds, located in the eastern fringe of Guwahati city, Assam.
i. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on 19th June, 2004 by the government of Assam.
197. In which state ‘Debrigarh Tiger Reserve’ is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Karnataka
3) Odisha
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Assam
Answer- 3) Odisha
Explanation:
About Debrigarh Tiger Reserve:
i. Located near the Hirakud dam at Sambalpur, spread over an area of 347 sq km, Debrigarh Wildlife
Sanctuary is one of the famous tourist destinations of western Odisha.
ii. It will become the third tiger reserve in Odisha after Similipal and Satkosia.
iii. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 and situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha near
Hirakud dam (Mahanadi River).
198. In which state Pania Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Jharkhand
2) Gujarat
3) Bihar
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Maharashtra
Answer- 2) Gujarat
Explanation:
About Gujarat:
Governor – Acharya Devvrat
Wildlife sanctuary – Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoological Park- Sayaji Baug Zoo

199. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Canara Bank?
1) Debadatta Chand
2) Rajneesh Karnatak
3) Sashidhar Jagdishan
4) K Satyanarayana Raju
5) Ajay Kumar Srivastava
Answer- 4) K Satyanarayana Raju
Explanation:
About Canara Bank Limited :
Canara Bank was established as Canara Hindu Permanent Fund Ltd. in 1906 and was renamed as
Canara Bank Limited in 1910.
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- K.Satyanarayana Raju
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka
Nationalised in 1969
Tagline– Together we can
200. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
located?
4) Paris, France
5) Vienna, Austria
Explanation:
About United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT):
Under-Secretary-General– Vladimir Voronkov
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established on– 15 June 2017
201. Which country has (in August ‘23) announced a USD 500 million debt-for-nature swap?
1) Brazil
2) Peru
3) Gabon
4) Chile
5) Guyana
Answer- 3) Gabon
Explanation:
Gabon on August 15, 2023 announced a USD 500 million debt-for-nature swap. In Africa, it is the
largest such deal signed by any country to refinance its debt and conserve marine resources.
• Debt-for-nature swaps allow heavily indebted developing countries to seek help from financial
institutions in the developed world with paying off their debt if they agree to spend on
conservation of natural resources.

• This is the world's second-largest deal signed under blue bond to refinance the country's
debt and conserve marine resources.
• In May 2023, the world’s first and largest debt swap to conserve oceans was signed by
Ecuador. The country had exchanged USD 1.6 billion denominated bonds for a new USD 656
million loan.
202. Name the Indian Navy ship (INS) that has recently (in August ‘23) entered port of Durban,
South Africa.
1) INS Vinash
2) INS Guldar
3) INS Kuthar
4) INS Sunayna
5) INS Gharial
Answer- 4) INS Sunayna
Explanation:
Indian Navy ship (INS) Sunayna entered port of Durban, South Africa on 21 Aug 23. The ship
undertook passage exercise with South African Navy Ship SAS King Sekhukhune I off Durban.
i. After exchange of pleasantries at sea, the ship entered Durban harbour. The ship was received by
Cdr Kenneth Singh officiating Flag Officer Commanding Naval Base Durban and HCI Pretoria Officials.
ii. The visit apart from commemorating 30 years of diplomatic partnership between India and South
Africa is aimed at enhancing interoperability, jointness and mutual cooperation between both Indian
Navy and South Africa Navy.
203. In August 2023, the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) organised the se ENGcond
season of ‘Asmita- Inspiring Stories by Army Wives’ in New Delhi, Delhi.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) President of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)?
1) Archana Pande
2) Shilpa Bhatia
3) Monika Chaudhary
4) Tuhina Goyal
5) Swati Sutaria Vakharia
Answer- 1) Archana Pande
Explanation:
The Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) organised the second season of ‘Asmita- Inspiring
Stories by Army Wives’ in Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, Delhi
• The forum was organised to share inspiring stories of wives of Army personnel who have
created a niche for themselves in various fields, with their perseverance and resilience, after
overcoming numerous challenges.
• The event was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu
as the Chief Guest. Dr Sudesh Dhankar, wife of Hon’ble Vice President and Smt Meenakshi
Lekhi, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture were the guests of honour. Mrs
Archana Pande, President AWWA was the Chief Host.
• AWWA is an association that works for the welfare of the spouses, children and dependents of
Army personnel. It is aptly called the invisible hand that shapes the punch of the Indian Army.

204. Name the state government that has recently (in August ‘23) introduced a ‘Sabbatical
Leave’ scheme which allows the regular government employees to take a maximum leave for
nearly three years with 50% basic pay.
1) West Bengal
2) Assam
3) Sikkim
5) Odisha
Answer- 3) Sikkim
Explanation:
Sikkim government introduced a ‘Sabbatical Leave’ scheme that allows the regular government
employees to take a maximum leave for nearly three years with 50% basic pay for those interested in
pursuing their desired ventures without worrying about losing their government job.
i. As per a Department of Personnel notification of August 14, the ‘Sabbatical Leave’ scheme for the
regular State government employees seek to provide multiple opportunities, which otherwise is not
available to them due to service rules.
205. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) partnered with the Racing
Promotions Private Limited (RRPL) to set up India’s 1st Night street racing circuit?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Telangana
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
A new street circuit, which will also hold night races, was launched by the Tamil Nadu government
and RRPL.
i. The state government has partnered with Racing Promotions Private Limited (RRPL) for the project.
RRPL is also the promoter of the Indian Racing League and F4 Indian Championship. Minister for
Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, launched the circuit.
ii. As for the track, it is a 3.5km layout, located around the Island Grounds that resides in the heart of
the city.
iii. Also, it would become the first-ever street circuit in India and South Asia that will be hosting a
night race.
206. In August 2023, a rare bird - Tytler's leaf Warbler was spotted for the first time in
__________ (state).
1) Odisha
2) Bihar
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 2) Bihar

Explanation:
A rare bird - Tytler's leaf Warbler - was spotted for the first time in Bihar.
i. A medium-sized leaf-warbler with a comparatively long and slender bill and prominent supercilium
was recently spotted at Sundervan in the bird ringing station in Bhagalpur district
207. In which state ‘Kaila Devi Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Maharashtra
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Gujarat
5) Rajasthan
Explanation:
About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister (CM) – Ashok Gehlot
Governor – Kalraj Mishra
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary; Kaila Devi Sanctuary
Tiger Reserves – Ranthambore Tiger Reserve; Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
208. The ‘Dibru – Saikhowa National Park’ is located in which state?

1) Sikkim
2) Assam
4) Tripura
5) Nagaland
Answer- 2) Assam
Explanation:
About Assam:
Governor– Gulab Chand Kataria
Capital– Dispur
National Parks– Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Dibru – Saikhowa National
Park
209. In which state ‘Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Telangana
3) Kerala
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Karnataka
Answer- 3) Kerala
Explanation:
About Kerala:
Governor– Arif Mohammed Khan
Natural Heritage Site– Western Ghats

Bird Sanctuaries– Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Vembanad Bird Sanctuary), Kadalundi Bird
Sanctuary
210. In which state Kanha Tiger Reserve is located?

1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Jharkhand
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Kanha Tiger Reserve, also called Kanha National Park, is the largest national park of Madhya
Pradesh.
i. Madhya Pradesh has a number of tiger reserves, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura and
Panna.
211. Who has recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the president of Qualcomm India?
1) Atish Mathur
2) Savi Soin
3) Jayanth Kumar
4) Rajen Vagadia
5) Ajay Kumar
Answer- 2) Savi Soin
Explanation:
Qualcomm, the largest maker of smartphone processors, announced the appointment of Savi Soin as
president of Qualcomm India, to steer and lead the company's strategy for the Indian market.
i. Rajen Vagadia, Qualcomm India president for the last five years, will relocate to Qualcomm
headquarters in San Diego and transition to a new role as a Vice President to lead Global Distribution
and Global Carrier Strategy.
212. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in _____________ (state).

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Bihar
3) Uttarakhand
4) Odisha
5) Gujarat
Answer- 5) Gujarat
Explanation:
Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Gujarat. The sanctuary lies on the Central Asian Flyway.
i. Thol Lake was initially built in 1912 as a tank by the Gaekwad regime to provide irrigation facilities
to farmers.
ii. In 1988, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the state government to protect the birdlife
found in this open-water wetland site.

213. Where is the Headquarters of United World Wrestling (UWW) located?
1) New York City, United States of America
2) Vienna, Austria
4) Paris, France
5) Lausanne, Switzerland
Answer- 5) Lausanne, Switzerland
Explanation:
About United World Wrestling (UWW):
President – Nenad Lalović
Headquarters– Lausanne, Switzerland
Established – 1921
214. Which country, along with India, has recently (in August ‘23) announced the 1st Joint Call
for proposal under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)-National
Science Foundation (NSF) research collaboration?
1) Australia
3) Japan
4) United Kingdom
5) Germany
Answer- 2) United States of America
Explanation:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced its 1st Joint Call for
proposals under the MeitY- National Science Foundation (NSF) research collaboration.
i. MeitY-NSF has signed an Implementation Arrangement (IA) on Research Collaboration in May 2023.
This MeitY – NSF collaborative research opportunity focuses specifically upon discoveries and
innovations in areas of mutual interest as highlighted in the Joint Statement made by the Government
of India and United States of America during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in
June 2023.
ii. The proposal submission will start from 21, Aug, 2023 and the last date of proposal submission is
05, Jan,2024.
215. In which state/UT, the Indian Army has recently (in August ‘23) inaugurated the “Bhagat
Bridge”?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Uttarakhand
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Ladakh
Explanation:
On India’s 77th Independence Day, the Indian Army inaugurated the “Bhagat Bridge” in Danna Village,
the last village on the Line of Control in the Machhal Sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

i. This 115-feet long bridge is named in memory of Late Major Bhagat Singh, Veer Chakra awardee,
who valiantly defended the sector during the 1965 war.
216. In which state Jayakwadi bird sanctuary is located?

1) Maharashtra
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Rajasthan
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Jharkhand
Explanation:
A total of 113 migratory birds of 37 different species have been ringed at Jayakwadi bird sanctuary
during the current migratory season.
i. Jayakwadi bird sanctuary is located in Maharashtra. It is home to around 234 species of resident
and migratory birds that have been recorded from the open water stretches of the dam along with
other creatures.
217. In which city, the Global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Conclave 2.0 was
held in August 2023?
1) Rome, Italy
2) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3) Paris, France
5) Vienna, Austria
Answer- 2) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Explanation:
The Global ESG Conclave 2.0, organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
i. The sessions were aimed to shed light on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
factors into strategic business decisions and quantifying their impact on financial infrastructure and
sustainability.
218. In August 2023, India’s gross revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reached
three-month high to cross Rs. ____________ in July 2023.
1) 1.29 lakh crore
2) 1.37 lakh crore
3) 1.45 lakh crore
4) 1.50 lakh crore
5) 1.65 lakh crore
Answer- 5) 1.65 lakh crore
Explanation:
India’s gross revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) hit a three-month high to cross Rs.
1.65 lakh crore in July 2023.
i. July’s collections were 2.2% higher than the previous month’s GST collection.

ii. However, at 10.8%, it was the slowest uptick in collections since July 2021 compared to revenues
from the same month last year.
219. In which state, ‘Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) Bihar
4) Maharashtra
5) Karnataka
Explanation:
Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, 90 km northeast of
Mumbai in the foothills of the Western Ghats.
i. It is known to be a paradise for birdwatchers. It has two rivers, the Tansa and Vaitarna, and the
sanctuary gets its name from the former, which divides the sanctuary into two parts.
ii. The sanctuary forms the catchment area of Tansa lake, along with the surrounding forests of
Khardi, Vaitarna, Wada, and Shahapur ranges.
220. In which state, ‘Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Assam
3) Meghalaya
4) Sikkim
Answer- 3) Meghalaya
Explanation:
About Meghalaya:
Capital– Shillong
Chief Minister– Conrad Kongkal Sangma
Governor– Phagu Chauhan
Wildlife Sanctuary– Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary
221. In Which state ‘Keoladeo National Park’ is located?

1) Uttarakhand
2) Bihar
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan is
recognised as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. In 1982,
Keoladeo was declared a national park and then later listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in
1985.

i. The park is home to over 370 species of birds and animals such as the basking python, painted
storks, deer, nilgai and more. Noted Indian ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali used his influence to
garner government support to create Keoladeo National Park. It was also known as the breeding
ground for the rare and elusive Siberian crane.
222. Guatemalan _________ is the currency of Guatemala.

1) Kwanzaa
2) Tenge
3) Quetzal
4) Shekel
5) Ringgit
Answer- 3) Quetzal
Explanation:
About Guatemala:
Guatemala is a Central American country, south of Mexico.
Capital – Guatemala City
Currency – Guatemalan Quetzal
223. In which state Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park is located?
1) Maharashtra
2) West Bengal
3) Karnataka
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Odisha
Explanation:
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister– Eknath Shinde
Governor– Ramesh Bais
Zoological Parks– Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park and Rajiv
Gandhi Zoological Park (Peshwa Park)
224. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director of Snap India?
1) Arun Kumar
2) Ajit Mohan
3) Pulkit Trivedi
4) Atish Mathur
5) Sathish Kumar
Answer- 3) Pulkit Trivedi
Explanation:
Snap Inc. has announced the appointment of Pulkit Trivedi as India managing director. As per the
company, Trivedi will report to Snap’s APAC president, Ajit Mohan.
i. In his new role, Trivedi will be responsible for leading the organisation’s Indian operations including
driving revenue, supporting partners, and nurturing the creator ecosystem.

ii. Pulkit’s deep expertise in building and scaling businesses and finding ways to drive outsized
growth for partners will enable us to continue delighting our surging community of over 200 million
Snapchatters in India
225. In August 2023, India's oldest domestic Asiatic elephant, ____________ passed away in Assam.
1) Kanga Prasad
2) Bijuli Prasad
3) Sundari
4) Mahavir
5) Veera
Answer- 2) Bijuli Prasad
Explanation:
India's oldest domestic Asiatic elephant passed away at the age of 89 in Sonitpur district of Assam.
i. The majestic jumbo, named Bijuli Prasad, breathed his last at the Behali tea estate of The
Williamson Magor Group around 3.30 am due to age-related issues
ii. The elephant was brought to work on a tea estate by a British farmer during colonial rule in the
1940s.
iii. Dubbed 'Bijuli Prasad' -- in the style of human Indian names -- the elephant was taken from the
wild as a young bull and worked on tea farms in India's eastern state of Assam's Sonitpur district until
2018.
226. In which state Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve is located?

1) Telangana
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Karnataka
Explanation:
Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The tiger
reserve gets its name from the town of Dandeli in the Western Ghats region. The reserve is known for
its rich biodiversity and wildlife, including the endangered Bengal tiger.
227. Who is the current (as of August‘ 23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Institution
for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog?
1) Rajiv Kumar
2) BVR Subrahmanyam
3) Bikesh debroy
4) Parameswaran Iyer
5) Amitabh Kant
Answer- 2) BVR Subrahmanyam

Explanation:
About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog):
CEO -B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
Headquarters – New Delhi
228. Which of the following companies, along with Oil India Ltd has recently (in August ‘23)
received late submission fees (LSF) of Rs. 2,000 crore for delayed reporting of their overseas
investments?
1) GAIL (India) Ltd
2) ONGC Videsh Ltd
3) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed late submission fees (LSF) of Rs. 2,000 crore on ONGC
Videsh Ltd (OVL), Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, GAIL (India) Ltd, and Oil India Ltd for delayed reporting of
their overseas investments,
i. State Bank of India (SBI) is the authorized dealer (AD) bank for these public sector undertakings’
(PSUs’) foreign transactions.
ii. The move may impact the overseas work commitments of these four state-run energy majors,
prompting efforts by them to secure an extension from RBI, which has imposed a late submission fee
of Rs. 500 crore each on the four firms.
229. In which city, the 3rd and final meeting of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG),
under India’s Presidency was held in August 2023?
4) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 3) Kolkata, West Bengal
Explanation:
The third and final meeting of G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) under India’s Presidency
was held from 9 to 11 August 2023 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
i. Over 154 delegates from G20 Members, 10 invitee countries, and various international
organisations are attending the meeting.
ii. It followed by the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting on 12th August 2023, which will be
chaired by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent charge) for the Ministry of Science and
Technology, Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions, the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Space of
Government of India.
• This is the second ever Ministerial meeting of G20 ACWG and the first in-person ACWG
Ministerial meeting.

iii. During the 1st and 2nd ACWG meetings held in Gurugram and Rishikesh respectively, India was
able to forge a consensus in G20 to advance the international anti-corruption agenda by finalizing
three outcome documents (High Level Principles) on important and sensitive issues.
230. Who is the current (in August ‘23) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)?
1) Ramesh Chandra Sharma
2) Rohini Rawat
3) Padam Lal Negi
4) Ajay Yadav
5) Pradip Kumar Das
Answer- 5) Pradip Kumar Das
Explanation:
About Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA):
IREDA was established on 11th March 1987 as a Public limited Government Company under the
Companies Act, 1956
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) – Pradip Kumar Das
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
231. Who has recently (in August ‘23) won the Anna Lindh Prize in August 2023?
1) Sergei Sidorsky
2) Roman Golovchenko
3) Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
4) Andrei Kobyakov
5) Syarhey Rumas
Answer- 3) Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
Explanation:
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya won a rights prize (Anna Lindh Prize)
in memory of Sweden's assassinated foreign minister Anna Lindh for her "tireless" fight for
democracy.
i. The Anna Lindh Prize, worth 100,000 Swedish kronor ($9,400), is given "to encourage primarily
women and youth who, in Anna Lindh's spirit, show the courage to work against indifference,
prejudice, oppression and injustice",
ii. Anna Lindh was murdered on September 11, 2003 by a mentally ill young Swedish man, Mijailo
Mijailovic, who was of Serbian origin.
232. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) launched its new Android Point of
Sale (POS) terminal.
1) Freecharge
2) BharatPe
3) Paytm
4) Razorpay
5) PhonePe
Answer- 2) BharatPe

Explanation:
BharatPe, India’s leading name in the fintech industry, announced the launch of its new Android
Point of Sale (POS) terminal.
i. Known as BharatPeSwipe Android, the device offers multiple modes for digital payment acceptance,
including debit/credit cards, UPI, mobile wallets and QR code.
ii. The company, which launched Linux based POS devices in the year 2020, already has a network of
over 2 lakh POS machines across 400+ cities in the country, and is one of the top 3 fintech players in
the POS category.
iii. BharatPewill give its merchants an option to upgrade from the Linux based POS to the new
Android POS device. Additionally, it plans to double its POS network count over the next 12 months,
with the launch of BharatPe Swipe Android.
233. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award
at the first-ever RICS South Asia Awards?
1) Atish Mathur
2) Jai Mavani
3) Venkatesh Gopalkrishnan
4) Subhash Runwal
5) Akhil Gupta
Answer- 4) Subhash Runwal
Explanation:
Subhash Runwal, Chairman of Runwal, a leading real estate developer with a legacy of over four
decades, has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the first-ever RICS South
Asia Awards. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is a global industry body representing
professionals across the country.
i. Hosting its first-ever awards, it aimed to recognize global and Indian industry-leading achievements
and demonstrate the upholding of the highest standards of professionalism and ethics by individuals
and teams across built and natural environments.
234. In August 2023, National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) and
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) in ____________ signed Memorandum of
Agreement (MoA) to empower women through entrepreneurship.
5) New Delhi, Delhi
Answer- 1) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Explanation:
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, an institute
recognised by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India has
recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the CSR Division of National Thermal
Power Corporation Limited (NTPC).

i. Under the MoA, EDII will enable New Enterprise Creation among the underprivileged women in the
vicinity of NTPC Noida. EDII will set up a Cold Compressed Oil Unit to benefit the underprivileged
women.
ii. Appropriate training and hand holding to the participating women will be provided. In total, 30
women from self-help groups will be rendered independent and empowered over one year.
iii. NTPC has taken this initiative as a part of its CSR activity of empowering women and making them
entrepreneurial and self-sustaining.
235. In August 2023, NCERT established a 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning
Material Committee (NSTC), chaired by ___________ , to revise textbooks for classes 3 to 12.
1) Amit Gautam
2) MC Pant
3) A. K. Singh
4) Aarti Srivastava
5) Anshu Srivastava
Answer- 2) MC Pant
Explanation:
NCERT has established a 19-member National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee
(NSTC), chaired by NIEPA chancellor MC Pant, to revise textbooks for classes 3 to 12. Members
include Sudha Murthy, Shankar Mahadevan, Sanjeev Sanyal, and others.
i. The committee aims to align curriculum with the National Curriculum Framework for School
Education (NCF-SE) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Co-chaired by mathematician
Manjul Bhargav, the committee will develop teaching materials and is assisted by Curricular Area
Groups (CAGs).
ii. The committee’s mandate covers Classes 3 to 12, and it also aims to ensure a seamless transition
from Classes 1 and 2 to subsequent grades.
236. In August 2023, the Union minister for new & renewable energy and power Raj Kumar
Singh announced that the renewable energy research and technology development
programme (RE-RTD) will continue till ___________.
1) 2025-26
2) 2024-25
3) 2026-27
4) 2027-28
5) 2028-29
Answer- 1) 2025-26
Explanation:
The Union minister for new & renewable energy and power Raj Kumar Singh has announced that the
renewable energy research and technology development programme (RE-RTD) will continue till
2025-26. The programme, aimed at enhancing indigenous technology solutions in the renewable
energy sector, will receive a budget allocation of Rs 228 crore.
i. The announcement was made in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha.

237. In August 2023, General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff left for the United Kingdom
to review the __________ Sovereign's Parade of Commissioning Course 223 at the prestigious
Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst as the Sovereign’s Representative.
1) 190th
2) 220th
3) 201st
4) 195th
5) 200th
Answer- 3) 201st
Explanation:
General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff left for the United Kingdom to review the 201st
Sovereign's Parade of Commissioning Course 223 at the prestigious Royal Military Academy,
Sandhurst as the Sovereign’s Representative.
• The Sovereign's Parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is a reputed event, known for its
illustrious history and the passing out of officer cadets from across the globe.
• General Manoj Pande is the first Chief of the Army Staff from India to be the Sovereign's
Representative for the parade. During his visit, the General will also be visiting the Indian Army
Memorial Room which occupies a place of pride in the Royal Military Academy.
• During his visit to the UK, General Manoj Pande will interact with General Sir Patrick Sanders,
Chief of General Staff of the British Army and General Gwyn Jenkins, Vice Chief of Defence Staff
of the UK Armed Forces.
238. The indigenous underwater submersible vehicle called “Matsya 6000” will be launched in
2026 for the Samudrayaan project.
The MATSYA 6000 was designed by which organization?
1) Goa Shipyard Ltd
2) National Institute of Ocean Technology
3) Hindustan Shipyard Ltd
5) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Answer- 2) National Institute of Ocean Technology
Explanation:
The Samudrayaan project is expected to be realized by 2026 and is being designed and developed by
the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The submersible vehicle, named 'MATSYA 6000', has an endurance of 12 hours under normal
operation and 96 hours in case of emergency for human safety.
• The mission is significant as it will allow scientific personnel to observe and understand
unexplored deep-sea areas through direct intervention. It also aligns with the Central
government's vision of 'New India', highlighting the Blue Economy as one of the ten core
dimensions of growth.
• The cost of the Deep Ocean Mission, which includes the Samudrayaan project, has been
estimated at Rs. 4,077 crores over a five-year period and will be implemented in phases. With
this mission, India could join the elite group of countries with specialist technology and
vehicles to conduct subsea missions, including the United States, Russia, France, Japan, and
China.

239. Vietnamese _________ is the currency of Vietnam.
1) Rufiyaa
2) Pound
3) Dong
4) Riyal
5) Won
Answer- 3) Dong
Explanation:
About Vietnam:
Capital– Hanoi
Currency– Vietnamese dong
Prime Minister– Pham Minh Chinh
240. The government announced that the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics has been
renamed as the Standing Committee on Statistics.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Union Minister of State of Statistics and Programme
Implementation & Planning?
2) Jitendra Singh
3) Anurag Singh Thakur
4) Rao Inderjit Singh
5) Mahendra Nath Pandey
Answer- 4) Rao Inderjit Singh
Explanation:
The government announced that the Standing Committee on Economic Statistics has been renamed as
the Standing Committee on Statistics.
i. The Committee will advise the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on all
surveys.
ii. The government has formed various Committees after the year 1947 including Standing Committee
on Economic Statistics (SCES)," Minister of State of Statistics and Programme Implementation &
Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.
iii. He further announced SCES was renamed as Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), which was
constituted vide a MoSPI order dated July 13, 2023.
241. During the ____________ Episode of Mann Ki Baat in July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
announced the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign to honour and appreciate the martyred
bravehearts.
1) 103rd
2) 98th
3) 100th
4) 95th
5) 105th
Answer- 1) 103rd

Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 103rd Episode of Mann Ki Baat on 30 July cited a unique
idea to celebrate the 77th Independence Day. He announced the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign
during the Amrit Mahotsav celebration. This campaign from August 9 to August 15 honour and
appreciate the martyred bravehearts.
242. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Health
Authority (NHA)?
1) Gopalakrishnan
2) Ram Sewak Sharma
3) Geetali Tare
4) Santosh Kumar
5) Pankaj Kumar Arora
Answer- 2) Ram Sewak Sharma
Explanation:
About National Health Authority (NHA):
Chief Executive Officer– Ram Sewak Sharma
Headquarter– New Delhi, Delhi
243. In August 2023, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that the Khelo India
Women’s League will officially be known as Asmita Women's League.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports?
2) Ashwini Vaishnaw
3) G. Kishan Reddy
4) Raj Kumar Singh
5) Anurag Singh Thakur
Answer- 5) Anurag Singh Thakur
Explanation:
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has announced that the Khelo
India Women’s League will officially be known as Asmita Women's League. ASMITA refers to
Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action.
i. The Asmita Portal serves as a comprehensive resource, offering valuable insights into upcoming
leagues among other features. It will enable any school, college, government, or private organization
to host the 'Asmita Women's League' and be part of Khelo India's march towards sporting excellence.
244. In August 2023, Tulip Garden was included in the World Book of Records (London) as
Asia's largest tulip garden.
In which state/UT, Asia's largest tulip garden is located?
1) Uttarakhand
4) Himachal Pradesh
5) Ladakh

Explanation:
Jammu and Kashmir's famous tulip garden has been included in the World Book of Records
(London) as Asia's largest tulip garden. This is one of the biggest acknowledgements for the garden
since its inception.
i. Tulip Garden is situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range on the banks of Dal Lake,
the tulip garden of Kashmir has finally been recognised as Asia's largest tulip garden and certified in
the World Book of Records (London).
ii. The Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks was awarded the certificate by the Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the World Book of Records (London) at a function held in
Srinagar.
245. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
1) Pushpa Sathyanarayana
2) Adarsh Kumar Goel
3) Arun Kumar Tyagi
4) Prakash Shrivastava
5) Sudhir Agarwal
Answer- 4) Prakash Shrivastava
Explanation:
About National Green Tribunal (NGT):
ChairPerson – Prakash Shrivastava
246. In August 2023, Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of _______ on
Platinum Trust, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and TPG Upswing with regard to their stake
acquisition in UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Ltd (UPL SAS).
1) Rs. 67 Lakhs
2) Rs. 55 Lakhs
3) Rs. 49 Lakhs
4) Rs. 21 Lakhs
5) Rs. 37 Lakhs
Answer- 2) Rs. 55 Lakhs
Explanation:
In the first-ever case of gun jumping in green channel route, the Competition Commission of India
(CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 55 Lakhs on Platinum Trust and TPG Upswing with regard to
their stake acquisition in UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Ltd (UPL SAS), which is part of UPL Group.
• While a penalty of Rs.5 lakh has been imposed under Section 43A for ‘gun jumping’, a penalty
of Rs. 50 lakh was slapped for making false declaration before the Commission while availing
green channel facility. The acquirers have been asked to pay the penalty within 60 days of the
issue of order.
• Platinum Trust is established under the laws of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) by a deed
of settlement dated January 27, 2019. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is the sole
beneficiary and settlor of the trust. TPG Upswing is part of the TPG Group.

• Upswing Trust is jointly owned by subsidiaries of ADIA and TPG Inc. Upswing Trust —through
its Jersey registered trustee company Upswing Trustee Company Limited (Upswing Trustee)
picked 5% stake in UPL SAS.
247. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) collaborated with ARCI (International
Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials) to produce a product
Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP).
1) Goldstar Power Ltd
2) High Energy Batteries Ltd
3) Amara Raja Batteries Ltd
4) Exide Industries Ltd
5) Altmin Private Ltd
Answer- 5) Altmin Private Ltd
Explanation:
The ARCI (International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials), which
works under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Altmin Private Ltd
has come out with the maiden product – Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP), the key component of
Cathode Active Material (CAM)s.
i. This product is used in the manufacturing of advanced Lithium-ion cells that would help the electric
vehicles industry and other industrial applications.
ii. The company was formed to support the Government of India’s Advanced Chemistry Cell - PLI
scheme, targetted to localise the manufacturing of Li-ion cells and batteries in India and will continue
to operate as a public-private partnership with ARCI.
248. In August 2023, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched 'Khadi
Rakshasoot' to commemorate the Raksha Bandhan in New Delhi.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(KVIC)?
1) Sathish Mathur
2) Ajay Sharma
3) Praveen Kumar
4) Manoj Kumar
5) Jayanth Vishaw
Answer- 4) Manoj Kumar
Explanation:
The Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Shri Manoj Kumar has
launched 'Khadi Rakshasoot' to commemorate the Raksha Bandhan in New Delhi. This 'Khadi
Rakshasoot' (Khadi-Rakhi) was introduced under the aegis of the Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises.
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in his address during the 'National Handloom Day'
event on August 7th, 2023 in Pragati Maidan New Delhi urged the citizens to wholeheartedly
support rural artisans by choosing Khadi and Village Industries products for their upcoming
festive celebrations, thereby ensuring optimal employment opportunities in the farthest rural
parts of India.

• Additionally, incorporating Basil, tomato, brinjal seeds in it further enhances its composition.
The conception behind its making is rooted in the notion that, when disposed off into the earth,
it will sprout up to basil, tomato, and brinjal plants.
• Prepared in different states of the country, a plethora of such Khadi Rakshasoots are now
available for purchase at the Khadi Bhawan in New Delhi, with prices ranging from Rs.20 to
Rs.250 each.
249. Who authored the book, ‘Drunk on Love: The Life, Vision and Songs of Kabir’?
1) Anita Nair
2) Vipul Rikhi
3) Samit Basu
4) Indrapramit Das
5) Kiran Desai
Answer- 2) Vipul Rikhi
Explanation:
HarperCollins announced the publication of ‘Drunk on Love: The Life, Vision and Songs of Kabir’
Author by Vipul Rikhi.
i. Drunk on Love argues that Kabir is not just one person but an idea that belongs to the people of
India, who have preserved and nurtured it as a living tradition over an incredible span of time.
250. In which state ‘Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) West Bengal
3) Jharkhand
4) Maharashtra
5) Chhattisgarh
Answer- 5) Chhattisgarh
Explanation:
About Chhattisgarh:
Governor – Biswa Bhusan Harichandan
Chief Minister (CM) – Bhupesh Baghel
National Parks – Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary
251. In which year the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) was established?
1) 1981
2) 1950
3) 1978
4) 1945
5) 1962
Answer- 4) 1945

Explanation:
About Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO):
Director-General– QU Dongyu
Headquarters– Rome, Italy
252. In which state/UT Khangchendzonga National Park is located?

2) Assam
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Uttarakhand
5) Sikkim
Answer- 5) Sikkim
Explanation
Khangchendzonga National Park is located in North Sikkim and it is the UNESCO world heritage
site and India’s 1st Mixed Heritage site.
253. In which state, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) West Bengal
4) Jharkhand
5) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
About Madhya Pradesh:
Chief Minister – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Governor- Mangubhai chhaganbhai Patel
Tiger Reserves- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Panna Tiger Reserve, Kanha Tiger Reserve
254. Who is the current (as of July ‘23) Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket
Council (ICC)?
1) Wasim Khan
2) Greg Barclay
3) Richard Freudenstein
4) Geoff Allardice
5) Ankur Khanna
Answer- 4) Geoff Allardice
Explanation:
About International Cricket Council (ICC):
Chief Executive Officer– Geoff Allardice
Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates(UAE)

255. In which state/UT, ‘Hokersar bird sanctuary’ is located?
1) Ladakh
2) Assam
4) Himachal Pradesh
5) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
About Jammu and Kashmir(J&K):
Lieutenant Governor– Manoj Sinha
Bird sanctuary– Hokersar bird sanctuary
Festival– Losar; Matho Nagrang
256. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India
(IWAI)?
1) R. Lakshmanan
2) Sanjay Bandopadhyaya
3) Sunil Kumar Singh
4) Ashutosh Gautam
5) Vinayak Azad
Answer- 2) Sanjay Bandopadhyaya
Explanation:
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
IWAI is the statutory authority in charge of the waterways in India.
Chairman– Sanjay Bandopadhyaya
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Parent Ministry– Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW)
257. In Which state Vijay Sagar Bird Sanctuary is located?

1) Odisha
2) Maharashtra
3) Gujarat
4) Jharkhand
5) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
About Uttar Pradesh(UP):
Chief Minister– Yogi Adityanath
Governor– Anandiben Patel
Bird Sanctuary– Vijay Sagar Bird Sanctuary; Hathinala, Renukut (Sonbhadra)
Stadium– Eklavya Sports Stadium; Late Mohan Choubey Pahalvan Sports Stadium

258. In August 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) awarded the title
sponsorship rights to ___________ (Bank) Rs 235.2 crore.
1) Axis Bank
2) IDFC First Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) YES Bank
Answer- 2) IDFC First Bank
Explanation:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has awarded the title sponsorship rights for all BCCI
international and domestic home matches to banking company IDFC First.
i. According to sources privy to the development, IDFC First will pay Rs 4.2 crore per match, which
translates to Rs 235.2 crore for the 56 matches that the Indian cricket team will play during the three-
year cycle.
ii. The base price for the title sponsor rights was Rs 2.4 crore per match, which worked out to Rs
134.4 crore for the three-year period.
259. A ‘Committee of Experts to Onshoring the Indian Innovation to GIFT IFSC’ constituted by
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) submitted its report to Chairperson,
IFSCA in August, 2023.
Who chaired the committee?
1) Theepak Kumar
2) Praveen Sharma
3) Ajay Kumar
4) G. Padmanabhan
5) Vijayakumar
Answer- 4) G. Padmanabhan
Explanation:
A ‘Committee of Experts to Onshoring the Indian Innovation to GIFT IFSC’ constituted by International
Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) submitted its report to Chairperson, IFSCA, on August
14, 2023. The committee was chaired by Shri G. Padmanabhan, Former Executive Director, RBI.
i. The committee members comprised representatives from leading Venture Capital funds, Startups,
Fintechs, Law firms, Tax firms and other domain experts and the constitution of committee can be
accessed through the link: https://ifsca.gov.in/IFSCACommittees
ii. The main focus areas of the committee were directed towards understanding the reasons for
shifting of Indian startups outside India and suggestions to avoid externalization of startups in the
future and also to persuade startups that are presently externalized to redomicile back.
iii. The committee has provided its recommendations that are critical to the development of GIFT IFSC
as a global Fintech Hub, besides suggesting measures to encourage new Fintechs to have a global
outlook to set up their commercial presence in GIFT IFSC.
260. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of ICRA Analytics Limited (IAL)?
1) Jayanta Chatterjee
2) Ramnath Krishnan

3) Amit Gupta
4) Venkatesh Viswanathan
5) Sushmita Ghatak
Answer- 1) Jayanta Chatterjee
Explanation:
ICRA has announced the appointment of Jayanta Chatterjee as the managing director and chief
executive officer of ICRA Analytics Limited (IAL), its wholly owned subsidiary effective from
September 14, 2023.
i. Mr. Chatterjee will be responsible for shaping business strategies, aligned with the group’s
objectives, product and revenue diversification, and business transformation.
ii. Mr. Chatterjee will succeed Sushmita Ghatak, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities.
261. In which state ‘Bor Tiger Reserve’ is located?

1) Maharashtra
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Jharkhand
Explanation:
About Maharashtra:
Governor – Ramesh Bais
Chief Minister – Eknath Shinde
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary, Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiger Reserves – Bor Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Nawegaon – Nagzira Tiger
Reserve (NNTR)
262. In which state ‘Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

2) Manipur
3) Assam
4) Sikkim
5) Uttarakhand
Explanation:
The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Near Anini district in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern
Himalayas)
i. Adjacent to the Mouling National Park, Dibang WLS was established in the 1980s. Later in 1988, as
per the guidelines of UNESCO, together these areas became part of the Dibang Biosphere Reserve, one
of the major bio-diversity hotspots of the world.
263. Where is the Headquarters of the World Health Organization(WHO) located?

2) Paris, France
3) Vienna, Austria

5) Rome, Italy
Answer- 4) Geneva, Switzerland
Explanation:
About World Health Organization (WHO):
WHO is the UN agency working to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Director-general– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
264. In which state ‘Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Tamil Nadu
2) Karnataka
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Telangana
5) Kerala
Explanation:
About Tamil Nadu (TN):
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Gangaikondan Spotted Deer Sanctuary, Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary,
Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoological Parks– Children’s Park, Kurumbapatti Zoological Park
265. In Which state Gorumara National Park is located?

1) Uttarakhand
2) Assam
3) West Bengal
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Uttar Pradesh
Answer- 3) West Bengal
Explanation:
Gorumara National Park is located in the Dooars region of the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal,
India. It is a medium-sized park with grasslands and forests primarily known for its population of
Indian one horn rhinoceros.
266. Where is the Headquarters of Federation Internationale des Echecs/International Chess

Federation (FIDE)?
1) New York City, United States of America
2) Vienna, Austria
4) Paris, France
5) Lausanne, Switzerland
Answer- 5) Lausanne, Switzerland
Explanation:
About Federation Internationale des Echecs/International Chess Federation (FIDE):
President – Arkady Dvorkovich

Headquarters – Lausanne, Switzerland
267. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) raised USD 200 million and becomes the first
unicorn of 2023?
1) Zepto
2) Uber Eats
3) Dunzo
4) Shipt
5) Gopuff
Answer- 1) Zepto
Explanation:
Quick commerce firm Zepto raised USD 200 million in a Series-E funding round at a USD 1.4 billion
valuation, becoming the only Indian startup to turn a unicorn in 2023 and the 110th so far.
i. This signals a potential thaw in the funding winter, which has impacted the Indian startup sector for
the past one and a half years. The fundraise also indicates investor confidence in the fledgling sector.
268. Which bank has recently (in August ‘23) introduced a facility to allow customers to enrol
in social security schemes by just furnishing an Aadhaar card?
1) Indian Bank
3) Bank of Baroda
5) Bank of India
Explanation:
The country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) introduced a facility to allow customers to
enrol in social security schemes by just furnishing an Aadhaar card. SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara
unveiled the new feature, which will be available at the bank's Customer Service Points (CSPs) that
aims to make the process of enrolling in various social security schemes simpler.
i. Customers visiting CSPs will need only their Aadhaar cards to enrol in schemes such as Pradhan
Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and the Atal Pension
Yojana, the bank said in a statement.
269. In August 2923, Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of Rs ___________
on Bharti Airtel for failure to comply with the provisions of Section 6(2) of the Competition Act,
2002.
1) 5 crore
2) 2 crore
3) 1 crore
4) 3 crore
5) 4 crore
Answer- 3) 1 crore

Explanation:
Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Bharti Airtel for
failure to comply with the provisions of Section 6(2) of the Competition Act, 2002.
i. The penalty is with respect to acquisition of stake by the company in Bharti Telemedia from Warbug
Pincus affiliate entity Lion Meadow Investment Limited.
270. In August 2023, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) launched a revamped website
with a user-friendly interface, value-added features, and new modules.
Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)?
1) Ravi Agrawal
2) Subashree Anantkrishnan
3) Pravin Kumar
4) Nitin Gupta
5) Sanjai Kumar
Answer- 4) Nitin Gupta
Explanation:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) launched a revamped website with a user-friendly
interface, value-added features, and new modules.
i. The newly revamped website was launched by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman
Nitin Gupta at the 'Chintan Shivir', organised by the Directorate of Income Tax (Systems), at Udaipur.
ii. The revamped website has been redesigned with a mobile-responsive layout. The website also has
a 'Mega Menu' for content, with new features, and functionalities.
iii. The new functionalities allow users to compare different Acts, sections, rules, and tax treaties. All
relevant content on the site is now tagged with Income Tax sections for easy navigation.
271. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive
Officer(CEO) of Airtel Payment Bank?
1) Rishi Gupta
2) J Venkataramu
3) Surinder Chawla
4) Shashi Arora
5) Anubrata Biswas
Answer- 5) Anubrata Biswas
Explanation:
About Airtel Payment Bank:
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Anubrata Biswas
272. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) announced a five-year mega deal win with
Europe-based telecom and communications group Liberty Global?
1) Wipro Limited
2) Infosys Limited
3) HCL Technologies
4) Tata Consultancy Service

5) Tech Mahindra Limited
Answer- 2) Infosys Limited
Explanation:
India’s second-largest IT company Infosys Limited has announced a five-year mega deal win with
Europe-based telecom and communications group Liberty Global that has been valued at €1.5 billion
(or ~$1.64 billion) for the initial engagement period.
i. This is an extension of their initial collaboration signed in February 2020. Infosys will take over the
build and operations of Liberty Global's Horizon entertainment and connectivity platforms. The
Bengaluru-based firm also aims to add its Topaz AI offerings, according to the exchange filing.
ii. The deal can be extended up to eight years or more. It results in total contract value climbing to
€2.3 billion (or ~$2.5 billion) if the contract is extended to eight years.
273. Which company, along with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has recently (in
August ‘23) taken part in the first-ever crude oil transaction under the newly implemented
Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system?
1) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
2) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Answer- 3) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Explanation:
The first-ever crude oil transaction under the newly implemented Local Currency Settlement (LCS)
system took place between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation
Limited (IOCL). The transaction involved the sale of about 1 million barrels of crude oil.
• Both Indian Rupees and UAE Dirhams were used for the transaction,
• India and UAE have a strong oil and gas relationship and the UAE is a key partner for India's
energy security. Petroleum and petroleum products form the backbone of bilateral trade
between India and the UAE.
• UAE is the fourth largest source of crude oil and the second largest source of LNG and LPG for
India. Last year, USD 35.10 billion worth of petroleum products were traded between the two
countries, accounting for 41.4 percent of total bilateral trade.
274. In which Zoological Park, SITA 's twin cubs ‘Avni and Vyom white tigress were born in
August 2023?
1) Bannerghatta Biological Park
2) Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
3) Nandankanan Zoological Park
4) Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
5) National Zoological Park
Answer- 5) National Zoological Park
Explanation:
National Zoological Park in Delhi joyously celebrated the first birthday of the adorable white tigress
SITA's twin cubs, Avni and Vyom.

i. Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal, DG & SS, MoEFCC as the Chief Guestand Dr. S.K. Shukla Member
Secretary, Central Zoo Authority as the Special Guest was present on the occasion.
ii. The highlight of the celebration was the cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the cubs' significance
to connect between the citizens and wildlife.
iii. At present National Zoological Park has 12 numbers of tigers of 02 varieties, and among these
there are 7 normal coloured Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and 5 White Tigers (Panthera
tigris tigris color_mutation ).
275. In August 2023, Indian women’s blind cricket team won the IBSA World Games by
defeating _______________ (country).
1) England
2) Australia
3) China
4) Brazil
5) Japan
Answer- 2) Australia
Explanation:
The Indian women’s blind cricket team created history as it defeated Australia in the finals by 9
wickets and won the gold medal at the IBSA World Games, International event for athletes with visual
impairments.
i. The women's cricket team showed exceptional resilience in the rain-spoiled match and ultimately
became the first ever cricket winners at the IBSA World Games.
ii. In Cricket, Indian men's visually impaired team settled for a silver medal after a defeat against
Pakistan in the final of the men's T20 cricket event at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA)
World Games 2023 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
276. In August 2023, The Central GST Department decided to adopt _________ (state) Lucky Bill
app for GST compliance.
1) West Bengal
2) Maharashtra
3) Karnataka
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Kerala
Answer- 5) Kerala
Explanation:
The Central GST Department has decided to adopt an AI-based app, which was developed by the
Digital University of Kerala (DUK) for the state GST Department to promote tax compliance, for an all-
India roll out.
• The model of Lucky Bill app, “Mera Bill-Mera Adhikar Yojana”, would be launched on a pilot
basis in the states of Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and UTs of Puducherry and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, according to the DUK.
• The app was launched in Kerala in August 2022 to prevent tax evasion.

277. In August 2023, South Central Railway (SCR) zone commissioned the longest rail flyover
between Gudur-Manubolu railway stations in Vijayawada Division.
Which company has been constructing the flyover?
1) Amtek Railcar Industries
2) RailTel Corporation of India Limited
3) RITES Limited
4) Engineers India Limited
5) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
Answer- 5) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
Explanation:
South Central Railway (SCR) zone commissioned the longest rail flyover on August 25, 2023. This rail
flyover has been constructed by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
i. The SCR’s longest rail flyover has been constructed between Gudur-Manubolu railway stations in
Vijayawada Division. This is the seventh Rail over Rail (RoR) across the zones.
ii. The Gudur-Manubolu RoR stretched for a distance of 2.2 kms. The previous longest Rail Flyover on
the Zone was only 40 meters.
278. In which state, Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Uttarakhand
3) Jharkhand
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Odisha
Explanation:
Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India,
serves as a protected area dedicated to safeguarding the region's diverse biodiversity.
i. The reserve is home to a variety of endangered species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and
rhinoceros. These magnificent animals find solace within the reserve, allowing them to flourish and
contribute to the delicate ecological balance of the area.
279. Which port has signed an agreement with DP World to construct a mega-container
terminal at Tuna-Tekra?
1) Jawaharlal Nehru Port
2) Paradip Port
3) Deendayal Port
4) Visakhapatnam Port
5) V.O. Chidambaranar Port
Answer- 3) Deendayal Port
Explanation:
Deendayal Port Authority and DP World have signed a concession agreement in the presence of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi.
• The project involves the construction of a mega-container terminal at Tuna-Tekra near the
existing Deendayal Port, at a cost of over 4,243 crores rupees through a Public Private
Partnership.

• Once completed the terminal will have an annual capacity of 2.19 million twenty-foot
equivalent units (TEUs) and will include a 1,100 metre berth capable of handling next-
generation vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs.
280. In which state Bailey bridge was inaugurated by the Indian Army & Border Road
Organisation in August 2023?
1) Sikkim
2) Assam
3) Himachal Pradesh
5) Manipur
Explanation:
The Indian Army, in coordination with the Border Road Organisation and Deputy Commissioner of the
Anjaw district, inaugurated a Bailey bridge in the Chaglohagam circle of the Anjaw district,
Arunachal Pradesh, connecting Chaglohagam and Haliyuang.
i. The Chaglohagam circle of the Anjaw district in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the remote areas along
the borders.
ii. The connectivity to Chaglohagam is through a single arterial road of length 57 Kilometres from
Hayuliang which remains susceptible to closure due to seasonal nullahs and landslides at "Tha Nala"
near Mithumna, located 24 Kilometres away from Chaglohagam.
281. The Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in _________ (state).

1) Jharkhand
2) Maharashtra
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister- Eknath Shinde
Governor- Ramesh Bais
Tiger Reserves- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Melghat Tiger Reserve
282. In which state, Van Vihar National Park Zoo is located?

1) West Bengal
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Odisha
4) Maharashtra
5) Jharkhand
Explanation:
About Madhya Pradesh:
Chief Minister– Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Governor– Mangubhai C. Patel
Zoological Park– Van Vihar National Park Zoo, Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya Zoo (Indore Zoo)
283. In which state/UT, ‘Kishtwar High Altitude National Park’ is located?

1) Uttarakhand
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Ladakh
5) Sikkim
Explanation:
The Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, is located in Jammu and Kashmir, is renowned for its
diverse array of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.
i. It encompasses breathtaking alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks and lush green forests, serving as
a vital ecological corridor for many wildlife species.
284. In which state Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is located?

1) Bihar
2) West Bengal
3) Odisha
4) Jharkhand
5) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Udhuwa or Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Sahebganj district of the state of
Jharkhand. Udhwa is named after saint Uddhava of Mahabharat times, a friend of Lord Krishna. It falls
within the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone.
i. The Sanctuary has two water bodies i.e. Patauran (155 ha) and Berhale (410 ha), interconnected by
a water channel. Patauran is a comparatively clean water body with an average depth of about 2 m
whereas Berhale is shallow with an average depth of about 70 cm.
285. Name the personality who has recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the brand
ambassador Indane XTRATEJ LPG brand.
1) Sanjyot Keer
2) Kunal Kapur
3) Vikas Khanna
4) Sanjeev Kapoor
5) Rachita Kapoor
Answer- 4) Sanjeev Kapoor
Explanation:
IndianOil proudly announced its collaboration with renowned Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor as the
brand ambassador for its innovative Indane XTRATEJ LPG brand.
• The announcement was made at the prestigious Indane XtraTej Hotelier Harmony Meet in
Bengaluru, a confluence of culinary excellence and industry insights.

i. The event witnessed the unveiling of the new XTRATEJ TV commercial featuring Chef Sanjeev
Kapoor, who commended IndianOil’s commitment to culinary innovation and efficiency.
286. Which Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has recently (in August ‘23) appointed Kanwal
Jeet Singh Dhillon as the Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG)?
1) IIT Kharagpur
2) IIT Guwahati
3) IIT Roorkee
4) IIT Indore
5) IIT Mandi
Answer- 5) IIT Mandi
Explanation:
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Lieutenant General (Retired) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon
as Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi.
i. Lt Gen (Retd) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon has been appointed for a period of three years. The
appointment has come into effect from August 25.
ii. Lt Gen Dhillon commanded the 15 Corps during the Pulwama IED blast, Balakote air strikes and the
abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in the year 2019.
iii. He served as DG Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff under
the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) responsible for International Military Cooperation and strategic
intelligence before superannuation on Jan 31, 2022.
287. In August 2023, Indian Women’s Hockey team defeated ___________ (country) women’s team
to enter Women's Asian Hockey 5s final, and qualified for 2024 World Cup.
1) Indonesia
2) Malaysia
3) Singapore
4) Japan
5) China
Answer- 2) Malaysia
Explanation:
Skipper Navjot Kaur slammed a hat-trick as India continued their impressive run at the Women's
Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier and defeated Malaysia 9-5 to enter the final of the tournament
and also qualify for 2024 World Cup.
• Navjot (7th, 10th, 17th minutes) struck a hat-trick while Mariana Kujur (9th, 12th) and Jyoti
(21th, 26th) scored twice each.
i. Monika Dipi Toppo (22nd) and Mahima Choudhary (14th) were the other goal scorers for India. For
Malaysia, Zati Muhamad (4th, 5th), Dian Nazeri (10th, 20th) and Aziz Zafirah (16th) found the net.
ii. The inaugural edition of the Hockey 5s World Cup will be held in Muscat from January 24 to 27 next
year.
288. What is the Capital of Zimbabwe?

1) Kampala
2) Dodoma
3) Khartoum

4) Harare
5) Ndola
Answer- 4) Harare
Explanation:
About Zimbabwe:
Capital – Harare
Currency – Zimbabwe Dollar
289. The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is located in ___________ (state).

1) West Bengal
2) Gujarat
3) Goa
4) Odisha
5) Kerala
Answer- 4) Odisha
Explanation:
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the mass nesting spot in the Indian Ocean region and the only
turtle sanctuary in Odisha.
• It is the world’s largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
• Gahirmatha was declared a turtle sanctuary in 1997 by the Odisha government after
considering its ecological importance and as part of efforts to save the sea turtles.
290. In which state ‘Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Manipur
2) West Bengal
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Kerala
5) Jharkhand
Explanation:
About West Bengal:
Chief Minister– Mamata Banerjee
Governor– CV Ananda Bose
National Park– Buxa National Park; Gorumara National Park
Wildlife Sanctuary– Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary; Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
291. Anji Khad Bridge is a significant infrastructure project in _____________ (state/UT).

1) Ladakh
2) Himachal Pradesh
3) Uttarakhand
5) Jharkhand

Explanation:
Anji Khad Bridge is an infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir that connects the Katra-Reasi
section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line. The bridge is situated over the Anji river
and is ranked as the second most important bridge on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Project
after Chenab Bridge.
i. The under-construction Anji Khad bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, during a
media preview in Jammu’s Reasi district on March 25, 2023. The bridge will connect Katra and Reasi
sections of the Jammu–Baramulla line.
292. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) located?
4) Rome, Italy
5) Paris, France
Explanation:
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities,
is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
Executive Director– Natalia Kanem
Headquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)
293. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Indian Bank?
1) Atanu Kumar Das
2) A. S. Rajeev
3) K Satyanarayana Raju
4) Matam Venkata Rao
5) Shanti Lal Jain
Answer- 5) Shanti Lal Jain
Explanation:
About Indian Bank:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Shanti Lal Jain
Headquarters- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Establishment- 15 August 1907
294. In the Venture Capital Industry, the term Unicorn refers to any start up that reaches the
valuation of ____________, as of August 2023.
1) 10000 Million
2) 100 Million
3) 500 Million
4) 1000 Million
5) 50 Million
Answer- 4) 1000 Million

Explanation:
The term unicorn refers to a privately held startup company with a value of over USD 1 billion (1000
Million).
i. It is commonly used in the venture capital industry. The term was first popularised by venture
capitalist Aileen Lee when she referred to the 39 startups that had a valuation of overUSD 1 billion as
unicorns.
295. In which state ‘Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Assam
2) Manipur
3) West Bengal
4) Mizoram
5) Odisha
Answer- 1) Assam
Explanation:
The Assam government announced that state-run schools, hospitals, Anganwadi centres, and other
facilities in human-inhabited areas were situated on the 195 sq km of land added to the Bura Chapori
Wildlife Sanctuary.
296. __________ refers to the portion of Total Deposits of a commercial bank which has to be kept
with the RBI in the form of cash reserves.
1) Reserve Repo Rate
2) Cash Reserve Ratio
3) Repo Rate
4) Bank Rate
5) Statutory Liquidity Ratio
Answer- 2) Cash Reserve Ratio
Explanation:
Cash Reserve Ratio refers to that portion of total deposits of a commercial bank which it has to keep
with RBI in the form of cash reserves.
297. Which of the following has ‘No role’ in the promotion of the company National Centre for
Financial Education (NCFE)?
1) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
4) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
Explanation:
The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) is a Section 8 (Not for Profit) Company promoted
by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA).

i. The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) aims to promote financial education across
India for all sections of the population as per the National Strategy for Financial Education of Financial
Stability and Development Council.
298. Aspartame mentioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) is _____________________.

1) Sugar Substitute
2) Anti AIDS Drug
3) Anti COVID Drug
4) Human Enzyme
5) Anti Malaria Drug
Answer- 1) Sugar Substitute
Explanation:
Assessments of the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame are released by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
• Citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, IARC classified aspartame as possibly
carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) and JECFA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of
40 mg/kg body weight.
• Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in various food and beverage
products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy
products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and
chewable vitamins.
299. Which of the following is ‘Not’ International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Special Drawing Right
(SDR) basket of currencies?
1) Indian Rupee
2) Chinese renminbi
3) US dollar
4) Japanese yen
5) Pound Sterling
Answer- 1) Indian Rupee
Explanation:
The Special Drawing Right (SDR) is neither a currency nor a claim on the International Monetary Fund
(IMF). Rather, it is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. SDRs can be
exchanged for these currencies.
i. The SDR serves as the unit of account of the IMF and some other international organizations.
ii. The currency value of the SDR is determined by summing the values in US dollars, based on market
exchange rates, of a SDR basket of currencies.
iii. The SDR basket of currencies includes the US dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and the
Chinese renminbi (included in 2016).
300. How many member countries are in the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?
1) 35
2) 68
3) 58

4) 49
5) 50
Answer- 2) 68
Explanation:
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President – Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters – Manila, Philippines
Members – 68 member countries
301. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Axis Bank Limited?
1) Rajiv Anand
2) Rakesh Makhija
3) Amitabh Chaudhry
4) Ganesh Sankaran
5) Subrat Mohanty
Answer- 3) Amitabh Chaudhry
Explanation:
About Axis Bank Limited:
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Amitabh Chaudhry
Tagline – Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
302. Who is the 78th president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)?
1) Dennis Francis
2) Masatsugu Asakawa
3) David Malpass
4) Dilma Vana Rousseff
5) Csaba Kőrösi
Answer- 1) Dennis Francis
Explanation:
About the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) :
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six principal organs of the UN
Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago elected 78th UNGA president (From September 2023)
77th UNGA President– Csaba Korosi
Headquarters– New York, United States of America(USA)
303. In which state Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

1) Karnataka
2) Gujarat
3) Jharkhand
4) West Bengal
5) Odisha

Answer- 2) Gujarat
Explanation:
About Gujarat:
WildLife Sanctuary – Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Airport – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Dholera International Airport
304. Onam is the Festival of __________ (state).

1) Odisha
2) Telangana
3) Kerala
4) Karnataka
5) Tamil Nadu
Answer- 3) Kerala
Explanation:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the auspicious occasion of Onam.
• Onam is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of the solar
Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham) in Kerala. It falls in August or September each year.
• According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose
spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. It is also celebrated as the festival of paddy
harvest.
• During the festival, people get dressed in their traditional attire, prepare the Onam Sadhya and
take part in a variety of group activities such as the Pookolam (rangoli made with fresh
flowers), Vallam Kali (boat race), Pulikali (tiger dance), Kai Kottu Kali (Onam dance),
Kummattikali (mask dance) and various other activities.
305. Name the sports personality who has recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the brand
ambassador of Centuary Mattress.
1) PV Sindhu
2) Lakshya Sen
3) Srikanth Kidambi
4) Prannoy HS
5) Mary Kom
Answer- 1) PV Sindhu
Explanation:
Centuary Mattress, India’s fastest-growing mattress brand, announced the onboarding of the
acclaimed badminton sensation PV Sindhu as its brand ambassador.
i. The partnership marks the union of two champions of Hyderabad – one renowned for her prowess
on the badminton court and the other for its specialization in sleep & comfort
306. In which Northeast state Haflong Lake is situated?

1) Manipur
3) Mizoram
4) Assam

5) Tripura
Answer- 4) Assam
Explanation:
Haflong Lake is situated in Assam. Halflong is a hill station in Assam, headquarters of Dima Hasao
district of Assam. Dima Hasao district is under the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.
307. In which Indian state/UT, the 71st Miss World 2023 contest is set to be held?
1) Gujarat
2) Uttarakhand
3) Delhi
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The 71st Miss World 2023 contest is set to be held in Jammu and Kashmir later in 2023 with 140
participating countries. The press briefing was attended by Miss World, Karolina Bielawski, Miss
India, Sini Shetty, Miss World Caribbean, Emmy Pena and Miss World England Jessica Gagen and Miss
World America Shree Saini and Miss Asia Pricilia Carla Saputri Yules.
i. The nation last played host to the occasion in 1996.
308. Who has been recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
CaratLane?
1) Velu Kumar
2) Srikanth
3) Avnish Anand
4) Mithun Sacheti
5) Praveen Kumar
Answer- 3) Avnish Anand
Explanation:
Omni-channel jewellery retailer CaratLane appointed Avnish Anand as its new Chief Executive
Officer (CEO), roughly a week after the departure of its founder and CEO Mithun Sacheti.
i. Tata group company Titan was acquiring a further 27.18% stake in CaratLane Trading from Mithun
Sacheti and his family for Rs 4,621 crore in cash. Titan now owns 98.28% of the firm.
309. Name the company that has recently (in August ‘23) bagged orders worth Rs 158 crore
from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
1) Astra Microwave Products Limited
2) Zen Technologies Limited
3) Apollo Micro Systems Limited
4) KPI Green Energy Limited
5) Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited
Answer- 1) Astra Microwave Products Limited

Explanation:
Astra Microwave Products Limited informed the bourses on August 24 that it has bagged orders
worth Rs 158 crore from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
i. Under the order, Astra Microwave will supply satellite sub-systems, airborne radar and sub-systems
of radar and EW projects to the organisations.
ii. Astra Microwave specialises in developing and manufacturing sub-systems for radio frequency and
microwave systems used in defence, space, meteorology and telecommunication applications.
310. When was the International Monetary Fund (IMF) established?

1) 1965
2) 1948
3) 1944
4) 1974
5) 1961
Answer- 3) 1944
Explanation:
About International Monetary Fund (IMF):
Managing Director – Kristalina Georgieva
Headquarters– Washington, D.C, USA
311. In which state, ‘Okhla Bird Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Bihar
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Karnataka
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
About Uttar Pradesh:
Chief Minister (CM)- Yogi Adityanath
Governor- Anandiben Mafatbhai Patel
Bird Sanctuary- Samaspur Bird Sanctuary; Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Festival- Ayudha Pooja; Lath Mar Holi
312. In which state, ‘Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) Kerala
5) Odisha

Explanation:
Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary , carved out of the Old Gorakhpur Forest Division in 1987, is situated
in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.
i. The sanctuary, on the border area of the State, has the international Indo-Nepal border in the North
and interstate U.P. – Bihar boarder to the East.
313. Who is the current (as of August ‘23) Director-General of the World Trade Organization
(WTO)?
1) Kristalina Georgieva
2) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
3) David Malpass
4) Achim Steiner
5) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Answer- 5) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Explanation:
About the World Trade Organization (WTO):
Director-General– Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (First woman and the first African to serve as Director-
General of WTO)
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Membership– 164 members
314. In Which state Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located?

1) Odisha
2) Maharashtra
3) West Bengal
4) Jharkhand
5) Uttar Pradeesh
Explanation:
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
• The origin of the name "Tadoba" lies with the name of the God "Tadoba" or "Taru", worshipped
by the tribes who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region. While "Andhari"
refers to the Andhari River that meanders through the forest.
The total area of the reserve is 625.4 sq. KM.
315. Who has recently (in August ‘23) appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Dalmia Cement (Bharat), w.e.f December 2023?
1) Ganesh Kumar
2) Puneet Dalmia
3) Dharmendra Tuteja
4) Sameer Nagpal
5) Udaiy Khanna
Answer- 2) Puneet Dalmia

Explanation:
Dalmia Cement (Bharat) announced that Puneet Dalmia will take over as its Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer after Mahendra Singhi's decade-long tenure comes to an end on 8th
December 2023.
i. The Board of Directors of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) also decided to retain the services of Singhi as
Director and Strategic Advisor to the MD and CEO to ensure a smooth transition and harness his talent
in the transformational phase.
ii. Dalmia has been associated with the Dalmia Bharat Group for 25 years.
316. Google Doodle celebrated the 78th Independence Day of ___________ (country), also called
‘Tujuhbelasan’ on 17th August 2023.
1) Kazakhstan
2) Kyrgyzstan
3) Tajikistan
4) Indonesia
5) Uzbekistan
Answer- 4) Indonesia
Explanation:
On 17th August 2023, Google Doodle celebrated Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day, also called
‘Tujuhbelasan’, with a special illustration created by artist Diela Maharanie.
Indonesia officially declared independence from Dutch rule on 17 August 1945. Indonesia was ruled
by the Japanese for four years between 1942 and 1945, and the country’s leaders Sukarno and
Mohammad Hatta declared independence on 17 August, shortly after the end of the Second World
War.
317. In which state, the Nilachal flyover was inaugurated in August 2023?
1) Tripura
2) Mizoram
3) Uttarakhand
5) Assam
Answer- 5) Assam
Explanation:
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Nilachal flyover at Maligaon in
Guwahati which is now the longest flyover in the state.
i. It is a 2.6 km long Flyover from Maligaon to Kamakhya Gate.
ii. The 4-lane steel girder flyover has been constructed with a cost of Rs 420.75 crore. The foundation
stone of the flyover was laid in October 2020.
318. In August 2023, the Laser-Induced Breakdown ______________ (LIBS) instrument onboard
Chandrayaan-3 Rover has made the first-ever in-situ measurements confirming the presence
of Sulphur (S) in the region unambiguously.
1) Spectrum
2) Spectroscopy
3) System

4) Stoichiometry
5) Stereoisomer
Answer- 2) Spectroscopy
Explanation:
The Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument onboard Chandrayaan-3 Rover
has made the first-ever in-situ measurements on the elemental composition of the lunar surface
near the south pole.
• These in-situ measurements confirm the presence of Sulphur (S) in the region
unambiguously, something that was not feasible by the instruments onboard the orbiters.
• LIBS is a scientific technique that analyzes the composition of materials by exposing them to
intense laser pulses. A high-energy laser pulse is focused onto the surface of a material, such as
a rock or soil. The laser pulse generates an extremely hot and localized plasma.
• Preliminary analyses, graphically represented, have unveiled the presence of Aluminum (Al),
Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), and Titanium (Ti) on the lunar surface.
Further measurements have revealed the presence of manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and oxygen
(O). A thorough investigation regarding the presence of Hydrogen is underway.
• LIBS payload is developed at the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS)/ISRO,
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
319. Which company has recently (in August ‘23) inked a pact with the Airports Authority of
India (AAI) to provide communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management
services at its brownfield Airport?
2) NLC India Limited
3) Bharat Coking Coal Limited
4) Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
5) Eastern Coalfields Limited
Answer- 2) NLC India Limited
Explanation:
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has inked a pact with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide
communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management services at the company’s
brownfield Airport in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu.
i. According to a press release, the airport is being developed under the regional connectivity scheme
(RCS), also known as Udan to promote air connectivity. The airport already has a terminal building, an
apron for parking planes, a taxiway and a runway.
ii. The NLCIL announced that one more agreement will be signed soon for entrusting operation and
management of the airport to AAI.
320. Which state government has recently (in August ‘23) signed an MoU with the Germany's
professional association football league, 'Bundesliga', to build a football team for players under
the age of 14?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Assam
4) Uttarakhand

5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Maharashtra Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany's
professional association football league, 'Bundesliga', to build a football team for players under the
age of 14.
i. The agreement was signed by Ranjit Singh Deol, Principal Secretary, Department of School
Education and Sports, and Mrs Julia Farr, representative of the Bundesliga, on behalf of the
Government of Maharashtra.
ii. It will help young footballers to develop their skills and potentially compete at a high level.
321. In August 2023, ______________ won the Divine Miss Earth India 2023 and Praveena Aanjna
won the Divine Miss International India 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Tanvi Kharote
2) Rashmi Madhuri
3) Priyan Sain
4) Vanshika Parmar
5) Tejaswini Manogna
Answer- 3) Priyan Sain
Explanation:
The grand finale of the prestigious Miss Divine Beauty pageant took place at the iconic Jawaharlal
Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi on August 26, 2023. The event was graced by the presence of the
stunning Miss Earth Mina Sue Choi & Stephen Inventor Diaz (Head Director Miss International
Organisation).
i. Priyan Sain and Praveena Aanjna emerged triumphant as the reigning queens of Divine Miss
Earth India 2023 and Divine Miss International India 2023, respectively.
ii. Tejaswini Shrivastava & Pema Bhutia were Runner up of Divine Miss Earth India & Divine Miss
International India 2023 respectively at the prestigious Miss Divine Beauty pageant.
322. In which state, ‘Singalila National Park’ is located?

1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Assam
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Bihar
Explanation:
About West Bengal:
Chief Minister– Mamata Banerjee
Governor– Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose
National Parks– Singalila National Park; Neora Valley National Park
Tiger Reserve– Buxa Tiger Reserve; Sundarban Tiger Reserve

323. In which state ‘Chail Wildlife Sanctuary’ is situated?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Himachal Pradesh
3) Uttarakhand
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar
Explanation:
About Himachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister (CM)– Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Governor– Shiv Pratap Shukla
National Parks– Great Himalayan National Park; Pin Valley National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries– Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary; Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
324. Which of the following States is ‘Not’ mentioned in the sixth schedule of the Indian
Constitution?
1) Manipur
2) Assam
3) Meghalaya
4) Tripura
5) Mizoram
Answer- 1) Manipur
Explanation:
The sixth schedule contains provisions related to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States
of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of certain tribal areas as autonomous
entities.
• The provisions of the sixth schedule are provided under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the
Indian Constitution.
325. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) located?
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Paris, France
4) Rome, Italy
5) Madrid, Spain
Answer- 4) Rome, Italy
Explanation:
About the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP):
Executive Director – Cindy H. McCain
Headquarters – Rome, Italy

326. The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is situated in _________ (state).
1) Maharashtra
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Gujarat
5) Jharkhand
Explanation:
About Uttar Pradesh (UP):
Chief Minister (CM) – Yogi Adityanath
Governor – Anandiben Patel
Zoological Park – Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Prani Udyan; Sarnath Deer Park
Airports – Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport; Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
327. In which state ‘Madhav National Park ’ is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) West Bengal
3) Gujarat
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar
Explanation:
About Madhya Pradesh (MP):
Chief Minister (CM) – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Governor – Mangubhai Patel
National Parks – Panna National Park; Pench National Park & Madhav National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) – Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary; Ghatigaon wildlife sanctuary
328. In which state Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) Uttar Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary located very close to Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It
has been named after Soordas – the great poet of Hindi literature, who was born blind and whose
place of birth is said to be within the boundary of this sanctuary.
i. Despite the Supreme Court's directive in 2022, the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra remains
unexpanded by 337 hectares.
ii. Replying to a plea by Agra-based environmentalist, Sharad Gupta, the National Green Tribunal
has served a notice in this regard to the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC),
the principal chief conservator of forests, UP, and the divisional commissioner of Agra.

329. In which state Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Gujarat
5) Uttarakhand
Answer- 4) Gujarat
Explanation:
About Gujarat:
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wild Ass Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
National Park – Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park
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