21.INS Trishul conducted India’s first-ever Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with which country’s navy?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Tanzania
[D] Egypt
Answer: C [Tanzania]
Notes:
During the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar to Tanzania, guided missile frigate, INS Trishul visited the ports of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
INS Trishul conducted India’s first-ever Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Tanzanian Navy and also participated in a Maritime Partnership exercise with TNS Fatundu and Pengusi.
22.What is the peculiarity of the LTT9779b exo-planet recently discovered?
[A] It is the most reflective planet
[B] It is the farthest planet
[C] It is the biggest planet
[D] It is the heaviest planet
Answer: A [It is the most reflective planet]
Notes:
A peculiar planet named LTT9779b has been identified by astronomers. This Neptune-sized body, located over 260 light-years away from Earth, reflects 80% of the light from its host star.
Notably, it is the first exoplanet found to exhibit a similar brightness level to Venus. The ultra-hot exoplanet, acts like a cosmic mirror because it is covered by reflective clouds of metal.
23.Which state/UT has approved two ‘Obra D thermal power plants’?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
With an aim to ensure affordable electricity for the residents of Uttar Pradesh, the government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given its approval for two ‘Obra D’ thermal power projects.
These power plants, with a capacity of 800MW each, will be constructed in Obra, Sonbhadra at an estimated cost of Rs 18,000 crore.
24.The GST Council imposed what percent tax on online gaming, horse racing and casinos?
[A] 5 per cent
[B] 12 per cent
[C] 18 per cent
[D] 28 per cent
Answer: D [28 per cent]
Notes:
Over 130 online gaming companies and industry associations have approached the Centre urging it reconsider the 28 per cent GST on the full-face value for online gaming.
The GST Council imposed a 28 per cent tax on online gaming, horse racing and casinos. The effective date for the 28 per cent GST levy on online gaming will be announced after amendments to GST law.
25.What is the theme of ‘India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023’?
[A] Global Digital Innovation
[B] Premier Digital Technology
[C] Artificial Intelligence and Technology
[D] Machine Learning in Technology
Answer: A [Global Digital Innovation]
Notes:
The Curtain Raiser of IMC-2023 was organized recently. The event will be jointly hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
The Congress will be held from 27th – 29th October at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi this year with the theme of ‘Global Digital Innovation’. IMC 2023 event will witness around 100,000 plus participants, 5,000 plus CXO-level delegates, 350 plus speakers, and 400 plus exhibitors.
26. 5-Year Work Visa will be granted to Indian Students pursuing Masters in which country?
[A] France
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] Australia
Answer: A [France]
Notes:
During his two-day visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in France would now be granted a long-term post-study visa lasting five years, as opposed to the previous two-year work visa provision.
France is ranked as one of the top five preferred destinations for international students, following the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
27.Where was the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Gujarat
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting was held on 17-18 July 2023 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The meeting was jointly chaired by Union Minister of Finance Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Shaktikanta Das.
During the meeting, India and Indonesia have announced the initiation of the “India-Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue” (EFD Dialogue) which aims to enhance collaboration between the two countries and promote a shared understanding of global matters.
28.India is set to co-develop combat aircraft engine and engine for the Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) with which country?
[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Israel
Answer: B [France]
Notes:
India and France will extend their defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of a combat aircraft engine and an engine for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH).
The helicopter is being designed and developed by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
29.Maputo Protocol, which was seen in the news, is associated with which field?
[A] Human Rights and Women Rights
[B] Climate Change
[C] Labour Rights
[D] Water Resources
Answer: A [Human Rights and Women Rights]
Notes:
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, better known as the Maputo Protocol, is an international human rights instrument established by the African Union that went into effect in 2005.
A report titled ‘20 Years of the Maputo Protocol: Where are we now?’ was released recently. It revealed that there has been some progress on gender equality in Africa due to the Maputo Protocol.
30.Advance Authorization Scheme, is implemented and administered by which institution?
[A] SBI
[B] SEBI
[C] DGFT
[D] ISRO
Answer: C [DGFT]
Notes:
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) implements and administers the Advance Authorization Scheme under the Foreign Trade Policy. This scheme allows duty-free import of inputs for export purposes.
To make the norms fixation process more efficient, the DGFT has created a user-friendly and searchable database of Ad-hoc Norms fixed in the previous years. To access the database, the exporter or public may visit the DGFT Website.