Current Affairs Practice Quiz 7

1. What is the Wholesale inflation recorded in India in July 2023?

[A] (-)1.36%
[B] (+)1.36%
[C] (-)3.36%
[D] (-)3.36%

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [(-)1.36%] Notes:
The wholesale price-based inflation remained in the negative territory for the fourth straight month in July at (-)1.36%.
This is due to the easing prices of fuel, even though food articles turned costlier. The wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation rate has been in the negative since April and was (-)4.12% in June. In July last year it was 14.07%.

2. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged irregularities in which scheme?

[A] PM KISAN
[B] Bharatmala programme
[C] Sagarmala programme
[D] PM DISHA

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Correct Answer: B [Bharatmala programme] Notes:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has found irregularities in the awarding of projects by agencies implementing central government-funded highway projects.
NHAI’s decision to opt for an elevated carriageway on the Haryana portion of the expressway has pushed up the construction cost to Rs 251 crore per km from the originally approved Rs 18.2 crore per km. NHAI is building the expressway in question under the Bharatmala programme.

3. Maui Island, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?

[A] UK
[B] Indonesia
[C] USA
[D] Japan

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Correct Answer: C [USA] Notes:
Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island, located in the US. In the recent natural disaster in the US, numerous wildfires are sweeping across Hawaii, notably Maui Island, resulting in 55 deaths, significant displacement, and destruction of structures and businesses.
The fires, ongoing for over 48 hours, are still not fully contained, with Lahaina, a coastal town on Maui, reported to have been extensively destroyed.

4. What is the name of the Project 17A frigate recently inaugurated by the Indian President in 2023?

[A] Vindhyagiri
[B] Kailashgiri
[C] Arunagiri
[D] Shivgiri

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Correct Answer: A [Vindhyagiri] Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A frigate, at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited in Kolkata.
Named after a mountain range in Karnataka, it is the sixth vessel in the series of Project 17A frigates. Seven Project 17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and GRSE.

5. Which country launched the ‘Sponge City Initiative’ in 2015?

[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] USA
[D] Australia

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Correct Answer: B [China] Notes:
China’s sponge city initiative was launched in 2015 to reduce urban flood risks. It sought to make better use of rainwater through infrastructural, architectural and engineering tweaks.
China has been hit by devastating floods in recent weeks, damaging cities and causing deaths and infrastructural damage. The “sponge city” initiative did not prove to be effective in reducing urban flood risks, as claimed.

6. Which initiative was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote cleanliness at pilgrimage sites?

[A] Clean Pilgrimage project
[B] Swachh Mandir Campaign
[C] Swachh Bharat Initiative
[D] Sacred Site Hygiene Program

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Correct Answer: B [Swachh Mandir Campaign] Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Swachh Mandir’ (Clean Temple) campaign ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya on January 22. He called for a nationwide initiative to make Ayodhya the cleanest city in India. The campaign encourages citizens to clean pilgrimage sites from January 14 to 22, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the initiative. All elected representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and panchayat representatives, are involved in ensuring the success of this cleanliness drive.

7. Recently, which printing press published a book titled ‘Modi: Energising A Green Future,’?

[A] Pentagon press
[B] Penguin Random House
[C] Acme Printing press
[D] Harper collins publishers

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Correct Answer: A [Pentagon press] Notes:
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, leading the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, launched the book “Modi: Energising A Green Future.” Published by Pentagon Press in collaboration with the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, the book explores PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a sustainable future. Edited by notable figures like RK Pachnanda and Bibek Debroy, it offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s environmental policies, showcasing the nation’s leadership in the global environmental movement under PM Modi’s guidance.

8. What is the name of a guideline issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India to instill human values and professional ethics in higher education institutions?

[A] UTSAH
[B] NEP SAARTHI
[C] Mulya Pravah 2.0
[D] Diksha

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Correct Answer: C [Mulya Pravah 2.0] Notes:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India is promoting values and ethics in higher education through Mulya Pravah 2.0 guidelines. Aimed at instilling human values and professional ethics, it builds value-based institutions, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and accountability. The guidelines stress deep respect for fundamental duties and constitutional values, urging institutions to prioritize transparency, fairness, and the highest ethical standards. Teachers are expected to be role models, and stakeholder unions are encouraged to support development activities. Mulya Pravah 2.0 is a modified version of the 2019 guideline with a focus on promoting constitutional values.

9. Who has been recently appointed as the Secretary of Railway Board?

[A] Aruna Nayar (IRPS)
[B] Arun Kumar (IPS)
[C] Preeti Singh (IPS)
[D] Swati Sharma (IAS)

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aruna Nayar (IRPS)] Notes:
Aruna Nayar, an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) Officer of the 1987 Batch, has assumed the role of Railway Board Secretary. With an extensive background, including serving as Additional Member, Staff, and Principal Executive Director/Staff at the Railway Board, she officially took charge on January 6. Notably, the Appointments Committee of Cabinet appointed her as Secretary in IRMS Level-16, making her the first IRPS officer to be empanelled in IRMS at this level.

10. Who has been recently assumed the position of Chief of Staff at Southern Naval Command?

[A] Admiral Naveen Kumar
[B] Vice Admiral Arjun Singh
[C] Commodore Priya Ranjan Sharma
[D] Rear Admiral Upal Kundu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rear Admiral Upal Kundu] Notes:
Rear Admiral Upal Kundu has recently taken over as the Chief of Staff at the Southern Naval Command (SNC). An alumnus of the Indian Naval Academy, he joined the Indian Navy in 1991 and specializes in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Throughout his career, he has commanded various naval vessels, including the guided missile frigate INS Trikand, missile corvette INS Kuthar, and the erstwhile INS Akshay. Additionally, he has led ashore units such as INS Tanaji and INS Kadamba. Graduating from the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), Rear Admiral Kundu served as the Commodore at the Bureau of Sailors. Following his promotion to flag rank, he took on the role of Chief Staff Officer (Training) at the SNC headquarters before assuming the position of Chief of Staff, as per a Navy release.