Current Affairs Quiz – November, 2023

Current Affairs Quiz – November, 2023

1. ‘TOT’ Model, which is seen in the news, is associated with which field?

[A] Finance
[B] Infrastructure
[C] Electronics
[D] Economics

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Infrastructure] Notes:
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded two toll, operate, and transfer (TOT) bundles, namely 11 and 12, covering a total length of 400 km, for a total of Rs 6,584 crore.
The TOT model is designed to promote private sector involvement in the highway sector, with NHAI periodically awarding contracts for toll collection, operation, and maintenance of different National Highway segments under this arrangement.

2. Which Union Ministry is associated with ‘Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2023’?

[A] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of MSME

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Corporate Affairs] Notes:
As per the Limited Liability Partnership (Third Amendment) Rules, 2023, introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), even newly formed Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are now required to maintain a register at their registered offices within 30 days of incorporation.
These rules became effective on October 28, 2023.

3. Which institution was tasked with the preparation of ‘Vision India@2047’ plan?

[A] NASSCOM
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] RBI
[D] Election Commission of India

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NITI Aayog] Notes:
A vision document aimed at making India a developed country is in its final stages, and a draft is expected to be ready by December, as per NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam.
NITI Aayog was tasked with the consolidation of the ten sectoral thematic visions in July this year, including infrastructure, welfare, commerce and industry, technology, and governance. NITI Aayog has also forecasted that India’s economy will be worth $30 trillion in 2047, with a per capita GDP of $17,590.

4. Which institution along with Tel Aviv University, Israel developed an aerogel adsorbent to remove trace pollutants from wastewater?

[A] IISc Bengaluru
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Kharagpur

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Madras] Notes:
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Tel Aviv University, Israel, have developed an aerogel adsorbent that can remove trace pollutants from wastewater.
The aerogel is made of graphene-modified silica and can remove small particles and microorganisms from wastewater.

5. Which country is associated with the ‘B61-13’ Nuclear bomb?

[A] Russia
[B] Israel
[C] USA
[D] China

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA] Notes:
The United States is planning to build a new nuclear bomb that will be 24 times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
The B61-13 would also be almost 14 times bigger than the 25-kiloton bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki.

6. As per the Annual Report on ‘Road Accidents in India-2022’, which state recorded the highest number of persons killed in road accidents?

[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh] Notes:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published its Annual Report on “Road Accidents in India-2022.”
A total of 4,61,312 road accidents occurred in 2022, which claimed 1,68,491 lives, while 4,43,366 people were injured. Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents on National Highways in 2022, followed by Madhya Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of persons killed in road accidents.

7. Which country leads the ‘International Counter Ransomware Initiative’?

[A] Russia
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] India

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [USA] Notes:
Forty nations within a US-led alliance intend to commit to never paying ransoms to cybercriminals and to collaborate in eradicating the financial support for hackers, as part of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative.
Ransomware attacks involve hackers encrypting an organization’s systems and demanding ransom payments in return for decrypting them.

8. Which is the first country to successfully sterilize and vaccinate its entire stray dog population?

[A] Nepal
[B] Indonesia
[C] Bhutan
[D] Thailand

Show Answer
Correct Answer: To be Updated
Notes: To be Updated

9. Which institution launched the net-zero transition charter for the private sector?

[A] UNEP
[B] FAO
[C] COP-28
[D] NITI Aayog

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [COP-28] Notes:
The COP-28 Presidency launched ‘Net-Zero Transition Charter: Accountability Mobilisation for the Private Sector’. It recognises the important role the private sector must play in combating climate change.
COP28 Presidency has called for a collaborative approach to reduce emissions by 43 percent in the next seven years. COP28 will be held in Dubai between November 30 and December 12.

10. Which state/UT has established the fact-checking unit (FCU), after Kerala and Karnataka?

[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Odisha
[C] Punjab
[D] New Delhi

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu] Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government has issued an order to establish a fact-checking unit (FCU) as a measure to counter the dissemination of misinformation, hate speech, and fake news.
As per the Government Order, this unit will consist of 80 staff members and will have the primary objective of addressing misleading content across various media platforms, with a particular focus on addressing such issues on social media platforms.

11.Which country is associated with ‘Arrow’ aerial defence system?

[A] Israel
[B] Russia
[C] USA
[D] Ukraine

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Israel] Notes: The Israeli military recently intercepted a missile fired from the Red Sea region using the ‘Arrow’ aerial defence system, amidst tensions in the Middle East due to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This system played a crucial role in maintaining security and defense.

12.Which country has dispatched a new scientific expedition team to build its fifth research station in Antarctica?

[A] India
[B] USA
[C] China
[D] Russia

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China] Notes: China sent a scientific expedition team to build its fifth research station in Antarctica, including two icebreaker research ships and a cargo ship with over 460 personnel. The expedition aims to conduct climate change studies and complete the construction of the station, contributing to scientific research and observation.

13.Which city is the host of ‘World Food India 2023’?

[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Varanasi
[D] Gandhi Nagar

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi] Notes: The Prime Minister of India officially opened World Food India 2023 in New Delhi, disbursing seed capital assistance to self-help groups and inaugurating a “food street.” This event, held in the national capital, highlights the significance of the food industry and promotes economic growth.

14.As per a new study, which species has their head all over its body?

[A] Octopus
[B] Star Fish
[C] Jellyfish
[D] Mambas

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Star Fish] Notes: A recent study revealed the complex and distributed body plan of starfish, challenging previous understanding. The “head” of a starfish is scattered across its body, raising questions about their evolution. This discovery enhances our knowledge of marine biology and the unique features of starfish.

15.‘National Efficient Cooking Programme’ is associated with which institution?

[A] EESL
[B] NABARD
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] REC

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [EESL] Notes: The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) is associated with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). EESL, under the Ministry of Power, aims to promote energy-efficient technologies and practices, transforming cooking methods in India and emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency.

16.India recently signed a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement with which country?

[A] Italy
[B] Israel
[C] Ukraine
[D] Afghanistan

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Italy] Notes: India and Italy signed a Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement to facilitate the movement of workers and students. This agreement strengthens the ties between the two countries, providing opportunities for collaboration in various fields.

17.As per the International Labour Organisation (ILO) data, what is the rank of India in terms of the average number of hours per week for each employed person?

[A] Second
[B] Sixth
[C] Tenth
[D] Fifteenth

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sixth] Notes: India ranks sixth in terms of the average number of hours per week for each employed person, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) data. This ranking reflects the work ethic in India, though it is lower than some smaller countries with smaller populations.

18.What is the name of the packaged wheat flour at a subsidized rate launched by the Union Government?

[A] Namo Atta
[B] Bharat Atta
[C] Nafed Atta
[D] PMFED Atta

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharat Atta] Notes: The Union government launched packaged wheat flour at a subsidized rate named Bharat Atta. This initiative aims to control food prices during the festive season, providing consumers with affordable wheat flour.

19.NASA’s Curiosity rover was launched to study which celestial body?

[A] Sun
[B] Mars
[C] Mercury
[D] Jupiter

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mars] Notes: NASA’s Curiosity rover, launched to Mars, completed 4,000 Martian days on the planet. The rover’s mission is to study whether ancient Mars had conditions to support microbial life, and it has contributed valuable data through its exploration on the Martian surface.

20.Indian Navy’s latest, under-construction, guided missile destroyer has been named after which Indian city?

[A] Varanasi
[B] Kochi
[C] Surat
[D] Panaji

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Surat] Notes: The Indian Navy’s latest guided missile destroyer, under construction, is named ‘Surat.’ The crest of Surat was unveiled in a ceremony, depicting the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat) and marking the progress in the indigenously designed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers.

21.U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) pledged USD 553 million funding for which Indian project?

[A] Narmada Valley Development Project
[B] Colombo West International Terminal Project
[C] Inland Development Waterways Project
[D] Mumbai Trans Harbour Link

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Colombo West International Terminal Project] Notes: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) pledged $553 million in funding for the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) project. This marks the U.S. government’s first backing of an Adani project, highlighting collaboration between nations for critical infrastructure development.

22.Which technology company partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch GenAI-focussed innovation lab in India?

[A] Google
[B] Nokia
[C] Samsung
[D] IBM

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [IBM] Notes: IBM expanded its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch an innovation lab in Bengaluru. This lab focuses on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), providing clients from various industries with a platform to explore joint solutions, test prototypes, and engage in collaborative research.

23.Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is located on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and _:

[A] Assam
[B] Bhutan
[C] Nagaland
[D] Myanmar

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam] Notes: The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, situated on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, faced a setback due to a hillside collapse. This event obstructed the operational diversion tunnel and halted water flow into the Subansiri River, impacting the progress of this hydroelectric project.

24.India undertook BONGOSAGAR-23 and CORPAT exercises with the Navy of which country?

[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] France
[D] Iran

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh] Notes: The Indian and Bangladesh Navies conducted the 4th edition of BONGOSAGAR-23 and the 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in the Northern Bay of Bengal. This bilateral exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, with joint patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and maritime exercises.

25.What is the name of the world’s first robot CEO?

[A] Tina
[B] Mika
[C] Yo-yo
[D] Harry

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mika] Notes: Dictador, a spirit brand in Colombia, appointed Mika, the world’s first robot CEO. Developed through a collaboration between Hanson Robotics and Dictador, Mika utilizes advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to make data-driven decisions, showcasing the integration of technology in corporate leadership.

26.Which state legislative assembly approved legislation that increases the reservation for SC/ST/EBE and OBC from 50% to 65%?

[A] Bihar
[B] West Bengal
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar] Notes: The Bihar Legislature approved legislation increasing reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational entities and public employment from 50% to 65%. This move addresses social inclusion and widens access to opportunities.

27.Which compound is called the ‘Laughing Gas’?

[A] Nitric Oxide
[B] Nitrous oxide
[C] Sulphur-di Oxide
[D] Copper Sulphate

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nitrous oxide] Notes: The United Kingdom prohibited the recreational usage and possession of nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘laughing gas.’ This decision, aimed at tackling anti-social behavior and health risks, reclassifies nitrous oxide as a class C drug, making its possession a criminal offense in Britain.

28.Scientists have produced an infant ‘chimera’ of which species?

[A] Monkey
[B] Squirrel
[C] Rabbit
[D] Dog

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Monkey] Notes: Chinese researchers produced an infant ‘chimeric’ monkey by injecting a monkey embryo with stem cells from a genetically distinct donor embryo. This breakthrough in creating a live-born chimeric primate has implications for medical research and conservation efforts for endangered species.

29.Which is the first African Nation to introduce shared parental leave?

[A] South Africa
[B] Egypt
[C] Kenya
[D] Nigeria

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [South Africa] Notes: South Africa became the first African country to implement shared parental leave, granting both parents the right to take time off following the birth or adoption of a child. This decision allows parents to decide how to divide four months of parental leave, promoting gender equality in parenting responsibilities.

30.Which institution secured the top position in India in QS Asia University Rankings 2024?

[A] IISc Bengaluru
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] AIIMS Delhi

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Bombay] Notes: IIT Bombay secured the top position in India and the 40th position in the overall QS Asia University Rankings 2024. The rankings reflect the excellence of IIT Bombay in higher education and research. Peking University of China topped the Asia ranking list, showcasing the global recognition of Asian institutions.

31.As per IQAir’s AQI Data, which was the most polluted city in the world with an air quality index (AQI) of 287?

[A] Dhaka
[B] New Delhi
[C] Tokyo
[D] Washington

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi] Notes: According to IQAir’s AQI Data, New Delhi ranked as the most polluted city globally with an air quality index (AQI) of 287. Celebrations such as Deepavali contributed to heightened pollution levels, emphasizing the need for measures to address air quality and environmental concerns in urban areas.

32.‘Kill switch,’ which was seen in the news, is associated with which disease?

[A] Diabetes
[B] Cancer
[C] HIV
[D] COVID -19

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cancer] Notes: Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a ‘kill switch’ associated with cancer cells. Activating CD95 receptors, also known as Fas, triggers self-destruction in cancer cells. This breakthrough offers potential implications for cancer treatment by targeting specific cell receptors for therapeutic purposes.

33.Which country issued arrest warrants for Syrian President and three generals alleging involvement in war crimes?

[A] France
[B] USA
[C] Germany
[D] China

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [France] Notes: France issued international arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher Assad, and two Army generals. The warrants accuse them of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including a 2013 chemical attack on rebel-held Damascus suburbs, reflecting international efforts to address human rights violations.

34.Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Janjaatiya Aadivasi Nyaya Mahabhiyaan from which state?

[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jharkhand] Notes: Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjaatiya Aadivasi Nyaya Mahabhiyaan (PM JanMan) from Jharkhand. The 24,000-crore rupee scheme aims to provide basic facilities to families and habitations, contributing to the socio-economic development of tribal communities in the region.

35.Which state organizes the ‘Unboxing BLR Habba (UBH)’ festival?

[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka] Notes: Karnataka, specifically Bengaluru, is set to host the Unboxing BLR Habba (UBH) 2023 festival. The annual city-wide event, starting from December 1, encompasses a diverse range of activities, including arts, culture, literature, technology, and more, offering a platform for creative expression and community engagement.

36.The United States recently agreed to resume military communications with which country?

[A] Ukraine
[B] China
[C] Syria
[D] Israel

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China] Notes: The United States and China agreed to resume military-to-military communications, aiming to ease rising tensions. This decision, following a meeting between the Presidents of the US and China, signifies efforts to establish direct communication channels between the two nations.

37.Which state released an exclusive book on its snakes?

[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Kerala

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh] Notes: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released a book titled ‘Snakes of Himachal Pradesh.’ Compiled and edited by the Principal of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, the book features photographs of snakes found in different regions of the state, contributing to snake conservation efforts.

38.Which state is the host of the 11th edition of International Tourism Mart?

[A] Meghalaya
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Tamil Nadu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Meghalaya] Notes: The 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart is hosted by Meghalaya. Organized by the Union Tourism Ministry of India, the event in Shillong includes business meetings between North Eastern stakeholders and domestic and international buyers, promoting tourism opportunities in the region.

39.Sone River, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?

[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] West Bengal

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar] Notes: In Bhojpur district, Bihar, officials are constructing pillars along the Sone River to prevent illicit sand mining. This innovative approach aims to curb the transportation of unlawfully extracted sand between Bhojpur and Patna, addressing environmental concerns associated with river ecosystems.

40.Joseph Boakai has been elected as the President of which country?

[A] Liberia
[B] Argentina
[C] UAE
[D] USA

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Liberia] Notes: Joseph Boakai emerged victorious in the Liberia Presidential election, securing 50.64 percent of the vote. His election marks a significant political development in Liberia, highlighting the country’s democratic processes and the peaceful transition of power.

41. Pankaj Advani, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?

[A] Table Tennis
[B] Squash
[C] Billiards
[D] Athletics

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Billiards] Notes:
Indian cueist Pankaj Advani secured the IBSF World Billiards Championship title for the 26th time, defeating compatriot Sourav Kothari in the final. Advani’s remarkable achievement adds to his previous wins in 2005, 2008, 2014, and 2018, along with a snooker double in 2015.

42. Which state’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission is listed in the UNWTO prestigious list of case studies?

[A] Kerala
[B] Goa
[C] Karnataka
[D] Uttar Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala] Notes:
Kerala’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission gained international recognition by being featured in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) prestigious list of case studies. This acknowledgment highlights Kerala’s innovative approach to grassroots development and aligning tourism with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

43. How many Indians feature in the ‘BBC 100 Women List 2023’?

[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Six
[D] Seven

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Three] Notes:
The BBC 100 Women List 2023, focusing on global women’s rights, includes three Indian women—Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, India’s national women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and National Geographic photographer Arati Kumar-Rao.

44. Which country inaugurated the world’s largest single-site solar power plant ‘Al Dhafra’ Project?

[A] Israel
[B] UAE
[C] Iran
[D] Oman

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UAE] Notes:
The United Arab Emirates inaugurated the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, the 2-gigawatt Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project. Located 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city, the project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goal and is expected to displace 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

45. A salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes has been recorded in which country?

[A] China
[B] USA
[C] Egypt
[D] South Africa

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [USA] Notes:
A salmonella outbreak in the United States, linked to cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products, has caused fatalities and severe illnesses. The outbreak, spanning 32 states and Canada, highlights the dangers of consuming contaminated food, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

46. Angkor Wat, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?

[A] Myanmar
[B] Bhutan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Cambodia

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cambodia] Notes:
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is now recognized as the eighth Wonder of the World, surpassing Italy’s Pompeii. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat features intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu and Buddhist myths.

47. Which institution released the ‘FASTER 2.0’ portal?

[A] Election Commission of India
[B] Supreme Court of India
[C] DPIIT
[D] NITI Aayog

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Supreme Court of India] Notes:
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud launched the ‘FASTER 2.0’ portal, facilitating prompt communication of court orders for prisoner release to jail authorities. The portal ensures immediate compliance with judicial orders, enhancing efficiency in the justice system.

48. As per SEBI Mandate, how many basis points of assets of AMCs should be spent on investor awareness activities?

[A] 1 basis point
[B] 2 basis points
[C] 5 basis points
[D] 10 basis points

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 basis points] Notes:
SEBI mandates asset management companies (AMCs) to allocate two basis points of their assets under management for investor awareness activities. The mutual fund industry has actively conducted programs, with 34 AMCs conducting 10,364 programs in the last financial year.

49. Rat hole mining, which was seen in the news, is prevalent in which state?

[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Sikkim
[D] Arunachal Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Meghalaya] Notes:
Rat hole mining, predominantly practiced in Meghalaya due to its challenging terrain, involves extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams. The term “rat hole” refers to the small pits dug into the ground for coal extraction, posing significant safety and environmental hazards.

50. When is Constitution Day observed in India?

[A] 26 November
[B] 26 January
[C] 15 August
[D] 15 June

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [26 November] Notes:
Constitution Day in India is observed on 26th November to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution in 1949. The day honors the contributions of the Founding Fathers, and it was declared as Constitution Day by the Government of India in 2015 on the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.