Q1. Which country has officially declared the snow leopard as its national symbol, reflecting a deep commitment to conservation and ecological balance?
(a) Mongolia
(b) Kazakhstan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Tajikistan
(e) Kyrgyzstan
Q2. According to the Avtar Group’s Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) 2023 report, which Indian city emerged as the top city for women in terms of inclusivity and conduciveness to working women in 2023?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Bengaluru
(c) Pune
(d) Chennai
(e) Hyderabad
Q3. General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the author of the autobiography “Four Stars of Destiny: An Autobiography,” served as which number Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of the Indian Army?
(a) 26th
(b) 27th
(c) 28th
(d) 29th
(e) 30th
Q4. Which country officially declared January 5 as National Bird Day to highlight the importance of birds to our ecosystems and to promote the understanding that birds should live freely in nature rather than being caged or kept as showpieces?
(a) Canada
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Australia
(d) New Zealand
(e) United States of America
Q5. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and which country’s agency to assist Indian Railways in achieving ‘net zero carbon emission’ by the ambitious target year of 2030?
(a) United Kingdom
(b) Germany
(c) United States of America
(d) France
(e) Japan
Q6. Indian Railways, known for its significant role in transportation, has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the third consecutive term with which organization, focusing on reducing energy and water consumption to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) Confederation of Indian Industry
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) International Energy Agency
(e) Asian Development Bank
Q7. Among the following Indian civil servants, who has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, demonstrating India’s commitment to international development?
(a) Ajay Bhushan Pandey
(b) Amitabh Kant
(c) Rajiv Gauba
(d) Vikas Sheel
(e) Rajiv Mehrishi
Q8. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with which organization’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to develop and report a ‘Green Cover Index’ for the extensive network of Indian National Highways?
(a) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
(b) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
(c) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
(d) Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
(e) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Q9. The upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in January 2024, where India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will represent the country, is set to be held in the capital city of which country?
(a) Kenya
(b) Ethiopia
(c) Uganda
(d) Tanzania
(e) Rwanda
Q10. In which city did Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chair the first Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Kolkata
(c) New Delhi
(d) Chennai
(e) Guwahati
Solutions
S1. Ans. (e)
Sol. Kyrgyzstan, located in Central Asia, has recently announced the snow leopard as its national symbol. This decision underscores the country’s dedication to preserving wildlife and maintaining ecological equilibrium, particularly concerning this vulnerable and iconic species.
President Zhaparov has directed the Cabinet of Ministers to actively recognize the snow leopard as a national symbol and take measures to protect its population and the ecosystems it inhabits.
S2. Ans. (d)
Sol. Chennai has been recognized as the top Indian city for women in 2023, excelling in inclusivity and conduciveness for working women.
This distinction is based on the findings from the Avtar Group’s Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) 2023 report, highlighting the city’s efforts and achievements in creating a supportive and equitable environment for women.
S3. Ans. (c)
Sol. General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who penned “Four Stars of Destiny: An Autobiography,” held the prestigious position as the 28th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. His tenure, from December 2019 to April 2022, was marked by significant achievements and leadership, contributing greatly to the Indian Army during this period.
S4. Ans. (e)
Sol. The United States of America designated January 5 as National Bird Day.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical role birds play in our ecosystems and to advocate for their freedom and natural existence, countering practices of caging or using them as domestic showpieces. This day encourages a deeper appreciation and respect for birds as integral parts of the natural world.
S5. Ans. (c)
Sol. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for assisting Indian Railways in achieving ‘net zero carbon emission’ by 2030 was signed between India and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
This collaboration highlights a significant step towards sustainability and environmental conservation, showcasing the joint efforts of India and the United States in addressing climate change and promoting green energy initiatives.
S6. Ans. (b)
Sol. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the organization with which Indian Railways has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the third consecutive time.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, specifically targeting reductions in energy and water consumption to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This collaboration reflects Indian Railways’ dedication to eco-friendly practices and sustainable development within the transportation sector.
S7. Ans. (d)
Sol. Mr. Vikas Sheel, a distinguished Indian bureaucrat, has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila.
This significant appointment reflects India’s active role and commitment to the sphere of international development and cooperation. Mr. Sheel’s expertise and experience are expected to contribute greatly to the ADB’s mission and to further India’s interests in regional development strategies.
S8. Ans. (c)
Sol. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This collaboration is aimed at developing and reporting a ‘Green Cover Index’ for the Indian National Highways network. This initiative highlights the integration of space technology and environmental conservation in enhancing the ecological aspects of national infrastructure projects.
S9. Ans. (c)
Sol. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in January 2024, which will see the participation of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, is scheduled to be held in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
This summit is a significant event for the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of states not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc, and serves as a platform for discussing and fostering international cooperation and development.
S10. Ans. (b)
Sol. The first Inland Waterways Development Council Meeting, chaired by Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, was held in Kolkata.
This meeting marked a significant step in advancing the development of inland waterways in India, focusing on various aspects such as fairway development, private sector engagement, and eco-friendly practices in inland water transport