The correct answer is 68%.

In News

• UN released a population of India report.

Key Points

• The UNFPA’s ‘The State of World Population Report, 2023’, titled ‘8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices’ released India’s population is projected to be 1,428.6 billion while that of China’s 1,425.7 billion, a difference of 2.9 million.
• The latest figures were given under the category of ‘Demographic Indicators’ in the report.
• It was the first time that India’s population would overtake China’s since 1950 when the UN began to collect and release population data.
• The UNFPA report states that 25% of India’s population is in the age group of 0-14, 18% in 10-19, 26% in 10-24, 68% in 15-64, and 7% above 65.
• The corresponding figures for China are 17%, 12%, 18%, 69%, and 14%, which means the country has nearly 200 million above the age of 65.

Additional Information

• United Nations
• It is an International organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and achieve international cooperation.
• Established in - 1945
• HQ - New York City
• President - Dennis Francis

The correct answer is Special Additional Excise Duty.

In News

• Government slashes windfall tax on crude petroleum.

Key Points

• The government has cut the windfall tax on domestically-produced crude oil to ₹1,700 per tonne from ₹2,300 per tonne with effect from January 16 2024.
• The tax is levied in the form of a Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED). According to an official notification, SAED on the export of diesel, petrol and jet fuel or ATF has been retained at nil.
• India first imposed windfall profit taxes on July 1, 2022, joining a growing number of nations that tax supernormal profits of energy companies.
• The tax rates are reviewed every fortnight based on average oil prices in the previous two weeks.

Additional Information

• Windfall tax​
• ​A windfall tax is a higher tax rate on profits that ensue from a sudden windfall gain to a particular company or industry.
• Windfall taxes are designed to tax the profits a company derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented event for instance, the energy price rise as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The correct answer is All of the above.

In News

• The presence of Indian banks via subsidiaries increased to 417 in FY23

Key Points

• Indian banks increased their overseas presence through the subsidiaries route to 417 during 2022-23, from 399 at the end of the preceding fiscal, as per Reserve Bank data.
• Their employee strength, too, rose 0.5 percent and 6.2 percent for foreign branches and subsidiaries, respectively, during 2022-23, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey on International Trade in Banking Services 2022-23 showed.
• The survey covers 14 Indian banks having overseas branches or subsidiaries and 44 foreign banks having branches or subsidiaries in India.
• On the other hand, the number of branches and employees of foreign banks in India contracted during 2022-23 to 774 from 858 in 2021-22.
• The bank has a commercial presence in the territory of the service-importing country and the service is delivered therein.
• The commercial presence can be through various investment vehicles like representative offices, branches, subsidiaries, associates and correspondents.

Additional Information

• Reserve Bank of India
• Established in 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor - ShaktiKanta Das

The correct answer is 5 crore.

In News

• MOSPI launches new eSakshi app to track MPLADS process.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launched a new app to track the fund flow under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme-2023.
• The new eSakshi app will provide an interface to capture the “entire MPLAD scheme cycle, providing convenience and accessibility like never before.
• The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per Member of Parliament (MP) constituency is Rs.5 crore, released in two instalments of Rs.2.5 crore each, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as per the MPLADS Guidelines.
• The Ministry will release MPLADS funds at the rate of Rs. 2 crore per Member of Parliament for the remaining period of FY 2021-22 in one instalment and the rate of Rs. 5.00 crore per annum per Member of Parliament during FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 in two instalments of Rs.2.5 crore each.
• Since the inception of the Scheme, a total of 19,86,206 works/projects have been completed with the financial implication of Rs. 54171.09 crore.

Additional Information

• MPLADS
• The MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
• The objective of the scheme is to enable MPs to recommend works of a developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets in the areas of drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads, etc. primarily in their Constituencies.

The correct answer is New Delhi.

In News

• Regional Rural Banks

Key Points

• RRBs are sponsored by Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• There are currently 43 RRBs supported by 12 public sector banks with 21,856 branches across 26 states and 3 Union Territories - Puducherry, Jammu Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• Each RRB is operated within a certain limit only.
• RRBs provide 75% of their total credit as Priority Sector Lending to fulfill the criterion applicable to commercial banks.

Additional Information

• Jammu & Kashmir
• J&K Grameen Bank
• Ladakh
• Ellaquai Dehati Bank
• Puducherry
• Puduvai Bharathiar Grama Bank

The correct answer is Local Area Bank - 3.

In News

• No of Banks

Key Points

• Banks are financial institutions that perform deposit and lending functions.
• There are various types of banks in India and each is responsible for performing different functions.
• The Reserve Bank of India is the central bank of our country. Each country has a central bank that regulates all the other banks in that particular country.
• In India, there are currently 12 PSBs including the State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, etc, 21 private sector banks like Axis, and ICICI, 11 Small Finance Banks, 6 Payment Banks,  43 Regional Rural Banks, and 45 Foreign Banks.
• Local Area Bank - 4

The correct answer is 30.

Key Points

• As per the RBI's guidelines on Responsible Lending Conduct, the Regulated Entities (REs) shall release all the original movable/immovable property documents and remove charges registered with any registry within a period of 30 days after full repayment/ settlement of the loan account.
• The borrower shall be given the option of collecting the original movable/immovable property documents either from the banking outlet/branch where the loan account was serviced or any other office of the RE where the documents are available, as per her / his preference.
• In case of delay in releasing of original movable/immovable property documents or failure to file charge satisfaction form with the relevant registry beyond 30 days after full repayment/ settlement of the loan, the RE shall communicate to the borrower the reasons for such delay.
• In the case where the delay is attributable to the RE, it shall compensate the borrower at the rate of ₹5,000/- for each day of delay.

The correct answer is All A, B, and C.

In News

• State Bank of India raises Rs 3,101 crore through AT1 bond at 8.1%.

Key Points

• The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has raised Rs 3,101 crore capital via additional tier I bonds (AT1) at a coupon of 8.1 percent.
• This is 15 basis points lower than the pricing for its previous AT1 bond issued at 8.25 percent in March.
• The base issue size for AT1 bonds was Rs 3,000 crore, with a green shoe of Rs 7,000 crore. Rating agency CRISIL has assigned an "AA+" rating to AT1 bonds (Under Basel III regulations).
• Out of the total Rs 50,000 crore bond issuance plan for FY24, Rs 20,000 crore will be from AT1 bonds, including this week’s proposed offering. It also has plans to issue tier-II bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore and the balance would be through infrastructure bonds in 2023-24.

Additional Information

• State Bank of India
• ​Founded in - 1955
• HQ - Mumbai
• Chairman - Dinesh Kumar Khara​

The correct answer is 11 lakh crore.

In News

• The total corpus under pension funds crosses Rs 11 trillion.

Key Points

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Chairman Deepak Mohanty announced the total corpus under the National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana has crossed Rs 11 lakh crore.
• The milestone of Rs 11 lakh crore asset under management (AUM) was achieved on January 10, 2024.
• The AUM has increased from Rs 10 lakh crore to Rs 11 lakh crore in 4 months and 18 days (August 24, 2023 to January 10, 2024).
• The authority in September revised the AUM target of Rs 12 lakh crore for the current fiscal.
• The pension authority is working on a minimum assured pension plan, and it could become a reality in the next financial year if the guarantee issued is resolved.
• The pension fund regulatory body was considering raising the current return of Rs 1,000-5,000 to Rs 2,500-7,500.

Additional Information

• PFRDA
• It is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
• Established in 2003

The correct answer is 5 years.

In News

• Govt reconstitutes the central board of trustees of EPFO

Key Points

• In a revamp of the retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the government has reconstituted the body’s Central Board of Trustees (CBT) after the completion of its five-year term.
• The CBT, EPFO is a tripartite, statutory body constituted by the central government under the provisions of section 5A of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act,1952, and has representatives of employees, employers, and government.
• The tenure of the Board is five years.
• In 2017, the clause was inserted in Section 5 of the EPF Scheme, 1952, under which “an outgoing trustee or member shall be eligible for re-appointment as member of the central board or the regional committee, as the case may be, for a maximum of not more than two terms”.

Additional Information

• EPFO
• ​Established in - 1952
• HQ - New Delhi
• Commissioner - Neelam Shami Rao

The correct answer is CCIL.

In News

• Securities and Exchange Board of India

Key Points

• Securities and Exchange Board of India is an autonomous organization that works under the overall administrative supervision of the Union Finance Ministry and is accountable to the Parliament.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India owned by the Government of India was established on 12th April 1992 under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of the investors in securities along with promoting and regulating the securities market.
• It is empowered to frame rules, regulations, guidelines direction, etc. in respect of both primary and secondary securities markets.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates several entities, including:
• Merchant Bankers
• NSDL
• CRISIL
• Stockbrokers
• Bankers to issues
• Debenture trustees
• Portfolio managers
• CCIL is regulated by the RBI.

The correct answer is ₹1 lakh.

In News

• Ministry of Education issues guidelines for coaching centres; prohibits intake of students below 16 years.

In News

• Coaching institutes across India have welcomed the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education to regulate private coaching centres.
• The Centre has also suggested that coaching centres be penalised up to Rs 1 lakh or their registration be cancelled for charging exorbitant fees that cause undue stress, leading students to commit suicide, or for other malpractices.
• To ensure proper monitoring of the coaching institutes, the government has proposed registration of new and existing centres within three months of the guidelines coming into effect.
• Certain regulations may pose challenges for both coaching centres and students.
• The state government will be responsible for monitoring the activities of the coaching centre and scrutinising the registration eligibility and activities of the coaching centre.

Additional Information

• Ministry of Education
• It is a ministry of the Government of India, responsible for the implementation of the National Policy on Education.
• Current Minister - Dharmendra Pradhan

The correct answer is Both Zepto and InCred Finance.

In News

• Only two unicorn companies were created in 2023 compared to 21 in 2022.

Key Points

• Out of the total number of unicorns, 46 unicorns with a total valuation of $102.30 Bn were born in 2021 and 22 unicorns with a total valuation of$ 29.20 Bn were born in 2022.
• Mumbai-based InCred Holdings, the holding company of InCred Financial Services, has raised Rs 500 crore in its latest round of Series D funding.
• The latest funding round values the company at nearly $1.05 billion.
• InCred Finance is the second to become a unicorn this year, following Zepto's entry into the $1-billion club in August.
• InCred Finance plans to deploy the capital across business verticals such as consumer loans, student loans, and MSME lending.
• In 2023, Zepto became India's first unicorn after raising $200 million in a Series E round of funding.

Additional Information

• Zepto 
• It is an online grocery company offering doorstep grocery delivery.
• HQ - Mumbai
• InCred Finance
• It is a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India and is dedicated to providing innovative and customer-centric financial solutions.
• Krutrim
• Krutrim is the AI startup founded by serial entrepreneur Bhavish Aggarwal

The correct answer is four.

Key Points

• The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India is appointed for a term of four years.
• The overall direction of the RBI lies with the 21-member central board of directors, composed of:
• The governor,
• Four deputy governors,
• Two finance ministry representatives,
• Ten government-nominated directors,
• Four directors who represent local boards for Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.
• The Government of India appoints the directors for a four-year term.
• The Central Board of Directors of the RBI recommended aligning the accounting year of RBI with the financial year of the government (April-March), from 2020-21.
• The Reserve Bank's affairs are governed by a central board of directors.
• The board is appointed by the Government of India in keeping with the **Reserve Bank of India Act.**​

Additional Information

• RBI (Reserve Bank of India):
• The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• This central banking institution was established based on the suggestions of the “Royal Commission on Indian Currency & Finance” in 1926.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and regulatory body.
• It is responsible for the issue and supply of the Indian rupee and the regulation of the Indian banking system.
• It also manages the country's main payment systems and works to promote its economic development.
• Governor: Shaktikanta Das
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

The correct answer is HSBC Holdings plc.

In News

• HSBC ranked first for India offshore loans in 2023 helped by Reliance deals.

Key Points

• HSBC Holdings Plc ranked first among arrangers for Indian offshore loans last year, toppling Japanese lenders from the top spot they’d held since 2020.
• Data compiled by Bloomberg show the British bank was the bookrunner on roughly $4 billion of US-currency transactions in 2023.
• Borrowing by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Group contributed to HSBC’s business. Reliance took out a total of $6.4 billion last year via multiple banks.
• As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies with an urgent need for infrastructure spending, India attracted international debt investors.
• HSBC won business from state-backed banks, including a $1 billion term loan facility from the State Bank of India.
• HSBC Holdings plc
• ​It is a multinational financial services holding company.

Additional Information

• Muthoot Finance
• It is an Indian financial corporation and the largest gold loan NBFC in the country.
• HQ - Kochi, Kerala
• Bajaj Finance
• It is an Indian non-banking financial company.
• HQ - Pune
• Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services
• ​It is an Indian rural non-banking financial company.
• HQ - Mumbai.

The correct answer is All A, B & C.

In News

• RBI releases a list of 15 NBFCs in ‘Upper Layer’.

Key Points

• In the year 2023-24, RBI released the names of 15 NBFCs that fall under the Upper Layers (UL)/NBFC-UL of the SBR.
• NBFC-BL (Base Layer): It primarily consists of non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets below Rs 1000 crore.
• NBFC-ML (Middle Layer): It comprises all deposit-taking NBFCs and non-deposit-taking NBFCs with assets exceeding Rs1000 crore.
• NBFC-UL (Upper Layer): The upper layer includes NBFCs specifically identified by the RBI as warranting enhanced regulatory requirements based on a set of parameters and scoring methodology.
• The top 10 eligible in terms of asset size will always reside in the upper layer, regardless of other factors.
• NBFC-TL (Top Layer): NBFC-UL will be moved to Top Layer if RBI recognizes a substantial increase in the potential systemic risk.
• TMF Business Services Limited, formerly Tata Motors Finance Limited, qualifies as an NBFC-UL based on scoring methodology.

Additional Information

• RBI 
• Established in - 1935
• HQ - Mumbai
• Governor- Shaktikanta Das

The correct answer is Table Tennis.

The correct answer is HDFC Bank.

In News

• HDFC seeks a Singapore bank licence to open its 1st branch in the country.

Key Points

• HDFC Bank Ltd, India’s biggest private sector lender, is seeking to open its first branch in Singapore, signalling its overseas ambitions after sewing up a landmark merger with mortgage financier Housing Development Finance Corp. last year.
• The bank has applied to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a banking licence and is awaiting approval, according to sources familiar with the matter.
• It is not clear what kind of banking licence HDFC Bank is seeking in Singapore.
• The banking giant is seeking a bigger presence abroad to tap the Indian diaspora for savings and term deposits, as well as to cross-sell more products, including mortgages.
• At home, HDFC has been focusing on deepening its reach in the world’s most populous country through loans to retail customers.
• Singapore, with a population of almost 6 million people, houses a large Indian diaspora.

Additional Information

• HDFC Bank
• ​Established in - 1994
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - Sashidhar Jagdishan

The correct answer is All of the above.

In News

• LIC, GIC Re, and New India remain Domestic Systemically Important Insurers, as announced by IRDAI.

Key Points

• Regulator Irdai announced Life Insurance Corporation of India, General Insurance Corporation of India, and New India Assurance Co. continue to remain as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) and are perceived as "too big or too important to fail".
• Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) refer to insurers of such size, market importance, and domestic and global interconnectedness, whose distress or failure would cause a significant dislocation in the domestic financial system.
• "LIC, GIC Re., and New India continue to be identified as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs), as in the 2021-22 list of D-SIIs.

Additional Information

• LIC
• Established in 1956
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - Siddhartha Mohanty
• GIC
• Established in 1972
• HQ - Mumbai
• CMD - Ramaswamy Narayanan
• New India Assurance Co
• ​Established in - 1919
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - Pardeep Kharoud

The correct answer is Indian Overseas Bank

In News

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and Indian Overseas Bank join hands in co-lending for Renewable Energy Projects.

Key Points

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a MoU with the Indian Overseas Bank, setting the stage for collaborative efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for a diverse spectrum of Renewable Energy projects across the nation
• The MoU includes co-lending and co-origination support provisions for all Renewable Energy projects.
• The partnership aims to streamline loan syndication and underwriting processes and manage Trust and Retention Accounts (TRA) for IREDA borrowers.
• The partnership also works towards fixed interest rates over a 3–4-year period for IREDA borrowings.
• Indian Overseas Bank
• ​Established in 1937
• HQ - Chennai
• CEO - Ajay Kumar Srivastava

Additional Information 

• State Bank of India
• ​Established in - 1955
• HQ - Mumbai
• Chairman - Dinesh Kumar Khara
• Bank of India
• Established in - 1906
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - Rajneesh Karnatak
• Union Bank of India
• ​Established in - 1919
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - A. Manimekhalai​
• Bank of Baroda
• Established in - 1908
• HQ - Vadodara
• CEO - Devdutt Chand

The correct answer is Sportsperson.

In News

• States’ Startup Ranking 2022.

Key Points

• The Startup India initiative of the Government of India envisages building a robust Startup ecosystem in the country for nurturing innovations and providing opportunities to budding entrepreneurs.
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been conducting the States Start-up Ranking Exercise since 2018.
• The exercise plays a crucial role in easing the business environment for start-ups in the country.
• States and Union Territories are classified into 5 Categories:
• Best Performers
• Top Performers
• Leaders
• Aspiring Leaders
• Emerging Start-up Ecosystems

Additional Information

• Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu lead the State Startup Ranking 2022 as Best Performers, the top category in the ranking.
• The ranking was released by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Gujarat has retained its position as the Best Performer start-up state in the country.

• The Government of India has set up a 21 member high-level technical committee in order to guide the people in preventive and control activities of pandemic COVID-19.
• V K Paul would head this high-level committee. He is a NITI Aayog member.
• This committee would be co-chaired by  Preeti Sudan, Union Health Secretary and  Balram Bhargava, Director General Indian Council of Medical Research.
• Randeep Guleria, Sujeet Singh, Sanjay Pujari, Rajan Khobragade are the members of this committee.

The correct answer is Union Bank of India.

In News

• DLabs At ISB Launches `Build For Billions’ Jointly With RBI Innovation Hub, UBI.

Key Points

• DLabs at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has announced the initiation of ‘Build for Billions’, a startup accelerator program centred around financial inclusion for the informal economy.
• This innovative program has been launched in partnership with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and Union Bank of India.
• The primary theme of ‘Build for Billions’ is to foster financial inclusion within the informal economy.
• It aims to address livelihood issues for gig workers, migrant workers, domestic workers, street vendors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and construction laborers who represent the informal economy.

Additional Information

• Union Bank of India
• ​Established in - 1919
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - A. Manimekhalai
• RBI Innovation Hub
• ​It has been set up as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013 with an initial capital contribution of Rs 100 crore.
• It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI.
• RBIH aims to create an ecosystem that focuses on promoting access to financial services and products for the low-income population in the country.

savings as well as current account should be treated as dormant if there are no transactions in the account for over a period of two years.

The correct answer is 6.

Key Points

• NASA has conducted 6 manned missions on the moon.
• NASA did a total of six moon landings under its Apollo programme that ran from 1961 to 1972.
• Apollo 11 (Neil Armstrong and Edwin Buzz Aldrin)
• Apollo 12 (Charles Conrad and Alan Bean)
• Apollo 14 (Aland Shepard and Edgar Mitchell)
• Apollo 15 (David Scott and James Irvin)
• Apollo 16 (John Young and Charles Duke)
• Apollo 17 (Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt)

The correct answer is 'Argentina'.

Key Points

• Ministry of Mines, Government of India has achieved a significant milestone with the signing of an agreement between Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) and the state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province of Argentina CATAMARCA MINERA Y ENERGÉTICA SOCIEDAD DEL ESTADO (CAMYEN SE) at Catamarca, Argentina on 15th January, 2024.

The correct answer is All of the Above.

Key Points

• The Reserve Bank of India has allowed participants on the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform to improve access to funds for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• In June 2023, insurance companies were permitted as the “fourth participant” in TReDS, besides MSME sellers, buyers, and financiers.
• The insurance facility is likely to encourage discounting of payables of buyers irrespective of their credit ratings.

Additional Information

• TReDS is an online platform set up to facilitate MSMEs to unlock working capital by converting their receivables into cash.
• TReDS gives capital access to credit-starved small businesses in India.

The correct answer is the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).

In News

• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary Shri S Krishnan launched ERNET India’s newly developed integrated web portal for educational institutes in the country, at its head office.
• The portal will offer domain registration, DNS, and value-added services viz.  Website as a Service (WaaS) and Learning Management as a Service (LMaaS).
• The users can select from the variety of available templates for schools, colleges, and universities as per their requirements and create their website and Learning Management System.
• The user can publish the website and LMS by customizing the template with a single click.
• This web portal has been developed utilizing open-source software and emerging technologies such as AI/ML.
• The ERNET India is a not-for-profit scientific society under MeitY.
• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
• ​It is an executive agency of the Union Government of the Republic of India.

Additional Information

• Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
• ​It is an Indian government ministry.
• It was bifurcated into the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in July 2016.
• Ministry of Science and Technology
• ​It is the Indian government ministry charged with the formulation and administration of the rules regulations and laws relating to science and technology in India.
• Current Minister - Jitendra Singh
• Ministry of Education
• ​It is a ministry of the Government of India, responsible for the implementation of the National Policy on education.

The correct answer is Girish Chandra Murmu.

Key Points

• At an international summit meeting, a Sherpa is a personal envoy of the head of a member nation.
• G20 Sherpas:
• Shaktikanta Das (2018)
• Suresh Prabhu (2019)
• Piyush Goel (2021)
• Amitabh Kant (2023)

The correct answer is 5000.

Key Points

• State Bank of India (SBI) raised 5000 crore through its second Basel III compliant Additional Tier 1 bond issuance for the current financial year at a coupon rate of 8.34%. 
• The tenor of these bonds is perpetual with a call option after 10 years and every anniversary thereafter.
• The Bonds were rated AA+ with a stable outlook by CRISIL and ICRA.

The correct answer is Nagara.

Key Points

• The Ram Temple at Ayodhya will be constructed in Nagara style of architecture and on the lines of North Indian temple architecture.
• The temple will have a height of 161 feet.
• The temple will have five domes instead of two planned earlier.
• Chandrakant Sompura is the chief architect of the Ram Temple.

The correct answer is 60%.

In News

• NPS Rules: PFRDA to allow users to withdraw up to 60 percent pension fund.

Key Points

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is going to make some changes to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) Rules.
• PFRDA has started the implementation process, and the addition of new rules aims to make it easy and beneficial for the employees under these new rules to withdraw money.
• The circulation was issued on October 27, 2023, by the PFRDA to alter Rule 3 and Rule 4 and will start Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal (SLW) for withdrawal of money after the stipulated time.
• These new rules will allow the NPS account holder to withdraw up to 60 percent of the money from the deposited pension fund. Under SLW, the user can withdraw the deposited money on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or even yearly basis till the age of 75 years as per their convenience.
• SLW for NPS will work as a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for mutual fund users.
• This scheme will allow pensioners to continuously receive money.
• This scheme will ensure that the NPS account holder will not be burdened with expenses and will receive a fixed income post-retirement.

Additional Information

• PFRDA
• ​It is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
• Established in 2003.

The Correct Answer is Accenture.

In News

• Accenture, TCS, Infosys rise in brand value among IT firms, Wipro dips.

Key Points

• IT services firms Accenture, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys continued to boost their brand value despite tepid growth environment and the disruption owing to newer technologies.
• The three IT giants topped the charts of IT brands according to the Brand Finance 2024 report.
• Accenture maintained its position as the world's most valuable IT services brand, with a brand value of $40.5 billion increasing by 1.6% from last year.
• Homegrown IT bellwether TCS took the second spot with a 11% rise in its brand value to $19.2 billion.
• In absolute terms, the incremental brand value was the highest among global IT majors at nearly $2 billion, up from$17.2 billion last year.

The correct answer is Singapore. 

In News

• UPI Apps enabled to receive remittances from Singapore via UPI-PayNow linkage.

Key Points

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced a major UPI-PayNow linkage, facilitating real-time remittances from Singapore to India.
• Indians can seamlessly receive funds directly into their bank accounts through popular UPI and bank apps, including SBI, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, BHIM, PhonePe, and Paytm.
• The cross-border linkage between Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore's PayNow ensures instant, secure, and cost-effective remittances, providing a game-changing solution for the Indian diaspora.
• Banks such as Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India are already offering this functionality, with more banks expected to join soon.
• This achievement, resulting from collaboration between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), enhances financial inclusion, convenience, and fosters the growth of India's digital payment ecosystem.

The correct answer is 4.5%

In News

• Indian banks’ NPAs to drop to 3.5%, net interest margin to 2.9% by FY25: S&P Global.

Key Points 

• S & P Global projects a decrease in Indian banks' non-performing assets (NPAs) to 4.5% by the end of Fiscal Year 2023-24 and a further reduction to 3.5% by the end of Fiscal Year 2024-25.
• S&P Global does not anticipate a significant rise in interest rates in the near future.
• Non-performing assets (NPAs) are loan accounts where the principal or interest is due for a period of three months or more.
• S&P Global Ratings' report is titled 'Forewarned is Forearmed' and is part of the Global Banks’ Country-By-Country Outlook 2024.
• The report suggests that slower global growth and external demand may impact economic activity, potentially contributing to inflation.
• Notes that corporate borrowing is gaining momentum, but the uncertain environment may delay capital expenditure-related growth.

Additional Information

• S & P Global
• S & P Global Inc. is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City.
• Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics.

The correct answer is Bangladesh, South Africa.

Key Points

• In the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup, the Netherlands defeated Bangladesh and South Africa.
• The Netherlands defeated Bangladesh by 87 runs.
• It defeated South Africa by 38 runs.
• The 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup was hosted by India.
• Australia was the winner of the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup.

The correct answer is Google Pay.

In News

• Google Pay signs agreement to expand UPI for international payments.

Key Points

• Google Pay and NPCI International Payments signed an agreement to expand the scope of Unified Payments Interface ( UPI) payments outside India.
• It will enable Indian travelers to transact digitally abroad while establishing systems similar to UPI in other countries.
• The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at a time when India was simplifying cross-border digital payments by using UPI’s rails to enable remittances between countries.
• Google Pay: the move will enable foreign merchants to access Indian customers. Such customers will be able to make payments using UPI-powered apps from India without requiring them to rely on foreign currency, credit, or forex cards.
• Google Pay has been a proud and willing collaborator to NPCI and the financial ecosystem, under the regulator’s guidance, and this collaboration is another step toward our commitment to making payments simple, safe and convenient
• Google Pay
• It is a mobile payment service developed by Google to power in-app online and in-person contactless purchases on mobile devices, enabling users to make payments with Android phones, tablets, or watches.
• Users can authenticate via a PIN, passcode, or biometrics such as 3D face scanning or fingerprint recognition.

Additional Information

• PhonePe
• ​It is an Indian digital payment and financial services company.
• HQ - Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Paytm
• ​It is an Indian multinational financial technology company, that specializes in digital payments and financial services.
• HQ - Noida
• MobiKwik
• ​It is an Indian payment service provider founded in 2009.
• Customers can add money to an online wallet that can be used for payments.
• BharatPe
• ​It is an Indian fintech company that sells digital payment and financial services to small merchants and Grocery stores.

The correct answer is 75.

In News

• PM Modi releases the first instalment of PM-JANMAN to 1 lakh beneficiaries.

Key Points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first instalment of the rural housing scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to one lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) via video conferencing.
• Releasing the first instalment of ₹540 crore, the prime minister announced that the 10 years of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government have been dedicated to the welfare of the poor.
• The last decade saw the budget for welfare schemes dedicated to Scheduled Tribes increase by five times and scholarships for tribal students grew by two-and-a-half times.
• Work is underway to construct more than 500 Eklavya model schools for tribal students as compared to 90 earlier.
• The PM-JANMAN, with a budget of approximately ₹24,000 crore, focuses on 11 critical interventions through nine ministries and is aimed at improving socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing them with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Additional Information

• PM-JANMAN scheme
• Launched in 2023
• Total outlay - Rs 24,104 crore (Central Share- Rs 15,336 crore and State Share- Rs 8,768 crore)
• Focus area - 11 important areas of critical interventions across 9 line Ministries.

The correct answer is option 1

In News

• The Hindu: After a viral video, IT Ministry issues warning to social media sites on deepfakes.

Key PointsDeepfakes:

• Deepfakes are synthetic media that have been digitally manipulated to replace one person's likeness convincingly with that of another.
• They are created by using deep learning, a branch of artificial intelligence that involves training neural networks with large amounts of data to perform tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and computer vision.
• Deepfakes can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, satire, political propaganda, misinformation, identity theft, and cybercrime.
• For example, deepfakes can be used to create realistic videos of celebrities, politicians, or other public figures saying or doing things that they never did or said.
• They can also be used to generate fake voices, faces, or body movements for actors, singers, or impersonators.
• Deepfake technology involves the use of advanced information technology tools, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), face detection and alignment algorithms, and video editing software.
• GANs are a type of neural network that consist of two competing models: a generator and a discriminator.
• The generator tries to create fake images or videos that look real, while the discriminator tries to distinguish between real and fake ones. The generator and the discriminator learn from each other and improve their performance over time.
• Hence statement 4 is correct
• Deepfakes are not traditional media that are edited solely by professional artists, as they require sophisticated artificial intelligence techniques and large amounts of data to produce realistic results. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• They are also not naturally occurring geological formations, as they are artificially created by humans using digital tools.Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• They are not basic information technology tools that enhance the quality of pixelated images, as they involve creating new content that may not match the original source.Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• Therefore the correct answer is option 4.

The correct answer is 9th.

In News

• Farsi is one of India's nine classical languages: S Jaishankar.

Key Points

• In a significant move to deepen cultural ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the Government of India has decided to include Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy.
• This recognition reflects a commitment to fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Farsi's rich heritage within the Indian educational framework.
• Tamil was the first language in India to be accorded classical language status in 2004. Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia are the other languages that have been declared classical languages in India by the central government.
• In addition to these classical languages Pali, Persian, Telugu and Prakrit; and their works of literature too must be preserved for their richness and for the pleasure and enrichment of posterity

Additional Information

• New Education Policy
• It was started by the Union Cabinet of India on 29 July 2020 and outlines the vision of the new education system of India.
• The policy aims to transform India's education system by 2030.
• It aims to increase state expenditure on education from around 3% to 6% of the GDP as soon as possible

The correct answer is REC Limited.

In News

• REC wins Best Green Bond

Key Points

• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC has been bestowed with the prestigious Best Green Bond - Corporate Award at The Asset Triple A Awards for Sustainable Finance 2024.
• REC received the award for the issuance of USD 750 million Green Bonds in April 2023 which was also the first USD Green Bond issuance from India post India’s assumption of G20 Presidency and the largest ever Senior Green Bond Tranche by a South or Southeast Asian issuer.
• The bond issue was priced at a minimum new issue premium of 7.5 bps, which was tighter than the most recent high-rated issuances from the region.
• The issue was well received by the investors and demonstrates REC’s significant contribution to financing projects aimed at mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Additional Information

• REC Limited
• REC is a 'Maharatna' Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and is registered with RBI as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).
• Asset Triple A Awards
• ​The Asset Triple A Awards are a pre-eminent recognition for those organizations that have excelled in their respective industry.
• With over two decades of experience conducting awards programmes, The Asset Triple A Awards reflect unparalleled industry understanding to be able to distinguish best-in-class organizations.
• The Asset Triple A Awards programmes are built upon a stringent methodology that is combined with a rigorous approach in selecting the best institutions and deals.
• The awards are adjudicated by The Asset’s board of editors who are regarded as the most experienced and collectively have several decades’ worth of evaluating industry awards.

The correct answer is ₹3,00,000.

Key Points

• A microfinance loan is defined as a collateral-free loan given to a household having annual household income up to ₹3,00,000.
• According to the RBI, all collateral-free loans, irrespective of end use and mode of application/ processing/ disbursal (either through physical or digital channels), provided to low-income households, i.e., households having annual income up to ₹3,00,000, shall be considered as microfinance loans.
• To ensure the collateral-free nature of the microfinance loan, the loan is not linked with a lien on the deposit account of the borrower.

The Correct Answer is UDGAM.

In News

• RBI unveils UDGAM portal to track unclaimed deposits.

Key Points

• The Reserve Bank of India has launched a centralised web portal called UDGAM to help track unclaimed deposits across multiple banks.
• UDGAM stands for 'Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation.'
• The portal has been developed by Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd.c
• Users can access the details of their unclaimed deposits in seven banks presently available on the portal.

The correct answer is All of the Above.

In News

• Mint: Maharashtra Pench Tiger Reserve becomes India's first Dark Sky Park. All you need to know.

Key PointsDark Sky Park:

• An International Dark-Sky Park (IDSP) is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment, that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and/or cultural heritage resource, and/or for public enjoyment. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• A dark-sky preserve is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory, that restricts artificial light pollution. The purpose of the dark-sky movement is generally to promote astronomy.
• Achieving Dark Sky Park accreditation takes years of careful monitoring of the darkness of the night sky, in all seasons, all phases of the moon, and all weather conditions.
• The International Dark-Sky Association works to protect the night skies for present and future generations.
• The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India's first Dark Sky Park and the fifth such park in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, led by the International Astronomical Union, has recommended the establishment of 'Dark Sky Oases' by national and local governments.
• Dark Sky Place certification focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and monitoring the night sky.  Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Additional InformationPench Tiger Reserve or Pench National Park:

• Pench Tiger Reserve or Pench National Park is one of the premier tiger reserves of India and the first one to straddle across two states - Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• The fictional works of Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book, and The Second Jungle Book, are set in the region. Kipling himself never visited the area, instead basing his descriptions on other locations in India.
• It is named after the Pench River, which flows from north to south through the Reserve.
• Vegetation: The undulating topography supports a mosaic of vegetation ranging from a moist sheltered valley to an open, dry deciduous forest.
• Flora: The reserve boasts a diverse range of flora, including teak, saag, mahua, and various grasses and shrubs.
• Fauna:
• The area is especially famous for large herds of Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur (Indian Bison), and wild boar.
• The key predator is the tiger, followed by leopards, wild dogs, and wolves.
• There are over 325 species of resident and migratory birds, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, White Eyed Buzzard, etc.

The correct answer is 2,800 crore.

In News

• Defence ministry approves Rs 2,800 crore rockets for Pinaka weapon system.

Key Points

• In a major boost for the Indian Army, the defence ministry has approved a Rs 2,800 crore proposal for buying around 6,400 rockets for Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems.
• MoD's Defence Acquisition Council approved the proposal for the acquisition of 2 variants of these rockets, known as Area Denial Munition Type 2 and Type 3.
• The Indian Army will only purchase the rockets from domestic suppliers and the 2 main contenders are Munitions India Limited and Econoic Explosives Limited of Solar Industries.
• It is named after the bow of the Hindu deity Shiva; the Indian-made Pinaka weapon system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.
• It stands as a battle-proven all-weather artillery weapon system, strategically designed for indirect area fire.

Additional Information

• The Pinaka system is one of the first few military technologies to be exported from India to foreign countries like Armenia.
• The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s as an alternative to the Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher systems of Russian make called the ‘Grad’, which are still in use by some regiments.

The correct answer is 2030-31.

In News

• The Union Cabinet on 19 April, 2023 approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).

Key Points

• This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
• The new mission targets developing intermediate scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
• Satellite based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometres within India, long distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum network with quantum memories are also some of the deliverables of the Mission.
• The mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications and navigation.

Additional Information

• NQM will also support design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures and topological materials for fabrication of quantum devices.
• Single photon sources/detectors, entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing and metrological applications.
• Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains - Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
• The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.

The correct answer is Ganviz Enterprises.

In News

• Federal Bank's arm Fedfina, IREDA gets the nod from Sebi to float IPOs.

Key Points

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India has given approval to four companies viz. Fredbank Financial Services Limited, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), EPACK Durable, and Suraj Estate Developers to raise funds through initial public offerings.
• These companies filed preliminary IPO papers with SEBI between July and September 2023.
• The equity shares of these companies will be listed on the BSE and NSE.
• Ganviz Enterprises
• ​Established in the year 2005
• It is a service provider of airconditioner ductable repair service, air conditioner repairing service & refrigerator repair service in Pondicherry.

Additional Information

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
• ​Established in 1987
• HQ - New Delhi
• CMD - Pradip Kumar Das
• Fedbank Financial Services Limited
• ​Established in 1995
• HQ - Mumbai
• CEO - Anil Kuthori
• Suraj Estate Developers
• ​Established in - 1986
• HQ - Mumbai
• CMD - Rajan Meenathakonil Thomas

The correct answer is South Indian Bank.

In News

• South Indian Bank gets the Best Technology Bank of the Year award.

Key Points

• South Indian Bank has been honored with the title of Best Technology Bank of the Year Award at the 19th IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo, & Citations.
• The bank’s outstanding performance was recognized with a total of six prestigious awards. In three categories, the bank emerged as the winner, secured the runner-up position in one, and received special mentions in two others.
• The awards were presented to PR Seshadri, MD & CEO of South Indian Bank, by T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in Mumbai.
• The IBA Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations has been an annual event since its inception in 2005.
• IBA Annual Banking Awards Instituted by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), it recognizes organizations that have brought transformational changes in their businesses by adopting modern digital solutions.
• South Indian Bank excelled across various categories, including winner in Best Technology Bank of the Year; winner in Best Tech Talent and Organisation; winner in Best IT Risk and Management.

Additional Information

• South Indian Bank
• ​Established in - 1929
• HQ - Thrissur
• CEO - PR Seshadri
• City Union Bank
• ​Established in - 1904
• HQ - Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
• CEO - Dr. N. Kamakodi
• Indian Bank​
• Established in - 1907
• HQ - Chennai
• CEO - Shanti Lal Jain
• State Bank of India
• ​Established in - 1955
• HQ - Mumbai
• Chairman - Dinesh Kumar Khara
• Punjab National Bank
• ​Established in 1894
• HQ - New Delhi
• CEO - Atul Kumar Goel

The correct answer is USD 2,50,000.

Key Points

• ​Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, all resident individuals, including minors, are allowed to freely remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.
• Further, resident individuals can avail of foreign exchange facilities for the purposes mentioned in Para 1 of Schedule III of FEM (CAT) Amendment Rules 2015, dated May 26, 2015, within the limit of USD 2,50,000 only.
• The Scheme was introduced on February 4, 2004, with a limit of USD 25,000.
• The LRS limit has been revised in stages consistent with prevailing macro and micro economic conditions.

• An E-Way Bill needs to be generated in case of inter-state shipping of goods under the GST regime.
• It is basically an electronic permit for such transactions.
• An e-way bill needs to be generated if the distance of travel is more than 10 kilometres or the value of the consignment exceeds Rs. 50000 or both.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (G):
• Looking ahead, there is a foreseeable future where artificial intelligence dominates disease diagnosis, and even routine medical procedures rely heavily on complex gadgets, fundamentally ________ (G) the landscape of healthcare delivery.
• This sentence suggests a future where AI transforms healthcare, altering how medical services are delivered.
• Blank (G) should be filled with a blank that indicates a significant transformation or alteration of the healthcare delivery system.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (G):
• I. Obfuscating - making something unclear, confusing, or hard to understand, often intentionally (अस्पष्ट करना)
• For Example -
• The politician's speech was filled with obfuscating language, leaving the audience unsure of his true intentions.
• II. Reshaping - altering the form or structure of something to create a new or different shape or appearance (पुनर्रचना)
• For Example -
• The architect proposed reshaping the building's design to make it more environmentally sustainable.
• III. Transforming - making a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of something (परिवर्तित)
• For Example -
• The company underwent a transforming rebranding process, completely changing its image in the market.
• So, given the context, the most appropriate words to fill in the blank labelled as (G) are "reshaping" and "transforming." The sentence discusses how artificial intelligence and complex gadgets are fundamentally altering the landscape of healthcare delivery, implying a significant change or transformation.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Both ll and lll."
• The complete sentence would be: "Looking ahead, there is a foreseeable future where artificial intelligence dominates disease diagnosis, and even routine medical procedures rely heavily on complex gadgets, fundamentally reshaping/transforming the landscape of healthcare delivery."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (F):
• In essence, just as internet-based maps have replaced our ability to navigate unfamiliar places, technology is gradually ________ (F) traditional medical practices.
• This sentence implies that technology is gradually replacing traditional medical practices, similar to how internet maps have replaced navigation skills.
• Blank (F) should be filled with a word that indicates the gradual replacement or displacement of traditional medical practices by technology.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (F):
• l. Replacing - to take the place of (someone or something) by force, scheming, strategy, or the like (प्रतिस्थापित करना)
• For Example -
• The company is replacing its old machinery with state-of-the-art equipment for better efficiency.
• ll. Supplanting - to supersede or replace (another thing) by force, scheming, strategy, or the like (विलय करना)
• For Example -
• The innovative technology is supplanting traditional methods of manufacturing, leading to increased efficiency.
• lll. Displacing - to take over the place, position, or role of; supplant (बदल देना)
• For Example -
• The construction of the new highway is displacing several families from their homes, sparking protests from the local community.
• So, given the context, all three words "replacing," "supplanting," and "displacing" are suitable to fill in the blank labelled as (F). The sentence discusses how technology is gradually taking the place of traditional medical practices, which can be described by any of these words.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All l, ll, and lll."
• The complete sentence would be: "In essence, just as internet-based maps have replaced our ability to navigate unfamiliar places, technology is gradually replacing/supplanting/displacing traditional medical practices."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (E):
• Similarly, technological advancements have ________ (E) surgical practice, introducing gadgets like computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgeries.
• This sentence discusses how technological advancements have transformed surgical procedures, with the introduction of tools like computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgeries.
• Blank (E) should be filled with a word that indicates how technological advancements have deeply penetrated or spread throughout surgical practice.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (E):
• l. Facilitated - made easy or easier (सुगम बनाना)
• For Example -
• The new software greatly facilitated the process of data analysis, saving us a lot of time and effort.
• ll. Impeded - obstructed or hindered (रोकना)
• For Example -
• Heavy traffic impeded our progress, causing us to arrive late for the meeting.
• lll. Permeated - spread throughout; pervaded (प्रचुर)
• For Example -
• The aroma of freshly baked bread permeated the entire house, making everyone hungry.
• So, given the context, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank labelled as (E) is "Facilitated." The sentence discusses how technological advancements have spread throughout surgical practice, introducing gadgets like computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgeries. This use of the word "Facilitated" accurately reflects the widespread integration of technology into surgical procedures.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Only l."
• The complete sentence would be: "Similarly, technological advancements have facilitated surgical practice, introducing gadgets like computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgeries."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (D):
• However, this increasing ________ (D) on technology has led to a gradual decline in clinical diagnostic skills among healthcare professionals.
• This sentence highlights how relying too much on technology is causing healthcare workers to lose their diagnostic abilities.
• Blank (D) should be filled with a word that indicates a heavy dependence or trust placed on technology.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (D):
• l. Reliance - the state of depending on someone or something; trust or confidence placed in someone or something (आश्रिति)
• For Example -
• The company's success was built on the reliance of its customers on its high-quality products.
• ll. Proficiency - the ability to do something well; skillfulness or expertise in a particular area (कुशलता)
• For Example -
• His proficiency in multiple programming languages made him a valuable asset to the software development team.
• lll. Dependence - the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or guidance (निर्भरता)
• For Example -
• The country's dependence on imported oil made it vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market.
• So, given the context, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank labelled as (D) is "reliance" and "dependence." The sentence discusses how the increasing use of technology has led to a gradual decline in clinical diagnostic skills among healthcare professionals, indicating a heavy reliance or dependence on technology.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Both l and lll."
• The complete sentence would be: "However, this increasing reliance/dependence on technology has led to a gradual decline in clinical diagnostic skills among healthcare professionals."

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (C):
• The ease of access and affordability of these diagnostic gadgets have further ________ (C) their widespread usage, even in remote areas.
• This sentence highlights how readily available and cheap diagnostic tools increase their use, even in distant regions.
• Blank (C) should be filled with a word that indicates that the availability and affordability of diagnostic gadgets have driven their widespread usage.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (C):
• l. Propelled - to drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction (प्रेरित)
• For Example -
• The successful completion of the project propelled her career forward, leading to new opportunities.
• ll. Hindered - create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction (रोकना)
• For Example -
• The heavy traffic hindered their journey, causing them to arrive late for the meeting.
• lll. Mitigated - make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful (कम करना)
• For Example -
• The timely intervention of the medical team mitigated the patient's suffering and improved their condition.
• So, given the context, the most appropriate word to fill in the blank labelled as (C) is "propelled." The sentence indicates that the ease of access and affordability of diagnostic gadgets have further increased or boosted their widespread usage, even in remote areas. Thus, "propelled" is the suitable choice for the blank.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Only l."
• The complete sentence would be: "The ease of access and affordability of these diagnostic gadgets have further propelled their widespread usage, even in remote areas."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (B):
• These tools have simplified the process of diagnosis, making it more ________ (B) for doctors to rely on them rather than extensively engaging in history-taking and clinical examination.
• This sentence reflects on doctors increasingly relying on diagnostic tools over traditional methods like history-taking and clinical examination.
• Blank (B) should be filled with a word that indicates that the tools make the process easier or more efficient for doctors.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (B):
• l. Expedient - suitable for achieving a particular purpose in a given circumstance, often concerning practicality or self-interest rather than moral considerations (उपायक)
• For Example -
• Choosing the expedient option of postponing the meeting helped the team allocate more time to prepare adequately.
• ll. Convenient - fitting in well with a person's needs, activities, and plans; easily accessible or usable (सुविधाजनक)
• For Example -
• Living close to public transportation makes it convenient for commuters to travel to work without relying on a car.
• lll. Efficient - achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense; proficient in performance (कुशल)
• For Example -
• The new software streamlined the company's processes, making them more efficient and reducing overall operating costs.
• So, given the context, all the given words "expedient," "convenient, and "efficient" can fill in the blank (B). The sentence is discussing how these diagnostic tools have simplified the diagnosis process for doctors, making it easier for them to rely on the tools rather than conducting extensive history-taking and clinical examination. Thus, any of the three given words can appropriately convey the idea of making the process more streamlined and less labour-intensive.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All l, ll, and lll."
• The complete sentence would be: "These tools have simplified the process of diagnosis, making it more expedient/convenient/efficient for doctors to rely on them rather than extensively engaging in history-taking and clinical examination."

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (A):
• With advancements in technology, the medical industry has ________ (A) a surge in diagnostic gadgets, ranging from X-ray examinations to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• This sentence discusses the increase in diagnostic tools in medicine due to technological advancements, such as X-rays and MRIs.
• Blank (A) should be filled with a word indicating observation or experiencing an increase or proliferation of diagnostic gadgets in the medical industry.
• Now, let's understand the meanings of the words given in the question to fill in the blank (A):
• l. Augmented - increased or intensified in value, number, strength, or extent (बढ़ाया गया)
• For Example -
• The company augmented its workforce by hiring additional staff to meet the increased demand for its products.
• ll. Encountered - come across or experience (something or someone) unexpectedly or by chance (सामना करना)
• For Example -
• During their expedition, they encountered several rare species of birds they had never seen before.
• lll. Witnessed - see (an event, typically a crime or accident) take place (देखा)
• For Example -
• The security camera footage witnessed the theft that occurred in the parking lot last night.
• So, given the context, both words "encountered" and "witnessed" can fill in the blank labelled as (A). The sentence discusses the observation or experience of a surge in diagnostic gadgets in the medical industry due to technological advancements, making both "encountered" and "witnessed" suitable choices.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Both ll and lll."
• The complete sentence would be: "With advancements in technology, the medical industry has encountered/witnessed a surge in diagnostic gadgets, ranging from X-ray examinations to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• The correct phrase is "it rains tomorrow."
• The underlined phrase "it be raining tomorrow" is erroneous. This is a first conditional sentence and in such sentences, the correct structure requires the use of the present simple tense to express a possible future event, making "it rains tomorrow" grammatically accurate.
• Sentence structure of the first conditional sentence:
• If + present simple, will + infinitive 
• For Example:
• If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.
• If you call me, I will come to pick you up.
• If they don't hurry, they will miss the train.
• The correct sentence after phrase replacement would be: "If it rains tomorrow, we will postpone the outdoor event to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants."

Additional Information

Let's understand different types of conditional sentences:

• The Zero Conditional - General truth
• Sentence structure - If + present simple, present simple 
• For Example -
• If I get a cup of coffee in the morning, I feel energetic all day.
• The First Conditional - Future event
• Sentence structure - If + present simple, will + infinitive 
• For Example -
• If I have a test tomorrow, you will study all night.
• The Second Conditional - Hypothetical outcome
• Sentence structure - If + past simple, would + infinitive 
• For Example -
• If I had a million dollars, I would buy an island.
• The Third Conditional - Hypothetical outcome
• Sentence structure - if + past perfect, would + have + past participle 
• For Example -
• I wouldn't have gotten sick if I had taken my medicine on time.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• The correct phrase is "she might have aced it."
• The phrase given in bold, "she might had aced it," is grammatically incorrect because it violates the structure of a type third conditional sentence.
• In third conditionals, the helping verb that is used is "have," not "had." The correct usage adheres to the past perfect modal form, indicating a possibility that did not happen in the past.
• The correct sentence after the phrase replacement would be: "If she had studied harder for the exam, she might have aced it and earned a scholarship to the university."

Additional Information

Let's understand different types of conditional sentences:

• The Zero Conditional - General truth
• Sentence structure - If + present simple, present simple 
• For Example -
• If I get a cup of coffee in the morning, I feel energetic all day.
• The First Conditional - Future event
• Sentence structure - If + present simple, will + infinitive 
• For Example -
• If I have a test tomorrow, you will study all night.
• The Second Conditional - Hypothetical outcome
• Sentence structure - If + past simple, would + infinitive 
• For Example -
• If I had a million dollars, I would buy an island.
• The Third Conditional - Hypothetical outcome
• Sentence structure - If + past perfect, would + have + past participle 
• For Example -
• I wouldn't have gotten sick if I had taken my medicine on time.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points  

The underlined phrase ' will broken your' is incorrect. 

• The given sentence is a conditional sentence.
• The condition in this sentence is possible to fulfil.
• There is an error in the first part of the sentence.
• "If you suspect that 21st-century technology will broken your brain" this sentence is an if-clause of the sentence.
• The If-clause of the given sentence is in the present tense hence the use of 'will broken your' is incorrect.
• It should be replaced by 'has broken your' to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• '21st-century technology' is singular hence singular verb will be used.
• Correct Sentence :
• If you suspect that 21st-century technology has broken your brain, it will be reassuring to know that attention spans have never been what they used to be.

Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The passage is about the dangers of occupational hazards and the importance of safety at the workplace.
• The first sentence would be Q as it introduces the central theme of the passage which is 'occupational injuries and illnesses'. We are told that such injuries and illnesses can lead to major crises for the affected families.
• The next sentence would be P as it elaborates on the kinds of problems faced by affected families.
• Sentence S would be next as it tells us how added time demands on uninjured family members (mentioned in P) can be a problem.
• The last sentence would be R. Having listed the troubles faced by families of the affected workers, we are now told how the businesses also suffer great losses. Sentence R concludes by mentioning that keeping both families and businesses in mind, companies must lay stress on workplace safety.
• Therefore, the correct order is QPSR.

The correct answer is option 1, i.e. DACB.

Key Points

• Among the given set of sentences, ‘D’ is the starting sentence as it introduces a central idea about the discovery of 5,000-year-old cow skull by the French archaeologists. ‘A’ further continues the same idea where ‘the team’ refers to the team of ‘the French archaeologists’. ‘CB’ is a mandatory pair and should be used in the same order as ‘B’ logically completes ‘C’.
• Thus, making the order of the rearranged sentence as DACB making option 1 as the correct answer.
• Hence, the passage can be correctly written as, French archaeologists have uncovered a 5,000-year-old cow skull, claiming it as the earliest evidence of surgical experimentation on an animal. The team based their claims on finding similar holes in two human skulls in France from the same period. They were however unsure whether the surgery was performed to practice before being done on humans or save the cow's life.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The word "right" in sentence A is used correctly, meaning morally good, justified, or acceptable.
• In sentence B, "rights" is used incorrectly when the context implies that the word should be "writes," referring to the act of composing text for publications.
• Sentence C incorrectly uses "right" where the context suggests that it should be "ride," referring to the experience or feel of riding in a vehicle.
• Understanding the appropriate use of "right" in various contexts is crucial. In sentence A, it is about ethical correctness; however, sentences B and C misuse the word in contexts that require different words with distinct meanings ("writes" for authoring and "ride" for the experience).

Therefore, the correct answer is Both B and C.

Additional Information

• Sentence A correctly uses "right" in a moral or ethical context, discussing the appropriateness of fox hunting.
• Sentence B's mistake is a grammatical one, confusing "right" with "writes," indicating an error in verb choice rather than the concept of being morally or legally correct.
• Sentence C's error stems from using "right" in place of "ride," which alters the intended meaning about the vehicle's suspension system, demonstrating how critical correct word choice is to conveying accurate information.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• "Fail" primarily means to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal or to fall short of passing a test or assignment.
• Sentence A incorrectly uses "fail" in a context where "fall" is the appropriate term, referring to dropping or coming down from a higher position. The correct phrasing should involve a subject falling from a bicycle, not "fail."
• Sentence B uses "failing" correctly in the context of describing masonry that is falling or collapsing, which is a permissible figurative use of the word related to physical failure.
• Sentence C correctly uses "fail" in a metaphorical sense, implying that it would be hard to be unsuccessful at receiving a massage, given its straightforward nature.

Therefore, the correct answer is Only A.

Additional Information

• Sentence A's incorrect use of "fail" instead of "fall" shows the importance of choosing the right verb for the intended action or outcome.
• Sentence B's use aligns with the concept of failure as a form of breakdown or collapse, applying the meaning of the word beyond its common usage in tests or tasks.
• Sentence C's application demonstrates how "fail" can be used broadly to describe underperformance or inability to meet expectations in virtually any scenario, including those where success seems guaranteed.

The correct answer is 'Whatever the reason, economic growth did not rebound until productivity perked up'.

Key Points

• The given paragraph emphasizes that only by using all the resources like labour, capital, work, etc. more effectively will growth be attained. Overall, the passage discusses increasing productivity in order to achieve growth.
• The word 'rebound' means 'to recover or increase in amount or value' and the phrase 'perk up' means 'to improve'.
• The sentence to be replaced requires a more precise connection between productivity improvements and economic growth, addressing the original context of how these improvements fuel an economic rebound.
• Sentence 3 fits correctly in the paragraph, as it means that economic growth did not improve until productivity increased.
• Therefore, from the given explanation, option 3 is the correct answer.
  

Complete Paragraph: Work smarter, not harder: It is one of the more irritating things a book can tell you. However, its relevance becomes undeniable when considering the mechanisms of economic rebound at the macroeconomic level. Growth can stem from increasing labour input (either by recruiting more workers or by making existing employees work longer hours), adding more capital, or enhancing the efficiency with which that labour and capital are utilized—referred to as total factor productivity (TFP). Such improvements might be driven by groundbreaking innovations similar to those made by Thomas Edison. However, the connection between technological advancements and immediate economic recovery is not always clear-cut, as the impact on productivity can vary significantly.

Additional Information

• Option 1, "This shows that at the global level, total factor productivity fell last year, was flat the two years before, and has barely budged since 2007," provides a fact about global total factor productivity but does not suitably replace the highlighted part by emphasizing the relationship between technology, productivity, and economic recovery.
• Option 2, "It could also come from the less-heralded but equally important improvements such as the adoption of the moving conveyor belt to speed up assembly work," presents an example of productivity improvement but doesn't directly address the impact of productivity on economic growth in the context needed.
• Option 4, "A recovery has been underway for a while," is too vague and does not specifically address how productivity improvements lead to economic recovery, nor does it replace the nuanced discussion of technology's role in that improvement.
• Option 5, "No improvement required," is not applicable because the question explicitly asks for a replacement that better fits the context and improves upon the given sentence's ambiguity regarding technology's economic benefits.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The emboldened sentence talks about the difficulty of breaking the vicious cycle despite necessary actions being taken. It generally alludes to the broader issues without specifying the nature of these efforts or their outcomes.
• The correct replacement sentence, "Italy's fragmented banking industry is consolidating," directly addresses an underlying issue within the paragraph and ties the preceding and succeeding sentences together more cohesively. It specifically highlights an ongoing process of consolidation in the banking industry, which acts as a solution or a step forward in addressing the broader issue hinted at in the emboldened sentence.
• The consolidation of the banking industry is relevant to the context provided by the paragraph, which discusses the resolution of banks, mergers, and financial strategies to address capital gaps. It points towards a systematic change that could impact the vicious cycle mentioned.
• By choosing "Italy's fragmented banking industry is consolidating" as the replacement, it emphasizes a positive trend contrary to the challenges presented, thereby adding a more optimistic outlook on the situation and making it an effective improvement over the original sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is ‘Italy's fragmented banking industry is consolidating’.

Complete Paragraph: Italy's fragmented banking industry is consolidating. The resolution in November 2015 of four tiny banks, in which bondholders were bailed in, caused an uproar. Now UBI Banca, the fifth-largest lender, hopes to buy three of the four "good" residual banks for €1. A merger finalised on January 1st created Banca BPM, now Italy's third largest bank.  Another is on the horizon, of two Venetian banks. Analysts at Credit Service suggest that the government's €20 billion funds should suffice to plug any remaining capital gaps. All this is necessary but not sufficient.

Additional Information

• "Carved, a ratings agency, predict that by 2018, bad loans will always be back to their pre-crisis level-although" does not fit as it introduces an unrelated future prediction that does not directly address or replace the idea of a challenging cycle being hard to break. It also introduces a temporal inconsistency with the rest of the paragraph.
• “The finance minister says, the banking system is turning a page and he is yet to be proved right.” While it speaks to an optimistic future and change within the banking system, it focuses more on a statement by an individual and lacks the specific informational value that directly ties to the banking consolidation process described in the paragraph.
• "No improvement required" is not the suitable option because the original sentence can be made more specific and relevant to the paragraph's content by replacing it with a sentence that highlights a significant aspect of the discussed issue.
• "All the given options fit." is incorrect as only one of the options offered appropriately and directly improves upon the original sentence's vague reference to necessity and sufficiency by providing a specific ongoing action in the banking industry.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, refer to the second paragraph of the passage for information about the primary objective of the young man's introduction of millet cultivation to his village:
• "His first endeavour is to introduce millet cultivation to the village, believing it to be a revolutionary addition to their traditional farming practices. With unwavering dedication, he imparts his knowledge to his fellow villagers, guiding them in the art of cultivating this new crop and implementing advanced farming methods."
• This part of the passage states that the young man believes introducing millet cultivation to the village will be a revolutionary addition to their traditional farming practices. He aims to share modern farming techniques and implement advanced methods, leading to bountiful harvests and transforming the fabric of the community.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "revolutionize traditional farming practices with modern techniques."

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence with the blank:

"In the bustling city, ____________________, there exists a young man who spends his days immersed in the corporate world."

• This sentence describes a young man living in a busy urban area, where he is fully engaged in corporate life.
• The blank should be filled with a phrase that describes the atmosphere or condition of the bustling city.
• Now, let's review the options:
• Option 1: "amidst the chaos and commotion"
• This option accurately describes the bustling and noisy atmosphere of a city, indicating that there is a lot of activity and noise in the surroundings. Thus, this phrase is suitable for filling in the blank.
• Option 2: "in the heart of the wilderness"
• This option suggests a remote and natural environment, which does not apply to the bustling city described in the passage. Thus, this option is incorrect.
• Option 3: "within the tranquil countryside"
• This option implies a peaceful and rural setting, which contrasts with the bustling city environment. Thus, this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: "amidst the silence of solitude"
• This option suggests a quiet and solitary environment, which is not characteristic of a bustling city. Thus, this option is incorrect.
• Option 5: "enveloped by the tranquillity of nature"
• This option implies a serene and calm natural environment, which does not apply to the bustling city described in the passage. Thus, this option is incorrect.
• So, option 1 (amidst the chaos and commotion) is the correct answer as it accurately describes the bustling city where the young man spends his days immersed in the corporate world.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "amidst the chaos and commotion."

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• To answer this question, refer to the information provided in the first paragraph of the passage about the reason behind the young man's decision to leave the corporate world and return to his ancestral village:
• "In the bustling city, ____________________, there exists a young man who spends his days immersed in the corporate world. Yet, amid the cacophony of urban life, his thoughts often wander back to his tranquil village, where generations of his family have toiled the land as farmers. It is there, amidst the serene fields and rustic simplicity, that he dreams of returning one day to embrace his roots and cultivate the earth. Driven by this deep-seated desire, he formulates a plan: to devote his life to farming once his urban obligations are fulfilled. With determination blazing in his heart, he bids farewell to the corporate world and embarks on a journey back to his ancestral village."
• The passage mentions that the young man's thoughts often wander back to his tranquil village, where he dreams of returning one day to embrace his roots and cultivate the earth. He longs for the tranquillity and simplicity of rural life amidst the bustling city. So, the main reason behind the young man's decision to leave the corporate world and return to his ancestral village is that he longed for the tranquillity and simplicity of rural life.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "He longed for the tranquillity and simplicity of rural life."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's break down the sentences given in the question:
• Sentence A - "The young man's decision to return to his ancestral village was met with scepticism and resistance from the villagers."
• This sentence cannot be inferred from the passage. There is no mention of scepticism or resistance from the villagers towards the young man's decision to return to his ancestral village.
• Sentence B - "The young man's initiative in introducing millet cultivation led to increased crop yields and community cohesion."
• This sentence can be inferred from the passage. The passage discusses how the young man introduced millet cultivation to the village, which resulted in increased crop yields and community cohesion.
• Sentence C - "The young man's commitment inspired collective gatherings, sharing wisdom and strengthening bonds, ultimately leading to a sustainable and vibrant future."
• This sentence can also be inferred from the passage. The passage describes how the young man's commitment inspired collective gatherings among the villagers, where wisdom was shared and bonds were strengthened, leading to a sustainable and vibrant future.
• So, out of the three sentences given in the question, both sentences B and C can be inferred from the passage, while sentence A can not be inferred from the passage.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Both B and C."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, first, let's understand the meaning of the highlighted phrase:
• The phrase "rolling up his sleeves" is an idiom that means to prepare oneself for hard work or to get ready to tackle a difficult task.
• For Example:
• Before starting the construction project, the workers rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
• I need to roll up my sleeves and get this project done as soon as possible.
• In the context of the passage, the phrase "rolling up his sleeves" is used to depict the young man's readiness to engage in hard work and dedication as he returns to his ancestral village to pursue farming. It suggests his willingness to put in the necessary effort and commitment to cultivate the land and implement modern farming techniques.
• By rolling up his sleeves, the young man symbolically embraces the physical labour and challenges associated with farming, indicating his preparedness to immerse himself fully in the agricultural tasks ahead.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "The young man prepares himself for hard work."

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, refer to the following line from the third paragraph of the passage:
• "As he looks out upon the thriving fields and the smiling faces of his fellow villagers, the boy realizes that he has not only fulfilled his own dreams but has also ignited a spark of change that will endure for generations to come."
• From this part of the passage, it is evident that the young man realizes the enduring impact of his vision and dedication as he observes the changes in the village. He understands that his efforts have created a lasting positive effect that will benefit future generations.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "He recognizes the enduring impact of his vision and dedication."

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• To answer this question,  refer to the following lines from the second and third paragraphs of the passage:
• "But it is not just the crops that flourish under the boy's guidance; the fabric of the community itself transforms. Through his initiative, he fosters a sense of unity among the villagers, encouraging them to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs."
• From this part of the passage, it is evident that the young man contributed to fostering unity among the villagers by arranging communal gatherings and facilitating discussions. These gatherings allowed the villagers to come together, bond, and share their experiences, which ultimately strengthened their resolve and resilience as a community.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "arranging communal gatherings and facilitating discussions."

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's have a look at all the given sentences in the question:
• Sentence A - In today's age, there's stubble peer pressure among seniors as they witness their peers sharing ambitions to join new assignments or pursue advanced degrees in retirement, redefining traditional retirement concepts.
• The given sentence is grammatically incorrect due to the use of "stubble" instead of "subtle." "Stubble" refers to facial hair, while "subtle" is the appropriate term to convey the intended meaning of discreet or slight peer pressure among seniors.
• The correct sentence would be: In today's age, there's subtle peer pressure among seniors as they witness their peers sharing ambitions to join new assignments or pursue advanced degrees in retirement, redefining traditional retirement concepts.
• Sentence B - Modern retirement theory highlights the evolving concept of seniority, where engagement in purposeful activities through social media can stave on age-related health issues, challenging conventional notions of ageing.
• The given sentence is grammatically incorrect because it uses the phrase "stave on" incorrectly. It should be "stave off" to correctly convey the idea of preventing age-related health issues.
• The correct sentence would be: Modern retirement theory highlights the evolving concept of seniority, where engagement in purposeful activities through social media can stave off age-related health issues, challenging conventional notions of ageing.
• Sentence C - Seniors now explore diverse pursuits, from daring social media challenges to sharing wisdom, recipes, and traditional remedies online, ushering in an era where retirement means staying active, not a life of idleness.
• This sentence is grammatically correct, using the present tense. It discusses how seniors engage in various activities online, redefining retirement as an active lifestyle.
• So, after understanding all three given sentences, we can conclude that both sentences A and B are incorrect while only sentence C is grammatically and contextually correct.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "Both A and B are incorrect."

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Stubble - short, stiff hairs growing especially on a man’s face, stiff stalks of plants left in a field after harvesting  (बाल)
• For Example -
• The stubble in the field made it difficult to walk through.
• Witness - a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place (साक्षी)
• For Example -
• The witness to the accident provided valuable information to the police.
• Purposeful - having a clear and definite purpose or intention; deliberate (उद्देश्यपूर्ण)
• For Example -
• His purposeful actions showed his determination to succeed.
• Conventional - based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed (परंपरागत)
• For Example -
• In their conventional wedding, they followed all the traditional customs and rituals.
• Ushering - the act of leading or guiding someone to a place or event (प्रवेश कराना)
• For Example -
• The kind guide was ushering tourists through the historical museum with enthusiasm.

Remedies - solutions or treatments for a problem or difficulty (उपाय)

• For Example -
• There are various natural remedies for common ailments, such as herbal teas for colds.
• Idleness - the state of being inactive or doing nothing; laziness (निष्क्रियता)
• For Example -
• She couldn't tolerate long periods of idleness and always found something productive to do.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's have a look at all the given sentences in the question:
• Sentence A - The rapid evolution of information technology, from personal computers to AI like OpenAI's ChatGPT, has left myself struggling to keep up with the relentless pace of change.
• This sentence is incorrect because "myself" is a reflexive pronoun, which should only be used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same. In this case, "me" should be used as the object pronoun to maintain grammatical correctness.
• The correct sentence would be: The rapid evolution of information technology, from personal computers to AI like OpenAI's ChatGPT, has left me struggling to keep up with the relentless pace of change.
• Sentence B - The exponential growth of social media, exemplified by Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, has weaved itself into the fabric of society, explored in documentaries like "The Social Dilemma."
• This sentence is grammatically incorrect because it's in the present perfect tense, so "weaved" (2nd form) should be replaced with "woven" (3rd form) to match the tense correctly.
• The correct sentence would be: The exponential growth of social media, exemplified by Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, has woven itself into the fabric of society, explored in documentaries like "The Social Dilemma."
• Sentence C - The transformative impact of technology in the last six decades is palpable, from the shift to LPG in kitchens to the emergency of powerful search engines like Google.
• This sentence is incorrect because "emergency" is a noun referring to a crisis or sudden event, whereas "emergence" is the correct term to indicate the gradual development of powerful search engines, aligning with the context of technological advancement over time.
• The correct sentence would be: The transformative impact of technology in the last six decades is palpable, from the shift to LPG in kitchens to the emergence of powerful search engines like Google.
• So, after understanding all three given sentences, we can conclude that all three sentences, A, B, and C, are incorrect.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B, and C are incorrect."

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Evolution - the gradual development and change of something over time, often with a focus on biological species evolving through natural selection (विकास)
• For Example -
• The theory of evolution by Charles Darwin explains how species adapt and change over generations.
• Relentless - showing no sign of stopping or becoming less intense, persistent and unyielding (अविरत)
• For Example -
• The relentless rain continued for days, causing widespread flooding in the region.
• Exponential - relating to or characterized by exponential growth, which means rapid and significant increase over time (गुणोत्तर)
• For Example -
• The exponential growth of technology has transformed the way we live and work.
• Transformative - causing a significant and profound change or transformation (परिवर्तनकारी)
• For Example -
• The introduction of the Internet was a transformative moment in the history of communication.
• Palpable - easily perceived or noticeable; capable of being touched or felt (स्पर्शनीय)
• For Example -
• The tension in the room was palpable as everyone awaited the results of the competition.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's have a look at all the given sentences in the question:
• Sentence A - Had you informed me of your need for a ride, I would have adjusted my schedule, departed sooner, and ensure your timely arrival, a simple act of consideration and support.
• This sentence is grammatically incorrect due to a lack of parallel structure. To maintain parallelism, "ensure" should be replaced with "ensured" to match the past tense structure of the preceding actions.
• The correct sentence would be: Had you informed me of your need for a ride, I would have adjusted my schedule, departed sooner, and ensured your timely arrival, a simple act of consideration and support.
• Sentence B - The proclivity of certain educators to devising inventive methods of corporal punishment was highly esteemed during that era, leaving indelible marks on the recollections of former students.
• This sentence is grammatically incorrect because "devising" is a gerund form, which doesn't fit after the preposition "to." It should be "to devise" to form the correct infinitive phrase.
• The correct sentence would be: The proclivity of certain educators to devise inventive methods of corporal punishment was highly esteemed during that era, leaving indelible marks on the recollections of former students.
• Sentence C - If I had cleaned the house earlier today instead of procrastinating, I will go to the movies tonight with my friends, but now it's too late.
• This sentence is grammatically incorrect because it uses the incorrect tense in a type -3 conditional sentence.  The conditional clause "If I had cleaned the house earlier today instead of procrastinating" is in the past perfect, so the result clause should be "I could have gone" to maintain the third type of conditional structure.
• The correct sentence would be: If I had cleaned the house earlier today instead of procrastinating, I could have gone to the movies tonight with my friends, but now it's too late.
• So, after understanding all three given sentences, we can conclude that all three sentences, A, B, and C, are incorrect.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B, and C are incorrect."

Additional Information

• Let's understand some important vocabulary given in the question:
• Consideration - careful thought or attention; the act of thinking about something carefully (विचार)
• For Example -
• The committee gave thorough consideration to all the proposals before making a decision.
• Inventive - having the ability to create or design new things or to think of new ideas; creative (आविष्कारी)
• For Example -
• Her inventive approach to problem-solving led to several innovative solutions for the company.
• Indelible - making marks that cannot be removed; something that cannot be forgotten or erased (मिटाया न जा सकने वाला)
• For Example -
• The traumatic experience left an indelible mark on her memory, and she could never forget it.
• Procrastinating - the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions that need to be accomplished (टालमटोल)
• For Example -
• His habit of procrastinating often led to missed deadlines and increased stress.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The first blank requires a noun that complements "scientists" by indicating another group of individuals who contribute significantly to national advancements, particularly in contexts that might be related to the movie "Rocketry."
• "Technicians" is the correct choice as it fits this description.
• For the second blank, a word is needed that signifies brief instances or views that can be observed or noticed.
• "Glimpses" perfectly fills this blank, as it conveys the meaning of catching short insights into the sacrifices and contributions mentioned.
• The third blank should be filled with a word that denotes segments or parts of the movie "Rocketry."
• "Clips" is the appropriate word, as it refers to short extracts from films or videos, aligning with the context of viewing parts of "Rocketry."
• The correct arrangement according to the context of the sentence and the meanings of the words provided is "technicians" for the first blank, "glimpses" for the second, and "clips" for the third, which corresponds to the order in option 2, i.e., BCA.

Therefore, the correct answer is BCA.

Complete Sentence: Our scientists and technicians have made great sacrifices for our country, glimpses of which I could see in the clips of Rocketry.

Additional Information

• Option 1) CAB incorrectly suggests that "clips" could be a group complementing "scientists," which is not contextually suitable.
• Option 3) ABC improperly arranges the given words, leading to a nonsensical sentence structure.
• Option 4) None suggests that none of the provided options would form a coherent sentence, which is not the case as option 2) BCA does.
• Option 5) BAC incorrectly places "glimpses" after "Rocketry," which disrupts the intended meaning of the sentence.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The sentence structure and the context hint towards describing the policeman's status or level within the police force before describing what should not be done due to this status, followed by the timeframe this applies to.
• The adjective "senior" fits naturally in the first blank to describe the policeman's high rank or long service.
• The verb "keep" is appropriate for the second blank, indicating that there is an action being performed on the policeman that is being questioned due to his senior status.
• The noun "day" correctly fills the last blank, referring to the period when the action of keeping him on his feet occurs, emphasizing that it is all day long, which can be strenuous for someone of a senior rank.
• This sequence presents a logical and coherent sentence suggesting that a policeman of high rank or long service should not be required to stay on his feet all day long.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'CBA'.

Complete Sentence: When a policeman gets to be as senior as you, they shouldn't keep him walking about on his feet all day long.

Additional Information

• Option 2 (BCA) does not form a logical sentence as it suggests a time reference ("day") is being compared to the policeman, which is incorrect.
• Option 3 (ABC) incorrectly places "day" in the first blank, resulting in a sentence that does not make sense contextually.
• Option 4 (CAB) and Option 5 (BAC) also do not logically organize the words to match the intended meaning of the original sentence structure.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The term "global investors" is appropriate here because it specifies the wide range of investors targeted, which is consistent with the outreach for investment on an international scale.
• "Investment opportunities" is the correct phrase as it is commonly used to refer to potential areas or ventures where investors can put their money to gain returns.
• The word "opportune" correctly describes India as being an advantageous or favorable place currently, which aligns with the context of encouraging investment.
• These selections fit seamlessly into the blanks, providing coherence and clarity to the statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'CAB'.

Complete Sentence: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global investors to explore investment opportunities in the country’s energy sector, saying India is the most opportune place at present.

Additional Information

• Option 1 (CBA): This arrangement does not correctly fill the blanks as it disrupts the logical flow and clear meaning of the sentence.
• Option 2 (ABC): This sequence leads to an awkward and incorrect sentence structure, making it an unsuitable choice.
• Option 4 (BCA): Similar to the others, this combination does not deliver a meaningful or grammatically correct sentence within the given context.
• Option 5 (None of the given options fits): This choice is incorrect because, as established, option 3 perfectly fills the blanks, making the sentence both meaningful and contextually appropriate.

The correct answer is option 5.

Key Points

• To answer this question, let's examine each sentence given in the question:
• Sentence A: Concerns exist about the impact of debt restructuring on citizens' savings and retirement funds.
• This sentence is true. The passage mentions that concerns exist among various stakeholders, including opposition figures like former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, about the implications of debt restructuring on citizens' savings and retirement funds.
• Sentence B: President Putin proposed a debt restructuring plan pending Cabinet and parliamentary review.
• This sentence is true. The passage states that President Vladimir Putin outlined the government's proposed debt restructuring plan, slated for Cabinet review on Wednesday before undergoing parliamentary debate over the weekend.
• Sentence C: Russia plans a five-day hiatus in banking operations before Parliament addresses domestic debt restructuring.
• This sentence is true. The passage mentions that Russia is poised to undergo a significant restructuring in its banking and financial sector operations, with a planned hiatus set to commence on Thursday, lasting five days, preceding an anticipated extraordinary session in Parliament focused on domestic debt restructuring.
• Sentence D: Parliamentary debate and negotiations with creditors are insignificant in shaping Russia's economic trajectory.
• This sentence is false. The passage emphasizes that forthcoming parliamentary debate and negotiations with creditors will be pivotal in shaping the nation's economic trajectory.
• Sentence E: Bilateral negotiations with China have finalized their participation in Russia's debt restructuring efforts.
• This sentence is false. The passage mentions that while key creditors like China have shown interest, formal participation remains pending, subject to ongoing deliberations.
• So, out of the given sentences, only sentences A, B, and C are true, while sentences D and E are false.
• Therefore, the correct answer is "All A, B, and C are true."