31. Which state government has launched School Fagadaba to improve infrastructure in government schools?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Nagaland
[C] Tripura
[D] Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manipur ]
Notes:
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched a scheme named “School Fagadaba” (Make education bettter) to improve infrastructure of government schools in the state. The aim of the scheme is to ensure better infrastructure, quality education and overall improvement of government schools to make them model schools. In the first phase of the scheme, one school from each of the 60 Assembly constituencies in the state has been selected. The overall purpose of School Fagadaba is to improve the government schools in terms of physical and manpower gaps and increase in enrollment of students.
32. Mohammed Zahur Hashmi, who has passed away recently, was the veteran personality of which field?
[A] Journalism
[B] Politics
[C] Film Industry
[D] Photography
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Film Industry]
Notes:
Mohammed Zahur Hashmi (92), the veteran music composer, has passed away in Mumbai on August 20, 2019. Popularly known as Khayyam, he was best known for his music in classic films such as ‘Umrao Jaan’ and ‘Kabhi Kabhie’. He was a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Padma Bhushan. In 2016, the veteran composer established Khayyam Jagjeet Kaur KPG Charitable Trust and pledged to donate his entire wealth to the trust to support budding artists and technicians in India.
33. NISHTHA programme, which is in news recently, is associated to which field?
[A] Mangalyaan
[B] Education
[C] Digital Banking
[D] Women Empowerment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Education]
Notes:
On 21st August 2019, the Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched the world’s biggest teacher training programme – , NISHTHA – in New Delhi under which more than 42 lakh teachers will be trained across the country. The acronym ‘NISHTHA’ stands for ‘National Initiative for School Head’s and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement’. The purpose of the integrated programme is to build the capacities of around 42 lakh participants covering all teachers and Heads of the school at the elementary level in all government schools, faculty members of states councils of Educational Research and Training and other educational departments. The integrated training will motivate and equip teachers to encourage and foster critical thinking in students, handle diverse situations and act as first-level counsellors.
34. Satendra Singh Lohia, who became the first Asian swimmer to cross the Catalina Channel of America, is from which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Rajadthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
On 21st August 2019, Indian Para swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia from Madhya Pradesh has scripted history by becoming the first Asian swimmer to cross the Catalina Channel of America. He holds the Asian record of crossing both the English and Catalina channels. Gwalior-born Satendra led the Indian Para Relay team along with 5 team mates and crossed the Catalina Channel in 11 hours 34 minutes. At that time, the water temperature was around 13 degrees Celsius. In 2014, Satyendra has also honoured with the highest sports award of Madhya Pradesh – Vikram Award.
35. The researchers at which IIT have developed method to make biofuel with sugar and salt?
[A] IIT Indore
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Hyderabad
[D] IIT Kanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT Hyderabad]
Notes:
By using sugar, sulphuric acid and salt, the researchers of IIT Hyderabad have developed a cheap and efficient nano-carbon catalyst to help in the production of biofuel precursors. The catalyst showed better efficiency and selectivity than the commercially available variants to produce the desired C15 oxygenated hydrocarbon — a precursor to diesel and jet fuel. This development is important as States like Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh /Telengana produce a large amount of corncob waste in the country. This can be converted into valuable fuel instead of being burnt. The nano-carbon catalyst developed by the institute can enable conversion into biofuel (fuel from biological sources rather than fossil fuels) and provide an additional earning opportunity for the corn farmer, besides being a sustainable energy source.
36. Which Indian sprinter has won gold in men’s 300m at the 2019 Athleticky Mitink Reiter event in Czech Republic?
[A] Kunhu Muhammed
[B] Mohan Kumar Raja
[C] Mohammad Anas
[D] Nirmal Tom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mohammad Anas]
Notes:
Top Indian sprinters Hima Das and Mohammad Anas have won a gold each in women’s and men’s 300m races respectively at the 2019 Athleticky Mitink Reiter event in Czech Republic. This was Hima’s 6th gold in 2019 in European races since July 2. On the other hand, Mohammad Anas won the gold clocking 32.41 seconds. India’s Nirmal Tom clinched a bronze in the same event by clocking a timing of 33.03 seconds. National record holder Anas has already qualified for 400m event for the World Championships to be held in Doha in September-October while Hima is yet to achieve it.
37. On which date, the Communal Harmony Day (CHD) is celebrated in India?
[A] August 21
[B] August 22
[C] August 20
[D] August 23
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [August 20]
Notes:
In India, the Sadbhavana Diwas (or Communal Harmony Day) is celebrated every year on August 20 to commemorate birth anniversary of late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. On the occasion of 75th birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi along with Rahul Gandhi inaugurated an exhibition titled ‘Memories and Archives of Rajiv Gandhi’ on 20th August 2019. Rajiv Gandhi served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He took office after the 1984 assassination of his mother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to become the youngest Indian Prime Minister at the age of 40. In 21st May 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber during an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. His death anniversary is also observed as National Anti-Terrorism Day.
38. Where is the headquarters of the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network “TRAFFIC”?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] United States
[D] United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network “TRAFFIC” has recently revealed a new report titled ‘Skin and Bones Unresolved: An Analysis of Tiger Seizures from 2000-2018’. As per new TRAFFIC analysis, India topped in the trafficking of tigers and tiger body parts over 19 years since 2000. Apart from tiger skin and bones, live tigers are also traded illegally in a number of cases. It accounted for 40.5% of total incidents (463) and 26.5% of tigers seized (626). Overall, the analysis estimated that 2,359 tigers and tiger body parts were seized during the period across 32 countries and territories globally, resulting from 1,142 seizure incidents. Around 95% of these seizures were recorded in countries that are home to tigers. The study was launched to coincide with discussions around the trade in tigers and other big cat species at the 18th meeting of governments that are parties to the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. It must be noted here that India has the world’s largest wild tiger population. The headquarters of TRAFFIC is located in Cambridge, United Kingdom (UK).
39. On which date, the World Senior Citizen’s Day (WSCD) is celebrated?
[A] August 20
[B] August 23
[C] August 21
[D] August 22
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [August 21]
Notes:
The World Senior Citizen’s Day (WSCD) is celebrated every year on 21st of August to raise awareness about the issues that affect older adults. and to support them throughout the aging process. The day also recognizes & acknowledges the contributions of older people to the society. It provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives.
40. The first-ever International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief is observed on which date?
[A] August 21
[B] August 24
[C] August 23
[D] August 22
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [August 22]
Notes:
The first-ever International Day for Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief is observed on 22nd of August 2019 to honour the victims and survivors of heinous acts who often remain forgotten. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about religious intolerance, and violence and discrimination against anyone based on their religion or belief.