1. Which state government has decided to partner with MIT-based Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha ]
Notes:
The Odisha government has decided to partner with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) for targeted intervention in a set of social sectors including poorest of the poor through policy formulation and evaluations based on experimental research. The co-founders of J-PAL are Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. The Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT)-based J-PAL is known for its experimental research studies or randomized controlled trials. It has worked extensively in Africa as well India and its evaluations have helped improve outcomes of social sector initiatives.
2. Saint Kittis and Nevis, which recently signed ISA Framework Agreement, is an island country of which ocean?
[A] Pacific Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Arctic Ocean
[D] Atlantic Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atlantic Ocean]
Notes:
India hosted the 2nd International Solar Alliance (ISA) assembly in New Delhi on 30th-31st October 2019. In it, two countries – Eritrea and Saint Kittis and Nevis – have signed the ISA’s Framework Agreement and took the total number of signatories to 83. The ISA was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015. It is a major global initiative for contributing to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy. The Saint Kittis and Nevis is an island country in the West Indies, which is the region of the North Atlantic Ocean.
3. On which date, the 2019 edition of World Thrift Day (WTD) is observed in India?
[A] October 31
[B] October 30
[C] October 29
[D] October 28
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [October 31]
Notes:
The World Thrift Day (WTD) is celebrated every year on 31st October worldwide to promote savings and financial security of individual and nation as a whole. In India, due to death of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on the same day in 1984 this day is being celebrated on 30th October. The day was established to inform people all around the world about the idea of saving their money in a bank rather than keeping it under their mattress or at home.
4. The Indo-French exercise ‘Shakti-2019’ has started at which region?
[A] Udaipur
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Bikaner
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bikaner]
Notes:
The 14-day long joint Indo-French exercise ‘Shakti-2019’ has started at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between the two armies and further strengthening the military relations between them. The exercise will facilitate both the armies to know each other better, share their operational experience and enhance awareness through information exchange.
5. Which Indian organization is hosting the 2019 SCO Joint Exercise on Earthquake Rescue?
[A] NDRF
[B] CISF
[C] CRPF
[D] BSF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [NDRF]
Notes:
On 4th November 2019, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue in New Delhi. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is hosting the event which will continue till 7th of this month. The purpose of the exercise is to rehearse the disaster response mechanism, share knowledge, experience and technology for mutual coordination. This simulation exercise will also provide an opportunity to enhance the coordination and co-operation involving multi-agency operations in an earthquake scenario.
6. The Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) has started in which city?
[A] Dehradun
[B] Shimla
[C] Gurugram
[D] Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gurugram ]
Notes:
The 13th edition of the Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) has started in Gurugram at the DLF Golf & Country Club till November 6. It is for the first time India is hosting the summit with theme “A 5G Mindset For Golf’s Future In Asia”. The summit is supported by the Union Ministry of Tourism & will see international speakers discuss various operational and business aspects of golf in the context of the summit.
7. What is the theme of the 5th India International Science Festival (IISF)?
[A] Science for Transformation
[B] Science for New India
[C] RISEN India
[D] Boost New India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [RISEN India]
Notes:
On 5th November 2019, the 5th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with theme “RISEN India – Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation” at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata through video conference. The prime objective of the 4-day fest is to instil scientific temper among the masses. The event will showcase India’s contribution in the field of science and technology over the years and encourage translation of its benefits to people. It also aims to build a strategy for inclusive advancement of Science and Technology.
8. Who has been appointed as the chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)?
[A] Virat Singh
[B] Nitish Rana
[C] Aditya Mishra
[D] Ishan Porel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aditya Mishra]
Notes:
Aditya Mishra, a 1989 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) for a period of 5 years. The LPAI is a statutory body that works under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing border infrastructure in India. It manages several Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) all across Borders of India.
9. Which IT initiative has recently launched as an Ease of Doing Business (EODB) monitoring dashboard of the Indian Customs?
[A] TECHDASH
[B] CUSTOMDASH
[C] ICEDASH
[D] PORTDASH
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ICEDASH ]
Notes:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently launched two new IT Initiatives – ICEDASH and ATITHI – for improved monitoring and pace of customs clearance of imported goods and facilitating arriving international passengers. ICEDASH is an Ease of Doing Business (EODB) monitoring dashboard of the Indian Customs that allows public see and compare import clearance times at all ports and airports across India. The ATITHI app will facilitate hassle-free and faster clearance by Indian Customs at the airports and increase the experience of international tourists and other visitors at the airports.
10. Sara Damnjanovic, who won the Miss Asia Global Title 2019, is from which country?
[A] France
[B] Vietnam
[C] Serbia
[D] Spain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Serbia ]
Notes:
Sara Damnjanovic from Serbia has won the 5th edition of Miss Asia Global Title 2019’ at Gokulam Convention centre in Kochi, Kerala. The title is given to the winner from Asian region. Nguyen Thi Yen Trang from Vietnam was awarded Miss Asia title i.e. given to the winner from the rest of the world. Samiksha Singh from India won the sub-title of ‘Miss Beautiful Face’ Title. The Next ‘Miss Asia Global Title 2020’ will be held in Malaysia.