1. The UK India Business Council signed a MoU with which Indian state for promoting industrial development?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The UK India Business Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb), Industries and Mines Department of the state government of Gujarat.
This partnership between the UKIBC and Gujarat will help to boost business and industrial development in the state. UKIBC will also help to increase investment opportunities and provide market access to the businesses.
2. Which financial institution has launched the ‘MSME Saksham’ portal, in association with TransUnion CIBIL?
[A] SIDBI
[B] RBI
[C] NABARD
[D] NHB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [SIDBI]
Notes:
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a knowledge portal named ‘MSME Saksham’, in association with TransUnion CIBIL.
The comprehensive financial education and knowledge platform will provide financial awareness to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and assist them in getting quick access to formal and affordable credit facilities.
3. Which international bloc has imposed its first-ever sanctions over cyber attacks on organisations of Russia, China and North Korea?
[A] G-20
[B] G-7
[C] European Union
[D] ASEAN
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [European Union]
Notes:
The European Union has imposed its first-ever sanctions over cyber attacks, on alleged agents, spies and firms of Russia, China and North Korea.
Six people and three groups which have been hit with sanctions also include the GRU military intelligence agency of Russia. The agency was earlier blamed by the European Union for the 2017 WannaCry ransomware and NotPetya malware attacks and a cyber espionage campaign.
4. SABIC chemical plant that is set to become the world’s first to run entirely on renewable power, is located in which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Spain
[C] Germany
[D] United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Spain]
Notes:
Global chemical company SABIC’s polycarbonate plant in Spain is set to become the world’s first that will run entirely on renewable power.
The Riyadh-headquartered company has signed a major agreement with an electricity utility company Iberdrola, in this regard. This plant is expected to be completely operational by the year 2024.
5. Which global institution has inked deal with Reliance Power for constructing power plant in Bangladesh?
[A] World Bank
[B] Asian Development Bank
[C] Asian Investment Infrastructure Bank
[D] International Monetary Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Asian Development Bank]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a USD 200 million deal with the Reliance Bangladesh LNG and Power Limited (RBLPL).
Under the deal, Reliance power would build and operate a 718-megawatt combined-cycle power plant in Bangladesh. USD 100 million would be provided by the ADB while the other 100 million would be sourced from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP) of Japan International Cooperation Agency.
6. Lee Teng-hui, who passed away recently, was the first democratically elected President of which country?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Taiwan
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Taiwan]
Notes:
Former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui has recently passed away at the age of 97, after having suffered from Pneumonia.
After a landslide victory, Lee Teng-hui served as the first democratically elected president of Taiwan in the year 1996. He resisted China’s activities to absorb the country and wanted Taiwan to be a ‘country of democracy, freedom, human rights and dignity’.
7. Which global firm became the world’s most valuable publicly listed company, after surpassing Saudi Aramco?
[A] Apple
[B] Amazon
[C] Reliance
[D] Google
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Apple]
Notes:
Apple surpassed multinational petroleum company Saudi Aramco to become the world’s most valuable publicly listed company.
The market capitalisation of the technology company surged to USD 1.82 trillion, as per the regulatory filing of the company. Whereas, the market capitalisation of Aramco stood at USD 1.760 trillion.
8. Who has assumed office as the Union Health Secretary of India in August 2020?
[A] Rajesh Bhushan
[B] S Jai Shankar
[C] M Siva Shankar
[D] Anil Swarup
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajesh Bhushan]
Notes:
Veteran bureaucrat Rajesh Bhushan has recently assumed charge as the Union Health Secretary. He will succeed the previous Health Secretary Preeti Sudan.
Preeti Sudan superannuated and she was given a three-month extension in April. Rajesh Bhushan is a 1987 batch Bihar cadre IAS officer. He has been serving as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Health from April.
9. Which country successfully operated Arab world’s first nuclear power reactor?
[A] Kuwait
[B] United Arab Emirates
[C] Qatar
[D] Oman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Arab Emirates]
Notes:
The United Arab Emirates has successfully commenced operation of the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear power plant.
The Barakah reactor is located in the oil-rich city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. With the commission, the UAE joins the group of 30 countries that can generate nuclear energy. It is built and run by a joint venture with Korea Electric Power Corporation.
10. How many States/UTs implement the ‘One Nation One Ration Card scheme’, as on August 4, 2020?
[A] 15
[B] 20
[C] 24
[D] 29
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [24]
Notes:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has integrated four additional states Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland and Uttarakhand to the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.
With this, the scheme has been enabled in a total of 24 States/UTs across the country. Around 80 percent of the beneficiaries of National Food Security Act (NFSA) have been covered. The Ministry aims to integrate all states/UTs to the scheme by March 2021.