1. Which method of COVID-19 testing developed by CSIR- CCMB, without viral transport medium, has been approved by ICMR?
[A] Dry Swab RT-PCR
[B] Gold standard RT-PCR
[C] VTM RT- PCR
[D] RNA RT-PCR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dry Swab RT-PCR]
Notes:
The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the Dry Swab RT-PCR for COVID-19 testing, which was developed by CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
In this simple and fast method, nasal swab is collected and transported in dry state, as against the using the viral transport medium used in conventional testing. It does not require RNA isolation from the sample.
2. Which word has been selected as the ‘Top Word of 2020’, by Merriam-Webster?
[A] Lock down
[B] Pandemic
[C] Vaccine
[D] Immunity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pandemic]
Notes:
US based- Merriam-Webster, known for its dictionaries, has recently announced ‘pandemic’ as its 2020 word of the year.
As per the company, when the World Health Organisation declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic on March 11, the searches on the site for ‘pandemic’ rose hugely. The word has roots in Latin and Greek. It is a combination of pan, meaning all, and demos, meaning people.
3. Which insurance company is set to be merged with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company?
[A] Max Life Insurance
[B] Bharti AXA General Insurance
[C] IFFCO Tokyo Insurance
[D] Sundaram Insurance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharti AXA General Insurance]
Notes:
The insurance sector regulator – Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has accorded “in principle” approval for merger of Bharti AXA General Insurance with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company.
On successful merger, the consolidated entity would have a market share of 8.7% in non-life business. Bharti Enterprises own 51% share in Bharti AXA General Insurance and the remaining 49% is owned by French insurer AXA.
4. Which award is given to individuals for their sustained and significant efforts to protect environment?
[A] Able Climate Prize
[B] Stockholm Nature Prize
[C] Goldman Environmental Prize
[D] Soviet Environmental Prize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Goldman Environmental Prize]
Notes:
The Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded to 6 individuals each year to recognize their efforts to save and protect environment. The prize is selected by an international jury among nominations submitted by global environment organisations and individuals.
Leydy Pech, Kristal Ambrose, Paul Sein Twa, Lucie Pinson, Chibze Ezekiel, Nemonte Nenquimo are the six personalities chosen for this year’s award.
5. Which country has recently declared a climate emergency and pledged to become carbon neutral by 2025?
[A] USA
[B] Netherlands
[C] New Zealand
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Zealand]
Notes:
The New Zealand Government has recently declared a climate emergency. This decision has been taken by the government to stress the fact that if emission cuts are not recorded, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predictions on adverse environmental effects would be witnessed.
The country also announced that its public sector would strive to become carbon neutral by 2025.
6. India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held recently. Where is Suriname located?
[A] Africa
[B] North America
[C] Europe
[D] South America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [South America]
Notes:
Suriname, officially the Republic of Suriname, is a small country on the north-eastern coast of South America. It was previously known as ‘Dutch Guiana’.
The 7th India-Suriname Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was recently held virtually. The JCM was co-chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan and his counterpart in Suriname.
7. The Reserve Bank of India has directed which bank to stop its digital launches temporarily?
[A] ICICI Bank
[B] HDFC Bank
[C] Axis Bank
[D] Yes Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [HDFC Bank]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently directed HDFC Bank to temporarily halt all its digital launches and new sourcing of credit card customers.
The country’s largest private sector lender has been asked to stop the digital launches as the bank had faced technical glitches in the past two years. RBI also asked the bank’s board to examine the lapses and fix accountability.
8. When is the International Day of Persons with Disability observed?
[A] November 30
[B] December 3
[C] December 5
[D] December 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [December 3]
Notes:
The International Day of Persons with Disability is observed on 3rd December of every year.
The theme for this year is “Building back better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities”. UNESCO is organizing a global awareness camp named “Tell our stories, enable our rights” on this occasion.
9. Which country has introduced a Veto Power on any agreements entered with foreign countries?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Japan
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Australia]
Notes:
The Parliament of Australia has recently passed a legislation that permits the country to block any agreement made between the country and a foreign government.
The legislation empowers foreign minister to veto any international agreement that are inconsistent with the foreign policy of Australia or is seen to affect Australia’s interest.
10. Which state has announced the construction of memorial for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan has made an announcement to construct a memorial for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims.
Nearly 3700 people were killed due to the leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from Union Carbide factory at Bhopal on December 3, 1984.