1. ‘Hualong One’, which was seen in news recently, was the first domestically made nuclear reactor of which country?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China’s first domestically made nuclear reactor ‘Hualong One’, has started its operations, as per the China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC).
The third-generation pressurised water nuclear reactor has been connected to the national grid. The reactor can generate 10 billion kw-hours of electricity each year and cut carbon emissions by 8.16 million tons. This is expected to reduce China’s dependency in nuclear power from its western allies.
2. Which type of eclipse is also known as the ‘Beaver moon’?
[A] Full Lunar Eclipse
[B] Partial Lunar Eclipse
[C] Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
[D] Solar Eclipse
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Penumbral Lunar Eclipse]
Notes:
Based on the shadow of the earth falling on the moon, the lunar eclipse is classified into three categories. Full, Partial or Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
The Penumbral Lunar Eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the outer shadow of the earth. The last full moon occurring in November, before the winter solstice, is also called as the ‘Beaver moon’, named after Beavers, the rodents found in temperate regions.
3. Which is the headquarters of the ‘Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW)?
[A] Switzerland
[B] Netherlands
[C] Italy
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Netherlands]
Notes:
‘Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare’ is observed on November 30 every year, across the world.
United Nations observes the day to pay tribute to millions of lives lost round the globe in the wake of chemical warfare. ‘Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ (OPCW) is the implementing body for Chemical Weapons Convention. It is headquartered at the Hague, Netherlands.
4. Which state has implemented a PPP model for rescue and rehabilitation of leopards?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat]
Notes:
As many as 12 leopards from Sakkar Baug Zoological Park, which came in conflict with the humans, have been transferred to a private rehabilitation centre by Gujarat Forest Department.
The leopard’s maintenance would be done in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode by the Government of Gujarat and Reliance Industries Ltd- RIL’s Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Kingdom. This is the first of its kind PPP model for protection of wild animals in India.
5. Which country has proposed a new security bill that intends to protect Police officers from online violence?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] USA
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [France]
Notes:
The France’s new security bill makes it an offence to show the face or identity of any Police Officer on duty with the aim of damaging the officer’s integrity. The offence would make the convict liable of one-year imprisonment.
This proposed amendment is protested by many people in France and is seen a curtail of press freedom. It is feared by many that this law would increase police brutality on civilians.
6. Which Indian PSU has launched the country’s first 100 Octane petrol?
[A] HPCL
[B] IOC
[C] ONGC
[D] GAIL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IOC]
Notes:
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has recently launched the nation’s first 100 Octane petrol. Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the petrol.
The 100-octane petrol also called as XP100 premium petrol will be initially available at select outlet of IOC in 10 cities. The fuel is manufactured at IOC’s Mathura refinery in Uttar Pradesh. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) had earlier launched Octane 99. Higher the octane number of a fuel, higher will be its compression and performance.
7. Which North Indian city has recently got its bonds listed on Bombay Stock Exchange?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Surat
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lucknow]
Notes:
The Municipal Bonds issued by Lucknow Municipal Corporation has been listed in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
The bonds amount to Rs.200 crore and offer 8.5 per cent interest per annum with a tenure of 10 years. Lucknow joins the 8 other smart cities whose Municipal Bonds have been listed in stock exchanges.
8. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is to finance USD 50 million policy-based loan for Finance Management in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] West Bengal
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Notes:
Manila-based Asian Development Bank has signed a USD 50-million policy-based loan for the West Bengal Public Finance Management Investment Programme.
The loan aims to improve financial management and operational efficiencies of the state. A centre for fiscal policy and public finance will be established along with a web-based grievance redressal system for transport corporations and urban local bodies.
9. Which organization has become India’s first regulated Gas Exchange?
[A] NCDEX
[B] IGX
[C] MCX
[D] NCML
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IGX]
Notes:
Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) was launched in 2020 as India’s first automated national-level trading platform for physical delivery of natural gas.
IGX is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). Recently, IGX obtained all necessary approvals as per the provisions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Gas Exchange) Regulations, 2020. It becomes the first regulated Gas Exchange of the country.
10. Which is the headquarters of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)?
[A] Vienna
[B] Geneva
[C] Rome
[D] Washington D.C
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vienna]
Notes:
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is one of the commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), headquartered at Vienna, Austria.
Recently, during a reconvened session of CND, 53 member states voted for removing Cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, where it was listed with deadly and addictive drugs. 27 members including India, voted for removing Cannabis from the convention.