1. Which country passed a bill to boost nuclear activity, after the assassination of its nuclear physicist?
[A] Iran
[B] North Korea
[C] Libya
[D] Chile
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Iran]
Notes:
The Parliament of Iran has passed a bill, called as “The strategic measure for the removal of sanctions”.
It aims to uplift the country’s nuclear activities, following the assassination of Iranian nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. The scientist, who died of gun men attack, was the head of the Iranian Defense Ministry’s innovation center.
2. What amount of grant has been allotted under “Mission COVID Suraksha”, by the Central Government?
[A] Rs.100 crore
[B] Rs.500 crore
[C] Rs.900 crore
[D] Rs.1000 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rs.900 crore]
Notes:
The Union Government has launched “Mission COVID Suraksha” and has allotted a package of Rs.900 crore for the same. The grant by the central government would be given to Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research & Development of Indian COVID-19 vaccines.
The mission aims at development of approximately 5 or 6 COVID 19 vaccine candidates and ensure their faster availability to the public.
3. Sadiq al-Mahdi, who died recently, was the former Prime Minister of which country?
[A] UAE
[B] Saudi Arabia
[C] Sudan
[D] Oman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sudan]
Notes:
Sadiq al-Mahdi was Sudan’s last democratically elected prime minister and also the leader of the nation’s largest political party. He died recently of COVID-19 at United Arab Emirates.
He was 84 years old. Al-Mahdi was overthrown from power in a 1989 by an autocrat Omar al-Bashir. Al-Mahdi’s party allied with pro-democracy uprising and the military overthrow al-Bashir in April 2019.
4. Which country has test fired ‘Tsirkon’ hypersonic cruise missile?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Russia
[D] Canada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Russia]
Notes:
Russia has successfully test fired a ‘Tsirkon’ hypersonic cruise missile in the Arctic Region recently. The missile was fired from a frigate war ship named Admiral Gorshkov.
The missile was fired from the white sea on to a naval target located 450 km away in the Barents Sea. The missile cruised at a speed of over Mach 8 and brought down the target.
5. Which state received the best State award for Organ donation by the Health Ministry, for the sixth consecutive year?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Every year, November 27th is observed as Indian organ donation day by the Government of India. This year marks the 11th Organ Donation Day event.
Tamil Nadu received the ‘Best State award’ for organ donation, by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This is the sixth consecutive year of the state receiving the award.
6. ‘TOPS’ scheme, which was making news, is being implemented by which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]
Notes:
Four Indian Boxers who are bound to appear for the forth coming Olympics have been included in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
The TOPS scheme is launched by the Ministry of Sports and is implemented through the Sports Authority of India. Through the scheme, potential Medal winning athletes and sports personalities are identified for the forthcoming Olympic games.
7. When is the ‘International day for the abolition of slavery’ observed every year?
[A] December 1
[B] December 2
[C] December3
[D] December 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [December 2]
Notes:
The ‘International day for the abolition of slavery’ is observed every year on December 2, since 1986.
It aims to raise awareness about slavery and put an end to all kinds of slavery including trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, child labour among others. It marks the date of the adoption of the UN Convention related to trafficking and exploitation.
8. Which organisation is to finance USD 430 million to improve Power Distribution Network of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] ADB
[B] AIIB
[C] BRICS Bank
[D] IMF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ADB]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 430 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) to improve Power Distribution Network of Uttar Pradesh.
Named as the ‘Uttar Pradesh Power Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project’, it aims to improve the quality of electricity supply in the state. The project is estimated to benefit around 70 million people in 46,000 rural villages.
9. Which country has announced to establish ‘Friendship Association’ with India, to strengthen its ties?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Oman
[C] Brazil
[D] United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Oman]
Notes:
During the India-Oman virtual dialogue recently held, Oman announced to establish first-of-its-kind Oman-India Friendship Association.
This is the first such initiative in West Asia led by the Foreign Ministry. In December 2019, India and Oman signed a Maritime Transport Agreement during the visit of Foreign Minister Jaishankar to the country.
10. Which is the first bank to announce linking its executive’s pay to achievement in sustainable development?
[A] Bank of Amerca
[B] HSBC Bank
[C] Deutsche Bank
[D] DBS Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Deutsche Bank]
Notes:
German multinational investment bank, Deutsche Bank has recently announced to link the pay of its top executives with their achievement in reaching sustainability goals.
Under the new policy, which come into effect next year, the volume of sustainable financing and investment and how the bank is ranked by rating agencies on sustainability is measured.