1. Sea Guardian drones, which were seen in the news recently, were obtained from which country?
[A] Israel
[B] United States
[C] United Kingdom
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
The Indian Navy has taken two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from an American defence company, on lease for 1 year.
The unmanned aerial vehicles, manufactured by US firm General Atomics, have been obtained on lease, to enhance surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The vehicles arrived at the naval air station INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu.
2. ‘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.
3. 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.
4. Which country hosted the 4th India – Sri Lanka – Maldives Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Maldives
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
The 4th Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation between India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives was hosted by Sri Lanka.
It was held in Colombo and India was represented by the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The earlier such meetings were held in Maldives (2011), Sri Lanka (2013) and in India (2014).
5. Which state has launched an outreach programme called ‘Duare Sarkar’?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Notes:
West Bengal state government has recently launched a massive outreach programme named “Duare Sarkar” or “Government at your doorstep”.
Under the programme, people can avail the benefit of over 11 schemes of the state including Kanyashree, Khadya Sathi and Sikshashree. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced to set up ‘Duare Sarkar’ camps in the state for redressing grievances of people.
6. Which regulator has launched an asset restructuring web module for MSMEs named ARM-MSME?
[A] RBI
[B] NABARD
[C] NHB
[D] SIDBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [SIDBI]
Notes:
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has recently launched an asset restructuring web module for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
The module named ARM-MSME would assist MSMEs to get benefitted from RBI’s MSME restructuring guideline. MSMEs will be able to prepare restructuring proposals by inputting only the most essential data. This service is being offered by SIDBI at no cost to the MSMEs.
7. 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.
8. Which Indian bank co-launched a Contactless debit card along with Japan’s JCB International?
[A] Punjab National Bank
[B] State Bank of India
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [State Bank of India]
Notes:
State Bank of India has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Japan’s JCB International Co to launch new ‘SBI RuPay JCB Platinum Contactless Debit Card’.
This card has a dual interface feature, under which customers can use it for both contact and contactless transactions, both in the domestic market as well as overseas. The card has been launched on the RuPay network.
9. National Pollution Control Day is observed in the memory of Bhopal Gas tragedy happened in which year?
[A] 1975
[B] 1984
[C] 1992
[D] 2003
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1984]
Notes:
December 2 is observed as National Pollution Control Day every year, in the memory of those who lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas tragedy and to create awareness on environment pollution.
Bhopal Gas tragedy, one of the biggest industrial pollution disasters of the country, occurred on the night of December 2nd and 3rd, 1984. Many people died due to the leakage of the poisonous gas Methyl Isocyanate.
10. What is the name of the first indigenous aircraft carrier of India?
[A] INS Vikrant
[B] INS Virat
[C] INS Shaheed
[D] INS Cochin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [INS Vikrant]
Notes:
INS Vikrant is the first indigenous aircraft carrier of India. The sea trials are expected to begin in 2021 and it will be commissioned by 2022.
Also called as the ‘Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1)’, INS Vikrant has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala for the Indian Navy. Recently, the two organisations completed the Basin Trials of the aircraft carrier.