1. Which state has recently reduced value-added tax (VAT) rate for petrol and diesel by 2%?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The state government of Rajasthan has recently reduced value-added tax (VAT) by two percent on petrol and diesel. This has relaxed the fuel prices in the state. Recently, the price of premium petrol price crossed Rs.100 in the state.
Petrol, Diesel and other fuels in India have been kept outside the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Presently, the state governments determine the VAT on these fuels.
2. Sandro Botticelli, who was sometimes seen in the news, was a famous painter of which country?
[A] Germany
[B] Italy
[C] Greece
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Italy]
Notes:
Sandro Botticelli, was an Italian painter, who lived from 1445 to 1510 in Florence, Italy. He is said to be an important artist who have contributed to Florentine painting period.
Recently, one of his rare portraits, the “Young Man Holding a Roundel” was sold for USD 92.2 million (equivalent to Rs 6,722 million) at an auction held at Sotheby’s in New York. This also made a world record auction for any work by the Italian artist.
3. Which Indian personality started the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ journal in 1896?
[A] Aurobindo Ghosh
[B] Swami Vivekananda
[C] Annie Besant
[D] Subramaniya Bharati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Swami Vivekananda]
Notes:
Swami Vivekananda started the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’, a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna order in 1896, to spread the message of India’s spiritual knowledge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 125th Anniversary celebrations of ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ organized by Advaita Ashrama in Uttarakhand. It is the place of publication of the journal. Several leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Sri Aurobindo have contributed to the journal.
4. Which country is to introduce a bill to ban all private cryptocurrencies and create a sovereign digital currency?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The Indian Government is to introduce a bill in Parliament to ban all private cryptocurrencies and create a sovereign digital currency by the Reserve Bank of India.
The bill is to allow certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses. A legislative framework on official digital currency is also expected to be created.
5. As per a recent research, by what percentage the number of oceanic sharks and rays have declined in Indian Ocean?
[A] 15.3%
[B] 26.4%
[C] 39.7%
[D] 84.7%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [84.7%]
Notes:
As per a recent research published in the journal “Nature”, the number of shark and ray in Indian ocean have declined by 84.7% and has been falling continuously since 1970.
The research noted that oceanic sharks and rays worldwide has fallen by 71% since the last 50 years. Also, 24 out of 31 oceanic shark and ray species are presently classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
6. Which Indian company is to launch a new COVID-19 vaccine under the brand name Covovax?
[A] Dr Reddys
[B] Serum Institute of India
[C] Biocon
[D] Sun Pharma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Serum Institute of India]
Notes:
Serum Institute of India has announced that it would launch a new COVID-19 vaccine under the brand name Covovax.
It would be developed in partnership with American vaccine developer Novavax, by the month of June. The company’s Covishield has been developed in partnership with the Oxford University and British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca.
7. ‘Har Ghar Pani, Har Ghar Safai’ mission has been launched in which state/UT?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Punjab
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Notes:
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh virtually launched the ‘Har Ghar Pani, Har Ghar Safai’ mission.
This scheme is a part of the government’s campaign to provide 100 per cent potable piped water supply in all rural households by March 2022. The Chief Minister also launched ‘Mega Surface Water Supply Scheme’.
8. What is the name of the Global conference being hosted by Kerala State Planning Board?
[A] Global Keralites
[B] Kerala Looks Ahead
[C] Kerala Vision 2021
[D] New Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala Looks Ahead]
Notes:
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the ‘Kerala Looks Ahead,’ a three-day virtual global conclave.
The conference aims to frame the roadmap for long-term development of the state by reaping opinions from top economists, industry leaders and administrators. Star speakers include Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, WHO Scientist Soumya Swaminathan and top industry leaders.
9. Which country has announced that it will formally apply for the trans-Pacific trade association, CPTPP?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Russia
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The United Kingdom has recently announced that it will formally apply to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
CPTPP is a trans-Pacific trading association which removes most tariffs between 11 countries including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
10. What is the theme of the ‘World Wetlands Day 2021’?
[A] Wetlands for Us
[B] Wetlands and Water
[C] Wetlands and Covid-19
[D] Save Wetlands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Wetlands and Water]
Notes:
World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2nd February to create awareness on the importance of wetlands and its role played in the planet.
This year, the theme of the World Wetlands Day is ‘Wetlands and Water’. This year’s theme highlights the importance of wetlands as a source of freshwater. It also encourages action from people and countries to restore them.