1. Which disease is also called as the ‘Hansen’s’ disease?
[A] Cholera
[B] Polio
[C] Leprosy
[D] Cancer
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Leprosy]
Notes:
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It is named after the Norwegian physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen, who identified the bacterium.
World Leprosy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of January every year to increase awareness on the disease. In India, the day is being observed on January 30 this year, on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
2. Who is the chairperson of 15th Finance Commission?
[A] Raghuram Rajan
[B] NK Singh
[C] D Subbarao
[D] YV Reddy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NK Singh]
Notes:
The 15th Finance Commission headed by NK Singh, with 117 core recommendation, has tabled its report in the Parliament recently.
The Finance Commission maintained the vertical devolution of taxes with the states at 41%. The divisible pool of financial resources is recommended at 42%, with 1% adjustment made for change of status. So, the vertical devolution of taxes to the states stands at 41%.
3. What is the FDI limit in Indian insurance companies as of February 2026?
[A] 49%
[B] 74%
[C] 100%
[D] 26%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [100%]
Notes:
The FDI limit in Indian insurance companies increased to 74% in 2021. The Insurance Act, 1938 was amended to permit up to 100% foreign direct investment from February 5, 2026. Foreign investors and FPIs can now collectively own 100 percent equity in Indian insurance companies, according to the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Act, operative from February 2026. This act ended all previous sectoral FDI cap restrictions.
4. What is the outlay for PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana?
[A] Rs 1000 crore
[B] Rs 2000 crore
[C] Rs 10,000 crore
[D] Rs 64,180 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rs 64,180 crore]
Notes:
PM AtmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, a new centrally sponsored scheme has been announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. The scheme would be launched with an outlay of Rs.64,180 crore over a period of 6 years.
The scheme aims to develop capacities of primary, secondary, and tertiary care Health Systems.
5. 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.
6. Which space agency has announced the launch of its first all civilian mission to space?
[A] NASA
[B] SpaceX
[C] JAXA
[D] ISRO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SpaceX]
Notes:
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has announced the launch of its first all civilian mission to space. The mission will be the first all-commercial astronaut mission to the orbit.
Named as Inspiration4, the mission is to be launched using the flagship vehicle of SpaceX, the Falcon 9. Expected to be launched by the end of 2021, it is a charity-focused mission commanded by the entrepreneur Jared Isaacman.
7. Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India?
[A] Shyam Sundar
[B] Siddhartha Mohanty
[C] V G Kannan
[D] Ashwani Bhatia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Siddhartha Mohanty]
Notes:
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Siddhartha Mohanty as the new Managing Director of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.
He is currently serving as the Managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of LIC Housing Finance. Siddhartha Mohanty has replaced TC Suseel Kumar, who retired on January 31, 2021. LIC has four Managing Directors and one Chairman.
8. Which country recently pulled out of a deal signed with India and Japan to develop a strategic port terminal?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
In its recent cabinet meeting, Sri Lanka has decided that the East terminal of Colombo port will be 100% owned and operated by the state-owned Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA).
Earlier, the country had signed deal with India and Japan for operating the port with 49% stake by the two countries and majority stake by SLPA. India announced that it expects Sri Lank to honour its agreement.
9. 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.
10. Which species has been recently named after the state of Arunachal Pradesh?
[A] Spider
[B] Gecko
[C] Turtle
[D] Butterfly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gecko]
Notes:
A team of researchers have discovered a new gecko species in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
The new species belongs to the genus Cyrtodactylus also known as bent-toed geckos. The species was named as Cyrtodactylus arunachalensis after the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in which it was discovered.