1. India conducted a joint forum meet with which country, under its ‘Act East Policy’?
[A] Nepal
[B] Japan
[C] Thailand
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
India conducted the 5th Act East Forum (AEF) meet with Japan and both the countries reviewed progress of various ongoing projects in the North-eastern region.
India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Japan’s vision for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ are realised through the Act East Forum, which also provides a collaborative platform in the North Eastern Region. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
2. What is India’s rank in “’Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index” released by the EIU?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 7th
[D] 10th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [10th]
Notes:
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has recently released an index named “’Asia-Pacific Personalised Health Index”.
India has ranked 10th out of 11 Asia Pacific countries in the index. This index measures the readiness of 11 countries – Australia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and New Zealand in adopting personalised healthcare.
3. Which construction major has bagged the contract for construction of steel bridges for Mumbai and Ahmedabad bullet train project?
[A] Tata Projects
[B] Adani Group
[C] GMR Infrastructure
[D] L&T Construction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [L&T Construction]
Notes:
The Indian construction major L&T Construction, has bagged the contract for building 28 steel bridges for Mumbai and Ahmedabad bullet train project.
The order costs about Rs.1000 crore to Rs.2500 crore. It involves procurement, fabrication, assembly and erection of bridges at various sites in the line. This project has been bagged as a consortium of L&T and Japan’s IHI Infrastructure Systems.
4. NaBFID, the new bank which is proposed to be set up, is to finance which sector?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Infrastructure
[C] MSMEs
[D] Fishery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Infrastructure]
Notes:
The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill 2021 is to be introduced in the Budget session.
The government is set up a National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), which will facilitate the infrastructure financing of the country. The developmental financial institution (DFI) will act as a principal financial institution and development bank to support infrastructure projects.
5. Which country recently commenced operations in its ‘Hualong One unit’ nuclear reactor?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] UAE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
The China National Nuclear Corporation has stated that it has begun commercial electricity production from its “Hualong One unit” which are the third-generation pressurised water nuclear reactors of the country.
The reactor constructed for more than five years at Fuqing in Fujian province was first connected to the grid in November.
6. Vaccination against which disease was conducted recently as a National Vaccination Day?
[A] Hepatitis
[B] Polio
[C] Pneumonia
[D] BCG
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Polio]
Notes:
On the Polio National Immunization Day scheduled on January 31, 2021, around 89 lakh children were given polio drops under National Polio Immunisation drive across the country.
President Ram Nath Kovind launched the first round of Pulse Polio Programme 2021. Over seven lakh booths were set up for implementing the drive. A house-to-house surveillance will also be provided to vaccinate the remaining children.
7. The death anniversary of which national leader was observed as the Martyrs’ Day on January 30 in India?
[A] Jawaharlal Nehru
[B] Mahatma Gandhi
[C] Bhagat Singh
[D] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahatma Gandhi]
Notes:
On 30th Jan 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the year 1948. On this day, India observes Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas, to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and all martyrs who sacrificed their life for the nation’s freedom.
The 73rd death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed as Martyrs’ Day recently.
8. 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%.
9. What is the expansion of “OPC”, which is seen in the Union Budget 2021-22?
[A] Over the Port Counter
[B] One Person Company
[C] On Port Company
[D] On the go Private Company
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [One Person Company]
Notes:
As per the Union Budget 2020-21, the government would be incentivizing the incorporation of One Person Companies (OPC) in order to boost the ease of doing business.
The Government has reduced the time limit for Indian citizen to start an OPC from 182 days to 120 days. This move allows NRIs to incorporate OPCs in India.
10. As per the recent Union Budget, the Gig economy workers are to be covered under which organisation?
[A] LIC
[B] ESIC
[C] EPFO
[D] PFRDA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ESIC]
Notes:
In the recent Union Budget, the Finance Minister announced that all social security benefits will be extended to gig and platform workers.
Minimum wages will be ensured to all categories of workers. All those workers will also be covered by the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). She also announced that women will be allowed to work in all categories and in the night-shifts with adequate protection.