1. What is the rank of India, in the Covid-19 performance index released by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute?
[A] 42
[B] 64
[C] 86
[D] 98
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [86]
Notes:
According to the performance index compiled by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, New Zealand handled the pandemic the most effectively.
India is ranked 86th in the index comprising 98 countries, which measures several key indicators including confirmed cases, deaths, cases per million people and deaths per million people. New Zealand is followed by Vietnam and Taiwan while Brazil is the worst performing country.
2. Chauri Chaura is a town located in which Indian state/UT?
[A] Punjab
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Chauri Chaura is a town located near Gorakhpur, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to inaugurate the Chauri Chaura Centenary celebrations.
The historic Chauri Chaura incident took place on 5 February 1922 at the Chauri Chaura town in the United Province in British India. After a clash between the Police and a group of volunteers, the Police opened fire and the group torched the Police station. Gandhi withdrew the Non-cooperation movement after this incident.
3. 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.
4. The cabinet of which state has recently cleared new Industrial Policy and proposals over Rs 52000 crores?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The cabinet of Government of Tamil Nadu, has approved new investments in the state amounting Rs.52,257 crores. This includes investment by Tata Electronics amounting Rs.5,763 crores, for manufacture of mobile phone components. These investments are expected to generate over 93,935 jobs in the state.
The state’s cabinet has also cleared the Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy 2021.
5. Which country is resettling its refugees in the Bhashan Char Island?
[A] China
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Nepal
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Bangladesh has sent a third group of Rohingya refugees to Bhashan Char Island, which is a newly developed island in the Bay of Bengal.
Around 4,000 refugees have been sent to the island since December. After the third set of 1,778 refugees, the fourth set is also expected to be sent soon. There have been several calls from human rights activists against resettlement of refugees in the island.
6. What is the rank of India in the production of silk, globally?
[A] First
[B] Second
[C] Third
[D] Fourth
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second]
Notes:
China is the largest producer of silk, in the world. It is followed by India in the second place. India is the only country in the world which produces all four major varieties of silk namely – Mulberry, Eri, Tassar, and Muga.
Recently, the Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated India’s biggest silk fair, the 8th India International Silk Fair. It is held on the virtual platform of Indian Silk Export Promotion Council.
7. Who won the men’s singles final at badminton World Tour held in Bangkok?
[A] Anders Antonsen
[B] Lin Dan
[C] Jan o Jorgensen
[D] Lee Chong Wei
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Anders Antonsen]
Notes:
Anders Antonsen of Denmark won the men’s singles final at badminton World Tour held in Bangkok recently. In the final match, he defeated Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
The tournament is hosted by Thailand in a bio secure coronavirus bubble. The tournament contained no spectators, to guard against the pandemic.
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. Who is the author of the book titled ‘The Little Book of Encouragement’?
[A] Barack Obama
[B] Bill Gates
[C] Dalai Lama
[D] Aung San Suu Kyi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dalai Lama]
Notes:
‘The Little Book of Encouragement’ is a book authored by the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama recently.
The book includes quotes and words of wisdom to the people, to face the realities of the world posed by the pandemic. It also discusses how to combat extremism, polarity and climate change and his views on Tibet in his new book.
10. 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.