1. ‘What does ‘R’ stand in the STARS project, co-sponsored by World Bank, which was in news recently?
[A] Response
[B] Results
[C] Remote
[D] Redressal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Results]
Notes:
‘STARS’ stand for Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States. It is a project of the Union Ministry of Education for improving the quality of education in six selected states.
The total project cost of project is Rs 5718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to approximately Rs. 3700 crore. Recently, the agreement for the financial support of the project was signed with World Bank.
2. Which organization has released the Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2021?
[A] Germanwatch
[B] UNFCCC
[C] WHO
[D] FAO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Germanwatch]
Notes:
The Germany-based think tank Germanwatch has recently released Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2021. The index ranks countries as per their vulnerability to climate risks both in terms of fatalities and economic losses
As per the report, India is the 7th worst-hit country on account of extreme weather events in the year 2019.
3. External Affairs Minister S Jai Shankar proposed Eight Guiding principles to repair the strained relations with which country?
[A] China
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] United States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
Union External Affairs Minister S Jai Shankar recently delivered his virtual keynote address at the All-India Conference of China Studies.
During the conference, he proposed Eight Guiding principles to repair the strained relations of India with China. He also highlighted the disturbance in their ties due to the stand-off at Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
4. As per the NSO’s revised estimates released recently, what was India’s GDP growth rate for 2019-20?
[A] 1.3%
[B] 3.2%
[C] 4.0%
[D] 5.2%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [4.0%]
Notes:
The National Statistical Office (NSO) recently released its revised national account data. As per the data, the economic growth rate for 2019-20 was revised downwards to 4 per cent.
The decrease from the previous estimate of 4.2 per cent was mainly due to contraction in secondary sectors like manufacturing and construction. Real GDP growth of 2018-19 is estimated at 6.5 per cent, against the 6.1 per cent revealed in January estimate.
5. 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.
6. As per the ‘India Justice Report’, which state has employed most women in its police force?
[A] Kerala
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
The ‘India Justice Report’ was an initiative of Tata Trusts, along with the Centre for Social Justice and some other social agencies.
The report analysed expenditure, vacancies, representation of women and members of SC, ST and OBCs across large, mid-sized states and smaller states. Bihar has employed most women in its police force at 25.3 per cent. Tamil Nadu has the highest percentage of women police officers and Karnataka is the only state to meet SC, ST and OBC quotas.
7. 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.
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 Union Budget 2021-22, what is the new threshold for paid up capital applicable to ‘small companies’?
[A] Rs.10 lakh
[B] Rs.1 crore
[C] Rs.20 lakh
[D] Rs.2 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rs.2 crore]
Notes:
As per the Union Budget 2021-22, the threshold for paid up capital applicable for Small Companies has been revised from “not exceeding Rs 50 lakh” to “not exceeding Rs 2 crore”.
This enhancement in capital limit is expected to benefit more than 2 lakh small companies and would ease various compliance requirements for them.