1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the National Health Authority (NHA)?
[A] N S Viswanathan
[B] R S Sharma
[C] Tarun Gogoi
[D] B P Kanungo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [R S Sharma]
Notes:
Former chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), RS Sharma is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of National Health Authority (NHA).
He is to replace Indu Bhushan after his three-year term. NHA is responsible for implementing the public health insurance scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat’ or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Sharma is also the Chairperson of an empowered committee on Co-WIN platform.
4. 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.
5. In which of India’s neighbouring countries, military has taken control?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Myanmar]
Notes:
In Myanmar, the military has taken control of the country under a 1-year state of emergency. Major leaders of the country including Aung San Suu Kyi are said to be detained.
In a television release, the military has stated that Article 417 of the country’s constitution have been invoked which allows military to take over in times of emergency.
6. Who has taken charge as the Vice Chief of Army Staff in India?
[A] M M Naravane
[B] C P Mohanty
[C] Yogesh Kumar Joshi
[D] Anil Chauhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [C P Mohanty]
Notes:
Lieutenant General C P Mohanty assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Prior to this appointment he was the Army Commander of the Southern Army.
The area of responsibility of the Southern Army includes 11 states and four Union Territories. C P Mohanty has replaced the previous Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Satinder Kumar Saini.
7. Aadi Mahotsav is an initiative of which Union Ministry?
[A] Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry
[B] Tribal Affairs Ministry
[C] Culture Ministry
[D] Tourism Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tribal Affairs Ministry]
Notes:
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, a National Tribal Festival at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. The event is scheduled to be held from February 1 to February 15, this year.
Aadi Mahotsav is a national-level tribal festival and a joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). The event showcases traditional art, handicrafts and cultural heritage of the country. It has been organised from 2017.
8. What is the outlay of the “Deep Ocean Mission” announced recently in the Union Budget?
[A] Rs 1000 crore
[B] Rs 2000 crore
[C] Rs 4000 crore
[D] Rs 7500 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rs 4000 crore]
Notes:
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Budget speech that a “Deep Ocean Mission” will be launched.
A budget outlay of more than Rs 4,000 crore has been announced over five years. This programme will undertake deep ocean survey exploration. It also includes projects to conserve deep-sea biodiversity.
9. ‘Manufacturing Zones under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package’ scheme is to be implemented by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Heavy Industries
[B] Ministry of Power
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Communication
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Power]
Notes:
The Ministry of Power is set to launch a domestic manufacturing programme for critical power and renewable energy equipment.
The scheme titled ‘Manufacturing Zones under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package’ was announced in the Union Budget. With an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore in the coming financial year, the scheme includes setting up three manufacturing zones per year.
10. Which Indian body warned against recording its sessions using mobile phones?
[A] Supreme Court
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Rajya Sabha
[D] Defence Ministry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajya Sabha]
Notes:
Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu warned the Member of Parliaments against recording proceedings of the House on mobile phones.
He also stated that such unauthorised recordings and its circulation on social media is breaching the Parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House