1. 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.
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. 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. 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.
5. Which country has recently amended its citizenship laws to attract individuals with specialized skills?
[A] India
[B] UAE
[C] United States
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UAE]
Notes:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently amended its Emirati Nationality Law, for granting citizenship to expatriates. This move is aimed to attract and retain individuals with specialised skills.
The amendment seeks to grant UAE citizenship to investors, and professionals like scientists, doctors, engineers, artists, authors and their families.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Which Technology company has launched a new initiative called ‘Startup School’?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Google
[C] Amazon
[D] Apple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Google]
Notes:
Tech major Google has launched a new initiative named ‘Startup School’ to train start-up founders and their teams across the Asia Pacific region.
It is a virtual programme which provides a series of free virtual courses for start-up founders and their teams. Courses on digital marketing, product knowledge and business strategy would be the focus areas.
9. Amazon has been in a legal dispute against which company for selling its retail assets to Reliance Retail?
[A] D-Mart
[B] Future Retail
[C] Aditya Birla Retail
[D] K Raheja Corp
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Future Retail]
Notes:
Amazon has moved the Delhi High Court against Future Retail for selling its retail assets to Reliance Retail.
Amazon alleges that the ₹24,713 crore worth Future-Reliance deal violates its own contract with the Future Group. The Delhi High Court asked Future retail to maintain status quo. Earlier the Singapore Arbitration gave the Emergency Arbitrator (EA) award in favour of Amazon.
10. Which technology entrepreneur has been appointed to the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)?
[A] Rajni Bector
[B] Rattan Lal
[C] Sridhar Vembu
[D] Ali Manikfan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sridhar Vembu]
Notes:
The founder of the Indian multinational Software company Zoho, Sridhar Vembu has been appointed to the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Padma Shri
The board is led by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Other new members are former ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan, academic member Anshuman Tripathy and former ambassador Arun K Singh.