1. India launched the ‘Year of Environment’ with which friendly country?
[A] Nepal
[B] France
[C] Brazil
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the Indo-French year of Environment along with his French counterpart.
India and France have environment projects being undertaken in Assam, Rajasthan and a project to be started in Jharkhand. The objective of this event is to strengthen Indo-French cooperation in sustainable development.
2. 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.
3. Which Ministry has recently introduced changes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Rules?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industries
[B] Ministry of Social Justice
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs Ministry
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Corporate Affairs Ministry]
Notes:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has recently introduced several changes to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Rules.
It includes mandatory “Impact Assessment” for big CSR projects. It also includes mandatory disclosure of all CSR projects and the CSR Committee’s composition on the company’s website.
4. Which state has recently reduced value-added tax (VAT) rate for petrol and diesel by 2%?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The state government of Rajasthan has recently reduced value-added tax (VAT) by two percent on petrol and diesel. This has relaxed the fuel prices in the state. Recently, the price of premium petrol price crossed Rs.100 in the state.
Petrol, Diesel and other fuels in India have been kept outside the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Presently, the state governments determine the VAT on these fuels.
5. Which Indian personality started the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ journal in 1896?
[A] Aurobindo Ghosh
[B] Swami Vivekananda
[C] Annie Besant
[D] Subramaniya Bharati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Swami Vivekananda]
Notes:
Swami Vivekananda started the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’, a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna order in 1896, to spread the message of India’s spiritual knowledge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 125th Anniversary celebrations of ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ organized by Advaita Ashrama in Uttarakhand. It is the place of publication of the journal. Several leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Sri Aurobindo have contributed to the journal.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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 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.
10. 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.