1. What is India’s rank in Corruption perception index (CPI) – 2020?
[A] 50th
[B] 75th
[C] 80th
[D] 86th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [86th]
Notes:
The corruption perception index (CPI) for the year 2020 has been released recently by Transparency International (TI). The index uses a scale of 0 to 100 to rate countries, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.
India slipped six places and has been ranked at 86th position out of 180 countries.
2. 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.
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. As per the Budget 2021-22, what is the estimated Fiscal Deficit for the current financial year?
[A] 9.5%
[B] 7.0%
[C] 4.0%
[D] 2.0%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [9.5%]
Notes:
As per the latest Budget presented by the Union Finance Minister, the Fiscal Deficit of our economy is estimated at 9.5% of GDP for the current financial year. The same is expected to be at 6.8% of GDP for FY 2021-22.
The budget estimate of expenditure for next FY (2021-22) is Rs.34.83 lakh crore.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management has been set up in which Indian city?
[A] Cochin
[B] Chennai
[C] Vishakhapatnam
[D] Guwahati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chennai]
Notes:
India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management has been set up in Chennai. It aims to strengthen research for conservation and management of the wetlands.
This has been set up as a part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai. The Centre would also serve as a knowledge hub and facilitate exchanges between state wetland authorities.
9. Which country recently pulled out of a deal signed with India and Japan to develop a strategic port terminal?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
In its recent cabinet meeting, Sri Lanka has decided that the East terminal of Colombo port will be 100% owned and operated by the state-owned Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA).
Earlier, the country had signed deal with India and Japan for operating the port with 49% stake by the two countries and majority stake by SLPA. India announced that it expects Sri Lank to honour its agreement.
10. What is the new height recorded in India’s Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) , as of 2020?
[A] USD 10.6 billion
[B] USD 15.1 billion
[C] USD 23.4 billion
[D] USD 31.7 billion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USD 31.7 billion]
Notes:
India’s Foreign portfolio investment (FPIs) has reached a new height as the net FPI in Indian equities crossed the mark of 31.7 billion, during the current financial year.
This is the highest investment in a financial year since FY 2012-23, in India. During that year, India recorded a net FPO inflow of 25.8 billion.