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. 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. 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. 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. Which country is resettling its refugees in the Bhashan Char Island?
[A] China
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Nepal
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Bangladesh has sent a third group of Rohingya refugees to Bhashan Char Island, which is a newly developed island in the Bay of Bengal.
Around 4,000 refugees have been sent to the island since December. After the third set of 1,778 refugees, the fourth set is also expected to be sent soon. There have been several calls from human rights activists against resettlement of refugees in the island.
6. According to the WHO, which country has the highest number of new Leprosy cases in the world annually?
[A] China
[B] Pakistan
[C] India
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has the highest number of new cases of leprosy in the world annually.
India is followed by Brazil and Indonesia in the largest number of cases. In India, more new cases are reported from the rural belts of Bihar, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. January 31 is observed as World Leprosy Day.
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. The ‘ASEAN-INDIA Hackathon’ is an initiative taken by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
The ‘ASEAN-INDIA Hackathon’ is an initiative taken by the Union Ministry of Education. This year’s edition has been inaugurated and is being organised online from 1st -3rd February 2021.
The event enables India and all the 10 ASEAN countries collaborate in the fields of education, science and technology. The countries also revive their economic and cultural ties under the event. This year the broad themes of the Hackathon are ‘Blue Economy’ and ‘Education’.
9. 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.
10. Pattachitra, which was making news recently, is a popular art form of which state/UT?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Jammu &Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
Pattachitra is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. It is a traditional style of painting performed on a cloth-based scroll.
This unique artform is known for its intricate artistic work and details about the mythological stories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the name of a Orissa student in his Mann ki Baat radio programme, for practising the art form during Covid-19.