1. Which country is set to join as the sixth member of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence network?
[A] India
[B] Japan
[C] UK
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Notes:
‘Five Eyes’ is an intelligence network of five nations namely Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the US.
The collaborative network was formed to respond to the threats posed by North Korea and China. As per media reports, Japan had provided intelligence to the US and the UK on China’s forceful detainment of Muslim Uyghurs, last year.
2. India’s first pollinator park has been established in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
India’s first pollinator park has been established in the city of Nainital, Tamil Nadu. It has been developed by research wing of the Uttarakhand Forest Department.
The four-acre-park has over 40 species of butterflies, honeybees, birds and insects. The park aims to create awareness among people about the conservation of these species. It also aims to promote research on threats to habitat and impact of pollution on these species.
3. India’s highest meteorological centre has been inaugurated in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Ladakh
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Uttarakhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ladakh]
Notes:
Union Earth Sciences Minister Harsh Vardhan has recently inaugurated the country’s highest meteorological centre in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The centre located above 3500 metres, would provide localised weather forecasts and early warning for Leh and Kargil districts of the Union Territory as well as various tourist places.
4. Which state’s Municipal Corporation partnered with UNDP India to launch India’s first Social Impact Bond (SIB)?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has signed an MoU with UNDP India to create India’s first Social Impact Bond (SIB).
This bond describes outcome-based targets to be achieved, so that the progress of the outcomes can be tracked. It also ensures the funds are used effectively towards the project. The bonds would support the corporation in improving the healthcare services.
5. Pierre Cardin, who recently passed away, was a famous Designer of which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
The famous French designer Pierre Cardin, who created an iconic brand in his name, recently passed away at the age of 98.
He licensed thousands of products in his name and they were sold across over several outlets worldwide. Beyond his designer clothes, he also licensed products like Perfumes, Makeup, Porcelain, Chocolates among others.
6. Which committee recommended the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)?
[A] Raghuram Rajan
[B] Urjit Patel
[C] Nandan Nilekani
[D] Michael Patra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nandan Nilekani]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India constituted a High-Level Committee on Deepening of Digital Payments under the Chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani in January 2019.
This committee recommended various measures to strengthen digital payment including the idea of National Common Mobility Card. Recently, the Prime Minister launched the NCMC service for the Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line.
7. Which sportsperson has been awarded knighthood in the UK Honours list?
[A] Wayne Rooney
[B] Lewis Hamilton
[C] Rory McIlroy
[D] Andy Murray
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lewis Hamilton]
Notes:
British Racing Driver Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in the traditional New Year Honours list of the United Kingdom.
The list recognises outstanding achievements in various fields including business, sport and politics among others. Lewis Hamilton, this year, equalled the record of seven Formula One world titles held by legendary racer Michael Schumacher.
8. The European Union has signed an investment treaty with which Asian country recently?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] Singapore
[D] South Korea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
The European Union and China have recently agreed to the long-awaited investment treaty, which aims to open up new corporate opportunities.
The accord was confirmed by China’s president Xi Jinping and EU leaders including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. This is also the most ambitious treaty China has ever agreed with a third country.
9. Which southern state assembly has passed resolution against Centre’s Farm laws?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
The Kerala state Assembly has recently passed a resolution urging the Central Government to scrap the recent farm laws.
The resolution was passed unanimously with the support of the Opposition party, the United Democratic Front (UDF) also. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the resolution in the House which convened for a special session to discuss on the laws.
10. CSIR-NIIST, which has discovered an alternative technology to single-use plastics, is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) has discovered an alternative technology to single-use plastics.
The NIIST scientists have developed a technology for manufacturing biodegradable cutleries from agricultural residues and by-products.
