1. Which global institution has approved a project for India called ‘Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States Program (STARS)’?
[A] World Bank
[B] World Economic Forum
[C] International Monetary Fund
[D] Asian Development Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
The World Bank has recently approved of project called ‘Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States Program (STARS)’ for India.
The project aims to improve the quality and governance of school education in six States of India namely Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan, through the Samagra Shiksha. World Bank would provide an assistance of USD 500 million (about Rs 3,700 crore).
2. Food aggregator company Swiggy has partnered with which bank to launch its own digital wallet?
[A] HDFC Bank
[B] State Bank of India
[C] ICICI Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ICICI Bank]
Notes:
Food aggregator platform and unicorn start-up Swiggy has launched its own digital wallet Swiggy Money in partnership with ICICI Bank.
The full-fledged digital wallet enables single-click checkout experience and will let its customers to store money and pay for all food orders on Swiggy. Swiggy has used ICICI Bank’s insta wallet service API, to create its own wallet.
3. Who are the beneficiaries of the state agency ‘APCOS’, launched by the government of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] MSMEs
[B] Outsourcing staff
[C] Farmers and Fishermen
[D] School Students
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Outsourcing staff]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has formally launched Andhra Pradesh Corporation for Outsourced Services (APCOS).
The Chief Minister handed over the 47,000 appointment letters to the outsourcing staff selected through the APCOS. The newly formed body ensures to maintain transparency in recruitments and payments of workers in outsourced services. The government will also follow reservation in recruitments.
4. Which Indian state holds the top position in marine fish production in 2019, as per the report of CMFRI?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu ]
Notes:
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has released its report on the Annual Marine Fish Landings in India for 2019.
As per the report, the marine fish production of India recorded a marginal rise of 2.1% in 2019, with 3.56 million tonnes in total landings. It also ranked Tamil Nadu in the first position with 7.75 lakh tonnes. It is followed by Gujarat and Kerala. Gujarat was at the top spot in the recent years.
5. Which special day is celebrated on July 2, to mark the anniversary of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS)?
[A] World Sports Journalists Day
[B] World Sports Association Day
[C] World Sportspersons Day
[D] World Coaches Day
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Sports Journalists Day]
Notes:
Every year, July 2 is celebrated as World Sports Journalists Day or International Sports Journalists Day.
The day also recognises the importance of sports journalists around the world. It marks the anniversary of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), that was established in 1924 during the Paris Olympics. AIPS is the peak professional body representing the international sports media.
6. ‘Dharma Chakra Parvattana’ is a famous celebration of which religion?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Hinduism
[D] Sikhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
‘Dharma Chakra Parvattana’ is a famous celebration of Buddhism, which commemorates Gautam Buddha’s first discourse to his first five disciples at Sarnath.
The International Buddhist Confederation, under the Ministry of Culture, celebrates Ashadha Poornima as Dharma Chakra Day. The Prime Minister has recently conveyed his greetings on Ashadha Poornima, also known as Guru Purnima.
7. Which Indian state has banned the sale of dog meat and commercial import and trading of dogs?
[A] Assam
[B] Nagaland
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagaland]
Notes:
The State Government of Nagaland has banned the sale of dog meat and commercial import and trading of dogs.
Several animal rights activists have been protesting the consumption of dog meat in the state. Earlier, the ‘animal bazaar’ of Dimapur, which sells dog meat was highlighted by several animal activists. Sale of cooked and uncooked dog meat is completely banned.
8. Who has been appointed as the new prime minister of France?
[A] Jean Castex
[B] Emmanuel Macron
[C] Edouard Philippe
[D] Mikhail Mishustin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jean Castex]
Notes:
The President of France Emmanuel Macron has named Jean Castex as the next French Prime Minister.
The previous Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had resigned earlier. The President has reshuffled the Government to restart the country’s economy. Jean Castex is a 55-year-old public servant, who has also coordinated the re-opening strategy in the country.
9. Which country has become the first major economy to shut down coal and nuclear power?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Austria
[D] Canada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Germany]
Notes:
Germany has recently become the first major economy to shut down coal and nuclear power. Both the houses of German Parliament have approved the phase-out decision.
It has decided to shut down coal-fired power plants by 2038 and nuclear power by the end of 2022. The country has also proposed to spend about 40 billion euros to help the affected regions in their transition.
10. Which Indian state has signed a MoU with the UK India Business Council, to promote business relations between UK and India?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Government of Maharashtra’s industrial infrastructure development agency, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has recently signed a MoU with UK India Business Council.
The agreement aims to promote sustainable business relations between UK and India. This will help the state to develop its business environment and promote its partnership with the British business.