21. Which Union Ministry has launched Artificial Intelligence (AI)- based ‘ASEEM’ portal?
[A] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Health and Family welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]
Notes:
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched ‘Aatamanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM)’ portal.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI)- based portal will provide a digital platform to the employers to evaluate the availability of skilled workforce, in their hiring process. The portal also helps the workforce to attain industry-relevant skills and search for job opportunities.
22. What is the rank of Mukesh Ambani in the world’s billionaire’s list, as per the Hurun Research?
[A] Five
[B] Nine
[C] Ten
[D] Twelve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Five]
Notes:
The head of Reliance Industries Ltd, Mukesh Ambani has moved up to become the fifth richest man in the world, as per the Hurun Research.
Last month, the billionaire was at eighth position in the list. Now, he surpassed Warren Buffet and shares 5th rank with Tesla founder Elon Musk and Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. His net-worth rose to USD 78 billion. Earlier, Jio platforms had raised Rs 117,588 crore from global investors.
23. Which country was the top trading partner of India in 2019-20, as per the recent data released by Commerce Industry?
[A] China
[B] United States
[C] United Arab Emirates
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
According to the data of the commerce ministry, the United States was the top trading partner for the second consecutive fiscal in 2019-20.
In the year 2019-20, the bilateral trade between the US and India was at USD 88.75 billion compared to USD 87.96 billion in 2018-19. China was India’s top trading partner from 2013 to 2017. The US surpassed China to become the top trading partner of India in 2018-19.
24. What is the rate of TDS deducted if cash withdrawal of above 1 crore is made by a person who is an income-tax payee?
[A] 0.5 per cent
[B] 1 per cent
[C] 2 per cent
[D] 3 per cent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2 per cent]
Notes:
TDS is deductible at the rate of 2 % if cash withdrawal of above 1 crore made by a person who is an income-tax payee. While, TDS is deductible at the rate 2 % if cash withdrawal exceeds 20 lakh rupees and at the rate of 5 % if it exceeds one crore rupees, if made by a non-income-tax filer.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched a new tool, through which Banks and Post offices can determine the TDS rates on cash withdrawals, by entering their PAN number.
25. Which institution has launched a 5000-crore scheme for computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
[C] Securities Exchange Board of India
[D] National Housing Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development]
Notes:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced Rs 5,000 crore worth grant-based scheme for computerisation of about 35,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by FY23.
The scheme, apart from providing assistance to state governments for the process also ensures integration of the PACS with the Core Banking System (CBS) of District Central Co-operative Banks.
26. Which is the Headquarters of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?
[A] Geneva
[B] New York
[C] Washington
[D] Paris
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New York ]
Notes:
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, headquartered at New York.
The High-Level Segment of UN ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) is to be held on July 17 in New York in the theme of “Multilateralism after COVID19: What kind of UN do we need at the 75th anniversary”. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address the valedictory session.
27. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Hindu group after N Ram?
[A] Neha Dixit
[B] Ravish Kumar
[C] Siddharth Varadarajan
[D] Malini Parthasarathy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Malini Parthasarathy]
Notes:
Malini Parthasarathy has been named the new Chairperson of The Hindu Group of Publications. She is to replace the current head, N Ram.
The former editor of the Hindu from 2013 to 2016 was also the Co-Chairperson of The Hindu Group of Publications. She also founded a think tank named ‘The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy’.
28. Which country is to play host to the FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament?
[A] France
[B] Brazil
[C] Qatar
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Qatar]
Notes:
The FIFA World Cup 2022 football tournament is to played in Qatar, for the first time in the history of FIFA.
FIFA has released the new schedule for the World Cup to be played in November and December, 2022. The 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium will be the venue for the inaugural session of the tournament. FIFA will finalise the 30 contestants of the World Cup in April 2022
29. Solar Orbiter Mission is the collaboration between NASA and which other space agency?
[A] European Space Agency
[B] SpaceX
[C] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
[D] Roscosmos
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [European Space Agency]
Notes:
Solar Orbiter Mission is the collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) and it was launched in the month of February 2020.
NASA has recently released the images from the Orbiter including the closest pictures ever taken of the Sun, to the public. The spacecraft has closely passed the Sun for the first time in the month of June. The orbiter carries six imaging instruments, to capture the layers of Sun.
30. Which country recorded the largest reduction in number of people in multi-dimensional poverty between 2006 and 2016?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
As per the data recently released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), India has recorded the largest reduction in the number of people living in multi-dimensional poverty between 2005-06 and 2015-16.
About 273 million Indians moved out of multi-dimensional poverty in the said decade. As per the report, 65 out of 75 countries reduced their multi-dimensional poverty levels between 2000 and 2019.