41. The Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant that recently achieved criticality, is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Kakrapar Atomic Power Plant-3 in Gujarat has recently achieved criticality. This is an indigenously designed 700 MWe (megawatt electrical) reactor.
Achieving criticality means that it has reached normal operating condition of a reactor. It therefore indicates that the plant is ready to generate power. Prime Minister and Home Minister congratulated the nuclear scientists for this achievement.
42. Who is the winner of the Australian 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award?
[A] Tara June Winch
[B] Tony Birch
[C] Bruce Pascoe
[D] Melissa Lucashenko
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tara June Winch]
Notes:
The 36-year old Australian writer Tara June Winch has won the prestigious 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award.
She has been awarded the prize for her book titled THE YIELD. The award has been presented since 1957, to the best novel focussing on Australian life. Tara June Winch is a Wiradjuri author who is famous for her novels including Swallow the Air and short story collection After the Carnage.
43. What is the name of the award-winning Spanish novelist, who has recently passed away?
[A] Juan Marsé
[B] Zacharias Chaliabalias
[C] Tim Smith
[D] Tom Mitchell
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Juan Marsé]
Notes:
Award-winning Spanish novelist Juan Marsé has recently passed away at the age of 87. He was considered one of the most-respected novelists of Spain.
He had won several prestigious awards including the Spain’s’ top literary award, the 2008 Cervantes Prize and the Planeta Prize, among others. His most popular novel was Úlitmas tardes on Teresa (Last Afternoons with Teresa) that was published in 1965.
44. Who is the head of the Committee set up by the Union HRD Ministry, on retaining Indian students in its institutions?
[A] D P Singh
[B] Anil Sahasrabudhe
[C] Vineet Joshi
[D] Bhushan Patwardhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [D P Singh]
Notes:
The Union Human Resources and Development Ministry has set up a committee under the Chairperson of University Grants Commission (UGC) D P Singh.
The committee will give suggestions on retaining Indian students in the country’s institutions. The Minister also said that the seat capacity in all premier institutions would be increased by 50% by 2024. Under this plan, the number of institutions under the Institutes of Eminence (IoE) programme will also go up to 50.
45. India is set to renew the ‘Agreement on Scientific cooperation’ for the next five years with which global association?
[A] ASEAN
[B] BIMSTEC
[C] European Union
[D] G-20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [European Union]
Notes:
India and the European Union are set to renew the Agreement on Scientific cooperation for the next five years, 2020-2025.
This was announced at the virtual 15th India-EU Summit, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led the EU. The mentioned Agreement was initially signed in 2001 and has been renewed two times in 2007 and 2015.
46. Which country has relaxed standards for exporting drones to its friendly countries?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] United States
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
The United States has announced that it has relaxed standards for exporting drones that fly at below 800 km per hour to its friendly countries.
This step has been taken to increase the national security of the United States by improving the capacities of its partners. The exposure of drone market to the US industry will also improve its economic security. However, higher-speed systems such as cruise missiles and advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles are not affected by this revision.
47. What is the name of the weather forecast application launched by the India Meteorological Department?
[A] Weather Check
[B] IMD Forecast
[C] Mausam
[D] IMD Check
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mausam]
Notes:
India Meteorological Department, Union Ministry of Earth Sciences launched a weather forecast application for general public.
Named as Mausam, the application offers information on five details including current temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction for 200 cities. The information is updated eight times a day. While this app is meant for everyone, IMD already has another app meant only for farmers and agriculturists called Meghdoot.
48. Which country is to play host to the 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup?
[A] England
[B] India
[C] South Africa
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The 2023 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup is to be organised in India. ICC has recently launched a 50-over World Cup Super League.
This Qualification league will determine the seven teams in the World Cup. As India is the host, it will automatically qualify to the game. The league will start with a series between England and Ireland, scheduled on July 30.
49. What is the name of the Medical Bed Isolation System developed by the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)?
[A] Aashray
[B] Arjun
[C] Abhimanyu
[D] Aarya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aashray ]
Notes:
Pune based Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) has developed a Medical Bed Isolation System named Aashray, to fight COVID-19.
The system has individual envelopes made up of specialized material that stops the virus spread from patient to others. It consists of negative pressure suction near exhale and tools to filter and disinfect aerosol. The portable and reusable system can be used in quarantine facilities.
50. Thudiyurulippara hill, which was announced as a biodiversity heritage site, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Thudiyurulippara hill in the Pramadom grama panchayat of Kerala has been announced as a biodiversity heritage site.
The Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) has formally announced the ecologically sensitive hill as a biodiversity heritage site on the recommendations of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB). This has been announced on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day.