41. Who is the head of the committee for Analysis of QR (Quick Response) Code, set up by the Reserve Bank of India?
[A] D.B. Phatak
[B] Narasimhan
[C] Y V Reddy
[D] D K Mohanty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [D.B. Phatak]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India has released the ‘Report of the Committee for Analysis of QR (Quick Response) Code’.
The Committee was constituted by RBI in December 2019 under the Chairmanship of Prof. D.B. Phatak, to review the present system of QR Codes in India in digital payments. The report asked the Government to provide incentive schemes to popularise QR code transactions among consumers. It also recommended phasing out proprietary and closed loop QR codes.
42. 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.
43. The Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh is to be converted into arable land with support from which international institution?
[A] World Bank
[B] Asian Development Bank
[C] Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
[D] New Development Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
The Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar announced that the Union Government is to collaborate with the World Bank, to convert the Gwalior-Chambal belt of Madhya Pradesh into arable land.
This has been decided in the virtual meeting with the World Bank representative. As per the statement, more than 3 lakh hectares of rugged land that remains not cultivable can be improved. As a result, the region’s agricultural development, environmental protection and employment opportunities can be improved.
44. Which is the world’s largest glacier outside of the polar region?
[A] Lambert-Fisher Glacier
[B] Siachen Glacier
[C] Gangotri Glacier
[D] Rathong Glacier
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Siachen Glacier]
Notes:
The Siachen Glacier, which is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas is the world’s largest non-polar glacier.
The glacier is currently a part of the union territory of Ladakh. Recently, the Indian Army announced that it will issue permits for civilian trips to its Siachen Base Camp and Kumar post in Ladakh. It is also claimed to be the highest battlefield.
45. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate, being manufactured by Serum Institute of India, is called by which name in India?
[A] Covishield
[B] Covaxin
[C] Covidsafe
[D] Covidia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Covishield]
Notes:
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate is to be called as ‘Covishield’ in India, as per the statement of the Serum Institute of India (SII).
SII is the largest vaccine maker in the world and it has partnered with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Oxford vaccine candidate. Recently, it has sought permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of the potential vaccine.
46. Which country’s 300-year-old historic temple has been reconstructed with the Indian assistance?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Myanmar
[D] Thailand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The Sree Sree JoyKali Matar temple, one of the oldest temples in Bangladesh, has been reconstructed with the Indian assistance of Taka 97 lakh.
The High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das has inaugurated the reconstructed temple at Natore. The MoU for the process was signed in the year 2016. The Indian assistance was given under its High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP). Several other community projects are also being carried out under this fund.
47. As per the United Nations, which Indian city witnessed a drop in levels of nitrogen dioxide by more than 70%, during lock-down?
[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Dhanbad
[D] Ranchi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
As per the latest United Nations policy brief on’COVID-19 in an Urban World’, the capital city of India New Delhi has witnessed a drop in levels of nitrogen dioxide by more than 70%, during lock-down.
The UN also highlighted that if the cities re-open without policies to prevent air pollution and promote de-carbonisation, this environmental gains could only be temporary. It also said that urban areas are the epicentre of the pandemic, with estimated 90 per cent of all reported cases.
48. State Bank of India (SBI) has provided USD 16.20 million for local businesses in which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Maldives
[C] Mauritius
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maldives]
Notes:
State Bank of India (SBI) has provided a liquidity support of USD 16.20 million for local businesses in Maldives.
SBI has also deferred loan repayment for over 200 retail accounts. On the occasion of Independence Day of the Maldives on July 26, SBI’s Covid relief measures have been announced. India had earlier made an assistance of USD 400 million to Maldives through extended currency swap arrangement.
49. Which Union Ministry launched ‘Indian Report on Digital Education, 2020’?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Human Resource Development
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Human Resource Development]
Notes:
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has recently launched the ‘Indian Report on Digital Education, 2020’.
The report has details on innovative methods adopted by Education Departments of various States and Union Territories for providing inclusive education to children at home. Initiatives of HRD Ministry including DIKSHA platform and Swayam Prabha TV Channel are highlighted.
50. When is World Nature Conservation Day celebrated every year?
[A] July 28
[B] July 29
[C] July 30
[D] July 31
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [July 28]
Notes:
World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated every year on July 28, to create and increase awareness about the importance of natural resources.
The day encourages people to protect Earth’s natural resources and lead a sustainable life style. It also educates people to use the resources judiciously without exploiting the nature Earth. Ministry of Culture has said that Worshipping Nature is a part of Indian culture.