41. Which state has approved ‘Digital Economy Mission’, to promote start-ups, e-commerce and other gig economy companies?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka Cabinet has recently cleared the formation of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission. The mission is incorporated as a new company with the state government holding 49 per cent and industries and other stakeholders holding 51 per cent.
The company aims to promote over 7,000 start-ups, e-commerce and other gig (informal) economy companies in the State. Prior to this mission, these firms were operating under the Technology Mission of the state and were governed by various departments.
42. Which is the first domestic air-carrier of India, to operate to the United States?
[A] IndiGo
[B] SpiceJet
[C] Vistara
[D] GoAir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SpiceJet]
Notes:
Gurugram-based Indian air carrier SpiceJet has been designated as Indian scheduled carrier to operate between India and the United States.
SpiceJet is the first air-carrier to operate to the US after Air India. This approval has been given in terms of the Air Services Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America. It has also been selected to operate to the United Kingdom.
43. India is set to procure standoff missiles named ‘HAMMER’ from which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Russia
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
India is set to procure HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) standoff missiles from France.
The Indian Air Force is expected to receive first five Rafale combat aircrafts from France by July 29. HAMMER is a medium-range air-to-ground weapon. It was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy.
44. When is ‘Aaykar Diwas (Income Tax Day)’ celebrated in India?
[A] July 23
[B] July 24
[C] July 25
[D] July 26
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [July 24]
Notes:
Aaykar Diwas or Income Tax Day is celebrated on July 24 by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and all field offices.
On the same day in the year 1860, Income tax was originally introduced in India by Sir James Wilson, to compensate for the losses incurred during the first war of independence. This is the 160th anniversary of Income Tax Day.
45. India is set to hand-over 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Myanmar
[D] Laos
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
As per the recent statement from the Indian Railways, they will hand over as many as 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh had earlier sent a proposal to India in for procurement, as 72% of its present locomotives are at the verge of crossing their economic life. The country will deploy them for both intra-country and inter-country rail transport.
46. Which global organisation has launched a new initiative named ‘COVID-19 Law Lab’?
[A] World Health Organisation
[B] World Trade Organisation
[C] Food and Agricultural Organisation
[D] UNICEF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Health Organisation]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently launched a new initiative named ‘COVID-19 Law Lab’, to ensure that laws are adhered to protect health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
It is a joint project of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), WHO, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University.
47. Which Indian state/UT is to play host to the 4th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in 2021?
[A] Odisha
[B] Haryana
[C] Goa
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana will host the fourth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, in Panchkula.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that unlike the usual schedule of January, the tournament has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be participated by all states with over 10000 sportspersons.
48. Which country has rejected the claims of China in the South China Sea, in a formal declaration to the United Nations?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Australia
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Australia has recently filed a formal declaration statement to the United Nations to reject the claims of China in the South China Sea.
Australia has claimed that there were no legal issues to the disputed claims of China in the sea, including those related to construction of artificial islands on shoals and reefs. Earlier, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared China’s claims of territory and resources in the South China Sea as illegal.
49. 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.
50. India has pledged to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by which year?
[A] 2022
[B] 2025
[C] 2030
[D] 2035
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2030]
Notes:
At the 2016 high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly, India pledged to fast track efforts towards ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat in the next five years, and to end the epidemic by 2030.
Recently, a study published by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stated that India may miss the national target to end AIDS by 2030. The decline in annual new HIV infections is only 27% from 2020 to 2017 against the national target of 75% by 2020.