1. Which global organisation has adopted a new voting procedure involving secret ballots for its elections, amidst Covid-19 pandemic?
[A] European Union
[B] United Nations
[C] World Health Organisation
[D] North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Nations]
Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly has recently adopted a new voting procedure for the upcoming election of new members of the Security Council.
This change is due to the restrictions for large gathering and to ensure social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Usually, the assembly meet in a horseshoe-shaped assembly chamber at UN headquarters. But now, the ambassadors from 193 UN member nations will cast secret ballots at predetermined places and time slots.
2. The Union Government has approved Rs 445 Crore for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in which state/UT?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Assam
[C] Punjab
[D] Chhattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
The Union Government has approved 445 crore rupees for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Chhattisgarh during 2020-21, to provide tap connections to 20 lakh households.
The aim of Jal Jeevan Mission is to provide potable drinking water on a long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024. During the Union Budget 2020, 3.6 lakh crores has been allocated for this scheme. The migrant labourers returned to Chhattisgarh will be involved in the jobs related to water supply.
3. When is the Global Parents Day celebrated by the United Nations, every year?
[A] May 31
[B] June 1
[C] June 3
[D] June 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [June 1]
Notes:
June 1 was declared as the Global Day of Parents by the UN General Assembly in 2012. Since then, June 1 is being celebrated as Global Day of Parents every year.
The day is celebrated with an objective of honouring all the parents around the world for their commitment and sacrifice they do for their children. Among the efforts to build social development, the UNGA proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of the Family and 15 May of every year as the International Day of Families.
4. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon occurs during which period of the year?
[A] July-August
[B] June-September
[C] September-December
[D] August-November
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [June-September]
Notes:
As per the recent announcement from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon arrived on time over the Kerala coast. The southwest monsoon usually occurs in the period of June-September.
IMD declares the start of the monsoon when 60% of the 14 meteorological stations in Kerala record 2.5mm of more rains for two consecutive days. The other two factors are the westerlies (winds) and the outgoing longwave radiation. IMD also revised the forecast for rains to 102% of long-period average.
5. Who are the beneficiaries of the newly launched scheme PM SVANIDHI?
[A] MSMEs
[B] Migrant Labourers
[C] Street vendors
[D] Textile Industries
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Street vendors]
Notes:
The Union Government has recently launched a new micro-credit facility scheme named PM SVANIDHI – Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi.
Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launched the scheme, which aims to provide affordable loans to street vendors. The duration of the scheme is till March 2022 and is expected to benefit over 50 lakh street vendors. The vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs 10000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in one-year tenure.
6. Who has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Finland?
[A] Vani Rao
[B] Raveesh Kumar
[C] Gaitri I. Kumar
[D] Vinay Kumar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raveesh Kumar ]
Notes:
Veteran diplomat and former spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Raveesh Kumar has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Finland.
The 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, served as the spokesperson of the MEA from July 2017 to April 2020 and handled many important issues. In his 25-year career, he had served in several crucial missions including Deputy Chief of Mission in Jakarta and Consul General in Frankfurt. He is set to replace ambassador Vani Rao in Finland.
7. Which organisation has developed a device called ‘SUMERU-PACS’, to help PPE wearers?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautical Limited
[B] Defence Research Development Organisation
[C] Bharat Electronics Limited
[D] Ordnance Factory Board
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research Development Organisation]
Notes:
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a device called SUMERU-PACS, that helps the wearers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to feel comfortable without sweating.
After receiving feedback about the discomfort faced by the people wearing PPEs, DRDO has developed a personal air circulation system that can be used inside the PPE. The system is in the form of a small backpack weighing approximately 500 grams.
8. What is the unemployment rate of India during July 2018- June 2019, as per the annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
[A] 7.1%
[B] 6.1%
[C] 5.8%
[D] 4.2%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [5.8%]
Notes:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has recently released its annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
As per the PLFS report, the unemployment rate of India during July 2018- June 2019 fell to 5.8%, as compared to 6.1% rate recorded during the same period of 2017-18. The report also said that the labour force participation rate rose to 37.5% from 36.9%; the worker population ratio increased to 35.3% as against 34.7%; female participation rate improved to 18.6% in 2018-19 from 17.5%.
9. Which Indian state/UT has launched a dedicated State Environment Management Corporation?
[A] Kerala
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy has recently launched the Andhra Pradesh Environment Management Corporation (APEMC), to mark the World Environment Day celebrations on June 5.
The Corporation would perform several prescribed tasks including collecting, segregating and scientifically disposing off industrial waste. It will also ensure if the industries follow the waste-management protocol mandated by the state.
10. Who has been named the Chairperson of the re-constituted ‘Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee’ of SEBI?
[A] Ashok Dalwani
[B] M S Sahoo
[C] Ajay Tyagi
[D] N K Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ashok Dalwani]
Notes:
Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has re-constituted its Commodity derivatives advisory committee.
As per the recent notification, the 17-member committee would be chaired by retired IAS officer Ashok Dalwani. The committee examines issues related to contract designs and new products in the segment and advises on matters related to delivery mechanism and warehouses. The panel includes members from BSE, NSE, NCDEX NITI Aayog, NABARD among others.