1. Which is the first private space company to send astronauts into space?
[A] Blue Origin
[B] Tesla
[C] SpaceX
[D] Orbital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [SpaceX]
Notes:
California-based American aerospace manufacturing and space transportation services firm SpaceX has become the first private company to send astronauts into space.
The firm is owned by the tech-billionaire Elon Musk. The Crew Dragon spacecraft of SpaceX carried two astronauts of NASA Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to the International Space Station (ISS). Earlier, this feat has been achieved by the governments of the United States, Russia and China. The US halted to use its own shuttles nine years ago.
2. 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.
3. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) scheme is implemented under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs
[C] Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers]
Notes:
Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers implements the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) scheme through the network of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
The scheme aims to make quality medicines available at affordable prices to all and reduce out of pocket expenses for healthcare. The scheme was seen in news recently, as it achieved sales of Rs. 100.4 Crores in the first two months of 2020-21. During March, April & May 2020, the Kendras have sold Rs. 144 Crores worth affordable medicines.
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. Wajid Khan, who recently passed away, was associated with which profession?
[A] Sportsperson
[B] Musician
[C] Journalist
[D] Politician
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Musician]
Notes:
Famous music composer Wajid Khan recently passed away at the age of 42. He was a part of the popular music duo Sajid-Wajid.
The pair started their musical career in the year 1998 for a Hindi movie starring Salman Khan. Sajid-Wajid scored music for many films of the star including his latest single, ‘Bhai Bhai’. The pair has been popular for their composition of IPL 4 theme song.
6. What is the name of the cyclone that has intensified into a cyclonic storm that is expected to cross Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts?
[A] Amphan
[B] Nisarga
[C] Harold
[D] Amanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nisarga]
Notes:
As per the recent announcement of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression in the Arabian Sea has intensified into a cyclonic storm named as Cyclone Nisarga.
It will further turn into a severe cyclonic storm by tonight and cross north Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts between Raigad district and Daman. When the storm crosses the coast, the severe cyclonic storm will have a wind speed of 90-105 kmph. Earlier, the cyclone Amphan hit the state of West Bengal and caused severe damages.
7. Which global organisation launched a new initiative called COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)?
[A] World Health Organisation
[B] World Trade Organisation
[C] UNICEF
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Health Organisation]
Notes:
World Health Organisation has launched a new initiative called COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP), along with Costa Rica.
The pool was initially proposed in the month of March by the President of Costa Rica Carlos Alvarado. As of now, thirty countries and several global partners have joined the initiative. The pool seeks to make all vaccines, tests, treatments and other health technologies developed to fight COVID-19, accessible to all.
8. Which Union Ministry has recently fixed the limit of local content in public procurement of 55 products?
[A] Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of MSMEs
[D] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers recently fixed the minimum percentage of local content in public procurement of 55 chemical and pesticide products.
This step is a part of the government’s effort to boost domestic manufacturing and the Make-in-India programme. As per the new norm, the minimum local content has been fixed at 60 per cent for 2020-21, 70 per cent for 2021-23 and 80 per cent during 2023-25. Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had revised the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017 for implementing this norm.
9. Which association celebrated its 125th Annual session on the theme “Building India for a New World: Lives, livelihood, growth”?
[A] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
[B] Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
[C] National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM)
[D] Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)]
Notes:
The Prime Minister has recently delivered the inaugural address at the 125th Annual Session of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) through video conference.
The theme of this year’s annual conference is “Building India for a New World: Lives, livelihood, growth”. The Prime Minister addressed the conference on “Getting Growth Back”. He congratulated the industry body on completing 125 years of the organisation and said Intent, Inclusion, Investment, Infrastructure and Innovation important to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
10. Indian Prime Minister is set to have his first ever virtual bilateral summit with the Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Japan
[B] Singapore
[C] Australia
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to have his first ever virtual bilateral summit with the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison.
As per the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, as the Australian head’s visit to India was cancelled due to Covid-19 crisis, this virtual summit is taking place. The leaders will discuss their responses to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This summit is expected to promote the bilateral tie