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. Which is the smallest state of India by area, that celebrates its statehood day on May 30?
[A] Goa
[B] Sikkim
[C] Tripura
[D] Meghalaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goa]
Notes:
Goa is the smallest state of India, by are and the fourth-smallest state by population. It recently celebrated its statehood day on May 30.
In 1961, Indian Army invaded and annexed Goa, Daman and Diu into the Indian union, through Operation Vijay. After that, Goa along with Daman and Diu, was categorised as a centrally administered Union territory of India. On 30 May 1987, the union territory was split and Goa was made the 25th state of India and Daman and Diu remained as a UT.
3. What is the name of the scheme that was launched in 2015, to promote organic farming among small and marginal farmers?
[A] Pradhan Mantri KISAN Vikas Yojana
[B] Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
[C] Organic Farming Mission
[D] Operation Greens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana]
Notes:
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) was launched by the Agriculture Ministry under National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in 2015. It was launched with an aim to promote organic farming among small and marginal farmers.
Recently, the NITI Aayog organised an online High-level Roundtable, which was attended by several national and international experts and policy makers. It aims to boost agroecological and natural farming practices in India. The Agriculture Minister said that PKVY covered 7 lakh hectares and 8 lakh farmers.
4. The recent income-tax return (ITR) forms notified for AY 2020-21, captures information on cash deposits above which limit?
[A] Rs 10 lakh
[B] Rs 50 lakh
[C] Rs 1 crore
[D] Rs 2 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rs 1 crore]
Notes:
The Union government has notified the income-tax return (ITR) forms for the assessment year (AY) 2020-21 for individual, professional and corporate tax payers.
For the first time, the form separately captures information on cash deposits exceeding ₹1 crore, expenditure on foreign travel exceeding ₹2 lakh and electricity expenses exceeding ₹1 lakh. It was earlier announced that the taxpayers may avail the benefits of investments in tax-saving instruments for an extended period up to June 30. Deadline for filing returns was also extended from July 31 to November 30.
5. Which Indian state/UT has launched a mobile application to give real-time information on number of hospital beds?
[A] Goa
[B] New Delhi
[C] Odisha
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal has recently launched ‘Delhi Corona’ app for real-time information on availability of hospital beds.
The dedicated application would display the availability of beds at both private and government hospitals in the city, available at any particular time. Moreover, the app will also provide redressal of complaints related to refusal of hospitals in admitting COVID-19 positive patients.
6. Which country is to deliver Rafale fighter air-crafts to India?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Israel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently had a discussion with the French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly.
The Minister later announced that France has assured timely delivery of the Rafale fighter aircraft, made by Dassault Aviation company, despite challenges arising out of COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between India and France and discussed matters of mutual concern regarding COVID-19 and regional security.
7. Who has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom?
[A] Gaitri I. Kumar
[B] Ruchi Ghanshyam
[C] Vinay Kumar
[D] Alok Kumar Sinha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gaitri I. Kumar]
Notes:
Veteran diplomat Gaitri I. Kumar has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.
She is a 1986 batch Indian Foreign Service officer and is presently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. Gaitri I. Kumar is to replace Ruchi Ghanshyam who just retired. In her 3-decade long career, the diplomat has served in many Indian missions including in Paris, Kathmandu, Lisbon and Geneva.
8. What is the estimate of horticulture production in 2019-20, as per the second estimate of Agriculture Ministry?
[A] 270.48 million tonnes
[B] 290.48 million tonnes
[C] 300.48 million tonnes
[D] 320.48 million tonnes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [320.48 million tonnes]
Notes:
The Agriculture Ministry has released its second advance estimates of total horticulture production in 2019-20.
As per the estimate, the total horticulture production would be 320.48 million tonnes in this year, which is 3.13% higher than last year. The production of fruits is estimated to be 99.07 million tonnes as compared to 97.97 million tonnes in 2018-19. The total production of vegetables is estimated to be 191.77 million tonnes as compared to 183.17 million tonnes in 2018-19.
9. 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
10. As per the State of India’s Birds report, 15 birds of which state have been flagged among ‘species of concern’?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Assam
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) recently released the State of India’s Birds report. As per the report, 15 bird species of Kerala have been flagged among ‘species of concern’.
The bird species on the list include Banasura, Ashambu laughingthrushes, White-bellied Sholakili, Broad-tailed grassbird, Nilgiri thrush, Nilgiri pipit and White-rumped vulture among others. The authorities said that the entry of two bird species- Heart-spotted woodpecker and Forest wagtail is more concerning.