1. Which venue was originally scheduled for the 47th G-7 summit 2020, that has been postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
G7 is an association of seven of the world’s largest economies namely the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan. Previously it included Russia and was called the G-8.
The 47th G7 summit was originally scheduled to be held in the month of June 2020, at Camp David, United States. The US President Donald Trump recently announced that he is postponing the 47th summit to September or November. He also suggested to expand the G7 bloc to include India, Australia, South Korea and Russia.
2. India’s largest energy exchange Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) launched its RTM platform. What does RTM stand for?
[A] Renewable Energy Market
[B] Real-Time Electricity Market
[C] Regulatory Electricity Medium
[D] Renewable Energy Medium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Real-Time Electricity Market]
Notes:
Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) is the largest electronic system-based power trading exchange of India and it is regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. IEX platform provides physical delivery of electricity and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
IEX has recently launched its Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM) platform. The objective of the platform is to help the DISCOMs plan their power requirements. The trade in electricity is carried out through half-hourly auctions i.e. 48 daily sessions.
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. Which state-owned organisation has developed a multi-purpose disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh?
[A] DRDO
[B] CSIR
[C] HAL
[D] BARC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), the Delhi based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh.
It is a multi-purpose unit, which can be used to disinfect a wide range of objects and materials including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), fabrics among others. The system is compliant with international standards of personal and environmental safety. The system will be available in two variants namely Ozonated Space and Trinetra Technology
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. When is World Bicycle Day celebrated every year, across the world?
[A] June 2
[B] June 3
[C] June 4
[D] June 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [June 3]
Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly had declared 3 June as World Bicycle Day. The Assembly acknowledged bicycle for its versatility and longevity and its usage for two centuries.
The UN encourage its stakeholders to encourage the use of bicycles as a means of promoting sustainable development and health. It also welcomes various initiatives to organise bicycle rides at the national and local levels and develop a culture of cycling in society.
8. Which is the first bank in India to launch a mobile application for opening a current account?
[A] ICICI Bank
[B] IndusInd Bank
[C] Axis Bank
[D] HDFC Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IndusInd Bank]
Notes:
IndusInd Bank has recently launched a mobile application-based facility for opening a current account, thereby becoming the first bank in the country to do so.
The new facility can be used to open current accounts for all kinds of businesses in a few hours. The facility is equipped with the bank’s “Indus Corporate” mobile app and the officials can capture and verify information about customers and their businesses on a real-time basis.
9. As per the data from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which Indian state reported the maximum tiger deaths?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
As per the recent data from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), as many as 750 tigers have died in the country in the last eight years.
Out of the total mortalities, 369 were due to natural causes and 168 were due to poaching. The state of Madhya Pradesh reported the highest casualties at 173, which is followed by Maharashtra. The data also highlighted that 101 tigers were seized by different authorities across the country between 2012 and 2019. In December 2019, there were 2976 tigers in the country.
10. Which Indian state has launched a dedicated Online Shramik Employment Exchange for migrant workers?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has recently launched the Raj Kaushal Portal and Online Shramik Employment Exchange through video conferencing.
This initiative will enable the migrant labourers who have lost their livelihoods, to get employment and to provide suitable labour force to the industries facing shortage in labour. The portals have been developed by the State IT Department Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation. The portal has data of nearly 53 lakh workers and 11.18 lakh industries.