1. Which company has partnered with the Trivandrum-based SCTIMST institute for commercial production of COVID kits?
[A] Larsen & Toubro
[B] Tata Group
[C] Reliance Industries
[D] Mahindra & Mahindra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tata Group]
Notes:
The Tata Group has recently signed a partnership agreement with the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) of Thiruvananthapuram for commercial production of Covid-19 testing kits.
The kits to be produced are based on Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Amplification (RT-LAMP) technology for Covid-19 detection. The kits provide results in a lesser time against the conventional method. Earlier, Tata Sons had partnered with CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology to produce CRISPR-based COVID test kits.
2. In which scheme, three states-Odisha, Sikkim and Mizoram have joined, to bring the total number of implementing states to 20?
[A] PM KISAN
[B] One Nation-One Ration Card
[C] PM Fasal Bima Yojana
[D] PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [One Nation-One Ration Card]
Notes:
As per the recent announcement from the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry, three more States namely Odisha, Sikkim and Mizoram have recently joined the ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ scheme.
This addition has taken the total number of states and union territories that have joined the scheme to 20. In the three states, the necessary infrastructure work for joining the scheme including upgradation of electronic Point of Sale (e-PoS) software have been completed.
3. Which state has launched a month-long drive to spread awareness about COVID-19 pandemic under Mission Fateh?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Punjab
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Notes:
During April, the state of Punjab launched an operation to contain the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) named ‘Mission Fateh’.
Recently, the Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh has launched a month-long drive to spread awareness about COVID-19 pandemic under Mission Fateh. This campaign will expand the coverage of the original mission beyond the frontline workers to include all general public of the state in fighting the crisis. Various awareness programmes are to be held across the state.
4. Which player has been nominated for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by Hockey India?
[A] Vandana Kataria
[B] Monika
[C] Rani Rampal
[D] Lalremsiami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rani Rampal]
Notes:
Apex Governing body of men and women’s hockey, Hockey India has recently nominated national women’s team captain Rani Rampal for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Rani Rampal is the first Indian to be named as the World Games Athlete of The Year. She played an important role in the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in 2019. Hockey India also nominated other players Vandana Kataria, Monika and Harmanpreet Singh for the Arjuna award.
5. Which global organisation recently warned that 60 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty in 2020?
[A] United Nations
[B] World Bank
[C] Food and Agricultural Organisation
[D] World Economic Forum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Bank]
Notes:
The World Bank recently warned that 60 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty in 2020, after Covid-19 crisis.
The World Bank President David Malpass released analytical chapters from its flagship Global Economic Prospects report. He urged the countries to implement comprehensive policies to boost long-term growth and to address immediate health emergencies. The estimates are likely to increase further.
6. When was the Essential Commodities act passed?
[A] 1952
[B] 1955
[C] 1975
[D] 1982
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1955]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet recently amended the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in view of helping farmers and transforming the agriculture sector.
With the amendment, commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes will be removed from list of essential commodities, thereby attracting private sector/foreign direct investment into agriculture sector. The cabinet also approved two ordinances to promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce and give a level playing field with wholesalers and exporters.
7. Basu Chatterjee, who recently passed away, was associated with which profession?
[A] Sportsperson
[B] Film maker
[C] Businessperson
[D] Politician
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Film maker]
Notes:
Veteran filmmaker and screen-writer Basu Chatterjee, passed away recently due to age related illness, at 93 years.
The film maker was known for his critically acclaimed films such as ‘Chhoti Si Baat’, ‘Baaton Baaton Mein’, ‘Ek Ruka Hua Faisla’ and ‘Rajnigandha’ among others. He was famous among the middle-class audience in the 70s for his unique film -making.
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. 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.
10. Which country has launched a UNDP national campaign on ‘Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways’?
[A] Germany
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India has recently launched the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) campaign on ‘Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways’.
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME Nitin Gadkari has launched the campaign through video conference on the occasion of World Environment Day. The Minister also highlighted that about 5 lakh road incidents are witnessed in India every year.