31. Which financial institution is the regulator of housing finance companies (HFCs) after August 2019?
[A] National Housing Bank (NHB)
[B] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[C] Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
[D] Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took over the powers to regulate HFCs from the National Housing Bank (NHB) in August 2019.
Recently, RBI proposed to modify the rules of housing finance firms, which includes the formal definition of housing finance as “financing, for purchase/ construction/ reconstruction/ renovation/ repairs of residential dwelling unit”. RBI also proposed to classify HFCs as systemically important HFCs and non-systemically important HFCs.
32. As per the ‘Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020’, what is the percentage of countries which enforce laws to protect minors?
[A] 87%
[B] 67%
[C] 47%
[D] 27%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [47%]
Notes:
The ‘Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020’ was launched by the World Health Organisation, the UNICEF, the UNESCO, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children and End Violence Partnership.
As per the report, half of the world’s children, about a billion are affected by physical, sexual or psychological violence, suffering injuries and death. Though nearly 88% of the countries have laws to protect minors, only 47% of them strongly enforce the laws.
33. When is the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict’ observed?
[A] June 19
[B] June 20
[C] June 22
[D] June 23
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [June 19]
Notes:
Every year, on June 19, the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict’ is observed by the United Nations.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 19 June of each year as this special day in the year 2015, in order to raise awareness to prevent conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence. The day also pays tribute to people who have fought against this crime and laid down their lives. On the same day in 2008, the Security Council resolution condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war, was adopted.
34. What is the expansion of LLP Act, that was seen in news recently?
[A] Limited Logistics Partnership Act
[B] Limited Liability Partnership Act
[C] Legal Liability Partnership Act
[D] Logistics Liability Partnership Act
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Limited Liability Partnership Act]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Corporate affairs (MCA) has proposed to decriminalise some compoundable offences under the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act.
In the draft proposal, the Ministry has listed as many as 20 sections of the LLP Act and sought public comments and stakeholder consultations. It includes change of designated partners, maintaining books of accounts etc. Certain minor, procedural or technical violations which does not involve any harm to public interest are to be decriminalized.
35. Which Union Ministry celebrates International Yoga Day 2020 with a campaign titled ‘Namaste Yoga’?
[A] Ministry of AYUSH
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
Ministry of Culture is celebrating International Yoga Day 2020 by organising a campaign titled ‘Namaste Yoga’ from 19th to 21st June, 2020.
Union Minister of State for Culture Prahlad Singh Patel urged everyone to join him for a Surya Namaskar. He also asked them to post their Surya Namaskar videos on social media platforms to create health awareness among all citizens.
36. Mount Merapi, that was seen in news recently, is located in which country?
[A] Philippines
[B] Indonesia
[C] Vietnam
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indonesia]
Notes:
Mount Merapi is the most volatile volcano located in the country of Indonesia. It was seen in news, as the mountain spewed ash and hot gas to about 6 kilometers into the sky.
The mountain has a height of 2,968-meter and it is one of the most active of 500 Indonesian volcanoes. It has been generating dark hot clouds since last year. The last major eruption of the mountain happened in 2010, which killed 353 people.
37. Which Indian state is set to become the first state to launch an employment guarantee scheme for urban poor?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Notes:
Jharkhand is set to become the first state to launch an employment guarantee scheme for urban poor on the lines of the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The scheme named ‘Mukhyamantri Shramik Yojna’ will guarantee 100 days of work in a financial year for urban unskilled labourers. Under the scheme, if the person doesn’t get work within 15 days of request, unemployment allowance would be given. An urban employment guarantee council would be formed, headed by the Chief Minister and Urban development minister as the vice president.
38. How many countries are members of Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG)?
[A] Five
[B] Seven
[C] Nine
[D] Twelve
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nine]
Notes:
The Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) is a regional body comprising nine countries. It is an associate member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The members of EAG include Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. Recently, Indian officials attended the virtual 32nd special EAG plenary meeting through video-conferencing, under the aegis of the Financial Action Task Force.
39. Which fund has been made open to contributions from individuals or institutions, by the Finance Ministry?
[A] National Disaster Response Fund
[B] PM CARES Fund
[C] Consolidated Fund of India
[D] Public Account Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Disaster Response Fund]
Notes:
The Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry has recently announced that there is no objection to the proposal of contributions from individuals or institutions towards the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
The proposal has been accepted based on the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The NDRF was constituted under the same act and it supplements SDRF of a state, when adequate funds are not available in SDRF in case of a severe disaster. The central government may constitute a fund to be called the NDRF for meeting any severe disaster.
40. Which country, also the world’s second largest arms producer, is set to join the UN Arms Trade Treaty?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] China
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China recently announced that it will join the United Nations (UN) Arms Trade Treaty. China’s top legislative body voted to adopt a decision on joining the treaty.
Under the treaty, the member countries ought to keep records of international transfers of weapons. The members should also prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations. Earlier, the United States had rejected to join in the treaty, which has been designed to control the flow of weapons into conflict zones.