31. India is set to send a 75-member Tri-Service contingent to participate in the Victory Day parade of which country?
[A] Germany
[B] Russia
[C] France
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
Russia is to conduct a military parade in Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of their victory in the Second World War.
The Defence Minister of Russia has invited an Indian contingent to take part in the Victory Day Parade scheduled to be held on June 24, 2020 in Moscow. It was originally scheduled on the occasion of the Victory Day – May 9, but later postponed due to Covid-19. India is sending a 75-member Tri-Service contingent to participate in the parade.
32. 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.
33. IM Vijayan, who has been nominated for Padma Shri award, is associated with which sports?
[A] Cricket
[B] Foot ball
[C] Hockey
[D] Table-Tennis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Foot ball]
Notes:
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recently recommended former skipper IM Vijayan for the country’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.
The 51-year-old legendary player served as the India striker. Since he made his debut in the early 90s, he had scored 40 goals in 79 matches for India. He was also awarded the prestigious Arjuna award in 2003. Six Indian footballers including Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri have earlier won the Padma Shri award.
34. Which type of animal is Stegodon, the fossil of which has been recently found in Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Elephant
[B] Turtle
[C] Giraffe
[D] Lion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Elephant]
Notes:
The fossil of Stegodon, a variety of the elephant, was recently discovered near Saharanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Stegodon is an extinct type of elephant with unique tusks and molars, that was found at an early age in Asia and Africa. The fossil found is claimed to be five to eight million years old and from the Dhok Pathan formation of Siwalik range. More researches are to be carried out in the vicinity of the place.
35. What is the term of the selected member of the Rajya Sabha?
[A] Three years
[B] Four years
[C] Five years
[D] Six years
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Six years]
Notes:
The Rajya Sabha consists of not more 238 members representing the States and Union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President. Each member is elected for a term of six years.
In the recent elections to 19 seats in 10 states, BJP won eight and Congress won four seats. The current strength of Rajya Sabha goes up to 244, of which BJP has 86 members and the National Democratic Alliance NDA’s tally is expected to cross 100. The Congress has 41 members while others have 27.
36. Which organisation has received a patent for its Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG)?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation
[C] Indian Navy
[D] Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Space Research Organisation]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received a patent for its Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG).
The special garment is made up of bio-compatible fabrics and a system for circulating temperature controlling fluid into and out of the garments. This would provide a comfortable temperature to the astronauts wearing it in space. The garments can also be used in other military applications, fire-fighting and in extreme environments in industrial areas.
37. When was the first International Day of Yoga celebrated across the world?
[A] 2011
[B] 2013
[C] 2015
[D] 2018
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2015]
Notes:
The United Nations designated June 21 as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014, during the 69th session of the General Assembly.
The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated in the year 2015, across the world. This year, the celebration marks the 6th International Yoga Day. The United Nations theme for this year is ‘Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home’.
38. Which country has committed to provide 200 million euros to India, to support the country’s response to tackle COVID-19?
[A] Japan
[B] Australia
[C] Germany
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [France]
Notes:
Under the recently signed agreement, France committed to provide 200 million euros to India, to support the country’s response to tackle COVID-19.
The programme design has been developed by the World Bank in collaboration with the Indian authorities. It seeks to fast track the existing social protection measures of the Indian Government including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. The programme will provide assistance to low-income families and protect essential frontline workers.
39. What is ‘Dhruva’, that has been developed by researchers and students of IIT-Bombay?
[A] Personal Protective Equipment
[B] COVID-19 Test Kit
[C] Receiver chip for NAVIC
[D] Microprocessor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Receiver chip for NAVIC]
Notes:
The students and researchers of IIT-Bombay has recently developed a homegrown receiver chip – Dhruva.
The chip can be used in smartphones and navigation devices to find locations and routes within the country. It will receive signals from NAVIC group of navigation satellites of India, as well as the US Global Positioning System-based satellites to determine a person’s location precisely.
40. Which is the first country in Europe to successfully conduct its national elections, amidst Covid-19 pandemic?
[A] France
[B] Serbia
[C] Germany
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Serbia]
Notes:
Serbia is the first country in Europe to successfully conduct its national election in Europe during the coronavirus epidemic.
The voting, which had been initially planned for April, was postponed because of the pandemic. However, the turnout appeared lower compared to previous elections due to the fear of coronavirus. The ruling governing conservative party led by President Aleksandar Vucic is set to obtain a landslide victory.