31. Which generic steroid drug has been found to reduce deaths by a third for patients affected by COVID-19?
[A] Dexamethasone
[B] Aspirin
[C] Indomethacin
[D] Naproxen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dexamethasone ]
Notes:
Scientists in UK have claimed that the generic steroid drug dexamethasone has reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalised patients, affected by COVID-19.
This result is a part of one of the world’s largest randomised trial of drugs to treat COVID-19 patients, that also showed hydroxychloroquine was not working against the coronavirus. The drug is shown to cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators and a fifth for those on oxygen. However, World Health Organisation said that the drug is reserved for severely ill and critical patients.
32. Where is the fourth edition of the Asian Youth Para Games scheduled to be held?
[A] United Arab Emirates
[B] Bahrain
[C] Thailand
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bahrain]
Notes:
The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) recently announced that Bahrain will host the fourth edition of the Asian Youth Para Games from December 1 to 10 next year.
This would be the first time that Bahrain is to host a big para-sport event, which will take place across several venues in Khalifa Sports City and Isa Sports City of the country. Around 800 athletes under the age of 20 are expected to take part in the event in nine different sports.
33. Which Indian state/UT has observed Great June Uprising Day?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Manipur
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manipur]
Notes:
The 19th Great June Uprising Day was observed in the capital of Manipur, Imphal and other places of the state.
On June 14, 2001, the Union government signed the amended ceasefire agreement inserting the words “without territorial limits”. Several people of Manipur protested against the agreement and nearly 18 of them laid down their lives for the unity of the state. On the Great June Uprising Day, the state commemorates the 18 people.
34. Which company has become India’s first $150 bn company and has also become net debt-free recently?
[A] Reliance Industries
[B] Tata Consultancy Services
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] State Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Reliance Industries]
Notes:
Reliance Industries has recently become the first Indian company to be valued at $150 billion. It also became the first company to be valued at over Rs 11 lakh crore, in rupee terms.
Reliance Industries is among the most valued energy companies in the world, at present. In the last two months, the company raised about Rs 1.69 lakh crore from global investors and a rights issue. As per the company’s release, Reliance had a net debt of Rs 1,61,035 crore as on March 31, 2020 and with these investments, RIL has become net debt-free.
35. What is the tenure of the ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ launched by the Prime Minister of India?
[A] 75 days
[B] 100 days
[C] 125 days
[D] 200 days
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [125 days]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, a Rs 50,000 crore dedicated programme to create job opportunities for millions of migrant workers who returned home during the lockdown imposed due to Covid-19.
It was launched from Telihar village of Bihar’s Khagaria district. The scheme is expected to run in mission mode for 125 days across 116 districts in six states namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha. Twelve different ministries or departments will be engaged in implementing the programme.
36. Which Union Minister of India is to attend the Russian Victory Parade on June 24, at Moscow?
[A] Minister of External Affairs
[B] Minister of Defence
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Minister of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Minister of Defence]
Notes:
Union Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh is to attend the Russian Victory Parade on June 24, to be held at Russia’s capital Moscow.
The Victory Parade is organised to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory of Russia in the Second World War. Earlier, it was announced that a Tri-Service 75- Member Indian Military Contingent has reached Moscow to participate in the Victory Parade, along with other invited troops.
37. When is the United Nations Public Service Day celebrated?
[A] June 21
[B] June 23
[C] June 25
[D] June 24
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [June 23]
Notes:
Every year the United Nations Public Service day is observed on June 23 to honour people engaged in public service, around the world.
On 20 December 2002, the United General Assembly designated 23 June as UN Public Service Day. The United Nations also established the UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) programme in 2003, to recognise the UN Public Service Day and to encourage youngsters to take up their career in public sector.
38. Which country has suspended H-1B, H-2B, J, and L non-immigrant Visa programs?
[A] China
[B] United States
[C] Russia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
The United States President Donald Trump has recently suspended H-1B, H-2B, J, L and other temporary work permits.
The suspension will be effective till December 31, as per the recent announcement from the White House. The President announced that the entry of additional workers through these temporary Visa programs presents a threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the economic damages caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
39. Which state-owned business school of India launched an ‘Endowment Fund’, to promote its growth?
[A] Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
[B] Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
[C] Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
[D] Indian Institute of Management, Indore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has recently launched an endowment fund.
The ‘IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund’ has been launched with an initial commitment of Rs 100 crore from 10 founding alumni. It aims to raise Rs 1,000 crore over a period of five years. The fund, which is to be managed by an independent committee including initial alumni contributors, will help in promoting growth of the institute.
40. Which Indian state conducted Elephant census and announced that it has increased the elephant count to 352?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh has announced that the State has recorded an increase in the population of elephant in its wildlife division.
The elephant census in Uttar Pradesh was conducted in collaboration with the forest officials of Uttarakhand. As per the recent data, the count of elephants reached 352 in the state. The previous operation in the year 2017 recorded only 232 elephants.