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. 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. Which institution has developed affordable diagnostic kits called ‘Viral Transport Media (VTM)’ kits for COVID-19?
[A] IISc, Bengaluru
[B] IIT, Madras
[C] IIT, Guwahati
[D] AIIMS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [IIT, Guwahati]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, in association with Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and a private firm has developed low-cost diagnostic kits for Covid-19.
The Viral Transport Media (VTM) kits have two transport media for collecting swabs. These unique formulation of the transport medium helps in preserving the viability of viruses for up to 72 hours at refrigerated temperatures. The institution has also developed RT-PCR kits, and RNA isolation kits. Large scale production of these kits has commenced for deploying across the state and the country.
34. 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.
35. 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.
36. 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’.
37. Which Indian state/UT is set to launch a new initiative for school students named ‘Ektu Khelo, Ektu Padho’?
[A] Odisha
[B] Tripura
[C] Assam
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tripura]
Notes:
The state government of Tripura is launching an initiative named ‘Ektu Khelo, Ektu Padho’, to promote learning process of school students.
The proposed scheme is to be started from June 25, for students up to class 8. As per the state’s guidelines, assignments will be sent to students on mobile phones every morning, and feedback on their performance is to be collected in the afternoon. In the state, as many as five lakh students study in 4,733 government schools.
38. Which institution is to launch “Decarbonising Transport in India”, in collaboration with International Transport Forum (ITF)?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] World Wide Fund for Nature – India
[C] Indian Council of Forestry Research Education
[D] Indian Institute of Forest Management
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
Indian Government’s think tank NITI Aayog in collaboration with International Transport Forum (ITF) will launch the “Decarbonising Transport in India” project on 24 June.
The project seeks to promote low-carbon transport system for India. Since 2008, India has been a member of ITF, which is an intergovernmental organisation for transport policy. The project is part of the “Decarbonising Transport in Emerging Economies” (DTEE) family of projects. India, Argentina, Azerbaijan, and Morocco are the present participants of DTEE.
39. 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.
40. What is the name of the investment promotion agency, that functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade?
[A] Bharat Invest
[B] Vocal for Local
[C] Invest India
[D] Investment made easy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Invest India]
Notes:
Invest India was set up as a non-profit venture under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2009.
It focusses on sector-specific investor targeting and develops new partnerships for investments in India. Recently, the Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched the Food Processing Edition of the Exclusive Investment Forum, designed by Invest India.