11. Which organisation has released the ‘Global Forest Goals Report 2021’?
[A] World Bank
[B] FAO
[C] UN ECOSOC
[D] WWF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UN ECOSOC]
Notes:
The Global Forest Goals Report 2021 was prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations.
The report provides an overview of progress towards achieving the six Global Forest Goals and their 26 associated targets as mentioned in the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030. The first Global Forest Goal provides for increasing forest area by three per cent by 2030.
12. Which institution has launched two quick credit delivery schemes named ‘SHWAS and AROG’, to help MSME augmentation?
[A] RBI
[B] SIDBI
[C] SEBI
[D] EXIM Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SIDBI]
Notes:
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched two new quick credit delivery schemes to provide funding for production related to supply of oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, oximeters and essential drugs.
These new initiatives would help MSMEs quickly improve their facilities: SHWAS (SIDBI assistance to Healthcare sector in War Against Second wave of COVID19) and AROG (SIDBI Assistance to MSMEs for Recovery & Organic Growth during COVID19 pandemic).
13. As per OECD, which country stood as the top destination for FDI in 2020?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] USA
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has reported that FDI globally has plunged to a 15 year low in the year 2020 and has dropped by 38% compared to previous years.
Among the nations, China has emerged as the leading FDI destination in 2020 and has overtaken the USA in this regard.
14. Who was Soli J Sorabjee, who passed away recently?
[A] Former Attorney General
[B] Former Chief Justice of Supreme Court
[C] Former Comptroller and Auditor General
[D] Former Chief Election Commissioner
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Former Attorney General]
Notes:
Legal expert and Former Attorney General shri. Soli J Sorabjee died recently, at the age of 91 years. He was tested COVID positive and died due to the infection.
In the year 2002, he was awarded with the second highest civilian award – Padma Vibhushan for his defence of the freedom of expression and the protection of human rights.
15. Which is the first non-Quad country, with which India has announced to establish 2+2 dialogue at the foreign and defence minister level?
[A] Russia
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Brazil
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Russia]
Notes:
The Government of India has announced the establishment 2+2 dialogue at the foreign and defence minister level between India and Russia.
As of now, India has a mechanism of 2+2 partnership only with the USA, Australia and Japan. Russia will now become the first non-Quad country to have this mechanism with India.
16. ‘Putola Nach’, which was making news recently, is the traditional string puppetry art of which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
‘Putola Nach’ is a traditional form of string puppetry, practised in the state of Assam. It has become a near-forgotten art form.
Recently, an Assam based trust ARMT has created three short videos using string puppetry for creating mass awareness on COVID appropriate behaviour. This project was undertaken in association with UNICEF- Assam.
17. Special 301 Report, the flagship report released by the U.S, is associated with which sector?
[A] Defence
[B] Trade
[C] Migration
[D] Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Trade]
Notes:
Special 301 Report, released by the U.S, focusses on the effectiveness of the protection of US trading partners and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR).
The US Trade Representative in its recent report placed India and eight other countries including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia on the Priority Watch List for IP protection and enforcement.
18. Crimson Solar Project, is a mega solar energy project, is to be set up in which country?
[A] UAE
[B] Russia
[C] Germany
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The USA Government has approved a major solar energy project in the California desert that would be capable of powering nearly 90,000 homes.
The USD-550 million Crimson Solar Project will be set up on 2,000 acres of federal land at California. It is being developed by Canadian Solar unit Recurrent Energy. This step aims to fight climate change, create jobs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
19. What is “Dhruv Mk – III MR”?
[A] ICAR’s new rice variety
[B] Advanced Light Helicopter
[C] Surface to Surface Missile
[D] Pulse doppler Radar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Advanced Light Helicopter]
Notes:
Dhruv Mk – III MR is an Advanced Light Helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru.
The helicopter has been tested and it has successfully demonstrated deck operations on board an Indian Coast Guard Ship, off the coast of Chennai. The helicopter has been developed to be deployed by the Indian Coast Guard.
20. Who has been appointed as the Acting Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?
[A] S A Bobde
[B] A K Sikri
[C] P K Mishra
[D] P C Pant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [P C Pant]
Notes:
Justice (retired) Prafulla Chandra Pant, who is a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has been appointed its Acting Chairperson with effect from April 25 2021.
Prior to his appointment as NHRC member, he was a Judge of the Supreme Court from 2014 to 2017. He had also held the position of Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya from 2013 to 2014.
