1. What amount has been released as the 2nd tranche to 16 states and 3 UTs for GST compensation?
[A] Rs 3000 crore
[B] Rs 4500 crore
[C] Rs 6000 crore
[D] Rs 10000 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rs 6000 crore]
Notes:
The Central Government is set to release the second tranche of Rs 6,000 crore to 16 states and 3 union territories.
As per the recent statement from the Finance Ministry, the total amount released to states to meet the compensation shortfall under goods and services tax (GST) under the special window is Rs 12,000 crore.
2. Which institution has developed an online one-minute game to create awareness about Covid-19?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Guwahati
[D] IIT Kharagpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Madras]
Notes:
Students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed a digital game to create awareness about Covid-19.
The online one-minute game has been created as part of an elective course. The game which aims to create awareness among the children, is available for free in 12 languages. The game has derived inspiration from the popular game Super Mario.
3. Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who was seen in news recently, is the first-ever Indian-origin minister of which country?
[A] New Zealand
[B] Australia
[C] United Kingdom
[D] United States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Zealand]
Notes:
Priyanca Radhakrishnan became New Zealand’s first-ever Indian-origin minister after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced five new ministers into her executive.
The 41-year-old Member of Parliament belonging to the Labour Party, was born in India. In 2019, she was appointed the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities. She has been advocating tights of women survivors of domestic violence and migrant workers.
4. The Department of Posts has released what product to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Department of Science and Technology?
[A] Commemorative Stamp
[B] Commemorative Coin
[C] Special Postal Cover
[D] New currency Note
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Special Postal Cover]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Posts Sanjay Dhotre have released a Special Cover of Department of Posts.
The special postal cover was released in New Delhi, in order to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Department of Science and Technology.
5. How much financial aid has been released by the Central Government to 15 states for air quality improvement?
[A] Rs.1000 crore
[B] Rs.2000 crore
[C] Rs.2200 crore
[D] Rs.2500 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rs.2200 crore]
Notes:
Based on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the Central Government has released a financial aid of Rs.2200 crore to 15 states.
The aid would be used to improve the air quality in these states by undertaking capacity building measures. This is the first instalment of the grant towards air quality improvement.
6. Which has become the first country to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [USA]
Notes:
The United States of America (USA) has become the first nation in the world to formally withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.
This decision was made by the President Donald Trump in June 2017, but has been formalized now. USA can re-join the agreement any time in future. The Paris deal was drafted in 2015 to strengthen the global response against climate change.
7. What is “Pinaka Mk-1”, that is seen in news recently?
[A] Mars Rover
[B] Geo Stationary satellite
[C] Missile system
[D] Regional Navigation System
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Missile system]
Notes:
An enhanced version of the Pinaka Mk-1 missile has been successfully test fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
The Pinaka Mk-1 missile system has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This enhanced version is set to replace the existing Pinaka systems deployed by the Indian Army along boarders of China and Pakistan.
8. How many countries are associated with the Nordic – Baltic co-operation framework?
[A] Five
[B] Eight
[C] Twelve
[D] Fifteen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Eight]
Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recently virtually addressed the first India -Nordic – Baltic Conclave.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) co-operation framework includes eight countries namely Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.
9. Which body has asked the Government of India to regulate use of disinfectants on human beings?
[A] National Human Rights Commission
[B] National Health Authority
[C] Supreme Court of India
[D] Indian Medical Commission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Supreme Court of India]
Notes:
The apex court of India, the Supreme Court has asked the Government of India to issue directions within a month regarding or regulating the use of disinfection on humans, in disinfection tunnels.
The Supreme Court stated that though the Centre had issued advisory that spraying of disinfectant on human body is not recommended, no steps were not taken in this regard to prevent or regulate it.
10. Which organisation has rolled out the Co-Lending Model (CLM) for priority sector lending?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] NABARD
[D] Small Farmers Agri Business Consortium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India has announced a Co-Lending Model (CLM) scheme for priority sector lending. Under the new scheme, Banks can enter into a prior agreement with NBFCs for co lending of Priority Sector Loans.
The CLM is an improvement over the co-origination of loan scheme announced by the RBI in September 2018.