1. Which Indian state has passed order for 7.5% reservation to government school students?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Telangana
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government has recently passed an order to provide 7.5% reservation in medical colleges to students from government schools who have cleared NEET.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has recently given his assent to the Bill. As per the bill, those who studied from the 6th standard to higher secondary schools in schools managed by the state government will be benefitted.
2. What is the name of the scientoon book, which has been published by Vigyan Prasar?
[A] Better India Better World
[B] Bye Bye Corona
[C] India and the World
[D] Corona Bachat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bye Bye Corona]
Notes:
The World’s first scientoon book named “Bye Bye Corona” has been published by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The book has been written by Dr Pradeep Srivastava who is the former Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. The main purpose of this book is to make people aware of COVID-19 in an engaging way
3. Which organisation has launched the initiative named “Meri Saheli”?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Railways
[C] Indian Bank
[D] India Post
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Railways]
Notes:
The Indian Railways has launched an initiative named “Meri Saheli” which will focus on security of women. Its main objectives are to provide safety and security to lady passengers travelling by trains.
Under this initiative, a team of lady officer and staff will visit all of the passenger coaches including ladies’ coaches to identify women passengers. The details of the journey will be noted down by the team, especially if a lady is travelling alone.
4. The Government has extended the Income tax exemption under leave travel concession (LTC) cash voucher scheme to which segment?
[A] Indian Diplomats
[B] Non-Resident Indians
[C] Non-Central Government Employees
[D] Foreign Nationals residing in India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Non-Central Government Employees]
Notes:
The Government of India has decided to extend the Income tax exemption available under leave travel concession (LTC) cash voucher scheme to non-central government employees also. This is aimed to boost the consumer spending.
Non-central government employees will include employees of state governments, public sector enterprises, banks and private sector.
5. Which Indian state has been adjudged the best governed State in the Public Affairs Index-2020?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
As per the Public Affairs Index-2020 released by the Public Affairs Centre, Kerala was adjudged the best governed State in the large States category.
States were ranked on governance performance based on a composite index in sustainable development. Kerala is followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Uttar Pradesh is ranked at the bottom of the list.
6. ‘Aarambh’, that was seen in news recently, is associated with which set of beneficiaries?
[A] Farmers
[B] Civil Services Probationers
[C] College Students
[D] Underserved Women
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Civil Services Probationers]
Notes:
An integrated foundation course for the Officer Trainees (OTs) of the Indian Civil Services named ‘AARAMBH’ was launched for the first time in 2019.
The Prime Minister has recently interacted with the Officer Trainees (OTs) of the Indian Civil Services at LBSNAA Mussoorie through a Video conference. This is a part of the AARAMBH course.
7. Which body has released a draft model Act and rules on conclusive land titling?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Land Development Authority of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
India’s premier think tank Niti Aayog has recently released a draft model Act and rules on conclusive land titling, to be used by the states. The draft rules aim to reduce litigations and ease the land acquisition process for infrastructure projects.
The draft provides state governments with power to order for establishment, administration and management of a system of title registration of immovable properties.
8. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is determined by which body in India?
[A] Finance Commission
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] GST Council
[D] GST Network
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [GST Council]
Notes:
The percentage of Goods and Service Tax (GST) is decided by GST Council, headed by the Union Finance Minister.
Ministry of Finance has recently published that the GST revenue that has been collected for the month of October 2020 has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore, which is a highest collection after 8 months. The GST revenue collection for the month of Oct 2020 stood at Rs.1,05,155 crore.
9. On which date, the states of Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka were formed?
[A] October 2
[B] November 1
[C] November 2
[D] November 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [November 1]
Notes:
On November 1, several Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka were formed.
The day is recognised as Statehood Day or State Formation Day. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala were formed in 1956. Punjab and Haryana were formed in 1966.
10. 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.