1. ‘Privileged Partnership’, which was seen in news recently, is associated in the Joint Commission Meeting between India and which country?
[A] Japan
[B] Mexico
[C] Brazil
[D] United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mexico]
Notes:
The 8th India-Mexico Joint Commission Meeting was recently held through Video-Conference. The Meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Mexican counterpart Marcelo Ebrard.
Both the countries agreed to promote economic strengths and work on strengthening their ‘Privileged Partnership’.
2. Which typhoon has recently hit Vietnam killing over 35 people?
[A] Molave
[B] Maysak
[C] Haishen
[D] Noul
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Molave]
Notes:
Vietnam has been recently hit by the typhoon Molave and it has caused over 35 deaths. Over 50 people were missing.
Three villages in the country were repeated hit by landslides which are suspected of burying over 40 people in thick mud and debris.
3. The Supreme Court has extended the time line for implementation of permanent commission to women SSC officers in which armed force?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Indian Navy
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Navy]
Notes:
The apex judicial body, Supreme Court of India has extended the time line till December 31,2020 for implementation of its judgement on grant of permanent commission to women SSC officers in Indian Navy.
On March 17, 2020 the Supreme Court had cleared permanent commission for women in the Navy and asked the Centre to implement the same within three months.
4. Which country has launched a mega scheme to dredge 10,000 kilometres of riverways?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh
[C] India
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The Government of Bangladesh has launched massive scheme to dredge 10,000 kilometres of riverways in the country. This is done to improve the inland water navigation system in the country.
The dredging work would be done on 178 rivers of Bangladesh and would be carried out by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) at a cost of Taka 4371 crore.
5. Which organisation has launched Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH)?
[A] National Housing Bank
[B] NABARD
[C] Reserve Bank of India
[D] State Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
The nation’s central bank Reserve Bank of India has launched the latest round of Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH). The survey would give vital inputs to RBI for framing the monetary policy.
The survey is conducted regularly in 13 cities namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna and Thiruvananthapuram.
6. Which Indian state/UT has launched a scheme for distribution of fortified rice?
[A] Punjab
[B] Kerala
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has recently launched a scheme for distribution of fortified rice through Public distribution System (PDS).
The scheme, which was launched virtually on the statehood day, aims at helping in checking malnutrition and anaemia. The fortified rice is a mixture of iron, vitamin B-12 and folic acid enriched fortified rice kernel (FRK).
7. Which country has hosted the BRICS Business Forum 2020?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] Brazil
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
BRICS Business Forum, which is an important annual event of the BRICS Business Council was hosted by Russia from October 20 to 28, 2020. President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia is the current Chairman of the BRICS Business Council.
BRICS Business Forum was held in via Video Conferencing under the title “BRICS Business Partnership: Common Vision for Sustainable Inclusive Development”.
8. Which Indian state/UT has recently granted 100% vehicle tax waiver to Electric Vehicles?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The state government of Tamil Nadu has notified 100 per cent motor vehicle tax exemption for transport and non-transport Electric Vehicles.
The state has also planned to set up the first exclusive park for the electric vehicle, for the first time in the country. The state has targeted investments of around Rs 50,000 crore in the Electric Vehicle segment and has announced several incentives to attract investments.
9. What county has recently announced a plan to ease foreign workers’ contractual restrictions?
[A] United Arab Emirates
[B] United States of America
[C] Qatar
[D] Saudi Arabia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Saudi Arabia has recently announced a new plan to ease foreign workers’ contractual restrictions in the country. This would pave way to improvement of a sponsorship system known as Kafala, which is highly controversial.
The new plan is expected to take effect from March 2021 and would make Saudi Arabia more labour attractive.
10. In which country, a 500-meter-high coral reef has been discovered for the first time in 120 years?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] Japan
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes:
As per the Schmidt Ocean Institute, its research vessel ‘Falkor’ has discovered a massive coral reef in Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The research vessel has been undertaking a 12-month exploration mission of the ocean surrounding Australia. The 500-meter-high reef has been discovered for the first time in 120 years. ‘SuBastian’, the underwater robot of the institute is deployed to explore the new reef.