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 technology major has announced to launch a virtual private networks (VPN) service for consumers?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Google
[C] Apple
[D] Amazon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Google]
Notes:
Alphabet Inc’s Google has recently announced that it is set to launch a virtual private networks (VPN) service for its consumers.
The VPN service would be available for its Google One cloud storage services. VPN is used by individuals in countries where access to certain sites and services have been banned by governments.
3. The week from 27th October to 2nd November, 2020 is being observed as which special week in India?
[A] Anti-Corruption Week
[B] Vigilance Awareness Week
[C] Financial Literacy Week
[D] Financial Inclusion Week
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vigilance Awareness Week]
Notes:
The week from 27th October to 2nd November, 2020 is being observed as Vigilance Awareness Week in India. This is being organized by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The theme for this year’s Vigilance Awareness Week is Vigilant India, Prosperous India.
Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week every year is a part the Commission’s approach where all stakeholders collectively participate in the preventive vigilance measures and fight against corruption.
4. 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.
5. The Government of India has decided to import which vegetable to control its prices?
[A] Onion
[B] Garlic
[C] Tomato
[D] Potato
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Potato]
Notes:
The Government of India has proposed to import 10 lakh tonnes of potato, out of which 30,000 tonnes would be imported from Bhutan without license.
The import is being made in order to control the rise in prices of potato in India. The Centre has also planned to import 25,000 tonnes of onions before Diwali.
6. Which country has recently conducted a referendum for euthanasia?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Australia
[D] New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Zealand]
Notes:
The people of New Zealand, in a recent referendum have voted to legalise euthanasia. Preliminary results of the referendum showed that 65.2% of voters supported the End of Life Choice Act coming into force as a new law.
The proposed law will permit terminally ill people with less than 6 months of life to choose assisted dying, if approved by 2 doctors.
7. Which Indian company has been announced as the title sponsor of Women’s T20 Challenge 2020?
[A] Byju’s
[B] Jio
[C] Airtel
[D] Sahara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jio]
Notes:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced Jio as the title sponsor for the upcoming 2020 edition of the Women’s T20 Challenge.
The partnership will also be supported by Reliance Foundation Education and Sports for All (RF ESA). This is the first time a sponsor has signed with BCCI exclusively for the women’s matches. Women’s T20 Challenge will be played from November 4-9 in Sharjah.
8. The Election Commission of which country has organised ‘International Virtual Election Visitors Programme’?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] Japan
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
Election Commission of India is organizing a three-day International Virtual Election Visitors Programme.
In the context of the ongoing Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections, the programme is being organised for Foreign Election Management Bodies and Organizations. Delegates from over 40 countries across the world are invited.
9. ‘Char-chaporis’, which were seen in news recently, is associated with which state/ UT?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
Char-chaporis are shifting riverine islands of the Brahmaputra river and they are primarily inhabited by the Muslims of Bengali-origin referred to as ‘Miyas’.
Several people of Assam were requesting the government to fast-track the establishment of Miya museum reflecting the culture and heritage of the people living in char-chaporis. Recently, ahead of the Assembly elections, this was again in news.
10. 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.