1. Which draft bill has been recently released by the Union Shipping Ministry?
[A] Coastal Shipping Bill
[B] Aids to Navigation Bill
[C] Major Port Authorities Bill
[D] National Waterways Bill
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Coastal Shipping Bill]
Notes:
The draft Coastal Shipping Bill, 2020 has been issued by the Union Ministry of Shipping. The draft has been left open for suggestions from the stakeholders and general public.
The draft bill is made available in the Shipping Ministry’s official website and would be available for suggestions till 6th November 2020.
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 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).
4. Panna Biosphere Reserve, which is seen in news recently, is located in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Karnataka
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Panna Biosphere Reserve that is located in Madhya Pradesh, has been included in the UNESCO’s “World Network of Biosphere Reserves”. Additionally, Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll of Maldives have also been included in the list.
Panna is a critical tiger habitat in India and it was accorded Biosphere Reserve status by Government of India in 2011.
5. 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”.
6. The Government has asked which organisation to tie up with rice mills for increasing supply of fortified rice?
[A] Food Corporation of India
[B] Food and Agriculture Organization
[C] The Energy and Resources Institute
[D] World Food Programme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Food Corporation of India]
Notes:
The government has announced that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been asked to tie up with rice mills for increasing supply of fortified rice.
The state-run organisation is asked to supply fortified rice through ration shops and other welfare schemes. Out of the 15 states identified for ‘Central scheme on fortified rice and its distribution via public distribution system (PDS)’, five states are implementing it in one district each.
7. Which body has issued a notice to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) regarding ban on use of fire crackers November 7 to 30?
[A] Supreme Court of India
[B] National Administrative Tribunal
[C] National Green Tribunal
[D] Central Pollution Control Board
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Green Tribunal]
Notes:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently issued notice to seek response from Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and four State Governments regarding the ban on use of fire crackers from November 7 to 30 in the interest of public health and environment.
The NGT has also appointed a senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocate Shibhani Ghosh to assist the tribunal as amicus curiae in the matter.
8. Which organisation has signed a MoU with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for setting key targets for the year?
[A] Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
[B] Nuclear Power Corporation of India
[C] Bureau of Energy Efficiency
[D] Energy Efficiency Services Limited
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency]
Notes:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been signed by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). The MoU sets key targets for IRDAI to be achieved in the year 2020-21.
IREDA is a “Mini Ratna” Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It is categorized as a Public Financial Institution and NBFC by Reserve Bank of India.
9. 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.
10. Which bank has launched the country’s first comprehensive banking programme for millennials?
[A] HDFC Bank
[B] Axis Bank
[C] ICICI Bank
[D] Yes Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ICICI Bank]
Notes:
India’s leading private sector bank ICICI Bank has recently announced the launch of India’s first comprehensive banking programme for millennials.
The programme is named as ‘ICICI Bank Mine’ and it offered an instant savings account. As per the bank, any millennial aged up to 35 years can apply digitally for an ‘ICICI Bank Mine’ account. The package also offers investment guidance, customised credit and debit card and many features.