1. What is the name of the report released by “UK India Business Council” (UKIBC)?
[A] UK India Report 2020
[B] Doing Business in India Report 2020
[C] Ease of Doing Business Report 2020
[D] Indian International Business Report 2020
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Doing Business in India Report 2020]
Notes:
The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has released a report named ‘Doing Business in India Report 2020’. The report has been launched by UK Investment Minister Lord Gerry Grimstone.
The report has been compiled based on the inputs from 106 UK organisations operating in India in manufacturing, services, and higher education sectors.
2. As per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020, what percentage of surveyed children had access to live online classes?
[A] 11
[B] 16
[C] 24
[D] 37
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [11]
Notes:
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 was recently released, by conducting a phone survey of 60,000-odd students across rural India.
As per the report, only 11 per cent of the surveyed children had access to live online classes. Only one-third of the surveyed children had access to online learning. The report reveals the digital inequality prevalent in the country.
3. What quantity of paddy would be procured by the Government during the ongoing Kharif season?
[A] 500 Lakh Metric tonnes
[B] 650 Lakh Metric tonnes
[C] 725 Lakh Metric tonnes
[D] 742 Lakh Metric tonnes
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [742 Lakh Metric tonnes]
Notes:
Food Corporation of India and other Government agencies are set to procure 742 Lakh Metric tonnes of paddy during the ongoing Kharif season.
This is seen as a record high paddy procurement. The paddy procurement made by the Government last year was 627 Lakh Metric Tonnes. The number of purchase-centres this year have been increased from 30,791 to 39,122.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The Typhoon named “Goni” has recently hit which country?
[A] Philippines
[B] Indonesia
[C] Australia
[D] United States of America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Philippines]
Notes:
A Super Typhoon name Goni, has hit the Philippines recently. This is considered to be the most powerful storms in the last four years and has resulted in huge catastrophic damage to the coastal Philippines.
Philippines has been badly affected by two typhoons in October, by the COVID Pandemic and its resultant unemployment.
7. Which Ministry has released the draft rules for the Industrial Relations Code, 2020?
[A] Ministry of Heavy Industries
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Commerce
[D] Ministry of Labour and Employment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified draft rules for the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This is expected to enhance the flexibility to employers to retrench workers.
It also mandates that Labour Unions should give a prior notice before a strike. The Government has aimed to implement the labour codes from April 1, 2021.
8. 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.
9. Which Indian Airport has launched an on-site COVID-19 testing laboratory?
[A] Chennai International Airport
[B] Cochin International Airport
[C] Mumbai International Airport
[D] Hyderabad International Airport
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hyderabad International Airport]
Notes:
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has recently launched an on-site COVID-19 testing laboratory.
As per the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), the air passengers will have an option to get themselves tested on their arrival. GHIAL has collaborated with the ICMR certified agency and Mapmygenome.
10. Which state has recently withdrawn the general consent accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The state government of Kerala has recently decided to withdraw the general consent accorded to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe cases in the state.
Kerala becomes the 5th in the list to withdraw the general consent after Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. From now on, CBI can make investigations of cases in necessary situations, only with the permission of the state government.