1. India signed agreement with which country, on infrastructure, financial services and sustainable finance?
[A] Russia
[B] Japan
[C] United Kingdom
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Kingdom]
Notes:
India has recently signed reached landmark agreements on financial services, infrastructure and sustainable finance.
These were signed at the 10th Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) between the UK and India. It was jointly chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak. This is expected to boost jobs and investments in both countries.
2. Sardar Patel Zoological Park, which was seen in news recently, is located in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated Sardar Patel Zoological Park known as Jungle Safari, in Kevadia, Narmada district of Gujarat.
The Zoological Park, also known as Jungle Safari, has been set up near the Statue of Unity. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Arogya Van at Kevadia in Narmada district of Gujarat. It has around 400 species of plants and trees with rich medicinal values.
3. 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.
4. “SERB POWER” scheme has been launched by the Government targeting which segment?
[A] Self Help Groups
[B] Street Vendors
[C] Farmers
[D] Women Scientists
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Women Scientists]
Notes:
A scheme named SERB POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) has been launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, designed exclusively to encourage Women Scientists to work in the field of science and technology.
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is implementing the scheme.
5. Antrix Corporation, that was seen in news recently, is the commercial arm of which organisation?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] BHEL
[D] HAL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ISRO]
Notes:
Antrix Corporation is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It functions under the administrative control of the Department of Space.
Recently, a United States court has asked Antrix Corporation to pay compensation of USD 1.2 billion to a Bengaluru-based startup, Devas Multimedia, for cancelling a satellite deal in 2005.
6. Which country was the largest source for permanent residents (PR) in Canada, last year?
[A] Australia
[B] India
[C] Mexico
[D] United States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
As per the 2020 Annual Report on Immigration to Parliament tabled in the Parliament of Canada, Indian immigrants accounted for one-fourth of the total permanent residencies granted by Canada in 2019.
India has set a new record by becoming the largest source country for permanent residents (PR), with 85,593 of them entering into the country last year. India has been retaining the top spot since 2017.
7. 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.
8. Where is the First Phase of Malabar Training Exercise scheduled to be held?
[A] Indian Ocean
[B] Arabian Sea
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Bay of Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bay of Bengal]
Notes:
The First Phase of Malabar Naval Training Exercises would be held in the Bay of Bengal, off the Vishakhapatnam coast from 3rd November to 6th November.
Navies of India, USA, Japan and Australia would participate in the maritime exercise. The second phase is expected to be held from 17th to 20th November in Arabian Sea.
9. When is the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ observed every year?
[A] November 1
[B] November 2
[C] November 3
[D] November 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [November 2]
Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly designated 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’.
As per the United Nations, during the past fourteen years (2006-2019), around 1,200 journalists have been killed for reporting the news to the public. It also reveals that in nine out of ten cases the killers go unpunished.
10. 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.