11. On which date, the states of Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka were formed?
[A] October 2
[B] November 1
[C] November 2
[D] November 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [November 1]
Notes:
On November 1, several Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka were formed.
The day is recognised as Statehood Day or State Formation Day. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala were formed in 1956. Punjab and Haryana were formed in 1966.
12. IISc Bengaluru has signed a MoU with which organisation to develop biomass gasification-based hydrogen generation technology?
[A] ONGC
[B] NTPC
[C] Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
[D] Gas Authority of India Ltd
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Oil Corporation Ltd]
Notes:
Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru has entered into an MoU with R&D Centre of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).
The partnership aims to develop biomass gasification-based hydrogen generation technology for producing fuel cell-grade hydrogen. The testing and development would take place in IOCL’s R&D Centre in Faridabad.
13. Which Racing Driver has won Formula One Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Tournament?
[A] Sebastien Vettel
[B] Lewis Hamilton
[C] Valtteri Bottas
[D] Max Verstappen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lewis Hamilton]
Notes:
British Racing Driver Lewis Hamilton has recently won the Formula One Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Tournament.
Mercedes officially clinched the 2020 constructors’ championship. Another Racing Driver Max Verstappen came second while Valtteri Bottas came at the third spot. Hamilton won his third straight race.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. How much financial aid has been released by the Central Government to 15 states for air quality improvement?
[A] Rs.1000 crore
[B] Rs.2000 crore
[C] Rs.2200 crore
[D] Rs.2500 crore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rs.2200 crore]
Notes:
Based on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the Central Government has released a financial aid of Rs.2200 crore to 15 states.
The aid would be used to improve the air quality in these states by undertaking capacity building measures. This is the first instalment of the grant towards air quality improvement.
17. Which Ministry has launched the “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge”?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of External Affairs
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has recently launched a challenge named “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge”. It aims to develop and implement initiatives that would improve the quality of life of young children, caregivers and families.
It is a 3-year challenge that would be open for 100 Smart Cities, cities with population of more than 5 lakh and State/Union Territory capitals.
18. How many countries are associated with the Nordic – Baltic co-operation framework?
[A] Five
[B] Eight
[C] Twelve
[D] Fifteen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Eight]
Notes:
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar recently virtually addressed the first India -Nordic – Baltic Conclave.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) co-operation framework includes eight countries namely Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.
19. The Oil India Limited (OIL) has brought in a Snubbing unit from which country, to tackle the Baghjan oilfield blow-out?
[A] Russia
[B] Canada
[C] Israel
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Canada]
Notes:
As per the recent statement from the Oil India Limited (OIL), it has brought in a snubbing unit from Calgary, Canada.
The snubbing unit is a special technology, which is to be deployed to tackle the Baghjan oilfield blow-out. The OIL-owned well erupted on May 27 and has been burning for over five months now.
20. When is World Tsunami Day observed every year?
[A] November 3
[B] November 5
[C] November 6
[D] November 7
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [November 5]
Notes:
Every year the World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed on November 5.
This is done to create awareness about this deadly disaster which has claimed more than a million lives in the past 100 years. The highest number of deaths took place during the December 2004 Tsunami in Indian ocean.
