1. Serum Institute of India in collaboration with “Gavi” and which other organization has aimed to produce 100 million additional doses of Covid-19 vaccine?
[A] UNDP
[B] WHO
[C] UNICEF
[D] Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation]
Notes:
Serum Institute of India (SII) has partnered with Gavi COVAX and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to produce an additional 100 million doses of the COVID 19 vaccine.
The vaccine is presently being tested by SII. The additional production is targeted at 61 Low- and Middle-Income countries, including India.
2. Which organization has been selected as co runner up of USA’s Citizen Diplomacy Award?
[A] Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
[B] Tata Foundation
[C] Reliance Foundation
[D] Sehgal Foundation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sehgal Foundation]
Notes:
India’s Sehgal Foundation has emerged as a co-runner up of the USA’s “Citizen Diplomacy Award”. The institution has been selected for its human rights and women empowerment work in rural India.
The Department of States – Bureau of Global Public Affairs of USA, launched the Citizen Diplomacy Award in 2017 to recognize significant contributions by citizens and organizations to deepen USA’s foreign policy around the world.
3. Which organization has released a report on Crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes?
[A] CBI
[B] NCRB
[C] NCBC
[D] National Administrative Tribunal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NCRB]
Notes:
As per a report titled “Annual Crime in India 2019” published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crime against Scheduled Castes (SCs) has increased over 7% and crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs) has increased over 26% in 2019.
As per the report, Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of crimes against SCs in 2019 followed by Rajasthan and Bihar.
4. Which body has initiated anti-dumping probe against two products imported from China?
[A] Directorate General of Trade Remedies
[B] Enforcement Directorate
[C] Directorate General of Foreign Trade
[D] Central Board of Excise and Customs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Directorate General of Trade Remedies]
Notes:
Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Govt. of India has initiated an anti-dumping probe against two products imported from China.
The probe has been initiated against the import of Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Blends (used in refrigerators and air conditioners) and Decor Paper. The probe has been initiated by DGRT after SRF Ltd and ITC Ltd have filed applications seeking investigation on dumping of the two products.
5. Which institution has released the “Time Use Survey in India” report?
[A] UNDP
[B] NSO
[C] Pratham
[D] Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [NSO]
Notes:
The National Statistical Office (NSO) conducted the first of its kind “Time Use Survey in India” during the period from January to December 2019. The result of the survey has been released recently in the form of a report.
The survey measures the time spent on paid activities, care activities, unpaid activities, etc. NSO conducted the survey covering 1,38,799 households in both urban and rural areas.
6. As per the recent statement from NABARD, which category of banks incurred a loss of over Rs 2200 crores in FY 20?
[A] Co-operative Banks
[B] Regional Rural Banks
[C] Scheduled Commercial Banks
[D] Private Banks
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Regional Rural Banks]
Notes:
According to a data published by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Regional rural banks (RRBs) as a whole reported net loss of Rs 2,206 crore in the fiscal year 2019-20.
This figure was against Rs 652-crore net loss in the fiscal year 2018-19. Gross non-performing assets (NPA) as a percentage of gross loans outstanding of RRBs marginally declined to 10.4 per cent as on March 31, 2020.
7. The South Pacific territory of New Caledonia has rejected independence from which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [France]
Notes:
The South Pacific territory of New Caledonia has recently rejected independence from France. It chose to remain French in a recent referendum.
In the referendum made two years ago in 2018, the percentage of votes rejecting the breakaway was 56.7 percent, while this year, the percentage was 53.26 percent. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed this result.
8. What is the theme of the 66th Wildlife Week celebrated during the first week of October?
[A] WildLife- Lifeline
[B] RoaR: Roar and Revive
[C] Lion King
[D] Animal Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RoaR: Roar and Revive]
Notes:
The Wildlife Day celebration started in 1955 in India and it was later expanded to Wildlife week celebration in 1957. It aims to spread awareness on conservation and protection of wildlife.
This year the 66th Wildlife Week was celebrated with the theme RoaR (Roar and Revive) – Exploring Human-Animal Relationships. Union Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar presented the Prani Mitra awards to encourage the zoo officers and staff.
9. The United States is to set up a Foreign Commercial Service Office in which Asian country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The United States has decided to open its Foreign Commercial Service Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh to boost its economic ties with the country.
The US also agreed to ask the American companies to invest in various sectors like energy, IT, pharmaceutics and agriculture in Bangladesh. The dignitaries also discussed issues relating to cooperation in the field of energy.
10. What is the name of the Covid-19 awareness campaign launched by the Indian Prime Minister ahead of festive seasons?
[A] Jan Andolan
[B] Bharat Andolan
[C] Covid Jagrutha
[D] Covid Chodo India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jan Andolan]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a campaign on Jan Andolan for COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour.
The campaign has been launched considering the festivals, winter season and the opening up of the economy. The Prime Minister asked the people to wear a mask, wash hands and follow social distancing by maintaining ‘Do Gaz Ki Doori.’