1. The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution that seeks to cut the peacekeeping force in which country?
[A] Syria
[B] Lebanon
[C] Turkey
[D] Iran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lebanon]
Notes:
The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution that seeks to cut the peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
Earlier, the United States sought for the same from the UNSC amidst concerns about activities of militant group. The resolution drafted by the France, reduced the troop ceiling for the force called UNIFIL from 15,000 to 13,000.
2. The first Roll on- Roll Off (RORO) service of which section of Indian Railways was flagged off recently?
[A] Central Railway
[B] Western Railway
[C] North Eastern Railways
[D] South Western Railways
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [South Western Railways]
Notes:
The first Roll on Roll off (RORO) service of the South Western Railways was flagged off from Nelamangla (Karnataka) to Solapur (Maharashtra). RORO is the transportation model where trucks loaded with various commodities are loaded on open flat railway wagons.
Jitendra Realty and Infrastructure, a Solapur based firm, explored the commercial feasibility of RO-RO train services between Solapur and Bengaluru. It was approved by the Railway Board in April 2020.
3. Which body has directed Banks to refund charges collected by them on electronic transactions after January 1?
[A] Finance Ministry
[B] Supreme Court of India
[C] Central Board of Direct Taxes
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Central Board of Direct Taxes]
Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a direction to Banks stating to refund charges collected by them on electronic transactions made by customers after January 1.
The CBDT has directed the Banks not to charge any fee for any transaction carried out through electronic modes like RuPay, BHIM – UPI, QR Code etc. Such practice by Banks is a breach of section 10A of Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act and section 269SU of the IT Act.
4. Who has taken charge as the first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore?
[A] Chiam See Tong
[B] Pritam Singh
[C] Indranee
[D] Sylvia Lim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pritam Singh]
Notes:
The Indian-origin politician of Singapore has created history by taking charge as the first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore.
Though there have been de-facto leaders of the Opposition in the past, this is the first time the position is being officially recognised. Pritam belongs to the Workers’ Party that had won 10 parliamentary seats out of the 93 seats.
5. What is the name of the new Civil Services reforms programme approved by the Indian Government?
[A] Mission Administration
[B] Mission Karmayogi
[C] Mission iGOT
[D] Mission Indian
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mission Karmayogi]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the new comprehensive Civil Services reforms programme named “Mission Karmayogi”.
The programme aims to create a ‘citizen centric civil service’, which focusses on behavioural change. It will be delivered by setting up an Integrated Government Online Training- iGOT Karmayogi Platform. A Public Human Resources Council under the Prime Minister, will monitor the programme.
6. Which organization has released an annual report on the deaths caused by accident and suicides in India?
[A] Interpol
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] National Crime Records Bureau
[D] National Institute of Road Safety
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National Crime Records Bureau]
Notes:
According to an annual report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), around 1.39 lakh people died by suicide and 4.21 lakh people were killed in accidents in India last year.
The report also noted that traffic accidents were the single biggest contributor to accidental deaths which amounted to 43% of all fatalities.
7. Hichem Mechichi has been designated as the new Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Tunisia
[B] Lebanon
[C] Brazil
[D] Taiwan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tunisia]
Notes:
The lawmakers of Tunisia have approved Hichem Mechichi as the country’s new Prime Minister. Mechichi and his proposed government won a confidence vote, after a long debate.
Earlier, the 46-year-old former Minister explained how his government would bring the country out of the economic and social crisis. This is the third Government of Tunisia since October and the ninth since the revolution held in 2011.
8. Which Indian state/UT has set up a council for conservation of biological diversity?
[A] Assam
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has recently set up a 10-member council for conservation of biological diversity.
A new council named the Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council will be constituted, which will have the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests as the Chairman and five non-official members. The council shall constitute a fund named as “Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council Fund”.
9. What is the name of the online contest launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, to sensitise about water conservation?
[A] Water Heroes
[B] Jal Raja
[C] Jal Tumhara
[D] Jal Kahani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Water Heroes]
Notes:
The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the ‘Water Heroes – Share Your Stories’ Contest.
The contest is launched from September 1 and it aims to create awareness about the importance of water conservation. Under the contest, entries will be invited every month which is a video explaining the participant’s success story. Selected entries will be awarded Rs. 10,000 each.
10. What is the theme of this year’s US India Strategic and Partnership Forum?
[A] Navigating New Challenges
[B] COVID and the world
[C] Unlocking New Opportunities
[D] Make Way for the Future
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Navigating New Challenges]
Notes:
The theme of the 3rd US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) was ‘Navigating New Challenges’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address of the event in a virtual mode. The USISPF is an independent not for profit organization aimed to strengthen the US India partnership.