11. The first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is/was celebrated in which year?
[A] 2017
[B] 2018
[C] 2019
[D] 2020
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2020]
Notes:
The first-ever International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is observed on September 7th, 2020. It aims to raise public awareness on the importance of air quality.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution to hold this day on December 19, 2019. It also invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of the International Day celebrated for the first time in 2020.
12. Who has been conferred with the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2019?
[A] David Attenborough
[B] David Malpass
[C] Ratan Tata
[D] Mukesh Ambani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [David Attenborough]
Notes:
The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 was conferred to the British broadcaster David Attenborough. The price was conferred to him in a virtual event by former Indian PM Manmohan Singh.
The “Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development” was instituted in 1986 and is awarded to individuals / institutions who work to achieve international peace. It consists of a monetary award of Rs.25 lakh along with a citation.
13. Which financial institution extended USD 82 million loan for Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project?
[A] ADB
[B] NDB
[C] World Bank
[D] AIIB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Bank]
Notes:
A loan agreement for $82 million has been signed between the Government of India, the Government of Himachal Pradesh and the World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development).
The loan would be used for implementation of Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project. The world bank loan is given for a term of 15 years including a grace period of 5 years.
14. Which Union Ministry has released a book with 33 Action Plans 2020-21 of all of its schemes?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[B] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot has recently released a book containing 33 Action Plans 2020-21 of all the schemes of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.
This is the first time that the Department has released comprehensive Annual Action Plan 2020-21. The aim is to provide specific targets for the Ministry, State Governments and NGOs.
15. Which Indian state has launched the first integrated Air ambulance service of South India?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa has recently launched an Integrated Air ambulance service.
Being the first air ambulance from South India, it has German Isolation Pod to transport critical COVID-19 patients. It is developed by ICATT in coordination with an aviation technology firm. The service is expected to serve medical emergencies in spite of heavy road traffic.
16. Silver Lake is to invest around Rs 7500 crore in which India retail Giant?
[A] D-Mart
[B] Reliance Retail
[C] Future Retail
[D] Shoppers Stop
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Reliance Retail]
Notes:
American private equity firm Silver Lake is to invest around Rs 7500 crore in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL).
Through this, Silver Lake will acquire 1.75% equity stake in Reliance Retail. Earlier, the US-based firm announced a USD 1.35 billion investment in Jio Platforms and this is the second billion-dollar investment by Silver Lake in the subsidiary of Reliance Industries.
17. Which Ministry has released guidelines to states regarding welfare of migrant workers?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Social Justice
[C] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has released guidelines to states and Union Territories pertaining to welfare of migrant workers returning to destination States on account of COVID 19.
The States and UTs have been advised by the Ministry to conduct free corona virus (COVID-19) tests for migrant labourers. Also, the ministry has directed to maintain a database of all workers moving out of their States.
18. By how much percentage, India’s Defence exports has increased from 2016-17 to 2018-19?
[A] 100%
[B] 300%
[C] 500%
[D] 700%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [700%]
Notes:
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has stated that India’s Defence exports has grown by 700% from Rs 1521 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 10,745 crore in 2018-19.
Also, as of 2019, India is ranked 19th in the list of top Defence exporters in the world, which is an all-time high rank ever featured by India.
19. Where is the headquarters of National Fertilizers Limited located?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Noida
[D] Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Noida]
Notes:
The National Fertilizers Limited is a Mini Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It is head quartered at Noida.
Recently, it is in news because, it has surpassed its productions targets by producing 16.11 Lakh MT of urea in first 5 months of 2020-21. This figure is 13% higher compared to the production made by the company during the same period of previous year.
20. What is the name of the social activist and Arya Samaj Leader who has passed away recently?
[A] Swami Agnivesh
[B] Narendra Kumar Swain
[C] Govind Swarup
[D] Kesavananda Bharati
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Swami Agnivesh]
Notes:
Veteran Social activist and former Haryana MLA Swami Agnivesh has recently passed away in Delhi, after he was suffering from liver cirrhosis.
Swami Agnivesh was considered as a revolutionary leader of Arya Samaj and had led a campaign against bonded labour and female foeticide. He was also an advocate for the dialogue between religions.