11. Which organization is set to become the largest procurer of Covid-19 vaccines?
[A] WHO
[B] UNICEF
[C] UNESCO
[D] AIIMS
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UNICEF]
Notes:
UNICEF is leading in efforts to procure and supply COVID-19 vaccines. This could be the world’s largest and fastest ever procurement and supply of vaccines.
In collaboration with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNICEF is set in its efforts to procure and supply doses of COVID-19 vaccines for 92 low and lower middle-income countries.
12. 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.
13. Which state has launched the scheme named YSR Sampoorna Poshana?
[A] Telangana
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched a scheme named YSR Sampoorna Poshana.
The scheme will be implemented in Anganwadi centres to provide supplementary nutrition to newborn babies, including pregnant women suffering from anaemia. Under the scheme, hot milk, rice, pulses, vegetables, and eggs would be distributed to pregnant and postpartum women for 25 days a month.
14. As per the data from the CGA, what is the quantum of India’s borrowing from April- July, to tackle Covid-19?
[A] Rs 3,165 Cr
[B] Rs 5,165 Cr
[C] Rs 17,165 Cr
[D] Rs 39, 165 Cr
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rs 39, 165 Cr]
Notes:
According to the recent data from the Controller General of Accounts, India borrowed a record high Rs 39, 165 Crores from Multilateral agencies.
India has undertaken this borrowing to meet expenses related to tackling Covid-19. This is the highest external financing for any full fiscal year. Earlier, in the financial year 2016-17, India had borrowed Rs14,811 crore in external sources.
15. Where is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-SCO Foreign Ministers Meet scheduled to be held this year?
[A] Beijing
[B] New Delhi
[C] Moscow
[D] Hong Kong
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Moscow]
Notes:
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is representing India at the Foreign ministers Meet of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) to be held at Moscow.
The meeting is hosted by Russian Foreign Minister. The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the side-lines of the SCO. India has been the fulltime member of SCO since 2017.
16. India has held a Joint Commission Meeting with which country recently, for the first time?
[A] Angola
[B] Argentina
[C] Cuba
[D] Costa Rica
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Angola]
Notes:
The first Joint Commission Meeting between India and Angola was held recently.
The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Tete Antonio. During the meeting, the two countries agreed to diversify their trade relationship. The leaders also discussed regarding cooperation in health, pharmaceuticals, defence, agriculture sectors.
17. “EASE” reforms, which is in news recently is associated with which field?
[A] Exports
[B] Mining
[C] Banking
[D] Education
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Banking]
Notes:
The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) under EASE Banking Reforms Index 2.0. EASE stands for “Enhanced Access and Service Excellence”.
Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, and erstwhile Oriental Bank of Commerce were the top three in the list of “Top Performers”. Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India and erstwhile Corporation Bank were the leading banks in ‘Top Improvers’ category.
18. Which social-media platform has launched a search prompt named ‘ThereIsHelp’, to prevent suicide?
[A] Facebook
[B] TikTok
[C] Twitter
[D] WeChat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Twitter]
Notes:
Social media major Twitter India has recently launched a dedicated search prompt for resources on mental health and suicide prevention.
This initiative has been launched on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day. The search prompt #ThereIsHelp has been launched in association with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
19. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of National School of Drama (NSD)?
[A] Paresh Rawal
[B] Prakash Raj
[C] Nasiruddin Shah
[D] Shriram Lagoo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Paresh Rawal]
Notes:
Noted film actor and theatre artist Paresh Rawal has been appointed chairperson of National School of Drama (NSD).
The former BJP Member of Parliament, will succeed the present Chairman Arjun Deo Charan. Paresh Rawal, has been awarded with Padma Shri in 2014. The NSD is India’s premier institute for theatre students and is located at Delhi.
20. Which is the first Indian company to surpass USD 200 billion in market capitalisation mark?
[A] TCS
[B] RIL
[C] IOCL
[D] NTPC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [RIL]
Notes:
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has become the first Indian company to surpass USD 200 billion in market capitalisation. The RIL had market capitalisation of Rs.15.3 trillion (USD 208 billion).
RIL is followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with market capitalization of Rs 8.75 trillion (USD 119 billion). RIL is the 40th most valuable firm globally.