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. When is the ‘International Literacy Day’ celebrated across the world?
[A] September 8
[B] September 9
[C] September 10
[D] September 11
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [September 8]
Notes:
The International Literacy Day was observed on September 8 every year, across the world. The first International Literacy Day was declared at the UNESCO General Conference in 1966.
The day aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals and communities around the world. The theme of this year’s International Day focusses on “Literacy teaching and learning in the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.”
13. Which organisation is to provide USD 500 million for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor?
[A] Asian Development Bank
[B] World Bank
[C] Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
[D] BRICS Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Asian Development Bank]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India has recently signed a USD 500 million loan, to build the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.
This is the first tranche of a total USD 1 billion facility extended to construct the modern, high-speed 82-kilometer RRTS corridor in India’s national capital region (NCR). A total of three priority rail corridors planned under the NCR Regional Plan 2021, to connect Delhi to other cities.
14. 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.
15. India has partnered with Israel and which other country 5G communication network?
[A] UK
[B] USA
[C] Australia
[D] Italy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [USA]
Notes:
India, Israel and the United States of America have begun collaboration in developmental areas.
These include development of a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network. This collaboration among the three countries is a result of people-to-people collaboration, particularly by Indian Diaspora in the US and Israel.
16. 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.
17. India has signed a USD 500 million loan agreement with which financial institution, for Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor?
[A] World Bank
[B] ADB
[C] AIIB
[D] NDB
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ADB]
Notes:
India has signed a 500-million-dollar loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently.
This is the first tranche of one-billion-dollar credit facility offered by ADB to build high-speed Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system (RRTS) corridor. The RRTS is 82 km long and is aimed to improve the connectivity and mobility in the national capital region.
18. 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.
19. The country’s second Kisan Rail that was flagged off recently, would connect which two cities?
[A] Bangalore – Mumbai
[B] Chennai – Delhi
[C] Anantapur – Delhi
[D] Hyderabad – Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Anantapur – Delhi]
Notes:
The Country’s second and South India’s first Kisan Rail service has been recently flagged off.
This would connect Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh to Adarsh Nagar Railway Station in Delhi. The train was flagged off by the Union Minister for Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar. The Kisan Rail scheme was announced in Budget 2020-21 for transport of agricultural products.
20. As per a recent global report by UNICEF, WHO, UN and World Bank, what is the under-five mortality rate in India, in 2019?
[A] 55
[B] 45
[C] 35
[D] 34
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [34]
Notes:
As per a recent report on released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and World Bank Group, the Under-five mortality rate in India declined from 126 in 1990 to 34 in 2019.
Also, the Infant mortality rate in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 in 2019. The data has been published in ‘Levels & Trends in Child Mortality’ Report 2020.