11. National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) works under the aegis of which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Science and Technology]
Notes:
The National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) works under the aegis of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
DST has recently launched a report on the journey of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) in catalysing innovation, entrepreneurship, and incubation.
12. What is the new Foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the Defence Sector through automatic approval?
[A] 25%
[B] 49%
[C] 74%
[D] 100%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [74%]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the Defence Sector through automatic approval to 74 per cent.
Earlier, the policy allowed 49 per cent FDI in Defence Sector. The new policy has a ‘National Security’ clause as a condition, that has been proposed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Government has the right to review any foreign investment that may affect national security.
13. Which renowned Scientist is called the Father of Indian Radio Astronomy?
[A] Govind Swarup
[B] C S Seshadri
[C] M S Raghunathan
[D] V K Kapahi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Govind Swarup]
Notes:
Scientist and radio astronomer, Professor Govind Swarup is called the Father of Indian Radio Astronomy.
The renowned astronomer has recently passed away due to illness at the age of 91. He was the founding director of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). He received various awards including the Padma Shree and the Bhatnagar Award.
14. What may be the growth in India’s GDP in FY 2020-21, as per the recent estimates of Moody’s, after its earlier estimate of -4%?
[A] – 6.5%
[B] – 9.5%
[C] -11.5%
[D] -15%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [-11.5%]
Notes:
Global rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has estimated that India’s real GDP would contract by 11.5 per cent in fiscal year 2020-21.
Earlier, the agency has estimated that India’s economy would contract by 4.0 per cent during 2020-21. CRISIL also said that the collapse in GDP was one of the sharpest among all major G-20 nation and the growth is expected to rebound to 10.6 per cent in 2021-22.
15. Which city plays host to the Conference on Afghan peace negotiations?
[A] Kabul
[B] Islamabad
[C] Doha
[D] Muscat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Doha]
Notes:
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar virtually addressed the inaugural session of the intra-Afghan talks, being held in Doha.
Earlier this week, the Minister had visited Iran and discussed the Chabahar port project and the situation in Afghanistan. The Defence Minister also met his counterpart in Iran. India had earlier attended the signing of the US-Taliban pact on February 29.
16. Which development institution is to finance the 200-MW solar power project in Raghanesda Solar Park, Gujarat?
[A] ADB
[B] AIIB
[C] BRICS Bank
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ADB]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and France’s ENGIE group have signed a long-term loan of up to Rs 466 crore to set up a 200-MW solar power project in Gujarat.
The project that is to be developed in the Raghanesda Solar Park, is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2021. Electro Solaire Private Limited (ESPL), a special purpose vehicle owned by the ENGIE group, will implement the project.
17. What is India’s rank in the Economic Freedom Index 2020, released recently?
[A] 55
[B] 75
[C] 105
[D] 128
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [105]
Notes:
India has been ranked at 105th position in the Economic Freedom Index 2020.
‘The Economic Freedom of the World: 2020 Annual Report’ has been released by Fraser Institute of Canada in collaboration with New Delhi based think tank “Centre For Civil Society”. As per the report, Hong Kong and Singapore have topped the index.
18. Which body has issued guidelines to Banks regarding the appointment of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)?
[A] Finance Ministry
[B] SEBI
[C] CVC
[D] RBI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [RBI]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines regarding Compliance Functions in Banks and Role of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).
The guidelines direct that all banks should have a board approved Compliance Policy and Appointment of CCO. The CCO shall be a senior executive of the bank, preferably in the rank of a General Manager.
19. Who has clinched the 2020 US Open women’s singles title?
[A] Naomi Osaka
[B] Serena Williams
[C] Victoria Azarenka
[D] Sofia Kenin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Naomi Osaka]
Notes:
Japan’s Naomi Osaka has won the US open tennis women’s singles tournament. She played against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
This victory marks the 3rd Grand slam title of the Japanese player after 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open. Austria’s Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev in men’s singles final to win his first Grand Slam title.
20. Prime Minister of India has inaugurated three petroleum projects recently, located in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bihar]
Notes:
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has recently dedicated three petroleum projects at Bihar to the nation.
Indian Oil’s 193 km long Durgapur-Banka section of the Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur LPG pipeline, Indian Oil’s Cooking gas bottling plant at Banka and HPCL’s LPG bottling plant at Harsidh are the three projects at Bihar which have been inaugurated by the Prime Minister.