11. 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.”
12. 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.
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. Patrika Gate, that was seen in news recently, is located in which city?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Jaipur
[C] Bhopal
[D] Ahmedabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jaipur]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated the Patrika Gate in Jaipur through video conference.
This Iconic Gate has been built by the Patrika Group of Newspapers in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Prime Minister Modi also released two books written by the Group Chairman during the virtual event. This cultural monument is expected to boost tourism in the region.
15. 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.
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. What is the name of the new Redressal Platform launched by the Ministry of Shipping?
[A] SAROD- Ports
[B] SAROJ- Ports
[C] SHIMOGA- Ports
[D] SPEAK- Ports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [SAROD- Ports]
Notes:
Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya has recently launched ‘SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes – Ports).
SAROD-Ports is established under Societies Registration Act and aims to resolve the disputes with the panel of technical experts as arbitrators. It is expected to save legal expenditure and time. This works similar to the SAROD-Roads constituted by NHAI.
18. 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.
19. Which entrepreneur has topped the Forbes’ list of richest Americans?
[A] Bill Gates
[B] Donald Trump
[C] Jeff Bezos
[D] Warren Buffet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jeff Bezos]
Notes:
Jeff Bezos – the Chief Executive and co-founder of Amazon has topped Forbes’ list of richest Americans. He has been the richest American as per the Forbes’ list for 3 times in a row.
He is followed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. As per the Forbes and Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Jeff Bezoz became the first person whose net worth rose to over USD 200 billion.
20. 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.