11. Which Indian state has topped the Ease of Doing Business Ranking for this year?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Ease of Doing Business Rankings for Indian stated has been released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with World Bank.
The ranking is based on implementation of “Business Reforms Action Plan”. Andhra Pradesh has topped the list followed by UP and Telangana.
12. Which institute is to set up new Centres for Skilling and Technical Support in Bhagalpur and Varanasi?
[A] Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology
[B] Institute of Pesticides Formulation Technology
[C] CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute
[D] CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology]
Notes:
The Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) is to establish two new Centres for skilling and technical support at Bhagalpur and Varanasi.
CIPET is an autonomous research and training institution under the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry. Around 1,000 youths will be trained in each centre every year through Diploma and Skill development programmes for employment in petrochemicals and allied industries.
13. What is the name of the illegal software that has been blocked by Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways?
[A] Tik Tok
[B] Pub G
[C] Real Mango
[D] Real Apple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Real Mango]
Notes:
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways has disrupted the operation of illegal software called “Real Mango”, in a nationwide investigation.
The investigation was made on account of increase in touting activity after restart of the passenger train services. RPF have been able to arrest 50 criminals so far including the King pin (system developer) and key managers involved in operation of this illegal software.
14. Which neighbouring country of India has proposed to ban Cow-slaughter?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Nepal
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
As per the recent media reports, the ruling party of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has approved a proposal to ban cow slaughter.
In the country, about 99% people are meat-eaters. Whereas, the majority Hindus and Buddhists do not eat beef. Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections last month.
15. Five state-run oil and natural gas PSUs would make financial contribution to which fund?
[A] Green Energy Fund
[B] International Solar Alliance Corpus Fund
[C] UNFCC Fund
[D] Nirbhaya Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [International Solar Alliance Corpus Fund]
Notes:
Union Minster of Petroleum has stated that Five state run oil and natural gas PSUs will become corporate partners of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
These PSUs would make financials contribution to ISA’s corpus fund. This announcement was made during the 1st World Solar Technology Summit organized by ISA. ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL and GAIL are the 5 PSUs.
16. 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.
17. Which Indian city is to play host to the Asia’s largest aero show, Aero India-21?
[A] Gurgaon
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Vishakhapatnam
[D] Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Notes:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched the website of Aero India 2021, which is claimed to be the largest aero show of Asia.
The 13th edition of show is scheduled to be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru from February 3 to February 7 next year. The newly launched website will host and stream all online services related to the event.
18. Which organisation has paused the trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidate in India?
[A] Serum Institute of India
[B] Ranbaxy India
[C] Cipla India
[D] Sun Pharma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Serum Institute of India]
Notes:
The Pune based SII -Serum Institute of India has paused the clinical trial of COVID vaccine candidate. The vaccine is being developed by Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and Astra Zeneca.
Serum Institute has stopped the trial after a notice from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). The trials of COVID vaccine were stopped globally after one of the recipients in U.K. showed adverse symptoms.
19. Which rating agency has stated that Indian economy would contract by 9% in FY 2020-21?
[A] CARE
[B] S&P
[C] CRISIL
[D] FITCH
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [CRISIL]
Notes:
As per the credit rating agency CRISIL, Indian economy will contract by 9 per cent in 2020-21 on account of COVID 19 pandemic.
The agency has stated that the infection is yet to peak and the financial assistance provided by the Government is not sufficient. Earlier in May 2020, Crisil had estimated the economy to contract by 5 per cent
20. Who is the head of Empowered Group of Ministers constituted by the Government to oversee the corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board?
[A] Nirmala Sitharaman
[B] Amit Shah
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Rajnath Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajnath Singh]
Notes:
The Government of India has set up an Empowered Group of Ministers headed by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to oversee and guide the entire process of corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board.
The Union Government recently announced that Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) – a subordinate office of Defence Ministry would be converted into one or more 100 % Government owned corporate entities.