11. Which national park in India has added 3053 hectares into its ambit?
[A] Kaziranga National Park
[B] Ranthambore National Park
[C] Silent Velley National Park
[D] Gir National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kaziranga National Park]
Notes:
The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which is home to the Asiatic one-horned rhinos, is to be expanded by 3,053 hectares.
The Government of Assam has issued a notification approving 7th, 8th and 9th addition to the National Park. These additional areas include encroachment-evicted areas at riverine islands that were vulnerable to encroachment.
12. Which organization has released ‘Young Child Outcome Index’?
[A] WHO
[B] UNICEF
[C] Mobile Creches
[D] Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mobile Creches]
Notes:
Kerala, Goa, Tripura and Tamil Nadu are the top performers in child health development as per the ranking named “Young Child Outcome Index – YCOI”.
The ranking has been prepared by “Mobile Creches” which is an not-for-profit organisation working for the development of underprivileged children across India. The report has been released by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu
13. 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.
14. Which organization has stated that rainfall received in August 2020 in India is highest since 1926?
[A] ISRO
[B] IMD
[C] NASA
[D] WMD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IMD]
Notes:
As per a statement by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall received by the country in August 2020 is the highest since 1926.
August 1926 recorded a rainfall of 34.8 cm exceeding normal by 33%, whereas August 2020 recorded 32.7 cm rainfall exceeding normal by 27%. Also, IMD has stated that in June’20 to 6th September’20, India had registered 7% more rainfall than what is normal for this period.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. India has agreed on a 5-point plan with which neighbouring country, to resolve border issues?
[A] Nepal
[B] China
[C] Pakistan
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
India and China have recently agreed on five points regarding the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
On the side lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Moscow, the External affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi had strategic talks which focussed on Disengagement of troops and easing of tensions.
19. 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.
20. Which country has carried out the first nationwide test of its civil alarm systems?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] Germany
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Germany]
Notes:
Germany has recently carried out the first nationwide test of its civil alarm systems since the end of the Cold War.
The country has also newly created National Warning Day, or Warntag, which is to be observed every year on September 10. Several alarms were sounded to alert the public to create the awareness about the measures to be taken in the backdrop of a national emergency.