11. Which Indian state/UT has set up a council for conservation of biological diversity?
[A] Assam
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has recently set up a 10-member council for conservation of biological diversity.
A new council named the Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council will be constituted, which will have the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests as the Chairman and five non-official members. The council shall constitute a fund named as “Jammu and Kashmir Biodiversity Council Fund”.
12. Which cricketer has been appointed as the Member of Australia-India Council, to promote business ties?
[A] Ricky Ponting
[B] Adam Gilchrist
[C] Mathew Hayden
[D] Bret Lee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mathew Hayden]
Notes:
The Government of Australian has appointed former star cricketer Matthew Hayden as trade envoy for promoting business ties with India, along with two new members.
He has been named as the Member of Australia-India Council. Ashok Jacob has been reappointed as Chair and Indian-origin politician Lisa Singh will be the Deputy Chair. Another new member was former Australian politician Ted Baillieu.
13. Which state has entered into an agreement with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, for setting up Bulk Drug Park?
[A] Tami Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (APIIC) has entered into a MoU with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology for setting up of Bulk Drug Park in the state.
As per the MoU, CSIR-IICT will act as a knowledge partner and provide technical assistance to prepare a proposal to be submitted by the Andhra Pradesh Government to the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, for seeking financial assistance.
14. Which country has launched the ‘Indo-Pacific strategy’ with India?
[A] UAE
[B] Germany
[C] Italy
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Germany]
Notes:
The current President of the European Union, Germany has launched its Indo-Pacific strategy with India.
The strategy launched by the Germany’s Foreign Ministry suggested dialogue with institutions such as Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), in the fields of maritime safety and disaster risk management.
15. Which trade association of India has launched “Future Business Group”?
[A] ASSOCHAM
[B] CII
[C] CDAC
[D] NASSCOM
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [CII]
Notes:
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched “Future Business Group” initiative to support new businesses launched during the past few years.
This initiative aims at creating a ‘National strategy for future businesses’, together with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The initiative will also identify new growth options and help to establish international relations.
16. What is the name of the typhoon that hit North Korea recently?
[A] Maysak
[B] Camphene
[C] Haishen
[D] Lisa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maysak]
Notes:
A powerful Typhoon named “Maysak” (Cambodian word) hit North Korea and has brought heavy rain and floods in the region.
Maysak is the second typhoon in a week to hit the Korean peninsula. Another powerful Typhoon named Bavi made a land fall in the country in the last week of August 2020. The typhoon also hit the regions in South Korea.
17. What is the name of the Naval exercise that is being held between India and Russia?
[A] Indra Navy
[B] Mission Navy
[C] Garuda Shakti
[D] Hand in Hand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indra Navy]
Notes:
The 11th edition of ‘INDRA NAVY’ – a biennial maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Russian Navy has commenced in the Bay of Bengal.
It is a 2-day exercise and would be conducted in a non-contact format at sea. India has deployed guided missile destroyer, frigate vessels, fleet tanker and their integral helicopters in the exercise.
18. 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.
19. At what rate, the Funds sent abroad would be subjected to Tax Collection at Source (TCS), from October 1, 2020.
[A] 2%
[B] 5%
[C] 10%
[D] 20%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [5%]
Notes:
Funds above Rs.7,00,000 sent abroad under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme would be subjected to 5% Tax Collection at Source.
This is under the Finance Act 2020 and would come in to force from 1st October 2020. On payments above Rs.700,000, the TCS will apply on the amount above this threshold. The TCS is not applicable for buying a tour package.
20. When is International Day to Protect Education from Attack observed?
[A] September 9
[B] September 10
[C] September 11
[D] September 12
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [September 9]
Notes:
September 9 of every year is observed as International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
United Nations General Assembly decided to observe this day to create awareness about the plight of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict. Children’s right to education cannot be safeguarded in conflict areas without education being protected. UNESCO and UNICEF will facilitate to observe this day.