11. Which Indian state has introduced a scheme to levy COVID-19 cess for diesel, petrol and motor spirit?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagaland]
Notes:
Nagaland has introduced a scheme to levy COVID-19 cess for diesel, petrol and motor spirit. It has levied a cess of Rs 5 per litre for diesel and Rs 6 for petrol and motor spirit, from the night of April 28.
This decision has been taken with the powers conferred under Nagaland (sales of petroleum and petroleum products including motor spirit and lubricants) Taxation Act, 1967 (as amended). Meghalaya has levied sales tax surcharge at 2 percent on motor spirit including petrol and diesel.
12. Which state government has raised the retirement age of government employees to 59 from 58?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The state government of Tamil Nadu has recently raised the retirement age of State Government employees to 59 from 58.
The Government order comes to force with immediate effect, as per the notification released. This order will also apply to all teachers in government and government-aided schools and colleges, and employees working in State public sector undertakings.
13. What is the name of the super cyclone that has recently developed in the Bay of Bengal?
[A] Fani
[B] Amphan
[C] Maha
[D] Nisarga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amphan ]
Notes:
The super-cyclone that has recently developed in the Bay of Bengal named ‘Amphan’, is claimed to be only the second super-cyclone faced by India in several decades.
According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), as the cyclone developed into a severe cyclonic storm, massive evacuation of 1.1 million people, who are likely to be hit by the cyclone, would be carried out. Heavy rain and high-velocity winds are expected across coastal Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
14. Who will fix the domestic air fares of India for three months, when domestic flights resume after lock-down?
[A] International Civil Aviation Organization
[B] Domestic Air carriers
[C] Union Civil Aviation Ministry of India
[D] Global Air carriers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Union Civil Aviation Ministry of India]
Notes:
As per the recent announcement from the Union Aviation Ministry, the domestic airfares of India will be fixed by the Ministry for three months, when domestic flights resume after lock-down.
The government will cap minimum and maximum ticket fares based on route and will ensure that ticket prices are affordable for passengers as well as financially viable for airlines. The Ministry has divided the routes into seven bands based on duration of flights. 40 per cent of the seats in any flight will have to be sold at the mid-point of the lower and upper air fare limits prescribed.
15. Which state is set to launch Virtual queue management application named Bev Q?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Bev Q, a virtual queue management application developed by a Kochi-based start-up Faircode Technologies, has recently been approved by Google after two-level testing. This is to be implemented to manage queues of liquor shops.
The state government of Kerala announced that liquor shops would not be opened until a queue management system is implemented. The staff working at the shops are being trained through online and video tutorials in coordination with the Kerala State Beverages Corporation.
16. Which organisation has developed a device called ‘SUMERU-PACS’, to help PPE wearers?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautical Limited
[B] Defence Research Development Organisation
[C] Bharat Electronics Limited
[D] Ordnance Factory Board
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research Development Organisation]
Notes:
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a device called SUMERU-PACS, that helps the wearers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to feel comfortable without sweating.
After receiving feedback about the discomfort faced by the people wearing PPEs, DRDO has developed a personal air circulation system that can be used inside the PPE. The system is in the form of a small backpack weighing approximately 500 grams.
17. As of 2020, which was the safest year in the Indian Railways, with zero passenger fatality for the first time?
[A] 2011-12
[B] 2014-15
[C] 2018-19
[D] 2019-20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2019-20]
Notes:
As per the statement of the Indian Railways, the best ever safety record has been created during April 2019 – March 2020.
There has been no fatality of any railway passenger in any train accident during this period. This feat has been achieved for the first time since 1853, when the Indian Railway system was introduced in the country. About 1274 Manned Level Crossings have been eliminated in 2019-20, which is also the highest ever. More than 1000 bridges were rehabilitated and rails were renewed.
18. Which Indian state/UT constituted expert committee to advise its Disaster Management Authority on Covid-19 management?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] New Delhi
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal has constituted an Expert Advisory Committee to advise Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) related to COVID-19 management in Delhi.
The committee would advise on the challenges being faced in Delhi, suggest measures to develop medical infrastructure and to integrate measures of multiple agencies for effective curbing of Covid-19. The committee has Director General of ICMR and Director of AIIMS are among the members of the committee.
19. Which country has signed agreement with UNICEF to supply pneumonia vaccine to low-income nations at affordable rates?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] Australia
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
Pune-based Serum Institute of India is set to provide ten million doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, every year to lower-income countries for the next decade.
The institute has entered into a new supply agreement with the UNICEF that helped to decrease the price of pneumonia vaccine for those nations. As of now, Pneumonia is the biggest killer of children, which claims the life of a child every 39 seconds.
20. Which zone of the Indian Railways has installed ATMA (Automated Ticket Checking & Managing Access) machine?
[A] Southern Railway Zone
[B] Northern Railway Zone
[C] Central Railways Zone
[D] Western Railway Zone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Central Railways Zone]
Notes:
Indian Railways Central Railway zone has installed an automated ticket kiosk called ATMA – Automated Ticket Checking & Managing Access machine.
The innovative machine has been introduced at the Nagpur railway station, under the New, Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS) policy to prevent transmission of COVID-19. The system has features for automated boarding protocol by ticket checking, human body temperature checking, and face mask checking.
