11. Which is the only mangrove forest in the world inhabited by tigers?
[A] Sundarbans Mangrove forest
[B] Florida Mangroves
[C] Bahia Mangroves
[D] Chitwan and Bardia National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sundarbans Mangrove forest]
Notes:
The Sunderbans delta, which is spread over India and Bangladesh, is the only mangrove forest in the world inhabited by tigers.
According to the latest estimation conducted by the West Bengal Forest Department, the count of tigers has increased by 8 in 2019-20 to 96, from 88 in the previous year. The increase was significant as this is the biggest annual jump ever reported from the Sundarbans, which is a world heritage site and a Ramsar site.
12. The Union Defence Ministry has signed a contract with which power firm of India for infrastructure modernisation of airfields?
[A] PowerGrid corporation
[B] Tata Power
[C] JSW Energy
[D] Adani Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tata Power]
Notes:
The Union Defence Ministry has signed a contract with Mumbai based power company Tata Power for infrastructure modernisation of 37 airfields.
The airfields of the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard and the Navy are to be modernised at a cost of around Rs 1,200 crore. This is the second phase of the Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) programme while during the first phase the airfields of the Indian Air Force were upgraded. This project would facilitate the operations of aircrafts in poor weather conditions.
13. When is the “Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War” observed by the United Nations, every year?
[A] 1-2 May
[B] 4-5 May
[C] 8-9 May
[D] 11-12 May
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [8-9 May]
Notes:
On 8 and 9 May every year, the United Nations commemorates the millions who lost their lives during the Second World War. The World War-II led to the formation of the United Nations.
The commemoration to pay tribute to all victims is officially called the “Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War”. It was created by a General Assembly resolution in 2004.
14. Hari Shankar Vasudevan, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Sportsperson
[B] Historian
[C] Healthcare Worker
[D] Politician
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Historian]
Notes:
Veteran Indian scholar and historian Hari Shankar Vasudevan passed away recently after contracting Covid-19. He had tested positive for novel coronavirus on May 6.
Professor Hari Vasudevan was working as a UGC Emeritus Professor in the Department of History and China Centre of Calcutta University after his superannuation. He was an important personality in the field of Russian and Central Asian history. He also served as the Director of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, institution under Ministry of Culture Govt of India.
15. Which day is celebrated in India on May 11, to mark the achievement of its nuclear tests made at Pokhran in 1998?
[A] National Nuclear Power Day
[B] National Technology Day
[C] National Nuclear Weapon Day
[D] Pokhran Day
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Technology Day]
Notes:
May 11 is celebrated as National Technology Day in India every year, to mark the day on which India conducted its nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan in the year 1998.
India conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha” in 1974. In 1998, under the code name Operation Shakti, the next nuclear mission was carried out. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam led the scientific team which carried out the nuclear weapon tests on May 11. At present, India is among eight countries in the world that own a nuclear weapons program.
16. Which Indian state/UT has launched the new initiative ‘FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana’?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Punjab
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The government of Madhya Pradesh has launched a new scheme called ‘FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana’ in Bhopal.
The scheme has been launched on a pilot basis in 23 Police stations across the state. Under the scheme, people need not visit Police stations to lodge an FIR, rather they can use the number 100. The Dial 100 vehicle would have trained Head Constables to lodge FIR. For serious complaints, guidance will be given by senior officers.
17. What is the name of the helpline launched by the Union HRD Minister for the students of Central University of Odisha?
[A] Suraksha
[B] Bharosa
[C] Shakti
[D] Rakshan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharosa]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank recently launched the Central University of Odisha Helpline ‘Bharosa’, through a virtual platform in New Delhi.
The helpline has been launched with an aim of assisting the student community during the difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic. The Helpline Number 080 46 80 10 10, aims at redressing grievances and providing services to all the students of the University.
18. Which Union Ministry has launched a Management information system named CHAMPIONS portal?
[A] Ministry of Human Resources and Development
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of MSME]
Notes:
Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry has launched CHAMPIONS portal www.champions.gov.in.
It is a control room-cum-management information system aimed at assisting Indian MSMEs and solving their grievances. The ‘CHAMPIONS’ stands for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength. It uses advanced technology like AI, Machine Learning and integrated with the Centre’s CPGRAMS grievance portal.
19. Sebastian Vettel, who is set to leave Ferrari at the end of 2020 F1 season, belongs to which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Germany
[C] France
[D] Brazil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Germany]
Notes:
Legendary racer from Germany, Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Ferrari at the end of 2020 F1 season, as per the recent statement from Ferrari.
The 32-year-old racer and four times world champion is yet to break the record by another legend Michael Schumacher in winning multiple Formula One titles with Ferrari. Vettel is one of the highest-paid drivers and has so far won 14 races for Ferrari.
20. As per the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative, what is the cause of 68% of the under-five deaths in India?
[A] Pollution
[B] Child and maternal malnutrition
[C] Early Marriage
[D] Poor healthcare facilities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Child and maternal malnutrition]
Notes:
As per the Lancet report titled ‘India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative’, 68% of the under-five deaths in India are caused due to child and maternal malnutrition.
The report has the first comprehensive estimates of district-level trends of child mortality in India since 2000. It also highlighted that 83% of the neonatal deaths were due to low birth weight and short gestation. Though the child mortality has improved across the country from 2000 to 2017, inequalities among the districts have also raised.