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CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY NATIONAL AFFAIRS

1. Which Ministry organized the NCAVES 3. Which was India’s 1st major acquisition of (Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of fighter planes in the last 23 years after the Ecosystem Services) India Forum-2021? acquiring the Sukhoi jets from Russia? s 1) Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate 1) F-35 from US Change (MoEF) 2) Rafale from France 2) Ministry of Statistics and Programme 3) Su-30MKI from Russia e Implementation (MoSPI) 4) IAI Kfir from Israel 3) Ministry of Finance (FinMin) 5) Mirage 2000 from France 4) Ministry of Skill Development and Answer- 2) Rafale from Fransce Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Explanation: 5) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium On 27th January 2021, The 3rd batch of 3 Rafale Enterprises (MSME) Aircrafts which got airborne from Istres Air Base, France Answer- 2) Ministry of Statistics and landed at an Indian Airs Force Base, India. The non-stop Programme Implementation (MoSPI) flight for 7000 km was supported by the inflight Explanation: refuelling by Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), UAE NCAVES (Natural Capital Accounting and Air Force. Witha this 3rd set of deliveries the total number Valuation of the Ecosystem Services) India Forum-2021 of Rafales in the IAF’s inventory became 11. This is was organized by the Ministry of Statistics and India’s 1stl major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 years Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through virtual after the Sukhoi jets from Russia. mode on January 14, 21, 28, 2021. It is aimed to Spread 4. What was the estimated capital need for India the knowledge of Environmental-Economic accounting between 2020-2030, for transition towards for Sustainable Economic Growth using the United CElectric Vehicles (EVs) adoption, as per the Nations’ System of Environmental-Economic Accounting report released by NITI Aayog & Rocky (SEEA) framework. Participating Countries – Ind ia, Mountain Institute (RMI) in January 2021? Brazil, China, Mexico & South Africa. 1) INR 10 Lakh Crores 2. Where was India’s 1st indigenous metro racks 2) INR 19.7 Lakh Crores deployed, in January 2021? a 3) INR 15.5 Lakh Crores 1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu 4) INR 17 Lakh Crores 2) Kochi, Kerala t 5) INR 21.7 Lakh Crores 3) Kolkata, West Bengal Answer- 2) INR 19.7 Lakh Crores 4) Bhubaneswar, Odisha Explanation: 5) Mumbai, Maharashtra p According to the report ‘Mobilising Finance for EVs Answer- 5) Mumbai, Maharashtra in India: A Toolkit of Solutions to Mitigate Risks and Explanation: Address Market Barriers, January 2021’ released by On 29th Januaryu 2021, Uddhav Thackeray, Chief NITI Aayog & Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), India’s Minister of Maharashtra unveiled the first indigenous transition towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) adoption metro racks for the new Metro line of Mumbai – Metro 2A between the years 2020-2030 will need a capital of INR and 7 at the Charkop Metro Depot, Mumbai, 19.7 Lakh Crores (USD 266 Billion) they will be utilized Maharashtra. The rake was manufactured by Bharat for construction of vehicles, charging stations, and Earth MoverGs Limited (BEML) and delivered the first batteries & other infrastructures. ‘Made in India’ rake from the Bengaluru facility of 5. When was the 2021 ASEAN-India Hackathon BEML. This metro line will become functional from June conducted? 2021. 1) February 1-3 2) January 30 – February 2 3) January 28-30 2

4) January 27-31 3) Mahatma Gandhi 5) January 31 – February 3 4) Subhas Chandra Bose Answer- 1) February 1-3 5) Rabindranath Tagore Explanation: Answer- 2) Swami Vivekananda On 1st February, 2021 Union Education Minister Explanation: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addressed the inaugural Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 125th session of 2021’s ASEAN-India Hackathon. anniversary celebrations of the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ ASEAN-INDIA Hackathon 2021 is launched by journal. ‘Prabuddha Bharata' is a monthly journal of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) in Ramakrishna Order which was started by Swami partnership with Ministry of Education (MoE). The event Vivekananda. It has been in publication since 1896 and an Initiative by the Ministry of Education is aimed at carries articles on social sciences and humanities Economic development through collaboration in comprising historical, psychological, cultural and social education, science and technology, exchange of sciences themes. s thoughtful leadership works. This is a 36 hours’ event 9. Where was the National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi conducted online from 1st – 3rd February 2021. Mahotsav’ 2021 held? 6. When was the Indigenous Tejas Mark II 1) New Delhi e Multirole Combat Jet planned to get launched 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)? 3) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 1) 2025 2) 2030 4) Indore, Madhya Pradesh 3) 2027 4) 2023 s 5) In TRIFED’s Virtual Platform 5) 2022 Answer- 1) New Delhi Answer- 5) 2022 Explanation: Explanation: s On February 1, 2021, Vice President of India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is planning Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the National Tribal to launch the Indigenous Tejas Mark II Multirole Combat Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ 2021 at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. Jet in August-September of 2022. The 1st high-speed trial The festival willa be held from February 1-15, 2021 will of the jet will be started in 2023 and productions are showcase Tribal art, crafts, medicine, cuisine & folk expected to begin in 2025. The new version of Tejas will l performances from Tribal Artists and chefs from more have Bigger fuselage, longer range, better than 20 states of India. The festival is a joint initiative of maintainability, greater load carrying capability, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs & Tribal Cooperative stronger engine power & superior net-centric warfare Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). systems. C10. Recently (in Feb 2021), Barbara Pompili 7. Where is India’s 1st Leather Park located? signed a letter of Intent between SECI & AFD 1) Gurugram, Haryana for development of a 150 MW floating solar 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra plant. She is the Minister for Ecological 3) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Transition of ______. 4) Ambur, Tamil Nadu a 1) Singapore 2) Italy 5) Kolkata, West Bengal t 3) France 4) Qatar Answer- 3) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 5) Russia Explanation: Answer- 3) France The Government of Uttar Pradesh(UP) established Explanation: India’s First Mega Leather pPark in Kanpur, Uttar Barbara Pompili, French Minister for Ecological Pradesh. This project is expected to generate more than Transition made a 5-day Visit to India from January 50000 job opportunities and indirectly provide livelihood 28-February 1, 2021. During Barbara Pompili’s meeting to more than 1.5 lakh individuals. The leather park will with R K Singh, Ministry of Power, New and Renewable have all the facilitiesu for production as well as exhibition Energy a letter of intent between SECI & AFD for the of leather products. It will also have fooding and lodging development of a floating solar plant of up to 150 MW was arrangements for the investors who will come here from signed. During the meeting, Bilateral technical all over the world. cooperation on high-efficiency solar panels & new 8. In JanGuary 2021, PM Modi addressed the 125th investments from French Companies in Solar Power anniversary celebrations of the ‘Prabuddha Projects & Smart Grid in India were discussed. Bharata’ journal. Who started the ‘Prabuddha 11. Recently (in Feb 2021), Indo-French declared Bharata’ journal? the period 2021-2022 as the Year of ______. 1) Aurobindo Ghosh 1) Economy 2) Swami Vivekananda 2) Medical Amenities 3

3) Renewable Energy 14. Where was India’s 1st Centre for Wetland 4) Environment Conservation and Management (CWCM) 5) Cure recently (in Feb 2021), got established by Answer- 4) Environment MoEFCC? Explanation: 1) Nagpur, Maharashtra Barbara Pompili, French Minister for Ecological 2) Chandigarh Transition made a 5-day Visit to India from January 3) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 28-February 1, 2021. Indo-French Year of the 4) Kochi, Kerala Environment for the period 2021-22 was launched by 5) Chennai, Tamil Nadu Prakash Javadekar, Ministry of Environment, Forest Answer- 5) Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Climate Change (MoEFCC) & Barbara Pompili, Explanation: French Minister for Ecological Transition during the Minister of State for Ministry of Environment, meeting between the Two Ministers. With an Objective to Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Babul Supriyo Strengthen Indo-French cooperation in sustainable announced the establishment of India’s 1st Centre for development & increasing the efficacy of actions towards Wetland Conservation and Management (CWCM) at global environment protection. Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is being set up as part of the 12. How many products were recently (in Feb National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management 2021), added to Minor Forest Produce (MFP) (NCSCM) Institute, a research institute under MoEFCC. under the central government’s scheme that It was launched on occasion of the World Wetland Day receive Minimum Support Price (MSP)? observed on February 2, 2021. 1) 49 2) 63 15. Where was Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s 3) 6 4) 9 (HAL) 2nd Exclusive LCA-Tejas Fighter Jets 5) 14 Production Plant recently (in Feb 2021), Answer- 5) 14 inaugurated? Explanation: 1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has included 14 2) Bangalore, Karnataka additional Minor Forest Produce (MFP) items under the 3) Amritsar, Punjab Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme to ensure that 4) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Tribal Gatherers get fair prices for their Forest Produces. 5) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh The 14 items are Tasar Cocoon, Cashew Kernel, Elephant Answer- 2) Bangalore, Karnataka Apple Dry, Bamboo Shoot, Malkangani Seed, Mahul Explanation: Leaves, Nagod, Gokhru, Pipla/Uchithi, Gamhar/Gamari, On February 2, 2021, Union Defence Minister Oroxylumindicum, Wild Mushroom dry, Shringraj & Tree Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Hindustan Aeronautics Moss. Previously, there were 49 items covered under the Limited’s (HAL) 2nd Exclusive Light Combat Aircraft scheme, with the inclusion of the 14 products, the total (LCA)-Tejas Fighter Jets Production Plant at count jumps to 63. Doddanekundi, Bangalore, Karnataka. The Plant will 13. Where was the 5 daylong event of India’s double HAL’s production capacity of LCA Tejas to 16 LCA Biggest Silk Fair, the 8th India International Tejas Aircrafts a year from 2022-23 (at present it is 8). Silk Fair held, in February 2021? The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, indigenously designed 1) New Delhi by Aircraft Development Agency (ADA) under the 2) Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Defence Research and Development Organisation 3) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (DRDO). 4) Bangalore, Karnataka 16. Which Institution started India’s 1st Amputee 5) In Indian Silk Fair’s Virtual Platform Clinic? Answer- 5) In Indian Silk Fair’s Virtual 1) JIPMER, Pondicherry Platform 2) AIIMS, New Delhi Explanation: 3) Christian Medical College, Tamil Nadu On 31st January 2021, Union Minister for Women & 4) PGIMER, Chandigarh Child Development and Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani 5) Armed Forces Medical College, Pune virtually addressed the inaugural session of India’s Answer- 4) PGIMER, Chandigarh Biggest Silk Fair, the 8th India International Silk Fair. Explanation: The 5 daylong event was virtually organised by Indian On 1st February 2021, The Postgraduate Institute of Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC), a non-profit Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) launched organisation under the Ministry of Textiles & Sponsored India’s first Amputee Clinic, “PGI Amputee Clinic” in by Department of Commerce. The Event was held from Chandigarh. The PGI Amputee clinic was inaugurated by 4

PGIMER Director Prof. Jagat Ram. Some modalities will Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has amended be developed under this initiative to expand medical aid the ‘Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014’ to make for medicine and rehabilitation of amputees who cannot changes in the definition of One Person Companies afford the cost. The clinic will also run an Amputee school (OPCs) Rules. The new changes will be called as following the success of the Knee School which is running ‘Companies (Incorporation) Second Amendment Rules, at PGIMER. 2021’. The Changes allow Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to 17. Which district topped the Aspirational incorporate one person companies (OPCs) in India. Districts Ranking of Niti Aayog for December Previously Non Resident Indians (NRIs) were not allowed 2020? to start OPCs. The residency period for being considered 1) Shravasti, UP as a Resident in India has been reduced to 120 days from 2) Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu 182 days for NRIs. 3) Jamnagar, Gujarat 20. Who chaired the Company Law Committee 4) Aurangabad, Maharashtra (CLC) that recommended Decriminalization of 5) Baksa, Assam Compound Offences under the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008? Answer- 1) Shravasti district, UP 1) Binod Kumar Explanation: 2) Rajesh Verma The Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) topped the Aspirational Districts Ranking of Niti Aayog in 3) Anurag Singh Thakur December 2020, the ranking is done every month. Health 4) Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan and nutrition, education, agriculture and water 5) G. Madhavan Nair resources, financial inclusion, skill development and Answer- 2) Rajesh Verma basic infrastructure were the development areas that Explanation: were considered for the ranking. Based on the recommendations of the Company Law 18. Which organisation is responsible for the Committee (CLC) headed by Corporate Affairs Secretary, operation & maintenance of Punjab’s First Rajesh verma, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) ‘Central Water Treatment Plant’ set up at has started the process of Decriminalization of Village Daudhar of Moga district for 10 years? Compound Offences under the Limited Liability 1) NABARD Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008. 12 Offence have been 2) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) proposed to be decriminalized & 1 provision (Section 73) containing criminal liability has been proposed to be 3) Tata Projects omitted 12 decriminalized offences will be transferred to 4) Punjab Water Resources Management and In-House Adjudication Mechanism (IAM) to free criminal Development Corporation courts from routine cases. 5) Department of Soil & Water Conservation, Punjab 21. Recently (in Feb 2021), Cabinet Committee on Answer- 2) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave approval for Explanation: 100% strategic divestment of Indian On 3rd February 2021, Punjab’s First ‘Central Water government’s share in ______. Treatment Plant’ set up at Village Daudhar of Moga, 1) Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Punjab began to supply Clean Drinking Water to 85 2) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) Villages of Moga district. This plant was built with a financial assistance worth INR 232 Crores from World 3) Oil India Limited Bank. The plant is capable of purifying 50 MLD of water 4) Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF) from Abohar Canal Branch. The Project was developed by 5) National Aluminium Company (NALCO) Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which will be responsible for Answer- 2) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited operation & maintenance of the project for the next 10 (RINL) years. Explanation: 19. What is the required minimum duration of On January 27, 2021 The Cabinet Committee on stay in India for a person of Indian Origin to be Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave in-principle approval for considered as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as 100% strategic divestment of Indian Government’s per ‘Companies (Incorporation) Second shareholding in Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). Amendment Rules, 2021’? In addition to this it also gave approval for management 1) 186 days 2) 90 days control of RINL by way of privatization. The Government 3) 100 days 4) 120 days in the budget 2021-2022 stated that it has set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector 5) 136 days companies and financial institutions, including 2 Public Answer- 4) 120 days Sector Banks and one General Insurance company. Explanation: 5

22. Maritime Union of India (MUI) urged the Delhi. The government of Delhi has set a target of 25% of Ministry of Shipping to take note of “Neptune electric vehicles in the total registration in Delhi by 2024. Declaration” while preparing the ‘Maritime As a part of this campaign he announced that the India Vision 2030’. What is the Key focus of government of Delhi will hire only electric vehicles for “Neptune Declaration”? other purposes in the next 6 weeks. 1) Reduction of Service Tax 25. Which district registered the highest cancer 2) Eliminating Oil Spills rate among females in India, as per ‘Profile of 3) Guided Fishing Approaches Cancer and Related Health Indicators in the 4) Welfare of Seafarers NorthEast Region of India-2021’ report? 5) Improving Ocean Health 1) Nellore, Andhra Pradesh Answer- 4) Welfare of Seafarers 2) Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh Explanation: 3) Lunglei, Mizoram Maritime Union of India (MUI) urged the Ministry of 4) Darrang, Assam Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India to take note of 5) Mokokchung, Nagaland “Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Answer- 2) Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh Change” while preparing the ‘Maritime India Vision Explanation: 2030’. The Neptune declaration initiated by Global According to the report ‘Profile of Cancer and Maritime Forum focuses on Recognition of seafarers as Related Health Indicators in the NorthEast Region of key workers by Governments of all countries in line with India-2021’ released by Indian Council of Medical UN General Assembly resolution adopted on December 1, Research (ICMR) & National Centre for Disease 2020. MUI has urged the Ministry of Shipping to Informatics & Research (NCDIR), the number of New permanently accord the status of ‘Key Workers’ to Indian Cancer Cases in North East Region (NER) is set to seafarers. increase to 57, 131 by 2025. Among Females Highest 23. Which Ministry organized the Webinar Series, cancer incidence rate (219.8 per 100, 000) was recorded in “Udyog Manthan”, in February 2021? Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh, which is the highest in 1) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises both the NER and in India. 2) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public 26. Recently (in Feb 2021), PM Modi released a Distribution postal stamp to mark the beginning of the 3) Ministry of Statistics and Programme centenary celebrations of ______. Implementation 1) Non-cooperation Movement 4) Ministry of Commerce and Industry 2) Salt March 5) Ministry of Civil Aviation 3) Royal Indian Navy mutiny Answer- 4) Ministry of Commerce and 4) Bengali Renaissance Industry 5) Chauri Chaura Incident Explanation: Answer- 5) Chauri Chaura Incident On 3rd February 2021, the Ministry of Commerce Explanation: and Industry has organised Udyog Manthan under which On 4th February 2021, Prime Minister Narendra a series of webinars were conducted on 45 sectors which Modi released the postage stamp to mark the beginning of includes pharma and electronics. Udyog Manthan focuses the centenary celebrations of the Chauri Chaura Incident on quality and productivity in all the major sectors of in Uttar Pradesh(UP) over a virtual platform. The stamp manufacturing services. Udyog Manthan started on 4th was released during the event organised to inaugurate January 2021 and concluded on 2nd March 2021. the Centenary celebration of the Chauri Chaura incident. 24. What is promoted through the “Switch Delhi” The state government has planned various events campaign? through 4th February 2022 at all the 75 districts of the 1) Use of Disposable Mask state to mark the centenary celebration of Chauri 2) LED Bulbs Chaura. 3) Electric Vehicles 27. Which Country recently (in Feb 2021) signed a 4) Water Conservation contract with GRSE LTD for delivery of 1 Fast 5) Pollution Control Patrol Vessel (FPV) called ‘Zoroaster’? Answer- 3) Electric Vehicles 1) Maldives 2) Seychelles Explanation: 3) Mauritius 4) Comoros On 4th February 2021, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief 5) Senegal Minister of Delhi, launched “Switch Delhi” a campaign to Answer- 2) Seychelles promote the use of Electric Vehicles and to encourage Explanation: people to buy electric vehicles to reduce the pollution in 6

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd Aerospace Solutions of India in February (GRSE) has signed a contract with Seychelles for 2021? delivering 1 Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) called ‘Zoroaster’ to 1) PUNA Sriti 2) Ninox 40 the Seychelles Coast Guard. “Zoroaster” will be a 3) Gagan UAV 4) IAI I-View powerful, fuel-efficient platform which will be capable of 5) IAI Eitan performing operations like Patrolling, anti-smuggling, Answer- 2) Ninox 40 anti-poaching & search and rescue operations. The Explanation: overall design of the FPV was developed indigenously by During the Aero India Show 2021, Spear UAV of GRSE. Earlier, India had donated INS Tarmugli Patrol Israel & Paras Aerospace Solutions of India signed a Vessel to Seychelles Coast Guard. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce 28. Which country’s defence organisation will ‘Ninox 40’ Micro-tactical UAV System (Unmanned Aerial provide technological support to Bharat Vehicle) into the Indian market. The Ninox 40 drone Electronics Limited (BEL) for manufacturing system consists of a Drone & a control unit and is high quality aviation hoses as per the Offset intended for use by Military Forces, Paramilitary, Contract signed in February 2021? Internal Security & Law Enforcement agencies. It has 1) Tecmash, Russia been designed especially for single-user operations. 2) Dassault Aviation, France 31. Which law was amended by Indian 3) Lockheed Martin, USA Government to include Ropeways and 4) Rosoboronexport, Russia Alternate Mobility Solutions under the ambit 5) General Dynamics, USA of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Answer- 4) Rosoboronexport, Russia (MoRTH)? Explanation: 1) The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund Act, On February 3, 2021 the 6th India-Russia Military 2000 Industrial Conference(IRMIC) was held in Bengaluru, 2) The National Highways Act, 1956 Karnataka. On this occasion, Bharat Electronics Limited 3) Government of India (Allocation of Business) (BEL) entered into an Offset Contract under invest in Rules, 1961 kind with Rosoboronexport, a Joint Stock Company(JSC) 4) The National Highways Authority of India Act, in Russia. BEL will obtain proven technological processes 1988 to manufacture certified high quality aviation hoses for 5) The National Highways Tribunal (Financial and all types of international standardized aircraft. Administrative Powers) Rules, 2004 29. Which remote sensing technology was Answer- 3) Government of India (Allocation of approved by DGCA for use in 100 districts to Business) Rules, 1961 assess crop yields at gram panchayat level Explanation: under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Government of India (GoI) has brought Ropeways (PMFBY), as of February 2021? and Alternate Mobility Solutions (such as Ropeway, 1) Global Positioning System (GPS) Cable Car, Funicular Railway & Electric Public 2) Google Maps transport) under the ambit of Ministry of Road Transport 3) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Highways (MoRTH) by amending the Government of 4) Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. MoRTH will 5) Spectroradiometer now be responsible for development, construction, Answer- 3) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) research and policy formulation in Ropeways and Explanation: Alternate Mobility Solutions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) 32. Recently (in Feb 2021), Ministry of gave approval to Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Environment, Forests and Climate Change Welfare(MoAFW) to use drones (Unmanned Aerial (MoEFCC) gave approval for the Lakhwar Vehicles -UAVs) to capture images of rice and wheat Electricity Project. Across which river the fields in 100 districts to assess crop yields at gram Project is constructed? panchayat level under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima 1) Beas 2) Sutlej Yojana (PMFBY), Government of India’s Crop Insurance 3) Yamuna 4) Ganges Scheme. This is the 1st time in India that remote sensing 5) Alakananda technology based largest pilot study is conducted for crop Answer- 3) Yamuna yield estimation Explanation: 30. Which is the Micro-tactical UAV System that On 4th February 2021, the Ministry of Environment, will be introduced in India as per the MoU Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) gave approval signed between Spear UAV of Israel & Paras for the Lakhwar Electricity Project at a cost of Rs 5747.17 7 crore on the Yamuna river at Dehradun district, tourism of Majuli, the World’s largest river island. The Uttarakhand. With this project, Electricity upto 572.54 Heliport has the facility to simultaneously land 3 million units can be generated per year. In addition to the helicopters. The CM also inaugurated a guest house in electricity generated, the water storage capacity is also Majuli, which was constructed at a cost of Rs.50 Lakh. increased. 330 metric cusec meters of additional water 36. Recently (in Feb 2021), BHEL commissioned can be stored. 6 states will get drinking water supply and the 2nd Unit of 1600 MW Gadarwara thermal water for irrigation. power project. Where is Gadarwara thermal 33. What was the percentage increase in the price power plant located? of tea from the price in 2019, due to flood and 1) Jharkhand 2) Gujarat COVID-19 restrictions in 2020? 3) Assam 4) Madhya Pradesh 1) 9.7% 2) 15.2% 5) West Bengal 3) 25% 4) 44.6% Answer- 4) Madhya Pradesh 5) 31% Explanation: Answer- 5) 31% State-owned BHEL has commissioned the second Explanation: unit of 1600 MW Gadarwara thermal power project in The production of tea in India dropped by 9.7% in Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The project is 2020 due to the flood and movement restrictions due to being developed by NTPC Ltd. The first unit of 800 MW of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in the tea this project was commissioned by BHEL in 2019 and is production increased the price of tea by 31% from the presently under commercial operation. price of 2019, to a record price of Rs.184.69 per Kg. This 37. Where was India’s 1st thunderstorm research increase in price has supported the Indian tea industry testbed planned (as of Feb 2021) to be which was under severe stress due to the rising established by India Meteorological production cost. India has produced around 1255.60 Department (IMD)? million kilogram of tea in 2020, which is around 9.7% 1) Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha lesser than the production in 2019. 2) Digha, West Bengal 34. Which state’s cabinet recently (in Feb 2021), 3) Balasore, Odisha approved ‘Chief Minister Water Conservation 4) Sagar Island Programme’ to repair & restore existing water 5) Kolkata, West Bengal bodies? Answer- 3) Balasore, Odisha 1) Maharashtra 2) Kerala Explanation: 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Telangana The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to 5) Himachal Pradesh establish India’s first thunderstorm research testbeds at Answer- 1) Maharashtra Balasore, Odisha. The testbed will be established in Explanation: collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Science, On February 4, 2021 Maharashtra Cabinet headed IMD, Defence Research and Development by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray approved the Organisation(DRDO) and Indian Space Research implementation of INR 1, 340 Crore worth ‘Chief Organisation(ISRO). This will reduce the human Minister Water Conservation Programme’. It will be fatalities and loss of properties due to lightning strikes in implemented for a period of 3 years (April 2020-March Odisha and Eastern States. The research unit contains 2023) by the Soil and Water Conservation Department of radar, wind profiler, microwave radiometer. Maharashtra. Small dams within the irrigation capacity 38. What was the targeted Ground Level Credit limit of up to 600 hectares on water bodies like ponds, (GLC) for agriculture & allied sectors set by lakes and dams, cement nullah dams will be taken up for Govt. of India for 2021-22? repair. 1) Rs. 15 lakh crore 35. Where is Assam’s 1st Heliport recently (in Feb 2) Rs. 12 lakh crore 2021) got inaugurated? 3) Rs. 13.50 lakh crore 1) Dibrugarh 2) Majuli 4) Rs. 16.50 lakh crore 3) Cachar 4) Guwahati 5) Rs. 15.75 lakh crore 5) Darrang Answer- 4) Rs. 16.50 lakh crore Answer- 2) Majuli Explanation: Explanation: Government has fixed the target of Rs. 16.50 lakh On 4th February 2021, Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief crore for Ground Level Credit (GLC) to agriculture for Minister of Assam, inaugurated the first Heliport of 2021-2022. It is an increase of 10% over the previous Assam in Majuli district. The heliport was constructed at year’s Rs 15 lakh crore. The target has been fixed a cost of Rs.50 lakhs. This heliport is aimed to boost the considering the performance under GLC flow during 8

2013-14 to 2020-21. The corpus for micro-irrigation has as providing international remittance services for small been doubled to Rs 10,000 crore from Rs 5,000 crore. The and medium enterprises. allocation for the Rural Infrastructure Development 42. Which state government recently (in Feb Fund has been increased from Rs 30,000 crore to Rs 2021), agreed with Switzerland for mutual 40,000 crore. sharing of expertise in the areas of Skill 39. What is the focal theme of 45th International Training, Tourism & Dairy Sector? Kolkata Book Fair, planned to be held in July 1) Rajasthan 2) Gujarat 2021? 3) Punjab 4) Haryana 1) Climate Change 5) Uttar Pradesh 2) North East India Answer- 4) Haryana 3) Gandhi: The Writers' Writer Explanation: 4) Books for Readers with Special Needs On February 5, 2021, Ralf Heckner, Ambassador of 5) Bangladesh Switzerland to India meets Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Answer- 5) Bangladesh Minister of Haryana. During the meeting, both sides Explanation: agreed to share their expertise in the areas of Skill The 45th International Kolkata Book Fair, will be Training, Tourism & Dairy Sector. They also agreed to held in July 2021 at the Central Park, Salt Lake, Kolkata, explore possibilities of signing MoUs for teacher-student West Bengal. The focal theme country of the Book fair & Cultural Exchange programmes. Approximately 10% 2021 will be ‘Bangladesh’, since the year 2021 marks the Business of Swiss Companies is in Haryana. 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur 43. Where is India’s 1st Geothermal Field Rahman and Bangladesh’s 50 year of Independence. Development Project planned to get 40. Where did Atomic Minerals Directorate for established, as per the MoU signed (in Feb’21) Exploration and Research (AMD), recently (in between the State/UT’s administration with Feb 2021) found the presence of 1600 tons of ONGC? lithium? 1) Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir 1) Madhya Pradesh 2) Burail, Chandigarh 2) Jharkhand 3) Puga, Ladakh 3) Chhattisgarh 4) Dumka, Jharkhand 4) Karnataka 5) Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh 5) Andhra Pradesh Answer- 3) Puga, Ladakh Answer- 4) Karnataka Explanation: Explanation: On February 6, 2021, Union Territory (UT) Preliminary surveys on surface and limited Administration of Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill subsurface by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh and Oil and Natural Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Gas Corporation (ONGC) Energy Centre have signed a Department of Atomic Energy have shown presence of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Lithium resources of 1,600 tonnes (inferred category) in India’s 1st ever Geothermal Field Development Project in the pegmatites of Marlagalla – Allapatna area, Mandya Puga Village of Eastern Ladakh. ONGC Energy Centre district, Karnataka. Lithium is a key element for new will be the implementing agency of the project. technologies and finds its use in ceramics, glass, Geothermal Energy is Renewable as it generates power telecommunication and aerospace industries. from the heat emerging out of Earth’s interior. 41. Which online payment company will shut 44. Marking the Diamond Jubilee of ______down all its domestic payment services in High Court, a commemorative postal stamp India on April 1, 2021? was released by PM Modi in February 2021. 1) PayUmoney 2) Paytm 1) Madras 2) Allahabad 3) Instamojo 4) PayPal 3) Guwahati 4) Bombay 5) Razorpay 5) Gujarat Answer- 4) PayPal Answer- 5) Gujarat Explanation: Explanation: American digital payments major, PayPal Inc. will On 6th February 2021, Prime Minister Narendra be winding down its payment operations in the India and Modi virtually inaugurated the event organised to mark will shut down its domestic payment services in India, the Diamond Jubilee of the Gujarat High Court and starting April 1. PayPal was offering its payment unveiled the commemorative Postage Stamps to mark gateway to Indian brands and online merchants, as well the completion of 60 years of establishment of the High 9

Court of Gujarat on May 1 2020. The event was postponed post-warranty product support to due to the COVID-19. Mikoyan-Gurevich(MiG)-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter 45. PM Modi launched ‘Asom Mala’ programme in jets, associated systems, Ground Support Equipment Assam (in Feb’21). What is the aim behind (GSE) and Special to Type Test Equipment (STTE) in the ‘Asom Mala’ programme? inventory of the Indian. 1) Improve Water Transport System 48. Which state govt. started its 1st human milk 2) Awareness to use LPG for Cooking bank called ‘Nectar of Life’? 3) Enhance Healthcare System 1) Kerala 2) West Bengal 4) Awareness on Women Education 3) Sikkim 4) Manipur 5) Improve Road Network 5) Tripura Answer- 5) Improve Road Network Answer- 1) Kerala Explanation: Explanation: The PM Narendra Modi visited the states of Assam Kerala's first human milk bank was inaugurated at and West Bengal on February 7, 2021. In Assam he laid the Ernakulam General Hospital in February 2021. The the Foundation Stone of two hospitals and launched milk bank, called ‘Nectar of Life’ and worth ?35 lakh, was ‘Asom Mala’ while in West Bengal he laid the Foundation set up by the Rotary Club of Cochin Global in Stone of key infrastructure projects in its Haldia city. collaboration with the State Health Department. It Asom Mala is a programme aimed at improving state consists of a pasteurisation unit, deep freezers, highways and major district roads network with refrigerators, breast pumps, equipment for sterilisation emphasis on effective maintenance through continuous and computers. Trained nurses will operate the milk field data collection and its linkage with the Road Asset bank. Management System. 49. Where was India’s 1st Children’s Boat library 46. Connecting which country/countries the 108 inaugurated? Km road was constructed, that was recently 1) Ahmedabad, Gujarat (in Feb’21) inaugurated by Indian delegates? 2) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 1) Nepal 2) Bangladesh 3) Kochi, Kerala 3) Bhutan 4) Both 1 & 2 4) Kolkata, West Bengal 5) All 1, 2 & 3 5) Nagpur, Maharashtra Answer- 1) Nepal Answer- 4) Kolkata, West Bengal Explanation: Explanation: On 2nd February 2021, India and Nepal jointly The West Bengal Transport Corporation in inaugurated the newly constructed 108 kilometer road collaboration with a heritage book store in Kolkata has which connects the Indo-Nepal border with several areas launched a first of its kind initiative, children's library on of Himalayan Country. The blacktopped road connecting a boat, cruising on the Hooghly river, Kolkata. The boat India and Nepal was constructed with the Indian Grant library would take people on a three-hour- long trip. assistance of NR.44.48 Million. The road connects the Children will be able to choose from a selection of 500 Indian border Laxmipur-Balarawith to Gadhaiya in titles in English and Bengali on the Young Readers' Boat Sarlahi District Nepal. Library. 47. Which company recently (in Feb’21) entered 50. Which state government approved the into a ‘framework agreement’ with RAC MiG to creation of Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai Tiger provide post-warranty product support of MiG Reserve (SMTR), the 51st Tiger Reserve of aircrafts in India? India? 1) Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS) 1) Meghalaya 2) West Bengal 2) Aviatech Enterprises Pvt Ltd (AEPL) 3) Assam 4) Tamil Nadu 3) Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) 5) Karnataka 4) Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) Answer- 4) Tamil Nadu 5) Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) Explanation: Answer- 2) Aviatech Enterprises Pvt Ltd The Government of India (GoI) has approved the (AEPL) Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) in Explanation: Tamil Nadu (TN), it will be TN’s 5th Tiger Reserve and On February 3, 2021 Aviatech Enterprises Pvt Ltd the Largest ever Tiger Reserve in the state. It is also (AEPL), a Crown group company entered into a India’s 51st Tiger Reserve. SMTR is spread over an area ‘framework agreement’ with Russian Aircraft of 1 Lakh Hectares and encloses lands which fall under Corporation(RAC) MiG, where AEPL will be the the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary & Srivilliputhur in-country authorised partner for RAC MiG to provide 10

Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). SMTR will (HAL). It is the largest ever Defence Contract for also help in rejuvenation of Vaigai river. Indigenous manufacture till date in India. The delivery of 51. Recently (in Feb’21), Union Minister D V 83 Aircraft is expected to be completed in 8 years. The Sadananda Gowda, announced that Indian cost of 1 LCA Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jet is INR 309 Crore & ______Industry is expected to grow upto US INR 280 Crore for the trainer version. $130 billion by 2030. 54. Which organisation(s) received the Advanced 1) Fertilizer Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III from 2) Renewable Energy Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 3) Pharmaceutical February 2021? 4) Ayurveda 1) Indian Navy 2) Indian Army 5) Manufacturing 3) Indian Coast Guard 4) Both 1 & 2 Answer- 3) Pharmaceutical 5) Both 1 & 3 Explanation: Answer- 5) Both 1 & 3 On February 8, 2021 Union Minister for Chemicals Explanation: and Fertilizers, D V Sadananda Gowda while addressing HAL delivered 3 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) the Press Conference on the 6th Edition of ‘India Pharma Mk-III to Indian Navy & 2 ALHs to Indian Coast Guard & India Medical Device 2021’ mentioned that the total (ICG) during the Aero India 2021 event. The 5 ALH market size of the Indian Pharma Industry is expected to MK-III are part of the 16 ALHs contract. The ALHs will reach the US $ 130 billion by 2030. He also mentioned increase the Navy & Coast Guard’s capabilities to that the medical devices industry in India is expected to improve maritime security and surveillance for reach $ 50 billion by 2025. preventing Terror attacks. 52. Which company has collaborated with 55. Which is the Target year set by India, to bring Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) (in Feb’21) down its Defence Equipment Import bill by at to Manufacture 3D printed Aero Engine least ~ USD 2 Billion? Component? 1) 2021 2) 2025 1) Survey 2 CAD 2) Industrial3D 3) 2024 4) 2022 3) Dassault Systemes 4) Wipro 3D 5) 2023 5) TrueCADD Answer- 4) 2022 Answer- 4) Wipro 3D Explanation: Explanation: Rajnath Singh stated that India is aiming to bring Wipro 3D has collaborated with Engine Division of down its Defence Equipment Import bill by at least ~ Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to Manufacture Aero USD 2 Billion by 2022. As part of boosting Domestic Engine Component, Nozzle Guide Vane (also called the Manufacturers, Indian Companies were awarded Inner Ring), 3D Printed in a high temperature resilient contracts worth USD 37 Billion during the period steel A286 operating in the hot zone using Metal 3D 2016-19. He also stated that during 2015-20, Defence Printing. The Inner Ring has also received Airworthiness Exports in India grew from INR 2, 000 Crore to INR 9, Certifications from Centre for Military Airworthiness 000 Crore. To achieve the ambitious Atmanirbhar Bharat and Certification (CEMILAC). The Wipro3D India has raised the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in manufactured components will be installed in HAL Defence from 49% to 74%. manufactured helicopter engines. 56. When is the Indian Aero Components Sector 53. During the Aero India 2021, a Contract worth expected to double its size from the present INR 48, 000 Crore for manufacturing of 83 INR 30, 000 Crore to INR 60, 000 Crore? Fighter planes was handed to Hindustan 1) 2022 2) 2025 Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Which fighter 3) 2030 4) 2024 planes will be manufactured by HAL as per the 5) 2028 contract? Answer- 4) 2024 1) MiG-21 2) HAL Dhruv Explanation: 3) LCA Tejas 4) Chinook The Defence Minister stated that the Aero 5) Netra Aircraft Components Sector in India is expected to double to INR Answer- 3) LCA Tejas 60, 000 Crore from INR 30, 000 Crore by 2024. Rajnath Explanation: Singh also stated that India is aiming to achieve During the inaugural event of 13th Edition of the Domestic Defence Production worth USD 25 Billion & to Biennial Military Exercise – Aero India 2021, a Contract create an Export Market in India worth USD 5 Billion by worth INR 48, 000 Crore for manufacturing of 83 LCA 2025. India is also planning to spend USD 130 Billion on Tejas was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 11

Defence Modernisation in the next 7-8 years with focus on 60. Which state government (in Feb’21), created domestic manufacturing. Vijayanagara district from Ballari district? 57. Recently (in Feb’21) Defence Minister Rajnath 1) Andhra Pradesh 2) Tamil Nadu Singh unveiled a revamped gallantry awards 3) Telangana 4) Karnataka website of India. Which is the highest 5) Kerala Gallantry award of Indian army? Answer- 4) Karnataka 1) Maha Vir Chakra 2) Vir Chakra Explanation: 3) Param Vir Chakra 4) Shaurya Chakra On February 8, 2021 Karnataka government in 5) Kirti Chakra exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (4) of Answer- 3) Param Vir Chakra section 4 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 has Explanation: given approval to bifurcate Vijayanagara from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a Ballari(Bellary) district. With this, Vijayanagara revamped website that provides information about becomes the 31st district of the state. gallantry awards in India and their recipients since 61. Where was the foundation stone for Lalandar Independence. Along with portal, he also launched a [Shatoot] Dam laid by Indian Government gallantry award quiz competition and an e-magazine recently in February 2021? 'Shauryawaan'. Param Vir Chakra is the highest 1) Nepal 2) Bhutan gallantry award of Indian army. Apart from this award 3) Bangladesh 4) Afghanistan there are 5 other gallantry awards in India i.e. Maha Vir 5) Myanmar Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Answer- 4) Afghanistan Shaurya Chakra. Explanation: 58. What is the theme of National Horticulture On February 9, 2021, the Central Government has Fair 2021? laid the foundation of 2nd dam i.e. Lalandar [Shatoot] 1) Horticulture for Start-up and Stand-up India Dam, to be built by India in Afghanistan, by signing the 2) Making Farming an Enterprise virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between 3) Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life both nations. It will be constructed on the Kabul river 4) Horticulture for Promotion of Rural basin which is one of the five river basins of Afghanistan. Entrepreneurship This dam is the follow up of India built “India- 5) Horticulture for Rural Prosperity Afghanistan Friendship Dam [Salma Dam]” in Answer- 1) Horticulture for Start-up and Afghanistan. This project is partially funded by India and Stand-up India is a part of Indo-Afghan New Development Partnership. Explanation: 62. What was the total amount allocated by A 5-day National horticulture fair is to be held here central government for FY22, for its crop by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)- insurance program, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bima Yojana (PMFBY)? Bangalore from February 8. The national fair would be 1) Rs. 15000 crores 2) Rs. 13150 crores organised under the theme ''Horticulture for Start-up and 3) Rs. 16000 crores 4) Rs. 11500 crores Stand-up India.'' For the first time, the event would be 5) Rs. 3050 crores held in online and offline formats. Answer- 3) Rs. 16000 crores 59. Which state government announced the Explanation: setting up of Rs. 100 crore Jangalmahal On February 7, 2021, the Central Government has industrial town? allocated Rs 16000 crores for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima 1) Assam 2) Tamil Nadu Yojana (PMFBY) for FY22, an increase of around Rs 305 3) Gujarat 4) Karnataka crore as compared to FY21. The reason behind an 5) West Bengal increase in the amount is to boost the safety of farmers’ Answer- 5) West Bengal crops and ensure maximum benefit of crop insurance. Explanation: Under this farmer can report crop loss within 72 hours of On February 5, 2021, West Bengal Chief Minister occurrence of any event through the Crop Insurance App, (CM) Mamata Banerjee presented the state’s annual CSC Centre or the nearest agriculture officer. budget worth Rs 2,99,688 crore (net) for FY2022. The CM 63. Which state cabinet approved (in Feb’21), the also announced the setting up of the first 2,483 acre implementation of ‘Rejuvenating Watersheds Jangalmahal industrial town in Purulia’s Raghunathpur for Agricultural Resilience through with an outlay of Rs 100 crore. This project will boost Innovative Development (REWARD)’ project? employment generation in Jangalmahal and put 1) Odisha 2) Andhra Pradesh Jangalmahal on the industrial map of India. 3) Gujarat 4) Karnataka 12

5) West Bengal (ASDDS). Under which scheme ASDDS is Answer- 1) Odisha implemented? Explanation: 1) Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi On February 9, 2021, Odisha Cabinet headed by its Pariyojana (PMBJP) Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the proposal for 2) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana implementation of the ‘Rejuvenating Watersheds for (PMMSY) Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development 3) PM SVANidhi (REWARD)’ project. The estimated expenditure for the 4) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana project is INR 500 Crores, of which the World Bank will (PMKVY) provide assistance of INR 350 Crores. It will be 5) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana implemented in 7 districts of Odisha. Similar project is (PMKSY) being implemented in the Indian States of Karnataka, Answer- 2) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Andhra Pradesh. Yojana (PMMSY) 64. Which Indian state has introduced a ‘16-digit Explanation: unicode’ to identify the landholdings in the In order to aid the fisheries department of the states state? to fast-track the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri 1) Bihar 2) Madhya Pradesh Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Central 3) Rajasthan 4) Maharashtra government has set up a nodal authority to frame 5) Uttar Pradesh Approved Standardised Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels Answer- 5) Uttar Pradesh (DSFV) Design and Specifications (ASDDS). Notably, the Explanation: vessels constructed in compliance with ASDDS will The government of Uttar Pradesh(UP) has attract a subsidy under the PMMSY scheme. PMMSY is a introduced a new system to issue a unique 16-digit flagship scheme for sustainable development in fisheries unicode to identify the landholding in UP. The unicode sector with an estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crore will be used to check on cases of land dispute and protect for 5-year period. people from fraudsters. The revenue department of UP 67. Recently (in Feb’21) a Seaweed Mission was will be issuing these 16 digit unicode. launched by Technology Information, 65. Which company got approval from Cabinet Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC). Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) with a The Seaweed Mission is aimed at ______. financial assistance of Rs.100 crores for 1) Bioethanol Production developing its Urea manufacturing unit? 2) Reduce Algal Blooms 1) Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals 3) Reduce CO2 from atmosphere Corporation Ltd (DFPCL) 4) Only 1 & 3 2) Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd (KRIBHCO) 5) All 1, 2 & 3 3) Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd (HFCL) Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3 4) Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Ltd Explanation: (BVFCL) On Occasion of its 34th Foundation Day on February 5) Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd 10, 2021, TIFAC, launched 2 new initiatives namely (GSFC) SAKSHAM Job Portal (Shramik Shakti Manch) & Sea Answer- 4) Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Weed Mission. The Seaweed mission will be vital for Corporation Ltd (BVFCL) Contribute to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Explanation: enhance Ocean Productivity, Reduce Algal Blooms, help On February 10, 2021, the Cabinet Committee on in reduction of millions of tons of CO2, Creating a Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Healthier Ocean & Production of Bioethanol of upto 6.6 Narendra Modi has approved Grant-in-aid of Rs.100 Billion Litres. crores to Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation 68. Which organisation partnered with Limited (BVFCL), Namrup (Assam) for the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of strengthening of its urea manufacturing units. BVFCL is India (COWE) to launch “Swavalamban India’s first gas based urea manufacturing unit equipped Sashakt- Mega campaign” creating awareness with relevant infrastructure and feedstock availability. on Indian Governments Stand Up India (SUI) 66. In February 2021, Central govt. gave approval scheme? for setting up a nodal authority to frame 1) Small Industries Development Bank of India Approved Standardised Deep-Sea Fishing (SIDBI) Vessels (DSFV) Design and Specifications 2) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) 13

3) State Bank of India (SBI) • Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste 4) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) 71. Which organisation received the order (in 5) Insurance Regulatory and Development Feb’21) to manufacture 2 Super Rapid Gun Authority (IRDA) Mounts (SRGM) from Indian Navy? Answer- 1) Small Industries Development 1) Bharat Electronics Bank of India (SIDBI) 2) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Explanation: 3) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) On February 10, 2021, the Small Industries 4) Defence Research and Development Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Confederation of Organisation (DRDO) Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE) have launched 5) Bharat Dynamics “Swavalamban Sashakt- Mega campaign” to encourage Answer- 3) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd and to create awareness about the Stand Up India (SUI) (BHEL) scheme of Central Government. The Swavalamban Explanation: Sashakt is a 20 webinar series to give a fillip to ‘Stand Up On February 11, 2021, an Indian Navy has placed an India’ scheme. The webinar series will be held every order with engineering firm BHEL (Bharat Heavy Wednesday at 3 pm on different franchise models. All Electricals Limited) under which the latter will supply stakeholders can interact in it. two Super Rapid Gun Mounts (SRGM) to the former. 69. Which is India’s 1st Aircraft carrier & also the These are the main guns standardised for all Warships of world’s longest serving warship? the Indian Navy. The SRGM is a light weight, rapid-fire 1) INS Vikrant naval gun. High performance and flexibility in any air 2) INS Vikramaditya defence and anti-surface role, particularly in anti-missile 3) INS Arihant role. Its firing rate can be selected from single shot to 4) INS Viraat firing 120 rds/min. 5) INS Sahyadri 72. Which organisation partnered with National Answer- 4) INS Viraat Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to Explanation: provide early childhood skill development Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of programs through ‘eSkill India’ platform? India (CJI) S A Bobde stayed dismantling of the 1) IBM India 2) Cognizant decommissioned India’s first aircraft carrier INS Viraat 3) Amazon India 4) HP India (world’s longest-serving warship), was purchased by 5) Accenture Shree Ram Group for a sum of ?38.54 crore at an auction Answer- 4) HP India conducted by the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited Explanation: in July 2020 and was proposed to preserve it as a HP (Hewlett-Packard) India & National Skill maritime museum. Development Corporation (NSDC) have entered into a 70. Which Indian organisation has organized the pact for providing ‘scientifically designed worksheets, India-Australia Circular Economy (I-ACE) content for supporting home learning & Early Childhood Hackathon, 2021? Skill Development of Students’ to students across India. 1) Department of Science and Technology The content will be provided for Free of Cost. The 2) Data Security Council of India (DSCI) program is aimed at ensuring complete skill development 3) Ministry of Skill Development and of children from an early age. NSDC will host the content Entrepreneurship from HP’s Print Learn Center (HP-PLC) on its digital 4) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & skilling platform namely ‘eSkill India’. Industry (FICCI) 73. Which state govt. constructed 57000 water 5) NITI Aayog structures under the “Jal Abhishekam” Answer- 5) NITI Aayog campaign, that was virtually inaugurated by Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in February The India-Australia Circular Economy (I-ACE) 2021? Hackathon, 2021 was organized virtually on February 11, 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Madhya Pradesh 2021 by the NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission in 3) Odisha 4) Rajasthan collaboration with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific 5) Maharashtra and Industrial Research Organisation (CISRO). Answer- 2) Madhya Pradesh I-ACE Themes: Explanation: • Innovation in packaging reducing packaging waste On 11th February 2021, Defence Minister Rajnath • Innovation in food supply chains avoiding waste Singh virtually inaugurated more than 57000 water • Creating opportunities for plastics waste reduction structures in Madhya Pradesh under the “Jal 14

Abhishekam” campaign. These structures were created Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Ministry of during the COVID-19 pandemic by linking the works Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched with the MNREGA Scheme. The Jal Abhishekam India’s 1st diesel tractor converted Compressed Natural campaign was conducted with the goal “Water for every Gas (CNG) tractor which was co-developed by Farm and Work for every hand” which will improve the Maharashtra based Rawmatt Techno Solutions and village, poor and farmers. Tomasetto Achille India as a pilot project. 5000 CBG 74. Which state/UT govt. signed 4 Letter of Intents (Compressed Bio Gas) plants will be set up under the (LoIs) with French companies bring SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable investment of Rs. 200 crores to the state, Transportation) programme. Stubble can be used as a during the IFCCI Indo-French Investment raw material for producing Bio-CNG. Overall emissions Conclave 2021 (in Feb’21)? are reduced by 70% as compared to Diesel. 1) Maharashtra 2) Haryana 77. Which organisation partnered (in Feb’21) with 3) Ladakh 4) Gujarat ‘MapmyIndia’ to build an indigenous mapping 5) Tamil Nadu & geospatial portal? Answer- 5) Tamil Nadu 1) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Explanation: 2) Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology During the IFCCI Indo-French Investment Conclave (IIST) 2021, French companies namely, A.Raymond Fasterners, 3) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Cryolor, Precia Molen and Timac Agro signed 4 Letter of 4) Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Intents (LoIs) with the Tamil Nadu government to invest 5) Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Rs 200 crore in the state. Letter of Intent (LoI) is a Answer- 1) Indian Space Research document that declares the preliminary commitment of Organization (ISRO) one party to do business with another. Explanation: 75. Which Indian state/UT will get India’s 1st On 11th February, 2021, Department of Space (DoS) Impact-based Flood Forecasting System, & CE Info Systems Pvt Ltd (owned by MapmyIndia) under UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) programme entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). on ‘Impact Based Flood Forecasting using According to the agreement, Indian Space Research Earth Observation (EO)’? Organization (ISRO) & MapmyIndia will partner to build 1) Ladakh 2) West Bengal an Indigenous, mapping portal and geospatial services 3) Odisha which could become an alternative to GoogleMaps & 4) Jammu & Kashmir GoogleEarth services. The entities will also build a 5) Maharashtra holistic geospatial solution using ISRO’s earth observation datasets like ‘NavIC’, ‘VEDAS’ & ‘MOSDAC’ Answer- 4) Jammu & Kashmir Geoportals. Explanation: The UT of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has partnered 78. Where was 2021’s National Horticulture Fair with the United Kingdom Space Agency’s (UKSA) conducted with the theme, “Horticulture: For programme for a joint project on ‘Impact Based Flood start-up and stand-up India”? Forecasting using Earth Observation (EO) based 1) Mumbai, Maharashtra Information’ for getting India’s 1st Impact-based Flood 2) New Delhi Forecasting System. The system predicts impacts to 3) Kolkata, West Bengal people, their houses, crops, livestock and transport routes 4) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh which will be used by the Government for minimizing 5) Bangalore, Karnataka challenges faced by people during flood events. Answer- 5) Bangalore, Karnataka 76. Who launched India’s 1st diesel tractor Explanation: converted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) A five-days long National Horticulture Fair was held tractor, that was co-developed by Rawmatt on February 8-12, 2021 at Bengaluru on the theme Techno Solutions and Tomasetto Achille “Horticulture: For start-up and stand-up India”. It was India? organized by Indian Council of Agricultural Research 1) Narendra Modi (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) 2) Nitin Gadkari in collaboration with, ICAR-ATARI, Bengaluru. IIHR 3) Dharmendra Pradhan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 4) Parshottam Rupala four private companies on commercialization of IIHR 5) Uddhav Thackeray technologies. Scientists at the IIHR Bengaluru have developed leaf curl virus (LCV)-resistant chilli hybrids, Answer- 2) Nitin Gadkari first in India. Explanation: 15

79. In which country (in Feb’21), India has laid the foundation stone of first-of-its-kind-in-world, undertaken the restoration of 3 cultural International Women’s Trade and Research Centre heritage projects? (iWTC) in Gender Park Campus. 1) Bhutan 2) Afghanistan 82. Where did PM Modi laid the foundation stone 3) Nepal 4) Sri Lanka (in Feb’21) for a ‘Discovery Campus’? 5) Myanmar 1) IIT Hyderabad 2) NIT Trichy Answer- 3) Nepal 3) NIT Calicut 4) IIT Madras Explanation: 5) NIT Warangal On February 12, 2021 India committed to Nepal that Answer- 4) IIT Madras it will fund Nepali Rupees(NR) 142 million to restore 3 Explanation: cultural heritage projects in Nepal. These projects are On February 14, 2021, Prime Minister (PM) implemented as part of the US $50 million grant Narendra Modi inaugurated & Laid Foundation Stones assistance committed by the Government of India for for several Projects from Chennai. The PM laid post-earthquake reconstruction of the Cultural Heritage Foundation Stone for Discovery Campus at IIT Madras. sites across 8 districts of Nepal. The 3 projects to be The Institute will be developed as a key destination for constructed are Seto Machindranath Temple, Kumari Global scientific discovery. 2 Research Centres have been Chhen & Kumari Niwas and Dharamshala, planned for the Discovery Campus and they are expected Budhanilkantha temple. to become operational by the end of 2021. He also laid 80. Connecting which cities, the India’s 1st and Foundation stone for the Modernisation of the 636 Asia’s largest Wildlife corridor is being build Kilometre long Grand Anicut Canal System (also known (as of Feb’21)? as Kallanai). 1) Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway 83. Where is the Propylene Derivative 2) Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway Petrochemical complex of Bharat Petroleum 3) Delhi-Dehradun Expressway located, that was recently (in Feb’21) 4) Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway inaugurated by PM Modi? 5) Delhi–Meerut Expressway 1) Chennai, Tamil Nadu Answer- 3) Delhi-Dehradun Expressway 2) Kochi, Kerala Explanation: 3) Hyderabad, Telangana The upcoming 210 kilometres long Delhi-Dehradun 4) Trichy, Tamil Nadu Expressway (Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Economic 5) Trivandrum, Kerala corridor) is all set to become India’s first highway with 12 Answer- 2) Kochi, Kerala km long elevated corridor for the protection of wildlife as Explanation: it will pass through pristine forest areas. It will also be Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and Asia’s largest wildlife corridor. The expressway will have laid the foundation stone for various projects in Kochi, a minimum speed of 100 kilometre per hour. It will also Kerala. He inaugurated the Propylene Derivative catalyze Uttarakhand’s tourism industry. Petrochemical complex of Bharat Petroleum at Kochi. 81. Where was the 2nd International Conference The Petrochemical Complex is part of the expansion of on Gender Equality (ICGE II), a carbon neutral BPCL’s Kochi Refinery. It was commissioned at an event, held? investment of ~ INR 6, 000 Crore and is expected to save 1) Jaipur, Rajasthan between INR 3, 700 cr-4, 000 cr annually in Foreign 2) Nagpur, Maharashtra Exchange. He also launched 2 new Roll-on/Roll-off 3) Kozhikode, Kerala vessels (Ro-Ro) vessels of Inland Waterways at 4) Hyderabad, Telangana Willingdon Islands. 5) New Delhi 84. Where is India’s 1st full-fledged International Answer- 3) Kozhikode, Kerala Cruise Terminal ‘Sagarika’ located? Explanation: 1) Willingdon Island, Kerala The 2nd edition of International Conference on 2) Mangalore, Karnataka Gender Equality (ICGE II) was held at the Gender Park 3) Paradeep, Odisha Campus in Kozhikode, Kerala on February 11-13, 2021, 4) Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu inaugurated by the Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The 5) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh conference was hosted by the Gender Park in association Answer- 1) Willingdon Island, Kerala with United Nations (UN) Women on the theme “Gender Explanation: in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Social Business: On February 14, 2021, Prime Minister (PM) The Mediating Role of Empowerment”. It was organized Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu & Kerala. During the as the 1st carbon neutral event in Kerala. The CM also visit he inaugurated, ‘Sagarika’ India’s 1st full-fledged 16

International Cruise Terminal at the Ernakulam Wharf During the meeting the AC has approved the following on Willingdon Island. It has been constructed at a cost of proposals: INR 25.72 Crore and has the capacity to serve around 1 • Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Lakh Cruise guests. The terminal provides all statutory project by National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing clearances like Customs & Immigration, for cruise Federation of India (NAFED) with an estimated outlay of passengers & other facilities like walk-in-berthing, the project is Rs. 74.41 crore and project timeline is 2 assures quality bunkers and fresh water services. years. 85. Where was the 3 day long Kanchoth festival • The AC also approved the proposal to register the celebrated? Mission Youth as a Society. 1) Punjab 2) Ladakh • Winding up the J&K Sheep & Sheep Products 3) Mizoram 4) Assam Development Board. 5) Jammu & Kashmir 88. Which ministry has inaugurated the Certified Answer- 5) Jammu & Kashmir Jute Seeds Distribution Plan and Jute Explanation: Farmers Awareness Workshop on Improved The 3 day Kanchoth festival, a symbol of ancient Nag Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise for culture is observed annually across Chenab valley region Jute (ICARE-Jute) Initiative at Barrackpore, of Jammu and Kashmir during the ‘Shukla Paksha of West Bengal? Magh month’ in January or February. It is mainly 1) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare celebrated by Nag followers. Kanchoth festival 2021 2) Ministry of Textiles began on February 14, 2021. 3) Ministry of Planning 86. What is the revised upper ceiling amount for a 4) Ministry of Commerce and Industry 2 Family Pensions, as of February 2021? 5) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers 1) Rs 45,000/month Answer - 2) Ministry of Textiles 2) Rs 50,000/month Explanation: 3) Rs 100,000/month Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Ministry of 4) Rs 150,000/month Textiles and Women & Child Development virtually 5) Rs 125,000/month inaugurated the Certified Jute Seeds Distribution Plan Answer- 5) Rs 125,000/month and Jute Farmers Awareness Workshop on Improved Explanation: Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise for Jute (ICARE-Jute) Initiative. Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions stated that the 89. How much of investment amount needed for upper Ceiling for 2 Family Pensions has been increased to India to reach its target of 450 Gigawatts (GW) INR 1, 25, 000 per month from INR 45, 000 per month. of Renewable Energy (RE) by 2030 according The amount of 2 family pensions that a child can draw to report released by released by Institute for has been restricted to INR 1, 25, 000 per month after Energy Economics and Financial Analysis taking into account the changes after the implementation (IEEFA)? of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) 1) USD 100 Billion 2) USD 200 Billion recommendations, in which the highest pay has been 3) USD 300 Billion 4) USD 400 Billion revised to INR 2, 50, 000. 5) USD 500 Billion 87. Which Union Territory’s Administrative Answer - 5) USD 500 Billion Council (AC) (in Feb’21) approved the Explanation: Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) According to the report ‘Capital Flows Underpinning project by National Agriculture Cooperative India’s Energy Transformation’ released by Institute for Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)? Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), 1) Ladakh India needs an Investment of USD 500 Billion to reach its 2) Pondicherry target of 450 Gigawatts (GW) of Renewable Energy (RE) 3) Lakshadweep by 2030. The report was authored by Tim Buckely, 4) Jammu & Kashmir Director Energy Finance Studies & Saurabh Trivedi, 5) Chandigarh Research Analyst. Answer- 4) Jammu & Kashmir 90. Where was the three-day Mandu Festival held Explanation: from February 13-15, 2021? On February 13, 2021, the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) 1) Kerala Administrative Council (AC) was met under the 2) MadhyaPradesh chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. 3) Punjab 4) West Bengal 17

5) Manipur 4) Ministry of Jal Shakti Answer - 2) MadhyaPradesh 5) Ministry of Minority Affairs Explanation: Answer - 2) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs On February 13-15, 2021, a three-day Mandu Explanation: Festival was held at Mandu in Dhar district of Madhya On February 16, 2021, Durga Shanker Mishra, Pradesh on the theme “Khojne mein Kho Jao (feel lost in Secretary of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs discovering)”. It was inaugurated by state culture and (MoHUA) launched ‘Pey Jal Survekshan’,a part of survey tourism minister Usha Thakur.She also inaugurated to collect data on drinking water, wastewater Dino Adventure Park & Fossils Museum in Mandu and management, non-revenue water and condition of at least construction of Astro Park building at a cost of Rs 59 lakh. 3 water bodies in a city under Jal Jeevan Mission-Urban 91. Which Regional World Health Organisation (JJM-U) on a pilot basis in 10 cities. Based on responses has signed a LoE for traditional medicine received in the 10 cities, the survekshan will be extended programme in New Delhi? to all AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban 1) WHO South East Region Transformation) cities. 2) WHO Europe 94. Which state government has introduced the 3) WHO Western Pacific scheme Maa’ Scheme under which the 4) WHO Africa Government will provide subsidised cooked 5) WHO Eastern Mediterrranean meals for the poor & destitute at a cost of INR Answer - 1) WHO South East Region 5? Explanation: 1) West Bengal 2) Tamilnadu Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and 3) Telangana 4) Andhra Pradesh Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) and the 5) Maharashtra World Health Organization South East Regional Office Answer - 1) West Bengal (WHO SEARO) signed a letter of exchange (LoE) for Explanation: deputation of an AYUSH expert to WHO’s regional On February 15, 2021, West Bengal Chief Minister traditional medicine programme in New Delhi. (CM) Mamata Banerjee virtually launched ‘Maa’ Scheme 92. Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under which the Government will provide subsidised Ministry of Communications has set up a New cooked meals for the poor & destitute at a cost of INR 5. Nodal Agency called DIU & Consumer The state government has allotted a budget of INR 100 protection mechanism called ‘TAFCOP’ for Crore for the scheme.The West Bengal Government will tackling Unsolicited Commercial bear a subsidy of INR 15 per plate. Communication (UCC), financial frauds 95. Where the two-day navy exercise “Iran-Russia involving telecom resources.What is I in DIU? Maritime Security Belt 2021” was conducted, 1) Information 2) Intergrate in which Indian Navy also joined the exercise? 3) Interface 4) Intelligence 1) Atlantic Ocean 2) Pacific Ocean 5) Infotainment 3) Indian Ocean 4) Arabian Sea Answer - 4) Intelligence 5) Southern Ocean Explanation: Answer – 3) Indian Ocean Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry Explanation: of Communications has set up a New Nodal Agency called Indian Navy has joined Iran and Russia and ‘Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU)’ & Consumer protection Participated in two-day long navy exercise “Iran-Russia mechanism called ‘Telecom Analytics for Fraud Maritime Security Belt 2021” on February 17-18, 2021 Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP)’ for which was held in the northern part of the Indian Ocean tackling Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC), to enhance security of international maritime trade, financial frauds involving telecom resources. The confront maritime piracy and terrorism, and exchange decision to set up DIU & TAFCOP was taken at a information. India’s participation represented a message high-level meeting chaired by Ravi Shankar Prasad, of “peace and friendship for neighbouring and regional Union Minister of Communications. countries”. 93. Name the ministry which launched ‘Pey Jal 96. For which sector the GE Power Conversion Survekshan’ under Jal Jeevan Mission-Urban and GRSE,an Indian company made an on a pilot basis in 10 cities? agreement to work on Propulsion System 1) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Design? Implementation 1) Indian Army 2) Indian Navy 2) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs 3) Indian Airforce 4) Commercial 3) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 5) None of these 18

Answer -2) Indian Navy 5) Australia Explanation: Answer – 5) Australia On February 16, 2021, a Memorandum of Explanation: Understanding (MoU) has been inked between GE Power On February 17, 2021, Australian Space Agency & Conversion and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a (GRSE) to act as partners on propulsion system Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhancing design.The Need of Propulsion System Design : Electric cooperation between the two countries in Civil Space and hybrid propulsion is a fast-growing and promising Activities. The New Agreement covers an amendment to solution to this problem.These technologies have the Civil Space Cooperation (CSC) MoU signed by both significant naval applications due to the growing power Countries in 2012. demand of future Naval warships. The MoU has been developed as part of the 97. Which Multinational company will begin its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia 1st Device Manufacturing Line in India along & India, which was announced by Prime Ministers of both with Contract Manufacturer Cloud Network countries in June, 2020. Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn for 100. Which Indian Freedom Fighter name has been production of electronic devices at Chennai by recommended by Ministry of Education (MoE) the end of 2021? to rename for residential schools and hostels 1) Apple 2) Amazon funded under Samagra Shiksha scheme? 3) Google 4) Alibaba 1) Netaji Subash Chandra Bose 5) SpaceX 2) Sardhar Vallabhai Patel Answer – 2) Amazon 3) Veera Shivaji Explanation: 4) Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi On February 16, 2021, Amazon India announced 5) Mahatma Gandhiji that it will begin its 1st Device Manufacturing Line in Answer – 1) Netaji Subash Chandra Bose India for production of electronic devices at Chennai by Explanation: the end of 2021. It has collaborated with Contract Ministry of Education (MoE) is set to rename Manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of residential schools and hostels funded under Samagra Foxconn for the manufacturing process.To begin with, Shiksha scheme of MoE as ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Amazon will start manufacturing Amazon Fire TV sticks residential schools and hostels’ to inspire them to achieve from India. high standards of quality education & create awareness 98. Where was the Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the facility of such residential schools & hostels. virtually laid the foundation stone for Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, MoE provides Construction of Statue & Memorial for financial assistance to States & UTs to set up residential Maharaja Suheldev? schools & hostels in hilly terrain, small & sparsely 1) Assam 2) MadhyaPradesh populated areas for children who are in need of shelter 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Tamilnadu and care. 5) Gujarat 101. Which state has recently unveiled the Answer- 3) Uttar Pradesh Industrial Policy 2021-2025 & MSME policy Explanation: 2021,also 28 MoUs with a cumulative On February 16, 2021, Prime Minister (PM) investment of Rs 28,053 crores across various Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for sectors, including Electric Vehicles, Wind Construction of Statue & Memorial for Maharaja Energy, Auto Components, City Gas, Textiles Suheldev at Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh (UP). He also laid etc? the foundation stone for development works around the 1) Gujarat 2) Maharashtra Chittaura Lake in Bahraich, UP. The event marked the 3) Uttarkhand 4) Tamilnadu 112th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Maharaja 5) Andhra Pradesh Suheldev. Maharaja Suheldev is an Indian King from Answer – 4) Tamilnadu Shravasti (A City of Ancient India). He is remembered for Explanation: defeating Ghaznavid General Ghazi Saiyyad Salar On February 16, 2021, the Chief Minister (CM) of Masud, nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni at Bahraich Tamil Nadu (TN), Edappadi Karuppa Palaniswami, 99. Which country has signed a MoU with India for unveiled “Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy 2021-2025” and enhancing cooperation between the two MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) Policy 2021 countries in Civil Space Activities? during a grand event in Chennai. He also launched and 1) Russia 2) USA laid foundation stones for projects. The state government 3) China 4) Germany of TN signed a total of 28 Memoranda of Understanding 19

(MoUs) with a cumulative investment of Rs 28,053 crores 1) The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to across various sectors, including Electric Vehicles, Wind Jammu and Kashmir) Act, 2017 Energy, Auto Components, City Gas, Textiles etc. 2) The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 102. Who virtually addressed the inaugural session 3) The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of of the 29th NASSCOM Technology and Children) Act, 2015 Leadership Forum (NTLF) 2021? 4) The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 1) Surinderjeet Singh Ahluwalia 5) The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 2) Narendra Modi Answer- 3) The Juvenile Justice (Care and 3) Nirmala Sitharaman Protection of Children) Act, 2015 4) Piyush Goyal Explanation: 5) V. Muraleedharan On February 17, 2021, the Union Cabinet Chaired by Answer- 2) Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra has gave its approval to the Explanation: proposal of Ministry of Women and Child Development On February 17-19, 2021, a three-day 29th (MoWCD) to make amendments in the Juvenile Justice NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF) (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 or JJ Act by 2021 is being held virtually on the theme “Shaping the introducing measures for the strengthening of Child future towards a better normal”. It is organized by Protection. These include empowering the District NASSCOM with Maharashtra Government as a state Magistrates (DMs) and the additional DMs to monitor the partner and Microsoft as Technology Partner. NASSCOM functioning of agencies responsible for implementing the - National Association of Software and Service JJ Act. Companies. The forum was virtually addressed by PM 105. Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi gave Narendra Modi on Feb 17. He called for world class approval (in Feb’21) for the signing of a products and leaders in the run up to 100 years of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Independence in 2047. Also highlighted the inclusion of Partnership Agreement (CECPA). As per the Information services into 12 service sectors is showing approval, which country will become the 1st positive results. African country to have a deal with India? 103. Where did PM Modi laid foundation stone for a 1) Mauritius 2) South Africa Cauvery Basin Refinery, at an estimated cost 3) Morocco 4) Egypt of INR 31, 500 Crore? 5) Seychelles 1) Salem, Tamil Nadu Answer- 1) Mauritius 2) Hassan, Karnataka Explanation: 3) Karaikal, Puducherry On February 17, 2021, the Union Cabinet Chaired by 4) Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu Prime Minister Narendra has gave its approval to the 5) Mysore, Karnataka signing of India’s first Comprehensive Economic Answer- 4) Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with a Explanation: country in Africa i.e. Mauritius. The CECPA between India and Mauritius covers 310 export items for India, On February 17, 2021, Prime Minister (PM) covering Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Narendra Modi virtually Inaugurated & Laid Foundation Services, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary Stone for several key projects related to Oil & Gas Sector and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and others. Under in Tamil Nadu (TN). The projects are: CECPA, Indian service providers will have access to • Laid Foundation stone of Cauvery Basin Refinery around 115 sub-sectors from the 11 broad service sectors. at Nagapattinam. The Cauvery Basin Refinery will have a capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum and the 106. In which CSIR institute, a ‘Common Research estimated cost of the project is INR 31, 500 Crore. and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH)’ • Inauguration of 143 Km Long was inaugurated (in Feb’21) by Union Minister Ramanathapuram-Thoothukudi section of Natural Gas Harsh Vardhan? Pipeline 1) Open Source Drug Discovery(CSIR-OSDD), New • Inauguration of Gasoline Desulphurisation unit at Delhi Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, Manali, 2) Centre for Cellular Molecular Biology (CSIR- Chennai. CCMB), Hyderabad 3) Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR- 104. Which of the following Act of Indian IIIM), J&K Government got approval from the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi (in Feb’21) for its 4) National Chemical Laboratory(CSIR-NCL), amendment? Pune 20

5) Central Drug Research Institute(CSIR-CDRI), 109. Where was the 1st Solar-based Water Supply Lucknow Projects set up under ‘Har Ghar Paani, Har Answer- 5) Central Drug Research Ghar Safai’ Mission? Institute(CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow 1) Ludhiana, Punjab Explanation: 2) Chandigarh On February 17, 2021, Union Minister for Science & 3) Meerut, Uttar Pradesh Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated ‘Common 4) Jalandhar, Punjab Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH)’ – 5) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Research Facility at CSIR-CDRI (Council of Scientific Answer- 4) Jalandhar, Punjab and Industrial Research-Central Drug Research Explanation: Institute), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) on occasion of the Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department institute’s 70th Annual Day Celebrations. CRTDH aims has set up First of its kind Solar-based Water Supply to provide support to various institutes for conducting Projects at Jagrawan-Muradpur & Talwara villages of advanced research in the field of Drug discovery. He also Jalandhar district. The pilot project has been set up inaugurated a series of lectures named ‘Atal National under ‘Har Ghar Paani, Har Ghar Safai’ Mission. Har Colloquium on Healthcare and Innovation’. Ghar Paani, Har Ghar Safai was launched by Punjab 107. Where was the 11th Edition of ‘Rashtriya Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on February 1, Sanskriti Mahotsav’ conducted? 2021 to provide 100% potable water supply to all rural 1) Tehri, Uttarakhand households of the state by March, 2022. 2) Cooch Behar, West Bengal 110. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) 3) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh has selected 25 cities (in Feb’21) to adopt the 4) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh ‘Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge’ on a 5) New Delhi pilot basis. Under which scheme the challenge Answer- 2) Cooch Behar, West Bengal is conducted? Explanation: 1) Smart Cities Mission On February 14, 2021, West Bengal Governor 2) AMRUT Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 11th Edition of 3) Swachh Bharat Mission ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ at Cooch Behar Palace at 4) HRIDAY Cooch Behar, West Bengal in the presence of Prahlad 5) DAY- National Urban Livelihoods Mission Singh Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Answer- 1) Smart Cities Mission Culture & Tourism. It is the flagship programme of the Explanation: Ministry of Culture and is organized under the ‘Ek On February 18, 2021, Ministry of Housing & Urban Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Programme. Affairs (MoHUA) shortlisted 25 Cities for the ‘Nurturing 108. Where is a permanent Inland Water Transport Neighbourhoods Challenge’ Cohort, the challenge is (IWT) Terminal planned (as of Feb’21) to be hosted by the Smart Cities Mission, MoHUA in constructed to facilitate uninterrupted collaboration with Bernard van Leer Foundation (BvLF), movement of cargo to North Eastern States? Urban95 of BvLF & technical partner World Resources 1) Jogighopa, Assam Institute (WRI) India. It is a 3-year challenge that will 2) Kolkata, West Bengal help Indian cities to adopt & Implement 3) Siliguri Corridor, West Bengal neighbourhood-level pilot projects in public space, 4) Lachung, Sikkim mobility, and access to services to enhance the physical 5) Silchar, Assam and psychological health of young children (0-5 years old) Answer- 1) Jogighopa, Assam & their caregivers. Explanation: 111. Name the campaign that was launched by On February 18, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari (in Modi virtually launched the ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’ Feb’21) to promote the use of Electric Vehicles programme. This program will strengthen water in India? connectivity across the region through the waters of the 1) Electric India River Brahmaputra & Barak. The Total cost of the 2) EVergreen Bharat programme is INR 3, 231 Crore. Under this program a 3) Atmanirbhar Bharat EV permanent Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal will 4) EV Champion be constructed at Jogighopa, Assam. It will facilitate 5) Go Electric uninterrupted movement of cargo to North Eastern Answer- 5) Go Electric States. Explanation: 21

On February 19, 2021, Union Minister Nitin Jairam Explanation: Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Ms Usha Thakur, Minister of Culture and Tourism (MoRTH) in the presence of Minister of State (MoS) Raj of Madhya Pradesh inaugurated the 47th edition of Kumar Singh, Ministry of Power and New & Renewable Khajuraho Dance Festival on 20th February 2021 at Energy launched “Go Electric” campaign. Go Electric Khajuraho, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Campaign is a daylong event observed panel discussions Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Heritage site. This on “Scaling up of e-mobility Infrastructure in India and 7-day dance festival is organised by the Ustad Alauddin Role of different Stakeholders in e-mobility”. The launch Khan Music and Arts Academy. The temples at Event also witnessed the unveiling of “Go Electric” logo Khajuraho were constructed during the Chandella which depicts the evolution of e-mobility eco-system. dynasty, between 950 and 1050. 112. Recently in February 2021, PM Modi virtually 115. Indian Govt. has approved (in Feb’21) for the inaugurated the Pugalur – Thrissur Power creation of 8 toy manufacturing clusters at a Transmission Project. This is the 1st High cost of Rs 2,300 crore. Which organisation(s) Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) to connect will be developing the toy clusters? ______with National Grid. 1) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Bihar 2) Department for Promotion of Industry and 3) Odisha 4) Kerala Internal Trade 5) Karnataka 3) Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Answer- 4) Kerala Integration and Youth Explanation: 4) Only 1 & 2 On February 19, 2021, the Prime Minister Narendra 5) All 1, 2 & 3 Modi virtually inaugurated Pugalur – Thrissur Power Answer- 4) Only 1 & 2 Transmission Project, Kasaragod Solar Power Project Explanation: and Water Treatment Plant at Aruvikkara in Kerala. He On February 22, 2021, the Central Government also laid the foundation stone of Integrated Command approved 8 toy manufacturing clusters at a cost of Rs and Control Centre and Smart Roads Project in 2,300 crore viz. three clusters in Madhya Pradesh, two in Thiruvananthapuram during the event. The 320 KV Rajasthan, and one each in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh Pugalur (Tamil Nadu) – Thrissur (Kerala) Power and Tamil Nadu. Planned under “National Action Plan Transmission Project is the 1st High Voltage Direct for Indian Toy Story” that seeks to reduce import Current (HVDC) interconnection of Kerala with National dependence of toys which was around $1.5 billion in Grid which will facilitate transfer of huge quantum of FY2020 of which 90% of imports was from China and power. It is built at a cost of Rs.5070 Crore. Taiwan. Department for Promotion of Industry and 113. Who virtually awarded the winners of Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Micro, Small India-Australia Circular Economy (I-ACE) and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will develop toy Hackathon, 2021 on its valedictory session? clusters. 1) S. Jaishankar 116. Where is India’s 1st Digital University located? 2) Narendra Modi 1) Kerala 3) Rajnath Singh 2) Uttar Pradesh 4) Ravi Shankar Prasad 3) Maharashtra 5) V. Muraleedharan 4) Gujarat Answer- 2) Narendra Modi 5) New Delhi Explanation: Answer- 1) Kerala On February 19, 2021, the valedictory session of Explanation: India-Australia Circular Economy (I-ACE) Hackathon, On February 20, 2021, the state government of 2021 was held where Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Kerala, on the line of its Digital Transformation Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison have Initiatives announced in Budget 2021, has launched felicitated the participants of I-ACE at a virtual award India’s first Digital University, Kerala University of ceremony. The PM also virtually addressed the Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (KUDSIT) Convocation Ceremony of Visva-Bharati University. in Technocity at Mangalapuram in Thiruvananthapuram 114. Where was the 47th edition of Khajuraho by upgrading its two-decade old Indian Institute of Dance Festival conducted? Information Technology and Management Kerala 1) Gujarat 2) Odisha (IIITM-K), a center of excellence in information 3) Maharashtra 4) Uttar Pradesh technologies. 5) Madhya Pradesh 117. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, launched Answer- 5) Madhya Pradesh Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 22

expanding the immunization coverage across each bank to connect their single current account across the country in February 2021. When was the country. Mission Indradhanush launched? 120. Where did PM Narendra Modi laid foundation 1) 2004 2) 2017 stone for construction of Dhemaji Engineering 3) 2006 4) 2014 College and Sualkuchi Engineering College? 5) 2015 1) West Bengal 2) Kerala Answer- 4) 2014 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Odisha Explanation: 5) Assam On February 23, 2021, Union Minister Dr. Harsh Answer- 5) Assam Vardhan, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Explanation: (MoH&FW) virtually launched Intensified Mission On February 22, 2021, PM Narendra Modi visited Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0. The focus of the IMI 3.0 is to Assam and West Bengal where he dedicated to the nation reach children and pregnant women with the 12 Vaccine important projects of the oil & gas sector in an event Preventable Diseases (VPD) under Universal organized at Dhemaji, Assam and inaugurated several Immunisation Programme (UIP) who have missed these railway projects in Hooghly, West Bengal. He laid vaccine doses during the COVID-19. Launched in 2014, Foundation Stone for Dhemaji Engineering College and Mission Indradhanush aims to provide affordable and Sualkuchi Engineering College in Assam. PM dedicated accessible healthcare to children aged under 2 years and Oil India Limited’s Secondary Tank Farm at Madhuban, pregnant women. Dibrugarh which has been built for safe storage of about 118. In February 2021, Indian Sign Language 40,000 Kilo Litres of Crude Oil. Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) has 121. Which of the following disease was recently (in published the 3rd edition of the Indian Sign Feb’21) added to National Programme for Language (ISL) Dictionary with ______Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, terms. Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke 1) 3000 2) 15000 (NPCDCS)? 3) 12000 4) 6000 1) Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) 5) 10000 2) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Answer- 5) 10000 3) Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Explanation: 4) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) On February 17, 2021 Union Minister for Social 5) Alzheimer’s Disease Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot Answer- 1) Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease virtually released the ‘3rd edition of the Indian Sign (NAFLD) Language (ISL) Dictionary with 10,000 terms (including Explanation: 6,000 earlier terms)’ in a virtual programme. The On February 22, 2021, Union Minister Dr Harsh Dictionary has been published by the Indian Sign Vardhan, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an (MoH&FW) launched the operational guidelines for autonomous Institute under the Department of Integration of NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Disease) with NPCDCS (National Programme for Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, 119. In February 2021, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke). India has become (J&K) formally launched ______payments the first country in the world to identify the need for system of RBI replacing all existing types of action for NAFLD. ‘Eat Right India’ and ‘Fit India Govt. payments? Movement’ were initiated by Indian Govt. as a preventive 1) eMudhra 2) PayBima measure. 3) Sachet 4) e-Kuber 122. Where did Indian Govt. invested Rs. 400 crores 5) TReDS to create India’s 1st Fisheries Hub under the Answer- 4) e-Kuber Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Explanation: (PMMSY)? On February 18, 2021 Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, IAS, 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Gujarat Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, Govt of 3) Kerala 4) West Bengal Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) formally launched e-Kuber 5) Goa payments system of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in J&K. Answer- 5) Goa The e-Kuber payment platform will replace the existing Explanation: system for all types of Government payments including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry employee’s salaries and pensioner’s pensions. It enables and Dairying, Giriraj Singh has stated that the Central 23

Government is set to Invest INR 400 crore in Goa to Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami transform the state into India’s First Fisheries Hub inaugurated Asia’s biggest cattle park, Advanced under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Institute for Integrated Research on Livestock and (PMMSY). Of this, INR 30 Crore to be allocated for Animal Sciences (AIIRLAS) in Thalaivasal, Salem setting up Aquarium Cluster, INR 50 Crore for upgrading district. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 1,023 crore. In a the Margao Wholesale Fish Market. Sagar Mitras to be bid to help farmers to get more milk from the existing set up in Goa for educating the Fishermen community. exotic breed, the state govt. will set up a frozen semen 123. Where was the India International Mega Trade station. This will develop high milk yielding indigenous Fair (IIMTF) – 2021 conducted? and crossbred cows. 1) Kolkata, West Bengal 126. Recently (in Feb’21), “National Urban Digital 2) Jaipur, Rajasthan Mission (NUDM)” was launched to create a 3) Bhubaneswar, Odisha digital infrastructure all over India by 4) New Delhi ______. 5) Hyderabad, Telangana 1) 2025 2) 2030 Answer- 3) Bhubaneswar, Odisha 3) 2024 4) 2028 Explanation: 5) 2022 Odisha is currently hosting the 17th India Answer- 3) 2024 International Mega Trade Fair & Home Decor Exhibition Explanation: 2021 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar from February On February 23, 2021, Minister of State (MoS) 19-March 1, 2021. It is being organized by the Odisha Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Housing and Urban Chapter of the Real Estate Developers Association of Affairs (MoHUA) and Union Minister Ravi Shankar India (CREDAI). Partner Country for the 2021 Fair is Prasad, Ministry of Electronics and Information Bangladesh & focus countries are Afghanistan & Iran. It Technology (MeitY) virtually launched a “National will also showcase the latest developments in the field of Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)” to create a digital real estate. infrastructure for Indian cities in 2022 cities by 2022 and 124. Which state govt. presented its budget through Pan-India by 2024. the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) that 127. Which organisation collaborated with Smart included the conversion of SCB Medical Cities Mission to the open source platform College into an ‘AIIMS plus Institute’? “India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX)” that 1) Rajasthan 2) Odisha facilitates secured exchange of data? 3) Bihar 4) Gujarat 1) National Informatics Centre (NIC) 5) Uttar Pradesh 2) Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Answer- 2) Odisha 3) Indian Computer Emergency Response Team Explanation: (CERT-In) On February 22, 2021, Odisha’s Finance Minister 4) IIT- Bombay Niranjan Pujari presented the State Budget for the 5) Centre for Development of Advanced Computing Financial Year 2021-22 with a budget outlay of INR (CDAC) 1,70,000 Crores. The Budget was presented through the Answer- 2) Indian Institute of Science (IISc) National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) & Odisha Budget Explanation: Mobile App. The Budget listed the conversion of SCB Recently (in Feb’21), India Urban Data Exchange Medical College, Cuttack into ‘AIIMS plus Institute’ for (IUDX) has been virtually launched. India Urban Data providing world-class health care facilities by spending Exchange (IUDX) is developed in partnership between INR 3500 Crores over 3 years. the Smart Cities Mission and the Indian Institute of 125. Where is the Asia’s largest Cattle Park, Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka). It is an Advanced Institute for Integrated Research on open-source software platform to facilitate secure, Livestock and Animal Sciences (AIIRLAS) authenticated, and managed exchange of data. This will located? enable ULBs to share, request, and access datasets 1) Hubli, Karnataka related to cities, urban governance, and urban service 2) Ongole, Andhra Pradesh delivery. 3) Ludhiana, Punjab 128. Where was the 18th Edition of BioAsia 2021 4) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh conducted? 5) Salem, Tamil Nadu 1) Chennai 2) New Delhi Answer- 5) Salem, Tamil Nadu 3) Mumbai 4) Hyderabad Explanation: 5) Kolkata Answer- 4) Hyderabad 24

Explanation: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is set to build the The 18th Edition of BioAsia 2021 was conducted Damage Control Simulator(DCS) for the Indian Navy at virtually from Hyderabad between February 22-23, 2021. Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is a Organized by the Telangana Government, BioAsia is State-of-the-Art technology for the Damage Control Asia’s Largest Life Sciences & healthcare forum. It is also Training Facility, a simulator to train the naval a flagship event of the Telangana Government. Theme of personnel for managing battle damage on board BioAsia 2021 – “Move the Needle”. warships. Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, is the 129. Where is the World’s Largest Cricket Stadium, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands “Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium” located? 132. What is the predicted GSDP growth of Tamil 1) Mumbai 2) New Delhi Nadu in 2020-21, as per the state’s interim 3) Vadodara 4) Rajkot budget? 5) Ahmedabad 1) – 7.7% 2) – 2.9% Answer- 5) Ahmedabad 3) 4.99% 4) 2.02% Explanation: 5) – 3.77% President, Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Answer- 4) 2.02% World’s Largest Cricket Stadium, the refurbished Sardar Explanation: Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which was On February 23, 2021, Tamil Nadu’s Finance renamed as Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. The Minister O Panneerselvam presented the Interim State stadium has seating capacity for 1.32 lakh spectators. Budget for the year 2021-22 at Chennai’s Kalaivanar The stadium was conceptualized by Narendra Modi, Arangam. The State’s Fiscal Deficit is expected to be at when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. He was also the 4.99%. TN is expected to register a positive GSDP (Gross then president of Gujarat Cricket Association. State Domestic Product) growth of 2.02% in 2020-21 130. Where is the hi-tech facilities for coral and compared to 7.7% negative growth project at all-India other marine biodiversity research center, level. “Atal Paryavaran Bhavan” located? 133. Where is the foundation stone for 1st skill 1) Port Blair, Andaman university of eastern India recently (in Feb’21) 2) Kavaratti, Lakshadweep laid? 3) Surat, Gujarat 1) Sikkim 2) West Bengal 4) Kochi, Kerala 3) Assam 4) Nagaland 5) Panaji, Goa 5) Arunachal Pradesh Answer- 2) Kavaratti, Lakshadweep Answer- 3) Assam Explanation: Explanation: On 19th February 2021, Prakash Javadekar, Union On February 15, 2021 Assam Chief Minister(CM) Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation of the 1st skill inaugurated the Atal Paryavaran Bhavan, Forest university of eastern India in Darrang district, Assam. Department Headquarters in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. This is the 3rd skill university in India. The university It is a unique eco-friendly green building in an area of aims to impart training to over 10,000 students in 12 22,150 sq. ft. with modern hi-tech facilities for coral and disciplines. It will be built with a cost of Rs 1,000 crore other marine biodiversity research. He also released the and is expected to be completed by 2026. book titled “Fishes and Corals of Lakshadweep with New 134. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Records” authored by Dr. Rajkumar Rajan, Zoological announced (in Feb’21) the renaming of Survey of India (ZSI). ______city as ‘Narmadapuram’ as a 131. Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is set to build the tribute to River Narmada. Damage Control Simulator(DCS) for the 1) Burhanpur 2) Mandsaur Indian Navy at Port Blair. Who is the present 3) Khargone 4) Hoshangabad (as of Feb’21) Lieutenant Governor of 5) Jabalpur Andaman and Nicobar Islands? Answer- 4) Hoshangabad 1) Radha Krishna Mathur Explanation: 2) Praful Patel On February 19, 2021, Madhya Pradesh Chief 3) Manoj Sinha Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the 4) V.P. Singh Badnore Hoshangabad city in the state will be renamed as 5) Devendra Kumar Joshi ‘Narmadapuram’ as a tribute to River Narmada. The Answer- 5) Devendra Kumar Joshi river is one of the major rivers of the states and flows Explanation: through important cities like Jabalpur, Omkareshwar, 25

Jhabua. The name change proposal has been sent to the 138. Over which river is the World’s Highest Rail Central Government. Bridge built, that is expected to be completed 135. Union Cabinet approved (in Feb’21) the by 2021? Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 1) Beas 2) Sutlej with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore for the 3) Ravi 4) Chenab pharmaceuticals, on a move to increase 5) Gomati exports. What is India’s rank globally in Answer- 4) Chenab pharmaceutical production? Explanation: 1) 1st 2) 5th The works on ‘Chenab Bridge’ which is set to be the 3) 4th 4) 3rd World’s Highest Rail Bridge are expected to be completed 5) 2nd by the end of 2021. The bridge is 1.315 Kms long with 17 Answer- 4) 3rd spans and is being constructed at a height of 359 metres Explanation: over the River Chenab which is 35 metres higher than the On February 24, 2021, the Union Cabinet chaired by Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. To connect Kashmir with PM Modi approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Rest of India, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Scheme with an outlay of Rs 15,000 crore for the (USBRL) Project, a 272 Kms long railway link is being pharmaceuticals and with Rs 7,350 crore for IT built at a cost of INR 28, 000 Crore under the Northern (Information Technology) hardware. PLI scheme for Railway Zone planned to be completed by 2022. pharmaceuticals is aimed at Production of high-value 139. Recently (in Feb’21), PM Modi laid the products and increase in exports with the outlay for 9 foundation stone for the 4 lane ______road years. India ranks 3rd worldwide for production by connecting Villupuram to Nagapattinam of volume and 14th by value. Globally it is the largest Tamil Nadu. provider of Generic Medicines. 1) NH 48 2) NH 548-A 136. Which state govt. announced (in Feb’21) the 3) NH 45-A 4) NH 44 creation of a separate Department for Skill 5) NH 47-A Development & Entrepreneurship in ITIs and Answer- 3) NH 45-A polytechnic colleges? Explanation: 1) Kerala 2) Odisha PM Modi, on his visit to Puducherry in February 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Bihar 2021, laid foundation stone for the 4 lane of NH45-A, the 5) Karnataka 56 kms road link between Sattanathapuram- Answer- 4) Bihar Nagapattinam section of Villupuram to Nagapattinam Explanation: project that covers Karaikal District of Puducherry. The Deputy Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar Tarkishore estimated cost for this project is INR 2426 crores. He also Prasad, who holds the finance portfolio, presented his laid foundation stone for JIPMER’s New Medical College maiden Rs 2,18,302.70 crore revenue-surplus state Campus at Karaikal. budget of Bihar for FY22. Notably, No New Taxes were 140. Where did PM Modi recently (in Feb’21) imposed, aiming to make the state investor friendly. In inaugurate a New Thermal Power Project with the budget, the state announced creation of a separate a power generation capacity of 1000 MW? Department for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship 1) Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd in ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) and polytechnic 2) Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station colleges. 3) Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd 137. World Champion sprinter, Hima Das was 4) Tiroda Thermal Power Plant appointed as the Deputy Superintendent of 5) Mundra Thermal Power Station Police (DSP) of ______. Answer- 1) Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd 1) Gujarat 2) New Delhi Explanation: 3) Bihar 4) Assam PM Modi, on his visit to Tamil Nadu in February 5) Arunachal Pradesh 2021, inaugurated the New Thermal Power Project Answer- 4) Assam (lignite based power plant) at Neyveli, which has a power Explanation: generation capacity of 1000 MegaWatts (MW). The plant The Government of Assam has appointed World has been designed in such a way that it can utilize 100% Champion sprinter Hima Das, nicknamed ‘Dhing Ash for its operations. He also inaugurated the 709 MW Express’ as the Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP) in Solar Power Project of NLCIL (Neyveli Lignite Assam. The decision of the appointment was taken Corporation Limited). during the Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Sarbananda 141. How many sites were selected in the Phase-IV Sonowal in February 2021. of ‘Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)’ for 26

transforming into ‘Swachh Tourist Winter Games 2021 in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir Destinations’? (J&K). The 2021 edition of Khelo India Winter games is 1) 10 2) 14 organized by J&K Sports Council & Winter Games 3) 15 4) 9 Association of J&K under the aegis of the Ministry of 5) 12 Youth Affairs & Sports. Mata Vaishno Devi sports Answer- 5) 12 complex in Katra, J&K has been given Khelo India Explanation: academy accreditation. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation 143. Where is India’s 1st Undersea Tunnel (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti has selected 12 iconic constructed? sites which will be transformed into ‘Swachh Tourist 1) Kolkata, West Bengal Destinations’ under Phase-IV of ‘Swachh Iconic Places 2) Dwarka, Gujarat (SIP)’ initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra (SBM-G). Already 30 Sites across India have been 4) Chennai, Tamil Nadu selected under the Phase I, II & III of the ‘SIP’ initiative. 5) Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Union Minister of Jal Shakti– Gajendra Singh Answer- 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra Shekhawat (Constituency – Jodhpur, Rajasthan) Explanation: 142. Where was the 2nd edition of Khelo India Two undersea tunnels are under construction in National Winter Games 2021 held? Mumbai city, as a part of the 10.58 kms long, Mumbai’s 1) Ladakh 2) Sikkim Coastal Road Project. Notably, this is India’s 1st 3) Himachal Pradesh Undersea Tunnel which will come to operation by 4) Jammu & Kashmir 2023.The tunnel is constructed at 20m below the seabed 5) Uttarakhand connecting North Mumbai with South Mumbai, as a Answer- 4) Jammu & Kashmir toll-free path easing up traffic. The tunnel uses 1st of its Explanation: kind Ventilation system, “Saccardo” that constantly monitors emission levels inside the tunnel, and drives out On February 26, 2021, PM Narendra Modi virtually the gases with air jet & ventilation fans. inaugurated the 2nd Edition of Khelo India National

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1. Which organisation recently (in Jan 2021) 2. Which country received the contract for the listed 2020 as the “worst year on record” in its construction of Nepal’s 679 MW Lower Arun “World Tourism Barometer”? Hydropower Project? 1) World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 1) China 2) Bangladesh 2) World Trade Organisation (WTO) 3) India 4) Japan 3) International Air Transport Association (IATA) 5) France 4) UN World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) Answer- 3) India 5) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Explanation: Development (OECD) On 30th January, 2021, During the 46th meeting of Answer- 4) UN World Tourism Organization the Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) chaired by Nepal (UN-WTO) Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli awarded the contract for Explanation: construction of 679 MW (MegaWatt) Lower Arun In accordance with the latest United Nations World Hydropower Project to India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) “World Tourism (SJVN) Ltd under public-private partnership. It is being Barometer”, the year 2020 was the “worst year on record” constructed under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer as global tourism suffered adversely due to international (BOOT) model and will cost around USD 860 Million travel bans implemented to contain the COVID-19 (Nepali Rupees 100 Billion). outbreak. The world saw a global tourism decline of 74% 3. Which organisation released the ‘Upskilling (-74%) which resulted in 1 billion fewer international for Shared Prosperity’ report, that estimated arrivals than 2019. On the regional front, Asia and the investment in Upskilling can boost India’s Pacific aced sharpest year-on-year contraction of 84% GDP by USD 570 Billion (INR 40 Lakh Crore) (-84%). It was followed by the Middle East (-75%) and by 2030? Europe (-70%). 1) World Bank 2) International Finance Corporation (IFC) 3) International Monetary Fund (IMF) 27

4) World Economic Forum (WEF) President and all powers have been transferred to the 5) UN – Global Compact Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing. Answer- 4) World Economic Forum (WEF) 7. A total of ______school children are Explanation: estimated to be at the risk of dropping out of According to the report ‘Upskilling for Shared schools due to COVID-19 pandemic, as per Prosperity’ – January 2021 released by World Economic “COVID-19: Missing More Than a Classroom. Forum (WEF) in collaboration with The impact of school closures on children’s PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Investments in nutrition” report. Upskilling can boost the Global Gross Domestic Product 1) 24 million 2) 39 million (GDP) by USD 6.5 Trillion by 2030 also adding that it has 3) 44 million 4) 31 million the potential to boost India’s GDP by USD 570 Billion 5) 14 million (INR 40 Lakh Crore) by 2030. Answer- 1) 24 million 4. Which country recently (in Jan 2021) received Explanation: the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag for On 28th January 2021, The United Nations “Basmati rice”? Children’s Fund(UNICEF) Office of Research – Innocenti 1) India 2) Bangladesh and the World Food Programme (WFP) released a new 3) Pakistan 4) Afghanistan report titled “COVID-19: Missing More Than a 5) Saudi Arabia Classroom. The impact of school closures on children’s Answer- 3) Pakistan nutrition” which states that more than 39 billion Explanation: in-school meals were missed due to the closure of schools On January 28, 2021, Pakistan received the during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent estimates show Geographical Indicator (GI) tag for its Basmati, paving that around 24 million school children are at risk of the way for creating a local registry for the particular dropping out of schools due to pandemic. strain of rice and making a case in the international 8. Which country recently (in Feb 2021), signed a market, as the country fights a case in the EU against $43 billion deal to establish World’s Biggest India's move to get Basmati rice registered as its product. offshore wind farm? 5. Recently (in Feb 2021), Sri Lankan 1) India 2) Japan government scraped its 2019 Memorandum of 3) South Korea 4) Denmark Cooperation (MoC) that provided operating 5) France rites of East Coast Terminal (ECT). Which Answer- 3) South Korea Country/ Countries signed the MoC with Sri Explanation: Lanka? On February 5, 2021 South Korean President Moon 1) Japan 2) India Jae-in announced a $43 billion deal to create World’s 3) China 4) Both 1 & 2 Biggest offshore wind farm, a major component of South 5) All 1, 2 & 3 Korea’s Green New Deal. With this deal the South Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2 Korean government plans to attain Carbon neutrality by Explanation: 2050. The plant is planned at the south western coastal Recently (in Feb 2021), Sri Lankan government town of Sinan. Maximum production capacity- 8.2 scraped its 2019 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that Gigawatts (GW) which is equivalent to the generation provided operating rites of East Coast Terminal (ECT) to capacity of 7 Nuclear power generators. Japan and India 9. Which country approved (in Feb’21) to build 6. Which country’s military recently (in Feb the world’s 1st energy island that can produce 2021), transferred all powers to its and store green energy satisfying the Commander in Chief and announced a state of electricity requirement of 10 million emergency in the country for 1 year? households? 1) Pakistan 2) Nepal 1) Sweden 2) Belgium 3) North Korea 4) Myanmar 3) France 4) Denmark 5) Afghanistan 5) Germany Answer- 4) Myanmar Answer- 4) Denmark Explanation: Explanation: Myanmar's military has seized power after On 4th February 2021, the Government of Denmark detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other prominent approved the plant to build the world’s first energy island leaders. The Myanmar Military Tatmadaw has (Artificial island) in the North Sea which will produce announced a one year state of emergency in the country. and store green energy enough to cover the electricity The Vice President Myint Swe has been made the acting requirement of 10 million households in Europe. 28

Denmark aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transmission of up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity 70% by 2030 from 1990 levels. The government will hold through Nepal’s first ever high-voltage cross-border 51% stake of this island and the remaining 49% will be transmission line. The substation, being the major hub held by the private sector. for power exchange between Nepal and India, will ease 10. Which country (in Feb’21) became a signatory the export-import of power. to FAO Agreement on Port State Measure 13. The 1st ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food (PSMA) for combating Illegal, Unreported and ______and Nutrition, was launched during Unregulated (IUU) fishing joining the already the 47th Session of UN’s Committee on World existing 68 FAO members? Food Security (CFS). 1) India 2) Japan 1) Systems 2) Safety 3) Sri Lanka 4) France 3) Security 4) Science 5) Russia 5) Sharing Answer- 5) Russia Answer- 1) Systems Explanation: Explanation: During the 34th Session of UN’s FAO (Food and During the 47th Session of UN’s Committee on Agriculture Organization) Committee on Fisheries (COFI World Food Security (CFS) which took place virtually 34) which took place virtually from February 1-5, 2021, from February 8-11, 2021, members of the CFS endorsed members of the session supported the first-ever the 1st Ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture. Nutrition (VGFSyN). The guidelines aim to achieve the The declaration calls for Strong action to combat Illegal, UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development & its Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Guidelines members were urged to become signatory to FAO are intended to support the implementation of the UN Agreement on Port State Measure (PSMA) for combating Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025). IUU fishing. During the event, Russia became a signatory 14. Which country received a $50mn line of credit to the PSMA joining already existing 68 FAO members. (LoC) from EXIM bank (in Feb’21) for building 11. Which was the dedicated as “the International its defence capability? Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture” 1) Sri Lanka 2) Maldives by Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO)? 3) Seychelles 4) Sierra Leone 1) 2020 2) 2021 5) Madagascar 3) 2022 4) 2023 Answer- 2) Maldives 5) 2025 Explanation: Answer- 3) 2022 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, had a 4-day Explanation: visit to Maldives and Mauritius in February 2021. Where During the 34th Session of UN’s FAO (Food and India handed over 100,000 additional doses of COVID-19 Agriculture Organization) Committee on Fisheries (COFI vaccines to Maldives and also inked 5 pacts for its 34), members of the session also noted that data collection development. India also extended a $50-mn line of credit needs to be improved in the fisheries sector for supporting (LoC) to the Maldives for defence projects. This will evidence-based decision making, for support of facilitate defence capability building in the maritime small-scale fisheries. The role of small-scale fishers & domain of Maldives. Women will be celebrated during the International Year 15. Recently (in Feb’21), USA rejoined the Paris of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture in 2022 by FAO. Climate agreement that was aimed at reducing 12. Which company has commissioned (in Feb’21) pollution by 2030. Which country is the top the 400-kilovolt gas insulated substation (GIS) polluter as of 2021? in Nepal? 1) China 2) USA 1) ONGC 2) Sinopec 3) Russia 4) India 3) Linxon 5) Japan 4) Power Grid Corporation of India Answer- 1) China 5) GAIL Limited Explanation: Answer- 3) Linxon On 19th February 2021, the United States of Explanation: America(USA) formally rejoined the Paris Climate On behalf of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), agreement which was adopted in 2015. The new Engineering firm Linxon has successfully commissioned government of America under Joe Biden aims to Nepal’s first 400-kilovolt gas insulated substation (GIS) strengthen the US’s 2030 emission reduction pledge at Dhalkebar which facilitated the 400-kV Muzaffarpur under the pact by 22nd April 2021, Earth day. The US is (India)-Dhalkebar (Nepal) line. It will upgrade the the biggest historical polluter and 2nd biggest current 29 emitter after China. European Union nations and India Answer- 5) Bangladesh are in 3rd and 4th position. Explanation: 16. In which country Omega Seiki Pvt Ltd is Omega Seiki Pvt Ltd has announced that it will set planning (as of Feb’21) to set up an Electric up an Electric Vehicle(EV) manufacturing facility, known Vehicle(EV) manufacturing unit, making it the as OSM-Bangladesh near Dhaka in Bangladesh with 1st Indian EV company to invest in investment of Rs 100 crore. This will be the 1st project of International market? any Indian EV company in international markets. 1) Sri Lanka 2) Vietnam Currently, Omega Seiki Mobility has 2 manufacturing 3) Nepal 4) Myanmar plants in India, located at IMT Faridabad and IMT 5) Bangladesh Manesar, Haryana. GOVT SCHEMES

1. What was the total worth of benefits provided the scheme. Selected Startups will receive an amount of through the new phase (in Jan 2021) of health up to INR 20 Lakhs after successful validation of their insurance scheme, “Ayushman Bharat concepts, prototype development & product trials. Mahatma Gandhi Rajasthan Swasthya Bima 3. Which State government recently (in Feb Yojana”? 2021), launched ‘Har Ghar Pani, Har Ghar 1) INR 10 lakhs 2) INR 1 lakhs Safai’ mission, aimed at providing 100% 3) INR 5 lakhs 4) INR 2.5 lakhs potable water supply to all rural households? 5) INR 3.5 lakhs 1) Rajasthan 2) Haryana Answer- 3) INR 5 lakhs 3) Gujarat 4) Bihar Explanation: 5) Punjab On 30th January, 2021 Rajasthan Chief Minister Answer- 5) Punjab Ashok Gehlot, launched a new Phase of the state Explanation: government Insurance scheme “Ayushman Bharat On 1st February, 2021 Punjab Chief Minister Mahatma Gandhi Rajasthan Swasthya Bima Yojana” Captain Amarinder Singh virtually launched ‘Har Ghar from Jaipur. The scheme will provide free treatment to its Pani, Har Ghar Safai’ mission, aimed at providing 100% beneficiaries in both private & state run hospitals. The potable water supply to all rural households of the state scheme will provide INR 5 lakhs worth benefits to 1.1 by March, 2022. The scheme is funded by World Bank, Jal crore families. The Estimated cost of the Scheme is ?1800 Jeewan Mission of GoI, NABARD and State Budget. CM crore annually (?1400 crore – State share & ?400 crore – launched New Large multi-village surface water supply Center’s share). schemes covering 85 villages in Moga district that were 2. Recently (in Feb 2021), a Corpus of INR 945 affected by Uranium pollution, at a cost of Rs. 1,020 crores for the period 2021-25 was approved for crores. setting up a Startup India Seed Fund Scheme 4. Which state launched 2 new schemes – (SISFS). Which is the Implementing agency of ‘Pragyan Bharati’ & ‘Bhasha Gourab’ to SISFS? provide financial assistance to college 1) NITI Aayog students & literary bodies? 2) Department for Promotion of Industry and 1) Punjab 2) Tripura Internal Trade (DPIIT) 3) Assam 4) Gujarat 3) Department of Food and Public Distribution 5) Madhya Pradesh (DFPD) Answer- 3) Assam 4) Food Corporation of India (FCI) Explanation: 5) Department of Agricultural Research and On February 1, 2021, Assam Chief Minister Education (DARE) Sarbananda Sonowal launched 2 schemes namely – Answer- 2) Department for Promotion of ‘Pragyan Bharati’ & ‘Bhasha Gourab’ in the State. Under Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) the schemes monetary assistance will be provided to Explanation: college students & literary bodies of the state. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal i.‘Pragyan Bharati’ – under this scheme around 3, Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry has 26, 046 College students will be given INR 1, 500 each for given the approval for setting up of Startup India Seed purchasing new text books. Fund Scheme (SISFS) with a Corpus of INR 945 crores for ii.‘Bhasha Gourab’ – Under the scheme, the State the period 2021-25. The Scheme will come into force from Government will provide 21 Sahitya Sabha’s (Literary April 1, 2021 & DPIIT will be the implementing agency of bodies) around INR 43 crore as a contribution towards 30 their capital funds. Around 600 writers have received 8. Recently (in Feb’21) Indian Govt. has launched INR 50, 000 each under the scheme. a new scheme, “Formation and Promotion of 5. Which state government recently (in Feb 10, 000 new FPO’s”. What does ‘F’ stands for in 2021), launched 2 schemes: Intellectual FPO? Property Rights Scheme and Quality Testing & 1) Food 2) Funding Certification Scheme to provide financial 3) Fixed 4) Farmer assistance to startups for filing IT patents? 5) Fishery 1) Gujarat 2) Punjab Answer- 4) Farmer 3) Karnataka 4) Jharkhand Explanation: 5) Maharashtra The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Answer- 5) Maharashtra stated that the Government of India (GoI) has launched a Explanation: New Central Sector Scheme named ‘Formation and On 2nd February 2021, Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Promotion of 10, 000 new Farmer Producer Minister of Maharashtra launched Intellectual Property Organizations (FPOs)’. Under the Scheme, GoI will form Rights Scheme and Quality Testing & Certification and promote 10, 000 new FPOs in India with a budget of Scheme to provide financial support to the innovative INR 6865 Crores. It will help in Doubling of Farming startups to file for IT patents. Both the schemes will be Exports by 2022. The FPOs will be formed based on implemented by the Maharashtra State Innovation Clusters, which will promote the spirit of ‘Cluster Society (MSInS) under the Department of Skill Farming’. Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of 9. What is the maximum project loan limit Maharashtra. allocated per FPO under the Credit Guarantee 6. Which state/UT approved (in Feb’21), a Facility of Central govt. ‘Formation and scholarship scheme to school students Promotion of 10, 000 new FPOs’ scheme? “Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha 1) Rs. 2 Lakhs 2) Rs. 2 Crore scheme”? 3) Rs. 20 Lakhs 4) Rs. 15 Lakhs 1) Punjab 2) Chandigarh 5) Rs. 5 Crore 3) Delhi 4) Goa Answer- 2) Rs. 2 Crore 5) Pondicherry Explanation: Answer- 3) Delhi The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Explanation: stated that the Government of India (GoI) has launched a On February 5, 2021 The Delhi Cabinet approved New Central Sector Scheme named ‘Formation and Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha scheme, under Promotion of 10, 000 new Farmer Producer which Rs. 5000 will be provided as a science scholarship Organizations (FPOs)’. The FPOs will be provided to 1000 meritorious students of Class 9 in the schools of financial assistance of upto INR 18 Lakh per FPO for a Delhi. Under the scheme, the students who secure over period of 3 years. Additionally, GoI will also provide A 60% in Class 8 will be eligible to take up the examination. matching equity grant upto INR 2, 000 per farmer Up to 5% of marks will be given as a relaxation to the member of FPO with a limit of INR 15 Lakh per FPO. A students who belong to SC, ST, PH, or OBC category Credit Guarantee Facility of upto INR 2 Crore per FPO 7. Which state govt. provides financial assistance for project loan will be provided. of Rs. 3000 to promote cashless transaction 10. Under which Ministry, the Mahatma Gandhi among tea labours through ‘Chah Bagicha National Fellowship (MGNF) is launched? Dhan Puraskar Scheme’? 1) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports 1) Karnataka 2) Kerala 2) Ministry of Skill Development and 3) Assam 4) Tamil Nadu Entrepreneurship 5) West Bengal 3) Ministry of Minority Affairs Answer- 3) Assam 4) Ministry of Science and Technology Explanation: 5) Ministry of Education The Finance Minister distributed the 3rd tranche of Answer- 2) Ministry of Skill Development and financial assistance to the tea garden beneficiaries under Entrepreneurship the Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar Scheme. The Explanation: government of Assam distributed a financial assistance of On February 13, 2021, Ministry of Skill Rs.3000 to around 7.5 lakh people of the tea garden areas. Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched a The scheme is aimed at bringing the tea labours closer to Two-year Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship the banking sector and promote cashless transactions. (MGNF) 2021-23 programme during the event ‘Transforming Skilling through Strategic partnerships 31 under SANKALP’. The fellowship has been rolled out Explanation: under the World Bank loan assisted programme On February 15, 2020, Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief SANKALP (Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath launched ‘UP for Livelihood Promotion) and will be hosted by the 9 Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana 2021’. Under the IIMs. Fellows will be given a Stipend of INR 50, 000 per scheme, Free-of-cost coaching centres will be established month for the first year & INR 60, 000 per month for the across the state, through which students can prepare for second year. competitive exams like IAS, PCS, NDS, CDS, NEET & 11. What is the aim of Vigyan Jyoti programme? JEE. This scheme will provide assistance to students who 1) Provide High Quality e-learning Material want to prepare for various competitive examinations but 2) Conduct National Achievement Survey (NAS) are unable to prepare due to their financial conditions. 3) Promote Equity in Education to Disadvantaged 14. Which state govt. launched the ‘Uberization & Weaker Section Scheme’ on a move to promote the state’s 4) Encourage Girls to pursue a Career in Science transport sector? 5) In-Service Training for Teachers 1) Punjab 2) Uttar Pradesh Answer- 4) Encourage Girls to pursue a Career 3) Andhra Pradesh 4) Tamil Nadu in Science 5) Assam Explanation: Answer- 5) Assam The 2nd phase of Vigyan Jyoti programme has been Explanation: commenced on the occasion of International Day of CM of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Women and Girls in Science on February 11, 2021. This Rs 19 crore 84 lakhs Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC) at phase will cover 50 more districts in addition to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) existing 50 districts across India. The programme Airport, Assam in the presence of Chandra Mohan encourages girls to nurture their interest in science and Patowary, Assam State Minister for Transport. In a bid to build a career in Science Technology, Engineering, and promote transport sector in the state, the CM launched Mathematics (STEM). The programme is successfully the ‘Uberization Scheme’ which will be implemented in running in 50 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) since association with the Assam State Transport Corporation December 2019 and now, expanded to 50 more JNVs for (ASTC). the year 2021-22. 15. Which state govt. implements mission ‘Lal 12. Central Govt’s NeGPA scheme has been Lakir’, enabling villagers to monetize their extended up to March 31, 2021. What does ‘A’ property right? stand for in NeGPA? 1) Assam 2) Uttar Pradesh 1) Assessment 2) Agreement 3) Gujarat 4) Punjab 3) Aquaculture 4) Authority 5) Rajasthan 5) Agriculture Answer- 4) Punjab Answer- 5) Agriculture Explanation: Explanation: On February 19, 2021, the Cabinet of Punjab chaired National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh approved the is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme initiated in 2010-11 as a implementation of mission ‘Lal Lakir’ to enable villagers pilot project in 7 India states viz. Assam, Himachal living within the ‘Lal Lakir’ to monetise their property Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra & rights and for availing benefits provided by the Madhya Pradesh. It was then extended for all the government departments, institutions and banks. Lal remaining States and 2 UTs in 2014-15 for a period of 5 Lakir refers to land that is a part of the village habitation years. Now, this 5-year period was extended up to March and is used for non-agriculture purposes only. Earlier, 31, 2021. The scheme provides timely access to these properties can be sold through power of attorney agriculture related information to the farmers through (POA) and the sale deeds could not be registered. Information & Communication Technology (ICT). 16. Which state govt. announced the 13. Which state government is planning (as of “Mukhyamantri Pravasi Shramik Udyamita Feb’21) to establish Free-of-cost coaching Vikas Yojana” to provide self-employment centres dedicatedly for competitive exams, opportunities to Migrant Workers? under its Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana 1) Rajasthan 2) Odisha 2021? 3) Bihar 4) Gujarat 1) Gujarat 2) Maharashtra 5) Uttar Pradesh 3) West Bengal 4) Uttar Pradesh Answer- 5) Uttar Pradesh 5) Karnataka Explanation: Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh 32

On February 22, 2021, the Finance Minister of Uttar Answer- 5) Andhra Pradesh Pradesh (UP), Suresh Kumar Khanna, presented Rs Explanation: 5,50,270.78 crore in the presence of UP Chief Minister On February 23, 2021, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet (CM) Yogi Adityanath. With a budget of Rs 100 crore, the headed by Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy UP govt. has announced “Mukhyamantri Pravasi approved a new welfare scheme called ‘Economically Shramik Udyamita Vikas Yojana” under which Backward Classes (EBCs) Nestam’ for providing employment or self-employment will be provided to the Financial Assistance to women belonging to the EBCs. migrant workers who had come from other States. An assistance of INR 15, 000 per year will be extended to Notably, around 40 lakhs were transported to their women in the age group of 45-60 for a period of 3 years. native districts during the lockdown in 2020. 19. Which state govt. recently (in Feb’21) launched 17. What is the Total monetary benefit given to the Indira Gandhi Urban Credit Card Scheme farmers through PM KISAN scheme? to provide interest free loan upto Rs. 50,000 to 1) Rs. 3000/year 2) Rs. 6000/year Street Vendors? 3) Rs. 10000/year 4) Rs. 15000/year 1) Rajasthan 2) Chhattisgarh 5) Rs. 9000/year 3) Punjab 4) Tamil Nadu Answer- 2) Rs. 6000/year 5) Kerala Explanation: Answer- 1) Rajasthan 24th February, 2021 is the 2nd Anniversary of the Explanation: starting of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot who holds the Finance Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN)’. It was launched by Portfolio presented the state’s 1st Paperless Budget. 24th February, 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Initiatives in Budget: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Under the Scheme, an • Launch of Indira Gandhi Urban Credit Card amount of INR 6000 rupees per year will be transferred Scheme for self-employment & employment needs of directly into the bank accounts of farmers. The amount street vendors, that provides Interest free loan of up to will be paid in 3 installments of INR 2000 rupees. INR 50, 000 will be provided to 5 lakh needy people. 18. Which state govt. launched a new welfare • Jeevan Rakshak Yojana, provides prize of INR scheme, ‘Economically Backward Classes 5,000 to good citizens who save lives in road accidents. (EBCs) Nestam’ to provide financial assistance • Development of Keoladeo National Park in to EBC women? Bharatpur. 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Telangana • Ghar Ghar Aushadi Yojana’ for encouraging the 3) West Bengal 4) Gujarat use of herbs like tulsi & giloy. 5) Andhra Pradesh BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Recently (in Jan 2021), RBI cancelled the 2. Which bank’s IT infrastructure will be audited licence of Shivam Sahakari Bank Ltd, a by a special audit team (as of Feb 2021), co-operative bank in Maharashtra. Which constituting of professionals from external IT section under the Banking Regulation(BR) firms, appointed by RBI? Act, 1949 deals with accepting and repaying 1) State Bank of India deposits by a bank? 2) Punjab National Bank 1) Section 22(3) (a) 2) Section 5(b) 3) Indian Bank 3) Section 51-A 4) Section 63 4) HDFC Bank 5) Section 12 (b) 5) ICICI Bank Answer- 2) Section 5(b) Answer- 4) HDFC Bank Explanation: Explanation: On January 28, 2021 The Reserve Bank of India The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed an (RBI)cancelled the licence of Shivam Sahakari Bank Ltd, external professional IT firm to carry out a special audit a co-operative bank in Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur, of the entire IT infrastructure of HDFC bank under Maharashtra. Following the cancellation of its license, Section 30 (1-B) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The the bank will stop to carry on the banking business, which audit will be conducted at the cost of the bank under includes accepting and repaying deposits as defined in Section 30 (1-C) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Section 5(b) read with Section 56 of the Banking name of the IT firm was not disclosed. This appointment Regulation(BR) Act, 1949, with effect from the close of is part of RBI’s check to examine whether the bank has business on January 29, 2021. improved its digital capabilities following recent issues. 33

3. Recently (in Feb 2021), SEBI revised the Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) will calculate contribution objective and eligibility criteria of innovation as per Average AUM of debt oriented schemes as sandbox. As per the revised guidelines, an mentioned above for Financial Year (FY) 2019-20 applicant can move from Stage-I to Stage-II 6. Which organisation(s) received guidelines on only after a minimum of ______. Risk-Based Internal Audit (RBIA) from RBI in 1) 45 days 2) 50 days February 2021? 3) 100 days 4) 120 days 1) Urban Co-operative Banks 5) 60 days 2) Small Finance Banks Answer- 5) 60 days 3) Non-Banking Financial Companies Explanation: 4) Only 1 & 2 On February 3, 2021 The Securities and Exchange 5) Only 1 & 3 Board of India (SEBI) revised the objective and eligibility Answer- 5) Only 1 & 3 criteria of innovation sandbox. It eases access to an Explanation: environment (testing facilities and test data) that is On February 03, 2021 The Reserve Bank of India provided by Enabling Organizations like (RBI) issued guidelines on Risk-Based Internal Audit StockExchanges,Depositories andQualified Registrar (RBIA) for selected Non-Banking Financial Companies and ShareTransferAgents(QRTAs). The testing (NBFCs) and Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks environment enables the applicants to do offline testing (UCBs). The mentioned entities have to implement the of their applications. RBIA framework by March 31, 2022. The guidelines also Eligibility Criteria – An applicant if completed a specified that these entities may also set up a committee minimum 60 days in the Stage-I of Innovation Sandbox of senior executives to formulate a suitable action plan. testing will be eligible to enter into stage 2 of the testing. 7. What can be the maximum sum insured 4. Federal Bank Ltd launched ‘FedFirst’, a through Standard Vector Borne Disease special savings account. Who will be Health Policy based on the guidelines of benefitted through this initiative? IRDAI, as of February 2021? 1) Front line workers 2) Elderly 1) Rs. 10 lakhs 2) Rs. 5 lakhs 3) Children 4) CRPF personnel 3) Rs. 1 lakh 4) Rs. 2 lakhs 5) Indian Army 5) Rs. 8 lakhs Answer- 3) Children Answer- 4) Rs. 2 lakhs Explanation: Explanation: On February 3, 2021 Federal Bank Ltd launched On February 3, 2021 Insurance Regulatory and FedFirst, a special savings account for children up to age Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued of 18 years (both Resident and Non Resident guidelines on Standard Vector Borne Disease Health Indians-NRIs). The account is designed to help children Policy to encourage all general and health insurers to learn about the importance of money management. offer this product. They can offer this product by 1st April, FedFirst contactless Debit Card is given to this account 2021. The nomenclature of the product should be in the holder. The daily cash withdrawal limit at Automated name of the insurance company followed by “Mashak Teller Machines (ATMs) is Rs 2,500. The daily shopping Rakshak”. Under the standard product, the minimum limit at Point of Sale-PoS / E-com is Rs. 10,000. sum insured will be Rs 10,000 and maximum will be Rs 5. Recently (in Feb 2021), SEBI issued guidelines 2,00,000. to setup Limited Purpose Clearing 8. Recently (in Feb 2021), RBI imposed a penalty Corporation (LPCC) by Asset Management of Rs. 55 lakhs to ______for Companies (AMCs) of Mutual Funds (MFs). non-compliance to certain directions, What is the capital share of MF towards LPCC? including 'Master Circular - Management of 1) Rs 250 crore 2) Rs 200 crore Advances -UCBs'. 3) Rs 150 crore 4) Rs 100 crore 1) Seva Vikas Cooperative Bank 5) Rs 50 crore 2) Bhadran People's Cooperative Bank Answer- 3) Rs 150 crore 3) Financial Cooperative Bank Explanation: 4) Hindustan Coop Bank On February2, 2021 Securities and Exchange Board 5) Laxmi Vishnu Sahakari Bank of India (SEBI) has released the guidelines to set up Answer- 1) Seva Vikas Cooperative Bank Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC) by Asset Explanation: Management Companies (AMCs) of Mutual Funds (MFs). RBI imposed a Rs 55 lakh penalty on Pune-based As per the guidelines, AMCs needs to contribute Rs 150 Seva Vikas Cooperative Bank Limited for crore towards share capital of LPCC. Association of non-compliance with certain directions, including 34

'Master Circular - Management of Advances -UCBs' and On February 4, 2021 Securities and Exchange Board 'Master Circular - Income Recognition, Asset of India (SEBI) has released new norms of Securities and Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters - Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) (Amendment) UCBs'. Regulations, 2021. This regulation came into force by 9. Which Insurance company launched ‘Salute to amending, Securities and Exchange Board of India Caregivers – Ek Naya Nazariya’ Campaign to (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996. Under new norms, support the cancer survivors on World Cancer MF needs to send the dividend payments to the Day? unitholders within 15 days from the record date from the 1) Bharti AXA General Insurance earlier requirement of 30 days. 2) Star Health and Allied Insurance 12. What was the Nominal GDP growth of India for 3) Reliance General Insurance FY 22, as per the projections of credit rating 4) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance agency, Moody, in its “Government Policy – 5) The Oriental Insurance Company India: Budget provides broad support; fiscal consolidation prospects still weak” report? Answer- 1) Bharti AXA General Insurance 1) 17% 2) 14.4% Explanation: 3) 7.5% 4) 14.3% Bharti AXA General Insurance has launched ‘Salute to Caregivers – Ek Naya Nazariya Campaign’ to support 5) 5.5% the cancer survivors in the battle against cancer. To Answer- 1) 17% commemorate the World Cancer Day (February 4, 2021) Explanation: Bharti AXA General Insurance has collaborated with On February 3, 2021 Moody’s in its report titled poetess Priya Malik, who wrote a poem on the Campaign ‘Government Policy – India: Budget provides broad & she also expressed her experience as a caregiver. support; fiscal consolidation prospects still weak’ has Tagline of the Campaign– ‘Iss Jung Mein Hum Sang Hai’. increased India’s nominal GDP growth at ~17% for FY 22 10. Which bank recently (in Feb 2021), signed an from earlier 14.3%. The projection has been made on the MoU with MUFG Bank Ltd, Japan to jointly basis of a ‘pro-growth’ budget. This forecast is higher than cater the banking requirements of Japanese 14.4% estimated in the Union Budget 2021-22. Moody’s corporates in India? has forecasted India’s fiscal deficit for FY 21 at 7.5% of GDP and 5.5% for FY 22. 1) HDFC Bank 2) Citibank 3) Axis Bank 13. What was India’s GDP growth rate projected 4) Central Bank of India by RBI for FY 2021-22, as of Feb’21? 5) ICICI bank 1) 5.2% 2) 10.5% Answer- 5) ICICI bank 3) 6.0% 4) 26.2% Explanation: 5) 8.3% On February 05, 2021 ICICI Bank has signed a Answer- 2) 10.5% Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MUFG Explanation: Bank Ltd, Japan to jointly cater the banking The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy requirements of Japanese corporates present in India. It Committee (MPC) met on 3rd, 4th and 5th February, establishes a framework of partnership between the 2021 which projected India’s gross domestic Product banks across various domains including trade, (GDP) growth at 10.5% for the FY2021-22, 26.2 to 8.3% in investment, treasury, corporate and retail banking. H1FY22 and 6.0 % in Q3FY22. The projection of Japan is the 5th largest investor in India’s economy. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation has been revised to ICICI Bank Ltd launched ‘Infinite India’, an online 2% for the Q4FY21, 5.2 % to 5.0 % in H1FY22 and platform for foreign companies who set up or expand declined to 4.3% by Q3FY22. business in India. 14. What is the RBI’s repo rate as of Feb’21? 11. What can be the maximum duration taken by a 1) 4.25% 2) 3.35% Mutual Funds to pay back dividends to 3) 5.25% 4) 4.00% unitholders as per the new norms of Securities 5) 4.40% and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Answer- 4) 4.00% (Amendment) Regulations, 2021? 1) 30 days 2) 10 days Policy Repo Rate 4.00% 3) 45 days 4) 15 days Reverse Repo Rate 3.35% 5) 50 days Marginal Standing Facility 4.25% Answer- 4) 15 days (MSF) Rate Explanation: Bank Rate 4.25% 35

Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to 20% by the LoanTap. The co-lending model will provide commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds. greater operational flexibility to the lending institution. 15. For how many days the deadline for meeting 18. Against which bank the highest number of the last tranche of Capital Conservation complaints were received as per RBI’s Buffer (CCB) has been extended, as of Feb’21? “Ombudsman Schemes of the Reserve Bank for 1) 1 year 2) 45 days the year 2019-20” annual report? 3) 60 days 4) 3 months 1) HDFC Bank 2) ICICI Bank 5) 6 months 3) Axis Bank Answer- 5) 6 months 4) Punjab National Bank Explanation: 5) State Bank of India The RBI has extended the deadline for meeting the Answer- 5) State Bank of India last tranche of capital conservation buffer (CCB) of Explanation: 0.625% by another six months i.e. from April 1, 2021 to On February 9, 2021, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) October 1, 2021 due to continuing stress on account of released the Annual Report of the “Ombudsman Schemes COVID-19 pandemic and to aid in the recovery process. of the Reserve Bank for the year 2019-20” i.e. the period This buffer ensures banks to have an additional layer of covering July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Which recorded usable capital that can be used when losses are incurred. that the ombudsman disposed of 48,333 complaints 16. As per RBI guidelines, India became the 1st against State Bank of India (SBI), 15,004 against HDFC country to allow access to govt. securities by Bank Limited, 11,844 against ICICI Bank Limited, an entity or a person including ‘a person 10,457 against Axis Bank Limited and 9,928 against resident outside India’ through ______. Punjab National Bank. The highest number of 1) FCNR account complaints in NBFCs were against Bajaj Finance Ltd. 2) Money Market Deposit Account 19. Which bank partnered with PhonePe (in 3) Gilt Account Feb’21), enabling PhonePe to use the banks 4) Checking Account Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ID on a 5) Ledger Account multi-bank model? Answer- 3) Gilt Account 1) HDFC Bank 2) ICICI Bank Explanation: 3) Axis Bank 4) Citibank The retail investors are allowed to access 5) Yes Bank government securities (G-Secs) market both primary and Answer- 3) Axis Bank secondary – directly through the Reserve Bank (‘Retail Explanation: Direct’) along the facility to open their gilt securities The digital payment platform PhonePe has account. With this, India has become the first country to partnered with India’s third largest bank, Axis Bank on a do so. A “Gilt Account” means an account opened and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) multi-bank model. It maintained for holding Government securities, by an will enable the PhonePe users to create and use multiple entity or a person including ‘a person resident outside UPI IDs with Axis Bank’s “@axl” handle. Until now, the India’ with a “Custodian” permitted by the RBI. PhonePe’s key banking partner was Yes Bank. In 17. Which bank entered (in Feb’21) into a accordance with National Payments Corporation of India co-lending agreement with NBFC – LoanTap (NPCI), PhonePe had emerged as the top UPI app in Credit Products, extending credits to Micro, January, 2021. Small and Medium Enterprise(MSME) sector? 20. What is the theme of RBI’s Financial Literacy 1) Bank of Maharashtra Week (FLW) – 2021 that was celebrated from 2) United Bank of India February 8 to 12? 3) UCO Bank 1) KYC, Exercising Credit Discipline, Grievance 4) Syndicate Bank Redressal and Going Digital 5) Oriental Bank of Commerce 2) Consumer Protection Answer- 1) Bank of Maharashtra 3) Credit Discipline and Credit from Formal Explanation: Institutions On February 8, 2021 Bank of Maharashtra(BoM) 4) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises entered into a co-lending agreement with Non-Banking 5) Farmers Financial Company (NBFC), LoanTap Credit Products to Answer- 3) Credit Discipline and Credit from extend credit to Micro, Small and Medium Formal Institutions Enterprise(MSME) loans. Under this agreement, 80% of Explanation: the loan will be braced by the bank and the remaining The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) observes Financial Literacy Week(FLW) annually since 2016 to promote & 36 spread awareness about financial education messages on 3) Find alternate authentication for UPI transaction a particular theme through a focused campaign across 4) Distributed Security handling of Online India. FLW 2021 is being celebrated from February 8 to Transaction 12. The 5-day event was launched by Ajay Kumar, 5) Smoother & Secured RTGS Transaction Regional Director, RBI. Theme of FLW 2021– Credit Answer- 3) Find alternate authentication for Discipline and Credit from Formal Institutions. The UPI transaction strategy recommends the ‘5 C’ approach to disseminate Explanation: financial education in the country. 5 C– Content, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) Capacity, Community, Communication and launched a Global level Hackathon ‘NPCI PayAuth Collaboration. Challenge’, to find out the alternatives for the 21. Which financial service provider partnered authentication of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) with AGS Transact Technologies Ltd transaction for eg: Biometric. This Challenge is (AGSTTL) to introduce India’s 1st Contactless supported by APIX, world’s first cross-border, open ATM’s that allows cash withdrawal through architecture API marketplace and sandbox platform. The QR code? Challenge is an open for global Fintechs, solution 1) Mastercard 2) American Express providers and developers and can submit unique 3) Visa 4) PayPal solutions that simplify authorization. 5) Maestro 24. Which Insurance provider launched an Answer- 1) Mastercard innovative insurance plan, “Health Explanation: AdvantEDGE”, to carter the pre & post On February 9, 2021 AGS Transact Technologies Ltd hospitalization needs of its customers? (AGSTTL) entered into partnership with Mastercard to 1) Reliance Health Insurance Ltd. introduce First-Ever ‘Contactless’ Cash Withdrawals on 2) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Automated Teller Machines(ATMs) in India. The 3) Bharti AXA General Insurance Co. Ltd. partnership enables the Mastercard cardholders to 4) Max Bupa Health Insurance Co. Ltd. withdraw cash at ATMs by scanning the Quick 5) SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Response(QR) code that is displayed on the ATM screen. Answer- 3) Bharti AXA General Insurance Co. The Cardless ATM is powered by Mastercard’. This Ltd. withdrawal is enabled through Mastercard’s Masterpass Explanation: and AGS QRCash. Bharti AXA General Insurance introduced Health 22. Recently (in Feb’21), Working Group AdvantEDGE, an innovative health insurance plan. It is Committee (WGC) of IRDAI recommended the specifically designed to cater the healthcare and wellness introduction of index-linked insurance needs of customers. The insurer has launched the Bharti policies (Ilips). What is the lock-in period for AXA Wellness Cuppa portal for its customers to boost an index-linked insurance plan? customer engagement and experience. It provides cover 1) 10 years 2) 15 years from pre-hospitalization (60 days) to post-hospitalization 3) 25 years 4) 5 years (90 days). The plan covers persons in the age group 91 5) 12 years days to 65 years, provides hospital cash benefits, air and Answer- 4) 5 years road ambulance with an additional premium. Explanation: 25. “SmartUp grants” is the Corporate Social The Working Group Committee (WGC) set up by the Responsibility (CSR) program of ______. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of 1) Citibank 2) HDFC Bank India (IRDAI) has recommended the introduction of 3) ICICI Bank 4) Axis Bank index-linked insurance policies (Ilips). The report is 5) RBL Bank opened for comments till March 8, 2021. Index linked Answer- 2) HDFC Bank policies are subject to change as the returns are linked to Explanation: the benchmark indices such as the 10-year Sovereign Private sector lender HDFC Bank is inviting Bond Index, Sensex or Nifty. The index-linked insurance applications from start-ups and individual entrepreneurs plan provides a lock-in period of 5-years. for its SmartUp grants. SmartUp grants are a part of the 23. In February 2021, NPCI launched a Global bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR). level Hackathon ‘NPCI PayAuth Challenge’ Which Life Insurance company has the highest supported by APIX. What is the aim of 26. claim settlement ratio for FY20 as per IRDAI’s Hackathon? annual report 2019-20? 1) Enhance Innovation in Cardless Transaction 1) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance 2) Promote Cashless Economy 2) HDFC Life 37

3) Tata AIA Life Insurance for providing Indian private equity fund managers access 4) Max Life Insurance to an India-focused Institutional investor. 5) Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) 29. Which bank recently (in Feb’21) signed an MoU Answer- 4) Max Life Insurance with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to Explanation: provide interest free loans upto Rs. 2 crores to In accordance with the data by Insurance Regulatory IndianOil dealers? and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) annual 1) Punjab National Bank (PNB) report 2019-20, the claim settlement ratio of Life 2) HDFC Bank Insurance Corp. (LIC) declined in FY20 to 96.6% from 3) Oriental Bank of Commerce 97.7% in FY19. LIC was ranked 17th among the 24 life 4) Bank of Baroda (BOB) insurers. Among, private sector life insurer Max Life had 5) State Bank of India (SBI) the highest claim settlement ratio for the industry at Answer- 1) Punjab National Bank (PNB) 99.2%, which is the highest overall score, followed by Explanation: HDFC Life and TATA AIA – with a settlement ratio above Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a 99%. First-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 27. Which bank recently (in Feb’21) got with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for providing up restrictions from RBI for grant or renew any to INR 2 Crore Loan to IndianOil dealers through the loans and advances without prior approval of PNB e-Dealer scheme. Under the scheme Dealers can RBI in writing? avail loan of upto INR 2 Crore at lower interest rates, nil 1) Independence Co-operative Bank margin and with minimum or Zero Collateral 2) Janalaxmi Co-operative Bank requirements. The agreement will be beneficial to the 3) Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank Indian MSME sector. 4) Indian Mercantile Co-operative Bank 30. Which country’s central bank (in Feb’21) 5) Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank repaid USD 400 million currency swap to the Answer- 1) Independence Co-operative Bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI)? Explanation: 1) Nepal 2) Sri Lanka The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in exercise of 3) Maldives 4) Seychelles powers vested in it under sub section (1) of Section 35 A of 5) Mauritius the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949 read with Section Answer- 2) Sri Lanka 56 of the BR Act, 1949 has issued certain Directions to Explanation: Independence Co-operative Bank Limited based in On February 4, 2021 The Central Bank of Sri Lanka Nashik, Maharashtra due to its present liquidity (CBSL) repaid USD 400 million currency swap to the position. In accordance to the directions, the Chief Reserve Bank of India (RBI). RBI and Sri Lanka entered Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank is restricted to grant into this facility in July 2020 under the South Asian or renew any loans and advances without prior approval Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) currency of RBI in writing. swap framework. This facility was got for an initial period 28. Which bank committed (in Feb’21) to invest of 3 months to cope with the severe economic impact of USD 100 Million into the National Investment COVID-19 pandemic. and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF’s) Fund of 31. Which country received (in Feb’21) a financial Funds (FoF)? assistance of $400 million from Export-Import 1) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Bank of India (EXIM Bank) for construction of 2) World Bank 6.7 km Connectivity Project? 3) International Monetary Fund (IMF) 1) Maldives 2) Sri Lanka 4) New Development Bank (NDB) 3) Nepal 4) Afghanistan 5) The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking 5) Bangladesh Corporation (HSBC) Answer- 1) Maldives Answer- 4) New Development Bank (NDB) Explanation: Explanation: On February 12, 2021, Resreve Bank of India (RBI) National Investment and Infrastructure Fund has notified The Greater Male Connectivity Project Limited (NIIFL) has stated that New Development Bank (GMCP) of Maldives will get a $400 million funding from (NDB) (formerly known as BRICS Development Bank) Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), the has committed to invest USD 100 Million (~ INR 727 agreement for the same is effective for Janaury 28, 2021. Crore) into the NIIF Fund of Funds (FoF). This is the The terminal utilisation period is 60 months after the NDB’s 1st Equity Investment into India & the 1st ever scheduled completion date of the project The 6.7 km Investment in an FoF. NIIF FoF was established in 2018 Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be the 38 largest civilian infrastructure project in Maldives, to protect their families from financial burdens in case of connecting Male with three neighbouring islands. any medical emergency. This policy has been designed to 32. To ease the liquidity conditions in money cover the most necessary aspects of any kind of market, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (in hospitalization in the family. Through PhonePe app, Feb’21) purchased ______of government users can avail this policy instantly without the need of securities under Open Market Operations any medical screening. (OMO). 35. Which Small Finance Bank (SFB) partnered 1) Rs 20,000 crore 2) USD 2 Million with Maharashtra State Road Development 3) Rs 2 lakh crore 4) USD 10 Million Corporation Ltd (MSRDC) to launch India’s 1st 5) Rs 10 lakh crore FASTag powered ‘truck terminal’ in Answer- 1) Rs 20,000 crore Maharashtra? Explanation: 1) Ujjivan SFB 2) Equitas SFB In order to boost liquidity in the economy, On 3) Fincare SFB 4) Janalakshmi SFB February 10, 2021, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 5) Suryoday SFB purchase Rs 20,000 crore ($2.74 billion) of government Answer- 2) Equitas SFB securities under Open Market Operations (OMO). This Explanation: purchase will also boost government’s borrowing On February 12, 2021 Equitas Small Finance Bank programme worth Rs 12.06 lakh crore which will initiate Ltd (ESFBL) has partnered with Maharashtra State in April 2021. OMO is a part of “Operation Twist” to ease Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) and pressure evolving liquidity and market conditions. The Ocean Highway Facilities and Solutions Pvt Ltd. to main purpose of the OMO is to bring down the yields at launch India’s first FASTag powered truck terminal at the longer end. Khalapur, Maharashtra on the Yashwantrao Chavan 33. Which sector of Indian companies received the Mumbai – Pune Expressway. FASTag uses highest score in ICICI Lombard General Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) technology to Insurance Co. Ltd.’s 1st ‘Corporate India Risk make toll payments directly from the prepaid account Index 2020’? linked to it. 1) Banking 36. Which bank (in Feb’21) partnered with the 2) Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ 3) Information Technology(IT)/Information Associations of India (CREDAI) to launch a Technology enabled Services(ITeS) new of bank account specially for 4) Manufacturing Construction Workers? 5) HealthCare 1) Airtel Payments Bank Answer- 5) HealthCare 2) Indian Payments and Postal Bank Explanation: 3) NSDL Payments Bank On February 11, 2021 ICICI Lombard General 4) Paytm Payments Bank Insurance Co. Ltd launched its 1st ‘Corporate India Risk 5) Fino Payments Bank Index 2020’. India’s Corporate India Risk Index stands at Answer- 2) Indian Payments and Postal Bank 57. HealthCare Sector manage the risk well than the Explanation: other 14 sectors with the score of 70. The index will enable On the lines of the labour welfare initiatives by the companies to understand the level of risk and current Central Government, the Confederation of Real Estate readiness their business is facing. To Help them to create Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has inked successful risk mitigation plans. The Corporate India memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Risk Index 2020 covers top 150 companies from its own Payments and Postal Bank (IPPB) to facilitate opening of investment portfolio across 15 key sectors. bank accounts for construction workers. The aim of the 34. Which payment service provider partnered pact is to cover around 10 lakh workers in a year from with Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Ltd to around current 3 crore workers engaged in construction provide ‘Arogya Sanjeevani policy’ in its app? activities across real estate projects. 1) Google Pay 2) Paytm 37. Which Insurance provider has launched a new 3) PhonePe 4) Freecharge goal based savings product, ‘Guaranteed 5) Samsung Pay Income for Tomorrow’ (GIFT)? Answer- 3) PhonePe 1) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Explanation: 2) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance On February 12, 2021 Star Health & Allied 3) SBI Life Insurance Insurance Co. Ltd launched its Arogya Sanjeevani policy 4) HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company on PhonePe. This launch enables all the users of PhonePe 5) IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company 39

Answer- 1) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance 1) Netflix 2) Mastercard Explanation: 3) Amazon Pay 4) Google Pay On February 9, 2021 ICICI Prudential Life 5) Maestro Insurance launched a new goal based savings product Answer- 2) Mastercard ‘ICICI Pru Guaranteed Income for Tomorrow’ (GIFT). Explanation: The non-participating savings product helps customers to On 11th February 2021, Mastercard launched its eliminate the uncertainty of future income streams to a Flagship ‘Priceless’ program – “Priceless India”. The large extent. It also provides financial security to the Priceless India will enable the mastercard holders both family. domestic and global travellers to get exclusive access to 38. Recently (in Feb’21), RBI revised the rules for various experiences in the iconic cities of India. investment in NBFCs from non- FATF Mastercard will launch 16 short films which showcase the countries. As per the revised rules, what is the unique aspects of the iconic cities. maximum holdings limit by a new Investor 41. Who headed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from these countries? formulated 8-member Expert Committee (EC) 1) 20% 2) 25% on Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) on the 3) 12% 4) 17% lines of the “Statement on Developmental and 5) 23% Regulatory Policies” released on February 05, Answer- 1) 20% 2021? Explanation: 1) N. S. Vishwanathan The 17 countries (or jurisdictions) flagged by the 2) Shri B.P. Kanungo Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under its 3) Dr. M. D. Patra publications of “High-risk jurisdictions subject to a Call 4) Dr. Urjit R. Patel for Action”, and “jurisdictions under Increased 5) S. S. Mundra Monitoring” will face restrictions on the fresh Answer - 1) N. S. Vishwanathan investments in India’s Non-Banking Finance Companies Explanation: (NBFCs). The threshold for new Investors from On the lines of the “Statement on Developmental FATF-flagged jurisdictions as a whole should be smaller and Regulatory Policies” released with the Monetary than 20% of the voting power (including potential 1 Policy Statement on February 05, 2021, the Reserve Bank voting power) in the existing NBFCs or in the NBFCs of India (RBI) formulated an 8-member Expert seeking Certification of Registration (COR). Committee (EC) on Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). 39. Which bank recently (in Feb’21) introduced its The former Deputy Governor of RBI, N. S. Forex Remittance Services offering Vishwanathan, is the chairman of the committee. The remittance in 15 currencies with maximum Committee is required to submit its report within three remittance upto US$ 25,000/day to its months. customers? 42. Name the financial body which signed Rs 100 1) Kotak Mahindra Bank crore(USD 13.7 million) debt financing 2) Karur Vysya Bank agreement with Medanta, multi-specialty 3) IDFC FIRST Bank medical institute to provide essential health 4) ICICI Bank care services and medical equipment to India. 5) Federal Bank 1) International Monetary Fund Answer- 1) Kotak Mahindra Bank 2) New Development Bank Explanation: 3) World Bank On February 15, 2021 Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd 4) Asian Development Bank launched its outward forex remittance service, Kotak 5) Internation Remit. In an industry-first move, Kotak Remit is live on Answer - 4) Asian Development Bank the Kotak Mobile Banking App. With this the kotak Explanation: customers for the 1st time can transfer the money On February 15, 2021 The Asian Development Bank internationally to their beneficiaries from their mobile. It (ADB) signed Rs 100 crore(USD 13.7 million) debt offers remittances in 15 currencies. Through the Kotak financing agreement with Medanta to provide essential Remit, Customers can remit upto US$ 25,000 or health care services and medical equipment to India.The equivalent per day and up to US$ 250,000 or equivalent main purpose is to Support COVID-19 response in in a financial year. India.The funding enhances the sovereign support of 40. Which organisation launched its Flagship ADB to India, including a $1.5 billion loan approved in ‘Priceless’ program – “Priceless India”, in April 2020 to Combat COVID-19. February 2021? 40

43. In accordance with the Reserve Bank of 3) Resident Individuals India’s (RBI) data on Scheduled Banks’ 4) Corporates Statement of Position in India, bank credit 5) partnership firms growth in FY21 up to January 29, 2021 has Answer – 3) Resident Individuals reached about ______of the same period of Explanation: F20. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted resident 1) 75% 2) 80% individuals to make remittances under Liberalised 3) 85% 4) 90% Remittance Scheme (LRS) to International Financial 5) 95% Services Centres (IFSCs) set up in India under the Answer – 4) 90% Special Economic Zone Act, 2005. In this regard, Explanation: Authorized Dealer (AD) Category 1 Banks allow resident In accordance with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) individuals to make these remittances subject to the data on Scheduled Banks’ Statement of Position in India, following conditions:The remittance shall be made only bank credit growth in FY21 up to January 29, 2021 has for making investments in IFSCs in securities, other than reached about 90% of the same period of F20.This states those issued by entities/companies resident (outside that credit demand is coming back to normalcy after IFSC) in India. severe economic impact amid COVID-19. 47. RBI has released the Draft Reserve Bank of 44. Which of the below state has recently India (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2021 in introduced its own debit card and became 1st exercise of the powers conferred under section government financial institution in the state ______of the RBI Act 1934 read with on February 15, 2021? section 45U. 1) Tamilnadu 2) Karnataka 1) 45J 2) 45M 3) Kerala 4) AndhraPradesh 3) 45K 4) 45W 5) Odisha 5) 45L Answer- 3) Kerala Answer - 4) 45W Explanation: Explanation: On February 15, 2021 Kerala Financial As per the central bank’s announcement regarding Corporation(KFC) announced that it will introduce its the review of credit default swaps (CDS) guidelines on own debit card. KFC becomes the 1st government December 2020,Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released financial institution in Kerala to launch debit card.This 5 the Draft Reserve Bank of India (Credit Derivatives) year Rupay platinum card will be co-branded in Directions, 2021 in exercise of the powers conferred under association with public sector banks. section 45W of the RBI Act 1934 read with section 45U. 45. Find the entity which has joined hands with The guidelines are for allowing derivatives trading Razorpay recently to empower Indian MSMEs in the credit default swaps (CDS) in over-the-counter and Startups to make digital payments more (OTC) markets and on recognised stock exchanges in the accessible. country. 1) Maestro 2) Paypal RBI invited comments on the Draft Directions by 3) American Express 4) Mastercard March 15, 2021. 5) Capital One 48. Which e-commerce giant has partnered with Answer – 4) Mastercard ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Explanation: Ltd to offer Group Safeguard insurance, a Mastercard and Razorpay have joined hands to group insurance policy to its consumers and empower Indian micro, small and medium enterprises their families? (MSMEs) and startups especially in tier 2 and 3 cities in 1) Amazon 2) Myntra digitising their operations, maintaining business 3) Flipkart 4) ebay continuity in the challenging environment, and 5) Walmart preparing them for cashless future.It should be noted Answer- 3) Flipkart that Razorpay is India’s youngest unicorn (Company Explanation: valuation exceedes $1 billion). Flipkart partnered with ICICI Lombard General 46. Whom did the Reserve Bank of India permit to Insurance Company Ltd to offer Group SafeGuard make remittances under to International insurance, a group insurance policy to its consumers and Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) set up in their families. India under the Special Economic Zone Act, Through this partnership Flipkart consumers will 2005? get Hospicash benefit under Group SafeGuard insurance. 1) HUF 2) Trusts 41

49. Name the Financial organisation that signed Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021” in MoU with PHD Chamber of Commerce and exercise of the powers conferred under sections 45L and Industry(PHDCCI) to offer various credit & 45MA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. In this other schemes to Micro, Small and Medium regard, all non-deposit taking HFCs with an asset size of Enterprises (MSMEs). Rs 10,000 crore and above, and all deposit taking HFCs 1) Small Industries Development Bank of India irrespective of their asset size will have to achieve a (SIDBI) minimum Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 50% by 2) Industrial Investment Bank of India December 1, 2021 and gradually to 100% by December 1, 3) Indian Bank 2025. 4) Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency 52. Which organisation got approval (in Feb’21) Bank(MUDRA) from RBI to acquire Dewan Housing Finance 5) None of these Corporation Ltd (DHFL)? Answer – 1) Small Industries Development 1) Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Bank of India (SIDBI) 2) Oaktree Capital Management Explanation: 3) Adani Group PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry(PHDCCI) 4) Brookfield Asset Management signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with 5) Aditya Birla Group Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to Answer- 1) Piramal Capital and Housing offer various credit & other schemes of SIDBI to Micro, Finance Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which is Explanation: member of PHDCCI in India.Through this MoU, they can The RBI has given approval to the Dewan Housing get the schemes with comparative ease and better terms. Finance Corporation(DHFL) resolution plan from 50. Which company partnered (in Feb’21) with Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd (PCHFL), a European Investment Fund (EIF), company of Piramal group that was submitted by the Inter-American Development Bank(IDB) and Committee of Creditors(CoC). The resolution plan is to Kiva to provide loans to small and revive the debt-ridden DHFL. This approval paves way medium-sized companies outside U.S? for Piramal group to acquire DHFL. As per the plan, 1) PayPal 2) Facebook Piramal group will merge PCHFL with DHFL, which 3) Google 4) Microsoft involves a total payment of around Rs 35,000 crores. It is 5) Amazon expected that the merged entity will focus largely on the Answer- 3) Google retail real estate and lending space. Explanation: 53. Which country (in Feb’21) received a 15 million Google has partnered with European Investment USD worth Line of Credit from India’s Fund (EIF), Inter-American Development Bank(IDB) Export-Import (Exim) Bank? and Kiva, an organisation that crowdfunds loans to 1) Ghana 2) Sierra Leone unlock capital for the underserved around the world to 3) Kenya 4) Tanzania invest $75 million (about Rs. 545 crore) to small and 5) Seychelles medium-sized companies outside U.S who are suffering Answer- 2) Sierra Leone from the impact of COVID-19. Google also plans to invest Explanation: $15 million in India to support the small and micro On 18th February 2021, the Export-Import (Exim) enterprises across the country. Google will invest in two Bank, Government of India, extended a Line of EIF funds and becomes the 1st company to do so. Credit(LOC) of 15 million USD (around Rs. 109.11 crore) 51. As per RBI’s guidelines (in Feb’21) to Housing to the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The Finance Company (HFC), minimum Liquidity LOC will be used for the expansion of the projects for the Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 100% is targeted to be rehabilitation of existing portable water facilities in 4 achieved by ______. communities of Sierra Leone. This will also be used for 1) December 1, 2021 the implementation of the projects by Indian companies 2) December 1, 2030 which will benefit more than 1 lakh residents of those 4 3) December 1, 2025 communities. 4) December 1, 2035 54. Indian Govt. has decided to infuse Rs 1,500 5) December 1, 2028 crore capital into EXIM Bank for FY 22. Which Answer- 3) December 1, 2025 among the following is NOT one of the Explanation: functionaries of EXIM Bank? On February 17, 2021, the RBI has issued “Master 1) Financing of joint ventures in foreign countries Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing 2) Post Shipment Finance 42

3) Export credit insurance support to Indian 57. RBI (in Feb’21) has imposed a withdrawal cap exporters of Rs. 1,000 on customers of ______for a 4) Offer short-term loans to foreign banks period of 6 months. 5) Underwriting of stocks of Indian companies 1) Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank engaged in export or import 2) Deccan Urban Co-operative Bank Answer- 3) Export credit insurance support to 3) SVC Co-operative Bank Indian exporters 4) Mantha Urban Co-operative Bank Explanation: 5) Ashoknagar Co-operative Bank The government has decided to infuse Rs 1,500 crore Answer- 2) Deccan Urban Co-operative Bank capital into Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) in Explanation: FY 22. This equity support/subscription is to maximise On February 18, 2021 The Reserve Bank of the paid up capital of the bank to the level of its India(RBI) on considering the present liquidity position authorised capital. Amount is Higher than amount of Deccan Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., has imposed a earmarked in FY 21. withdrawal cap of Rs 1,000 on the customers of the bank. Export credit insurance support to Indian exporters But, customers are allowed to set off loans against is provided by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of deposits subject to conditions. This is for the period of 6 India (ECGC). months from the close of business on February 19, 2021. 55. Which organisation partnered (in Feb’21) with 58. Recently (in Feb’21) Kotak Standard Multicap Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) to launch Fund has been renamed as Kotak Flexicap “Mahabank Channel Financing Scheme”, a Fund, as Mulitcap funds are required to invest Channel Financing solution for MSME’s? 65% of assets in equity and equity-related 1) Priority Vendor 2) Tradeshift investments as per the guidelines of 3) Orbian 4) Vayana Network ______. 5) UniCredit 1) Reserve Bank of India Answer- 4) Vayana Network 2) Small Industries Development Bank of India Explanation: 3) Association of Mutual Funds in India On February 18, 2021 Bank of Maharashtra(BoM) in 4) Securities and Exchange Board of India partnership with Vayana Network, a Supply Chain 5) Ministry of Corporate Affairs Financing (SCF) platform, launched its Mahabank Answer- 4) Securities and Exchange Board of Channel Financing Scheme, a Channel Financing India solution for Micro, Small and Medium Explanation: Enterprises(MSMEs). This partnership enables BoM to On February 17, 2021 Kotak Mahindra Asset provide short term credit to meet funding requirements of Management Company Limited (KMAMC) announced corporate dealers and vendors through its channel. The that Kotak Standard Multicap Fund is being renamed as Government of India holds 93.33% stake in the bank. It is Kotak Flexicap Fund. This is in line with the Securities the sponsor bank of Maharashtra Gramin Bank. and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)’s Modification in 56. Which bank (in Feb’21) signed an MoU with Multi-Cap Mutual Funds Category, where multicap Society for Innovation and Development (SID), funds are required to invest at least 25% of their corpus in an initiative of IISc, Bengaluru to provide large, mid and small cap stocks each and 65% of assets in loans to startups & MSMEs? equity and equity-related investments. 1) DBS Bank 2) Indian Bank 59. Which Bank was recently (in Feb’21) bought 3) State Bank of India 4) HDFC Bank under RBI’s regulatory purview, making the 5) ICICI Bank bank comply with Banking Regulation Act Answer- 2) Indian Bank 1949 and the Companies Act? Explanation: 1) Bharatiya Mahila Bank On February 19, 2021 Indian Bank signed an MoU 2) Jammu and Kashmir Bank with Society for Innovation and Development (SID), an 3) State Bank of Sikkim initiative of Indian Institute of Science(IISc), Bengaluru 4) China Merchants Bank to provide exclusive credit facility to start-ups and Micro, 5) DBS Bank Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs). This initiative Answer- 3) State Bank of Sikkim is a part of the Bank’s scheme ‘Ind Spring Board for Explanation: financing Start-ups’. The bank will provide loans up to The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has brought the Rs. 50 crores to these start-ups to cater their working State Bank of Sikkim under its regulatory purview. The capital requirements or to purchase of machinery, bank only operates within Sikkim and is wholly-owned by equipment etc. the state government. The bank is also responsible to 43 handle the treasury function of the State. With this 2) World Bank regulatory purview, the ownership structure of the bank 3) UNESCO will not be changed and will be regulated by the RBI on a 4) Asian Development Bank par with other banks. Previously, the Banking 5) International Bureau of Education Regulation Act 1949 and the Companies Act do not Answer- 2) World Bank extend to Sikkim or the residents of Sikkim and they are Explanation: not subject to Income Tax. Government of India, Government of Nagaland & 60. Which company launched (in Feb’21) the ‘Bima the World Bank signed a USD 68 Million Project for Jyoti’ insurance Plan that offers Guaranteed improving the governance of schools across Nagaland addition at a rate of 5% at the end of each through ‘Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and policy year? Resources Project’. The project will also improve teaching 1) Max Life Insurance practices and learning environments in select schools of 2) Life Insurance Corporation of India Nagaland. Around 1, 50, 000 students & 20, 000 Teachers 3) United India Insurance in the government education system in Nagaland will 4) HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company benefit from the reforms. The project is aimed at 5) The Oriental Insurance Company developing a strong education system in the state. Answer- 2) Life Insurance Corporation of 63. Which Bank provides loan worth $304 mn for India Assam Intra-State Transmission System Explanation: Enhancement Project? Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India launched a 1) World Bank new plan ‘Bima Jyoti’ Plan will be effective from 2) Asian Development Bank February 22, 2021. Bima Jyoti is a Non-linked, 3) New Development Bank Non-Participating, Individual, Limited Premium 4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Payment, Life Insurance Savings Plan. The Plan offers a 5) International Monetary Fund Guaranteed addition at a rate of 5% at the end of each Answer- 4) Asian Infrastructure Investment policy year. The Minimum Basic Sum assured in INR 1, Bank 00, 000 & multiple of INR 25, 000 after that. The plan Explanation: includes Maturity Benefits & Death Benefits with Tax On February 24, 2021, the Government of India Free returns. (GoI) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 61. Which of the following is the benchmark (AIIB) signed a loan agreement of $304 mn for Assam interest rate (in Feb’21) that is used by global Intra-State Transmission System Enhancement Project banks to lend to one another? to strengthen the quality, capacity and security of the 1) Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) 24*7 power supply in Assam along with reducing 2) London Interbank Mean Rate (LIMEAN) greenhouse gas emissions. Of the Total estimated cost of 3) Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) $365mn, $304mn as loan from AIIB and the remaining 4) Euro Interbank Offer Rate (EURIBOR) $61mn by Assam Govt. 5) London Inter Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) 64. Which bank (in Feb’21) signed an MoU with Answer- 5) London Inter Bank Offered Rate Stellapps, an IIT Madras incubated dairy-tech (LIBOR) startup to digitize milk procurement? Explanation: 1) Equitas Small Finance Bank In accordance with the new EY (Ernst & Young) 2) India Post Payments Bank India report titled “Impact of IBOR transition on NBFCs 3) Federal Bank in India”, Indian Non-Banking Finance Companies 4) Karur Vysya Bank (NBFCs) require an effective plan for Inter Bank Offered 5) Airtel Payments Bank Rate (IBOR) transition, as majority of London Inter Bank Answer- 2) India Post Payments Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) are likely to be phased out by the Explanation: end of 2021. LIBOR is the benchmark interest rate at Stellapps, an IIT Madras incubated dairy-tech which major global banks lend to one another. LIBOR is startup signed an MoU with India Post Payments Bank being replaced by the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (IPPB) to digitize the dairy milk procurement value chain (SOFR) on June 30, 2023. and improve banking facilities at milk collection centres. 62. Which organisation signed for a USD 68 Recently, Stellapps launched mooPay in Bhilwara Million project, ‘Nagaland: Enhancing district of Rajasthan. It is a first-of-its-kind fully Classroom Teaching and Resources Project’ automated direct payment platform for dairy processors, with Indian Govt. (in Feb’21)? including cooperatives. 1) Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 44

65. Which of the following tool is used by SEBI in Social Alpha, a multistage innovation curation and case of a near zero and negative pricing venture development platform has partnered with Small situation for any of its commodities Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to set up (especially, crude oil)? the Swavalamban Divyangjan Assistive Tech Market 1) Sebi COmplaints REdress System (SCORES) Access (ATMA) fund, a Social Impact fund. It is a 1st of its 2) Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small kind inclusion fund that offers financial grants to Enterprises (CGTMSE) Social Alpha-incubated startups that work in the 3) External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Assistive Technology (AT) for persons with disabilities. 4) Alternate Risk Management Framework (ARMF) The fund will finance upto 50% of product price for the 5) Electronic Clearing System (ECS) initial users. Answer- 4) Alternate Risk Management 68. What is the Nomenclature given to IRDAI’s Framework (ARMF) new Standard Personal Accident Insurance Explanation: Product, that was launched in February 2021? In order to strengthen the risk management 1) Jan Suraksha Laghu Bima framework, Securities and Exchange Board of India 2) Fasal Bima Yojana (SEBI) will introduce pre-expiry margins on cash settled 3) Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana contracts with effect from April 1, 2021. These will be 4) Saral Suraksha Bima applicable on certain commodities under the Alternate 5) Sampoorna Suraksha Bima Risk Management Framework (ARMF). ARMF shall be Answer- 4) Saral Suraksha Bima applicable in such cases of near zero and negative prices Explanation: for any underlying commodities/futures (especially, crude On February 25, 2021 The Insurance Regulatory and oil). Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued 66. Which bank partnered with Greater Chennai guidelines on Standard Personal Accident Insurance Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Smart City Product under the provisions of Insurance Act, 1938. Ltd (CSCL) to launch, ‘Namma Chennai Smart IRDAI has directed all the general and Health Insurers to Card’? offer this product from April 1, 2021. The nomenclature of 1) HDFC Bank the product will be ‘Saral Suraksha Bima’, succeeded by 2) Union Bank of India name of insurance company. Under the product, the 3) ICICI Bank minimum sum insured will be Rs.2.5 lakhs and maximum 4) Canara Bank sum insured will be Rs.1 Crore. 5) UCO Bank 69. Recently (in Feb’21), India’s Exim bank Answer- 3) ICICI Bank provided a financial support of USD 130 mn for Explanation: construction of social housing units in ICICI Bank in partnership with the Greater Maldives. Who is the present MD of Exim Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Smart City bank? Limited (CSCL) launched ‘Namma Chennai Smart Card’, 1) David Rasquinha 2) G.R. Chintala a Common Payment Card System (CPCS). The Rupay 3) Mohammad Mustafa 4) M R Kumar powered co-branded, contactless prepaid card was 5) Ajay Tyagi unveiled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister(CM) Edappadi K. Answer- 1) David Rasquinha Palaniswami. This card enables the residents of Chennai Explanation: to make tax/ utility bill payments at the GCC centres. Exim Bank is set to support the construction of social 67. Which organisation(s) partnered (in Feb’21) housing units in Maldives, through its USD 130 million with Social Alpha to set up, Swavalamban loan to Fahi Dhiriulhan Corporation Limited. The Divyangjan Assistive Tech Market Access funding is set to be provided through the credit (ATMA) fund? programme of the buyer under the National Export 1) Industrial Investment Bank of India Insurance Account (NEIA Scheme). 2) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural About Exim Bank: Development (NABARD) MD– David Rasquinha 3) Small Industries Development Bank of India Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra (SIDBI) Established in 1982 4) Only 1 & 2 70. Which country received a USD 7.35 mn worth 5) Only 1 & 3 Line of Credit (LOC) from Export-Import Bank Answer- 3) Small Industries Development of India (Exim Bank) in February 2021? Bank of India (SIDBI) 1) Maldives Explanation: 2) Nicaragua 45

3) Seychelles extended 5 Line of Credit (LOC) with total value of USD 4) Honduras 7.35 million (about 54 crore) to the Government of the 5) Madagascar Republic of Nicaragua. These LOCs cover projects in the Answer- 2) Nicaragua Power and Healthcare sectors in Nicaragua. Explanation: Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) was On February 26, 2021 The Export-Import Bank of established in 1982. India (Exim Bank), on behalf of the Government of India, ECONOMY AND BUSINESS

1. Which organisation successfully raised USD On February 10, 2021 Ecowrap report of the State 500 Million making it the Longest Tenor Bond Bank of India (SBI) has estimated that India’s Gross Issuance from India, as of February 2021? Domestic Product(GDP) for FY-21 will contract by 1) Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Limited 7%(-7%) from -7.4% projected earlier. The GDP growth in 2) Power Finance Corporation (PFC) FY22 will remain at 11%. The gross tax collections in 3) Indian Oil Corporation 2021-22 will be higher than the Budgeted Rs 22.17 lakh 4) Power Grid Corporation of India crore, or 9.9% of GDP. 5) Coal India 4. What will be India’s GDP in FY22, as per the Answer- 2) Power Finance Corporation (PFC) predictions of India Ratings and Research Explanation: (Ind-Ra) Ltd? (as of February 2021) Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has successfully 1) 8.8% 2) 23.5% raised USD 500 Million through issuance of USD 3) 7.8% 4) 10.4% Denominated Bonds under ‘Reg S route’. The Bonds have 5) 15.5% a Fixed Coupon of 3.35% and will mature on May 16, 2031 Answer- 4) 10.4% making it the Longest Tenor Bond Issuance from India. Explanation: Totally it has risen around USD 2.55 Billion, which is an On February 10, 2021 India Ratings and Research oversubscription of 5.1 times. The funds will be used for (Ind-Ra) Ltd estimated that India’s real Gross Domestic the purpose of Lending to Power Sector Utilities. Product(GDP) will bounce back to 10.4% in FY22, 2. Recently (in Feb 2021), Indian Railway primarily based on the base effect. The GDP growth of Q1 Finance Corporation (IRFC) sold USD 750 to Q3 of FY 21 was negative, the agency expects that the million worth of dollar-denominated bonds to growth will be positive in Q4 at 0.3%. Earlier, Ind-Ra had overseas investors at a fixed interest rate of projected the GDP for FY 21 as -7.8%. _____. 5. Which Indian oil producer, recently (in Jan’21) 1) 2.12% 2) 5.40% bought 2 million barrels cargo of 3) 2.80% 4) 3.92% ‘carbon-neutral oil’ from Occidental, an US 5) 3.21% based oil producer? Answer- 3) 2.80% 1) Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Explanation: 2) Vedanta Ltd Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has sold 3) Bharat Petroleum USD 750 million worth of dollar-denominated bonds to 4) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) overseas investors priced at a coupon of just 2.80 per cent 5) Hindustan Petroleum per annum. This is the maiden debt market activity that Answer- 1) Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Railways'' financing arm has done since going public on Explanation: January 29 after the biggest IPO of the fiscal collecting Rs Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has received 2 4,633 crore through a public issue. The 10-year bonds will million barrels cargo of ‘carbon-neutral oil’ from Oxy Low be issued on February 10, 2021, at a fixed rate of 2.80 per Carbon Ventures (OLCV), a division of US oil major cent and carry semi-annual interest payment and bullet Occidental on January 28, 2021 at Jamnagar, Gujarat. It principal repayment. is the world’s 1st consignment of carbon-neutral oil and is 3. What was India’s GDP growth predicted for also the energy industry’s 1st major petroleum shipment. FY-21, as per SBI’s Ecowrap report? The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are associated 1) – 6.3% 2) – 7% with the entire crude lifecycle will be offset with 3) – 7.4% 4) – 5.2% Carbon-Neutral Oil. 5) – 7.7% 6. As per the Nomura, India’s Gross Domestic Answer- 2) – 7% Product (GDP) will grow at ______in FY22 for Explanation: the week ending February 14, 2021. 46

1) 11.5% 2) 12% 3) 10.5% 4) 7.7% 3) 12.5% 4) 13% 5) 11.6% 5) 13.5% Answer – 1) 10% Answer – 5)13.5% Explanation: Explanation: On February 16, 2021 S&P (Standard & Poors) In accordance with Nomura, India’s Gross Domestic Global Ratings released a report titled, ‘Cross-Sector Product (GDP) will grow at 13.5% in FY22 as Nomura Outlook: India’s Escape From Covid’, where it estimated India Business Resumption Index (NIBRI) increased to that India will have an economic recovery at 10% in FY22, 98.1 for the week ending February 14, 2021 from 95.9% in on a lower base. Earlier, it had revised India’s Real GDP the preceding week.The real GDP to contract by 6.7% in Forecast for FY21 to -7.7%(contract by 7%) from -9%. FY21 and grow by 13.5% in FY22.Labour participation 9. What is the estimated growth rate of India for rate marginally decreased to 40.5% from 40.9% in the FY-2022, as per the Moody’s Credit Rating week before. agency (as of Feb’21)? 7. What is the estimated India’s GDP growth rate 1) 10.8%. 2) 7.5% for the year FY22 compared to the revised 4.6% 3) 6.7% 4) 13.7% in FY21 according to India Ratings & Research 5) 12.9% (Ind-Ra)? Answer- 4) 13.7% 1) 4.2% 2) 4.3% Explanation: 3) 4.4% 4) 4.5% On February 25, 2021 Moody’s projected India’s 5) 4.7% growth at 13.7% for FY 22. Earlier it was estimated at Answer – 2) 4.3% 10.8%. Moody’s also projected that Indian economy will Explantion: contract by 7%(-7%) in FY21, which is lower than the India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) projected previous estimate of -10.6%. aggregate fiscal deficit of States for FY22 at 4.3% of GDP Other Recent Estimates: compared to 4.6 %(Revised) in FY21. In this regard, the agency has revised the outlook on State finances for FY22 GDP Projected by Projected GDP for FY 2021 from stable to negative.It had earlier forecast FY21 fiscal RBI -7.50% deficit of States to be at 4.5%. India Ratings and Research -7.80% 8. What is the estimated GDP forecast of India for (Ind-Ra) Ltd the FY22 as per the recent report released by S&P (Standard & Poors) Global Ratings? SBI’s Ecowrap report -7.00% 1) 10% 2) 11.3% Nomura projects -6.70% MoUs AND AGREEMENTS

1. Which organisation recently (in Feb 2021), 2. Which Institute recently (in Feb 2021) signed signed a statement of intent (SOI) with Atal an MoU with Ministry of Road Transport and Innovation Mission (AIM) that will boost Highways (MoRTH) to provide technological start-up ecosystem in mobility sector? assistance in Road construction? 1) Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) 1) IIT, Madras 2) NIT, Trichy 2) Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) 3) IIT-BHU 4) NIT, Agartala 3) Scooters India Limited (SIL) 5) MNNIT, Allahabad 4) Express Autocare Answer- 3) IIT-BHU 5) Transcent Labs Explanation: Answer- 1) Automotive Research Association On 4th February, 2021 Indian Institute of of India (ARAI) Technology – Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) Explanation: signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with On 3rd February 2021, the Automotive Research Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) as a Association of India (ARAI) signed a statement of intent move to up-grade road construction in India, through (SOI) with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) the flagship scientific research. initiative of Niti Aayog to boost the start-up ecosystem in 3. Which organisation recently (in Feb 2021), the mobility sector. The objective of the partnership signed an MoU with CSIR-NAL (Council of includes, to create mobility, electric mobility, Scientific and Industrial Research-National transportation, sustainable development goats and Aerospace Laboratory) for development of digital infrastructure in cities and villages across India. 47

two-seater trainer aircraft through technology for PMSVANidhi se Samriddhi. This is an additional transfer? component of the scheme. 1) Bharat Electronics 6. Which state government recently (in Feb 2) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) 2021), signed an MoU with the Confederation 3) BEML Ltd of Indian Industries (CII) to establish a Model 4) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Career Centre (MCC) in the state? 5) Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) 1) Punjab 2) Haryana Answer- 3) BEML Ltd 3) Maharashtra 4) Gujarat Explanation: 5) Goa During the Aero India 2021 show being held at Answer- 5) Goa Yelahanka Air Force Base, Bengaluru, Karnataka, Explanation: BEML Ltd (previously Bharat Earth Movers Limited) On 5th February, 2021 State government of Goa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-NAL (Council of Scientific and Industrial the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) to establish a Research-National Aerospace Laboratory) for Model Career Centre (MCC) at Goa. This MoU is signed development of two-seater trainer aircraft through with a motive to find suitable employment & livelihood technology transfer. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the youth. This is an online service, through which an (HAL) has received a Request for Proposal (RFP) to employer can select the best available candidate from the manufacture 70 Trainer Aircraft HTT 40 from Indian Air wider pool of job seekers. he MCC will create a reservoir Force (IAF). of skilled talent in the country, thus establishing a 4. Which Institution recently (in Feb 2021) signed seamless employer-employee connection. an MoU with the National Institute of Urban 7. Which company signed an MoU (in Feb’21) Affairs (NIUA) for ‘Building Accessible Safe with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to and Inclusive Indian Cities (BASIIC)? develop Electric Vehicles(EVs) and Energy 1) IIT, Madras 2) NIT, Trichy Storage Systems(ESS)? 3) IIT-BHU 4) IIT, Kharagpur 1) Hero Electric 2) Ather Energy 5) MNNIT, Allahabad 3) Tata Motors Answer- 4) IIT, Kharagpur 4) Triton Electric Vehicle Explanation: 5) Mahindra Electric On February 3, 2021 Indian Institute of Answer- 4) Triton Electric Vehicle Technology(IIT) Kharagpur signed a Memorandum of Explanation: Understanding(MoU) with the National Institute of Triton Electric Vehicle has signed a Memorandum of Urban Affairs (NIUA) for ‘Building Accessible Safe and Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited Inclusive Indian Cities (BASIIC). Based on the MoU a (BEL) to develop Electric Vehicles(EVs) and Energy framework for universal city planning for accessible, safe Storage Systems(ESS). To manufacture the sub-systems and inclusive cities in India to benefit all sections of the and battery assembly for ESS and EVs so as to cater the society including the disabled and elderly persons will be needs of customers in USA, India and other countries. developed. Recently, Triton has made the announcement to launch 5. Which company recently (in Feb 2021) signed electric sedan N4 for the Indian market. The base model an MoU with the Ministry of Housing & Urban is priced at Rs 35 lakhs. Affairs (MoHUA) as a part of PM SVANidhi 8. Which organisation signed 2 separate MoUs Scheme? with Smart Factory, IISc and Smart 1) Deliveroo 2) Amazon Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell 3) Swiggy 4) Zomato (SMDDC) for creating 1st of its kind Digital 5) Foodpanda Transformation labs in India? Answer- 4) Zomato 1) Philips 2) Siemens Ltd Explanation: 3) Bosch The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) 4) Samsung Electronics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with 5) LG Corporation Zomato to onboard street food vendors on its food-tech Answer- 2) Siemens Ltd platform. This is part of Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Explanation: AtmaNibhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme. With this On February 8, 2021, Siemens Ltd (India) signed 2 MoU street food vendors will have access to online separate MoUs with Smart Factory, Indian Institute of customers. MoHUA also launched the Mobile Application Science (IISc), Bengaluru and Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell (SMDDC) at Central 48

Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru 1) Iron Dome 2) Maareech for the establishment of 1st of its kind Digital 3) SHADE 4) Malafon Transformation labs. Siemens Ltd aims to support the 5) SLAT Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Answer- 3) SHADE Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Udyog initiative of the Explanation: Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. Rafael Advanced Defense System (Israel) & Bharat 9. Which organisation signed a contract worth Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed an MoU for joint over Rs 1,000 crore with Ministry of Defence induction of Anti-Torpedo Defence System called for delivery of Software Defined Radio ‘SHADE’ for Indian Navy. SHADE is the 1st system in the Tactical (SDR-Tac)? world to use soft kill and hard kill decoys for defence 1) Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) against Modern Torpedoes. SHADE is a torpedo defence 2) Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) suite for submarines which will help protect them from 3) Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) Torpedoes which rely on sonar signals. 4) Honeywell International 12. Recently (in Feb’21), Investor Education and 5) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Protection Fund (IEPF) Authority signed an Answer- 5) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) MoU with IGNOU for telecasting Investor Explanation: Awareness Programme (IAPs) through On February 8, 2021, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) distance learning mode. Which TV channel and the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) will be used for telecasting? Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a contract 1) DD Bharati for procurement of Software Defined Radio Tactical 2) Kalvi Tholaikatchi TV (SDR-Tac) worth over Rs 1,000 crore in New Delhi. 3) Swayam Prabha TV SDR-Tac is a four-channel, multi-mode, multi-band 4) NIOS: Gyanamrit 19-inch rack mountable, ship borne software defined 5) Gyan Darshan Channel radio system. It aims to serve ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore Answer- 5) Gyan Darshan Channel and ship-to-air voice and data communication for Explanation: network-centric operations. Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority 10. Which organisation signed (in Feb’21) an MoU (IEPF Authority), Ministry of Corporate Affairs signed a with Indian Institute of Science(IISc) to create Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indira a Joint Advanced Technology Program- Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for Center of Excellence(JATP-CoE) in IISc? collaboration in using the Tele-Lecturing Facility of Gyan 1) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Darshan Channel (EMPC – Electronic Media Production 2) Defence Research and Development Centre) for telecast of Investor Awareness Programme Organisation (DRDO) (IAPs) through distance learning mode. Initially 26 Tele 3) Bharat Electronics Lecturing programme have been planned for telecast. 4) Defence Research and Development Laboratory 13. Which institute signed an MoU (in Feb’21) with (DRDL) Indian Navy for research in the underwater 5) CSIR – National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) domain of Naval Electronic Systems? Answer- 2) Defence Research and 1) IIT Bombay Development Organisation (DRDO) 2) CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography Explanation: 3) IIT Delhi On 8th February 2021, the Defence Research and 4) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a (CMFRI) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian 5) NIT Calicut Institute of Science(IISc) to create Joint Advanced Answer- 3) IIT Delhi Technology Program- Center of Excellence(JATP-CoE) in Explanation: the premises of IISc. DRDO will support JATP to equip it On February 10, 2021 Indian Navy and Indian with advanced and unique research facilities which will Institute of Technology(IIT) Delhi signed a Memorandum enable the faculties and scholars of IISc to conduct of Understanding(MoU) to further their relationship on advanced research. research in the underwater domain of Naval Electronic 11. Which was the Anti-Torpedo Defence System Systems. Indian Navy, in accordance with ‘Atmanirbhar that will be inducted into Indian Navy as per Bharat’, aims to develop major technology driven projects the MoU signed (in Feb’21) between Rafael through IIT Delhi. Advanced Defense System (Israel) & Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)? 49

14. Which organisation signed an MoU (in Feb’21) Crore Science City in Jhajhra area of Dehradun. The with Bangladesh for exporting Patrol Crafts Science city will be a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for and Offshore Patrol Vessels? Science Communication. The Science City will have 1) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd galleries on Astronomy and Space Sciences, Robotics, 2) Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) Science and Technology heritage, geological life, climate 3) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) change, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), 4) Cochin Shipyard Ltd Augmented Reality (AR) & others. 5) Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) 17. Which state/UT govt. signed (in Feb’21) an MoU Answer- 5) Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) with Flipkart to boost the e-commerce sales of Explanation: handmade artifacts & Small industrial produce of the state? During the 13th Edition of Aero India Show 2021, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) signed 5 Memorandum of 1) Maharashtra Understandings (MoUs) & Agreements with various 2) Jammu & Kashmir Industry partners to expand its capacity for Indigenous 3) Madhya Pradesh shipbuilding, ship repair and exports. It has signed MoUs 4) Gujarat with Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL), SeaTech 5) Tamil Nadu (Singapore), and with Industry representatives of Answer- 1) Maharashtra Bangladesh. GSL’s MoU with Industry representatives of Explanation: Bangladesh for export of Patrol Craft and Offshore Patrol On February 11, 2021 Flipkart signed a Vessel. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 15. Which bank signed an MoU with Meghalaya Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Police for implementation of e-Challan in Corporation (MSSIDC) and Maharashtra State Khadi & Shillong Traffic Police (STP) jurisdiction? Village Industries Board (MSKVIB) to bring 1) HDFC Bank Maharashtra’s artisans, weavers, craftsmen and Small 2) State Bank of India and medium-size Businesses (SMBs) of the state into the 3) Canara Bank e-commerce strata. The MoU is signed under the Flipkart 4) Indian Bank Samarth initiative. This partnership boosts the ‘Vocal for 5) Bank of India Local’ efforts of the Government of India. Answer- 2) State Bank of India 18. Which state’s Department of MSME signed Explanation: MoU (in Feb’21) with 3 e-commerce firms, ‘eBay’, ‘Power2SME’ & ‘Tradeindia.com’ to Meghalaya Police has signed a Memorandum of promote online sales of its MSME produces? Understanding (MoU) with SBI Bank for implementation of e-Challan in the jurisdiction of Shillong Traffic Police 1) Madhya Pradesh 2) Gujarat (STP). e-Challan system is a digital traffic enforcement 3) Maharashtra 4) Tamil Nadu solution through which penalties for violators of traffic 5) Haryana rules & generation of challans will be carried out Answer- 5) Haryana digitally. The e-Challan system has been integrated with Explanation: VAHAN & SARATHI, which are the flagship applications On February 11, 2021, Haryana’s MSME (Micro, of MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways). Small and Medium Enterprises) Department signed 16. Where is a new Science city planned at the cost Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 3 of Rs. 173 crores, as per the MoU signed (in e-commerce firms namely ‘eBay’, ‘Power2SME’ & Feb’21) between the state’s council for science ‘Tradeindia.com’ to enable Global reach for the products & Tech. and National Council of Science manufactured by Haryana’s MSMEs. The 3 companies Museums (NCSM)? will conduct training and workshops in all districts of 1) Guwahati, Assam Haryana to spread awareness among entrepreneurs 2) Dehradun, Uttarakhand about the benefits of e-commerce & listing their products 3) Gangtok, Sikkim online. 4) Cuttack, Odisha 19. Which organisation signed a contract (in 5) Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Feb’21) for construction of 5 Diving Support Crafts (DSCs) with Titagarh Wagons Ltd? Answer- 2) Dehradun, Uttarakhand 1) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) Explanation: 2) Indian Army Uttarakhand State Council for Science & Technology (UCOST) & National Council of Science 3) Ministry of Rural Development Museums (NCSM) haved signed a Memorandum of 4) Indian Navy Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of INR 173 5) Border Security Force (BSF) 50

Answer- 4) Indian Navy 3) West Bengal 4) Jharkhand Explanation: 5) Maharashtra On February 12, 2021, Indian Navy signed a contract Answer- 5) Maharashtra for construction of 5 Diving Support Crafts (DSCs) with Explanation: Titagarh Wagons Ltd, Kolkata (West Bengal) under the The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) ‘Make in India’ initiative of Government of India. Upon has partnered with National Health Authority (NHA) to commissioning, the DSC will meet the needs of Command upgrade the medical infrastructure available under Clearance Diving Teams (CCDTs) which provide Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana assistance to ships which are inside or come close to (AB PM-JAY) in the state of Maharashtra. Initially, the harbour for underwater repair, maintenance and salvage. partnership with PM-JAY was implemented on a pilot 20. Which is the 1st Indian state to sign an MoU basis in Maharashtra in the district of Ahmednagar. with UNEP for developing a framework to Now, it has been extended to the entire state except the achieve climate resilience by 2040? south Mumbai region, Pune and Kolhapur districts. 1) Odisha 2) Kerala 23. Which institute has signed with IT firm HCL 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Maharashtra Technologies to deal with cyber threats and to 5) Bihar produce the advanced solutions to the Answer- 5) Bihar cybersecurity? Explanation: 1) Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur (IIT – On February 12, 2021, Bihar State Pollution Control K) Board (BSPCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding 2) Indian Institute of Technology – Ahmedabad (IIT (MoU) with United Nations Environment Programme – A) (UNEP) to develop a framework for achieving climate 3) Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay (IIT – resilience & low-carbon development in the state by 2040. B) Bihar became the 1st Indian State to sign such an 4) Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur (IIT – agreement. As part of the Agreement, UNEP will assist M) Bihar to prepare a GreenHouse Gas(GHG) Inventory & 5) Indian Institute of Technology – Hyderabad (IIT Carbon Footprint Analyses and develop Climate Impact – H) Vulnerability Assessments. Answer – 1) Indian Institute of Technology – 21. Which state govt (in Feb’21) signed an MoU Kanpur (IIT – K) with Indian Economic Trade Organization Explanation: (IETO) for effective implementation of the On 15th February 2021, the HCL Technologies Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the (HCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) state? with Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur (IIT – K) to 1) Karnataka 2) Odisha collaborate in the field of cybersecurity will also work 3) Telangana 4) Maharashtra with the C3iHub, a specialised cyber security research 5) Gujarat centre of IIT-K.It aims to bring in the brightest minds, Answer- 1) Karnataka advanced research capabilities and global resources to Explanation: develop advanced solutions in cybersecurity. On February 9, 2021 The Indian Economic Trade 24. Which company signed (in Feb’21) an MoU Organization (IETO) and the Government of Karnataka with IIT-Indian School of Mines (ISM) for signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) at advanced technological support in coal bed Bengaluru, Karnataka to work closely to implement the methane exploration? Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) more effectively 1) Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Ltd in the state and to expand the scope of the sustainable 2) Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Ltd future. This partnership will improve Karnataka’s 3) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ranking at United Nations Development Programme 4) Flosil Oil & Gas Equipment & Services Pvt. Ltd. (UNDP). 17 SDGs were fixed by the United Nations 5) BG Shirke Oil & Gas India Pvt. Ltd. General Assembly(UNGA) in 2015 under its 2030 Answer- 2) Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Agenda. Production Ltd 22. Which State’s medical infrastructure will be Explanation: upgraded as per the recent (in Feb’21) On February 17, 2021, Essar Oil and Gas partnership between National Health Exploration and Production Ltd (EOGEPL) has signed a Authority (NHA) & Employees’ State Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration Insurance Corporation (ESIC)? with IIT-Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad 1) Gujarat 2) Tamil Nadu (Jharkhand). Though this MoU both entities will work 51 together on research and development of various On February 19, 2021 Amazon India signed advanced coal bed methane (CBM) technological Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Directorate innovations. The IIT (ISM) will provide advanced General Resettlement(DGR) to provide work training to EOGEPL officials in mutually agreed areas. opportunities to ex-service personnel of the armed force 25. Which organisation (in Feb’21) signed a (Army, Air force, Navy,) and their families across its Statement of Intent (SoI) with Greenstat network in India. This is in line with the global vision of Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd to set up a Centre of Amazon to hire 25,000 military veterans by 2025. More Excellence on Hydrogen (CoE-H)? than 17500 military veterans and spouses are actively 1) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) engaged in the program worldwide. 2) Bharat Petroleum 28. Which organisation (in Feb’21) signed an MoU 3) Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL) with CSIR to promote research in Health 4) Hindustan Petroleum sector in India? 5) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 1) Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance Answer- 5) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 2) Rotary International Explanation: 3) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) On February 18, 2021, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 4) Greenpeace signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with Greenstat 5) International Vaccine Institute Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Greenstat Answer- 3) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Norway for setting up a Centre of Excellence on (BMGF) Hydrogen (CoE-H). The CoE will act as a think-tank for Explanation: developing standards for best industrial practices, safety, On February 19, 2021, Council of Scientific & product protocols and regulations in the area of hydrogen Industrial Research (CSIR) and Bill & Melinda Gates and fuel cells. The Union Budget 2020-21 unveiled Foundation (BMGF) signed a Memorandum of National Hydrogen Mission (NHM) to accelerate plans to Understanding (MoU) for supporting development, generate the carbon-free fuel from renewables. conduct & promotion of health research in India. The 26. In which country, India is planning (as of Focus of the agreement will be on developing & testing Feb’21) to reconstruct earthquake-resilient new preventions, therapies and interventions for solving Schools with technological assistance from major health concerns which affect India & other Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), developing countries. BMGF is aimed at enhancing Roorkee? healthcare & reduce extreme poverty across the globe, 1) Afghanistan 2) Fiji expand educational opportunities. 3) Indonesia 4) Peru 29. Which country signed an MoU (in Feb’21) with 5) Nepal India for Mutual Visa exemption for Answer- 5) Nepal Diplomatic Passport holders? Explanation: 1) Ethiopia 2) Eritrea On February 18, 2021, India & Nepal signed an MoU 3) Eswatini 4) Seychelles for Reconstruction of 6 Secondary Schools in Nepal at a 5) Ecuador cost of Nepali Rupees 518 Million (NPR). Central Answer- 1) Ethiopia Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, a leading Explanation: institute in India in the field of earthquake-resilient On February 16-19,2021, Ethiopia Deputy Prime reconstruction will provide technical assistance for Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen was construction of these schools. India has committed a on a four-day visit to India where India and Ethiopia financial assistance of USD 250 Million for signed following 2 memorandum of understanding reconstruction projects in Education, health, cultural (MoU), heritage & housing sectors. • Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of Diplomatic 27. Which company (in Feb’21) signed an MoU Passports with Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) • MoU between the Council of Scientific and to provide work opportunities to ex-service Industrial Research (CSIR) – Central Leather personnel of the armed force and their Research Institute (CLRI), India and Wollo spouses? University, Ethiopia. 1) SIS India 2) Amazon India 30. Which organisation (in Feb’21) signed an 3) HDFC Bank 4) AirAsia Academic and Technical Linkage Agreement 5) Securitas AB with Military College of Electronics and Answer- 2) Amazon India Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) for Explanation: 52

designing an indigenous Armoured Tracked 33. Which city’s Municipal Corporation signed (in Repair Vehicle (ATRV)? Feb’21) 2 MoU with United Nations 1) Ordnance Factory 2) DRDO Development Programme (UNDP) & Indian 3) HAL 4) Bharat Dynamics Pollution Control Association (IPCA) to 5) Indian Army achieve 100% door step garbage collection? Answer- 1) Ordnance Factory 1) Leh 2) Jammu Explanation: 3) Gangtok 4) Kargil On February 19, 2021, Military College of 5) Dehradun Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Answer- 2) Jammu Secunderabad, Telangana signed an Academic and Explanation: Technical Linkage Agreement with Ordnance Factory, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has signed 2 Medak (OFMK) district, Andhra Pradesh for designing Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) with 2 recyclers an indigenous Armoured Tracked Repair Vehicle (ATRV). namely United Nations Development Programme An ARV is typically a powerful tank or Armoured (UNDP) & Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) to Personnel Carrier (APC) used for towing or repair of make Jammu Plastic-free. Both entities have the battle-damaged, stuck, and inoperable Armoured fundamental basis of door-to-door garbage collection in fighting vehicles such as Battle Tanks. Jammu. JMC is also aiming to achieve 100 % door-to-door 31. Which state govt. (in Fe’21) signed an MoU garbage collection within the JMC. 2 New Waste with the Swedish company, “IKEA” bringing Management plants are to be set up in Jammu for an investment of Rs. 5500 crores in next 5 recycling of plastics. years? 34. Which organisation signed an MoU (in Feb’21) 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Maharashtra with Centre for Railway Information Systems 3) Telangana 4) Gujarat (CRIS) for customized data access through 5) Uttar Pradesh Freight Operation Information System Answer- 5) Uttar Pradesh (FOIS)? Explanation: 1) Food Corporation of India (FCI) On 19th February 2021, the Government of Uttar 2) Coal India Ltd (CIL) Pradesh (UP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding 3) National Mineral Development Corporation with IKEA, a Swedish furniture and home applications (NMDC) company, which is set to invest Rs.5500 crores in the state 4) NLC India Ltd during the next 5 years. IKEA plans to open around 25 5) Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) center’s in India by 2025 by investing Rs.10500 crore, Answer- 2) Coal India Ltd (CIL) most of these stores will be in UP. Explanation: 32. In February 2021, WE Hub entrepreneur and On 22nd February 2021, India’s Largest Coal Miner, Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Coal India Limited(CIL), Kolkata based public sector coal Development Institute (JKEDI) virtually mining and reigning company signed an MoU with the signed an MoU to promote women Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), under entrepreneurship in ______and Jammu & the Ministry of Railways for fast and customized Kashmir. automated access to coal freight data through Freight 1) Kerala 2) Telangana Operation Information System(FOIS). The MoU was 3) West Bengal 4) Tamil Nadu signed for freight monitoring and data sharing. It will 5) Maharashtra help the coal miner monitor movement of coal rakes and Answer- 2) Telangana coal dispatch activity. Explanation: 35. Which organisation has signed an MoU (in On February 19, 2021 WE Hub (Women Feb’21) with Power System Operation Entrepreneurship Hub), India’s first and only state-led Corporation (POSOCO) to promote research & incubator of the government of Telangana for women development in Power Sector? entrepreneur and Jammu and Kashmir 1) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) 2) Centre for Science and Environment virtually signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) 3) World Resources Institute to boost the entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem in 4) Power Grid Corporation of India Telangana and J&K. The MoU will provide a platform for 5) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) budding entrepreneurs from Telangana and J&K. The Answer- 1) The Energy and Resources partnership will promote women entrepreneurship. Institute (TERI) Explanation: 53

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New 4) Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation of Delhi signed an MoU with Power System Operation India (TRIFED) Corporation (POSOCO), New Delhi for promoting 5) Department of Consumer Affairs research in the domestic power sector. The entities will Answer- 2) Central Board of Indirect Taxes work towards addressing the challenges of the Power and Customs (CBIC) Sector. Integrated resource planning which includes Explanation: demand and supply on a short-term, long-term & On 25th February 2021, the Ministry of Corporate medium-term perspective. Affairs (MCA) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and 36. Which organisation has signed an MoU with Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance signed an Marine Products Export Development MoU for sharing data and information on an automatic Authority (MPEDA) to promote the exports of and regular basis to boost the ease of doing business in India’s fishery produces? India. A Data Exchange Steering Group has been set up 1) National Small Industries Corporation for the initiative. 2) Department for Promotion of Industry and 39. Which type of cargo is allowed for Internal Trade transportation through National Waterways-1 3) National Cooperative Development Corporation & 2, as per the MoU signed (in Feb’21) between 4) National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Enterprises and MOL (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd? 5) NITI Aayog 1) Medical apparatus Answer- 3) National Cooperative Development 2) Bio Fertilizers Corporation 3) Electrical machinery & equipment Explanation: 4) Aluminum & Automobile On 22nd February 2021, the Marine Products Export 5) Liquefied Natural Gas Development Authority (MPEDA), under the Ministry of Answer- 5) Liquefied Natural Gas commerce and Industry, signed an MoU with the Explanation: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) On February 25, 2021 The Inland Waterways to coordinate their programs in export oriented captures Authority of India (IWAI) signed a Memorandum of and culture of fisheries and allied sectors to bring better Understanding(MoU) with MOL (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd value to the stakeholders. This will enhance the to transport Liquefied Natural Gas(LPG) through barges infrastructure created for primary production and on National Waterways-1 and National Waterways-2. harvest management in the marine products export LPG is a clean cargo with no leaks and spillage because sector. the products are handled by pipelines in a fully closed 37. Which is the 1st African country to sign a trade loop. Agreement (in Feb’21) with India? 40. Which state govt. (in Feb’21) signed an MoU 1) Mauritius 2) Madagascar with SIDBI to set up a project management 3) Ethiopia 4) Kenya unit (PMU) for developing its MSME 5) Sierra Leone ecosystem? Answer- 1) Mauritius 1) Assam 2) Rajasthan Explanation: 3) Maharashtra 4) Tamil Nadu External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, had a 4-day 5) Andhra Pradesh visit to Maldives and Mauritius in February 2021. In Answer- 5) Andhra Pradesh Mauritius he signed the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Explanation: Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement On 25th February 2021, the Small Industries (CECPA), covering 310 export items for India including Development Bank of India(SIDBI), signed a food items, beverages, electrical products, telecom, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the variety of other items such as sea food. It is a 1st trade Government of Andhra Pradesh(AP) to develop the micro, Agreement signed by India with a country in Africa. small and medium enterprises (MSME) ecosystem in AP. 38. Which organisation signed an MoU (in Feb’21) SIDBI will set up a project management unit (PMU) with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for which will design schemes and programme in the areas boosting the ease of doing business in India? like equity support, interest subvention resolution of 1) Ministry of External Affairs stressed MSME and supporting MSME entrepreneurs. 2) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs 41. Which organisation signed (in Feb’21) an MoU (CBIC) with National Health Authority (NHA) to 3) Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) provide PVC based ‘Ayushman cards’ that will replace the existing paper-based cards? 54

1) Ministry of Electronics and Information On February 19, 2021 The National Health Technology Authority (NHA) has signed an MoU with Common 2) NABARD Service Centres (CSCs) under the Ministry of Electronics 3) Ministry of AYUSH and Information Technology(MeitY) to generate new 4) SEBI Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC)beneficiary cards called 5) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare ‘Ayushman cards’ under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Answer- 1) Ministry of Electronics and Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Ayushman Information Technology cards are replacement of paper-based cards. Explanation: APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

1. Who was recently (in Jan 2021), appointed as the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu following the the MD & CEO of SBI Cards and Payment retirement of the incumbent K Shanmugam. He took Services Ltd? charge as the new Chief Secretary on 1st February 2021. 1) Ashwini Kumar Tewari Rajeev Ranjan was serving as the Union secretary for 2) V. G. Kannan fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy development in 3) Rama Mohan Rao Amara New Delhi. He will attain his superannuation on 30th 4) Pallav Mohapatra September 2021. 5) Ashwani Bhatia 4. Which Indian cricketer recently (in Feb 2021), Answer- 3) Rama Mohan Rao Amara announced his retirement from all formats of Explanation: Cricket? On January 30, 2021 Rama Mohan Rao Amara took 1) Ashok Dinda 2) Manoj Tiwary charge as the Managing Director(MD) and Chief 3) Vinay Kumar 4) Varun Aaron Executive Officer(CEO) of SBI Cards and Payment 5) Amit Mishra Services Ltd for a period of 2 years. He succeeds Ashwini Answer- 1) Ashok Dinda Kumar Tewari, who was appointed as one of the 4 Explanation: Managing Directors(MDs) of State Bank of India (SBI). On 2nd February 2021, Indian bowler Ashok Dinda He started his banking career with SBI in 1991 as a announced his retirement from all formats of Cricket at Probationary Officer(PO). the age of 36. He is one of the quick bowlers in Indian 2. Who recently (in Feb 2021), got appointed as Domestic cricket. He hails from West Bengal. He has the CEO of National Health Authority (NHA)? around 420 first class wickets and has featured 13 ODIs 1) Ram Sewak Sharma 2) Indu Bhushan and 9 Twenty20 (T20) representing India and took 12 and 3) Rajiv Kumar 4) PD Vaghela 17 wickets. 5) Shripad Naik 5. Who became the New CEO of Amazon after its Answer- 1) Ram Sewak Sharma founder Jeff Bezos stepped down in February Explanation: 2021? On February 1st, 2021 Ram Sewak Sharma (R.S. 1) Tom Alberg 2) Werner Vogels Sharma), former Chairman of Telecom Regulatory 3) Andy Jassy 4) MacKenzie Scott Authority of India (TRAI) took charge as the Chief 5) Elon Musk Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Authority Answer- 3) Andy Jassy (NHA) of India. R.S. Sharma replaced the outgoing CEO Explanation: Indu Bhushan. NHA, an autonomous body is responsible On 2nd February 2021, Jeff Bezos, the Founder and for implementing Ayushman-Bharat Pradhan Mantri CEO of Amazon, will step down as the CEO of Amazon in Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). the third quarter October 2021 and Andy Jassy, the lead 3. Recently (in Jan 2021), Rajeev Ranjan was of Amazon Web Services(AWS), the cloud computing unit appointed as the Chief Secretary of ______. of Amazon will take over as the New CEO. Jeff Bezos will 1) Kerala 2) Maharashtra be taking up the role of executive chair of the Amazon’s 3) New Delhi 4) Tamil Nadu Board of Directors. He also stated that he would be 5) Odisha focusing on the new products, early initiatives and Answer- 4) Tamil Nadu Philanthropic giving through like Day 1 Fund and the Bezos Earth Fund; Blue Origin, his secretive space Explanation: venture. On 31st January 2021, Rajeev Ranjan, a senior IAS officer of 1985 batch Tamil Nadu cadre was appointed as 6. Who was recently (in Feb 2021), appointed as the President of Asian Cricket Council (ACC)? 55

1) Anil Kumble 5) K Radhakrishnan 2) Najmul Hasan Papon Answer- 2) Sridhar Vembu 3) Sourav Ganguly Explanation: 4) Muttiah Muralitharan Padma Shri awardee, Sridhar Vembu, founder & 5) Jay Shah Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Zoho has been appointed Answer- 5) Jay Shah to the National Security Advisory Board(NSAB). Explanation: Generally, members of NSAB have a 2-year term. He On 30th January 2021, Jay Shah, secretary of Board received the Padma Shri award in 2021 for Trade and of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) was elected as new Industry. National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, President of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) at the Annual heads the NSAB. NSAB consists of a group of top national General Meeting of ACC which was held virtually due to security experts outside the government. the COVID-19 pandemic. Jay Shah (32 years) is the 10. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the acting youngest administrator to be appointed as the President Chief of Central Bureau of Investigation of ACC. He will succeed Najmul Hasan Papon, the Chief (CBI)? of Bangladesh Cricket Board(BCB). 1) Rishi Kumar Shukla 2) Praveen Sinha 7. Who was elected as the president of Boxing 3) Rakesh Asthana 4) Alok Verma Federation of India(BFI), in February 2021? 5) Ajit Doval 1) Digvijay Singh Answer- 2) Praveen Sinha 2) Hemanta Kumar Kalita Explanation: 3) Ajay Singh On 3rd February 2021, The Appointments 4) Sunil Chhetri Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister 5) Igor Štimac Narendra Modi has appointed Praveen Sinha, 1988 batch Answer- 3) Ajay Singh IPS officer of Gujarat Cadre, currently serving as the Explanation: Additional Director of Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI), as the acting Chief of CBI. He Ajay Singh has been re-elected as the president of succeeds Rishi Kumar Sukla who retires on 3rd February Boxing Federation of India(BFI) for the second term after 2021 after a 2-year stint. securing 37 votes in the general elections held on February 3, 2021 at Gurugram(Gurgaon), Haryana. 11. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the head of Hemanta Kumar Kalita was elected as the secretary and the expert panel set to review the objections of Digvijay Singh as treasurer. industry to the proposed ban on 27 pesticides? 1) Trilochan Mohapatra 2) TP Rajendran 8. Who was recently (in Feb 2021), appointed as the Chairman of National Safety Council 3) Renu Swarup 4) R S Sharma (NSC)? 5) Rabi Narayan Mishra 1) Vivek Pawar Answer- 2) TP Rajendran 2) Satish Reddy Explanation: 3) Vinayak Deshpande The government has appointed an expert panel to 4) SN Subrahmanyan review the objections of industry to the proposed ban on 5) R. Shankar Raman 27 pesticides, that are mentioned as harmful to animals and humans by the government. The committee is headed Answer- 4) SN Subrahmanyan by TP Rajendran, former assistant director general of Explanation: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The The Ministry of Labour and Employment has draft Order prohibits list of insecticides from import, appointed SN Subrahmanyan, the CEO and Managing manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and no person Director(MD) of Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T Ltd) as shall use the prohibited insecticides. the new Chairman of National Safety Council(NSC). He 12. VP Joy will take charge as the Chief secretary will be holding the position for a period of 3 years. Satish of ______from 1st March 2021. Reddy was the last chairman of the NSC who served from 2015 to 2018. The major role of NSC is to ensure safety in 1) Karnataka 2) Nagaland workplaces under the new Occupational Safety, Health 3) Mizoram 4) Tamil Nadu and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code, 2020). 5) Kerala 9. Who was recently (in Feb 2021), inducted into Answer- 5) Kerala the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)? Explanation: 1) S N Subrahmanyan 2) Sridhar Vembu The government of Kerala has decided to appoint VP 3) Arun K Singh Joy the officer on special duty in the rank of additional 4) Anshuman Tripathy chief Secretary, as the Chief secretary of Kerala following the retirement of the incumbent Vishwas Mehta on 28th 56

February 2021. VP Joy will take charge as the new Chief Tata Motors Ltd appointed Marc Llistosella as the Secretary of Kerala on 1st March 2021 and He will hold Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Managing the post till 30th June 2021, the date of his Director(MD)of the company, effective from July 2021. superannuation. He succeeds Guenter Butschek who served the position 13. Which is the 1st Indian company that became a since February 15, 2016.He served as the President and cohort member of the World Economic CEO of Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation between Forum’s (WEF’s) Circulars Accelerator 2015-2018 and Head of Daimler Trucks in Asia. Programme 2021? 16. In February 2021, Justice Puligoru Venkata 1) Vermigold Sanjay Kumar was appointed as the Chief 2) Green Power Systems Justice of ______. 3) Greenobin 1) Manipur High Court 4) Recykal 2) Meghalaya High Court 5) Eco-Wise 3) Andhra Pradesh High Court Answer- 4) Recykal 4) Sikkim High Court Explanation: 5) Allahabad High Court Recykal has been selected as the 1st Indian company Answer- 1) Manipur High Court to be a cohort member of the World Economic Forum’s Explanation: (WEF’s) Circulars Accelerator Programme 2021. The On 12th February 2021, Ramnath Govind, President company has been selected for the category ‘Recovering of India, appointed Justice Puligoru Venkata Sanjay Value’. This is Circulars Accelerator’s 1st cohort of Kumar, a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court as leading circular innovators from around the world. The the chief justice of Manipur High Court. Puligoru programme will connect 17 circular economy Venkata Sanjay Kumar was also appointed as an entrepreneurs to upgrade the disruptive, cross-sector additional judge of Bombay High Court. The appointment value chain innovation. Recykal is India’s 1st digital was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice. waste-commerce (w-commerce) company that connects 17. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala ,who was appointed as waste generators with waste processors and recyclers. the 7th Director General of the World Trade 14. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the new Organisation(WTO) is from which country? Prime Minister of Italy? 1) Africa 2) Jamaica 1) Giuseppe Conte 3) Nigeria 4) West Indies 2) Sergio Mattarella 5) Sudan 3) Jüri Ratas Answer – 3) Nigeria 4) Mario Draghi Explanation: 5) Kaja Kallas Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria was appointed as Answer- 4) Mario Draghi the 7th Director General of the World Trade Explanation: Organisation(WTO), multilateral trade body.She will On 12th February 2021, Mario Draghi,73-year-old hold the position from 1st March 2021 to 31st August former President of the European Central Bank, has been 2025.She succeeds former Director-General Roberto named the new Prime Minister of Italy. He accepted the Azevêdo who announced his retirement 1 year before the request of Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, to form a expiry of his tenure.With this appointment, Ngozi new government. Mario Draghi will lead the unity Okonjo- Iweala became the first woman and the first government replacing the centre left coalition African to head the WTO. government of Former prime minister Giuseppe Conte. 18. Who has been appointed as brand ambassador Mario Draghi served as the President of ECB from 2011 of CEAT, a tyre company of RPG Enterprises? to 2019 prior to which he served as the Governor of the 1) T.Natarajan 2) Rana Daggubati Bank of Italy from 2005 to 2001. 3) Prabas 4) Jasprit Bumrah 15. Who recently (in Feb’21) became the MD & 5) Ravichandran Ashwin CEO of Tata Motors Ltd? Answer – 2) Rana Daggubati 1) Marc Llistosella Explanation: 2) Guenter Butschek CEAT Limited, a tyre company of RPG 3) Natarajan Chandrasekaran Enterprises(Rama Prasad Goenka Group) has signed in 4) Rajesh Gopinathan Actor Rana Daggubati as its brand ambassador to 5) Cyrus Mistry promote the new ‘Puncture Safe’ range of bike Answer- 1) Marc Llistosella tyres.CEAT has launched ‘Puncture Safe’ range of tyres Explanation: in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 57

19. Dr Ajay Mathur has been named as the new 3) Darshan Director-General of ______. 4) B.S. Dwarakish 1) BIMSTEC 2) G20 5) Jai Jagdeesh 3) IBSA Dialogue Forum Answer – 3) Darshan 4) International Solar Energy Society Explanation: 5) International Solar Alliance On 15th February 2021, BS Yediyurappa, the Chief Answer – 5) International Solar Alliance Minister of Karnataka, roped in Kannada Actor Darshan Explanation: as the ‘Agriculture ambassador’ of the Agriculture Dr Ajay Mathur has been named as the new department of Karnataka.Darshan agreed to the role of Director-General of International Solar Alliance (ISA) Agriculture ambassador without any remuneration. following his election at the 1st special Assembly of ISA 23. Who was removed from Puducherry members that was held virtually on February 15, Lieutenant Governor(LG) post and Dr. 2021.He succeeds Upendra Tripathy who was in the Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of position since ISA was founded in 2015.Prior, being Telangana, was given additional charge as LG named as the director general of ISA, Dr Ajay Mathur of Puducherry? was serving as the director general of The Energy & 1) Anusuiya Uikey 2) Anandiben Patel Resources Institute(TERI) 3) Najma Heptulla 20. Who of the below Indian origin woman has 4) Baby Rani Maurya been appointed as New Executive Secretary of 5) Dr. Kiran Bedi United Nations Capital Development Fund Answer – 5) Dr. Kiran Bedi (UNCDF)? Explanation: 1) Anita Bhatia 2) Arora Akanksha On February 16, 2021 Dr. Kiran Bedi was removed 3) Preeti Sinha 4) Kamala Harris from the post of Puducherry Lieutenant Governor(LG). 5) V.Shanta While, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Answer – 3) Preeti Sinha Telangana, was given additional charge as LG of Explanation: Puducherry. Her appointment is effective from the date The United Nations Capital Development Fund she assumes charge of her office. (UNCDF) appointed Preeti Sinha, an Investment and 24. Who recently (in Feb’21), got appointed as the development Banker of Indian Origin as the New Under-Secretary-General and Associate Executive Secretary of UNCDF. Sinha succeeds Judith Administrator of the United Nations Karl, who retired in February 2021.Preethi Sinha started Development Programme (UNDP)? her tenure on 15th February 2021. Preeti Sinha will be 1) Usha Rao-Monari overseeing the efforts of UNCDF in delivering scalable 2) Gita Sabharwal impacts to enable the international financial architecture 3) Soumya Swaminathan work for the world’s frontier and pre-frontier markets. 4) Anita Bhatia 21. Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge became 5) Preeti Sinha the Prime Minister of which country? Answer- 1) Usha Rao-Monari 1) Central African Republic Explanation: 2) Democratic Republic of the Congo On February 17, 2021 António Guterres, United 3) Cameroon Nations Secretary-General appointed Ms. Usha 4) Equatorial Guinea Rao-Monari of India as Under-Secretary-General and 5) São Tomé and Príncipe Associate Administrator of the United Nations Answer – 2) Democratic Republic of the Congo Development Programme (UNDP). She succeeds Mourad Explanation: Wahba of Egypt, who served as the acting associate Felix Tshisekedi, President of Democratic Republic administrator. He also serves as the UNDP Regional of the Congo named Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge Director for Arab States. The previous Associate as the Prime Minister(PM) of the country. He belongs to Administrator of UNDP was Tegegnework Gettu. the Future of Congo political party. He succeeds Sylvestre 25. Recently, PM of ______, Giorgi Gakharia Ilunga Ilunkamba, who resigned on January 28, 2021 resigned from his office. after a no-confidence vote in the parliament. 1) Greece 2) Georgia 22. Which kannada the actor has been appointed 3) Ghana 4) Guyana as the ‘Agriculture ambassador’ of the 5) Germany Agriculture department of Karnataka? Answer- 2) Georgia 1) Shankar Nag Explanation: 2) V. Ravichandran 58

On February 18, 2021 Giorgi Gakharia, Prime campaigns on cyber frauds. On February 19, 2021 RBI in Minister(PM) of Georgia resigned due to a disagreement its official twitter handle, launched the campaign, with his own team over the decision to arrest Nika Melia, featuring Viruss. This is part of its awareness campaign chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) ‘RBI Kehta Hai’: Jaankar Baniye, Satark Rahiye! (RBI opposition party. He belongs to Georgian Dream party. Says: Be knowledgeable, Be cautious) that was launched He served as the Prime Minister since September 2019. in 2016 and has been running in social media accounts on Gakahria wanted to avoid arrest of Nika melia. As per Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The Campaign was him, this will increase the political crisis already launched by RBI in 14 languages. underway and destabilize the country. 29. Recently (in Feb’21) PM Modi chaired the 6th 26. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the meeting of NITI Aayog. Which among the President of 2020 Tokyo Olympics? following regarding NITI Aayog is NOT true? 1) Yoshiro Mori 1) CEO is appointed by PM 2) Seiko Hashimoto 2) CM of States are members of the governing council 3) Usha Rao-Monari 3) Does not have power to allocate funds 4) Yasushi Akimoto 4) Focuses on Top Down planning approach 5) Shuhei Toyoda 5) It’s the Think Tank of India Answer- 2) Seiko Hashimoto Answer- 4) Focuses on Top Down planning Explanation: approach On 18th February 2021, Seiko Hashimoto, seven Explanation: time Olympian (speed skater and cyclist) who was The Central Government has reconstituted the serving as the Minister of State for the Tokyo Olympic governing council of the NITI (National Institution for and Paralympic Games became the president of the Transforming India) Aayog with Prime Minister Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Narendra Modi as its chairperson. The PM Narendra Paralympic Games. Seiko Hashimoto resigned from the Modi virtually chaired the 6th meeting of NITI Aayog. role of Minister of Olympics as she takes over as the Notably, this met saw the entry of Ladakh for the first president of 2020 Tokyo olympics. She succeeds Former time, along with participation of Jammu and Kashmir as chief Yoshiro Mori following his resignation over the a UT. condemned sexist remarks. Key points of NITI Aayog: 27. Who was appointed as the interim President of • CEO is appointed by Prime Minister the Presidential Council of Libya in February • It replaced Planning Commission to act as the 2021? Think Tank of India 1) Mohammad Younes Menfi • It follows Bottom Up Planning Approach 2) Abdul Hamid Dbeibah • Does not have power to allocate funds 3) Yoshiro Mori • CM of States are members of the governing council 4) Abdullah Al-Lafi 30. Who was appointed as the Managing Director 5) Mossa Al-Koni General of Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Answer- 1) Mohammad Younes Menfi February 2021? Explanation: 1) Masatsugu Asakawa 2) Rajesh Khullar On February 5, 2021 UN-led Libyan Political 3) Takeo Konishi Dialogue Forum (LPDF) selected Mohammad Younes 4) Marcos Prado Troyjo Menfi as interim president of the 3-member Presidential 5) Woochong Um Council of Libya and Abdul Hamid Dbeibah as interim Answer- 5) Woochong Um Prime Minister of the country. Other members of the Explanation: council include, Abdullah Al-Lafi and Mossa Al-Koni. On 22nd February 2021, Woochong Um of Republic 28. Who featured in RBI’s twitter campaign on of Korea was appointed as the new Managing Director awareness towards cyber frauds, as a part of General of Asian Development Bank (ADB). He assumed ‘RBI Kehta Hai’: Jaankar Baniye, Satark office on 22nd February and will be reporting to Rahiye! campaign? Masatsugu Asakawa, President of ADB. He will assist 1) Akshay Kumar 2) Kapil Sharma the President of ADB to institute the bank wide 3) Badshah 4) Viruss coherence on various key initiatives and issues. 5) Aamir Khan 31. Who recently (in Feb’21) became the Brand Answer- 4) Viruss Ambassador of Unacademy? Explanation: 1) Amitabh Bachchan 2) Mary Kom Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has roped in Punjabi 3) Deepika Padukone 4) Sachin Tendulkar Singer-Rapper Viruss to drive its public awareness 5) Aamir Khan 59

Answer- 4) Sachin Tendulkar President’s Rule can be imposed on any state of India on Explanation: the grounds of the failure of the constitutional machinery. On 23rd February 2021, Former Indian Cricketer 35. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the Sachin Tendulkar signed a strategic partnership with President of Federation of Indian Export Unacademy, India’s largest online learning app to pick up Organisations (FIEO)? small stakes in the platform and he also became its brand 1) S K Saraf 2) A Sakthivel ambassador. Sachin will host a series of live interactive 3) Varsha Joshi classes which can be accessed by the users of Unacademy 4) Prasanth Prabhakaran at free of cost. 5) SN Rajeswari 32. Anil Mukim got 6-month extension from Answer- 2) A Sakthivel central govt. to serve as the Chief Secretary Explanation: (CS) of ______. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations 1) Punjab 2) Uttar Pradesh (FIEO) has unanimously elected Padma Shri Dr A 3) Gujarat 4) Odisha Sakthivel as its president. He is the owner and Founder of 5) Sikkim Poppys Group of Companies of Tirupur, Tamil Nadu and Answer- 3) Gujarat is currently the Chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Explanation: Council(AEPC). He succeeds Sharad Kumar (S K) Saraf, On 22nd February 2021, following the Central’s a Mumbai-based businessman. approval, the Government of Gujarat granted the 2nd 36. Recently (in Feb’21), Mohamed Bazoum was 6month extension to Anil Mukim, IAS of 1985 batch, the elected as the President of ______. Chief Secretary(CS) of Gujarat. He will serve as the CS of 1) Georgia 2) Italy Gujarat till August 2021. This extension comes into effect 3) Niger 4) Rwanda from 1st March 2021. He was first appointed as the CS of 5) Guinea Gujarat in November 2019. Answer- 3) Niger 33. Recently (in Feb’21), Irakli Garibashvili Explanation: became the Prime Minister of ______. On 23rd February 2021, Mohamed Bazoum, of 1) Italy 2) Spain Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, the ruling 3) Georgia 4) Bulgaria party of Niger was declared as the winner of the 5) Greece parliamentary run off held on 21st February 2021. He is Answer- 3) Georgia set to succeed the outgoing President Mahamadou Explanation: Issoufou who is voluntarily stepping down after two 5 On 22d February 2021, the Parliament of Georgia year terms. confirmed the appointment of Defence Minister Irakli 37. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the Garibashvili (38 years old) of Georgian Dream party, as Chairman of 6th National Commission for the new Prime Minister(PM) of Georgia. Former PM Scheduled Castes (NCSC)? Giorgi Gakharia resigned following the court ruling 1) Vijay Sampla which ordered the arrest of Nika Melia, the chairman of 2) Thawar Chand Gehlot the United Nations Movement opposition party. 3) Ram Katheria 34. In February 2021, President Ram Nath Kovind 4) George Baker accepted the resignation of V Narayanasamy, 5) Ghayorul Hasan CM of Puducherry and Imposed President Answer- 1) Vijay Sampla Rule in the UT. Under which article of the Explanation: Indian Constitution President Rule is Former Union Minister Vijay Sampla assumed imposed? charge as chairman of 6th National Commission for 1) Article 352 2) Article 370 Scheduled Castes(NCSC) in New Delhi, Delhi. National 3) Article 356 4) Article 368 Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes 5) Article 360 was replaced by two separate Commissions namely- (i) Answer- 3) Article 356 NCSC (ii) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Explanation: (NCST). President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the 38. Who was appointed as the United Nations resignation of V Narayanasamy, Chief Minister of Population Fund (UNFPA)’s Goodwill Puducherry and his council of Ministers with effect from Ambassador (in Feb’21)? 22nd February 2021. Union cabinet approved to impose 1) Alisson Becker President Rule in Puducherry. According to Article 356, 2) Marianna V. Vardinoyannis 60

3) Millie Bobby Brown guidelines. The committee is headed by Prof Janakiram, 4) Natalia Vodianova chairman of Institute for Development and Research in 5) Lilly Singh Banking Technology (IDRBT). The committee will Answer- 4) Natalia Vodianova discuss on Information Security Committee (ISC), Explanation: Board-approved information and cyber security policy, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Appointment of Chief Information Security UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, has Officer(CISO), Cyber Crisis Management Plan(CCMP). appointed Russian supermodel, Natalia Vodianova as its 41. Who became (in Feb’21), the President of Table new Goodwill Ambassador to tackle stigma and advance Tennis Federation of India (TTFI)? women’s health. She has teamed up with UNFPA over 1) Dushyant Chautala the past 3 years to launch a series of “Let’s Talk” events 2) Praful Patel worldwide. 3) Himanta Biswa Sarma 39. Who was appointed as the Global Brand 4) Adille Sumariwalla Ambassador of Levi’s (in Feb’21)? 5) Jay Shah 1) Deepika Padukone Answer- 1) Dushyant Chautala 2) Shahrukh Khan Explanation: 3) Alia Bhatt On 24th February 2021, Dushyant Chautala, the 4) Ranbir Kapoor Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana, was re-elected as the 5) Virat Kohli President of Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). He Answer- 1) Deepika Padukone will hold the post for a period of 4 years. He is also the Explanation: youngest president of any National sports federations in On 24th February 2021, Levi’s, a premium American India. denim brand announced Bollywood actress Deepika 42. Who recently (in Feb’21), became the MD & Padukone as its Global Brand Ambassador. This CEO of the Central Bank of India? strategic partnership highlights the increasing focus of 1) Matam Venkata Rao Levis on women’s category. Deepika became the first 2) Pallav Mahaparta female celebrity to endorse the brand in India. 3) Rajkiran Rai G 40. Who was appointed (in Feb’21) as the head of 4) Vikram Pandit IRDAI’s review committee on Information and 5) Subramanian Sundar cyber security guidelines? Answer- 1) Matam Venkata Rao 1) Subhash Chandra Khuntia Explanation: 2) Janakiram The Central Government has appointed Matam 3) Jayanth Kumar Venkata Rao, the Executive Director of Canara Bank as 4) M R Kumar the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 5) Nithiyanantham of the Central Bank of India for a period of 3 years. He Answer- 2) Janakiram replaces Pallav Mahaparta, the MD & CEO of Central Explanation: Bank of India who retires on 28th February 2021. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Central Bank of India was the 1st Indian commercial Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a 14-member bank which was wholly owned and managed by Indians. committee to review its information and cyber security It was established in 1911. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

1. Which tableau received the Best tableau Explanation: award during the 71st Republic Day parade? The Republic Day parade tableau of Uttar Pradesh 1) Uttar Pradesh themed “Ayodhya: The cultural was adjudged as the best tableau among the 32 tableaux heritage of Uttar Pradesh” that participated in the Parade on 26th January 2021. 2) Uttarakhand themed “Dev Bhoomi” The theme of the UP tableau was “Ayodhya: The cultural 3) Tripura themed “Eco-Friendly and Aatma- heritage of Uttar Pradesh”. Nirbhar” Other awards: 4) Sikkim themed “Pang Lhabsol Festival” i.Department of Biotechnology won the top honours 5) Punjab themed “400th Birthday Sri Guru Tegh among the 9 tableaus from various ministries. Bahadur” ii.Jat Regimental Centre Marching Contingent has Answer- 1) Uttar Pradesh themed “Ayodhya: been adjudged as the best marching contingent among The cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh” the three services. 61

iii.Mount Abu Public School and Vidya Bharti School 5. Which Ministry received the 18th Computer Rohini, Delhi won the best cultural performance award. Society of India (CSI) Special Interest Group 2. Which was named as the Hindi Word of the on e-Governance (SIGe-Gov) Awards 2020 Year 2020 by Oxford Languages? under ‘Project’ Category? 1) Aadhar 2) Samvidhaan 1) Ministry of Women and Child Development 3) Aatmanirbharta 4) Nari Shakti 2) Ministry of Education 5) Krishi 3) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Answer- 3) Aatmanirbharta 4) Ministry of Skill Development and Explanation: Entrepreneurship The Oxford Languages has named “Aatmanirbharta 5) Ministry of tribal Affairs or Self-Reliance” as the Hindi Word of the year 2020 since Answer- 5) Ministry of tribal Affairs it validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Explanation: Indians who dealt with and survived the perils of a On 12th February 2021, the Ministry of tribal Affairs pandemic. The major success of the Aatmanirbhar won the Award of Appreciation under Project Category Bharat campaign is the large-scale production of the Award in the 18th Computer Society of India (CSI) COVID-19 vaccine in India. Special Interest Group on e-Governance (SIGe-Gov) 3. Who received the Zayed Award for Human Awards 2020 for its Performance Dashboard Fraternity in February 2021? Empowering Tribals Transforming India through various 1) Roman pontiff 2) António Guterres ICT initiatives. Uttarakhand and Odisha states have 3) Latifa ibn Ziaten 4) Both 1 & 2 received the Award of Excellence under Project category. 5) Both 2 & 3 6. Who is the 1st recipient of the ICC Men’s Answer- 5) Both 2 & 3 Player of the Month award (for January 2021)? Explanation: 1) Ajinkya Rahane 2) Steve Smith António Guterres, the Secretary general of UN and 3) Rishabh Pant 4) Pat Cummins Latifa ibn Ziaten, Moroccan-French activist jointly 5) Ben Stokes received the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2021, Answer- 3) Rishabh Pant during the virtual event held at Abu Dhabi, UAE on 4th Explanation: February 2021 which coincided with the first Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant won the The International Day of Human Fraternity. The award International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Player of the comprises a cash prize of 1 million USD. Month award for January 2021 and South African 4. Which organisation awarded ‘Women cricketer Shabnim Ismail won the ICC Women’s Player of Excellence Award 2021’ to 4 Women fellows for the Month award for January 2021. This is the first their excellence in Science & Technology (in edition of the ICC Player of the Month Awards. Feb’21)? 7. Chief Minister of which state has recently 1) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) received the SKOCH Challenger Award – Chief 2) University Grants Commission (UGC) Minister of the Year Award on 16th February 3) Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) 2021? 4) Indian National Science Academy (INSA) 1) Tamilnadu 2) UttarPradesh 5) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research 3) Gujarat 4) Andhra Pradesh (CSIR) 5) Odisha Answer- 3) Science and Engineering Research Answer- 4) Andhra Pradesh Board (SERB) Explanation: Explanation: On 16th February 2021, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a Chief Minister(CM) of Andhra Pradesh(AP) received the statutory body under Department of Science and SKOCH Challenger Award – Chief Minister of the Year Technology (DST) has conferred the ‘SERB Women Award. The award of the SKOCH Group was presented to Excellence Award 2021’ to Four Young Women Fellows of him by Sameer Kochhar, Chairman of SKOCH Group at National Science Academies for their excellence in the Camp office of CM at Tadepalli, Guntur, Andhra Science and Engineering. The awards are provided a Pradesh.The SKOCH CM of the year Award was given to grant of INR 15 Lakhs for a period of 3 years (INR 5 YS Jagan Mohan Reddy based on the yearlong study on Lakhs/annum) to pursue their research ideas. The the government project- level outcomes across different awards were announced on occasion of the International states of India. Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021 (11th February, 8. Name the person who was honoured with the 2021). Sanctuary Lifetime Service Award 2020 by the 62

Sanctuary Nature Foundation on On 30th On 17th February 2021, the Wildlife Crime Control January 2021. Bureau (WCCB), under the Ministry of Environment, 1) S Theodore Baskaran 2) Meera Kathiravan Forests and Climate Change(MoEF&CC), Government of 3) K.Ullas Karanath India was selected as one of the winners of the 5th Asia 4) Madhavia Krishnan Environmental Enforcement Award, 2020 by the United 5) S.Vijay Antony Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). For the 2nd Answer - 1) S Theodore Baskaran time WCCB has won the award under the Innovation category. WCCB was selected as a winner for its Explanation: contribution against transboundary environmental On 30th January 2021, S Theodore Baskaran, crime. Conservation writer, historian, naturalist and veteran activist was honoured with the Sanctuary Lifetime 11. Which is the 1st & only Indian City to be named Service Award 2020 by the Sanctuary Nature as ‘2020 Tree City of the World’? Foundation. The Sanctuary Wildlife Service Awards 2020 1) New Delhi 2) Bangalore were presented over a virtual ceremony.He has been 3) Mysore 4) Hyderabad honoured for his contribution towards wildlife 5) Gandhinagar conservation and for his legacy of writing in Tamil and Answer- 4) Hyderabad English which contributes towards the discussions on Explanation: conservation. On 4th February 2021, the Arbor Day Foundation 9. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the Husbandry and Dairying presented AWBI United Nations(UN) has recognised Hyderabad (Animal Welfare Board of India) National (Telangana) as one of the ‘2020 Tree City of the World’ for Awards for Animal Welfare and Protection – its contributions and commitment towards growing and 2021 namely ‘Prani Mitra’ & ‘Jeev Daya’ maintaining urban forest. Hyderabad became the first awards. Prani Mitra Award under Corporate and only city in India to be recognised as the Tree City of category received by which entity? the World. Along with Hyderabad, 51 other cities were 1) Britannia Nutrition Foundation recognised as the ‘2020 Tree Cities of the World”, most of 2) Adani foundation which were from the United States, United Kingdom, 3) Tata Trust Foundation Canada, Australia and others. 4) Tech Mahindra Foundation 12. Which organisation has won the Collective 5) Hindustan Unilever Foundation Award of Excellence in PSU under Answer- 3) Tata Trust Foundation Organisational Award Category in the World Leadership Congress and Awards 2021? Explanation: 1) NTPC On February 16, 2021, AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) conferred AWBI National Awards for Animal 2) TRIFED Welfare and Protection – 2021 namely ‘Prani Mitra’ & 3) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) ‘Jeev Daya’ awards to 14 4) Coal India Individuals/Organizations/Corporates. The awards were 5) BHEL presented by Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Answer- 2) TRIFED Animal Husbandry and Dairying.The awards are given to Explanation: individuals, organizations and corporates for their Team TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing outstanding performance in the field of animal welfare. Development Federation of India), the commercial wing The awards are given on ‘Jiv Jantu Kalyan Divas’ of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and its Managing Director, (Vasant Panchami of Each Year). Pravir Krishna won Four Awards in the 19th Global 10. Which organisation has won the UNEP’s Asia Edition & 4th India Edition of World Leadership Environmental Enforcement Award – 2020 Congress and Awards. TRIFED won the Collective Award under Innovation category? of Excellence in PSU for investment in start-ups under 1) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) the Organisational Award Category. TRIFED’s MD, 2) National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) Pravir Krishna won 3 awards in the Individual Category 3) Central Zoo Authority for his leadership – ‘CEO of the year’, ‘Entrepreneur of 4) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) the Year’ & ‘Brand Builder of the Year’. 5) Wildlife Institute of India 13. Which organisation received the Genome Answer- 4) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau Valley Excellence Award for the year 2021 (WCCB) during the BioAsia 2021 event? Explanation: 1) Bharat Biotech 2) Serum Institute of India 63

3) Indian Council of Medical Research Explanation: 4) AIIMS, New Delhi Sadananda Gowda, Minister of Chemicals and 5) JIPMER Fertilizers (MoC&F) presented the 10th National Awards Answer- 1) Bharat Biotech for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals and Explanation: Downstream Plastics Processing Industry at Vigyan During the BioAsia 2021, 2 major awards were Bhavan in New Delhi. Out of 273 nominations 4 are announced. They are, selected as Winners and 9 as Runners-up. Some of the 1) The Genome Valley Excellence Award for the year Products made from petrochemicals include plastics, 2021 was awarded to ‘Bharat Biotech’ for its commitment soaps and detergents, fertilizers, pesticides, explosives, to development of India’s 1st Indigenous vaccine for synthetic fibers and rubbers, paints, epoxy resins, and COVID-19 called ‘COVAXIN’. flooring and insulating materials. While Gypsum exists naturally. 2) Special Award of the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) was presented to Balram Bhargava, 15. Recently (in Feb’21), Which country awarded Director-General of Indian Council of Medical Research Indian Activist, Anjali Bharadwaj, with (ICMR) and Secretary to Central Government’s International Anti-Corruption Champions Department of Health Research. Award? 1) France 2) Japan 14. Union Minister Sadananda Gowda, presented (in Feb’21) the 10th National Awards for 3) USA 4) Germany Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals and 5) Sweden Downstream Plastics Processing Industry. Answer- 3) USA Which of the following is not a petrochemical Explanation: product? On 23rd February 2021, the State Department 1) Detergents 2) Gypsum under the USA’s Biden Administration has named Anjali 3) Fertilizers 4) Rubbers Bharadwaj, 48-year-old Indian Activist working on issues 5) Paints of transparency and accountability among the 12 Answer- 2) Gypsum individuals for the new International Anti-Corruption Champions Award. SUMMITS, CONFERENCES

1. Recently (in Feb 2021) which 5) Defence Cooperation among IOR countries Country/Countries virtually participated with Answer- 3) International Peace & Security India in the 4th Foreign Office Consultation? Explanation: 1) OPEC 2) ASEAN In the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ 3) Qatar 4) BIMSTEC Conclave, Rajnath Singh highlighted Prime Minister 5) France Narendra Modi’s 5 ‘S’ Vision as an effective response to Answer- 3) Qatar international terrorism as well as inclusive and Explanation: responsible solutions for international peace and On 1st February 2021, the fourth Foreign Office security. Consultation was held between India and Qatar over a • Samman (Respect) virtual platform. Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Secretary • Samvaad (Dialogue) (Consular, Passport and Visa and OIA), Ministry of • Sahyog (Cooperation) External Affairs(MEA), India led the Indian side and Dr. • Shanti (Peace) Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Secretary General, • Samriddhi (Prosperity) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar, led the Qatari side. The conclave was followed by 2 seminars Both the sides exchanged their views on the issues of • The First Seminar was conducted by Indian Navy mutual interest at regional and multilateral levels and and Naval Maritime Foundation cooperation at UN and other international fora. • The Second Seminar was organised by Indian 2. In the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Coast Guard/Bharat Shakti/Invest India/Indian Defence Ministers’ Conclave, Rajnath Singh Shipyards and Industry. highlighted the importance of India’s 5 ‘S’ 3. Which organisation conducts the annual Vision. What is the motive behind 5 ‘S’ Vision? event, ‘World Sustainable Development 1) Faster Vaccine Distribution Summit (WSDS)’ that was virtually 2) Export of Indian made Defence Equipment’s inaugurated by PM Modi in February 2021? 3) International Peace & Security 4) Eliminating Use of Nuclear Weapons 64

1) Institute for Sustainable Development and has increased to 240 lakh tonne which was around 140 International Relations (IDDRI) lakh tonne in the past 6 years. 2) UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network 6. Where was the Joint Conference of the 11th (SDSN) World PetroCoal Congress and World Future 3) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Fuel Summit – 2021 held? 4) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) 1) Abu Dhabi, UAE 5) World Economic Forum (WEF) 2) New Delhi, India Answer- 4) The Energy and Resources 3) Doha, Qatar Institute (TERI) 4) Ankara, Turkey Explanation: 5) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia On February 10-12, 2021, the 20th World Answer- 2) New Delhi, India Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2021 was Explanation: held on the theme “Redefining our common future: Safe On February 18, 2021, Union Minister Dharmendra and secure environment for all”. This three days long Pradhan, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas event was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister (MoPNG) addressed the Joint Conference of the 11th Narendra Modi. The event was also attended by Union World PetroCoal Congress and World Future Fuel Minister S Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs Summit in New Delhi. The 11th World PetroCoal (MEA). It should be noted that WSDS is an annual Congress-International Conference and Expo was flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute organized by Energy and Environment Foundation on the (TERI) instituted in 2001. theme “Petroleum-Coal-Gas: Towards a Win-Win 4. Which country participated with India (in Strategy for Producer and Consumer”. The LPG Feb’21) in a Business Council to boost the (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) coverage in India has bilateral trade relation? increased from 56% to nearly 99.5% in less than seven 1) Tunisia 2) Japan years. 3) France 4) Turkey 7. Who chaired the virtual workshop (in Feb’21), 5) Vietnam conducted on theme “Covid-19 Management: Answer- 1) Tunisia Experience, good practices and way forward”? Explanation: 1) Rajesh Bhushan 2) Harsh Vardhan On February 9, 2021, ‘India Tunisia Business 3) Narendra Modi Council’ (ITBC) was launched for boosting the trade 4) Faggan Singh Kulaste relations between the two countries. The main objective 5) Balram Bhargava of the ITBC will be to focus on development in both Answer- 1) Rajesh Bhushan countries. The Bilateral Trade between India and Tunisia Explanation: was USD 376 Billion in 2019-20. The two sides stated On February 18, 2021, India organized a virtual that they can boost trade in areas of Agriculture, Olive workshop on the theme “Covid-19 Management: Oil, Dates & Pharmaceuticals. For the 1st Time in Experience, good practices and way forward” for health History, UN Security Council will be under the officials and experts from the eight members of the South Presidency of India and Tunisia in 2021. Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and 5. Who virtually represented India in the Mauritius and Seychelles. It was chaired by India’s International conference “Global virtual health secretary Rajesh Bhushan. The key measure Ceremony” in Rome on World Pulses Day? includes creating a special visa scheme for doctors and 1) Narendra Singh Tomar nurses so that medical personnel can travel quickly 2) Narendra Modi within the region during health emergencies. 3) Piyush Goyal 8. Which country participated with India (in 4) Nitin Gadkari Feb’21) in a CEO Forum, that is aimed at 5) S Jaishankar enhancing bilateral trade relation between the Answer- 1) Narendra Singh Tomar countries? Explanation: 1) Indonesia 2) South Korea On 13th February 2021, Narendra Singh Tomar, 3) Australia 4) Japan Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare 5) Singapore virtually addressed the International conference “Global Answer- 5) Singapore virtual Ceremony” in Rome on World Pulses Day. He Explanation: stated that India has contributed to around 24% of the On 18th February 2021, Piyush Goyal, Union global pulses production. The pulses production of India Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution delivered the 65 keynote address at the India Singapore CEO Forum. S Agreement (BTIA) for many years, but have not yet Iswaran, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations arrived at a mutual consensus on it. European Union is Singapore highlighted 3D’s: Development, India’s Largest trading partner in 2019. Diversification and Digital Economy to build the 10. Recently (in Feb’21) Aviation Minister, partnership that benefits both the countries. The Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the potential India-Singapore CEO forum was organised by the of India to become the World’s 3rd Biggest Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Civil Aviation Market in overall terms by 2024 Trade (DPIIT) and Federation of Indian Chambers of during the India Aircraft Leasing Summit Commerce & Industry(FICCI). 2021. Where was the summit held? 9. Which country/countries virtually 1) Bangalore 2) Trivandrum participated with India in a Macroeconomic 3) Mumbai 4) Jaipur dialogue (in Feb’21) that discussed on signing 5) New Delhi the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement Answer- 5) New Delhi (BTIA)? Explanation: 1) SAARC 2) Japan During the India Aircraft Leasing Summit-2021, 3) BRICS 4) EU Minister of State (I/C) for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh 5) Singapore Puri stated that India is set to emerge as World’s 3rd Answer- 4) EU Biggest Civil Aviation Market in overall terms by 2024. Explanation: The India Aircraft Leasing Summit 2021 was held at On February 19, 2021, the 11th India-EU (European Vigyan Bhavan Convention Centre, New Delhi. The Union) Macroeconomic dialogue was held virtually. theme of the summit was ‘Rupee Raftaar’. In the Union During the meeting, the two sides expressed interest to Budget 2021-22, a Tax Holiday on capital gains & tax sign Bilateral Cooperation arrangements to boost exemption for aircraft lease rentals paid to foreign lessors bilateral trade. India & European Union have been for doing so in GIFT City, Ahmedabad was announced. negotiating the Bilateral Trade and Investment COMMITTEE AND MEETING

1. Recently (in Feb 2021), 8th ASEAN-India Working Group Meeting 2021 on Renewable Tourism Minister Meeting 2021 took place Energy (RE)? virtually, where Tourism Minister, Prahlad 1) Bahrain 2) Indonesia Singh Patel, highlighted India’s SAATHI 3) Japan 4) Australia initiatives to revive tourism. What does ‘H’ 5) Denmark stand for in SAATHI? Answer- 1) Bahrain 1) Homegrown 2) Harbouring Explanation: 3) Hassle-free 4) Habitat On February 4, 2021, India & Kingdom of Bahrain 5) Hospitality held the 1st Joint Working Group Meeting 2021 in the Answer- 5) Hospitality field of Renewable Energy (RE) in a virtual format. The Explanation: Indian side was led by Mr Dinesh Dayanand Jagdale, On February 5, 2021, the 8th ASEAN (Association of Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. SouthEast Asian Nations)-India Tourism Minister Both sides emphasized on the importance of renewable Meeting 2021 took place virtually, it was co-chaired by energy to meet the climate change goals of the Paris Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Culture & Climate Agreement. India has set a target to cut its Tourism, India & Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 of 2005 levels. Cambodia. 3. Which country/countries recently (in Feb Initiatives taken by India to revive Tourism 2021), virtually participated with India in 1st activities: High-Level Dialogue(HLD) on Bilateral Trade i. SAATHI – System for Assessment, Awareness & and Investment Agreement (BTIA) 2021? Training for Hospitality Industry 1) ASEAN 2) OPEC ii. IITF – Incredible India Tourist Facilitator 3) Indonesia 4) European Union Certification Programme 5) Bahrain iii. Organizing webinars under the theme ‘Dekho Answer- 4) European Union Apna Desh’ Explanation: 2. Which country recently (in Feb 2021), virtually On February 5, 2021 1st High-Level Dialogue(HLD) participated with India in its 1st Joint on India-European Union(EU) Bilateral Trade and 66

Investment Agreement (BTIA) 2021 Held virtually. It 5) South Africa was co-chaired by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Answer- 3) India Commerce and Industry and Valdis Dombrovskis, EU Explanation: Executive Vice-President & Trade Commissioner. The On February 24, 2021, India hosted the meeting of relations between India and EU are currently defined by BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) the 1994 EU-India Cooperation Agreement. finance and central bank deputies. Notably it is the 1st 4. Which was the key focus of 3rd meeting of meeting on the BRICS Financial Cooperation under India QUAD – Foreign Ministers, that was held Chairship in 2021. India assumed the chairship of 2021 virtually in February 2021? coinciding with 15th anniversary of BRICS. Theme for 1) Covid-19 Recovery 2) China BRICS-2021: BRICS @ 15: Intra-BRICS Cooperation for 3) North Korea Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus 4) Self Reliant Economy 6. Which country virtually hosted 2021’s BRICS 5) Myanmar Sherpas meeting? Answer- 5) Myanmar 1) Brazil 2) India Explanation: 3) China 4) South Africa The 3rd QUAD meeting of Foreign Ministers of 5) Russia Japan, India, Australia and the United States (US) was Answer- 2) India held virtually from Washington DC, US. Notably, this Explanation: Quad Ministerial Meeting was first under the Joe Biden India virtually held the inaugural 3-day long Administration. The QUAD nations reaffirmed their Sherpas meeting from February 24-26, 2021. This is the commitment to strengthen cooperation including support 1st Sherpas meeting hosted by India after it assumed the for freedom of navigation and territorial integrity. 2021 BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Myanmar was the key focus of the meet. They discussed Chairship. The main focus of the meeting was Cultural & on the urgent need to restore the democratically elected people-to-people engagement. In 2021, New government in Myanmar. Development Bank’s (NDB) regional offices would be 5. Which country hosted the 2021’s BRICS opened in Russia & India & NDB’s membership is also set Financial Cooperation Meeting? to be expanded. 1) Brazil 2) Russia 3) India 4) China INDEX

1. What was India’s rank in the ‘COVID 1) Bharti Airtel 2) Flipkart Performance Index: Deconstructing Pandemic 3) Reliance Jio 4) Paytm Responses’ report released by Lowy Institute? 5) IRCTC 1) 10 2) 21 Answer- 3) Reliance Jio 3) 86 4) 74 Explanation: 5) 69 As per the Global 500 2021, an annual report on the Answer- 3) 86 most valuable and strongest global brands of Brand Explanation: Finance, Reliance Jio has been ranked in 5th position as According to the ‘COVID Performance Index: world’s strongest brand with a Brand Strength Index Deconstructing Pandemic Responses’ released by (BSI) score of 91.7 out of 100 and AAA+ brand strength Australia based Lowy Institute, India with a score of 24.3 rating. Reliance Jio enters the ranking for the 1st time. was ranked at 86 out of 98 Countries on basis of its The list is topped by WeChat with a BSI score of 95.4 response towards tackling the Pandemic. followed by Ferrari with 93.9 BSI score. Russian bank Sber is spotted in 3rd rank with 92.0 BSI score followed Rank Country Average by Coca-Cola with 91.7 BSI score. 86 India 24.3 3. What was India’s rank in the PHDCCI International Economic Resilience (IER) for 1 New Zealand 94.4 2021? 2 Vietnam 90.8 1) 5th 2) 3rd 3 Taiwan 86.4 3) 2nd 4) 4th 5) 1st 2. Which Indian Brand was ranked 5th as per the Answer- 3) 2nd Global 500 – Brand Strength Index (BSI) 2021? Explanation: 67

According to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Explanation: Industry (PHDCCI) International Economic Resilience The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of (IER), India is set to emerge as the 2nd Most Resilience Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Economy in 2021 among top-10 leading economies released the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for showcasing the strong recovery of Indian Economy in the January 2021. As per the index, India’s retail inflation Post COVID-19 era. Germany took the top spot & South eased to a 16-month low at 4.06% in January 2021. The Korea took the 3rd spot. The growth promising Sectors for retail inflation was 4.59% in December 2020. The food the Indian economy in the new year 2021 include Agri & inflation fell to a 20-month low of 1.89% in January 2021. food processing, Real estate, Infrastructure, Automobiles, 7. Which organisation released the ‘Traffic Crash Information Technology, E-Commerce, Health. Injuries and Disabilities: The Burden on 4. What was India’s Rank in the ‘Democracy Indian Society’ report, that estimated India Index 2020’ released by the Economist accounts to 11% of Global Road Accident Intelligence Unit (EIU)? deaths? 1) 9th 2) 44th 1) World Health Organization (WHO) 3) 11th 4) 14th 2) UNICEF 5) 53rd 3) World Economic Forum (WEF) Answer- 5) 53rd 4) World Bank Explanation: 5) World Road Association According to the ‘Democracy Index 2020’ released by Answer- 4) World Bank the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), India with a score Explanation: of 6.61 slipped two places to 53rd Rank (out of 167 According to the report ‘Traffic Crash Injuries and countries) in the Index due to decline in Civil Liberties. Disabilities: The Burden on Indian Society’ released by Norway topped the index followed by Iceland & Sweden. the World Bank with 1% of World’s vehicles, India The handling of Corona virus Pandemic has led to a accounts for 11% of Global Road Accident deaths & 6% of further decline of civil liberties in 2020 in India, Asia and total road crashes. The income level of an individual has a other regions of the world. direct effect on the mode of transport used, which 5. Which organisation released the “India determines the level of risk faced by a particular road Energy Outlook 2021”, that predicted India user. Daily Wage Workers, Workers employed as casual will surpass European Union to become the labourers in Informal activities have been defined as a World’s 3rd largest energy consumer by 2030? Vulnerable group in the report. The World Bank report 1) International Energy Agency (IEA) was prepared in association with Save LIFE Foundation 2) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (SLF). 3) International Energy Forum (IEF) 8. Which state is the top destination for Foreign 4) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Direct Investment (FDI) from United 5) International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA) Kingdom, as per Grant Thornton Bharat’s Answer- 1) International Energy Agency (IEA) Britain Meets India report? Explanation: 1) Karnataka 2) Delhi In accordance with the International Energy 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Maharashtra Agency’s (IEA) “India Energy Outlook 2021”, India will 5) Haryana surpass European Union as the world’s third-biggest Answer- 4) Maharashtra energy consumer by 2030. In this regard, India energy Explanation: demand growth share will be maximum at 25% in the In accordance with the Grant Thornton Bharat’s next two decades. India is world’s second-biggest net oil Britain Meets India report, the Foreign Direct importer after China currently imports about 76% of its Investment (FDI) inflow from the United Kingdom (UK) crude oil needs. That reliance on overseas oil is expected to India has increased from $898 million in 2015- 16 to to rise to 90% by 2030 and 92% by 2040. India needs to $1,422 million in 2019-20. The report is prepared in spend an additional $1.4 trillion, to adopt clean energy collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry technologies over the next 20 years. (CII) and with the support of the UK’s Department of 6. What was India’s retail inflation rate in International Trade. It should be noted that January 2021, as per NSO’s Consumer Price Maharashtra is the top investment destination for UK Index (CPI)? companies, followed by Haryana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, 1) 4% 2) 4.59% Telangana and Karnataka. 3) 5.32% 4) 1.39% 9. Which organisation released the “Making 5) 4.06% Peace With Nature” report? Answer- 5) 4.06% 1) UN-HABITAT 68

2) International Union for Conservation of Nature “Making Peace With Nature”, climate disruption, (INCU) biodiversity loss and pollution are posing a triple threat 3) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to human health due to environmental degradation. 4) Greenpeace There is a massive need of adopting renewable energy 5) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) methods and eliminating habitat loss for saving our Answer- 3) United Nations Environment future generations from unacceptable risks. The Programme (UNEP) extraction of natural resources and energy has tripled in Explanation: the last 50 years due to a fivefold increase in the global economy. In accordance with the scientific assessment by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) titled ACQUISITION AND MERGERS

1. Under which section of the Competition Act, 2) Adani Total Gas 2002, the Competition Commission of India 3) Torrent Gas (CCI) gave approval for the acquisition of Indo 4) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Gulf Fertilisers (IGF), by Indorama India 5) Oil India Private Limited (IIPL), in January 2021? Answer- 1) GAIL Limited 1) Section 31(1) 2) Section 44 A Explanation: 3) Section 12 (b) 4) Section 32 (a) GAIL (India) Limited has acquired a 5% stake of 5) Section 15 (1) Indian Energy Exchange Ltd (IEX) in Indian Gas Answer- 1) Section 31(1) Exchange Ltd (IGX). GAIL becomes the 3rd strategic Explanation: investor in IGX after Adani Total Gas & Torrent Gas. On January 28, 2021 The Competition Commission With this disinvestment, IEX will hold 85% stake in IGE. of India (CCI) under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) is India’s 1st automated 2002, gave approval for the acquisition of Indo Gulf national level trading platform for physical delivery of Fertilisers(IGF), a fertiliser division of Grasim Industries natural gas. It is the 1st gas exchange to receive Limited (GIL) by Indorama India Private Limited (IIPL). authorization from Petroleum and Natural Gas IIPL will acquire Indo Gulf Fertilisers as a going concern Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under recently notified Gas on a slump sale basis. In November 2020 GIL decided to Exchange Regulations 2020. sell its entire stake in IGF to Indorama Corporation Pte 4. Which organisation got approval (in Feb’21) Ltd in a slump sale for Rs 2,649 crore. from the Competition Commission of India 2. Which company acquired 51% stake in Fasttel (CCI) for acquiring 49% stake in BOI AXA Engenharia for ~USD 8.80 million in February Investment Managers Private Limited (BAIM) 2021? & BOI AXA Trustee Services Private Limited 1) KEC International (BATS)? 2) Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL) 1) ICICI Lombard 3) Adani Transmission Limited 2) Bharti Axa General Insurance Company 4) Apar Industries 3) Acko General Insurance 5) Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) 4) Bank of India Answer- 2) Kalpataru Power Transmission 5) IndusInd Bank Limited (KPTL) Answer- 4) Bank of India Explanation: Explanation: Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL), a The Competition Commission of India (CCI) gave leading global EPC player in the power and approval for the acquisition of 49% stake each in BOI infrastructure contracting sector, has announced that its AXA Investment Managers Private Limited (BAIM)& wholly-owned subsidiary in Brazil – Kalpataru Power do BOI AXA Trustee Services Private Limited (BATS) by Brasil Participações has signed a definitive agreement to Bank of India(BOI). After the acquisition, BOI will acquire a controlling stake of 51 percent in Fasttel become sole owner of BAIM & BATS. CCI also gave Engenharia for ~USD 8.80 million, subject to customary approval for the acquisition of 100% shares of common adjustments. stock and sole control of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. 3. Which company recently (in February 2021), (Varian) by Siemens Healthineers Holding I Gmb (SHS acquired 5% stake of Indian Energy Exchange GmbH). Ltd (IEX) in Indian Gas Exchange Ltd (IGX)? 1) GAIL Limited 69

5. Which company (in Feb’21) acquired 36.62% second largest producer of Urea in the country with a stake of Bharat Oman Refineries Limited share of about 15% of total Urea production in the (BORL) from OQ S.A.0.C.? country. 1) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) 8. What is the name of Financial Organisation 2) GAIL India which tends to buy 5.40% Stake in CityCash & 3) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) 9.65% Stake in Thillais Analytical Solutions ? 4) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 1) Axis Bank 2) ICICI Bank 5) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) 3) HDFC Bank 4) City Bank Answer- 3) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd 5) Standard Chartered Bank (BPCL) Answer- 2) ICICI Bank Explanation: Explanation: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to buyout On February 16, 2021 ICICI Bank announced that it 36.62% stake of Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL) will buy 5.40% stake in Tap Smart Data Information from OQ S.A.0.C. for approximately Rs 2,399.26 crore. Services Pvt Ltd (CityCash) for Rs 4.93 crore (Rs 49.34 BORL built and operates a 7.8 million tonne oil refinery million) and 9.65% stake in Thillais Analytical Solutions at Bina in Madhya Pradesh. After the acquisition is Pvt Ltd for Rs 1.1 crore (Rs 11 million).It is expected that completed, BPCL will hold 100% of the equity share both deals will be completed by the end of March 2021. capital in BORL. BPCL has announced that it will sell its 9. In which entity does the Government of India 61.65% stake. Of the total, around 49% stake will be sold hold 26.12% Stake and decide to sell it by to consortium of Oil India Ltd(OIL) and Engineers India March 20, 2021? Ltd and the rest around 13% to the government of Assam. 1) Tata Consultancy Service 6. Which company signed (in September 2020) a 2) Tata Communications definitive agreement with SoftBank Group 3) Tata Power Corp. (SBG) to acquire Arm Limited from 4) Tata Consumer Products SBG? 5) Tata Chemicals 1) GeForce 2) NVIDIA Answer – 2) Tata Communications Ltd 3) Microsoft 4) Qualcomm Explanation: 5) Honeywell Government of India (GoI) is set to sell its entire Answer- 2) NVIDIA stake of 26.12% in Tata Communications Ltd (TCL) Explanation: (formerly known as VSNL) through an offer for sale and NVIDIA and SoftBank Group Corp. (SBG) strategic sale route by March 20, 2021. Several Merchant announced a definitive agreement under which NVIDIA Bankers like Goldman Sachs, ICICI Securities, SBI will acquire Arm Limited from SBG and the SoftBank Capital Markets & others have expressed interest in Vision Fund for USD 40 billion in September 2020. This buying the stake and are making presentations before the will be the largest-ever deal in the semiconductor officials of the Department of Investment and Public industry. This acquisition will combine NVIDIA’s leading Asset Management. Artificial Intelligence(AI) computing platform with Arm’s 10. Which organisation (in Feb’21), signed a deal vast ecosystem to form the foremost computing company to acquire 68% stake of bigbasket? for the age of AI. 1) Helion Venture Partners 7. Central government is planning to sell 20% 2) Tata Group stake of National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) 3) Ascent Capital through an Offer For Sale (OFS) method for 4) Alibaba Group ______. 5) Abraaj Group 1) Rs 400 crore 2) Rs 250 crore Answer- 2) Tata Group 3) Rs 2400 crore 4) Rs 1500 crore Explanation: 5) Rs 900 crore Tata Group has signed a deal to acquire 68% stake in Answer- 1) Rs 400 crore bigbasket for about Rs 9,500 crore. The stake will be Explanation: acquired by Tata Digital, a subsidiary of Tata Sons. The Central Government is all set to sell 20% stake Post-acquisition, the enterprise value of BigBasket in National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) out of its shareholding becomes more than Rs 13,500 crore. Currently, Alibaba of 74.71% through an Offer For Sale (OFS) method of Group Holding Ltd holds 29% stake in BigBasket. Tata shares, which can fetch about Rs 400 crore. To initiate the Communications has partnered with Google Cloud in sale process, the Department of Investment and Public India to drive cloud adoption and transform Indian Asset Management (DIPAM) has invited tenders from businesses. merchant banks. It should be noted that NFL is the 70

11. Which organisation got approval (in Feb’21) Explanation: from Competition Commission of India (CCI) The Insurance Regulatory and Development to buy 26.12% shareholding of Tata Authority of India (IRDAI) has given its formal approval Communications Ltd (TCL)? to acquisition of up to 12% stake in Max Life Insurance 1) Panatone Finvest Ltd company ltd by Axis entities. Under the proposed 2) Future Group transaction, Axis entities can acquire up to 19% stake in 3) Blackstone Group Inc. Max Life, of which Axis bank will acquire up to 9% in Max 4) Jamnalal Sons Private Ltd Life. Amitabh Chaudhry is the Managing Director and 5) TPG Growth V SF Markets Pte. Ltd Chief Executive Officer of Axis Bank. Answer- 1) Panatone Finvest Ltd 14. Recently (in Feb’21), the Competitive Explanation: Commission of India (CCI) gave approval for On February 23, 2021, The Competition Commission the merger of NAM Estates Private Limited of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of shares of Tata and Embassy One Commercial Property Communications Ltd (TCL), by Panatone Finvest Ltd. In Developments Private Limited (EOCPDPL) accordance with the deal, the Panatone Finvest Ltd will into ______. buy a shareholding of 26.12% which will increase its total 1) Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd shareholding to 74.99% from 48.87%. Now, its 2) Oberoi Realty Ltd shareholding in Tata Communications Ltd should not 3) NBCC India Ltd exceed 74.99%. 4) DLF Ltd 12. Which organisation signed an agreement (in 5) Prestige Estates Projects Ltd Feb’21) with GAIL to purchase its 25.51% share Answer- 1) Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd in Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Ltd (RGPPL)? Explanation: 1) NTPC Ltd In February 2021, CCI gave approval for the 2) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd proposed merger of NAM Estates Private Limited and 3) NHPC Embassy One Commercial Property Developments 4) NLC India Ltd Private Limited (EOCPDPL) into Indiabulls Real Estate 5) ONGC Limited (IBREL). The combined IBREL entity will Answer- 1) NTPC Ltd become one of India’s leading real estate development platforms. CCI also gave approval for the acquisition of Explanation: Technip Energies B.V., belonging to TechnipFMC plc by On February 23, 2021 NTPC Ltd (formerly- National Bpifrance Participations S.A. Thermal Power Corporation Limited) signed a share purchase agreement with GAIL (India) Ltd. As per the 15. Which bank (in Feb’21) acquired 9.99% stake in agreement NTPC will buy GAIL’s 25.51% in Ratnagiri Ferbine Private Ltd to set up a Pan India Gas and Power Pvt Ltd (RGPPL), which is commonly Umbrella entity (PUE) for retail payments? known as Dabhol project. Apart from this, NTPC will sell 1) HDFC Bank 2) ICICI Bank its 14.82% stake in Konkan LNG Ltd (KLL) on a fully 3) Kotak Mahindra Bank 4) Both 1 & 2 diluted basis to GAIL. 5) Both 1 & 3 13. Recently (in Feb’21), IRDAI gave approval for Answer- 5) Both 1 & 3 acquisition of 12% stake in Max Life Insurance Explanation: company ltd by Axis entities. Who is the On 25th February 2021, the HDFC bank and Kotak present MD & CEO of Axis Bank? Mahindra Bank acquired 9.99% stakes each in Ferbine 1) Chanda Kochhar 2) Aditya Puri Private Limited, a company promoted by Tata Sons, 3) Sandeep Bakhshi which plans to apply to the Reserve Bank of India to set 4) Dinesh Kumar Khara up a Pan India Umbrella entity(PUE) for retail 5) Amitabh Chaudhry payments. The umbrella entity shall have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs.500 crore. Answer- 5) Amitabh Chaudhry DEFENCE

1. Which country/countries participated with 5) All 1, 2 & 3 India in the 16th Edition of joint military Answer- 3) USA exercise “Yudh Abhyas 20” held in Rajasthan Explanation: from 8 – 21 February, 2021? The 16th edition of an annual joint military exercise 1) Australia 2) Japan between India and the United States (US), “Yudh Abhyas 3) USA 4) Both 2 & 3 20” was initiated as a part of defence cooperation at the 71

Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR), near the missile namely “Babur” from a state-of-the-art Multi India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan on February 8, 2021. Tube Missile Launch Vehicle. The missile is capable of This 12 days long exercise will culminate on February 21, hitting land and sea targets with high precision up to 490 2021. The field training exercise (FTX) will involve kilometers (about 280 miles) away. Pakistan successfully company-strength elements and fundamental test fired 3 other missiles in 2021, “Ghaznavi”, war-fighting skills, techniques and experience to enhance “Shaheen-III” and “Fatah-1’’. combined operational capacity between Indian & US 5. Which country’s Navy participated with Army. Indian Navy in the Bilateral Military Exercise 2. How many women personnel were inducted ‘PASSEX’ (Passage Exercise) in Arabian Sea on into CRPF’s maiden all women contingent for February 2021? commando force ‘CoBRA’? 1) Indonesia 2) South Korea 1) 34 2) 6 3) Australia 4) Japan 3) 12 4) 18 5) Singapore 5) 51 Answer- 1) Indonesia Answer- 1) 34 Explanation: Explanation: On February 18, 2021, the Indian Navy conducted a A maiden contingent of 34 CRPF women personnel Bilateral Military Exercise ‘PASSEX’ (Passage Exercise) were inducted into its specialised jungle warfare with the Indonesian Navy in the Arabian Sea. PASSEX commando force CoBRA, who will be deployed in the are conducted by Two Navies to ensure that the navies anti-Naxal operations grid of the country. The are able to communicate and cooperate in times of war or Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) was humanitarian relief. Indian Navy undertook a PASSEX raised under the CRPF in 2009 for undertaking with Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) in the Eastern intelligence-based jungle warfare operations. Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from December 4-5, 2020 and 3. Which wing of the Indian Armed force with Vietnam People’s Navy undertook a PASSEX in the conducts its largest War Game event ‘Theatre South China Sea from December 26-27, 2020. Level Operational Readiness Exercise 6. Which organisation (in Feb’21), delivered the (TROPEX)’? 100th & Final K-9 Vajra self-propelled 1) Indian Army Howitzer guns to the Indian army? 2) Indian Coast Guard 1) Larsen & Toubro 3) Indian Air Force 2) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) 4) Central Armed Police Forces 3) DRDO 5) Indian Navy 4) BHEL Answer- 5) Indian Navy 5) Ordnance Factory Board Explanation: Answer- 1) Larsen & Toubro Indian Navy’s Largest War Game – the Biennial Explanation: ‘Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX On February 18, 2021, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) 21)’ is currently taking place at the Indian Ocean Region delivered the 100th & Final K-9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 (IOR). Operational assets of the Indian Navy as well as calibre self-propelled Howitzer guns to the Indian army Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard were from L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex (ASC) situated participating in the Exercise. TROPEX 21 is being at Hazira near Surat, Gujarat. K-9 Vajra has a range of conducted in 3 phases. 38 kms and is an indigenized version of K-9 Thunder of Phase I – Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil’ South Korea. The Howitzers have been produced by L&T Phase II – Tri-Service Joint Amphibious Exercise – with technology transfer from South Korean defence AMPHEX-21 major Hanwha Defense. Phase III – Weapon Workup Phase of TROPEX 7. Recently (in Feb’21), DRDO successfully 4. Which country (in Feb’21) successfully test conducted the trials of HELINA & Dhruvastra fired its short range surface-to-surface missiles. Which type of Missile does HELINA & ballistic missile, “Babur”? Dhruvastra belong to? 1) Iran 2) Israel 1) Anti-Torpedo Defence System 3) North Korea 4) China 2) Anti-satellite Weapons 5) Pakistan 3) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles Answer- 5) Pakistan 4) Cruise Missiles Explanation: 5) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles On February 11, 2021, Pakistan successfully Answer- 3) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles test-fired a short range surface-to-surface ballistic Explanation: 72

On February 19, 2021, DRDO (Defence Research & integrated into the indigenous LCA Tejas. The missile Development Organization) successfully conducted the will be fully developed by the end of 2022. trials of HELINA (Helicopter Launched Nag) (Army 11. Recently (In Feb’21), The Defence Acquisition version) & Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) of the Council (DAC) approved INR 8, 300 Crore for Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) from Advanced Light procurement of 118 indigenously developed Helicopter (ALH) platform in Pokhran, Rajasthan. Arjun Mark – 1A (MK-1A). What is Arjun 8. C-453 Interceptor Boat was recently (in MK-1A? Feb’21) commissioned into Indian Coast Guard 1) Cruise Missile at Chennai. Which organisation has 2) Stealth Submarine indigenously built the interceptor boat? 3) Laser Cannon 1) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) 4) Battle Tank 2) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) 5) Stealth Bomber 3) Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) Answer- 4) Battle Tank 4) Ordnance Factory Board Explanation: 5) Mazagon Dock Ltd On February 23, 2021, The Defence Acquisition Answer- 3) Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath singh Explanation: approved 3 Acceptance of Necessities (AoNs) worth INR On February 19, 2021, Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) 13, 700 Crore for defence procurement to Indian Army, C-453 Interceptor Boat was commissioned in Chennai, Navy & Air Force. Out of INR 13, 700 Crore, (~) INR 8, Tamil Nadu. C-453 is the 17th of 18 Interceptor Boats 300 Crore will be sent for procuring 118 indigenously which are being indigenously built by Larsen & Toubro developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) which was Ltd. It will be deployed for the surveillance of Exclusive handed over to the Indian Army by Prime Minister Economic Zone (EEZ). At Present 40 ships are at various Narendra Modi in Chennai in February, 2020. stages of construction at different Shipyards in India for 12. Recently (in Feb’21), Cochin Shipyard Ltd the ICG. (CSL) got Rs. 10,000 crore order from Indian 9. Which country partnered with Israel Missile Navy for construction of 6 Next-Generation Defence Organisation to Jointly develop Missile Vessels (NGMV). Which is India’s 1st ‘Arrow-4’, anti-ballistic missiles? Indigenous Aircraft Carrier that was built by 1) India 2) Russia CSL? 3) Pakistan 4) China 1) INS Vikrant 2) INS Kolkata 5) USA 3) INS Viraat 4) INS Arihant Answer- 5) USA 5) INS Vikramaditya Explanation: Answer- 1) INS Vikrant Israel Missile Defense Organisation & United States Explanation: Missile Defense Agency have commenced work on the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) emerged as the Lowest development of ‘Arrow-4’ anti-ballistic missiles which Bidder in a tender floated by the Ministry of Defence for will be part of Israel’s multi-layered Ballistic Missile construction of 6 Next-Generation Missile Vessels Shield. Arrow-4 Missile Shield will be an advanced (NGMV) to be utilized by the Indian Navy. The order is version of the existing Arrow-2 & Arrow-3 Interceptors. estimated to be around INR 10, 000 Crore. At Present, Israel is one of the Four Countries to have successfully CSL is building India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier developed an anti-ballistic missile system, after the USA, called ‘INS Vikrant’ (also known as Indigenous Aircraft Russia & India. Carrier 1 (IAC-1)). 10. What is the strike range of Astra Mk2 Missile, a 13. Where was the NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile Exhibition) & IDEX 21 (International Defence (BVRAAM)? Exhibition) held, that saw the participation of 1) 200 km 2) 90 km Indian Navy’s INS ‘Pralaya’? 3) 125 km 4) 175 km 1) Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka 5) 160 km 2) Abu Dhabi, UAE Answer- 5) 160 km 3) Jakarta, Indonesia Explanation: 4) Cannes, France India is set to begin the trials of Astra Mk2 Missile in 5) Brussels, Belgium 2021. Astra Mk2 is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Answer- 2) Abu Dhabi, UAE Missile (BVRAAM) which has a strike range of 160 km. It Explanation: is capable of flying at a speed of Mach 4.5, and is set to be Indian Navy Ship (INS) ‘Pralaya’ participated in NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) & IDEX 21 73

(International Defence Exhibition) held at Abu Dhabi, STAR – 1’ between Indian Navy & UAE Navy took place UAE from February 2021. IDEX 21 is the only in March, 2018. The next edition of the exercise will be International Defence Exhibition and conference in the conducted in 2021. MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region. The Inaugural edition of Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘GULF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Which organisation launched the World’s 1st 1) Indian Ocean 2) Odisha Coast Commercial Rocket powered by Biofuel 3) Gujarat Coast 4) South China Sea ‘Stardust 1.0’? 5) Baltic Sea 1) Exodus Space Corp Answer- 1) Indian Ocean 2) bluShift Aerospace Explanation: 3) SpaceX On January 31, 2021, Indian Navy’s Ilyushin 38SD 4) JAXA successfully fired ‘Combat Kh35E’ anti-ship missile 5) NASA during the Theatre level Readiness and Operational Answer- 2) bluShift Aerospace Exercise 2021 (TROPEX-21) being carried out in the Explanation: Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The IL38SD is a maritime On January 31,2021 United States (US) based patrol & anti-submarine aircraft developed by Soviet Startup bluShift Aerospace launched ‘Stardust 1.0’ from Union. It is a Biennial exercise which aims to test the Loring Commerce Centre in Maine, US. It is the World’s combat readiness of the Navy with the assets of the Air 1st Commercial Rocket launch powered by Biofuel. The Force, Army & Coast Guard. solid biofuels used in the launch is non-toxic, Carbon 4. Recently (in Feb 2021), Which country Neutral & can be sourced from America. The most successfully Test Fired the Nuclear-Capable common kinds of Biofuels which are being used are Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile ‘Ghaznavi ethanol & Biodiesel which are the 1st generation of (Hatf-III)’? biofuels technology. Ethanol is made from plant 1) India 2) China materials whereas Biodiesel is produced by combining 3) Israel 4) Pakistan Alcohol with new & used vegetable oils, animal fats or 5) North Korea recycled cooking grease. Answer- 4) Pakistan 2. Which organisation signed a Non-Disclosure Explanation: Agreement (NDA) with ISRO to receive On February 3, 2021, Pakistan’s Army Strategic technical expertise for the development of Forces Command (ASFC) successfully Test Fired the India’s 1st privately-designed and developed Nuclear-Capable Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile rocket, Vikram-1? ‘Ghaznavi (Hatf-III)’. Ghaznavi has a range of 290 Kms & 1) BrahMos Aerospace can carry both Nuclear & Conventional Warheads It was 2) Collins Aerospace launched by ASFC as part of its Annual Field Training 3) Dhruva Space Exercise. It is a Hypersonic Missile developed by 4) Skyroot Aerospace National Development Complex (NDC), Pakistan. The 5) Pixxel missile has been tested in both Day & Night modes. Answer- 4) Skyroot Aerospace 5. ISRO is planning (as of Feb 2021) to launch Explanation: Brazil’s Amazonia-1 using PSLV-C51, which is Skyroot Aerospace has signed a Non-Disclosure the launch site chosen for the launch? Agreement (NDA) with Indian Space Research 1) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Kerala Organisation (ISRO) on behalf of Department of Space 2) Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha (DoS), through which Skyroot Aerospace can use the 3) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR, facilities & technical expertise in ISRO centers for Andhra Pradesh development of their Launch Vehicle Development 4) Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station Program. The NDA boosts the Skyroot Aerospace’s (TERLS), Kerala programme to launch India’s first-ever 5) Balasore, Odisha privately-designed and developed rocket, Vikram-1. Answer- 3) Satish Dhawan Space Centre Vikram-1 is expected to be launched by December, 2021. (SDSC)-SHAR, Andhra Pradesh 3. Recently (in Feb 2021), Indian Navy’s Ilyushin Explanation: 38SD successfully fired ‘Combat Kh35E’ Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to anti-ship missile during TROPEX-21. Where launch Brazil’s Amazonia-1 through India’s Polar was TROPEX-21 carried out? Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)- C51 on February 28, 74

2021. This also marks ISRO’s 1st space mission in 2021. Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, The mission includes Amazonia-1 as the primary payload South Africa, Sweden, Netherlands and UK. along with 20 other satellites (Including 3 developed by 9. Which organisation is developing the World’s Indian grown organisations). Launch Site- Satish 1st high altitude pseudo satellite, “Combined Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR, Sriharikota.It is Air Teaming System” (CATS)? PSLV-C51 is the 53rd mission of PSLV. 1) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) 6. Which organisation is developing (as of Feb’21) 2) SpaceX a vehicle with capabilities to act as a ‘Space 3) Defence Research and Development Taxi’ for small satellites? Organisation (DRDO) 1) Skyroot Aerospace 4) Roscosmos 2) Boeing 5) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) 3) Collins Aerospace Answer- 1) Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) 4) Bellatrix Aerospace Explanation: 5) General Dynamics In a first of its kind in the world, the Hindustan Answer- 4) Bellatrix Aerospace Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing a futuristic high Explanation: altitude pseudo satellite namely Combined Air Teaming In a reforming development, the Bengaluru, System (CATS) with a start-up company. Once developed Karnataka based Bellatrix Aerospace is building a the pseudo-satellite will be capable of taking information vehicle that will work as a “taxi in space” to ferry small flying unmanned around 70,000 ft for 2-3 months. The satellites into multiple orbits. It will be big development system will have mother-ship carrying components and 4 for global operators to reduce time and costs. The space autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles known as CATS startup’s vehicle is expected to launch to low earth orbit Warrior. in 2023 on the Vikram rocket of Skyroot Aerospace, a 10. UAE’s ‘Hope’ Space Probe and ______’s Hyderabad-based rocket startup by former Indian Space ‘Tianwen-1’ Spacecraft entered into the Orbit Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists. of Mars in February 2021. 7. Which organisation announced its plan for the 1) USA 2) Japan World’s 1st all civilian space mission, 3) Taiwan 4) South Korea ‘Inspiration4’? 5) China 1) ISRO 2) NASA Answer- 5) China 3) Roscosmos 4) SpaceX Explanation: 5) JAXA On February 10, 2021, Chinese Spacecraft Answer- 4) SpaceX ‘Tianwen-1’ entered the Mars Orbit. It became the Explanation: World’s second one in two days after United Arab SpaceX announced its plan for the World’s first all Emirates’ ‘Hope’ Space Probe entered the Mars Orbit on civilian mission to space, the mission is named February 9, 2021. The Chinese Spacecraft will probe for Inspiration4 in recognition of the 4-person crew to signs of ancient life on Mars. USA’s National Aeronautics support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The and Space Administration rover called ‘Perseverance’ is spacecraft will orbit the planet every 90 minutes along a aiming for a landing on Mars on February 18, 2021. customized flight path. 11. Name the third Kalvari-class submarine based 8. Where is/are the World’s largest radio on ‘Scorpene Class’ delivered by Mazagon telescope, Square Kilometre Array’s, radio Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to the receivers planned to be positioned? Indian Navy at Mumbai, Maharashtra. 1) Australia 2) South Africa 1) INS Karanj 2) INS Vagir 3) China 4) Only 1 & 2 3) INS Khanderi 4) INS Vela 5) All 1, 2 & 3 5) INS Kursura Answer- 4) Only 1 & 2 Answer – 1) INS Karanj Explanation: Explanation: On February 5, 2021, Square Kilometre Array On February 15, 2021, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Observatory (SKAO) Council held its Maiden Meeting Limited (MDL) delivered the Third of Six Kalvari-class during the meeting they approved the establishment of submarines based on ‘Scorpene Class’ to the Indian Navy World’s Largest Radio Telescope namely ‘Square at Mumbai, Maharashtra. The submarine will be Kilometre Array’. The telescope will consist of a vast commissioned into the Indian Navy in March, 2021 as number of radio receivers which will be positioned in ‘INS Karanj’.‘INS Karanj’ successfully completed its sea South Africa and Australia. The members of SKAO are trials which began in January, 2018. 75

12. In February 2021, Labour Minister Santhosh Answer- 4) NASA Gangwar launched software application for 5 Explanation: Pan-India surveys conducted by Labour On 20th February 2021, The National Aeronautics Bureau. Which is NOT one of the survey? and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Space 1) All-India Survey on migrant workers Station Supply Ship, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus 2) All-India survey on employment generated by capsule named after S.S. Katherine Johnson, to the professionals International Space Station (ISS). The numbers of S.S. 3) All-India Quarterly Establishment based Katherine Johnson, a Black NASA mathematician, Employment Survey featured in the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures”, contributed 4) All-India Survey on Domestic Workers to the flight of John Glenn on 20th February 1962, who 5) All-India Survey on employment generated in became the first American to orbit the world. the Fisheries Sector 15. Where was the DRDO Skill Development Answer- 5) All-India Survey on employment Centre (SDC) for Fire Safety Training located, generated in the Fisheries Sector that was inaugurated by Defence Minister, Explanation: Rajnath Singh (in Feb’21)? On 18th February 2021, Santosh Kumar Gangwar 1) Gujarat 2) Chandigarh Minister of State (Independent Charge(IC)) of Labour 3) Odisha 4) Uttar Pradesh and Employment launched the software application for 5 5) Andhra Pradesh Pan-India surveys which are being conducted by the Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh Labour Bureau. He also released the instruction manuals Explanation: with questionnaires for these 5 surveys. In February 2021, Union Defence Minister, Rajnath The 5 pan India surveys are, Singh virtually inaugurated DRDO Skill Development i.All-India Survey on Domestic Workers (DW) Centre (SDC) for Fire Safety Training at Pilkhuwa, Uttar ii.All-India Survey on migrant workers Pradesh. It is a first-of-its-kind facility in India. DRDO iii.All-India survey on employment generated by has also successfully conducted 2 launches of Vertical professionals Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) iv.All-India Survey on employment generated in the from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Transport Sector Odisha. It has a Strike Range of 40-50 kms. The missile v.All-India Quarterly Establishment based will be deployed in Indian Navy. Employment Survey 16. Who is the American Indian responsible for 13. Which organisation launched (in Feb’21) 60 handling the Guidance, Navigation, and Starlink satellites using a 2 stage rocket, Controls Operations (GN&C) of NASA’s Falcon 9 booster? ‘Perseverance rover’ to Mars? 1) JAXA 2) Roscosmos 1) Swati Mohan 2) Minal Rohit 3) NASA 4) SpaceX 3) Ritu Karidhal 4) Moumita Dutta 5) ISRO 5) Shruthika Padhy Answer- 4) SpaceX Answer- 1) Swati Mohan Explanation: Explanation: On February 15, 2021 SpaceX launched 60 Starlink On February 18, 2021, the National Aeronautics and satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Space Administration’s (NASA) Perseverance rover of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United Mars 2020 mission successfully landed on the surface of States of America. The satellites were launched using a Mars. Notably, its Guidance, Navigation, and Controls two-stage rocket, otherwise known as the Falcon 9 Operations (GN&C) were handled by Indian-American booster. The rocket’s first stage did not land on SpaceX’s Swati Mohan. drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ in the Atlantic 17. Which country released its 1st Image of Mars Ocean as planned. In January 2021 SpaceX Created New from “Hope”, its space exploration mission? World Record by Launching 143 satellites in Single 1) Japan 2) Turkey Launch by Falcon 9. 3) Saudi Arabia 4) Israel 14. Which organisation recently (in Feb’21) 5) UAE launched a Space Station Supply Ship, named Answer- 5) UAE after mathematician S.S. Katherine Johnson, Explanation: to the International Space Station (ISS)? The United Arab Emirates published the first image 1) ISRO 2) JAXA from its Mars probe “Amal” or “Hope” which circling the 3) SpaceX 4) NASA red planet. the image shows Mars’ largest volcano, 5) Roscosmos Olympus Mons and mars north pole. 76 SPORTS

1. Which team won the 12th Edition of the Syed 3) Karnataka 4) Gujarat Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in January 2021? 5) Madhya Pradesh 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Punjab Answer – 5) Madhya Pradesh 3) Gujarat 4) Vadodara Explanation: 5) Mumbai On 15th February 2021, Former Indian Answer- 1) Tamil Nadu Wicketkeeper – Batsman Naman Ojha(37 years old) from Explanation: Madhya Pradesh(MP) announced his retirement from all On January 31, 2021, Tamil Nadu Cricket Team forms of Cricket(international and BCCI/MPCA domestic defeated Baroda in the finals of the 2020-21 Syed first-class cricket). He has represented India in all three Mushtaq Ali T20 Competition held at Sardar Patel formats and holds the record for the most dismissals (351) Stadium, Ahmedabad, Gujarat to win the trophy. The by a wicketkeeper in Ranji Trophy. 12th Edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was held 5. Faf du Plessis who announces Retirement from January 10-31, 2021. The Tamil Nadu cricket team from Test Cricket.He is a former cricket was led by Dinesh Karthik. captain of which country? 2. What was the total medal count of India at the 1) Australia 2) England 1st Asian Online Shooting Championship, held 3) New Zealand 4) South Africa in January 2021? 5) West Indies 1) 15 2) 10 Answer – 4) South Africa 3) 22 4) 24 Explanation: 5) 11 On February 17, 2021, Former South African Answer- 5) 11 Captain & Batsman Francois ‘Faf’ du Plessis announced Explanation: Retirement from Test Cricket format of the game. He is India’s 24-Member Indian Shooting Contingent the only South African Captain to lead his team to a Test topped the Medals Tally by bagging 11 Medals – 4 Gold, 2 Series victory over Australia in both home (South Africa) Silver & 5 Bronze Medals at the First Asian Online & Away (Australia). Shooting Championship organized by Kuwait Shooting 6. In February 2021, Fast bowler Dhammika Federation from January 29-30, 2021. Prasad announced retirement from Winner Category International Cricket. He represented which Saurabh Chaudhary Men’s 10m Air Pistol country? Divyansh Singh Panwar Men’s 10m Air Rifle 1) India 2) Bangladesh Kynan Chenai Men’s Trap 3) England 4) South Africa Rajeshwari Kumari Women’s Trap 5) Sri Lanka 3. Which company became (in Feb’21) the global Answer- 5) Sri Lanka partner of International Cricket Council (ICC) Explanation: for a period of 3 years form 2021-2023? Sri Lankan Fast Bowler Dhammika Prasad 1) OPPO 2) Star Sports announced his retirement from International Cricket at 3) Coca-Cola 4) Dream11 the age of 37. He has represented Sri Lanka in 25 Tests, 5) BYJU’s 24 One Day Internationals (ODIs) & 1 Twenty20 Answer- 5) BYJU’s International (T20I). Explanation: 7. Where is the 2nd Edition of Khelo India On 8th February 2021, The International Cricket University Games (KIUG) – 2021 planned to be Council (ICC) announced BYJU’s as its global partner conducted? from 2021 to 2023. Under the 3-year agreement BYJU’s 1) Bangalore, Karnataka will partner all the events of ICC from 2021 to 2023, 2) Dispur, Assam including the Men’s T20 World Cup in India, and the ICC 3) Leh, Ladakh Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. BYJU’s 4) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh became the official jersey partner of Indian Cricket team 5) Bhubaneswar, Odisha in August 2019. Answer- 1) Bangalore, Karnataka 4. Former Indian Cricketer Naman Ojha retires Explanation: from all forms of Cricket.He belongs to which Karnataka is set to host the 2nd Edition of Khelo state? India University Games (KIUG) in 2021. The games will 1) Punjab 2) West Bengal be hosted in Jain University, Bengaluru and other venues 77 in Karnataka in collaboration with Association of Indian the Semi-Finals of Australian Open 2021 by Serbia’s Universities (AIU). KIUG is the largest University level Novak Djokovic. sports competition in India. The KIUG 2021 will see the 11. Where was the 30th Youth International addition of 2 new native sports namely ‘Yogasana’ & Boxing Tournament ‘Adriatic Pearl’ held? ‘Mallakhamb’ in the medal events. 1) Albania 2) Montenegro 8. Who won the 2021’s Australian Open Men’s 3) Bulgaria 4) Croatia Singles Trophy? 5) Moldova 1) Daniil Medvedev 2) Novak Djokovic Answer- 2) Montenegro 3) Rafael Nadal 4) Dominic Thiem Explanation: 5) Stefanos Tsitsipas Indian Boxing Contingent finished with 12 medals Answer- 2) Novak Djokovic at the 30th Youth International Boxing Tournament Explanation: ‘Adriatic Pearl’ held at Budva, Montenegro from The 109th Edition of Australian Open (53rd in Open February 16-22, 2021. Indian women’s team won 10 Era) took place from February 8-21, 2021 at the medals (5 Gold, 3 Silver & 2 Bronze) while Indian Men’s Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. Chronologically, team bagged 2 Bronze medals. it is the First Grand Slam event (out of 4) of each Year in 12. What was Indian Boxing Contingent’s final both the Men’s & Women’s Tour. It takes place on a Hard ranking by medal tally at the 30th Youth Court. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Daniil International Boxing Tournament ‘Adriatic Medvedev (Russia) to win the 2021 Australian Open Pearl’? Men’s Title (The Men’s Singles Trophy of Australian 1) 12th 2) 6th Open is also known as Norman Brookes Challenge Cup). 3) 9th 4) 3rd It is Djokovic’s 9th Australian Open Title & overall 18th 5) 2nd Grand Slam Title. Djokovic’s first Australian Open Title Answer- 5) 2nd came in 2008. Explanation: 9. Who won the 2021’s Australian Open Women’s At the 30th Youth International Boxing Tournament Singles Trophy? ‘Adriatic Pearl’, Indian Boxing Contingent with 12 1) Ashleigh Barty 2) Simona Halep medals finished 2nd in the overall medals tally, while 3) Jennifer Brady 4) Sofia Kenin Uzbekistan took the 1st place & Ukraine finished 3rd in 5) Naomi Osaka the medals tally. Answer- 5) Naomi Osaka Explanation: Winners Category Medal Naomi Osaka (Japan) defeated Jennifer Brady Alfiya Pathan 81+ Kg Gold (USA) to win the 2021 Australian Open Women’s Title (The Women’s Singles Trophy of Australian Open is also Arundhati Choudhary 69 Kg Gold known as Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup). It is Naomi’s N Babyrojisana Chanu 51 Kg Gold 2nd Australian Open Title & overall 4th Grand Slam Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu 75 Kg Gold Title. Naomi’s 1st Australian Open Title came in 2019. Vinka 60 Kg Gold With the victory, Naomi Osaka moved to 2nd Rank in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Rankings. Rank 1 is held by Ashleigh Barty of Australia. 13. Who received the Best Woman Boxer of the Tournament Award at the 30th Youth 10. Who created history by becoming the 1st man International Boxing Tournament ‘Adriatic to reach the Semi Final of a Grand Slam Pearl’? Singles event since 2000? 1) Vinka 2) Alfiya Pathan 1) Aslan Karatsev 2) Ariel Behar 3) Gitika 4) Lucky Rana 3) Hubert Hurkacz 4) Stefanos Tsitsipas 5) Thokchom Sanamacha Chanu 5) Andrey Rublev Answer- 1) Vinka Answer- 1) Aslan Karatsev Explanation: Explanation: Indian Boxing Contingent finished with 12 medals Russia’s Aslan Karatsev created history by becoming at the 30th Youth International Boxing Tournament the 1st male qualifier to reach a Grand Slam Singles Semi ‘Adriatic Pearl’. Only Boxers who were under the age of Finals (on Debut) in the Open Era (Since 2000). Aslan 18 years took part in the tournament. Vinka (60 Kg) who was also the lowest-ranked man at 114, to make the Semi won the Gold Medal received the Best Woman Boxer of Final at a Grand Slam event since Goran Ivanisevic at the Tournament Award. Wimbledon in 2001 when ranked 125. He was defeated in 78

14. International Cricketer Upul Tharanga India’s Ankita Raina partnered with Russia’s recently (in Feb’21) announced retirement Kamilla Radhikova to defeat the Russian pair of Anna from International cricket. Which country did Blinkova & Anastasia Potapova in the final of Phillip he represent? Island Trophy Tennis Tournament at Melbourne, 1) India 2) Bangladesh Australia to win her maiden WTA (Women’s Tennis 3) Sri Lanka 4) Pakistan Association) 250 Doubles title. The win made Ankita 5) West Indies India’s First WTA Champion since Sania Mirza. Answer- 3) Sri Lanka 16. Recently (in Feb’21), Indian Cricketer Yusuf Explanation: Pathan announced his retirement. Which is Former Sri Lankan Limited Overs Captain (ODIs & the unique record held by him? T20Is) & Batsman Upul Tharanga announced retirement 1) Fastest Test Century by an Indian from International cricket at the age of 36. He has 2) Maximum Sixes hit by a player in an IPL season represented Sri Lanka in 31 tests, 235 ODIs & 26 T20Is. 3) Fastest 50 by an Indian in Test Cricket Tharanga captained the Sri Lankan Team occasionally 4) Fastest Century by an Indian in IPL during the years 2016-2017 in the Limited Overs format. 5) Maximum No of Golden Ducks by an Indian 15. Who partnered with Kamilla Radhikova to win Answer- 4) Fastest Century by an Indian in IPL the WTA 250 Doubles title at Phillip Island Explanation: Trophy Tennis Tournament? Former Indian Cricketer & All-Rounder Yusuf 1) Anna Blinkova 2) Sania Mirza Pathan has announced retirement from all forms of 3) Karman Kaur Thandi 4) Ankita Raina Cricket at the age of 38. He has represented India in 57 5) Riya Bhatia ODIs & 22 T20Is scoring 1046 runs & 46 wickets across Answer- 4) Ankita Raina the 2 formats. He holds the record for the fastest century Explanation: (off 37 balls) by an Indian in IPL. BOOKS AND AUTHORS

1. Who authored the book, “Yearbook” a in India, with approved permission to operate in collection of true stories and essays? Singapore, London and Dubai. 1) Seth Rogen 2) Dwayne Johnson 3. Recently (in Feb 2021), the book “The Life at 3) Zac Efron 4) Jonah Hill Play: A Memoir by Girish Karnad” was 5) Tom Holland translated to English. In which language the Answer- 1) Seth Rogen book was initially published? Explanation: 1) Tamil 2) Marathi Seth Rogen, Hollywood Actor, comedian, and a 3) Hindi 4) Telugu writer authored his debut book titled “Yearbook” a 5) Kannada collection of true stories and essays of Seth Rogen. The Answer- 5) Kannada hardcover and digital format of the book will be published Explanation: by Crown Publishing Group and the audio edition of the The English translation of the “The Life at Play: A book will be released by Penguin Random House Audio. Memoir by Girish Karnad” the Kannada book authored 2. Who authored the book “Yes Man: The Untold by Girish Karnad is set to be released on the 83rd birth Story of Rana Kapoor”? anniversary of Girish Karnad, on 19th May 2021 by 1) Pavan C.Lall 2) Rana Kapoor Fourth Estate, an imprint of HarperCollins Publisher. 3) Niall Ferguson The Kannada book is translated into English by writer 4) Tamal Bandyopadhyay and translator Srinath Perur and Girish Karnad. The 5) Anil Lamba kannada book was first published in 2011. Answer- 1) Pavan C.Lall 4. Who authored the book, “The Little Book of Explanation: Encouragement”? Pavan C.Lall’s new book titled “Yes Man: The Untold 1) Dalai Lama 2) Deepak Chopra Story of Rana Kapoor” provides the details about the rise 3) Arundhati Roy 4) Ruskin Bond and fall of one of the India’s promising bankers Rana 5) Jhumpa Lahiri Kapoor and it also questions the banking system, its Answer- 1) Dalai Lama regulators and the business environment that led to the Explanation: fall of YES Bank. The book features the birth of YES His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama authored a new Bank in 2004 and its rise as the 4th largest private bank book titled “The Little Book of Encouragement”. The book edited by Renuka Singh is published by Penguin Random 79

House is set to be released. The book is a compilation of 3) Dr Abhishek Singhvi Dalai Lama’s quotes and ideas to deal with the new 4) Chinmay Tumbe realities of the post pandemic world along with how to 5) Suman Dubey combat rising extremism, polarity and climate change Answer- 1) K.N. Bhandari and his views on Tibet. Explanation: 5. Which was the book published by On February 5, 2021 M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice International Olympic Committee (IOC) President of India released a book titled ‘Parliamentary recently (in Feb 2021), that outlines the Messenger in Rajasthan’. The book is authored by Dr responsibilities to ensure safe & successful K.N. Bhandari. The book focuses on the health and Olympic & Paralympic Games? education initiatives that were launched through the 1) IOC Manual of Sports Injuries Members of Parliament Local Area 2) Playbook Development(MPLAD) Scheme on the recommendation 3) Olympic Media of Dr Abhishek Singhvi in Rajasthan over 12 years from 4) The Olympic Games effect 2006 to 2018. 5) Epidemiology of Injury in Olympic Sports 9. Who authored the book, ‘Platform Scale: For A Answer- 2) Playbook Post-Pandemic World’? Explanation: 1) Geoffrey Parker The International Olympic Committee (IOC) 2) Sangeet Paul Choudary announced that it has published the first “Playbook”, a 3) Richard Kagan resource which outlines the "personal responsibilities key 4) Kishore Biyani stakeholders must take" to play their role in ensuring 5) Nandan Nilekani safe and successful Olympic and Paralympic Games. Answer- 2) Sangeet Paul Choudary 6. Who authored the book “Whereabouts”? Explanation: 1) Arundhati Roy 2) Kiran Desai A book titled ‘Platform Scale: For A Post-Pandemic 3) Jhumpa Lahiri 4) Anita Desai World’ has been authored by Sangeet Paul Choudary. The 5) R. K. Narayan first edition of ‘Platform Scale’ was published in 2015. It Answer- 3) Jhumpa Lahiri explains about the importance of inner workings of Explanation: platform business models and their ability to scale Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri is set to release rapidly. her new novel titled “Whereabouts”. The book will be 10. Who authored the book, ‘By Many a Happy released in April. The novel Whereabout was written in Accident: Recollections of a Life’? Italian and translated into English by Jhumpa Lahiri. 1) Venkaiah Naidu 2) Pratibha Patil The book portrays the story of the life of a woman whose 3) Ram Nath Kovind 4) L K Advani life transforms with the change in her perspective. 5) Hamid Ansari Interpreter Of Maladies, The Namesake, Unaccustomed Answer- 5) Hamid Ansari Earth and The Lowland are the books authored by Explanation: Jhumpa Lahiri. Former Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid 7. Who authored the book ‘1857 – The Sword of Ansari has authored a book titled ‘By Many a Happy Mastaan’? Accident: Recollections of a Life’. It describes the 1) R. K. Narayan 2) Ruskin Bond unplanned happenings that took place in the life of M. 3) Jhumpa Lahiri 4) Vineet Bajpai Hamid that changed his way from his deferred fancy for 5) Kiran Desai academia to professional diplomacy and then co-opted in Answer- 4) Vineet Bajpai public life and became the Vice President of India for 2 Explanation: consecutive terms. A new novel titled ‘1857 – The Sword of Mastaan’ has 11. Who authored the book, “Beautiful Things”? been authored by Vineet Bajpai. It is part two of the 1) Joe Biden 2) Donald Trump Mastaan Trilogy. The first part of the trilogy, Mastaan – 3) Hunter Biden 4) Barack Obama The Fallen Patriot of Delhi, was released in October 2019. 5) Toni Morrison His Harappa Trilogy, comprising Harappa – Curse of the Answer- 3) Hunter Biden Blood River, Pralay – The Great Deluge, and Kashi – Explanation: Secret of the Black Temple, was a national bestseller. Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden has 8. Who authored the book ‘Parliamentary authored the memoir titled “Beautiful Things” which is Messenger in Rajasthan’? set to be released in April 2021. The book focuses on the 1) K.N. Bhandari life of Hunter Biden’s struggle with substance abuse. He 2) M. Venkaiah Naidu 80 is a lawyer and former lobbyist who helped in the first Explanation: impeachment of former President Donald Trump. “Trust Exercise: A Novel” authored by Susan Choi 12. Who authored the book, ‘The Terrible, was the winner of the 70th annual National Book Award Horrible, Very Bad Good News’? 2019 for fiction. The book provides an understanding 1) Meghna Pant about the capacities of adolescents and the power and 2) Meena Kandasamy responsibilities of adults. The debut novel of Susan Choi 3) Anita Nair “The Foregin Student” won the Asian American Literary Award for fiction. 4) Ira Trivedi 5) Anuja Chauhan 16. Who authored the book, “Mapping Love”? Answer- 1) Meghna Pant 1) Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari Explanation: 2) Mira Nair Meghna Pant has authored a new book titled ‘The 3) Zoya Akhtar Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Good News’. It will be 4) Anurag Kashyap released in April 2021, and will shortly become a major 5) Farhan Akhtar motion picture under the title Badnam Ladoo. Her debut Answer- 1) Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari novel, One & a Half Wife (Westland, 2012) won the Explanation: national Muse India Young Writer Award (2014). Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the 41-year-old Filmmaker is 13. Who authored the book, “Turn Around India: set to publish her debut fiction Novel titled “Mapping 2020- Surmounting Past Legacy”? Love” in May 2021. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari won the best 1) Jual Oram 2) RP Gupta debut director Award in 2017 Filmfare for “Nil Battey 3) Meghna Pant 4) Ira Trivedi Sannata” and in 2018 she won the Best Director for 5) Dharmendra Pradhan “Bareilly Ki Barfi”. Answer- 2) RP Gupta 17. Who authored the book, ‘Tipane Kashmirchi Explanation: (Notes on Kashmir), untold stories’? On 9th February 2021, Jual Oram, Member of 1) Arun Karmarkar Parliament and the chairman of the standing committee 2) Ram Nath Kovind on defence released the RP Gupta’s new book titled “Turn 3) Mehbooba Mufti Around India: 2020- Surmounting Past Legacy” on 4) Manoj Sinha creating awareness among masses. RP Gupta, debut book 5) Omar Abdullah “Turn Around India” was released by Narendra Modi in Answer- 1) Arun Karmarkar April 2013. Explanation: 14. Who authored the book, “Kamala’s way: An On 14th February 2021, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant American Life”? Governor of Jammu and Kashmir released the book titled 1) Dan Morain 2) Meena Harris ‘Tipane Kashmirchi (Notes on Kashmir), untold stories’ 3) Tony West 4) Barack Obama authored by Arun Karmarkar. The book features the 5) Kamala Harris researched facts about Jammu and Kashmir. Manoj Answer- 1) Dan Morain Sinha, stated that the new industrial development Explanation: scheme of Rs. 28,400 has been introduced which will attract investment to J&K and it will also create various Journalist and author Dan Morain has authored his opportunities to the youngsters. new book titled “Kamala’s way: An American Life”, a biography of Kamala Harris, the first woman vice 18. What is the name of book authored by Award president of the United States of America. The book is Winning Author Irwin Allan Sealy ? about the journey of Kamala Harris, the daughter of two 1) RAJA RAJA CHOLA : Samartya immigrants in California and the former California 2) AKBAR : The Great Mughal Senator and Attorney General who became the first 3) ASOCA: A Sutra African American and Asian American vice president. 4) Emergence of Empire: Mauryan India 15. Which book received the National Book Award 5) Shivaji and His Times for 2019 in fiction category? Answer – 3) ASOCA: A Sutra 1) The Testaments Explanation: 2) Trust Exercise: A Novel Award Winning Author Irwin Allan Sealy to pen a 3) Girl, Woman, Other new book titled, ‘ASOCA: A Sutra’, a memoir of Ashoka 4) Mostly Dead Things The Great. The book is to be published by Penguin 5) The Dutch House Random House‘s Viking imprint and will be released in Answer- 2) Trust Exercise: A Novel July 2021. 81

Note: Penguin had published the 30th anniversary Re-Engineering Health and Immunity in Context of edition of his debut novel ‘The Trotter-Nama’. COVID. The E-book published by HarperCollins 19. Find the name of the book which authored by Publishers India will be available on Amazon, Kindle and former Journalist Kavita Kane’. other online sites. The book also provides tips on how to 1) Sarasvati’s Gift prepare the body to ensure the effectiveness of the 2) Lakshmi’s Gift COVID-19 vaccine. 3) Guru Dhakshnamoorthy’s Gift 22. Who authored the book, “Indian Economy’s 4) Parvathi’s Gift Greatest Crisis: Impact of Coronavirus and the 5) Brahma’s Gift Road Ahead”? Answer – 1) Sarasvati’s Gift 1) Jayati Ghosh 2) Amartya Sen Explanation: 3) Arun Kumar 4) Tirthankar Roy Bestselling author and former Journalist Kavita 5) Kaushik Basu Kane’s new novel titled “Sarasvati’s Gift” has been Answer- 3) Arun Kumar acquired by the Penguin Random House India. The book Explanation: is set to release in 2021.The book is the story of Sarasvati, Arun Kumar has authored a new book, ‘Indian the goddess of Art, Music and Knowledge told in the Economy’s Greatest Crisis: Impact of Coronavirus and perspective of nameless celestials, powerful gods and the Road Ahead’. Arun Kumar is a veteran Indian mortals.The book will be published by Ebury Publishing economist. His popular books include: and Vintage of Penguin Random House India. The author • Indian Economy Since Independence: Persisting describes Sarasvati, the goddess as stubborn, cerebral, Colonial Disruption (2013) eloquent, the original rebel who fights her battles without • Understanding the Black Economy and Black weapons but with her wit and quick tongue. Money in India: An Enquiry into Causes, Consequences 20. Who written the book ‘Fractured Mosaic’ and Remedies (2017) which is a sequel to his 5th literary work, • Demonetization and the Black Economy (2017) titled: Random Subterranean Mosaic: 2012 – • The Ground Scorching Tax (2019) 2018? 23. Who authored the book, “Louiz Banks: A 1) Kunal Basu Symphony of Love”? 2) Sushmita Banerjee 1) Ashis Ghatak 2) Louis Banks 3) Soumya Bhattacharya 3) Ustad Zakir Hussain 4) Zakir Hussain 4) Amit Chaudhuri 5) Trilok Gurtu 5) Sabarna Roy Answer- 1) Ashis Ghatak Answer – 5) Sabarna Roy Explanation: Explanation: “Louiz Banks: A Symphony of Love”, authored by Sabarna Roy unveiled his 7th literary work titled, Ashis Ghatak is the biography of Louis Banks, the ‘Fractured Mosaic’ on February 12, 2021 at Bengaluru, Godfather of Indian Jazz. Ustad Zakir Hussain, the tabla Karnataka. It is published by Leadstart Publishing Pvt maestro has written the foreword of this book. The book of Ltd of Mumbai. The book was released on January 25, 15 chapters each named after a song by Banks provides a 2021 around the world.It is a sequel to his 5th literary detailed narrative about the life incidents and work, titled: Random Subterranean Mosaic: 2012 – 2018 experiences of Louiz Banks. Time Frozen in Myriad Thoughts . 24. IAF Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria 21. Find the name of doctor who recently launched the book “The Epic Battle of launched the e-book titled “COVID and Longewala” authored by Air Marshal (retd) Post-COVID Recovery: DoctorVee’s 6-Point Bharat Kumar. When was the Battle of Plan”, a practical guide on Re-Engineering Longewala took place? Health and Immunity in Context of COVID. 1) 1999 2) 1947 1) Dr.Nupur Krishna 3) 1963 4) 1965 2) Dr. Vishakha Shivdasani 5) 1971 3) Dr.Shilpa verma Answer- 5) 1971 4) Dr.Krupa Parekh Explanation: 5) Dr.Neha Ranglani On 18th February 2021, As a part of the celebration Answer - 2) Dr. Vishakha Shivdasani of the 50th Anniversary year of India’s victory over Explanation: Pakistan in 1971 war, Indian Air Force(IAF) Air Chief On 16th February 2021, Dr. Vishakha Shivdasani Marshal R K S Bhadauria launched the book “The Epic launched the e-book titled “COVID and Post-COVID Battle of Longewala” authored by Air Marshal (retd) Recovery: DoctorVee’s 6-Point Plan”, a practical guide on Bharat Kumar. The battle of Longewala took place in 82

December 1971 in Thar Desert, Rajasthan. The pakistan organised for the first ever CRPF Veteran Day, at the army planed an armoured thrust over India which failed CRPF Shaurya Officers Institute, New Delhi. since they didn’t factor the half squadron at Jaisalmer, 28. Who authored the book, “Agriculture Acts the air power of Indian Air force. 2020”? 25. Who authored the book, “Star Struck: 1) Venkaiah Naidu Confessions of a TV Executive”? 2) N. V. Ramana 1) Peter Mukerjea 2) Sheen Bora 3) Manmohan Singh 3) Uday Shankar 4) Rupert Murdoch 4) A.K. Rajan 5) Sanjay Gupta 5) Uday Lalit Answer- 1) Peter Mukerjea Answer- 4) A.K. Rajan Explanation: Explanation: Peter Mukerjea, the former CEO of Star India On February 20, 2021, Dravidar Kazhagam Network, has penned down his memoir titled “Star president K. Veeramani released a book “Agriculture Struck: Confessions of a TV Executive”. The book is a Acts 2020” written by Justice A.K. Rajan, former judge of written confession of Peter Mukerjea, a well-known the Madras High Court. The book is about the three media personality who is undertrial for the murder case controversial Central farm laws, which resulted in a of Sheen Bora. The book is a collection of Peter months-long massive protest by farmers in New Delhi. It Mukerjea’s experiences in Star India and his journey to has shown how the laws hit at the federal structure of becoming the CEO of Star India. India. 26. Who authored the book, “Maverick Messiah: A 29. Who authored the book, “Leadership Lessons Political Biography of N.T. Rama Rao”? from 22 Yards”? 1) Venkaiah Naidu 2) Krishnam Raju 1) Srikanth Ram 2) Rajeev Shukla 3) Ramesh Kandula 3) Lalit Modi 4) Sourav Ganguly 4) N. Chandrababu Naidu 5) Jay Shah 5) Jagan Mohan Reddy Answer- 1) Srikanth Ram Answer- 3) Ramesh Kandula Explanation: Explanation: Corporate leader Srikanth Ram has authored a new On February 18, 2021 Vice President (VP) M book titled “Leadership Lessons from 22 Yards: An Venkaiah Naidu released a book titled, ‘Maverick interesting comparison of cricket and corporate stories for Messiah: A Political Biography of N.T. Rama Rao’. The entrepreneurs and leaders to create high performance non-fiction book is authored by senior journalist, Ramesh teams and winning culture”. The book is about the Kandula. N.T. Rama Rao is an Indian actor, producer, journey of two brothers Sanju and Sandeep who aspire to director, film editor and politician who served as Chief become entrepreneurs. The book features the stories from Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP) for 7 years over three cricket infused with the management lessons. terms. He founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 30. Who authored the book, “Runway to Skilled 1982. India”? 27. In February 2021, Home Minister Amit Shah 1) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe released a book, “Rashtra Pratham – 82 2) Darlie O Koshy varshon ki Swarnim Gatha”. The book depicts 3) Mahendra Nath Pandey the history of ______. 4) Pralhad Joshi 1) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 5) Praveen Kumar 2) National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Answer- 2) Darlie O Koshy 3) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Explanation: 4) Border Security Force (BSF) At the India Craft Week 2021 (February 18-21) Dr 5) National Security Guard (NSG) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President Indian Council for Answer- 1) Central Reserve Police Force Cultural Relations has unveiled a new book titled, (CRPF) ‘Runway to Skilled India’ at Bikaner House, New Delhi. Explanation: The book is authored by Dr Darlie O Koshy, noted On 19th February 2021, Amit Shah, Home Minister educationist and Director General and CEO at Apparel of India released a book titled “Rashtra Pratham – 82 Training & Design Centre(ATDC), under the aegis of varshon ki Swarnim Gatha” (Nation First – The Golden Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). The book is a Story of 82 Years), which chronicles the history of Central sequel to his earlier work “Indian Design Edge”. Reserve Police Force (CRPF) since its raising in 1939. The 31. Who authored the book, “They Found book was compiled by historian Dr Bhuwan Kumar Jha of What/They Made What” that features stories of Delhi University. The book was released at the event India’s renowned scientist? 83

1) Madhav Bhandari 2) Prem Prakash Veteran Indian Actor Kabir Bedi (75 years old) is set 3) Shweta Taneja to release his autobiography titled ‘Stories I Must Tell: 4) Rajesh Nagulakonda The Journey of an Actor’ in April 2021. The memoir 5) Roopa Chari features the journey of a middle class boy from Delhi who Answer- 3) Shweta Taneja reached the heights of success in his acting career. He Explanation: starred as James Bond’s Villain in the film “Octopussy”. A Book Titled ‘They Found What/They Made What’ 35. Who authored the book, ‘#METOO’? authored by Shweta Taneja is set to release on National 1) Karan Puri Science Day (i.e February 28). The book will educate 2) Bijal Vachharajani children about discoveries and inventions of India’s 3) S Hussain Zaidi Brightest Scientists. The book will feature stories of 4) Neena Rai India’s renowned scientist and also offers activities, 5) Ruskin Bond quizzes, experiments & tips to rekindle the interest of Answer- 1) Karan Puri children in Science in an entertaining & exciting way. Explanation: 32. Who authored the book, “Because India Comes Karan Puri launched his second book titled, First: Reflections on Nationalism, Identity and ‘#METOO’. The book is a collection of 6 short stories. The Culture”? book highlights the strength of human beings who have 1) Shashi Tharoor 2) Vikas Swarup lived through the trauma of sexual violence. Author’s 1st 3) Ram Madhav fiction novel is ‘Shit Happens – A desi boy in America’. 4) Subramanian Swamy 36. Who authored the book, “The Last Light of 5) Ramachandra Guha Glory Days: Stories from Nagaland”? Answer- 3) Ram Madhav 1) Avinuo Kire 2) Ruskin Bond Explanation: 3) Ralimongla 4) Avni Doshi On 22nd February 2021, Ram Madhav, an Indian 5) Karan Puri Politician, author and the former National General Answer- 1) Avinuo Kire Secretary of BJP launched his new book titled “Because Explanation: India Comes First: Reflections on Nationalism, Identity On 11th February 2021, Dr. Avinuo Kire’s new book and Culture” in Kolkata, West Bengal. The book titled “The Last Light of Glory Days: Stories from examines the decisions of the BJP led government in the Nagaland” was released by Dr. Ralimongla, the principal past few years. The book calls out liberal fascism and of Kohima college in Kohima, Nagaland. She has deconstructs the understanding on terrorism in India. authored numerous books which includes, ‘The Power to 33. The picture book ‘The Lost Soul’ was authored Forgive and other stories’. by ______. 37. Who authored the book, “Bare Necessities: 1) Margaret Atwood 2) Anna Burns How to Live a Zero Waste Life”? 3) Louise Glück 4) Olga Tokarczuk 1) Viral Acharya 2) Sahar Mansoor 5) Peter Handke 3) Urjit Patel 4) Amish Tripathi Answer- 4) Olga Tokarczuk 5) Priyamvad Explanation: Answer- 2) Sahar Mansoor Polish Author and 2018 Nobel Prize winner Explanation: (Literature) Olga Tokarczuk’s latest book ‘The Lost Soul’, Sahar Mansoor, founder and CEO of Bare English translation of “Zgubiona dusza” is set to hit the Necessities, a zero-waste social enterprise and Tim de bookstores. The book is translated by Antonia Lloyd- Ridder, sustainability consultant, have authored a new Jones and the illustrations were done by Joanna book titled “Bare Necessities: How to Live a Zero Waste Concejo. This is the first time that Olga Tokarczuk’s prose Life”, a one stop guide promoting a sustainable lifestyle in will be accompanied by illustrations in the form of a India. picture book. “The lost soul” was awarded a special 38. Who authored the book, “India: A Scamster mention of the Bologna Ragazzi Award in 2018. Born Every Minute”? 34. ‘Stories I Must Tell: The Journey of an Actor’ is 1) Madhuri Vijay 2) Anita Desai the autobiography of ______. 3) Snigdha Poonam 4) Amruta Patil 1) Kabir Bedi 2) Anil Kapoor 5) Arundhati Roy 3) Naseeruddin Shah 4) Anupam Kher Answer- 3) Snigdha Poonam 5) Mohanlal Explanation: Answer- 1) Kabir Bedi Snigdha Poonam authors a new book titled ‘India: A Explanation: Scamster Born Every Minute’. Her debut book ‘Dreamers: 84

How Young Indians Are Changing the World’ released in Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who featured in 2018 won the 2018’s ‘Crossword Book Award’ for various Hollywood and Bollywood projects, has released non-fiction. her memoir (Authored by Priyanka Chopra) titled 39. Who authored the book, “Bride of the Forest: “Unfinished: A Memoir”. The book features Priyanka The Untold Story of Yayati’s Daughter”? Chopra’s childhood in India, her teenage years in the 1) Meena Kandasamy United States where she faced bouts of racism. The book 2) Manju Kapur also features her 2-decade career as actor and producer to her work as UNICEF Goodwill ambassador to marrying 3) Shashi Deshpande Nick Jonas. 4) Madhavi S Mahadevan 5) Shobhaa De 41. Who authored the book, “The Presidential Years: 2012-2017”? Answer- 4) Madhavi S Mahadevan 1) Ahmed Patel Explanation: 2) Pranab Mukherjee Madhavi S Mahadevan has authored her latest and 2nd Novel titled ‘Bride of the Forest: The Untold Story of 3) Venkaiah Naidu Yayati’s Daughter’, a story about the sacrifice and 4) A K Antony nobility of Drishadvati, a little known character from 5) Hamid Ansari mythology. The book features the stories of the little Answer- 2) Pranab Mukherjee known women in the epis who suffered various systemic Explanation: atrocities of that period. Late Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee’s 40. Who authored the book, “Unfinished: A memoir (Authored by Pranab Mukherjee) titled ‘The Memoir”? Presidential Years: 2012-2017’ has been released in 1) Deepika Padukone 2) Anil Kapoor January 2021. The book gives an account of how Pranab 3) Naseeruddin Shah 4) Priyanka Chopra Mukherjee reshaped the functioning of Rashtrapati Bhavan. During his presidency, he worked with 2 Prime 5) Aishwarya Rai Ministers(PMs), Dr Manmohan Singh and Narendra Answer- 4) Priyanka Chopra Modi. Explanation:

OBITUARY

1. In which field did late Paul Jozef Crutzen Explanation: receive Nobel Prize? On 5th February 2021, the legendary Canadian 1) Physics 2) Physiology Actor Christopher Plummer, the star of “The Sound of 3) Chemistry 4) Literature Music” and the oldest person to win the Oscar Award 5) Peace passed away at the age of 91 at his residence in Answer- 3) Chemistry Connecticut, United States of America. At the 84th Explanation: Academy Awards, Plummer won the Oscar for his On 28th January 2021, Nobel Prize winning performance in the film “Beginners” (2011). atmospheric chemist Paul Jozef Crutzen passed away at 3. Recently (in Feb 2021), American sports the age of 87. He was born in Amsterdam in 1933. He champion Marion Anthony Trabert passed made Key studies on degradation of Ozone layer by away. In which sport did he represent pollutants, which served as a base to 1987’s Montreal America? Protocol. He Popularised the term “Anthropocene” in 1) Football 2) Basketball 2000 to define the current geological era in which human 3) Tennis 4) Volleyball activity is influencing the planet. 5) Baseball 2. Recently (in Feb 2021), Canadian Actor Answer- 3) Tennis Christopher Plummer, he is the oldest person Explanation: to receive Oscar award for his performance in On 3rd February 2021, legendary American tennis ______. champion Marion Anthony Trabert (Tony Trabert) who 1) Beginners was a 5-time Grand Slam singles champion passed away 2) The Sound of Music at the age of 90 in his residence in Ponte Vedra Beach, 3) Up Florida. He won 3 grand slams singles in 1955 US Open 4) Madeline and French Open and Wimbledon. He was inducted in the 5) The Moneychangers International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1970. Answer- 1) Beginners 85

4. In Feb’21, Bruce Taylor, the only cricketer to of 67 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. In his 8th professional score a century and take a five-wicket haul in a fight he won the heavyweight championship against Test match debut passed away. Which country Muhmmad Ali in 1978. did he represent? 8. Recently in February 2021, Veteran Indian 1) South Africa 2) England ______Rajiv Kapoor passed away at the age 3) Australia 4) West Indies of 58. 5) New Zealand 1) Musician 2) Dancer Answer- 5) New Zealand 3) Artist 4) Cricketer Explanation: 5) Actor On 6th February 2021, Former New Zealand Answer- 5) Actor Cricketer Bruce Taylor passed away at the age of 77 in Explanation: Lower Hutt, New Zealand. He was born on 12th July 1943 On 9th February 2021, Bollywood Actor, Director in Timaru, New Zealand. He was described as “Force of and film producer Rajiv Kapoor passed away at the age of Nature” by the New Zealand Cricket Team. He is the only 58 in Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was the son of cricketer to score a century and take a five-wicket haul on veteran filmmaker Raj Kapoor and brother of Rishi debut in a Test match. Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor. He was born on 25th August 5. Akhtar Ali, Arjuna Award winning Indian 1962 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Rajiv Kapoor is also Legend passed away in Feb’21. In which sport known as “Chimpu”. did he represent India? 9. Recently (in Feb’21), Padma Shri Bansi Kaul 1) Football 2) Hockey passed away. He received Padma Shri for his 3) Tennis 4) Cricket contribution in ______. 5) Badminton 1) Sports 2) Art Answer- 3) Tennis 3) Science & Engineering 4) Public Affairs Explanation: 5) Medicine On 7th February 2021, Indian Tennis Legend, Answer- 2) Art Akhtar Ali, the former Davis Cup Coach, passed away at Explanation: the age of 81 in Kolkata, West Bengal. He has supported On 6th February 2021, Padma Shri Bansi Kaul, the career development of the legendary Leander Paes. theatre director and the founder of Rang Vidushak He received the Arjuna Award in Lawn tennis for his passed away at the age of 71 at his residence in Delhi. He lifetime contribution to tennis in 2000. received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995. He 6. Cricketer Ezra Moseley, passed away in received the Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian February 2021. Which International Women’s award in 2014 for Art. Team did he coach? 10. Carlos Menem, former President of ______1) Australia 2) West Indies passed away in February 2021. 3) England 4) New Zealand 1) Argentina 2) Chile 5) South Africa 3) Peru 4) Uruguay Answer- 2) West Indies 5) Venezuela Explanation: Answer- 1) Argentina On 6th February 2021, the former West Indies Explanation: cricketer and fast bowler, Ezra Moseley, the current On 14th February 2020, the former president of coach of the Barbados Women’s team passed away at the Argentina Carlos Menem, passed away at the age of 90 in age of 63 in Barbados after a road accident. He was the Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was born in 1930 in assistant coach of the West Indies Women’s team which Anillaco, Argentina. With the Peronist coalition “Front of won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in India in 2016. All” Carlos was re-elected as the senator for a term which 7. Olympic gold medal winning American, Leon ends in 2023. Spinks, passed away in February 2021. In 11. Mandagadde Rama Jois, the former governor which sport did he represent America? of Bihar and Jharkhand passed away at the 1) Tennis 2) Curling age of 89 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.Who was 3) Boxing 4) Fencing he? 5) Ski jumping 1) Actor 2) Chief Justice Answer- 3) Boxing 3) Cricket Player 4) Journalist Explanation: 5) Freedom fighter On 5th February 2021, American professional boxer, Answer – 2) Chief Justice Leon Spinks, Former heavyweight champion who won Explanation: the Gold Medal at 1976 Olympics passed away at the age 86

On 16th February 2021, Justice Mandagadde Rama 1) Mathematician 2) Poet Jois, the former governor of Bihar and Jharkhand passed 3) Physician 4) Astrologer away at the age of 89 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was 5) Martial Artist born on 27th July 1931 at Shimoga, Karnataka.M Rama Answer- 2) Poet Jois served as the Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana Explanation: High Court. On 25th February 2021, Renowned Malayalam Poet, 12. In February 2021, Veteran Congress leader, priest and academician Padma Shri Vishnu Narayanan Captain Satish Sharma passed away. He was Namboothiri passed away at the age of 81 in his residence India’s ______from 1993 to 1996. in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was honoured with 1) Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Padma Shri for Literature and education in 2014. 2) Minister of Corporate Affairs 14. Former PM Sir Michael Somare, popularly 3) Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs known as ‘Father of Nation’ passed away 4) Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas recently in February 2021. Which country does 5) Minister of External Affairs he belong to? Answer- 4) Minister of Petroleum and Natural 1) Fiji 2) New Zealand Gas 3) Papua New Guinea 4) Seychelles Explanation: 5) Philippines On 17th February 2021, Captain Satish Sharma, Answer- 3) Papua New Guinea Veteran congress leader and the former Member of Explanation: Parliament, passed away at the age of 73 in Goa. He On 26th February 2021, the first Prime Minister of served as the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Papua New Guinea(PNG), Sir Michael Somare passed Gas from 1993 to 1996 under the premiership of away at the age of 84 in Port Moresby, PNG, after being Narasimha Rao. He represented Amethi in 1991 in Lok diagnosed with a late-stage pancreatic cancer. He is Sabha, following the death of Rajiv Gandhi. popularly known as the “Father of the nation(PNG)” and 13. India’s renowned ______, Padma Shri Vishnu he is also referred to as the Chief by the people of PNG. Narayanan Namboothiri passed away recently in February 2021. IMPORTANT DAYS

1. What was the theme of 2021’s World Leprosy 3) 30th January 2021 Day? 4) 1st February 2021 1) Ending discrimination, stigma and prejudice 5) 31st January 2021 2) Beat Leprosy, End Stigma and Advocate for Answer- 4) 1st February 2021 Mental Well-Being Explanation: 3) To live is to help to live Indian Coast Guard Day is annually observed across 4) Zero Disabilities in Girls and Boys India on 1st February which marks the Raising day of the 5) Leprosy isn't what you think Indian Coast Guard. 1st February 2021 marks the 45th Answer- 2) Beat Leprosy, End Stigma and Raising day of the Indian Coast Guard, Operating under Advocate for Mental Well-Being the Defence Ministry. ICG was the first force to deploy Explanation: women officers in operational roles on board ships. World Leprosy Day is annually observed across the 3. When was the World Wetlands Day annually globe on the last Sunday of January to create awareness observed? about leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease. The 1) 31st January 2) 30th January theme of the 2021 World Leprosy day is “Beat Leprosy, 3) 2nd February 4) 4th February End Stigma and Advocate for Mental Well-Being”. 5) 3rd February Annually, India celebrates the World Leprosy day on 30th Answer- 3) 2nd February January, the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Explanation: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by World Wetlands Day is annually observed across the Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy is curable with a globe on 2nd February to create awareness about the combination of drugs known as MDT. importance of wetlands and their roles towards humans 2. When was the Indian Coast Guard Day and the planet. 2nd February 2021 marks the 25th World observed annually? Wetlands Day. The theme of World Wetlands Day 2021 is 1) 29th January 2021 “Wetlands and Water”. The day marks the adoption of the 2) 2nd February 2021 87

Conservation of Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in 5) 9th February Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of Caspian Sea. Answer- 3) 10th February 4. When is World Cancer Day annually observed? Explanation: 1) 28th January 2) 4th February The United Nations(UN)’s World Pulses Day is 3) 1st February annually observed across the globe on 10th February to 4) January Last Sunday celebrate the contribution of the pulses to the sustainable 5) February First Sunday food system, healthy growth and environmental benefits. Answer- 2) 4th February The First World Pulses Day was celebrated on 10th February 2019. This year, World Pulses Day is virtual Explanation: organized on 10th February 2021 under the theme World Cancer Day is annually observed across the #LovePulses for a healthy diet and planet. globe on 4th February to create awareness and educate the general public about the stigma around cancer and to 8. When was biannual event of the National reduce the preventable deaths. The World Cancer Day is Deworming Day (NDD) celebrated in February a global uniting initiative led by the Union of 2021? International Cancer Control (UICC). The theme of the 1) 12th February 2) 8th February World Cancer Day for 2019 to 2021 is “I Am and I Will”. 3) 6th February 4) 11th February The theme of World Cancer Day 2021 is “I Am and I Will: 5) 10th February “Together, all our actions matter”. Answer- 5) 10th February 5. When was the UN’s 1st ever International Day Explanation: of Human Fraternity observed across the National Deworming Day (NDD) is a biannual event globe? celebrated across India to create awareness about worm 1) 7th February 2021 2) 8th February 2021 infection and to eradicate the intestinal worms which is 3) 4th February 2021 4) 3rd February 2021 also known as soil Transmitted Helminths(STH) in 5) 5th February 2021 children aged 1 to 19. National Deworming Day is Answer- 3) 4th February 2021 annually conducted on 10th February with a mop-up day on 15th February. This programme is implemented Explanation: through the platforms of schools and anganwadis. As a The United Nations(UN)’s observed the first ever part of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme International Day of Human Fraternity across the globe across the globe the ‘Albendazole tablet’. on 4th February 2021 to raise awareness about different cultures and religions or beliefs and to promote cultural 9. When was UN’s ‘International Day of Women and religious tolerance, understanding. The theme of the and Girls in Science’ annually observed? International Day of Human Fraternity 2021 is “A 1) 12th February 2) 9th February Pathway to the Future”. Highlights the principles and 3) 5th February 4) 6th February values noted in the document titled “Human Fraternity 5) 11th February for World Peace and Living Together”. Answer- 5) 11th February 6. When is UN’s International Day of Zero Explanation: Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of observed annually? Women and Girls in Science is annually observed across 1) 7th February 2) 8th February the world on 11th February to recognize the critical role 3) 4th February 4) 3rd February women and girls play in science and technology 5) 6th February communities. The theme of 2021 event is “Women Answer- 5) 6th February Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”. The day aims to address the gender gap in the field of Explanation: science, technology, engineering and mathematics The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of Zero (STEM) at all levels across the globe. Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is annually observed across the globe on 6th February to heighten the 10. Marking the birth anniversary of ______, efforts towards eliminating the process of Female Genital every year February 11th is celebrated as the Mutilation(FGM). The theme of International Day of Zero World Unani Day. Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2021: “No Time 1) Ibn-e- Sina for Global Inaction, Unite, Fund, and Act to End Female 2) Hakim Ajmal Khan Genital Mutilation”. 3) Agathiyar 7. When is United Nations(UN)’s World Pulses 4) Charaka Day celebrated annually? 5) Samuel Hahnemann 1) 1st February 2) 8th February Answer- 2) Hakim Ajmal Khan 3) 10th February 4) 11th February Explanation: 88

World Unani Day is annually observed across the “nightingale of India”, on her birth anniversary. The globe on 11th February to create and spread awareness National Women’s day is celebrated to recognise the about health care delivery through the Unani system of social, cultural, political and economic achievements of medicine. The day marks the birth anniversary of Hakim Women. 13th February 2021 marks the 142nd birth Ajmal Khan, a great Unani scholar and social reformer. anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. She was one of the 15 The National Conference on Unani Medicine was held at women in the Constituent Assembly and she was the first New Delhi, under the theme “Unani Medicine: woman to become the president of INC and the first Opportunities and Challenges in times of COVID-19”. female governor of India. The first Unani day was celebrated in 2017 at Central 14. What was the theme of 2021’s International Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM), Epilepsy Day? Hyderabad. 1) Epilepsy is more than seizures 11. When is India’s National Productivity Day 2) Friendship and Inclusion celebrated annually? 3) Putting Epilepsy in the Picture 1) 13th February 2) 6th February 4) Small Actions for Big Change 3) 9th February 4) 12th February 5) This is Me 5) 10th February Answer- 1) Epilepsy is more than seizures Answer- 4) 12th February Explanation: Explanation: The International Epilepsy Day is annually The National Productivity Day is annually observed observed across the globe on the second Monday of across India on 12th February to create awareness about February. The day aims to create awareness about productivity, that maximum output with optimum epilepsy and its treatment and the need to bring the utilization of resources can be planned and achieved. The treatment to all who need it. The International Epilepsy day is organised by the National Productivity Day is a joint initiative of the International Bureau for Council(NPC). NPC is a constituent of Tokyo based Asian Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against productivity organisation(APO), an Inter-Governmental Epilepsy (ILAE). The theme of the International Epilepsy Body. Indian is the founding member of APO. Day 2021 is “Epilepsy is more than seizures”. More than 12. When was the World Radio Day annually 50 million people across the globe have epilepsy, making celebrated? it one of the most common neurological diseases across 1) 14th February 2) 13th February the globe. 3) 12th February 4) 11th February 15. What is the theme of 2021’s Safer Internet Day? 5) 10th February 1) Play your part for a better internet Answer- 2) 13th February 2) Together for a better internet Explanation: 3) Be the change: Unite for a better internet The United Nations World Radio Day (WRD) is 4) Online rights and responsibilities annually observed across the globe on 13th February to 5) Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better celebrate radio as a part of the history of humanity. 2021 internet starts with you marks the 10th edition of World Radio Day(WRD) and Answer- 2) Together for a better internet more than 110 year of radio. The theme of the world radio Explanation: day 2021 is “New World, New Radio”. The UNESCO The Safer Internet Day is annually observed across marks World Radio Day 2021 with 3 sub themes - the globe on the 2nd day of the 2nd week (i.e. 2nd Evolution, Innovation, Connection. It is aimed at raising Tuesday) of February to create awareness about the public awareness about the importance of Radio & emerging new online issues and current issues like encourage decision makers to use it to provide access to cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, The information. Safer Internet Day 2021 observed on 9th February 2021 13. In India, National Women’s Day is annually marks the 18th edition of Safer Internet Day. The theme celebrated on 13th February. It is Celebrated of the 2021 Safer Internet Day is “Together for a better to mark the birth anniversary of which internet”. The first Safer Internet day was observed on freedom fighter? 6th February 2004. 1) Annie Besant 2) Sarojini Naidu 16. When was the International Childhood Cancer 3) Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit 4) Rani Lakshmi Bai Day (ICCD) observed and 2021 marks the 20th 5) Madam Bhikaji Cama Commemoration of the International Answer- 2) Sarojini Naidu Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD)? Explanation: 1) February 11 2) February 12 National Women’s Day is annually celebrated across 3) February 13 4) February 14 India on 13th February to honour Sarojini Naidu, the 5) February 15 89

Answer – 5) February 15 1) IMPACT 2) Connect Explanation: 3) Leadership 4) Peacebuilding Each Year, the International Childhood Cancer Day 5) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ICCD) is observed on February 15. The day aims to raise Answer- 4) Peacebuilding awareness about childhood cancer, express support for Explanation: children & adolescents with cancer, the survivors and 22nd February of every year is observed as World their families.The year 2021 marks the 20th Thinking Day by the girl scouts and girl guides in 150 Commemoration of the International Childhood Cancer countries across the globe. The day offers an opportunity Day (ICCD) since it was created in 2002 by Childhood for the girl scouting and girl guiding communities to Cancer International (CCI). think about others and focus on a wider issue that 17. When is the UN’s World Day of Social Justice impacts the others within the guiding and scouting observed annually? movements. The theme of the World Thinking Day 2021 1) 19th February 2) 15th February is “Peacebuilding”. 3) 21st February 4) 17th February 20. Annually, World Pangolin Day is observed on 5) 20th February 3rd Saturday of February to create awareness Answer- 5) 20th February against Pangolin Trafficking. Pangolin are Explanation: ______. The United Nations(UN)’s World Day of Social 1) Vultures 2) Flying squirrels Justice is annually observed across the globe on 20th 3) Star Tortoise 4) Anteaters February to promote and ensure Social justice in letter 5) Wild Goose and spirit in the world where the social inequality Answer- 4) Anteaters persists. The day recognises that social development can Explanation: be ensured in the absence of Social Justice. The theme of World Pangolin Day is annually observed across the the 2021 World Day of Social Justice is “A Call for Social globe on the 3rd Saturday of February to raise awareness Justice in the Digital Economy” which highlights the about the Pangolins, a unique mammal and the basic rights of the workers who have shifted to the digital difficulties they face. Pangolin are “Anteaters”. Pangolins platform and whose lives were affected by the lack of are the most trafficked and poached mammal in the digital infrastructure. world. Pangolins are listed under the International 18. When is the UN’s International Mother Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Language Day observed annually? 21. When was the World NGO day annually 1) 18th February 2) 15th February observed? 3) 21st February 4) 24th February 1) 28th February 2) 25th February 5) 25th February 3) 23rd February 4) 27th February Answer- 3) 21st February 5) 24th February Explanation: Answer- 4) 27th February The United Nations(UN)’s International Mother Explanation: Language Day is annually observed across the globe on World NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) day 21st February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity is annually observed across the globe on 27th February to and multilingualism. The day recognizes the importance create awareness about the importance of social work and of the languages and multilingualism towards advance to recognise and honour the contributions of the Social inclusion and Sustainable Development Goals(SDG). The workers, NGO founders, employees, volunteers, members UNESCO observed the 1st International Mother and supporters who are working towards the betterment Language day on 21st February 2000. The theme of the of the society. The first World NGO day was observed on 2021 International Mother Language Day is “Fostering 27th February 2014. The term Non-Governmental multilingualism for inclusion in education and society”. Organisation was created in Article 71 of the Charter of 19. What is the theme of 2021’s World Thinking the United Nations in 1945. Day, that is annually celebrated on 22nd February by the girl scouts and girl guides across the globe? ENVIRONMENT

1. Where was a new species of gecko, 2) Uttarakhand “Cyrtodactylus arunachalensis” discovered by 3) Assam researchers? 4) Kerala 1) Arunachal Pradesh 90

5) Andaman & Nicobar endangered species, recently (in Feb’21) Answer- 1) Arunachal Pradesh discovered? Explanation: 1) Himachal Pradesh A team of researchers from 5 institutes discovered a 2) Assam new species of gecko in Arunachal Pradesh. The species is 3) Andaman & Nicobar named “Cyrtodactylus arunachalensis” after Arunachal 4) Kerala Pradesh, the state in which it was discovered. The paper 5) Arunachal Pradesh on the newly discovered Gecko was published in Answer- 5) Arunachal Pradesh “Evolutionary Systematics”, an international peer Explanation: reviewed journal. This is the 4th new reptile species A group of scientists from 3 institutes across India discovered by the team during their expedition in discovered a new species of Alpine plant in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh from June to August 2019. district of Arunachal Pradesh. The new species of 2. A new species “Brookesia nana”: Earth’s Himalayan Sunflower family has been named smallest known reptile was discovered in “Cremanthodium indicum”. The discovery of the species northern Madagascar and is also known was published in ‘Biodiversitas: Journal of Biological as______. Diversity’. According to the IUCN guidelines, this species 1) nano chameleons 2) nano lizards has been assessed as critically endangered. 3) nano snake 4) nano turtles 4. Where did Geological Survey of India (GSI) 5) nano crocodiles recently (in Feb’21) found the fossils of Earth’s Answer – 1) nano chameleons ‘oldest animal’, Dickinsonia? Explanation: 1) Auditorium Cave 2) Edakkal Caves Scientists from Germany and Madagascar have 3) Pattadakal 4) Ajanta Caves discovered a new species of Chameleon “Brookesia nana” 5) Chovvanur Burial Cave in the montane rainforest in northern Madagascar.. This Answer- 1) Auditorium Cave is the Earth’s smallest known reptile. Brookesia nana Explanation: belongs to the genus Brookesia. The male species Two experts from the Geological Survey of India measures 21.6 mm and the female measures 28.9 (GSI) found three fossils of a Dickinsonia, the Earth’s mm.The world’s longest reptile reticulated python (6.25 ‘oldest animal’, dating back 570 million years in the roof meter) is as long as 289 brookesia nanas and of Auditorium Cave at Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Sphaerodactylus ariasae, the smallest species of lizards is Pradesh. It is India’s 1st fossil of Dickinsonia. The cave is 20 to 25% longer than brookesia nana. The discovery of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Paleolithic and Brookesia nana is published in the Journal Scientific Mesolithic cave art. Reports. 3. Where was the new species of Alpine plant “Cremanthodium indicum”, a critically APP and WEB PORTAL

1. Which organisation recently (in Jan 2021), set and Share Transfer Agents (QRTAs) etc. through this up an ‘Innovation Sandbox’ web portal? portal. 1) National Stock Exchange (NSE) 2. Which was the Mobile app, that was launched 2) Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) during the 2nd CCTNS Hackathon and Cyber 3) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Challenge 2020-21? 4) Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 1) Pol-App 5) NITI Aayog 2) Cyware Social Answer- 4) Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 3) Locate Nearest Police Station Explanation: 4) e-Security BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) has set up 5) m-PoliceLocator an ‘Innovation Sandbox’ web portal, a workflow based Answer- 3) Locate Nearest Police Station platform. It is a testing environment that enables Explanation: FinTech firms and individuals to do offline testing of their On 3rd February 2021, the 2nd Crime and Criminal applications. The innovation sandbox is set up as per the Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) Hackathon and guidelines of Securities and Exchange Board of India Cyber Challenge 2020-21 of the National Crime Records (SEBI). The applicants can access the APIs, test data of Bureau (NCRB) was inaugurated in New Delhi. stock exchanges, depositories and Qualified Registrar 91

During the inauguration of the 2nd CCTNS Year 2021-22. The portal will be the 1st Mission Mode Hackathon and Cyber Challenge 2020-21 the mobile e-Governance project of Government of India (GoI). application “Locate Nearest Police Station” was MCA21 portal is used by companies for submitting launched. This will improve the accessibility of the Police various documents as part of compliance requirements to the citizens. under the company law. It is set to be driven by Data 3. Recently (in Feb 2021), a ‘Unified Portal of Analytics and will have additional modules for Gobardhan’ was launched to promote e-Adjudication, e-Consultation and Compliance GOBAR-DHAN scheme. What is the aim behind Management. The portal will be equipped with GOBAR-DHAN scheme? Micro-services architecture for advanced analytics & 1) Manage Cattle Waste emerging digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence 2) Increase Farmers’ Income (AI) & Machine Language (ML). 3) Manage Biodegradable Waste 6. Which state became the 1st in India to launch 4) Only 1 & 2 “e-Cabinet” app making the cabinet 5) All 1, 2 & 3 proceedings paperless? Answer- 5) All 1, 2 & 3 1) Kerala Explanation: 2) Himachal Pradesh On February 3, 2021 Union Ministers jointly 3) Gujarat launched a ‘Unified Portal of Gobardhan’ to promote 4) Maharashtra ‘Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan’ 5) Assam (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme, an initiative that aims to Answer- 2) Himachal Pradesh manage cattle and biodegradable waste and also help Explanation: enhance farmers’ income. The portal also helps to track On 5th February 2021, Jai Ram Thakur, Chief real time progress of the scheme. Implements two Minister of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated the first flagship programme of Indian government – Jal Jeevan e-cabinet at Shimla. The state became the first to Mission (JJM) and SBMG Phase II. implement e-cabinet and make the end-to-end processing 4. Which state’s State Election Commission of cabinets paperless. This is the first of its kind electronic recently (in Feb 2021), launched the ‘e-Watch’ platform in India. Features – Environment Friendly, app to receive complaints on poll Efficient Processing, Time Saving, Beforehand Access to irregularities in Gram Panchayat Elections? Ministers, Refined Decision Making, Better Record 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Rajasthan Keeping and Access, OTP Based Signing of Documents & 3) Gujarat 4) Madhya Pradesh Ensuring of Implementation. 5) Andhra Pradesh 7. Which state govt. launched the ‘LoumiConnect Answer- 5) Andhra Pradesh App’, enabling farmers’ to produce organic Explanation: products with inputs from Horticulture and Agriculture experts? Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner N. Ramesh Kumar launched the ‘e-Watch’ app to receive 1) Assam 2) Manipur complaints related to poll related irregularities. This 3) Gujarat 4) Sikkim launch comes ahead to the Gram Panchayat Elections of 5) Karnataka Andhra Pradesh state, that is planned to be held on Answer- 2) Manipur February 21, 2021. A Call center was also set up in the Explanation: state to address the Gram Panchayat polls related On February 7, 2021 Manipur CM N. Biren Singh complaints. launched a new range of packaged organic products and 5. What is the utility of Indian Government’s LoumiConnect App under Manipur Organic Mission recently (in Feb 2021), launched web portal Agency (MOMA) & Mission Organic Value Chain “MCA21 Version 3.0”? Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). 1) Submitting Documents to District Courts LoumiConnect App helps to connect farmers with 2) Household Solar Electricity Generation Horticulture and Agriculture experts. It also empowers the farmers of the state to produce organic products. He 3) Avail Central Government Services also released an Illustrative guide booklet on organic 4) Avail Geothermal Services farming and MOVCDNER. 5) Submit Compliance Documents by Companies 8. Which Ministry has launched (in Feb’21), an Answer- 5) Submit Compliance Documents by Investment Corner under Project Companies Development Cell (PDC) in its official website Explanation: to enhance its investment friendly ecosystem? The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is set to 1) Ministry of Commerce and Industry launch the portal ‘MCA21 Version 3.0’ during the Fiscal 92

2) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shramiks (Workers) and connecting them directly to 3) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) in their Distribution native places through WhatsApp & other offline 4) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas platforms. 5) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare 11. Which of the following is the website launched Answer- 4) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural for conducting India’s 1st Toy Fair-2021 Gas virtually? Explanation: 1) https://toyfair21.gov.in/ On February 9, 2021, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union 2) https://toyfair2021.in/ Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel launched 3) https://virtualtoyfair21.in/ Investment Corner under Project Development Cell 4) https://theindiatoyfair.in/ (PDC) on the upgraded website of the Ministry of 5) https://toyfair.gov.in/ Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). The Investment Answer- 4) https://theindiatoyfair.in/ corner will help MoPNG in implementation of Union Explanation: Cabinet’s decision to establish Project Development Cells On February 11, 2021 Union Education Minister, (PDC) in Ministries, Departments to enhance the Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister of investment friendly ecosystem. It will also help in Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani and Union Minister of coordination of issues along with the responsible agencies Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal jointly launched of Government of India and State Governments. the website(https://theindiatoyfair.in/) for 1st India Toy 9. Which state govt. (in Feb’21), launched a web Fair-2021. The fair is being organized on a virtual portal on ‘Digital Workforce Management platform from 27th February 2021 to 2nd March 2021. It System’ under its Knowledge Mission? is to be noted that India’s first toy manufacturing cluster 1) Karnataka 2) Assam to be situated in Kopala, Karnataka. 3) Tamil Nadu 4) Maharashtra 12. Which app/web portal was (in Feb’21) 5) Kerala integrated into ‘Aarogya Setu’ app? Answer- 5) Kerala 1) e-Sampada App Explanation: 2) Mera Covid Kendra On February 9, 2021, Kerala Chief Minister (CM) 3) Jeevan Seva App Pinarayi Vijayan launched the ‘Kerala Knowledge 4) Co-WIN portal Mission’ at Thiruvananthapuram. The aim of the mission 5) PAReSHRAM is to transform Kerala into a knowledge economy. As part Answer- 4) Co-WIN portal of the mission, the government also launched a Explanation: first-of-its-kind platform called ‘Digital Workforce India has integrated its COVID-19 Tracing App Management System Kerala’ (DWMSK) ‘Aarogya Setu’ & COVID-19 Vaccine Registration (www.knowledgemission.kerala.gov.in). It will also be platform ‘Co-WIN portal (COVID Vaccine Intelligence used by the Kerala Government to distribute Insurance Network)’. The integration will enable Users to download and Loan assistance to Entrepreneurs. Vaccination certificates after they have received at least 10. What is the utility of “SAKSHAM” web portal, one dose of COVID-19 Vaccination. With the Integration, that was launched (in Feb’21) by Technology users can now access the CoWIN portal on Aaroga Setu Information, Forecasting and Assessment app through a dedicated section. The Portal has 3 Council (TIFAC)? sections at present namely – Vaccine Information, 1) Promote Science & Technology Vaccination Certificate and Vaccination Dashboard. 2) Provide Free Technical courses 13. Which state government provides Direct 3) Job Portal Benefit Transfer on various Agricultural 4) Organic Farming Portal schemes through “Aaple Sarkar MahaDBT 5) Provide MSME Export Guidelines Portal”? Answer- 3) Job Portal 1) Jharkhand 2) Chhattisgarh Explanation: 3) Odisha 4) Rajasthan On Occasion of its 34th Foundation Day on February 5) Maharashtra 10, 2021, Technology Information, Forecasting and Answer- 5) Maharashtra Assessment Council (TIFAC) an autonomous Explanation: organisation under Department of Science & Technology The Government of Maharashtra launched an online launched 2 new initiatives namely SAKSHAM Job Portal application, for the first time, through the Aaple Sarkar (Shramik Shakti Manch) & Sea Weed Mission. MahaDBT Portal (Direct Benefit Transfer). The Portal SAKSHAM is a job portal for mapping the skills of provides the benefits of various schemes of the 93

Department of Agriculture on a single application by the 5) Next Farmers. The farmers can register their application Answer- 4) Need online from anywhere at any time and they can view and Explanation: track the status of their application in the system. On February 20, 2021 SBI Payment Services Pvt. 14. Who launched ‘E-Chhawani’ Portal & Mobile Ltd launched YONO Merchant App to expand the app in New Delhi to provide online civic digitization of merchant payments in India. Through the services to around 20 Lakh residents of 62 app, merchants can turn their Near Field Cantonment Boards across India? Communication (NFC)-enabled Android smartphones 1) Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ministry of into payment acceptance devices. It is a brand extension Communications of State Bank of India(SBI)’s YONO (You Only Need One) 2) Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs platform. SBI has also partnered with Visa on the Tap to 3) Prakash Javadekar, Ministry of Information and Phone feature to boost acceptance infrastructure across Broadcasting India. 4) Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence 17. India currently (for 2021) with the Presidency 5) Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Civil Aviation of BRICS, launched its BRICS 2021 website Answer – 4) Rajnath Singh, Ministry of (https://brics2021.gov.in/). What is the theme of Defence BRICS 2021? Explanation: 1) Intra-BRICS Cooperation On February 16, 2021, Union Defence Minister 2) Building Responsibility Rajnath Singh launched ‘E-Chhawani’ Portal & Mobile 3) BRICS: An Agenda for action app in New Delhi. It has been developed by eGov 4) BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Foundation, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Director Future General Defence Estates (DGDE) & National Informatics 5) A driving force of Global Economy Centre (NIC).‘E-Chhawani’ has been launched along the Answer- 1) Intra-BRICS Cooperation lines of Digital India & e-Governance. Explanation: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat;Director On February 19, 2021 External Affairs Minister Dr. General Defence Estates (DGDE), Deepa Bajwa were S. Jaishankar launched India’s BRICS (Brazil, Russia, present during the event. India, China, South Africa) 2021 website 15. Which of the following web-portal(s) was/were (https://brics2021.gov.in/) at the BRICS Secretariat at launched to promote Ease of Doing Business in Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Delhi. In addition to this, he India? also soft launched the upgraded facilities at Sushma A) Car-D B) Bharatmarket C) eOffice D) PANI Swaraj Bhavan that will serve as the Secretariat for 1) Only A BRICS Summit. India assumed the presidency of BRICS 2) Only B & C for 2021. Russia was the chair of BRICS for 2020. BRICS 3) Only A & D celebrates its 15th anniversary under the theme ‘Intra-BRICS Cooperation’. 4) Only C 5) All A, B, C & D 18. Which was the app launched by Indian Answer- 3) Only A & D Government (in Feb’21) as a Made in India alternative to WhatsApp? Explanation: 1) Agriota 2) MyBharat In February 2021, PM Modi launched 2 e-portals namely Car-D (Cargo Data) & PANI (Portal for Asset and 3) Sandes 4) Visitassam Navigation Information) for promoting Ease of Doing 5) CuRED Business. Car-D Portal will collect Cargo and Cruise Answer- 3) Sandes Data of the National Waterway on a real time basis. Explanation: PANI portal will act as a single platform for providing all Indian launched a Government Instant Messaging information regarding river navigation and System (GIMS) app called ‘Sandes’ which will be a Made infrastructure. He also laid the Foundation Stone for the in India alternative of WhatsApp. Developed by National Construction of North East’s First National Data Centre Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics & (NDC-NER) at Guwahati, Assam. Information Technology the app was initially open to use 16. SBI Payment Services Pvt. Ltd (in Feb’21) only to government officers, now it has been released for launched “YONO Merchant App” to expand the common public on Apple’s App Store. The Government is digitization of merchant payments in India. also working on another Instant Messaging app called What does ‘N’ stands for in YONO? ‘Samvad’, it is being developed by Centre for 1) Network 2) National Development of Telematics (C-DOT). 3) Near 4) Need 94

19. Which Ministry launched the “City Innovation In February 2021, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Exchange (CiX) platform”, to engage launched several online services of the Department of innovators across India to provide innovative Women & Child Development (WCD) & Mission Shakti solutions for the pressing challenges faced in (MS) under the 5T Initiatives. cities? • ‘Mo-Chhatua App’ – For Real time monitoring & 1) Ministry of Skill Development and efficient supply chain management of Take Home Ration Entrepreneurship (Chhatua). 2) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs • ‘e-Kalika’ – For Real-time monitoring of 3) Ministry of Science and Technology functioning creches (Children 0-3 years) track 4) Ministry of Education infrastructure and health & nutrition of every child. 5) Ministry of Electronics and Information • ‘Mo Sishu Portal’ – An information management & Technology monitoring system created exclusively for child Answer- 2) Ministry of Housing and Urban protection services. Affairs 22. Currently (as of Feb’21), Consumer Grievance Explanation: Redressal portal, “E-Daakhil” is operational in On February 25, 2021 Durga Shanker Mishra, 15 states/UTs across India. Which is the 1st Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs State/ UT to implement e-filing through (MoHUA) launched the City Innovation Exchange (CiX) “E-Daakhil”? platform at an online event. The platform through an 1) Chandigarh 2) Maharashtra ‘open innovation’ process engages with innovators across 3) New Delhi 4) Rajasthan the national ecosystem to design innovative solutions for 5) Kerala the pressing challenges of the cities. Answer- 3) New Delhi Minister of State MoHUA (Independent Charge) – Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri (Constituency – UP) ‘E-Daakhil’ portal which was launched by National 20. Which state/ UT became the 1st in India to Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in launch “Carbon Watch”, to monitor Carbon September, 2020 for Consumer Grievance Redressal footprint? (e-filing) is now operational in 15 States/UTs across 1) Punjab 2) Chandigarh India. “edaakhil.nic.in” has been developed by the 3) Gujarat 4) New Delhi National Informatics Centre (NIC). Delhi was the 1st 5) Ladakh state to implement e-filing. Answer- 2) Chandigarh 23. Which State govt. launched “e-Parivahan Explanation: Vyavstha” portal enabling its people with Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana faceless services on Transport sector? became the first state/UT to launch “Carbon Watch”, a 1) Himachal Pradesh 2) Assam mobile application to assess the carbon footprint of 3) Gujarat 4) Telangana individual users. The application was developed by the 5) Punjab Department of Environment and Forest, Union Territory Answer- 1) Himachal Pradesh (UT) of Chandigarh. The application collects data form its Explanation: users to evaluate the carbon foot print of the individual. Jai Ram Thakur, CM of Himachal Pradesh launched 21. Which state govt. launched ‘Mo-Chhatua App’ the state Transport Department’s “e-Parivahan for real time monitoring & efficient supply Vyavstha” enabling faceless services on Driving Licence, chain management of Take Home Ration? Registration Certificates, Insurance, Permits etc. People 1) Rajasthan 2) Odisha of Himachal Pradesh can avail the online transport 3) Gujarat 4) Chhattisgarh service. Previously the state also initiated similar online 5) Telangana services like e-Vidhan Sabha, e-Budget, e-Cabinet Answer- 2) Odisha making services easily accessible. Explanation: CURRENT STATIC BANKING

1. What is the tagline of Axis Bank? 5) India’s International Bank 1) A Name You Can Bank Upon Answer- 4) Badhti ka Naam Zindagi 2) Banking Hatke Explanation: 3) Hum Hain Na “Badhti ka Naam Zindagi” is the tagline of Axis 4) Badhti ka Naam Zindagi Bank. 95

2. Where is the headquarters of Bank of 1) Mumbai, Maharashtra Maharashtra (BoM) located? 2) Kochi, Kerala 1) Nagpur 2) Mumbai 3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu 3) New Delhi 4) Kolkata 4) New Delhi 5) Pune 5) Bangalore, Karnataka Answer- 5) Pune Answer- 3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu Explanation: Explanation: The headquarters of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) is The headquarters of Equitas Small Finance Bank located at Pune, Maharashtra. Limited (ESFBL) is located at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 3. When was the National Payments Corporation 8. When was the Export-Import Bank of India of India (NPCI) established? (EXIM Bank) established? 1) 2008 2) 2010 1) 1982 2) 1988 3) 2015 4) 2016 3) 1955 4) 1990 5) 2005 5) 1992 Answer- 1) 2008 Answer- 1) 1982 Explanation: Explanation: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) was established in 2008. established in 1982. 4. Where is the headquarters of International 9. On April 1, 2020, Allahabad Bank was Energy Agency (IEA) located? amalgamated with ______. 1) Rome, Italy 2) Madrid, Spain 1) Indian Bank 2) Canara Bank 3) Lisbon, Portugal 4) Paris, France 3) Bank of Baroda 4) Syndicate Bank 5) Vienna, Austria 5) Punjab National Bank Answer- 4) Paris, France Answer- 1) Indian Bank Explanation: Explanation: The headquarters of International Energy Agency On April 1, 2020, Allahabad Bank was amalgamated (IEA) is located in Paris, France. with Indian Bank. 5. Which company is India’s 1st Health Insurance 10. When was World Bank founded? provider? 1) 1944 2) 1945 1) Star Health & Allied Insurance Co Ltd 3) 1943 4) 1942 2) Care Health Insurance Co Ltd 5) 1946 3) Max Bupa Health Insurance Co Ltd Answer- 1) 1944 4) Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co Ltd Explanation: 5) IFFCO Tokio Health Insurance Co Ltd World Bank was founded in 1944. Answer- 1) Star Health & Allied Insurance Co 11. Which organisation launched ‘mooPay’, a Ltd direct payment platform for Dairy farmers? Explanation: 1) HDFC Bank 2) Stellapps Star Health & Allied Insurance Co Ltd commenced 3) ICICI Bank operations in 2006 as India's first standalone health 4) Financial Software Systems (FSS) insurance provider, the company has been providing 5) PolicyBazaar services in health, personal accident and overseas travel Answer- 2) Stellapps insurance. Explanation: 6. When was India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Stellapps, an IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) established? Madras launched ‘mooPay’, a fully automated direct 1) 2015 2) 2016 payment platform is for dairy farmers. 3) 2014 4) 2017 12. Which technology is used in Contactless 5) 2018 payment system? Answer-5) 2018 1) Serverless Computing Explanation: 2) Blockchain India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) was established 3) Internet of Things in 1 September 2018. 4) Radio-Frequency Identification 7. Where is the headquarters of Equitas Small 5) Augmented Reality Finance Bank Limited (ESFBL) located? Answer- 4) Radio-Frequency Identification 96

Explanation: 1) Rs. 2000 2) Rs. 10,000 The term contactless payment refers to a secure 3) Rs. 50,000 4) Rs. 15000 method for consumers to purchase products or services 5) Rs. 5000 using a debit, credit or another payment device with Answer- 5) Rs. 5000 Near-Field Communication (NFC) using Radio Explanation: Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The Reserve Bank of India has hiked the limit for 13. What is the maximum permissible limit for contactless payments from ?2,000 to ?5,000 effective from contactless payments? January 1, 2021. CA STATIC GK

1. Which Indian city comes along the flow of BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) is Asia’s Devika river? first & the Fastest Stock Exchange in the world with the 1) Udhampur, J&K 2) Delhi speed of 6 micro seconds and one of India’s leading 3) Patna, Bihar exchange groups. Established in 1875. 4) Trichy, Tamil Nadu 5. Where is the headquarters of United Nations 5) Kozhikode, Kerala World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO) Answer- 1) Udhampur, J&K located? Explanation: 1) London, UK 2) Paris, France The work on devika river the Rs 186.74-crore river 3) Manchester, UK 4) Madrid, Spain rejuvenation project under the National River 5) Zagreb, Croatia Conservation Plan (NRCP) started in March 2019 in Answer- 4) Madrid, Spain Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir and was scheduled to be Explanation: completed in two years (by 2021). The headquarters of United Nations World Tourism 2. When was the Competition Commission of Organization (UN-WTO) is located at Madrid, Spain. India (CCI) established? 6. Which is India’s Largest state by geographical 1) 2000 2) 1989 area? 3) 1991 4) 2003 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Gujarat 5) 2014 3) Rajasthan 4) Maharashtra Answer- 4) 2003 5) Madhya Pradesh Explanation: Answer- 3) Rajasthan The Competition Commission of India (CCI) Explanation: established by the Central Government with effect from Rajasthan is India’s Largest state by geographical 14th October 2003. area. 3. Where is the headquarters of SBI Cards and 7. Which Organisation under Indian armed force Payment Services Ltd located? functions with the motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” 1) Mumbai, Maharashtra or “We Protect”? 2) Delhi 1) Indian Air Force 2) Indian Army 3) Gurgaon, Haryana 3) Indian Navy 4) Chennai, Tamil Nadu 4) Indian Coast Guard 5) Pune, Maharashtra 5) Border Security Force Answer- 3) Gurgaon, Haryana Answer- 4) Indian Coast Guard Explanation: Explanation: The headquarters of SBI Cards and Payment Indian Coast Guard functions with the motto, Services Ltd is located at Gurgaon, Haryana. “Vayam Rakshamah” or “We Protect”. 4. Which is Asia’s 1st Stock Exchange? 8. Which country has the highest number of new 1) Calcutta Stock Exchange cases of leprosy per annum in the world as per 2) National Stock Exchange World Health Organization’s data, as of 3) National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange February 2021? 4) Singapore Exchange 1) Brazil 2) Somalia 5) Bombay Stock Exchange 3) India 4) Indonesia Answer- 5) Bombay Stock Exchange 5) Bangladesh Explanation: Answer- 3) India Explanation: 97

According to WHO, India has the highest number of Answer- 3) 1971 new cases of leprosy per annum followed by Brazil and Explanation: Indonesia. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of 9. Jnanpith Award is presented annually for International Importance is an international treaty for outstanding contribution towards ______. the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is 1) Art 2) Music named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the 3) Sports 4) Education convention was signed in 1971. The Secretariat of the 5) Literature Ramsar Convention is hosted by administered by IUCN. Answer- 5) Literature 14. Where is Harmandir Sahib located? Explanation: 1) Punjab 2) New Delhi Jnanpith Award is India highest literary award 3) Bihar 4) Gujarat presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an 5) Jammu & Kashmir author for their "outstanding contribution towards Answer- 1) Punjab literature". Explanation: 10. Who is the present Chairman of World The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Economic Forum (WEF), in February 2021? Sahib, meaning "abode of God" or Darbar Sahib, meaning 1) Kristalina Georgieva 2) Klaus Schwab "exalted court", is a gurdwara located in the city of 3) Anshula Kant 4) David Malpass Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is the preeminent spiritual 5) Christine Lagarde site of Sikhism. Answer- 2) Klaus Schwab 15. How is the 14th Dalai Lama commonly Explanation: addressed as? Klaus Martin Schwab is a German engineer and 1) Living Buddha 2) Living God economist best known as the founder and executive 3) His Highness 4) Messenger of God chairman of the World Economic Forum. 5) His Holiness 11. To promote the adoption of Electric Vehicles Answer- 5) His Holiness in India, the government has introduced Explanation: FAME scheme in 2015. What does ‘M’ stands for “His Holiness” is a style and form of address for some in FAME? supreme religious leaders. His Holiness the 14th Dalai 1) Mobility 2) Movement Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. 3) Manufacturing 4) Mission 16. Which of the following is not a source of 5) Multidisciplinary Biofuel? Answer- 3) Manufacturing 1) Sugarcane 2) Vegetable Oil Explanation: 3) Methane 4) Polystyrene The government adopted the Faster Adoption and 5) Ethanol Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme in Answer- 4) Polystyrene 2015, as a part of the National Electricity Mobility Explanation: Mission Plan. This will provide a push for early adoption Polystyrene is a Non-Biodegradable material. and market creation for both hybrids and EVs in the Whereas Methane, Ethanol, Sugarcane, Vegetable oils country. act as a source of Biofuel. 12. Where is Okhla bird sanctuary located? 17. Which country is the World’s Largest producer 1) Mizoram 2) Karnataka of Silk? 3) Nagaland 4) Uttar Pradesh 1) India 2) Bangladesh 5) Uttarakhand 3) Sri Lanka 4) China Answer- 4) Uttar Pradesh 5) Pakistan Explanation: Answer- 4) China As a part of the celebration of World Wetlands Day Explanation: 2021, the divisional forest department is set to celebrate a China is the world’s largest producer & Exporter of bird festival at the Okhla bird sanctuary, the only Silk. India (in 2nd place) is only behind China in Silk eco-sensitive zone of Gutam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Production. India is the only country in the world to 13. When was the Ramsar Convention on produce all 4 varieties of Silk – Mulberry, Eri, Tassar Wetlands signed? (Tropical & Temperate), and Muga. 1) 1986 2) 1989 18. Who is the Present President of France, as of 3) 1971 4) 1969 February 2021? 5) 1993 1) Andrzej Duda 98

2) Recep Tayyip Erdogan 2) Madurai, Tamil Nadu 3) Angela Merkel 3) Noida, UP 4) Boris Johnson 4) Guwahati, Assam 5) Emmanuel Macron 5) Mumbai, Maharashtra Answer- 5) Emmanuel Macron Answer- 1) Aluva, Kerala Explanation: Explanation: Emmanuel Macron is a French politician who has The Headquarters of Federal Bank Ltd is located at been serving as the president of France and ex officio Aluva, Kerala. co-prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017. 24. When was the Securities and Exchange Board 19. Who is the Managing Director of TRIFED, as of of India (SEBI) established? February 2021? 1) 1898 2) 1935 1) Siddhartha Mohanty 3) 1949 4) 1971 2) Pravir Krishna 5) 1992 3) Ajay Tyagi Answer- 5) 1992 4) Rattan Lal Kataria Explanation: 5) S.K Haldar Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was Answer- 2) Pravir Krishna established on April 12, 1992. Explanation: 25. For which sport Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is Pravir Krishna is the Managing Director of TRIFED, played? as of February 2021. 1) Football 2) Volleyball 20. What does ‘T’ stands for in TRIFED? 3) Hockey 4) Cricket 1) Technology 5) Badminton 2) Telecommunication Answer- 4) Cricket 3) Tribal Explanation: 4) Trending Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a Cricket tournament. 5) Teachers’ 26. Which bank functions with the tagline “We Answer- 3) Tribal understand your world”? Explanation: 1) Federal Bank 2) HDFC Bank Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development 3) SBI 4) Axis Bank Federation of India (TRIFED) is a national level 5) Citibank cooperative body under the administrative control of Answer- 2) HDFC Bank Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Explanation: 21. When was TRIFED established? HDFC Bank functions with the tagline “We 1) 2003 2) 2014 understand your world”. 3) 2017 4) 1987 27. Where is Postgraduate Institute of Medical 5) 1971 Education and Research (PGIMER) located? Answer- 4) 1987 1) New Delhi 2) Chennai Explanation: 3) Bangalore 4) Pune TRIFED was established in August 1987 under the 5) Chandigarh Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 by the Answer- 5) Chandigarh Government of India as a National level Cooperative Explanation: body. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education 22. Where is the UNESCO world heritage site, and Research (PGIMER) is located at Chandigarh. Elephanta Caves, located? 28. Which bank functions with the tagline “Your 1) Gujarat 2) Punjab Perfect Banking Partner”? 3) Karnataka 4) Jharkhand 1) Federal Bank 2) HDFC Bank 5) Maharashtra 3) SBI 4) Axis Bank Answer- 5) Maharashtra 5) Citibank The UNESCO world heritage site, Elephanta Caves, Answer- 1) Federal Bank is located in Maharashtra. Explanation: 23. Where is the Headquarters of Federal Bank Federal Bank functions with the tagline “Your Ltd located? Perfect Banking Partner”. 1) Aluva, Kerala 29. Where is Kaliveli lake located? 99

1) Tamil Nadu 2) Kerala Explanation: 3) Punjab 4) Assam The headquarters of Boxing Federation of 5) Manipur India(BFI) is located at Gurugram, Haryana. Answer- 1) Tamil Nadu 35. Where is Wankhede Stadium located? Explanation: 1) Hyderabad, Telangana In a major push to declare Kaliveli wetlands of Tamil 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra Nadu as a bird sanctuary, the Villupuram district 3) Ahmedabad, Gujarat administration has issued the first declaration under the 4) Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 5) Kolkata, West Bengal 30. Where is Alai Darwaza located? Answer- 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra 1) Agra 2) Delhi Explanation: 3) Jaipur 4) Ujjain Wankhede Stadium is located at Mumbai, 5) Patna Maharashtra. It is the headquarters of Board of Control Answer- 2) Delhi for Cricket in India(BCCI). Explanation: 36. Which is the World’s largest riverine island? Alai Darwaza is the southern gateway of the 1) Srirangam 2) Majuli Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Qutb complex, Mehrauli, 3) Jong Batu 4) Ko Lamphu Delhi, India. 5) Peacock Island 31. Which Indian City is Nicknamed as the “City of Answer- 2) Majuli Destiny”? Explanation: 1) Bengaluru 2) Hyderabad Majuli, the largest river island in the world is 3) Mumbai 4) Visakhapatnam situated right at the heart of Assam on the turbulent 5) Madurai waters of the Brahmaputra River. Answer- 4) Visakhapatnam 37. Which river is also known as 'Dakshin Ganga'? Explanation: 1) Kaveri 2) Tungabhadra Visakhapatnam City is Nicknamed as the “City of 3) Sharavati 4) Krishna Destiny”. 5) Godavari 32. Where is the headquarters of Union for Answer- 5) Godavari International Cancer Control (UICC)? Explanation: 1) Vienna, Austria Godavari, also known as 'Dakshin Ganga' – the 2) Geneva, Switzerland South Ganges, is the longest river of peninsular India, 3) Warsaw, Poland and the second longest river of India after the Ganges. 4) Budapest, Hungary 38. Who authored the book “Interpreter Of 5) Rome, Italy Maladies”? Answer- 2) Geneva, Switzerland 1) Arundhati Roy 2) Kiran Desai Explanation: 3) Jhumpa Lahiri 4) Anita Desai The headquarters of Union for International Cancer 5) R. K. Narayan Control (UICC) is located at Geneva, Switzerland. Answer- 3) Jhumpa Lahiri 33. Which is the capital of Pakistan? Explanation: 1) Lahore 2) Kabul Jhumpa Lahiri won the Pulitzer Prize for her debut 3) Islamabad 4) Karachi book “The Interpreter of Maladies”. 5) Rawalpindi 39. Where is the headquarters of Tea Board of Answer- 3) Islamabad India located? Explanation: 1) Shillong, Meghalaya Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan. 2) Dispur, Assam 34. Where is the headquarters of Boxing 3) Kolkata, West Bengal Federation of India(BFI)? 4) Kochi, Kerala 1) Ahmedabad, Gujarat 5) Chikmagalur, Karnataka 2) New Delhi Answer- 3) Kolkata, West Bengal 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra Explanation: 4) Gurugram, Haryana The headquarters of Tea Board of India is located at 5) Noida, UP Kolkata, West Bengal. Answer- 4) Gurugram, Haryana 100

40. Which city is nicknamed as the “Yoga Capital 3) 15 years 4) 10 years of the World”? 5) 7 years 1) Badrinath 2) Kedarnath Answer- 3) 15 years 3) Haridwar 4) Rishikesh Explanation: 5) New Delhi As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Answer- 4) Rishikesh (MoRTH) guidelines, all private vehicles the Fitness Explanation: Certificate (FC) is valid for 15 years and thereafter for Rishikesh a city in Uttarakhand is nicknamed as every 5 years. “Yoga Capital of the World”. 46. What is the Tagline of ICICI bank? 41. Who is the Founder & CEO of Zomato? 1) Banking Hatke 1) Deepinder Goyal 2) Hum Hai Na 2) Kalyan Krishnamurthy 3) Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi 3) Amit Agarwal 4) Your Own Bank 4) Ralf Wenzel 5) Aao Sochein Bada 5) Sriharsha Majety Answer- 2) Hum Hai Na Answer- 1) Deepinder Goyal Explanation: Explanation: Hum Hai Na is the Tagline of ICICI bank. Deepinder Goyal is the Founder & CEO of Zomato. 47. Which line acts as the boundary between 42. Which constituency did Union Minister of North & South Korea? Agriculture, Narendra Singh Tomar, represent 1) Siegfried Line in Lok Sabha Election 2019? 2) 49th Parallel 1) Khunti, Jharkhand 3) 44th Parallel 2) Morena, Madhya Pradesh 4) 38th Parallel 3) Mathurapur, West Bengal 5) Hindenburg Line 4) Amethi, Uttar Pradesh Answer- 4) 38th Parallel 5) Indore, Madhya Pradesh Explanation: Answer- 2) Morena, Madhya Pradesh The 38th parallel line demarcates South Korea from Explanation: North Korea. Union Minister of Agriculture, Narendra Singh 48. How many countries collectively make up the Tomar, represented from Morena, Madhya Pradesh, in European Union? Lok Sabha Election 2019. 1) 28 2) 31 43. Where is the Air show & aviation exhibition 3) 29 4) 25 “Aero India” annually conducted? 5) 27 1) Pune, Maharashtra Answer- 5) 27 2) Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Explanation: 3) Asansol, West Bengal The European Union is a political and economic 4) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala union of 27 member states that are located primarily in 5) Bangalore, Karnataka Europe. The United Kingdom withdrew from the Answer- 5) Bangalore, Karnataka European Union on 31 January 2020. Explanation: 49. What is the theme of ASEAN for 2021 under the The Air show & aviation exhibition “Aero India” chair of Brunei Darussalam? annually conducted at Bangalore, Karnataka. 1) Advancing Partnership for Sustainability 44. Which is the capital of Switzerland? 2) Resilient and Innovative 1) Basel 2) Bern 3) ASEAN – A Community of Peace and Shared 3) Zurich 4) Geneva Future 5) Lausanne 4) We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper Answer- 2) Bern 5) Cohesive and Responsive Explanation: Answer- 4) We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper Bern is the capital of Switzerland. Explanation: 45. As per the guidelines of MoRTH, all private “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper” is the theme of vehicles should renew their Fitness Certificate ASEAN for 2021 under the chair of Brunei Darussalam. (FC) after ______. 50. Who authored the book “Freedom in Exile”? 1) 20 years 2) 5 years 1) Mahatma Gandhi 101

2) B. R. Ambedkar 4) Ahmedabad, Gujarat 3) Nelson Mandela 5) Kolkata, West Bengal 4) Jawaharlal Nehru Answer- 4) Ahmedabad, Gujarat 5) Dalai Lama Explanation: Answer- 5) Dalai Lama Sardar Patel Stadium is located in Explanation: Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai 56. Which is NOT one among the Maharatna Lama is the second autobiography of the 14th Dalai Companies of India? Lama, released in 1991. 1) NTPC Limited 51. What is the motto of Central Bureau of 2) Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) Investigation(CBI)? 3) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited 1) Service Before Self (HPCL) 2) Industry, Impartiality, Integrity 4) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) 3) Kosha Moolo Dandah 5) ONGC Limited 4) Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha Answer- 4) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) 5) Satyameva Jayate Explanation: Answer- 2) Industry, Impartiality, Integrity Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna Explanation: Company. Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) functions with 10 Maharatna Companies in India: the motto, ‘Industry, Impartiality, Integrity’. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Bharat 52. Where is Tughlaqabad Fort located? Petroleum Corporation Limited, Coal India Limited, 1) Gaya 2) Jaipur GAIL (India) Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation 3) Jaisalmer 4) Patna Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, NTPC Limited, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Power Grid 5) Delhi Corporation of India Limited, Steel Authority of India Answer- 5) Delhi Limited. Explanation: 57. Where is Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Tughlaqabad Fort is located in Delhi. Plant located? 53. In which sport Davis Cup is played? 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Madhya Pradesh 1) Football 2) Hockey 3) Himachal Pradesh 4) Uttarakhand 3) Tennis 4) Cricket 5) Sikkim 5) Badminton Answer- 4) Uttarakhand Answer- 3) Tennis Explanation: Explanation: National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) The Davis Cup is the premier international team Tapovan Vishnugad project and Rishi Ganga Power event in men's tennis. Corporation Ltd’s project constructed by Kundan Groups, 54. Which represents the rate, that RBI uses to with a planned capacity of 520 MW and 13.2 MW, lends money overnight to scheduled banks in respectively, have been nearly washed away by the flood an emergency situation? caused by Glacier burst in Uttarakhand. The projects are 1) Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) constructed on the confluence of Dhauli ganga river and 2) Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate Rishi Ganga river in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. 3) Repo Rate 58. Where is the active volcanic mountain, Mount 4) Reverse Repo Rate Merapi located? 5) Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) 1) Fiji 2) Maldives Answer- 2) Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) 3) New Zealand 4) Indonesia Rate 5) Philippines Explanation: Answer- 4) Indonesia The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate is the Explanation: rate at which RBI lends funds overnight in an emergency Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, situation to scheduled banks, against government erupted in February 2021, emitting a river of lava onto securities. the mountain below and gas clouds into the sky. The 55. Where is Sardar Patel Stadium located? 9,737-foot volcano sits on the densely populated island of 1) Jaipur, Rajasthan 2) New Delhi Java and near the ancient city of Yogyakarta. 3) Mumbai, Maharashtra 102

59. Where is ‘Shivalik Arboretum’, a botanical 2) Madhya Pradesh garden for conserving rare trees & shrubs 3) Rajasthan located? 4) Arunachal Pradesh 1) Uttar Pradesh 5) Uttarakhand 2) Arunachal Pradesh Answer- 5) Uttarakhand 3) Himachal Pradesh Explanation: 4) Uttarakhand A Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW on the 5) Jammu & Kashmir Rishiganga river was swept away in the glacier burst in Answer- 4) Uttarakhand Uttarakhand. The flash flood also affected the Explanation: downstream hydro project of NTPC at Tapovan on the A first of its kind arboretum conserving over 210 river Dhauli Ganga, which is a tributary of the river species of trees found in the Shivalik range of Himalayas Alaknanda. was inaugurated in Uttarakhand's Nainital district. The 64. Which among the following is the most water Shivalik Arboretum has over 210 tree and shrub species, intensive crop? making it one of the biggest arboretum in the 1) Wheat 2) Sugarcane Uttarakhand. 3) Soya 4) Groundnut 60. Over which river, Krishna Raja Sagara Dam 5) Rice was constructed? Answer- 5) Rice 1) Mahanadi 2) Kaveri Explanation: 3) Krishna 4) Tungabhadra Rice is one of the Water intensive crops of India, that 5) Kabini needs 3,000 to 5,000 liters of water to produce a kilo of Answer- 2) Kaveri rice. Explanation: 65. Where is Sessa Orchid Sanctuary located? Krishna Raja Sagara Dam built on the River Kaveri 1) Andhra Pradesh is one of the major tourist attractions in Mysore, 2) Jammu & Kashmir Karnataka 3) Arunachal Pradesh 61. Where is Kanha Tiger Reserve located? 4) Ladakh 1) Odisha 5) Himachal Pradesh 2) Madhya Pradesh Answer- 3) Arunachal Pradesh 3) Rajasthan Explanation: 4) Maharashtra Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, India’s only Orchid 5) Uttar Pradesh sanctuary is located in Arunachal Pradesh. Answer- 2) Madhya Pradesh 66. Where is Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Explanation: located? A 2-year-old tigress has died after getting stuck in a 1) Madhya Pradesh wire trap allegedly laid by poachers in Madhya Pradesh's 2) Jammu & Kashmir Kanha Tiger Reserve on 27th January 2021. 3) Arunachal Pradesh 62. What is Jodhpur Jhal? 4) Uttarakhand 1) Rain Forest 5) Himachal Pradesh 2) Temperate Grassland Answer- 5) Himachal Pradesh 3) Salt Desert Explanation: 4) Wetland Over a lakh migratory water birds arrived at the 5) Oceanic Trench Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh Answer- 4) Wetland in 2020, as per the data of annual bird count at the Explanation: wetland. The bird census found 1,08,578 birds of 96 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), an annual census species at the wetland, including 1,01,431 migratory by Wetlands International, has recorded a good growth water birds of 51 species and 6,433 resident water birds of and diversity of water bird species at Jodhpur Jhal in 29 species. Mathura, Rajasthan. Out of the 47 species listed in the 67. When was the Competition Commission of census, 20 were resident, 27 migratory and 7 IUCN India (CCI) established? Red-listed threatened species. 1) 2000 2) 2014 63. Through which Indian state does Rishi Ganga 3) 2016 4) 2003 river flows? 5) 1999 1) Himachal Pradesh Answer- 4) 2003 103

Explanation: Satyadeo Narain Arya is the present (in Feb’21) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was Governor of Haryana. established in 2003. 73. Which among the following state does NOT 68. Who is the father of Siddha Medicine? share geographical boundary with 1) Ibn-e- Sina Maharashtra state? 2) Hakim Ajmal Khan 1) Telangana 2) Karnataka 3) Agastyar 3) Chhattisgarh 4) Gujarat 4) Charaka 5) Rajasthan 5) Samuel Hahnemann Answer- 5) Rajasthan Answer- 3) Agastyar Explanation: Explanation: Arabian Sea guards the western boundary of Siddhars, mainly hailing from Tamil Nadu laid the Maharashtra, while Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are on foundation for Siddha system of medicine. Siddhars were the northern side. Chhattisgarh covers the eastern spiritual masters who possessed the ashta (eight) siddhis boundary of the State. Karnataka and Telangana are on or unique powers. Agastyar or Agasthya, is believed to be its southern side. the founding father of Siddha Medicine. 74. In which constituency did Union Minister Ravi 69. In which state Nongkrem Dance Festival is Shankar Prasad contest in 2019 Lok Sabha celebrated? election? 1) Meghalaya 2) Nagaland 1) Akola, Maharashtra 3) Mizoram 4) Assam 2) Raver, Maharashtra 5) Tripura 3) Patna Sahib, Bihar Answer- 1) Meghalaya 4) Buxar, Bihar Explanation: 5) Chandni Chowk, Delhi Nongkrem Dance Festival is celebrated in Answer- 3) Patna Sahib, Bihar Meghalaya. Explanation: 70. Where is Kaziranga National Park located? Patna Sahib, Bihar is Union Minister Ravi Shankar 1) Madhya Pradesh 2) Meghalaya Prasad Lok Sabha constituency in 2019. 3) Uttarakhand 4) Uttar Pradesh 75. Which state/UT does not share geographical 5) Assam boundary with Pakistan? Answer- 5) Assam 1) Jammu & Kashmir 2) Haryana Explanation: 3) Punjab 4) Rajasthan As per the Bird Census data, Assam’s Kaziranga 5) Gujarat national park has recorded a total of 93, 491 birds. Answer- 2) Haryana 71. Where is Salim Ali National Park located? Explanation: 1) Goa Four Indian states share a border with Pakistan: Punjab (547 km), Rajasthan (1,035 km), Gujarat (512 km) 2) Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir (1,216 km), with a combined 3) Jammu & Kashmir shared border of 3,310 km. 4) Uttarakhand 76. Where is the freshwater lake, “Loktak Lake” 5) Karnataka located? Answer- 3) Jammu & Kashmir 1) Mizoram 2) Manipur Explanation: 3) Meghalaya 4) Nagaland Salim Ali National Park or City Forest National 5) Sikkim Park was a national park located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Answer- 2) Manipur Explanation: 72. Who is the present (in Feb’21) Governor of Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North Haryana? East India is located at Moirang in Manipur. 1) Satya Pal Malik 2) Satyadeo Narain Arya 77. Which part of the human body is affected through ‘Epilepsy’? 3) Vajubhai Vala 1) Lungs 2) Liver 4) Bandaru Dattatreya 3) Gallbladder 4) Brain 5) Biswa Bhusan Harichandan 5) Skin Answer- 2) Satyadeo Narain Arya Answer- 4) Brain Explanation: Explanation: 104

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain Answer- 2) Mumbai and causes frequent seizures. Seizures are bursts of Explanation: electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how Computer Society of India (CSI) is headquartered at it works. Mumbai, Maharashtra. 78. Who invented Radio? 83. Which is the Lok Sabha constituency of Union 1) Nikola Tesla Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2019? 2) JL Baird 1) Nagpur, Maharashtra 3) Alexander Graham Bell 2) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 4) Guglielmo Marconi 3) Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 5) Thomas Alva Edison 4) Morena, Madhya Pradesh Answer- 4) Guglielmo Marconi 5) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Explanation: Answer- 1) Nagpur, Maharashtra Guglielmo Marconi an Italian inventor, proved the Explanation: feasibility of radio communication. He sent and received Nagpur, Maharashtra is the Lok Sabha constituency his first radio signal in Italy in 1895. He was the inventor of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2019. of Radio. 84. Which city is nicknamed as “Space City of 79. Where is the headquarters of Committee on India”? World Food Security (CFS) located? 1) Trivandrum 2) Shimla 1) Paris, France 3) New Delhi 4) Kolkata 2) Bern, Switzerland 5) Bangalore 3) New York, USA Answer- 5) Bangalore 4) Rome, Italy Explanation: 5) Nairobi, Kenya Bangalore is nicknamed as “Space City of India”. Answer- 4) Rome, Italy 85. Smriti Zubin Irani,Ministry of textiles belongs Explanation: to which constituency? The headquarters of Committee on World Food 1) Nagpur (Maharashtra) Security (CFS) is located at Rome, Italy. 2) Patna Sahib, Bihar 80. Where is Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) 3) Khunti, Jharkhand located? 4) Chandauli, U.P 1) Gujarat 2) Maharashtra 5) Amethi, Uttar Pradesh 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Tamil Nadu Answer- 5) Amethi, Uttar Pradesh 5) Karnataka Explanation: Answer- 3) Uttar Pradesh Irani is a Minister in the Union Cabinet of India. She Explanation: is serving in the cabinet of Narendra Modi as Minister of Narora Atomic Power Station is a nuclear power Textiles and was given additional charge as Minister of plant located in Narora, Bulandshahar District in Uttar Women and Child Development in the 2nd cabinet of Pradesh. Modi since May 2019.Her constituency is Amethi, Uttar 81. Where is Kishtwar High Altitude National Pradesh. Park located? 86. What is the capital of Democratic Republic of 1) Jammu & Kashmir the Congo? 2) Himachal Pradesh 1) Tirana 2) Kinshasa 3) Arunachal Pradesh 3) Gaborone 4) Moroni 4) Sikkim 5) Havana 5) Ladakh Answer – 2) Kinshasa Answer- 1) Jammu & Kashmir Explantaion: Explanation: Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is located at Congo-Kinshasa, DR Congo, the DROC, or simply either Jammu & Kashmir. Congo or the Congo, and historically Zaire, is a country in 82. Where is the headquarters of Computer Central Africa. Kinshasa is the capita of congo. Society of India (CSI) located? 87. Where is the well-known river Hooghly 1) New Delhi 2) Mumbai located? 3) Chennai 4) Bangalore 1) Jharkhand 2) Bihar 5) Hyderabad 3) Odisha 4) West Bengal 105

5) Assam 92. When was the Small Industries Development Answer – 4) West Bengal Bank of India (SIDBI) established? Explanation: Hooghly River or the 1) 1990 2) 1985 Bhagirathi-Hooghly, originally and in local tongues the 3) 1978 4) 1963 'Ganga', and also called Kati-Ganga, is an approximately 5) 1950 260-kilometre-long distributary of the Answer- 1) 1990 Ganges River in West Bengal, India. Explanation: 88. Where is the headquarters of World Trade Small Industries Development Bank of India Organisation Locatied? (SIDBI) is a development financial institution in India, 1) Geneva, Switzerland headquartered at Lucknow and having its offices all over 2) Vienna,Austria the country. Its purpose is to provide refinance facilities 3) New York,United States and short-term lending to industries, and serves as the 4) Canberra,Australia principal financial institution in the Micro, Small and 5) Tokyo, Japan Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. It was established on 2 April 1990. Answer – 1) Geneva, Switzerland Explanation: 93. Name the only former Prime Minister of India Geneva, Switzerland, where the WTO headquarters who also served as the Governor of RBI in is located, is a unique place, with many United Nations Indian History. and other international organizations, as well as 1) Atal Bihari Vajpayee missions to the WTO. 2) Indira Gandhi 89. Who was the chief Minister of 3) Vishwanath Pratab Singh MadhyaPradesh? 4) Manmohan Singh 1) B. S. Yediyurappa 5) Jawaharlal Nehru 2) Naveen Patnaik Answer – 4) Manmohan Singh 3) Conrad Kongkal Sangma Explanation: 4) Shivraj Singh Chouhan Manmohan Singh born 26 September 1932 is an 5) Trivendra Singh Rawat Indian economist, academic, and politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He Answer – 4) Shivraj Singh Chouhan also served as the RBI governor from 1982–1985. Explanation: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, often referred to as Mama is 94. Where is the Oussudu Lake Birds Sanctuary an Indian politician and member of the Bharatiya Janata located? Party. He is the 17th and current Chief Minister of 1) Kerala 2) Karnataka Madhya Pradesh, having been elected to the same 3) Puducherry 4) Andhra Pradesh position 3 times in the past, and a Member of Legislative 5) None of these Assembly in Madhya Pradesh from Budhni. Answer - 3) Puducherry 90. What is the capital of Iran? Explanation: 1) Tehran 2) Baghdad Ousteri Lake is a lake in the union territory of 3) Kabul 4) Dublin Puducherry, state of Tamil Nadu. This lake is also called 5) Riyadh as Ossudu Lake as it is located in the village named Ossudu. Answer – 1) Tehran Explanation- The capital of Iran is Tehran and 95. Where is Gobindgarh Fort located? currency is Iranian rial. 1) Ludhiana, Punjab 91. Who is the current CEO of Amazon as of Feb 2) Hyderabad, Telangana 18,2021? 3) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 1) Steve Jobs 2) Jeff Bezos 4) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 3) Elon Musk 4) Bernard Arnault 5) Amritsar, Punjab 5) Ted Jorgensen Answer- 5) Amritsar, Punjab Answer - 2) Jeff Bezos Explanation: Explanation- Gobindgarh Fort is a historic military fort located in Jeff Bezos is the current CEO but Amazon founder the center of the city of Amritsar in the Indian state of Jeff Bezos will step down from his role as chief executive Punjab. later this year and transition to the role of executive 96. Which was the Lok Sabha constituency of chair, the company said Tuesday. He will be replaced by Labour Minister, Santosh Kumar Gangwar in Andy Jassy. 2019? 106

1) Damoh, Madhya Pradesh 5) Jakarta, Indonesia 2) Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh Answer- 3) Kathmandu, Nepal 3) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Explanation: 4) Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh The headquarters of South Asian Association for 5) Amethi, Uttar Pradesh Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is located at Kathmandu, Answer- 2) Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh Nepal. Explanation: 102. Which is the capital of Georgia? Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh was the Lok Sabha 1) Belarus 2) Tbilisi constituency of Labour Minister, Santosh Kumar 3) Baku 4) Yerevan Gangwar in 2019. 5) Kyiv 97. Which state does “Bodo” tribes belong to? Answer- 2) Tbilisi 1) Gujarat 2) Kerala Explanation: 3) Madhya Pradesh 4) Meghalaya Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. 5) Assam 103. Which is the official Mascot of 2020 Tokyo Answer- 5) Assam Olympics? Explanation: 1) Vinicius 2) Tom Bodo, Karbi, Deori are famous Tribal groups of 3) Someity 4) Hodori Assam. 5) Miraitowa 98. Which is the capital of Mauritius? Answer- 5) Miraitowa 1) Male 2) Victoria Explanation: 3) Port Louis Miraitowa is the official mascot of the 2020 Summer 4) Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Olympics, and Someity is the official mascot of the 2020 5) Honolulu Summer Paralympics. Answer- 3) Port Louis 104. Which is the capital of Libya? Explanation: 1) Accra 2) Tripoli Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. 3) Dodoma 4) Beirut 99. When was the United Nations Development 5) Damascus Programme (UNDP) formed? Answer- 2) Tripoli 1) 1945 2) 1955 Explanation: 3) 1965 4) 1975 Tripoli is the capital city and the largest city of 5) 1985 Libya. Answer- 3) 1965 105. Which Treaty formally ended the World War I? Explanation: 1) Treaty of Berlin United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2) Treaty of Copenhagen was founded in 1965. 3) Treaty of Versailles 100. Who is the MD & CEO of Larsen & Toubro 4) Treaty of Warsaw (L&T), as of February 2021? 5) Treaty of London 1) Anil Manibhai Naik Answer- 3) Treaty of Versailles 2) R. Shankar Raman Explanation: 3) Rajesh Gopinathan The Treaty of Versailles (1919) was the most 4) S. N. Subrahmanyan important of the peace treaties that brought World War I 5) Natarajan Chandrasekaran to an end. The Treaty ended the state of war between Answer- 4) S. N. Subrahmanyan Germany and the Allied Powers. Explanation: 106. Who is the present (as of Feb’21) Director S. N. Subrahmanyan is the MD & CEO of Larsen & General of Central Reserve Police Force Toubro (L&T), as of February 2021. (CRPF)? 101. Where is the headquarters of South Asian 1) Rakesh Asthana Association for Regional Cooperation 2) A P Maheshwari (SAARC) located? 3) Surjeet Singh Deswal 1) New Delhi, India 4) Alok Verma 2) Dhaka, Bangladesh 5) Rishi Kumar Shukla 3) Kathmandu, Nepal Answer- 2) A P Maheshwari 4) Islamabad, Pakistan Explanation: 107

Dr. A P Maheshwari is the present (as of Feb’21) As per the revised Income Tax slab for FY 2020-21, Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). employees with annual income less than 2.5 lakhs are 107. Who is the present (as of Feb’21) Director exempted from paying Tax. General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG)? 112. Which is the Oldest Tennis Tournament? 1) Karambir Singh 1) Australian Open 2) French Open 2) Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria 3) Wimbledon 4) Davis Cup 3) Manoj Mukund Naravane 5) US Open 4) Krishnaswamy Natarajan Answer- 3) Wimbledon 5) G. Ashok Kumar Explanation: Answer- 4) Krishnaswamy Natarajan Wimbledon tennis tournament takes place at the All Explanation: England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, United Krishnaswamy Natarajan is the present (as of Kingdom. It is the Oldest Tennis Tournament, founded in Feb’21) Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG). 1877. It usually takes place around the months of 108. Where is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi June-July International (LGBI) Airport located? 113. Which of the following Tournament is played 1) Bhubaneswar, Odisha in “Clay Courts”? 2) Guwahati, Assam 1) Australian Open 2) French Open 3) Hyderabad, Telangana 3) Wimbledon 4) Davis Cup 4) Amritsar, Punjab 5) US Open 5) Kohima, Nagaland Answer- 2) French Open Answer- 2) Guwahati, Assam Explanation: Explanation: The French Open uses clay courts, making it unique Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) among the Grand Slam tournaments. Airport is located at Guwahati, Assam. 114. Who is the present (as of Feb’21) Director 109. Where is the headquarters of Amazon India General of Sports Authority of India? located? 1) Rajeev Shukla 2) Sandip Pradhan 1) Chennai 2) Mumbai 3) Narinder Dhruv Batra 4) Praful Patel 3) Bangalore 4) New Delhi 5) Gyanendro Nigombam 5) Hyderabad Answer- 2) Sandip Pradhan Answer- 5) Hyderabad Explanation: Explanation: Sandip Pradhan is the present (as of Feb’21) Director The headquarters of Amazon India is located at General of Sports Authority of India. Hyderabad, Telangana. 115. Where is Thattekad Bird Sanctuary located? 110. Where is the Military College of Electronics 1) Tamil Nadu 2) Telangana and Mechanical Engineering located? 3) Andhra Pradesh 4) Kerala 1) Secunderabad, Telangana 5) Karnataka 2) Bengaluru, Karnataka Answer- 4) Kerala 3) Dehradun, Uttarakhand Explanation: 4) Mhow, Madhya Pradesh Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is the 1st Bird Sanctuary 5) Nashik, Maharashtra of Kerala. Answer- 1) Secunderabad, Telangana 116. In which sport ‘Norman Brookes Challenge Explanation: Cup’ tournament is played? The Military College of Electronics and Mechanical 1) Cricket 2) Badminton Engineering is located at Secunderabad, Telangana. 3) Hockey 4) Football 111. As per the revised Income Tax slab for FY 5) Tennis 2020-21, employees with annual income less Answer- 5) Tennis than ______are exempted from paying Tax. Explanation: 1) 1 lakh 2) 5 lakhs Norman Brookes Challenge Cup is a Tennis 3) 3 lakhs 4) 2.5 lakhs Tournament. The Men’s Singles Trophy of Australian 5) 1.5 lakhs Open is also known as Norman Brookes Challenge Cup Answer- 4) 2.5 lakhs 117. Which of the following is the largest Explanation: Freshwater lake of India? 1) Dal Lake 2) Wular Lake 108

3) Pulicat Lake 4) Chilika Lake Akbar's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal emperor 5) Vembanad Lake Akbar. It was built by his son Jahangir at Agra, Uttar Answer- 2) Wular Lake Pradesh. Explanation: 122. Under ______category, Nobel Prize has Wular Lake is the largest lake in India, also one of never been shared. the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. 1) Physiology 2) Chemistry 118. Recently (in Feb’21), the rare birds, ‘Black 3) Physics 4) Peace Storks’ were found in Sigur plateau. Where is 5) Literature Sigur plateau located? Answer- 5) Literature 1) West Bengal 2) Tamil Nadu Explanation: 3) Assam Literature is the only category, in which Nobel Prize 4) Himachal Pradesh has never been shared. 5) Madhya Pradesh 123. Who is the Union Minister responsible for Answer- 2) Tamil Nadu Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Explanation: Dairying (as of Feb’21)? A group of 6 Black Storks, most likely to be passage 1) Krishan Pal migrants, were photographed recently (in Feb’21) in the 2) Prahlad Singh Patel Sigur plateau in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. This Wet land 3) Parshottam Rupala bird species are mostly found in Europe, Asia and Africa. 4) Giriraj Singh 119. Where is the headquarters of Cairn Energy 5) Raj Kumar Singh located? Answer- 4) Giriraj Singh 1) Glasgow, Scotland Explanation: 2) Edinburgh, United Kingdom Giriraj Singh is the Union Minister responsible for 3) Belfast, Ireland Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying 4) Warsaw, Poland (as of Feb’21). 5) Cologne, Germany 124. Where is India’s 1st skill university ‘Shri Answer- 2) Edinburgh, United Kingdom Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU)’ Explanation: located? India is likely to file an appeal against the $1.4 1) Ahmedabad, Gujarat billion international arbitration award won by Cairn 2) Imphal, Manipur Energy in a tax dispute. The dispute with Cairn arose in 3) Noida, Uttar Pradesh 2015 after the govt demanded capital gains tax of Rs 4) Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 10,200 crore plus interest and penalty for a 5) Gurugram, Haryana reorganisation of assets that Cairn undertook for its Answer- 5) Gurugram, Haryana India unit in 2006, ahead of the listing of its shares in Explanation: 2007. Cairn Energy is headquartered at Edinburgh, The 1st skill university of India is Shri United Kingdom. Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Gurugram, 120. Where is Shree Jagannath Temple located? Haryana. 1) Gujarat 2) Madhya Pradesh 125. Where is Kondapalli Fort located? 3) Uttar Pradesh 4) Odisha 1) Telangana 5) Bihar 2) Arunachal Pradesh Answer- 4) Odisha 3) Madhya Pradesh Explanation: 4) Bihar The Shree Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu 5) Andhra Pradesh temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, in Puri Answer- 5) Andhra Pradesh in the state of Odisha. Explanation: 121. Where is the Tomb of Akbar the Great located? Kondapalli Fort is located at Andhra Pradesh. 1) Patna, Bihar 126. Which is the 1st state in India to have a Digital 2) Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (paperless) Legislative Assembly? 3) Agra, Uttar Pradesh 1) Arunachal Pradesh 2) Goa 4) New Delhi 3) Gujarat 5) Lahore, Pakistan 4) Himachal Pradesh Answer- 3) Agra, Uttar Pradesh 5) Sikkim Explanation: 109

Answer- 4) Himachal Pradesh Small Industries Development Bank of India Explanation: (SIDBI) was formed on 2nd April 1990. Himachal Pradesh is India’s first state to have a 132. When was Securities and Exchange Board of hi-tech Digital Legislative Assembly with e-Vidhan, India (SEBI) established? making all its functionaries paperless. 1) 1992 2) 1985 127. Which city is known as the “Sports Capital of 3) 1990 4) 1982 South India”? 5) 2003 1) Bangalore 2) Kochi Answer- 1) 1992 3) Vijayawada 4) Hyderabad Explanation: 5) Coimbatore Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was Answer- 5) Coimbatore founded on 12 April 1992. Explanation: 133. ______is a situation, where the inflation Coimbatore city is known as the “Sports Capital of rate is high and the economic growth rate is South India”. low. 128. When was National Smart Cities Mission 1) Hyper Inflation initiated? 2) Cost – Push Inflation 1) 2014 2) 2018 3) Demand – Pull Inflation 3) 2017 4) 2015 4) Stagflation 5) 2016 5) Reflation Answer- 4) 2015 Answer- 4) Stagflation Explanation: Explanation: National Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal Stagflation is a situation in which the inflation rate and retrofitting program by the Government of India is high and the economic growth rate is low. initiated in 2015. 134. Which of the following is wrongly matched? 129. Where is Ekuveni Stadium located? 1) Arjun Munda – Tribal Affairs 1) Bangladesh 2) Sri Lanka 2) Harsh Vardhan – Earth Sciences 3) Mauritius 4) Nepal 3) Pralhad Joshi – Petroleum & Natural Gas 5) Maldives 4) Giriraj Singh – Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Answer- 5) Maldives Fisheries Explanation: 5) Mahendra Nath Pandey – Skill Development and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced Entrepreneurship a USD 40 million standalone LoC to boost sports Answer- 3) Pralhad Joshi – Petroleum & infrastructure in the Maldives during at an event at the Natural Gas Ekuveni Stadium. Explanation: 130. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with National Commission for Scheduled Minister Ministry Castes (NCSC)? Arjun Munda Tribal Affairs 1) Article 338 2) Article 312 Harsh Vardhan Earth Sciences 3) Article 343 4) Article 340 5) Article 325 Pralhad Joshi Parliamentary Affairs Answer- 1) Article 338 Giriraj Singh Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Explanation: Fisheries Article 338 of the Indian constitution deals with Mahendra Nath Pandey Skill Development and National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and Entrepreneurship Article 338 A deals with National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). 135. Which city is known as the “Sports Capital of 131. When was Small Industries Development Bank India”? of India (SIDBI) formed? 1) Ahmedabad 2) Coimbatore 1) 1988 2) 1973 3) Bhubaneswar 4) Nagpur 3) 1990 4) 2003 5) Kolkata 5) 1992 Answer- 3) Bhubaneswar Answer- 3) 1990 Explanation: Explanation: Bhubaneswar is known as the “Sports Capital of India”. 110

136. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 3) 2018 4) 2015 Scheme, is an initiative by Govt. of India that 5) 2016 provides incentive to companies in _____ key Answer- 5) 2016 sectors. Explanation: 1) 13 2) 25 ‘Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)’ initiative of Swachh 3) 12 4) 5 Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) was launched in 2016. 5) 10 142. Where is the headquarters of Inland Answer- 1) 13 Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) located? Explanation: 1) Kochi, Kerala The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, is an 2) Mumbai, Maharashtra initiative by Govt. of India that provides incentive to 3) Noida, Uttar Pradesh companies in 13 key sectors. 4) Kolkata, West Bengal 137. What is India’s Rank in the World Bank’s, 5) Patna, Bihar “Ease of doing Business Report – 2020”? Answer- 3) Noida, Uttar Pradesh 1) 79 2) 114 Explanation: 3) 63 4) 71 The headquarters of Inland Waterways Authority of 5) 52 India (IWAI) is located at Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Answer- 3) 63 143. NGOs in India are established under the Explanation: provisions of Article ___ of Indian Constitution India is Ranked at 63, in the World Bank’s, “Ease of that provides right to form associations. doing Business Report – 2020”. 1) 15 2) 23 138. Which is the only Paleolithic site in India? 3) 17 4) 21 1) Edakkal Caves 5) 19 2) Bhimbetka rock shelters Answer- 5) 19 3) Kupgal petroglyphs Explanation: 4) Kudakkallu Parambu NGOs in India are established under the provisions 5) Burzahom of Article 19 of Indian Constitution that provides right to Answer- 2) Bhimbetka rock shelters form associations. Explanation: 144. When was the Indian Premier League (IPL) The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological established? site in central India that spans the prehistoric Paleolithic 1) 2007 2) 2006 and Mesolithic periods. It is located in Madhya Pradesh. 3) 2005 4) 2008 139. Where is Bhavanisagar dam, South Asia’s 5) 2009 largest Earthen dam, located? Answer- 4) 2008 1) Kerala 2) Karnataka Explanation: 3) Telangana 4) Tamil Nadu Indian Premier League (IPL) was established in 5) Andhra Pradesh 2008. Answer- 4) Tamil Nadu 145. Which is the World’s longest Undersea Tunnel? Explanation: 1) Channel Tunnel 2) Seikan Tunnel Bhavanisagar dam, South Asia’s largest Earthen 3) Taihang Tunnel dam is located in Tamil Nadu. 4) Gotthard Base Tunnel 140. Where is V. O. Chidambaranar Port located? 5) Laerdal Tunnel 1) Gujarat 2) Tamil Nadu Answer- 2) Seikan Tunnel 3) Odisha 4) Andhra Pradesh Explanation: 5) Goa The Seikan Tunnel in Japan is the world’s longest Answer- 2) Tamil Nadu undersea tunnel, that lies 140m below the seabed. Explanation: 146. When was the 1st BRICS Summit took place? V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust is one of the 13 1) 2001 2) 2006 major ports in India, is located in Tamil Nadu 3) 2009 4) 2008 141. When was ‘Swachh Iconic Places (SIP)’ 5) 2003 initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin Answer- 3) 2009 (SBM-G) launched? Explanation: 1) 2014 2) 2017 111

The first BRIC Summit took place in 2009 in the 5) 85 Russian Federation and focused on issues such as reform Answer- 5) 85 of the global financial architecture. Explanation: 147. What is India’s rank in the “Henley Passport Henley & Partners released “Henley Passport Index: Index: Q1 2021 Global Ranking”? Q1 2021 Global Ranking” where India was ranked 85th 1) 58 2) 27 with visa-free score of 58. 3) 106 4) 67