Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Current Affairs Quiz January 2021

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the attachment of property?

A. Under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), proceeds of crime money generated out of a criminal activity is attached on the directions of the Enforcement Directorate Director.

B. If the wealth is not available, the agency can attach property equivalent to that value.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The attached properties include Farooq Abdullah’s Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar, where he lives. They also include two other residential properties in Tangamarg and Sunjwan, apart from commercial properties on Srinagar’s Residency Road. Under PMLA, proceeds of crime money generated out of a criminal activity — is attached on the directions of the ED Director. However, if that wealth is not available, the agency can attach property equivalent to that value.

2. Recently seen in news, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in

A. Uttar Pradesh

B.

C.

D. Punjab Explanation: Mansukh Vasava, who represents the Bharuch parliamentary constituency wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to withdraw the Centre’s notification classifying 121 villages around the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Narmada district as eco-sensitive zones. Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Gujarat state, located in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River.

3. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Anaemia?

A. Anaemia is the condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin.

B. According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-20 Indian women and children are overwhelmingly anaemic and the condition is the most prevalent in the Himalayan cold desert.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-20 released, Indian women and children are overwhelmingly anaemic and the condition is the most prevalent in the Himalayan cold desert. Anaemia is the condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of haemoglobin.

4. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Light House Projects (LHPs)?

A. It launched under Global Housing Technology Challenge- (GHTC-India) at six sites across six States on 1st January 2021.

B. The LHPs are being constructed at Indore (), Rajkot (Gujarat), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Agartala (Tripura) and Patna (Bihar).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Light House Projects (LHPs) at six sites across six states in the country on January 1, 2021. The Light House Projects (LHPs) showcase the best of new-age alternate global technologies, materials and processes in the construction sector for the first time in the country at such a large scale. The LHPs are being constructed at Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Rajkot (Gujarat), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Agartala (Tripura) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).

5. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators - India (ASHA-India)?

A. It aims to promote domestic research and entrepreneurship by providing incubation and acceleration support to potential future technologies.

B. Under ASHA-India initiative, five ASHA-India Centers have been set up for providing incubation and acceleration support.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Modi has announced winners under Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators - India (ASHA-India) and gave out annual awards for excellence in implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) Mission on 1st January 2021. Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators - India (ASHA-India) aims to promote domestic research and entrepreneurship by providing incubation and acceleration support to potential future technologies. Under ASHA- India initiative, five ASHA-India Centers have been set up for providing incubation and acceleration support.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

6. India recently signed a MoU on Cooperation in the peaceful users of outer space with which of the following country?

A.

B. Bhutan

C. Maldives

D. Myanmar Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bhutan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. This MoU shall enable India and Bhutan to pursue cooperation in potential interest areas, such as remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.

7. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Argentina’s law on abortion?

A. Argentina’s Congress legalised abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy.

B. Prior to the passing of the bill, abortions were only permitted in cases of rape or when the woman’s health was at serious risk.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Argentina’s Congress legalised abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy this week, in what was a ground-breaking decision in a country that has some of the world’s most restrictive abortion laws. Prior to the passing of the bill, abortions were only permitted in cases of rape or when the woman’s health was at serious risk. Activists have been campaigning for years, calling for an overturning of this law that has been in existence since 1921.

8. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘SAHAYAK-NG’?

A. It is India’s first indigenously designed and developed Air Dropped Container.

B. Sahayak-NG has a Satellite-based Reporting Terminal (SBRT), which provides its precise GPS location enabling the ship in distress to pick up critical stores.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with Indian Navy carried a successful maiden test trial of ‘SAHAYAK-NG’ India’s first indigenously designed and developed Air Dropped Container from IL 38SD aircraft (Indian Navy) off the coast of Goa. It reduces the Page | 3 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 requirement of ships to come close to the coast to collect spares and stores. Sahayak-NG has a Satellite-based Reporting Terminal (SBRT), which provides its precise GPS location enabling the ship in distress to pick up critical stores.

9. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Akash Missile System?

A. Akash is an Air to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms.

B. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Union Cabinet gave its go-ahead to the sale of Akash surface-to-air missile systems to friendly foreign countries and created a high-powered panel for swifter approval to export of military hardware at a time India has set a target of clocking defence exports worth $5 billion by 2024. Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army. Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation.

10. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the India- meeting of Joint Working Group on Fisheries?

A. The Fourth Meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries was held through virtual mode.

B. The meeting covered the entire gamut of issues related to fishermen and fishing boats which have been on the agenda of bilateral discussions between India and Sri Lanka for many years.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Fourth Meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries was held through virtual mode. The meeting covered the entire gamut of issues related to fishermen and fishing boats which have been on the agenda of bilateral discussions between India and Sri Lanka for many years.

11. The Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities project shall also facilitate

A. De-congestion of the Port

B. Reduce Sea freight making coal imports cheaper

C. Boost the industrial economy in the hinterland of the port leading to creation of job opportunities.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. All of these Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the project 'Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities including Development of Western Dock on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to handle cape size vessels at Paradip Port'. The project shall also facilitate (i) de-congestion of the Port, (ii) reduce Sea freight making coal imports cheaper, and (iii) boost the industrial economy in the hinterland of the port leading to creation of job opportunities.

12. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)?

A. The IOSCO is the international organization that brings together the world's securities regulators, covering more than 95% of the world’s securities markets, and is the global standard setter for the securities sector.

B. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in New York.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has become an Associate Member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The IOSCO is the international organization that brings together the world's securities regulators, covering more than 95% of the world’s securities markets, and is the global standard setter for the securities sector. IOSCO works closely with the G20 and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) in setting up the standards for strengthening the securities markets.

13. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Lightning?

A. Lightning strikes have caused 1,771 deaths between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020, according to a report prepared by Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council on lightning incidents in India.

B. Odisha had 11.20 lakh plus lightning strikes, the highest in the country.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Lightning strikes have caused 1,771 deaths between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020, according to a report published on December 31 on lightning incidents in India. Odisha had 11.20 lakh plus lightning strikes—the highest in the country—with only 200 casualties. During Cyclone Fani, the state saw more than one lakh intense lightning strikes on May 3 and May 4 in 2019.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

14. North East’s first-ever specialised "Ginger" Processing Plant is located in which state?

A. Sikkim

B. Meghalaya

C. Assam

D. Nagaland Explanation: North-East’s first-ever specialised ginger processing plant at Ri-Bhoui district in Meghalaya is being revived and likely to become functional in the beginning of 2021. The only Ginger Processing Plant of North East India was established around the year 2004 but has remained non-functional for many years.

15. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Meteorological Centre Leh?

A. Located at a height of 3500 m, Meteorological Centre Leh will be the highest meteorological centre in India.

B. It will provide forecast for important tourist places like Nubra and Changthang.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated India's highest Meteorological Centre in Leh. After Itanagar Centre in Arunachal Pradesh, Leh Met centre at 3500 meters highest from mean sea level is the highest in the Himalayan region. It will provide forecast for important tourist places like Nubra, Changthang, Pangong Lake, Zanskar, Kargil, Drass, Dha-Baima (Aryan valley), Khalsi among others.

16. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the TiHAN-IIT ’?

A. It is India’s first Test bed for Autonomous Navigation Systems (Terrestrial and Aerial).

B. It is an initiative of NITI Aayog.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) got a new technology innovation hub on autonomous navigation (TiHAN) for unmanned aerial vehicles and remotely operated vehicles following a funding of Rs 135 crore from the department of science and technology, government of India. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has sanctioned Rs. 135 crores to IIT Hyderabad under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Systems (NM-ICPS) to set up a Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation and Data Acquisition Systems (UAVs, RoVs, etc.).

17. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI)?

A. It is a public–private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.

B. GAVI has observer status at the World Health Assembly.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has been nominated by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) as a member on the GAVI Board, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. GAVI, officially Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a public–private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunisation in poor countries. GAVI has observer status at the World Health Assembly. It was founded in 2000 and is located at Geneva, Switzerland.

18. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG)?

A. The overall aim of the Consortium is to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network.

B. INSACOG will have a high level Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee which will provide guidance and oversight to the consortium specially for policy matters and it will have a Scientific Advisory Group for scientific and technical guidance.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The overall aim of the Consortium is to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network. This vital research consortium will also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future. INSACOG will have a high level Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee which will provide guidance and oversight to the consortium specially for policy matters and it will have a Scientific Advisory Group for scientific and technical guidance.

19. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Data on Police Organizations by Bureau of Police Research & Development?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. The number of police personnel put on protection duty in 2018 and 2019 for ministers, MPs, MLAs, judges, bureaucrats, etc., outnumbered their sanctioned strength for the job by around 35 per cent.

B. Odisha had the maximum of 3,142 people under police protection in 2019, followed by Punjab (2,594), Bihar (2,347) and Jammu and Kashmir (1,184).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) released Data on Police Organizations as on 01.01.2020 online. The number of people getting police protection across India stood at 19,467 in 2019 and 21,300 in 2018 - a reduction of 1,833 (or 8.7 per cent). The number of police personnel sanctioned for the protection duties in was 7,144 in 2018 and 7,294 in 2019 while the deployment numbers stood at 7,144 and 8,182, respectively, it showed.

20. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the report Action Agenda for an AtmaNirbhar Bharat (AAAN)?

A. It was prepared by Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) in New Delhi.

B. The aim of the Action Report is to create a sense of Scientific Social Responsibility and to lay down imperatives for future of technology in India.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Minister of Science& Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan released the report Action Agenda for an Atma Nirbhar Bharat (AAAN) prepared by Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) in New Delhi. The aim of the Action Report is to create a sense of Scientific Social Responsibility and to lay down imperatives for future of technology in India.

21. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the disability Compensation to CAPF Personnel?

A. Centre has recently decided to extend Disability Compensation to all serving employees, if they get disabled in the line of duty while performing their service and are retained in service in spite of such disablement.

B. The Ministry of Personnel recently did away with minimum qualifying service of 10 years for pension, if a government servant is incapacitated due to bodily or medical infirmity and retired from government service.

C. Both A & B

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. None of these Explanation: The Central Government of India has decided to extend Disability Compensation to all serving employees, if they get disabled in the line of duty while performing their service and are retained in service in spite of such disablement. The Ministry of Personnel recently did away with minimum qualifying service of 10 years for pension, if a government servant is incapacitated due to bodily or medical infirmity and retired from government service.

22. Who among the following was the deputy leader of the first successful Indian Mount Everest expedition in 1965?

A. Colonel Narendra Kumar

B. Captain Mohan Singh Kohli

C. Narendra Dhar Jayal

D. None of the above Explanation: Prime Minister Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Colonel Narendra 'Bull' Kumar. He served the nation with exceptional courage and diligence. Colonel Narendra "Bull" Kumar (1933 – 2020) was an Indian soldier–mountaineer. He is known for his expeditions across various mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and Karakorams, and respective subranges such as the Pir Panjals and Saltoro Mountains.

23. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the oil sector?

A. Indian Oil LPG customers can now give a missed call to 8454955555 for refill booking for all India and for new connection for Bhubaneswar city.

B. Second phase of the world class octane 100 premium grade petrol was rolled out under the brand XP 100.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan launched the missed call facility for LPG consumers in Bhubaneswar. Indian Oil LPG customers can now give a missed call to 8454955555 for refill booking for all India and for new connection for Bhubaneswar city. The Minister also rolled out the second phase of the world class octane 100 premium grade petrol, under the brand XP 100.

24. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. The scheme will refund to exporters the embedded Central, State and local taxes that were so far not being given rebate or refunded.

B. The refund will be credited in the exporter's ledger account with Customs and used to pay Basic Customs duty on imported goods.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The government of India has decided to extend the benefit of tax refund scheme RoDTEP to all goods. The scheme will refund to exporters the embedded Central, State and local taxes that were so far not being given rebate or refunded. The refund will be credited in the exporter's ledger account with Customs and used to pay Basic Customs duty on imported goods. The credits can also be transferred to other importers.

25. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the draft Model Standing Orders for the Manufacturing Sector, Mining Sector and Service Sector?

A. The concept of “Work from home” has been formalized in the Model Standing Orders for Service Sector.

B. Rail Travel Facility has been extended to the workers in the mining sector.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The labour ministry has sought stakeholders' feedback on the draft model standing orders for the manufacturing, mining and service sectors to set standards for service conditions and employees' conduct. The concept of “Work from home” has been formalized in the Model Standing Orders for Service Sector. Rail Travel Facility has been extended to the workers in the mining sector. Presently, it is being availed by the workers in coal mines only.

26. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ethanol distillation capacity?

A. Union Cabinet has recently approved modified scheme to enhance ethanol distillation capacity in the country.

B. Government has fixed a target of 10% blending of fuel grade ethanol with petrol by 2022, 15% blending by 2026 & 20% blending by 2030.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved a modified scheme to enhance ethanol distillation capacity in the country. Government has fixed a target of 10% blending of fuel grade ethanol with petrol by 2022, 15% blending by 2026 & 20% blending by 2030. Government also planning to prepone achievement of 20% blending target by year 2025.

27. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)?

A. It aims of correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/ reliable tertiary healthcare services.

B. The Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone of AIIMS Rajkot.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot in Gujarat and said that the nation had emerged as the nerve centre of global health.AIIMS Rajkot will boost health infrastructure, medical education and provide employment opportunities in Gujarat. In the last 6 years, work on 10 new AIIMS has started and many have been inaugurated.

28. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG)?

A. It has the ability to detect random quantum events and convert those into a stream of binary digits.

B. It was developed by CSIR.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT) has developed a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) which detects random quantum events and converts those into a stream of binary digits. The Laboratory has developed a fibre-optic branch path based QRNG. Branch path based QRNG is based on the principle that if a single photon is incident on a balanced beam splitter, it will take either of the beam-splitter output paths randomly.

29. Who was Buta Singh, recently seen in news?

A. An Indian politician

B. An American born Indian Scientist

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

C. Athlete

D. None of these Explanation: Former Union minister, ex-MP from and Congress leader Buta Singh passed away at the age of 86 years. Buta Singh (1934 – 2021) was an Indian politician and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He was elected to the Lok Sabha eight-times.

30. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Police K-9 Journal?

A. It is the first such publication in the country on the subject of Police Service K9s, Police Dogs.

B. It is a biannual journal which will be released in April and October every year.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the inaugural issue of "National Police K-9 Journal." It is the first such publication in the country on the subject of Police Service K9s, Police Dogs. This is a unique initiative that will further enrich the subjects related to Police Service Dog, K-9, PSK teams in the country. The journal comprises different sections in Hindi and English. It is a biannual journal which will be released in April and October every year.

31. Who organised the National Metrology Conclave 2021?

A. India Meteorological Department

B. Indian Council of Medical Research

C. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory

D. All of these Explanation: National Metrology Conclave 2021 is being organised by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi which is entering into its 75th year of inception. The theme of the conclave is Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation.

32. H5N1 is the most common form of

A. Bird flu

B. Swine flu

C. Small Pox

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Explanation: A bird flu warning has been sounded in Rajasthan after the confirmation of its virus in dead crows in Jhalawar district. Animal Husbandry Department has set up a state-level control room and sent its teams to the district for effective monitoring. Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds. H5N1 is the most common form of bird flu.

33. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kharif crops?

A. More than 64 lakh paddy farmers have been benefited from current Kharif Marketing Season Procurement Operations with Minimum Support Price, MSP value of over 94 thousand crore rupees.

B. Government continues to procure Kharif crops at its Minimum Support Price from farmers as per its existing MSP schemes.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: More than 64 lakh paddy farmers have been benefited from current Kharif Marketing Season Procurement Operations with Minimum Support Price, MSP value of over 94 thousand crore rupees. Government continues to procure Kharif crops at its Minimum Support Price from farmers as per its existing MSP schemes.

34. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kochi-Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline?

A. The 450 kilometre long pipeline has been built by GAIL (India) Limited.

B. It has transportation capacity of 12 Million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per day.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Kochi - Mangaluru Natural Gas Pipeline to the nation. The event marks an important milestone towards the creation of One Nation One Gas Grid. The 450 kilometre long pipeline has been built by GAIL (India) Limited. It has transportation capacity of 12 Million Metric Standard Cubic Metres per day.

35. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Fiji?

A. The first consignment of relief materials from India for the cyclone-affected people reached Fiji.

B. Fiji was hit by a Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa last month.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. None of these Explanation: The first consignment of relief materials from India for the cyclone-affected people reached Fiji. Another consignment is due to arrive by 6th January. Fiji was hit by a Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa last month which caused extensive damage and destruction of critical infrastructure. The relief material sent by the Government of India, consisting of shelter and hygiene kits, will provide immediate assistance to the cyclone-affected communities.

36. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the UN resolution on Rohingyas?

A. Bangladesh has expressed happiness over the UN resolution on Rohingyas adopted at the 75th General Assembly.

B. The resolution was passed with 132 countries voting in favour of it and 9 countries including Russia and China opposing it.

C. 26 countries including India and Japan abstained from voting on the resolution.

D. All of these Explanation: Bangladesh has expressed happiness over the UN resolution on Rohingyas adopted at the 75th General Assembly. The resolution was passed with 132 countries voting in favour of it and 9 countries including Russia and China opposing it. 26 countries including India and Japan abstained from voting on the resolution.

37. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the FIFA World Cup?

A. FIFA has cancelled Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups till 2023.

B. India will host the Under-20s and Peru the Under-17s.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has cancelled Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups that were scheduled to be played next year due to a coronavirus pandemic. These World Cups will now be played in 2023, with still hosting the Under-20s and Peru the Under-17s.

38. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the All India Football Federation?

A. AIFF has formally announced its candidature to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. AIFF showcased the unrivalled potential of hosting Asia’s flagship football event in the world’s fastest emerging football market.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally announced its candidature to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and deliver a brighter future together for football in India and across Asia. Unveiling its plans at the launch in New Delhi, AIFF showcased the unrivalled potential of hosting Asia’s flagship football event in the world’s fastest emerging football market, home to 1.3 billion people.

39. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project?

A. Chinese company, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company Limited will construct the 5.6- kilometre underground stretch, from New Ashok Nagar to Sahibabad, of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.

B. The 82-km-long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is being funded by the Asian Development Bank and procurement is governed by the guidelines of the bank and the government.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The National Capital Region Transport Corporation has awarded a contract to a Chinese company, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company Limited, for the construction of a 5.6-kilometre underground stretch, from New Ashok Nagar to Sahibabad, of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project. The 82-km-long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is being funded by the Asian Development Bank and procurement is governed by the guidelines of the bank and the government.

40. Which country has successfully cultured the new coronavirus strain, firstly?

A. US

B. UK

C. India

D. China Explanation: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has successfully cultured the new coronavirus strain, which originated in the U.K. The ICMR claimed that no country has yet reported successful isolation and culture of the U.K. variant of SARS-CoV-2.

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41. Which of the following is the Nation’s first indigenously developed DNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19?

A. ZyCoV-D

B. Covishield

C. Covaxin

D. Sputnik V Explanation: The Nation’s first indigenously developed DNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19, ZyCoV-D, by M/s Zydus Cadila has been approved by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), for conduct of the Phase III clinical trials. The candidate has been supported by the National Biopharma Mission (NBM) under the aegis of BIRAC and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

42. Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of which of the following Peninsula?

A. Iberian Peninsula

B. Scandinavian Peninsula

C. Balkan Peninsula

D. None of the above Explanation: Spain announced it had struck a deal with the UK to maintain free movement to and from Gibraltar – a small portion of land on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula that Britain controls but Spain claims as its own. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. Under the Gibraltar constitution of 2006, Gibraltar is self-governing, with some responsibilities, such as defence and foreign relations, remaining with the British government.

43. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the tampon tax?

A. The UK began 2021 by abolishing a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on women’s sanitary products, often referred to as the “tampon tax”.

B. Scotland, which is a part of the UK, made history in November 2020 by becoming the first country in the world to make period products free of cost to those who need them.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The United Kingdom began 2021 by abolishing a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on women’s sanitary products, often referred to as the “tampon tax” and which many activists had described as sexist. It now joins the list of countries which have already eliminated this tax, which includes India, Australia and Canada. The measure is part of a wider UK government effort called ‘End

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Period Poverty’. Scotland, which is a part of the UK, made history in November 2020 by becoming the first country in the world to make period products free of cost to those who need them.

44. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ’s new rule to shops?

A. The Karnataka government has allowed all shops and commercial establishments to operate round the clock all days of the week for the next three years under provisions of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act (1961).

B. The rules permits only shops and commercial establishments employing ten or more persons to operate 24×7.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Karnataka government has allowed all shops and commercial establishments to operate round the clock all days of the week for the next three years under provisions of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act (1961). The rules permits only shops and commercial establishments employing ten or more persons to operate 24×7. The period of this extension of timings will be in force till January 2, 2024.

45. Which of the following is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Pong Dam

B. Tehri Dam

C. Kallanai Dam

D. Indira Sagar Dam Explanation: After more than 1,400 migratory birds were found dead due to an unexplained cause in the Pong Dam area of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, the local administration has suspended all tourism activities in the reservoir's precincts till further orders. Wildlife authorities have sent samples taken from the carcass of the birds for testing at the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal to ascertain the cause of death. The Pong Dam is also known as the Beas Dam. It is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh.

46. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kempegowda International Airport halt?

A. It is an Indian Railways' Train station located near Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (Karnataka).

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. The station has been built by the airport operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and on its completion was handed over to the railways.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Railways' South Western Railway zone started the train services connecting the Bengaluru City Railway Station to the Kempegowda International Airport. The train would be run only six days a week with no service on Sunday as for now. Kempegowda International Airport halt is an Indian Railways' Train station located near Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (Karnataka). The station has been built by the airport operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and on its completion was handed over to the railways.

47. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Trans fats?

A. They are a form of unsaturated fat.

B. They come only in artificial forms.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5% through an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations. Trans fats, or trans-fatty acids, are a form of unsaturated fat. They come in both natural and artificial forms.

48. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the banana grit?

A. It was developed by CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) at Pappanamcode in Kerala.

B. The concept was introduced to utilise the presence of resistant starch in bananas, which is reported to improve gut health.

C. Changalikodan Nendran Banana got Geographical indication registration from the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.

D. All of these Explanation: Scientists at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) at Pappanamcode here in Kerala have come up with a new product, Banana Grit, developed from raw Nendran bananas. The concept was introduced to utilise the presence of resistant starch in bananas, which is reported to improve gut health. Changalikodan Nendran Banana or famously known as Changalikodan is a banana variety originated and cultivated in Chengazhikodu village Page | 18 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 of Thrissur District in Kerala. Changalikodan, now are cultivated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river. Changalikodan got Geographical indication registration from the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.

49. Which of the following countries is/are not the part of Five Eyes Grup?

A. India

B. Australia

C. Canada

D. United Kingdom Explanation: Five Eyes is a network of five nations collaborated to better respond to increasing threats by North Korea and China. Japan is on its way to become the 'sixth eye'. The "Five Eyes" (FVEY) refers to an alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

50. Which of the following statement is/are correct with reference to the exchange list of nuclear installations between India and ?

A. The agreement contains the provision that both countries inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year.

B. This has been done consecutively since January 1, 1992, according to the FO.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India and Pakistan conducted the annual practice of exchanging the list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral arrangement that prohibits them from attacking each other's atomic facilities. The agreement contains the provision that both countries inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year. This has been done consecutively since January 1, 1992, according to the FO.

51. Sabari River is one of the main tributaries of which of the following river?

A. Brahmaputra

B. Godavari

C. Krishna

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: For nearly two decades, the sacred river Sabari and a group of four migrant fisherfolk families have remained steadfast companions near Chintoor village along the tri-State border of , Odisha and Chattisgarh in East Godavari Agency. The Sabari River is one of the main tributaries of Godavari.

52. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Ramateertham temple?

A. It is located in Andhra Pradesh.

B. Ramateertham is one of the places made sacred by a traditional connection with Lord Sree .

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Ramateertham is a village panchayat in Nellimarla mandal of district in Andhra Pradesh in India. It is about 12 km from Vizianagaram city. Ramateertham is one of the places made sacred by a traditional connection with Lord Sree Rama.

53. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat?

A. It is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae.

B. It is found in only one cave in Hanumanahalli village in the Kolar district of Karnataka, and its population is less than 200 individuals.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Kolar Leaf-Nosed Bat was found in only two caves in the village of Hanumanahalli in Kolar district of Karnataka. For reasons that are still unknown, the bat became locally extinct in one of the two caves. And now, the Karnataka Forest Department, along with the Bat Conservation India Trust (BCIT), is on a war footing to save the remaining bats, which are endemic to the area, from extinction. It is a species of bat in the family Hipposideridae.

54. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Digital Payments Index (DPI)?

A. It is an initiative of NITI Aayog.

B. The DPI for March 2019 and March 2020 work out to 153.47 and 207.84 respectively, indicating appreciable growth.

C. Both A & B

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. None of these Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constructed a composite Digital Payments Index (DPI) with March 2018 as the base period to capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country. The RBI-DPI has been constructed with March 2018 as the base period. The DPI for March 2019 and March 2020 work out to 153.47 and 207.84 respectively, indicating appreciable growth.

55. Deepor Beel is a wetland located in which state?

A. Sikkim

B. Assam

C. Nagaland

D. Manipur Explanation: The Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration has prohibited community fishing at Deepor Beel, a wetland on the south-western edge of Guwahati and Assam’s only Ramsar site. Deepor Beel was designated a Ramsar site in 2002 for sustaining a range of aquatic life forms besides 219 species of birds.

56. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the coastal city?

A. Recently a team from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay devised a new metric or measure called the Tide–Rainfall Flood Quotient to understand if a coastal city is more prone to floods caused by tidal events or extreme rainfall.

B. The C40 Cities report of 2018 notes that by 2050, over 570 low-lying coastal cities will face projected sea level rise by at least 0.5 meters.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: To understand if a coastal city is more prone to floods caused by tidal events or extreme rainfall, a team from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay devised a new metric or measure called the Tide–Rainfall Flood Quotient. The team selected three geographically diverse flood-prone coastal regions – Mithi Catchment in , , Jagatsinghpur District in Odisha, and Greater Chennai Corporation in Tamil Nadu to test their new metric. The C40 Cities report of 2018 notes that by 2050, over 570 low-lying coastal cities will face projected sea level rise by at least 0.5 meters, putting over 800 million people at risk from the impacts of rising seas and storm surges.

57. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Khanij Bidesh India Ltd?

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A. It was incorporated in August, 2019 by three state-owned companies, NALCO, Hindustan Copper and Mineral Exploration Ltd.

B. It aims to acquire strategic mineral assets such as lithium and cobalt abroad.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India inked a pact with an Argentine firm mid-last year to jointly prospect lithium in the South American country that has the third largest reserves of the silver-white alkali metal — a crucial building block of the lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs), laptops and mobile phones. The new company, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd was incorporated in August, 2019 by three state-owned companies, NALCO, Hindustan Copper and Mineral Exploration Ltd, with a specific mandate to acquire strategic mineral assets such as lithium and cobalt abroad.

58. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Rajya Sabha?

A. There are only three other occasions when the Rajya Sabha met for fewer than 50 sittings in a year, 48 in 1999 and 46 each in 2004 and 2008.

B. During the year 2020, the annual productivity has been 82.7%, the highest annual productivity during the last 11 years.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: With the government refusing to call the winter session of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha sat for just 33 days in 2020, its lowest-ever tally of sittings in a year. There are only three other occasions when the Upper House sittings were below 50 days in a year. There are only three other occasions when the Rajya Sabha met for fewer than 50 sittings in a year — 48 in 1999 and 46 each in 2004 and 2008. During the year 2020, the annual productivity has been 82.7%, the highest annual productivity during the last 11 years.

59. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the 40th Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica?

A. The Indian Antarctic expeditions began in 1981.

B. The Indian Antarctic programme has now credited to have built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica—named Dakshin , Maitri, and Bharati.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Explanation: The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) departed for the South Pole from Mormugao Port, Goa with 43 members on board, January 5, 2021. The Indian Antarctic expeditions began in 1981. The first trip comprised of a team of 21 scientists and support staff led by Dr SZ Qasim. The Indian Antarctic programme has now credited to have built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica—named Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati. As of today, India has two operational research stations in Antarctica named Maitri and Bharati.

60. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘School Bag Policy, 2020’?

A. It was released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

B. According to the circular, schoolteachers should inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to school on a particular day and frequently check their bags to ensure that they are not carrying unnecessary material.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Directorate of Education has issued a circular asking schools to follow the new ‘School Bag Policy, 2020’ released by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). According to the circular, schoolteachers should inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to school on a particular day and frequently check their bags to ensure that they are not carrying unnecessary material.

61. Sambalpur city is located on the banks of which of the following river?

A. Mahanadi

B. Ganga

C. Yamuna

D. Krishna Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus in the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur in Odisha. Sambalpur is a city in Odisha. It is located on the banks of river Mahanadi.

62. Which of the following was the eight warmest since 1901?

A. 2019

B. 2016

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D. 2020 Explanation: The annual statement of the climate in India issued by the IMD on January 4 has revealed that 2020 is the eighth warmest year the country has seen since 1901. The statement produced a detailed information of the country's weather throughout the year.

63. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Aurangabad?

A. It was built in 1610 by Malik Ambar of the Nijamshahi dynasty.

B. It was renamed Aurangabad by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb when he made it the capital of the Deccan region of the Mughal Empire.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: As Maharashtra stares at the upcoming civic polls, a row over renaming Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar has erupted with the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance partner Congress opposing the move. Aurangabad was built in 1610 by Malik Ambar of the Nijamshahi dynasty. It was renamed Aurangabad by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb when he made it the capital of the Deccan region of the Mughal Empire.

64. Which of the following country is the world’s biggest exporter of the Rice?

A. China

B. India

C. Malaysia

D. Indonesia Explanation: Vietnam, the world's third biggest exporter of rice, has started buying the grain from rival India for the first time in decades after local prices jumped to their highest in nine years amid limited domestic supplies. The purchases highlight tightening supplies in Asia, which could lift rice prices in 2021 and even force traditional buyers of rice from Thailand and Vietnam to switch to India - the world's biggest exporter of the grain.

65. Who among the following is recognised as the founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS)?

A. Mannathu Padmanabhan

B. P. Krishna Pillai

C. K. Kelappan

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D. Narayana Guru Explanation: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan Ji on his jayanti. He is recognised as the founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS), an organisation created for the welfare of the Nair community that is found primarily in Kerala.

66. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS)?

A. It is under the ministry of civil aviation.

B. It is on the select routes, under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework through prospective airline operators.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways kicked off the ambitious project of Sagarmala Seaplane Services (SSPS) with potential airline operators. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is initiating the process of commencing operations of the Seaplane services, on the select routes, under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework through prospective airline operators.

67. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Alphabet Workers Union?

A. The group is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, a union that represents workers in telecommunications and media in the United States and Canada.

B. Alphabet was created through a restructuring of Google on October 2, 2015, and became the parent company of Google.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The new union, called the Alphabet Workers Union after Google’s parent company, Alphabet, was organized in secret for the better part of a year and elected its leadership last month. The group is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, a union that represents workers in telecommunications and media in the United States and Canada. But unlike a traditional union, which demands that an employer come to the bargaining table to agree on a contract, the Alphabet Workers Union is a so-called minority union that represents a fraction of the company’s more than 260,000 full-time employees and contractors.

68. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Moringa? Page | 25 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent.

B. Nepal is the largest producer of moringa.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India has started exports of Moringa powder, keeping in mind its rising global demand and nutritional properties. Moringa (botanical name Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, drought- resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent. India is the largest producer of moringa.

69. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the SwasthVayu?

A. SwasthVayu was developed by DRDO.

B. It is a microcontroller based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible “3D printed manifold and coupler” with HEPA filter.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: SwasthVayu developed by CSIR-NAL is a microcontroller based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible “3D printed manifold and coupler” with HEPA filter (Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filter).

70. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Toycathon 2021?

A. It is a special kind of hackathon where students and teachers from schools and colleges, design experts, toy experts and startups will get together to crowd source ideas for developing toys and games that are based on Indian culture & ethos and local folklore & heroes.

B. It is an initiative of Ministry of Science and Technology.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: To promote indigenous toy industry and reduce imports, the Centre has launched Toycathon- 2021, a special kind of hackathon where students and teachers from schools and colleges, design experts, toy experts and start-ups will get together to crowdsource ideas for developing toys and games that are based on Indian culture, ethos, folklores, heroes and value systems. This is a special kind of hackathon where students and teachers from schools and colleges, design experts, toy experts and startups will get together to crowd source ideas for developing toys and games that are based on Indian culture & ethos and local folklore & heroes.

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71. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam?

A. Rastriya Kamdhenu Aayog has announced Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam.

B. Kamdhenu Gau-VigyanPrachar-Prasar Exam will be an online exam to be conducted throughout the country on 25th February, 2021.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: For raising mass awareness about Indigenous Cowsamong young Students and every other citizen, RASTRIYA KAMDHENU AAYOG (RKA) has come out with a noble initiative of making Study materials about Cow Science available and conduct “Kamdhenu Gau-VigyanPrachar-Prasar Examination”. Kamdhenu Gau-VigyanPrachar-Prasar Exam will be an online exam to be conducted throughout the country on 25th February, 2021.

72. The New Rewari - New Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is situated in

A. Haryana

B. Karnataka

C. Punjab

D. Sikkim Explanation: The New Rewari - New Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is situated in Haryana (approx. 79 Km, in Mahendragarh and Rewari districts) and Rajasthan (approx. 227 Km, in Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Nagaur and Alwar districts). This section will also ensure seamless connectivity with the western ports of Kandla, Pipavav, Mundhra, and Dahej situated in Gujarat.

73. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the New Rewari - New Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor?

A. It is the first double-stack long haul 1.5 km long container train to run on electric traction.

B. The corridor will be used for the exclusive operation of freight trains, which will run at a maximum speed of 100 km/hour.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off world's first double-stack long haul container train by virtually inaugurating the Rewari-Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. It Page | 27 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 is the first double-stack long haul 1.5 km long container train to run on electric traction. The corridor will be used for the exclusive operation of freight trains, which will run at a maximum speed of 100 km/hour. The first train has been flagged off from New Ateli in Haryana to New Kishangarh in Rajasthan.

74. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Magneto-telluric (MT)?

A. Magneto-telluric (MT) is a geophysical method which uses natural time variation of the Earth’s magnetic and electric fields to understand geological (underground) structure and processes.

B. These measurements will not ascertain the presence of fluid, which generally enhances the possibility of triggering of earthquakes.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Magneto-telluric (MT) is a geophysical method which uses natural time variation of the Earth’s magnetic and electric fields to understand geological (underground) structure and processes. These measurements are conducted across three major seismic sources, namely Mahendragarh- Dehradun Fault (MDF), Sohna Fault (SF) and Fault (MF). These measurements will ascertain the presence of fluid, which generally enhances the possibility of triggering of earthquakes.

75. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the vertical and horizontal reservations?

A. Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes is referred to as vertical reservation.

B. Vertical reservation refers to the equal opportunity provided to other categories of beneficiaries such as women, veterans, the transgender community, and individuals with disabilities.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Supreme Court last month clarified the position of law on the interplay of vertical and horizontal reservations. The December 18 decision by a two-judge Bench in Saurav Yadav versus State of Uttar Pradesh dealt with issues arising from the way different classes of reservation were to be applied in the selection process to fill posts of constables in the state. Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes is referred to as vertical reservation. It applies separately for each of the groups specified under the law.

76. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the bird flu?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses which generally affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys.

B. People coming in close contact with infected alive or dead birds have contracted the H5N1 bird flu, and it does not usually spread from person to person.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: At least 10 crows were found dead near a concrete plant in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. While post-mortem examinations of the carcasses are being conducted in the district, the samples will be sent to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh for bird flu test. Avian influenza or bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Influenza Type A viruses which generally affects poultry birds such as chickens and turkeys. There are many strains of the virus – some of them are mild and may merely cause a low egg production or other mild symptoms among chickens, while others are severe and lethal.

77. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)?

A. The CEPI centralized laboratory at DBT-THSTI Faridabad is first of its kind in India and one of the seven in the world

B. CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil organizations, launched at Davos in 2017, to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The CEPI centralized laboratory at DBT-THSTI Faridabad is first of its kind in India and one of the seven in the world. THSTI is an institute of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). This is the only laboratory of such kind in India and is also accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) (ISO 17025:2017). CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil organizations, launched at Davos in 2017, to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics.

78. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Udyog Manthan?

A. Udyog Manthan is a marathon of focused sector-specific webinars for promoting Quality and Productivity in Indian Industry.

B. It is an initiative of NITI Aayog.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Explanation: To promote quality and productivity in the Indian Industry, a series of sector-specific webinars will be held between 4 January and 2 March. Titled as 'Udyog Manthan', the initiative will identify challenges, opportunities; draw upon solutions and best practices. Udyog Manthan is a marathon of focused sector-specific webinars for promoting Quality and Productivity in Indian Industry.

79. The proposed Chattergala tunnel is located in which state?

A. Jammu & Kashmir

B. Punjab

C. Sikkim

D. Nagaland Explanation: Union minister Jitendra Singh was briefed by Border Road Organisation (BRO) Director General Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry on various ongoing and proposed road and bridge projects in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. The proposed Chattergala tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir will connect district Kathua with district Doda enroute the new Highway via Basohli-Bani through Chattergalla to touch Bhaderwah and Doda.

80. Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on "Specified Skilled Worker" recently signed between India and which of the following country?

A. Japan

B. China

C. Vietnam

D. Mongolia Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between India and Japan, on a basic framework for partnership for proper operation of the system pertaining to "specified skilled worker". The MOC would set an institutional mechanism for partnership and cooperation between India and Japan on sending and accepting skilled Indian workers, who have qualified the required skill and Japanese language test, to work in fourteen specified sectors in Japan.

81. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the India report on Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1?

A. LASI is a full-scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India.

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B. About 40 per cent of the elderly people have one or the other disability and 20 per cent have issues related to mental health.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare released INDIA REPORT on Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 on the virtual platform. LASI is a full-scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India. About 40 per cent of the elderly people have one or the other disability and 20 per cent have issues related to mental health.

82. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the First Advance Estimates (FAE)?

A. The real GDP at 2011-12 prices in 2020-21 has been estimated to contract by 7.7 per cent and nominal GDP at current prices by 4.2 per cent.

B. As per quarterly estimates of NSO, real GDP contracted by 45.7 percent in first half of 2020-21.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India’s real GDP in the ongoing financial year 2020-21 is seen contracting by 7.7 per cent from a growth rate of 4.2 per cent in 2019-20, according to the first advance estimates of GDP released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI). As per quarterly estimates of NSO, real GDP contracted by 15.7 percent in first half of 2020-21.

83. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the auctions for 4G spectrum?

A. The Union government owns all the publicly available assets within the geographical boundaries of the country, which also include airwaves.

B. Spectrum is subdivided into bands which have single frequency.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Telecom operators can get spectrum in the 900 megahertz band, used for 4G services, in the upcoming auction for less than half the price paid for several circles in previous auctions, as per the base prices declared by the Department of Telecom. The Union government owns all the publicly available assets within the geographical boundaries of the country, which also include airwaves.

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84. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Liberalised MSME AEO Package?

A. Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has taken a new initiative to introduce its flagship “Liberalised MSME AEO Package” for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

B. It is a voluntary compliance programme which enables swifter Customs clearance for accredited stakeholders in the global supply chain.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has taken a new initiative to introduce its flagship “Liberalised MSME AEO Package” for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). CBIC’s flagship “Liberalised MSME AEO Package” scheme is a voluntary compliance programme which enables swifter Customs clearance for accredited stakeholders in the global supply chain viz. importers, exporters, logistic service providers, custodians etc.

85. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Coriander?

A. The Hadoti region of South-East Rajasthan and Guna district of Madhya Pradesh are known for coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) production and contributes major share in coriander export from the country.

B. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds (as a spice) are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Hadoti region of South-East Rajasthan and Guna district of Madhya Pradesh are known for coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) production and contributes major share in coriander export from the country. Ramganj APMC Mandi located at Kota district is the largest coriander mandi in Asia, and thus Ramganj is also known as the ‘Coriander city’. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds (as a spice) are the parts most traditionally used in cooking.

86. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the “New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir”?

A. It aims to take industrial development to the block level, which is first time in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Government of India.

B. The main purpose of the scheme is to generate employment which directly leads to the socio economic development of the area.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a scheme for the industrial development of Jammu & Kashmir. The proposal of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade for the Central Sector scheme has been approved with a total outlay of ₹28,400 crore up to 2037. Government of India has formulated New Industrial Development Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (J&K IDS, 2021) as Central Sector Scheme for the development of Industries in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The main purpose of the scheme is to generate employment which directly leads to the socio economic development of the area.

87. G Kishan Reddy committee, recently in news, is related to

A. On Small Scale Industries

B. Protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh

C. Decide the appropriate level of reserves that the RBI should hold

D. None of the above Explanation: Centre has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of Ladakh and ensuring citizen's participation in the Union Territory's development. The Committee will be headed by the Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy and will include elected representatives from Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, central government, and the Ladakh administration.

88. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas”?

A. It is a celebratory day observed on 9 January, a day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9 January 1915.

B. The theme of the Convention this year is “Redefining engagement with the Indian diaspora".

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention organized on 9th January in virtual format in the backdrop of COVID pandemic. The theme of the Convention this year is "Contributing to Atma Nirbhar Bharat". The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and featured a keynote address by the Chief Guest Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

89. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)?

A. The advisory envisages empowering gram panchayats in dealing with the problematic wild animals as per the section 11 (1) (b) of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

B. It also calls for Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife (SC-NBWL) in its 60th meeting approved the advisory for management of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in the country to expedite effective inter-departmental coordinated actions. The advisory makes important prescriptions for the States/ Union Territories for dealing with Human-Wildlife conflict situations and seeks expedited inter-departmental coordinated and effective actions. It also calls for Payment of a portion of ex-gratia as interim relief within 24 hours of the incident to the victim/family.

90. Which of the following countries involved in Conflict over Nile river?

A. Ethiopia

B. Sudan

C. Egypt

D. All the above Explanation: The 145-meter (475-foot-high) hydropower project initiated by Ethiopia was the cause of the conflict. Given the dam’s location on the Blue Nile tributary, it might allow Ethiopia to realize control of the flow of the river’s waters. The River Blue Nile may be a tributary of the Nile, which carries about two-thirds of the river's water and most of the silt. Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan are the forefront of this dispute.

91. Who Chitra Ghosh, recently seen in news?

A. Indian barrister

B. Indian scientist

C. Indian actor

D. Indian singer Explanation: Chitra Ghosh, the youngest daughter of Sarat Chandra Bose and niece of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, passed away on January 7, 2021. Sarat Chandra Bose (1889 – 1950) was an Indian barrister and independence activist. Page | 34 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

92. Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of the Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum- 2021 is being organised by

A. NITI Aayog

B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

C. Ministry of Finance

D. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Explanation: NCAVES India Forum 2021 is being organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The NCAVES Project, funded by EU, has been jointly implemented by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD).

93. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’?

A. The flagship programme of the Prime Minister of India, “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” was launched in 2015.

B. The objective of this scheme is to provide farmers with required information, knowledge and advisories on regular basis by adopting villages.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Under the ICAR’s initiative ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’, Cleanliness drive was carried out recently in Ibrampur, Veling and Parra villages. The flagship programme of the Prime Minister of India, “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” was launched in 2015. The objective of this scheme is to provide farmers with required information, knowledge and advisories on regular basis by adopting villages.

94. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the DRDO?

A. According to the recent MOU between MAHA-METRO and DRDO through which DRDO will render technical support for the implementation of its advanced biodigester Mk-II technology for the treatment of human waste (night soil) in the metro rail network.

B. DRDO’s biodigester is an indigenous, green and cost-effective technology, with a rare distinction of having one of the largest numbers of DRDO-licensees (ToT holders).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was inked on January 5, 2021 between MAHA-METRO and DRDO through which DRDO will render technical support for the implementation of its advanced biodigester Mk-II technology for the treatment of human waste (night soil) in the metro rail network. DRDO’s biodigester is an indigenous, green and cost-effective technology, with a rare distinction of having one of the largest numbers of DRDO-licensees (ToT holders).

95. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

A. China will chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee of UNSC in 2022.

B. India will be assuming the chair of the Libya Sanctions Committee.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India will be chairing three-key subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The panels are, Counter-Terrorism Committee (for 2022), Taliban Sanctions Committee, and Libya Sanctions committee. The panels are, Counter-Terrorism Committee (for 2022), Taliban Sanctions Committee, and Libya Sanctions committee. India will be assuming the chair of the Libya Sanctions Committee at a critical juncture when there is an international focus on Libya and on the peace process.

96. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Care and Maintenance of Case Property Animals) Rules, 2017?

A. The rules were framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

B. The 2017 Rules does not allow a Magistrate to forfeit the cattle of an owner facing trial under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Supreme Court asked the Centre to “delete” its three-year-old law which allowed seizure and subsequent confiscation in ‘gaushalas’ of livestock from people, who depended on these animals for a livelihood, even before they were found guilty of cruelty towards them. The rules were framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Supreme Court warned the government that it would “stay” the implementation of a 2017 law, which allowed authorities to seize cattle on a mere suspicion that they suffered cruel treatment at the hands of their owners or were being primed for slaughter.

97. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Renewable Energy?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NHPC Limited for providing its technical expertise in developing renewable energy projects.

B. IREDA is under administrative control of Ministry of Power.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, IREDA under administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NHPC Limited, the PSU under Ministry of Power for providing its technical expertise in developing renewable energy projects. Under the MoU, IREDA will undertake Techno-Financial due diligence of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and conservation projects for NHPC.

98. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Jammu and Kashmir?

A. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has recently merged J&K cadre for all India Services with that of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT).

B. Earlier the rule fixing the ratio of direct recruits in Civil Services to promotees from J&K State Civil Services (Kashmir Administrative Service) at 50:50 instead of 67:33 formula followed in other states.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Jammu and Kashmir cadre of IPS, IAS and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) was merged with the AGMUT cadre and its officers will now be posted by the central government. The President has promulgated an ordinance to amend J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 and make IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service officers of existing cadre of J&K a part of AGMUT cadre. The move will allow officers posted in these states and UTs to work in J&K and vice versa. The move will help tackle the shortage of All India Services Officers in J&K owing to an earlier rule fixing the ratio of direct recruits in Civil Services to promotees from J&K State Civil Services (Kashmir Administrative Service) at 50:50 instead of 67:33 formula followed in other states.

99. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Government's Digital Calendar and Diary App?

A. It is available in Hindi and English, but it will be available in 11 languages from 15th of this month.

B. The calendar has a theme for every month and it will also have all information of 100 revolutionary programmes of the government.

C. Both A & B

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar launched Government's Digital calendar and Diary App in New Delhi. It is available in Hindi and English, but it will be available in 11 languages from 15th of this month. The calendar has a theme for every month and it will also have all information of 100 revolutionary programmes of the government.

100. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Internationalized Domain Name?

A. The National Internet Exchange of India, NIXI has announced that it will offer a free Internationalized Domain Name, IDN in any of the preferred 22 official Indian language along with every IN domain booked by the registrant.

B. National Internet Exchange of India, NIXI is a not for profit organization

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced that it will offer a free IDN (Internationalized Domain Name) in any of their preferred 22 official Indian language along with every IN domain booked by the registrant. Applicant will also get a free email in local language. This offer has been created to stimulate the adoption of (IDN) domain name and proliferation of local language content. National Internet Exchange of India, NIXI is a not for profit organization.

101. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the H-1B visas?

A. The US administration has once again amended the H-1B visa norms by changing the rules to give priority to higher wages and skills for selection of deserving candidates.

B. The old lottery system of work visa selection will not be followed now.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: US President Donald Trump’s administration has once again amended its H-1B visa regime to give priority to higher wages and skills instead of the prevailing lottery system for selection of candidates looking to work in the country. The new wage-based work visa regime will now give priority in selection of visas to applications of those employers where the “proffered wage equals or exceeds” the prevailing level in that area of employment. The old lottery system of work visa selection will not be followed now.

102. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the supermassive black hole?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. Every large galaxy in the universe has a supermassive black hole at its centre, whose mass is millions or billions of times that of the Sun.

B. The black hole at the centre of our galaxy– the Milky Way– is called Sagittarius A*, and is 26,000 light-years away from Earth.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Scientists have been left scratching their heads, as it appears a supermassive black hole at the centre of a far off galaxy seems to be missing. Every large galaxy in the universe has a supermassive black hole at its centre, whose mass is millions or billions of times that of the Sun. The black hole at the centre of our galaxy– the Milky Way– is called Sagittarius A*, and is 26,000 light-years away from Earth.

103. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the bird flu?

A. Mass slaughter of domestic poultry birds, such as chickens and ducks, to contain the spread of bird flu is called culling.

B. In India, culling is done in a radius one kilometre from the site of infection, which is called the ‘infected zone’.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: A drive to cull over 1.60 lakh poultry birds at five poultry farms commenced in Haryana's Panchkula district. Mass slaughter of domestic poultry birds, such as chickens and ducks, to contain the spread of bird flu is called culling. In India, culling is done in a radius one kilometre from the site of infection, which is called the ‘infected zone’. This means all domestic birds present in commercial farms, backyard farms or live bird markets in the infected zone are culled.

104. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Youth Parliament Festival?

A. The First National Youth Parliament Festival was organized in January-February, 2019.

B. In 1984 the Government of India declared this day as National Youth Day and since 1985 the event is celebrated in India every year.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Festival is organised on 12th January on the occasion of the National Youth Day in order to encourage the youth in the age group of 18-25 years to engage with public issues and understand

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021 the common man’s point of view. The First National Youth Parliament Festival was organized in January-February, 2019. In 1984 the Government of India declared this day as National Youth Day and since 1985 the event is celebrated in India every year.

105. Cherry Blossom Mao Festival is celebrated in

A. Manipur

B. Nagaland

C. Sikkim

D. Himachal Pradesh Explanation: In Manipur, the Cherry Blossom Mao Festival was held at Senapati district marking the beginning of pink season in the district. The Mao area of Senapati district in Manipur is known for Cherry Blossom, a plant which is popularly known as Sakura in Japan. The Manipur government started organizing the festival every year from 2017 onward.

106. Which state government will provide khadi shirt, eri shawl and eri stole to Grade IV employees?

A. Assam

B. Bihar

C. Odisha

D. Kerala Explanation: Assam government will provide khadi shirt, eri shawl and eri stole to Grade IV employees in a phased manner, in a move to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and his movement for Khadi. Eri silk comes from the caterpillar of Samia ricini, found in northeast India and some parts of China, Japan. The name "eri" is derived from the Assamese word "era", which means "castor", as the silkworm feeds on castor plants.

107. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Bagasara Prant?

A. The newly created Bagasara Prant would come into effect on 26th January, which includes Bagasara and Vadiya talukas in it.

B. Prants are traditional names for parts of historical regions, such as the original ten regions of Kathiawad on Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has decided to create a new Bagasara Prant in Amreli district. This will take the state’s revenue services nearer to the people and provide services faster. Since the districts with larger geographical areas cause inconvenience to the people, the state government has been reorganizing smaller districts and talukas for administrative convenience, faster development, reducing workload as well as saving the people's time. Now, the state government has taken up the reorganization of Prants.

108. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Freight Business Development Portal?

A. The portal is designed to replace physical processes with online ones to minimise the need of human-to-human interaction.

B. Customers will get to know about discount schemes, diversion, rebooking, demurrage and wharfage waivers, stacking permissions through this portal.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The portal is designed to replace physical processes with online ones to minimise the need of human-to-human interaction. Several customers, while welcoming the move, said that it will help them use rail mode seamlessly. The personalised dashboard of freight business portal provides customers a view with their business in railways, outstanding indents, on-run consignments, status of various interactions and facility to apply for various services and raising concerns. Customers also get to know about discount schemes, diversion, rebooking, demurrage and wharfage waivers, stacking permissions.

109. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Ken-Betwa project?

A. The Ken-Betwa River linking project will benefit the dry Bundelkhand area in Rajasthan.

B. There are 31 river interlinking projects planned in the country.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Ken-Betwa River linking project will benefit the dry Bundelkhand area in MP and UP. Besides irrigating thousands of hectares, the scheme will provide drinking water to 62 lakh people. There are 31 river interlinking projects planned in the country, of which Ken-Betwa is the first that has reached an advanced level of planning.

110. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Golden Quadrilateral?

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A. Indian Railway recently enhanced the maximum speed to 130 kmph for 1,280 km length out of 1,612 Km in Golden Quadrilateral - Golden Diagonal (GQ-GD) route.

B. The speed enhancement covers the entire GQ-GD route over South Central Railway.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Railway has started the New Year by achieving a landmark achievement by drastically enhancing the maximum speed to 130 kmph for 1,280 km length out of 1,612 Km in Golden Quadrilateral - Golden Diagonal (GQ-GD) route. This covers the entire GQ-GD route over South Central Railway, except Vijayawada - Duvvada section, where signalling up-gradation work is in progress. The enhanced speed limits could be achieved due to the systematic and planned strengthening of track & its infrastructure by removing bottlenecks in these sections on a fast pace.

111. When World Hindi Day is celebrated?

A. 9 January

B. 10 January

C. 11 January

D. 12 January Explanation: World Hindi Day is celebrated every year on 14 September because on 14 September 1949, Hindi became the official language of India. The day is commemorated every year with the objective to promote use of Hindi language abroad. Every year 10th January is being observed as the World Hindi Day.

112. In which of the following states "Period Room" to be set up for women at a public toilet?

A. Maharashtra

B. Karnataka

C. Madhya Pradesh

D. Uttar Pradesh Explanation: In a bid to help the women, residing in congested slums, during their menstruation days, a ‘period room’ has been set up at a public toilet in Maharashtra's Thane city. Equipped with several basic facilities, the period room aims to facilitate menstrual hygiene among women dwelling in slums.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

113. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)?

A. The Reserve Bank of India recently introduced the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) for Large Value Transactions in Centralised Payment Systems.

B. The LEI is a 20-digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to introduce the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) system for all payment transactions of value ₹50 crore and above undertaken by entities (non-individuals) using the Reserve Bank-run Centralised Payment Systems with effect from April 1. The LEI is a 20- digit number used to uniquely identify parties to financial transactions worldwide.

114. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the College of Supervisors (CoS) introduced by RBI?

A. It aims to augment and reinforce supervisory skills among its regulatory and supervisory staff both at entry level and on a continuous basis.

B. The CoS will have a full-time Director supported by an Academic Advisory Council (AAC).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up an academic advisory council with former deputy governor N S Vishwanathan as the chairperson to advise the full-time director of the central bank’s College of Supervisors (CoS). It aims to augment and reinforce supervisory skills among its regulatory and supervisory staff both at entry level and on a continuous basis. The CoS will have a full-time Director supported by an Academic Advisory Council (AAC).

115. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the payment infrastructure development fund (PIDF) scheme introduced by RBI?

A. The scheme is intended to subsidise deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure in tier- 3 to tier-6 centres, with a special focus on the north-eastern states of the country.

B. The fund will be operational for three years effective from January 1, 2021 and may be extended for two more years.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced operational guidelines for the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme, aimed at encouraging deployment of more digital payments infrastructure across tier-3 to tier-6 centres. The scheme is intended to subsidise deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure in tier-3 to tier-6 centres, with a special focus on the north-eastern states of the country. The fund will be operational for three years effective from January 1, 2021 and may be extended for two more years.

116. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Risk Based Internal Audit (RBIA) Framework?

A. The Head of Internal Audit (HIA) shall be a senior executive of the bank who shall have the ability to exercise independent judgement.

B. The HIA shall be appointed for a reasonably long period, preferably for a minimum of three years.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: RBI vide circular dated January 7, 2020 has issued Risk Based Internal Audit (RBIA) Framework for Strengthening Governance arrangements of banks. The Head of Internal Audit (HIA) shall be a senior executive of the bank who shall have the ability to exercise independent judgement. The HIA shall be appointed for a reasonably long period, preferably for a minimum of three years.

117. VAHAN portal, often mentioned in news, is an initiative of

A. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

B. Ministry of Shipping

C. Ministry of Rural Development

D. Ministry of Civil Aviation Explanation: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification on 7th Jan 2021 to facilitate the issuance of International Driving Permit (IDP) for Indian citizens whose IDP has expired while they are abroad. There was no mechanism for its renewal while citizens were abroad and their IDP had expired. Now, with this amendment, it is proposed that Indian citizens can apply for renewal through the Indian Embassies/Missions abroad, from where these applications would move to the VAHAN portal in India, to be considered by the respective RTOs.

118. Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) technology (Aerial Ground) Survey started for

A. Delhi – High Speed Rail Corridor

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. Kochi – Trivandrum High Speed Rail Corridor

C. Delhi – Mumbai High Speed Rail Corridor

D. None of these Explanation: High Speed Rail work gathers momentum with the start of LiDAR (Aerial Ground) Survey, High Speed Rail work gathered momentum for Delhi - Varanasi High Speed Rail Corridor. The LiDAR survey for Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail Corridor started from Greater NOIDA where a Helicopter fitted with state of art Aerial LiDAR and Imagery sensors took the first flight and captured the data related to ground survey.

119. Which of the following states is/are likely to become India’s prime producer of vanadium?

A. Odisha

B. Tami Nadu

C. Arunachal Pradesh

D. Andhra Pradesh Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh, considered a sleeping hydropower giant, could be India’s prime producer of vanadium, a high-value metal used in strengthening steel and titanium. Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a hard, silvery-grey, malleable transition metal.

120. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Thousand Islands?

A. The Thousand Islands are a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta's coast.

B. It consists of a string of 342 islands stretching 45 km north into the Arabian Sea.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: A Sriwijaya Air passenger aircraft carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta and is suspected to have crashed into the sea. Debris found by local fishermen was being examined to see if it was from the missing plane. The Thousand Islands (officially Kepulauan Seribu) are a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta's coast. It consists of a string of 342 islands stretching 45 km (28 mi) north into the Java Sea at West Jakarta Bay and in fact north of Banten Province.

121. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of National Park and Wildlife Sanctuaries?

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A. At present, India has a network of 903 Protected Areas in the country covering about 5% of the total geographic area of the country.

B. Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Protected Areas (PAs) being used by governments and international bodies to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the protected area management systems.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change released Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of 146 National Park and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Country. At present, India has a network of 903 Protected Areas in the country covering about 5% of the total geographic area of the country. Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Protected Areas (PAs) has emerged as a key tool for PA managers and is increasingly being used by governments and international bodies to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the protected area management systems.

122. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Single Window Clearance Portal?

A. It is a unified platform that facilitates grant of clearances and approvals required for starting a coal mine in India.

B. Presently, about 19 major approval or clearances are required to be obtained before starting a coal mine in the country.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Union government has announced a new online single window clearance portal for the coal sector to speed up the operationalisation of coal mines. The announcement was made alongside the signing ceremony for the first tranche of coal blocks to be auctioned for commercial use. Single Window Clearance Portal is in the spirit of Minimum Government and Maximum Governance. It would be a milestone for Ease of Doing Business in the Indian Coal Sector. Presently, about 19 major approval or clearances are required to be obtained before starting a coal mine in the country.

123. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA)?

A. It is a measure of profits.

B. It ignores the quality of a company's earnings and can make it look cheaper than it really is.

C. Both A & B

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. None of these Explanation: State-owned telecom companies BSNL and MTNL turned EBITDA positive in the first half of financial year 2020-21, demonstrating a marked improvement in performance within a year of approval of their revival plan. EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It is a metric used to evaluate a company’s overall financial performance. EBITDA is a measure of profits. EBITDA also ignores the quality of a company's earnings and can make it look cheaper than it really is.

124. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Sea Vigil-21’?

A. It will involve all the 13 coastal States and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities.

B. The exercise is a build up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil-21’ will be conducted on 12-13 January 2021. It will involve all the 13 coastal States and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities. The exercise is a build up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which Indian Navy conducts every two years.

125. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the North East Venture Fund (NEVF)?

A. It the first and the only Venture Fund for Northeast with an initial corpus of Rs. 1000 crores.

B. The investment size with the Venture Fund Scheme ranges between Rs.25 lakhs and Rs. 10 crores with a long term horizon of five to ten years.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The North East Venture Fund (NEVF), which is the first and the only dedicated Venture Fund for the North Eastern Region and was introduced by the Modi government, is gaining popularity among Start-Ups and young entrepreneurs. It the first and the only Venture Fund for Northeast with an initial corpus of Rs. 100 crores. The investment size with the Venture Fund Scheme ranges between Rs.25 lakhs and Rs. 10 crores with a long term horizon of five to ten years.

126. Who was Turlapati Kutumba Rao, recently seen in news? Page | 47 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. Journalist

B. Scientist

C. Athlete

D. Hindi Film artist Explanation: Veteran journalist, writer and Padma Shri awardee Turlapati Kutumba Rao passed away at the age of 89 years. He is reported to have written over 4000 biographies and delivered over 16000 public speeches which has been recorded by the Telugu Book of Records as a world record.

127. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Indian Zoos (MEE-ZOO) framework?

A. Centre for Science and Environment recently launched the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Indian Zoos (MEE-ZOO) framework.

B. The assessment criteria and indicators look beyond the traditional concepts, include issues of animal welfare, husbandry and sustainability of resources and finance.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Union Environment Minister launched the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Indian Zoos (MEE-ZOO) framework. The assessment criteria and indicators look beyond the traditional concepts, include issues of animal welfare, husbandry and sustainability of resources and finance.

128. SAATHEE (State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency) was recently developed by

A. Energy Efficiency Service Limited

B. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

C. Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT)

D. None of the above Explanation: Ministry of Power, in association with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), organized the 30th National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) function. SAATHEE (State-wise Actions on Annual Targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency) – A portal for State Designated Agency for state level activities was also launched.

129. What is Parler, recently seen in news?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. A ceramic membranes for treatment of water contaminated with heavy metals.

B. A hormone which tells the body to make more red blood cells to carry more oxygen around.

C. A raw material used to make various man-made fabrics.

D. An American alt-tech microblogging and social networking service. Explanation: Apple, Amazon and Google have suspended the social network called Parler, saying that the platform has not taken enough measures to make sure that content inciting violence remains in check. Parler is an American alt-tech microblogging and social networking service.

130. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the “Khadi Prakritik Paint”?

A. It is a first-of-its-kind product, with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties.

B. It is based on cow dung as its main ingredient.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME, Nitin Gadkari launched a new innovative wall paint developed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission at his residence. The eco-friendly, non-toxic paint, called “Khadi Prakritik Paint” is a first-of-its-kind product, with anti- fungal, anti-bacterial properties.

131. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Nubra valley?

A. Nubra is a subdivision and a tehsil in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

B. Its inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The first ever Ice climbing festival was celebrated in Nubra valley in Leh. The Seven Day event was organized by Nubra Adventure Club. Ice climbing is a popular winter sport abroad. Nubra is a subdivision and a tehsil in the union territory of Ladakh. Its inhabited areas form a tri-armed valley cut by the Nubra and Shyok rivers.

132. Which of the following is/are the freshwater lakes?

A. Lake Chad

B. Wular Lake

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India has expressed serious concern over the security situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad region in West Africa, saying that terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime have continued unabated in the area. The freshwater lake is located in the Sahelian zone of West-central Africa. Lake Chad is mainly in the far west of Chad, bordering on North-eastern Nigeria. Lake Chad provides water to more than 30 million people living in the four countries surrounding it (Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria) on the central part of the Sahel.

133. Shijiazhuang, recently seen in news, is located in which country?

A. South Korea

B. Indonesia

C. Japan

D. China Explanation: Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital of North China's Hebei Province has become China's new hotspot of Coronavirus surge. Of the 82 confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday, all of which were locally-transmitted, 77 were reported in Shijiazhuang and the other five in the city of Xingtai. Shijiazhuang formerly known as Shimen and romanized as Shihkiachwang, is the capital and largest city of North China's Hebei Province.

134. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Atal Tinkering Lab handbook 2.0?

A. It outlines a practical guidance on structural, selection, establishment and celebration aspects of the AIM’s flagship ATL programme.

B. An Atal Tinkering Lab provides a makerspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog launched its new edition of Atal Tinkering Lab, ATL handbook . It reinforces detailed establishment and operational processes of the Atal Tinkering Labs and its journey towards an innovative ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The handbook named ‘The Atal Tinkering Lab Handbook 2.0’ outlines a practical guidance on structural, selection, establishment and celebration aspects of the AIM’s flagship ATL programme.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

135. Which of the following states successfully undertaken “Urban Local Bodies (ULB)” reforms stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance?

A. Assam

B. Kerala

C. Manipur

D. Tamil Nadu Explanation: Manipur has become the 4th state in the country to successfully undertake Urban Local Bodies, ULB reforms stipulated by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. The state has become eligible to mobilise additional financial resources of 75 crore rupees through Open Market Borrowings.

136. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yajana (PMFBY)?

A. It was launched in 2006.

B. The Scheme covers all Food & Oilseeds crops and Annual Commercial/Horticultural Crops for which past yield data is available and for which requisite number of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) are being conducted under General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Government of India took a historic step towards strengthening risk coverage of crops for farmers of India on 5 years ago, on 13th January 2016 and approved the flagship crop insurance scheme - the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The Scheme covers all Food & Oilseeds crops and Annual Commercial/Horticultural Crops for which past yield data is available and for which requisite number of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) are being conducted under General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES).

137. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Zanskar Winter Sports & Youth Festival 2021?

A. It was organized by the Dept. of Sports & Youth Services under the Khelo India banner in collaboration with the Ladakh Tourism Department.

B. The Zanskar Range is a mountain range in the union territory of Ladakh that separates Zanskar from Ladakh.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: The UT administration is promoting far-flung and snowbound Zanskar as winter tourism destination. A 13-day Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sport & Youth festival 2021 to begin from 18th January. The Zanskar Range is a mountain range in the union territory of Ladakh that separates Zanskar from Ladakh. Geologically, the Zanskar Range is part of the Tethys Himalaya, an approximately 100-km-wide synclinorium formed by strongly folded and imbricated, weakly metamorphosed sedimentary series.

138. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the farm laws committee?

A. The committee will not pass an order or punish and submit a report to the Supreme Court.

B. The Supreme Court has recently put a stay on the implementation of the three farm laws until further orders.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Supreme Court constituted a 4 member committee for the purpose of holding talks between the Central Government and the farmers to resolve the protests over the three contentious farm laws. A notable feature of the composition is that all four members have expressed open views in support of the implementation of the farm laws. The Supreme Court has recently put a stay on the implementation of the three farm laws until further orders.

139. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the paternity leave?

A. The private sector is not bound to provide paternity leave in India.

B. The law mandates that female workers of all establishments with 10 or more workers can take 26 weeks of paid leave, up to eight weeks of which can be claimed before the delivery of the child.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: While the Indian team is on a tour to Australia, Kohli came back to India after the first Test, on paternity leave. The private sector is not bound to provide paternity leave in India. The law mandates that female workers of all establishments with 10 or more workers can take 26 weeks of paid leave, up to eight weeks of which can be claimed before the delivery of the child.

140. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kayakalp award?

A. The government had launched a National Initiative ‘Kayakalp’ on 15th May 2015 to ensure hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness in Public Health Facilities in India.

B. Currently the participation is limited only to central government institutions.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Public and Private Health Facilities were felicitated with Kayakalp award for high standards of Sanitation and Hygiene. The government had launched a National Initiative ‘Kayakalp’ on 15th May 2015 to ensure hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness in Public Health Facilities in India. The scheme, which saw the participation of 716 District Hospitals and central government institutions in its first year has spread to 26 thousand 172 public health facilities now.

141. With which country, India recently signed a MoU for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the areas of Tsunami Early Warning Centre (TEWC) and Early warnings of Sand and Dust storms?

A. China

B. Nepal

C. Maldives

D. UAE Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on scientific and technical cooperation between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the National Centre of Meteorology of the UAE, according to a statement. The MoU provides for sharing of knowledge, data and operational products for meteorological, seismological and oceanic services such as radar, satellite, tide gauges, seismic and meteorological stations.

142. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Millets?

A. Millets are the cereal crops generally small-seeded and known for high nutritive value.

B. Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR) is located in Delhi.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Agri export body APEDA is making efforts to prepare an action plan to increase export of millet and millet products for five years between 2021 and 2026. Millet is a common term to categorize small-seeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals, and includes Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Ragi, Small Millet, Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and other millets. Millets are the cereal crops generally small-seeded and known for high nutritive value.

143. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the CollabCAD Software?

A. CollabCAD software will be used for Practical assignments as part of the subject curriculum for making different types of 3D designs and 2D Drawings. Page | 53 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. It is an initiative of Google.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: National Informatics Centre (NIC), MeitY and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Ministry of Education along with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, provided the CollabCAD Software and released a comprehensive e-book on CollabCAD 3D modeling. CollabCAD software will be used for Practical assignments as part of the subject curriculum for making different types of 3D designs and 2D Drawings.

144. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ICT Grand Challenge, for development of a ‘Smart water supply measurement and monitoring system’?

A. Jal Jeevan Mission would be the user agency of the Grand Challenge and C-DAC, Bangalore is the implementing agency, providing technical support for the challenge.

B. Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship programme of Union Government which aims to provide tap water connection to every rural household by 2024.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: An ICT Grand Challenge for development of a ‘smart water supply measurement and monitoring system’ is underway. It was launched on the 15th of September, 2020 by National Jal Jeevan Mission in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Jal Jeevan Mission would be the user agency of the Grand Challenge and C-DAC, Bangalore is the implementing agency, providing technical support for the challenge. Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship programme of Union Government which aims to provide tap water connection to every rural household by 2024.

145. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the mutual funds “risk-o- meter”?

A. The risk-o-meter must be evaluated only on a yearly basis.

B. All mutual funds shall, beginning January 1, assign a risk level to their schemes at the time of launch, based on the scheme’s characteristics.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has made it mandatory for mutual funds to assign a risk level to schemes, based on certain parameters. In its circular issued on October 5, the regulator made it mandatory for mutual fund houses to characterise the risk level of their Page | 54 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 schemes on a six-stage scale from “Low” to “Very High”. All mutual funds shall, beginning January 1, assign a risk level to their schemes at the time of launch, based on the scheme’s characteristics.

146. Which of the following is the first insect approved by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) as a human food?

A. Blattodea

B. Hemiptera

C. Mosquito

D. Mealworms Explanation: Mealworms may soon find their way into Europe's pasta bowls and dinner dishes, after becoming the first insect approved in the region as a human food. Mealworms are the larval form of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a species of darkling beetle. Despite their name, mealworms are beetle larvae rather than worms.

147. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Makar Sankranti?

A. Makar Sankranti is observed according to solar cycles.

B. It is also called as Sukaraat in Madhya Pradesh.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Celebrations have begun for the festival of harvest across the country. The festival is referred to by different names in different parts of the country such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti in Northern India, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Karnataka and Bihu in Assam. Makar Sankranti is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya (sun). Makar Sankranti is observed according to solar cycles. It is held normally on the 14th of January, or a day before or after. In certain regions celebrations can go on for even four days and vary a lot in the rituals.

148. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the LCA Tejas?

A. Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A variant is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft.

B. It is the first “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category procurement of combat aircrafts with an indigenous content of 50% which will progressively reach 60% by the end of the programme.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: The Cabinet approved procurement of 73 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer aircraft at a cost of ₹45,696 crore, along with design and development of infrastructure sanctions worth ₹1,202 crore. Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A variant is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft. It is the first “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category procurement of combat aircrafts with an indigenous content of 50% which will progressively reach 60% by the end of the programme.

149. RBI recently constituted a working group chaired by Jayant Kumar Dash which is related to

A. Digital lending

B. Conversion of big Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) into banks

C. Review Extant Ownership Guidelines and Corporate Structure for Indian Private Sector Banks

D. None of these Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a working group on digital lending including online platforms and mobile apps to study all aspects of digital lending activities in the regulated financial sector as well as by unregulated players. The working group consists of both internal and external members and is chaired by Jayant Kumar Dash, Executive Director, RBI.

150. Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code which was struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, was related to:

A. Adultery

B. Sedition

C. Right to Equality

D. None of these Explanation: The Supreme Court admitted a petition filed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD)seeking to exempt armed forces personnel from the ambit of a Constitution Bench judgment of 2018 that decriminalised adultery. A three-judge Bench led by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said the plea had to be considered by a Constitution Bench because the original verdict, striking down Section 497 (adultery) of the IPC, was pronounced by a five-judge Bench in September 2018.

151. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (NCAVES) India Forum?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. The NCAVES Project is being implemented in five countries, India, U.S.A, China, Qatar and South Africa.

B. The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation is conducting NCAVES India Forum (in a virtual format), in collaboration with United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), European Union and UN Environment.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation is conducting NCAVES India Forum 2021 (in a virtual format), in collaboration with United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), European Union and UN Environment. In 2017, the European Union initiated a project, “Natural Capital Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services” (NCAVES) in 2017 to help nations advance the knowledge on environmental-economic accounting that can help in ensuring sustainable economic growth.

152. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the pan India rollout of COVID-19 vaccination drive?

A. The vaccination programme will use Co-WIN, an online digital platform developed by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

B. Currently only COVISHIELD vaccine got the approval for use in India.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister of India launched the pan-India rollout of COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 via video conferencing said a release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The vaccination programme will use Co-WIN, an online digital platform developed by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which will facilitate real time information of vaccine stocks, storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccine.

153. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN)?

A. The airline Aviation Connectivity & Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd (Air Taxi) was awarded the Hisar – Chandigarh – Hisar route under the UDAN 4 bidding process.

B. Hisar airport is a public licensed airport in Punjab that is suitable for 18 seat type aircraft.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: First flight to the newly constructed Hisar airport in Haryana from Chandigarh was flagged off under the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) of the Government of India. The airline Aviation Connectivity & Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd (Air Taxi) was awarded the Hisar – Chandigarh – Hisar route under the UDAN 4 bidding process. The airline has become the first start-up airline of the country to assist the nation with Air Taxi services.

154. When Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed?

A. 13th of January

B. 14th of January

C. 15th of January

D. 16th of January Explanation: Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed on 14th of January every year to honour services rendered by veterans of the Army. This year is being celebrated as Swarnim Vijay Varsh. It marks 50th Anniversary of 1971 Indo-Pak War.

155. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), is located in

A. Chennai

B. Mumbai

C. Kolkata

D. Delhi Explanation: The Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a new institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) i.e. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), in New Delhi.

156. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Innovation Portal (NIP)?

A. It was developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF)

B. National Innovation Foundation (NIF) is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

C. Both A & B

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan dedicated an Innovation Portal, developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India. The National Innovation Portal (NIP) is currently home to about 1.15 lakh innovations scouted from common people of the country, covering Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary and Human Health. National Innovation Foundation (NIF) is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

157. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the third phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 3.0)?

A. It will focus on new-age and COVID-related skills.

B. Skill India Mission PMKVY 3.0 envisages training of eight lakh candidates over a scheme period of 2020-2021 with an outlay of Rs. 948.90 crore.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Third Phase of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana was launched today in 600 districts across the country. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, this phase will focus on new-age and COVID-related skills. Skill India Mission PMKVY 3.0 envisages training of eight lakh candidates over a scheme period of 2020-2021 with an outlay of Rs. 948.90 crore.

158. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the forests fire in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Forest fires are a recurrent annual phenomenon in the Himachal Pradesh, and most commonly occur in Chir Pine forests.

B. In the summer season, forest fires occur frequently in the low and middle hills of the state.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Himachal Pradesh frequently witnesses forest fires during dry weather conditions. This month, a forest fire which started near Kullu raged for several days before being brought under control. Forest fires were also reported in Shimla and other parts of the state. Except for periods of precipitation in monsoon and winter, the forests remain vulnerable to wildfires. Forest fires are a recurrent annual phenomenon in the state, and most commonly occur in Chir Pine forests. In the summer season, forest fires occur frequently in the low and middle hills of the state, where forests of Chir Pine are common.

159. “Global Britain, Global Broker” report, recently in news, was published by

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. World Bank

B. World Economic Forum

C. Royal Institute of International Affairs

D. None of the above Explanation: Chatham House, the century-old UK-based policy institute also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, published a report proposing a blueprint for Britain’s future foreign policy after Brexit. Titled “Global Britain, Global Broker”, the report sketches a bold path ahead for the UK. The report groups India on the other side of a “new divide in international affairs — between open societies where citizens have the capacity to fight for their rights and those where these rights are denied”.

160. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Asmi?

A. It has been jointly developed by DRDO and Indian Army.

B. The Machine Pistol fires the in-service 9mm ammunition and sports an upper receiver made from aircraft grade Aluminium and lower receiver from carbon fibre.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

Explanation: Explanation: India's first indigenous 9 mm machine pistol has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army. The weapon is named “Asmi” meaning “Pride”, “Self-Respect" & “Hard Work”. The Machine Pistol fires the in-service 9mm ammunition and sports an upper receiver made from aircraft grade Aluminium and lower receiver from carbon fibre.

161. Who was Ved Parkash Mehta, recently seen in news?

A. NASA Scientist

B. Athlete

C. Hindi film artist

D. Indian-American author Explanation: Renowned writer Ved Mehta, who took India to Americans and overcame blindness and became widely known as the 20th-century writer most responsible for introducing American readers to India, has died at the age of 86. Ved Parkash Mehta (1934 –2021) was an Indian-born writer who lived and worked mainly in the United States.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

162. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Special Marriage Act, 1954?

A. The High Court has ruled that the provision of publication of notice of intended marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, is mandatory.

B. Giving notice under Section 5 of the Act, it shall be optional for the parties to the intended marriage to make a request in writing to the marriage officer to publish or not to publish a notice under Section 6 and follow the procedure of objections as prescribed under the Act.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: In a significant judgment affecting inter-faith couples seeking to get married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, the Allahabad High Court has ruled that it would be optional and not mandatory for them to publish a notice about their intended marriage. While giving notice under Section 5 of the Act, it shall be optional for the parties to the intended marriage to make a request in writing to the marriage officer to publish or not to publish a notice under Section 6 and follow the procedure of objections as prescribed under the Act.

163. Dzukou Valley is located in

A. Sikkim

B. Himachal Pradesh

C. Uttarakhand

D. Nagaland Explanation: The wildfire at Dzukou Valley straddling the Manipur-Nagaland border has been doused after it raged for two weeks. The Dzüko Valley is located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur. It is situated at an altitude of 2452 m above sea level.

164. Where the Dharashiv caves are located?

A. Maharashtra

B. Sikkim

C. Odisha

D. Karnataka Explanation: The Shiv Sena erased all doubts about its stand on renaming certain cities when CM Thackeray referred to Osmanabad as Dharashiv in a tweet, days after using Sambhajinagar for Aurangabad Page | 61 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 on the official CMO handle. Osmanabad is named after the last ruler of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, while Dharashiv is derived from the name for the sixth-century caves near the city. Dharashiv caves are the nexus of 7 caves located 8 km away from Osmanabad city in Balaghat mountains in Maharashtra.

165. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Mil Rail?

A. Mil Rail is an extension of Traffic Directorate of Ministry of Railways, headed by Executive Director (ED) level officer with office at Army HQ.

B. Amresh Kumar Chaudhary has been awarded prestigious "Chief of Army Staff Commendation" for his outstanding contribution to Armed Forces during critical period of Covid19 pandemic and it’s various operations.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Amresh Kumar Chaudhary has been awarded prestigious 'Chief of Army Staff Commendation'. It is for his outstanding contribution to Armed Forces during critical period of Covid19 pandemic and it’s various operations. Mil Rail is an extension of Traffic Directorate of Ministry of Railways, headed by Executive Director (ED) level officer with office at Army HQ.

166. Which of the following station is India's first railway station with a Green Building Certification?

A. Kevadiya

B. Old Delhi

C. Ernakulam North

D. Mumbai central Explanation: Prime Minister Modi flagged off eight trains connecting different regions of the country with Kevadiya, home to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. These trains will facilitate seamless connectivity to the Statue of Unity, located on the Narmada River in the Kevadiya, Gujarat. Kevadiya station is India's first railway station with a Green Building Certification.

167. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit?

A. The Summit is being organizing by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, M/o Commerce & Industry.

B. The Summit is the largest Startup India International Summit organized by the Government of India since the launch of the Startup India Initiative in 2016.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The two day ‘Prarambh’, Startup India International Summit begin in New Delhi, with members of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries participating in the inaugural event. The Summit is being organizing by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, M/o Commerce & Industry, as a follow up of the announcement made by the Prime Minister Modi at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit held in in August, 2018. With participation from over 25 countries and more than 200 global speakers, the Summit is the largest Startup India International Summit organized by the Government of India since the launch of the Startup India Initiative in 2016.

168. India’s First Indigenously Designed & Developed Driverless Metro Car was unveiled recently for:

A. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority

B. Delhi Development Authority

C. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority

D. None of the above Explanation: Rajnath Singh unveiled state-of-the-art ‘Driverless Metro Car’ for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) at a function held at BEML’s Bangalore Complex on 15 January 2021. Indigenously designed & developed state-of-the-art Driverless Metro trains are being manufactured at BEML Bangaluru Complex.

169. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)?

A. IMD is modernizing its observational network in the Central and Western Himalayas by installation of state of art Doppler Weather Radars in a phased manner, at different locations.

B. Multi-Mission Meteorological Data Receiving and Processing System (MMDRPS) has been established in IMD in collaboration with ISRO.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India Meteorological Department celebrated its 146th Foundation day on 15th January 2021. The function was organized virtually at Mahika Hall, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), New Delhi. IMD is modernizing its observational network in the Central and Western Himalayas by installation of state of art Doppler Weather Radars in a phased manner, at different locations.

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170. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple?

A. It is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture.

B. It is located in Ellora.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The clouds played spoilsport while citizens celebrated Sankranti day and blocked the sun’s rays from falling on the Linga at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Gavipuram. It is an annual phenomenon every Sankranti. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple. It is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. This cave temple is dedicated to Shiva and cut into a monolithic stone.

171. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Snowfall?

A. There has been a significant amount of snowfall over the past few days in states falling in the western Himalayan range under the influence of a Western Disturbance.

B. Snowfall in the western Himalayan range means cold, north-westerly winds blowing over Delhi from the direction of this high altitude area.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: There has been a significant amount of snowfall over the past few days in states falling in the western Himalayan range under the influence of a Western Disturbance. These include Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Snowfall in the western Himalayan range means cold, north-westerly winds blowing over Delhi from the direction of this high altitude area.

172. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the SWITCH UAV?

A. SWITCH UAV is an indigenous system built to cater to the most demanding surveillance operations of the Indian forces.

B. The Indian Army has recently signed a $20-million contract with ideaForge, a player in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, to procure undisclosed quantities of a high-altitude variant of SWITCH UAV.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Army has signed a $20-million contract with ideaForge, a player in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, to procure undisclosed quantities of a high-altitude variant of SWITCH UAV, an Page | 64 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 indigenous system used in surveillance operations. SWITCH UAV is an indigenous system built to cater to the most demanding surveillance operations of the Indian forces.

173. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Section 230 of the US’ Communications Decency Act?

A. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act was passed in 1996 and provides legal immunity to internet companies for content that is shared on their websites.

B. Section 230 is an amendment to the act, which holds users responsible for their comments and posts online.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Soon after a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol last week, his social media accounts were suspended by Big Tech companies like Twitter and Facebook for his alleged role in inciting violence and spreading misinformation. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act was passed in 1996 and provides legal immunity to internet companies for content that is shared on their websites. The act was first introduced to regulate pornography online. Section 230 is an amendment to the act, which holds users responsible for their comments and posts online.

174. What is 'Kalaripayattu', recently seen in news?

A. It is a Shaivite Hindu religious tradition in India.

B. A system which consists of the worship of five deities

C. It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.

D. None of the above Explanation: Kalaripayattu or the oldest surviving Indian Martial arts is supposedly coming from God's Own Country, which is none other than Kerala. I had the opportunity to witness these amazing artists at work, whose swift movements would stun even the kung-fu experts. Lessons in one of the most famous combat styles in the world will now be taught at Kerala Tourism’s Vellar Crafts Village en route to Kovalam.

175. Which Ministry recently launched ‘SAKSHAM’?

A. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

B. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

C. Ministry of Science and Technology

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Explanation: With a view to create awareness among the consumers of fossil fuels, Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched a month long campaign, highlighting the adverse health and environmental impacts of increasing carbon footprints. ‘SAKSHAM’s idea is to convince consumers to switch to cleaner fuels and bring in behavioural change to use fossil fuel intelligently.

176. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Finance Ministry?

A. In India, government procurement is estimated to constitute about 30% of GDP with the central government accounting for a major chunk.

B. The Finance Ministry (Expenditure Department) has recently drafted a model tender document for public procurement by all central government departments.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Union Finance Ministry has drafted a model tender document for public procurement by all central government departments, in a bid to standardise the language and clauses included, and avoid contractual disputes. In India, government procurement is estimated to constitute about 30% of GDP with the central government accounting for a major chunk.

177. Jallikattu is celebrated in

A. Assam

B. Rajasthan

C. Odisha

D. Tamil Nadu Explanation: Jallikattu with Assembly polls round the corner in Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu, the traditional bull- taming sport, has caught the attention of the BJP and Congress. The bull-taming sport is popular in , Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts — known as the Jallikattu belt. Jallikattu is celebrated in the second week of January, during the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal.

178. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the weather?

A. According to NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies 2020 was the hottest year on record tying with 2016.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. According to NASA carbon dioxide levels have increased by over 50 percent since the Industrial Revolution began 250 years ago, while the level of methane has more than doubled.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The year 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record and rivalled 2016 for the top spot, indicating the pace of the "human-induced" climate change which is now as powerful as the force of nature. NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies says that 2020 was the hottest year on record tying with 2016 (which held the previous record for the hottest year). According to NASA carbon dioxide levels have increased by over 50 percent since the Industrial Revolution began 250 years ago, while the level of methane has more than doubled.

179. What is Mukundpura CM2, recently seen in news?

A. Exoplanet

B. Meteorite

C. An extinct species

D. New mineral discovered Explanation: The Ministry of Railways has approved a new iron-ore policy governing the allocation of rakes and transportation of iron-ore. This new policy has been named as Iron-ore Policy 2021 and shall come into effect from February 10, 2021. A new study by Geological Survey of India, Kolkata has shed light on the mineralogy of the meteorite which fell in 2017 in Mukundpura village near Jaipur. The meteorite named Mukundpura CM2 was classified to be a carbonaceous chondrite. The composition of carbonaceous chondrites are also similar to the Sun.

180. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Startup India seed fund?

A. The corpus of the fund is 10000 crore.

B. It was announced during the ‘Prarambh: Startup India International Summit’.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a seed fund worth Rs 1,000 crore for startups to provide them with initial capital to start and grow their business, and said that guarantees would be given to help them raise debt capital going ahead. This was announced during the ‘Prarambh: Startup India International Summit’. This will help in starting and growing new startups.

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181. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Tesla?

A. Tesla has registered its 100 per cent subsidiary, as - Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd, according to disclosures with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

B. Its R&D unit and manufacturing plant is located in Delhi.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Elon Musk has confirmed Tesla Inc.'s plans to enter India, days after the electric car maker set up a local subsidiary and R&D unit in Bengaluru. Tesla has registered its 100 per cent subsidiary, as - Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd, according to disclosures with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

182. With which of the following countries India recently signed MoU to enhance cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technologies?

A. Japan

B. China

C. Sudan

D. Kenya Explanation: India and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), including 5G standardisation.

183. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the 5G?

A. 5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade in the long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks.

B. 5G mainly works in 3 bands, namely low, mid and high frequency spectrum.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought inputs from telcos and other industry experts on the sale and use of radio frequency spectrum over the next 10 years, including the 5G bands. 5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade in the long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks. 5G mainly works in 3 bands, namely low, mid and high frequency spectrum — all of which have their own uses as well as limitations.

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184. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Vistadome coach?

A. It is a state-of-the-art coach made by Indian Railways, designed to provide passengers with travel comfort as well as an enhanced viewing experience of their surroundings.

B. The Vistadome coach in the Janshatabdi Express has been manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off eight trains connecting different parts of the country to Kevadiya through video conferencing. The Vistadome coach is a state-of-the-art coach made by Indian Railways, designed to provide passengers with travel comfort as well as an enhanced viewing experience of their surroundings. The Vistadome coach in the Janshatabdi Express has been manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

185. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Open Skies Treaty?

A. It was signed in 1992 between NATO members and former Warsaw Pact countries following the demise of the Soviet Union.

B. United States and Russia are the active members.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Russia was pulling out of the Open Skies treaty, saying that the pact, which allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, had been seriously compromised by the withdrawal of the United States. First proposed in 1955 by former US President Dwight Eisenhower as a means to deescalate tensions during the Cold War, the landmark treaty was eventually signed in 1992 between NATO members and former Warsaw Pact countries following the demise of the Soviet Union.

186. Who was Ghulam Mustafa Khan, recently seen in news?

A. Indian film artist

B. ISRO scientist

C. Former PM of India

D. Indian classical musician Explanation: Legendary Indian classical musician and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan died at the age of 89. Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan (1931 – 2021) was an Indian classical musician in the Hindustani classical music tradition, belonging to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana. Page | 69 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

187. Sulawesi is an island, recently seen in news, located in

A. Japan

B. Indonesia

C. Maldives

D. Philippines Explanation: At least 42 people have died with hundreds more injured after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island. Sulawesi is an island in Indonesia. It is situated east of Borneo, west of the Maluku Islands, and south of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. The Strait of Makassar runs along the western side of the island and separates the island from Borneo.

188. City of Flint, recently seen in news, is located in

A, France

B. Germany

C. UK

D. US Explanation: Nine former officials who served the state of Michigan in the US, including the state’s former governor Rick Snyder, were charged in connection with a criminal investigation into the Flint water crisis. The Flint water crisis is an ongoing public health crisis that began in 2014 when the City of Flint in Michigan changed its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint river.

189. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the stress in armed forces?

A. More than half of Indian Army personnel seem to be under severe stress, according to a study by United Service Institution of India (USI).

B. Prolonged exposure of Indian Army personnel to Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism (CI/CT) environment has been one of the contributory factors for increased stress levels.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: More than half of Indian Army personnel seem to be under severe stress, according to the findings of a study by United Service Institution of India (USI), a Service think tank. The research was undertaken during 2019-20 by Col. AK Mor, Senior Research Fellow at the USI. Prolonged exposure of Indian Army personnel to Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism (CI/CT) environment has been one of the contributory factors for increased stress levels. Page | 70 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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190. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the follow-on public offers (FPOs)?

A. The applicability of minimum promoters’ contribution norm and the subsequent lock-in requirements for the issuers making the FPO have been done away with by SEBI.

B. Earlier, promoters were mandated to contribute 20% towards a FPO.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: SEBI relaxed the framework for follow-on public offers (FPOs), a move that will help promoters of companies to raise funds more easily through this route. The applicability of minimum promoters’ contribution norm and the subsequent lock-in requirements for the issuers making the FPO have been done away with by the regulator, as per a notification. Earlier, promoters were mandated to contribute 20% towards a FPO.

191. Furfura pilgrimage site, recently seen in news, is located in

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Odisha

D. West Bengal Explanation: Furfura, a village in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, about 50 km from Kolkata, transforms every Friday morning into a major pilgrimage centre. Before the afternoon prayers, people queue up at the mazar (shrine) of Hazrat Abu Baqar Siddique (1846-1939), a prominent peer (holy person) of the town. Furfura Sharif (also known as Furfura, Phurphura, Furfura Darbar Sharif) is a village in Hooghly District, West Bengal. It is a holy place for Bengali Muslims.

192. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the river pollution?

A. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), the Sabarmati is among the most polluted rivers in the country.

B. Gujarat ranks fourth among the top five States with highly polluted rivers, with as many as 20 rivers in the critically polluted category.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Explanation: Gujarat ranks fourth among the top five States with highly polluted rivers, with as many as 20 rivers in the critically polluted category. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), the Sabarmati is among the most polluted rivers in the country. As per the official parameters, if the chemical oxygen demand (COD), which indicates organic pollutant load, is higher than 250 mg per litre, then it should not be released into the rivers.

193. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Bank Investment Company (BIC)?

A. Setting up a BIC as a holding company or a core investment company was suggested by the P.J. Nayak Committee in its report on ‘Governance of Boards of Banks in India’.

B. The report recommended transferring shares of the government in the banks to the BIC which would become the parent holding company of all these banks.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Finance Ministry is examining other avenues for affordable capital infusion, including setting up of a Bank Investment Company (BIC) with the RBI raising concerns over the issuance of zero- coupon bonds for recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs). Setting up a BIC as a holding company or a core investment company was suggested by the P.J. Nayak Committee in its report on ‘Governance of Boards of Banks in India’. The report recommended transferring shares of the government in the banks to the BIC which would become the parent holding company of all these banks; as a result of this, all the PSBs would become ‘limited’ banks.

194. Harike Wetland, recently seen in news, located in

A. Karnataka

B. Gujarat

C. Punjab

D. Odisha Explanation: Winter migratory water birds using the central Asian flyway have started making a beeline to Punjab’s Harike wetland, offering a delight for bird lovers. Harike Wetland also known as "Hari-ke- Pattan", with the Harike Lake in the deeper part of it, is the largest wetland in northern India in the border of Tarn Taran Sahib district and Ferozepur district of Punjab.

195. Who has taken over as the first Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Army after the Pentagon created the position in July 2020?

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. Mala Adiga

C. Neera Tanden

D. Dr Vivek Murthy Explanation: Indian-American Dr. Raj Iyer has taken over as the first Chief Information Officer of the US Army, after the Pentagon created the position in July 2020. One of the highest ranking Indian-American civilians in the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Iyer, serves as the Principal Adviser to the Secretary of the Army and directs representation of the Secretary in matters relating to information management/ information technology (IT).

196. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’?

A. The New Anubhava Mantapa will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5 acre plot and represent various principles of Basaveshwara’s philosophy.

B. The building will adopt the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa laid the foundation stone for the ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan, the place where 12th century poet-philosopher Basavanna lived for most of his life. Basavakalyan, an important pilgrim centre for Lingayats. The New Anubhava Mantapa, as envisaged now, will be a six-floor structure in the midst of the 7.5 acre plot and represent various principles of Basaveshwara’s philosophy. The building will adopt the Kalyana Chalukya style of architecture.

197. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index?

A. It is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities.

B. It consists of the average of 10 commodity group price indices weighted with the average export shares.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: World food prices rose for a seventh consecutive month in December, with all the major categories, barring sugar, posting gains last month. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021 food commodities. It consists of the average of five commodity group price indices [cereal, vegetable, dairy, meat and sugar], weighted with the average export shares.

198. Orvakal greenfield airport, recently seen in news, is located in

A. Andhra Pradesh

B. Karnataka

C. Goa

D. Madhya Pradesh Explanation: The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) has accorded aerodrome licence for public use to Orvakal greenfield airport in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Orvakal is one of 50 low-cost airports proposed across the country to enhance air connectivity to remote areas by grounding no-frills facilities which are energy-efficient with minimum security hold.

199. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Road Safety Month?

A. The first-ever National Road Safety Month was inaugurated, to build awareness about road safety and reduce road accidents in India.

B. In India, a total of 1.5 lakh people died, while more than 4.5 lakh people got injured in road accidents every year.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The National Road Safety Month (January 18-February 17) was inaugurated with the inaugural function held at the Vigyan Bhavan. During the last few years, a road safety week was being organised, but considering the importance of the issue, a month-long programme has been made this year. The first-ever National Road Safety Month was inaugurated, to build awareness about road safety and reduce road accidents in India. In India, a total of 1.5 lakh people died, while more than 4.5 lakh people got injured in road accidents every year.

200. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Motor Bike Ambulance ‘Rakshita’?

A. It was developed by CSIR.

B. Rakshita is fitted with a customized reclining Casualty Evacuation Seat (CES), which can be fitted in and taken out as per requirement.

C. Both A & B

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D. None of these Explanation: Defence Research and Development Organisation handed over Motor Bike Ambulance Rakshita to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Rakshita is fitted with a customized reclining Casualty Evacuation Seat (CES), which can be fitted in and taken out as per requirement.

201. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the market infrastructure institutions (MIIs)?

A. As per the key proposals, a resident promoter setting up an MII may hold up to 100% shareholding, which will be brought down to not more than (either 51% or 26%) in 10 years.

B. Foreign individuals or entities from other than FATF member jurisdictions may acquire or hold up to 5% in an MII.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed a new framework for ownership of market infrastructure institutions to facilitate new entrants to set up stock exchanges and depositories. As per the key proposals, a resident promoter setting up an MII may hold up to 100% shareholding, which will be brought down to not more than (either 51% or 26%) in 10 years. Foreign individuals or entities from other than FATF member jurisdictions may acquire or hold up to 10% in an MII.

202. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the 1st National Conference of States on Logistics?

A. India has a $200 billion logistics ecosystem.

B. On 18th January, the average freight speed train speed was 46.77 kmph as compared to 22.47 kmph last year in the same period.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Minister of Railways; Commerce & Industry; Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution Shri Piyush Goyal addressed the 1st National Conference of States on Logistics. India has a $200 billion logistics ecosystem. A good part of it is supported by the Indian Railways. Citing studies, the minister said that about 13-14 per cent cost of a product is logistics, and "we wish to bring it down to about 8 per cent". On 18th January, the average freight speed train speed was 46.77 kmph as compared to 22.47 kmph last year in the same period.

203. Jaya Jaitley task force, recently in news, is related to Page | 75 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

A. Take a re-look at the age of marriage for women.

B. Working of capital market infrastructure institutions (MIIs)

C. Decide the appropriate level of reserves that the RBI should hold

D. Analyse Fund Requirement in Power Sector Explanation: The task force was set up to take a re-look at the age of marriage for women has submitted its report to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Chairperson of the committee Jaya Jaitley refused to comment on the contents of the report submitted after a delay of five months.

204. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the bad bank?

A. The bad bank is not involved in lending and taking deposits, but helps commercial banks clean up their balance sheets and resolve bad loans.

B. The takeover of bad loans is normally below the book value of the loan and the bad bank tries to recover as much as possible subsequently.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The idea of setting up a bad bank to resolve the growing problem of non-performing assets (NPAs), or loans on which borrowers have defaulted, is back on the table. A bad bank conveys the impression that it will function as a bank but has bad assets to start with. The bad bank is not involved in lending and taking deposits, but helps commercial banks clean up their balance sheets and resolve bad loans. The takeover of bad loans is normally below the book value of the loan and the bad bank tries to recover as much as possible subsequently.

205. Mount Semeru, recently seen in news, is located in

A. Maldives

B. South Africa

C. Mexico

D. Indonesia Explanation: Indonesia's Mount Semeru has erupted, pouring ash an estimated 5.6km (3.4 miles) into the sky above Java, the country's most densely populated island. Semeru - also known as "The Great Mountain" - is the highest volcano in Java and one of the most active. It is also one of Indonesia's most popular tourist hiking destinations.

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206. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Regulation S’ bonds?

A. Regulation S offerings are typically referred to as “Offshore Offering”.

B. A Regulation S offerings is typical of many European offerings and the larger clearing firms in Europe, often grant access to their systems via a Regulation S offering.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: State Bank of India (SBI) raised $600 million of ‘Regulation S’ bonds — via its London branch — at a coupon rate of 1.8%. Regulation S offerings are typically referred to as “Offshore Offering” because they mainly have to either do with a foreign company creating an offering, or an US company that is offerings its debt or equity overseas, i.e. outside the United States. A Regulation S offerings is typical of many European offerings and the larger clearing firms in Europe, often grant access to their systems via a Regulation S offering.

207. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the monsoon?

A. The monsoon that concluded in 2020 was unique, in that with monsoon 2019, it was only the third time in a century that India saw back-to-back years of above normal rainfall.

B. In 2019 and 2020 the IMD failed to forecast the magnitude of the excess and only indicated that the monsoon would be “above normal”.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) may introduce new monsoon models this year to better forecast changes in rainfall. The monsoon that concluded in 2020 was unique, in that with monsoon 2019, it was only the third time in a century that India saw back-to-back years of above normal rainfall. In 2019 and 2020 the IMD failed to forecast the magnitude of the excess and only indicated that the monsoon would be “above normal”.

208. Who was Dr V Shanta, recently seen in news?

A. Hindi Film artist

B. An Indian oncologist

C. Tabla maestro

D. None of the above Explanation: Dr. V. Shanta, the world renowned oncologist passed away due to brief illness in Chennai. She was 94. Dr. Shanta is the Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Centre. Viswanathan Shanta (1927 – 2021) was an Indian oncologist and the chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai. Page | 77 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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209. Union Culture Ministry has decided to celebrate the birthday of whom as ‘Parakram Diwas’?

A. Bhagat Singh

B. Vallabhbhai Patel

C. Sarat Chandra Bose

D. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Explanation: The Union Culture Ministry announced that January 23, birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose, would be celebrated as “Parakram Diwas” day of courage every year. Objective is to remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation and to inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did.

210. Exercise Desert Knight-21, is between Indian Air Force and which of the following country’s Air Force?

A. France

B. US

C. Germany

D. UK Explanation: French A-400M tactical aircraft arrived at Jodhpur to participate in the Indo-French bilateral exercise Desert Knight 21. As part of Indo-French defence cooperation, Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force have held six editions of Air Exercises named 'Garuda', the latest being in 2019 at Air Force Base Mont-de-Marsan, France. Presently, the French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 is deployed in Asia as part of their 'Skyros Deployment' and will ferry in forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.

211. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the optical ground wire (OPGW)?

A. It is a type of cable that is used in overhead power lines.

B. The cable contains a tubular structure having one or more optical fiber and surrounded by layers of aluminium and steel wires.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Power Grid Corporation has signed an agreement with Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. (HPSEBL) in Shimla (H.P.) to improve telecom connectivity in hilly areas. The deal comprises Page | 78 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 the utilization of 500 Kms of OPGW Telecom network. It is a type of cable that is used in overhead power lines. The cable contains a tubular structure having one or more optical fiber and surrounded by layers of aluminium and steel wires.

212. Which of the following banks categorized as domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) or banks that are considered as “too big to fail”?

A. SBI

B. HDFC

C. ICICI Bank

D. All of these Explanation: State-owned SBI, along with private sector lenders ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank continue to be Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) or institutions which are 'too big to fail'. The Reserve Bank had issued the framework for dealing with domestic systemically important banks on July 22, 2014. The D-SIB framework requires the Reserve Bank to disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs starting from 2015 and place these banks in appropriate buckets depending upon their systemic importance scores (SISs).

213. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Startup Advisory Council?

A. The term of the non-official members of this council shall be for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

B. The council is chaired by Union Home Minister.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The government nominated 28 non-official members on the National Startup Advisory Council, including Byju’s Chief Executive Officer Byju Raveendran, Ola Cabs co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal, Kalaari Capital Managing Director Vani Kola and SoftBank India country head Manoj Kohli. The term of the non-official members of this council shall be for two years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

214. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Faecal Sludge and Septage Management in Urban Areas?

A. According to faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) report about 60% of urban households rely on onsite sanitation systems.

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

B. Universal access to toilets was achieved in urban India with the construction of 66 lakh household toilets and more than 6 lakh community and public toilets.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: NITI Aayog released a book on faecal sludge and septage management in urban areas. Jointly developed with National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance, the book presents 27 case studies across 10 states and various service and business models adopted by Indian cities while implementing faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) initiatives. Accordingly, FSSM planning prioritizes human excreta management, a waste stream with a high potential for spreading diseases. Universal access to toilets was achieved in urban India with the construction of 66 lakh household toilets and more than 6 lakh community and public toilets.

215. The proposed Ratle Hydro Electric (HE) Project will be located on which of the following river?

A. Chenab

B. Ravi

C. Ganga

D. Yamuna Explanation: The Union Cabinet has given its approval to an investment of Rs 5281.94 crore for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project located on river Chenab in Kishtwar district by a new Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be incorporated between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKSPDC) with equity contribution of 51 per cent and 49 per cent respectively. It will be located on river Chenab, in Kishtwar district of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

216. Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation was recently signed between the Navies of India and

A. Malaysia

B. China

C. Pakistan

D. Singapore Explanation: The 5th Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully held on 20 January 2021 through a video conference and continues the substantial increase in bilateral cooperation and defence partnership over the years. At this 5th DMD, both Ministers witnessed the signing of the Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation between the two Navies. Page | 80 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

217. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Geo-Hazard management?

A. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently entered into a framework MoU with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to strengthen collaboration on sustainable Geo-Hazard management.

B. DRDO’s Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) is working for the development of critical technologies for enhancing combat effectiveness in various kinds of terrains and avalanches.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: DRDO signed framework MoU with MoRTH for geo-hazard managementThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) entered into a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to strengthen collaboration in the field of technical exchange and co-operation on sustainable geohazard management. DRDO’s Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) is working for the development of critical technologies for enhancing combat effectiveness in various kinds of terrains and avalanches.

218. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Netaji Express’?

A. The Indian Railways renamed one of its oldest trains, the Howrah-Kalka Mail, as the ‘Netaji Express’.

B. Subhash Chandra Bose took this train from Gomoh in Bihar after he escaped from his house in Kolkata in 1941.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Indian Railways renamed one of its oldest trains, the Howrah-Kalka Mail, as the ‘Netaji Express’. It is said that Bose took this train from Gomoh in Bihar after he escaped from his house in Kolkata in 1941.

219. Which of the following country is world’s largest producer and exporter of dragon fruit?

A. Vietnam

B. China

C. India

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D. US Explanation: The Gujarat government’s move to rename dragon fruit as ‘Kamalam’, since according to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani the fruit’s outer shape resembles a lotus, has split internet and social media platforms with twitteratis and others posting comments ridiculing it or taking a sarcastic dig. Dragon fruit is the fruit of a species of wild cactus indigenous to South and Central America, where it is called pitaya or pitahaya. The fruit’s flesh is usually white or red — although there is a less common yellow pitaya too — and is studded with tiny seeds rather like the kiwifruit.

220. India Innovation Index 2020, recently seen in news, was published by

A. World Bank

B. WEF

C. UNESCO

D. NITI Aayog Explanation: NITI Aayog, along with the Institute for Competitiveness, released the second edition of the India Innovation Index. The report examines the innovation capabilities and performance of the states and union territories. The first edition of the index was launched in October 2019. The India Innovation Index 2020 examines the innovation capabilities and performance of the states and union territories.

221. Leang Tedongnge cave, recently seen in news, located in

A. Thailand

B. China

C. India

D. Indonesia Explanation: A team of archaeologists have discovered what may be the world’s oldest known cave art that was painted at least 45,500 years ago was recently discovered in Indonesia. The cave painting which depicts a life-sized picture of a wild pig was uncovered in South Sulawesi region. It consists of a figurative depiction of a warty pig, a wild boar that is endemic to this Indonesian island.

222. Risa is a customary handwoven cloth mainly used in

A. Assam

B. Gujarat

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. Tripura Explanation: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has of late made it his style statement to sport the Risa, a customary handwoven cloth used by Tripura’s indigenous tribal communities. The trend has picked up on social media with people posting their photos with the Risa. Risa is a customary handwoven cloth used by Tripura’s indigenous tribal communities.

223. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Regulatory Compliance Portal?

A. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a Regulatory Compliance Portal to minimize Regulatory Compliance Burden for Businesses and Citizens.

B. It will also act as a first-of-its-kind central online repository of all Central and State-level compliances.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched a regulatory compliance portal that will act as a bridge between citizens, industries and the government to minimize burdensome compliances. It will also act as a first-of-its-kind central online repository of all Central and State-level compliances.

224. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Quantum Computing Applications Lab?

A. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India will establish a Quantum Computing Applications Lab in the country, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

B. The lab is World’s first quantum computing applications lab on AWS to support a national government’s mission to drive innovation.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced on Jan 20, 2021 that it will establish a Quantum Computing Applications Lab, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), to accelerate quantum computing-led research and development and enable new scientific discoveries. The lab is World’s first quantum computing applications lab on AWS to support a national government’s mission to drive innovation.

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225. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Signal?

A. It is a cross-platform centralized encrypted messaging service.

B. It cannot be used to make video calls.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Signal is a cross-platform centralized encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Technology Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC. The non-profit Signal Foundation was launched in 2018 with initial funding of $50 million from Brian Acton. It uses the Internet to send one-to-one and group messages, which can include files, voice notes, images and videos. It can also be used to make one-to-one and group voice and video calls.

226. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Section 32 A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)?

A. The Supreme Court held that the successful bidders for a corporate debtor under the IBC would be immune from any investigations being conducted either by any investigating agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or other statutory bodies such as SEBI.

B. The protection to successful bidders and the assets of a corporate debtor are provided by the rules under Section 32A of the IBC.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Supreme Court held that the successful bidders for a corporate debtor under the IBC would be immune from any investigations being conducted either by any investigating agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or other statutory bodies such as SEBI. The protection to successful bidders and the assets of a corporate debtor are provided by the rules under Section 32A of the IBC.

227. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the India Science OTT channel?

A. It is managed by Vigyan Prasar.

B. Vigyan Prasar is an autonomous organization of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: India Science, Nation’s Science & Technology OTT (Over-the-top) channel has completed its second year of existence successfully on January 15th, 2021. Managed by Vigyan Prasar, an Page | 84 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021 autonomous organization of the Department of Science & Technology, this channel was formally launched on January 15, 2019. With an aim to create scientific awareness & temper amongst the citizens of the country through the latest technology prevalent today like OTT, it was important for Vigyan Prasar to keep pace with it.

228. Namrup is a small town situated in

A. Assam

B. Bihar

C. Odisha

D. Kerala Explanation: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers regarding upcoming 12.7 lakh MMTPA capacity urea plant at Namrup. Namrup is a small town situated close to the foothills of the great Patkai Mountain Range (Purvanchal Range connecting to Myanmar) in the extreme south-eastern part of Assam.

229. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Exercise Kavach’?

A. It will be conducted under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).

B. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the only Joint Forces Command of the country.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: A large scale Joint Military exercise - Exercise Kavach involving assets of Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard will be conducted in the coming week under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The exercise involves synergised application of maritime surveillance assets, coordinated air and maritime strikes, air defence, submarine and landing operations. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the only Joint Forces Command of the country.

230. Tsari Chu river, recently seen in news, is in

A. Sikkim

B. Arunachal Pradesh

C. Jammu & Kashmir

D. Himachal Pradesh

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: China said its construction of a village across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh was “beyond reproach” because it had “never recognised” Arunachal. The village was built between November 2019 and November 2020 and located a couple of kilometres across the LAC, beyond what India sees as the border separating Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, on the banks of the Tsari Chu river in Upper Subansiri district in Arunachal.

231. Who was Narendra Luther, recently seen in news?

A. ISRO Scientist

B. Athlete

C. Film artist

D. Civil servant Explanation: Civil servant, historian, author, poet and chronicler Narendra Luther passed away at the age of 89. Narendra Luther (1932 –2021) was a writer, civil servant, author and columnist.

232. believed to be the first among the twelve shrines of Lord Shiva, is located in

A. Gujarat

B. Rajasthan

C. Punjab

D. Uttar Pradesh Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unanimously chosen as the new chairman of the trust which manages the world famous Somnath Temple at town in Gujarat's Gir-Somnath district, becoming the second PM to hold the post. The Somnath temple is also known as the Deo Patan. It is located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat. It is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

233. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Air Quality Management (CAQM) DSS for Delhi NCR?

A. This tool will help immensely in capturing the static and dynamic features of the emissions from various sources.

B. It will have an integrated framework to handle both primary and secondary pollutants using chemical transport model.

C. Both A & B

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D. None of these Explanation: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has begun the process of setting up a Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality having a web, GIS and multi-model based operational and planning decision support tool. This tool will help immensely in capturing the static and dynamic features of the emissions from various sources. It will have an integrated framework to handle both primary and secondary pollutants using chemical transport model.

234. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Potash?

A. Rajasthan has huge Potash and Halite resources spread across 50,000 sq. kms in the Nagaur – Ganganagar basin in the northwest.

B. Potash includes various mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: A tripartite pact was signed among Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL), Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Ltd (RSMML) and the Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) of Rajasthan for taking up feasibility studies of solution mining of potash in the state. Rajasthan has huge Potash and Halite resources spread across 50,000 sq. kms in the Nagaur – Ganganagar basin in the northwest. Potash includes various mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form.

235. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the “ShramShakti”?

A. It is a National Migration Support Portal

B. With this, Goa is going to be first destination state of India to set up dedicated migration cell to address diverse issues of migrant workers.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda launched “ShramShakti”, a National Migration Support Portal at a programme held at Panjim, Goa. It would effectively help in the smooth formulation of state and national level programs for migrant workers. With this, Goa is going to be first destination state of India to set up dedicated migration cell to address diverse issues of migrant workers.

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236. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme?

A. It aims at promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical key starting materials (KSMs)/drug intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the country.

B. The scheme was launched by Department of Science and Technology.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The government has given approval to drug firms including Aurobindo Pharma and Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals under the PLI scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical bulk drugs. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims at promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical key starting materials (KSMs)/drug intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the country.

237. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW)?

A. SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad.

B. This is 125 Kg class smart weapon, capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways etc. up to a range of 100 kms.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: DRDO has successfully conducted captive and release trial of indigenously developed Smart Anti- Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from Hawk-i of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) off the Odisha coast. SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. This is 125 Kg class smart weapon, capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways etc. up to a range of 100 kms. The high precision guided bomb is light weight as compared to weapon system of the same class.

238. Who among the following was the author of "Anukampadasakam"?

A. Ayyankali

B. Chattampi Swamikal

C. Kumaran Asan

D. Sri Narayana Guru

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Explanation: Vice President of India launched a book of poems, “Not Many, But One” (Two Volumes), an English translation of poems of Sree Narayana Guru by Prof G.K. Sasidharan. Narayana Guru (1855 – 1928) was a philosopher, spiritual leader and social reformer in India. He was born into a family that belonged to the Ezhava caste.

239. When Parakram Diwas is celebrated?

A. 21 January

B. 22 January

C. 23 January

D. 24 January Explanation: Government of India had decided to celebrate the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, on 23rd January, as 'Parakram Diwas' every year. A day before his Kolkata visit for the launch of ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminisced about Haripura in Gujarat, a significant venue in Netaji’s political journey.

240. Where the historic Jerenga Pothar is located?

A. Assam

B. Bihar

C. Kerala

D. Odisha Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Assam on January 23, 2021. The venue for Modi’s programme — where he launched an Assam government initiative to distribute over one lakh land pattas (documents) to indigenous communities of the state — is the historic Jerenga Pothar in Upper Assam’s Sivasagar district.

241. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Union Budget 2021-22?

A. A customary Halwa ceremony is performed every year before the “lock-in” process of Budget preparation begins.

B. In an unprecedented initiative, Union Budget 2021-22 will be delivered in paperless form for the first time.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Page | 89 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: The Halwa ceremony, marking the final stage of the Budget making process for Union Budget 2021-22, was held in Delhi's North Block in the presence of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. A customary Halwa ceremony is performed every year before the “lock-in” process of Budget preparation begins. In an unprecedented initiative, Union Budget 2021-22 will be delivered in paperless form for the first time.

242. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2021?

A. The award is announced every year on 2nd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

B. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2021 is awarded to Dr. Rajendra Kumar Bhandari (Individual category) and Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) (Institutional category). The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.

243. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Aqua Rejuvenation Plant’?

A. DRDO recently unveiled the first-ever WasteWater Treatment Technology Model which purifies Waste Water for Irrigation/Farming purposes.

B. Aqua Rejuvenation Plant (ARP) is an Integrated Waste Water Rejuvenation Model which has Six-Stage purification profile for comprehensive treatment of Waste Water, based upon diverse purification parameters.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur unveiled the first-ever Waste Water Treatment Technology Model which purifies Waste Water for Irrigation/Farming purposes. Aqua Rejuvenation Plant (ARP) is an Integrated Waste Water Rejuvenation Model which has Six- Stage purification profile for comprehensive treatment of Waste Water, based upon diverse purification parameters.

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244. Ooceraea joshii, a new species of a rare ant genus have been recently discovered in

A. Sikkim

B. Himachal Pradesh

C. Nagaland

D. Kerala Explanation: Two new species of a rare ant genus have been discovered in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by a team of scientists. One of them found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala, has been named Ooceraea joshii, in honour of Prof. Amitabh Joshi, a distinguished evolutionary biologist from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.

245. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Fund for Improvement of S&T infrastructure in universities?

A. The FIST programme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India was launched in the year 2015.

B. The Scheme is intended to provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Focusing on supporting interdisciplinary problems, increasing the scope for participation of industries and start-ups and aiming towards an ''Atmanirbhar Bharat'' were underlined at the Fund for Improvement of S&T Advisory Board (FISTAB) meeting. During the meeting, a logo of FIST was launched designed by Ms. Nikita Malhotra of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, to represent the face of FIST in a new avatar. The Scheme is intended to provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions.

246. Which of the following is India's first permanent Arctic research station located at Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway?

A. Himadri

B. Bharati

C. Maitri

D. None of the above

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Explanation: India has been invested in the Arctic region for years and to secure its share of the pie that the region offers in terms of research and resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons, the Indian government has now unveiled a draft Arctic policy. Arctic research will help India’s scientific community to study melting rates of the third pole — the Himalayan glaciers, which are endowed with the largest freshwater reserves in the world outside the geographic poles. Himadri is India's first permanent Arctic research station located at Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.

247. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the regulatory framework for the non-banking finance companies’ (NBFC) by RBI?

A. The regulatory and supervisory framework of NBFCs will be based on a four-layered structure — the base layer (NBFC-BL), middle layer (NBFC-ML), upper layer (NBFC-UL) and the top layer.

B. The current threshold for systemic importance, which is ₹500 crore now, is proposed to be revised to ₹1,000 crore.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has suggested a tougher regulatory framework for the non- banking finance companies’ (NBFC) sector to prevent recurrence of any systemic risk to the country’s financial system. The regulatory and supervisory framework of NBFCs will be based on a four-layered structure — the base layer (NBFC-BL), middle layer (NBFC-ML), upper layer (NBFC- UL) and the top layer. The current threshold for systemic importance, which is ₹500 crore now, is proposed to be revised to ₹1,000 crore.

248. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the India- Indonesia relations?

A. In 1950, President Sukarno was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day.

B. In 2005, India and Indonesia signed a Strategic Partner- ship agreement.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Tucked away inside the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi is a special room — one that has been built in recognition the nation’s freedom struggle from Dutch colonialism 74 years ago, and named, unusually, for an Indian leader, Biju Patnaik. In 1950, President Sukarno was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day, and India-Indonesia ties remained strong for the next decade. Relations were revived only decades later, when in 2005, India and Indonesia signed a Strategic Partner- ship agreement; military exchanges and trade ties have grown since.

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249. Who among the following is set to become the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade?

A. Bhawana Kanth

B. Avani Chaturvedi

C. Shivangi Singh

D. None of the above Explanation: Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth is set to become the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade. She will be a part of the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) tableau that will showcase mock-ups of the light combat aircraft, light combat helicopter and the Sukhoi-30 fighter plane.

250. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Paris Climate Agreement?

A. U.S decided to restore its participation in the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change.

B. U.S pledged to achieve an economy-wide reduction of its GHG emissions by 50% below the 2005 level in 2025.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on January 20, 2021, and among the first orders he signed was one to restore America’s participation in the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change. His decision on America’s return will take effect on February 19, which would be 107 days after its withdrawal under the Donald Trump administration became formal on November 4, 2020. In the past, the U.S., under George W. Bush, had pulled out of the previous pact, the Kyoto Protocol, in 2001.

251. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Bal Shakti Puraskar?

A. It is awarded to the children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts & culture, social service and bravery.

B. This year, 32 applicants from across the country, under different categories of Bal Shakti Puraskar, have been selected for PMRBP-2021.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

Explanation: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awardees on 25th January, 2021. It is awarded to the children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of innovation, scholastic achievements, sports, arts & culture, social service and bravery. This year, 32 applicants from across the country, under different categories of Bal Shakti Puraskar, have been selected for PMRBP-2021.

252. Who was Upendranath Brahma, recently seen in news?

A. Indian film artist

B. Indian Author

C. Indian Bodo social activist

D. None of these Explanation: Assam government is setting up three-degree colleges in the Bodo region. Tributes are being paid to Shri Upendra Nath Brahma by opening an institute in his name. Upendranath Brahma (1956 – 1990) was an Indian Bodo social activist and the former president of All Bodo Students' Union.

253. Rajesh Verma committee, recently seen in news, is related to

A. Implementation of the Companies Act as well as the Limited Liability Partnership Act.

B. Evaluate governance of board of banks and examine criteria to select directors, as well as their term

C. Assess the functioning of the Indian Monetary system

D. None of these Explanation: The Company Law Committee (CLC), headed by the Corporate Affairs Secretary Rajesh Verma, has recommended that 12 offences under the LLP Act be decriminalised and that LLPs be allowed to issue NCDs to raise funds with the aim of improving ease of doing business for limited liability partnership (LLP) firms. The Registrar of Companies would have the authority to levy penalties for any contravention of provisions of the LLP Act.

254. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Peloton bike?

A. It is an Internet-connected, stationary, indoor cycling bike with cameras, microphones and tablets attached, so its riders can livestream fitness classes and communicate with one another.

B. It is made of carbon steel and aluminium.

C. Both A & B

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D. None of these Explanation: In the weeks leading up to US President Joe Biden’s swearing-in, cybersecurity experts examined whether his Peloton bike — a piece of exercise equipment — would be permitted inside the White House. They eventually concluded the bike was safe. Made by the Peloton company, it is an Internet-connected, stationary, indoor cycling bike with cameras, microphones and tablets attached, so its riders can livestream fitness classes and communicate with one another. Priced at upward of $2,500 (around Rs 1.8 lakh), it is made of carbon steel and aluminium and weighs around 60 kg. Users are also required to pay $39 (around Rs 2,895) per month for Peloton’s live and on-demand classes.

255. Recently seen in news, Lunar Sample 76015,143, which weighs 332 grams, was collected by

A. Apollo 17

B. Luna 21

C. ISEE-3

D. Change’ 1 Explanation: As per tradition in the United States, every incoming President gets to redecorate the Oval Office – the commander-in-chief’s principal place of business which is visited by the most powerful people in the world. Lunar Sample 76015,143, which weighs 332 grams, was collected by Apollo 17 astronaut Ronald Evans and moonwalkers Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan.

256. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the 2k time trial?

A. The two-kilometre time trial has become mandatory for India’s centrally-contracted cricketers.

B. The 2k time trial is a speed-endurance test.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The two-kilometre time trial — set at eight minutes and 15 seconds for fast bowlers and 8:30 for batsmen, spinners and wicketkeepers — has become mandatory for India’s centrally-contracted cricketers. The 2k time trial is a speed-endurance test, according to Ramji Srinivasan, the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach.

257. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the green bonds?

A. A green bond is a type of fixed-income instrument that is specifically earmarked to raise money for climate and environmental projects.

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B. According to a study by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Green bonds constituted only 10 percent of all the bonds issued in India since 2018.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The cost of issuing green bonds has generally remained higher than other bonds in India, largely due to asymmetric information. The average coupon rate for green bonds issued since 2015 with maturities between 5 to 10 years have generally remained higher than the corporate and government bonds with similar tenure. A green bond is a type of fixed-income instrument that is specifically earmarked to raise money for climate and environmental projects.

258. When National Girl Child Day is celebrated?

A. 22 January

B. 23 January

C. 24 January

D. 25 January Explanation: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the daughters of the nation on National Girl Child Day. The National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India every year on January 24. It was started by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008.

259. When National Voters Day is celebrated?

A. 22 January

B. 23 January

C. 24 January

D. 25 January Explanation: National Voters Day is celebrated in India on 25th January each year. Election Commission of India is celebrating 11th National Voters Day on 25th January 2021.

260. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve?

A. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world.

B. The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper.

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C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds, a recent publication of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) States. The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country as well rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper.

261. “AYU SAMVAD” is one of the largest public awareness campaign program on AYURVEDA and COVID 19 PANDEMIC being organized by

A. All India Institute of Ayurveda New Delhi

B. NITI Aayog

C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

D. None of the above Explanation: “AYU SAMVAD” (My Health My Responsibility) is one of the largest public awareness campaign program on AYURVEDA and COVID 19 PANDEMIC, organized by All India Institute of Ayurveda New Delhi, as envisioned & supported by the Ministry of AYUSH.

262. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Selfie For Bravehearts’?

A. ‘Selfie for Bravehearts’ encourages and invites citizens to click their selfie images in front of war memorials and monuments across the country and show their support for the Gallantry Awardees of the nation.

B. A nationwide Gallantry Awards Quiz aims to provide an opportunity to the bright minds from across the nation to showcase their knowledge about the Gallantry Awardees of India.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a revamped version of the Gallantry Awards Portal www.gallantryawards.gov.in on the eve of the Republic Day 2021. A nationwide Gallantry Awards Quiz aims to provide an opportunity to the bright minds from across the nation to showcase their knowledge about the Gallantry Awardees of India. This program shall be organised from 26 January 2021 to 26 February 2021. ‘Selfie for Bravehearts’ encourages and invites citizens to click their selfie images in front of war memorials and monuments across the country and show their support for the Gallantry Awardees of the nation.

263. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Integrated Weapons System Design Centre? Page | 97 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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A. Recently Vice President of India inaugurated the Integrated Weapons System Design Centre at DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile complex in Hyderabad.

B. The Integrated Weapon System Design facility is said to enhance the capability in design and development of command & control systems for surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and ballistic missile defence (BMD) systems.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Vice president of India inaugurated the integrated weapons system design centre at DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in the city. The Integrated Weapon System Design facility is said to enhance the capability in design and development of command & control systems for surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and ballistic missile defence (BMD) systems.

264. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021?

A. The Netherlands government hosted an online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS Online) on 25 January 2021.

B. The summit will have a significant focus on securing new investments to ensure that millions of smallholder farmers can adapt to the stresses of climate on food production.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 25, 2021 addressed the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 and said that India is targeting 450 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by the year 2030. The summit will have a significant focus on securing new investments to ensure that millions of smallholder farmers can adapt to the stresses of climate on food production. The Netherlands government hosted an online international Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS Online) on 25 January 2021.

265. A large-scale tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX-21 was conducted in

A. Lakshadweep

B. Malabar Coast

C. Andaman & Nicobar group of islands

D. None of these

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Explanation: A large-scale tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX – 21 was conducted in Andaman & Nicobar group of islands from January 21 – 25. The exercise involved participation of Naval ships, amphibious troops of the Army and different types of aircraft from the Air force.

266. Indian Council of Medial Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR), is located in

A. Delhi

B. Mumbai

C. Kolkata

D. Bengaluru Explanation: Union Health Minister of Family Welfare presided over the foundation day celebrations and launch of the decadal year of the Indian Council of Medial Research - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR), Bengaluru through a video conference. While two in five adults have three or more risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in India, the status of health system in responding to the disease burden is also underscored.

267. Union Health Minister released the Framework for Telemedicine use in Management of

A. Cancer

B. Diabetes

C. Stroke

D. All of these Explanation: Union Health Minister released the Framework for Telemedicine use in Management of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in India. Telemedicine with its components of tele- consultation, tele-monitoring, tele-triage can be integrated to build continuum of care model for major NCDs.

268. Tatrakshak Medal are being given on Republic Day and Independence Day every year to the personnel of

A. Indian Army

B. Indian Coast Guard

C. Indian Navy

D. Indian Air Force

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Explanation: The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind has awarded President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) to Indian Coast Guard personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry and distinguished/meritorious service on the occasion of the Republic Day 2021. These awards are being given to the personnel of Indian Coast Guard on Republic Day and Independence Day every year, since 26 Jan 1990 onwards.

269. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Padma Awards?

A. It is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines.

B. The awards are announced on the occasion of Independence Day every year.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Union Home Ministry on the eve of Republic Day announced the recipients for Padma awards. It is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.

270. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Akash-NG Missile?

A. DRDO conducted the successful maiden launch of Akash-NG (New Generation) Missile from Integrated Test Range off the coast of Odisha.

B. Akash-NG is a new generation Surface-to-Air Missile meant for use by the Indian Air Force with an aim of intercepting high maneuvering aerial threats.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted the successful maiden launch of Akash-NG (New Generation) Missile from Integrated Test Range off the coast of Odisha. Akash- NG is a new generation Surface-to-Air Missile meant for use by the Indian Air Force with an aim of intercepting high maneuvering aerial threats. The Akash-NG system has been developed with better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterized launcher and much smaller ground system footprint.

271. Which of the following is India’s own first indigenously designed and developed fighter aircraft?

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A. Tejas

B. Marut

C. Hansa

D. Saras Explanation: India’s own first indigenously designed and developed fighter aircraft Marut will now be available for public viewing. People will be able to witness the history of development by having a close view of these objects. Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai re-dedicated its artefacts of Rail Locomotives that have been restored during the lockdown period, for the visitors.

272. Who among the following are 2021 Padma Vibhushan awardees?

A. Sudarshan Sahoo

B. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

C. Manjamma Jogathi

D. None of these Explanation: The list of Padma awards recipients this year includes a transgender from Karnataka who has over the past many decades practised and single-handedly popularised rural folk arts. For Manjamma Jogathi, the Padma Shri comes after decades of social and financial struggle. Overcoming personal odds, Manjavva Jogati, as she would be called in Karnataka, held aloft the cause of these art forms, especially the Jogati Nritya and Janapada songs, practiced in rural Karnataka, Maharashtra, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

273. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN Limited)?

A. It is a 100% subsidiary of NTPC Limited, a PSU under Ministry of Power, Government of India.

B. NVVN is developing and providing complete range of zero emission mobility solutions for various vehicle segments.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Admiral (Retd.) DK Joshi, the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has flagged- off a fleet of electric buses on the occasion of Republic Day. The project for 40 electric buses is being executed by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN Limited), a 100% subsidiary of NTPC Limited, a PSU under the Ministry of Power. NVVN is developing and providing complete range of zero emission mobility solutions for various vehicle segments.

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274. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the gallantry awards?

A. Three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra were instituted by the Government of India on 26th January, 1950.

B. These gallantry awards are announced only once in a year.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: President has approved awards of 455 Gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others. Colonel B Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar Regiment, who lost his life during the Galwan Valley clash last year, will be posthumously awarded with Maha Vir Chakra. These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year - first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.

275. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Palestine?

A. Palestine is recognized officially as the State of Palestine by the United Nations and other entities.

B. It is a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia claiming the West Bank (bordering Israel and Jordan) and Gaza Strip (bordering Israel and Egypt) with Jerusalem as the designated capital.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: US President Joe Biden’s administration announced it was restoring relations with the Palestinians and renewing aid to Palestinian refugees, a reversal of the Trump administration's cut-off and a key element of its new support for a two-state solution to the decades-old conflict agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians. Palestine is recognized officially as the State of Palestine by the United Nations and other entities. It is a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia claiming the West Bank (bordering Israel and Jordan) and Gaza Strip (bordering Israel and Egypt) with Jerusalem as the designated capital, although its administrative center is currently located in Ramallah.

276. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework?

A. The Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a group of nation-states working within the United Nations to further reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), 15- member top organ of the world body.

B. India is not part of Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN).

C. Both A & B

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D. None of these Explanation: UN Security Council is finding itself unable to act effectively to address increasingly complex issues of international peace and security as it lacked inclusivity of those who need to be members of the powerful organ of the world body. The Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a group of nation-states working within the United Nations to further reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), 15-member top organ of the world body.

277. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Competition Commission of India?

A. Competition Commission of India is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing The Competition Act, 2002.

B. It was established in 2003 and became fully functional in 2009 with Dhanendra Kumar as its first Chairman.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: According to a study by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Data privacy can take the form of non-price competition and abuse of dominance can lower privacy protection. CCI noted that an aspect of data in the context of competition in digital communications market is the conflict between allowing access and protecting consumer privacy. Competition Commission of India is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing The Competition Act, 2002. It was established in 2003 and became fully functional in 2009 with Dhanendra Kumar as its first Chairman.

278. Who was Govind Ballabh Pant, recently seen in news?

A. Former speaker of Lok Sabha

B. Indian freedom fighter

C. Hindi Film director

D. None of these Explanation: A statue of freedom fighter Govind Ballabh Pant that was removed from the Parliament premises recently would be unveiled at its new location, a roundabout opposite Gurdwara Rakab Ganj on Pandit Pant Marg. Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant (1887 – 1961) was a lawyer, an Indian freedom fighter and one of the architects of modern India.

279. Dhannipur mosque project, often mentioned in news, is located in:

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A. Odisha

B. Bihar

C. Assam

D. Uttar Pradesh Explanation: The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board (UPSCWB) formally launched the Dhannipur project on the allocated five-acre land at Dhannipur village of by hoisting the national flag and planting saplings to mark Republic Day celebrations. The plot was allotted by the Uttar Pradesh government on the directions of the Supreme Court in the Babri Masjid Ram Janmabhoomi title suit.

280. In which state/UT the first ever Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sports Festival has been hosted?

A. Delhi

B. Ladakh

C. Sikkim

D. Uttarakhand Explanation: In Ladakh, the Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju launched the first ever Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sports Festival at Padum in Zanskar of Kargil district. The festival is being organised by the Ladakh UT Administration to promote Zanskar as winter tourists' destination.

281. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the World Economic Forum’s Davos Dialogue?

A. The Davos Dialogues agenda marks the launch of the World Economic Forum’s Great Reset Initiative in the post COVID world.

B. The World Economic Forum (WEF), based in Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland, is an NGO, founded in 1971.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Davos Dialogue via video conferencing. The Davos Dialogues agenda marks the launch of the World Economic Forum’s Great Reset Initiative in the post COVID world. The World Economic Forum (WEF), based in Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland, is an NGO, founded in 1971.

282. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the copra? Page | 104 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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A. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently given its approval for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of copra for 2021 season.

B. Copra is the dried meat or kernel of the coconut, which is the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of copra for 2021 season. The approval is based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Copra is the dried meat or kernel of the coconut, which is the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Coconut oil is extracted from copra, making it an important agricultural commodity for many coconut-producing countries.

283. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Informatics Centre services Incorporated (NICSI)?

A. National Informatics Centre services Incorporated (NICSI) is a Public Sector Enterprise under National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Science & Technology.

B. NICSI started its journey in the ICT service industry on 29th August 1995.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: National Informatics Centre services Incorporated (NICSI), a Public Sector Enterprise under National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, celebrated 25 years of its establishment on 28 January 2021. NICSI started its journey in the ICT service industry on 29th August 1995.

284. When International Customs Day is celebrated?

A. 26 January

B. 27 January

C. 28 January

D. 29 January Explanation: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) observed the International Customs Day, 2021. The theme for this year as given by World Customs Organisation (WCO) is “Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a sustainable supply chain”. January 26 is celebrated as the International Customs Day (ICD).

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285. The Future Investment Initiative (FII) is an annual investment forum held in

A. Beijing

B. Dubai

C. Delhi

D. Riyadh Explanation: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare addressed the 4th edition of the Future Investment Initiative Forum. The purpose of the forum being hosted in Riyadh was to find solutions on how business and government can expand access to healthcare, train healthcare workers, remove regulatory barriers and encourage investment in advanced health technologies.

286. Recently, with which organization India has signed MoU for global energy security and sustainability?

A. IMF

B. IEA

C. World Bank

D. BRICS Explanation: India signed a strategic partnership agreement with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen cooperation in global energy security, stability and sustainability. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organisation.

287. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Textiles Committee?

A. The Textiles Committee was established in the year 1963 by an Act of Parliament.

B. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles to ensure quality of all textiles and textile products for domestic and export markets.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Textiles Committee of the Ministry of Textiles has signed a Memorandum of Understanding- MoU with Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan to boost export of Textile and Apparel to Japanese market. The Textiles Committee was established in the year 1963 by an Act of Parliament. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles to ensure quality of all textiles and textile products for domestic and export markets.

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288. The disputed Belagavi city is part of which of the following state?

A. Karnataka

B. Kerala

C. Tamil Nadu

D. Madhya Pradesh Explanation: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray suggested that the disputed border areas between Maharashtra and Karnataka the states should be made a Union Territory until the matter was decided by the Supreme Court. The erstwhile Bombay Presidency, a multilingual province, included the present-day Karnataka districts of Bijapur, Belgaum, Dharwar and Uttara-Kannada (previously North Kanara). The Belagavi/Belgaum region at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka comprises both Kannada and Marathi speakers.

289. Sigur Plateau is located in

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Sikkim

C. Himachal Pradesh

D. Odisha Explanation: The Supreme Court of India has appointed conservationist Nandita Hazarika as Member of a Technical Committee constituted by it on October 14 last year to hear complaints by land owners against the action taken by the Nilgris Collector, which included sealing of their buildings and allegations about the “arbitrary variance in acreage of the elephant corridor.” The corridor is situated in the ecologically fragile Sigur plateau. Sigur Plateau is a plateau in the north and east of Nilgiri District in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.

290. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019?

A. The Bill proposes DNA sampling and profiling of citizens accused of crime or reported missing, and storing their unique genetic information for administrative purposes.

B. The objective of the Bill is limited to the establishment of a regulatory board to regulate the use of DNA technology in consonance with international standards.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), Asaddudin Owaisi and CPI leader Binoy Viswam have filed dissent notes to the parliamentary standing committee’s report on the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 on the grounds that it does not take

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021 into account their concerns over privacy violations. The Bill proposes DNA sampling and profiling of citizens accused of crime or reported missing, and storing their unique genetic information for administrative purposes. The objective of the Bill is limited to the establishment of a regulatory board to regulate the use of DNA technology in consonance with international standards.

291. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Kala Utsav 2020?

A. Kala Utsav National Competition was launched in 2015.

B. Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Department of School Education and Literacy of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ addressed the Valedictory Function of Kala Utsav 2020 on January 28, 2021. Kala Utsav National Competition was launched in 2015. Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Department of School Education and Literacy of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). Discussion

292. ‘Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ and ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’, was published by

A. Ministry of Home Affairs

B. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

C. Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises

D. Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change Explanation: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar has released Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines and the National Marine Turtle Action Plan in New Delhi. The documents contains ways and means to guide improved coordination amongst the government, civil society and all relevant stakeholders on the response to cases of stranding, entanglement, injury or mortality of marine mammals and also conservation of marine turtles. Discussion

293. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Indo-French Year of the Environment

A. The basic objective is to strengthen Indo-French cooperation in sustainable development, increase the effectiveness of actions in favour of global environment protection and give them greater visibility.

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B. From the Indian side, it will be coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar and Ms Barbara Pompili, the French Minister for Ecological Transition launched the Indo-French Year of the Environment in New Delhi. The basic objective is to strengthen Indo-French cooperation in sustainable development, increase the effectiveness of actions in favor of global environment protection and give them greater visibility. From the Indian side, it will be coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) along with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and other concerned Ministries/Departments/Organisations. Discussion

294. When World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is celebrated?

A. 28 January B. 29 January C. 30 January

D. 31 January Explanation: World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is celebrated on 30 January each year for addressing neglected tropical diseases. The first World NTD Day is 30 January 2020. On World NTD Day more than 50 landmarks representing 25 nations across the world lit up to celebrate how far we have come together in beating NTDs. India too proudly joined these countries, by illuminating UNESCO world heritage site Qutub Minar. Discussion

295. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Common Trust Network?

A. The Commons Project Foundation and the World Economic Forum have launched the Common Trust Network in collaboration with a broad voluntary network of public and private stakeholders.

B. The Common Trust Network is enabled by a global registry of trusted laboratory and vaccination data sources, standard formats for lab results and vaccination records, and standard tools to make those results and records digitally accessible.

C. Both A & B

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Explanation: Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare addressed the event on Restoring Cross Border Mobility by World Economic Forum’s Common Trust Network through Video Conference. To address this challenge, The Commons Project Foundation and the World Economic Forum have launched the Common Trust Network in collaboration with a broad voluntary network of public and private stakeholders. The Common Trust Network is designed to empower individuals with digital access to their health information, make it easier for individuals to understand and comply with each destination’s requirements and help ensure that only verifiable lab results and vaccination records from trusted sources are presented for the purposes of cross-border travel and commerce. Discussion

296. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the National Dope Testing Laboratory?

A. National Dope Testing Laboratory (Ndtl) is an autonomous body under Ministry of Health, Government of India.

B. It is the only laboratory in the country responsible for human sports dope testing.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports launched a breakthrough Reference Material for use in chemical testing in the field of anti-doping synthesized by collaborative efforts of National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati. It is the only laboratory in the country responsible for human sports dope testing. Discussion

297. Patharughat, recently seen in news, located in

A. Assam

B. Karnataka

C. Punjab

D. Uttar Pradesh Explanation: Twenty-five years before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, more than a hundred peasants fell to the bullets of the British on January 28, 1894, in Patharughat, a small village in Assam’s Darrang district. The unarmed peasants were protesting against the increase in land revenue levied by the colonial administration, when the military opened fire.

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Discussion

298. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Axiom Mission 1 (AX 1)?

A. The Axiom Mission 1 (AX 1) flight is being arranged under a commercial agreement with NASA.

B. AX 1 mission will be the first to use a commercially built spacecraft, the SpaceX Dragon 2.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: A commercial Crew Dragon mission to the International Space Station early next year chartered by Axiom Space will carry four private astronauts. The Axiom Mission 1 (AX 1) flight is being arranged under a commercial agreement with NASA. While private citizens have travelled to space before, the AX 1 mission will be the first to use a commercially built spacecraft, the SpaceX Dragon 2, best known for flying its first two crews to the ISS late last year. Discussion

299. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Short squeeze?

A. It is a term used by market participants to refer to a phenomenon where short sellers in a stock who have placed their bets on a stock’s fall, rush to hedge their positions or buy the stock in the event of an adverse price movement, in order to cover their losses.

B. It leads to a dramatic rise in share price, far beyond its fundamentals.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: There are dozens of ways to pick stocks, but few have been as unconventional - or as successful - as the coordinated short-squeeze being deployed by Reddit’s army of day traders. Now, Wall Street is scanning for which of the market’s most-hated shares could be targeted next. Short squeeze is a term used by market participants to refer to a phenomenon where short sellers in a stock who have placed their bets on a stock’s fall, rush to hedge their positions or buy the stock in the event of an adverse price movement, in order to cover their losses. It leads to a dramatic rise in share price, far beyond its fundamentals. Discussion

300. Yerawada Central Prison is the largest jail in

A. Bihar

B. Maharashtra

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021

D. Madhya pradesh Explanation: In a first-of-its-kind project in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray launched the State’s jail tourism initiative. The ‘Jail Yatra’, which began with Pune’s 150-year-old Yerwada Jail on the occasion of Republic Day, will eventually be extended to other prisons in the State. Constructed in 1866, Yerawada Central Prison is the largest jail in Maharashtra and one of the largest maximum security prisons in the country. Discussion

301. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’?

A. ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ is a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Order, started by Swami Vivekananda in 1896.

B. In April 1899, the place of publication of the Journal was shifted to Advaita Ashrama.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 125th anniversary celebrations of the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ journal. ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ is a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Order, started by Swami Vivekananda in 1896. The journal ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ has been an important medium for spreading the message of India’s ancient spiritual wisdom.

302. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the first PPP Research Reactor for production of Nuclear Medicines?

A. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the premier research organization of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has evolved a design for the first PPP Research Reactor for production of Nuclear Medicines.

B. This project will be a major step towards making India self-reliant in key radio isotopes used in medical and industrial applications.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has evolved a design for the first PPP Research Reactor for production of Nuclear Medicines. The premier research organization of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is ready to share the technology of production of a variety of nuclear medicines. In the proposed partnership, the private entities will get exclusive rights to process and market the isotopes produced in the research reactor, in lieu of investing in the reactor and processing facilities. In May 2020, Union Finance Minister announced establishment of a Research Reactor in PPP mode for production of medical isotopes as a part of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives for DAE. Page | 112 Report Errors in the PDF – [email protected] ©All Rights Reserved by Gkseries.com

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303. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Indian Naval Fast Attack Craft (IN FAC) T-81?

A. The 25 meters long vessel with 60 tonnes displacement was built at Goa Shipyard Ltd in collaboration with M/s Ramta of Israel.

B. She was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2015.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Indian Naval Fast Attack Craft (IN FAC) T-81 of Super Dvora MK II class was decommissioned after serving the nation successfully for over 20 years. The 25 meters long vessel with 60 tonnes displacement was built at Goa Shipyard Ltd in collaboration with M/s Ramta of Israel. She was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1999. The ship, specially designed for shallow waters, could achieve speeds up to 45 knots and had the capability of day/night surveillance and reconnaissance, Search & Rescue, beach insertion, extraction of Marine Commandoes and high speed interception of intruder craft.

304. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the STARS project?

A. It would be implemented as a new Central Sector Scheme under Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education (MOE).

B. At the State level, the project will be implemented through the integrated State Implementation Society (SIS) for Samagra Shiksha.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Ministry of Education, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), and World Bank have signed an agreement for the financial support worth Rs 5718 crore towards the implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project. The total cost of the STARS project is Rs 5718 crore with the financial support of the World Bank amounting to $500 million (approximately Rs 3700 crore) and the rest will be contributed as state share from the participating states, over a period of five years. DoSEL, MoE is the main implementing agency at the national level. At the State level, the project will be implemented through the integrated State Implementation Society (SIS) for Samagra Shiksha.

305. Who among the following is the author of Purna Abhinandan?

A. Kazi Nazrul Islam

B. Rabindranath Tagore

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C. Kazi Sabyasachi

D. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Explanation: Ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in West Bengal, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is engaged in Bengal sub-nationalism with its use of the slogan ‘Joy Bangla’. Joy Bangla is a salutation, slogan and war cry used by some Peoples in Bangladesh and Bengali dominated parts of India i.e. West Bengal, Tripura, Barak Valley and Manbhum District. It translates roughly to "Victory to Bengal" or "Hail Bengal". The name of the slogan Joy Bangla comes from a poem named "Purna Abhinandan" (1922) by Kazi Nazrul Islam.

306. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Economic Survey 2020-21?

A. It has strongly recommended an increase in public spending on healthcare services from 1 percent to 2.5-3 percent of GDP, as envisaged in the National Health Policy 2017.

B. The Survey has recommended that the National Health mission (NHM) should be continued in conjunction to with Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Economic Survey 2020-21 has strongly recommended an increase in public spending on healthcare services from 1 percent to 2.5-3 percent of GDP, as envisaged in the National Health Policy 2017. It has strongly recommended an increase in public spending on healthcare services from 1 percent to 2.5-3 percent of GDP, as envisaged in the National Health Policy 2017. The Survey has recommended that the National Health mission (NHM) should be continued in conjunction to with Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

307. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Economic Survey 2020-21?

A. The percentage of enrolled children from government and private schools owning a smartphone increased enormously from 36.5 per cent in 2018 to 61.8 per cent in 2020 in rural India.

B. The MANODARPAN initiative for psychological support has been included in Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Economic Survey 2020-21 presented by the Union Minster for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament states that online schooling took off in a big way during the COVID-19 pandemic. The percentage of enrolled children from government and private

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Current Affairs Quiz 2021 schools owning a smartphone increased enormously from 36.5 per cent in 2018 to 61.8 per cent in 2020 in rural India. The MANODARPAN initiative for psychological support has been included in Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

308. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Economic Survey 2020-21?

A. It states that only 2.4 per cent of the workforce of age 15-59 years have received formal vocational / technical training and another 8.9 per cent of the workforce received training through informal sources.

B. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0 was rolled out in 2020-21 with a tentative target to skill 8 lakh candidates including migrants.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Economic Survey 2020-21 states that only 2.4 per cent of the workforce of age 15-59 years have received formal vocational / technical training and another 8.9 per cent of the workforce received training through informal sources. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0 was rolled out in 2020-21 with a tentative target to skill 8 lakh candidates including migrants.

309. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Economic Survey 2020-21?

A. Economic Survey 2020-21 constructs a Bare Necessities Index (BNI) at the rural, urban and all India level.

B. In most of the States the access to the Bare Necessities for the household in 2018 is not better compared to 2012.

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: Economic Survey 2020-21 constructs a Bare Necessities Index (BNI) at the rural, urban and all India level. The BNI summarises 26 indicators on five dimensions viz., water, sanitation, housing, micro- environment, and other facilities. In most of the States the access to the Bare Necessities for the household in 2018 is significantly better compared to 2012.

310. Which of the following statements is/are correct with reference to the Economic Survey 2020- 21?

A. In 2019-20, the major agricultural and allied export destinations were South Africa.

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B. The Agriculture and Allied activities clocked a growth of 3.4 per cent at constant prices during 2020-21 (first advance estimate).

C. Both A & B

D. None of these Explanation: The Agriculture and Allied activities clocked a growth of 3.4 per cent at constant prices during 2020-21(first advance estimate) says the Economic Survey. The Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2020-21 in Parliament. In the Agriculture year 2019-20 (as per Fourth Advance Estimates), total food grain production in the country is estimated at record 296.65 million tonnes which is higher by 11.44 million tonnes than the production of food grain of 285.21 million tonnes achieved during 2018-19. The Agriculture and Allied activities clocked a growth of 3.4 per cent at constant prices during 2020-21 (first advance estimate).

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