1. Dal Lake, which was seen in the news, is situated in which city/town of Jammu & Kashmir?
[A] Srinagar
[B] Jammu
[C] Anantnag
[D] Leh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Srinagar]
Notes:
Dal is a lake in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also called as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”.
Recently, illegal constructions have been reported in the lake. The Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority (LAWDA), has demolished more than 170 illegal structures around the lake, in the last three months.
2. In context with recent news of Goa, what does the abbreviation GIFT stand for?
[A] Goa Institution For Future Transformation
[B] Goa Institution For Financial Transformation
[C] Goa Institution For Fin Tech
[D] Goa Institute of Foreign Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Goa Institution For Future Transformation]
Notes:
The State Government of Goa has constituted a Think Tank named Goa Institution For Future Transformation (GIFT).
This institution would assist, advise and guide the state government on various policy matters and welfare decisions. The functions of GIFT would be very similar to that of NITI Aayog.
3. As per the estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), what is the GDP growth of India for 2020-21?
[A] -10.1%
[B] -8.2%
[C] -7.3%
[D] -6.5%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [-7.3%]
Notes:
The National Statistical Office (NSO) released the provisional estimates of annual national income and quarterly estimates.
As per the release, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.6 per cent in the fourth quarter (January-March) of 2020-21. Last quarter, there was 0.5 % growth. The GDP contracted to a record low 7.3 per cent, for the full financial year 2020-21. This was a marginal improvement from the earlier estimate of 8 per cent contraction.
4. With reference to Covid, what are ‘Kappa’ and ‘Delta’?
[A] New Measure of Covid spread rate
[B] New Labels for Covid variants
[C] New category in Covid positivity rate
[D] New Global vaccine initiatives
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Labels for Covid variants]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced new labels, using Greek alphabets, for various variants of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
As per the WHO, Covid variant first found in India (B1.617.2) will be referred to as Delta, while earlier found variant in the country (B.1.617.1) will be known as Kappa.
5. Pandit Deendayal Energy University, that was in news recently, is in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Gujarat government has decided to grant Centre of Excellence (CoE) status to seven private universities in the state.
The Chief Minister Vijay Rupani gave in-principle approval to grant CoE status to seven universities including Nirma University, CEPT University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, DAIICT, Ahmedabad University, Charotar University of Science and Technology and Marwadi University.
6. APEDA identified Mathura and Banaskantha as clusters for export development in which sector?
[A] Textile
[B] Dairy
[C] Cotton
[D] Fruits
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dairy]
Notes:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set up an Export Promotion Forum (EPF) to promote exports of dairy products.
It also aims to address various issues in the sector. The authority has recognized two clusters: Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and Banaskantha in Gujarat, to develop dairy merchandise. Farmers and small dairy owners in these clusters shall be given coaching and aid in capability building in exports.
7. Under which regulation, migrants from Mexico were denied entry into the USA?
[A] Migrant Protection Protocols
[B] Visa Protocol
[C] Regulations on citizenship
[D] Rules of Migration
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Migrant Protection Protocols]
Notes:
President Joe Biden’s administration of the USA has formally ended the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which denies asylum seekers entry into the USA.
Under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which was brought into force in 2019, individuals who arrived at the Southwest Border of the USA were returned to Mexico to await removal proceedings in US courts.
8. India launched a Workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency, along with which country?
[A] USA
[B] Japan
[C] UK
[D] Germany
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [UK]
Notes:
India and the UK have launched a new workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency, under the Clean Energy Ministerial’s (CEM) Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI).
The 12th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is being organised by Chile in virtual mode. IDDI is coordinated by the by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It is also supported by Germany and Canada.
9. Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) is a Scientific Experiment being undertaken by which country?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] Israel
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) has set a new record in the latest experiment.
The experiment achieved a plasma temperature of 216 million Fahrenheit for 101 seconds. The scientists working on the “Artificial sun” project also achieved 288 million Fahrenheit for 20 seconds. The Tokamak device has been designed to reproduce the nuclear fusion process, natural to the Sun and stars.
10. NACH facility, which was seen in the news recently, stands for?
[A] National Automobile Clearing House
[B] National Automated Clearing House
[C] National Accreditation Council of Higher Education
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Automated Clearing House]
Notes:
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) implemented “National Automated Clearing House (NACH)”, which can be used for making bulk transactions towards distribution and collection of payments.
NACH is a centralised system which consolidates multiple ECS systems running across the country. As per the RBI’s recent monetary policy committee meeting, the NACH facility would be available on all days of the week from August 1.