21. The storm ‘Ciara’ recently hit several countries of which continent?
[A] Asia
[B] Europe
[C] Australia
[D] North America
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Europe]
Notes:
European countries witnessed a devastating storm named ‘Ciara’, which caused huge damage and killed as many as six people. The hurricane-force winds and heavy rains damaged several thousand buildings in the region.
The storm moved on near Germany, after hitting Britain and Ireland. It was called as ‘Ciara’ by the Irish weather service and dubbed as ‘Sabine’ in Germany. Flood warnings are given and flight operations are suspended in the countries.
22. Which is the parent agency of National Physical Laboratory, which recently developed a security ink to curb fake printing of currency notes?
[A] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation
[D] Indian Institute of Science
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]
Notes:
Scientists from National Physical Laboratory have discovered a security ink which can prevent fake printing of critical documents such as passports and counterfeiting of currency notes.
National Physical Laboratory functions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has recently developed a security ink which glows in red and green colours when illuminated by two different sources.
23. The area of which city of Rajasthan was declared as a ‘No construction zone’, as per the recent Rajasthan Municipality (Amendment) Bill, 2020?
[A] Jaipur
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Jai Salmer
[D] Udaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jaipur]
Notes:
The Rajasthan Municipality (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was recently passed by the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly to declare the entire Walled City area in Jaipur as a ‘no construction zone’.
Under the new Act, the state government will get the right to declare a particular area of the urban bodies of the state as No-construction zone to promote tourism and preserve heritage. UNESCO had mandated to declare the Heritage site-Walled Area of Jaipur city as a no-construction zone.
24. “Cova Punjab” mobile app launched by the Punjab government is aimed to spread awareness on which disease?
[A] Foot and Mouth Disease
[B] Corona virus
[C] Swine Flu
[D] Classical Swine Fever
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Corona virus]
Notes:
The Punjab state government recently launched a mobile application called “Cova Punjab” to spread awareness about the precautions to be taken against coronavirus.
The application has been developed by the Department of Government Reforms and Public Grievances in association with the Health and Family Welfare Department. The mobile application has options to check for symptoms provided by the government. The application also suggests the nearest hospital and will spread awareness by sharing travel and preventive care advisories
25. The World Kidney Day is celebrated in which month, across the world?
[A] February
[B] March
[C] April
[D] May
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [March]
Notes:
The World Kidney Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of the month of March every year, across the world. This year’s theme is ‘Kidney health for everyone everywhere – from prevention to detection and equitable access to care’.
Two international bodies namely the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) jointly organise the global campaign.
26. The Cabinet approved the temporary suspension of the MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) Fund for how many years, amidst the coronavirus pandemic?
[A] One
[B] Two
[C] Three
[D] Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Two]
Notes:
The Cabinet has recently approved to suspend the MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) Fund during 2020-21 & 2021-22, temporarily. Rs 7900 crores, the consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for 2 years, will be moved to Consolidated Fund of India.
The cabinet also promulgated an ordinance to reduce the salaries, allowances and pensions of Members of Parliament by 30 per cent for one year. The President, Vice President, Governors of States have said to have voluntarily admitted for the reduction in pay.
27. The tribal areas of which states are included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India?
[A] Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram
[B] Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram
[C] Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram]
Notes:
The provisions related to the administration of the tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
28. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) located?
[A] Paris
[B] Nairobi
[C] Rome
[D] Geneva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rome]
Notes:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organisation of the world and the United Nations’ intergovernmental agency for food assistance. The Headquarters of UN WFP is located at Rome, Italy.
As per the recent fourth annual Global Report on Food Crises of WFP, the prevailing coronavirus pandemic could double the number of people who will face acute hunger to 265 million, across the world in this year. The report also warned that another 183 million people are at the risk of falling into food crisis.
29. Who of the following was considered as the first martyr outside India?
[A] Madan Lal Dhingra
[B] Prafulla Chaki
[C] Khudiram Bose
[D] Mangal Pandey
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madan Lal Dhingra]
Notes:
Sir Curzon Willie was associated with the arrest of Ganesh Savarkar. On 1 July 1909, Madan Lal Dhingra killed Sir Curzon Willie. Madan Lal Dhingra was executed on 17th August. He was considered the first martyr outside India.
30. What array of powers does the Central Consumer Protection Authority hold?
[A] Only the power to recall goods or withdraw services deemed hazardous or unsafe.
[B] Only the power to order a refund for recalled goods or services, and discontinue practices unfair to consumers.
[C] Only the power to recall hazardous goods or services and discontinue unfair practices.
[D] The power to recall hazardous goods or services, order refunds for recalled items, and discontinue unfair practices.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The power to recall hazardous goods or services, order refunds for recalled items, and discontinue unfair practices.]
Notes:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority wields broad powers. It can recall goods or withdraw services which are unsafe or hazardous. Moreover, if goods or services are recalled, they can mandate refunds for the customers. The Authority also holds the power to discontinue practices that could be viewed as unfair and harmful to consumers. These powers make the Authority a formidable force in protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair trade practices.
