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Current Affairs [PDF] - January 1-15, 2021
Last Updated: January 18, 2021

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Current Aﬀairs [PDF] - January 1-15, 2021
120 Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which state announced that it will include the History of Sikh gurus in school curriculum?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the history of Sikh gurus will be
included in the school curriculum.
He also declared that ‘Sahibzada Diwas’, which marks the martyrdom of four sons of 10th Sikh Guru
Gobind Singh and his mother, will be celebrated in all schools.
2. Sunil Kothari, who recently passed away, was associated with which profession?
[A] Dance Historian
[B] Cricket commentator
[C] Businessman
[D] Scientist
Answer: Dance Historian
Veteran Dance historian and critic Sunil Kothari passed away at the age of 87. He has authored several
books on Indian dance forms
Sunil Kothari received many titles and awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Gaurav
Puraskar by the Gujarat Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Padma Shri award. He was also an elected
Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi.
3. An archaeological site named Pompeii, which was making news recently, is located in which
country?
[A] France
[B] Italy
[C] Germany
[D] Greece
Answer: Italy
Archaeologists have discovered a 2000-year-old food and drinks shop in the site of Pompeii, the site
which was buried in a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.
They have also found traces of food in some of the deep terra cotta jars containing hot food in the shop
known as termopolium (Latin for hot drinks counter). It was discovered in the archaeological park’s
Regio V site, near the coast of Bay of Naples, in Italy.
4. Which leading Global Car manufacturer is to start its sale operations in India in 2021, as per the
Road Transport Ministry?
[A] Tesla
[B] Ferrari
[C] Lamborghini
[D] Porsche
Answer: Tesla
Billionaire Elon Musk’s Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is to start selling cars in India in early 2021.
This was announced by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Real Transport and Highways. Elon Musk also
tweeted about the company’s plans for India. The Company would consider to establish manufacturing
and assembly units in India, as per the Minister.
© 2021 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 82
5. Which Indian Public sector bank has launched a Digital Lending Platform (DLP) for retail loans?
[A] Union Bank of India
[B] Bank of Baroda
[C] Bank of Maharashtra
[D] Canara Bank
Answer: Bank of Baroda
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has recently launched a Digital lending platform (DLP) to enable retail clients to
get loans digitally through a paperless process.
Under the platform, ‘In Principle approval’ for Home Loans, Car loan and Personal Loans are granted in
30 minutes without human intervention. Micro personal loans are also offered to shop through partner
channels and pay later in EMIs.
6. Dulanga coal mine, which became commercially operational recently, is located in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Odisha
[D] Telangana
Answer: Odisha
State-owned Electric power distribution company NTPC has announced that its Dulanga coal mine is
commercially operational from October 1, 2020.
The mine has an annual capacity of 7 Million Tonnes Per Annum, at its peak. Out of the ten blocks
allotted to NTPC by the Government, three mines are in operation. The PSU also incorporated NTPC
mining Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary, for its coal mining business.
7. Which country’s new rules on drones, permit them to fly over people and at night in the country?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] United States
[D] South Korea
Answer: United States
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has recently issued new guidelines on
Drones also called as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
As per the rules, small drones will be allowed to fly over people and at night in the United States. The
Drone manufacturers and operators require a Remote ID, under the new rules. This will increase security
by identification of the UAVs from the ground.
8. Which country is set to join as the sixth member of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence network?
[A] India
[B] Japan
[C] UK
[D] Brazil
Answer: Japan
‘Five Eyes’ is an intelligence network of five nations namely Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and
the US.
The collaborative network was formed to respond to the threats posed by North Korea and China. As per
media reports, Japan had provided intelligence to the US and the UK on China’s forceful detainment of
Muslim Uyghurs, last year.
9. India’s highest meteorological centre has been inaugurated in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Ladakh
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: Ladakh
Union Earth Sciences Minister Harsh Vardhan has recently inaugurated the country’s highest
meteorological centre in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The centre located above 3500 metres, would provide localised weather forecasts and early warning for
Leh and Kargil districts of the Union Territory as well as various tourist places.
10. Which country released a bill that would increase monitoring of civil society groups?
[A] Turkey
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] North Korea
Answer: Turkey
The Parliament of Turkey approved a law that would increase monitoring of civil society groups. It was
proposed by the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The bill also allows the annual inspection of non-governmental organizations, to combat terrorism
financing. Several rights groups have expressed their concern that the bill would violate the freedom of
association.
11. The fighter jets of India and which other country is to organise an exercise named ‘SKYROS’?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] United Kingdom
[D] Russia
Answer: France
The Rafale fighter jets of India and France are set to carry out wargames named SKYROS in Jodhpur,
Rajasthan.
The exercise is to be organised in the third week of January next year. This would be the first major
wargame of the Indian Air Force involving the Rafale fighters which were inducted into the service in
August 2020.
12. Which country generated over half of its power from wind, due to the Storm Bella?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Italy
[D] Germany
Answer: United Kingdom
Recently, the Strom Bella hit parts of France and United Kingdom and caused heavy rain and winds in
Northern France.
The United Kingdom created a record of generating over 50 per cent of the country’s electricity
generation from wind. This was generated from the heavy winds of speed up to 100 miles per hour. It
also enabled the country to record the ‘Greenest year’.
13. Pierre Cardin, who recently passed away, was a famous Designer of which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Italy
Answer: France
The famous French designer Pierre Cardin, who created an iconic brand in his name, recently passed
away at the age of 98.
He licensed thousands of products in his name and they were sold across over several outlets
worldwide. Beyond his designer clothes, he also licensed products like Perfumes, Makeup, Porcelain,
Chocolates among others.
14. Indian Railways completed the trial runs of new Vistadome tourist coaches, manufactured by
which unit?/
[A] Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi
[B] Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
[C] Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli
[D] Rail Wheel Plant, Bela
Answer: Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
Indian Railways has successfully completed the 180kmph trial run of the new Vistadome tourist
coaches.
The luxurious coaches were manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. The Vistadome
coaches have see-through glass rooftops and wide windows offering panoramic view. At present, there
are 13 Vistadome coaches that are operational.
15. Which organisation releases “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India”?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Finance Ministry
[D] Finance Commission
Answer: Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country’s Central bank, releases the “Report on Trend and Progress
of Banking in India”.
The RBI recently released the latest edition of the report, which is a statutory publication as per the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949. It highlights the performance of the banking sector during 2019-20 and
2020-21 so far.
16. Who has been nominated to the board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation
(GAVI) from India?
[A] Rajiv Kumar
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Harsh Vardhan
[D] Amitabh Kant
Answer: Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Harsh Vardhan has been nominated by the Global Alliance
for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) as a member on the GAVI Board.
The Minister is to succeed Mr. Myint Htwe of Myanmar and will represent the South East Area Regional
Office (SEARO)/ Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) constituency from 1st January 2021 until 31st
December 2023.
17. Kuttanad, where over 20000 ducks died recently, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Kerala
Last week, around 22,000 ducks died in Kuttanad and upper Kuttanad, in the state of Kerala. The
preliminary tests could not find the certain reason for the deaths.
Recently, the samples of affected birds are to be sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal
Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, to analyse and ascertain the reason.
18. Which committee recommended the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)?
[A] Raghuram Rajan
[B] Urjit Patel
[C] Nandan Nilekani
[D] Michael Patra
Answer: Nandan Nilekani
The Reserve Bank of India constituted a High-Level Committee on Deepening of Digital Payments under
the Chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani in January 2019.
This committee recommended various measures to strengthen digital payment including the idea of
National Common Mobility Card. Recently, the Prime Minister launched the NCMC service for the Delhi
Metro’s Airport Express Line.
19. 'Malayali Tribes', seen in the news recently, are the tribal people belonging to which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Malayali is a tribal group from the Eastern Ghats residing in North Tamil Nadu. They also form the
largest Scheduled tribes in that region, with over 3.5 lakh population.
Giant Rock Bee Honey sourced from the Tribes was recently added to Tribes India Collection, as per the
press release by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Over 35 new organic tribal products have been listed in
the Tribes India outlets and website under 'From Our Home to your Home' campaign.
20. Which country’s space agency has recently approved two Sun-exploration heliophysics missions?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] Russia
[D] China
The United States’ space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced
that it has given approval to two Sun exploration heliophysics missions.
Under these missions, researchers study the Sun and relate them to the events taking place in the solar
system. The missions include NASA-led Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) mission and Japan-
led Extreme Ultraviolet High-Throughput Spectroscopic Telescope Epsilon Mission (EUVST) mission.
21. Which type of Ethanol is made from sources like molasses, sugarcane, sugar beet, sorghum and
edible oil seeds?
[A] 1G ethanol
[B] 2G ethanol
[C] 3G ethanol
[D] Clean Ethanol
Answer: 1G ethanol
The Union Cabinet has recently approved a modified scheme to enhance ethanol distillation capacity in
the country, to produce 1st Generation (1G) ethanol.
1G Ethanol is produced from edible seeds, molasses, sugarcane, sugar beet, sorghum among others.
While 2G biofuels use non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, agriculture residue, the 3G biofuels use
industrial waste, municipal solid waste.
22. Which state has been declared a “Disturbed area” for six more months, by the Home Ministry?
[A] Assam
[B] Nagaland
[C] Mizoram
[D] Manipur
Answer: Nagaland
As per the recent notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the entire state of Nagaland was declared
a “disturbed area” for six more months.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been in force in Nagaland for several decades.
With this move, the act would be continued in the state, for six months with effect from 30th December
2020.
23. The Ministry of Electronics and IT is set to impact assessment of which mobile application?
[A] My FASTag
[B] UMANG
[C] DigiLocker
[D] Arogya Setu
Answer: UMANG
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) is to select an agency that will do an impact assessment of
the UMANG application.
UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app was launched in 2017. It aimed to
provide over 2000 government services on a single platform. The Government wants to analyse why
some citizens are not using the application.
24. Which sportsperson has been awarded knighthood in the UK Honours list?
[A] Wayne Rooney
[B] Lewis Hamilton
[C] Rory McIlroy
[D] Andy Murray
Answer: Lewis Hamilton
British Racing Driver Lewis Hamilton has been knighted in the traditional New Year Honours list of the
United Kingdom.
The list recognises outstanding achievements in various fields including business, sport and politics
among others. Lewis Hamilton, this year, equalled the record of seven Formula One world titles held by
legendary racer Michael Schumacher.
25. Two Industrial Corridor nodes at Krishnapatnam and Tumakuru, have been approved under
which Industrial corridor?
[A] Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor
[B] Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
[C] Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
[D] Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor
Answer: Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently approved industrial corridor nodes at Andhra
Pradesh's Krishnapatnam and Karnataka's Tumakuru.
The nodes are approved under the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC). The project cost of the
former node is approved at Rs 2139 crores and the latter is Rs 1701 crores. This will create huge
employment opportunities, state-of-the-art infrastructure and connectivity.
26. Multi Modal Logistics Hub and Multi Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) have been approved at
which city?
[A] Pune
[B] Greater Noida
[C] Gurugram
[D] Jodhpur
Answer: Greater Noida
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister has approved to set
up Multi Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) and Multi Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) at Greater Noida.
The estimated cost of the hubs in the city in Uttar Pradesh is Rs 3,883.80 crores. As per the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry, the projects are estimated to generate employment for about 1 lakh persons by
2040.
27. Three 10-metre short span bridges, which were recently inducted, were manufactured by which
company?
[A] Tata
[B] L&T
[C] HAL
[D] BHEL
Answer: L&T
The first three sets of a 10-metre short-span bridge, designed and developed by the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO), were inducted to the Indian Army.
The bridges are manufactured at the Larsen & Toubro facility at Talegaon in Pune. The bridges were
developed by the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), DRDO in Pune. The DRDO has
also developed five metre and 15 metre types of the bridge.
28. The European Union has signed an investment treaty with which Asian country recently?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] Singapore
[D] South Korea
Answer: China
The European Union and China have recently agreed to the long-awaited investment treaty, which aims
to open up new corporate opportunities.
The accord was confirmed by China’s president Xi Jinping and EU leaders including European
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. This is also the most ambitious treaty China has ever
agreed with a third country.
29. National Pension System (NPS) is managed by which organisation?
[A] IRDAI
[B] PFRDA
[D] RBI
Answer: PFRDA
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced that subscribers can
now use online mode also to exit from the National Pension System (NPS).
The National Pension System (NPS) was implemented with effect from the 1st January, 2004. It was
extended to all citizens of the country from 2009 on a voluntary basis. PFRDA regulates the National
pension system (NPS) as well as the pension sector.
30. CSIR-NIIST, which has discovered an alternative technology to single-use plastics, is located in
which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Telangana
Answer: Kerala
CSIR- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) has discovered an
alternative technology to single-use plastics.
The NIIST scientists have developed a technology for manufacturing biodegradable cutleries from
agricultural residues and by-products.
31. What is the name of the online event launched by Agriculture Ministry, to promote innovation in
agriculture?
[A] Atmanirbhar Agri
[B] Agri India Hackathon
[C] Kisan Mela
[D] Krishi Sammelan
Answer: Agri India Hackathon
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated the Virtual Agri
India hackathon 2020 in New Delhi.
It is the largest virtual gathering to organise dialogues and promote innovations in agriculture. This year,
the event organized by Pusa Krishi, ICAR - IARI, ICAR & Department of Agriculture, Cooperation &
Farmers’ Welfare. 24 best innovations will be awarded 1 lakh cash award and incubation support.
32. Who has been appointed as the new Railway Board Chairman and CEO?
[A] A K Antony
[B] Suneet Sharma
[C] Pradeep Kumar
[D] P S Mishra
Answer: Suneet Sharma
Former General Manager of the Eastern Railway, Suneet Sharma has been appointed as the new
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Railway Board (Ministry of Railways).
He will also serve as the ex-officio Principal Secretary to Government of India. After the completion of
the term of incumbent chief V K Yadav, the appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved Suneet
Sharma as the new Chairman & CEO.
33. China has completed a railway line linking the Tibetan cities of Lhasa and Nyingchi, near the
border of which Indian state?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Manipur
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
As per media reports, China has recently completed the track-laying work for a railway line which links
the cities of Lhasa and Nyingchi in Tibet.
The cities are close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. This Sichuan-Tibet Railway is the second
railway into Tibet, which starts from the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu and enters Tibet.
34. ‘NAVARITIH’, which was released by the Prime Minister, is a certification course associated with
which sector?
[A] Culture
[B] Construction Technology
[C] Artificial Intelligence
[D] Microbiology
Answer: Construction Technology
Prime Minister released a certification course on innovative construction technologies named
NAVARITIH (New, Affordable, Validated, Research Innovation Technologies for Indian Housing).
He also laid the foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) under Global Housing Technology
Challenge (GHTC)- at six sites across six states.
35. Which private sector bank sold its stake to Ageas Insurance, which led to the new brand named
Ageas Federal Life Insurance?
[A] ICICI Bank
[B] Yes Bank
[C] IDBI Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Answer: IDBI Bank
Private sector bank of India, IDBI Bank has completed the sale of 23 per cent stake in IDBI Federal Life
Insurance Company Ltd (IFLI) to Ageas Insurance International.
With the deal amounting Rs 507 crore, Ageas will hold 49 per cent stake in the insurance company, while
IDBI will hold 21 per cent. The company is now rebranded as Ageas Federal Life Insurance Company.
36. Asian Development Bank (ADB) is to provide USD 231-million loan for electricity generation in
which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Answer: Assam
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a loan agreement recently.
As per the agreement, the ADB will provide a USD 231-million loan to improve electricity generation
capacity in Assam by construction of a 120- (MW) hydroelectric power plant. The proposed hydroelectric
project is a project over Kopili river.
37. Michael Kondo, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Politician
[B] Sportsperson
[C] Writer
[D] Musician
Answer: Sportsperson
Michael Kondo, who was a veteran Indian Hockey player, died at the age of 73 recently. He was awarded
the Arjuna Award in 1972.
He was a member of the first and only World Cup-winning team in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur. He was also a
member of the team that won a bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics in Munich, where he scored three
goals.
38. Which financial institution has launched “Digital Payments Index (DPI)”?
[A] RBI
[B] NPCI
[D] State Bank of India
Answer: RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has developed the Digital Payments Index (DPI), to record the expansion
of digitisation of payments across the country.
The index has been constructed with March 2018 as the base period. As per the RBI, the DPI for March
2019 and March 2020 stand at 153.47 and 207.84 respectively. The index includes 5 parameters with
the highest weightage for Payment Performance.
39. Which organisation is to provide a USD 10 million to expand horticulture in Himachal Pradesh?
[A] AIIB
[B] FAO
[C] ADB
[D] IMF
Answer: ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on signed a USD 10 million agreement,
which aims to finance the projects expanding horticulture production and farm household income in
Himachal Pradesh.
Some of the pilot activities to be held are rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, developing plots for high-
density production of fruits, fencing horticulture plots and forming community horticulture production.
40. Soma Mondal is the new Chairperson of which Public sector enterprise?
[A] SAIL
[B] ONGC
[C] PFC
[D] BEL
Answer: SAIL
Soma Mondal has recently taken charge as the new Chairman of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Prior to this, she was the Director (Commercial) of the Public Sector enterprise. She replaces the
incumbent Chairman Anil Kumar Chaudhary
Soma Mandal also had served as the Director (Commercial) at another CPSE, the National Aluminium
Company Limited (NALCO), before her venture in SAIL.
41. Which Union Ministry releases the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
[A] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[B] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[C] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases the quarterly Periodic
Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
As per the recent quarterly PLFS, the unemployment rate in urban areas increased to 9.1 per cent in
January-March 2020 from 7.9 per cent in October-December 2019. Labour force participation rate
increased to over a five-quarter high of 37.5 per cent.
42. Which Indian city is to play host to the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India
(IFFI)?
[A] Goa
[B] Chennai
[C] Cochin
[D] Kolkata
Answer: Goa
The 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held in Goa from 16th to 24th of
January, 2021.
Recently, the registrations have commenced for media delegates, who desire to attend the event, which
will be held in a hybrid mode, on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. The registration will be open till
January 10, 2021.
43. Which Central Asian country has recently abolished the death penalty?
[A] Kazakhstan
[B] Uzbekistan
[C] Kyrgyzstan
[D] Turkmenistan
Answer: Kazakhstan
The Parliament of Kazakhstan signed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
It is a document which commits the signatories to abolish capital punishment. Life imprisonment was
introduced in the country in 2004 as an alternative punishment. While ICCPR was adopted in 1966, the
second optional protocol was adopted in 1989.
44. K-9 Journal, which was recently released, is associated with which field?
[A] Medicine
[B] Policing
[C] Pandemic
[D] Robotics
Answer: Policing
Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the inaugural issue of the National Police K-9 Journal in New
Delhi.
It is the India’s first such publication on the subject of Police Service K9s, which is the name given for
Police Dogs. A special Police K9 Cell was set up in November 2020. The biannual journal will be
released in April and October, with sections in Hindi and English.
45. Sambalpur, where the Prime Minister of India, laid the foundation stone of IIM, is located in
which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Bihar
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus in the Indian Institute
of Management (IIM) Sambalpur in Odisha.
The institute has been functioning in a makeshift campus for more than five years, since it was launched
as a third-generation IIM, in the year 2015-16.
46. Asian Waterbird Census 2021, which was seen in the news recently, is to be conducted in which
state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
The annual waterbird census is to be conducted in the state of Andhra Pradesh, by the state forest
department.
The regions included are the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, areas near Godavari estuary, Kolleru Lake,
Atapaka Bird Sanctuary and Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Krishna estuary. Bombay Natural History
Society (BNHS) and Wetland International will provide technical support.
47. Which organisation is to provide USD 100 million to improve power distribution in Bengaluru?
[A] AIIB
[B] World Bank
[C] ADB
[D] IMF
Answer: ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is to provide a USD 100 million loan to upgrade the power
distribution system in Bengaluru city.
Another USD 90 million loan will also be provided to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company. The
project also includes laying over 2500 km of fibre optical cables and moving distribution lines
underground.
48. Pong Dam sanctuary, which was seen in the news recently, is located in which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Gujarat ✦ Join➺@bhawna_weekly_quiz_pdfs
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
Over 1700 migratory birds were found dead in the Pong Dam sanctuary in the state of Himachal Pradesh,
under mysterious circumstances.
Recently, it was found that those birds have tested positive for bird flu. This makes Himachal Pradesh to
join the list of states to report cases of the avian influenza after Rajasthan and Kerala.
49. Covaxin, which was approved for Emergency Use in India, is developed by which pharma major?
[A] Bharat Biotech
[B] Serum Institute of India
[C] Dr Reddys Labs
[D] Biocon
Answer: Bharat Biotech
The Committee of Central Drugs and Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved the
vaccines – Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Covaxin manufactured by Bharat
Biotech for emergency use.
These vaccines are to be initially administered to 3 crore front line workers for free by the Government
of India.
50. Which research body has organized the National Metrology Conclave 2021?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] CSIR
[D] IIT Bombay
Answer: CSIR
The National Metrology Conclave 2021 has been organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi.
This research organization has entered its 75th year of inception. The theme of the function was
'Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’. The inaugural function was attended by the Prime
Minster of India via video conferencing.
51. Which Indian city has the maximum CCTV coverage, according to recent report published in
South Asia Journal?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Delhi
[D] Hyderabad
Answer: Chennai
According to a recent report published in South Asia Journal, Chennai has the maximum CCTV coverage
per square kilometre and per 1,000 population.
The report records the prevalence of CCTV cameras in 130 of the most populous cities in the world. The
report also highlights that China and India have the highest densities of CCTV surveillance cameras in
urban areas.
52. Which county has announced its plan to enrich uranium to 20 per cent?
[A] USA
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Iran
Answer: Iran
Iran has announced to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it plans to enrich its uranium to
20% purity, which was a level achieved before 2015 accord. This is supposed to be done at its Fordow
site which is buried into a mountain.
Iran has been continuously breaching the 2015 deals with IAEA since 2019, in response to USA’s
withdrawal from the agreement and imposition of sanctions against Iran.
53. Britain has recently ended taxation on which product?
[A] Mobile Phones
[B] Sanitary Products
[C] Laptops
[D] Paracetamol tablets
Answer: Sanitary Products
Britain became the latest nation that has eliminated taxation on women’s sanitary products. These taxes
were called “tampon tax” has been completely abolished in the country.
This decision was earlier announced in the country’s annual budget by its Treasury chief, but has been
implemented only now, when Britain has left the European Union.
54. A three-judge bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar delivered verdict on which case, by 2:1
majority?
[A] Hathras Case
[B] Central Vista Project Case
[C] Ayodhya Land Case
[D] Covid-19 vaccination case
Answer: Central Vista Project Case
The Supreme Court’s three-judge bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar delivered its verdict on
Central Vista Project Case.
The bench approved the re-development project by a 2:1 majority and upheld the exercise of power by
the Centre as just and valid. It also confirmed the modifications in the change in land use and the
recommendations of the environmental committee.
55. As per the recent statement of UNICEF, which country recorded the highest number of births on
the New Year’s Day?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] United States
[D] Indonesia
Answer: India
According to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), over 371,500 babies were born on New Year's
Day across the world.
It also revealed that India has recorded the highest number of births at around 60,000. India is followed
by China, Nigeria and Pakistan. It also estimated that 140 million children are estimated to be born in
2021 with average life expectancy of 84 years.
56. ‘Freight Business Development Portal’, which was making news, was launched by which Union
Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Railways
[C] Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
[D] Ministry of MSME
Answer: Ministry of Railways
Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal has recently launched the Freight Business Development Portal.
The portal aims to reduce the costs for logistics providers, provide online tracking facility for suppliers
and to simplify the process of goods transportation. The portal, which aims to improve ease of doing
business, can be accessed via the Indian Railways website.
57. What is the name of the webinar serried launched by the Commerce Ministry, along with NPC
and QCI?
[A] Atmanirbhar Industries
[B] Udyog Marathon
[C] MSME Marathon
[D] Self-Reliance Series
Answer: Udyog Marathon
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is
organizing ‘Udyog Manthan’, in association with Quality Council of India, National Productivity Council,
and major Industry bodies
It is a series of sector-specific webinars to promote the quality and productivity in Indian Industries. The
webinar marathon focussing on both manufacturing and services is being held from January 4, 2021 to
March 2, 2021.
58. Which organisation has issued a Statement on Climate of India during 2020?
[A] India Meteorological Department
[B] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[C] Indian Institute of Tropical Studies
[D] DRDO
Answer: India Meteorological Department
The Climate Research and Services (CRS) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a
Statement on Climate of India during 2020.
As per the statement, the annual mean land surface air temperature over India was above normal during
the year 2020. The year 2020 was also named the eighth warmest year on record.
59. Which technology major has collaborated with the Health Ministry, to develop a mobile
application for managing Non-communicable diseases?
[A] Dell
[B] Apple
[C] Amazon
[D] Samsung
Answer: Dell
Dell Technologies announced that they have developed a new mobile application in collaboration with
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Tata Trusts.
The application aims to support the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the
government primary health centres (PHCs) across the country. It strengthens the NCD IT system, which
is already existing.
60. What is the accuracy of 'National Atomic Timescale', which was recently launched?
[A] 2.8 nanoseconds
[B] 20.8 nanoseconds
[C] 2.8 milliseconds
[D] 20.8 milliseconds ✦ Join➺@bhawna_weekly_quiz_pdfs
Answer: 2.8 nanoseconds
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'National Atomic Timescale', during the inauguration of the
National Metrology Conclave.
With this move, the Indian Standard Time is aligned with the International Standard Time, only by less
than 3 nano seconds. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the 'National Environmental
Standards Laboratory'.
61. Kottayam, where H5N8 – avian influenza has been confirmed recently, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Kerala
Several ducks in Kottayam city of Kerala state have been found to be infected with Avian influenza -
H5N8.
The state and district administration have initiated war-footing steps to prevent further spread of the
disease. It has been stated that the virus killed 1,700 ducklings in the city which are around 70 days old.
62. Due to sudden surge in price of local rice, which country has started to import rice from India,
after a decade?
[A] USA
[B] Canada
[C] Japan
[D] Vietnam
Answer: Vietnam
The world’s 3rd largest rice exporter – Vietnam has started buying the grain from India, due to sudden
surge in price of local rice.
The price rise of the grain has been the highest in 9 years in Vietnam. It is said that Indian rice is
attractive in price and the huge price difference is making exports from India possible.
63. Which organisation has recommended for action against incorrect data reporting related to
manual scavengers?
[A] National Human Rights Commission
[B] National Safai Karmachari Finance and Development Corporation
[C] National Green Tribunal
[D] National Commission Weaker Section
Answer: National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission has recommended for strict action against Government
Officials who reported incorrect data on number of manual scavengers in India.
It made a remark that many states have reported NIL manual scavengers, which is not realistic. NHRC
recommended to expand the definition of manual scavenging in order to cover other hazardous cleaning
and to enact a new law for hazardous cleaning.
64. TRIFED is a federation under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Human Resources
[B] Ministry of Social Justice
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
The TRIFED (Tribal Co-operative Marketing Federation) is a federation under the Ministry of Tribal
Affairs.
It has recently entered into an MoU with Akhil Bhartiya Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra of Madhya Pradesh which
has been working for the welfare of tribal population. The MoU envisages to setup TRIFOOD Parks in 5
districts in Madhya Pradesh.
65. India's 40th Scientific Expedition to which destination is being fuelled by Indian Oil?
[A] Antarctica
[B] Arctic Ocean
[C] Mt. Everest
[D] Sentinel Islands
Answer: Antarctica
Researchers of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) are on a voyage to Antarctica,
which marks the 40th Indian Scientific Expedition.
Fuel for the expedition is provided by the Indian Oil. The expedition is flagged off from Mormugao Port,
Goa with 43 members on board the expedition vessel. Jet A1 fuel, lubes and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) have
been offered by Indian Oil.
66. When is World Braille Day observed every year, across the world?
[A] January 3
[B] January 4
[C] January 5
[D] January 6
Answer: January 4
World Braille Day is observed annually on 4 January, after it was established by the UN General
Assembly in December 2018.
The date also marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, who invented the system for reading and
writing, used by people who are visually impaired. This year, the UN highlights the importance of the
universal touch-based communication system.
67. The employees of which MNC has recently formed a Union in the United States?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Tesla
[C] Google
[D] Apple
Answer: Google
Over 200 Google engineers and other employees have recently formed a Union in the United States,
which is seen as a rare move in the Silicon Valley.
After the increasing demands by Google employees for policy changes on pay, harassment and ethics,
the “Alphabet Workers Union” has been formed. It is affiliated with the US-based leading union, the
‘Communications Workers of America’.
68. The PM CARES Fund Trust has allocated Rs 201 crores for installation of which equipment?
[A] Oxygen Generation Plants
[B] Air Purifiers
[C] RO- Water Purifiers
[D] Make Shift Hospitals
Answer: Oxygen Generation Plants
The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund Trust has
allocated Rs 201.58 crore rupees for installation of 162 dedicated Medical Oxygen Generation Plants.
The Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants are to be procured by the Central Medical Supply Store, an
autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The PSA plants are source of
medical-grade oxygen.
69. Which organisation recently deployed its all-women team for contingency duties?
[A] Central Armed Police Force
[B] Indo-Tibetan Border Police
[C] National Disaster Response Fund
[D] Central Industrial Security Force
Answer: National Disaster Response Fund
An all-female team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was recently deployed for contingency
duties in Uttar Pradesh’s Garh Mukteshwar town, on the banks of the Ganga river.
The team who are professionally trained handled the rescue boats and related equipment. The first
batch of over a hundred women disaster combatants and rescuers was also inducted in the NDRF.
70. How many Ministries have partnered for the Toycathon Initiative, which was recently launched
[A] Two
[B] Four
[C] Five
[D] Six
Answer: Six
The Government of India has launched a new initiative called the ‘Toycathon’, to promote indigenous toy
industry and reduce imports.
Six Ministries, including Education, Women & child development, Textile, Commerce and industries,
MSME, I&B and AICTE are collaborating for this initiative. Students, Teachers, Design experts and start-
ups will work together to develop indigenous toys and games.
71. Which company has partnered with SIDBI, to provide a finance scheme to MSMEs in rooftop
solar segment?
[A] Tata Power
[B] Mahindra & Mahindra
[C] L&T
[D] Ashok Leyland
Answer: Tata Power
Tata Power has partnered with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), to provide a finance
scheme to the MSMEs in the rooftop solar segment.
Under the financing solution, MSMEs will be able to get financial aid without any collateral at an interest
rate of less than 10 per cent. The loan will also be sanctioned and disbursed in a quick manner.
72. Which state launched ‘Kisan Kalyan Mission’ to promote the income of farmers?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath launched Kisan Kalyan Mission, to promote the
income of farmers.
The scheme aims to double the income of the farmers in Uttar Pradesh by 2022. The Chief Minister also
ensured that the development schemes for farmers will be launched in 825 localities across the state.
73. Which institution is to conduct the National Cow Science Examination?
[A] Blue Cross
[B] Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA)
[C] National Institute of Animal Welfare
[D] People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Answer: Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA)
Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA) is set to conduct a national level Cow Science Exam, to educate
students on the importance of cows.
Called as the ‘Kamdhenu Gau Vigyan Prachar Prasar Examination’, it will be held annually across the
country. RKA is a government body set up for cow welfare under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying.
74. Which organisation is to provide USD 105 million loan to improve water transport in West
Bengal?
[A] ADB
[B] AIIB
[C] World Bank
[D] IMF
Answer: World Bank
The Government of India, West Bengal state government and the World Bank signed a USD 105 million
project to improve the inland water transport infrastructure in Kolkata, West Bengal, according to the
Ministry of Finance.
Called as the ‘West Bengal Inland Water Transport, Logistics and Spatial Development Project’, it will
improve passenger and freight movement across the Hooghly river and improve accessibility in Kolkata
Metropolitan region.
75. Which Indian state/UT has introduced a new “School bag policy”?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Odisha
[C] Delhi
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Delhi
The Delhi Government has introduced a new “School bag policy”, to reduce the weight of school bags of
the students, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).
The Government also directed the schools in the National Capital Region to implement the policy soon.
As per the policy, the weight of school bags for students between classes 1-10 should not be more than
10 per cent of their body weight.
76. As per the recent WHO statement, what is the ideal interval between two doses of Pfizer and
BioNTech vaccine?
[A] 10-14 days
[B] 15-18 days
[C] 18-24 days
[D] 21-28 days
Answer: 21-28 days
As per the World Health Organisation’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), the
two doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine should be administered within a period of 21 to 28 days.
However, the United Kingdom is said to have extended the gap between the first and second dose of
Pfizer’s vaccine by more than the prescribed interval.
77. What is the minimum market value of a start-up firm, which is termed as a ‘Unicorn’ company?
[A] USD 1 million
[B] USD 10 million
[C] USD 1 billion
[D] USD 10 billion
Answer: USD 1 billion
A unicorn is a term, which is used to indicate a private start-up company, who market value is at over
USD 1 billion.
Recently, India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that according to a recent report,
Indian start-ups raised USD 9.3 billion until mid-December, during this year. India is the third-largest
start-up ecosystem in the world with 21 unicorns valued at USD 73.2 billion.
78. The Indian Government has set up a control room to control the spread of Bird Flu in which
state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Delhi
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Delhi
The Central Government has set up a control room in the national capital, amidst the spread of the bird
flu or avian flu viruses across the country in four states.
The control room aims to monitor the situation and record the preventive and control measures
undertaken by the state authorities, on a daily basis.
79. The IRDAI is to introduce a standard insurance policy to cover the risk of fire and allied threats
in which sector?
[A] Automobile
[B] Housing
[C] Health
[D] Agriculture
Answer: Housing
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is set to introduce a standard
home insurance policy.
Named the ‘Bharat Griha Raksha’, the policy aims to cover the risk of fire and some allied dangers.
Natural Catastrophes, Riot, Strike, theft among others. Along with the home building, the policy also
covers 'General Home Contents' automatically.
80. Which two states are the first to complete three out of four citizen-centric reforms directed by
the Finance Ministry?
[A] Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra
[D] Kerala and Karnataka
Answer: Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have become the first states to complete three out of four citizen-
centric reforms directed by the Ministry of Finance.
The two states completed the One Nation, One Ration Card reforms, Ease of Doing Business reforms,
and Urban Local Bodies reforms. Hence, the Ministry is to provide an additional financial assistance of
Rs 1,004 crore for Capital Expenditure.
81. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI)’ report?
[A] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the India report on Longitudinal Ageing Study of India
(LASI) Wave-1.
LASI is a nation-wide survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social factors and
consequences of the ageing population in India. The report will be used as a basic framework for
developing programmes in national and state-level.
82. How many wildlife species are under recovery programme for critically endangered species in
India?
[A] 12
[B] 16
[C] 22
[D] 35
Answer: 22
The Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recently approved the advisory for
management of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) in the country.
The Committee also approved the inclusion of Caracal, a wild cat found in some parts of Rajasthan and
Gujarat, in the list of critically endangered species. At present, there are 22 wildlife species under
recovery programme for critically endangered species.
83. Angamaly-Azhutha Sabari rail project, which was making news recently, is to be constructed in
which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Telangana
Answer: Kerala
The Union Cabinet approved to use funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB),
for the Angamaly-Azhutha Sabari rail project.
The Railways will undertake the construction and maintenance of the project, while development of
station will be through public-private partnership and a special purpose vehicle. The income will be
shared between the State Government of Kerala and the Railways after deducting the expenses.
84. Who is the author of the book titled ‘India’s 71-Year Test: The Journey to Triumph in Australia’,
which was released recently?
[A] Ravi Shastri
[B] Sunil Gavaskar
[C] R Kaushik
[D] Sanjay Manjrekar
Answer: R Kaushik
The head coach of Indian cricket team and former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri launched a book titled
‘India’s 71-Year Test: The Journey to Triumph in Australia’.
The book is authored by the cricket journalist R Kaushik and it is an initiative of Bradman Museum. It
describes the first 12 tours of India to Australia. It also includes over 200 rare pictures from the
Bradman Museum. A portrait of former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was unveiled at the Sydney
Ground.
85. Who is the head of the panel for conserving Ladakh’s land and culture?
[A] Amit Shah
[B] G Kishan Reddy
[C] Rao Inderjit Singh
[D] Jitendra Singh
Answer: G Kishan Reddy
The Government of India has decided to form a committee to protect the language, culture and land of
Ladakh.
The Committee will be headed by the Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy. It will also include
elected representatives from Ladakh, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, central
government, and the Ladakh administration.
86. In the Spectrum Auction beginning this March, the airwaves of which type of spectrum are to be
sold?
[A] 2G
[B] 3G
[C] 4G
[D] 5G
Answer: 4G
As per the notification from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Government will start
bidding for the next round of spectrum auction from March 1.
During the auction, airwaves of the 4G spectrum in seven bands ranging from 700 MHz to 2500 MHz,
worth Rs 3.92 lakh crore will be auctioned. Leading Telecom companies including Reliance Jio and Airtel
are expected to take part.
87. The Rewari-Madar section, which was recently inaugurated, is a part of which Industrial
corridor?
[A] Western Dedicated Freight Corridor
[B] Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor
[C] North-South Dedicated Freight Corridor
[D] East Coast Dedicated Freight Corridor
Answer: Western Dedicated Freight Corridor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Rewari-Madar section, which is a part of the Western
Dedicated Freight Corridor.
The Rewari-Madar section is situated in Haryana and Rajasthan. It consists of nine newly-built Dedicated
Freight Corridor stations. With this launch, several industries in the region will enjoy seamless
connectivity.
88. As per the recent statement of the NITI Aayog, which country is the biggest gainer after the
pandemic economic situation?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] United States
[D] Russia
Answer: China
As per the Experts of the NITI Aayog, China is the biggest gainer in the post-pandemic economic
situation globally.
The experts also opined that the economic recovery for India is likely to be slow. They told the standing
committee of finance that several manufacturing units should move out of China and shift to India in the
upcoming years.
89. Which organisation releases the World Food Price Index?
[A] UNICEF
[B] FAO
[C] WWF
[D] WFP
Answer: FAO
The United Nations food agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization releases the World Food Price
Index.
As per the latest edition, the World food prices increased for a seventh consecutive month in December
at 107.5 points against 105.2 in November. All major categories of the food index recorded rise, except
sugar.
90. Who is the Chairperson of the academic advisory council, recently set up by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI)?
[A] B P Kanungo
[B] R Gandhi
[C] N S Vishwanathan
[D] Urjit Patel
Answer: N S Vishwanathan
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up an academic advisory council to advise the full-time director
of the RBI’s College of Supervisors (CoS).
Former RBI Deputy Governor N S Vishwanathan has been named the chairperson of the council. This
move aims to strengthen supervision over regulated entities and supervisory skills among its regulatory
and supervisory staff.
91. ‘Basaveshwara’ is a famous statesman-saint of which Indian state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Karnataka
Basavanna also called as ‘Basaveshwara’ was a 12th-century statesman, Lingayat saint during the reign
of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty. He is considered a famous icon of the Lingayat community in
Karnataka.
Recently, the Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa laid the foundation stone for the Rs 500-crore
project ‘New Anubhava Mantapa’ in Basavakalyan. It is considered as the place where the philosopher
lived.
92. ‘Dheeiyan Di Lohri’ and ‘BASERA’ are the recently launched scheme of which Indian state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Punjab
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Answer: Punjab
The Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh announces several welfare schemes for the
state.
He also dedicated the January month to girl child through ‘Dheeiyan Di Lohri’ programme. He also
announced to provide free sanitary pads for girl students of high schools and colleges. ‘BASERA’
scheme was also announced for slum dwellers.
93. ‘Fatah-1’, which was successfully tested, is the indigenous Rocket system of which country?
[A] UAE
[B] Israel
[C] Pakistan
[D] Afghanistan
Answer: Pakistan
Pakistan has successfully conducted the test-flight of an indigenously developed Guided Multi Launch
Rocket System.
Named as ‘Fatah-1’, the system is capable of hitting targets up to a range of 140 km. The Guided Multi
Launch Rocket System can deliver conventional warheads with utmost precision, as per the Army
sources of the country.
94. Justice Hima Kohli sworn in as the first woman chief Justice of which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Answer: Telangana
Justice Hima Kohli became the first woman Chief Justice of Telangana High Court when she sworn in, in
the presence of Governor of the state.
She was earlier serving as a Delhi High Court judge, prior to this promotion. She had also served as the
Standing Counsel and Legal Advisor to the New Delhi Municipal Council. The present Chief Justice of
Telangana Raghavendra Singh Chowhan is transferred to Uttarakhand High Court.
95. Which country is to chair the Taliban and Libya sanctions committees and the Counter-Terrorism
Committee of UNSC?
[A] United States
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Sweden
Answer: India
India has been asked to chair three important committees in the UN Security Council. India has just
begun its two-year tenure as non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Council.
The Taliban Sanctions Committee (also known as the 1988 Sanctions Committee), the Libya Sanctions
Committee (also called the 1970 Sanctions Committee) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee are the
crucial committees.
96. ‘Pioneers’ is a programme of which country’s space agency?
[A] India
[B] UK
[C] USA
[D] Germany
Answer: USA
The Pioneers Program was started by US space agency NASA in 2020, which aims to research on
astrophysics science using smaller hardware.
Recently, NASA has approved four small-scale astrophysics missions as a part of the Pioneers Program.
The concepts include small satellites named Aspera, Pandora and StarBurst and a balloon mission
named PUEO. These missions will help study about cosmic phenomena.
97. The President has promulgated an ordinance to merge the officers of which cadre with AGMUT
cadre?
[A] Assam and Meghalaya
[B] Manipur and Tripura
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Delhi and Puducherry
Answer: Jammu & Kashmir
The President of India has promulgated an an ordinance to amend J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, to
merge the Jammu and Kashmir cadre IAS, IPS and IFS officers with that of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa,
Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT).
This step will allow the officers posted in these states and UTs to work in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir
and vice versa.
98. Which is the first Indian airline to use robotic technology to disinfect aircraft interiors?
[A] Vistara
[B] Air India Express
[C] Spice Jet
[D] IndiGo
Answer: Air India Express
The Air India Express has become the first airline in India to use robotic technology to clean and
disinfect the interiors of aircrafts.
It used an ultraviolet Robotic device, fitted with UV disinfection lamping system to disinfect its Boeing
737-800 aircraft. This technology was launched in India in association with ground handling agency
AISATS.
99. Who is the Chairperson of the advisory council set up by RBI to manage the Payments
Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF)?
[A] Usha Thorat
[B] B P Kanungo
[C] R Gandhi
[D] N S Vishwanathan
Answer: B P Kanungo
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced operational guidelines for the Payments Infrastructure
Development Fund (PIDF) scheme.
It aims to aimed to promote usage of more digital payments infrastructure across tier-3 to tier-6 centres.
It also constituted an advisory council under the chairmanship of Deputy Governor B.P. Kanungo to
manage the fund.
100. As per the recent announcement of the Lok Sabha speaker, which campaign is to be undertaken
in schools and colleges?
[A] Know your MLA
[B] Know your MP
[C] Know your constituency
[D] Know your Constitution
Answer: Know your Constitution
The Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recently chaired the event organised by the Uttarakhand Panchayati raj
department.
During the occasion, he announced that the Central Government would soon undertake a campaign
named “know your Constitution” in schools, colleges and universities across the country. It aims to
create awareness about various aspects of the Constitution.
101. Trade Policy Review (TPR), which was making news recently, is associated with which
organisation?
[A] World Bank
[B] WTO
[C] IMF
[D] FAO
Answer: WTO
Trade Policy Review (TPR) is a mechanism under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), in which trade
and related policies of members are examined, to improve compliance to its rules.
Recently, India’s seventh Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the WTO concluded in Geneva. India's previous
TPR was conducted in the year 2015. India backed a set of measures to increase manufacturing
capacity and timely availability of new diagnostics and vaccines for Covid-19.
102. IREDA, which was making news recently, is an organisation under which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[C] Ministry of Communication
Answer: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) is a Mini Ratna company under the
administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Recently, IREDA has signed an agreement with the Power Ministry’s PSU, NHPC Limited, to collaborate in
renewable energy (RE) projects. IREDA will also provide knowledge and technology transfer, and
consultancy services.
103. Which institution revealed that over half of Indian Army personnel are under severe stress?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] United Service Institution of India
[C] Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
[D] Centre for Policy Research
Answer: United Service Institution of India
United Service Institution of India (USI) is a security and defence service think tank based in New Delhi.
As per the recent study of the think tank, over half of Indian Army personnel are under severe stress. It
also revealed that the Army has been losing more personnel due to suicides, fratricides and other
incidents than in situations of enemy or terrorist activities.
104. The Embassy of which country has appointed a Honorary Consul in the North-Eastern region?
[A] Japan
[B] Singapore
[C] Israel
[D] Thailand
Answer: Israel
The Embassy of Israel in India has appointed Joyshree Das Verma as Honorary Consul in the North-
eastern region.
With an aim to increase the collaboration with India, the country’s embassy has made this appointment,
with jurisdiction over eight states, namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim.
105. As per the recent Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which businessperson is the richest person in
the world?
[A] Elon Musk
[B] Warren Buffet
[C] Bill Gates
[D] Larry Page
Answer: Elon Musk
As per the recent Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is the richest person in the
world, with a net worth of USD 188.5 billion
He has overtaken the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on the index, which is a ranking of the world’s 500
wealthiest people. Last year, the share price of Tesla surged by over 700% after consistent profits and
inclusion in S&P 500 Index.
106. Which Indian state/UT launched a mobile application named ‘Satark Nagrik’?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Gujarat
[D] Bihar
Answer: Jammu & Kashmir
The Lieutenant General of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha launched a mobile application
named ‘Satark Nagrik’.
The application aims to enable citizens submit their grievances related to corruption and communicate
the information about corruption faster. He also launched the Departmental Vigilance Officers (DVO)
Portal.
107. The first edition of National Youth Parliament Festival was held in which year?
[A] 2015
[B] 2017
[C] 2019
[D] 2020
Answer: 2019
The first National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) was organised in February 2019 at District, State
and National levels.
The second edition of the festival was launched in the month of December 2020. After District and
State-level events, the final event was held recently Central Hall of Parliament. Youth between 18 to 25
years will speak before the National jury and out of them, three will be declared winners.
108. The LiDAR survey was started for which high speed rail project, from Noida?
[A] Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor
[B] Delhi-Patna High-Speed Rail Corridor
[C] Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor
[D] Chennai-Bengaluru High Speed Rail Corridor
Answer: Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor
The Light Detection and Ranging Survey (LiDAR) for Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail (DVHSR) Corridor
was recently started from Greater Noida.
Under the survey, a helicopter is fitted with the Aerial LiDAR and imagery sensors. The first flight
captured the data and details related to ground survey in three-four months. The survey uses 60-
megapixel cameras, to capture minute details.
109. 'Bhraman Sarathi' buses were recently launched by which Indian state/UT?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Assam
[D] Bihar
Answer: Assam
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inagurated 25 pink buses for free and dedicated service to
women and senior citizens.
Named as the 'Bhraman Sarathi' scheme, this free transport service has been introduced by the Assam
State Transport Corporation (ASTC), for the first time in Guwahati.
110. The United States has recently announced to lift the restrictions imposed on which country?
[A] Vietnam
[B] China
[C] Taiwan
[D] Switzerland
Answer: Taiwan
The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the State Department is lifting
longstanding restrictions with Taiwan.
With this, all restrictions on how U.S. diplomats and other officials communicate with their counterparts
in Taiwan. This step seeks to strengthen bilateral relations of the U.S. with Taiwan.
111. Which country raised USD 1 billion to fund Covid-19 vaccination campaigns in developing
countries?
[A] United States
[B] Germany
[C] France
[D] United Kingdom
Answer: United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has raised USD 1 billion from global donors to fund COVID-19 vaccination
campaigns in developing countries.
This fund is including the USD 744.5 million of the pledged UK aid, with the remaining fund from global
donors, under COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). It aims to distribute one billion doses of
coronavirus vaccines to 92 developing countries.
112. Storm Filomena, which was making news, has hit which country?
[A] France
[B] Italy
[C] Spain
[D] Australia
Answer: Spain
The Storm Filomena hit Spain and has brought one of the heaviest snowfall in decades, across the
central regions of Spain killing four people.
The Government is to send COVID-19 vaccine and food supplies to the areas cut off by the storm. As the
temperatures are expected to fall to up to minus 10 degree Celsius, more dangerous situations are
forecasted.
113. The DRDO handed over its ‘Landing gear systems for unmanned aerial vehicles’, to which
armed force?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Answer: Indian Navy
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over its ‘Landing gear
systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)’ to the Indian Navy.
The retractable landing gear systems for the TAPAS UAV and landing gear system to the SWiFT UAV
have been indigenously built by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment
(CVRDE), Avadi, a unit of the DRDO.
114. A new species of which insect has been recently named after Siruvani, an ecological hotspot in
the Western Ghats?
[A] Fruit Fly
[B] Spider
[C] Honey Bee
[D] Beetle
Answer: Fruit Fly
A new species of fruit fly which was discovered from Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu has been named
after Siruvani.
Siruvani is considered as an ecological hotspot in the Western Ghats. The fruit fly ‘Euphranta siruvani’,
which is the new addition to the list of 104 known species across the world and 14 species across India.
The new fruit fly has a unique ‘V’ shaped black band on the wing.
115. Which is the second Indian company to reach the market capitalisation of Rs 12 lakh crore?
[A] RIL
[B] HDFC
[C] TCS
[D] ICICI
Answer: TCS
The market capitalisation of Tata Consultancy Services has recently touched Rs 12 lakh crore, after the
company poster its strongest growth in third-quarter.
The profits of the company increased by 7.1 per cent on a year-on-year basis. Reliance Industries (RIL)
became the first Indian company to achieve this feat of Rs 12 lakh crore m-cap, in July 2020.
116. 'Prarambh', which was making news recently, is a summit related to which scheme?
[A] Khelo India
[B] Start-Up India
[C] Ayushman Bharat
[D] PM Awas Yojana
Answer: Start-Up India
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is
to organise ‘Prarambh’ - Startup India International Summit, on 15 and 16 January 2021 in a virtual
format.
The summit is expected to bring together top policy makers, academia, industry, start-ups and
innovators from around the world.
117. What is the rank of India in the ‘Digital Evolution Scorecard’, prepared jointly by Mastercard?
[A] Second
[B] Fourth
[C] Sixth
[D] Eighth
Answer: Fourth
The ‘Digital Evolution Scorecard’ is developed by Fletcher School, Tufts University in partnership with
Mastercard.
In the recently released third edition of the index, India is ranked fourth among the ‘Break Out
Economies’, which means the countries that are digitalising very fast. China leads the index with high
demand and innovation.
118. Siruvani hills, which has been identified as a butterfly super-hotspot, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Tamil Nadu
After a six-year study conducted by ‘The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS)’, the Siruvani hills in the
state of Tamil Nadu has been identified as a butterfly super-hotspot.
240 out of the total 325 species found in Tamil Nadu, are from the hills between 2015 and 2020. As per
TNBS, if 25% of the state checklist species are found in a single area, it can be identified as a hotspot.
Here around 74 per cent of the total species is found in the hills, from six families.
119. Which country’s space agency is to test fire the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful
rocket ever built?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] United States
[D] Germany
The U.S space agency NASA is set to ignite the most powerful rocket it's ever built on January 17, 2021.
This is also the first test-fire of the Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket ship to be used for non-
commercial human space flight. It is the core system of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land a
man-woman duo on the moon. The SLS can carry over 27 tons to the moon.
120. What is ‘Khadi Prakritik’, which was making news recently?
[A] Fabric
[B] Foot-wear
[C] Sanitiser
[D] Paint
Answer: Paint
Khadi Prakritik Paint is the first-of-its-kind paint product, which has been developed by the Khadi and
Village Industries Commission.
It is an eco-friendly, non-toxic paint which is also claimed to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
properties. The paint is based on cow dung as its main ingredient and has been certified by Bureau of
Indian Standards.

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