Current Affairs Jan 2020 part 1

Current Affairs Jan 2020 part 1.

This is the effort of The Boss Academy to provide high quality study materials & model question papers for all competitive Nursing exams. Utilize our small effort & share to others to brighten Nursing profession. And we welcome your most valuable suggestions to improve our services & help us to do it best way to spread knowledge, skills & power.

Current Affairs Jan 2020

PDF link is there at the end of this page

1.Who is the Director General of Aeronautical Systems in DRDO and is also known as Missile Woman of India?

 [A] Dr.Tessy Thomas

 [B] Ritu Karidhal

[C] Muthiah Vanitha

[D] Anuradha T K

Correct Answer: A

The renowned Indian scientist and Director General of Aeronautical Systems, DRDO, Dr.Tessy Thomas was the Chief Guest of the Women Science Congress, held at Bengaluru. It was a part of the ongoing 107th Indian Science Congress. Tessy Thomas was the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India, when she was the Project Director of India’s Agni-IV missile.

2. Nankana Sahib Gurdwara, recently seen in news is situated in which country?

[A] India

 [B] Pakistan

 [C] Nepal

[D] Bhutan

 Correct Answer: B

The Nankana Sahib Gurdwara is a highly revered gurdwara located in the city of Nankana Sahib near Lahore in Pakistan. The gurdwara is built at the place where the first Sikh Guru was believed to born and preached Sikhism. It is also called as the Janam Asthan Gurdwara. It is seen in news recently as there was a severe mob attack and vandalism in the Gurdwara.

3. Which famous Indian cricketer recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket?

[A] Irfan Pathan

[B] Yusuf Pathan

[C] Bhuvanesh Kumar

[D] R Ashwin

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Irfan Pathan]

Notes:

The ace Indian all-rounder and bowler famous for his swings, Irfan Pathan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket recently. Irfan made his debut in 2003 when he was only 19 years old. In his professional cricket career spanning 16 years, he made several records including the hat-trick wicket in the first over of the test match. Irfan was also a part of the winning team of the 2007 T20 World cup.

4. Australia recently witnessed which disaster that killed many lives and caused huge destruction?

[A] Flood

[B] Cyclone

[C] Wild fires

[D] Tsunami

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Wild fires]

Notes:

Australia recently witnessed severe wild fires that killed nearly 25 people and destroyed several homes across the country. More than hundred bush fires were burning in New South Wales and they could not be controlled. Several million animals are also reported to be killed by the severity of bush fires. Scientists have cited Global warming to be the reason of this early and devastating wild fires.

5. Which state will have the country’s first rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles?

[A] Madhya Pradesh

[B] Bihar

[C] Chhattisgarh

[D] Odisha

Correct Answer: B [Bihar]

Notes:

India’s first rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles will be inaugurated in the Bhagalpur forest division of Bihar. The centre, which is to be open soon can accommodate 500 turtles at a time. The forest division is near to the river Ganga, which makes it a perfect breeding area for freshwater turtles. The turtles are abducted and hurt by smugglers will be rescued by the team of the rehabilitation centre and will be provided proper treatment.

6. Which country received a line of credit (LOC) of $75 million from India, for installation of solar parks?

[A] Argentina

[B] Chile

[C] Cuba

[D] Brazil

Correct Answer: C [Cuba]

Notes:

India has extended a line of credit (LOC) of $75 million through its Exim Bank to Cuba for financing solar parks. An MoU was signed between the Export- Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and the nominated agency of Cuban Government, Banco Exterior De Cuba last year. Based on the agreement, the Exim bank extends the finance, which is nearly Rs.500 Crores. With this credit, 75 MW Solar Parks are to be installed in Cuba in the next five years.

7. Common Service Centre (CSC) recently partnered with which bank for sale of FASTags?

[A] Airtel Payment Bank

[B] Paytm Payment Bank

[C] State Bank of India

[D] Equitas Bank

Correct Answer: B [Paytm Payment Bank]

Notes:

The Common Service Centre (CSC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Paytm Payment Bank Ltd (PPBL) for selling digital toll payment tags called FASTags. CSC will integrate its platform with that of the bank to sell the PPBL FASTags. The digital tags are made mandatory to be fixed in all vehicles from December last year. The Common Service Centres sell the FASTags through its Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Earlier CSCs had integrated with State Bank of India, Equitas Bank and HDFC Bank for sale of FASTags.

8. ArogyaSri Scheme, which is an initiative to provide free medical treatment to the poor, is the flagship scheme of which state?

[A] Telengana

[B] Andhra Pradesh

[C] Kerala

[D] Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]

Notes:

ArogyaSri Scheme is the flagship scheme of Andhra Pradesh Government is an initiative to provide free medical treatment to the poor. Named as Dr. YSR ArogyaSri scheme, the scheme is available to people with annual income up to Rs. 5 Lakhs. The people will be given cards with QR codes and they can use it for availing treatment above Rs.1000. Under the scheme, several super-speciality hospitals are to be included in the network and various medicines are to be made available in the state government run hospitals.

9. Which film won the ‘Best Motion picture- drama’ award in the Golden Globe awards 2020?

[A] Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

[B] 1917

[C] Missing Link

[D] Parasite

Correct Answer: B [1917]

Notes:

The movie titled ‘1917’ bagged the ‘Best Motion picture- drama’ in the recently released Golden Globe awards 2020. The movie was released in December 2019 and was co-written and directed by Sam Mendes, who also won the ‘Best Director’ award in the ceremony. The film is based on the World War I in 1917 and two British soldiers in the war. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman featured in the film in the lead roles.

10. Which famous actor won the ‘Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama’ award in the Golden Globe awards 2020?

[A] George MacKay

[B] Dean-Charles Chapman

[C] Joaquin Phoenix

[D] Brad Pitt

Correct Answer: C [Joaquin Phoenix]

Notes:

For his commended performance in the movie ‘Joker’, American actor Joaquin Phoenix won the ‘Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama’ award in the Golden Globe awards 2020. The Joker movie was nominated in four categories in the ceremony and won two awards namely Best Actor (Drama) and Best Original Score. Joker is a psychological thriller film which was directed by Todd Philips. The movie was released in October 2019 and created records by collecting revenues in box offices world-wide.

11. Qassim Soleimani ,who was killed in the US air strike was the Military Commander of which country?

[A] Iraq

[B] Iran

[C] Israel

[D] Syria

Correct Answer: B [Iran]

Notes:

The powerful Military Commander of Iran, General Qassim Soleimani was killed in the air strike conducted by the United States. The President of the US is said to have ordered a drone attack on the vehicles, in which the Iran military personnel were travelling near the Bhagdad Airport. Another commander and adviser to Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis was also killed in the attack. Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

12. Manav Thakkar, who is in news recently, is a famous personality of which sports?

[A] Badminton

[B] Tennis

[C] Table Tennis

[D] Squash

Correct Answer: C [Table Tennis]

Notes:

The 19-year-old Table Tennis player of India, Manav Thakkar is in news as he reached the top position in the latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings in Under-21 men’s single category. This coveted rank could be achieved after he won the Under-21 men’s singles title at the ITTF Challenge Plus North American Open last year. Manav is only the fourth Indian to become World No.1 in the ITTF rankings.

13. When is the World Braille day celebrated every year?

[A] January 2

[B] January 3

[C] January 4

[D] January 5

Correct Answer: C [January 4]

Notes:

The World Braille Day is celebrated across the world on the 4th day of January. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in November 2018, to announce January 4 as World Braille Day. Following the proclamation, the day has been observed since 2019. According to the  World Health Organization, there are 36 million blind people and 216 million people with moderate to severe visual impairment. Invented by Louis Braille, Braille is a representation of letters and number using six dots, which could be interpreted by the visually impaired.

14. Raisina Dialogue is an annual multi-lateral conference organized by which Ministry?

[A] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

[B] Ministry of External Affairs

[C] Ministry of Finance

[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Correct Answer: B [Ministry of External Affairs]

Notes:

The Raisina Dialogue is an annual joint conference organized since 2016, by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the leading think-tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF).  The conference hosts various global leaders from all sectors to discuss the challenges faced by the global community. The title of this year’s event is ‘Navigating the Alpha Century’ and will be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi. The Australian Prime Minister who was expected to be the key speaker cancelled his participation recently after severe bush fires in his country.

15. The first silk processing plant of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is set up in which state, to boost production of Patola sarees?

[A] Maharashtra

[B] Gujarat

[C] Rajasthan

[D] Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]

Notes:

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) inaugurated their first silk processing plant at Surendranagar district in Gujarat. The Patola is a trademark saree variety of Gujarat. It is regarded as a royal attire as it is priced very high. The reason for high price is the non-availability of processing plants in Gujarat. The silk yarn required to weave the saree is usually purchased from other states. This new plant set up by KVIC would cut down the price of silk yarn and boost production of Patola sarees.

16. The Transport Department of which state recently launched a helpline for women called ‘Damini’?

[A] Uttar Pradesh

[B] Uttarakhand

[C] Maharashtra

[D] Rajasthan

Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]

Notes:

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) launched a helpline for women called ‘Damini’, to improve the safety of women in public road transport. The helpline number subscribed for this scheme is ‘81142-77777’, which will have both calling and Whatsapp service. The helpline will be handled by women officers at the headquarters and zonal offices of UPSRTC, which will be operational from 9 am to 6 pm daily. This scheme is launched as a part of the Central Government initiative of ‘Nirbhaya Scheme’.

17. Which is the first country to ban sun screens, that are toxic to coral reefs and sea life?

[A] Palau

[B] Philippines

[C] Taiwan

[D] Papua New Guinea

Correct Answer: A [Palau]

Notes:

Palau, a small island nation in the West Pacific Ocean imposed a ban on sun screens that contain chemicals affecting the coral reefs and other aquatic species. The step is also taken to conserve its Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sun cream with the toxic chemicals including oxybenzone, will not be permitted to be used or sold in the country. Palau is a famous destination among international tourists and is mainly acclaimed for its coral reefs.

18. Which Indian city hosts the All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2019?

[A] Guwahati

[B] Cuttack

[C] New Delhi

[D] Goa

Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]

Notes:

The Central Reserve Police Force organised the 4th edition of the All India Police Judo Cluster Championship in New Delhi. The event will be held from January 4 to January 7, 2020. More than thousand sportspersons across the country are participating in the tournament. The event was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai. The previous edition of the championship was organized by the Odisha Police.

19. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Academy is to be established in which city?

[A] Mussoorie

[B] Dehradun

[C] Nagpur

[D] Hyderabad

Correct Answer: C [Nagpur]

Notes:

The foundation of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Academy was recently laid in Nagpur, Maharashtra by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He also inaugurated a campus of the Nagpur based National Fire Service College. The NDRF Academy, once completed will contain state-of-the-art infrastructure to simulate disasters and provide training to the personnel in various rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force, a dedicated force for disaster response related operations was constituted in the year 2006.

20. Ratna Ojha, who recently passed away was a theatre artist and activist of which state?

[A] Odisha

[B] Meghalaya

[C] Assam

[D] West Bengal

Correct Answer: C [Assam]

Notes:

Veteran Theatre artist and Social Activist of Assam, Ratna Ojha passed away at Guwahati. He played an instrumental role in reviving the theatre play movement of the state. He had also actively participated and addressed demonstrations in several social issues of the country including those against Citizenship amendment act. For his great contribution towards the theatre art, he was honoured with the ‘Natasurya Award’ by the Assam Government.

21. The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated five Young Scientists Labs of which organisation?

[A] Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO

[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO

[C] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC

[D] Department of Atomic Energy, DAE

Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO]

Notes:

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi recently launched five new defence laboratories called DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories (DYSL) for the Defence Research and Development Organisation from Bengaluru, Karnataka. The labs will operate from five Indian cities, namely Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkatta. They will focus on developing new and innovative defence technologies for our country and thus enhance our self reliance in the field.

22. Which state has recently declared 2020 as the year of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and has signed MoUs with tech firms for AI research?

[A] Andhra Pradesh

[B] Telengana

[C] Odisha

[D] Assam

Correct Answer: B [Telengana]

Notes:

 Recently, Telengana Government organised an event to declare the year 2020 as the year of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the event, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with several technological firms and institutions for development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research in the state. As per the partnerships, a Centre for Research in Applied Artificial Intelligence (CRiAA) and a Research & Development (R&D) park will be soon set up in Telengana.

23. According to the recent data from the Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC), what is the total number of tiger deaths occurred in India during 2019?

[A] 95

[B] 100

[C] 105

[D] 110

Correct Answer: A [95]

Notes:

According to the recent data from the Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the total number of tiger deaths was under 100 after three years. In the year 2019, 95 tigers were dead in total, among them 84 tigers were actually dead and 11 of them were presumed dead by identifying their body parts. In the previous year 2018, there were 100 deaths of tigers in total and in 2017, the count was 115.

24. David Stern who passed away recently was the Commissioner of which famous Sports league?

[A] Formula 1, F1

[B] National Basketball Association, NBA

[C] Major League Baseball, MLB

[D] National Hockey League, NHL

Correct Answer: B [National Basketball Association, NBA]

Notes:

A famous figure among the basketball Community David Stern passed away recently. He served as the Commissioner of National Basketball Association, NBA from 1984 to 2014. He also made a record of being the longest serving Commissioner of a major league. He played a crucial role in broadening the scope of NBA in the international arena and making it popular and successful.  The Women’s National Basketball Association was founded under his leadership.

25. Sunita Lakra, who announced her retirement recently, is a famous Indian player of which Sports?

[A] Tennis

[B] Badminton

[C] Hockey

[D] Cricket

Correct Answer: C [Hockey]

Notes:

Former Indian Hockey team captain and the team’s defender Sunita Lakra recently announced her retirement from International Hockey citing her knee injuries. In the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, India bagged the second place under her captaincy. She was also a part of the Indian team that participated in the Rio Olympics, 2016. Though she could not participate in Tokyo Olympics, Sunita will hopefully return to play domestic Hockey after her knee surgery.

26. Which state has recently announced a scheme to deliver sand to customer’s doorstep from January 2, 2020?

[A] Odisha

[B] Maharashtra

[C] Andhra Pradesh

[D] Kerala

Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]

Notes:

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh recently announced that it would deliver sand to the customer’s doorstep. The scheme was launched as a pilot project in the Krishna District and would be expanded to other districts as well. The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) would be the implementing agency of the delivery scheme. The state recently launched the new sand policy in September 2019 and has been taking various steps to curb illegal sand trade.

27. Umaro Cissoko Embalo was recently elected as the President of which country?

[A] Gambia

[B] Senegal

[C] Guinea-Bissau

[D] Guinea

Correct Answer: C [Guinea-Bissau]

Notes:

Former Prime Minister and Army General of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Cissoko Embalo recently won in the second round of the presidential elections of the country. Jose Mario Vaz is the incumbent President of the country, who failed to win in the first round elections held earlier. Umaro Embalo, served as the Prime Minister under the presidency of Jose Mario Vaz from 2016 to 2018. Guinea-Bissau is a country in West Africa, which gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

28. Who was recently presented with the ‘Lokmanya Tilak National Journalism Award‘?

[A] Ravish Kumar

[B] Arnabh Goswami

[C] Shekar Gupta

[D] Sanjay Gupta

Correct Answer: D [Sanjay Gupta]

Notes:

Sanjay Gupta, the Chief Editor of the leading Hindi daily, ‘Jagran’ was recently honoured with the ‘Lokmanya Tilak National Journalism Award’. This award was instituted by the Pune based Kesari-Maratha Trust for recognising the contributions made by individuals in the field of journalism. The award will be presented at the event organised to commemorate the Foundation day of ‘Kesari’, the newspaper started by famous freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak.

29. What is the new integrated helpline number of the Indian Railways, launched recently?

[A] 138

[B] 139

[C] 1071

[D] 1072

Correct Answer: B [139]

Notes:

The Indian Railways has recently launched an integrated helpline number ‘139’ for its passengers by merging several other existing helpline numbers. The only other number which can still be used is ‘182’, which is the helpline number for assistance related to theft and criminal issues. This new helpline 139 is based on Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) and is made available in 12 languages. The number can be even dialled from basic phones.

30. What is the annual financial assistance given to eligible farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme?

[A] Rs. 10000

[B] Rs. 8000

[C] Rs. 6000

[D] Rs. 5000

Correct Answer: C [Rs. 6000]

Notes:

The 3rd installment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM- KISAN) scheme was released by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in Tumakuru, Karnataka. This latest installment is expected to benefit nearly six crore beneficiaries. The PM- KISAN scheme was launched by the Prime Minister on February 2019 to provide financial assistance of Rs.6000 per year to eligible farmers in three installments of Rs.2000 each. The payment of second installment began from April 2019.

31. On January 2, 2020, Prakash Parv was celebrated as birth anniversary of which Sikh Guru?

[A] Guru Harkrishan Sahib

[B] Guru Har Rai

[C] Guru Gobind Singh

[D] Guru Teg Bahadur

Correct Answer: C [Guru Gobind Singh]

Notes:

The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh was celebrated across the country and many parts of the world on January 2, 2020. The birth anniversary of a Sikh Guru is also called as “Prakash Parv”. As per the traditional Sikh calendar (Nanakshahi) , birthday of Guru Gobind Singh falls on January 2, this year (Though he was born on 5 January 1666 by Gregorian Calendar). Guru Gobind Singh was named as the tenth Sikh guru, at the age of 9, after the ninth Guru and his father Guru Teg Bahadur was killed.

32. Which country was the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India during the first half of the financial year 2019-2020?

[A] UAE

[B] Switzerland

[C] Singapore

[D] USA

Correct Answer: C [Singapore]

Notes:

According to the recently released Government data, Singapore remains the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India during the first half of the financial year with investments amounting to $8 billion. The second largest source was Mauritius with $6.36 billion worth investments followed by the United States, the Netherlands and Japan. India remains as one of the world’s favourite FDI destinations during this year. FDI limits in coal mining and contract manufacturing were recently relaxed by the Government.

33. ISRO is to set up its second launch port in Tamilnadu for SSLV. What does SSLV stand for?

[A] Space Satellite Launch Vehicle

[B] Speed Satellite Launch Vehicle

[C] Small Satellite Launch Vehicle

[D] Solar Satellite Launch Vehicle

Correct Answer: C [Small Satellite Launch Vehicle]

Notes:

The Indian Space Research Organisation is to set up its second launch port in Thoothukodi district of southern Tamilnadu. The Government of Tamilnadu will arrange nearly 2300 acres of land for the construction of the launch centre. The proposed launch port will mainly handle the Small Satellite Launch vehicle (SSLV), which is under development. SSLVs will be used to carry a payload of up to 500 kg and are expected to be deployed in the first half of 2020.

34. What is the estimated cost of the new Chandrayaan -3 project, as per the announcement of ISRO?

[A] Rs. 600 Crore

[B] Rs. 500 Crore

[C] Rs. 400 Crore

[D] Rs. 300 Crore.

Correct Answer: A [Rs. 600 Crore]

Notes:

The Indian Space Research Organisation has recently confirmed the country’s third mission to the moon, named Chandrayaan-3. The Government has approved the project of Chandrayaan-3 and the estimated cost of the project would be more than Rs.600 Crores as announced by the Chairman of ISRO, K Sivan. As per his statement, the new soft-landing mission project is expected to be launched at the end of this year or during early 2021.

35. Which satellite would be launched on January 17, 2020 as the first satellite of the year 2020?

[A] GSAT-30

[B] GSAT 29

[C] GSAT 17

[D] GSAT 11

Correct Answer: A [GSAT-30]

Notes:

As per the recent announcement of the Chairman of ISRO, India will launch GSAT 30, a heavy geo-stationary communication satellite on January 17, 2020.  This mission would be the first satellite of the year 2020 for India. The satellite will be launched using Ariane-5ECA launch vehicle from Kourou space centre in French Guiana. The satellite will be used to provide communication links to government and private service providers.

36. Who was recently reappointed as the Chairman of Railway Board?

[A] Vinod Kumar Yadav

[B] Rajesh Agrawal

[C] Purnendu Sekhar Mishra

[D] Vishwesh Chaube

Correct Answer: A [Vinod Kumar Yadav]

Notes:

The incumbent Chairman of Railway Board, Vinod Kumar Yadav recently assumed office as the Chairman after his reappointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet. He was appointed as the Chairman for the first term on January 2019. Recently the Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Railway board and the merger of several cadres in the administration. A new post of CEO was also created during the restructuring exercise.

37. What is the name of the award to be given to the states for good agricultural production, by the Prime Minister?

[A] Krishi Samman

[B] Krishi Samridhi

[C] Krishi Karman

[D] Krishi Keerthi

Correct Answer: C [Krishi Karman]

Notes:

The Prime Minister is expected to present the Krishi Karman awards during a function in Karnataka, to 21 states, for their excellent performance in agriculture production. The Krishi Karman award was instituted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare in the year 2010-2011 to recognise the efforts of states in food grain production. Awards are given on the basis of highest total food grain production and highest individual food grain crop production.

38. Which city is host to the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC)?

[A] New Delhi

[B] Lucknow

[C] Kolkatta

[D] Bengaluru

Correct Answer: D [Bengaluru]

Notes:

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka from January 3 to 7, 2020.The theme of the five-day event will be ‘Science and technology: rural development’. The congress would also host various programmes like Women Science Congress, Children Science Congress, Science Communicators Meet and Farmer’s Science Congress.

39. Who received the famous ‘Sangita Kalanithi’ award of the Music Academy, recently?

[A] S. Sowmya

[B] Sudha Ragunathan

[C] Bombay Jeyashree

[D] Aruna Sairam

Correct Answer: A [S. Sowmya]

Notes:

The leading Carnatic vocalist S.Sowmya was selected for the ‘Sangita Kalanithi’ award instituted by the Music Academy and recently received the award. Sowmya, a recipient of various awards and titles in her music career, is a visiting faculty at the Madras Advanced School of Carnatic Music, run by the Music Academy. She also serves as the member of the Academic Council of the Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University.

40. After Indore at first rank, which cities ranked second and third (in first quarter) in Swachh Survekshan League, 2020, released recently?

[A] Ahmedabad and Jaipur

[B] Gurugram and Bengaluru

[C] Pune and Bhubaneswar

[D] Bhopal and Surat

Correct Answer: D [Bhopal and Surat]

Notes:

The result of Swachh Survekshan League 2020 was recently released by the Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri for the first and second Quarters of this year. Under the category of cities with 10 lakh plus population, Indore topped in both the first and second quarters. The famous city of Madhya Pradesh, Indore was also the topper of the league in the previous year. Bhopal and Surat were ranked second and third in the first quarter respectively and Rajkot and Navi Mumbai in the second quarter.

41. The agreement on the prohibition of attack against nuclear installations and facilities was signed in 1988 between which two countries?

[A] US and USSR

[B] USSR and China

[C] India and Pakistan

[D] India and USSR

Correct Answer: C [India and Pakistan]

Notes:

On 1st January each year, India and Pakistan exchange a list of their nuclear installations in accordance with the Agreement on the Prohibition of attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. This agreement prohibits both the countries from attacking each other’s atomic facilities.

42. From which Indian organization, the four personnel have been selected for training in Russia for the Gaganyaan Mission, that is going to be launched in 2022?

[A] ISRO

[B] IAF

[C] MARCOS

[D] Indian Navy

Correct Answer: B [IAF]

Notes:

Recently, four men from Indian Air Force have been identified for Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission to space. They will undertake astronauts’ training in Russia. Gaganyaan is a crewed orbital spacecraft intended to send astronauts into space for a minimum of 7 days by 2022 as a part of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

43. Who will launch the “Earthshot Prize” to motivate new solution to tackle climate crisis?

[A] Duke of Cambridge

[B] Queen Elizabeth II

[C] Duke of Sussex

[D] Prince of Wales

Correct Answer: A [Duke of Cambridge]

Notes:

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge will launch the environmental prize called the Earthshot. The multi-million pound award will be given to five winners each year for the next 10 years, starting from 2021. Its aim is to provide at least 50 solutions to the world’s greatest problems by 2030.

44. Who will be the head of the recently created Sainya Karta Vibhag?

[A] Prime Minister

[B] Defence Minister

[C] Finance Minister

[D] Chief of Defence Staff

Correct Answer: D [Chief of Defence Staff]

Notes:

A new Department of Military Affairs, also known as Sainya Karta Vibhag will be headed by the Chief of Defence Staff. This department is an addition to the four other departments of the Ministry of Defence – the Department of Defence, Defence Production, Defence and Development and Ex-service welfare.

45. Which nation has recently banned the ‘reef toxic’ sunscreen?

[A] Australia

[B] New Zealand

[C] Palau

[D] Nauru

Correct Answer: C [Palau]

Notes:

Palau has banned “reef-toxic” sunscreens. The scientific evidence showed that chemicals found in most sunscreens were toxic to corals. Therefore, from New Year’s Day, any reef-toxic sunscreens that are imported or sold in Palau will be confiscated and the owner will be fined.

46. The US was recently praised by the UAE for its role in the Global Coalition against Daesh. What is the other name for Daesh?

[A] Al Qaeda

[B] Hezbollah

[C] ISIS

[D] Houthis

Correct Answer: C [ISIS]

Notes:

The UAE had expressed its support for all the measures taken by the US to defend and protect its interests and forces in the region and also praised the US’ role in the Global Coalition against Daesh (ISIS). The term “Daesh” is an acronym for the Arabic phrase al-Dawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant).

47. Which is the world’s first major city to celebrate the start of the 2020 New Year and new decade?

[A] Sydney

[B] Auckland

[C] Christchurch

[D] Welllington

Correct Answer: B [Auckland]

Notes:

Auckland in New Zealand has become the world’s first major city to celebrate the start of the 2020.  Australia and New Zealand were followed by Europe, the Middle East and Asia to welcome the year 2020. The firework display in Sydney, Australia was put up despite the ongoing bushfire crisis. 

48. What aspect of agriculture is focused upon by Krishi Karman Award?

[A] Supply

[B] Sales

[C] Production

[D] Water Management

Correct Answer: C [Production]

Notes:

The Prime Minister is to visit Karnataka on January 2nd and 3rd. He will confer Krishi Karman Award to 21 states that have recorded good agriculture production in various categories during the previous crop seasons.

49. What is the aim of the recently formed Akhil Bharatiya Gujarati Samaj Sankalan Samiti?

[A] Include NRIs in the State’s development process

[B] Include non-resident Gujaratis in the state’s development process

[C] Include persons of Indian origin in state’s development process

[D] Include Indians outside Gujarat in the development process

Correct Answer: B [Include non-resident Gujaratis in the state’s development process]

Notes:

The Akhil Bharatiya Gujarati Samaj Sankalan Samiti, with the state’s chief minister as chief patron and the Minister of Non-resident Gujaratis (NRGs) as the president, aims to include Gujaratis living outside the state in the state’s developmental process. The Samiti will meet twice a year – once in Gujarat and next in another state.

50. What is Landouria tonywhitteni that was named after Tony Whitten?

[A] Snail

[B] Grasshopper

[C] Snake

[D] Beetle

Correct Answer: A [Snail]

Notes:

Tony Whitten was a British conservationist who documented biodiversity in Asia before he died due to cycling crash. A prize fund was set up in his name after his death. One of the recent winners of this prize named a snail in Indonesia after him. These species live in a limestone habitat and are threatened due to quarrying for the cement industry.

51. The government had recently launched central Equipment Identity Register portal. It operates under which department?

[A] Department of Science and Technology

[B] Department of Telecom

[C] Department of Biotechnology

[D] Department of Public Enterprise

Correct Answer: B [Department of Telecom]

Notes:

The Indian government, on December 2019, had launched the Central Equipment Identity Register Portal to block and trace mobile phones. It has the database of the International Mobile Equipment Identity number of the blacklisted mobile phones.

52. Dhanu Jatra is currently celebrated in which state?

[A] Odisha

[B] Telangana

[C] Jharkhand

[D] Madhya Pradesh

Correct Answer: A [Odisha]

Notes:

The famous 11-day Dhanu Jatra, the annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance is conducted in and around the city of Bargarh in Western Odisha. It is based on mythological story of Lord Krishna and his Uncle, King Kansa. In November 2014, it was conferred with the National Festival Status.

53. Fausta, a female black rhino, believed to be the world’s oldest rhino, had recently died in Tanzanian conservation area. What is the IUCN status of the black rhinos?

[A] Least concern

[B] Endangered

[C] Critically Endangered

[D] Near threatened

Correct Answer: C [Critically Endangered]

Notes:

Also known as “hook-lipped rhinoceros”, these species, though called “black” are in varying colours of brown and grey. They are found in South and East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its IUCN status is critically endangered, though the South-Western status of the black rhinoceros is classified under vulnerable.

54. Which state is going to observe “No Vehicle Day” on the first day of every month in 2020?

[A] Kerala

[B] Gujarat

[C] Punjab

[D] Rajasthan

Correct Answer: D [Rajasthan]

Notes:

In order to promote road safety and reduce vehicular pollution, Rajasthan Transport department is going to observe a “No Vehicle Day” once a month in 2020. The employees of the transport department are to come to their offices as pedestrians, via bicycles or a public transport.

55. Where was the event held to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the First Flag Hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose?

[A] Kashmir

[B] Jammu

[C] Ladakh

[D] Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Correct Answer: D [Andaman and Nicobar Islands]

Notes:

A function was held to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the First Flag Hoisting of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Port Blair. Subhash Mela Committee Swarajdweep has organised bike rally. The cultural programmes were also conducted.

56. Which state is going to conduct its maiden snow leopard survey?

[A] Uttrakhand

[B] Himachal Pradesh

[C] Haryana

[D] Punjab

Correct Answer: A [Uttrakhand]

Notes:

Uttarakhand is preparing for its maiden snow leopards survey after the winter is over. Experts estimate that there are over 80 snow leopards in Uttarakhand. However, a census of this cat has not yet been conducted.

57. Which ministry is set to launch “Santusht” portal for rapid grievance redressal for the employers and the employees?

[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry

[B] Ministry of Finance

[C] Ministry of Labor and Employment

[D] Ministry of Human Resource Development

Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Labor and Employment]

Notes:

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is going to launch “Santusht” platform next month to ensure an efficient implementation of the labour laws at the grass root levels. It will also look into the services provided by the retirement fund body, EPFO and health insurance and service provider ESIC for those working in the formal sector.

58. Who is going to head the recently constituted task force for developing the National Infrastructure Pipeline?

[A] Cabinet Secretary

[B] Economic Affairs Secretary

[C] Revenue Secretary

[D] Finance Secretary

Correct Answer: B [Economic Affairs Secretary]

Notes:

The Union Finance Minister had unveiled a Rs. 102 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline. To create a road map for the national infrastructure pipeline from 2019-2020 to 2024-25, finance ministry had set up a task force. It is to be headed by the Economic Affairs Secretary.

59. The dornier aircraft, that was recently inducted into the Otters Squadron, belongs to which category?

[A] Reconnaissance aircraft

[B] Light Utility aircraft

[C] Surveillance aircraft

[D] Strategic Airlifter

Correct Answer: B [Light Utility aircraft]

Notes:

The light utility aircraft Dornier was recently inducted into the No.41 “Otters” Squadron during a ceremony at the Palam Air Force Station. the Dornier-228 aircraft is a multi-purpose, fuel efficient, rugged, lightweight twin turboprop aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear.

60. Captain Vikram Batra, after whom Delhi is to rename it’s Mukarba Chowk, was martyred in which war?

[A] Sino-Indian war of 1962

[B] Indo-Pakistan war of 1947

[C] Kargil War

[D] Bangladesh Liberation War

Correct Answer: C [Kargil War]

Notes:

The Delhi government’s naming committee had recommended the renaming of Pragati Maidan metro station as Supreme Court metro station. It had also decided to rename the Mukarba Chowk and its flyover after the Kargil War martyr Captain Vikram Batra. 

Click below to download 

PDF file

 

Thanks

Visit our sites for more updates

www.thebossacadmy.net for study materials, model previous year question papers, books & journals

www.medjobss.com for all medical related professional Government jobs, notification, application &  apply online links.