Current Affairs Flashcards
Green Freight Corridor 2, seen in the news recently, is located in which state? [A] Maharashtra [B] West Bengal [C] Kerala [D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer:C [Kerala]
Notes:
The loading operation for the maiden shipping voyage in Green Freight Corridor-2 has been inaugurated recently by the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya.
The corridor is in the state of Kerala and connects Kochi to Beypore and Azhikkal ports. It is proposed that Kollam would be added later to this corridor.
Which is the biggest air carrier in Saudi Arabia? [A] Emirates Airlines [B] Etihad Airways [C] Saudi Arabian Airlines [D] Qantas Airlines
Correct Answer: C [Saudi Arabian Airlines]
Notes:
Saudi Arabian Airlines, owned by the state is the biggest carrier in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Others include low-cost carrier Flyadeal sand Flynas.
Recently, Saudi Arabia announced plans to launch a second national airline. This would push the kingdom to the fifth rank globally in terms of air transit traffic. The decision aims to turn the kingdom into a global logistics hub, diversifying from oil.
Which post is held by Amitabh Kant, whose tenure has been extended? [A] SBI Chairman [B] NITI Aayog CEO [C] Deputy Election Commissioner [D] Comptroller and Auditor General
Correct Answer: B [NITI Aayog CEO]
Notes:
Amitabh Kant is serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indian Government think tank NITI Aayog.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has extended the tenure of Amitabh Kant to another one year. This is the third extension since he joined the NITI Aayog in 2016.
Which country launched autonomous long range missile system named ‘Sea Braker’? [A] Japan [B] Israel [C] USA [D] China
Correct Answer: B [Israel]
Notes:
Israel’s Defence major Rafael Advanced Defense Systems launched Sea Breaker, a 5th generation long range, autonomous, precision-guided missile system.
It is a naval and artillery unit force-multiplier, which can hit high-value maritime and land targets. It has ranges of up to 300 km, can be fired both from land and surface ships. The firm would offer the system to India in future
Which country has produced VT-4 battle tanks, that were recently inducted by Pakistan into its armoury? [A] Russia [B] United States [C] China [D] France
Correct Answer: C [China ]
Notes:
The Pakistan Army has formally inducted the first batch of the China-made VT-4 battle tanks into its armoury. Produced by Chinese state-owned armoured vehicle manufacturer, Norinco, the delivery of VT-4 tanks from the manufacturer began in April 2020. Pakistan is the third country to have bought these tanks from China after Thailand and Nigeria
What does F stand for in PMFME, which recently completed one year? [A] Food [B] Finance [C] Fund [D] Formalisation
Correct Answer: D [Formalisation]
Notes:
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Indian Government under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The scheme aims to boost competitiveness of the existing MSMEs in the unorganised segment of the food processing industry by helping them become formalised.
This Rs.10,000 crore scheme will be implemented over a period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. It recently marked one year of completion. It seeks to directly assist 2 lakh micro food processing units by providing them with financial, technical and business support required for expanding and upgrading the business.
Recently, which ministry has released the Glacial Lake Atlas of Ganga Basin? [A] Ministry of Mines [B] Ministry of Earth Sciences [C] Ministry of Jal Shakti [D] Ministry of Science & Technology
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Jal Shakti ]
Notes:
The Glacial Lake Atlas of Ganga Basin was recently released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It analyses changes in water bodies in the Himalayan regions over a period, which can then be used for studying the impacts of climate change and for pre-planning the disaster response. Around 4,000 glacial lakes have been mapped in the Ganga River basin, with the aggregate lake water covering an area of 20,685 hectares.
The atlas is currently available on Bhuvan portal of ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). It provides latest information on the expansion or shrinkage of glacial lakes. It also monitors the addition of new lakes during a particular period of time.
Which music icon, who was recently in news, is the best-selling teenage artist of all time? [A] Rihanna [B] Taylor Swift [C] Beyoncé [D] Britney Spears
Correct Answer: D [Britney Spears]
Notes:
A Los Angeles court has denied the music star’s request to eject her father from a guardianship arrangement that gives him control of her affairs. This a week after the singer made an impassioned plea to end the “abusive” conservatorship during which she said she has been medicated to control her behaviour, prohibited from making decisions on friendships or finances and prevented from having a contraceptive implant removed, despite wanting more children
Which country announced the ‘Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code’? [A] France [B] China [C] India [D] Australia
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India announced the ‘Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code’ and it came into force from May 2021. As per the rules, all significant social media intermediaries had to publish monthly reports on the details of complaints, actions taken and monitoring details.
Facebook recently launched its first monthly report for the period between May 15 and June 15. As per the report, Facebook took action against about 30 million pieces of content.
Freight Smart Cities’, which were making news recently, will be set up by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of MSME
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced its plans to build freight smart cities to improve urban freight efficiency. This is aimed to reduce the logistics costs.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched a website on ‘Freight Smart Cities’. Initially, 10 cities would be identified, and it can be expanded to 75 cities in the next phase before launching it throughout the country.
On which date, ‘Chartered Accountants (CA) Day is celebrated in India?
[A] July 1
[B] July 2
[C] July 3
[D] July 4
Correct Answer: A [July 1]
Notes:
Charted Accountants (CA) Day is celebrated on July 1 every year to commemorate the finding of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was established by the parliament of India in 1949 under an Act.
When was the GST system of taxation implemented in India? [A] June 1 2019 [B] July 1 2018 [C] July 1 2017 [D] August 15 2018
Correct Answer: C [July 1 2017]
Notes:
July 1st 2021 marks the 4th anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was implemented on the same date in 2017. This date has been designated by the Central Government as GST DAY.
This year, the Union Finance Ministry has proposed to issue certificates of appreciation to 54,000 GST payers for timely filing of returns to mark the GST Day.
The recently inducted Short Span Bridging System (SSBS)-10m by Indian Army has been developed by DRDO in association with which company? [A] Gammon India [B] Engineers India [C] Larsen & Toubro [D] IRB Infrastructure
Correct Answer:C [Larsen & Toubro]
Notes:
The Army on July 2, 2021 inducted the first production lot of 12 Short Span Bridging System (SSBS)-10m, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in association with Larsen & Toubro Limited, the production agency. According to defence ministry, the SSBS-10m plays a crucial role of bridging the gaps up to 9.5m as a single span providing a 4m wide, fully decked roadway, ensuring faster movement of the troops.
Which country has produced VT-4 battle tanks, that were recently inducted by Pakistan into its armoury? [A] Russia [B] United States [C] China [D] France
Correct Answer: C [China ]
Notes:
The Pakistan Army has formally inducted the first batch of the China-made VT-4 battle tanks into its armoury. Produced by Chinese state-owned armoured vehicle manufacturer, Norinco, the delivery of VT-4 tanks from the manufacturer began in April 2020. Pakistan is the third country to have bought these tanks from China after Thailand and Nigeria
Abhimanyu Mishra, who was recently in news, plays which sports? [A] Chess [B] Judo [C] Badminton [D] Basketball
Correct Answer: A [Chess ]
Notes:
Nineteen years after Russian Grandmaster Sergey Karjakin created a sensation by becoming the youngest chess grandmaster ever at 12 years and seven months on August 12, 2002, a new prodigy, Abhimanyu Mishra of the United States, broke the record on June 30, by becoming a Grandmaster at 12 years four months and 25 days. To attain the title of Grandmaster (GM) a player has to complete three GM norms and an Elo rating of at least 2500. Mishra won his third GM norm on June 30.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, who recently became 11th and youngest chief minister of Uttarakhand, is an MLA from which constituency? [A] Champawat [B] Sitarganj [C] Khatima [D] Kotdwar
Correct Answer: C [Khatima ]
Notes:
Pushkar Singh Dhami (bron 1975) has recently become the 11th and youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He is a member of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly from the Khatima constituency in Udham Singh Nagar district.
Hou Yifan, who won the 2021 Women’s Speed Chess Championship, is from which country? [A] Thailand [B] Japan [C] China [D] Singapore
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
Hou Yifan won the FIDE Chess.com Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2021 title. She won the final game by defeating Indian Grand Master Harika Dronavalli.
Hou Yifan is a Chinese chess grandmaster and four-time Women’s World Chess Champion. She is the youngest female player ever to qualify for the title of grandmaster and the youngest ever to win the Women’s World Chess Championship.
Which Indian bank launched “Salaam-Dil-Sey” initiative? [A] Axis Bank [B] HDFC Bank [C] ICICI Bank [D] State Bank of India
Correct Answer: B [HDFC Bank]
Notes:
HDFC Bank launched “Salaam-Dil-Sey” initiative. It has been launched to show gratitude to doctors for their significant service during the pandemic.
Similarly, ICICI Bank launched banking solution package called Salute Doctors, to provide customised banking and value-added services to all doctors.
Which digital payment platform announced small ticket loans named ‘Postpaid Mini’? [A] Paytm [B] PhonePe [C] BharatPe [D] G Pay
Correct Answer: A [Paytm]
Notes:
Digital payments and financial services platform Paytm launched small ticket loans named as Postpaid Mini.
This service will enable users access loans ranging from Rs 250 – Rs 1,000, in partnership with Aditya Birla Finance Ltd. Users will be assisted to maintain liquidity during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with the loan of 30 days repayment with zero per cent interest.
‘Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’ is located on the bank of which river? [A] Nile [B] Congo [C] Zambezi [D] Niger
Correct Answer: A [Nile]
Notes:
‘Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’ is set to be Africa’s largest hydroelectric project when completed. As per Egypt and Sudan, Ethiopia has started the second phase of filling the dam’s reservoir on the upper Blue Nile.
UN Security Council is set to conduct a meeting on the issue shortly. Ethiopia says the project is essential to its development, while Egypt and Sudan fear it could restrict the water access of their citizens.
Which country’s ambitious Mars mission is otherwise called as ‘Hope’? [A] USA [B] UAE [C] Israel [D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [UAE]
Notes:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mars probe is otherwise called as ‘Hope’. It has captured pictures of auroras around the Red Planet, for the first time in the world.
The three images of atomic oxygen emission from the planet Mars were captured by the Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer instrument. The data collected during these observations include far and extreme ultraviolet auroral emissions.
DBT- NIBMG, has created the world’s first database of genomic variants named “dbGENVOC”, in which disease? [A] Oral Cancer [B] Tuberculosis [C] Covid 19 [D] Malaria
Correct Answer: A [Oral Cancer]
Notes:
DBT-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), Kalyani is an Autonomous Institute funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
DBT-NIBMG has created a database of genomic variations in oral cancer named dbGENVOC. This is the first of its kind database in the world. It is a free, browsable online database, which has a built-in powerful search engine. It also allows statistical and bioinformatic analysis to be carried out online.
The world’s tallest sandcastle has been built in which country? [A] India [B] China [C] Denmark [D] USA
Correct Answer: C [Denmark]
Notes:
In the seaside town of Blokhus – Denmark, the world’s tallest sandcastle has been built. The castle is more than 20 metres in height and has been built using nearly 5,000 tonnes of sand.
This is 3 metres taller than one built in Germany in 2019, which was previously the tallest sand castle to be built on earth.
Bhalia variety of wheat, which is a GI tagged product, belongs to which state? [A] Madhya Pradesh [B] Gujarat [C] Assam [D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Bhalia variety of wheat, which has a high protein content and a peculiar sweet in taste was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in the year 2011. This is grown across the Bhal region of Gujarat.
Recently, the Government of India has commenced the exports of Bhalia variety of wheat to Kenya and Sri Lanka from Gujarat
Port city of Qingdao, which was in the news for a massive algae bloom, is located in which city? [A] China [B] Japan [C] South Korea [D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
Chinese port city of Qingdao, which was making news recently, has a massive algae boom is threatening sea life, tourism, and water transport
In response to that, China has deployed thousands of boats and machines to deal with the massive algae bloom. As per the environmentalists, the. Climate change and pollution contributed to the production of the organic matter which contains micro-organisms and can flourish when nutrient-rich sewage flows into seawater.
Enceladus is the moon of which planet? [A] Saturn [B] Jupiter [C] Venus [D] Neptune
Correct Answer: A [Saturn]
Notes:
Enceladus is the sixth-largest moon of Saturn. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has recently detected an unusually high concentration of methane, along with carbon dioxide and dihydrogen, in the moons of Saturn.
The spacecraft has found that Titan, another moon of Saturn has methane in its atmosphere and Enceladus has a liquid ocean with gas and water. Researchers assume that there may be methane-producing processes on Enceladus.
What is the duration of the ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’ scheme? [A] 1 year [B] 10 years [C] 20 years [D] 25 years
Correct Answer: B [10 years]
Notes:
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund scheme launched by the Government of India, is a medium – long term debt financing facility aimed to enhance the post gravest infra in India. The duration of this scheme is 10 years from FY2020 to FY2029.
The Union cabinet headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved some changes in this scheme, in terms of eligibility, location of the units, interest subvention etc
Shyam Srinivasan has been re-appointed as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of which bank? [A] Axis Bank [B] Federal Bank [C] ICICI Bank [D] Yes Bank
Correct Answer: B [Federal Bank]
Notes:
Shyam Srinivasan was re-appointed as the Managing director (MD) and Chief executive officer (CEO) of Federal Bank.
Federal Bank has received the approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for his re-appointment as MD and CEO of the bank for a period of three years with effect from 23 September 2021 till 22 September 2024.
Which country has re-elected Abiy Ahmed as its Prime Minister? [A] Egypt [B] Ethiopia [C] Ecuador [D] Afghanistan
Correct Answer: B [Ethiopia]
Notes:
Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has won the most seats in the country’s parliamentary election. With this victory, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will be assured of a second five-year term in office.
This was the first time Abiy faced voters as he was appointed Prime minister in 2018 following several years of anti-government protests. The Prosperity Party won 410 seats in the federal parliament out of 436 seats, where elections were held.
Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty, who won the Wimbledon title 2021, are from …………. and ………… countries, respectively [A] Switzerland and Australia [B] Serbia and Australia [C] Sweden and Australia [D] France and UK
Correct Answer: B [Serbia and Australia]
Notes:
Ashleigh Barty of Australia defeated Karolina Pliskova to win the women’s singles final of Wimbledon 2021. She is the first Australian Wimbledon women’s champion in 41 years. Ash Barty will represent Australia in the Tokyo Olympics.
World no.1 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic won his 20th career Grand Slam title, tying Roger Federer’s and Rafael Nadal’s all-time record. Indian-American Samir Banerjee won the boy’s singles final at Wimbledon 2021.
Which is the first north-eastern state to propose a legislation to protect cattle? [A] Mizoram [B] Assam [C] Meghalaya [D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled proposed legislation to protect cattle in the state, through the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021.
Other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka have similar laws. The bill seeks to protect cattle by regulating their slaughter, consumption, and preventing their illegal transportation.
What is Ashadhi Bij, that was seen in the news recently? [A] Kutch New Year [B] GI Tagged Fruit [C] Name of a tunnel [D] Maize variant
Correct Answer: A [Kutch New Year]
Notes:
Ashadhi Bij – the Kutch New Year is an auspicious day for the farming communities in Gujarat. It is generally celebrated on the second day of Shukla paksha of Ashada month of Hindu calendar.
This festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of rains in the Kutch region of Gujarat. During this time, the farmers check the moisture content in atmosphere and predict the type of crops to be grown in the region.
Critical race theory, or CRT, which was making news sometimes, is associated with which country? [A] USA [B] UK [C] Russia [D] South Africa
Correct Answer: A [USA]
Notes:
Critical race theory, or CRT, acknowledges that systemic racism is part of the society of the United States of America. examines American history through the lens of racism.
The theory was seen in the news often after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by police and the subsequent nation-wide protests. The conservatives of the country are against the theory, as they consider this as an attempt to rewrite American history, and have been insisting to pass laws against CRT.
Which organisation issued new recommendations on human genome editing? [A] CDC [B] WHO [C] UNICEF [D] GAVI
Correct Answer: B [WHO]
Notes:
World Health Organisation (WHO) released two new companion reports, for new recommendations on human genome editing.
It establishes human genome editing as a tool for public health with an emphasis on safety, effectiveness and ethics. The benefits of human genome editing include faster and accurate diagnosis, targeted treatments and prevention of genetic disorders.
Which state government is set to buy 25,000 electric two-wheelers for its employees, in association with CESL? [A] Maharashtra [B] Tamil Nadu [C] Andhra Pradesh [D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh government is set to buy 25,000 electric two-wheelers for its employees.
Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a newly established subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited, has signed an agreement with the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) to supply the vehicles. The electric two-wheelers will be provided on a monthly lease to the employees
Which Union Minister has been appointed as the Leader of House in Rajya Sabha? [A] Piyush Goyal [B] Amit Shah [C] Rajnath Singh [D] Nirmala Sitharaman
Correct Answer: A [Piyush Goyal]
Notes:
Union Minister Piyush Goyal was appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, filling the vacancy created by Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is now the Governor of Karnataka.
Piyush Goyal, who is a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra, is in charge of several Ministries including Commerce and industry, Consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and Textiles. The Leader will play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House and better coordination with all parties.
Which Union Ministry implements the PRASHAD scheme, which was making news recently? [A] Ministry of Tourism [B] Ministry of Culture [C] Ministry of Home Affairs [D] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Tourism]
Notes:
‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15. The scheme aims for integrated development of selected pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
Union Minister of State (IC) for Tourism & Culture Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the “Tourist Facilitation Centre” facility constructed under the project “Development of Guruvayur, Kerala” under PRASHAD Scheme. Prime Minister also inaugurated PRASHAD projects in Varanasi (UP).
Government of India has signed loan agreement with which Bank to develop Green National Highway Corridors (GNHCP)? [A] IMF [B] World Bank [C] AIIB [D] ADB
Correct Answer: B [World Bank]
Notes:
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari announced that the Government had signed loan agreement with the World Bank to develop Green National Highway Corridors (GNHCP).
The project includes upgradation of about 781 km length of various National Highways passing through the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Out of total length of 781 km, work on 287.96 km with an outlay of Rs. 1664.44 cr. has been awarded. The project is estimated to be completed by December, 2025.
Which Indian state has launched the ‘Agar Wood Policy 2021’? [A] Bihar [B] Tripura [C] Kerala [D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: B [Tripura]
Notes:
Tripura has initiated steps to promote commercial cultivation of Agar, by launching the ‘Tripura Agar Wood Policy 2021’. It aims to double agar wood plantation by 2025
The state has over 50 lakh Agar trees in the state and has a potential of agar trade of Rs 2000 crore. Agar is used in perfumeries and other industries. Agar Chips and Agar Oil have high demand in the market. Under the policy, testing labs and trade centres would be set up and new technology for artificial inoculation would be introduced.
Ace Racing Driver Lewis Hamilton belongs to which country? [A] Britain [B] Australia [C] Italy [D] USA
Correct Answer: A [Britain]
Notes:
British formula one champion Lewis Hamilton has won the British Grand Prix racing for the 8th time and has set a record in this regard. He is presently racing for Mercedes. This victory is 99th in the list of wins registered by Hamilton. His team mate Valtteri Bottas finished third in the event.
During the event, Lewis Hamilton collided with Max Verstappen in the first lap and received a 10 second penalty.
