Best PSC / PCS / STATE PCS online Current Affairs

Current Affairs JAN-2021

Showing 101 - 120 of 300 entries

101. Which country passed a resolution that allows its Coast Guards to fire on foreign vessels, to prevent threats?

A
North Korea

B
China

C
Sri Lanka

D
Thailand

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [China]

Explaination : [China recently passed its coastguard legislation, which allows its Coast Guards to fire on foreign vessels, to stop or prevent threats from them. It also allows the coast guard personnel to demolish structures built on Chinese-claimed reefs by other countries. The personnel can also board and inspect foreign vessels in the waters claimed by China.]

102. As per UN, which country has become the world’s top destination for new foreign direct investment last year?

A
India

B
Japan

C
South Korea

D
China

Show Answer

Correct Answer : D [China]

Explaination : [As per the United Nations data, China has become the world’s top destination for new foreign direct investment in the year 2020. China overtook USA and gained the top spot in the world. New overseas investments for USA fell by 49% in 2020 whereas in case of China, the FDI increased by 4%.]

103. ‘Build Back Better recovery plan’, which was seen in the news, is associated with the Head of which country?

A
New Zealand

B
United States

C
Japan

D
China

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [United States]

Explaination : [The United States President Joe Biden signed an executive order, which would impose rules on government procurement practices. Dubbed as the ‘Buy American’ order, it aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and ensure better access to small and midsize businesses. This is a part of the ‘Build Back Better recovery plan’ proposed by Joe Biden]

104. What is the name of the rare Martian Mineral, which has been recently discovered in Antarctic ice?

A
Jarosite

B
Carnotite

C
Johannsenite

D
Ilmenite

Show Answer

Correct Answer : A [Jarosite]

Explaination : [As per the Science Magazine, Scientists have discovered a rare Martian Mineral named ‘Jarosite’ in the Antarctic ice. After boring more than a mile deep in the Antarctic region, the yellow-brown mineral which is rarely seen on Earth but found more on Mars was spotted. Mars is believed to be a dusty place and this discovery may be used to explain this theory.]

105. 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

Show Answer

Correct Answer : C [Kerala]

Explaination : [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.]

106. Which State was awarded the first place for excellence in implementation of PMAY (U) Mission?

A
Gujarat

B
Uttar Pradesh

C
Madhya Pradesh

D
Odisha

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [Uttar Pradesh]

Explaination : [The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced the annual awards for excellence in implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) Mission. In the best performing states category, Uttar Pradesh bagged the first place, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. In the North East region and Hilly states, Tripura bagged the first place. Vishakhapatnam was named the best performing Municipal Corporation.]

107. Which Central Asian country has recently abolished the death penalty?

A
Kazakhstan

B
Uzbekistan

C
Kyrgyzstan

D
Turkmenistan

Show Answer

Correct Answer : A [Kazakhstan]

Explaination : [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.]

108. DRDO is to establish Biodigester Mk-II Technology in which state’s metro rail network?

A
Kerala

B
Maharashtra

C
Tamil Nadu

D
Karnataka

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [Maharashtra]

Explaination : [State-owned research agency, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is to install its eco-friendly bio-digester units across the network operated by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MAHA–METRO). DRDO will provide technical support to implement advanced bio-digester Mk-II technology for treating the human waste in the metro rail network.]

109. In the Spectrum Auction beginning this March, the airwaves of which type of spectrum are to be sold?

Show Answer

Correct Answer : C [4G]

Explaination : [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.]

110. What is ‘Meliponiculture’, which was making news recently?

A
Silk worm farming

B
Stingless honeybee farming

C
Ornamental Fish farming

D
Prawn Farming

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [Stingless honeybee farming]

Explaination : [Karshaka Vidyapeedam, a farmers’ university headquartered in Kasaragod, has launched a meliponiculture project in Champeri. A four-month training course on meliponiculture, which means stingless honeybee farming, was also launched. ‘Indigenous beehives’ designed by the research forum of the University will also be provided in the course along with follow-up assistance.]

111. 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

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [Air India Express]

Explaination : [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.]

112. 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

D
Ministry of MSME

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [Ministry of New and Renewable Energy]

Explaination : [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.]

113. 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

Show Answer

Correct Answer : A [Antarctica]

Explaination : [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.]

114. When is World Braille Day observed every year, across the world?

A
January 3

B
January 4

C
January 5

D
January 6

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [January 4]

Explaination : [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.]

115. The employees of which MNC has recently formed a Union in the United States?

A
Microsoft

B
Tesla

C
Google

D
Apple

Show Answer

Correct Answer : C [Google]

Explaination : [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’.]

116. How many Ministries have partnered for the Toycathon Initiative, which was recently launched

B
Four

C
Five

Show Answer

Correct Answer : D [Six]

Explaination : [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.]

117. 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)

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog (RKA)]

Explaination : [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.]

118. 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

Show Answer

Correct Answer : A [Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh]

Explaination : [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.]

119. 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

Show Answer

Correct Answer : C [R Kaushik]

Explaination : [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.]

120. Which country has claimed that the Equalisation Levy in India as discriminatory?

A
China

B
United States

C
Brazil

D
France

Show Answer

Correct Answer : B [United States]

Explaination : [The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has termed India’s Equalisation Levy on e-commerce companies as ‘discriminatory’. The Equalisation Levy or the Digital Service Tax is locally called as the Google Tax. The USTR also said that the Digital Service Tax burdens US commerce and hence it is actionable under Section 301 (of Trade Act, 1974).]