Current Affairs Oct 2020 PART 2

1. Defence minister Rajnath Singh laid foundation stone for 450m long ‘Nechiphu tunnel’ in which state/UT?

1)         Uttarakhand

2)         Arunachal Pradesh

3)         Assam

4)         Meghalaya

5)         Gujarat

Answer – 2) Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation: Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister virtually inaugurated 44 bridges, built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across 7 States/UTs (Union Territories) in border areas. Most of these bridges are in strategically important areas and will help armed forces to ensure quick movement of troops and weapons. He also laid the Foundation Stone for 450 meters long, ‘Nechiphu Tunnel’, a bi-lane tunnel, on the road to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. It is to be noted that this is the 1st time such a large number of bridges on different borders of the country were inaugurated. The strategically important tunnel will ensure all weather connectivity across Nechiphu Pass. It will also provide a safe and secure passage through accident prone areas.

 

2. Which is top district in India for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) programme?

1)         Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh

2)         Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya

3)         Bijapur, Chhattisgarh

4)         Palakkad, Kerala

5)         Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Answer – 5) Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Explanation: The Union Ministry of Rural Development declared the list of top performing 30 districts in the country for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) programme. In this list, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh won top position among 30 districts of India. Himachal Pradesh secured 2nd position at the national level for construction of roads under PMGSY.

 

3.         Name the first Ramsar site of Uttarakhand which got recognition recently.

1)         Asan Conservation Reserve

2)         Saman Bird Sanctuary

3)         Beas Conservation Reserve

4)         Parvati Bird Sanctuary

5)         Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

Answer – 1) Asan Conservation Reserve

Explanation: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that Ramsar Convention has declared The Asan Conservation Reserve (ACR) in Dehradun as a site of international importance. ACR has been included in the ‘List of Wetlands of International Importance’ established by Article 2.1 of the convention This is the first wetland from Uttarakhand, to be recognised by Ramsar.

 

4. Which state is going to develop India’s first sand dune park with the assistance of World Bank (3 crores was sanctioned recently)?

1)         Gujarat

2)         Rajasthan

3)         Goa

4)         Telangana

5)         Tamil Nadu

Answer – 3) Goa

Explanation: World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore (approximately) for Goa to develop India’s first sand dune parks as the World Bank (WB) has approved a proposal drafted by the Goa state biodiversity board for the same. The idea of parks to preserve sand dunes was first mooted by former National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) scientist and ex-member of the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) Antonio Mascaren who has been now appointed as the principal investigator for the project, with Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam acting as the co- investigator. As of now Mandrem, Miramar, Agonda Morjim and Galibaga are identified for sand dune parks. More beaches can be added in the list in future. Morjim and Galibaga beaches are known for their turtle- nesting site.

 

5. Which company in association with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has launched a multipurpose credit card for Delhi metro commuters?

1)         PayUmoney

2)         PayPal

3)         SBI Card

4)         CCAvenue

5)         ZikaPay

Answer –3) SBI Card

Explanation: SBI Card and Payment Services ltd. (SBI Cards) in association with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched ‘Delhi Metro- SBI Card’, a Multipurpose Credit Card for Delhi Metro Commuters. The card functions as a credit card and also as a metro smart card. Mangu Singh, Managing Director (MD) of DMRC and Ashwini Kumar Tewari, MD & CEO (Chief Executive Officer) jointly launched the card in the presence of other senior officials from DMRC and SBI Card.

 

6.         Which IIT in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) developed a ‘novel Industry 4.0 Technology’ for remotely controlled factory operations and real time quality correction during industrial production?

1)         IIT kozhikode

2)         IIT Kanpur

3)         IIT Madras

4)         IIT Delhi

5)         IIT Kharagpur

Answer –5) IIT Kharagpur

Explanation: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) developed a novel Industry 4.0 Technology for remotely controlled factory operations and real time quality correction during industrial production. This will set a new trend in the advanced manufacturing sector of India. The project was funded by the Department of Heavy Industry, Government of India and TCS. The technology was developed by Prof. Surjya K Pal, professor in-charge at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Advanced Manufacturing Technology. This technology has been reported in the CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology.

 

7. Which Co-operative Bank partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch a rewards programme?

1)         Ahmedabad Mercantile Cooperative Bank

2)         Allahabad Urban Co-operative Bank

3)         Seva Vikas Co-operative Bank

4)         SVC Co-operative Bank

5)         Shivalik Mercantile Cooperative Bank

Answer – 4) SVC Co-operative Bank

Explanation: SVC Co-operative Bank (Formerly known as The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd.) entered into partnership with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch a rewards programme. The loyalty management program is designed to make the banking experience more rewarding for the customers of the bank.

 

8.  Who has won the 3rd term as the President of Guinea by winning the presidential elections (October 2020)?

1)         Cellou Dalein Diallo

2)         Luis Arce

3)         Alpha Condé

4)         Carlos Mesa

5)         Wavel Ramkalawan

Answer – 3) Alpha Condé

Explanation: Alpha Condé (82 years old), the incumbent president of Guinea and leader of Rally of the Guinean People (Rassemblement du Peuple Guinéen – RPG) party won the 3rd term as the President of Guinea by winning the 2020 presidential elections held on 18th October. He won the election against Cellou Dalein Diallo with 59.49 % votes. Diallo got 33.5% votes in the election. Winning the 2020 elections, Alpha Condé is set to govern the country for the next 6 years.

 

9.  British Driver Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix. It was his _____ win to break the record of Schumacher.

1)         93rd

2)         92nd

3)         91st

4)         90th

5)         94th

Answer – 2) 92nd

Explanation: British Driver Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix (officially known as the Formula 1 Heineken Grande Prémio de Portugal 2020) held at Algarve International circuit, Portugal. With this win, Lewis Hamilton became the most successful driver of Formula One with 92 wins. Finland driver Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) finished second, while Netherland’s Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) finished third in the race. Hamilton has moved one ahead of Schumacher’s all time record of 91 wins. The Championships are organized by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

 

10. Which Bank has partnered with IIFL Finance, a NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) to source and manages retail gold loan assets?

1)         RBL Bank

2)         HSBC Bank

3)         CSB Bank

4)         IDFC Bank

5)         DBS Bank

Answer – 3) CSB Bank

Explanation: CSB Bank Ltd (formerly Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd) entered into partnership with IIFL finance Ltd, a NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) to source and manages retail gold loan assets. Under the partnership, IIFL will act as a Business Correspondent (BC) of the Bank. IIFL with its vast branch network will source new business from markets where CSB Bank does not have an adequate branch network.

 

11. Which State has secured 1st Rank in Disbursing Loans under PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme?

1)         Uttar Pradesh

2)         Telangana

3)         Madhya Pradesh

4)         Andhra Pradesh

5)         Gujarat

Answer – 1) Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has secured First Rank in Disbursing Loans under PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme by approving the highest number of loans under the scheme in the country. On 27th October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed Loans to around 3 Lakh beneficiaries. Madhya Pradesh came second in the list with over 1.25 Lakh Beneficiaries, followed by Telangana (53, 777) in Loan Disbursement Scheme. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh ranked first in all categories viz Applications of Loan, Sanction of Loan and Disbursements of loans under the scheme.

Top 3 States in Loan Disbursement Category:

Rank	State	Loan Disbursements (approximately)
1	Uttar Pradesh	2.2 Lakh Loans
2	Madhya Pradesh	1.25 Lakh Loans
3	Telangana	53, 777 Lakh Loans

 

12. Which country will take part in 24th edition of Malabar exercise along with India, United States (US) and Japan?

1)         Singapore

2)         France

3)         Russia

4)         Myanmar

5)         Australia

Answer – 5) Australia

Explanation: The naval exercise Malabar is held annually between the troika of India, United States (US), and Japan But this year i.e. the 24th edition of exercise will also see a participation of Australia making it first “quadrilateral” naval exercise. This Quad grouping exercise will take place in India Ocean Region (IOR) viz. Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea in a non-contact format amid COVID-19. It should be noted that Australia along with Singapore participated in this exercise in 2007 but was dropped in subsequent editions after serious objections were raised by Beijing, China.

 

13. Which is the first state to fix Minimum Support Price (MSP)/Base Price for 16 Agricultural items which include Vegetables, Fruits and Tubers?

1)         Tamil Nadu

2)         Uttar Pradesh

3)         Madhya Pradesh

4)         Andhra Pradesh

5)         Kerala

Answer – 5) Kerala

Explanation: Kerala became the First State in the Country to fix Minimum Support Price (MSP)/Base Price for 16 Agricultural items which include Vegetables, Fruits and Tubers to support farmers and boost agricultural sector. At the national level, MSP is declared for 23 agricultural items (inclusive of Sugarcane, the only crop MSP payment was legally implemented, for which Fair and Remunerative price was determined) primarily for grains, pulses, oilseeds, paddy and Copra.

 

14. Who has been roped in as a brand ambassador of Dr Trust, healthcare firm?

1)         Virat Kohli

2)         Sonu sood

3)         Amir Khan

4)         Rohit Sharma

5)         Ajinkya Rahane

Answer – 4) Rohit Sharma

Explanation: Rohit Sharma, Indian Cricketer appointed as the brand ambassador of Dr Trust, healthcare firm. The right handed batsman will feature in a new integrated campaign for Dr Trust.

 

15. India hosted India-United States (US) 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.

1)         1st

2)         2nd

3)         3rd

4)         4th

5)         5th

Answer – 3) 3rd

Explanation: India hosted the third India-United States (US) 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi where India side was represented by Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and the US side was represented by Secretary of State Michael Richard Pompeo also known as Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Thomas Esper. The agenda for this covered all bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. India, U.S sign five agreements including ‘Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement’.

 

16. Which is the 1st bank in India to become a Financial Information Provider (FIP) under the new Account Aggregator (AA) Framework of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?

1)         RBL Bank

2)         Indian Bank

3)         HDFC Bank

4)         Yes Bank

5)         IndusInd bank

Answer – 5) IndusInd bank

Explanation: IndusInd Bank announced that it has gone live as a Financial Information Provider (FIP) under the new Account Aggregator (AA) Framework of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). IndusInd Bank becomes the 1st bank in India to do so. The bank went live as FIP with DigiSahamati Foundation, a self-organised Collective of the Account Aggregator ecosystem.

 

17. Which Bank has launched the Tracking & Monitoring Staff Accountability Cases (TMSAC) portal and a Vigilance Manual as a part of Vigilance Awareness Week – 27th October 2020 to 2nd November 2020?

1)         Bank of Baroda

2)         State Bank of India

3)         Canara Bank

4)         Punjab National Bank

5)         Indian Bank

Answer – 4) Punjab National Bank

Explanation: Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s 2nd largest public sector bank launched the PNB Tracking & Monitoring Staff Accountability Cases (TMSAC) portal and PNB’s 2020 Vigilance Manual, as a part of the Vigilance Awareness Week(VAW) – 27th October 2020 to 2nd November 2020. The TMSAC portal tracks and monitors the complaints/Non-Performing Asset (NPA) reference at various stages on a real-time basis. PNB’s 2020 Vigilance Manual will provide a better understanding of vigilance functions and guidelines.

 

18. Who has been awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) 2020?

1)         Amrish Puri

2)         Om Puri

3)         Rajesh Khanna

4)         Vinod Khanna

5)         Irfan Khan

Answer – 2) Om Puri

Explanation: At the 3rd India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) 2020 based in Boston, United States of America(USA) held as a virtual event from 16th to 18th October 2020, the Lifetime Achievement Award 2020 was accorded to Late Actor Om Puri which was received by his wife Nadita Puri. Chef Vikas Khanna was honoured with “Pride of India” a special award at the 3rd IIFFB 2020.

 

Award	Winner
Best Feature Film Award 2020	Kaanthi directed by Ashok R Nath
Best Actor (male) 2020	Victor Bannerjee for “Josef: Born In Grace”
Best Actor (female) 2020	Shylaja Ambu for “Kaanthi”
Best Short Film 2020	Better Than Neil Armstrong directed by Alireza Ghasemi
Best Film With A Social Cause 2020	Baitullah directed by Jitendra Rai

 

19. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways announced that the 1.8 kilometer Feni Bridge will be completed by December 2020. It connects Chittagong, Bangladesh to which Indian State?

1)         West Bengal

2)         Mizoram

3)         Meghalaya

4)         Tripura

5)         Assam

Answer – 4) Tripura

Explanation: Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways announced that the 1.8 kilometer Feni Bridge, the Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Bridge over the river Feni which connects Sabrum in Tripura, India and Ramgarh in Chittagong, Bangladesh will be completed by December 2020. The announcement was made over a virtual event organised for laying foundation stone on 9 national highway projects in Tripura.

 

20. How much of remittance will get reduced to India as per the latest estimates published in the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief 33 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and global economic recession?

1)         $ 76 Billion

2)         $ 70 Billion

3)         $ 78 Billion

4)         $ 86 Billion

5)         $ 74 Billion

Answer – 1) $ 76 Billion

Explanation: On October 29, 2020 As per the latest estimates published in the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief 33, remittance to India will fall by 9% to USD 76 billion due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and global economic recession. The top 5 countries in 2020 to receive foreign remittances are expected to be India, China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt, unchanged from 2019. There will be a 14% decline in the amount of money migrant workers send home by 2021, compared to the pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019. It is to be noted that in 2020 for the 1st time in recent history, the stock of international migrants is likely to decline as new migration has slowed and return migration has increased.

 

21.       Who is the Indian author of world’s first scientoon book titled “Bye Bye Corona”?

1)         Santosh Kumar

2)         Anandiben Patel

3)         Pradeep Kumar Srivastava

4)         Pramod Srivastav

5)         Bansi Lal Bhat

Answer – 3) Pradeep Kumar Srivastava

Explanation: Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh (UP) released the world’s first scientoon book titled “Bye Bye Corona” at an event organised at Raj Bhawan, Lucknow. The book was authored by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Srivastava, Scientoonist and former Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CDRI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Drug Research Institute) and published by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

 

22. How many biosphere reserves from India were included recently (October) in International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme?

1)         Four

2)         Three

3)         Two

4)         One

5)         None

Answer – 4) One

Explanation: International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme included three new Biosphere Reservers ,they are Panna Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) in India, Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve (Maldives) and Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve (Maldives) to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The MAB-ICC which met online from 27-28th October, 2020 approved these additions.

 

23.       Chabahar Port is located in which country?

1)         Egypt

2)         Kuwait

3)         UAE

4)         Iran

5)         Israel

Answer - 4) Iran

Explanation: The Shipping Ministry has issued a notification extending the current concessional rate of 40% discount on the cargo movement between India and the Chabahar port of Iran.

 

24. Indian Navy’s Guided Missile Corvette INS    (Indian Naval Ship) tested fired Anti-Ship Missile (AShM) in Bay of Bengal.

1)         INS Kavaretti

2)         INS Kora

3)         INS Chennai

4)         INS Kochi

5)         INS Mumbai

Answer – 2) INS Kora

Explanation: Indian Navy’s Guided Missile Corvette INS Kora (Indian Naval Ship) tested fired Anti-Ship Missile (AShM) in Bay of Bengal.

The missile successfully hit the target at maximum range with precise accuracy.

INS Kora is a Kora-class guided missile corvette of Indian Navy. It was commissioned into service in 1998. It was designed by the Navy under Project 25A, and is equipped with Kh-35 Anti-Ship Missile.

 

25. Union cabinet has approved implementation of ‘which’ project (funded by world bank) to strengthen school education system.

1)         GALAXY

2)         MOON

3)         SUN

4)         STARS

5)         ENERGY

Answer – 4) STARS

Explanation: As a part of implementing the new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, the Cabinet approved the implementation of Rs 5718 crore Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project with a financial aid from World Bank amounting to US $500 million (approximately Rs. 3700 crore). It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) under Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE) to support states in strengthening the school education system by focusing on quality based learning outcomes. It will be implemented in six states — Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha.