Current Affairs Oct Part 3

 


Current Affairs Oct Part 3

1. Hindustan Zinc Limited Signed a MoU with which state to Set up World’s Biggest Zinc Smelter Plant?

1)         Goa

2)         Chhattisgarh

3)         Jharkhand

4)         Punjab

5)         Gujarat

Answer – 5) Gujarat

Explanation: On 14th October 2020, the Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Gujarat to set up World’s Biggest Zinc smelter complex in Doswada GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation), Tapi, Gujarat. This 300 KTPA (Kilo Tonnes Per Annum) greenfield facility of HZL is the first of its kind in Gujarat with zero liquid discharge.

M. K. Das, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Mines, Government of Gujarat and Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited signed the MoU.

 


2. What was the theme for Global Handwashing Day 2020 which was celebrated October 15 (annually)?

1)         Our hands, our future

2)         Clean Hands for All

3)         Hand Hygiene for All

4)         Clean hands - a recipe for health

5)         Clean hands save lives

Answer – 3) Hand Hygiene for All

Explanation: Global Handwashing Day is celebrated annually on October 15. The global advocacy day aims to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. Theme of Global Handwashing Day 2020 – “Hand Hygiene for All”. The theme follows the recent global initiative, Hand Hygiene for All Global Initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

 


3. The Zojila Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) provides all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and which city?

1)         Kullu

2)         Manali

3)         Jammu

4)         Leh

5)         Katra

Answer- 4) Leh

Explanation: Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) & Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) initiated the first blasting process for the construction of one of the longest bi-directional road in Asia i.e. 14.15 Km Zojila Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh (Ladakh plateau) on National Highway (NH)-1. The project has a completion schedule of six years (72 months).The project will be implemented by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) while its construction work will be carried by Hyderabad (Telangana) based Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).

 


4. Who has virtually launched the ‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program for Intellectual Property (IP) Literacy and Awareness campaign?

1)         Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’

2)         S Jaishankar

3)         Narendra Modi

4)         Ravi Shankar Prasad

5)         Prakash Javdekar

Answer- 1) Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’

Explanation: On the occasion of 89th birth anniversary of former President and Scientist Late Dr. APJ (Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen) Abdul Kalam i.e. on October 15, 2020, Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Ministry of Education (MOE) virtually launched the ‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program for Intellectual Property (IP) Literacy and Awareness campaign. The occasion also saw the release of the Institution Innovation Council (IIC 2.0) annual report, launch of IIC 3.0 website, along with the launch announcement of IIC 3.0. It was also decided to celebrate October 15th to October 23rd, 2020 as ‘Intellectual Property (IP) Literacy Week’.

 


5. Which Country will receive its first submarine namely, “INS Sindhuvir” from India?

1)         Bangladesh

2)         Sri Lanka

3)         Myanmar

4)         Mauritius

5)         Maldives

Answer- 3) Myanmar

Explanation: Official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Anurag Srivastava announced that the Myanmar Navy is all set to receive its first submarine namely “Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sindhuvir”, a Kilo class submarine which will be handed over by India under its vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) in the Region to provide guaranteed security for all maritime partners. Myanmar Navy will initially use INS Sindhuvir for training and orientation purposes for its Navy personnel as it has a capacity of staying underwater for almost 45 days.

 


6. Which Bank signed a MoU with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to pay subsidy to street vendors under the PM SVANidhi Scheme?

1)         Bank of Baroda

2)         State Bank of India

3)         Canara Bank

4)         Indian Bank

5)         Punjab National Bank

Answer- 4) Indian Bank

Explanation: Indian Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) at New Delhi, to pay subsidy to street vendors under the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme. MoU was signed by Sanjay Kumar, Joint Secretary (National Urban Livelihoods Mission- NULM) of MoHUA, Vikas Kumar, Field General Manager, New Delhi, Indian Bank and Subodh Kumar, General Manager of SIDBI.

 


7. Which is the 1st Small Finance Bank to go live under the bank sponsorship programme (become sponsor of Ashoknagar Co-operative Bank)?

1)         Ujjivan Small Finance Bank

2)         Utkarsh Small Finance Bank

3)         AU Small Finance Bank

4)         Jana Small Finance Bank

5)         Fincare Small Finance Bank

Answer- 4) Jana Small Finance Bank

Explanation: Jana Small Finance Bank (SFB) becomes Sponsor Bank of Ashoknagar Co-operative Bank Limited. With this partnership, Jana SFB becomes the 1st SFB to go live under the bank sponsorship programme. The Core Banking Solution (CBS)-enabled co-operative banks has been permitted by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) to issue ATM cards/ATM-cum-debit cards in a tie-up with a sponsor bank.

 


8. Which country has been re-elected as co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a term of two years at the 3rd Assembly of ISA held virtually?

1)         Russia

2)         France

3)         China

4)         USA

5)         Netherlands

Answer – 2) France

Explanation: Third Assembly of the International Solar Alliance was held in a virtual mode where India and France were- elected as the President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a term of two years at the virtual third Assembly of ISA. During the assembly, a report prepared by the World Resources Institute (WRI) was presented which identified the sources of funds, opportunities and constraints, in scaling up solar investments and the contribution of ISA in assisting Member countries. The Haryana Chief Minister (CM), Manohar Lal Khattar conferred the Kalpana Chawla awards named after the American astronaut of Indian origin, to Dr. Bhim Singh from IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Delhi and Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 


9. Who has been elected as the Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for 2020-21?

1)         Amitabh Chaudhary

2)         Rajnish Kumar

3)         K Rajeshwar Rao

4)         Rajkiran Rai G

5)         Dinesh Kumar Khara

Answer – 4) Rajkiran Rai G

Explanation: At the meeting of the Managing Committee of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Rajkiran Rai G, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Union Bank of India (UBI), has been elected as the Chairman of the Association for the term 2020-21. He succeeds Rajnish Kumar. While, Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India (SBI), was elected as Deputy Chairman of the Association for the year 2020-21.

 


10. Cricketer Umar Gul who announced retirement recently played for which country?

1)         Pakistan

2)         South Africa

3)         Afghanistan

4)         Bangladesh

5)         UAE

Answer – 1) Pakistan

Explanation: Fast Bowler Umar Gul announced retirement from all forms of Cricket at the age of 36. He is a Right-arm Fast Medium Bowler. He hails from Peshawar, Pakistan and has represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 130 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 60 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He has taken 163 Wickets in Tests, 179 in ODIs and 85 wickets in T20Is. He was part of the 2009 Twenty 20 World Championship winning Pakistan Team which took place in England. With 85 Wickets in 60 T20Is, Umar Gul is the Fifth Highest Wicket Taker in Twenty20 International Cricket.

 


11. Which Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) for tractor finance business?

1)         Bank of Baroda

2)         State Bank of India

3)         Canara Bank

4)         Indian Bank

5)         Punjab National Bank

Answer – 1) Bank of Baroda

Explanation: Bank of Baroda (BoB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) for tractor finance business. This aims to enhance the agriculture business and support farmers to avail loans to buy tractors. BoB will provide the facility to the customers of M&M through its 5000 rural and semi urban branches. BoB has partnered with Gromax under the Mahindra stable as preferred Brand.

 


12. Who has been elected as the Prime Minister of New Zealand (October 2020)?

1)         Constantina Dita

2)         Katrin Jakobsdottir

3)         Jacinda Ardern

4)         Sanna Marine

5)         Aava Murto

Answer – 3) Jacinda Ardern

Explanation: Jacinda Ardern leader of the Labour Party won the 2nd term as the Prime Minister of New Zealand with her landslide victory in the 2020 General Elections. The Labour Party won the election with 49% of the votes and its coalition partner the Green Party won 8% i.e., 10 seats.

 


13. Which Edition of India-Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise SLINEX-20 is being held at Trincomalee in Sri Lanka?

1)         6th

2)         5th

3)         8th

4)         7th

5)         9th

Answer – 3) 8th

Explanation: India’s policy of ‘Neighborhood First’ and vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’ is boosting interactions with neighboring countries including Sri Lanka with which Indian Navy (IN) initiated a 8th Edition of annual Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-20 from October 19-21 October 2020 off Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. The Indian side is represented by indigenously built ASW (anti- Submarine Warfare corvettes) Kamorta and Kiltan under the command of Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) while Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) is represented by SLN Ships Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel) and Gajabahu (Training Ship) led by Rear Admiral Bandara Jayathilaka, the Flag   Officer    Commanding    Naval.    In    addition,    Indian    Navy Advanced    Light    Helicopter (ALH) and Chetak helicopters embarked onboard IN ships and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft are also participating.

 


14. Which is World’s First Country to attach Facial verification in the National Identification Database?

1)         Singapore

2)         Israel

3)         Malaysia

4)         Indonesia

5)         Australia

Answer – 1) Singapore

Explanation: Singapore became the World’s First Country to attach Facial verification in the National Identification Database. The function is called “SingPass Face Verification”. Using “SingPass Face Verification” a number of Government services can be accessed online. It is being rolled out to the city-state’s SingPass digital identity scheme. The SingPass digital identity scheme provides access to 400 online services which includes tax declarations, and public housing applications. The facial verification scheme has been implemented by IProov and Toppan Ecquaria for Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech).

 


15. Name the person who has won the Gold Medal in the Women’s event (60-point competition) in Sheikh Russel International Air Rifle Championship 2020.

1)         Shiori Hirata

2)         Vidya Toyyiba

3)         Elavenil Valarivan

4)         Manu Bhaker

5)         Aava Murto

Answer – 3) Elavenil Valarivan

Explanation: Indian Shooters Elavenil Valarivan won the Gold Medal in the Women’s event, while Shahu Tushar Mane won the Silver Medal in the Men’s event. The championship was organised by Bangladesh Shooting Sport Federation (BSSF).

Women’s Event:

Winners

Medal

Score

Elavenil Valarivan (India)

Gold Medal

627.5

Shiori Hirata (Japan)

Silver Medal

622.6

Vidya Toyyiba (Indonesia)

Bronze Medal

621.1

 


16. India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park (MMLP) will be developed in which state?

1)         Assam

2)         Tripura

3)         Sikkim

4)         Meghalaya

5)         Nagaland

Answer – 1) Assam

Explanation: Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) virtually laid the foundation stone for India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park (MMLP) at Jogighopa in Assam. Rs 693.97 crore park will provide direct air, road, rail and waterways connectivity to the people. The park will be developed under the Bharatmala Pariyojana of the Government of India. It is being created by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), owned by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).

 


17. Who heads the Market Data Advisory Committee constituted by SEBI?

1)         Madhabi Puri Buch

2)         Ajay Tyagi

3)         Rajkiran Rai G

4)         Aditya Puri

5)         Rajnish Kumar

Answer – 1) Madhabi Puri Buch

Explanation: In an effort to set up Data Culture through Data Democratization in the Indian securities market, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted a Market Data Advisory Committee (MADC), Standing Committee. The committee is headed by Madhabi Puri Buch, Whole Time Member, SEBI and has CEOs of stock exchanges and depositories, representatives of various stakeholders and senior officials of SEBI as members.

 


18. Which Bank in collaboration with IIT-Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) has launched an exclusive credit facility of up to Rs 50 crore for start-ups namely “IND Spring Board”?

1)         Indian Bank

2)         IndusInd Bank

3)         Bank of Baroda

4)         State Bank of India

5)         Indian Overseas Bank

Answer – 1) Indian Bank

Explanation: Indian Bank in collaboration with IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) has launched an exclusive credit facility of up to Rs 50 crore for start-ups namely “IND Spring Board”. This new model for financing start-ups was e-launched by K Ananth Krishnan, Executive Vice President (EVP) & Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the presence of Debasish Panda, Secretary, Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. The e- launch was also attended by the Board of Directors of Indian Bank, customers of the Bank and representatives from print & electronic media.

 


19. Which edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020 headed by CSIR will be held virtually from 22nd to 25th December 2020?

1)         3rd

2)         9th

3)         5th

4)         4th

5)         6th

Answer – 5) 6th

Explanation: 2020 Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, at a review meeting held in New Delhi announced that the 6th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020 will be held from 22nd to 25th December, 2020. IISF 2020 will be organized at a virtual platform and will be spearheaded by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) with support of all other concerned ministries and departments.

 


20. The Principality of Andorra formally joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as _____Member.

1) 189th

2) 190th

3) 191st

4) 188th

5) 193rd

Answer - 2) 190th

Explanation: Principality of Andorra formally joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as 190th Member as Ambassador of Andorra, Elisenda Vives Balmana signed IMF’s Articles of Agreement at IMF Headquarters n Washington D.C., USA (United States of America).

Andorra had applied for membership to the IMF in January 2020. Andorra’s Initial Quota in the IMF is SDR (Special Drawing Right) 82.5 Million or About USD 116.4 Million. The Initial Quota will determine its capital subscription, voting power, access to IMF financing, and allocation of SDRs. The membership will allow Andorra to benefit from IMF policy advice, get Annual Review or “health check” of its economy by IMF and access to IMF lending if needed.

 


21. Which Project has won 2020 Brunel Medal for excellence in civil engineering at the Annual Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Awards 2020?

1)         Xiluodu hydropower plant, China

2)         Grand Coulee hydropower project, United States

3)         Sayano-Shushenskaya hydropower plant, Russia

4)         Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, Bhutan

5)         Guri power project, India

Answer - 4) Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, Bhutan

Explanation: India-Assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, a Bhutan-India Friendship project in Bhutan won the 2020 Brunel Medal for Excellence in Civil Engineering at the Annual Institution of Civil Engineers(ICE) Awards 2020 organised by the United Kingdom (UK) based ICE. India funded the Mangdechhu power plant of cost Rs.4500 crore through a 70% loan and 30% grant. The annual ICE awards recognise the achievements of civil engineering and the contribution to the profession of engineering and the ICE.

 


22. Kati Bihu is the festival celebrated in which state?

1)         Nagaland

2)         Manipur

3)         Meghalaya

4)         Assam

5)         Tripura

Answer – 4) Assam

Explanation: Kati Bihu is one of the sets of three Bihu festivals (agricultural festivals) was celebrated in the state of Assam. The Kati Bihu is also known as Kangali Bihu, the festival of the poor (the word “Kongal” means “poor”) is celebrated in mid-October when the crops are at growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are depleting.

 


23. Nazca Lines is the UNESCO heritage site located in which country?

1)         Mozambique

2)         Peru

3)         Iraq

4)         Egypt

5)         Greece

Answer – 2) Peru

Explanation: Peru’s famous Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its depictions of larger-than-life animals, plants and imaginary beings, grabbed the spotlight on social media recently after the discovery of a hitherto unknown massive carving –– that of a resting cat on the slope of a steep hill. Nazca Lines is considered among the top places to visit in Peru, the Nazca Lines are a group of geoglyphs, or large designs made on the ground by creators using elements of the landscape such as stones, gravel, dirt or lumber.

These are believed to be the greatest known archaeological enigma, owing to their size, continuity, nature and quality. The images on the ground are so big in size that the best way to get a full view of them is overflying them.



24. Which organization released a report titled “Human Mobility, Shared Opportunities”?

1)         International Monetary Fund (IMF)

2)         United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

3)         World Trade Organization (WTO)

4)         World Bank

5)         United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

Answer –2) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Explanation: A report “Human Mobility, Shared Opportunities: A Review of the 2009 Human Development Report and the Way Ahead” was released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) stating how governments can shape migration to benefit development and boost recovery. The report accessed how future policy responses could facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration. This report marked 30 years of its annual Human Development Reports. The forced migration has doubled over the last 10 years to around 79 million people, therefore, to fight with its cause is essential for development.

 


25. In a regulatory framework for housing finance companies (HFCs), RBI fixed the minimum Net Owned Funds (NOF) size for HFCs at what amount?

1)         20 crore

2)         10 crore

3)         25 crore

4)         5 crore

5)         30 crore

Answer – 3) 25 crore

Explanation: RBI issued the revised regulatory framework for housing finance companies (HFCs) under which the minimum net owned funds (NOF) size for HFCs is fixed at Rs 25 crore. RBI finalized guidelines to setup Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Payment System Operators (PSOs) under Companies Act, 2013 as a not for profit body and non-governmental organisation will serve as a watchdog to guard against unprofessional practices within an industry or profession. RBI decided the two interoperable QR codes in existence – Unified Payments Interface (UPI) QR and Bharat QR will continue as at present. The “Report of the committee for Analysis of QR (Quick Response) Code” under the chairmanship of Prof Deepak B. Phatak was publicized by RBI on July 22, 2020 for suggestions.