1. Where was the 32nd edition of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Congress held for the first time in South Asia to increase quality seed production and seed export-import policies ?
A. Male, Maldives
B. Dhaka, Bangladesh
C. Kabul, Afghanistan
D. Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer- Option D
Explanation -
An eight-day event of the 32nd edition of International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Congress has started in Hyderabad, Telangana. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Telangana government have jointly hosted the event which is being held for the first time in South Asia.Inauguration: Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare inaugurated the event.Aim: Focusing on modern technologies to increase quality seed production and seed export-import policies.
2. Which country has signed a loan agreement worth $400 Million with World Bank for the Program Towards Elimination of Tuberculosis(TB), which kills approximately half a million
people in that country ?
A. Indonesia
B. India
C. China
D. Nigeria
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
On June 28, 2019, The World Bank and the Government of India signed a loan agreement of $400 Million for the Program Towards Elimination of Tuberculosis(TB), which kills approximately half a million people in India every year. The program will cover nine States of India. The Loan Agreement was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Shanker Lal, Acting Country Director, on behalf of the World Bank.
3. What is the average base rate set by Reserve Bank of India for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to be charged from their customers?
A. 9.75%
B. 9.25%
C. 9.55%
D. 9.18%
Answer- Option D
Explanation -
On June 28, 2019, The Reserve Bank of India set an average base rate of 9.18% for Non-Banking Financial
Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to be charged from their customers. It will be charged for the quarter beginning July 1, 2019.On February 7, 2014, the Apex bank in a circular had informed the NBFCs and MFIs regarding the pricing of credit on the last working day of every quarter.It sets the average base rate on the basis of an average of the base rate of the 5 largest commercial banks.
4. Which cryptocurrency exchange in India has terminated its digital asset trading services and other crypto-related operations citing regulatory uncertainty and disruption ?
A. Coinbase
B. Koinex
C. Binance
D. Zebpay
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
India’s Largest cryptocurrency exchange, Koinex (Mumbai) terminating its digital asset trading services and other crypto-related operations citing regulatory uncertainty and disruption. Problem: It was facing problems with its payment services and gateways, along with non-crypto related transactions like payment of salaries, rent, and purchase of equipment.It started its digital assets exchange services in August 2017.Record: It executed over 20 million orders, and recorded $3Biilion+ in trading volume on its platform so far.
5. Which country has became the low cost solar energy producer in the world as per International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s report “Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2018” ?
A. China
B. India
C. UK
D. US
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
According to a report, “Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2018” by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India leads in producing solar power at lowest cost globally and is far ahead of other nations in low average production costs. Even India beats China(cheapest manufacturer of everything,) it also left behind the countries of the UK, Canada, and France among others.India’s report:India has the lowest total installed cost for new utility-scale solar PV projects that were commissioned in 2018 at $793/Kw(kilowatt), which is 27% lower than in 2017.High cost: Canada($2,427/kW)Russian($2,302/kW) Japan($2,101/kW) South Africa($1,617/kW) and Australia($1,554/kW) are charging high for setting up solar projects.Low cost: China, Italy , France($1,074/kW) and Germany($1,113/kW) have the lowest installation cost.
6. Name the first Indian, who has became the member of International Olympic Committee (IOC) while heading a Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH).
A. Narinder Batra
B. Thomas Abraham
C. Rajeev Arora
D. Vandana Sharda
Answer- Option A
Explanation -
On June 26, 2019, Narinder Batra, President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)in the IOC Session. He received 58 votes out of 62. With the election of 10 new members, the total number of IOC members rose to 105. Batra became the first Indian to have the rare distinction by becoming a member of the IOC while heading a National Olympic Committee and the international federation.
7. Who has been appointed as the National Housing Bank (NHB) Managing Director for a period of three years?
A. Karnam Sekar
B. Sarada Kumar Hota
C. Pallav Mahapatra
D. P. S. Jayakumar
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
According to the Finance Ministry, Government of India, Canara Bank General Manager (GM)Sarada Kumar Hota has assumed charge as the National Housing Bank (NHB) Managing Director for a period of three years. He succeeds Sriram Kalyanaraman. Prior to the appointment, Hota served as the managing director of Can Fin Homes, a subsidiary of Canara Bank.NHB, which is now wholly owned by the Government.
8. Which country is set to host 2026 Winter Olympics ?
A. China
B. Italy
C. India
D. Russia
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
On June 24, 2019, In the final round of voting at the 134th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, Italy’s Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo won the right to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating Sweden’s capital Stockholm. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo received 47 votes from the IOC members and Stockholm secured 34 votes.
9. Name the five-year vision plan launched by Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to transform higher education with the help of more than 50 initiatives
A. Education Quality Inclusion Programme (EQIP)
B. Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP)
C. Education Quality Upgradation and Enhanced Programme (EQUEP)
D. Education Quality Enhanced Programme (EQEP)
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
On June 28, 2019, The Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP) to transform higher education with the help of more than 50 initiatives.
10. By which year, the flow of raw sewage into the Ganga river will be fully stopped, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ?
A. 2025
B. 2022
C. 2030
D. 2020
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
On June 28, 2019, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a national conference,exhibition and awards ceremony ‘Innovative Water Solutions’ in New Delhi announced that the flow of raw sewage into the Ganga river will be fully stopped by 2022. India is ranked 122nd in the World in terms of contamination. States of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand have already achieved this and they have promised to make Ganga fit for holy rituals by December 2019.Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) was asked to find out the portion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds spent on water issues.Ernst & Young (EY)-ASSOCHAM report titled “Think-Blue” Effective Water Management: Integrating Innovation & Technology was released during the event.
11. Who constituted a 3 member panel to resolve disputes between private solar & wind power developers, public sector Solar Energy Corporation of India and National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) beyond contractual agreement?
A. R K Singh
B. A K Dubey
C. M F Farooqui
D. Anil Swarup
Answer- Option A
Explanation -
On June 27, 2019, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) R K Singh approved the formation of a three-member dispute resolution committee with members M F Farooqui, former Heavy Industry Secretary, Anil Swarup, former Coal Secretary and A K Dubey, former Sports Secretary to resolve disputes between private solar & wind power developers and public sector Solar Energy Corporation of India and National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) beyond contractual agreement. India aims to achieve 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2022 as part of its climate commitments. Out of 175 GW, 100GW will be received from solar projects and rest from the wind power projects.
12. Which Indian city was India’s most expensive city & included in the list of top 20 most-expensive cities in Asia for expatriates as its residential housing prices were the highest in the world ?
A. Mumbai
B. New Delhi
C. Chennai
D. Bengaluru
Answer- Option A
Explanation -
As per Mercer’s 25th Annual Cost of Living Survey which was conducted in March 2019, Mumbai was considered as India’s most expensive city. It was included in the list of top 20 most-expensive cities in Asia for expatriates as its residential housing prices were the highest in the world. Indian Cities: Mumbai fell 12 spots and was ranked 67th position. New Delhi stood at 118th place, Chennai was ranked 154th position, Bengaluru at 179th position and Kolkata at 189th place.
13. Which state has signed with world bank worth $ 250 Million Loan Agreement for its State Highways Development Project?
A. Karnataka
B. Rajasthan
C. Kerala
D. West Bengal
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
The Government of India, Government of Rajasthan and the World Bank signed a $ 250 Million Loan Agreement for Phase II of Rajasthan State Highways Development Project. The Loan Agreement was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Shanker Lal, Acting Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank.It will be used to support the construction, upgradation, improvement, and maintenance of 766 kms of state highways and district roads.
14. Which state has the highest unemployment rate as per the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)’s titled “The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2017-18” ?
A. Meghalaya
B. Manipur
C. Goa
D. Nagaland
Answer- Option D
Explanation -
Nagaland has the highest unemployment rate among the states with 21.4% followed by Goa (13.9%)and Manipur(11.6%), while Meghalaya has the lowest rate at 1.5%.Chhattisgarh and Sikkim also have the lowest rates.Rural and Urban: Urban areas witnessed higher unemployment (7.8%) than the rural areas (5.3%).Male Vs Female: Females have the lowest unemployment rate (5.7%) in comparison to males (6.2%).Union territories: Nagaland still gets top in the list of union territories while Dadra and Nagar Haveli with a low rate of 0.6%.
15. Which color coding will be required to label on front side of Indian package food that represent high fat, sugar and salt content levels as per Food Safety and Standards Authority(FSSAI) ?
A. Yellow color coding
B. Red color coding
C. Green color coding
D. Orange color coding
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
On June 27, 2019, As per the draft regulation issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority(FSSAI)(Labelling and Display regulation) of India Packaged food companies will be required to label high fat,sugar and salt content levels on the front side of the package with “red-color-coding”. Replacing old: Thiswill replace the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.Labelling regulations: Nutritional Information on calories (energy), saturated fats, trans-fats, added sugar and sodium per serve should be mentioned on the Front of the Pack (FoP)labels.
16. Name the Indian Navy Ship, which reached Alexandria in Egypt as a part of the Western Fleet Overseas Deployment programme .
A. Indian Navy Ship(INS), Talwar
B. Indian Navy Ship(INS), Trishul
C. Indian Navy Ship(INS), Tabar
D. Indian Navy Ship(INS), Tarkash
Answer- Option D
Explanation -
As a part of the Western Fleet Overseas Deployment programme, Indian Navy Ship(INS), Tarkash reached Alexandria in Egypt for three days visit. This visit to Egypt will seek to strengthen the ties between the two countries & increase the footprint and operational reach of the Indian navy.Due to the geostrategic location, Egypt will provide the unique advantage of being at the crossroads of Africa, Asia,and Europe and, all important sea lines of communication pass through the Red Sea into the Mediterranean through Suez Canal in Egypt.
17. What is the interest rates of Senior Citizens Savings Scheme for the July-September quarter?
A. 8.7 percent
B. 8.6 percent
C. 8.5 percent
D. 8.4 percent
Answer- Option B
Explanation -
The Union Finance Ministry, Government of India reduced the interest rate on small savings schemes by 0.1 per cent (10 basis points) for the July-September quarter. The schemes include Public provident fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Kisan Vikas Patra(KVP), Sukanya Samriddhi Account, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS). PPF&NSC: For the July-September quarter, PPF and National Savings Certificate will fetch an annual interest rate of 7.9% as compared to 8% earlier.KVP: Kisan Vikas Patra will yield 7.6 percent with a maturity of 113 months. At present, the interest rate on KVP is 7.7 percent and maturity is 112 months.The girl child savings scheme: Sukanya Samriddhi Account will offer 8.4 percent from 8.5 percent.SCSS: Senior Citizens Savings Scheme will offer 8.6 percent from 8.7percent.Term deposits of 1- 3 years will offer an interest rate of 6.9 percent will be paid quarterly,while the five-year quarterly pegged at 7.7 percent and for recurring 7.2 percent from the existing rate of 7.3 percent.
18. What is the leverage ratio for Domestic Systemically Important Banks (DSIBs) from October 2019?
A. 3.5%
B. 2%
C. 3%
D. 4%
Answer- Option D
Explanation -
The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) relaxed the leverage ratio (LR) for banks in a bid to help them expand their lending activities. The leverage ratio (LR) reduced to 4% for Domestic Systemically Important Banks (DSIBs) and 3.5% for other banks with effective from October 1, 2019.The relaxation was done for financial stability with a view to moving further towards harmonization with Basel III standards and could help some of the banks currently under Prompt Corrective Action(PCA) comply with the leverage framework.The leverage ratio, as defined under Basel-III norms, is Tier-I capital as a percentage of the bank’s exposures.
19. Which Bank has signed a loan agreement of $250 million (Rs 1,725 crore) with Kerala for its Resilient Programme ?
A. World Bank(WB)
B. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
C. New Development Bank (NDB)
D. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Answer- Option A
Explanation -
On June 29, 2019, The Government of India, State Government of Kerala and World Bank signed a loan agreement of $250 million (Rs 1,725 crore) for the Kerala Resilient Programme. Development Policy Loan (DPL): The loan agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare on behalf of the government, Manoj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Kerala and Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank India.This will enhance the state’s resilience against the impact of natural disasters and climate change.The aid will support Kerala with improved river basin and water infrastructure operations management, water supply and sanitation services, resilient and sustainable agriculture, enhanced agriculture risk insurance, improved resilience of the core road network, etc.
20. Who sworn in as the governor of Manipur ?
A. Lalji Tandon
B. Jagdish Mukhi
C. B. D. Mishra
D. Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya
Answer- Option D
Explanation -
On June 27, 2019, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya was sworn in as the Governor of Manipur. Justice Lanusungkum Jamir of the High Court of Manipur administered the swearing in ceremony at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan, Imphal in the presence of Chief Minister of the state N Biren Singh, his cabinet colleagues, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), top civil and police officers. He is given the additional charge as the Governor of Manipur, in addition to his own duties as the Governor of Nagaland in the absence (on leave) of Dr Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur.