1.Which country recently introduced a new scheme of fast-track visa to attract scientists?
[A] Russia
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Germany
[D] China
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently announced the new scheme of fast-track visa to attract world’s best scientists.
The United Kingdom is expected to face a major job crunch as after the Brexit deal, the European Union citizens will lose the right to live and work in the UK and the natives of Britain will settle in the 27 remaining nations of the union. The Prime Minister also announced the ‘Global Talent route program’ of 300 million pounds for research in advanced mathematics.
2.What is the theme of the World Cancer Day 2020, recently observed across the world?
[A] I can and we can
[B] I am and I will
[C] Life after Cancer
[D] Together We can
Correct Answer: B [I am and I will]
Notes:
World Cancer Day is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control and celebrated every year on February 4, from 2000. This year the theme of the campaign is ‘I am and I will’.
The World Cancer Day campaign was first created in the year 2000, and this year’s is the 20th edition of the day. It is observed to create awareness about the disease across the world and to improve individual and government action. The campaign aims at reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030.
3.Ra’ad-II, which was tested recently, is a nuclear-capable cruise missile of which country?
[A] Israel
[B] Pakistan
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Iran
Correct Answer: B [Pakistan]
Notes:
Pakistan recently successfully flight tested the air-launch of nuclear-capable cruise missile Ra’ad-II. The missile has a striking range of 600 km.
The Ra’ad-II weapon system comprises of world-class navigation systems for better precision. Last month, Pakistan successfully conducted a successful training launch of surface-to-surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi.
4.Which country recently assumes presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of March 2020?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Nepal
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China has recently taken over as the President of the UN Security Council for the month of March 2020.
The Security Council was established by the UN Agreement to maintain international peace and security. The council has 15 members (5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members for two-year terms). The 15 members assume presidency every month in a rotation basis.
5.Where is the headquarters of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) located?
[A] Rome
[B] Paris
[C] Geneva
[D] New York
Correct Answer: C [Geneva]
Notes:
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland recently directed the Government of India to carry out effective measures to ensure a minimum adequate standard of living to the migrant workers, who are largely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.
India has imposed a nation-wide lockdown from March 25 to April 14 earlier and has been extended to May 3 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The organisation also highlighted that due to the massive internal displacement 22 internal migrant workers and their family members have died.
6.Which Middle East country recently legalized cannabis farming for medicinal use?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Lebanon
[C] Oman
[D] Yemen
Correct Answer: B [Lebanon]
Notes:
The Parliament of Lebanon recently made the cannabis farming done for medicinal use, legal. This decision has been made to increase the export of the medicinal products made from the plant and thereby developing the agricultural sector.
This step is expected to increase the revenue of the Government, amidst the prevalent coronavirus pandemic, as the country’s economy is paralyzed with financial crisis. Earlier, about 25 tonnes of a particular drug made from cannabis were ceased, which were hidden for smuggling.
7.Which country, also the world’s second largest arms producer, is set to join the UN Arms Trade Treaty?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] China
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China recently announced that it will join the United Nations (UN) Arms Trade Treaty. China’s top legislative body voted to adopt a decision on joining the treaty.
Under the treaty, the member countries ought to keep records of international transfers of weapons. The members should also prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations. Earlier, the United States had rejected to join in the treaty, which has been designed to control the flow of weapons into conflict zones.
8.Which is the Headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)?
[A] Geneva
[B] Paris
[C] Amman
[D] New York
Correct Answer: C [Amman]
Notes:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is an UN agency created to support the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. Its headquarters is located in Amman, Jordan.
Recently, India has pledged contributing 10 million US dollar to the UNWRA over the next two years. This was announced during the Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA. This year, India has already disbursed two million dollars and will soon remit the balance three million dollars. India also provides 250 annual scholarships to Palestinian youth and officials.
9.Which country has launched a new ‘Jet Zero Council’ to tackle aviation emissions?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] China
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has launched a new ‘Jet Zero Council’, to tackle aviation emissions in the country.
The council was launched to mark the Prime Minister’s completion of 1 year in his office, as a part of the 350-million-pound plan to fight climate change. The council will bring together the Government, environment sector and aviation industry experts to develop the zero-emission long-haul passenger plane. UK has a target of becoming net zero by 2050.
10.Who has taken charge as the first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore?
[A] Chiam See Tong
[B] Pritam Singh
[C] Indranee
[D] Sylvia Lim
Correct Answer: B [Pritam Singh]
Notes:
The Indian-origin politician of Singapore has created history by taking charge as the first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore.
Though there have been de-facto leaders of the Opposition in the past, this is the first time the position is being officially recognised. Pritam belongs to the Workers’ Party that had won 10 parliamentary seats out of the 93 seats.
