1.Angamaly-Azhutha Sabari rail project, which was making news recently, is to be constructed in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Telangana
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Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved to use funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), for the Angamaly-Azhutha Sabari rail project. The Railways will undertake the construction and maintenance of the project, while development of station will be through public-private partnership and a special purpose vehicle. The income will be shared between the State Government of Kerala and the Railways after deducting the expenses. ©navclasses
2.Which country extended a loan equivalent to Rs 3550 crore to India, to fight Covid pandemic?
[A] US
[B] Japan
[C] Germany
[D] France
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Explanation: India and Japan recently signed an agreement for a loan of up to 50 billion yen (equivalent to Rs 3,550 crore) to support India’s economic support programmes for the people affected by Covid-19. Japan had earlier provided a support of 50 billion yen and grant assistance worth one billion yen for India for fighting Covid. This aims to support the Indian government’s programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). ©navclasses
3.India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management has been set up in which Indian city?
[A] Cochin
[B] Chennai
[C] Vishakhapatnam
[D] Guwahati
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Explanation: India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management has been set up in Chennai. It aims to strengthen research for conservation and management of the wetlands. This has been set up as a part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai. The Centre would also serve as a knowledge hub and facilitate exchanges between state wetland authorities. ©navclasses
4.Which Indian company has partnered with UNICEF to distribute vaccines around the world?
[A] Biocon
[B] Serum Institute of India
[C] Bharat Biotech
[D] Dr Reddys
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Explanation: The Serum Institute of India (SII) and UNICEF have recently entered into a long-term supply agreement. Under the agreement, the UNICEF will have access to 1.1 billion doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford and the Novavax vaccines to distribute around 100 countries. ©navclasses
5.‘Heritage corridor project’, which was making news recently, is associated with which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Odisha
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Explanation: The Jagannath Temple Management Committee, has recently approved a Rs 800-crore heritage corridor project. This project aims to revamp and redevelop the temple and is surrounding areas. The Lord Jagannath Temple is an important 12th century temple located in Puri, Odisha. The temple was built by the King Anantavarman Chodaganga of Ganga dynasty. ©navclasses
6.India held bilateral consultations with which country on the issues of UN Security Council?
[A] USA
[B] Ireland
[C] France
[D] Poland
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Explanation: India and Ireland recently held bilateral consultations on the UN Security Council issues via video conference. During the session, both the countries congratulated each other on their election to the UNSC and agreed to work closely together during their stint at the UNSC in 2021-2022. Joint Secretary (UNP and Summits) Prakash Gupta led the Indian delegation. ©navclasses
7.What is the name of India’s initiative to deliver Covid-19 vaccines to friendly countries?
[A] Vaccine Maitri
[B] Vaccine to Mitron
[C] Bharat Vaccine Mitra
[D] India contributes
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Explanation: The Vaccine Maitri or the Vaccine Friendship initiative was started on January 20, 2021. Under the initiative, India supplies Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccines to its neighbouring countries. Bhutan and Maldives were the first country to get the vaccines. They are followed by Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. Recently, consignment of Covid vaccines were airlifted for Guyana, Jamaica and Nicaragua. ©navclasses
8.‘APEDA’ was established under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Food Processing
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Explanation: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the APEDA Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985. It was set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. APEDA recently launched its first virtual trade fair to boost export of agricultural and processed food products. ©navclasses
9.An advisory committee has been set up to study which Indian river for the next two years, chaired by the Culture Minister?
[A] Sarasvati
[B] Sarayu
[C] Sarayu
[D] Narmada
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Explanation: The Centre has reconstituted an advisory committee to create a plan for studying the mythical Sarasvati river for the next two years. The term of the previous panel, which was set up by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2017, ended in 2019. The 27-member panel would include officials from various ministries, archaeologists and other experts. ©navclasses
10.What is the name of the Bill that amends the definition of the word “government” in Delhi?
[A] Delhi Government Bill
[B] Powers to Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Bill
[C] Definitions of Government Bill
[D] National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill
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Explanation: The Lok Sabha has passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill – 2021. This bill seeks to amend the definition for “Government of Delhi” as Lieutenant-Governor (L-G). The bill also mandated the elected government in Delhi – NCR to take the opinion of the L-G before any executive action. ©navclasses