All Exams  >   UPSC  >   Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis 2021  >   All Questions

All questions of August 2020 for UPSC CSE Exam

Name the Institute which in collaboration with TransUnion CIBIL launched financial knowledge platform named” MSMESaksham” for MSMEs.
  • a)
    Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • b)
    Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
  • c)
    National Housing Bank (NHB)
  • d)
    Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI)
  • e)
    India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL)
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vijay Kumar answered
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in association with TransUnion CIBIL Limited (formerly Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited) has launched a comprehensive financial education and one-stop knowledge platform for micro, small and medium enterprises “MSMESaksham”, which will guide MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) seeking quick access to finance and will also support them in managing their credit obligations. The portal is focused on two key pillars of financial knowledge and access to credit.

Which institute ranked top among the institute of national importance in Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2020 released by vice president Venkaiah Naidu?
  • a)
    IIT Bombay
  • b)
    IIT Delhi
  • c)
    IISc Bengaluru
  • d)
    IIT Madras
  • e)
    IIM Ahmedabad
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Mira Sharma answered
Vice-President of India, Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu, e-released the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) 2020 from New Delhi. He was the chief of the virtual ceremony while Union Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Minister of State (MoS) for Education Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre were the Guest of Honour. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras topped the category of Institute of National Importance while Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Khordha (Odisha) topped the category of Private or Self-Financed Universities.

Who has been conferred with Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) award 2019 for investigative journalism?
  • a)
    Nitin Sethi
  • b)
    Josy Joseph
  • c)
    Neha Dixit
  • d)
    Chitra Subramanium
  • e)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Reddy answered
Asian College of Journalism(ACJ) award 2019 was conferred upon Journalist Nitin Sethi for investigative journalism and K P Narayana Kumar Memorial Award 2019 for Social Impact Journalism is bestowed upon Journalist Shiv Sahay Singh. The awards were presented in a virtual ceremony by Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist of the World Health Organisation(WHO), at the inauguration of the Class of 2021.

Who heads the committee formed by Reserve Bank of India to set up a new mechanism for stressed assets (committee will also evaluate resolution plans where debt is more than Rs 1,500 crore.)?
  • a)
    Diwakar Gupta
  • b)
    N. Manoharan
  • c)
    KV Kamath
  • d)
    Ashvin Parekh
  • e)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kaavya Basak answered
RBI has decided to set up a new mechanism for stressed assets that need rescuing. In this regard, RBI will set up a committee under Kundapur Vaman Kamath, the former chairman of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Bank and ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) Bank to set the parameters and benchmarks for this programme aimed at the resolution of stressed loans. This committee will also evaluate resolution plans where debt is more than Rs 1,500 crore.

Find the bank which obtained in-principle approval from the RBI to set up a wholly owned non- financial subsidiary.
  • a)
    Axis Bank
  • b)
    Yes Bank
  • c)
    South Indian Bank
  • d)
    HDFC Bank
  • e)
    ICICI Bank
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Reddy answered
South Indian Bank(SIB) has obtained in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) to set up a wholly owned non- financial subsidiary for undertaking activities permitted by RBI. After SIB completes the relevant formalities and receives final approval from the regulators the subsidiary will commence its operations.

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is observed annually on August 1-7. What is the theme for WBW 2020?
  • a)
    “Support Breast feeding for a healthier planet”
  • b)
    “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding”
  • c)
    “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life”
  • d)
    “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”
  • e)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Reddy answered
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually in the first week of August (from 1st of August to 7th of August) around 120 countries in the World. The day is celebrated to encourage breastfeeding and improve the babies’ health around the world. The theme for the year 2020 is, “Support Breast feeding for a healthier planet”.

Chetan Chauhan who passed away in August 2020 is a renowned ________.
  • a)
    Cricketer
  • b)
    Politician
  • c)
    Singer
  • d)
    Both 1) and 2)
  • e)
    All the 1), 2) and 3)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Lalit Yadav answered
Former Indian cricketer and Uttar Pradesh (UP) Cabinet Minister of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, Prantiya Rakshak Dal and Civil Security Chetan Chauhan (Full Name- Chetan Pratap Singh Chauhan) passed away at 73 in Medanta hospital, Gurugram, Haryana due to COVID-19. He belongs to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was honoured with the Arjuna award in 1981. He was born on July 21, 1947 in Bareilly, UP.
Sarabhai’s 100th birth century was observed on 12th of August, 2020.

Who has been appointed as the additional and independent director of Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd (with effect from August 1, 2020)?
  • a)
    S Jaishankar
  • b)
    Viral Acharya
  • c)
    BP Kanungo
  • d)
    Urjit Patel
  • e)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd announced that its board has appointed former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel as an additional and independent director for a term of 5 years, effective from August 01, 2020.

The Manduadih railway station of which state is renamed as ‘Banaras railway station’?
  • a)
    Madhya Pradesh
  • b)
    Gujarat
  • c)
    Maharashtra
  • d)
    Uttar Pradesh
  • e)
    Haryana
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the renaming of Manduadih Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh (UP) as ‘Banaras’. In 2019, Former Union Minister Manoj Sinha had written to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath requesting the change in name of the Manduadih Railway Station. Manduadih is a place in Varanasi situated about four kilometres from Varanasi Cantonment Station.

Who has been appointed as the MD&CEO of HDFC Bank with effect from October 27, 2020?
  • a)
    Deepak S Parekh
  • b)
    Keki M Mistry
  • c)
    Sumit Bose
  • d)
    Ranjan Mathai
  • e)
    Sashidhar Jagdishan
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has approved Sashidhar Jagdishan as the next Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of HDFC Bank for a period of 3 years, effective from the date of taking charge i.e., October 27, 2020 under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. He will succeed Aditya Puri, the bank’s longest serving CEO (26 years- since September 1994). Aditya Puri will retire on October 26, 2020, on attaining the age of 70.

Which state government launched cybercrime awareness programme named ‘E-Raksha Bandhan’?
  • a)
    Karnataka
  • b)
    Telangana
  • c)
    Andhra Pradesh
  • d)
    Tamil Nadu
  • e)
    Kerala
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Reddy answered
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy launched a one-month long virtual cybercrime awareness programme ‘E-Raksha Bandhan’ in Amaravati. The Aim of the Programme is to create awareness among women, youth and children on Cyber Crimes across the state. It is organized by the Andhra Pradesh Police, CID, FM Radio, Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC), Cyber Peace Foundation (CPF) and other organisations.

Name the Indian Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel, which was launched in August 2020 (manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited).
  • a)
    ICGS Samrath
  • b)
    ICGS Sachet
  • c)
    ICGS Sarthak
  • d)
    ICGS Samudra
  • e)
    ICGS Sankalp
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
In order to enhance maritime security, on August 13, 2020, an Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard was launched and re-christened as Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Sarthak” during a ceremony held at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) which was conducted through video conferencing from Coast Guard headquarters at New Delhi. It was launched by Ms. Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. Sarthak, the 4th in the series of five OPVs deployed by the ICG has been designed and built indigenously by GSL on the lines of “Make in India” which has about 70% indigenous content. The ship will be deployed for exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, Coastal Security and other duties to safeguard India’s maritime interests.

Haryana forest department used drone for aerial seeding to increase green cover in Aravallis recently. Which IIT designed the ‘seeding drone’?
  • a)
    IIT Delhi
  • b)
    IIT Bombay
  • c)
    IIT Madras
  • d)
    IIT Kanpur
  • e)
    IIT Gandhinagar
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nikita Singh answered
In order to improve green cover in the inaccessible Aravalli area of Haryana’s Faridabad district, the Haryana forest department has used drone technology to shower 50,000 seeds pallets covered with a mixture of clay and compost. This ‘seeding drone’ is designed by an Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur backed startup. Species whose seeds were disseminated included Peepal, Pilkhan, Amaltash, Bael Patra, Pahari Papri, Ronjh and Khairi.

Which state/UT ranked top in terms of performance in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-II as per union minister Jitendra Singh?
  • a)
    Himachal Pradesh
  • b)
    Tamil Nadu
  • c)
    Sikkim
  • d)
    Jammu & Kashmir
  • e)
    Arunachal Pradesh
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Advait Chawla answered
Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State-MoS (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space laid foundation stones virtually and e-inaugurated various construction works undertaken under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-II in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). Jitendra Singh informed that J&K has ranked 2nd in terms of performance under PMGSY II after Himachal Pradesh.

Amar Singh who passed away recently is a renowned ________.
  • a)
    Singer
  • b)
    Actor
  • c)
    Politician
  • d)
    News Editor
  • e)
    Hockey Player
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vinod Mehta answered
Former Samajwadi party leader and Rajya Sabha MP (Member of Parliament) Amar Singh, had passed away at the age 64, in Singapore due to Kidney ailments.  He was born on January 27, 1956 at Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh. He had gone through kidney transplant in the year 2011. From 5th July 2016 to 1st August 2020, he was re-elected as the member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. (Constituency: Uttar Pradesh) (preceded by Ambeth Rajan)

Who has been chosen as the chairman of the National Council for Transgender Persons constituted by the central government for the transgender persons? 
  • a)
    Ramesh Pokhriyal 
  • b)
    Prakash Javadekar 
  • c)
    Thawar Chand Gehlot 
  • d)
    Harsh Vardhan
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
The Centre has constituted a National Council for Transgender Persons through a notification. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister will be the ex-officio Chairperson and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment will be ex-officio Vice-Chairperson.
The National Council will advise the Centre on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect to transgender persons.

Pandit Jasraj who passed away in August 2020 is a renowned ________.
  • a)
    Photographer
  • b)
    Painter
  • c)
    Politician
  • d)
    Architect
  • e)
    Vocalist
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
Pandit Jasraj, an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana (a musical apprenticeship tribe of Hindustani classical music) passed away at 90 in his home in New Jersey, New York, United States(U.S.) due to cardiac arrest. He was born on January 28, 1930 in Pili Mandori, a village in the Hisar district of Haryana. He is a recipient of the Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (1990) and Padma Vibhushan (2000).

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the “Framework for authorization of Pan-India Umbrella Entity for Retail Payments” recently. What should be the minimum paid-up capital of umbrella entity?
  • a)
    250 Cr
  • b)
    100 Cr
  • c)
    1000 Cr
  • d)
    500 Cr
  • e)
    750 Cr
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sagarika Menon answered
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Financial Stability Report (FSR) on July 23, 2021. The FSR is a bi-annual publication that provides an assessment of the overall stability of India's financial system.

The report highlighted several key findings and observations. It noted that the resilience of the banking sector has improved since the previous report, with the gross non-performing assets (NPAs) ratio declining and capital adequacy ratios improving. However, it also cautioned that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the banking sector is yet to fully manifest and there are still risks to financial stability.

The FSR also highlighted the increasing importance of digital payments and the need to address cybersecurity risks. It emphasized the need for robust risk management frameworks and enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats and ensure the safety and efficiency of digital transactions.

Additionally, the report discussed the stress in the non-banking financial sector, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. It highlighted the need for effective regulation and supervision of non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) to address potential risks to financial stability.

Overall, the FSR provided an in-depth analysis of the current state of India's financial system and highlighted the challenges and risks that need to be addressed to ensure stability.

Sa. Kandasamy who passed away recently is a renowned ________.
  • a)
    Politician
  • b)
    Writer
  • c)
    Painter
  • d)
    Architect
  • e)
    Lawyer
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
The famous writer and documentary Filmmaker Sa. Kandasamy passed away at the age 81, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu due to heart ailments. He was born in 1940, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu. He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his Novel ‘Visaranai Commission.’

Reliance Retail Ventures has bought 100% direct ownership of which online pharmacy company recently?
  • a)
    Swasthyashopee
  • b)
    Comedz
  • c)
    Netmeds
  • d)
    Myramed
  • e)
    EMedix
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has acquired 60% equity stake in Vitalic Health Pvt Ltd(Vitalic) and 100% direct equity ownership of its subsidiaries namely Tresara Health Private Limited, Netmeds MarketPlace Limited and Dadha Pharma Distribution Pvt Limited (collectively known as Netmeds) for a cash consideration of around Rs 620 crore (USD 83.08 million). The deal values Netmeds around Rs 1,000 crore. RRVL’s investment is aligned with its commitment to provide digital access to everyone in India.

Women in which state topped the list of MUDRA loan scheme female beneficiaries? 
  • a)
    Jharkhand 
  • b)
    Madhya Pradesh 
  • c)
    Karnataka 
  • d)
    Tamil Nadu
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Introduction:
The MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) loan scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2015 to provide financial assistance to small and micro enterprises. The scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship and facilitate the growth of small businesses in the country. Under the MUDRA scheme, loans are provided to individuals, especially women, to start or expand their businesses.

Answer:
The correct answer is option 'D' - Tamil Nadu. Women in Tamil Nadu topped the list of MUDRA loan scheme female beneficiaries.

Explanation:
The MUDRA scheme has been successful in empowering women and promoting their entrepreneurial ventures across the country. Several factors contribute to Tamil Nadu topping the list of MUDRA loan scheme female beneficiaries.

1. Supportive Government Policies:
Tamil Nadu has implemented various government policies and initiatives to encourage women's participation in entrepreneurship. These policies include providing incentives, subsidies, and assistance for starting and expanding businesses. The state government has also set up dedicated agencies and institutions to support women entrepreneurs.

2. Women Empowerment Initiatives:
Tamil Nadu has implemented numerous women empowerment initiatives, including skill development programs, capacity building workshops, and awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to enhance women's knowledge and skills in various sectors, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs. The state government has also established dedicated women's entrepreneurship cells to provide guidance and support to aspiring women entrepreneurs.

3. Strong Support Ecosystem:
Tamil Nadu boasts a robust support ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The state has a well-developed network of banks, financial institutions, and microfinance institutions that provide easy access to credit and financial services. Additionally, Tamil Nadu has a vibrant startup ecosystem with incubation centers, accelerators, and mentorship programs that offer guidance and resources to women entrepreneurs.

4. Cultural Factors:
Tamil Nadu has a long-standing tradition of women's participation in business and entrepreneurship. Women in the state have been actively involved in various industries, including textiles, handicrafts, and small-scale manufacturing. The cultural acceptance of women in business and the availability of role models have motivated more women to venture into entrepreneurship.

Conclusion:
Tamil Nadu's focus on women empowerment, supportive government policies, a strong support ecosystem, and cultural factors have contributed to women in the state topping the list of MUDRA loan scheme female beneficiaries. The government's commitment to promoting women's entrepreneurship and providing access to finance has played a crucial role in empowering women and fostering economic growth in Tamil Nadu.

Which country is going to host the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020?
  • a)
    United Arab Emirates
  • b)
    South Africa
  • c)
    Australia
  • d)
    New Zealand
  • e)
    West Indies
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Zara Khan answered
The Central Government has given the go ahead for Indian Premier League to be rescheduled in the United Arab Emirates from September 19 to November 10, 2020 (13th edition of IPL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India has got “verbal clearance” from the Government and will receive the official letter in a day or two.

Name the country which has unveiled the surface to surface ballistic missile Martyr Qassem Soleimani.
  • a)
    UAE
  • b)
    Egypt
  • c)
    Iran
  • d)
    Kuwait
  • e)
    Iraq
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anaya Patel answered
Iran (officially the Islamic Republic of Iran) has inaugurated a locally made surface-to-surface ballistic missile, called Martyr Qassem Soleimani, which has a range of 1,400 kilometers-km (870-mile) and a new cruise missile, called Martyr Abu Mahdi which has a range of over 1000 km(620-mile).

Find the person who has been appointed as the 14th Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
  • a)
    Hardayal Prasad
  • b)
    Arvind Saxena
  • c)
    Pradeep Kumar Joshi
  • d)
    Rajiv Mehrishi
  • e)
    Girish Chandra Murmu
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Reddy answered
Ram Nath Kovind, President of India as per the powers conferred on him by Section 1 of Article 148 of the Constitution of India has appointed Girish Chandra (GC) Murmu as 14th Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. He succeeds Rajiv Mehrishi who completes his term on August 8,2020 as he attains the age of 65. GC Murmu will take oath on August 8, 2020 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He is the first tribal person to become CAG of India. He will have a tenure up to November 20, 2024.

Who has become the first Divyang sportsperson of country to get prestigious Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award? 
  • a)
    Devendra Jhajharia 
  • b)
    Satyendra Singh Lohia 
  • c)
    Rajinder Singh 
  • d)
    Deepa Malik
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Reddy answered
Para-swimmer Satyendra Singh Lohia of Madhya Pradesh is the first Divyanga Indian sportsperson of the country, who has been awarded with the Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award.

Find the bank which has launched 1st of its kind card for armed forces and their families named ‘Shaurya KGC Card’.
  • a)
    IndusInd Bank
  • b)
    YES Bank
  • c)
    RBL Bank
  • d)
    ICICI Bank
  • e)
    HDFC Bank
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Puri, Managing Director of HDFC Bank, launched digitally the 1st of its kind card, ‘Shaurya KGC (Kisan Gold Credit) Card’, a tri color themed card for Indian armed forces personnel, i.e, Army, Navy, Air force and Para military forces and their families. The product is based on the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) guidelines by the government.

According to Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari, India aims to achieve zero road fatalities by which year?
  • a)
    2022
  • b)
    2025
  • c)
    2030
  • d)
    2027
  • e)
    2035
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Khanna answered
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari while addressing the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Womennovator on Trade Investment and collaborations in Road infrastructure, has underlined India’s initiatives to achieve Zero Road Fatalities by 2030. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have committed Rs. 7,000 crores each on initiatives to reduce road accidents.

Name the indigenisation portal of Department of Defence Production (DDP) which was launched by Defence minister Rajnath Singh recently.
  • a)
    SAMRATH
  • b)
    SAMADHAN
  • c)
    PARIVESH
  • d)
    SRIJAN
  • e)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avik Majumdar answered
On the final day of Atma Nirbhar Week celebration between August 7-14, 2020 of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (self-reliant India movement), Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually launched Department of Defence Production (DDP) portal SRIJAN as a part of “opportunities for Make in India in Defence”. This portal provides information about defence equipment and items which are being imported currently or are going to be imported by the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)/Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)/ Service Headquarters (SHQs) so that they can be taken up for indigenisation by Indian companies that can design, develop and manufacture as per their capability or through joint venture with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Which government has launched a portal for NRIs named ‘NRI unified portal’, to help bring investment in the state along with assisting those seeking jobs abroad? 
  • a)
    Uttar Pradesh 
  • b)
    Maharashtra 
  • c)
    Odisha 
  • d)
    Madhya Pradesh
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aaditya Goyal answered
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a portal for NRIs named ‘NRI unified portal’ , especially for those from Uttar Pradesh, that will help not only in bringing in investment but also assist those seeking jobs abroad.

The 77 new species of butterflies are found by scientist recently in Matheran an eco-sensitive zone of which state?
  • a)
    Telangana
  • b)
    Maharashtra
  • c)
    Andhra Pradesh
  • d)
    Karnataka
  • e)
    Nagaland
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The 8 year long (2011 – 2019) field work research conducted in the Matheran an eco-sensitive zone near Mumbai, Maharashtra an area of 214.73 Square Kilometer, identified around 140 rare species of butterflies including 77 new species. Scientists Mandar Sawant, Dr. Nikhil Modak and Sagar Sarang from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Somaiya Vidya Vihar University published their research paper ‘Finding the forgotten gems: Revisiting the butterflies of Matheran after 125 years’ in the community peer-reviewed Biodiversity Data Journal.

Name the portal on human-elephants conflict which was launched by Union Environment minister Prakash Javadekar.
  • a)
    ElicTune
  • b)
    Elephanto
  • c)
    Save Frosty
  • d)
    Surakhsya
  • e)
    None of the Above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Environment Forest &Climate Change(MoEFCC) along with MoS Environment ministry Supriyo & officials of the Ministry launched a beta version of a portal on Human-Elephants Conflict called “Surakhsya”, a collection of real time information and supports managing conflicts on a real time basis.

Name the company which has partnered with Gavi and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to speed up the manufacture & delivery of COVID-19 vaccines for India.
  • a)
    Indian Immunologicals Limited
  • b)
    Serum Institute of India
  • c)
    Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited
  • d)
    GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited
  • e)
    Panacea Biotec Limited
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Khanna answered
Serum Institute of India(SII) Private Limited has entered into a new partnership with Gavi, the International Vaccine Alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to accelerate the process of manufacture and delivery of up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and other low and middle income countries(LMICs) by 2021 as part of the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a mechanism within the COVAX Facility. The vaccines will be made available to the 92 countries included in Gavi’s COVAX AMC. SII has set a ceiling price of USD 3 per dose.

Indian railways is using New Track Construction (NTC) machine for the 1st time to ease infrastructure work. Name the company which implement this project.
  • a)
    Indian Railway Construction Corporation
  • b)
    Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited
  • c)
    Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation
  • d)
    Indian Railway Finance Corporation
  • e)
    Centre for Railway Information Systems
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

In a boost to the railways’ efforts to use technology to ease infrastructure work, for the first time in India, Railway is using New Track Construction (NTC) machine for the entire track laying of the Dedicated Freight Corridors. The projects will be implemented by Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL). Currently, there are seven NTC machines that have been deployed along the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) alignment. Four NTC machines are deployed in the Eastern DFC viz. Allahabad – New Bhaupur, Allahabad – Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction, Bhaupur – Bhadan, Khurja Dadri sections and in Western DFC, three NTC machines are deployed at Palanpur-Makarpura, Gothangam-Baroda and Anchali-Sachin sections respectively. Notably, The Khurja-Dadri section is the connecting link between the Eastern and Western DFCs on which freight trains run at a speed of 100 kmph ensuring fast logistics movement. The project is expected to be completed by 2022.

Which state/UT ranked top in best performing states in operationalization of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare?
  • a)
    Haryana
  • b)
    Punjab
  • c)
    Delhi
  • d)
    Chandigarh
  • e)
    Telangana
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anirudh Joshi answered
State of Punjab has secured first rank in the list of best performing states in operationalisation of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW), Government of India.

Name the Covid-19 vaccine facility launched by the World Health Organisation that it urged wealthier member states to join? 
  • a)
    Covine 
  • b)
    Covacc 
  • c)
    Covax 
  • d)
    Covity
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Reddy answered
The World Health Organisation has urged wealthier member states to join its Covid-19 vaccine facility by the end of the month, amid fears it may not raise enough money to fund the global inoculation programme.
The mechanism, known as Covax, aims to ensure the equitable global distribution of 2bn doses of effective vaccines by the end of 2021 but the initiative has so far failed to build momentum.

Who is the author of the book titled ‘Who painted my lust red? 
  • a)
    Shiv Nadar 
  • b)
    Veerasamy Pillai 
  • c)
    Sree Iyer 
  • d)
    Muthu Naidu
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anirudh Joshi answered
A book titled “Who painted my lust red?” has been authored by Sree Iyer has been released recently . The book is something about when Bollywood meets Cricket meets Politicians.

Sonam Tshering Lepcha who passed away in July 2020 is a renowned ________.
  • a)
    Folk Musician
  • b)
    Politician
  • c)
    Football Player
  • d)
    Painter
  • e)
    Architect
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Tanishq Rane answered
Folk Musician, composer, Lyricist and Padmashree awardee Sonam Tshering Lepcha passed away at the age 92, at Kalimpong, West Bengal due to old age ailments. He was born on 3rd January, 1928 at Bong Busty, Kalimpong, West Bengal. He played a major role in reviving and promoting the Lepcha Culture which is one of the indegenious culture of Sikkim.

Union MSME minister Nitin Gadkari has addressed “India@75 Summit – Mission 2022” organized by which organization?
  • a)
    Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)
  • b)
    Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO)
  • c)
    Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
  • d)
    Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
  • e)
    Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Suresh Khanna answered
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) and Road Transport & Highways addressed the “India@75 Summit – Mission 2022” organised by the confederation of Indian Industries(CII) which was focused on ‘reinventing technology in India’. He stated that to achieve self-reliant India, the MSME Ministry and Industries should be made import substitutes, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous.

The first ever Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) train was flagged off from Bengaluru to which city? 
  • a)
    Nanded 
  • b)
    Aurangabad 
  • c)
    Nagpur 
  • d)
    Solapur
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anand Singh answered
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa flagged off the first ever Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) train between Bengaluru (Nelamangala) to Solapur (Maharashtra) through video conferencing.
RORO is a concept of carrying road vehicles loaded with various commodities on open flat railway wagons.

Luis Rodolfo Abinader has been sworn-in as the 54th president of Dominican Republic recently. What is the currency of Dominican Republic?
  • a)
    Riyal
  • b)
    Tomar
  • c)
    Peso
  • d)
    Pound
  • e)
    Dollar
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Manasa Menon answered
Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona has been sworn in as the 54th President of Dominican Republic. Luis Rodolfo Abinader is a businessman who has never held any other elected office. He succeeds Danilo Medina of Liberation Party. The capital and currency of Dominican Republic are Santo Domingo & Dominican Peso respectively.

Chapter doubts & questions for August 2020 - Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis 2021 2025 is part of UPSC CSE exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the UPSC CSE exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for UPSC CSE 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

Chapter doubts & questions of August 2020 - Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis 2021 in English & Hindi are available as part of UPSC CSE exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC CSE Exam by signing up for free.

Top Courses UPSC CSE

Related UPSC CSE Content

Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days!

Study with 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos & Tests
10M+ students study on EduRev