Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 18th & 19th October 2020

Correct Answer: D. Chhattisgarh

Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given approval to the demerger of Nagarnar Steel Plant (NSP) from National Minerals Development Corporation (NMDC) Limited. It has approved strategic disinvestment of the demerged company (NSP) by selling the entire Government of India stake in it to a strategic buyer. NSP is an Integrated Steel Plant being set up by NMDC in Chhattisgarh.

Correct Answer – C. Rs. 3874 cr

Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given approval to Rs. 3874 cr spending on stocking low priced oil in India’s three strategic underground crude oil storages.  It also allowed Abu Dhabi National Oil Co to trade the stocked oil. India saved over Rs. 5000 cr when the country in April-May used low international oil prices to fill up its three strategic underground crude oil storages.

Correct Answer – C. Rs. 520 cr

Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved special package worth Rs. 520 crore for J&K and Ladakh for a period of five years till 2023-24. It has been approved under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana is a centrally sponsored programme that aims at eliminating rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods for the rural poor households.

Correct Answer – A. Gujarat

Explanation:  Gujarat government has announced the setting up of the world’s biggest Zinc Smelter project in Dosawada in Tapi district. An MoU for this project was signed with Vedanta Group. The proposed 300 KTPA production capacity project would provide big employment opportunities to the local youths in this tribal area. The first phase of the proposed plant will be operational in 36 months.

Correct Answer – C. Jammu and Kashmir

Explanation: In Jammu and Kashmir, a “SAKHI” One-Stop Service Centre for women in Ramban district has been inaugurated. Union Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing a scheme for setting up One Stop Centres since April 2015 to support women affected by violence. The scheme aims to facilitate access to an integrated range of services to women including medical aid, police assistance, etc.

Correct Answer – C. India and France

Explanation: India and France were re-elected as the President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), for a term of two years at the virtual meeting of the Third Assembly, informed the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Four new Vice-Presidents were also chosen to represent the four regions of ISA. The representatives of Fiji & Nauru for Asia Pacific Region; Mauritius & Niger for Africa Region; UK & Netherlands for Europe and others Region, and Cuba and Guyana for Latin America and Caribbean Region assumed the vice presidency.

Correct Answer – B. Odisha

Explanation: Odisha government signed an agreement with Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to sponsor the Indian national rugby teams till 2023 and facilitate high-performance training and conditioning of the players. The agreement was signed at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.  The Mou was signed by R Vineel Krishna, Director of Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha and Maneck Unwala, President of IRFU.

Correct Answer – D. 17th October

Explanation: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed globally on 17 October every year. The day aims to raise awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution around the world, particularly in developing countries 2020 Theme: “Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all”. The theme for the Day this year addresses the challenge of achieving social and environmental justice for all.

Correct Answer – C. Rajasthan

Explanation:  The Rajasthan police launched a campaign to spread awareness among woman about the crime against them and to educate them of their rights and ways to secure justice if they end up becoming its victims. Named ‘AAWAJ’ — Action Against Women-related crime and Awareness for Justice the campaign was launched by Civil Rights and Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the police and will run across the state to generate gender equality and curb crimes against women. In the first month of the campaign from October 13 to November 12, special efforts will be made to curb rape incidents, besides spreading awareness about the laws related to women safety.

Correct Answer – C. Kyrgyzstan

Explanation: Kyrgyzstan President, Sooronbai Jeenbekov has resigned from his post, following 10 days of unrest caused by protesters who have demanded his removal from office. On 4th October 2020, he was re-elected as the President in Parliamentary election, causing political turmoil throughout the country.

Correct Answer – C. Constantina Dita

Explanation: Romania’s 2008 Olympic champion, Constantina Dita has been named an ambassador for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Gdynia 2020. The 2020 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships, originally scheduled for 29 March 2020 in Gdynia, Poland, was postponed until 17 October 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Correct Answer – D. Dr Harsh Vardhan

Explanation: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has launched the second phase of “Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna”. It is for the underprivileged Thalassemic patients. He also informed that blood transfusion facilities have been made available in every district hospital while some districts also offer the facility in health centres at sub-district level.

Correct Answer – C. Costume Designing

Explanation:  The first Indian to win the Oscar award, Bhanu Athaiya passed away. She won the Best Costume Design Oscar for her work in the 1982 film Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough. In 2012, Athaiya returned her Oscar to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for safekeeping. Bhanu Athaiya had also designed costumes for over 100 Bollywood movies. And in a career of more than five decades won two National Awards, for Gulzar’s mystery drama “Lekin” (1990) and the period film “Lagaan” directed by Ashutosh Gowariker (2001).

Correct Answer: B. Journalist

Explanation: Veteran sports journalist and Cricket commentator, Kishore Bhimani passed away. He was a leading cricket commentator in the Eighties and Nineties and is best remembered for being on the air during the tied Test of 1986 between India and Australia in Chepauk, Chennai. He had received a lifetime achievement award for his decades-long contribution in the fields of media and commentary in 2013.