Daily GK and Current Affairs Quiz – 18th December 2020

Correct Answer: A. Peru

Explanation: Peru has suspended trials for China’s Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine due to a “serious adverse event” that occurred with one of the volunteers for the study. The volunteer had experienced decreased strength in his legs among other symptoms. Sinopharm Group, which is conducting its trials in Peru with 12,000 volunteers, was about to complete the first stage of the trials in the next few days.

Correct Answer – B. Manipur

Explanation: In Manipur, 81st Nupi Lan Day 2020 was observed at the Nupi Lan Memorial Complex, Imphal on 12 December 2020. Manipuri women waged two historic wars in 1904 and 1939 known as Nupi Lal against the British. Hundreds of women on this day came out on the streets of Imphal demanding a ban on rice exports and also for the closure of rice mills.

Correct Answer – B. Croatia

Explanation: Croatia will host the 2021 European Karate Championships after the withdrawal of Sweden, the European Karate Federation has confirmed. The Istrian town of Poreč will host the event from May 19 – 23, 2021. The 2021 European Karate Championships will also act as part of the qualification process for the Tokyo Olympics.

Correct Answer – B. Pramod Boro

Explanation:  The United People’s Party Liberal, UPPL President Pramod Boro will be the new Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council, BTC. BJP along with Gana Suraksha Parishad will support the UPPL in the formation of the next council. Since the formation of BTC in 2003, it has been governed by the Bodoland People’s Front.

Correct Answer – B. Canara Bank

Explanation: Canara Bank has launched a new technology product FX4U. The new product will enable internet banking users to handle forex transactions seamlessly. Currently, the outward remittance module is being activated, the remaining modules will be activated shortly. This facility enables all the eligible individual customers to undertake remittance facilities as per the Foreign Exchange Management Act(FEMA), 1999.

Correct Answer – B. Edelweiss General Insurance

Explanation: Edelweiss General Insurance (EGI) has recently launched open API (Application Programming Interface) gateway. It is a first of its kind, to facilitate complete digital collaboration with its business partners. With this gateway, EGI’s authorised partners can integrate their systems with the company’s robust technology platform. It will help further reinforce EGI’s linkages with both customers and partners.

Correct Answer – D. Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)

Explanation: Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) has signed an agreement with cGanga, a think-tank of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, for the development of a sludge management framework in India. This was announced during the 5th India Water Impact Summit 2020. The event is co-organized by National Mission for Clean Ganga and Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies.

Correct Answer – C. India Post Payments Bank

Explanation: Department of Posts and India Post Payments Bank unveiled a new digital payment app DakPay. The App is launched as part of its ongoing efforts to provide Digital Financial inclusion at the last mile across India. Along with digital payment the DakPay will also work as suite of digital financial and assisted banking services provided by India Post and IPPB.

Correct Answer – C. -7.7%

Explanation: S&P Global Ratings has raised India’s GDP growth projection for the FY21 (2020-21) to (-) 7.7 per cent from (-) 9 per cent estimated earlier.

Correct Answer – D. Frank Bainimarama

Explanation: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced six laureates of the 2020 Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour. The Champions were chosen for their transformative impact on the environment and their leadership in urging bold and decisive action on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants. The Champions of the Earth Award is presented in 5 categories:

• Lifetime Achievement,
• Inspiration and Action,
• Policy Leadership,
• Entrepreneur Vision,
• Science and Innovation.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji, honoured in the Policy Leadership category for his global climate action work and his commitment to climate-responsive national development.

Correct Answer – B. Bharti AXA Life Insurance

Explanation: Bharti AXA Life Insurance has introduced #GotYouCovered campaign. It is a special initiative to appreciate frontline healthcare workers who are striving to protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bharti AXA Life Insurance has joined hands with Primero Skills & Training to support its healthcare workers by masking them against life and health risks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Correct Answer – C. 2022

Explanation: India plans to impose new tariffs on imports of solar cells and modules from 1 April 2022. The finance ministry will issue an order to impose a basic customs duty of 40% on modules and 25% on solar cells as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India strategy. The customs duty will replace a 15% safeguard duty that is being imposed on imports from China and Malaysia.

Correct Answer – A. Australia

Explanation:  Former Australia Test all-rounder, Eric Freeman has passed away. He made his Test debut against India at the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground) in 1968 during which his opening scoring shot was a six, and he became the first player to achieve the feat. Freeman received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2002 for his services to sport. After retiring from cricket in the 1973-74 season he took up a career as administrator, coach, and broadcaster. Freeman was also an elite football player, representing Port Adelaide and he topped the club’s goalkicking list in all five of his complete seasons.

Correct Answer: C. Malayalam

Explanation: Celebrated Malayalam writer U A Khader passed away recently. He published more than 70 novels, short stories and travelogues that are considered among the finest works in Malayalam. Khader was known for a progressive and secular outlook to his life and his literature. His most acclaimed work of fiction, Thrikkottoor Peruma (Thrikkottoor Lore), won him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984.