Q1:
With reference to New Development Bank (NDB), consider the following statements and choose the correct options:
- It is a multilateral development bank to support infrastructure and sustainable
development efforts in Asia.
- It has observer status in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : b
Explanation
New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.
It was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
In 2018, the NDB received observer status in the United Nations General Assembly, establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the UN.
To fulfill its purpose, the Bank supports public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments. NDB has so far approved 14 projects in India for an amount of $4,183 million.
Q2: With reference to Willow Warbler, consider the following statements and choose the correct options:
- Their natural habitat is in Amazon forests.
- Their status in IUCN Red List is Least Concerned.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : b
Explanation
Recently, Willow Warbler has been sighted for the first time in India at Vellayani- Punchakkari paddy fields, Kerala.
They breed throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic. They migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during early winter.
Features:
It is one of the longest migrating small birds.
The bird weighs around 10 grams and its long wing feathers help it fly long distances.
The species is affected by drought conditions in its wintering quarters and habitat alterations due to human population expansion.
IUCN Red List: Least Concerned.
Q3: Consider the following statements with respect to Global Depository Receipt (GDR) and choose the correct options:
- It is a depository receipt which is issued by the international depository bank, representing the foreign company’s stock.
- GDR is denominated in any foreign currency but the underlying shares would be denominated in the local currency of the issuer.
- GDRs enable a company to access investors in capital markets outside of its home country.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation:
Global Depository Receipt (GDR) is a negotiable instrument that is denominated in some freely convertible currency.
GDR is denominated in any foreign currency but the underlying shares would be denominated in the local currency of the issuer.
GDRs enable a company, the issuer, to access investors in capital markets outside of its home country. Several international banks issue GDRs, such as JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, The Bank of New York Mellon.
Q4: With reference Lilavati Award, consider the following statements and choose the correct options:
- It is an innovative education program to empower women.
- It is launched by the Ministry of Education.
- The award has been named after a book written by Baudhayana.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer : a
Explanation
The Union Minister of Education virtually launched the Lilavati Award-2020.
It is AICTE’s (All India Council for Technical Education) Innovative education
program to empower women.
All the stakeholders (especially the girl students) in AICTE approved institutions would get an opportunity to present a solution to the prevalent issues of gender discrimination, such as illiteracy, unemployment, economic and nutritional disparities, maternal mortality, human rights, etc.
The award has been named after the 12 century book called “Lilavati”. The book was written by the mathematician Bhaskara II.
Lilavati was the daughter of Indian Mathematician Bhaskara II.
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