1. Recently which state has amended its provisions in the Legislative Assembly to maintain the order of the House?

Answer – Haryana

Haryana has amended several provisions under the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business'. The new provisions include mandating the presence of at least two ministers and prohibiting tearing of documents in the House in protest.

2. Which international organization has recently released the report “World 2030: Public Survey”?

Answer – UNESCO

UNESCO has released a report titled “World 2030: Public Survey Report”. This report is based on surveys conducted across the world from May, 2020 to September, 2020. According to this report climate change, violence and conflict, loss of biodiversity, discrimination and inequality are some of the important challenges affecting a peaceful society.

3. Which ministry has recently released the report “Women and Men in India 2020”?

Answer – Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation

The Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has recently released a report titled “Women and Men in India 2020”. This report is being published by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation since 1995. It provides gender-parity data for policy makers, planners and other stakeholders.

4. Which scheme provides working capital facility of Rs 10,000 per year to the urban street vendors of the country?

Answer – Pradhan Mantri Svanidhi Yojana

Under the PM SVANIDHI scheme, urban street vendors are sanctioned working capital loans up to Rs 10,000 per annum by banks. This scheme was launched by the Government of India to provide micro-credit facility to vendors during the COVID-19 lockdown. As per the recent data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, out of the total disbursements under the scheme, private banks have contributed only 1.6%.

5. According to the recently released National Savings Institute data, which state has contributed the most to the government's small savings schemes?

Answer – West Bengal

According to data released by the National Savings Institute under the Ministry of Finance, West Bengal has contributed the most to small savings schemes and accounts for over 15% of the deposits in post offices and banks. West Bengal is followed by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu in this list.

Which crop has been recently identified as an alternative feedstock source for ethanol production in India?

Answer – Cassava

ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) has found cassava (tapioca) as a raw material for bioethanol production. As a biofuel crop, cassava has several advantages over sugarcane. Cassava has high starch content and the ability to grow under low management conditions. This will help in meeting the 2025 target of India's Ethanol Blending Petrol programme.

7. The Great Barrier Reef is a famous coral reef located in which country?

Answer – Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is 2,300 km off the north-east coast of Australia. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1981 because of its scientific and intrinsic importance. Recently, UNESCO said that the Great Barrier Reef should be placed on the list of World Heritage Sites "in danger". Several bleaching events on the reef over the past five years have resulted in considerable loss of coral.

8. Which country recently tested an aerial high-powered laser that can shoot down a drone?

Answer – Israel

Israel has successfully tested an aerial high-powered laser that can shoot down drones in the air. The laser was mounted on a civilian aircraft and has successfully shot down several drones in a test over the Mediterranean Sea. Israel already has a state-of-the-art air defense system, with a 90% interception rate against thousands of rockets fired from Gaza during the recent 11-Day War.

9. Yellow Gold 48 is the first commercial variety of which crop?

Answer – Watermelon

German agrochemical company Bayer has launched the first yellow watermelon variety 'Yellow Gold 48' under the Seminis brand in India. The yellow watermelon variety has been introduced commercially in India after two years of local trials. With this new variety, watermelon growers can take advantage of better yield potential, better disease and pest tolerance and higher returns. It can be cultivated from October to February.

10. As per the recently proposed amendment in the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, an e-commerce entity should be registered with which body?

Answer – DPIIT

The Central Government has released the draft of the proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020. As per the proposed rules, the e-commerce platform will need to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer, a Nodal Officer and a Resident Grievance Officer. Every e-commerce unit must be registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).