GK Quiz | 17 June 2020

1. Which of the following countries are the founding members of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence?

1. China
2. South Korea
3. India
4. UK
5. USA
6. Brazil

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 2,4 and 5
2. 1, 3, 4 and 5
3. 3, 4, 5 and 6
4. 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans. D

Explanation

Recently, India has joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) as a founding member. India can now participate in the global development of Artificial Intelligence.

Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is the first of its kind initiative. It aims to guide the responsible use and development of AI. Its founding members are the United States, Britain, the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico.

Hence, the correct answer is D.

 

2. Consider the following statements about SIPRI Report 2020:

1. Russia and the United States together possess more than 90% of global nuclear weapons.
2. China and Pakistan possess more nuclear weapons than India.

Which of the above given statements is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. C

Explanation

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)’s Yearbook 2020 has been released recently. The major highlights are:

• As of January 2020, US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel together account for around 13,400 nuclear weapons
• China and Pakistan have more nuclear weapons than India.
• China is developing nuclear triad for the first time made up of new land and sea-based missiles and nuclear-capable fighter jets.
• Russia and the United States together possess more than 90% of global nuclear weapons with 6,375 and 5,800 warheads respectively.

This SIPRI’s yearbook assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security till January 2020. India was the third-biggest military spender in the world last year after the US and China.

Hence, the correct answer is C.

 

3. Which of the following statements is not true?

1. One-third of all food produced each year is lost or wasted.
2. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June.
3. Theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2020 is “Food, Feed, Fibre”.
4. SDG 16 is related to restoring degraded lands.

Ans. D

Explanation

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated every year on 17 June to highlight the efforts taken at the international level to combat desertification. The theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2020 is “Food, Feed, Fibre”.

One-third of all food produced each year is lost or wasted. Sustainable Development Goal 15  aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Hence, the correct answer is D.

 

4. Which of the following organization releases World Investment Report?

1. World Bank
2. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
3. World Economic Forum
4. World Trade Organisation

Ans. B

Explanation

Recently, the World Investment Report 2020 has been released. The report is released annually by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This year it is the 30^th edition of this report. A new chapter on investment in the SDGs has also been included this year.

Highlights of the Report:

• Global FDI flows are predicted to decline by up to 40% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• FDI flows to developed economies rose by 5%, to $800 billion, from their revised level of $761 billion in 2018.
• FDI flows to developing economies declined marginally, by 2 percent, to $685 billion.
• The total value of announced greenfield projects in the primary sector halved to $21 billion, mostly due to a decline in mining and quarrying.
• India was among the top five host economies for FDI in Asia.
• According to the report, India was the world’s ninth-largest recipient of FDI in 2019. The maximum investment was in the Information and Communication Technology and the construction industry.

Hence, the correct answer is B.

 

5. Where are the headquarters of IAEA located?

1. New York
2. Stockholm
3. Vienna
4. Rome

Ans. C

Explanation

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that is the centre for cooperation in the nuclear field, promoting safe and secure use of nuclear technology. It was established in 1957 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

Recently, IAEA conducted an inquiry meeting on Iran’s nuclear program. IAEA found that Iran has not complied with the 2015 nuclear deal and also the nuclear fuel reserves have been increased significantly in Iran. IAEA, UN nuclear watchdog’s governing body, as shown concern in a report that Iran has been blocking inspections at the sites where nuclear activity may have occurred.

Hence, the correct answer is C.