1.For how many years has the government put the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme on halt?
a. Two years
b. Three years
c. Four years
d. Five years
S-a
EXPLANATION-
• The Union Cabinet approved a 30% cut in the salaries of all Members of Parliament and a two-year suspension of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme so that the amount saved can go to the Consolidated Fund of India to fight COVID-19, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.
• The Cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, to cut the salaries of MPs by 30%.
• All MPs, including the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers, would take the salary cut for financial year 2020-2021.
• In addition, the Cabinet had decided to suspend the MPLAD funds for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Many MPs had already pledged to use their MPLAD funds, Rs.5 crore a year, for efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
• Only the MPs' salaries would be cut, not allowances or the pensions of ex-MPs. According to the Act, as amended in April 2018, MPs are entitled to a monthly salary of Rs.1 lakh, apart from various allowances.
2. How much amount would the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) provide as emergency working capital to the small and medium enterprises(MSMEs) against their confirmed government orders?
a. 1 crore
b. 2 crores
c. 3 crores
d. 4 crores
S-a
EXPLANATION-
• The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) said that it will provide emergency working capital up to Rs 1 crore to the small and medium enterprises(MSMEs) against their confirmed government orders.
• The offered loan - SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate Emergency response against Coronavirus (SAFE PLUS)-will be collateral-free and it will be disbursed to the MSMEs within 48 hours.
• The scheme was launched to provide financial assistance to MSMEs that are involved in making essential items including masks, sanitizers, gloves, head gear, shoe covers, goggles, bodysuits and ventilators that are significant to combat COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Which of the following has launched the SAFE PLUS?
a. RBI
b. SIDBI
c. SEBI
d. World Bank
S-b
EXPLANATION-
• SAFE PLUS stands for SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate Emergency response against Coronavirus.
• It will be collateral-free and it will be disbursed to the MSMEs within 48 hours by SIDBI.
• The loans will be provided at an interest rate of five percent. SIDBI further informed that the limit of SAFE loans has been enhanced from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore.
4.Who among the following is the Democratic nominee for the American Presidential Race?
a. Mike Pence
b. Bernie Sanders
c. Joe Biden
d. Donald Trump
S-c
EXPLANATION-
• Former Vice President Joe Biden is now the Democratic nominee for the American Presidential Race.
• Mr. Biden won the democratic nomination after US Senator Bernie Sanders has dropped out of the Presidential race.
• Presidential elections are due in November this year where Biden will now take on US President Donald Trump.
5. Who was sworn in as Judge of High Court of J&K, Ladakh?
a. Rajnesh Oswal
b. Gita Mittal
c. Naresh Mittal
d. Sarika Shroff
S-a
EXPLANATION-
• Justice Rajnesh Oswal was sworn in as a permanent Judge of the common High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• He was administered oath of office by Chief Justice Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Justice Gita Mittal in a simple but impressive ceremony in Jammu.
• He is the first Judge of the High Court to take oath under the Indian Constitution.
• All previous Judges of High Court had taken oath under the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, which ceased to have effect since August 5, 2019.
