NT

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR NT(2017) EXAM FROM GKTODAY

1. GKtoday quiz  From July 31 to  July 1

Q 1. Which Indian metro has become the world’s first completely green metro system?

[A] Lucknow Metro

[B] Mumbai Metro

[C] Delhi Metro

[D] Kolkata Metro

Q 2. Which of the following Indian cities are in the 2017 Dell Global Women Entrepreneur Cities (WE Cities) Index?

[A] Mumbai and Kochi

[B] Bengaluru and Delhi

[C] Kolkata and Delhi

[D] Chennai and Bengaluru

Q 3. Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar?

[A] Sushil Kumar Modi

[B] Nitish Kumar

[C] Lalu Prasad Yadav

[D] CP Joshi

Correct Answer: B [Nitish Kumar]

Answer Explanation:

Nitish Kumar, the President of Janata Dal(United), has been sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Bihar for the sixth time and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi was sworn-in as the Deputy Chief Minister. Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi administered him the oath of office and secrecy at Raj Bhavan in Patna on July 27, 2017. Earlier, on July 26, 2017, Nitish Kumar had resigned as the Chief Minister citing irreconcilable differences with RJD on corruption charges against Lalu Prasad’s son and former Deputy CM Tejaswi Prasad Yadav. Then, the JDU President joined hands with the BJP to form a new government in the state.

Q 4. Which country has recently declared total independence from IMF and World Bank (WB)?

[A] Bolivia

[B] Iran

[C] North Korea

[D] Vietnam

Q 5. Dr. U R Rao, the internationally acclaimed scientist has passed away. He was the former chairman of which organisation?

[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

[C] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

[D] Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

Q 6. Which state will have India’s first Eco-friendly bridges for the movement of tigers?

[A] Telangana

[B] Andhra Pradesh

[C] Odisha

[D] Assam

Q 7. Which railway station has become the India’s first station to run by all women staff?

[A] Matunga railway station

[B] Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station

[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station

[D] Kolkata railway station

Q 8. Which Indian-origin personality has been appointed as the new UNICEF’s Global Goodwill Ambassador?

[A] Ishani Duttagupta

[B] Jasleen Laghari

[C] Shand Panesar

[D] Lilly Singh

Correct Answer: D [Lilly Singh]

Answer Explanation:

Lilly Singh, an Indian-origin Canadian YouTube star, has been appointed as the new UNICEF’s Global Goodwill Ambassador at a special event in New Delhi. As the UNICEF ambassador Lilly will use her channel to showcase the organisation’s work and urge millions of her followers to work for children’s rights.

Q 9. Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has passed away. He hailed from which country?

[A] Japan

[B] Taiwan

[C] Indonesia

[D] China

Correct Answer: D [China]

Answer Explanation:

Liu Xiaobo (61), the Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate and democracy campaigner, has died of multiple organ failure while under guard at a hospital in Shenyang, China on July 13, 2017. Liu had been serving an 11-year jail sentence for demanding an end to one-party rule and for introduction of multi-party democracy. He was the most prominent human rights and democracy advocate of China. Now, Xiaobo became the first Nobel Peace Prize laureate to die in custody since Carl von Ossietzky, the German pacifist and foe of Nazism who won the prize in 1935 and died under guard in 1938 after years of maltreatment.

Q 10. Which state has become the first Indian state to make social boycott a crime?

[A] Punjab

[B] Maharashtra 

[C] Kerala

[D] Andhra Pradesh

Q 11. Who is the author of the book “Narendra Modi: The Making of a Legend”?

[A] Sanjay Mathur

[B] Bindeshwar Pathak

[C] Aditya Sen

[D] Mohan Chauhan

Correct Answer: B [Bindeshwar Pathak]

Answer Explanation:

The book “Narendra Modi: The Making of a Legend” has been authored by Bindeshwar Pathak, the Sulabh International founder and a Padma Bhushan recipient. The book is recently launched by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in New Delhi. The coffee table book is all about PM Modi and the inspiring journey of his life.   It has images and text depicting Modi’s journey, his struggles and several initiatives taken by him since he took oath as country’s prime minister in 2014.

Q 12. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index?

[A] 116th

[B] 125th

[C] 108th

[D] 95th

Correct Answer: A [116th]

Answer Explanation:

India has been ranked 116th out of 157 nations with a score of 58.1 at the 2017 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) index and Dashboards Report that assesses the performance of countries towards achieving the ambitious SDGs. Sweden has topped the list, followed by Denmark and Finland. The 2017 SDG Index and Dashboards Report, released by Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung, shows that world leaders need to strengthen their joint efforts to realize the 17 global goals. The SDG Index ranks countries based on their performance across the 17 SDGs, including economic development, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, underpinned by good governance. The index collected available data for 157 countries to assess where each country stands in 2017 with regard to achieving the SDGs. It helps countries identify priorities for early actions and shows that every country faces major challenges in achieving these ambitious goals.

Q 13. Which country will become the world’s largest milk producer by 2026, as per latest “OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026” report?

[A] Vietnam

[B] Thailand

[C] India

[D] Brazil

Correct Answer: C [India]

Answer Explanation:

According to latest report by the UN and OECD, India will become the world’s largest milk producer by 2026 and will account for the biggest increase in wheat production globally. As per report title “OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026”, the world’s population will increase from 7.3 to 8.2 billion over the course of the next decade with India and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 56% of total population growth. India’s population will grow from 1.3 billion to 1.5 billion, an increase of almost 150 million. India will overtake China and is projected to be the most populous country in the world by 2026.

Q 14. Which country is hosting the 2017 SAARC Ministers of Law and Order (Interior/ Home Affairs) meeting?

[A] Sri Lanka

[B] Bangladesh

[C] India

[D] Nepal

Q 15. What is the theme of the 2017 World Population Day (WPD)?

[A] Be counted: say what you need

[B] Investing in teenage girls

[C] Vulnerable populations in emergencies

[D] Family Planning- Empowering People, Developing Nations

Q 16. Who is the newly elected President of Mongolia?

[A] Sainkhuugiin Ganbaatar

[B] Miyeegombyn Enkhbold

[C] Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj

[D] Khaltmaagiin Battulga

Q 17. Which Indian city has been declared as a World Heritage City (WHC) by UNESCO?

[A] Mumbai

[B] Ahmedabad 

[C] New Delhi

[D] Kolkata

Q 18. Which Indian-origin personality has been honoured with the highest civilian award “Order of Australia” in Australia for community work?

[A] Gurinder Chadha

[B] Uttam Singh

[C] Guruswamy Jayraman

[D] Tej K Bhatia

Correct Answer: C [Guruswamy Jayraman]

Answer Explanation:

Guruswamy Jayraman, a 69-year-old Indian-origin Glenwood resident, has been honoured with the highest civilian award “Order of Australia” in Australia for community work, the highest civilian award in Australia. He works as a senior accountant with Woollahra Municipal Council for a living and has been devoting most of his spare time in community work for the last 25 years. He has represented various community organisations like Auburn Diversity Services, Hindu Council of Australia, Sri Om Adi Sakhi Ashram, Sewa International Australia, etc. Jayraman migrated from Delhi to Australia in 1991.

Q 19. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)?

[A] 31st

[B] 11th

[C] 42nd

[D] 23rd

Q 20. India’s first university only for Dalit students will come up in which city?

[A] Kochi

[B] Hyderabad 

[C] Udaipur

[D] Bhopal

Correct Answer: B [Hyderabad ]

Answer Explanation:

India’s first university only for Dalit students will come up in Hyderabad by 2018 as part of the Telangana government’s policy of free education to students from weaker sections from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG) level. The proposal was mooted by a government arm, Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS), which runs nearly 268 residential institutions for Dalit students from class 5 to under-graduate level. The purpose of establishing an exclusive university for Dalit students is to provide them a comprehensive education, so that they would come out as complete and knowledgeable citizens.

Q 21. Who is the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)?

[A] V S Sampath

[B] Om Prakash Rawat

[C] H S Brahma

[D] Achal Kumar Jyoti

Correct Answer: D [Achal Kumar Jyoti]

Answer Explanation:

Achal Kumar Jyoti (64), a retired 1975 IAS Officer batch of Gujarat Cadre, is the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), who took over as the head of the Election Commission in New Delhi on today. He succeeded Dr Nasim Zaidi. Jyoti will continue as the Chief Election Commissioner till January 17, 2018. Prior to this appointment, he was Election Commissioner of India. A CEC or an EC can have a tenure of six years or hold office till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Q 22.  Which city is hosting the 12th edition of G-20 Summit 2017?

[A] Hamburg

[B] Berlin

[C] Frankfurt

[D] Stuttgart

Correct Answer: A [Hamburg]

Answer Explanation:

The 12th edition of G20 summit will be held at Hamburg in Germany on July 7, 2017 with theme “Shaping an interconnected world”. In the 2-day summit, from India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Indian Delegation at the G20 meet with a firm message on the global menace of terrorism. The G20 countries account for more than four-fifths of Gross world product and three-quarters of global trade. They are home to almost two-thirds of the world’s population. In that context expectations are always high from a G20 summit. The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies with the aim of studying, reviewing and promoting high-level discussion of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability.

Q 23. Who has become the first female Prime Minister of Serbia?

[A] Xavier Bettel

[B] Elio Di Rupo

[C] Calsi Vucic

[D] Ana Brnabic

Q 24. India’s biggest Global Skill Park will be set up in which city?

[A] Bhopal

[B] Lucknow

[C] Guwahati

[D] Rajkot

Q 25. Who has become the first female Chief Executive of Hong Kong?

[A] Woo Kwok Tsang

[B] Lili Voga

[C] Carrie Lam 

[D] Chang Yuet-ngor

1. GKtoday quiz  From June 30 to  June 1

Q 1. India’s first-ever mega textiles trade event “Textiles India 2017” has started in which city?

[A] Surat

[B] Ahmedabad 

[C] Gandhinagar

[D] Rajkot

Q 2. Which country has officially started building the world’s first forest city?

[A] Japan

[B] Singapore

[C] Bhutan

[D] China

Q 3. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Social Progress Index (SPI)?

[A] 88th

[B] 93rd

[C] 105th

[D] 65th

Correct Answer: B [93rd]

Answer Explanation:

India has been ranked 93rd out of 128 countries in the 2017 Social Progress Index (SPI). The list is topped by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The SPI is an aggregate index of social and environmental indicators that capture three dimensions of social progress: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity. The 2017 SPI includes data from 128 countries on 50 indicators. The index is published by the nonprofit Social Progress Imperative, and is based on the writings of Amartya Sen, Douglass North, and Joseph Stiglitz.

Q 4. Who is the new President of International Economic Association (IEA)?

[A] Kaushik Basu

[B] Alaka Malwade

[C] H R Khan

[D] Raghuram Rajan

Q 5. Which city has been designated as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019?

[A] Warsaw

[B] Pune

[C] Sharjah

[D] Athens

Q 6. Which Indian shooter has bagged gold in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol at the ISSF Junior World Rifle/Pistol Championship?

[A] Nandini SIngh

[B] Yashaswini Singh Deswal

[C] Anjali Bhagwat

[D] Apurvi Chandela

Q 7. Who has become the first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as Canada’s Supreme Court judge?

[A] Palbinder Kaur Shergill

[B] Gulab Kaur

[C] Harita Kaur Shergill

[D] Sukhpreet Kaur

Q 8. Which committee has been constituted to draft the final National Education Policy (NEP) document?

[A] TV Kattimani committee 

[B] T S R Subramanian committee 

[C] KJ Alphonse committee 

[D] K Kasturirangan committee

Correct Answer: D [K Kasturirangan committee ]

Answer Explanation:

The Union ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has appointed a new nine-member committee to work on a new National Education Policy (NEP). The former ISRO chief Dr. K Kasturirangan will head the committee on NEP. The committee also includes former IAS officer KJ Alphonse and Ram Shanker Kureel, who has a wide experience in the field of agricultural sciences and management. The committee has been appointed keeping in mind that the members bring expertise related to the diverse areas of education. Significantly, the panel also reflects the diversity of the country as the members belong to different sections as well as regions.

Q 9. Who will become the first Indian woman wrestler to compete in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)?

[A] Pinki Rani

[B] Kavita Devi

[C] Sakshi Malik 

[D] Geeta Phogat

Q 10. Which city has become the India’s first city to deliver diesel at home?

[A] Guwahati

[B] Shillong

[C] Bengaluru 

[D] Pune

Q 11. What is the theme of the 2017 International Yoga Day (IYD)?

[A]Yoga for Health

[B] Yoga for Peace

[C] Yoga for Healthy mind

[D] Yoga for Healthy living

Q 12. The 2017 World Refugee Day (WRD) is observed on which date?

[A] June 20

[B] June 21

[C] June 19

[D] June 22

Q 13. The iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel of Mumbai has acquired an`image trademark’ under which act?

[A] Trade Marks Act, 1989

[B] Trade Marks Act, 1978

[C] Trade Marks Act, 1958

[D] Trade Marks Act, 1999

Correct Answer: D [Trade Marks Act, 1999]

Answer Explanation:

The iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel of Mumbai has acquired an `image trademark’ under the Trademark Act of 1999. Thus, the Palace has become the first building in India to get intellectual property rights protection for its architectural design. Now, it is will be difficult to use Taj Mahal Palace’s images for commercial purposes without paying the company a licensing fee. Though, it does not prevent locals and tourists from clicking pictures of the iconic building as long as it is not sold for commercial benefits. The Trade Marks Act of 1999 is the current governing law relating to registered trademarks which replaced The Trade and Merchandise Marks Act of 1958.The act enables to deal with the precise nature of rights which a person can acquire in respect of trademarks.

Q 14. Who has become the new brand ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

[A] Aamir Khan

[B] Amitabh Bachchan

[C] Sachin Tendulkar

[D] P T Usha

Correct Answer: B [Amitabh Bachchan]

Answer Explanation:

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has appointed Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan as new brand ambassador for Goods and Services Tax (GST). A 40-second video “GST – An initiative to create a unified national market” featuring him has already been shot and is being circulated by the Finance Ministry. In the video, Bachchan explains GST as a unifying force just like the three colours in the national flag. The GST will simplify a web of taxes, regulations and border levies by subsuming an array of central and state levies including excise duty, service tax and VAT.

Q 15. P N Bhagwati, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?

[A] Law

[B] Politics

[C] Journalism

[D] Film Industry

Correct Answer: A [Law]

Answer Explanation:

Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati (95), the former Chief Justice of India (CJI), has passed away in New Delhi on June 15,2017. Justice Bhagwati is known for introducing and pioneering Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which transformed the legal landscape in India.

Q 16. Who has won the 2017 Man Booker International Prize?

[A] Ian Samsom

[B] David Grossman

[C] Roy Jacobsen

[D] Amos Oz

Correct Answer: B [David Grossman]

Answer Explanation:

David Grossman has become the first Israeli author to win the 2017 Man Booker International prize for his novel “A Horse Walks Into a Bar”. The novel was translated by Jessica Cohen and is published in Britain by Jonathan Cape. The book is an ambitious high-wire act of a novel that shines a spotlight on the effects of grief, without any hint of sentimentality. Since 2016, the Man Booker International Prize awards both the winning author and translator £25,000. To be considered for the prize, books had to be translated into English and published in the UK between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017.

Q 17. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Global Innovation Index (GII)?

[A] 60th

[B] 36th

[C] 54th

[D] 75th

Correct Answer: A [60th]

Answer Explanation:

India has been ranked 60th out of 130 nations on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017. The 2017 index highlighted the continual improvement of India in terms of investment, tertiary education, quality of its publications and universities, its ICT services exports and innovation clusters. Among India’s neighbors, Sri Lanka has acquired 90th spot, Nepal 109th, Pakistan 113th and Bangladesh 114th spot. The list is topped by Switzerland, followed by Sweden and the Netherlands. The theme of the 2017 Index is “Innovation Feeding the World” that focuses on innovation in agriculture and food systems. The index is co-authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

Q 18. Who is the author of the book “Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji”?

[A] Ramesh Pokhriyal

[B] Praveen Kumar Pandey

[C] Ramesh Datt Dikisht

[D] Nerraj Srivastava

Q 19. The world’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex will be set up in which Indian state?

[A] Uttar Pradesh

[B] Maharashtra

[C] Bihar

[D] Jharkhand

Q 20. Which Indian state has highest number of child labourers, as per latest Child Rights and You (CRY) report 2017?

[A] West Bengal

[B] Uttar Pradesh

[C] Maharashtra 

[D] Bihar

Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]

Answer Explanation:

According to the latest Child Rights and You (CRY) report, over 8 lakh children in India between the age group 5 and 6 years are engaged in child labour. A large percentage, over 5 lakh of these children do not attend school. Majority of these kids are engaged in family based employments. The report revealed that Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of 2,50,672 children engaged in labour, followed by Bihar with 1,28,087 children and Maharashtra where the number stands at 82,847. The report further stated that the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) have many limitations and has covered only 50% of the child labourers. Thus, many children in this age group are seen accompanying their parents to their workplace or end up living with minimal care.

Q 21. India’s first underwater metro tunnel will come up in which city?

[A] Mumbai

[B] Kolkata

[C] Kochi

[D] Pune

Q 22. Which Indian personality has been selected for France’s highest civilian award “Legion of Honour”?

[A] Amitabh Bachchan

[B] Shahrukh Khan

[C] Soumitra Chatterjee

[D] Kamal Hasan

Correct Answer: C [Soumitra Chatterjee]

Answer Explanation:

Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee has been selected for France’s highest civilian award “Legion of Honour” for his outstanding contribution to cinema and theatre. With this, Chatterjee has become the first Bengali actor to be chosen for the award. The honour comes almost 3 decades after the same recognition was conferred on master director Satyajit Ray in 1987. Chatterjee has acted in several of Ray’s films including ‘Apur Sansar’, ‘Debi’,’ Aranyer Din Ratri’, ‘Ghare Bairey’ and ‘Ganashatru’. Earlier recipients of the Legion of Honour include sitar meastro Pandit Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachaan, Shahrukh Khan and Kamal Hasan. Chatterjee was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2012.

Q 23. The World Day Against Child Labour is observed on which date?

[A] June 12

[B] June 11

[C] June 13

[D] June 10

Q 24. Which Indian mountaineer has been honoured by Nepal Government for scaling Mt. Everest for a record six times?

[A] Premlata Agarwal

[B] Arunima Sinha

[C] Love Raj Singh Dharmashaktu

[D] Anshu Jamsenpa

Q 25. Who has been sworn-in as the new Prime minister of Nepal?

[A] Bam Bahadur Kunwar

[B] Sher Bahadur Deuba

[C] Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah

[D] Kirti Nidhi Bista

Correct Answer: B [Sher Bahadur Deuba]

Answer Explanation:

Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Nepali Congress President, has been sworn-in as the new Prime minister of Nepal at Rashtrpati Bhawan in Kathmandu, Nepal. Deuba has taken the charge of prime minister for the 4th time. He first became PM in 1995 and later in 2001 and 2004. The 2017 Election for new prime minister was held due to resignation by the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal from the post of prime minister. Dahal had resigned on May 24 as per the power sharing understanding with the coalition partner Nepali Congress.

Q 26. Which country has officially become the new member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

[A] Mozambique

[B] Cuba

[C] Montenegro

[D] Austria

Q 27. Which state has become the India’s first state to launch single-women pension scheme?

[A] Andhra Pradesh

[B] Telangana

[C] Kerala

[D] Karnataka

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Telangana]

Answer Explanation:

The Telangana Government has become the only state government in India to launch the single-women pension scheme. Under the scheme, a financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 financial is given to single women of the state per month on humanitarian grounds. The scheme will benefit unmarried women, joginis and divorced women. About 1, 08,302 beneficiaries from 31 Districts have been identified by the officials. The single-women pension scheme is the result of petitions filed on the plight of single women deserted by their husbands and relatives.

Q 28. What is the theme of 2017 World Environment Day (WED)?

[A] Green Economy: Does it include you?

[B] Raise Your Voice Not The Sea Level

[C] Connecting People to Nature

[D] Think.Eat.Save

Correct Answer: C [Connecting People to Nature]

Answer Explanation:

The World Environment Day (WED) is observed every year on June 5 to raise awareness about forests and wider issues of environmental protection. The 2017 theme is ‘Connecting People to Nature’. It implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. The host country for the WED 2017 is Canada, where the official celebrations take place.

Q 29. ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-19 communication satellite through which launch vehicle?

[A] GSLV Mark III

[B] GSLV Mark IV

[C] GSLV Mark II

[D] GSLV Mark V

Correct Answer: A [GSLV Mark III]

Answer Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its 3136 kg GSAT-19 communication satellite with its brand new and heaviest – Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III D-1(GSLV-Mk III D-1) satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on June 5, 2017. The satellite GSAT-19 has an intended life span of 10 years and is developed to improve telecommunication and broadcasting areas. The GSLV-Mk III is popularly known as “fat boy” and is developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs 300 crore. The rocket is capable of carrying payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the GTO and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The GSLV-Mk III is a three stage rocket. Its first stage is made of two strap on motors filled with solid fuel. The second stage uses the liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic upper stage “C25”, which is powered by the highly complex indigenous cryogenic engine “CE20”. The number 20 denotes the 20-ton thrust it generates for the rocket to reach the intended height with the heavy mass on board.

Q 30. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Global Peace Index, as per global think tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)?

[A] 141st

[B] 133rd

[C] 155th

[D] 137th

Q 31. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)?

[A] Keshav Prasad Maurya

[B] Ram Shankar Katheria

[C] P M Kamalamma

[D] PL Poonia

1. GKtoday quiz  From May 31 to May 1

Q 1. What is the India’s rank in women workforce, as per recently released “India Development Report” of World Bank (WB)?

[A] 120th

[B] 131st

[C] 110th

[D] 115th

Correct Answer: A [120th]

Answer Explanation:

India has been ranked 120th among 131 countries in women workforce, as per recently released World Bank (WB)’s India Development Report (IDR). As per the report, the participation level has been dropping since 2005, despite 42% women are graduates. The report states that only 27% of women of the age of 15 or older are working or actively looking for a job. Three of every five prime working age Indian women (26-45 years) are not economically active, meaning they neither work on a farm, nor in businesses, nor do they earn any wages. The report highlighted that India’s potential GDP growth rate can be boosted by a percentage point if women participation increased.

Q 2. What is the 2017 theme of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD)?

[A] Tobacco: deadly in any form or disguise

[B] Tobacco – a threat to development

[C] Tobacco kills, don’t be duped

[D] Tobacco: deadly for human development

Q 3. Which Bollywood actress will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award as Internationally Acclaimed Actress?

[A] Priyanka Chopra

[B] Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

[C] Deepika Padukone

[D] Sonam Kapoor

Correct Answer: A [Priyanka Chopra]

Answer Explanation:

The bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award under the newly introduced “Internationally Acclaimed Actress” category for being an international icon. The award ceremony will be held on June 1, 2017 in Mumbai. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema and it was instituted in 1969.

Q 4. Love Raj Singh has become the first Indian to scale Mt. Everest 6 times. He hails from which state?

[A] Jharkhand

[B] Bihar

[C] Uttarakhand

[D] Uttar pradesh

Q 5. Which state government has recently declared Dailong village as biodiversity heritage site of the state?

[A] Arunachal Pradesh

[B] Mizoram

[C] Tripura

[D] Manipur

Q 6. Which film has won the Palme d’Or at the 2017 Cannes film festival?

[A] April’s Daughter

[B] Wind River

[C] The Square

[D] Force Majeure

Correct Answer: C [The Square]

Answer Explanation:

Swedish film “The Square”, directed by Ruben Oustland, has won the Palme d’Or at the 70th edition of Cannes film festival-2017 in Cannes, France. The movie is about a museum director who is desperate to make a success of his gallery and stages a new installation called “The Square” to promote it. The Palme d’Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.

Q 7. The construction of world’s largest optical telescope has started in which country?

[A] South Korea

[B] Canada

[C] China

[D] Chile

Q 8. What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 18, as per World Bank (WB)’s latest report “India Development Report”?

[A] 7.2%

[B] 7.4%

[C] 7.7%

[D] 7.5%

Q 9. Which country is hosting the 2017 G7 summit?

[A] Japan 

[B] Canada

[C] Italy 

[D] Germany

Q 10. Which country has become the first Asian country to recognize same sex marriage?

[A] Taiwan

[B] Lebanon

[C] Timor-Leste

[D] Jordan

Q 11. Anshu Jamsenpa has become the world’s first woman to scale Mt Everest twice within 5 days. She hails from which Indian state?

[A] Mizoram

[B] Manipur

[C] Assam

[D] Arunachal Pradesh

Q 13. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQI), according to latest Lancet report “Global Burden of Disease (GBD)”?

[A] 128th

[B] 154th

[C] 166th

[D] 137th

Q 14. Anil Madhav Dave, who passed away recently, was the union minister of which department?

[A] Labour and Employment

[B] Petroleum and Natural Gas`

[C] Health & Family Welfare

[D] Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q 15. Who has become the first Indian woman to scale Mount Everest for the fourth time?

[A] Anshu Jamsenpa

[B] Lhakpa Sherpa

[C] Premlata Agarwal

[D] Malavath Purna

Answer Explanation:

Anshu Jamsenpa, the Indian mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, has scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest for the fourth time. She will attempt a double ascent to the world’s highest peak to make it a total five successful climbs. If she is successful with her double ascent this time, Ms Jamsenpa will set a record five climbs of Mt Everest.

Q 16. Which city hosted the 2nd meeting of National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR)?

[A] New Delhi

[B] Nagpur

[C] Ahmedabad

[D] Visakhapatnam

Q 17. Who has become the first Indian woman to be conferred with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Global Corporate Citizenship?

[A] Shikha Sharma

[B] Usha Ananthasubramanian

[C] Arundhati Bhattacharya

[D] Chanda Kochhar

Q 18. Karan Singh, who passed away recently, was the minister of which Indian state?

[A] Sikkim

[B] Punjab

[C] Himachal Pradesh

[D] Jammu & Kashmir

Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]

Answer Explanation:

Karan Singh (59), the Ayurveda and Co-Operative Minister of Himachal Pradesh, has recently passed away at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was elected from Banjar assembly constituency in Kulludistrict in the last assembly elections in 2012. Karan Singh was a scion of the Kullu Royal family and younger brother of BJP stalwart Maheshwar Singh, the former Raja of Kullu.

Q 19. Who has been sworn-in as the new President of South Korea?

[A] Moon Jae-in

[B] Hong Joon-pyo

[C] Goh Kun

[D] Roh Tae-woo

Correct Answer: A [Moon Jae-in]

Answer Explanation:

Moon Jae-in, a former human rights attorney, has been sworn-in as the 19th President of South Korea. He succeeded Park Geun-hye. After taking the office, Moon appointed South Jeolla Province Governor, Lee Nak-yon as the Prime Minister. He also nominated Suh Hoon, a longtime intelligence official with expertise in North Korea issues, as his new chief of the National Intelligence Service.

Q 20. Ustad Raees Khan, the legendary sitarist has passed away. He hailed from which country?

[A] India

[B] Pakistan

[C] Bangladesh

[D] Afghanistan

Correct Answer: B [Pakistan]

Answer Explanation:

Indian-born legendary sitar player Ustad Rais Khan (77) has recently passed away in Karachi, Pakistan on May 6, 2017. Ustad Raees was born in 1939 in Indore, India in a family of musicians. He belonged to the Mewati Gharana of Indian classical music. His maternal grandfather Inayat Ali Khan was also considered one of the finest sitar players in the subcontinent. He composed many famous songs like `Jab Tera Hukam Mila Tarkay Mohaabat Kar Di’, `Ab Kay Saal Poonam Main, `Neend Ankhoun Se Uri’, `Mojoun Sahil Se Milo’, `Main Khayal Hun Kisi Aur Ka’, `Kabhi Kitaboun Main Phool Rakhna’ and many others. In 1968, he moved to Pakistan. Khan was honoured with Presidential award and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2005 and 2017, respectively.

Q 21. Justice (retd) Leila Seth, the renowned jurist has passed away. She was the first woman chief justice of which high court?

[A] Himachal Pradesh high court

[B] Madhya Pradesh high court

[C] Andhra Pradesh high court

[D] Kerala high court

Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh high court]

Answer Explanation:

Justice (retd) Leila Seth (86), an eminent jurist and the first woman chief justice of Himachal Pradesh high court, has recently passed away at her residence in Noida. Justice Seth was the first woman to have topped the London Bar exam and was the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court. She was also one of the three members of the Justice Verma Committee which was constituted in 2012 to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law so as to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women, post the gruesome December 16 gangrape in Delhi. She was also part of the Law Commission of India till 2000, and was responsible for the amendments to the Hindu Succession Act which gave equal rights to daughters in joint family property. Justice Seth was the mother of eminent author Vikram Seth.

Q 22. Who has won the 2017 French Presidential election?

[A] Emmanuel Macron

[B] Marine Le Pen

[C] Francois Hollande

[D] Jean-Luc Melenchon

Correct Answer: A [Emmanuel Macron]

Answer Explanation:

Emmanuel Macron, a former civil servant and investment banker, has won the 2017 Presidential election of Franceand will take office on May 14, 2017. With this, he will become the youngest President in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon. Beside this, Macron will also become the first President from outside the two traditional main parties since the modern republic’s foundation in 1958. He fought the election under the banner En Marche! a social-liberal political party founded by him on April 2016.

Q 23. What is the theme of 2017 World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (WRCRCD)?

[A] Less Known Red Cross Stories

[B] Everywhere for everyone

[C] Together for Humanity

[D] Get Together for the purpose of Humanity

Correct Answer: A [Less Known Red Cross Stories]

Answer Explanation:

The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The 2017 theme is “Less Known Red Cross Stories”.

Q 24. Which state government has recently become the registered proprietor of the GI tag for Banganapalle mangoes?

[A] Uttar Pradesh

[B] Himachal Pradesh

[C] Madhya Pradesh

[D] Andhra Pradesh

Q 25. Recently, Sualgiri and Swalgiri communities have been notified as Scheduled Castes in the Indian constitution. The communities are associated with which state?

[A] Manipur

[B] Odisha

[C] Assam

[D] West Bengal

Q 26. Which city has become the India’s cleanest city, according to the Swachh Bharat survey 2017?

[A] Indore 

[B] Tiruchirapally

[C] Mysuru

[D] Visakhapatnam

Q 27. Which state has become the first Indian state to use Automated Weather Stations (AWS) for farmers?

[A] Kerala

[B] Punjab

[C] Assam

[D] Maharashtra

Q 28. The first-ever Ganga Cleanliness Pledge Day (GCPD) will be observed on which date in India?

[A] May 2

[B] May 5

[C] May 4

[D] May 3

Q 29. Which state is the India’s most corrupt state, according to latest survey by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS)?

[A] Andhra Pradesh

[B] Maharashtra

[C] Karnataka 

[D] Jammu & Kashmir

Correct Answer: C [Karnataka ]

Answer Explanation:

Karnataka is the India’s most corrupt state on the basis of people’s experience in paying bribes for public services, as per latest survey conducted by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) on corruption perception. Andhra Pradesh has acquired second position, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. The annual corruption survey “CMS India Corruption Study 2017”, which covered 20 states, found Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Chhattisgarh to be the least corrupt. The report stated that around one-third of the households experienced corruption in public services at least once during the last one year in comparison to about 53% of households that admitted to paying bribes during a similar study in 2005. The study further found that the total bribe paid by households across 20 states and 10 public services was Rs 6,350 crore in 2016 as against Rs 20,500 crore in 2005.

Q 30. The National Anti-Child Labour Day is observed on which day in India?

[A] April 26

[B] April 24

[C] April 28

[D] April 30

4.GKtoday quiz  From April 30 to  April 1

Q 1. Which Indian personality has been selected for Japan’s prestigious ‘Order of the Rising Sun’ award? 

[A] Narendra Modi 

[B] Pranab Mukherjee 

[C] Sushma Swaraj 

[D] Ashwani Kumar 

 Explanation: Ashwani Kumar, the former Union minister, has been selected by Japan for its prestigious ‘Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun’ award for his contribution to fostering Japan-India ties and promotion of friendship between the two countries. The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is the highest category of decorations among the Orders of the Rising Sun, is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of individuals. The Presentation Ceremony for the Investiture of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9, when the foreign recipients will be given an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

Q 2. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)? 

[A] 133rd 

[B] 144th 

[C] 131st 

[D] 136th 

 Explanation: India has been ranked 136th out of 180countries in the latest annual World Press Freedom Index (WPFI-2017). As per report, the rank has been slipped 3-places due to threats from (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi’s nationalism” and growing self-censorship in the mainstream media. The report also mentioned that journalists were increasingly targets of online smear campaigns and threats. The 2017 WPFI compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reflects a world in which attacks on the media have become commonplace and strongmen are on the rise. The index is topped by Norway, followed by Sweden, Finland and Denmark. China has acquired 176th position among 180 nations and is described as the “world’s leading prison for citizen journalists”.

Q 3. Which country has appointed Hana Khatib as first female judge in its Muslim sharia court system? 

[A] Iran 

[B] Israel 

[C] Palestine 

[D] Iraq Hide 

Explanation: Israel has recently appointed Hana Khatib as first female judge in its Muslim sharia court system. Hana Khatib, an attorney from the northern town of Tamra, was selected by an Israeli justice committee to become a religious judge, or qadi, in the court’s ruling on personal law for Muslims inside Israel. Khatib is the first woman not only for the Muslim sharia courts but also for all the religious courts in Israel, as no women serve as judges in the Jewish or Druze courts. Because of this, her appointment is a precedent for Israel. Khatib will be sworn in by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in a few weeks.

Q 4. Which country is the world’s largest military spender, as per latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)? 

[A] India 

[B] China 

[C] United States 

[D] Russia 

 Explanation: As per latest annual update of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) military expenditure database, the United States is the largest military spender in the world with an expenditure of $611 billion, followed by China, Russia and Saudi Arabia. India has acquired the 5th position as largest military spender in 2016 with expenditure of $55.9 billion for 2016-17.

Q 5. The National Panchayati Raj Diwas is celebrated on which date in India? 

[A] April 23 

[B] April 24 

[C] April 22 

[D] April 25 

Explanation: The National Panchayati Raj Diwas is celebrated every year on April 24 across India to mark the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993.

Q 6. Which city has been designated UNESCO World Book Capital 2018? 

[A] Athens 

[B] Ljubljana 

[C] Conakry 

[D] Alexandria

Q 7. Which country to host the first-ever World Ocean Festival (WOF)? 

[A] England 

[B] Japan 

[C] India 

[D] United States  

Explanation: The first-ever World Ocean Festival (WOF) will be held in New York City, United States from June 4, 2017, which will be organized by the Global Brian Foundation (GBF). As part of the festival, activists and enthusiasts will take to the streets and waterways of New York City to raise their voices to reverse the declining health of our oceans. The week-long event will galvanize people across the world to bring public attention to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 14, on conservation and sustainable use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Q 8. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted its first-ever mock exercise on forest fire in which state? 

[A] Madhya Pradesh 

[B] Uttarakhand 

[C] Jharkhand 

[D] Odisha Hide Answer

Q 9. What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 18, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s latest report ‘World Economic Outlook (WEO)’? 

[A] 7.2% 

[B] 7.4% 

[C] 6.8% 

[D] 6.6%

Q 10. Which state police has launched ‘Tare Zameen Par programme’ to enlighten children in Naxal-affected areas? 

[A] Odisha 

[B] Manipur 

[C] Uttarakhand 

[D] Jharkhand

Q 11. Which state government has launched “Operation Durga” to ensure women safety? 

[A] Punjab 

[B] Uttar Pradesh 

[C] Madhya Pradesh 

[D] Haryana 

Explanation: The Haryana government has recently launched ‘Operation Durga’ campaign to ensure women safety in the state. Under this campaign, 24 teams have been formed by the Chief Minister’s Flying Squad. The teams comprise woman personnel, including nine Sub-inspectors of Police, 14 Assistant Sub-inspectors, six Head Constables and 13 constables, besides other police officers from each district. The teams will visit public places such as schools, colleges, bus stands and railway stations and will nab anti-social elements indulging in crimes against women, including eve teasing, vulgar comments, stalking and other similar activities.

Q 12. Which state has bagged Krishi Karman Award 2015-16 for increase in food grains production? 

[A] Himachal Pradesh 

[B] Andhra Pradesh 

[C] Madhya Pradesh 

[D] Uttar Pradesh

Q 13. The Union government will launch “SAMPADA Scheme” for which sector? 

[A] Mining 

[B] Education 

[C] Food processing 

[D] Tourism

Q 14. Which country has executed most people in 2016, as per Amnesty International Global Report ‘Death Sentences & Executions 2016’? 

[A] Pakistan 

[B] Iran 

[C] China 

[D] Saudi Areavia 

 Explanation: As per Amnesty International Global Report ‘Death Sentences & Executions 2016’, China has executed most people in 2016, despite the number of executions worldwide dropped by 37%. The report stated that it is difficult to get a clear number as Beijing classifies most information related to the death penalty as “state secrets”. The agency said it believes that China executed thousands each year. Excluding China, states around the world executed 1,032 people in 2016, according to Amnesty’s records. Iran has acquired 2nd position followed by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Pakistan and Egypt. The report further stated that 104 countries were recorded to have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. Amnesty collects its statistics using official figures, media reports and information passed on from individuals sentenced to death and their families and representatives.

Q 15. Who will become the United Nations (UN)’s youngest-ever Messenger of Peace? 

[A] Malala Yousafzai 

[B] Midori 

[C] Haya Bint Al Hussein 

[D] Charlize Theron  

Q 16. Which country will become the world’s first country to allow legalized production, sale and consumption of marijuana? 

[A] Norway 

[B] Portugal 

[C] Uruguay 

[D] China 

Explanation: Uruguay will become the first country in the world to fully allow the production, sale and consumption of marijuana when its pharmacies will be allowed to sell marijuana in July 2017. It adopted a revolutionary law that fully legalized production, sale and consumption of marijuana. Under the law, buyers must sign up for a national registry of marijuana users to ensure they have fulfilled licensing procedures and do not exceed the monthly maximum purchase of 40 grams (1.4 ounces). Under the law, users also have the option to grow their own pot at home, or join cannabis clubs that grow it in cooperatives.

Q 17. Which state government has launched “Deendayal Rasoi Yojana” to provide food at subsidized rate to poor? 

[A] Rajasthan 

[B] Uttar Pradesh 

[C] Madhya Pradesh 

[D] Haryana 

 Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh government has recently launched the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana (DRY), under which subsidized meals will be available at Rs 5 per plate to people, especially the economically disadvantaged sections of society. Under the yojana, anyone can have a wholesome meal at Rs 5 which includes four chapatis, one vegetable curry and Dal every day between 11 am to 3 pm. The arrangement would cater to at least 2000 persons every day. The wheat and rice would be made available at these canteens at Rs one each through fair price shops. Local municipal bodies will make the water and electricity available free-of-cost. The funds for setting up these centres would be made available under Chief Minister’s Urban Infrastructure Scheme. 

Q 18. Which country will become the world’s first country to neutralise gender pay gap? 

[A] Sweden 

[B] Iceland 

[C] Finland 

[D] Norway

 Explanation: Recently, Iceland’s parliament has presented a bill that would require public and private businesses to prove they offer equal pay to employees. The bill entails that companies and institutions of a certain size, 25 or more employees, undertake a certification of their equal-pay programmes. If the bill passed then Iceland will become the world’s first country to neutralize gender pay gap. According to World Economic Forum (WEF)’s 2015 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), Iceland ranks first, followed by fellow Nordic nations Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Q 19. Who has been appointed as new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN)? 

[A] Jai Singh 

[B] Niranjan Joshi 

[C] Ajit Kumar 

[D] Rajiv Chander 

Q 20. Which country has officially recognized Bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money? 

[A] Australia 

[B] China 

[C] North Korea 

[D] Japan

Q 21. Kishori Amonkar, the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist has passed away. She hailed from which state? 

[A] Maharashtra 

[B] Tamil Nadu 

[C] Kerala 

[D] Andhra Pradesh 

 Explanation: Kishori Amonkar (84), the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, has recently passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was considered one of the foremost singers in the Hindustani tradition and is an innovator of the Jaipur gharana. Amonkar received a plethora of awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1987 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002.

Q 22. Which institute has topped the 2017 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for higher educational institutions? 

[A] Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 

[B] Indian Institute of Technology, Madras 

[C] Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay 

[D] Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 

 Explanation: The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore has topped the 2017 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for higher educational institutions in overall ranking. IIT Madras stood at 2nd position, followed by IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The institutes are ranked by the National Bureau of Accreditation (NBA) based on their teaching and learning resources, graduation outcome, perception, outreach and inclusivity and research productivity. This year, the project has more than 800 new participants and some new categories has also been introduced in medicine and law. Apart from this, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has topped the list in India Rankings 2017 in engineering category, followed by IIT Bombay and Kharagpur. Whereas, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad bagged the first rank in management category while Miranda House, Delhi was ranked the top college. The 2017 India Rankings for higher educational institutions has been released by Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi on April 3, 2017.

Q 23. What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 18, according to the Economic Survey of India (ESI) 2017?  

[A]6.55 % to 7.25% 

[B]6.25 % to 7.5% 

[C]6.55 % to 7.25% 

[D]6.75 % to 7.5% 

Q 24. The book “Mother Teresa: The Final Verdict” has been authored by whom? 

[A]Nitin Bose 

[B]Ritika Bhattacharya 

[C]Aroup Chatterjee 

[D]Kanishka Gupta 

[Aroup Chatterjee The book “Mother Teresa: The Final Verdict” has been authored by Aroup Chatterjee, a British Indian author and physician. The author accused Mother Teresa of unfairly damaging the reputation of the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and challenges the widespread regard of Mother Teresa as a symbol of philanthropy and selflessness.]

Q 25. The world’s first-ever digital ambassador has been created by which country? 

[A]Denmark 

[B]India 

[C]Portugal 

[D]Malaysia 

[ Denmark The world’s first-ever digital ambassador has been created by Denmark that will work on building ties with the global tech giants like Google, Apple, IBM and Microsoft. The new appointment will be a tech liaison and reflect a diplomatic power shift between the established nations and privately-owned unions.]

5.GKtoday quiz  From March 31 to  March 1

Q 1. Which country has become the world’s first country to ban metal mining nation wide? 

[A] Angola 

[B] El Salvador 

[C] Morocco 

[D] Sudan

Q 2. Bob Dylan, who will receive the 2016 Nobel Literature Prize, hails from which country? 

[A] Germany 

[B] United States 

[C] France 

[D] Russia

Q 3. Which Indian personality has been inducted into the international advisory board of Atlantic Council? 

[A] A R Rehman 

[B] M RadhaKrishnan 

[C] Bharath Gopalaswamy 

[D] Anil Ambani

Q 4. The tribal festival of nature worshipping “Sarhul” has started in which state? 

[A] Jharkhand 

[B] Uttar Pradesh 

[C] Madhya Pradesh 

[D] Odisha 

( Explanation: The popular tribal festival of nature worshipping – ‘Sarhul’ has started in all over Jharkhand with enthusiasm. The festival marks the beginning of New Year by worshiping trees. This annual festival is celebrated during the spring season when trees and other elements of nature are worshiped. Sarhul literally means ‘Worship of Sal’. The festival is dedicated to Dharti mata — Mother Earth. Tribals believe that they can use new crop mainly paddy, leaves of the trees, flowers and fruits of the season only after this festival is celebrated.)

Q 5. The tropical cyclone “Debbie” has recently hit which country? 

[A] Australia 

[B] China 

[C] Japan 

[D] Brazil

Q 6. Which city to host the 105th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC)-2018? 

[A] Hyderabad 

[B] New Delhi 

[C] Chennai 

[D] Bhubaneswar

Q 7. The central sector scheme “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)” will be launched from which state? 

[A] Uttar Pradesh 

[B] Andhra Pradesh 

[C] Madhya Pradesh 

[D] Tamil Nadu  

( Explanation: The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), a scheme for providing physical aids and assisted-living devices for senior citizens belonging to BPL category, will be launched by the Union Government at district Nellore in Andhra Pradesh on April 1, 2017. The ambitious RVY scheme is the first-of-its-kind in India, which is fully funded by the Central Government. This Central Sector Scheme (CSS) is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior Citizens over a period of the 3 years. The scheme will be implemented through the sole implementing agency ‘Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO)’, which will undertake one year free maintenance of the aids & assisted living devices. The devices will help the Senior Citizens to overcome their age related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive lifewith minimal dependence on care givers or other members of the family.)

Q 8. India’s first vertical garden has been set up in which city? 

[A] Bengaluru 

[B] Chennai 

[C] Pune 

[D] Kochi

Q 9. Which state government has launched a program to provide free wifi facilities in educational institutions? 

[A] Haryana 

[B] Uttar Pradesh 

[C] Bihar 

[D] Rajasthan

Q 10. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Human Development Index (HDI)? 

[A] 131 

[B] 145 

[C] 168 

[D] 122 

( Explanation: India has been ranked 131st out of 188 countries in the 2017 Human Development Index (HDI), as per latest Human Development Report (HDR) 2016 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As per the report, India’s rank of 131 puts it in the “medium human development” bracket, which also includes nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Kenya, Myanmar and Nepal. The report also stated that regional disparities in education, health and living standards within India or inequality in human development has caused India’s downfall to 27% on HDI score. The list is topped by Norway, followed by Australia and Switzerland.)

Q 11. Who of the following has won the 2017 Abel Prize? 

[A] Andrew J. Wiles 

[B] Louis Nirenberg 

[C] Yves Meyer 

[D] John F. Nash

Q 12. Which of the following districts will become India’s first carbon neutral district? 

[A] Majuli 

[B] Tawang 

[C] Visakhapatnam 

[D] Nalanda

Q 13. Maggie MacDonnell has won the 2017 Global Teacher Prize. She hails from which country? 

[A] UAE 

[B] China 

[C] Japan 

[D] Canada

Q 14. Who has been appointed as the full time Interim Director General (IDG) of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? 

[A] Upendra Tripathy 

[B] Naveen Jain 

[C] Chetan Chauhan 

[D] Dhiraj Sharma

Q 15. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 World Happiness Index (WHI)? 

[A] 118th 

[B] 122nd 

[C] 144th 

[D] 153rd 

 (Explanation: India has been ranked at 122nd out of 155 countries in the 2017 United Nations’s World Happiness Index (WHI), as per recently released World Happiness Report (WHR) 2017. Among the 8 SAARC nations, Pakistan is at 80th position, Nepal stood at 99, Bhutan at 97, Bangladesh at 110 while Sri Lanka is at 120. The list is topped by Norway, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Finland. The rankings are based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person, healthy life expectancy with four factors from global surveys. In those surveys, people give scores from 1 to 10 on how much social support they feel they have if something goes wrong, their freedom to make their own life choices, their sense of how corrupt their society is and how generous they are. )

Q 16. Which country has topped the 2017 Bloomberg Global Health Index? 

[A] Switzerland 

[B] Italy 

[C] Australia 

[D] Singapore 

Q 17. Chuck Berry, the rock and roll legend has passed away. He hailed from which country? 

[A] United States 

[B] Russia 

[C] Nambia 

[D] Portugal 

( Explanation: Chuck Berry (90), the rock and roll legend, has recently passed away in Missouri, United States. He was the well-known guitarist and songwriter and recognized as one of the fathers of rock ‘n’ roll. He refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive. He received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1984 and was among the first inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.)

Q 18. What is the India’s rank in the world for the number of women MPs in Parliament, as per latest UN report “Women in Politics 2017 Map”? 

[A] 155th 

[B] 169th 

[C] 111th 

[D] 148th 

( Explanation: India has been ranked 148th out of 193 countries in the world for the number of women MPs in Parliament, according to the 2017 edition of “Women in Politics 2017 Map” published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women. Rwanda topped the list, followed by Bolivia, Cuba, Iceland, Nicaragua and Sweden. The map of Women in Politics not only provides a country ranking for both ministerial and parliamentary representation, but also statistics on women in political leadership positions – Heads of State or government, women Speakers of Parliament, as well as ministerial portfolios held by women throughout the world.)

Q 19. The 2017 G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting has started in which country? 

[A] Italy 

[B] France 

[C] Germany 

[D] India 

( The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting has started in Baden-Baden, Germany from March 17, 2017. The 2-day meeting is an opportunity to discuss developments in the global economy with my international counterparts and decide on actions we can undertake to respond to the major challenges we all face.)

Q 20. The International Buddhist conference on “Buddhism in 2lst Century” has started in which state? 

[A] Arunachal Pradesh 

[B] Bihar 

[C] Sikkim 

[D] West Bengal 

( Explanation: The 3-day International Buddhist conference on “Buddhism in 2lst Century: Perspectives and Responses to Global Issues” has started at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar on March 17, 2017. During the conference, the scholars will give their deliberations on Perspective and Responses to global challenges and crisis. Over one thousand delegates from 35 countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore and Indonesia are participating in it. The session would focus on issues like perspectives and responses to global challenges and crisis, conflicts, peace building and Buddhist responses, environment and nature conservation and Buddhist perspectives, women and Buddhism, among others.)

Q 21. Who has become the new Chief Minister of Uttarakhand? 

[A] Ramesh Pokhriya Nishank 

[B] BC Khanduri 

[C] Chitranjan Das 

[D] Trivendra Singh Rawat 

( Explanation: Trivendra Singh Rawat, the senior BJP leader, has been sworn-in as the 8th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. In recent Uttarakhand Assembly elections 2017, BJP won 57 out of the 70 seats. This was the biggest ever win by any party in the state so far.)

Q 22. Which institution has topped the Times Higher Education (THE)’s Asia 

University ranking 2017? 

[A] Peking University, China 

[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore 

[C] National University of Singapore (NUS) 

[D] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur

( Explanation: The National University of Singapore (NUS) has topped the full list of the top 300 institutions in the Times Higher Education (THE)’s Asia University ranking 2017. From India, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore ranked at 27th while IIT Bombay secured 42nd rank. The most-represented nation in the rankings is Japan, with 69 institutions followed by China with 54 institutions. For the first time, India has become the 3rd most-represented nation with 33 universities in the ranking.)

Q 23. Which city’s police station has become the first police post in India to be linked with Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)?

[A] Guwahati 

[B] Udaipur 

[C] Shimla 

[D] Indore 

(Explanation: In Himachal Pradesh, Sanjauli Police Station in Shimla town has become the first police post of India to be linked with Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), a nationwide online tracking system. Chief minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated CCTNS system for connecting police post. Meanwhile, the police posts of Manikaran in district Kullu, Solan city and Dada Siba in district Kangra were also simultaneously linked to CCTNS. Under this system, over 200 police posts across the state will be linked. This will facilitate the people in lodging online/offline complaints, police verification of job applicants, tenants, 

character verification and migrant labourer registration, etc., through police post.)

Q 24. What is the theme of the 2017 World Consumer Rights Day (15 March) (WCRD)? 

[A] Antibiotics off the menu 

[B] Fix our phone rights 

[C] Building a digital world consumers can trust 

[D] Consumer Justice Now!

Q 25. India’s largest floating solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) plant has been installed in which state? 

[A] Haryana 

[B] Jammu & Kashmir 

[C] Maharashtra 

[D] Kerala

Q 26. Who is the author of the book “Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth”? 

[A] Audrey Truschke 

[B] Sampath Kumar 

[C] Andrej Plenkovic 

[D] Bhim Chandra Nag

Q 27. George A. Olah, the Nobel laureate has passed away. He won the Nobel prize in which field? 

[A] Physics 

[B] Economics 

[C] Chemistry 

[D] Medicine 

Q 28. Which state government has launched mobile App “Mera Hunar” for job aspirants? 

[A] Andhra Pradesh 

[B] Assam 

[C] Himachal Pradesh 

[D] Kerala 

( Explanation: The Himachal Pradesh Government has recently launched the mobile app and website ‘Mera Hunar HP’ for job aspirants. It is a first-of- its-kind application in India. Mera Hunar is a web based platform where the skilled, semi-skilled persons can apply for various jobs as per their convenience viz: Plumber, Carpenter, mechanic, security guards, drivers, tourists guides, etc. The platform is available both in English and Hindi. This platform will directly connect the prospective employers with the job seekers as the application will contain the address and the phone numbers of those looking for jobs and other details as well.This will benefit those looking for daily jobs within their area.)

Q 29.  India's longest cable-bridge across river Narmada is situated on which National Highway (NH)? 

[A] NH-1 

[B] NH-5 

[C] NH-2 

[D] NH-8 

( Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated the India’s longest cable-bridge over the Narmada River on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai section of NH-8 (New NH-48) in Bharuch, Guajarat. The four-lane extra-dosed bridge is 20.8m wide, with 14.5m carriageway and 3m footpath. It is supported on 9 Pylons of 36 meter height on pile foundation of 1.5m diameter. The bridge will be lit by more than 400 LED lights. The bridge is built by Larsen and Turbo, as a part of the Rs. 379 crore project of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

Q 30. What is the theme of 2017 International Women’s Day (IWD)? 

[A] Women’s History Month 

[B] Equality for Women is Progress for All 

[C] Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality 

[D] Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.

Q 31. Which Indian university has been ranked among top 10 in Times Higher Education (THE)’s 2017 World’s Best Small Universities? 

[A] Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru 

[B] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati 

[C] Savitribai Phule Pune University 

[D] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),  

(Explanation: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has been ranked at 8th among top 10 in Times Higher Education 2017 list of world’s best small universities. The list is topped by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (United States), followed by Ecole Normale Superrieure (France), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) (South Korea) and Ecole Polytechnique (France). According to Times Higher Education (THE), to be eligible for the Best Small Universities rankings, the institutions must appear in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2016-17, teach at least four subjects, and have fewer than 5,000 students. The Best Small Universities in the World for 2017 highlights that small universities provide high student satisfaction and good working relationships between students and their professors.)

Q 32. Which state government has launched “Tirtha Darshan” scheme for senior citizens? 

[A] Madhya Pradesh 

[B] Haryana 

[C] Rajasthan 

[D] Kerala 

(Explanation: The Haryana government has recently launched “Tirtha Darshan” scheme for senior citizens. As per the scheme, senior citizens above 60 years of age and of Haryana domicile would be able to go on a pilgrimage within the country at government expenses. Under the scheme, the government would bear the entire cost of the tour of senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The senior citizens would be selected for the pilgrimage on the basis of draw of lots. Over 400 destinations can be visited under the scheme.)

Q 33. Which city to host the National conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan? 

[A] Lucknow 

[B] Bhopal 

[C] New Delhi 

[D] Jaipur 

(Explanation: The National conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan will be organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and River Development in New Delhi on March 7, 2017. About 700 participants representing various stakeholder groups such as farmers, panchayat members, NGOs and students will attend the daylong conference. The purpose of the Abhiyan is to strengthen grass root involvement of all stakeholders including panchayati raj institutions and local bodies for participatory irrigation management.)

Q 34. Which country to build its’ first national under water observatory in disputed South China Sea? 

[A] China 

[B] Vietnam 

[C] Malaysia 

[D] Brunei

Q 35. Who has won the 2017 Polly Umrigar Award for International Cricketer of the Year? 

[A] Ajinkya Rahane 

[B] Virat Kohli 

[C] Mahendra Singh Dhoni 

[D] Ravichandran Ashwin 

( Explanation: Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli will be conferred with the 2017 Polly Umrigar Award at the BCCI award ceremony in Bangalore on March 8, 2017. Kohli, who received the award in 2011-12 and 2014-15, becomes the first Indian cricketer to get it on the third occasion. The award is given to the international cricketer of the year by the Indian cricket board. Beside this, all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin will also become the first Indian to receive the Dilip Sardesai award twice for his best performance in bilateral series.)

Q 36. Who has become the new chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)? 

[A] V K Jairath Magya 

[B] Atulesh Jindal 

[C] Gurumoorthy Mahalingam 

[D] Ajay Tyagi

6.Gktoday Quiz From Feb 28 to Feb 1

Q 1. India’s first Antyodaya Express has been launched by the Minister of Railways. The express will run between which stations? 

[A] Ernakulam and Howrah 

[B] Sriganganagar and Tiruchirapalli 

[C] New Delhi and Kanyakumari 

[D] Nizamuddin and Palakkad

Q 2. Which inter-disciplinary standing committee has been constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to review cyber threats? 

[A] Krishna Pendalaya committee 

[B] Nandkumar Sarvade committee 

[C] Meena Hemchandra committee 

[D] A S Ramasastri committee

Q 3. What is the theme of 2017 National Science Day (NSD)? 

[A] Fostering Scientific Temper 

[B] Science for Nation Building 

[C] Scientific Issues for Development of the Nation 

[D] Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons

Q 4. India’s first hill station bicycle path has opened in which state? 

[A] Manipur 

[B] West Bengal 

[C] Tripura 

[D] Mizoram

Q 5. Which Indian city has been named as the Richest Indian city, according to latest New World Wealth report? 

[A] Bengaluru 

[B] Chennai 

[C] Mumbai 

[D] Delhi

Q 6. The International conference on ‘Bharat Bodh’ (Idea of Bharat) was held in which city? 

[A] Pune 

[B] Mumbai 

[C] Chennai 

[D] New Delhi

Q 7. Which state government has made mandatory for all private schools to install solar systems? 

[A] Punjab 

[B] Haryana 

[C] Rajasthan 

[D] Madhya Pradesh 

 Q 8. Who has become the new Brand Ambassador for “Swachh Bharat Mission”? 

[A] Shilpa Shetty 

[B] Priyanka Chopra 

[C] Deepika Padukone 

[D] Kangana Ranaut

Q 9. The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is an international project being funded by scientific organisations of 

1. Canada 

2. China 

3. India 

4. Japan 

5. USA 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only 

(b) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 

(c) 3, 4 and 5 only 

(d) It is a purely indigenous and not an international project  

Q 10. Kenneth J. Arrow, the well-known Nobel-winning economist and mathematician has passed away. He hailed from which of the following countries? 

[A] United Kingdom 

[B] United States 

[C] France 

[D] Japan

Q 11. Which country  to host the 9th edition of BRICS Summit-2017? 

[A] China 

[B] India 

[C] Russia 

[D] South Africa

Q 12. What is the India’s GDP forecast for FY 17, as per latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)? 

[A] 7.2% 

[B] 6.8% 

[C] 6.6% 

[D] 7.0%

Q 13. Who is the author of the book “Feroze: the Forgotten Gandhi”? 

[A] John Nicolsen 

[B] Bertil Falk 

[C] Shashi Tharoor 

[D] William Dalrymple

Q 14. Which country has become the world’s largest arms importer during 2012-16, according to the latest report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)? 

[A] India 

[B] Saudi Arabia 

[C] Qatar 

[D] Pakistan Show Answer 8. 

Q 15. Which state is hosting the 13th edition of National Agriculture Science Congress (NASC)-2017? 

[A] Punjab 

[B] Karnataka 

[C] Madhya Pradesh 

[D] Arunachal Pradesh

Q 16. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched a record 104 satellites from which rocket vehicle? 

[A] PSLV-C38 

[B] PSLV-C37 

[C] PSLV-C36 

[D] PSLV-C35

Q 17. BHIM” mobile app has been launched by Union Government to make digital payments easier. What does “BHIM” stands for? 

[A]Build Interface for Money 

[B]Built-up Interface for Money 

[C]Bi-aural Interface for Money 

[D]Bharat Interface for Money

Q 18. Barren Island is located in which state / union territory? 

[A] Gujarat 

[B] Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

[C] Lakshadweep  

[D] Assam

Q 19. Which public sector bank has signed MoU with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to start higher education financing agency? 

[A] Canara Bank 

[B] State Bank of India 

[C] ICICI Bank 

[D] HDFC Bank

Q 20. Who has been selected for the 2016 Vyas Samman? 

[A] Vishwanath Tripathi 

[B] Padma Sachdev 

[C] Surendra Verma 

[D] Sunita Jain

Q 21. Who has become the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu? 

[A] KA Sengottaiyan 

[B] O Panneerselvam 

[C] Edappadi K Palaniswamy 

[D] E Madhusudanan Show Answer 

Q 22. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Economic Freedom Index (EFI)? 

[A] 143rd 

[B] 117th

[C] 92nd 

[D] 88th Show Answer

Q 23. Who has been chosen as the new chief minister of Nagaland? 

[A] K. L. Chishi 

[B] John Bosco Jasokie 

[C] Hokishe Sema 

[D] Shurhozelie 

Q 24. Which of the following countries has become the newest member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)? 

[A]Canada 

[B]India 

[C]Brazil

[D] China

Q 25.  Which  of  the  following  National  Parks  is  unique  in  being  a  swamp  with  floating  vegetation  that supports a  rich biodiversity?

(a) Bhitarkanika  National  Park 

(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park’ 

(c) Keoladeo Ghana  National Park 

(d) Sultanpur  National Park 

Q 26 “Sunway TaihuLight” has been named as the fastest computer of the world. It has been developed by which country? 

[A]China 

[B]Japan 

[C]Russia 

[D]Indonesia Hide 

Q 27. The world’s longest elevated cycle path has opened in which country? 

(a)Japan 

(b)China 

(c)France 

(d)Brazil

Q 28. Which warship has become the India’s first warship to install solar panels on board? 

[A] INS Vindhyagiri 

[B] INS Godavari 

[C] INS Sarvekshak 

[D] INS Sindhudurg

Q 29. What is the theme of 2017 BRICS Summit? 

[A] BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future 

[B] Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions 

[C] BRICS Partnership – A Powerful Factor of Global Development 

[D] None of the above

Q 30. Five time Grammy Award winner, Dravid Bowie, who passed away recently, was the well-known actor from which country? 

[A] United States 

[B] Japan 

[C] England 

[D] China

Q 31. In which state the 2017 UNESCO Natural Heritage festival was held? 

[A] Sikkim 

[B] Himachal Pradesh 

[C] Punjab 

[D] Madhya Pradesh

Q 32. Who has been appointed the new chief of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)? 

[A] D R Mehta 

[B] Brijesh Mukherjee 

[C] Saurav Patra 

[D] Ajay Tyagi

Q 33. Which country has launched the world’s first Braille Atlas for visually impaired persons? 

[A] China 

[B] India 

[C] Japan 

[D] France

Q 34. The National Deworming Day (NDD) is celebrated on which date in India?

[A] February 13 

[B] February 10 

[C] February 12 

[D] February 11

Q 35. Sir Peter Mansfield, who passed away recently, was the Nobel laureate(Medicine) from which country? 

[A] France 

[B] England 

[C] Brazil 

[D] Singapore

Q 36. Which of the following is the official mascot for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, first-ever FIFA tournament to be hosted by India

[A] Kheleo 

[B] Zabivaka 

[C] Fuleco 

[D] Pille

Q 37. What is the India’s rank in the USCC Intellectual Property Index (IPI)-2017? 

[A] 39th 

[B] 22nd 

[C] 43rd 

[D] 11th

Q 38. Which state is hosting the first-ever National Women’s Parliament (NWP)? 

[A] Madhya Pradesh 

[B] Odisha 

[C] Kerala 

[D] Andhra Pradesh

Q 39.  ‘Operation  Enduring  Freedom’  and  ‘Operation Resolute  Support’  are  associated  with  which one  of  the  following  wars? 

(a)  Saudi  Arabian-led  war  in  Yemen 

(b)  US  War  in  Afghanistan 

(c)  Bangladesh  War  of  Liberation 

(d)  The  Syrian  Civil  War 

Q 40. That “every bank note shall be legal tender at any place in India in payment, or on account for the amount expressed therein, and shall be guaranteed by the Central Government” is a provision found in the 

(a) Constitution of India 

(b) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 

(c) Legal Tender (Inscribed Notes) Act, 1964 

(d) Indian Stamp Act, 1899 

Q 41.  Article  21A  of  the  Indian  Constitution  is associated  with 

(a)  Fundamental  Duties 

(b)  The  Right  to  Education 

(c)  Protection  of  Life  and  Personal  Liberty 

(d)  Right  to  Constitutional  Remedies 

Q 42. Consider  the  following  statements  with reference  to   Leo  Tolstoy's

“The Kingdom  of  God  is  Within  You”: 

1.  It  is  said  to  have  made  Gandhiji  a  firm believer  in  Ahimsa. 

2.  Both,  the  author  of  the  book  as  well  as Gandhi,  believed  non-violence  could  cure all  social  maladies  and  eradicate  political ills. 

Which of the  above  statements is/are true

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 & 2 Both

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q 43.  ‘Building  Responsive,  Inclusive  and  Collective Solutions’  was  the  theme  for  which  among  the following  summits  ?

(a)  ASEAN-India  Summit,  Laos 

(b)  SAARC  Summit,  Pakistan 

(c)  G20  Summit,  China 

(d)  BRICS  Summit,  India 

Q 44. Which state has become the first Indian State to establish cashless system for distribution of food grains? 

[A] Karnataka 

[B] Kerala 

[C] Punjab 

[D] Gujarat 

Q 45. As per Union Budget 2017-18, the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) will be set up under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Who will be chairman of the proposed board? 

[A] Cabinet Secretary 

[B] Finance Secretary 

[C] Finance Minister 

[D] Governor of RBI 

Q 46. Which union ministry has  launched annual book ‘India-2017’ & ‘Bharat-2017? 

[A] Ministry of Finance 

[B] Ministry of Human Resource Development 

[C] Ministry of Culture 

[D] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Q 47. Which committee has been constituted by the Union government to improve Haj policy in subsidy issue? 

[A] SS Parkar committee 

[B] Qaiser Shamim committee 

[C] Kamal Faruqui committee 

[D] Afzal Amanullah committee 

Q 48. Which country will host the Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT)? 

[A] India 

[B] China 

[C] Russia 

[D] United States

Q 49. Which country is host to the first-ever BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs (NSA) meet to discuss counter terror action plan? 

[A] India 

[B] Nepal 

[C] Bhutan 

[D] Pakistan

Q 50. Which country is host to the 4th BIMSTEC Summit-2017? 

[A] India 

[B] Nepal 

[C] Bhutan 

[D] Thailand

Q 51. The book “The Man Who Became Khali” has been authored by whom? 

[A] Vinod Rai 

[B] Kapil Jain 

[C] Dalip Singh Rana 

[D] Shantanu Rai 

Q 52. Which country will become the world’s first country to completely divest from fossil fuels? 

[A] Ireland 

[B] Norway 

[C] Germany 

[D] France 

Q 53. Which state is the theme state in the 2017 Surajkund International Crafts Mela? 

[A] Uttar Pradesh 

[B] Jharkhand 

[C] Telangana 

[D] Haryana 

Q 54. The Union Government will launch which platform to leverage Information Technology (IT)? 

[A] Sangarsh 

[B] Swayam 

[C] Samarth 

[D] Sandesh Hide Answer

1. GKtoday quiz From January  31 to January   1

Q 1. “Dulari Kanya” scheme has been launched by which state government to check infant mortality?

[A]Arunachal Pradesh 

[B]Himachal Pradesh 

[C]Madhya Pradesh 

[D]Andhra Pradesh 

Q 2. What is the India’s rank in the 2016 Corruption Perception Index (CPI)? 

[A]66th 

[B]82nd 

[C]79th 

[D]112th 

[ 79th India has been ranked 79th out of 176 nations by the Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI) in its latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2016. The list is topped by two nations “Denmark and New Zealand” and is followed by Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. The ranks are based on a scoring system that ranges between 0 (public sector perceived as highly corrupt) to 100 (public sector perceived as very clean). The index was complied by using World Bank data, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other institutions.]

Q 3. Who has been bestowed with the highest peace time gallantry decoration “Ashok Chakra” on the 68th Republic Day of India? 

[A]Nirbhay Singh 

[B]Harpreet Sandhu 

[C]Hangpan Dada 

[D]Kapil Yadav 

Q 4. What is the theme of the 2017 National Voters Day (NVD)? 

[A]Empowering young and future events 

[B]Inclusive and qualitative participation 

[C]Easy Registration, Easy Correction 

[D]Ethical Voting 

Q 5. “e-health project” will be launched by which state government with support of World Bank (WB)? 

[A]Assam 

[B]Andhra Pradesh 

[C]Karnataka 

[D]Kerala 

[Kerala The Kerala government will officially launch the World Bank-aided “e-health” project across the state on January 25, 2017 that envisages the development of Electronic Health Records (HER) of the population and end-to-end automation of all government healthcare institutions, along with the integration of an electronic demographic database. On pilot basis, the project is already running in 12 healthcare institutions in Thiruvananthapuram district that will be scaled up across the state]

Q 6. Which committee has recently submitted report on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act to the Union Government? 

[A]N K Singh committee 

[B]H R Khan committee 

[C]N R Madhav committee 

[D]H Devaraj committee 

[N K Singh committee The N K Singh committee has recently submitted its report on revising the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his office in North Block in New Delhi. The Union Government will examine the report and take appropriate action. The committee examined the need and feasibility of having a ‘fiscal deficit range’as the target in place of the existing fixed percentage of GDP and make specific recommendations. It also examined the need and feasibility of aligning the fiscal expansion or contraction with credit contraction or expansion respectively in the economy.]

Q 7. “Nasha Mukt campaign” has been launched by which state government to make state addiction-free? 

[A]Punjab 

[B]Haryana 

[C]Bihar 

[D]Assam 

 [The Bihar government has recently launched a Nasha Mukti campaign to make the state addiction-free with formation of over 11,000 km long human chain across the state. The human chain covered all panchayats of the state and over two crore people participated in this human chain.]

Q 8. The India Innovation Index (III) will be developed by which international organization to measure innovation performance of Indian states? 

[A]International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

[B]World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 

[C]Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) 

[D]Asian Development Bank (ADB) 

 Answer : World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) The India Innovation Index (III) will be developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF), NITI Aayog, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Cornell University to measure innovation performance of Indian states. Each partnering organisation will nominate a working group member to work on the index. The first ranking is expected to be released at the India Economic Summit (IEC) in New Delhi on October 4-6, 2017. The index will be based on key pillars of innovation and sub-indices that together will assist in tailoring policies that promote inclusive growth. The pillars include the strength of institutions, capacity of human capital and research, supporting infrastructure and the level of business sophistication, among others.

Q 9. Which of the following cities has topped the 2017 JLL City Momentum Index (CMI)? 

[A]Bengaluru 

[B]Ho chi Minh City 

[C]Hyderabad 

[D]Shanghai 

Answer Bengaluru India’s technology centre, Bengaluru has become the most dynamic city out of 137 cities as per the 4th annual edition of JLL City Momentum Index (CMI) 2017. The other cities that made to the top 10 list are: Ho chi Minh City (2-Vietnam ), followed by Silicon valley (USA), Shanghai (China), Hyderabad (India), London (UK), Austin (USA), Hanoi (Vietnam), Boston (USA) and Nairobi (Kenya). According to the index released by the Chicago-based cities research centre, JLL measures population, connectivity, technology, research & development, education, construction, real estate investment and property prices as the main criteria for choosing the most dynamic cities. Other Indian cities in the list are Hyderabad at 5th position, Pune (13), Chennai (18), Delhi (23) and Mumbai (25).

Q 10. Who will be the Chief Guest for the 2017 Republic Day of India? 

[A]Mohammadin bin Zayed Al Nahyan 

[B]Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan 

[C]Mirza Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan 

[D]Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan 

 Answer Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be the Chief Guest for the 2017 Republic Day of India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and captains of industry.

Q 11. Which state has become the India’s first state to launch “Aanandam programme” to help the needy persons? 

[A]Odisha 

[B]Assam 

[C]Sikkim 

[D]Madhya Pradesh 

 Answer :Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh has become the India’s first state where Aanandam programme has been launched to help the needy persons. The places have been fixed in each district where the economically sound citizens can donate items for the needy persons under the programme. The Aanandam programme of the newly-formed Aanand Department has been launched by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the local TT Nagar Stadium in Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India which has constituted Anand department. . 

Q 12. What is the theme of the 2017 Raisina Dialogue? 

[A]The New Normal: Multilateralism in a multipolar world 

[B]The New Normal: Multilateral in a multipolar world 

[C]The New Normal: Multilateralistic in a multipolar world 

[D]The New Normal: Multifocal in a multipolar world 

Answer: The New Normal: Multilateralism in a multipolar world The 2nd edition of Ministry of External Affairs’ annual conference “Raisina Dialogue” has been held at Taj Palace in New Delhi from 17-19 January, 2017 with the theme “The New Normal: Multilateralism in a multipolar world”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the opening session of the Dialogue, which is India’s flagship geo-political conference. The conference was attended by delegates from 65 countries. . 

Q 13. “Mission 41K” has been launched by which union ministry to save energy? 

[A]Ministry of Urban Development 

[B]Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 

[C]Ministry of Urban Development 

[D]Ministry of Railways 

 Answer:  Ministry of Railways The Union Minister of Railway, Suresh Prabhu has recently launched “Mission 41K” to save Rs. 41,000 crore on the Indian Railways’ expenditure on energy consumption over the next 10 years. This target will be achieved by taking a slew of measures which include moving 90% of traffic to electric traction over diesel. Presently, this is at 50% of the total rail traffic. The launch of this programme was undertaken at a Roundtable Discussion on Energy Initiatives of Indian Railways with external stakeholders. The railways also aim to procure more and more electricity at cheaper rates through open market instead of sourcing it through DISCOMs and thereby hope to save as much as 25% on its energy expenses. . 

Q 14. Which portal has been launched by the Union Government for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)? 

[A]Shiksha portal 

[B]Maitri portal 

[C]Desh Bharti portal 

[D]Shagun portal 

Answer: Shagun portal The Union HRD Minister, Prakash Javadekar has recently launched a dedicated web portal “ShaGun” for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) at New Delhi. The purpose of the portal is to capture and showcase innovations and progress in Elementary Education sector of India by continuous monitoring of the flagship scheme “SSA”. It will help to monitor progress of implementation of SSA by assessing performance of States and Uts on key parameters and thereby serve as a platform for the central government for effective planning and deliver on the promise of providing quality education to all. Beside this, the Union HRD Minister also unveiled the ‘Toolkit for Master Trainers in Preparing Teachers for Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs’, which has been prepared by World Bank (WB) in collaboration with Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).

Q 15. What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 17, as per latest report of United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2017? 

[A]7.7% 

[B]7.6% 

[C]6.6% 

[D]7.0% 

 Answer 7.7% As per latest report of United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2017, India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 17 has been projected to 7.7% and 7.6% for FY 18 (2017-18). Though, the report cautioned that low capacity utilization and stressed balance sheets of banks and businesses will prevent a strong investment revival in the short term. . 

Q 16. Who has been selected as the new chief of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)? 

[A]JS Khehar 

[B]Satish Mathur 

[C]RK Dutta 

[D]Alok Kumar Verma 

 Answer Alok Kumar Verma Alok Kumar Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer, has been selected as the new chief of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the 3-member committee headed by PM Narendra Modi. The post of CBI director was lying vacant since the retirement of Anil Sinha on December 2, 2016. Presently, Verma is the Delhi Police Commissioner. At present, Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana is the interim director of CBI. 

Q 17. Karang, which has become India’s first cashless island, is located in which state? 

[A]Gujarat 

[B]Manipur 

[C]Kerala 

[D]Mizoram 

 Answer: Manipur Manipur’s Karang has become the India’s first cashless island, which is recently announced by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under its Digital India programme. This comes after campaigns on cashless transactions were held by the island’s boat association and other bodies from January 9-12, 2017.The Karang Island is located in the middle of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the North Eastern part of India.

Q 18. Mawlynnong village, which is cleanest village in Asia, is located in which state? 

[A]Arunachal Pradesh 

[B]Meghalaya 

[C]Manipur 

[D]Nagaland 

 Answer Meghalaya Mawlynnong village, which is termed as Asia’s cleanest village, is located at the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya. It is famous for its cleanliness and natural attraction. Mawlynnong was awarded the prestigious tag of ‘Cleanest Village in Asia’ in 2003 by Discover India Magazine. Approx 500 tourists across India and abroad visit the village daily. To maintain its reputation as clean village, all 550 villagers carry cleanliness drive on every Saturday. Through cleanliness, the villagers have created opportunities to earn money as the village has become tourists’ prime destination in North East. . 

Q 19. Which country has recently become an associate member of European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)? 

[A]Pakistan 

[B]Maldives 

[C]India 

[D]Bangladesh 

 Answer:  India India has officially become an associate member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) after the Indian government completed internal approval procedures on the agreement it signed in November 2016. With this membership, India will enhance participation of young Indian scientists and engineers in various CERN projects and bring back knowledge for deployment in the domestic programmes. It will also open opportunities for Indian industries to participate directly in the CERN project. The CERN operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world and the headquarters is located at Geneva, Switzerland.

Q 20.  “Digital Dakiya” scheme has been launched in which state government to encourage cashless transactions? 

[A]Madhya Pradesh 

[B]Rajasthan 

[C]Odisha 

[D]Assam 

 Answer: Madhya Pradesh The Madhya Pradesh government has recently launched “Digital Dakiya or Digital Postman” scheme in Indore district to encourage cashless transactions. It is first of its kind scheme in India in which Digital Postman will visit different places of state to teach and encourage people about cashless transactions and its benefits. The state government will also provide identity cards to the volunteers deployed in this programme.

Q 21. Which cricket team has won the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy tournament? 

[A]Chhattisgarh 

[B]Gujarat 

[C]Mumbai 

[D]Tamil Nadu 

Answer:  Gujarat The Gujarat cricket team has won their first-ever Ranji Trophy title in the 2016–17 season after defeating Mumbai by 5 wickets in the final at the Holkar stadium in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The 2016–17 Ranji Trophy was the 83rd season of the Ranji Trophy, the premier first-class cricket tournament in India.

Q 22. “Festival of India” will be organised by which of the following countries? 

[A]Ghana 

[B]Mauritius 

[C]Zambia 

[D]Kenya 

 Answer: Ghana The “Festival of India” will be organised by Ghana from January 25 to March 16, 2017. The activities of the Festival include amalgamation of Indian classical dances, Sufi & Folk Music, and Saptarang – confluence of seven classical dance forms culminating in Vande Matram. To complete the experience, a Food Festival, Yoga and Meditation, Film Festival will also be organised during the Festival. The Festival events are being showcased in four cities of Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Takoradi in Ghana. 

Q 23. Which of the following Kalvari-class Scorpene stealth submarines has been launched recently for sea trials? 

[A]Sindhughosh 

[B]Khanderi 

[C]Arihant 

[D]Vela 

 Answer: Khanderi India’s second Kalvari-class Scorpene stealth submarine “INS Khanderi” has been launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It has superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack with torpedoes as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles whilst underwater or on surface. Khanderi is named after the Island fort of Maratha forces, which played a vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in the late 17th century. Khanderi is also the name for Tiger Shark. The submarine is expected to be delivered to Indian Navy by the year end.

Q 24. “Global Risks Report 2017” has been released by which international organisation? 

[A]United Nations (UN) 

[B]International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

[C]Asian Development Bank (ADB) 

[D]World Economic Forum (WEF) 

Answer: World Economic Forum (WEF) The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently released its 12th edition of the Global Risks Report 2017, which highlights the most significant long-term risks worldwide. This year’s report will provide an outlook on the threats facing the world in 2017 and examines some of their root causes: rising inequality, political polarization and nationalism, and disruptive technological change.

Q 25. The book “My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man behind the Mangalyaan Mission” has been authored by whom? 

[A]G Madhavan Nair 

[B]K Radhakrishnan 

[C]Shailesh Nayak 

[D]A S Kiran Kumar 

Answer: K Radhakrishnan The book “My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man behind the Mangalyaan Mission” has been authored by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Q 26. Which country will become the world’s first country to switch off FM radio? 

[A]United Kingdom 

[B]Switzerland 

[C]Norway 

[D]Finland 

 Answer Norway Norway will become the world’s first country to switch off FM radio network. The shutdown of the Frequency Modulation (FM) network, which was introduced in the 1950s, will begin on January 11, 2017 in the northern city of Bodo. By the end of the year, all national FM broadcasts will cease. According to the Norwegian government, the switch to radio digital will save money and allow national radio stations to invest more in radio content. The digitization will also improve the emergency preparedness system, facilitate increased competition and offer new opportunities for innovation and development.

Q 27.  Veteran actor Om Puri, who passed away recently, was belonged to which state? 

[A]Punjab 

[B]Haryana 

[C]Uttar Pradesh 

[D]Madhya Pradesh 

 Answer: Haryana Veteran actor Om Puri (66) has recently passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The noted actor was known for his versatility from Bollywood to Hollywood and from independent to art films. He was born in Ambala, Haryana and graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. He was also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama. He made his film debut in the 1976 Marathi film “Ghashiram Kotwal”. Some of his most notable films include Bhavni Bhavai, Ardh Satya, Dharavi, Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Agneepath, Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and others. He earned international fame in many British films, such as “My Son the Fanatic”, “East Is East”, “The Parole Officer” and others. 

http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-6-2017/

Q 28.  The 2017 Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) will be hosted by which city? 

[A]New Delhi 

[B]Gurugram 

[C]Chennai 

[D]Bengaluru 

 Answer: Bengaluru The 14th edition of Pravasi  Bhartiya Divas (PBD) will be held in Bengaluru , Karnataka from January 7 to 9, 2017 on theme “Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora”. The Indian-origin Portugal Prime Minister, Dr. Antonio Costa will be the chief guest in the PBD convention. The PBD Convention is a very important platform for engagement of the Government of India (GoI) and the state governments with the overseas Indian community. The PBD has been held traditionally on 9th January every year to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi as a Pravasi from South Africa to India.

Q 29.  Which international organization has declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development”? 

[A]World Trade Organization (WTO) 

[B]United Nations (UN) 

[C]International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

[D]Asian Development Bank (ADB) 

 Answer: United Nations (UN) The United Nations (UN) has declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” to celebrate and promote the contribution of the tourism sector to building a better world. The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Q 30. Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan, who passed away recently, was the famous musician of which musical instrument? 

[A]Flute 

[B]Tabla 

[C]Sarangi 

[D]Sitar 

Answer Sitar Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan, the well-known sitar musician, has recently passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was regarded as one of the ‘Sitar Trinity’ of India along with Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan. He was known for his “Jafferkhani Baaj” style of performance and was hailed from Indore Gharana. His work was featured in several Hindi films such as Mughal-E-Azam, Kohinoor, Goonj Uthi Shehnai and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje.

Q 31. Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of India (CJI)? 

[A]J S Khehar 

[B]Madan Lokur 

[C]Kamlesh Khehar 

[D]T S Patil 

 Answer J S Khehar Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, who led the five-judge constitution bench in the Supreme Court which had struck down the controversial NJAC Act for appointment of judges, has been sworn-in as the 44th Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will remain on the post till August 27, 2017. He is the first Chief Justice from the Sikh community, who succeeded Justice TS Thakur. 

Q 32. Which country has become the first in the world to pay basic income to randomly picked citizens on national level? 

[A]Indonesia 

[B]Finland 

[C]France 

[D]Sri Lanka 

 Answer Finland Finland has become the first country in the world to pay a basic income to randomly picked citizens on a national level. The aim of 2-year nationwide pilot scheme is to reduce poverty, motivate people to join work force and boost employment. For this, two thousand unemployed participants between the ages of 25 and 58 have been randomly picked from different parts of the country and will receive an unconditional monthly tax-free basic income of €560. The income will replace their existing social benefits and will be paid even if they find work.

Q 33. The 104th Indian Science Congress (ISC) has started in which state? 

[A]Kerala 

[B]Assam 

[C]Andhra Pradesh 

[D]Manipur 

 Answer Andhra Pradesh The 104th Indian Science Congress (ISC) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3, 2017 at the Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The focal theme of 5-day annual ISC is “Science and Technology for National Development”.

Q 34. The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) is the statutory body of which union ministry? 

[A]Ministry of Home Affairs 

[B]Ministry of Minority Affairs 

[C]Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 

[D]Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 

 Answer: Ministry of Minority Affairs The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) is a statutory body of Union Ministry of Minority Affairs constituted under the Haj Committee Act, 2002 ( Act 35 of 2002). It makes arrangements for the Haj pilgrimage of Muslims in India. Recently, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has launched Haj Committee of India Mobile App at Haj House in Mumbai to encourage online applications to ensure fair opportunity for 2017 Haj pilgrimage with complete transparency and comfort. The features of the mobile app are such as applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment.

Q 35. Who is the new Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army? 

[A]Vikram Singh Rathore 

[B]Bipin Rawat 

[C]Velu Nair 

[D]Birender Singh 

 Answer Bipin Rawat General Bipin Rawat has become the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army. He has tremendous experience in serving in combat areas and at various functional levels in the Indian Army over the last three decades. He has handled various operational responsibilities in many areas, including along the LoC with Pakistan, the LoC with China and in the North-East. He is known for his balanced approach towards soldiering, compassion, and connect with civil society. Beside him, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa has also become the new Air Force chief. The new Air Chief Marshal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1978. He has served in various squadrons and in the Intelligence Directorate of Air Headquarters.

1. GKtoday quiz From December 31 to December    1

Q 1. Which committee has submitted report on promoting digital payments to the Union Government? 

[A]Vinod Rai committee 

[B]Ajit Seth committee 

[C]H R Khan committee 

[D]Ratan Watal committee 

 Answer Ratan Watal committee The Ratan Watal committee has recently submitted report on promoting digital payments to the Union Government. The committee has suggested a separate regulator to deal with issues concerning payment, among others. The report suggested a host of fiscal incentives to promote digital transactions. It suggested withdrawal of all charges levied by government departments and utilities on digital payments and making it mandatory for government departments and agencies to provide option to consumers to pay digitally. The report also suggested putting a special emphasis on digital payments for recurring low value transactions and reducing custom duties on payments acceptance equipment. The committee has also suggested instituting awards to promote digital transaction.

Q 2. “BHIM” mobile app has been launched by Union Government to make digital payments easier. What does “BHIM” stand for? 

[A]Build Interface for Money 

[B]Built-up Interface for Money 

[C]Bi-aural Interface for Money 

[D]Bharat Interface for Money 

 Answer Bharat Interface for Money Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently launched an Aadhaar-based mobile app “Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)” to promote easier digital payments and transactions at Digi Dhan Mela at talkatora stadium in New Delhi. The Bhim app is named after Dr B R Ambedkar and will empower small traders, tribals and farmers. The app is inter-operable with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and it connects directly to your bank account. The application is developed by the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI). The application allows users to check the bank balance directly from the app. There is a limit of Rs 10,000 per transaction and a 24-hour limit of Rs 20,000.

Q 3. “Beipanjiang Bridge” the world’s highest bridge is in which country? 

[A]China 

[B]France 

[C]Japan 

[D]Germany 

 Answer China The world’s highest bridge “Beipanjiang Bridge” has been opened to traffic in China. The bridge soars 565 metres (1,854 feet) above a river and connects the two mountainous provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou and is expected to reduce road travel times from Liupanshui to Xuianwei from 4 hours to 2 hrs. The bridge overtook the Si Du River Bridge in the central province of Hubei to become the world’s highest bridge.

Q 4. Who has been appointed as the new Lt Governor of Delhi? 

[A]Vishnu Sahay 

[B]Pradeep Sinha 

[C]K M Chandrasekhar 

[D]Anil Baijal 

 Answer Anil Baijal Anil Baijal, a 1969 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Lt Governor of Delhi. He succeeded Najeeb Jung, who recently resigned from the post. Baijal had served as Union Home Secretary under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government besides holding key positions in other ministries.

Q 5. The 2017 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will take place in which city? 

[A]Rajkot 

[B]Surat 

[C]Gandhinagar 

[D]Ahmedabad 

 Answer Gandhinagar The 8th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be held at Mahatma mandir, Gandhinagar from January 10th to 13th, 2017. The central focus of the 2017 Global Summit is “Sustainable Economic and Social Development”. The Summit will bring together Heads of States and Governments, Ministers, Leaders from the Corporate World, Senior Policy Makers, Heads of International Institutions and Academia from around the world to further the cause of development and promote cooperation.

Q 6. The Good Governance Day (GGD) is observed on which day in India? 

[A]December 23 

[B]December 24 

[C]December 26 

[D]December 25 

 Answer December 25 The Good Governance Day (GGD) is observed every year in India to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day was established to honor Prime Minister Vajpayee by fostering awareness among the Indian people of accountability in government. From December 25, 2016, the Good Governance campaign will be undertaken for 100 days during which Ministers and Members of Parliament (MoP) will travel across the country and attend programmes highlighting the government’s key initiatives. The effort of the government is to improve delivery systems, to promote digital transformation and take forward the connectivity revolution in all sectors.

Q 7. Who has been selected for the prestigious 2016 Jnanpith Award? 

[A]Kedarnath Singh 

[B]Ravuri Bharadhwaja 

[C]Chandrashekhara Kambara 

[D]Shankha Ghosh 

 Answer Shankha Ghosh Shankha Ghosh, the well-known Bengali poet, critic and academician, has been selected for the prestigious 52nd edition of the Jnanpith Award (2016) by the Government of India (GoI) for his poetic idiom and experiments with various poetic forms mark his greatness as a creative talent. With this, Ghosh has become the 6th Bengali author to win India’s highest literary award after Mahasweta Devi, Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Subhash Mukhopadhyay and Bishnu Dey. The Jnanpith Award is presented every year to a literary figure for their outstanding contribution in literature. The award carries a citation, prize money of Rs. 12 lakh and a bronze replica of Goddess Saraswati.

Q 8. Which of the following islands in India was once named “New Denmark”? 

[A]Salsatte Island 

[B]Elephanta Island 

[C]Lakshadweep 

[D]Andaman & Nicobar Island 

 Answer: Andaman & Nicobar Island In 1759, the Nicobar Islands were made a Danish colony, first named New Denmark and later as Frederick’s Islands.

Q 9. Chabahar is located on the Makran coast in southeastern Iran. But, which is the Gulf in which this Port is located? 

(a) Persian Gulf 

(b) Gulf of Oman 

(c) Gulf of Hormuz 

(d) None of the above 

Q 10. Which of the following states has attained 100% Aadhaar saturation in India? 

[A]Himachal Pradesh 

[B]Uttar Pradesh 

[C]Kerala 

[D]Tamil Nadu 

 Answer Himachal Pradesh The Himachal Pradesh has recently achieved 100% Aadhar saturation on the basis of population of year 2015. With this, Himachal Pradesh has become the 6th State/UT in India to achieve this mile stone. The other states which achieved 100% Aadhaar coverage are Delhi, Telangana, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh. Apart from this, Himachal Pradesh has recently opened its first Cyber Crime Police Station at state police headquarter in Shimla. The main purpose of this police station is to deal with increasing crime based on misuse of information technology by the High tech criminals. The cyber offences like hacking of government web sites and its data, prevention and detection of cyber terrorism & financing all types of cyber fraud cases would be investigate by this police station. The police station officials will also create general awareness among the masses to prevent them from falling victim to high-tech and cyber criminals. To tackle cyber-crimes in this hill state this kind of police station was the need of hour which has been now fulfilled.

Q 11. “Swasthya Raksha Programme” has been launched by which union ministry? 

[A]Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 

[B]Ministry of AYUSH 

[C]Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation 

[D]Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 

 Answer: Ministry of AYUSH The Swasthya Raksha Programme has been launched by the Ministry of AYUSH to promote health and health education in villages. Thepurpose of the programme is to organize Swasthya Rakshan OPDs, Swasthya Parikshan Camps and Health/Hygiene awareness programme and to create awareness about cleanliness of domestic surroundings and environment. The programme will also provide medical aid/incidental support in the adopted Colonies/villages.

Q 12. Which international personality has topped the 2016 World’s Most Powerful People list of Forbes? 

[A]Vladimir Putin 

[B]Donald Trump 

[C]Narendra Modi 

[D]Angela Merkel 

 Answer Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin has been ranked first among the 2016 World’s Most Powerful People annual list of Forbes for a fourth straight year. In the list of 74 international personalities, US President-elect Donald Trump has stood at second position, followed by Angela Merkel, Xi Jinping and Pope Francis. Apart from this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked 9th among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes. Forbees stated that Modi has emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change. It also took note of Prime Minister Modi’s demonetisation decision. . 

Q 13. The Economic Times Asian Business Leaders’ Conclave 2016 has been held in which country? 

[A]India 

[B]Malaysia 

[C]Singapore 

[D]Indonesia 

 Answer Malaysia The Economic Times Asian Business Leaders’ Conclave 2016 has been held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 14-15, 2016. The purpose of the annual event was to deliberate the course businesses need to take to make Asia the most thriving region for trade in the world. Over 400 C-level executives from all across Asia and around the globe gathered to discuss trending leadership topics such as diversity and inclusion, disruptive technologies and innovation, talent management, corporate governance, etc. . 

Q 14. Which state has become the first Indian state to launch Mahila Police Volunteer (MPV) initiative? 

[A]Uttar Pradesh 

[B]Assam 

[C]Haryana 

[D]Kerala 

 Answer Haryana The Haryana government has recently launched the Mahila Police Volunteer (MPV) initiative in Karnal and Mahendragarh districts of Haryana to bridge the gap between Police and Civil society. With this, Haryana has become the first Indian state to adopt this scheme. Mahila Police Volunteer is a joint initiative with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The MPV initiative will create a link between the police authorities and the local communities in villages through police volunteers who will be women specially trained for this purpose. . 

Q 15. “2016 EKUVERIN” the joint military exercise has started between India and which country? 

[A]Japan 

[B]Morocco 

[C]South Africa 

[D]Maldives 

 Answer Maldives The 7th edition of India-Maldives joint military exercise “EKUVERIN 2016” has started at Kadhdhoo, Laamu Atoll, Maldives. The purpose of the 14 day joint exercise is to acquaint both forces with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of amphibious and counter insurgency/ Counter terrorism environment and also to increase the existing military relationship between the Indian Army and the Maldivian National Defence Force.

Q 16. Which Bollywood personality has been appointed as the UNICEF’s newest Global Goodwill Ambassador? 

[A]Priyanka Chopra 

[B]Deepika Padukone 

[C]Ranveer Singh 

[D]Amitabh Bachchan 

 Answer Priyanka Chopra The Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has been appointed as the UNICEF’s newest Global Goodwill Ambassador at the UNICEF’s 70th anniversary event in New York. As the Global Goodwill Ambassador, she has the responsibility to urge people from across nations to become the collective voice of oppressed children in the world and join forces to leave a better future for the coming generations.

Q 17. What is the theme of 2016 Human Rights Day (HRD)? 

[A]Our Rights, Our Freedoms, Always 

[B]Stand up for someone’s rights today 

[C]My Voice Counts 

[D]Human Rights 365 

 Answer: Stand up for someone’s rights today The Human Rights Day (HRD) is observed every year on December 10to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 as the shared standard benchmark to protect human rights across the world. The 2016 theme is “Stand up for someone’s rights today!”, which emphasises on peace and harmony with respect for each other’s rights.

Q 18. Who has become the acting president of South Korea? 

[A]Hwang Kyo-ahn 

[B]Park Jong-sun 

[C]Kim So-yeon 

[D]Moon Jae-in 

 Answer Hwang Kyo-ahn Hwang Kyo-ahn, who is the South Korean Prime Minister, has become the acting President after Parliament voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye on December 9, 2016 over a corruption scandal. Due to the ratification of Park impeachment proposal, Hwang Kyo-ahn has assumed the presidential powers and duties as acting president. . 

Q 19. What is the India’s rank in the 2016 Global Terrorism Index (GTI)? 

[A]9th 

[B]7th 

[C]11th 

[D]13th 

 Answer: 7th India has been ranked 7th in the list of 163 countries most impacted by terrorism in 2015, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2016 released by Sydney-based think-tank “Institute for Economics & Peace”. The list is topped by Iraq, followed by Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria. The GTI score for a country is based on weightage assigned to the total number of terrorism-related incidents, fatalities, injuries and property damage sustained in the year in question. The index also takes into consideration attacks that took place in the 4 previous years.

Q 20. The world’s largest seating capacity cricket stadium will come up in which state of India ? 

[A]Gujarat 

[B]West Bengal 

[C]Karnataka 

[D]Tamil Nadu 

 Answer: Gujarat The Sardar Patel Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, popularly known as Motera Stadium, is set to become the world’s largest seating capacity cricket stadium. The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has handed the stadium’s renovation project to Larsen and Turbo (L&T). Presently, the stadium can house 54,000 people, but with the new plans, it is projected to seat about 1,10,000 people. This will almost double its seating capacity and will surpass the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which has a capacity of 1,00,024 people. . 

Q 21. What is the theme of 2016 Human Rights Day (HRD)? 

[A]Our Rights, Our Freedoms, Always 

[B]Stand up for someone’s rights today 

[C]My Voice Counts 

[D]Human Rights 365 

 Answer Stand up for someone’s rights today The Human Rights Day (HRD) is observed every year on December 10 to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration was adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 as the shared standard benchmark to protect human rights across the world. The 2016 theme is “Stand up for someone’s rights today!”, which emphasises on peace and harmony with respect for each other’s rights.

Q 22. The tropical cyclone ‘Vardah’ is expected to hit which country? 

[A]India 

[B]China

[C]Japan 

[D]South Africa 

 Answer:  India The tropical cyclone ‘Vardah’ is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Kakinada with the speed of 10 km/hr. The cyclonic storm over southeast Bay of Bengal has moved north- northwestwards and lies centered over southeast Bay of Bengal. Fishermen have been advised not to venture to the sea along and off Andaman Islands and adjoining sea areas during the next 12 hrs.

Q 23. Who has been named as the Time magazine’s Person of the Year 2016? 

[A]Donald Trump 

[B]Mark Zuckerberg 

[C]Narendra Modi 

[D]Hillary Clinton 

 Answer Donald Trump US President-elect Donald Trump has named by Time magazine as its Person of the Year 2016 for his stunning victory in the US Presidential election.

Q 24. Which high court of India has termed the practice of triple talaq (Talaq-e-bidat) among Muslims as unconstitutional? 

[A]Allahabad High Court 

[B]Delhi High Court 

[C]Calcutta High Court 

[D]Mumbai High Court 

 Answer Allahabad High Court The Allahabad High Court has termed the Islamic practice of divorcing a woman by uttering the word ‘talaq (Talaq-e-bidat)’ thrice as unconstitutional. The order was passed by single judge bench of Justice Suneet Kumar while deciding two separate writ petitions that the triple talaq practice, sanctioned under Muslim personal law that governs marriage, property and divorce – violated the rights of Muslim women. The High Court held that this form of instant divorce is cruel and most demeaning which impedes and drags India from becoming a nation.

Q 25. The first-ever International Gita Mahotsav will be held in which state of India? 

[A]Assam 

[B]Uttar Pradesh 

[C]Punjab 

[D]Haryana 

 Answer: Haryana The first-ever International Gita Mahotsav will be held in Kurukshetra, Haryana on December 6, 2016. President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the Mahotsav and will also lay the foundation stone of Krishna circuit on the occasion. In a 5-day mega event, many spiritual leaders from different religions, scholars and artists from various countries will participate. The Mahotsav will set a world record with the recitation of Ashtadash Shaloki Gita by as many as 18 thousand students at one go. During Mahotsav, youths from 574 districts of the country will reach Kurukshetra, showcasing one Shloka each scripted on their traditional dresses.

Q 26. What is the theme of 2016 Heart of Asia (HoA) ministerial conference? 

[A]Addressing challenges, achieving prosperity 

[B]E-connectivity for prosperity 

[C]Peace: Priority for all 

[D]Connect world with harmony 

 Answer Addressing challenges, achieving prosperity The 6th Heart of Asia (HoA) ministerial conference has started at Amritsar in Punjab on December 4, 2016 with focus on tackling terror in region. The conference will discuss peace, cooperation and economic development in Afghanistan. The main conference has been inaugurated jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will lead the Indian delegation. The delegates from nearly 40 countries will participate in the conference including India, China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan and representatives of 17 supporting nations were deliberating on a vast range of issues facing the region.The theme of the conference is “Addressing Challenges, Achieving Prosperity”.

Q 27. Which international organisation has inscribed Yoga in the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? 

[A]UNIDO 

[B]UNICEF 

[C]UNISDR 

[D]UNESCO 

 Answer: UNESCO India’s one of the ancient practices “Yoga” has been inscribed as an element in the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity during the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With this, Yoga has become the 13th intangible cultural heritage that has been listed from India so far with UNESCO. Previous ones includes Chhau dance,Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Sankirtana-the ritual singing, drumming, and dancing of Manipur, the traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab and Ramlila- the traditional performance of the Ramayana. 

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