Current Affairs Q&A – January 2019
1. Ross Island of Andaman and Nicobar was renamed as , on 30th December 2018?
1) Shaheed Dweep
2) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep
3) Swaraj Dweep
4) Mahatma Gandhi Dweep
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep Explanation:
On December 30, 2018, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a day long visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.On December 30, 2018, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On this occasion, he announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar.
The 3 islands are:
• The Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep,
• The Neil Island would now be known as Shaheed Dweep and
• The Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep.
2. Where did Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launch the Ujjwala Sanitary Napkin initiative on 30thDecember 2018?
1) Pune, Maharashtra
2) Agra, Uttar Pradesh
3) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
4) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Bhubaneswar, Odisha Explanation:
On December 30, 2018, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Ujjwala Sanitary Napkin initiative in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Its objective is to provide access to hygiene products and employment to opportunities in every district of the state. Around 100 local manufacturing units will be set up by oil marketing companies at Common Service Centres (CSCs) across 93 blocks in all 30 districts of Odisha in the first phase. The units are expected to be ready by March 2019. The cost of setting up each manufacturing unit is expected to be Rs 2.94 crores. The sanitary napkins will be priced at Rs 42 per pack of eight pads. Each manufacturing unit will employ five or six Ujjwala beneficiaries and will thus employ nearly 600 women across all districts.
3. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has extended the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for Middle Income Group (MIG) Scheme by another 12 months till ?
1) March 31, 2020
2) April 30, 2020
3) June 30, 2020
4) January 1, 2020
5) None of these
Answer -1) March 31, 2020 Explanation:
On 31st December 2018, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs headed by Minister of State Hardeep S. Puri, extended the Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for Middle Income Group (MIG) Scheme by another 12 months till March 31, 2020. Around 93, 007 beneficiaries have been covered till date and have already received Rs 1,960.45 crore of subsidy in the scheme under which the government provides a subsidy of up to Rs 2.67 lakh on home loans. The scheme covers two income segments in the MIG viz. Rs 6,00,001 to Rs 12,00,000 per annum for MIG-I and Rs 12,00,001 to Rs 18,00,000 per annum for MIG-II. The dwelling unit carpet area to avail the benefit of the scheme include ‘upto 160 sq.m’ and ‘upto 200 sq.m’ for MIG I and MIG II respectively. In the MIG-I, an interest subsidy of 4 per cent has been provided for loan amounts up to Rs 9 lakh, while in MIG-II, an interest subsidy of 3 per cent has been provided for loan amount of Rs 12 lakh.
4. A ‘bancassurance’ pact was signed between which bank and SBI Life Insurance to sell the policies of the insurer in over 3,200 branches of the bank, on 31st December 2018?
1) Allahabad Bank
2) State Bank of India
3) Canara Bank
4) Federal Bank
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Allahabad Bank Explanation:
On 31st December 2018, a ‘bancassurance’ pact was signed between State-owned Allahabad Bank and SBI Life Insurance to sell the policies of the insurer in over 3,200 branches of the Allahabad Bank. The agreement is considered as one of the largest Bancassurance partnerships in the country. The agreement was signed in the presence of Allahabad Bank Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mallikarjuna Rao and SBI Life MD & CEO Sanjeev Nautiyal.
5. India will remain the fastest growing major economy with GDP growth estimated to be % in
FY19, as per Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s report titled ‘Growth Outlook for 2019’?
1) 7.2 %
2) 7.5 %
3) 7.7 %
4) 7.9 %
5) None of these Answer – 2) 7.5 % Explanation:
On December 31, 2018, in its report titled ‘Growth Outlook for 2019’, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) stated that India will remain the fastest growing major economy with GDP growth estimated to be 7.5% in FY19. The reasons cited for the growth are: Better demand conditions, settled GST implementation, capacity expansion resulting from growing investments in infrastructure and better credit inflow especially in the service sector (that is of 24%).
6. Which Indian cricketer was adjudged ‘Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the Women’s Cricketer of the Year‘ and ‘Women’s ODI Player of the Year’ by International Cricket Council (ICC), on 31st December 2018?
1) Mithali Raj
2) Smriti Mandhana
3) Harmanpreet Singh
4) Jhulan Goswani
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Smriti Mandhana Explanation:
On 31st December 2018, India Women Cricket team Vice-captain and Left-handed opener, Smriti Mandhana was adjudged ‘Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the Women’s Cricketer of the Year‘ as well as the ‘Women’s ODI Player of the Year’by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
7. Who won the third term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, on 31st December 2018?
1) Mohammed Abdul Hamid
2) Sheikh Hasina
3) Abu Thahir Bhutto
4) Abdul Salam Khan
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Sheikh Hasina Explanation:
On 31st December, 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alliance won Bangladesh’s election with a thumping majority giving her a third straight term. The alliance dominated by her Awami League, won 287 of the 298 seats for which results have been declared, the commission said. There are 300 constituencies in the country. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which boycotted the last poll in 2014, won just 6 seats.
8 has been appointed the new Information Chief Commissioner by the Government of India?
1) Raghav Sanghvi
2) Sudhir Bhargava
3) Ajay Mishra
4) Ram Mathur
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Sudhir Bhargava Explanation:
The Government of India has appointed Sudhir Bhargava, an information commissioner in the Central Information Commission the new chief information commissioner. The government has also appointed four new information commissioners. President Ram Nath Kovind has approved the appointment of former bureaucrats Yashwardhan Kumar Sinha, Vanaja N Sarna, Neeraj Kumar Gupta and Suresh Chandra as the new information commissioners. The appointments came weeks after the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to disclose the process of appointment of the members of the Central Information Commission, including details on applicants and search committees. The court had asked the government to maintain transparency in the process.
9. Which state got a separate high court on 1st January 2019, which is the 25th high court of India?
1) Telangana
2) Mizoram
3) Sikkim
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Andhra Pradesh Explanation:
On 1st January 2019, Andhra Pradesh got a separate high court which will temporarily function from the Chief Minister’s camp office in Amravati, the new capital of the state till a permanent building for the High Court is being set up at the ‘Justice City’in Amaravati. Since the bifurcation of the state on June 2, 2014, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have had a common high court at Hyderabad. With the creation of the new high court, the country now has 25 high courts. The present high court building in Hyderabad would be housing the High Court of Telangana and the ten judges, who were part of the common high court, will now be the judges of the Telangana High Court. The bifurcation of the courts into the High Court of Telangana and High Court of Andhra Pradesh came after the Supreme Court on 29th October passed an order for the burification and said that it expects a notification by January 01, 2019. Justice C Praveen Kumar, the senior-most judge among the judges allotted to Andhra Pradesh, was appointed as acting Chief Justice of AP High Court, that will have 15 other judges with effect from January 1 , 2019.
Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan took over as the first Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court with effect from January 1 , 2019.
10. Reserve Bank of India has granted permission to which payments bank to add new customers, after it had initially barred the bank from opening bank accounts in June 2018?
1) Jana Small Finance Bank
2) ESAF Small Finance Bank
3) AU Small Finance Bank
4) Paytm Payments Bank
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Paytm Payments Bank Explanation:
On January 1, 2019, Reserve Bank of India granted permission to Paytm Payments Bank to add new customers after it initially barred Paytm from opening bank accounts in June 2018. This was due to non- compliance of the KYC norms and because Paytm Payments Bank had failed to maintain Rs 100 crore net worth limit. Post the audit, Paytm Payments Bank had removed Renu Satti from the chief executive’s role and replaced her with veteran banker and ex-NPCI senior executive Satish Gupta.
11. Which country introduced a new “GAFA tax” named after Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon to ensure that the companies pay a fair share of taxes in Europe, on 1st January 2019?
1) Italy
2) Germany
3) France
4) Switzerland
5) None of these Answer – 3) France Explanation:
From 1st January 2019, France introduced a new “GAFA tax” named after the large internet and
technology companies Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon to ensure the global giants pay a fair share of taxes on their massive businesses in Europe.According to France’s finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, the new tax would raise 500 million euros (570 million dollars) in 2019. The unilateral move from France came after the deal for EU wide tax which required the support of all 28 EU states, crumbled earlier this month, with opposition from countries including Ireland, home to the European headquarters of Google and Apple. While other EU member states such as Britain, Spain and Italy are working on national versions of a digital tax, Asian countries such as Singapore and India are also planning their own schemes.
12. Who took charge as the MD and CEO of Axis bank on 1st January 2019, following the retirement of Shikha Sharma?
1) Sandeep Vaishnav
2) Murali Krishnan S
3) Amitabh Chaudhry
4) Randeep Vijay
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Amitabh Chaudhry Explanation:
On 31st December 2018, private sector lender Axis Bank Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shikha Sharma retired from the services of the bank and Amitabh Chaudhry will be the new MD and CEO of the Axis bank from 1st January 2019. In April 2018, Shikha Sharma requested the bank board to reduce her new term which was started from June 2018 to 7 months from a three-year tenure without citing any reasons. 54 years old, an Indian Institute of Management -Ahmedabad alumnus, Amitabh Chaudhry who is the former MD and CEO of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company was appointed the MD & CEO of Axis Bank for the period of 3 years.
13. Which state government launched ‘The Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA)’ scheme worth Rs 10,180-crore, for overall development of small, marginal and landless farmers, on 31st December 2018?
1) Telangana
2) Kerala
3) Odisha
4) Bihar
5) None of these Answer – 3) Odisha Explanation:
On December 31, 2018, Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, launched a Rs 10,180-crore scheme, for overall development of small, marginal and landless farmers, dubbed as ‘The Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA)’ scheme in Odisha. This scheme consists of a life insurance of Rs.2 lakh for 57 lakh farmers and would grant them crop loans at zero per cent interest.
Also, financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per farmer family per annum to around 30 lakh small and marginal farmers’ families. Furthermore, Rs. 5000 would be given to farmers for Rabi cultivation and equal amount will be given for Kharif Cultivation. For landless farmers, a unit cost of Rs 12,500 would be provided for goat rearing, poultry farming, duck rearing, bee keeping and mushroom cultivation. The scheme will be implemented in three phases. In the first phase of the initiative, Rs. 5000 would be disbursed to farmers between January 22 and January 25, 2019. The second phase will be completed by February 15, 2019.
14. The number of complaints registered at banking ombudsman offices has increased to what percent, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India? 1) 25 %
2) 35 %
3) 45 %
4) 50 %
5) None of these Answer – 1) 25 % Explanation:
On December 31, 2018, according to the RBI Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India, number of complaints registered at banking ombudsman offices has increased to 25% owing to increased awareness and poor internal redressal mechanisms of banks. More than 57% of the total complaints came from the banking ombudsman offices in tier-1 cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Of all the complaints received at the ombudsman’s offices, 97% of them were resolved in 2017-18, up from 92% in 2017. The topic of complaints were related to non-observance of the fair practices code followed by those related to ATM, credit and debit cards, and for failure to meet commitments and mobile banking. Bank-wise distribution shows that most complaints received against public sector banks were pension-related while most complaints received against private banks were for credit cards discrepancies.
15 was appointed the Acting Chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India on 1st January
2019?
1) V K Singh
2) Mahindra Rathore
3) Hemant Bhargava
4) A K Bakshi
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Hemant Bhargava Explanation:
On January 1, 2019, the Department of Financial Services announced appointment of Hemant Bhargava, Managing Director, Life Insurance Corporation of India, as the Acting Chairman. This was done after VK Sharma retired from the position at LIC on December 31. While, he is a contender for the post of Full- Time Chairman at the state-owned life insurer, his retirement is due in July 2019. Therefore, the Banks Board Bureau has called eight candidates for interviews for the posts of Chairman and MD on January 4.
16. Who was sworn in as Brazil’s 42nd president on 2nd January 2019?
1) Fernando Haddard
2) Jair Bolsonaro
3) Richard Hadley
4) Rufus Maynard
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Jair Bolsonaro Explanation:
On January 2, 2019, Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil’s 42nd president. Mr Bolsonaro, 63, won the presidential election by a wide margin against Fernando Haddad of the left-wing Workers’ Party.
17. Where was the 5-day long ‘Indian Science Congress (ISC)-2019’ inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3rd January 2019?
1) Jalandhar, Punjab
2) Hisar, Haryana
3) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
4) Panaji, Goa
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Jalandhar, Punjab Explanation:
On January 3, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 5-day long ‘Indian Science Congress
(ISC)-2019’ that will conclude on January 7, 2018, in Jalandhar, Punjab. It is organized by Lovely Professional University, Punjab. The theme of 106th edition of ISC-2019, is: ‘Future India: Science and Technology’.
18. Veer Savarkar International Airport located in has been declared as an authorized
Immigration Check post?
1) Guwahati, Assam
2) Cuttack, Odisha
3) Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
4) Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Explanation:
On January 3, 2019, Information, Public Relations and Tourism Division of Andaman and Nicobar Administration announced that the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair will be an authorized Immigration Check post. Superintendent of Police (CID), Andaman and Nicobar Police has been appointed as the ‘Civil Authority’ for the purpose of the immigration check post. This would work as an entry into/exit point from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers. This opened up the Port Blair Airport for direct international flight and immigration facilities.
19. Name the state government that announced that if a farmer aged between 18 to 60 years dies, his family will be paid Rs 2 lakh, as part of ‘Krishi Krishak Bondhu’ scheme, on 31st December 2018?
1) Rajasthan
2) West Bengal
3) Punjab
4) Himachal Pradesh
5) None of these
Answer – 2) West Bengal Explanation:
On 31st December 2018, the Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government announced two welfare initiatives for farmers as a part of the ‘Krishi Krishak Bondhu’ scheme which will come into effect from New Year’s Day i.e. January 1, 2019. Under the first of the two schemes, If a farmer aged between 18 to 60 years dies a natural or unnatural death, the state government will pay his family Rs 2 lakh. The farmers will be able to start applying for the scheme from February 1, 2019. Under the second initiative, farmers would get Rs 2,500 twice a year for growing a single crop on one acre of land. The farmers will be able to apply for this scheme from February 1, while the amount will be calculated from January 1, 2019. The West Bengal government has already waived tax and cess on agricultural land to help farmers in distress.
20. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the scheme for merger of state-run Vijaya Bank, Dena Bank and on 2nd January 2019, marking the first three-way merger in
India’s banking sector?
1) Bank of Baroda
2) Bank of India
3) Union Bank of India
4) Indian Overseas Bank
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Bank of Baroda Explanation:
On 2nd January 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the scheme for the merger of state-run Vijaya Bank, Bank of Baroda(BoB)
and Dena Bank, marking the first-ever three-way merger in the country’s banking sector. The merger which will come into force on April 1, 2019 will form the third largest bank in the country, after government-owned State Bank of India and private sector lender ICICI. In the merger process, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank are transferor banks and BoB is the transferee bank. This means that all businesses, assets, rights, titles, claims, licences, approvals and other privileges and all property, all borrowings, liabilities and obligations of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank will be transferred to Bank of Baroda. The merged bank will have a combined business of Rs 14.82 lakh crore. There will be no impact on the service conditions of the employees and there will be no retrenchment following the merger.
21. Reserve Bank of India has set up an expert committee under former SEBI chairman to
suggest long-term solutions for the economic and financial sustainability of the MSME sector?
1) N K Singh
2) U K Sinha
3) Rohit Bansal
4) L K Lakshman
5) None of these Answer – 2) U K Sinha Explanation:
On 2nd January 2019, the Reserve Bank set up an expert committee under former SEBI chairman U K Sinha to suggest long-term solutions for the economic and financial sustainability of the MSME sector. The eight-member committee will also examine the factors affecting the timely and adequate availability of finance to the sector. The RBI has announced the expert panel on MSMEs after it allowed a one-time restructuring of existing debt of up to 25 crore rupees for the companies which have defaulted on payment but the loans given to them have continued to be classified as standard assets. The restructuring has to be implemented by 31st of March 2020. The expert committee will submit its report by the end of June 2019. The panel will also review the current institutional framework in place to support the MSME sector and study the impact of the recent economic reforms on the sector and “identify the structural problems affecting its growth”.
22. Name the Indian who became the world’s first female amputee to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak of Antarctica?
1) Poornima Rao
2) Arunima Sinha
3) Sudipta Sengupta
4) Archana Sarthak
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Arunima Sinha Explanation:
30 years old former National level Volleyball player turned mountaineer, Arunima Sinha became the world’s first female amputee to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak of Antarctica. The Padma Shree Awardee, Arunima Sinha became the first woman amputee to climb Mount Everest in 2013. She is from Uttar Pradesh and had lost one of her legs in a horrific incident in which she was thrown off the Padmawati Express train in 2011. Arunima Sinha’s aim is to summit seven peaks across seven continents. She had already scaled five peaks which are Mt Everest, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Ebrus. Mt Kosciuszko and Mt Aconcagua.
23. Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of existing National Health Agency as for better
implementation of Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), on 2nd January 2019?
1) National Health Authority
2) National Health Board
3) National Welfare Scheme
4) National Welfare Authority
5) None of these
Answer – 1) National Health Authority Explanation:
On 2nd January 2019, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the restructuring of existing National Health Agency as “National Health Authority” for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). With this approval, the existing society “National Health Agency” has been dissolved and will be replaced by National Health Authority as an attached office to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. National Health Authority will be chaired by Union Health Minister to enable the decision making at a faster pace, required for smooth implementation of the scheme. The National Health Authority will have full accountability, authority and mandate to implement the Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana. The proposed National Health Authority will be funded by existing budget that was approved earlier by the Cabinet for the National Health Agency, including costs related to IT, human resources, infrastructure, operational costs etc and no new funds have been approved.
24. India and which country exchanged lists of nuclear installations under Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations Act, 1988, and list of prisoners for the 27th time, on 1st January 2019?
1) China
2) Pakistan
3) Bangladesh
4) Sri Lanka
5) None of these Answer – 2) Pakistan Explanation:
On January 1, 2019, India, Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations and list of prisoners for the 27th time through diplomatic channels inNew Delhi and Islamabad. This was done under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations that was signed in December 1988 which came into force in January 1991. The pact states the two countries must inform each other of nuclear facilities to be covered under the agreement on January 1 every year. India handed over a list of 249 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in its custody. The Pakistani side handed over a list of 537 prisoners
— 54 civilians and 483 fishermen — in its jails. The first such exchange was done in January 1, 1992.
25. Three Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) namely Malwa Gramin Bank, Sutlej Gramin Bank and ____
have been amalgamated into a single RRB by the Government, with effect from 1st January 2019?
1) Kutch Rural Bank
2) Punjab Gramin Bank
3) Chandigarh Rural Bank
4) Patiala Gramin Bank
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Punjab Gramin Bank Explanation:
With the effect from 1st January 2019, the three Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) – Punjab Gramin Bank, Malwa Gramin Bank and Sutlej Gramin Bank has been amalgamated into a single RRB by the Government. After consulting the sponsor banks of the three RRBs, the central government felt that in the interest of the banks and the areas served by them, they should be amalgamated into a single RRB. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Government of Punjab, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Punjab and Sind Bank are the sponsor banks of the said RRBs. The three banks were merged into one entity as part of the Centre’s roll out of the third phase of amalgamation of RRBs, which has laid a roadmap to bring down their number across the country from 56 to 38. The move will enable RRBs cut overheads, improve their capital and use technology, besides helping them draw better scale-efficiency, higher productivity, improved financial inclusion and greater credit flow to rural areas.
26. Name the asset management company (AMC) that has become India’s largest AMC after a gap of over two years, as per the latest data of Association of Mutual funds in India (AMFI)?
1) ICICI Prudential MF
2) HDFC Mutual Fund
3) HSBC Mutual Fund
4) Yes Mutual Fund
5) None of these
Answer – 2) HDFC Mutual Fund Explanation:
On January 3, 2019, as per the latest data of Association of Mutual funds in India (AMFI), HDFC Mutual Fund has surpassed ICICI Prudential MF to become the country’s largest asset management company (AMC) after a gap of over two years. As per the data, as of December 2018, HDFC MF managed assets worth Rs 3.35 lakh crore, while those of ICICI Prudential MF stood at Rs 3.08 lakh crore. And consequently, the assets under management (AUM) of HDFC MF have grown over 9 per cent in October- December quarter from the last quarter. Whereas, ICICI Prudential MF’s AUM reduced by 0.6 per cent. Among other firms, SBI MF stood at the third slot with AUM of Rs 2.64 lakh crore, followed by Aditya Birla Sun Life MF (Rs 2.42 lakh crore) and Reliance MF (Rs 2.36 lakh crore). Overall, asset base of the country’s mutual fund industry was at Rs 23.61 lakh crore at the end of December quarter.
27. Who received the “Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja National Award for Lifetime Achievement” in literature during the 53rd Foundation day ceremony in Berhampur University, Odisha, on 3rd January 2019?
1) Manoj Das
2) Nabaghana Parida
3) Shivaji Ram
4) Joshua Tandon
5) None of these Answer – 1) Manoj Das Explanation:
On 3rd January 2019, Manoj Das, an eminent English and Odia Litterateur received the “Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja National Award for Lifetime Achievement” in literature during 53rd Foundation day ceremony organized by the Berhampur University, Odisha. Noted Folk dance Guru Nabaghana Parida was awarded with Dakshin Odisha Loksanakruti Samman during the ceremony. Manoj Sinha has been already honoured with Sahitya Akademi Award, Orissa Sahitya Akademi award, Sarala Award, Sahitya Bharati Award and Padma Shri.
28. Srei Equipment Finance and which bank have entered into an agreement for financing the Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSME) and agriculture sector?
1) City Union Bank (CUB)
2) United Bank of India (UBI)
3) Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)
4) Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC)
5) None of these.
Answer – 2) United Bank of India (UBI) Explanation:
The United Bank of India (UBI) and Srei Equipment Finance have entered into an agreement for financing the Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSME) and agriculture sector. Under the agreement UBI plans to leverage the co-lending model to offer credit at blended interest rate of 11-12 per cent. The Bank will leverage low its low cost loans with Srei Equipment finance to enable purchase of equipment and vehicle in the seamless manner. The Bank is eying around 200 crore business over the period of three months by this agreement.
29 is the first Indian state that has established a Brahmin Corporation aimed to help poor
people of Brahmin families by providing financial assistance for education, coaching, entrepreneurship, skill development and welfare and culture?
1) Haryana
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Chhattisgarh
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) None of these.
Answer – 4) Andhra Pradesh Explanation:
On 4th January 2019, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu unveiled various welfare scheme for the marginalized and economically backward Brahmins through AP Brahmin Welfare Corporation such as distribution of Cars to the Unemployed Brahmin youths, loans and subsidies. Brahmin youths who had undergone training as drivers were given Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire for the first time. 30 cars were distributed on 4th January to the Brahmin youths. Youth bore 10% of the total on- road cost the diesel run cars. Government has started at least half dozen schemes for Brahmins and around 10000 poor Brahmins have been given loans and subsidies. Andhra Pradesh is the first state of the country which has established a Brahmin Corporation which aims to help poor people of Brahmin families by providing financial assistance for education, coaching, entrepreneurship, skill development and welfare and culture.
30. Name the pair that won the Hopman Cup, which is an annual international tennis tournament in which male and female players are on combined teams, held in Perth, Australia, from 29th December 2018 to 5th January 2019?
1) Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland
2) Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev of Germany
3) Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe, United States of America
4) Rafael Nadal and Maria Jose of Spain
5) None of these.
Answer – 1) Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic of Switzerland Explanation:
From 29 December 2018, the Hopman Cup which is an annual international eight-team indoor hard court tennis tournament was held in Perth, Western Australia. It is a mixed competition in which male and female players are on combined teams and represent their countries. The Event was concluded on 5th January 2019. This year Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic secured a 2-1 victory over Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev to win the Hopman Cup for the second year in a row. It was Switzerland’s fourth title overall, behind only the United States with six. This year’s tournament is the 31st edition of the Hopman Cup and potentially be the final edition of the tournament as it will be replaced by an ATP tournament from next year. In this year’s tournament for the first time in history, Roger Federer and Serena Williams faced each other in a competitive event in which Federer came out victorious alongside Bencic by defeating the pair of Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in a mixed doubles round robin match.
31. Union Government has allocated rupees for the development of 40 satellite launch
vehicles in the next 4 years, as announced by Dr K Sivan, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?
1) Rs 12,540 crore
2) Rs 10,900 crore
3) Rs 13,678 crore
4) Rs 15,243 crore
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Rs 10,900 crore Explanation:
Dr K Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced at a ceremony organized by St Joseph’s College, Trichy, Tamilnadu which is celebrating its 175 anniversary that the Union Government has allocated 10,900 crore rupees for the development of 40 satellite launch vehicles in the next four years. He also informed that the Chandrayan-2 Mission will be launched within three months and It will land in one of those part of the Moon which is still unexplored. He also said that the human space flight Gaganyaan is planned to be launched by 2022, on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Independence. He also stated that the next year ISRO will be organising the Centenary year celebrations of ISRO founder Dr Vikram Sarabhai in which ISRO will rededicate itself to become a world class organization, capable of addressing the varied socio economic challenges of the nation. He said that Space Technology Incubation Centres will be set up in different parts of the country, including Trichy as a part of the celebrations.
32. Name the mobile application launched by North Central Railway (NCR) to help navigate the attendees of Kumbh Mela to be held in Prayagraj city from January 15- March 4, 2019?
1) Rail Kumbh Seva Mobile App
2) Kumbh Mela Assist Mobile App
3) Kumbh Rail Service Mobile App
4) Kumbh Mela Seva Mobile App
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Rail Kumbh Seva Mobile App Explanation:
On January 6, 2019, the North Central Railway, (NCR) launched a mobile application the ‘Rail Kumbh Seva Mobile App’ to help navigate the attendees of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj city from January 15- March 4, 2019. It will also provide information regarding all the ‘Mela special’ trains that will be run during the period. The app will provide a link to the user to buy both unreserved and reserved train tickets. Also, the users will not only get to know their current location, but will also be able to reach to all railway stations, the mela zone, major hotels, bus stations and other facilities within Prayagraj. A photo gallery, containing pictures of previous Kumbh Melas can also be accessed through the app.
33. Which country became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, on 7th January 2019?
1) Pakistan
2) India
3) Afghanistan
4) Sri Lanka
5) None of these Answer – 2) India Explanation:
On 7th January 2019, Indian Cricket Team skipper, Virat Kohli led the country to a maiden series victory on Australian soil, ending a 71-year wait to script a golden chapter in the game’s history. India won their first-ever Test series in Australia by a margin of 2-1 after play in the fourth and final Test in Sydney was abandoned due to rain and the match was called off as a draw. India Became the First Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. India managed the feat for the first time since they began touring Australia in 1947-48. Besides, Virat Kohli became the first Indian as well as the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia. With the win, India reinforced their status as the world’s number one team in Test Cricket and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India which enforced the follow-on during the 4th test, was the first time since 1988 that Australia was asked to follow on at their home. The winning of the 3rd test of the series was India’s 150th in Test cricket making them the 5th team after Australia (384), England(364), Windies (171) and South Africa (162) to reach the milestone. Virat Kohli became the first captain of India to win two Tests in Australia and equals Sourav Ganguly’s record of most overseas Test wins as India captain. Cheteshwar Pujara was adjuged as the man of the match (for 4th test) and player of the series.
34. India’s GDP would grow at what percent in 2018-19, as per the first advance estimates of National Income at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, for the financial year 2018-2019, released by Central Statistics Office (CSO)?
1) 7.6 %
2) 7.2 %
3) 7.4 %
4) 7.7 %
5) None of these Answer – 2) 7.2 % Explanation:
On 7th January 2019, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Stat3istics and Programme Implementation has released the first advance estimates of National Income at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices, for the financial year 2018-2019. India’s GDP would grow at 7.2% in 2018-19, showing acceleration from 6.7% growth in 2017-18 because of push from agriculture and manufacturing sectors. It is likely to attain a level of Rs. 139.52 lakh crore. Real GVA (Gross Value Added) is anticipated to grow at 7% in the current fiscal as against 6.5% in 2017-18. It is is anticipated to reach Rs.128.09 lakh crore in 2018-19.
35. Where is the world’s largest cricket stadium, which will have a seating capacity of over 1 lakh, being constructed?
1) Motera, Ahmedabad
2) Cachar, Guwahati
3) New Town, Kolkata
4) Koramangala, Bengaluru
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Motera, Ahmedabad Explanation:
The construction of the world’s largest cricket stadium, which will have a seating capacity of over 1 lakh, at Motera in Ahmedabad is underway. The stadium will be built across 63 acres of land and is being designed by renowned architect firm M/s. Populous. The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 700 crore and the construction tender has been given to L&T. The infrastructure inside the stadium include three practice grounds and an indoor cricket academy.
36 has been announced as the 33rd district of Tamil Nadu after bifurcating Villupuram
district, on January 8, 2019?
1) Marakkanam
2) Kallakurichi
3) Ulundurpet
4) Vikravandi
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Kallakurichi Explanation:
On January 8, 2019, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswam announced the formation of a new district Kallakurichi by bifurcating Villupuram district which is one of the large districts in the State. With this, the state will now have 33 districts. The decision was taken because the previous coverage of the district Villupuram was huge and it was becoming difficult for the administrators to govern the district. The newly formed region is renowned for its rice production.
37. Reserve Bank of India constituted a 5-member high-level committee under to suggest
measures to strengthen the safety and security of digital payments in India, on 8th January 2019?
1) Salel Parekh
2) Mahesh Jain
3) Viral Achari
4) Nandan Nilekani
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Nandan Nilekani Explanation:
On January 8, 2019, the Reserve Bank of India constituted a 5-member high-level committee under Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani to suggest measures to strengthen the safety and security of digital payments in the country. The panel members include:
• Infosys co-founder Nilekani,
• former RBI deputy governor H R Khan,
• former MD and CEO of Vijaya Bank Kishore Sansi and
• former secretary in ministries of IT and steel Aruna Sharma and
• chief innovation officer, Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (CIIE), IIM Ahmedabad, Sanjay Jain.
38. Name the chairman of National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), who took over as
the president of Global Solar Council (GSC) on January 1, 2019?
1) Pranav R Mehta
2) Sunil Chandra
3) Rishi Jain
4) Vishwas Gupta
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Pranav R Mehta Explanation:
The chairman of National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), Shri Pranav R Mehta, has taken over as the president of Global Solar Council (GSC) from January 1, 2019. He is dubbed as the Solar Man of India. He has been conferred with the ‘Visionary Disruptor Award’ by Solar Future Today, which he will be receiving on 15th January, 2019 at the sidelines of World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.
39. NASA’s transiting exoplanet survey satellite (TESS) has discovered a planet named _____
orbiting around the star HD 21749, which lies about 53 light years from earth in the faint constellation reticulum?
1) HD21749b
2) FB14566c
2) XC56788y
4) RX98989e
5) None of these Answer – 1) HD21749b Explanation:
On 7th January 2019, NASA’s transiting exoplanet survey satellite (TESS) has discovered a planet named HD21749b orbiting around the star HD 21749, which lies about 53 light years from earth in the faint constellation reticulum. TESS does this work by carving the sky up into overlapping sectors, studying each one for 27 days at a time. Discovery team leader Diana Drogomir, institute of astrophysics and space research said that the planet has a density of water, a thick atmosphere and has an average surface temperature around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. HD 21749b completes one orbit of its host star, which is nearly as bright as our sun, every 36 earth days. It is a “sub Neptune”, around three times bigger than earth and 23 times more massive then earth, which means it’s likely gaseous rather than rocky.
40. Where will the second edition of the Khelo India Youth Games be held from 9th to 20th January 2019?
1) Kochi, Kerala
2) Kolkata, West Bengal
3) Pune, Maharashtra
4) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Pune, Maharashtra Explanation:
From 9th January 2019, Maharashtra is going to host the second edition of the Khelo India Youth Games which includes completions in 18 different disciplines at Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune. The event will conclude on 20th January 2019. Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) is a part Khelo India which is the revamped national programme for development of sports in India. Students from colleges and universities are participating in the event for the first time. Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State for Youth affairs and sports Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will attend a virtual touch ceremony at Shree Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex. More than 6000 Under–17 and Under-21 athletes from all over the India are participating in the games. There are 6 team sports in KIYG and agenda includes Kabaddi and Kho-Kho. Khelo India Youth Games 2018 was held at Delhi.
41. Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved operations of seaplanes in under UDAN-3 (Ude
Desh ka Aam Nagrik), making it the first island of India to operate seaplanes?
1) Lakshadweep Islands
2) Andaman Islands
3) Hope Islands
4) Quibble Islands
5) None of these.
Answer – 2) Andaman Islands Explanation:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved operations of seaplanes in the Andaman Islands under UDAN-3 (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) making Andaman the first island of India to operate seaplanes. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu has approved operations on 13 water aerodrome routes out of five are from Andaman Islands which others are from dams in Gujarat and coastal areas in Kerala. The Islands of Andaman that would be connected through seaplanes are Campbell Bay, Car Nicobar, Havelock, Hutbay, Neil, Long island and Diglipur. Operation of Seaplanes which are commonly used in Maldives and Mauritius is a part government’s ambitious regional connectivity scheme and it will give a huge push to tourism in the strategically important region.
42. Which body allowed tokenization of debit, credit and prepaid card transactions to enhance the safety of digital payments ecosystem in India, on 8th January 2019?
1) Finance Ministry
2) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
3) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
4) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Explanation:
On 8th January 2019, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed tokenization of debit, credit and prepaid card transactions to enhance the safety of the digital payments ecosystem in the country. The central bank has allowed card schemes like Visa, Mastercard and others to start issuing tokens for third party payment applications as well. “Tokenisation and de-tokenisation” shall be performed only by the authorized card network and recovery of original Permanent Account Number (PAN) should be feasible for the authorized card network only. Tokenisation acts as an additional layer of security as it masks sensitive card data such as the 16-digit Account Number, expiration date and security code.
43. World Bank has projected India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at what percent in the fiscal year 2018-19, and 7.5% in the following two years?
1) 7.3 %
2) 7.2 %
3) 7.6 %
4) 7.7 %
5) None of these Answer – 1) 7.3 % Explanation:
On 9th January 2019, World Bank projected India’s GDP to grow at 7.3% in the fiscal year 2018-19, and 7.5% in the following two years. The Bank said India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. In India, the growth has accelerated, driven by an upswing in consumption, and investment growth has firmed as the effects of temporary factors wane, the World Bank said in its latest report. Domestic demand has strengthened as the benefits of structural reforms such as Goods and services Tax (GST) harmonization and bank recapitalization take effect. In 2018,China’s Projection is 6.5 and 6.2% each in 2019 and 2020 and 6% in 2021, according to the January 2019 Global Economic Prospects report released by the World Bank. Strong domestic demand is envisioned to widen the current account deficit to 2.6 per cent of GDP next year. The World Bank’s estimate suggest that India’s potential growth rate is around 7%, and is expected to remain around 7% .
44. International Cricket Council (ICC) announced as its 105th member, on 8th January 2019?
1) USA Cricket
2) Cricket Canada
3) Iran Cricket
4) Cricket Afghanistan
5) None of these.
Answer – 1) USA Cricket Explanation:
On 08th January 2019, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced USA Cricket as its 105th member. USA Cricket came into existence after USACA was expelled in June 2017 for lack of cooperation in terms of unifying the cricket community in the country. The application of USA Cricket to become the 93rd Associate member in compliance with the ICC constitution, was accepted as per the recommendation of the seven-member Membership Committee to the ICC Board last year. In October 2018 USA Cricket had appointed Paraag Marathe president of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the 49ers as the Chair of the Board. The International Cricket Council (ICC) was founded at Lord’s on 15 June 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference with Australia, England, and South Africa as its founding members. The Imperial Cricket Conference was renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965.
45. Reserve Bank of India has agreed to disburse Sri Lanka’s loan amount of to boost the
nation’s reserve?
1) USD 100 million
2) USD 400 million
3) USD 300 million
4) USD 200 million
5) None of these
Answer – 2) USD 400 million Explanation:
On January 9, 2019, the Reserve bank of India has agreed to disbursed sri lanka’s loan amount of USD 400 million to boost the nation’s reserve.RBI has agreed to issue the fund under the SARRC SWAP facility system.It is also said that another request of currency swap USD 1 billion is under process . RBI’ S assistance is appreciated by the Sri Lanka government and it will help the nation to recover and build itself from the political and constitutional crisis that is prevailing in the nation. The RBI’s very rapid and timely assistance will serve to boost investor confidence by supporting Sri Lanka to maintain adequate level of external reserves while accommodating outflow related to imports, debt servicing and if necessary support for the currency to avoid disorderly adjustment. Due to the political crisis ,the nation’s economic rating is downgraded by the leading credit rating agenices- Moody’ s’, S&P rating,Fitch Rating. Sri lanka is to move forward to IMF for further finaicial assistance.IMF has hold back its discussion about next loan for sri lanka because of the political crisis. After IMF’s review ,Sri Lanka is to receive sixth tranche of USD 250 million as a loan amount,total amount would be disbursed as the seventh tranche in the mid of 2019.
46. Name the head of the Research advisory committee(RAC) formed by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to help and analyse the new methods of policy making for the development of capital market, on 8th January 2019?
1) Ajay Kumar S
2) Sankar De
3) Manish Arora
4) Dinesh Wadia
5) None of these. Answer – 2) Sankar De Explanation:
On January 8th 2019,Market regulator SEBI has set up a advisory Research advisory committee(RAC) that will help and analyse the new methods of policy making for the development of capital market.The committee formed will be headed by Sankar De. This committee is formed with an objective to define the objective of creating the policy for the development of the capital market and for as bridge between the analytical research to formation of the policy. For promotion and developing the researches that are relevant to the capital market. Exploring the research collaboration with external researchers from both domestic and international agencies. Another important factor for the formation of this committee is to maintain the database related to the capital market.
47. GST Council approved doubling of exemption threshold under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to Rs 40 lakh along with raising the turnover limit under composition scheme to ______
with effect from April 1, 2019?
1) Rs 1.5 crore
2) Rs 2 crore
3) Rs 2.5 crore
4) Rs 3 crore
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Rs 1.5 crore Explanation:
On 10th January, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley raised the annual turnover for availing composition scheme to Rs 1.5 crore from Rs 1 crore effective from April 1, 2019 to provide relief to small businesses under Goods and Services (GST) regime. It is said that “those who come under the composition scheme will pay tax quarterly, but the return will be filed once a year”. The Goods and Services (GST) exemption limit has been doubled to Rs. 40 lakh annual turnover and Rs 20 lakh for northeastern states. It is also said that small companies would have the option to opt out of the GST tax net, adding that services and goods providers will get the benefit of composition tax.
48. The pavilion of which organization received ‘Exhibitor of the Year Award’ at the 106th Indian Science Congress held at Lovely Professional University (LPU), in Phagwara, Punjab, on 7th January 2019?
1) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
2) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
3) Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
4) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Explanation:
On January 7, 2019, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) pavilion received ‘Exhibitor of the Year Award’ at 106th Indian Science Congress held at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab. DRDO’s outdoor exhibits included surface-to-air missile system – Akash, model of BrahMos missile, remotely operated vehicle – Daksh, heavy weight torpedo – Varunastra, Laser Ordnance Disposal System (LORDS) and Vehicle Mounted Dazzler etc. DRDO pavilion also had a dedicated stall on Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme for promoting public/private industries especially MSMEs. It also provided information on ‘Kalam’s vision: Dare to Dream’ the pan India online contest for engaging young minds in emerging technologies namely Artificial intelligence, Cyber security, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, etc.
49. Which boxer attained the first position in the latest women’s ranking released by International Boxing Association (AIBA) in the Light Fly 45-48 kilograms category with 1700 points?
1) Pinky Jangra
2) Mary Kom
3) Hanna Okhoto
4) Sonia Lather
5) None of these Answer – 2) Mary Kom Explanation:
On 10th January 2019, 36 years old boxer, M C Mary Kom attained the first position in the latest ranking released by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in the Light Fly 45-48 kilograms category with 1700 points. Ukraine’s Hanna Okhoto ranked number 2 in the ranking released by AIBA with 1100 points. Mary Kom will have to jump to 51 kg category in order to participate in 2020 Olympics because 48 kg Category is not included in the Olympics yet. Mary Kom has already achieved the feat to become the first woman boxer to win six world championship. Pinki Jangra has been placed 8th in the 51 kg Category whereas Asian Silver Medalist Manisha Maun is place 8th in 54 kg Category. Former World Silver-Medalist Sonia Lather was placed 2nd in 57 Kg Category and India Open gold-Medalist and world bronze winner Lovlina Borgohain has been place at 5th Position.
50. Name the head of the committee that was constituted by Election Commission of India (ECI) to look into Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, which submitted the report on 10th January 2019?
1) Shankar Ram S
2) Umesh Sinha
3) Joshwin Sebastian
4) Debashish Banerjee
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Umesh Sinha Explanation:
On 10th January 2019, the Committee constituted under the chairmanship of Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner Sh. Umesh Sinha to review and suggest modifications and changes in the provisions of the Section 126 and other sections of the Representation of the People Act 1951, provisions of Model Code of Conduct and any other Election Commission of India (ECI) instruction in this regard has submitted its report to the Commission. The Committee set up by the Commission included the representatives of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Ministry of Law & Justice, Press Council of India, News Broadcasters Association apart from senior officers of the Commission.
51. Which will be the first Indian state to roll out Universal Basic Income (UBI) and implement the scheme by 2022?
1) Telangana
2) Gujarat
3) Sikkim
4) Arunachal Pradesh
5) None of these Answer – 3) Sikkim Explanation:
On January 11, 2019,Sikkim,though being a smallest state have set a initiative to introduce UBI in the entire nation.Sikkim’s long lasting chief minister and head of sikkim’s ruling party(sikkim democratic front) Pawan kumar chamling, quoted that if everything goes right then sikkim would be the first state to implement Universal Basic Income (UBI) system and execute it by 2022.This scheme is also regarded as an alternative to social welfare programmes with benefits towards reducing poverty.
52. Where was the Global Skill Summit 2019 themed ‘Skilling Youth, Enabling Youth’ held on 10th January 2019?
1) Udaipur, Rajasthan
2) Ranchi, Jharkhand
3) Shillong, Meghalaya
4) Nagpur, Maharashtra
5) None of these.
Answer – 2) Ranchi, Jharkhand Explanation:
On January 10, 2019, the one-day Global Skill Summit 2019 was held in Ranchi, Jharkhand. It is the only state where overall three global summits were organized in a row merely in four years by the state government. The theme of the Summit was: ‘Skilling Youth, Enabling Youth’. It was under the #MOMEMTUM JHARKHAND campaign. It was attended by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, &Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Governor of Jharkhand Smt.
Droupadi Murmu was the chief guest.
53. Which country topped the 11th edition of EIU Democracy Index 2018 released by the Economist Intelligent Unit compiling the state of democracies in 167 countries in the world?
1) Iceland
2) Norway
3) Sweden
4) New Zealand
5) None of these Answer – 2) Norway Explanation:
On January 10, 2019, the 11th edition of EIU Democracy Index 2018 was released by the Economist Intelligent Unit compiling the state of democracies in 167 countries in the world. The Index was started in 2006. Among the 167 nations, Norway topped the charts. It was followed by: Iceland (2), Sweden (3), New Zealand (4) and Denmark (5) closing off the top 5 rankings. The bottom 5 of the list are: Chad (163), Central African Republic (164), Democratic Republic of Congo (165), Syria (166) and North Korea (167).
54. Virat Kohli and coach received honorary membership of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
for their contribution to cricket, on 11th January 2019?
1) Rahul Dravid
2) Saurav Ganguly
3) Ravi Shastri
4) Anil Kumble
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Ravi Shastri Explanation:
On January 11, 2019, Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri received honorary membership of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for their contribution to the sport of cricket. Apart from them, the only other international cricketers to be granted the honorary membership of the SCG are iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Brain Lara of the West Indies.
55. Who was sworn in as Venezuelan President for the 2nd term on 11th January 2019?
1) Nicolas Maduro
2) Ramsus Henry
3) Mike Delfino
4) Stephen Hejlsberg
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Nicolas Maduro Explanation:
On January 11, 2019, Nicolas Maduro was sworn in as Venezuelan President for the 2nd term for a new 6-year term. Venezuela is one of the world’s largest oil producers and holds the presidency of oil cartel OPEC until 2025.
56. Which state government launched the ‘One Family One Job’ scheme on 12th January 2019, under which for every family one government job has been allotted?
1) Assam
2) Telangana
3) Himachal Pradesh
4) Sikkim
5) None of these Answer – 4) Sikkim Explanation:
On January 12, 2019, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling launched the ‘One Family One Job’ scheme, under which for every family one government job has been allotted, in Gangtok. New recruits were taken for Group C and Group D posts in 12 departments. As part of the scheme, a “Rojgar Mela” (employment fair) was organised at the Paljor stadium in Gangtok, where over 12,000 unemployed youths, from 32 constituencies, were handed out appointment letters. Letters were given to families, by the Department of Personnel, which do not have a government job. He also announced that over 25,000 already employed but unregularised government employees would also be subsequently regularised within 2019. Thus, Sikkim became the first state in the country to carry out such a programme for the people entitling them to state government employee benefits.
57. Who will head the seven-member committee formed by the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council to look into revenue shortfall being faced by the states after the GST roll-out, and suggest steps for augmenting collections?
1) Nitish Kumar
2) Sushil Modi
3) Suresh Kumar
4) Debashish Banerjee
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Sushil Modi Explanation:
On January 13, 2019,Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi is to head the seven-member committee to look into revenue shortfall being faced by the states after the GST roll-out, and suggest steps for augmenting collections, a GST Council notification said.The GST Council, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state ministers, had on December 22, 2018, decided to set up a group of ministers (GoM) to analyse reasons for the shortfall in revenue collections by the states since July 2017.
58. President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and third Amendment) Act, 2019 which grants % reservation in jobs and educational institutions to
the economically weaker sections in the general category, on 12th January 2019?
1) 12 %
2) 5 %
3) 10 %
4) 7 %
5) None of these Answer – 3) 10 % Explanation:
On 12th January 2019, The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Constitution (One Hundred and third Amendment) Act, 2019 which grants 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general category. The Act amends Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution to provide reservation to the economically weaker sections in the general category. The 10 per cent reservation will be in addition to the existing 50 per cent reservation for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (OBC) making the total reservation quota 60%.
59. Private sector lender IDFC Bank changed its name to with effect from 12th January 2019,
owing to the merger of the bank with Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) Capital First?
1) IDFC First Bank Ltd
2) IDFC Capital Bank Ltd
3) ID First Bank Ltd
4) Capital IDFC Bank Ltd
5) None of these
Answer – 1) IDFC First Bank Ltd Explanation:
On January 13, 2019, private sector lender IDFC Bank changed its name to IDFC First Bank Ltd owing to the merge of the bank with Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) Capital First on December 2018. The change was effective from January 12, 2019 by virtue of ‘Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to change of name’ issued by the Registrar of Companies, Chennai. The board of IDFC Bank also approved the appointment of V Vaidyanathan, founder and chairman of Capital First Ltd, as managing director and chief executive officer of the merged entity.
60. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin of rupees on Guru Govind
Singh ji in New Delhi on his 352nd birth anniversary, on 13th January 2019?
1) Rs 250
2) Rs 150
3) Rs 350
4) Rs 200
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Rs 350
Explanation:
On January 13, 2019, the 352nd birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh ji, was celebrated as Prakash utsav at Patna Sahib, in Bihar, the birth place of Guruji. On January 13, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin of 350 rupees on Guru Govind Singh ji in New Delhi on the eve of 352nd birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru.
61. Which state government became the first to implement 10 % quota for Economically Weaker sections of general category in educational institutions and government jobs with effect from January 14, 2019?
1) Rajasthan
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) Kerala
5) None of these Answer – 3) Gujarat Explanation:
Gujarat became the 1st state to implement 10% quota to EWS (Economically Weaker sections). Gujarat Government announced to implement 10 per cent quota for Economically Weaker sections of general category in educational institutions and government jobs for general category poor candidates. This quota will be implemented for every job offers or admission process that is to start from January 14, 2019. The Centre had taken the decision under Article 46 of Guiding Principles of Constitution of India
.This move by the Government is considered to be the historic move.
62. Where was India’s largest startup ecosystem measuring 1.8 lakh sq ft. inaugurated on 13th January 2019?
1) Pune, Maharashtra
2) Hyderabad, Telangana
3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
4) Kochi, Kerala
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Kochi, Kerala Explanation:
On January 13, 2019, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched country’s largest startup ecosystem, integrated startup complex under the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), at the Technology Innovation Zone (TIZ), in Kochi, Kerala. It is a 1.8 lakh sq ft. facility housing incubation infrastructure across a series of sectors in technology. It will have the following under it:
• facilities of Maker Village that promotes hardware startups,
• the Bionest that promotes medical technologies,
• BRINC, the country’s first international accelerator for hardware startups;
• BRIC which aids developing solutions for cancer diagnosis and care, and
• a centre of excellence set up by industry majors such as UNITY.
63. Where did Vice President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurate the 4th International Kite Festival and 2nd International Sweet Festival on 13th January 2019?
1) New Delhi
2) Kolkata
3) Lucknow
4) Hyderabad
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Hyderabad Explanation:
On January 13, 2019, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 4th International Kite Festival and 2nd International Sweet Festival in Hyderabad, Telangana. It was organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Telangana and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as a part of Sankranthi celebrations, at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad. This year’s theme for Telangana International Kite Festival was for empowerment of the girl child: ‘Educate girl child and she will save the world’. As many as 42 professional kite flyers from abroad and 60 from India are participating in the Kite Festival and it witnessed participation of nearly 100 enthusiasts of kite flying from 19 different countries including India. Moreover, sweets from 20 countries and from 25 Indian states were displayed at the Sweet Festival.
64. Who received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential award, in New Delhi, on 14th January 2019?
1) President Ram Nath Kovind
2) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
3) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
4) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Explanation:
On January 14, 2019,The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential award, in New Delhi. The Award focuses on the triple P’s of the Nation: People, Profit and Planet. It will be offered annually to the leader of a Nation. This award is given in remebarance of works and contribution done by Prof. Philip Kotler,who is a well-known in the field of Marketing. During his regime, India is identified as the Centre for Innovation and Value Added Manufacturing (Make in India), and a global hub for professional services such as Information Technology, Accounting and Finance.
65. Who set a world record in indoor rowing by completing 1,00,000 (one lakh) metres in 10hours, in above-40 years category, at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, on 13th January 2019?
1) Rameez Shah
2) Shakil Ahmed
3) Pramod Karmakar
4) Ritesh Sharma
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Shakil Ahmed Explanation:
On January 13, 2019, Asian Cup gold medallist Shakil Ahmed set a world record in indoor rowing by completing 1,00,000 (one lakh) metres in 10hours, in above-40 years category, at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. He also has the record of completing 50,000 metres of simulated rowing in four hours and 13 minutes which is already in the Limca Record Book.
66. Which team won the Premier Badminton League (PBL) 2019 that concluded in Bengaluru on 13th January 2019, to win their maiden title?
1) Bengaluru Raptors
2) Mumbai Rockets
3) Hyderabad Hunters
4) Chennai Smashers
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Bengaluru Raptors Explanation:
On 13th January 2019, the Bengaluru Raptors beat Mumbai Rockets by 4-3 in the final of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) 2019 at the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru to win their maiden title. Kidambi Srikanth, Vu Ji Trang and the Men’s Doubles pair of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Satiawan won their matches for Bengaluru guiding them to victory. Bengaluru Raptors have become the fifth team after Chennai Smashers, Delhi Dashers, Hyderabad Hotshots and Hyderabad Hunters to win the title. This was the fourth season of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) in which a total of 9 franchises played for the title. The winner team, Bengaluru Raptors got INR 3 crores and the Mumbai team got INR 1.5 crores as the runners-up. Besides the total prize money for this season was INR 6 crores. The teams which finished in the third and fourth places, i.e., Hyderabad Hunters and Awadhe Warriors were awarded INR 75 lakhs each.
67. Which was the first city to introduce ROADEO, the robot which will assist the pedestrians, especially children while crossing the roads, on 14th January 2019?
1) Kolkata
2) New Delhi
3) Pune
4) Agra
5) None of these Answer – 3) Pune Explanation:
On 14th January 2019, Pune became the first city to introduce ROADEO, the robot which will assist the pedestrians, especially children while crossing the roads. It will also ease the work of traffic police, as these robots can be integrated with the traffic signals, as well as can be operated manually, through a Bluetooth app. The robot has two hands to interact with the people and show traffic signs. It has highly expressive eyes to create a feel of a neighborhood helper and also a display to show important messages. Chennai became the second city after Pune to introduce ROADEO.
68. Name the former SBI Managing Director who was appointed by ICICI Bank on its board as independent director for 5 years, on 14th January 2019?
1) R Gandhi
2) Arundathi Bhattacharya
3) B Sriram
4) Akash Parekh
5) None of these Answer – 3) B Sriram Explanation:
On January 14, 2019, private sector ICICI Bank appointed former SBI Managing Director B Sriram on its board as independent director for 5 years. Prior to this, Sriram was the managing director of IDBI Bank and before which he was the same in SBI. Besides him, ICICI also appointed management consultant Rama Bijapurkar as independent director.
69. The bilateral army exercise named IMBEX 2018-19 between India and which country began at Chandimandir, in Chandigarh, on 14th January 2019?
1) Malaysia
2) Myanmar
3) Mauritius
4) Maldives
5) None of these Answer – 2) Myanmar Explanation:
On January 14, 2019, India-Myanmar bilateral army exercise, IMBEX begun at Chandimandir, headquarters of the Western Command in Chandigarh. It is the second edition of the IMBEX EXERCISE. The motive of IMBEX 2018-19 are:
• To train the Myanmar delegation for participation in United Nations peace keeping operations under the UN flag.
• It provided opportunities to the army personnel of both the nations to serve effectively in UN missions as also understand each other’s training, tactics, procedures and best practices.
70. Where was the Global Aviation Summit (GAS) 2019 organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), held on 15th and 16th January 2019?
1) Dehradun
2) Mumbai
3) New Delhi
4) Bengaluru
5) None of these Answer – 2) Mumbai Explanation:
On 15th January 2019, the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the 2 day Global Aviation Summit (GAS) 2019 with a theme:‘Flying for all-especially the next 6 Billion’.It is being organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation in association with Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Mumbai.The Summit Concluded on 16th January 2019.
71 became the first Indian and the youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and
volcanic summits across all continents, on 16th January 2019?
1) Rajesh Shukla
2) Satyarup Siddhanta
3) Anshul Agrawal
4) Shekar Basu
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Satyarup Siddhanta Explanation:
On January 16, 2019, software engineer and mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta, hailing from Haridevpur in South Kolkata, became the first Indian and youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents. This feat was attained after he conquered Antartica’s highest point, Mount Sidley. He achieved the feat at the age of 35 years and 262 days. In 2018, Satyarup had scaled the highest volcanic peak in North America, Pico de Orizaba. He beat the record of Australia’s Daniel Bull who had done it at the age of 36 years 157 days.
72. Who was appointed the new chief executive officer of International Cricket Council (ICC) on 15th January 2019?
1) Deepak Gujral
2) Manu Sawhney
3) Sameer Khan
4) Rahul Diwan
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Manu Sawhney Explanation:
On January 15, 2019,The International Cricket Council (ICC) appointed former ESPN star sports CEO and former chairman of Singapore based sport hub Manu Sawhney as its new chief executive officer, replacing David Richardson. David Richardson, will step down after the World Cup that is to be held in England. Manu Sawhney will officially join the organisation In the month of July.Until then Sawhney will work along with outgoing CEO Richardson to ensure a smooth transition of leadership before assuming control. The appointment process was led by the apex body’s chairman Shashank Manohar and the Nominations Committee.
73. Name the head of the eight member Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council to suggest whether a uniform tax rate should be imposed on lotteries or the current differential tax rate system be continued?
1) Sudhir Mungantiwar
2) Thomas Isaac
3) Kerala Finance Minister
4) Amit Mitra
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Sudhir Mungantiwar Explanation:
On 16th January 2019, the GST council has constituted an eight member Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Maharashtra State Finance Minister, Sudhir Mungantiwar to suggest whether a uniform tax rate should be imposed on lotteries or the current differential tax rate system be continued. The Complete list of Group of Ministers (GoM):
Name Designation with State
Sudhir Mungantiwar Maharashtra State Finance Minister
Thomas Isaac Kerala Finance Minister
Amit Mitra West Bengal Finance Minister
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Manpreet Singh Badal Punjab Finance Minister
Mauvin Godinho Goa Panchayat Minister
Krishna Byre Gowda Karnataka Finance Minister
Jarkar Gamlin Arunachal Tax and Excise Minister
74. Where did President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurate the two-day Gandhian Resurgence Summit on the occasion of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary on 17th January 2019?
1) Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
2) Gandhinagar, Gujarat
3) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
4) Kochi, Kerala
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Explanation:
On 17th January 2019, honorable President of India Shri. Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the two-day Gandhian Resurgence Summit on the occasion of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s 150 birth anniversary at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The summit was organised by the Parmarath Niketan, the Harijan Sevak Sangh and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance. The President also unveiled the statue of Maharishi Bhardwaj in the town. Mr Kovind participated in Vishwa Shanti Yagya at Parmarth Niketan in Arail.
75. Union Cabinet approved recapitalization of Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) to the tune of rupees to expand its business, on 16th January 2019?
1) Rs 2,000 crore
2) Rs 4,000 crore
3) Rs 6,000 crore
4) Rs 5,000 crore
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Rs 6,000 crore Explanation:
On 16th January 2019, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved recapitalization of Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) to the tune of 6,000 crore rupees to expand its business. The bank will be infused with Rs 4,500 crore before March 2019 and Rs 1,500 crore in the next fiscal by Issuance of Recapitalization Bonds by Government of India which will be in line with those issued to Public Sector Banks. The cabinet has also approved to increase in the authorized capital of Exim Bank from 10,000 crore to 20,000 crore rupees. The infusion of capital into Exim Bank which is the principal export credit agency for India will enable it to augment capital adequacy and support Indian exports with enhanced ability. Besides it will also support Indian textile industries and give thrust to initiatives like changes in Concessional Finance Scheme (CFS) and likelihood of new letters of credit (LoCs) to be issued in future in view of India’s active foreign policy and strategic intent.
76. Name the Goodwill Ambassador of the World Health Organization for Leprosy Elimination who has been conferred with Gandhi Peace Prize for 2018?
1) Lee Win Shui
2) Yohei Sasakawa
3) Adam Gillworth
4) Stephen Gotham
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Yohei Sasakawa Explanation:
On January 17, 2019, Yohei Sasakawa was named to receive Gandhi Peace Prize for 2018,who is the Goodwill Ambassador of the World Health Organization for Leprosy Elimination.The award will be given to Yohei Sasakawa in recognition of his work towards the eradication of the disease in India and across the world. The award was instituted by the Government of India in 1995 during the commemoration of 125th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.The title winners would receive a cash prize of Rs.1 crore.
The Indian government had instituted the award in 1995 to honour individuals and institutions for their contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods. The committee under the Chair of Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi comprising the Chief Justice of India,Justice Ranjan Gogoi(45th chief justice), Speaker of LokSabha Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in LokSabha Shri. MallikarjunaKharge and Member of Parliament, Shri L.K. Advani decided to select this organisation and persons in recognition to their outstanding contributions in the specific fields.
77. Where was the world’s first television channel dedicated to human rights launched by the International Observatory of Human Rights (IOHR) on 16th January 2019?
1) New Delhi, India
2) New York, United States
3) London, United Kingdom
4) Sydney, Australia
5) None of these
Answer – 3) London, United Kingdom Explanation:
On January 16, 2019, world’s first television channel dedicated to human rights was launched in London by the International Observatory of Human Rights (IOHR). It would be a web-based channel would bring human rights issues to audiences in over 20 countries across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Initally the programmes would be in broadcasted in English but other languages including Farsi, Turkish, Arabic and Russian would be inducted in the future. Also a mobile app for the channel would be launched.
78. Name the Indian female wrestler who became the first Indian athlete to receive a nomination in the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award, on 18th January 2019?
1) Geeta Phogat
2) Vinesh Phogat
3) Kavita Devi
4) Babita Kumari
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Vinesh Phogat Explanation:
On January 18, 2019, Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who hails from Haryana, became the first Indian athlete to receive a nomination in the prestigious Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. She was nominated due to her comeback after battling a long injury lay-off to win a gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Jakarta Asian Games. Besides her, US Tour Championship winner Tiger Woods, Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris, American alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, Japanese figure skater Yuzuru Manyu, and Dutch para-snowboarding star Bibian Mentel-Spee have also been nominated for the same. The deserving winner would be presented the award in Monaco, France on the 18th of February 2019.
79. Which country launched the Epsilon – 4 rocket carrying 7 satellites developed by private sector companies and Universities, on 18th January 2019?
1) China
2) Unites States of America
3) Japan
4) South Korea
5) None of these Answer – 3) Japan Explanation:
On 18th January 2019, Japan launched the Epsilon – 4 rocket carrying 7 satellites developed by private sector companies and Universities from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima. The cost of launch which is roughly USD 50 million was borne by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to promote and encourage space exploration by private sector in Japan. The Epsilon series was developed in a bid to put small satellites into orbit at a low lost.
80. Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch India’s first National Museum of Indian Cinema that portrays over a century-old journey of movies in India, on 19th January 2019?
1) New Delhi
2) Mumbai
3) Bengaluru
4) Chennai
5) None of these Answer – 2) Mumbai Explanation:
On 19th January 2019,Prime Minister of India,Shri Narendra Modi launched the Country’s First National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai,Maharashtra, that seeks to portray over a century-old journey of movies in India. The state-of-the-art museum has been built at a cost of Rs 140.61 crore and is housed in two buildings – the New Museum Building and the 19th century historic palace Gulshan Mahal – in the Films Division campus in Mumbai. The National Museum of Indian Cinema was build under the guidance by the Museum Advisory Committee headed by noted film maker Shyam Benegal. An innovation Committee headed by lyricist Prasoon Joshi was also constituted to provide an upgrade to NMIC.
81. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 426 metre long Diffo Bridge over Chipu River in which state on 18th January 2019?
1) Himachal Pradesh
2) Arunachal Pradesh
3) Tripura
4) Uttar Pradesh
Answer – 2) Arunachal Pradesh Explanation:
On 18th January 2019, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 426 metres long Diffo Bridge over Chipu River in Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. Border Roads Organization (BRO) has constructed the bridge along Indo-China border. The construction of the bridge began in 2011. The total cost to build the bridge was Rs 4,847.83 lakh and was funded by the Union ministry of road transport and highways. The Bridge will make travelling from east part to west part of Arunachal Pradesh very convenient and time saving.
82. Who will head an 11-member working group constituted by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy board of India (IBBI) to study the concept of ‘Group Insolvency’ and suggest a suitable framework?
1) Surya Prakash A
2) Mani Sharma
3) Pratiksha Jain
4) U.K. Sinha
5) None of these Answer – 4) U.K. Sinha Explanation:
Former Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), U.K. Sinha will head an 11-member working group constituted by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy board of India (IBBI) to study the concept of ‘Group Insolvency’ and suggest a suitable framework. The Working Group have to submit the report within two months recommending a regulatory framework to facilitate insolvency resolutions and liquidation of corporate debtors in a Group. It was noted that Corporate groups falls apart in insolvency and thereby thwart the chances of their restructuring. Group Insolvency will prevent this situation.
Group Insolvency will be very beneficial in a situation where two or more applications are pending in the same court against debtors in the same group. Managing Director of State Bank of India, Anshula Kant and Executive Director and CFO of Tata Steel, Koushik Chatterjee are members this working group.
83. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of as MD and CEO of IDFC First
Bank for a period of three years, on 17th January 2019?
1) Shankar Ramakrishnan
2) V Vaidyanathan
3) Amit Tiwari
4) Parthiv Singhania
5) None of these
Answer – 2) V Vaidyanathan Explanation:
On 17th January 2019, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of V Vaidyanathan as MD and CEO of IDFC First Bank for a period of three years. The Tenure of V Vaidyanathan started from 19th December 2019. V Vaidyanathan is the founder and chairman of Capital First. IDFC Bank and non- banking financial company Capital First completed their merger in December 2018 and created a loan asset book of 1.03 Lakh crore for the merged entity IDFC First bank.
84. Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) facility called Armoured Systems Complex (ASC) on 19th January 2019, which is the first private facility in India where K9 Vajra self-propelled Howitzer guns will be manufactured?
1) Dehradun, Uttarakhand
2) Pune, Maharashtra
3) Hazira, Gujarat
4) Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer – 3) Hazira, Gujarat Explanation:
On 19th January 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) facility called Armoured Systems Complex (ASC), the first private facility in the country where the K9 Vajra self- propelled Howitzer guns will be manufactured at Hazira near Surat in Gujarat. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was also present on the occasion. The ASC is a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture and integrate advanced armoured platforms such as self-propelled artillery Howitzers, future infantry combat vehicles (FICV), future ready combat vehicles (FRCV) or future main battle tanks. The ASC is spread over 40 acres, within L&T’s 755-acre Hazira manufacturing complex. The facility at Hazira came after Larsen & Toubro had won the Rs. 4,500-crore contract to supply 100 units of the K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre Tracked Self-Propelled gun systems to the Indian Army in 2017 under the Centre’s ”Make in India”initiative. It is the largest contract awarded to a private company by the Ministry of Defence which involves delivery of 100 K9 Vajra systems in 42 months with an associated engineering support package (ESP) covering spares, documentation and training and maintenance transfer of technology (MToT) to the Army Base Workshop to support Howitzer regiments throughout their life cycle. To manufacture it in India, L&T had signed a transfer of technology contract for guns with South Korean company Hanwha Corporation. It is the first manufacturing facility in the private sector to produce advanced armoured platforms for the defence sector besides being the 10th manufacturing unit of the technology, engineering, construction, defence and services conglomerate.
85. What was the theme of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 18th to 20thJanuary 2019?
1) Towards a Better India
2) Shaping a new India
3) Innovation and Development
4) Digital India
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Shaping a new India Explanation:
On 17th January 2019, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a three day visit to Gujarat. He participated in various events and also inaugurated the ninth edition of the flagship bi-annual global investors summit Vibrant Gujarat. The Theme of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2019 was “Shaping a new India”. The Visit concluded on 19th January 2019. On 18th January 2019, the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Mahatma Mandir Exhibition cum Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The three-day investors’ meet will last till 20thJanuary 2019.
86. Which city has been named by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the World Capital of Architecture for 2020?
1) Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
2) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3) Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
4) Johannesburg, South Africa
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Explanation:
On 18th January 2019, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Rio de Janeiro, a city in Brazil as the World Capital of Architecture for 2020. Rio de Janeiro becomes the first city to receive the title under a program launched by UNESCO and International Union of Architects (UIA) after defeating Paris and Melborne. World Capital of Architecture is intended to become the global forum for debates on challenges of Culture, Cultural Heritage, Urban Planning and architecture. Rio de Janeiro will hold a series of events under the theme “All the worlds. Just one world,” and promote the internationally agreed 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s 11th Goal: “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”
87. Which Indian scientist will be awarded the first Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Research at the International Workshop on Advanced Materials at Ras Al Khairmain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 25th February 2019?
1) Suresh Mathur
2) CNR Rao
3) Ajith Wandekar
4) Sakshi Sinha
5) None of these Answer – 2) CNR Rao Explanation:
On 19th January 2019, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research announced that the Centre for Advanced Materials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) chose Eminent Scientist and Bharat Ratna recipient CNR Rao for the first Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Research. Professor CNR Rao will be awarded with the first Sheikh Saud International Prize on 25th February 2019 during the international Workshop on Advanced Materials at Ras Al Khairmain, UAE. The Award containing a plaque, a medal and a Cash Prize of USD 100000 will be presented by Sheikh Saud to Professor CNR Rao. CNR Rao was awarded with the highest Civilian award, Bharat Ratna in 2014 and presently he is working as the Honorary President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research.
88. Which state won the Overall Trophy with 228 medals at the Khelo India Youth Games that concluded in Pune, Maharashtra, on 20th January 2019?
1) Rajasthan
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Maharashtra
4) Kerala
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Maharashtra Explanation:
On 20th January 2019, the Khelo India Youth Games concluded at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi in Pune with the host Maharashtra leading the medals table by winning a mammoth 85 gold, 62 silver and 81 bronze for a total of 228 medals in the Games. With a total of 228 medals, hosts Maharashtra also walked away with the Overall Trophy at the Khelo India Youth Games. Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar and Maharashtra Sports Minister Vinod Tawde presented the winning trophy at the closing ceremony in Pune. Haryana, stood at second place with 62 gold, 56 silver and 60 bronze for a total of 178 medals. Delhi stood third with 48 gold, 37 silver and 51 bronze, a tally of 136 medals. Individually, Karnataka swimmer Srihari Nataraj became the most medals winner by competing in seven events in the U-21 category and winning all of them. The 16-year-old’s timing of 26.16 secs in 50m backstroke was a senior national record.
89. What is the rank of India in the 6th edition of Global Talent Competitive Index (GTCI) 2019, released by INSEAD business school in partnership with Tata Communications and Adecco Group?
1) 11
2) 50
3) 31
4) 80
5) None of these Answer – 4) 80
Explanation:
On 21st January 2019, INSEAD business school in partnership with Tata Communications and Adecco Group released the 6th edition of Global Talent Competitive Index (GTCI) 2019 which stated that India has moved up one position to rank 80th on the Global Talent Competitive Index 2019 ranking. The report, suggested that India’s biggest challenge is to improve its ability to attract and retain talent and there is a need to address its poor level of Internal Openness in particular with respect to weak gender equality and low tolerances towards minorities and immigrants and its disappointing showing in lifestyle indicators. The top 5 countries in the index included Switzerland followed by Singapore, the US, Norway and Denmark. At 45th position in overall ranking, China emerged as the best performer among the BRICS countries.
90. Who became the first cricket player to bag all top 3 ICC Awards in a single year, as he won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year, the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year and the ICC ODI Player of the year in 2018?
1) Rohit Sharma
2) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
3) Virat Kohli
4) Shikhar Dawan
5) None of these Answer – 3) Virat Kohli Explanation:
On 22nd January 2019, 30-year-old Indian Cricket Team Captain, Virat Kohli became the first player to bag all top three ICC Awards in a single year. He won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year, the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year and the ICC ODI Player of the year for his performance in 2018. He scored 1322 runs in Tests, 1202 runs in 14 ODIs and 211 runs in T20Is in calendar year 2018. He scored a total of 2735 runs with 11 centuries in 2018. South African Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was runner up for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2018. Virat Kohli finished 2018 as the Number one batsman in Tests and ODIs. Virat Kohli became second cricket after Australian Fast bowler Mitchel Johnson to bag ICC Cricketer of the year award for the second time. Virat Kohli was honoured with ICC Cricketer of the year in 2017 also.
91. Where did Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shripad Naik inaugurate the 2nd World Integrated Medicine Forum 2019 on 23rd January 2019?
1) Delhi
2) Goa
3) Chandigarh
4) Puducherry
5) None of these Answer – 2) Goa Explanation:
On 23rd January 2019, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shripad Naik inaugurated 2nd World Integrated Medicine Forum 2019 in Goa. International drug regulators who are dealing with homeopathic or traditional medicines from various countries participated in the forum. It is organized by the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH along with World Integrated Medicine Forum. The forum is expected to witness participation from 20 countries. The theme for the forum is ‘ Regulation of Homeopathic Medical Products; Advancing global collaboration’.
The 3 day forum will identify and illustrate the benefits and faults of multilateral or bilateral collaboration and promote global cooperation. Further development of evidence based traditional and integrated systems of Medicine by promoting public-private cooperation is the mission of the forum.
92. Union Cabinet approved amendments to the framework on currency swap arrangement for SAARC member countries by incorporating a stand-by facility of dollars, on 23rd January
2019?
1) USD 200 million
2) USD 250 million
3) USD 300 million
4) USD 400 million
5) None of these
Answer – 4) USD 400 million Explanation:
On 23rd January 2019, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led Union Cabinet approved amendments to the framework on currency swap arrangement for SAARC member countries by incorporating a stand- by facility of USD 400 million. The ‘Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Member Countries’ is operated within the overall size of the Facility of USD 2 billion and is built in flexibility with respect to modalities of its operation, such as period of swap, roll over, etc. The new amendments would help India to fulfil current request from SAARC member countries for availing the swap amount exceeding the present limit prescribed under the SAARC Swap Framework. The facility will help the short term swap requirements of SAARC countries which could be higher than the agreed lines and aroused due to heightened financial risk and volatility in global economy. The operational details of the facility will be negotiated by the Reserve Bank of India with the central banks of the SAARC countries availing the Standby Swap. The Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Member Countries on was approved by the central government on March 1, 2012 with the intention to provide a line of funding for short term foreign exchange requirements or to meet balance of payments crises.
93. Name the largest ever coastal defence exercise conducted by Indian Navy in the Indian Coast that commenced on 22nd January 2019 to validate the effectiveness of measures taken since terror attack in Mumbai on 26/11?
1) SAFETY DRILL
2) SEA VIGIL
3) COAST VIGIL
4) NAVY DRILL
5) None of these Answer – 2) SEA VIGIL Explanation:
On 22nd January 2019, Indian Navy commenced largest ever coastal defence exercise SEA VIGIL in Indian Coast. It covered 7516.6km Indian Coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India. The exercise is conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Defence, Home Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Fisheries, Customs, State Governments and other agencies of Centre and States. The aim of the Exercise Sea Vigil is to validate the effectiveness of measures taken since terror attack in Mumbai on 26/11. It tests the country’s preparation to prevent any attempt to carry out attack or infiltration through sea route. Sea Vigil Exercise was a tri service exercise TROPEX (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise) which is conducted by Indian Navy in every 2 years. The Exercise will strengthen the national security as it gave a realistic assessment of strengths and weaknesses.
94. What is the rank of India among the world’s most innovative countries according to the Bloomberg 2019 Innovative Index?
1) 46
2) 75
3) 54
4) 98
5) None of these
Answer – 3) 54 Explanation:
For the first time, India has been ranked in the Bloomberg Innovation Index. India is ranked at the 54th Position with a score of 47.93 out of 100 among the world’s most innovative countries according to the Bloomberg 2019 Innovative Index. South Korea has retained its top spot with a score of 87.38, Germany ranked second with a score of 87.30 whereas Finland has been ranked at the third spot with a score of
85.70. The Annual Bloomberg Innovation Index ranks countries by analyzing their performances using seven metrics including Research and Development spending, Manufacturing Categories and Concentration of high-tech public computers. India, Mexico, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia are the new entrants in the Annual Bloomberg Innovation Index.
95. Where will the India Africa Field Training Exercise (IAFTX) be held from 18th to 27th March 2019?
1) Pune, Maharashtra
2) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
3) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
4) Dehradun, Uttarakhand
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Pune, Maharashtra Explanation:
On 23rd January 2019, the final planning conference to work out the modalities for India Africa Field Training Exercise (IAFTX) which is to be held from 18th to 27th March 2019 commenced in Pune, Maharashtra. India Africa Field Training Exercise (IAFTE) 2019 will boost strategic Cooperation, political and military ties between the countries. Representatives from Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, Uganda, Niger, and Zambia are attending the conference. Field Training Exercise will be carried out at Aundh Military station and College of Military Engineering in Pune. At present, the Chinese Military has spread its tentacles in Africa through military hardware cooperation. The exercise will unify humanitarian action and joint peace operation. As part of the exercise initial planning conference was held in December 2018. IAFTX will be the first ever exercise with several armies from Africa although Indian armed forces had given training to some military personnel from few African Nations.
96. Name the scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22nd January 2019, through which a group of Indian origin people currently in different nations will be taken to all religious places in India twice a year?
1) Pradhan Mantri Pravasi Bakth Yojana
2) Pradhan Mantri Pravasi Darshan Yojana
3) Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana
4) Pravasi Desh Darshan Yojana
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana Explanation:
On 22nd January 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana in New Delhi. Under this scheme a group of Indian origin people currently in different nations will be taken to all religious places in India twice a year. Eligibility criteria for the scheme says that the person should be Indian origin and aged between 45 to 65. The group will be selected out of them with first preference given to people from ‘Girmitiya Countries’ such as Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. First batch with 40 members are at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and will begin their tour from there. Religious places of all major religious in India are included in the scheme and Government will bear all the expenses including the airfare from their country of residence.
97. What was the theme of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated from 21st to 23rd January 2019?
1) Togetherness of Indian Diaspora
2) Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India
3) Indian Diaspora and Economic Development
4) Cultural Awareness among Indian Diaspora
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India Explanation:
On 21st January 2019, the celebration of 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was commenced in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr. Pravind Jugnauth was the chief Guest of Convention. The theme of this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) convention was “Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India”. The Celebration of 15th PBD was concluded on 23rd January 2019.
98. United Nations released the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report which projected India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at ___ % during 2018-19 and improve to
7.6 % in the next fiscal?
1) 7.4 %
2) 7.3 %
3) 7.2 %
4) 7.5 %
5) None of these Answer – 1) 7.4 % Explanation:
On 23rd January 2019, the United Nations released the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report which projected India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 7.4 per cent during 2018-19 and improve to 7.6 per cent in the next fiscal. Besides the report projected that the gross domestic product (GDP) of India in 2020-21 will grow at 7.4 per cent. The robust private consumption, a more expansionary fiscal stance and benefits from previous reforms are the major pulling forces for India’s Economic growth. But according to the report a crucial challenge which needs to be addressed to uplift medium-term growth is a more robust and sustained recovery of private investment. The report also pointed out feeble job creation rates in the formal sector which has left many workers underemployed or in low-salary jobs, with the situation for youth particularly worrisome.
99. Name the India-set short film that has been nominated in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 91st Academy Awards also known as The Oscars 2019?
1) Abacus: Small Enough to Jail.
2) Period. End of Sentence
3) Last Men in Aleppo
4) Strong Island
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Period End of Sentence Explanation:
A film on menstruation, set in rural India, titled “Period End of Sentence,” has earned a nomination in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 91st Academy Awards also known as The Oscars 2019.
Award-winning filmmaker Rayka Zehtabchi has directed the short film. It has been produced by Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment. The documentary feature is set in Hapur village outside Delhi, where women lead a quiet revolution as they fight against the deeply rooted stigma of menstruation.
100. Who will replace Rana Kapoor as Yes bank’s MD and CEO, on 1st March 2019?
1) Anuradha Ramakrishnan
2) Ravneet Gill
3) Prithvi Jain
4) Anmol Sinha
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Ravneet Gill Explanation:
On January 24, 2019,Yes bank got its approval to appoint Deutsche Bank India head Ravneet Singh Gill as the successor to Rana Kapoor.His tenure will begin from March 1,2019. Yes Bank’s hunt for new CEO ended up in Ravneet Gill as RBI rejected Rana Kapoor’s query extend to next three years. Though Kapoor’s CEO position ends up on January 31, 2019,He will still hold 10 percent in the bank share and will be entitled as the ‘Indian Partner’. Kapoor’s term at the bank ends on Jan. 31, after which there will be a month-long gap before Gill takes over,so the board of directors have decided to appoint a interim head to hold the post for that period.
101. Who was elected as the new King of Malaysia 24th January 2019, for a period of 5 years?
1) Ajeez Bin Mohamad
2) Sultan Abdullah
3) Zubair Dil Sham
4) Hisham Zakariya
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Sultan Abdullah Explanation:
On 24th January 2019, The Leaders of Malaysia’s royal houses, known as the “Conference of Rulers” elected 59 years old Sultan Abdullah who is the ruler of the Malaysian state of Pahang as new King for the period of 5 years under a system of rotational monarchy which is unique to Malaysia following the abdication of previous monarch Sultan Muhammad V after 2 years on the throne. Malaysia has an Unique Constitutional Monarchy where Rulers are elected from nine hereditary state rulers every 5 years. Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak state was named as the deputy king as per the statement issued by the keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad. For the first time in Malaysian history Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan abdicated after just 2 years on the throne in January 2019. The sworn in ceremony is expected to be held on 31st January 2019. Sultan Abdullah sworn as Sultan of Pahang earlier this month.
102. Who was re-appointed as the Managing Director of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with effect from January 25, 2019?
1) Jeevananthan S
2) Parthasarathi Mukherjee
3) Rishi Mukhopadyay
4) Anil Mishra
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Parthasarathi Mukherjee Explanation:
On January 24,2019, Lakshmi Vilas Bank got approval from RBI and reappointed Parthasarathi Mukherjee as its managing director for next two years. Mukherjee’s extended term will begin January 25 2019. Previously.he holded up several posting in Axis Bank and SBI.
103. Name India’s lightest ever satellite which weighs 1 kilogram, that was launched along with imaging satellite Microsat R using PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) C44, by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), from Sriharikota, on 25th January 2019?
1) Insat 2k18
2) Kalamsat V2
3) FlyDisc 2A
4) IndiSat 2
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Kalamsat V2 Explanation:
On 25th January 2019, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) C44 carrying Kalamsat V2 and imaging satellite Microsat R from Sathish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.Imaging satellite Microsat R will be used for military purposes. It is a small Indian earth observation satellite. Kalamsat is a communication satellite with one kilogram weight and a life span of 2 months. It is the lightest ever satellite launched by India. Space Kidz India- a group of college students and the members of a Chennai based organization built Kalamsat. Kalamsat is the first to use PS4 (the fourth stage of the vehicle) as a platform to orbit around the earth. PSLV C44 which was assembled in 30 days was the first mission of a new variant of PSLV called the PSLV-DL.
104. Name the head of the panel set by Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to identify domestically systematically important insurers (SIIs) and an augmented regulatory framework is logically established in this regard?
1) Manoj Shekhar
2) Praveen Kutumbe
3) Rajeev Lal
4) Arun Fernandes
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Praveen Kutumbe Explanation:
A panel is all set by Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) headed by Praveen Kutumbe,to identify domestically systematically important insurers (SIIs) and an augmented regulatory framework is logically established in this regard. The rationale behind the idea for SIIs as explained by IRDAI states that any fiasco in the system will defy the essential services they provide to policy holders overall economic activity can start dampening. In this regard, a committee headed by Praveen Kutumbe, Member- Finance and Investment, IRDAI, has been asked to submit report in six months. It is also perceived that SIIs is pivotal for the smooth and incessant functioning of insurance services to the real economy.
105. Name the former President of India who was conferred the Bharat Ratna Award 2019 by President Ram Nath Kovind on 26th January 2019?
1) Prathiba Patil
2) Pranab Mukherjee
3) Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
4) R K Narayanan
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Pranab Mukherjee Explanation:
On January 26, 2019,President Ram Nath Kovind announced the recipients of Bharat Ratna,the country’s highest civilian award,they are former president Pranab Mukherjee, social activist Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously) and musician Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously) in New Delhi. Pranab Mukherjee also known as Pranab Da , was the 13th President of India and served from 2012 until 2017. Nanaji Deshmukh, who died at the age of 94 in 2012, was a member of the Lok Sabha and represented the Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh. He also served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 1999 to 2005. Bhupen Hazarika, legendary singer-composer from Assam, was awarded (posthumously) with this award. He was a recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padmashri and Padmabhushan. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2012. He died in November 2011 at the age of 85.
106. Name the South African President who was the Chief Guest of the 70th Republic Day celebrations of India?
1) Nicholas Mada Bio
2) Cyril Ramaphosa
3) Scott Emerson
4) Reginald Dunkins
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Cyril Ramaphosa Explanation:
On 26th January 2019,India Celebrated its 70th Republic Day. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa,was the Chief Guest of the 70th Republic Day. This is the second time,South African President is Chief Guest for Republic Day,the first such occasion was held in 1995 when the late Nelson Mandela visited India as the Chief Guest for the Republic day.
107. Name the country that declared sugarcane juice as the “national drink” of the country, on 24th January 2019?
1) India
2) Sri Lanka
3) Pakistan
4) Nepal
5) None of these Answer – 3) Pakistan Explanation:
On January 24,2019,The Pakistan government declared sugarcane juice as the “national drink” of the country. They came at this decision after asking People’s opinion in twitter to choose one among orange
,carrot and sugarcane.In which 81% voted in favour of Sugarcane Juice while 15% voted in favour of Orange and 4% for Carrot.
108. Union Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal, announced that Train 18 which is India’s first indigenously developed engineless high speed train has been named as , on 27th January
2019?
1) Valmiki Express
2) Vande Bharat Express
3) Desh Darshan Express
4) Suraj Express
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Vande Bharat Express Explanation:
On 27th January 2019, Union Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal announced that Train 18 which is India’s first indigenously developed engineless high speed train has been named as Vande Bharat Express. The Train will run between Delhi and Varanasi at the maximum speed of 160 kmph and it will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. The Train has 16 coach and it is built in 18 months with a cost of Rs 97 Crore at Modern Coach Factory, Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. Train 18, the fully air- conditioned train is expected to replace 30 years old Shatabdi Express. It got a regular clearance of Electrical Inspector to the Government (EIG) on 25th January 2019. Vande Bharat Express which will run between Delhi and Varanasi, will stop at Kanpur and Allahabad in the route.
109. The ‘Atal Setu’ bridge named after former prime minister of India late Atal Bihari Bajpai, which is the third Cable bridge across river in Panaji, Goa, was inaugurated by Union Minister
Nitin Gadkari, on 27th January 2019?
1) Narmada
2) Ravi
3) Godavari
4) Mandovi
5) None of these Answer – 4) Mandovi Explanation:
On January 27, 2019, The Third bridge was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in the presence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar .The bridge has been named as ‘Atal Setu’ after former prime minister of India late Atal Bihari Bajpai. It is four-lane, 5.1-kilometer long and the third Cable Bridge across river Mandovi in Panaji, Goa. The bridge weighs 2.5 lakh tonnes which is equivalent to the weight of aircraft 570 Boeing. The bridge is constructed by the GIDC (Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation) and engineering and construction major Larsen and Toubro. The bridge is built at a cost of Rs 850 crore. The two bridges already present in Goa are Mandovi Bridge and Zurai Bridge. The bridge will be open for four wheeler vehicles from Jan 29 but two and three wheelers will not be allowed on the bridge.
110. How many homes have been completed so far, under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY –G), which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2016?
1) 40.3 lakh
2) 66.6 lakh
3) 21.4 lakh
4) 75.5 lakh
5) None of these Answer – 2) 66.6 lakh Explanation:
The Ministry of Rural Development in partnership with states has completed 1.37 crore rural homes under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY –G)and Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) since April 2014. The Table Below shows the number of Houses completed till now
Year Rural Homes Completed (IAY + PMAY-G) 2014-15 11.91
2015-16 18.22
2016-17 32.23
2017-18 44.54
2018-19 30.45 (may reach 65 lakh by March 31, 2019
There is a quantum jump in provision for rural housing, In 2014-15 only 12 lakh houses were made but in 2018-19 65 lakh houses are expected to be made. PMAY-G was launched by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on November 20, 2016 and till now around 66.6 lakh homes are made under this scheme.
111. Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicate to the nation an Integrated Refinery Expansion Project Complex (IREP) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), on 27th January 2019?
1) Nagpur, Maharashtra
2) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
3) Kochi, Kerala
4) Ranchi, Jharkhand
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Kochi, Kerala Explanation:
On 27th January 2019, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, dedicated to the nation an Integrated Refinery Expansion Project Complex (IREP) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and laid the foundation stone for a petrochemical complex in Kochi, Kerala. With the inauguration, the Kochi refinery will now be transformed into the largest PSU Refinery in India with world class standards and equipped for production of cleaner Fuels for India. The plant will now be used for double roles for producing the LPG & diesel and commencement of production of feedstock for petrochemical projects in this plant. After execution of IREP the Kochi refinery will now be able to produce propylene and other niche petrochemicals that are used in different products such as paints, inks, coating, detergent and many other articles. Besides, Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone of second campus of the Skill development institute set up by BPCL and backed by the Ministry of Petrochemical and Natural Gas at Ettumanoor.
112. Where was the 3rd stocktaking conference on tiger conservation inaugurated on 28th January 2019?
1) New Delhi
2) Mumbai
3) Kolkata
4) Chennai
5) None of these Answer – 1) New Delhi Explanation:
On 28th January 2019, 3rd stocktaking conference on tiger conservation inaugurated in New Delhi. It will discuss on the status of the Global tiger Recovery Programme (GTRD) by the thirteen tiger range countries besides deliberation in combating wildlife trafficking. Union Minister for environment, Forest and climate change Dr.Harsh Vardhan is the chairman of the National Tiger conservation Authority. The conference is hosted by the National Tiger conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate change in collaboration with Global Tiger Forum which is an international, intergovernmental organization for conserving tiger. During the St. Petersburg declaration in 2010, tiger range countries had resolved to double tiger numbers across their range by 2022.
113. Where was the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting-2019 themed “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” held from 22nd to 25th January 2019?
1) Davos-Klosters, Switzerland
2) Prague, Czech Republic
3) Sichuan, China
4) Las Pozas, Mexico
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Davos-Klosters, Switzerland Explanation:
From 22nd January 2019, the flagship event of World Economic Forum, The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting-2019 was held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The theme of the event was “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The event concluded on 25th January 2019. The annual meeting brings together the heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1,000 best global companies, leaders of international organizations and relevant non-governmental organizations.
114. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is poised to grow by % in the 2019-20 fiscal and
7.7 % in 2020-2021, as per the World Economic Outlook Update, released by International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
1) 7.2 %
2) 7.5 %
3) 7.6 %
4) 7.3 %
5) None of these Answer – 2) 7.5 % Explanation:
On 21st January 2019, Gita Gopinath the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its World Economic Outlook Update in Davos, Switzerland. The report stated that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is poised to grow by 7.5% in the 2019-20 fiscal and 7.7% in 2020-2021. The report reaffirmed that India will continue to be the world’s fastest growing major economy. The report stated that India’s economic growth will benefit from lower oil prices which will ease the inflation pressures and result in slower pace of monetary tightening than previously expected. The global growth according to the report is projected at 3.5 per cent in 2019, a downgrade of 0.2 per cent from the October report, and 3.6 per cent in 2020, a reduction of 0.1 per cent due to weakness in Europe and some emerging markets. China’s growth is expected to slip from 6.6 per cent last year to 6.2 per cent this year.
115. Name the author of the Sahitya Akademi Award winning novel ‘Zindaginama’,who passed away recently?
1) Roopali Sen
2) Jaya Prakash
3) Zakir Abbas
4) Krishna Sobti
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Krishna Sobti Explanation:
On 25th January 2019,Demise of Hindi fiction writer and essayist,Jnanpith awardee as well, Krishna Sobti passed away,in New Delhi at the age of 93.She was born on 18th February, 1925 in Gujarat Punjab, British India. Her writings insinuate Punjabi, Urdu, and afterwards Rajasthani languages. Her works mainly underscores the issues of female identity. Notable writings- Mitro Marajani, Daar se Bichuchuri, Surajmukhi Andhere Ke. Notable Awards- Sahitya Akademi Award (1980) for her novel ‘Zindaginama‘ , Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (1996) for her novel ‘Mitro Marajani’, Jnanpith Award (2017) for her contribution to Indian literature.
116. Which state government launched a special scheme to curb infant deaths, by distributing baby care kits to the children born in Primary health centre and Government Hospitals, on 30th January 2019?
1) Tamil Nadu
2) Haryana
3) Assam
4) Maharashtra
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Maharashtra Explanation:
On 30th January 2019, a special scheme is launched by Maharashtra government with an aim to curb infant deaths. Child development Minister Pankaja Munde launched the scheme by distributing baby care kits to the children born in Primary health centre and Government Hospitals. The baby care kit contains a blanket, a small mattress, a towel, a thermometer, baby oil, shampoo, toys, nail cutter, gloves, socks, among other items. The kit costs around Rs.2000. The scheme is applicable only for first child of the parents. It will be beneficial for around 4 lakh women across Maharashtra. The government allocated Rs.20cr for the scheme. Similar scheme launched by different states were successful in bringing down the infant mortality. Infant mortality is the death of young children under one year. India is among the countries having highest number of deaths among newborns.
117. Name the 600 km long world’s longest expressway connecting Prayagraj with western Uttar Pradesh, which was approved by Uttar Pradesh government on 29th January 2019?
1) Atal express way
2) Ganga express way
3) Uttara express way
4) Prayag express way
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Ganga express way Explanation:
On 29th January 2019, UP government approved construction of world’s longest express way connecting Prayagraj with western UP. It will have a length of 600 km. Ganga express way will start from Meerut and will touch Amroha, Shajahanpur, Rac Bareli, Pratapgarh, Bulandshahr, Badaun, Farrukhabad, Hardon, Kannauj, before reaching Prayagraj. The estimated cost of the project will be around Rs. 36,000cr. The express way will provide massive connectivity in the state and in near by cities. Another express way project is upcoming for UP namely the Budelkhand expressway. It is a four lane access controlled highway. Budelkhand expressway will start from Jhansi and passes through Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, Auraiya, Jalaun, Etawah, Naseempur and joins the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. It amounts to Rs.640 crores to make payment to the land owners. The Industrial Development Department issued order for the land acquirement.
118What was the rank of India in the Global Corruption Index 2018 released by Transparency International?
1) 45
2) 23
3) 67
4) 78
5) None of these Answer – 4) 78 Explanation:
On January 30, 2019,Transparency International released the Global Corruption Index 2018. According to report,India ranked 78 out of 180 countries with a score of 41. While China ranked 87 and Pakistan ranked 117. While Denmark is the least corrupt country and syria ,south sudan ,somalia is the most corrupt country.
119. Name the common digital currency launched by the central banks of United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, on 29th January 2019?
1) Moolah
2) Aber
3) Siaro
4) Urzo
5) None of these Answer – 2) Aber Explanation:
On 29th January 2019, Central banks of UAE and Saudi Arabia launched common digital currency called ‘Aber’. UAE central bank will establish an additional means for the central financial transfer systems of the two countries and enable bankers to directly deal with each other. Aber will be used in financial settlement between the two countries through Block chains and distributed Ledger technologies. Both
Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and the United Arab Emirates Central Bank (UAEIB) are studying the impact on the improvement and reduction of remittance costs and the assessment of risks through Aber. The use of digital currency will be restricted to a limited number of banks in each state. If the first phase is successful then economic and legal requirements for future uses will be considered.
120. Name the dancer who became the first person from the trans community to be honoured with Padma Shri Award 2019?
1) Reshma Ravichandran
2) Poonam Chandan
3) Narthaki Nataraj
4) Aneekha Agarwal
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Narthaki Nataraj Explanation:
Narthaki Nataraj, a renowned dancer from Tamil Nadu has become the first person from the trans community to be honoured with Padma Shri Award. She id 54-year-old and a Bharatanatyam exponent. She was among those bestowed with Padma Shri, the third highest civilian award this year. She was born in Madurai.
Static GK Q&A – January 2019
1. Who is the CEO of International Cricket Council (ICC)?
1) Shashank Manohar
2) Indra Nooyi
3) David Richardson
4) Aziz Ullah Fazale
5) None of these
Answer – 3) David Richardson
2. Which country houses the Chitwan National Park?
1) Nepal
2) Pakistan
3) China
4) Srilanka
5) None of these Answer- 1) Nepal
3. Where is Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary located?
1) Idukki,Kerala
2) Bhubaneshwar,Odisha
3) Kolkata,West Bengal
4) Bhandara district, Maharashtra
5) None of these.
Answer- 4)Bhandara district, Maharashtra Explanation:
Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary located in Bhandara district of Maharashtra, appeared in the news recently, as a tiger was found dead in the sanctuary on 30th December 2018. A tourist visiting the sanctuary informed authorities around 8 am about a tiger lying motionless in the Pauni range of the sanctuary. The cause of the tiger’s death is yet to be ascertained. The state has nearly half-a-dozen tiger reserves and prominent among them are Pench, Melghat, Tadoba-Andhari and Sahyadri. There are nearly 165 striped cats inhabiting these reserves.
4. What is the capital and currency of Brazil?
1) Capital – Moron ; Currency – Brazilian Franc
2) Capital – Brasilia; Currency – Brazilian real
3) Capital – Brazzaville; Currency – Brazilian Franc
4) Capital – Nicosia ; Currency – Brazilian Euro 5)None of these
Answer-2) Capital – Brasilia; Currency – Brazilian real
5. Who is the 46th Chief Justice of India?
1) Dipak Misra
2) Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan
3) Ranjan Gogoi
4) Chagari Praveen Kumar
5) None of these
Answer-3) Ranjan Gogoi
6. What is the tagline of Syndicate Bank?
1) Faithful. Friendly
2) Honors Your Trust
3) Trusted Family Bank
4) Your Tech-friendly bank
5) None of these
Answer-1) Faithful. Friendly
7. Where is the headquarters of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)?
1) Manila, Phillipines
2) Jakarta, Indonesia
3) Kathmandu, Nepal
4) Beijing, China
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Jakarta, Indonesia
8. Where is Bhitarkanika National Park located?
1) Odisha
2) WestBengal
3) NewDelhi
4) Kerala
5) None of these Answer-1)Odisha
9. Who is the Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) headquartered in Mumbai?
1) B.Sivaraman
2) Harsh Kumar Bhanwala
3) H.R. Dave
4) R. Amalorpavanathan
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Harsh Kumar Bhanwala
10. Where is Vansda National Park located?
1) Karnataka
2) Kerala
3) NewDelhi
4) Gujarat
5) None of these Answer – 4) Gujarat
11. What is the capital and currency of Malaysia?
1) Capital – Ulaanbaatar ; Currency – Malaysian Togrog
2) Capital – Nypyidaw ; Currency – Malaysian Kyat
3) Capital – Kuala Lumpur; Currency – Malaysian ringgit
4) Capital – Abuja ; Currency – Malaysian Naira
5) None of these.
Answer – 3) Capital – Kuala Lumpur; Currency – Malaysian ringgit
12. Name the President of Egypt?
1) Ras Al-Teen Palace
2) Mohamed Morsi
3) Hosni Mubarak
4) Abdul Fattah el-Sisi
5) None of these
Answer- 4) Abdul Fattah el-Sisi
13. Where is Mathikettan National Park located?
1) Karnataka
2) Kerala
3) TamilNadu
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) None of these Answer – 2)Kerala
14. The Chief statistician of India (CSI) is ?
1) Pravin Srivastava
2) R.S.Negi
3) Sanjeev Kumar
4) Sadananda Gowda
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Pravin Srivastava
15. Where is the headquarters of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)?
1) Paris,France
2) Jakarta,Indonesia
3) Vienna, Austria
4) Washington DC,USA
5) None of these.
Answer – 3) Vienna, Austria
16. Name the MD and CEO and headquarters of Punjab National Bank?
1) MD & CEO- Usha Ananthasubramanian; Headquarters –NewDelhi
2) MD & CEO – Sunil Mehta; Headquarters – New Delhi
3) MD & CEO- S.C. Gupta; Headquarters –New Delhi
4) MD & CEO- K.R. Kamath; Headquarters –New Delhi
5) None of these
Answer – 2) MD & CEO – Sunil Mehta; Headquarters – New Delhi
17. Name the Chairman and headquarters of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?
1) Chairman – Ajay Tyagi; Headquarters – Mumbai
2) Chairman –Mahalingam; Headquarters – NewDelhi
3) Chairman – Madhabi Puri Buch; Headquarters – Mumbai
4) Chairman – S. K. Mohanty; Headquarters – NewDelhi 5)None of these
Answer – 1) Chairman – Ajay Tyagi; Headquarters – Mumbai.
18. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is ?
1) Ratnasiri Wickremanayake
2) D. M. Jayaratne
3) Mahinda Rajapaksa
4) Ranil Wickremesinghe
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Ranil Wickremesinghe
19. Who is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh?
1) Nara Chandrababu Naidu
2) Pema Khandu
3) Bhupesh Bhagel
4) Sarbanda Sonowal
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Bhupesh Bhagel
20. Where is Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary located?
1) West Bengal
2) Sikkim
3) Kerala
4) Karnataka
5) None of these Answer – 2)Sikkim
21. Where is Campbell Bay National Park located?
1) Kerala
2) Karnataka
3) WestBengal
4) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
22. What is the capital and currency of United Kingdom?
1) Capital – London; Currency – Pound Sterling
2) Capital –Thimphu; Currency – Ngultrum
3) Capital –Nicosia;Currency – Euro
4) Capital – Berlin; Currency – Euro
5) None of these.
Answer – 1) Capital – London; Currency – Pound Sterling
23. Governor of Kerala is ?
1) Lalji Tandon
2) E. S. L. Narasimhan
3) Jagdish Mukhi
4) P. Sathasivam
5) None of these
Answer – 4) P. Sathasivam
24. Name the chairman and headquarters of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)?
1) Chairman –; Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
2) Chairman – Ajay Tyagi; Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
3) Chairman – Mahalingam; Headquarters – Kolkata,WestBengal
4) Chairman – S. K. Mohanty; Headquarters – NewDelhi
5) None of these
Answer – 2)Chairman – Ajay Tyagi; Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
25. Who is the Executive Chairman of World Economic Forum headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland?
1) Mark Carney
2) Fabiola Gianotti
3) Klaus Schwab
4) Orit Gadiesh
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Klaus Schwab
26. Name the MD and CEO and headquarters of HDFC Life Insurance?
1) MD & CEO – Ms. Vibha Padalkar; Headquarters – Mumbai
2) MD & CEO – Parvez Mulla; Headquarters – Mumbai
3) MD & CEO – Mr. Prasun Gajri; Headquarters – Mumbai
4) MD & CEO – Srinivasan Parthasarathy; Headquarters – Mumbai
5) None of these
Answer – 2) MD & CEO – Parvez Mulla; Headquarters – Mumbai
27. Where is Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park located?
1) Telangana
2) Kerala
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) NewDelhi
5) None of these Answer – 1) Telangana
28. President of Uzbekistan is ?
1) Narimon Umarov
2) Sarvar Otamuradov
3) Shavkat Mirziyoyev
4) Khatamjon Ketmonov
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Shavkat Mirziyoyev
29. Who is the President of Boxing Federation of India (BFI)?
1) Ajay Singh
2) Jay Kowli
3) Hemanta Kumar Kalita
4) Khoibi Salam
5) None of these Answer – 1) Ajay Singh
30. President of Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is ?
1) Sangita Reddy
2) Rashesh Shah
3) Sandip Somany
4) Uday Shankar
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Sandip Somany-
31. Sanjita Chanu is related to which sport?
1) Cricket
2) Boxing
3) Tennis
4) Weight Lifting
5) None of these
Answer – 4)Weightlifting Explanation:
Sanjita Chanu is an Indian Weightlifter. She appeared in the news recently, as the International Weightlifting Federation lifted the provisional suspension imposed on two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sanjita Chanu on 23rd January 2019. She had tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid and was provisionally suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation in 2018.
32. Name the Secretary General and headquarters of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
1) Secretary General – K.V. Kamath; Headquarters – Shanghai, China
2) Secretary General – Amjad Hussain B Sial; Headquarters – Kathmandu, Nepal
3) Secretary General – Takehiko Nakao; Headquarters – Manila, Philippines
4) Secretary General – Christine Lagarde; Headquarters – Washington DC, US
5) None of these
Answer – 2)Secretary General – Amjad Hussain B Sial; Headquarters – Kathmandu, Nepal
33. Who is the Prime Minister of Mauritius?
1) Justin Trudeau
2) Mahathir Mohamad
3) Pravind Jugnauth
4) Hassan Rouhani
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Pravind Jugnauth
34. What is the Capital and Currency of Brazil?
1) Capital – Brasília; Currency – Brazilian real
2) Capital – Ottawa; Currency – Brazilian Dollar
3) Capital – Havana; Currency – Brazilian Peso
4) Capital – Prague; Currency – Brazilian Krone
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Capital – Brasília; Currency – Brazilian real
35. Name the Chairperson of IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India)
1) Pravin Kutumbe
2) Sujay Banarji
3) Subhash Chandra Khuntia
4) Nilesh Sathe
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Subhash Chandra Khuntia
36. Where is the headquarters of World Health Organisation (WHO)?
1) Paris, France
2) Geneva, Switzerland
3) Manila, Philippines
4) Shanghai, China
5) None of these
Answer – 2) Geneva, Switzerland
37. Who is the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir?
1) Ganga Prasad
2) Kalyan Singh
3) Satya Pal Malik
4) Tathagata Roy
5) None of these
Answer – 3) Satya Pal Malik
38. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is ?
1) Edapadi Palaniswami
2) Sarbanda Sonowal
3) Nitish Kumar
4) Bhupesh Baghel
5) None of these
Answer – 1) Edapadi Palaniswami
39. Where is Satkosia Tiger Reserve located?
1) WestBengal
2) Tripura
3) Odisha
4) Karnataka
5) None of these Answer- 3) Odisha Explanation:
Satkosia Tiger Reserve located in Odisha was in news recently as patrolling in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve has been strengthened with two trained elephants planned to be deployed there shortly. Trained elephants will help ground-level forest guards patrol deep in the forest where jeeps cannot go. The two elephants would be brought from Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve.
40. Who is the Director General of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquartered in Rome, Italy?
1) Klaus Schwab
2) Jim Yong Kim
3) Christine Lagarde
4) Jose Graziano da Silva
5) None of these
Answer – 4) Jose Graziano da Silva