GK & Current Affairs: March 1, 2, 2014

1. Government has increased the number of workdays from 100 days to 150 days under the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Programme (MGNREGA) for __:
Tribals with Forest Rights
The government raised the workdays under its flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Programme (MGNREGA) from 100 to 150 for tribals, a move that will benefit 14
lakh families. Those tribals who have received land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006,
will be eligible for additional 50 days of wage employment under the scheme.
2. The government has recently approved the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
Ecosystem (NMSHE) to sustain the Himalayan ecosystem, continuously assess its health
status. The NMSHE covers how many states of India?
Twelve
The union cabinet approved the mission document on the National Mission for Sustaining the
Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). The mission is launched under the National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC) with an outlay of Rs.550 crore during the 12th Plan. Its primary
objective is to develop a sustainable national capacity in a time bound manner to continuously
asses the health status of the Himalayan ecosystem and enable policy formulation to assist
Himalayan states to implement sustainable development programmes. The mission covers 12
Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam and West Bengal.
3. Which among the following movies has bagged the best picture award at the 86th Oscar
Awards 2014?
12 Years A Slave
Steve McQueens historical drama 12 Years A Slave won best picture award at the 86th
annual Academy Awards. The film has portrayed Americas slave in past. It marks the first
time a film directed by a black filmmaker has won best picture.
4. The duration of Presidents rule in a State in the first instance is ____?
Six Months
5. The Basij Militia is a volunteer militia force operating in which of the following countries?
Iran
The Basij Militia is an Iranian volunteer force of Islamic government loyalists which is often
called out onto the street at times of crisis to dispel dissent. The force was originally set up by
Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979 as a resistance force during the Iran-Iraq war.
6. Where is the headquarters of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
(OSCE) located?
Vienna, Austria
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the worlds largest
security-oriented intergovernmental organisation. It has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
7. Currently, India is the worlds largest producer of which of the following fruits?
1. Mango 2. Papaya 3. Banana 4. Pomegranate
8. Which of the following committee has been formed to study demand for Bodoland state?
G K Pillai Committee
Ministry of Home Affairs set up a committee headed by former home secretary GK Pillai to
look into the demands of a separate Bodoland state to be carved out of Assam. The panel will
submit its report in nine months.
9. Indias first private bank to commence operation in China is __
Axis Bank
Axis Bank is the first Indian private sector bank to set up a branch in China.
10. C R Simha who passed away recently was a renowned theatre and film personality in
which language?
Kannada
C R Simha was a renowned theatre and film personality in Kannada. Simha was also an avid
writer and documented his experiences in films and theatre in Nimma Simha. He essayed the
character of Tughlaq in a play written by Girish Karnad for nearly 30 years.
GK & Current Affairs: March 3, 4-2014
1. The Crimean Tatars or Crimeans who are in news recently, are a Muslim ethnic group
native to which country?
Ukraine
The Crimean Tatars or Crimeans, are a Muslim ethnic group native to the Crimea in
modern-day Ukraine.
2. In which among the following countries worlds largest salt pan Salar de Uyuni is located?
Bolivia
The largest salt pan in the world is the Salar de Uyuni, located in the Potosi and Oruro,
Bolivia. It covers 4,086 square miles and is located at an elevation of 11,995 feet.
3. Which of the following is/are the member countries of BIMSTEC?
1. Bangladesh 3. Nepal 4. India
4. Among the following satellites, which is the Indias first dedicated spacecraft for defence
applications?
GSAT-7
GSAT-7, the multi band communication satellite named Rukmini is the first satellite by ISRO
that will provide services to the Indian defence forces with the main user being Indian Navy.
5. Chandi Prasad Bhatt, who has been selected for the 2013 Gandhi Peace Prize is a
pioneer of the ____?
Chipko Movement
Eminent Gandhian and environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt has been selected for the
2013 Gandhi Peace Prize. Bhatt is a pioneer of the chipko movement for which he was also
awarded the Magsaysay Award in 1982. He was also given the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
6. According to Worldwide Cost of Living Index 2014, which of the following cities has been
ranked worlds most expensive city?
Singapore
Singapore topped 131 cities globally to become the worlds most expensive city to live in
2014, according to the economist intelligence unit (IEU). Beside Singapore, cities making up
the top five most expensive cities to live in are Paris, Oslo, Zurich, and Sydney, with Tokyo
falling to sixth place. As per the index Mumbai is the cheapest location in the world.
7. Recently, Leaders at the third BIMSTEC summit in Myanmar agreed to establish a
permanent secretariat in which country to oversee the regional grouping of nations on a full
time basis?
Bangladesh
BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Mutli-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation) member countries have established a permanent secretariat in Bangladesh to
oversee the regional grouping of nations on a full time basis. Sumith Nakadala is the first
Secretary General of BIMSTEC.
8. Pacaya is an active complex volcano and popular tourist attraction located in____?
Guatemala
Pacaya is an active complex volcano in Guatemala. It is also a popular tourist attraction.
9. Who among the following has been appointed as the Secretary General of the South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
Arjun Bahadur Thapa
Nepals former Foreign Secretary Arjun Bahadur Thapa has assumed charge as the
Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Thapa,
who succeeds Ahmed Saleem of Maldives, is the 12th Secretary General of the regional
grouping. This is the second time Nepal assumed the top post of the regional body since its
establishment in 1995.
10. Which of the following statements is correct about Solvency II?
It is a European Union (EU) directive for insurance companies
Solvency II is a fundamental review of the capital adequacy regime for the European
insurance industry. It aims to establish a revised set of EU-wide capital requirements and risk
management standards with the aim of increasing protection for policyholders.
GK & Current Affairs: March 5-6, 2014
1. The Bosporus Strait is the worlds narrowest strait used for international navigation
connects which of the following seas?
Black Sea and Sea of Marmara
The Bosporus strait also referred to sometimes as the Istanbul strait, is a strait that forms part
of the boundary between the Asia and Europe. The Bosporus strait connects the Black Sea
and Marmara Sea.
2. At present, India imports largest amount of coal from ___?
Indonesia
3. The Gulabi Gang is a group of women vigilantes and activists originally from which
states?
Uttar Pradesh
The Gulabi Gang is an extraordinary womens movement formed in 2006 by Sampat Pal Devi
in the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. The gang was initially intended to punish oppressive
husbands, fathers and brothers, and combat domestic violence and desertion.
4. Which of the following countries have formed the Indian Ocean trilateral group on maritime
security?
1. Sri Lanka 2. India 3. Maldives
5. Which among the following Universities has ranked number one in the list of recently
released Times Higher Educations world reputation ranking of universities?
2009-2013 http://www.gktoday.in
2009-2013 http://www.gktoday.in
2009-2013 http://www.gktoday.in
GK & Current Affairs: April 1, 2, 2014
1. Maximum number of factories in India are located in __?
ANS:Tamil Nadu
The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) findings for 2011-12, yet to be made public by the
Central Statistics Office, show that Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of factories,
accounting for 17 per cent of the 2.17 lakh units in India. The State also ranks first in the
number of factory jobs. It is followed by Maharashtra (13 per cent of the total factories) and
Andhra Pradesh (12.7 per cent).
2. The revised Direct Tax Code proposes to introduce tax slab for individuals earning more
than Rs10 crore a year by taxing them at ____?
ANS:35%
Direct Tax Code 2013 proposes to introduce tax slab for individuals earning more than Rs.10
crore a year by taxing them at 35% rate.
3. Which of the following entities has been recently granted banking license by the Reserve
Bank of India?
ANS Bandhan Financial Services and IDFC
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gave in-principle approvals to infrastructure financier IDFC
Ltd and microlender Bandhan Financial Services Pvt. Ltd to start new banks only the third set
of private sector lenders it would be licensing in two decades. The approvals will be valid for
18 months, during which the two companies will have to comply with rules stipulated by RBI.
Bandhan is the largest microlender in India in terms of assets. As of 31 March 2014, Bandhan
had a loan book of Rs.6,200 crore and 5.4 million borrowers. The company has 13,000
employees and 2,016 branches operating in 22 states.
4. According to RBI guidelines, what fraction of the branches are mandatory to be opened in
rural areas by newly licensed banks?
ANS 25
RBIs guidelines on setting up new banks require new banks to hold minimum capital of
Rs.500 crore. RBI has made it mandatory for new banks to open at least 25% of branches in
rural centres.
5. Who among the following has been appointed as next Prime Minister of France?
ANS Manuel Valls
President Francois Hollande has named Interior Minister Manuel Valls as France next Prime
Minister. Mr Valls, has replaced PM Jean-Marc Ayrault, whose office confirmed his resignation
recently.
6. Lee Kun-hee, who is facing an arrest warrant in a 1.4 million dollar cheating case is
chairman of ___?
Samsung
L ANS ee Kun-hee is a South Korean business magnate and Chairman of Samsung
Electronics. He is considered a criminal and an absconder in India, as he has defaulted on a
$1.4 million payment due to it for supplying a Coke calcinations plant in 2005. Recently,
Supreme Court ordered him to come to India to face criminal charges in a case where a
subsidiary is accused of failing to pay one of its suppliers.
7. The World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on ___?
ANS April 2
World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on 2 April every year, in order to help share more
knowledge on the neurodevelopment disorder, which has affected the lives of many people
around the world.
8. Who among the following has become the first Indian piston shooter to be rank no.1 in the
world ranking, recently?
ANS Heena Sidhu
World record holder Heena Sidhu has become the first Indian pistol shooter to be ranked
No.1 in the world as she climbed to the top of the chart on womens air pistol rating in the
latest ranking released by the International Shooting Sports Federation.
9. Heartbleed which is being reporting in newspapers recently, is a ____-?
ANS Software bug
Heartbleed is a newly discovered computer bug. The widespread bug surfaced recently when
it was disclosed that a pernicious flaw in a widely used Web encryption program known as
OpenSSL opened hundreds of thousands of websites to data theft
10. Which among the following is the first country to sign a civil nuclear agreement with
India?
ANS France
France was the first country to sign a civilian nuclear agreement with India on 30 September
2008.
GK & Current Affairs: April 3, 4, 2014
1. Who among the following is the author of novel The Lowland ?
ANS Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiris The Lowland is the one of the six books shortlisted for the prestigious
Baileys women prize for fiction. The book is about two Indian brothers who lives diverge in the
tumultuous 1906s. It was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize last year.
2. Recently, United Kingdom 2014 Asian award for outstanding achievement in sports was
won by __?
ANS M S Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the 2014 Asian award for outstanding achievement in sports in
London.
3. Recently, which of the following countries has overtaken South Africa to become Africas
largest economy?
ANS Nigeria
Nigeria has overtaken South Africa as Africas largest economy after a "rebasing" of its GDP
figures. Nigeria, Africas most populous country with 170 million people, has been growing as
a destination for foreign investors owing to the size of its consumer market and increasingly
sophisticated capital markets.
4. Who among the follwing was first cinematographer to be chosen for the prestigious Dhada
Saheb Phalke award?
ANS V. K. Murthy
V K Murthy, who recently passed away, was a famous cinematographer. Considered as the
doyen of cinematography, he was the first cinematographer to be chosen for the prestigious
Dhada Saheb Phalke award?
5. Which of the following countries / regions was recently making news for "Sunflower Student
Movement"?
ANS Taiwan
The Sunflower Student Moment was a protest in Taipei over controversial trade accord
between China and Taiwan. The protest movement was organised by the students and civic
bodie
6. Wisdens Five Cricketer of the year for 2013 has been awarded to __?
ANS Shikar Dhawan
Indias swashbuckling opening batsman Shikar Dhawan has been named as one of the five
cricketers of the year, an honour dating back to 1889, by Wisden for his performance in 2013.
The cricketer of the year is chosen by the editor of the Wisden Cricketers Almanak based on
their excellence in or performance on, the previous English summer. It can be won only once
in a players career.
7. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca has recently become the youngest-ever president of ___?
ANS Malta
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca took the oath of office as President of Malta. She is Maltas ninth
President and the second female President.
8. Panama disease or Fusarium Wilt is a most deadly disease related to which crop?
ANS Banana
Panama disease is a plant disease of the roots of banana plants. It is a type of Fusarium wilt,
caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum.
9. Author of "Accidental Prime Minister: The making and unmaking of Manmohan Singh is
___?
ANS Sanjaya Baru
Manmohan Singhs former media advisor Sanjaya Baru is the author of the controversial book
Accidental Prime Minister: The making and unmaking of Manmohan Singh. In the book,
Baru says PM Singh was defanged in his second term in office and quotes Dr Singh as
having told him that there cannot be two centres of power-an obvious reference to Congress
president Sonia Ghandi.
10. The Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD) is a global
knowledge partnership on migration and development launched by ___?
ANS World Bank
GK & Current Affairs: April 5, 6, 2014
1. In April 2014, who among the following has been appointed as next Chief Justice of India?
ANS Justice R M Lodha
Justice R M Lodha will take over as the next Chief Justice of India from present incumbent
Justice P Sathasivam who retires later this month. Lodha, who is the senior-most judge of the
apex court after Justice Sathasivam, will assume his new charge on April 27 and will have a
brief tenure of the five months as CJI and is due to retire on September 27 this year.
2. Which among the following companies is NOT a part of open-ended exchange traded fund
Central Public Sector Enterprises Exchange-Traded Fund (CPSE ETF)?
ANS Steel Authority of India Ltd
The CPSE ETF basket consists of shares of 10 PSUs Oil & Natural Gas Corp, GAIL India,
Coal India, Indian Oil, Oil India, Power Finance Corp, Rural Electrification Corp, Container
Corp, Engineers India and Bharat Electronics.
3. The current (2014) chairperson of India's National Innovation Foundation is __?
ANS Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar
Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is the recent winner of Padma Vibhushan. He is among the
most visible votaries of innovation. The former director general of the Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research is today president of Global Research Alliance, a network of some
60,000 scientists from around the world, and chair of Indias National Innovation Foundation.
Mashelkar has become a much sought after adviser for companies upping their innovation
ante
4. The AK-47 rifle features on the flag of which among the following countries?
ANS Mozambique
The AK features on the flag of Mozambique, commemorating its role in that nation's
independence struggle. It also features on the Hezbollah flag.
5. Who among the following personalities has been nicknamed the Sheriff of Wall Street by
Time magazine?
ANS Preet Bharara
Preetinder Singh "Preet" Bharara (born 1968) is an Indian American attorney and the current
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In 2012, Bharara was named by Time
magazine as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World," and by India Abroad as its
2011 Person of the Year. Bharara was also featured on a cover of Time Magazine entitled
"This Man is Busting Wall Street" for his office's prosecutions of insider trading and other
financial fraud on Wall Street. Time Magazine also nicknamed him as "Sheriff of Wall Street".
6. China's top legislature is known as ___?
ANS National People's Congress
National People's Congress or NPC is top legislature of China. It is the largest parliamentary
body in the world with around 3000 members. Among the given options, Legislative Yuan is
the legislature of Taiwan, a state with limited recognition.
7. Low-enriched uranium (LEU) is the Uranium which has __:
ANS Less than 20% concentration of U-235
Low-enriched uranium (LEU) has a lower than 20% concentration of 235U
8. Manuel Valls has been recently appointed as Prime Minister of __?
ANS France
Manuel Valls was appointed the new prime minister of France in a big reshuffle by Franois
Hollande, the president, following a humiliating defeat for the ruling Socialists in local
elections
9. Which among the following is the first confirmed Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting within the
habitable zone of another star?
ANS Kepler-186f
Kepler-186f, the first Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting within the habitable zone of another star
has been confirmed by observations with both the W. M. Keck Observatory and the Gemini
Observatory in April 2014. It is 500 Light Years away from earth.
10. Which among the following dates is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day in India?
ANS January 30
To commemorate Mahatma Gandhis selfless efforts to care for those affected by leprosy,
January 30, the day of his martyrdom, is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day.
GK & Current Affairs: April 7, 8, 2014
1. Which of the following countries are world's two largest emitters of greenhouse gases?
ANS US and China
2. Which among the following is not one of the so called "Fragile Five" countries?
ANS Greece
Fragile Five countries - India, Indonesia, Turkey, South Africa and Brazil
3. Which among the following National Parks is NOT located in the Terai Arc Landscape?
ANS Panna National Park
4. Approximately what fraction of India's GDP is shared by Fuel Subsidy?
ANS 2%
Fuel subsidies are Rs 1.3 lakh crore for 2013, roughly 2% of India's GDP. Implementation of
the Food S Security Act will lead to the government providing 62 million tonnes of food
annually at a cost of 1.1% of India's GDP.
5. The Doll Festival or Hinamatsuri is celebrated in __?
ANS Japan
Hinamatsuri (hina means dolls and matsuri means festival) or the Doll's Day or Dolls Festival
is celebrated each year on March 3. Platforms covered with a red carpet are used to display a
set of ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in
traditional court dress of the historic Heian period of Japan.
6. The Environment Protection related principle of common but differentiated responsibility
(CBDR) was enshrined in __?
ANS Rio Declaration
The principle of common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) is an important principle of
international environmental law, explicitly formulated in the Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration.
7. The Warsaw climate conference is also known as __?
ANS COP-19
Warsaw climate conference (COP19) was held under Polish presidency in November 2013.
8. Anandwan, the Ashram and community rehabilitation centre for leprosy patients was
founded by __?
ANS Baba Amte
Anandwan ashram is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is a community
rehabilitation centre for leprosy patients and the disabled from downtrodden sections of
society. It was founded in 1948 by noted social activist, Baba Amte. The project is run by the
organisation Maharogi Seva Samiti. The Samiti's other projects are Lok Biradari Prakalp and
The Somnath Project.
9. Which among the following two cities have been chosen by Indian Railway for creation of
"Green Curtains"?
ANS:Agra and Jaipur
The Indian Railway is undertaking creation of 'Green Curtains' at Agra and Jaipur. The 'Green
Curtains' will involve construction of RCC boundary wall of appropriate height along the
railway bou ndary up to a suitable distance, landscaping from the track to the wall and within
station circulating area.
10. The nationwide energy conservation programme Club Enerji is a programme of __?
ANS:Tata Power
Tata Power's nationwide energy conservation programme Club Enerji has sensitized around 9
lakh citizens in Mumbai in 2013-14 through primary contact programme and secondary
sensitization and saved more than a million units of energy in the city. The energy saved can
light up 470 houses for a year. (ET)
GK & Current Affairs: April 9-10, 2014
1. Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought a report from the health
ministry on the action taken to stop the use of calcium carbide in the country. Calcium Carbide
is mainly used in __?
ANS:Artificial Fruit ripening
Calcium carbide is used to artificially ripen fruit such as mangoes, bananas, oranges and
watermelons despite a ban by the government. In India, use of calcium carbide is strictly
banned under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act because it contains traces of arsenic
and phosphorus, which pose a serious threat to human health.
2. The celebration of Songkran in Thailand, Thingyan in Myanmar and Aluth Avurudda in Sri
Lanka coincides with which among the following festivals in India?
ANS:Vaisakhi
Songkran is a term for Mesh Sankranti. It is celebrated as New Year (Songkran) in Thailand
and several Southeast Asian countries when the sun transits the constellation of Aries, the
first astrological sign in the Zodiac. The same is celebrated as Thingyan in Myanmar, Aluth
Avurudda in Sri Lanka, Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), Pohela Boishakh in
West Bengal and Bangladesh.
3. Which among the following is the main focus area of Amnesty International?
ANS:Protecting human rights
4. The term "garden of southern India" is used for __?
ANS:Cauvery Delta
Cauvery or Dakshin Ganga breaks into a large number of distributaries forming a wide delta
called the garden of southern India.
6. Twenty Years in a Decade is an autobiography of __?
ANS:Shah Rukh Khan
Twenty Years in a Decade is the autobiography of Shah Rukh Khan. The autobiography
would contain the journey of Shah Rukh Khan from a small television actor to top hero of
Bollywood.
7. Ajinomoto is a special salt added to certain food items, is ____?
ANS:Monosodium glutamate
Ajinomoto is also known as monosodium glutamate. It is a kind of salt and is added in the
Chinese cuisine to enhance the taste.
8. In economy, the term QIP stands for___?
ANS:Qualified Institutional Placement
Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) is a capital-raising tool, primarily used in India and
other part of southern Asia, whereby a listed company can issue equity shares, fully and
partly convertible debentures, or any securities other than warrants which are convertible to
equity shares to qualified institutional buyers.
9. The most intensive solar flares are designated as__?
ANS:X
Solar flares are classified as A, B, C, M or X according to the peak flux (in watts per square
metre, W/m2) of 100 to 800 picometre X-rays near Earth, as measured on the GOES
spacecraft.
10. Recently Nasa scientists have found evidence that one of the Saturns moons harbours a
vast ocean of liquid water beneath an icy crust. Which among the following is that moon?
ANS:Enceladus
Enceladus was detected as having geysers of water shooting out from its surface, suggesting
the presence of liquid water deep in its core. It was confirmed in 2014. Enceladus is one of
only three outer Solar System bodies (along with Jupiter's moon Io and Neptune's moon
Triton) where active eruptions have been observed. The craters of Enceladus have been
named Alibaba and Alladin.
GK & Current Affairs: April 10-11, 2014
1. Recently, Justice G Rohini has became the first ever woman Chief Justice of ___?
ANS:Delhi High Court
Justice G Rohini became the first woman chief justice of the Delhi high court, 47 years after
the court was established in 1966.
2. Recently, which of the following member countries of commonwealth organisation
announced suspending of funding to the Commonwealth over rotating chair Sri Lankas
alleged rights abuses?
ANS:Canada
3. Which among the following diseases is often called as Polio of Agriculture?
ANS:Wheat Rust
Wheat rust is sometime called the Polio of Agriculture. Wheat rust is a fungal infection. Its
most devastating form attacks the plants stem, forming lethal, scaly red pustules.
4. Recently, India and which of the following countries have reached an agreement to include
a new cross-boundary landscape in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region?
ANS:Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal, India and Bhutan have formally reached an agreement to include a new cross-
boundary landscape covering parts of eastern Nepal, Sikkim and the northern parts of West
Bengal in India as Kanchanjunga landscape in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region.
5. Who among the following is the author of the book Crusader or Conspirator: Colgate and
other Truths?
ANS:P C Parakh
6. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is associated with __?
ANS:Cricket
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a Twenty20 cricket domestic championship, organised by
BCCI.
7. As per the latest data released by SIPRI, country with highest military expenditure in 2013
is __?
ANS:USA
8. The theme of World Green Economy Summit-2014 which concluded at Dubai is ____?
ANS:Global Partnership, Sustainable Future
The World Green Economy Summit-2014 was held at the Dubai International Convention
and Exhibition Centre on 15th and 16th April, 2014. The theme of the summit was Global
Partnership, Sustainable Future.
9. Who among the following has been named Chef-de-Mission of Indias Common Wealth
Game contingent?
ANS:Raj Singh
Wrestling Federation of India secretary general Raj Singh was named Chef-de-Mission of the
Indian contingent for the commonwealth games to be held in Glasgow in July-August
10. According to Indian laws, a building has to be at least ___ years old to be considered
heritage. Fill the blank with correct option?
ANS:100
As per the India laws, a building must be 100 year old to be considered heritage.
GK & Current Affairs : April 12-13, 2014
1. The MENAP region consists of Middle East, North Africa and ___?
ANS:Afghanistan and Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund created a new analytical region called MENAP which adds
Afghanistan and Pakistan to MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries
2. According to new companies act, the Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) have to
invest what fraction of their resources in government bonds. Fill the blank with correct
option?
ANS:Fifteen percent
The new companies act mandates the non-banking finance companies (NBFC) to invest
fifteen percent of their resources in government bonds.
3. The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction-2014 has been awarded to Donna Tartt, for her novel ___?
ANS:The Goldfinch
2014s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction has been awarded to Donna Tartt, for her latest novel The
Goldfinch. Tartt epic triumphed over the two other nominees, The Son by Philip Meyer and
The Woman Who Lost Her Soul by Bob Shacochis.
4. The Bima Bemisaal is the name of insurance awareness campaign by __?
ANS:IrDA
Bima Bemisaal is the brand name for IRDAs insurance awareness campaign. It is a
consumer education initiative and has the tagline Promoting Insurance, Protecting Insured.
5. Which among the following two states together account for about half of the total mangoes
being produced in India?
ANS:Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh together account for about half of the total mangoes
being produced in India with both the states accounting for almost similar share of over 24%
each.
6. Which among the following has been named 2014 world car of the year?
ANS:Audi A3
Audi A3 has been named 2014 world car of the year, which fought off competition from the
Mazda3 and BMW 4 series.
7. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who passed away recently, was a famous novelist from ___?
ANS:Colombia
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, was a Colombian novelist, short-story writer, screen writer and
journalist, known affectionately as Gabo throughout Latin America.
8. Due to lack of funds, which among the following countries has withdrawn as the host of the
2019 Asian Games?
ANS:Vietnam
Vietnam has withdrawn as the host of the 2019 Asian Games saying it lacked funds and the
countrys reputation could be at risk if the event flops.
10. Graphene is an ___?
ANS:Allotrope of Carbon
The allotropes of carbon include diamond, graphite, graphene and fullerenes etc.
GK & Current Affairs: April 14, 15, 2014
1. The WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, which was much news in recent times was
signed at __?
ANS:Bali
The 159 members of the WTO had adopted the 'Bali package' after December 2013 meeting.
Some of the features of this package were trade facilitation, food stockholding, export
subsidies and a package for LDCs (least-developed countries). In Bali, ministers endorsed
the Trade Facilitation Agreement aimed at making Customs procedures more trade-friendly
and lowering transaction costs.
2. What is the approximate fraction of Agriculture exports in India's total exports?
ANS:13%
In 2012-13, agricultural exports touched an all-time high of Rs 231,993 crore, primarily due to
a surge in the export of non-basmati rice, guar gum and wheat. This raised the contribution of
the agriculture to overall exports to 13.08 per cent from 12.8 per cent in 2011-12. (Business
Standard)
3. Approximately, what fraction of Post Offices in India are in rural areas?
ANS:90%
India has the largest postal network in the world, with 155,015 post offices, of which 139,144
(89.8 per cent) are in rural areas.
4. Which among the following is not a correct statement about El Nio?
[A]It emerges after a hap of every three to seven years
[B]It negatively impacts the North East monsoons in India
[C]It was a reason behind 2009 droughts in India
[D]All the above are correct statements
ANS:It negatively impacts the North East monsoons in India
El Nio has a negative impact on the southwest monsoon during June. In the past decade,
2002, 2004 and 2009 were the drought years in India, due to emergence of El Nio .El Nio
emerges after a gap of every three to seven years and affects rainfall in India during
monsoon. The heat off the western coast of South America increases the sea surface
temperatures above normal by 0.5 degree Celsius, affecting formation of rain-bearing clouds.
5. In which of the following years Government introduced the Market Stabilisation Scheme
(MSS) to absorb excess liquidity?
ANS:2004
The government launched the Market Stabilisation Scheme (MSS) in consultation with RBI in
2004 with the objective to absorb excess liquidity, arising out of significant foreign exchange
inflows, by issuing treasury bills or dated securities.
6. Recently, a product called Palcohol gained widespread attention worldwide. What does
Palcohol refers to___?
ANS:Powdered alcohol
product Palcohol is a powdered form of alcohol that is intended to mix with water or other
flavoured liquids. Recently, the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
approved seven version of Palcohol to sale in shops.
7. The Katni-Satna-Singarauli region in Madhya Pradesh is well known for __?
ANS:Cement production
The Katni-Satna-Singarauli region is one of the largest cement producing regions in the
country.
8. Peace Angel 2014 is a joint military exercise concluded recently between which two
countries?
ANS:China and Pakistan
Peace Angle 2014 is a joint military exercise concluded between Pakistan and China.
9. The retirement fund body EPFO has decided to provide universal account numbers (UAN)
to its subscribers by ___?
ANS:October 15
The EPFO has decided to provide permanent or universal account numbers (UAN) on the
pattern of core banking services to its over five crore active subscribers by October 15, 2014.
The UAN will facilitate subscribers in avoiding filing of PF transfer claims on changing jobs.
GK & Current Affairs: April 16, 17, 2014
1. The MESSENGER is a robotic NASA spacecraft orbiting which among the following
planets?
ANS:Mercury
Messenger is a robotic NASA spacecraft orbiting the planet Mercury, the first spacecraft ever
to do so. On April 20, 2015, the MESSENGER spacecraft completed its 3,000th orbit of the
planet Mercury.
2. The theme of 44th edition of Earth Day is ______?
ANS:Green Cities
Earth Day is observed every year on April 22. The theme of Earth Day 2014 is Green Cities.
3. Who among the following is the chairman of the committee appointed by Supreme Court to
monitor the steps taken by the centre and state government to ensure road safety and curb
growing number of accidents, recently?
ANS:Justice Radhakrishnan
Justice K S Radhakrishnan is the chairman of the committee appointed to monitor the steps
taken by the centre and state government to ensure road safety and curb growing number of
accidents. The other members comprise of former secretary of ministry S Sundar and Nishi
Mittal, ex-chief Scientist
4. What is the name of Robotic submarine deployed to solve the mystery of lost Malaysian
plane MH 370?
ANS:Bluefin-21
Bluefin-21 is robotic submarine deployed to solve the mystery of lost Malaysian plane
MH370. The Bluefin-21 is about 5m-long underwater autonomous vehicle that can produce a
sonar map of the sea floor. It is extremely modular autonomous underwater vehicle with
power to carry multiple sensors and playloads at a time.
5. With which one of the following countries India has recently concluded an agreement under
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) to combat tax evasion?
ANS:USA
India has reached an in substance agreement with the US to combat possible tax evasion by
Americans through Indian financial entities.
6. Recently, an RBI working panel has recommended setting up a Financial Resolution
Authority (FRA) to effectively deal with failing financial institution and ensure stability in the
system. The chairman of the panel is ___?
ANS:Anand Sinha
The central bank constituted the working group in January 2013 under the chairmanship of
then RBI Deputy Governor Anand Sinha, with economic affairs secretary Arvind Mayaram as
co- chairperson. The group recommended that the FRA can be set up by either converting the
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DIGCC) or creating a new entity that
will subsume the DIGCC.
7. Which among the following is not PKI-enabled electronic payments system introduced by
RBI?
[A]CBLO [B]Forex Clearing [C]MICR [D]CTS
ANS:MICR
MICR is a non-PKI enabled payment system.
8. Superbug MRSA is a highly drug resistant __?
ANS:Bacterium
MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacterium.
9. The Chairman of National Water Resource Council of India is ___?
ANS:Prime Minister
10. Which among the following countries proposed an initiative Maritime Silk Road to boost
connectivity between the Asia-Pacific regions?
ANS:China
China plan to build a maritime silk road to boost connectivity between the Asia-Pacific
region and establishing ports in the Indian Ocean-a move that will reinforce Chinas
deepening economic presence in the Indian Ocean region and in Indias neighbourhood.
GK & Current Affairs: April 18-19, 2014
1. India's Joshna Chinnappa and Deepika Pallikal are two talented players of __?
ANS:Squash, Squash
Both are squash players. Joshna was the first Indian girl to win the British Squash
Championship title in 2003 in the under 19 category, at Sheffield, U.K and was also the
youngest Indian women's national champion. Dipika Pallikal is the first Indian woman to break
into the top 10 in the WSA rankings.
2. Which among the following countries is/are part of CASA (Central Asia South Asia)-1000
power supply Project?
ANS:1.Pakistan 2.Afghanistan 3.Kyrgyz Republic 4.Tajikistan
3. Vishu Festival is a traditional Hindu festival celebrates in which among the following
states?
ANS:Kerala
Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala in the second week of April. Vishu is celebrated
with much fanfare and vigour in all parts of Kerala.
4. Which among the following movies was named best feature film at the 61st National Film
Award?
ANS:Ship of Theseus
Anand Ghandi directed Ship of Theseus was named best feature film at the 61st National
Film Award.
5. According latest study, which of the following bird species from India have been listed
endangered species?
ANS:1.Bengal Florican 2.Lesser Florican 3.Great Indian Bustard 4.Sociable Lapwing
6. Which among the following organisations gives Crystal Awards to integrate cultural
leaders into its meetings?
ANS:World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum gives Crystal Award to pay tribute to the decisive role of arts and culture
in creation of global understanding and peace.
7. Ghaznavi is a short range ballistic missile test fired recently by which of the following
countries?
ANS:Pakistan
Pakistan successfully test-fired short range ballistic missile Half-III named Ghaznavi. The
missile can carry nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 290 kilometres.
8. The Solid carbon dioxide is mainly used as ___?
ANS:Cooling agent
Solid carbon dioxide is called as dry ice. It is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is used
primarily as a cooling agent.
9. Which of the following states has recorded the highest growth rate of milk production and
per capita availability during the five year period of 2006-10, according to Assocham study?
ANS:Andhra Pradesh
A study by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) states that
Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest growth rate of over 41 per cent and 36 per cent in
terms of milk production and per-capita milk availability respectively during the five year
period of 2006-10. Apart from AP, Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat are amid top five
states in terms of clocking high growth in milk production.
10. Recently, which among the following countries has conducted Maritime Cooperation-
2014 multilateral military exercise to celebrate 65th anniversary of its navy?
ANS:China
China has conducted Maritime Cooperation-2!" multilateral military e#ercise to celebrate $%th
anniversary of its navy. &ndia's stealth frigate &() )hivali* and +a*istan naval ships too* place in
the rare e#ercise.
GK & Current Affairs: April 20-21, 2014
1. Recently, Supreme Court has set up a four member committee under the chairmanship of
N R Madhava Menon for framing guidelines to prevent____?
ANS:Misuse of funds on government advertisement
The Supreme Court set up a committee for framing guidelines to prevent misuse of public
funds by the government and its authorities in giving advertisements in newspaper and
television to get political mileage. The four member committee comprising former director of
National Judicial Academy , N R Madhava Menon, former Lok Sbha secretary T K
Vishwanathan, senior advocate Ranjit Kumar and the secretary of information and
broadcasting ministry.
2. The SAVE is an international organisation created to conserve which of the following
endangered bird species?
ANS:Asias Vultures
SAVE stands for Saving Asias Vultures from Extinction. Its a consortium of like-minded,
regional and international organisations, created to oversee and co-ordinate conservation,
campaigning and funding activities to help the plight of South Asias vultures.
3. The Mont Blanc Tunnel links which of the following two countries?
ANS:France and Italy
The Mont Blanc Tunnel is a major Alpine automotive tunnel connects France and Italy.
4. Which among the following is the NASAs moon probe, which recently crashed into the
lunar surface thus ending its operation?
ANS:LADEE
NASAs Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft met its end
during a vaporizing crash into the lunar surface. The $280 million LADEE mission launched to
space in September 2013 to investigate the moons thing atmosphere and help scientist learn
more about lunar dust.
5. The Dhamra port one of the major newly developed port located in which state?
ANS:Odisha
The Dhamra port is a major newly developed port in Odisha. It was formed as a result of a
joint venture between Larsen and Turbo and TATA steel to run the port.
6. The country with highest per-capita milk availability in the world is ___?
ANS:New Zealand
New Zealand (9,773 grams), Iceland (3,260 grams) and Denmark (2,411 grams) are top
three countries in terms of per-capita milk availability.
7. Which among the following planets in our solar system is called the Upside Down planet?
ANS:Venus
8. Which among the following International Organisation is not based in Geneva?
[A]International Labour Organisation [B]International Telecommunication Union [C]World
Trade Organisation [D]World Bank
ANS:World Bank
9. Currently, which among the following political parties is not recognised as National Political
Party?
ANS:Rastriya Janta Dal
Recognized national parties are Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist
Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and Nationalist
Congress Party.
10. Who among the following has won the Chinese F1 Grand Prix -2014?
ANS:Lewis Hamilton
GK & Current Affairs: April 22-23, 2014
1. According to the Global Information Technology Report 2014, which country was placed
first in terms of leveraging information and communication technologies (ICT)?
ANS:Finland
India slid down to 83rd spot among 148 economies in terms of leveraging information and
communications technologies for growth and well being, according to the Global Information
Technology Report 2014. Finland was placed in the first place, followed by Singapore and
Sweden in the second and third sports.
2. The ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) platform to facilitate smooth
participation in the initial public offering market was introduced by ___?
ANS:SEBI
SEBI has introduced the ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) platform in 2008
to facilitate smooth participation in the initial public offering (IPO) market.
3. Recently, Viktor Orban has been re-elected as Prime Minister of which country?
ANS:Hungary
Viktor Orban re-elected to a third term as Prime Minister of Hungary. He declared victory in
Hungarys parliamentary election, winning a second consecutive term. Orbans Fidesz party
won 44.6% of the vote.
4. Which among the following cities holds the sobriquets the city of itar (perfume)?
ANS:Kannauj
5. The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is a multilateral treaty
of the ___?
ANS:Council of Europe
The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is a multilateral treaty of
the Council of Europe aimed at protecting the rights of minorities. It came into effect in 1998
and it had been ratified by 39 member states.
6. Who among the following has been appointed as Indias first ambassador to the separate
Indian mission to ASEAN & East Asia summit?
ANS:Suresh K Reddy
Suresh K Reddy currently ambassador of India to Iraq, has been appointed to the separate
Indian mission to ASEAN and East Asia summit.
7. Which among the following countries is / are non-parties to Non-Proliferation treaty?
ANS:1.India 2.Pakistan 3.South Korea
The treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or Non-Proliferation treaty entered
into force in 1970. The four United Nations member states have never joined the treaty are
India, Israel, Pakistan and South Sudan
8. The Marshall Islands, is an island country located in ___?
ANS:Northern Pacific Ocean
The Marshall Islands or the Republic of the Marshall Islands is an island country located in
the northern Pacific Ocean. It has the population of 68,480 people spread over 24 low-lying
coral atolls, comprising 1,156 individual islands and islets.
9. Which among the following organisations publishes the Global Information Technology
Report, annually?
ANS:World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum together with INSEAD publishes the Global Information
Technology Report.
10. The Solid carbon dioxide is mainly used as ___?
ANS:Cooling agent
Solid carbon dioxide is called as dry ice. It is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is used
primarily as a cooling agent.
GK & Current Affairs: April 24-26, 2014
1. The ASIMO or Advanced Step In Mobile Innovative Mobility, is a humanoid robot
designed and developed by ___?
ANS:Honda
ASIMO is a humanoid robot designed and developed by Honda. ASIMO was designed to be
a multi-functional mobile assistant.
2. Recently, which of the following countries has decided to deploy drones to monitor and stop
the poaching of elephants and rhinos in all its national parks and reserves?
ANS:Kenya
Kenyas wildlife authority has decided to deploy drones to monitor and stop the poaching of
elephants and rhinos in all its 52 national parks and reserves. The country has lost over 435
elephants and around 400 rhinos to poachers since 2012, driven by demand for illegal wildlife
products in Asia and elsewhere.
3. Who among the following has been adjudged as outstanding Asian Mens Player of the
Year 2013 by Asian Squash Federation?
ANS:Saurav Ghosal
Saurav Ghosal has been adjudged outstanding Asian Mens Player of the Year 2013.
4. The Yandex is a one of the largest search engine company operating in ______?
ANS:Russia
Yandex is a Russian internet company which operates largest search engine in Russia about
60% market shares in that country. Yandex ranked as the 4th largest search engine
worldwide, based on information from Comscore.com.
5. A new economic term GIRO is being reporting in newspapers recently, what does GIRO
stands for ___?
ANS:Government Internal Revenue Order
6. Recently, which of the following committee has submitted its report suggesting a
mechanism for centralised bills payment system in the country?
ANS:Umesh Bellur Committee
IIT Bombay professor Umesh Bellur committee has submitted its report on centralised bill
payment system in the country. The committee was set up in last October by RBI. The
committee has suggested a mechanism for centralised bills payment system in the country,
primarily by setting up two organisation-Bharat Bill Payment Services (BBPS) or the Bharat
Bill Payment Operating Units or BBPOUs.
7. In India, Snow Leopard is found mainly in which of the following states?
ANS:1.Himachal Pradesh 3.Uttarkhand 4.Arunachal Pradesh
8. Recently, which among the following leading confectionary manufacturer has been
renamed as Mondelez India Foods Limited?
ANS:Cadbury
Cadbury India Limited, a subsidiary of Mondelez International Inc has changed its name to
Mondelez India Foods Limited.
9. The Homogenization milk is mainly done to _____?
ANS:Reduce fat globules
The homogenization of milk is a process where milk fat globules are reduced in size and
dispersed uniformly through the rest of the milk.
10. Who among the following has won World Womens Senior Snooker Championship-2014?
ANS:Chitra Magimairaj
GK & Current Affairs: April 27-28, 2014
1. The busiest maritime route in the world is _____?
ANS:The Strait of Dover
The Strait of Dover is considered as the busiest maritime route in the world. The Strait
represents the most constricting point in the English Channel spanning a width of only about
20 miles.
2. What is the name of Googles new project which intends to provide high speed broadband
internet connection in selected cities?
ANS:Google Fiber
Google fiber is the googles fiber-to-the-premises service in the United States, providing
broadband internet and television to a small and slowly growing number of locations.
3. The Gene Xpert is one of the advance tests for diagnosis of ___?
ANS:Tuberculosis
Gene Xpert is one of the most advanced tests for TB diagnosis.
4. Recently, NTT Docomo has announced its decision to exit its mobile phone joint venture
with the Tata Group by selling its entire stake in the country. Docomo is a telecom company
from which country?
ANS:Japan
NTT Docomo is the predominant mobile operator in Japan. Docomo has decided to sell its
26.5 per cent stake in Tata Teleservices which it had acquired in 2009.
5. The worlds first museum dedicated to the pro-democracy protests in Beijing Tiananmen
Square has opened in ___?
ANS:Honk Kong
The worlds first museum dedicated to the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijings
Tiananmen Square has opened in Hong Kong.
6. Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha is the ____ Chief Justice of India.
ANS:41st Justice
RM Lodha is the 41st Chief Justice of India. He will succeed Justice P Sathasivam and will
serve as the CJI for five months as he is due to retire on September 27.
7. Which among the following state has been ranked top in creation of new jobs in the
manufacturing sector as per the National Sample Survey latest data?
ANS:West Bengal
The latest National Sample Survey data show West Bengal topped in creation of new jobs in
the manufacturing sector among all states. During the 2004 and 2011 more than 40 per cent
of new manufacturing jobs created in India were generated in West Bengal.
8. The Indian Super League is related to ____?
ANS:Football
The Indian Super League is the name of a new, proposed football league by IMG-Reliance
and the All India Football Federation.
9. The theme of World Malaria Day-2014 is ____?
ANS:Invest in Future, Defeat Malaria
The world malaria day was observed on 25 April 2014 across the world to raise awareness of
the disease. The theme for 2014 is Invest in Future, Defeat Malaria.
10. Recently, which South Asian country as signed a 10 year pact that would allow US military
in that nation?
ANS:Philippines
The US and Philippines have reached a 10 year pact that would allow a larger U.S military
presence in this South Asian nation. The Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, which
would give American forces temporary access to selected military camps and allow them to
preposition of fighter jets and ships.
GK & Current Affairs: April 29-30, 2014
1. The 2014 winner of prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize is __?
ANS:Ramesh Agarwal
Indian environment activist Ramesh Agarwal has won the prestigious Goldman
Environmental Prize that honours heroic grassroot environmentalists around the world for
their achievements. He has been honoured for his contribution to control the unchecked
industrial development throughout India
2. The Operation Clandestine Fox which is in news recently, is a code name refers to
_____?
ANS:A campaign to hack the Microsofts internet explorer
3. The Sepsis is a medical condition refers to an infection that has spread through _____?
ANS:Blood
Sepsis refers to an infection that has spread through the blood, causing symptoms throughout
the whole body
4. Which among the following has bagged five major awards at the 15th International India
Film Academy (IIFA) awards?
ANS:Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Farhan Akhtars Bhaag Milkha Bhaag a biopic on legendary athlete Milkha Singh, won five
major awards including best actor, best director and best picture at the 15th International India
Film Academy (IIFA) awards.
5. Recently, which one of the following international groupings has temporarily banned the
import of Alphonso Mango and four vegetables from India on poor quality issue?
ANS:European Union
The European Union has temporarily imposed ban on import of Alphonso Mangoes and four
vegetables from India from 1st May onwards which brought protests from the Indian
community, lawmakers and traders.
6. Who among the following has been named as professional Footballers Association player
of the year 2013?
ANS:Luis Suarez
Liverpools Luis Saurez has been named the Professional Footballers Associations player of
the year for 2013-14, becoming the first non-European to win the award
7. Recently, which of the following firm has acquired Nokia handset business in India?
ANS:Microsoft
US software giant Microsoft completed the acquisition of Nokias mobile handset business in
India. Nokia will continue to operate the Chennai plant one of its largest manufacturing
facilities on a service contract for Microsoft
8. The iron ore deposits in Goa are mainly _______?
ANS:Haematite
The iron ore deposits in Goa are mainly haematite.
9. Approximately, what fraction of India's GDP is generated by Tourism?
ANS:7%
The World Travel & Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated INR6.4 trillion or 6.6%
of the nation's GDP in 2012. It supported 39.5 million jobs, 7.7% of its total employment. The
sector is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023
10. India's Poonam Rani is a player of __?
ANS:Hockey
Hisar-born Poonam Rani who played her first international in 2009, has not looked back since
her debut and sealed her berth to the FIH Junior World Cup in USA the same year. In 2010
she was part of the team playing Test matches against Japan, China and New Zealand, her
performance yet again helped her to represent the country in the Women Asian Champions
Trophy i n Korea as well as FIH Women's World Cup which was played in Argentina,
Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Asian Games in China same year. Since then Poonam Rani
has represented India in almost every tournament that the country has played. She was also
part of the team that won historic bronze medal in the FIH Junior Women's World Cup 2013 in
Germany and 3rd Women Asian Champions Trophy 2013 Japan bagging silver medal. (UNI)
GK & Current Affairs: May 1, 2014
1. Former Indian Air Force Chief N K Browne has been appointed as Indias next ambassador
to____?
ANS:Norway
Former Chief of the Air Staff Norman Anil Kumar Browne has been appointed as India's next
Ambassador to Norway. Air Chief Marshal Browne will succeed Mr RK Tyagi as India's envoy
to Norway
2. According to World Bank report, India has replaced which among the following countries to
become third largest economy based on purchasing power parity (PPP)?
ANS:Japan
As per the World Bank report India replaced Japan as the world's third largest economy as far
back as 2011. The ranking is based on purchasing power parity (PPP) in dollar terms.
3. The newly formed Telangana state has how many assembly and Parliamentary seats?
ANS:119 and 17
The Telangana has 119 assembly seats and 17 parliamentary seats.
4. Which among the following hormones is popularly called happiness hormone?
ANS:Serotonin
Serotonin is popularly called the happiness hormone. It regulates the mood, prevents
depression and makes feeling happy.
5. The Project 75I of India is a project related to ___?
ANS:Military
The project 75 is one of the Indias most closely guarded military projects. Under this project
stealth, land-attack capability and the ability to incorporate futuristic technologies, all the new
submarines will be equipped with air-independent system to boost their operational
capabilities.
6. Who among the following has been honoured as the Most Popular All Time International
Star in India at IIFA awards 2013-14?
ANS:John Travolta
John Travolta the famous super star of Hollywood honoured as most popular All Time
International Star in International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards 2014.
7. Fighting Poverty in Asia and the Pacific is the motto of ______?
ANS:Asian Development Bank
8. The so called Northern Limit Line is a disputed maritime demarcation line between _____?
ANS:North Korea and South Korea
The Northern Limit Line or North Limit Line is a disputed maritime demarcation line in the
Yellow sea between the Democractic Peoples Republic f Korea on the north and the Republic
of Korea on the south. This line of military control acts as the de facto maritime boundary
between North and South Korea.
9. Which among the following Stock Exchanges will shut it operation after it failed to adhere to
several new regulatory requirements?
ANS:Madras Stock Exchange
The 76 year old Madras Stock Exchange will cease to exist from May 30 after it failed to
adhere to several new regulatory requirements, including increased net worth as outlined by
market regulator Sebi.
10. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus (PEDv) affects which among the following animals?
ANS:Pig
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea Virus (PEDv) has killed some seven million piglets in the US in
the past year. The disease has also been found in Canada, Mexico and Japan. It is not
harmful to human.
GK & Current Affairs: May 2, 2014
1. The Fazendas are the areas of plantation found in ___?
Brazil
Fazendas are the areas of plantation throughout the Brazil. It was earlier refers to the area of
Sugar and Coffee production. Fazendas now denotes any kind of farm.
2. Khaled Chowdhury, who passed away recently, was a famous personality in ____?
Bengali Theatre
Khaled Chowdhury was a famous theatre personality in Bengali. He worked for various
directors of both Bengali and Hindi plays. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his
contribution to theatre in India on 26th January 2012.
3. According to latest World Bank report which of the following are the worlds most expensive
economies?
Switzerland and Norway
Switzerland and Norway are placed as the worlds most expensive economies as the latest
report published by World Bank. They are followed by Bermuda, Australia and Denmark in the
list.
4. Recently, which among the following has become the worlds first Island to secure a
constant supply of electricity by combining wind and water power?
El Hierro
El Hierro-the smallest of Spains Canary Islands became the Island to secure a constant
supply of electricity by combining wind and water power
5. A political party will be treated as a National Party when it as recognised political party in __
or more states. Fill the blank with correct option?
Four
If a political party is treated as a recognised political party in four or more states, it shall be
known as National Party throughout the whole of India, but only so long as that political party
continues to fulfil thereafter the conditions for recognition in four or more states on the results
of any subsequent general election either to the House of the people or to the Legislature
Assembly of any State.
6. The Berne Convention, is an international agreement related to ___?
Copyrights
The Berne convention is an international agreement governing copyright which was first
accepted in Berne, Switzerland.
7. Recently, scientists have created a worlds first solar jet fuel under the project named
Solar-Jet fuel by using ____?
Water and Carbon dioxide
A research project named Solar-Jet funded by the European Union has produced the
worlds first jet fuel from water and carbon dioxide. In the Solar-Jet project, researchers used
concentrated light-stimulated sunlight-to convert carbon dioxide and water to synthesis Gas in
a high temperature solar reactor containing metal-oxide based material developed at ETH
Zurich. The Syngas was then converted into kerosene by shell using the established Fischer-
Tropsch process.
8. The Willy Willy is the local name for a tropical storm in ____?
Australia
9. The Lake Victoria forms the boundary between which of the following countries?
Tanzania and Uganda
10. What is the Indias ranking in the latest Freedom of the Press Index -2014?
78
India has been ranked 78 in the Freedom of the Press Index 2014. In 2013 Index, the rank of
India was 20 with 38 points. Sweden topped the list and belongs to worlds most independent
press.
GK & Current Affairs: May 3, 2014
1. In which of the following countries worlds highest tunnel for high-speed train has been
opened recently?
China
The worlds highest tunnel for high speed trains in northwest China became operational at an
altitude of 3,607 metres. The 16.3 km long was completely linked up, operationalising the
linking Gansu provenance and Xinjiang provenance.
2. The Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located in______?
Himachal Pradesh
The Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayan Mountains in the
north-eastern part of the Himachal Pradesh.
3. Which among the following is the most populous State in USA?
California
4. In the CAMELS bank-rating system, the word A stands for ___?
Average quality
CAMELS is a bank-rating system where bank supervisory authorities rare institutions
according to six factors. The six factors examined are C-Capital adequacy, A-Asset quality, M-
Management quality, E-Earnings, L-Liquidity, S-Sensitivity to Market Risk.
5. Sandra Helen Robson, who became the first woman kayaker to paddle across the Palk
Strait, belongs to which country?
Australia
Sandra Helen Robson is an Australian sea kayaker. She became the first woman kayaker to
paddle across the Palk Strait after circumnavigating Sri Lanka as part of her expedition, which
began in 2011.
6. As per the latest study, which Jupiters moon is believed to have club sandwich ocean
capable of supporting life?
Ganymede
A study revealed that Jupiters moon Ganymede may possess ice and liquid oceans stacked
up in several layers much like the popular multilayered sandwich. This arrangements would
make possible all sorts of interesting chemical reactions-including, perhaps, the kind that led
to the rise of life on earth.
7. The Government of India is presently negotiating a bilateral Board Based Trade and
Investment Agreement (BTIA) with __?
European Union
The Government of India is presently negotiating a bilateral Board Based Trade and
Investment Agreement (BTIA) with the European Union (EU), covering a number of tracks
ranging from Trade in Goods to Services. So far fifteen rounds of negotiations have been
held, the last being in May 2013 in New Delhi.
8. Recently, World Health Organisation (WHO) has imposed international travel restriction on
which of the following countries over polio fear?
Pakistan, Syria and Cameroon
The WHO slapped international travel restrictions on Pakistan, Cameroon and Syria over the
countries failure to control the spread of the deadly polio virus. According to WHO restrictions,
it will be mandatory for all residents and long-term visitors from Pakistan, Cameroon and
Syria to receive dose of Oral Polio Vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to
international travel.
9. World Press Freedom Day is observed on ____?
May 3
World Press Freedom Day or World Press Day is observed every year on 3 May.
10. The National Working Plan Code is a tool for management of ___?
Forest Resources
National Working Plan Code, working plan is a tool for scientific forest management. It is very
useful for evaluating the status of forest resource.