GK & Current Affairs Quiz: January 01, 2018

First Published: January 1, 2018 | Last Updated:January 1, 2018

1.

Which Indian golfer has won the Royal Cup tournament 2017?

[A] Jyoti Randhawa

[B] Gaganjeet Bhullar
[C] Khalin Joshi
[D] Shiv Kapur

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Shiv Kapur]

Explanation:

Indian golfer Shiv Kapur has won the Royal Cup at Pattaya on December 31, 2017, which is his third
Asian Tour title of 2017. Kapur, who had just one win in almost 11 years till April this year, has now
won three times in last 8 months. This latest win marks Kapur’s fourth Asian Tour win and sixth
international title as he won twice on European Challenge Tour also.

2.

After Sikkim, which North-East state has been officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF)?

[A] Manipur
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]

Explanation:

Arunachal Pradesh has been officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) and has become the
second state in the North East after Sikkim to achieve the status. On 1st January 2018, Upper
Subansiri, Siang and Changlang were officially declared ODF. The project undertaken under Swachh
Bharat Mission (Gramin) SBM (G) saw the light of day only after the state government extended an
incentive of Rs 8,000 per toilet. This is in addition to the Centres support of Rs 12,000, raising the
grant for constructing a toilet to Rs 20,000. The state government also launched Swachh Arunachal
Mission on October 2, 2017 at Tawang which envisaged the Swachh Protocol (Cleanliness Protocol)
aimed at ensuring sustainability of assets created under SBM (Gramin). The state has achieved the
ODF status before the national target, which is October 2019.

3.

Which country to host the mini-ministerial meeting of WTO members in Feb 2018 to revitalize the
multi-lateral trade body?

[A] Israel
[B] Argentina
[C] India
[D] United States

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [India]

Explanation:

The mini-ministerial meeting of WTO members from both rich and developing nations is proposed to
be hosted by India in February 2018 to revitalize the multi-lateral trade body. The objective of the
meeting is to discuss ways to revitalise the WTO, which is the best available multilateral institution
to ensure predictable and transparent system of rule-making in the area of international trade.
About 40 WTO member countries are expected to participate in the meeting, which is taking place
after collapse of the ministerial talks held in Buenos Aires in December 2017. The meeting would be
in the backdrop of rich nations forming groupings to prepare ground for pushing new issues such as
investment facilitation, preparing rules for e-commerce, promoting gender equality and reducing
subsidy on fisheries.

4.

KKR & Co. has become the India’s first Foreign-Owned Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC). It is
associated to which country?

[A] United States

[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] New Zealand

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [United States]

Explanation:

US buyout giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) & Co. has become the first foreign investor to fully
own an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) in India as it received approval from the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) at a time when lenders are fighting with a pile of bad loans that have crippled their
businesses. KKR is one of the most aggressive investors in financial services. It has plans to deploy a
major chunk from its record Asia fund for buying troubled assets in the country, multiple sources
with direct knowledge of the matter. Its headquarters is located in New York, United States. An ARC
is in the business of acquiring Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). The Banks and an ARC get into an
agreement in which the ARC take over the NPAs from the Banks Balance Sheet at a certain amount,
lower than the Book Value. After this process, the particular ARC tries to recover this amount from
the borrowers.

5.

Which country has launched the world’s largest human genome research project?

[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Brazil
[D] Russia
Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [China ]

Explanation:

China has launched the world’s largest human genome research project to document the genetic
makeup of one lakh people to help generate the precision medicines for the future. The project
would detect the genetic links between health and sickness and involve one person from different
ethnic backgrounds and regions. The project will collect the genetic data of Han ethnic majority
people from all over the country and 9 other ethnic minority groups with a population of more than
5 million. There are about 25,000 human genes and the project aims to decode the hereditary
information contained in each. The project includes four stages – collecting, sequencing gene
samples, gathering the data and sharing the findings. As per report, the project will conclude all its
gene sequencing and analysis within four years, which will also make it the fastest genome
engineering project in the world, the report said. The report did not disclose the budget.

6.

Which union minister has launched a new start-up incubation centre “Centre for Entrepreneurship
Opportunities and Learning (CEOL)” in Mangaluru?

[A] Arun Jaitley

[B] Prakash Javadekar
[C] Nirmala Sitharaman
[D] Ravi Shankar Prasad

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Nirmala Sitharaman]

Explanation:

Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Defence Minister, has launched a new state-of-the-art incubation
centre “Centre for Entrepreneurship Opportunities and Learning (CEOL)” at Mallikatta in Mangaluru,
Karnataka on December 29, 2017. The aim of CEOL is to nurture talent, foster the spirit of innovation
and to support young engineers to realize their ideas. This is part of the project ‘Startup Coast’ under
which it is proposed to establish innovation centres, incubation set-up, tinkering labs and co-working
space for startups on the west coast in Karnataka. The CEOL, which will be managed by the Society
headed by Deputy Commissioner, will provide perfect ecosystem for youngsters to work on their
ideas. Sitharaman has allocated Rs. 1.5 crore from her MPLAD (Member of Parliament’s Local Area
Development) scheme for the development of CEOL. She represents Karnataka as an MP in the Rajya
Sabha.

7.

Which company has bagged the broadcast rights of 2018 Khelo India School Games (KISG)?

[A] Sahara
[B] Star Sports
[C] Adidas
[D] Reebok

Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Star Sports]

Explanation:

Star Sports, India’s leading sports broadcaster, has bagged the broadcast and production rights of
Union Sports Ministry’s flagship ‘Khelo India School Games (KISG)’ for a period of five years from
2018 to 2022. The first-ever Khelo India School Games 2018 will be held from January 31 for under-
17 age group (boys and girls) across 16 sports disciplines. The purpose of KISG is to inculcate a
nationwide culture of sports through a grassroots sports revolution. The KISG 2018 is the marquee
event under revamped Khelo India porgramme. The event is expected to host around 6000 athletes
and officials in its first edition. The best talent selected through the competition will be amongst the
1000 (one thousand) budding athletes eligible for a scholarship worth 5 lakhs each per year for a
period of eight years. Every year, new athletes will be added under the Khelo India scheme. Thus,
over the period of the scheme, the country will have a solid bench-strength for all sports.

8.

Which cricket team has won the 2017 Ranji Trophy tournament?

[A] Hyderabad
[B] Gujarat
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Vidarbha

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Vidarbha]

Explanation:

Vidarbha cricket team has created history by winning the 2017 Ranji Trophy tournament with a
thumping 9-wicket win over Delhi at the Holkar stadium in Indore on the 4th and penultimate day of
their final on January 1, 2018. It is Vidarbha’s first Ranji Trophy title. After conceding a 252-run first
innings lead, Delhi were bowled out for 280 in their second innings, setting a target of merely 29
runs for Vidarbha. Vidarbha lost only one wicket and took only five overs to chase down the target
which gave them their first Ranji Trophy title. Rajneesh Gurbani’s 6 for 59, including a hat-trick and a
century from Akshay Wadkar were the key moments in Vidarbha scripting a fairytale run.

9.

The Chamera Dam is located in which state/UT?

[A] Puducherry
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Jharkhand

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]

Explanation:

The Chamera Dam is located near the town of Dalhousie, in the Chamba district of Himachal
Pradesh. It impounds the River Ravi and supports the hydroelectricity project in the region. The
reservoir of the dam is the Chamera Lake. The catchment of the dam is 472.5 square kilometres. The
reservoir has a live storage capacity of 110 MCN and mean annual inflow of 1,273 BCM. The unique
feature of the region is the fluctuating day and night temperature. The temperature during the day
near the dam rises up to 35 degrees Celsius and drops to a minimum of 18 to 20 °C at night. The
water level in the Chamera Lake rises to a maximum of 763 meters while the minimum water level is
747 meters.

10.

Which state will be the theme state for the 32nd Surajkund International Crafts fair?

[A] Madhya Pradesh

[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Haryana

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]

Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh will be the theme state for the 32nd Surajkund International Crafts fair, which is
scheduled to be held from the first week of February at Faridabad in Haryana. Besides participation
of all states, about two dozen countries would also take part in the fair. The aim of fair is to preserve
Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage. It also provides a world-class platform for craftsmen from
around the world to showcase their skills. The fair would be organised by the Haryana Tourism and
Surajkund Fair Authority in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and
External Affairs. Renowned folk artists and cultural groups of national and international repute
would enthrall tourists with various programmes in the ‘Choupal’ and Open-air theatre located in
the fair premises in Surajkund.

GK & Current Affairs Quiz: January 02, 2018

First Published: January 2, 2018 | Last Updated:January 3, 2018

1.

Which union minister has launched an online portal NARI for the empowerment of women?

[A] Maneka Gandhi

[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Uma Bharti
[D] Smriti Irani

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Maneka Gandhi]

Explanation:

Maneka Gandhi, the union minister of Women and Child Development (WCD), has inaugurated an
online portal NARI in New Delhi for the empowerment of women. The portal – nari.nic.in – will
provide easy access to information on government schemes and initiatives for women. The portal,
which is developed by the Ministry, summarise over 350 government schemes and other important
information. It elaborates how the Government is focussed to economically empower women
through schemes under Direct Benefit Transfer. The portal provides links to the Ministries,
Departments and autonomous bodies offering these schemes as well as easy access to online
applications and grievance redressal. Also, there are tips on nutrition, suggestions for health check-
ups, tips for job search, investment and savings advice, information on crimes against women and
reporting procedures, contacts of legal aid cells, adoption procedures and much more.

2.

Anwar Jalalpuri, the noted Urdu poet has passed away. He hailed from which state?

[A] Arunachal Pradesh

[B] Rajasthan
[C] Telangana
[D] Uttar Pradesh

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]

Explanation:

Prominent Urdu poet Anwar Jalalpuri (71), who translated Bhagwad Geeta into Urdu, has passed
away in Lucknow on January 2, 2018. Jalalpuri wrote ‘Rahraw se Rahnuma tak’, ‘Urdu Shayri Mein
Geetanjali’ and ‘Urdu Shayri mein Geeta’. He was the recipient of Uttar Pradesh’s Yash Bharti award.
His last rites will be performed on Jan 03 in his hometown Jalalpur in Uttar Pradesh.

3.

The 171st Araadhanai Music Festival (AMF) has started in which state?

[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Odisha
[D] Tripura

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]

Explanation:

The 171st Araadhanai Music Festival (AMF) has started in Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu on January 2,
2018. The fest is one of the Trinities of Carnatic music Saint Thyagaraja, which was inaugurated by
Governor Banwarilal Purohit. The main function of the festival – the choral singing of Thyagaraja’s
five kritis in Ghana ragas – will be held on his Samadhi day which falls on next Saturday. Over 1,000
musicians from all over the world are expected to pay homage to Saint Thygaraja during the course
of the five-day festival.

4.

Who has taken charge as the new CEO and MD of Infosys?

[A] Michael Pesch

[B] Nandan Nilekani
[C] Salil Parekh
[D] Pravin Rao

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Salil Parekh]

Explanation:

Salil S Parekh, an aeronautical engineer from IIT Bombay, has formally taken charge as the new Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Infosys on January 2, 2018. Parekh joins
Infosys from Capgemini, where he was a member of the Group Executive Board. He has Master of
Engineering degrees in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and a
Bachelor of Technology degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT), Bombay.

5.

Which state government has recently received the approval for purchase of electric vehicles under
Central government’s FAME-India scheme?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Assam
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Gujarat

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Karnataka ]

Explanation:

The Karnataka government has recently received the approval for purchase of electric vehicles from
the Department of Heavy Industries of the Union Government under FAME India subsidised scheme.
The state will purchase 40 electric buses, 100 four wheelers and 500 three wheelers at maximum of
60% subsidy under the scheme. The subsidy support is also provided for setting up electricity
charging infrastructure across Bengaluru. The electric vehicles to ply in the city as public transport
will protect the environment, save fossil fuel and ensure public health. The Faster Adoption and
Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India was launched in 2015 under the National
Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM) aims at promoting eco-friendly vehicles in the country.

6.

Who has been appointed the new Foreign Secretary of India?

[A] V.Rajamani
[B] Vijay Keshav Gokhale
[C] Madhukar Bhave
[D] Husain Dalwai

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Vijay Keshav Gokhale]

Explanation:
Vijay Keshav Gokhale, the 1981-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed the
new Foreign Secretary of India. He will succeed S Jaishankar, whose term ends on January 28, 2018.
Currently, he is Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He has also
held the post of India’s ambassador to China during the term of the Narendra Modi government.
Before that, he served as India’s envoy to Germany and Hong Kong. Above all, he is known for his
fluency in the Chinese language, as well as his long experience in dealing with East Asia, and China in
particular. He has served as Director (China and East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and
went on to be Joint Secretary (East Asia). Gokhale is the only IFS to have served as India’s
Representative both in Taiwan and China.

7.

Who has become the India’s highest-ranked player in latest International Table Tennis Federation
(ITTF) rankings?

[A] Sharath Kamal

[B] Soumyajit Ghosh
[C] G Sathiyan
[D] Anthony Amalraj

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [G Sathiyan]

Explanation:

G Sathiyan has become India’s highest- ranked player in the latest International Table Tennis
Federation (ITTF) rankings. Sathiyan (ranked 49th) surpassed his compatriot the legendary Sharath
Kamal (51st). They are followed by Soumyajit Ghosh ranked 58th, Harmeet Desai ranked 60th, Sanil
Shetty ranked 68th and Anthony Amalraj ranked 87th. As for the women, Manika Batra is topping
the world chart among Indians at 62, while Mouma Das is ranked 74th and Madhurika Patkar is
ranked 81th. The ITTF rankings have undergone a change after the new system was approved in
September 2017. The new simplified and comprehensive system provides for a more dynamic world
ranking based on paddlers’ performance and results during the entire year.

8.

R Margabandu, the noted politician passed away. He hailed from which state?

[A] Gujarat
[B] Odisha
[C] Chattisgarh
[D] Tamil Nadu

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]

Explanation:

R Margabandu (83), an advocate by profession and former Member of the Legislative Assembly
(MLA) of Tamil Nadu, has passed away on December 28, 2017. He represented Tamil Nadu in the
Upper House from July 1995 to July 2001. He was the leader of the AIADMK party in the House.
9.

Rajneesh Gurbani is associated with which sports?

[A] Cricket
[B] Chess
[C] Boxing
[D] Table Tennis

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Cricket ]

Explanation:

Rajneesh Gurbani is the India’s right-arm fast bowler who plays for Vidarbha cricket team. Recently,
Vidarbha cricket team has created history by winning the 2017 Ranji Trophy tournament with a
thumping 9-wicket win over Delhi in the final at the Holkar stadium in Indore on January 1, 2018. In
the final, Gurbani took 6 wickets for 59 including a hat-trick and has been named as Man of the
Match. He finished the season as the second-highest wicket-taker with 39 wickets.

10.

The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in which state?

[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Punjab

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]

Explanation:

The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is a leading research institute,
which is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is an autonomous body under the Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Government of India (GoI) and has specialization in Astronomy, Astrophysics
and Atmospheric Sciences.

GK & Current Affairs Quiz: January 04, 2018

First Published: January 4, 2018 | Last Updated:January 4, 2018

1.

Which city to host the 2018 Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE)?

[A] Bengaluru
[B] Bijapur
[C] Mysuru
[D] Hubli

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Bengaluru ]

Explanation:

Bengaluru will host the first edition of Karnataka International Travel Expo’ (KITE) at the Bangalore
International Exhibition Center (BIEC) from February 28, 2018. The expo is being touted as the
largest B2B travel event in India, which is providing a platform for over 400 registered buyers and
media representatives from over 25 countries. The government expects to attract over 1,000
delegates and facilitate 10,000 or so meetings during the 3-day event. The purpose of expo is to
project Karnataka globally and attract tourist footfall, with emphasis on promoting the state’s
adventure and wildlife, business travel, pilgrimage, UNESCO world heritage sites, festivals of
Karnataka, etc. The event would provide impetus to inbound travel and tourism and enhance the
marketing efforts of Karnataka Tourism to promote destinations in the State.

2.

Which of the following countries has formally joined as the new non-permanent members of UNSC?

[A] Poland
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] Egypt

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Poland]

Explanation:

On 3rd January 2018, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has welcomed six new non-
permanent members — Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru, and Poland.
The six new countries, voted on by the 193-member General assembly for two-year terms, will have
a strong voice in matters dealing with international peace and security during their time on the
U.N.’s most powerful body. The U.N. Security council has primary responsibility for the maintenance
of international peace and security. It has 15 members — five of which (Britain, China, France, Russia
and the United States) hold permanent membership and veto power. The six countries who left the
UNSC on 31st December 2017 are Egypt, Italy, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay.

3.

Endangered ‘bird language’ has entered the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is belong
to which country?

[A] Senegal
[B] Turkey
[C] India
[D] Uruguay

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Turkey]

Explanation:

Turkey’s endangered ‘bird language’ has entered the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is
an unusual and very efficient whistle language used as a means of communication by villagers in
remote northern Turkey. UNESCO has accepted the “bird language” of Black Sea villagers as an
endangered part of world heritage in need of urgent protection. Around 10,000 people, mostly in
the district of Canakci in Giresun province, still use the highly-developed and high pitch system of
whistling to communicate in the rugged terrain where most of the times they cannot see each other.
This form of communication which dates to some 500 years ago, during the Ottoman Empire, was
widespread across the Black Sea regions, but 50 years ago it suffered the impact of the progression
of technology and nowadays the ever rapid growing of cellular mobile systems has put this cultural
heritage under serious threat.

4.

The Rajasthan Government has tied up with which bank to promote and nurture startups in the
state?

[A] SBI
[B] HDFC Bank
[C] ICICI Bank
[D] PNB

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [HDFC Bank]

Explanation:

Recently, the Rajasthan Government and HDFC Bank have signed MoU to promote and nurture
startups in the state. As per pact, HDFC Bank will team up with the state government to provide end-
to-end solutions including current accounts, credit cards and more under its SmartUp programme.
HDFC Bank will also assist startups in showcasing their offerings to the general public.

5.

NABARD has signed pact with which bank to promote Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in Bengal?

[A] Punjab National Bank

[B] Bank of India
[C] State Bank of India
[D] Dena Bank

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [State Bank of India]

Explanation:

The State Bank of India (SBI) and NABARD have signed an agreement with 5 NGOs in Bengal for the
promotion of 2,500 Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) in select districts of the State on January 2, 2018.
JLGs are informal groups of 4-10 members engaged in similar economic activities and willing to
jointly undertake the responsibility to repay loans taken by the group from a bank. They are typically
credit groups of small or marginal tenant farmers who do not have a proper title of their farmland.
Through these JLGs, SBI plans to extend assistance to the financially excluded sections of the society,
especially landless farmers in the districts of Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Burdwan
and North 24 Parganas. Plans are also afoot to scale up the project in a phased manner to cover the
remaining districts. NABARD has fixed a target of credit linking 80,000 JLGs in West Bengal in 2017-
18. Till date, NABARD has sanctioned assistance for the promotion of 60,000 JLGs by various NGOs in
the State through 339 projects in different districts.

6.

The 2018 Mylapore festival has started in which state?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]

Explanation:

The 16th edition of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival (SFMF-2018) has started at Sri
Kapaleeswarar Temple and Nageswara Rao Park in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from January 4. The 4 day
fest will include about 40 events, such as heritage walks, competitions and cultural performances. It
has been organized by city based non banking finance company Sundaram Finance.

7.

Who has taken charge as the new chief of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)?

[A] R R Bhatnagar
[B] Rina Mitra
[C] Abhay
[D] Om Prajapati

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Abhay]

Explanation:

Abhay, the 1986-batch police officer of Odisha cadre, has taken charge as the new chief of the of the
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) at the NCB headquarters in Delhi on January 2, 2018. He will hold
the post the post till 18th of November 2019. Prior to this appointment, he was Additional DG
(Training) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The post of the NCB DG was lying vacant since
April 2017 when the incumbent R R Bhatnagar was appointed as the CRPF DG. Special Secretary in
the home ministry Rina Mitra was handling the additional charge of NCB DG since then. The NCB,
under the command of the Union Home Ministry, is the apex coordinating and enforcement agency
in the country against drug crimes and for countering drugs abuse.

8.

Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (REAT) for Tamil
Nadu and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

[A] Indira Banerjee

[B] V Rajamani
[C] N Swaminathan
[D] B Rajendran

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [B Rajendran]

Explanation:

B Rajendran, the former Madras High Court judge, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Real
Estate Appellate Tribunal (REAT) for Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. The monthly salary of the chairperson would be Rs 80,000. As per Section 43 of the Real
Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, the State government has to establish the Real
Estate Appellate Tribunal for Tamil Nadu. Under Section 45 of the Real Estate (Regulation and
Development) Act, 2016, the tribunal should consist of a chairperson and not less than two whole-
time members, of which one shall be a judicial member and another has to be a technical or
administrative member appointed by the government.

9.

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) has signed MoU with which Payments Bank to provide
training on payment banking?

[A] Paytm Payments Bank

[B] Airtel Payments Bank
[C] India Post Payments Bank
[D] Fino Payments Bank

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [India Post Payments Bank ]

Explanation:

The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) to offer relevant training to the employees on issues
pertaining payment banking. Under the agreement, IICA has been entrusted with the key
responsibility of capacity building of IPPB through training of its officials/employees besides
providing research support by instituting Research Chairs in the emerging area of payment banking.
This joint venture is expected to enable the massive network of post offices with the ability to
effectively deal with Financial Inclusion.

10.

The Khadakwasla Dam is located in which state?

[A] Punjab
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]

Explanation:

The Khadakwasla Dam is 1.6 km long and has been built on the Mutha River, 20 km from Pune in
Maharashtra. This dam across the river Mutha created an attractive lake “Khadakwasla Lake”, which
is the main source of water for Pune and its suburbs.

GK & Current Affairs Quiz: January 05, 2018

First Published: January 5, 2018 | Last Updated:January 5, 2018

1.

Which union minister will inaugurate the 2018 ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)?

[A] Rajnath Singh

[B] Prakash Javadekar
[C] Nitin Gadkari
[D] Sushma Swaraj

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Nitin Gadkari]

Explanation:

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources,
River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, will inaugurate the 2018 ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas (PBD) in Singapore on January 6. The theme of the 2-day PBD Convention is “Ancient Route,
New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic India-ASEAN Partnership”. The PBD is celebrated every year
to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government, reconnect
them with their roots and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

2.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated PCA against Allahabad Bank over its high bad loans.
What does “PCA” stands for?

[A] Prompt Control Action

[B] Principal Complaints Action
[C] Principal Component Action
[D] Prompt Corrective Action

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Prompt Corrective Action]

Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) against public sector
lender Allahabad Bank, owing to its high net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and negative Return on
Assets (RoA) for two consecutive years. The action would contribute to the overall improvement in
risk management, asset quality, profitability, efficiency of the bank. The RBI has initiated similar
action against other public sector banks, including IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank.
The RBI in April 2017 had issued a new set of enabling provisions under the revised PCA framework
with a clause that if the bank does not show improvement then it could be either be merged or
taken over by other bank.

3.

Who has been appointed as the Editor of the Economic and Political Weekly (EPW)?

[A] Gopal Guru

[B] Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
[C] Geetanjali Das
[D] Priyank Kumar

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Gopal Guru]

Explanation:

Political scientist Gopal Guru has been appointed as the Editor of the Economic and Political Weekly
(EPW) by the Sameeksha Trust for a period of five years. Urrently, Professor Guru teaches Political
Science at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. Earlier, he taught at the University of
Delhi and the University of Pune.

4.

Which union ministry has launched India’s first digital online oncology tutorial series?

[A] Ministry of Human Resource Development

[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[D] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]

Explanation:

Preeti Sudan, the secretary of Union Health and Family Welfare ministry, has launched India’s first
digital online oncology tutorial series in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre on January 4,
2018. The purpose of the tutorial series is to educate doctors in early detection, prevention,
palliation, rehabilitation and treatment of various forms of cancers. This is part of a national
programme that will be rolled out across the country by Tata Memorial Centre in collaboration with
state governments. The overall course, designed for 7 weeks, will equip doctors with the skills and
knowledge on the basics of oncology to detect, diagnose and refer cancer cases early. It comprises
14 hours of comprehensive e-learning through more than 40 video lectures, case studies,
assessment questionnaires and periodic interactive webinar sessions with the respective consultants
of Tata Memorial Hospital.

5.

Which state to host the 3rd edition of the Science Film Festival of India (SCI-FFI 2018)?

[A] Maharashtra
[B] Goa
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Jammu & Kashmir

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Goa ]

Explanation:

The 3rd edition of the Science Film Festival of India (SCI-FFI) will be held in Goa from January 16-19,
2018. The festival titled “SCI-FFI Goa” is being organized by the state-based Vidnyan Parishad, Goa
Department of Science and Technology. The purpose of the fest is to promote science filmmaking
culture in Goa. The Science Film Making Competition is an attractive part of the SCI-FFI festival. The
competition is in two categories of films up to 5 minutes duration and over 5 minutes. The first prize
for the best film is a cash prize of Rs 25,000. The three best films will also receive cash prizes. Other
categories include best Direction/Research presentation, and best Cinematography, Editing and
Design. The total prize money is Rs 1.00 lakhs and will be given away during the opening ceremony
on 16th Jan. The competition aims to boost the culture of science films, all the films submitted
should be related to science and technology.

6.

Which state to host the 39th National Games in 2022?

[A] Meghalaya
[B] Nagaland
[C] Mizoram
[D] Assam

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [Meghalaya ]

Explanation:

Meghalaya has signed the Host City Contract with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for hosting
the 39th National Games in 2022 on January 3, 2018. The tripartite contract was signed between the
IOA, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, and the state government. With this, Meghalaya will
host the National Games 2022 coinciding with the 50th year of the creation of the state. For these
games, the central government will provide 30% of the total budget for the National Games while
the remaining 70% funds would have to be raised by the state government on its own. Meghalaya
will be the 3rd northeastern state after Manipur and Assam hosted the National Games in 1999 and
2007, respectively. It had co-hosted the 2016 South Asian Games with its neighboring Assam.
Approx, 14,450 athletes and officials are expected to visit the state during the 2022 National Games.

7.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched which operation on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
International Border to curb infiltration?

[A] Operation Border

[B] Operation Control
[C] Operation Alert
[D] Operation Star
Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Operation Alert]

Explanation:

The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched Operation Alert along the over 200 km long
International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to curb the increasing movement of infiltrating
terrorists from across the border.

8.

Vasant Shankar Davkhare, who passed away recently, was the noted politician of which party?

[A] Communist Party of India

[B] Indian National Congress
[C] Nationalist Congress Party
[D] Bharatiya Janata Party

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: C [Nationalist Congress Party]

Explanation:

Vasant Shankar Davkhare (67), the senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Deputy
Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), has passed away in Mumbai on January 4,
2018. He was known for his loyalty to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and was also known for having cordial
relations across party lines; especially with Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray. His closeness to
Thackerays always ensured his easy win in Council polls. However, he tasted defeat last year as the
Sena decided to contest against him. His son Niranjan is also an MLC from the NCP.

9.

Which city is hosting the Conference on Transformation of Aspirational Districts?

[A] New Delhi

[B] Kochi
[C] Chennai
[D] Bengaluru

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the Conference on Transformation of Aspirational
Districts at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on January 5, 2018. During the
conference, which is being organized by NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister will interact with officials in-
charge of transformation of over 100 backward districts. This event is in keeping with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s vision of a New India by 2022. Niti Ayaog has identified 115 such districts. It
nominated senior government officials as ‘Prabhari’ officers for each of these districts in November
2017. They will act as a bridge between the Centre and the district and will coordinate efforts
between the Centre and states.
10.

The Basava Sagar Dam is located in which state?

[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Tamil Nadu

Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]

Explanation:

The Basava Sagar Dam has been built across the Krishna River at Siddapur Village in Bijapur district
of Karnataka. The reservoir that it impounds is known as Basava Sagar, and has a total storage
capacity of 37.965 tmcft with 30.5 tmcft live storage. The full reservoir level is 492.25 m MSL and the
minimum draw down level is 481.6 m MSL. The dam is 29 meters high and over 10 kilometres long
and has 30 gates for water release.