15 May
1. Which country has won the ICC under 19 Cricket World Cup 2014? A. England B. Pakistan C. India D. South Africa
Ans. D
BACKGROUND:
South Africa on 1 March 2014 emerged as the winner of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014 by defeating two-time former champions Pakistan by six wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With this win South Africa captured the ICC Junior World Cup for the first time. Playing first, Pakistan was all out for 131 in 44.3 over, while the score was chased by African side in 42.1 over.Final positions of cricketing teams in the Under-19 cricket world cup are:
1. South Africa
2. Pakistan
3. England
4. Australia
5. India
2. Vice President of India has recently released a book: Akbar,The Aesthete. Name the author of the book. A. Dr. Indu Anand B. Rajeev Bhatt C. Prakash Ojha D. Dr. Janki Devi
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Mr. Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India, on 28 February 2014 released a book entitled Akbar, The Aesthete in New Delhi. Dr. Indu Anand, an acclaimed educationist & Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College is the author of the book. The book is a presentation of the miniatures of Mughal era of Akbar, as he was a promoter of arts apart from being an aesthete. The miniatures of Mughal period are a vivid account of cultural, sociopolitical scenario of its era. Eminent Persian and Indian artists thronged his Royal Studio and were encouraged to paint numerous emotive miniatures of style and substance, communicating highly complex narratives. This book combines the sources and methodology of history and art history of the Mughal era and analyzes a select group of paintings of Akbar’s reign.
3. Union Cabinet has recently approved a new rail coach manufacturing unit in Kolar. In which state is Kolar located? A. Karnataka B. Andhra Pradesh C. Chhattisgarh D. Madhya Pradesh
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
The Union Cabinet on 28 February 2014 approved setting up of a new rail coach manufacturing unit at Kolar, Karnataka. The unit will manufacture 500 coaches per annum at an estimated cost of 1460.92 crore rupees with active participation of State Government. The Ministry of Railways will finance 50 percent of the cost. The government of Karnataka will provide the remaining 50 percent of the project cost with escalation and required land to the extent of about 1118.38 acres, free of cost. The proposed plant shall help Indian Railways in ensuring timely availability of passenger coaches to meet the increasing demands of passenger transportation.
4. In the construction of Chabahar Port,India is in talks with which of the following countries? A. Iran B. Iraq C. UAE D. Saudi Arabia
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Javad Zarif, the Foreign Affair Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran was on an official visit to India from 27 February to 28 February 2014. During this visit he met Salman Khurshid, the Union External Affairs Minister of India and the two sides reviewed the expanse of the bilateral relations between the two countries and emphasized to nurture the relations also.
5. The workdays for tribals under MNREGA have been raised to: A. 150 days B. 130 days C. 140 days D. 160 days
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Union Government of India on 28 February 2014 raised the number of workdays under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005) from 100 days to 150 days. This hike in the workdays will benefit 14 lakh families in India and the decision Union Cabinet will come into effect from April 2014. Apart from this, those tribal beneficiaries, who have received land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 will be eligible for 50 days wage employment under the rural job scheme. The beneficiaries of this hike in workdays will be available for those who have completed 100 workdays in that particular financial year. Such people will be given a job card of different color to distinguish from the regular MNREGA workers. The government under Forest Rights Act 2006 has given titles to around 14 lakh individual and community of which around 8 lakh individual titles include states namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa.
6. Union Cabinet has recently cleared reservation for which of the following communities under the OBC category? A. Jats B. Sikhs C. Parsees D. Muslims
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Union Cabinet on 2 March 2014 cleared reservation for Jat community under the central list of OBC (other backward castes quota) category in nine northern states. This move of the cabinet will benefit to about nine crore people of the community. This decision will also help Jats to avail benefits of reservation in central government jobs and in the central education institutions as per existing norms. This decision of the Cabinet, the Jat community will be included under the Central list of OBCs for the states like Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarrakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the National capital territory of Delhi will include the Jat community.
7. The Indian Navy has recently completed TROPEX war drills in the Indian Ocean Region. Expand TROPEX.
Ans. Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise
BACKGROUND:
Indian Navy on 1 March 2014 successfully completed Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX), one of its largest war drills spread over Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal region. TROPEX was a month-long exercise (started on 13 February 2014) with an aim to assess the operational readiness of naval units. The exercise has also validated the war fighting doctrine of Navy and has integrated newly included capabilities in its Concept of Operations. The drill involved large scale naval maneuvers in all three dimensions surface, air and underwater like nuclear submarine INS Chakra, over 50 ships and 75 combat and surveillance aircraft. It also saw participation of units from Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. It also saw maiden participation of the newly acquired P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. The recently launched satellite GSAT-7 was utilised by Navy in validating its network centric warfare capabilities.
8. Which of the following films has won the Oscar Award 2014 for the best picture? A. 12 Years A Slave B. Blue Jasmine C. Dallas Buyers Club D. Gravity
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
The 86th Annual Academy Oscar Awards 2014 was announced on 2 March 2014 and the best picture award was won by 12 Years A Slave of Steve McQueen. The film portrays America’s slaves in past. The film is based on the Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir and was hailed for its honest portrayal of one of the darkest chapters in American history. 12 Years A Slave is the first film directed by a black filmmaker to win the best picture Oscar award. Other 2014 Oscar Award Winners are as follows:
• Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey, (Dallas Buyers Club)
• Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, (Blue Jasmine)
• Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto, (Dallas Buyers Club)
• Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o, (12 Years a Slave)
• Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron, (Gravity)
9. RBI has extended the date of exchanging pre-2005 notes to: A. 1 July 2014 B. 1January 2015 C. 1 July 2015 D. 1 January 2016
Ans. B
BACKGROUND:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 3 March 2014 extended the date for exchange of the pre-2005 banknotes to 1 January 2015. RBI in its latest released has advised the banks to facilitate the exchange of these notes for full value and without causing any inconvenience to the public. RBI in its notification has requested people to co-operate actively in the withdrawal process and said that the withdrawal exercise is in conformity with the standard international practice of not having multiple series of notes in circulation at the same time. RBI has claimed that a majority of such notes have already been withdrawn through the banks and only a limited number of notes remain with the public.
10. Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recently launched DMIC at Lucknow. DMIC stands for: A. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor B. Delhi-Maharashtra Industrial Corridor C. Delhi-Mughalsarai Industrial Corridor D. Delhi Marathwada Industrial Corridor
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Uttar Pradesh Government launched the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 2 March 2014. With the launch of DMIC in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh is poised to go through a transformation in terms of industrialisation and generation of employment. This is because Uttar Pradesh is the meeting point of the Eastern and the Western Corridors. The overall impact of the Western and Eastern Corridors and the new Industrial Cities being developed in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project have the potential to create over 30 lakh jobs in UP and enhance the State’s Industrial Output by 24 lakh crores rupees.
DMIC in Uttar Pradesh (Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Industrial City):
• The aim of this Investment Region of 217 kilometers, is to develop an Infrastructure led integrated industrial city which is smart, sustainable, well connected and having state of art support industrial and social infrastructure.
• This investment region is being developed on Transit Oriented Development principle.
• Industries in sectors viz. Food, Auto, Electrical & Electronics, IT/ITeS, Research & Development, Aerospace, Biotech and Hi tech are proposed in the investment region.
11. Who among the following recently refused to head the Lokpal Committee Search Panel? A. K.T.Thomas B. S.Y.Qureshi C. Kaki Madhava Rao D. H.K. Dua
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Retired Supreme Court judge K.T.Thomas refused to head the Lokpal Committee Search panel on 3 March 2014. He was unanimously chosen to head the Search Panel by the Lokpal Selection Committee on 21 February 2014. Independent eminent Lawyer Fali Nariman had also refused to become the part of the Lokpal Search Panel. Lokpal Search panel was constituted by the Lokpal Selection Committee chaired by Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. The Search panel was constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The Search panel was mandated to scrutinize and recommend names to the Selection Committee for the post of Lokpal Chairperson and 8 other members. The Search Committee as constituted comprised 8 members. The members of the Search panel were Justice K T Thomas, Fali Nariman (senior advocate) S.Y.Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner) ,Meenakshi Gopinath (Principal, LSR College), Mrinal Miri (Educationist), Kaki Madhava Rao (ex-AP Chief Secretary), H.K. Dua (Rajya Sabha MP), are the members of the Lokpal Search Panel.
12. Which organization was recently accorded the status of National Sports Federation?
Ans. Hockey India
BACKGROUND:
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 3 March 2014 declared Hockey India as the sole body responsible towards promoting the sport in India. With this Hockey India has been accorded with the status of a National Sports Federation (NSF) for governing the sport of hockey (both men and women) in India. The release of Union Sports Ministry said that Hockey India has been made responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, regulation, control, promotion and development of the sports discipline. To be recognised as a National Sports Federation any institution or body needs to be recognised by its international body. In the case of Hockey India recognition was mandatory by International Hockey Federation (FIH), as well as the Indian Olympic Association and it has fulfilled both these criteria’s, since 2009. FIH, Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and IOA considered Hockey India following its work and considered it as the sole body responsible for the governance of the game in India.
13. Which of the following companies has recently won a patent case against Israeli firm Teva? A. Natco B. GSK C. Sun Pharma D. Dr. Reddy’s Lab
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Hyderabad-based Natco Pharmaceuticals won a patent case against Teva Pharmaceuticals of Israel on 3 March 2014. The decision would allow Natco to launch generic version of multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) in the U.S.A. The Delhi High Court dismissed Teva’s suit on 28 February 2014 which had sought an injunction over marketing a generic version of its drug in the USA by Natco. Teva does not have a patent on the drug in India, and was seeking an injunction to prevent Natco from exporting the drug. In the USA, the patent on the drug would expire on 24 May 2014. Natco has been selling the generic version of Copaxone in India since 2007. Natco planned to market it with U.S. based pharma giant Mylan with whom it has a global marketing alliance since 2008.
14. Militant Islamist group Boko Haram, which attacked Borno State recently, belongs to: A. Nigeria B. South Africa C. Cyprus D. Congo
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Suspected militant Islamists group Boko Haram attacked a town in north-east of Borno State of Nigeria on 2 March 2014. The attack led to killing of about 150 people in Borno. The militant Islamist group Boko Haram is waging an insurgency in Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno to give the military extra powers to curb the four-year insurgency. Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram, has been badly affected by the conflict. Both the Nigerian army and Boko Haram have repeatedly been accused by rights groups of committing atrocities during the conflict in the region. Boko Haram refers itself as Nigerian Taliban. It is a Nigeria-based group that seeks to overthrow the current Nigerian Government and replace it with a regime based on Islamic law. It is popularly known in Nigerian and Western media as Boko Haram. Boko Haram means Western education is forbidden. The group has existed in various forms since the late 1990s. The group suffered setbacks in July 2009 when clashes with Nigerian Government forces led to the deaths of hundreds of its members, including former leader Muhammad Yusuf.
15. Which of the following companies was founded by Sir Bill Gammell who has recently announced retirement? A. Cairn Energy B. Amazon C. General Electric D. IV Infra
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Cairn Energy founder Sir Bill Gammell announced retirement from the post of non – executive chairman on 3 March 2014. Sir William Benjamin Bowring Gammell commonly known as Sir Bill Gammell will leave the post on 15 May 2014. He will be replaced by Ian Tyler. He is in the board of the Edinburgh-based firm since 2013. He is currently a non-executive director of the company.
16. Different stake holders have raised concerns over RBI panel’s recommendation to create dedicated banks for rural inclusion. What will they be known as?
Ans. Payments banks
17. As informed by the Finance Minister in the Parliament, the gross NPAs of 40 listed banks advanced to 36.9 per cent in Sep 2013. At what amounts does it stand now? A. Rs. 2.22 lakh crore B. Rs. 2 lakh crore C. Rs. 2.25 lakh crore D. Rs. 2.3 lakh crore
Ans. A
18. Who has been appointed the new Governor of Kerala? A. Sheila Dikshit B. Bhanu Dutta C. Anurag Awasthi D. Vishal Nambiyar
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Sheila Dikshit, the former chief minister of Delhi on 4 March 2014 was appointed as the 22nd Governor of Kerala. She will succeed Nikhil Kumar, a former Delhi Police Commissioner who took over as the governor of Kerala in March 2013. Nikhil Kumar had tendered his resignation to the President of India that has been accepted.
About Sheila Dikshit
• Dikshit (75) is a senior congress leader and has served Delhi three times, as its Chief Minister from 1998 to 2013
• Earlier, during the Delhi Assembly elections in December 2013, Dikshit government suffered a defeat by the Arvind Kejriwal led AAM party. She lost her seat by over 20000 votes.
• She had represented the Kannauj Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh during 1984 to 1989
• In 2008, she was shortlisted for the World Mayor award and was awarded as the Best Chief Minister of India by Journalist Association of India
19. Which Indian acid attack victim has recently won the International Women of Courage Award? A. Purnima B. Laxmi C. Vibhuti D. Malya
Ans. B
BACKGROUND:
US honoured Laxmi, an acid attack victim with the prestigious International Women of Courage Award, on 4 March 2014. She has been honoured for being a standard-bearer for the movement to end acid attacks in India. She received the award at the State Department ceremony in Washington by Michelle Obama, first lady of US. The award was presented to Laxmi along with other awardees from different countries.
20. Which of the following Cricketers has recently announced retirement from cricket? A. Graeme Smith B. Rahul Dravid C. Sachin Tendulkar D. Saurav Ganguly
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Graeme Smith, the South African cricket team Captain, on 4 March 2014 announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the test match against Australia at Newlands. Smith is the longest serving captain for South Africa in international cricket. His retirement came after Jacques Kallis retired from the test team in December 2013.
21. Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has accepted the Kerala Government’s recommendations on ESA. What does ESA stand for? A. Earthly Sensitive Areas B. Economically Sensitive Areas C. Established Sensitive Areas D. Ecologically Sensitive Areas
Ans. D
BACKGROUND:
Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) accepted the recommendations of the Kerala Government regarding Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) boundaries on 4 March 2014. The Kerala government recommended to keep agricultural, plantations and habitations out of ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) identified by the High-Level Working Group (HLWG) on the conservation of the Western Ghats. It has also been decided that the MoEF will consider recommendations of the other States in Western Ghats region based on similar on-ground exercise. If such, proposals are forwarded to the MoEF within 60 days of issuance of the draft Notification.
22. On which date is the World Dentist Day observed across the World? A. 6 March B. 7 March C. 9 March D. 11 March
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
World Dentist Day is observed across the world on 6 March 2014. The day is observed every year to raise awareness about dental health. On this day the Indian Dentists Association (IDA) organizes Continuing Medical Education (CME), seminars and workshops to update the dentists about the various developmental programme, which is aimed towards improving the dental health.
23. In which of the following cities has the Sports Minister Jitendra Singh recently inaugurated the National Cycling Academy? A. Bangalore B. New Delhi C. Hyderabad D. Chennai
Ans. B
BACKGROUND:
Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, on 5 March 2014 inaugurated the Sports Authority of India National Cycling Academy (SAI NCA) at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. The academy with complete back-up facilities has been set up following the decision taken in the 42nd meeting of the Governing Body of SAI.
24. Where was the Indo-Nepal joint military exercise held recently? A. Sailahandi B. Bhuj C. Jaisalmer D. Andaman and Nicobar
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
India and Nepal on 6 March 2014 started a joint military exercise at Saljhandi in Rupandehi district of Nepal. The two week exercise named Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI was inaugurated by Nepal’s Army Major General Victor SJB Rana.
25. Bharti Airtel and Etisalat have signed a pact to set up regional network infrastructure. To which country does Etisalat belong? A. UAE B. Saudi Arabia C. Iran D. Iraq
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Bharti Airtel and UAE’s telecom giant Etisalat signed a pact on 4 March 2014 to set up a multi-service regional network infrastructure node in India. The partnership includes Airtel’s MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) services supported by its global network. The MPLS will allow Airtel to provide advanced data and wholesale services to its customers in the Middle East and Africa. It will also provide a platform to Etisalat to reach out to key global business hubs such as Africa and India
26. Which among the following has won the Federation Cup Volleyball 2014? A. North Zone B. Tamil Nadu C. South Zone D. Services
Ans. B
BACKGROUND:
Tamil Nadu (TN) men and Railways women won the XXVII (twenty seventh) Federation Cup Volleyball titles on 5 March 2014 in the finals at Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam in Kerala. Tamil Nadu men defeated services and the Railways women defeated Kerala in the finals. The cup was held from 26 February to 5 March 2014.
27. ________has recently voted to become a part of the Russian Federation.
Ans. Crimea
BACKGROUND:
Authorities in Crimea voted to accelerate secession from Ukraine and unanimously backed a law that declared the territory to be part of the Russian Federation on 6 March 2014. The cabinet had decided to take the decision by referendum in 10 days. MPs of Crimea had voted by 78 votes to nil for the territory to leave Ukraine. A referendum on more autonomy for the region due on 30 March 2014 was brought forward to 16 March 2014. Now the residents had the option to unify the Black Sea peninsula with Russia. After the law was initiated, the Crimean government asserted that all Ukrainian troops on the territory of Crimea should either leave or be treated as occupiers. Crimea is planning to introduce the Rouble and readopt Russian state symbols. Russia has welcomed the decision of the Crimean Government and Russian Parliament DUMA had begun work on a bill that would make it easier for Russia to join new territories.
28. Name the Indian-American scientist who has developed the first 3D-model of human fingerprint called Phantom. A. Vivek Rai B. Anil Jain C. Umesh Bhandhari D. Ruchi Sinha
Ans. B
BACKGROUND:
Indian-American scientist Anil Jain on 6 March 2014 developed the first 3D model of a human fingerprint called Phantom. The development could boost the accuracy of fingerprint-matching systems and improve security technology. The team of computer scientists led by Arun Jain at Michigan State University developed the 3D image by first making a two dimensional image of a fingerprint and then mapping it to a 3D finger surface. The 3D finger surface complete with all the ridges and valleys that make up the human fingerprint, is made using a 3D printer.
29. ________ has recently declared “Muslim Brotherhood” as a Terrorist Organization.
Ans: Saudi Arabia
BACKGROUND
Saudi Arabia on 7 March 2014 declared Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Nusra Front, Hezbollah and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) jihadist group as Terrorist Groups. The move is expected to curb the activities of terror outfits and prevent the people from taking part in the conflict directly. The ban was described as a sign of the kingdom’s resolve to fight terrorism and to avoid direct consequence in Saudi Arabia.
30. The Parliament has passed the Interim Budget 2014-15 recently. What is the budget allocation for the non-plan expenditure for the financial year 2014-15?
Ans. Rs. 12,07,892 crore
31. Which of the following companies has announced the launch of Asha Kiran, a health insurance cover for girl child? A. New India Assurance B. LIC C. Oriental Insurance D. General Insurance Corporation
Ans. A
BACKGROUND:
Public sector general insurer New India Assurance announced an exclusive health insurance cover New India Asha Kiran for girl child on 7 March 2014. New India Assurance cut health insurance rate for 50 per cent for the girl child. The discount is restricted to the families with only girl child. Besides being cheaper, the girl child policy also provides a personal accident cover for parents. On occurrence of any accident to parent, the sum insured would be placed as a fixed deposit in the names of the girl child.
32. India successfully test fired Akash missile recently. Which of the following is NOT correct about the missile? A. It is compared to American Patriot surface-to-air missile system. B. It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets and cruise missiles. C. This is developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. D. It has a strike range of 30 km and can carry a warhead of 50 kg. E. None of these
Ans. E
33. Of which country is Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who recently embarked on a three day official visit to India?
Ans. Saudi Arabia
34. On which date is the International Women’s Day observed?
Ans. 8 March
35. Who is the current President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?
Ans. Thomas Bach
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