Gktoday Jan MCQ

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?
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[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.
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
[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.
1.
Which Container Port has won the 2017 “Samudra Manthan – Caring Organisation
of the Year” award?
[A] Haldia Port
[B] Kolkata port
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
[D] Visakhapatnam Port
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust]
Explanation:
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which is India’s Premier Container Port,
has won the 2017 “Samudra Manthan – Caring Organisation of the Year”
award.The award instituted by Bhandarkar Shipping aims to fuel healthy
competition in the maritime sector. Besides achieving operational excellence,
JNPT provides excellent facilities to their staff like medical insurance, residential
township with school, transport service, canteens, rest rooms, recreation, sports
activities and regular training programs on various key topics.

2.
Who has taken charge as the Managing Director (MD) of India Infrastructure
Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL)?
[A] Pankaj Jain
[B] Sridhar Kumar
[C] Arun K Shah
[D] T S Joshi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pankaj Jain]
Explanation:
Pankaj Jain, a 1990 batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre , has taken
charge as the Managing Director (MD) of India Infrastructure Finance Company
Ltd (IIFCL). He will be holding additional charge of IIFCL along with his present
position as Joint Secretary at Department of Financial Services (DFS). IIFCL is a
state-owned company focused on infrastructure financing and development.
3.
Radha Vishwanathan, the noted vocalist has passed away. She hailed from which
state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka ]
Explanation:
Radha Vishwanathan (83), Carnatic vocalist and former classical dancer, has
passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka on January 2, 2018. She was the daughter of
legendary classical singer M S Subbulakshmi. She performed extensively with her
mother for nearly five decades on stage.
4.
Who has taken charge as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of National
Cricket Academy (NCA)?
[A] Rahul Johri
[B] Tufan Ghosh
[C] Saba Karim
[D] MV Sridhar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tufan Ghosh]
Explanation:

Tufan Ghosh has taken charge as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of
National Cricket Academy (NCA). Beside him, former India stumper Saba Karim
has assumed the office as BCCI’s General Manager (GM). Both Karim and Ghosh
will report to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and will be based out of Mumbai and
Bengaluru respectively. While Karim will assist Johri in meeting the Board’s
vision and strategy, Ghosh will play a key role in setting up the facility and
creating a Centre of Excellence at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
5.
The Telangana government has recently constituted the SC/ST Commission. Who
will be the head of the Commission?
[A] Chilakamarri Narasimha
[B] Boyilla Vidyasagar
[C] M Rambal Naik
[D] Errolla Srinivas
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Errolla Srinivas]
Explanation:
The Telangana government has constituted the SC/ST Commission in the state on
January 2, 2018. Errolla Srinivas, a leader of the ruling TRS hailing from Siddipet
district, has been named the chairman of the five-member panel. Boyilla
Vidyasagar, M Rambal Naik, Sunkapaka Devaiah, Kursam Neeladevi and
Chilakamarri Narasimha were appointed members of the commission. The
commission is mandated to monitor matters related to the Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs) and also inquire into complaints pertaining to
members of these communities.
6.
The Union Cabinet has recently given its approval for establishment of new AIIMS
in which state under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Tripura
[D] Nagaland
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its
approval for establishment of new AIIMS in Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) under
the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The cost of the project
is Rs.1351 crore and will be completed in a period of 48 months. The Institution
will consist of a hospital with a capacity of 750 beds and trauma center facilities. It

will also have a Medical college with an intake of 100 MBBS students per year and
Nursing College with an intake of 60 B.Sc. (Nursing) students per year. Under this
scheme, AIIMS have been established in Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Raipur, Jodhpur,
Rishikesh and Patna while work of AIIMS Rae Bareli is in progress. Also, three
AIIMS in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri in
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) have been sanctioned in 2015, two AIIMS have been
sanctioned at Bathinda and Gorakhpur in 2016 and an AIIMS in Kamrup (Assam).
7.
Prime Minister’s official website – www.pmindia.gov.in – is available in how
many languages?
[A] 13
[B] 10
[C] 11
[D] 15
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [13]
Explanation:
On 1st January 2018, the Assamese and Manipuri language versions of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s Official website (www.pmindia.gov.in) were launched.
The website can now be accessed in Assamese and Manipuri in keeping with the
requests from the citizens of the two states. With this launch, the PM INDIA
website is available in 13 regional languages namely Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati,
Kannada, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu in
addition to English and Hindi. The initiative is part of the on-going efforts of the
Prime Minister Modi to reach out to the people and communicate with them in
their own language.
8.
The first draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) has released for which state?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Assam
[C] Punjab
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Explanation:
The first draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam has listed 19
million people out of the 32.9 million applicants as legal Indian citizens in a
massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders
Bangladesh. The Office of the State Coordinator of NRC Assam has provided five
alternatives to check for the names included in the draft. One of them alternative is

to check the printed version of the list at the NRC Seva Kendras between 10 AM to
4 PM till January 31 on all working days. One can also call at the 24X7 tollfree
helpline number 15107 from Assam and 18003453762 from outside Assam. The
NRC was last updated in Assam way back in 1951. Then, it had recorded 80 lakh
citizens in the State. India and Bangladesh share 4,096-km-long border, of which
262 km falls in Assam.
9.
Who has been appointed as the new Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA)?
[A] Manish Pandey
[B] Arvind Gupta
[C] Rajinder Khanna
[D] Nikhil Singh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajinder Khanna]
Explanation:
Former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna, a 1978-batch Research and Analysis Wing
Service (RAS) officer, has been appointed as the new Deputy National Security
Adviser (NSA) on January 2, 2018 without a fixed tenure and would remain at the
post until further orders. He will assist NSA Ajit Doval, who too is a former RAW
chief. It is for the first time when both NSA and Deputy NSA are from intelligence
agency background. Khanna has led many counter-terrorism operations in the spy
agency and is reportedly an expert on Pakistan and Islamic terrorism. The position
has been vacant since Arvind Gupta had stepped down after completion of his
contractual term in August 2017.
10.
The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (BSIP) is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Punjab
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh ]
Explanation:
The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (BSIP) is an autonomous institute
constituted under the Department of Science and Technology, GoI. The institute is
located at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and is a seat of higher learning in the field of
plant fossil research. The BSIP, established in 1946, was an outcome of vision of
the renowned Indian botanist Prof. Birbal Sahni.

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
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.
1.
Which union minister will inaugurate the 2018 ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas (PBD)?
[A] Rajnath Singh
[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.
1.
Which of the following is the focus country in the New Delhi World Book Fair
2018?
[A] European Union
[B] United States
[C] United Kingdom
[D] Egypt
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [European Union]
Explanation:
The New Delhi World Book Fair has started at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on
January 6, 2018. It is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) in association
with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The main theme of 2018 fair is
“Environment and climate change” and European Union is the focus country. More
than 40 countries including Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France,
Germany, and the United Kingdom are participating in the book fair. The annual
event will come to an end on 14th of this month.
2.
The 2018 Annual Conference of DGPs and IGPs has started in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam

Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended the annual conference of DGPs and
IGPs at the BSF Academy at Tekanpur in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on January 7,
2018. Over 250 top police officers from all over the country are taking part in the
three-day conference. The 2-day Director Generals of Police (DGPs) Conference is
an annual event in which top police officers from all over the country share and
discussed security-related issues. Holding the Annual DGP Conference outside the
national capital, is in line with Prime Minister’s vision that such conferences
should be held across the country, and not just confined to Delhi. Earlier, Prime
Minister Modi had addressed the conference in Guwahati in 2014, Dhordo, Rann
of Kutch, Gujarat in 2015 and National Police Academy, Hyderabad in 2016.
3.
Who has been appointed the Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA)?
[A] Mukesh Agnihotri
[B] Janardan Dwivedi
[C] T S Tirumurti
[D] Narayanan Chandrakumar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [T S Tirumurti]
Explanation:
T S Tirumurti, a 1985-batch officers of Indian Foreign Service, has been was
appointed the Secretary (Economic Relations) in the External Affairs Ministry on
January 5, 2018. According to the order issued by the personnel ministry, the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment to the post,
in place of Vijay Keshav Gokhale, who was recently named as the Foreign
Secretary. Prior to this post, Tirumurti was the India’s High Commissioner to
Kuala Lumpur.
4.
Who has won the 2018 men’s singles Tata Open Maharashtra Tennis tournament?
[A] Roberto Bautista Agut
[B] Benoit Paire
[C] Yuki Bhambri
[D] Gilles Simon
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gilles Simon]
Explanation:

Gilles Simon of France has won the Tata Open Maharashtra Tennis trophy at
Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on January 6, 2018. In the summit clash, the
unseeded French player humbled big-serving second seeded Kevin Anderson in
straight sets 7-6, 6-2. Simon is ranked 89 in the world, while Anderson is ranked
14th. The tournament is India’s only ATP event. For the past 22 years, the
tournament had been associated with the big metro cities, New Delhi hosting the
inaugural edition in 1996, and Chennai becoming home to it for the next 21 years.
This time, the event moved to the tier two city Pune and was rechristened Tata
Open Maharashtra.
5.
Which city is hosting the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018?
[A] Kathmandu
[B] Shimla
[C] Gangtok
[D] Itanagar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kathmandu]
Explanation:
The Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018 has started at Kathmandu in Nepal on January 5,
2018. President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the exhibition. The
basic objective of Expo is to unleash massive hydro power potential of Nepal and
bring all stakeholders under one roof. According to experts Nepal has
approximately 40,000 MW of economically feasible hydro power potential and so
far it has developed just around 600 MW. The delegates from various countries
including India, China, Austria, Czech Republic and Norway are participating in
the expo. Seminars, discussions and competitions for engineering students will also
be organised during three day event.
6.
Which country has become the world’s first country to enforce equal pay for
women and men?
[A] Finland
[B] France
[C] Iceland
[D] Sweden
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Iceland]
Explanation:
Iceland has become the first country in the world to enforce equal pay for women
and men. The new law, which came into force on 1st January 2018, stated that
companies and government agencies employing at least 25 people will have to

obtain government certification of their equal-pay policies. Companies will face
fines if they can’t prove that men and women are receiving the same salary for the
same job. The new legislation was supported by Iceland’s centre-right government,
as well as the opposition, in a parliament where nearly 50% of all members are
women.
7.
Who has been named as the best central bank governor in Asia-Pacific for 2018?
[A] Ravi Menon
[B] Pramod Jain
[C] Usha Visvas
[D] Nirmal Kumar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ravi Menon]
Explanation:
Ravi Menon, an Indian-origin banker in Singapore has been named as the best
central bank governor in Asia-Pacific for 2018 by the leading UK-based magazine
‘The Banker’ for his contribution in the makeover of Singapore’s financial system.
He is the managing director of Singapore’s central bank Monetary Authority of
Singapore (MAS).
8.
The 2018 International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) has launched in which city of
Gujarat?
[A] Surat
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Vadodara
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ahmedabad]
Explanation:
The 31st International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) has launched at Sabarmati River
Front in Ahmedabad, Gujarat from January 7, 2018. The week-long colorful
festival has inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the presence of
Governor Shri O.P.Kohli. As per reports, 149 foreign kite fliers from 44 countries
are participating in this edition of international kite festival. More than 96 kite
fliers from 18 states and 290 kite fliers of Gujarat will also take part in this week-
long event.
9.
Which city to host World Sweet Festival (WSF-2018)?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Lucknow
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Chennai
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hyderabad ]
Explanation:
The World Sweet Festival (WSF-2018) will be held in Hyderabad from January 13
to showcase the cosmopolitan nature of Hyderabad in a sweet way. The sweets
from around 25 states in India and 15 foreign countries, to be prepared locally by
members of various associations, will be displayed at the event, being organized by
the Telangana government. The 3-day festival would be organised in association
with various cultural, language and region-based associations of people, including
those from foreign countries living in Hyderabad. The event would be held along
with kites festival which the Telangana government organises every year.
10.
The Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Assam
[D] Manipur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Explanation:
The Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
It is the world’s largest leather research institute in terms of research papers and
patents. The CLRI was founded on 24 April 1948 as a constituent laboratory under
the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

1.
Saksham Yadav, who passed away recently, was associated with which sports?
[A] Powerlifting
[B] Badminton
[C] Chess
[D] Boxing
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Powerlifting]
Explanation:
Saksham Yadav (28), an international-level powerlifter, has passed away in the
trauma centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on
January 7, 2018. He was admitted in an extremely critical condition. Yadav along
with his 5 friends were injured in car accident due to fog conditions near the
Singhu Border in outer Delhi’s Alipur area. Four other power-lifters –
Tikamchand, Saurabh, Yogesh and Harish Roy – died on the spot. Rohit, the lone
survivor of the accident, is admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital.
Yadav had recently won a gold medal in the 2017 World Championship for Power
Lifters in Moscow.
2.
According to Union defence ministry, the Defence Innovation Centre (DIC) will be
set up in which city to assist small industries in manufacturing components for the
defence sector?
[A] Kochi
[B] Coimbatore
[C] Chennai
[D] New Delhi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Coimbatore]
Explanation:
According to Union Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman, the Defence
Innovation Centre (DIC) will be set up in Coimbatore to assist small industries in
manufacturing components for the defence sector. The Defence Ministry will
release Rs 20 crore as an initial funding to the Coimbatore District Small Industries
Association (CODISSIA) to set up the innovation centre. The small and micro
units as well as startups that can manufacture components required for the defence
production would be identified by the CODISSIA. The Association can design or
test their products at the centre.
3.

Who has become the first African-American to win Golden Globe for best actor in
a drama television series at the 75th Golden Globe Awards 2018?
[A] Aziz Ansari
[B] Ewan McGregor
[C] Sterling K Brown
[D] Alexander Skarsgard
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sterling K Brown]
Explanation:
Actor Sterling K Brown has created history by becoming the first African-
American to win Golden Globe for best actor in a drama television series for his
role as Randall Pearson on NBC’s breakout hit “This Is Us”. He won the award at
the 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards (AGGA-2018) at Beverly Hills in
California on January 8, 2018. Elizabeth Moss has won the Golden Globe trophy in
Best Drama Actress TV category for her performance in “The Handmaids Tale”.
Actor Nicole Kidman won the award for the Best Actress in a Limited Series at the
event for her work on “Big Little Lies” and took the opportunity to speak out
against abuse.
4.
Peter Sutherland, who passed away recently, was the former director general of
which organisation?
[A] United Nations Organisation
[B] UNESCO
[C] International Monetary Fund
[D] World Trade Organization
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [World Trade Organization]
Explanation:
Peter Denis Sutherland (71), the former Director General (DG) of World Trade
Organization (WTO), has passed away in Dublin, Ireland. Sutherland became the
WTO’s first chief in 1995, having previously been head of its precursor, the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). He also served as Ireland’s
youngest Attorney General and then youngest European Union (EU) commissioner
during the 1980s.
5.
Which chief minister of India has been bestowed with the 1st Mufti Mohammed
Sayeed Probity in Politics and Public Life Award?
[A] Nitish Kumar
[B] Pema Khandu

[C] Sarbananda Sonowal
[D] N. Chandrababu Naidu
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nitish Kumar ]
Explanation:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been bestowed with the 1st Mufti
Mohammed Sayeed Probity in Politics and Public Life Award for his works and
contributions in bringing probity in public life as well as his crusade against
corruption in Bihar. The award was presented to the Bihar Chief Minister by the
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra at Mufti Mohammed Sayeed
Commemoration day function held in Jammu on January 8, 2018.
6.
Baldev Raj, the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
passed away. Where is the headquarters of NIAS?
[A] Kochi
[B] Bengaluru
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kanpur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Explanation:
Prof Baldev Raj (71), the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies
(NIAS), has passed away in Pune, Maharashtra on January 6, 2018, while
attending a conference. A recipient of the Padma Shri award, he took over as
director of NIAS Bengaluru in 2014 and presided over the expansion of the
institute in terms of faculty strength and research grants. He had also served as
director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam.
He was a major contributor to the advancement of technologies like the Fast
Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). He
contributed to the fields of nuclear materials and mechanics, non-destructive
evaluation, nanoscience and technology as well as robotics and automation during
the course of his career. He was also an author of around 1,000 academic papers in
peer reviewed journals and more than 70 books. Prof Raj won more than 100
awards and assignments in more than 30 countries.
7.
The Indian Navy has inked a MoU with which port trust for utilizing the Port’s
berthing facility at Mattancherry wharf for Naval ships?
[A] Kandla Port Trust
[B] Kolkatta Port Trust

[C] Cochin Port Trust
[D] Chennai Port Trust
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Cochin Port Trust]
Explanation:
The Indian Navy has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Cochin Port Trust (CPT) for utilizing the Port’s berthing facility at Mattancherry
wharf for Naval ships. As per the MoU, Cochin Port’s Q2 and Q3 berths at
Mattacherry wharf, totaling 228 metre quay length, would be handed over to the
Indian Navy for five years for berthing their ships. The lease, at an approximate
cost of Rs10 crore a year, would not only enhance the growing partnership
between the Navy and CPT, but will also provide the Navy with larger berthing
space, thereby enabling the presence of naval ships in Kochi, both at naval as well
as commercial jetties.
8.
Which country has won the 30th edition of the Hopman Cup tournament 2018?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] Spain
[D] Switzerland
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Switzerland]
Explanation:
Switzerland has won the 30th edition of the Hopman Cup tournament 2018 at the
Perth Arena in Perth, Australia. It is their 3rd third Hopman Cup title as Roger
Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Angelique
Kerber 4-3 (3), 4-2 in the deciding mixed doubles, to secure a 2-1 victory in Perth.
It was Federer’s second Hopman Cup triumph after victory in 2001 alongside
Martina Hingis.
9.
Elina Svitolina has won the 2018 women’s singles Brisbane International
tournament. She hails from which country?
[A] Switzerland
[B] Ukraine
[C] Belarus
[D] France
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ukraine]
Explanation:

Elina Svitolina, a Ukrainian professional tennis player, has won the 2018 women’s
singles Brisbane International tournament in Brisbane, Australia on January 6,
2018. She beat Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1 in the final to
win her 10th title on the women’s elite tour.
10.
The Indravati Dam is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Assam
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Explanation:
The Indravati Dam is a gravity dam on the Indravati River, about 90 km from
Bhawanipatna in the state of Odisha. It is connected to the main Indravati reservoir
via 4.32 km long and 7 m dia head race tunnel designed for a discharge capacity of
210 cumecs and terminating in a surge shaft. It is one of the largest Dam in India
as well as Asia. Currently, it is the largest power producing dam in eastern India
with a capacity of 600 MW.
1.
India’s fastest and first multi-peta-flops supercomputer “Pratyush” has established
at which institute?
[A] Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Dehradun
[B] Central Institute of Technology (CIT) Kokrajhar
[C] Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Gwalior
[D] Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune]
Explanation:
Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences (MoES), has dedicated
India’s fastest and first multi-peta-flops supercomputer “Pratyush’ to the nation in
Pune on January 8, 2018. The supercomputer has been established at Pune-based
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and will be a national facility for
improving weather and climate forecasts under the umbrella of the MoES. This
facility is part of Ministry’s continuous endeavor to provide world class forecast
services to the citizens of India through upgrading various operational and research
activities and the needed infrastructure. Petaflops is a measure of a computer’s
processing speed.
2.
Which Indian personality will be conferred with the France’s highest order of merit
‘Legion of Honour at the 42nd International Kolkata Book Fair 2018?
[A] Soumitra Chattopadhyay
[B] Priyanka Chopra
[C] Deepika Padukone
[D] Amitabh Bachchan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Soumitra Chattopadhyay]
Explanation:
Soumitra Chattopadhyay (82), the legendary film and theatre actor, will be
conferred with the France’s highest order of merit ‘Legion of Honour at the 42nd
International Kolkata Book Fair 2018. The honour will be bestowed on the actor
who starred in many of Satyajit Ray’s iconic films by French culture and
communication minister Francoise Nyssen in Kolkata. The book fair will open on
January 30 and conclude on February 11. Chattopadhyay acted in several of Ray’s
films,including Apur Sansar, Abhijan, Charulata, Aranyer Din Ratri and Sonar
Kella.
3.
Which Indian-origin personality has been appointed as the Chairman of the
Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)?
[A] Bhupendra Kainthola
[B] Sunny Verghese
[C] Gurdip Singh
[D] Sunil Chauhan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sunny Verghese]
Explanation:
Sunny Verghese, the Singapore-based Indian-origin businessman, has been
appointed as the Chairman of the Geneva-based World Business Council for
Sustainable Development (WBCSD). He succeeded Paul Polman, the CEO of
Unilever, on January 1 and will serve a two-year term. The WBCSD is a global
network of more than 200 CEOs who are responsible for a combined revenue of
more than $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees.
4.
Which state has become the first Indian state to launch High-Risk Pregnancy
(HRP) portal?
[A] Punjab
[B] Kerala

[C] Haryana
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haryana ]
Explanation:
Haryana has become the first Indian state to launch High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP)
portal which helps in early identification of high-risk pregnant cases up to the
grass-roots level and ensures their timely referral to the civil hospitals for further
management and delivery by specialists. The High Risk Pregnancy Policy has been
implemented across the State since November 2017, for identifying 100% name-
based high-risk pregnancy cases, and ensuring their delivery by specialists at civil
hospitals. This initiative will definitely increase the pace of decline in Maternal
Mortality Rate (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Still Birth Incidence as
morbidity and mortality is quite high in high risk pregnant cases, if not managed
timely.
5.
India’s second Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) will be set up in which
state/UT?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Tripura
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
Soon, India’s second Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) will be set up by
the Union Government in Arunachal Pradesh as part of tapping the potential of the
Northeastern region. The first FTII was set up in Pune, an autonomous institute
operating under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). Film
actor Anupam Kher is the current Chairman of this institute.
6.
John Young, the legendary astronaut passed away. He hailed from which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] France
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Explanation:

John Watts Young (87), the legendary astronaut who walked on the Moon and later
commanded the first space shuttle flight, has passed away at Houston, United
States on January 5, 2018. He became the 9th person to walk on the Moon as
Commander of the Apollo 16 mission in 1972. Young enjoyed the longest career
of any astronaut, becoming the first person to fly six space missions (with seven
launches, counting his lunar liftoff) over the course of 42 years of active NASA
service. He was the only spaceman to span NASA’s Gemini, Apollo and shuttle
programs and became the first person to rocket away from Earth six times.
7.
Which state has topped the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index,
according to recently released report by Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry?
[A] Punjab
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat ]
Explanation:
According to recently released report by Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry,
Gujarat has topped the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index.
Among 22 states, Punjab has acquired 2nd position followed by Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and Maharashtra. Among the Union Territories, Daman & Diu occupied
the top slot followed by Delhi and Chandigarh. As regards the hilly states, Tripura
was on top followed by Mizoram and Meghalaya. The LEADS index is an
indicator of the efficiency of logistical services necessary for promoting exports in
particular and economic growth in general. It is based on the analysis of perception
with regard to eight parameters, including infrastructure, services, regulatory
process and safety of cargo. The Report LEADS would help in identifying the right
problem areas in the sector and prepare policy responses to deal with them.
8.
Who has inaugurated the first-ever Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary
Conference in Delhi?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Sushma Swaraj
[C] M Venkaiah Naidu
[D] Ram Nath Kovind
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendra Modi]
Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first-ever Persons of Indian
Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference in the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in
Delhi on January 9, 2018. Approx 124 Members of Parliament (MP) and 17
mayors from 23 countries will participate in this conference. The conference is a
way of reaching out to the Indian community overseas by the Central government.
The event will have two thematic sessions, the first one will have as special guest
senior Congress leader and chairman of the parliamentary committee on external
affairs, Shashi Tharoor. The session will be presided over by Deputy Chairman of
the Rajya Sabha. The second session will have Parliamentary Affairs minister
Ananth Kumar as a special guest which will be chaired by Deputy Speaker of the
Lok Sabha.
9.
The 2018 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] January 8
[B] January 10
[C] January 9
[D] January 11
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [January 9 ]
Explanation:
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated every year on January 9 to mark
the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. The
day was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa
to India in 1915, which led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of
Indians forever.
10.
The Pandoh Dam is located on which river in Himachal Pradesh?
[A] Beas River
[B] Chenab River
[C] Ravi River
[D] Yamuna River
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Beas River]
Explanation:
The Pandoh Dam is an embankment dam on the Beas River in Mandi district of
Himachal Pradesh. The dam was commissioned in 1977 and its primary purpose is
hydroelectric power generation. The power house has an installed capacity of 990
MW. The water is used for power generation at the Dehar Power House before
being discharged into the Satluj River, connecting both rivers. Apart from this, the

Pandoh Lake is created by Pandoh Dam and is located about 19 km upstream from
Mandi on the River Beas.
1.
What is the India’s GDP forecast in 2018, as per World Bank’s latest report “2018
Global Economic Prospects (GEP)”?
[A] 7.3%
[B] 7.5%
[C] 7.6%
[D] 7.0%
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [7.3%]
Explanation:
The World Bank (WB) in its latest report “Global Economic Prospects (GEP-
2018)” has projected India’s GDP growth rate at 7.3% in 2018 and 7.5% for the
next two years. As per report, despite initial setbacks from demonetisation and
Goods and Services Tax (GST), India’s economy is estimated to have grown at
6.7% in 2017. Ayhan Kose, the Director of World Bank(WB)’s Development
Prospects Group (DPG), stated that India’s growth potential will be around 7% for
the next 10 years. For global economy, World Bank’s outlook, for the first time in
many years, is better than expected with all regions seeing improved growth.
However, it has warned that countries must make investments to improve their
growth prospects, and the time to do that is before the next crisis hits, as it
inevitably will.
2.
Aanchal Thakur has become the first Indian to win an international medal in
skiing. She hails from which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
Aanchal Thakur, a 21-year-old from Himachal Pradesh, has created history by
becoming the first Indian to register an international medal in skiing. She clinched
bronze in the slalom race category at Alpine Ejder 3200 Cup organised by Skiing’s
international governing body, Federation International de Ski (FIS) at the
Palandoken Ski Centre, in Erzurum in Turkey on January 9, 2018.
3.
Which railway station entered Limca Book of Records 2018 for having all-women
staff?
[A] Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station
[B] Matunga railway station
[C] Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station
[D] Kolkata railway station
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Matunga railway station]
Explanation:
The Matunga suburban station on the Central Railway (CR) of Mumbai division
has figured in the Limca Book of Records 2018 for having an all-woman staff. The
achievement comes six months after Matunga became the first railway station in
the country to be run by an all-woman staff. A team of 41 women staffers at the
station includes personnel from the RPF, commercial and operating departments.
These staffers work under the supervision of station manager Mamta Kulkarni. The
staff has been handling all operations of the station round-the-clock for the last six
months and results are positive and encouraging. The aim of the initiative is to
create an environment where women are encouraged to take a decision about their
own personal and professional well-being.
4.
Which of the following has become the India’s first city to have a common
mobility card for rides on public buses and the metro?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] Kochi
[D] Delhi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Delhi]
Explanation:
Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, has launched a common mobility card
scheme to aid seamless travel between the city’s bus transport and the Metro
system on January 8, 2018. With this, Delhi has become the India’s first city to
have a common mobility card, which can at present be used on 200 DTC and 50
cluster buses plying on different routes, apart from metro trains. The card, which
will function like a debit card, will be operational in all DTC and cluster buses
from April. The city has around 3,900 DTC and over 1,600 cluster buses.
5.
Which research arm of Indian Railways has launched “New Online Vendor
Registration System”?
[A] Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunication
[B] Research Designs and Standards Organisation
[C] National Academy of Indian Railways
[D] Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Research Designs and Standards Organisation]
Explanation:
The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), the research arm of
Union Ministry of Railways, has launched “New Online Vender Registration
System” on January 9, 2018. This new system provides major improvements and
paradigm changes in the registration system over the earlier system. Public access
to the information, expeditious process completion with defined timelines,
simplification of procedures, round-the-year services, availability of all related
information on RDSO Website, constant monitoring at all levels, reduction in cycle
timelines, regular updation of online data, user friendly interface etc. are the
hallmarks of the new system. And also, there is no need for vendors to visit RDSO
office for any activity related to his case for registration.
6.
Which Bollywood personality has become the official brand ambassador of
Sikkim?
[A] Irrfan Khan
[B] Naseeruddin Shah
[C] Akshay Kumar
[D] AR Rahman
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [AR Rahman]
Explanation:
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has become the official brand ambassador
of Sikkim. The declaration was made by Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar
Chamling who felicitated the legendary music composer during an inauguration of
the 2018 Sikkim Red Panda Winter Carnival at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok on
January 8. The winter carnival is aimed at boosting tourism in the state and has
music, dance, adventure sports and exhibition of organic food products of the state
events lined up for the 11 days of the festival.
7.
The world’s largest Ice festival has started in which country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Italy
[D] United States
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [China ]
Explanation:
The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival 2018 and the 3rd China
International Ice and Snow Tourism Summit has officially started on January 5 in
Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. The festival mainly
features ice and snow-themed scenic spots such as the world’s largest ice and snow
park and a snow sculpture art expo as well as diverse ice and snow sports and
entertainments. Statistics show that during the 33rd ice and snow festival the
number of tourists received by Harbin stood at 18.49 million, up 12.2% year on
year.
8.
Which country has recently banned teaching of English language in primary
schools to fight against western cultural invasion?
[A] Iraq
[B] Iran
[C] Israel
[D] UAE
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iran ]
Explanation:
Iran has recently banned teaching of English language in primary schools to fight
against western cultural invasion. Usually, the teaching of English starts in middle
school in Iran, at the ages of 12 to 14, but some primary schools below that age
also have English classes. The head of the state-run High Education Council,
Mehdi Navid-Adham stated that teaching English in government and non-
government primary schools in the official curriculum are against laws and
regulations.
9.
The 2018 World Hindi Day (WHD) is observed on which date?
[A] January 11
[B] January 9
[C] January 10
[D] January 12
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [January 10]
Explanation:
The World Hindi Day (WHD) is observed every year on January 10 to mark the
first anniversary of World Hindi Conference (WHC) which was held in 1975. The

first WHC was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Apart from
India, the language is also spoken in Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago,
Suriname, Fiji and Mauritius. Apart from this, the National Hindi Divas (NHD) is
celebrated every year in India on September 14 to mark the day on which the
Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi written in Devanagari script as the Official
Language of the Union.
10.
Where is the headquarters of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
(CIFA)?
[A] Chennai
[B] Bhubaneswar
[C] Kochi
[D] Kolkata
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhubaneswar]
Explanation:
The Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) is located in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is an advanced research institute for freshwater
aquaculture. It was founded in 1987 by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR), New Delhi. Its genesis lies in the Pond Culture Division of
Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Cuttack which started the
training center at Kausalyaganga, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar for Developing
and Training on Inland Fishery.
1.
Which country is hosting the 4th International Dharma Dhamma conference
(IDDC-2018)?
[A] Nepal
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Myanmar
[D] India
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [India]
Explanation:
The 4th edition of International Dharma Dhamma conference (IDDC-2018) has
inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in Rajgir, Bihar on January 11, 2018.
This 3-day conference has been jointly organised by India Foundation, Nalanda
University, Ministry of External Affairs, ASEAN-India and Vietnamese Buddhist
Sangha. The conference is an endeavour of Nalanda University as a bridge
between India and other nations. Over one hundred dignatories and experts from
11 countries will hold deliberations and present research papers on various topics
related to Buddhism and other religions and global peace. The conference brings
together a wide array of dignatories who are responsible for governance, policy
making and giving directions to countries. Sages, monks and Swamis will also
share their spiritual views in different sessions.
2.
Which state government has recently rolled out e-Raktkosh web portal in all
government blood banks?
[A] Odisha
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Punjab ]
Explanation:
The Punjab government has rolled out e-Raktkosh web portal in all the 45
government blood banks. The web portal provides the guidelines and streamlines
the workflow of blood blanks and storage centres across the nation and
interconnects all blood banks with a single network. Brahm Mahindra, the State
Health Minister, has stated that in the next phase all 59 private blood banks of the
state will be linked with the e-Raktkosh application software.
3.
Which Indian bank has tied up with National Scheduled Castes Finance and
Development Corporation (NSFDC) for assisting SC families?
[A] Bank of India
[B] Punjab National Bank
[C] State Bank of India
[D] Dena Bank
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab National Bank]
Explanation:
The Punjab National Bank (PNB) and National Scheduled Castes Finance and
Development Corporation (NSFDC) have tied up to provide financial assistance
for economic empowerment of persons belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC)
families living below Double Poverty Line (DPL). Under this tie-up, PNB would
act as a channelising agent for the loan schemes of NSFDC. Concessional finance
and skill training grants would be provided to unemployed SC persons living
below Double Poverty Line.

4.
Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)?
[A] Dilip Asbe
[B] A P Hota
[C] T S Joshi
[D] K S Jha
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dilip Asbe]
Explanation:
Dilip Asbe has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Prior to this, Asbe was CEO-in-charge of
NPCI. He succeeded A.P.Hota, who retired in August 2017. Asbe has been in the
NPCI since its inception and has played a pivotal role in designing, building,
operationalising and managing large-scale payment processing platforms like the
Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Immediate
Payment Service (IMPS), India’s home-grown card network RuPay, and several
other initiatives.
5.
Who has won the 2018 Kolkata Open International Invitation Snooker
Championship?
[A] Aditya Mehta
[B] Brijesh Damani
[C] Alfie Burden
[D] Laxman Rawat
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aditya Mehta]
Explanation:
Aditya Mehta, an Indian professional snooker player & Asian Games medallist,
has won the 2018 Kolkata Open International Invitation Snooker Championship at
the Hindustan Club in Kolkata, West Bengal on January 8, 2018. In the thrilling
final, he defeated Englishman Professional Player Alfie Burden by 5-4. This is his
third Kolkata Open title since it’s inception.
6.
Who will the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?
[A] Narinder Singh Kapany
[B] Amar Gupta
[C] Narinder Singh Kapany
[D] K Sivan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [K Sivan]
Explanation:
Dr. K Sivan will be the new Secretary of the Department of Space, and Chairman
of the Space Commission and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Sivan is popularly known as the “Rocket Man” for his significant contribution in
the development of cryogenic engines for India’s space programme. Currently, he
is director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He will succeed A.S.
Kiran Kumar, who is going to retire on January 14, 2018. He joined ISRO in 1982
in the then young PSLV project and has been project director of the GSLV rocket.
7.
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has signed a MoU with
which country for Business co-operation?
[A] Japan
[B] South Korea
[C] China
[D] Germany
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [South Korea]
Explanation:
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has signed a MoU with
South Korea for Business co-operation with a focus on automobile, defence and
textiles sectors. The main purpose of the MoU is to help Gujarat-based Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to explore opportunities through joint ventures with
South Korean firms, especially in areas of automobile, defence and textiles.
8.
Which CABE Sub-Committee on girl child education has recommended free
education for girls up to PG level?
[A] Himanta Sharma committee
[B] Neera Yadav committee
[C] Kadiam Srihari committee
[D] Prakash Javadekar committee
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kadiam Srihari committee ]
Explanation:
The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) sub-committee on girl child
education has decided to recommend free and compulsory education for girls up to
post-graduate level across the country. The committee will also recommend
establishing of exclusive residential degree colleges for SC and ST women besides
provision of health and hygiene kits to girls. All these schemes are already being
successfully implemented in Telangana. The committee also wants schools to
maintain academic atmosphere besides providing basic amenities like toilets,
running water, maintenance, safety measures and power supply and also appoint a
counselor for adolescent girls. Apart from this, the committee wants the Union
government to establish a university exclusive for women in all States. The sub-
committee is likely to submit an interim report to Union Minister for Human
Resource Development Prakash Javadekar during a meeting on January 15, 2018.
Kadiam Srihari, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Telangana, is
the head of the sub-committee.
9.
The Ministry of Railways has recently launched which app for freight managers?
[A] SFOORTI app
[B] SKOORTI app
[C] SNOORTI app
[D] SMOORTI app
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [SFOORTI app]
Explanation:
In a major digital initiative to help plan the traffic flows and optimize freight
operations, Ministry of Railways has launched Smart Freight Operation
Optimisation and Real Time Information (SFOORTI) App for freight managers.
The app provides features for monitoring and managing freight business using
Geographic Information System (GIS) Views and Dashboard. With this application
both passenger and freight trains can be tracked over Zones, Divisions and
Sections in single GIS View. The app provides a bird’s eye view of all freight
assets in a single window and end to end rake movement on Geospatial view.
Expected traffic at interchange points can be viewed to evaluate daily performance.
Position of rakes for specific type of stock can be viewed through this application.
10.
The Uri Dam is located on which river in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)?
[A] Beas River
[B] Chenab River
[C] Ravi River
[D] Jhelum River
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jhelum River]
Explanation:
The Uri Dam is a 480 MW hydroelectric power station on the Jhelum River near
Uri in Baramula district of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It is located very near
to the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan. The station
is largely built under a hill with a 10 km tunnel. It is of the run-of-the-river type
without a large dam, since the Indus Waters Treaty gives Pakistan the exclusive
right to regulate the Jhelum River.
1.
The 2018 National Youth Day (NYD) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] January 12
[B] January 11
[C] January 13
[D] January 14
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [January 12]
Explanation:
The 2018 National Youth Day (NYD) has been celebrated in India on January 12
to mark the 155th birth anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker
Swami Vivekananda. He was considered a major force in the revival of Hinduism
in India and bringing it to the status of a major world religion in the late 19th
century. He became popular in the western world after his famous speech at the
World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. He was the chief disciple of
the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna and founder of the Ramakrishna Math
and the Ramakrishna Mission. In 1984, the Government of India (GoI) declared
the day as the National Youth Day (NYD) and since 1985 the event is celebrated in
India every year.
2.
Which committee has been constituted by the Election Commission (EC) to
suggest changes to Representation of the People Act in view of social media
expansion?
[A] Umesh Sinha committee
[B] N K Singh committee
[C] Pukhraj Kukreja committee
[D] Nilesh Gupta committee
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Umesh Sinha committee ]
Explanation:
The Election Commission (EC) has constituted a 14-member committee to suggest
changes to Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act in view of social
media expansion. The Act prohibits poll campaign in the last 48 hours of voting.
The Committee chaired by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha
will study the impact of social media during the silence period and suggest
modifications to the election law and model code of conduct.
3.
Which country has granted citizenship to Julian Assange, the founder of
WikiLeaks?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Ecuador
[C] Sweden
[D] South Korea
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ecuador]
Explanation:
Ecuador has granted citizenship to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in an attempt
to resolve the political impasse over his continued presence in the United Kingdom
(UK). Ecuador Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa informed that Assange,
who is an Australian, became an Ecuadoran citizen on December 12, 2017. This
news announced on January 12, 2018. Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian
embassy in London since 2012, when he was faced with extradition to Sweden for
allegedly sexually assaulting two women. Ecuador has also sought to give Assange
diplomatic status, but Britain has rejected the request. The diplomatic immunity
would allow him to leave the embassy without the possibility of being arrested for
jumping bail in 2012.
4.
Who has been ranked first in the latest Gallup international annual survey
“Opinion of Global Leaders”?
[A] Angela Merkel
[B] Vladimir Putin
[C] Emmanuel Macron
[D] Narendra Modi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Emmanuel Macron]
Explanation:
French President Emmanuel Macron has been ranked first in the latest Gallup
international annual survey “Opinion of Global Leaders”, followed by German
Chancellor Angela Merkel and PM Narendra Modi. The survey was conducted
across 50 nations and interviewed 53,769 people. In each country a representative
sample of around 1,000 men and women was interviewed either face-to-face, or
via phone, or through online mediums. The field work was conducted during
October-December 2017. The survey shows that PM Modi is a popular leader in
the Indian subcontinent with 69% of respondents in Afghanistan and 51% in
Bangladesh holding a favourable view towards him.
5.
Who has been appointed as the Chef De Mission for the 23rd Winter Olympic
Games (WOG-2018) by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ?
[A] Dhruv Batra
[B] Abhinav Bindra
[C] Harjinder Singh
[D] Mary Kom
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harjinder Singh]
Explanation:
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed Harjinder Singh as the Chef
De Mission for the 23rd Winter Olympic Games (WOG-2018) to be held in
Pyeongchang, South Korea on February 2018. Currently, Singh holds the post of
General Secretary in the Ice Hockey Association of India.
6.
Who has become the first woman lawyer to be directly promoted as a judge of the
Supreme Court (SC)?
[A] Roma Joseph
[B] Sudha Misra
[C] Meenakshi Arora
[D] Indu Malhotra
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indu Malhotra]
Explanation:
The Supreme Court collegium, headed by CJI Dipak Misra, has created history by
selecting Indu Malhotra as the first woman lawyer to be directly promoted as a
judge of the Supreme Court (SC). She will be the 7th woman judge in the Supreme
Court, since it was established 67 years ago, if her appointment goes through.
Along with Malhotra, Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph has also
been promoted as a Supreme Court judge. At present, Justice R Banumathi is the
lone woman judge in the apex court. In 1989, Justice M Fathima Beevi became the
first woman to be appointed as a judge of the apex court. Thereafter, Justice Sujata
V Manohar, Justice Ruma Pal, Justice Gyan Sudha Misra and Justice Ranjana
Prakash Desai made it to the top court as judges.
7.
What is the theme of the 22nd National Youth Festival (NYF-2018)?
[A] Youth for United India
[B] Sankalp Se Siddhi
[C] Lakshya ek Disha
[D] Youth for Digital India
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sankalp Se Siddhi]
Explanation:
The 22nd National Youth Festival (NYF-2018) has inaugurated by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi at the Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida on
January 12. The Festival has commenced on the occasion of birth anniversary of
Swami Vivekananda, the youth icon of India.The theme of 5-day festival is
‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’, to capitalise on the demographic dividend of young India, to
capture the vibrancy and fresh perspective of youth and to pledge to accomplish
the Goal of New India. The fest is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government. This is the first time
that the NYF is being organised in National Capital Region (NCR). The purpose of
organising the NYF is to provide a platform to bring the youth of the country
together in an attempt to provide them with an opportunity to showcase their
talents in various activities.
8.
Which telecom company of India to launch its own cryptocurrency?
[A] Tata DoCoMo
[B] Airtel
[C] Reliance Jio
[D] Idea Cellular
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Reliance Jio]
Explanation:
The Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd is planning to launch its own cryptocurrency
“JioCoin”. It is expected to build a 50-member team of young professionals to
work on blockchain technology, which can also be used to develop applications
such as smart contracts and supply chain management logistics. The JioCoin
project will be headed by Mukesh Ambani’s elder son Akash Ambani. The
Blockchain is a digital ledger for storing data. In simple terms, blockchain
decentralizes information without it being copied. The information is held on
blockchain through a shared database which can be accessed on a real-time basis.
This database is not stored on physical servers but on the cloud, which makes it
easy to store unlimited data.
9.
ISRO has successfully launched Cartosat 2 Series satellite into space from which
launch vehicle?
[A] PSLV C-44
[B] PSLV C-42
[C] PSLV C-40
[D] PSLV C-46
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [PSLV C-40]
Explanation:
ISRO has successfully launched weather observation satellite Cartosat 2 Series and
29 other spacecraft into the space from its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
C-40 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra
Pradesh. The Cartosat-2 series satellite will provide high-resolution scene specific
spot imageries. The images will be used for cartographic applications, urban and
rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, road network monitoring, water
distribution, creation of land use maps among other things. The co-passengers on
the PSLV-C40 comprised one micro and nano satellite each from India and three
micro and 25 nanosatellites from six countries — Canada, Finland, France, Korea,
UK and US.
10.
Where is the headquarters of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya
(IGRMS)?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Bhopal
[C] Delhi
[D] Jaipur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhopal]
Explanation:
The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) is an anthropology
museum to present an integrated story of the evolution of man and culture with
special reference to India. It is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and is also
known as the National Museum of Humankind. This museum depicts the story of
mankind in time and space. Prof. Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri is the current director-in-
charge of IGRMS. The museum also has a regional centre for the South India
region at Mysore in Karnataka.
1.
Sarjubala Devi has clinched gold in which category at the 2018 National Women’s
Boxing Championship?
[A] 57kg category
[B] 48kg category
[C] 54kg category
[D] 62kg category
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [48kg category]
Explanation:
Former world silver medallist Sarjubala Devi representing Manipur claimed the
gold in 48kg category in the 2018 National Women’s Boxing Championships in
Rohtak on January 13. She was also given the best boxer trophy. Former world and
Asian champion L Sarita Devi representing the All India Police, AIP picked up a
gold medal in the 60 kg category. The other gold winners were Sonia Lather
representing Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) in 57 kg category, Meena
Kumari of AIP in 54 kg category and Rajesh Narwal from RSPB in 48 kg
category. RSPB emerged as the overall champions.
2.
Which has been honoured with the Janakavi P Sawlaram award?
[A] Meenakshi Shinde
[B] Vishwas Patil
[C] Jaishree T
[D] Sudhir Dalvi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sudhir Dalvi]
Explanation:
Actor Sudhir Dalvi has been honoured with the Janakavi P Sawlaram award at a
function in Mumbai on January 13, 2018. The award is jointly given by the Thane
Municipal Corporation and the Janakavi P Savlaram Kala Samiti. Well-known
dancer Jaishree T was bestowed with the Ganga Jamuna award, which is instituted
in memory of a popular song written by Sawlaram. Dalvi first came to prominence
for portraying Guru Vashishta in Ramanand Sagar’s TV series “Ramayan”. He
also featured in the famous TV show “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” and other
Hindi serials.
3.
Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of Kerala Maritime Board (KMB)?
[A] V J Mathew
[B] M.A. Asif
[C] M.P. Shibu
[D] Prakash Iyer
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [V J Mathew]
Explanation:
V J Mathew has been appointed as the new Chairman of Kerala Maritime Board
(KMB). The decision in this regard was taken by the Kerala cabinet. Mathew is the
legal adviser to Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited and co-president of the
Indian Maritime Association (IMA).
4.
Which of the following has become the India’s first railway station to have sanitary
napkin vending machine?
[A] Thane railway station
[B] Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station
[C] Kolkata railway station
[D] Bhopal railway station
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bhopal railway station]
Explanation:
The Bhopal railway station has become the India’s first railway station to have a
sanitary napkin vending machine named as ‘Happy Nari’. The machine dispenses
two sanitary napkins at the cost of Rs 5 only and accepts Rs 5 coins. The sanitary
pads vending machine has been installed at platform No.1 by the Railway Women
Welfare Association of Bhopal. The machine has the capacity of holding 75
sanitary pads. A specially trained female staff will refill the machine.
5.
What is the India’s rank at the latest World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global
Manufacturing Index (GMI)?
[A] 44th
[B] 30th
[C] 57th
[D] 68th
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [30th ]
Explanation:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has ranked India at 30th position on a Global
Manufacturing Index (GMI). In its first “Readiness for the future of production”
report, Japan has been found to have the best structure of production and is
followed by South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, the US,
Sweden, Austria and Ireland. Among BRICS nations, Russia is ranked 35th, Brazil
41st and South Africa at 45th place. The report has placed India in the Legacy
group along with Hungary, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Thailand and Turkey,
among others. China figures among ‘leading countries while Brazil and South
Africa are in nascent ones. The report which was published ahead of its annual
meeting in Davos, Switzerland said the 25 leading countries are in the best position
to gain as production systems stand on the brink of exponential change. In the
India context the report said, the country’s manufacturing sector has grown by over
7% per year on average in the past three decades and accounts for 16-20% of
India’s GDP.
6.
Who has been appointed the Chairman of the newly formed Finance Commission
by Indian Olympic Association (IOA)?
[A] Anil Khanna
[B] BS Landge
[C] GS Mander
[D] Tarlochan Singh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Anil Khanna]
Explanation:
Anil Khanna, the Senior sports administrator, has been appointed the Chairman of
newly formed Finance Commission by Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The
IOA also formed a Medical Commission and Games Technical Conduct
Committee and nominated office bearers of IOA and National Sports Federations
(NSFs) to the Committees. The advisory committee comprises Tarlochan Singh,
GS Mander, S Regunathan and BS Landge. The Khanna-led Finance Commission
has Sahdev Yadav, Secretary General, Indian Weightlifting Federation and DK
Singh, Secretary, Uttarakhand Olympic Association, as members.
7.
Which city hosted the 4th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and
Forestry (AIMMAF)?
[A] Jakarta
[B] New Delhi
[C] Brunei
[D] Kuala Lumpur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The 4th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry
(AIMMAF) was held in New Delhi on January 12, 2018. The topic of discussion
was based on food and agricultural future developments. The meeting was co-
chaired by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Radha Mohan Singh
and Thai Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Grisada Boonrach. It was
attended by delegates from 10 ASEAN countries. In it, it was announced that the
5th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry to be held in
Brunei Darussalam in 2019.
8.
The 13th joint military drill exercise “Iron Fist 2018” has started between United
States and which country?

[A] South Korea
[B] Japan
[C] Germany
[D] France
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Japan]
Explanation:
The 13th edition of joint military drill exercise “Iron Fist 2018” has started
between American and Japanese forces at Camp Pendleton in California on
January 12 and will continue till February 12.. More than 500 U.S. Marines and
sailors are partnering with about 350 members of the Japanese Ground Self-
Defense Force to train in fire support operations and amphibious assaults. Iron Fist
is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members
train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their
combined operational capabilities.
9.
Which state is hosting the 7th edition of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM)?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Chattisgarh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka ]
Explanation:
The 7th edition of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM), under the Ek Bharat
Shreshtha Bharat matrix, has started in Karnataka on January 14, 2018. The event,
organised by the Ministry of Culture, will continue till the 20th of this month. The
state paired with Karnataka is Uttarakhand. An official release said the event will
cover a profusion of art forms from classical and folk, music and dance, theatre to
literature and visual arts. The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme was
launched in 2017 to promote engagement among the people of different states to
enhance mutual understanding and bonding. It also took note of the government’s
‘Make in India’ initiative to make the country a global manufacturing hub and of a
significant push to improve key enablers and move towards a more connected
economy with announcement of a 59 billion dollars investment in infrastructure in
2017.
10.
The Chutak Hydroelectric Plant is located in which state/UT?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Puducherry
[C] Odisha
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu & Kashmir]
Explanation:
The 44 MW Chutak Hydroelectric Plant is located in Kargil District of Jammu &
Kashmir. The barrage site is located about 14 km upstream of Kargil near village
Sarzhe. The project is a run-off-river scheme on the river Suru, to generate 216
MU in a 90% dependable year having installed capacity of 44 MW (4 x 11 MW)
utlising a rated head of 52m developed by construction of a 15.0 m high barrage
and through 4780 m long 5.9M dia horse shoe shaped Head race tunnel.

1.
The 3rd edition of Raisina Dialogue 2018 will be held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Jaipur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The 3rd edition of the annual Raisina Dialogue 2018 will be held at the Taj
Diplomatic Enclave in New Delhi from January 16-18. The theme for the 2018
Conference is “Managing Disruptive Transitions: Ideas, Institutions and Idioms”.
This theme is designed to explore the shifting dynamics within the global order;
where old relationships need new directions, emerging partnerships face
unprecedented constraints and the notions of power and sovereignty are
challenged. The 2018 Conference will be inaugurated by Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj will also be a part of the inaugural session of the 3-day-long event,
which will see a series of high-powered panel discussions on geopolitical issues.
Over 150 speakers from 90 countries expected to take part in the event, which is
jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and Observer Research
Foundation (ORF).
2.
Doodhnath Singh, the well-known Hindi writer has passed away. He hailed from
which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Explanation:
Doodhnath Singh (81), the well-known Hindi writer, critic and poet, has passed
away in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on January 12, 2018. In 2014, the government of
Uttar Pradesh honoured him with their Bharat Bharti Samman. He is known for his
works like “Sapaat Chehre Wala Aadmi”, “Aakhri Kalaam”, “Nishkaasan”, “Bhai
Ka Shok Geet”, “Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra” and “Surang se Lautate Huye”.
3.
Which state hosted the 12th International Film Festival on Art and Artist 2018?

[A] Assam
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Manipur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Explanation:
12th International Film Festival on Art and Artist, which was presented by the JD
Centre of Art (JDCA)’s Film Forum, was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from
January 12 to 14, 2018. This year’s festival was focused on Films on Arts &
Literature. The 3-day non-competitive festival showcased 35-40 selected films and
was attended by eminent artists, art lovers and film makers from across the
country. The international award winning films like ‘Maya Miriga’, ‘Ahalyara
Bahaghara’, ‘Mayurbhanj ra Chhau Nrutya’, ‘Dhauligiri ra Shanti Stupa’ and
‘Pattachitra’ directed by late Nirad Mohapatra, veteran director in Odia cinema,
were screened as part of paying tribute to him. The JDCA’s Film Festival is
possibly the only film festival in India that is dedicated to Art. Each year the
festival features a different focus around which films are curated in addition to its
annual celebration of the art and culture of Odisha. The JDCA was established by
renowned artist and Padma Bhushan awardee Jatin Das in 2006.
4.
Which city is hosting the International Workshop on Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure (IWDRI)?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Chennai
[C] Kochi
[D] New Delhi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Explanation:
Rajnath Singh, the Union Home Minister, has inaugurated a two-day International
Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (IWDRI) in New Delhi on January
15, 2018. The workshop is organized by the National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction (UNISDR). The workshop will bring together countries from different
parts of the world – from Chile to Australia and from Japan to Sri Lanka – with
different socio-economic backgrounds and geographical features. This will be a
great opportunity to learn from their unique experiences in their efforts towards
building disaster resilient infrastructure. The workshop will also see multilateral
development banks, the United Nations, the private sector and academics coming

together to identify best practices in the infrastructure sector, as well as key issues
in existing practices and ways to address them.
5.
The 70th edition of Army Day 2018 has celebrated on which date in India?
[A] January 16
[B] January 14
[C] January 15
[D] January 13
Hide Answer
Explanation:
The Army Day is celebrated every year by the Indian Army on January 15 to
commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) K.M Carriappa took
over the command of Army from General Sir Francis Butcher , the last British
Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian
Army post Independence. The day is also celebrated to remember the sacrifices
made by the gallant soldiers and to pay homage to the martyrs. This year, in 2018,
the 70th edition of Army Day has celebrated on Jan 15. On this occasion, Army
Chief General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff Sunil Lanba and Air Chief
Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa paid tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi.
6.
Which Indian architect has been conferred France’s top cultural award “Chevalier
de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres”?
[A] B V Doshi
[B] Aishwarya Tipnis
[C] Ebrahim Alkazi
[D] Sheila Sri Prakash
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aishwarya Tipnis]
Explanation:
Aishwarya Tipnis, the Delhi-based conservation architect, has been conferred
France’s top cultural award ” Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres” for her
outstanding commitment to preservation of French heritage in India in Kolkata on
January 12, 2018. This prestigious award honours people who have distinguished
themselves in the field of art. This year, Tipnis has been associated with the
ongoing ‘Bonjour India 2017-18’ as the curator for the multi- faceted ‘Know Your
Indo-French Heritage’ in Chandannagar, a former French colony in West Bengal.
She is also part of the UNESCO expert team on the preparation of a
‘Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan’ for the Darjeeling Himalayan

Railway, a world heritage, as well as the consultant to the Doon School on the
restoration of their historic buildings.
7.
NK Trikha, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Law
[C] Politicsj
[D] Journalism
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Journalism]
Explanation:
NK Trikha (82), the veteran journalist, has passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi on
Janauary 15, 2018. Trikha had worked at the Times of India Group’s Hindi
newspaper ‘Navbharat Times’ for a long time and was also the editor of its
Lucknow edition. He also served as a member of the Press Council of India and he
was twice president of the National Union of Journalists (India).
8.
Which commodity exchange has launched India’s first agri-commodity options
contract in guar seeds?
[A] National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)
[B] Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
[C] Universal Commodity Exchange (UCX)
[D] National Multi-Commodity Exchange (NMCE)
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)]
Explanation:
Arun Jaitley, the Union Finance Minister, has launched India’s first agri-
commodity options contract in guar seeds on the commodity bourse National
Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX). The purpose of this
new initiative is to benefit farmers and ensure better prices in the coming days. The
guar seeds options is one of the most liquid contracts on the exchange platform.
Around 1.5 million farmers are associated with this commodity. Options are
derivatives which give a buyer the right but not the obligation to buy or sell an
underlying asset or instrument at a specific price on or before a certain date.
NCDEX is the second exchange after MCX to launch options trading in
commodities. In October 2017, MCX had launched gold options.
9.
K.K. Ramachandran Nair, who passed away recently, was the MLA from which
constituency of Kerala?

[A] Thiruvalla constituency
[B] Karunagapally constituency
[C] Mavelikkara constituency
[D] Chengannur constituency
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chengannur constituency]
Explanation:
Kerala MLA K.K. Ramachandran Nair (65) has passed away in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu on January 14, 2018. He had been representing Chengannur constituency in
the Kerala state legislative assembly from 2016 until his death. He had started his
political life as an SFI worker and had risen to the position of CPI(M) Chengannur
area secretary. In the 2016 Assembly election, he had defeated P.C. Vishnunath of
the Congress by a margin of 7983 votes.
10.
The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) is located in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Karnataka
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Punjab
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Explanation:
The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) is an Indian research and
teaching institute located in Mysuru, Karnataka. It is part of the Language Bureau
of the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The aim of the institute is to
protect and document minor, minority and tribal languages. It promotes Linguistic
harmony by teaching 15 Indian languages to non-native learners. It was founded on
17 July 1969.
1.
Which country’s Prime Minister has inaugurated the third edition of the geo-
political conference – Raisina Dialogue 2018?
[A] Israel
[B] Canada
[C] Afghanistan
[D] Sweden
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Israel]
Explanation:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has inaugurated the third edition of the
geo-political conference – Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on January 16, 2018.
The event is jointly organised by the External Affairs Ministry and Observer
Research Foundation (ORF). The theme of the dialogue this year is ‘Managing
Disruptive Transitions: Ideas, Institutions and Idioms’. Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj are also part of the inaugural
session of the three-day event, which has an impressive line up of more than 150
speakers and over 550 delegates. Army chief General Bipin Rawat and Navy chief
Admiral Sunil Lanba will also address a session, along with Admiral Harry Harris,
Commander, US Pacific Command, General Chris Deverell, Joint Forces
Commander, UK, among others. Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai,
former prime minister of Canada Stephen Harper and former prime minister of
Sweden Carl Bildt are among more than 150 speakers and over 550 delegates from
around 90 countries who are participating in the dialogue.
2.
Narayana Sadashiv Pharande, who passed away recently, was the leader of which
political party?
[A] Samajwadi Party
[B] Indian National Congress
[C] Bharatiya Janata Party
[D] Nationalist Congress Party
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bharatiya Janata Party]
Explanation:
Prof. Narayana Sadashiv Pharande (78), the senior BJP leader and former
Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), has passed away in Pune, Maharashtra on
January 16, 2018. He was popularly known as Na Sa Pharande & was elected
thrice as the Member of the Legislative Council. Originally, he hailed from Satara
district and was a gold medallist in Marathi and Sanskrit from Shivaji University in
Kolhapur.
3.
India has recently signed pacts with which country on illegal migrants’ return?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Germany
[D] France
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Explanation:

India and the United Kingdom (UK) have recently signed two agreements on
return of Indians, who are living in Britain as illegal migrants and sharing criminal
records and intelligence. The development comes close on heels of India seeking
UK’s help in early extradition of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya from Britain to face
the law at home in connection with cases of fraud and money laundering
amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crores. The MOUs were signed by UK’s Minister
of Immigration Caroline Nokes and India’s Minister of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju
on January 11, 2018. The MoU on criminal records exchange will lead to British
and Indian law enforcement bodies sharing criminal records information,
fingerprints and intelligence. This will assist the police in protecting the public
from known criminals, including sex offenders and also allow the courts in both
countries to access more information to support tougher sentencing decisions.
4.
Which Union minister has inaugurated the Central Government Health Scheme
(CGHS) wellness centre in Goa?
[A] Smiriti Irani
[B] Rajnath Singh
[C] Vishwajit Rane
[D] Shripad Naik
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shripad Naik]
Explanation:
Shripad Naik, the Union minister of state for Ayush (independent charge), has
inaugurated a Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) wellness centre in
Bambolim, Goa on January 16, 2018. State health minister Vishwajit Rane was
also present at the occasion. It will be attached to Goa Medical College and the
state government would provide all assistance to facilitate CGHS operations for
beneficiaries in the state. The facility would provide Allelopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga,
Unani, Siddhi and Homeopathy services. Over 3,000 serving central government
employees and around 1,500 pensioners would be benefitted.
5.
W.B. Rao, who passed away recently, was the noted personality of which field?
[A] Cinematography
[B] Law
[C] Journalism
[D] Sports
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cinematography]
Explanation:

W.B. Rao, the veteran Cinematographer has passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra
on January 16, 2018. Rao had been a part of the film industry for over four
decades. He worked for films like “Hum”, “Khuda Gawah”, “Rangeela “Raja
Hindustani”, “Judwaa”, “Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega” and “Dhadkan”. He worked with
a range of actors from the late Sanjeev Kumar, Mala Sinha to Amitabh Bachchan,
Salman Khan and Juhi Chawla.
6.
Which Bollywood personality has been named advocacy ambassador for Swachh
Aadat Swachh Bharat initiative?
[A] Priyanka Chopra
[B] Kajol
[C] Amitabh Bachchan
[D] Aamir Khan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kajol]
Explanation:
Actress Kajol has become an advocacy ambassador for Hindustan Unilever’s
Swachh Aadat Swachh Bharat ‘haath muh bum’ initiative. She is an active
supporter of eradicating preventable deaths from hygiene-related issues.
7.
The Indo-US joint military exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2018’ will be held in which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] New York
[C] Visakhapatnam
[D] Seattle
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Seattle]
Explanation:
The Indo-US joint military exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2018’ will be held at Joint Base
Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Seattle, in which a 45-member Special Forces team
from Indian Army’s Southern Command will train alongside US soldiers in the
third week of January. The aim of the exercise is to promote military relations
between the two countries by enhancing interoperability and mutual exchange of
tactics between Special Forces. The objectives of the joint training is to share the
best practices between the two armies and to develop joint strategies by sharing
expertise of conducting operations in a counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism
environment, while capitalising on the rich repository of experiences of each other
armies. The exercise will mainly focus on special operations in urban areas. The
last edition was held in Jodhpur in March 2017.

8.
Raghunath Jha, the former Union minister has passed away. He belongs to which
state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Punjab
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bihar]
Explanation:
Raghunath Jha (78), the senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former
Union Minister , has passed away in Delhi on January 15, 2018. He was Union
Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise in the UPA
government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as a RJD
representative. He was elected Member of Parliament (MP) twice from Gopalgunj
and Bettiah Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and was also six-time legislator
from Sheohar Assembly constituency of the State.
9.
India has contributed how much amount to UN’s Youth Mission to raise awareness
and attention to youth issues globally?
[A] $1,50,000
[B] $1,00,000
[C] $50,000
[D] $2,50,000
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [$50,000]
Explanation:
India has contributed $50,000 to the UN’s youth mission which works to raise
awareness and attention to youth issues globally. UN Youth Envoy Jayathma
Wickramanayake received the cheque from Paulomi Tripathi, a First Secretary in
India’s UN mission at the UN headquarters in New York on Jan 12, 2018. The
contribution is voluntary with no strings attached and is in addition to the regular
payments India makes to the UN’s general and peacekeeping budgets. The Youth
Envoy’s mission is to promote the engagement of youth and advocate for them
across all the four pillars of the UN’s work – sustainable development, human
rights, peace and security and humanitarian action.
10.
The Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam is located in which state/UT?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Odisha

[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Assam
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Explanation:
The Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam is a dam across the Mahi River and is located 16kms
from Banswara town in Banswara district Rajasthan. It is the second largest dam in
Rajasthan and is named after Jamnalal Bajaj. The dam has an installed capacity of
140 MW.
1.
Who is the head of the newly-constituted 5-judge constitution bench of the SC to
hear a range of crucial cases?
[A] AK Sikri
[B] AM Khanwilkar
[C] Dipak Mishra
[D] Ashok Bhushan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dipak Mishra]
Explanation:
The newly-constituted 5-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court has been
set up to hear a range of crucial cases & its hearings has started on January 17,
2018. The bench is headed by Chief Justice Dipak Mishra and also comprises of
Justices AK Sikri, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan. The
cases that the bench will hear include challenging the constitutional validity of the
Aadhaar Act and the 2013 apex court judgement re-criminalising gay sex between
consenting adults. The bench will also hear the issue of ban on the entry of women
between 10 and 50 years of age in Kerala’s Sabarimala temple. It will also resume
hearing a legal query on whether a Parsi woman would lose her religious identity if
she marries a man from a different religion. The other issues to be dealt with by the
bench include the pleas, which have raised a question as to when will a lawmaker,
facing the criminal trial, stand disqualified. All these matters were earlier referred
to larger benches for adjudication by different benches of the apex court.
2.
Charu Rohatgi, who passed away recently, was associated with which field?
[A] Film Industry
[B] Politics
[C] Journalism
[D] Law

Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Film Industry]
Explanation:
Charu Rohatgi, the Bollywood and TV actor, has passed away in Mumbai,
Maharashtra on January 15, 2018. She is known for working in Parineeti Chopra –
Arjun Kapoor starrer film ‘Ishaqzaade’. She was also an integral part of daily
soaps like Pratigya and Uttaran. Her filmography includes films like 1920 London,
Second Marriage Dot Com and 15 Park Avenue.
3.
N. Vembusamy Sankaran, the renowned journalist and theatre personality has
passed away. He hailed from which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Hide Answer
Explanation:
N. Vembusamy Sankaran (64), popularly known as Gnani, has passed away in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu on January 15, 2018. He was the veteran Tamil writer,
journalist and theatre personality. Known as a firebrand writer, Gnani led a theatre
group known as “Pareeksha,” produced television serials on social themes and has
been participating in various television debates. He wrote articles under the
pseudonyms Vamban, Cynic and Nandan, and is known for frank and
uncompromising views on politics and culture, which he has expressed in the
media for 30 years. He has also written several novels and for a brief time involved
himself in politics too, though unsuccessfully.
4.
The Union Government has signed pact with Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) for logistics. Where is the headquarters of CII?
[A] Lucknow
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Kochi
Hide Answer
Explanation:
The Logistics Division of the Union Commerce Ministry has signed an agreement
with industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on January 16 to address

challenges facing the country’s logistics sector and help take measures to bring
down costs. As per the MoU, CII will identify logistics challenges facing industry
and suggest action solutions to the Logistics Division. It will also interact with
state governments and work on promoting the logistics sector, along with capacity
building programs. The two sides will cooperate in organising a National Logistics
convention each year to bring together stakeholders in the sector. The headquarters
of CII is located in New Delhi.
5.
NITI Aayog has launched the first GIAN course on Sustainable Urban planning
using Remote Sensing and GIS in which IIT institute?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Indore
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Bombay
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Kanpur]
Explanation:
The NITI Aayog has launched the first Global Initiative on Academic Network
(GIAN) course on Sustainable Urban planning using remote sensing and
Geographic Information System (GIS) has been launched at Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Kanpur’s outreach center in Noida on January 15, 2018. The
purpose of the course is to give participants state-of-the-art remote sensing and
GIS skills which will allow them to rise to the challenge of managing the rapidly
changing urban environment of Indian cities. The focus will be on issues such as
water resource management, water pollution and strategic emplacements for water
treatment facilities. The course is being coordinated by Professor Rajiv Sinha from
the Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Kanpur and Dr. Patrice Carbonneau from
the Department of Geography, University of Durham, UK.
6.
Which country has build the world’s biggest air purifier?
[A] Japan
[B] Australia
[C] Germany
[D] China
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [China ]
Explanation:
In an attempt to fight air pollution, China has constructed an experimental air
purifying tower, touted to be the “world’s biggest air purifier” at a height of over
100 meters (328 feet). The tower has been built in Xian in Shaanxi province and is

being tested by researchers at the Institute of Earth Environment at the Chinese
Academy of Sciences. As per reports, the air purifier has produced more than 10
million cubic meters of clean air since it was launched. The air purification system
works through greenhouses covering about half the size of a soccer field around
the base of the tower.
7.
The Delhi government has recently signed a friendship agreement with which
country for cooperation in various fields?
[A] Germany
[B] United States
[C] Japan
[D] France
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Explanation:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan has
recently signed a friendship agreement for cooperation in various fields including
environment, cultural exchange, education, tourism and heritage, and air pollution.
Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal and Governor of Fukuoka Hiroshi Ogawa
represented the two governments. The two cities signed this agreement for three
years, with effect from April 2017, till 2020. The first MoU/Friendship Agreement
between Delhi and Fukuoka was signed in March 2005 and was done for the
second time in March 2012.
8.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra has dedicated iCREATE facility to the nation.
This facility is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]
Explanation:
Prime Minister Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have dedicated the
iCREATE facility to the nation, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
iCreate is an independent Centre created with the objective of facilitating
entrepreneurship through a blend of creativity, innovation, engineering, product
design and leveraging emerging technologies to deal with major issues such as
food security, water, connectivity, cybersecurity, IT and electronics, energy, bio-

medical equipment and devices etc. The purpose of iCreate is to develop an
ecosystem in India to generate quality entrepreneurs.
9.
Who is leading the Indian delegation to 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture
(GFFA-2018) in Germany?
[A] Santosh Kumar Gangwar
[B] Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
[C] Alphons Kannanthanam
[D] Jitendra Singh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gajendra Singh Shekhawat]
Explanation:
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, is leading the Indian delegation to 10th Global Forum for Food &
Agriculture (GFFA-2018) from 18-20 January, 2018 which includes the 10th
Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference. The theme of 2018 event is “Shaping
the future of livestock – sustainably, responsibly, efficiently”. The discussions will
focus on sustainable and productive animal production among other issues. The
GFFA is an international conference that focuses on central questions concerning
the future of the global agri-food industry. The GFFA is organised by the Federal
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMEL) in cooperation
with GFFA Berlin e.V., the Senate of Berlin and Messe Berlin GmbH.
10.
The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) is located in which of the following
cities?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jaipur
[C] Lucknow
[D] Chandigarh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lucknow]
Explanation:
The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) is a multidisciplinary research
laboratory in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh that employs scientific personnel from
various areas of biomedical sciences. CDRI is among the 39 laboratories that are
functioning under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) of India. The CDRI was formally inaugurated on 17 Feb 1951 by the then
Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru with a vision to strengthen and advance the
field of drug research and development in the country.

1.
Who has won the Sir Garfield Sober Trophy for Cricketer of the Year 2017?
[A] Steve Smith
[B] Virat Kohli
[C] Quinton de Kock
[D] AB de Villiers
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Virat Kohli]
Explanation:
Indian captain Virat Kohli has been named the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for
Cricketer of the Year 2017. He also bagged the top honour for ODI players in the
ICC annual awards at the 2017 ICC annual awards announced in Dubai on January
18, 2018. In the qualification period from September 21, 2016 to the end of 2017,
Kohli scored 2,203 Test runs at an average of 77.80, including eight centuries,
1,818 ODI runs, including seven centuries at 82.63, and 299 T20I runs at a strike
rate of 153. He has also been named as the captain of both the ICC Men’s ODI
Team of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year. This is the second time
in succession that an Indian won the overall cricketer of the year award. Off-
spinner R Ashwin had claimed the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for year 2016.
Australian captain Steve Smith claimed the 2017 Test Player of the Year honour.
He had scored 1,875 runs in 16 matches at an average of 78.12, with eight
hundreds and five 50s.
2.
Which Union minister has recently conferred the Honorary Fellowship of Institute
of Company secretaries of India (ICSI)?
[A] Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
[B] Arun Jaitely
[C] P.P. Chaudhary
[D] Ravi Shankar Prasad
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [P.P. Chaudhary]
Explanation:
P.P. Chaudhary, the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice & Corporate
Affairs, was conferred the Honorary Fellowship of Institute of Company
secretaries of India (ICSI) at the headquarters of the institute at New Delhi on
January 18, 2018. Chaudhary has conducted around 11,000 cases, mostly
Constitutional Litigations for the last 38 years on matters related to land
acquisition, farmers grievances, labour & service, central excise & customs and

PILs related to restoration of natural water bodies and dams. The Honorary Fellow
Membership is granted to distinguished persons having made significant
contribution to the profession of Company Secretaries.
3.
Which state government has signed a pact with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to set
up bio-gas and bio-CNG plants?
[A] Punjab
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Tamil Nadu
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Punjab]
Explanation:
The Punjab government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to set up bio-gas and bio-CNG
plants in the state. The purpose of the MoU is to find sustainable solutions to
paddy straw burning. The pact is part of the state’s concerted efforts to find
sustainable solutions to paddy straw burning, which has emerged as a major
environmental concern. The plants will be set up at a total investment of Rs 5,000
crore. By converting bio-mass to compressed bio-gas and bio-CNG, the plants will
take help curb the menace of stubble burning and create additional income to
farmers. The project will also create rural employment and entrepreneurial
opportunities, besides providing a green organic source of compost for soil
enrichment.
4.
Which state government has launched Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana
(MKSY) for artists?
[A] Odisha
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Assam
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Explanation:
The Odisha government has launched Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana
(MMKSY) for literature and cultural artists of the state. Under this scheme, artists
will receive a financial assistance of Rs. 1200 per month. In it, male artists with
minimum 50 years of age and female artists with minimum 40 years of age can
avail the financial assistance. This scheme will benefit around 50,000 artists across
the state.

5.
Who is the newly appointed MD & CEO of National Commodity & Derivatives
Exchange Limited (NCDEX)?
[A] Nabi Narayan Das
[B] Samir Shah
[C] Jeetmal Singh
[D] Vijay Kumar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vijay Kumar]
Explanation:
Vijay Kumar has been appointed the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited
(NCDEX) for three years with effective from January 18, 2018. He succeeded
Samir Shah. He has over 25 years of experience in leadership roles in the areas of
commodity trading and merchandising along with risk management, logistics and
operations. Kumar is an agro-industry veteran who has worked for companies such
as National Bulk Handling Corporation, Cargill, Reliance Industries, Arthur
Andersen, ITC Ltd, Britannia and Sharp Group. He had worked at NCDEX as
Chief Business Officer (CBO) between June 2009 and September 2014.
6.
Kashinath, the noted Kannada actor and producer has passed away. He hailed from
which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Manipur
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka ]
Explanation:
Kashinath (67), the noted Kannada film actor, director and producer, has passed
away in Bengaluru, Karnataka on January 18, 2018. The senior actor had carved a
niche for himself in the genre of comedy. He has not only acted but also directed
and produced several Kannada films. Kashinath was recently seen in Chowka,
released last year. The veteran actor has at least 40 films to his credit, spanning
over a career of more than three decades. He hailing from Kundapur in Udupi
district of Karnataka.
7.
Which Indian cricketer has launched his autobiography “Imperfect”?
[A] Dilip Vengsarkar
[B] Sanjay Manjrekar

[C] Rahul Dravid
[D] Sourav Ganguly
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sanjay Manjrekar]
Explanation:
Sanjay Manjrekar, the former India batsman-turned-commentator, has launched his
autobiography ‘Imperfect’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra on January 17, 2018. The book
was released by Dilip Vengsarkar, Manjrekar’s first international captain. He has
played 37 Test matches. His first Test match was in the Delhi against the West
Indies. In 1996, in his early thirties, he finished his career with an average of 37,
with four centuries, in Ahmedabad in 1996. He was clear to accept that after the
middle-order pressure increased between Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, they
came out of their self-imposed exits.
8.
Which state has become the India’s first state to launch Public Cloud Policy to
speed up e-governance?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra ]
Explanation:
Maharashtra has become the India’s first state to launch Public Cloud Policy,
which will allow all government departments to access public cloud. . The step will
create business opportunities worth $2 billion while helping the state government
departments to shift all their data to clouds. This will accelerate e-governance and
open up entire new area for investment by the private entrepreneurs to make
available newest technologies for all the departments as government not only is the
biggest data creator but also consumer.
9.
Which country is hosting the 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture (GFFA-
2018)?
[A] France
[B] Germany
[C] India
[D] China
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Germany ]

Explanation:
The 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture (GFFA-2018) has started in Berlin,
Germany on January 18, which includes the 10th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’
Conference. The theme of 3-day event is “Shaping the future of livestock –
sustainably, responsibly, efficiently”. The discussions will focus on sustainable and
productive animal production among other issues. The GFFA forum is organised
by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMEL) in
cooperation with GFFA Berlin e.V., the Senate of Berlin and Messe Berlin GmbH.
The GFFA is an international conference that focuses on central questions
concerning the future of the global agri-food industry. It gives representatives from
the worlds of politics, business, science and civil society an opportunity to share
ideas and enhance understanding on a selected topic of current agricultural policy.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, is leading the Indian delegation at the GFFA-2018.
10.
The Somasila Dam is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Somasila Dam is a dam constructed across the Penna River near Somasila in
Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The reservoir impounded by the dam has a
surface area of 212.28 km2 with live storage capacity of 1.994 km3. It is the
biggest storage reservoir in Penna River basin and can store all the inflows from its
catchment area in a normal year.
1.
What is the India’s economic growth forecast for FY19, as per latest report by
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra)?
[A] 6.5%
[B] 7.1%
[C] 7.4%
[D] 7.6%
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [7.1%]
Explanation:

The India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has projected the India’s economic
growth to improve to 7.1% for FY19 (2018-19) from 6.5% this year, buoyed by
robust consumption demand and low commodity prices. In its outlook for 2018-19,
the India Ratings, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, stated that there will be a gradual
pick up in growth momentum owing to structural reforms like GST and Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code in place. The projection is a tad lower than 7.4% growth
estimated by Asian Development Bank (ADB) and International Monetary Fund
(IMF) for FY19. The agency has also said that it expects fiscal deficit in 2017–18
to come in at 3.5%, overshooting the budgeted estimate of 3.2%. The agency
expects fiscal deficit in 2018–19 to be at 3.2%, higher than 3% stated in the
medium-term fiscal policy statement.
2.
Which state government has launched Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojna to
promote climate-resilient agriculture?
[A] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Goa
[D] Maharashtra
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra ]
Explanation:
The Maharashtra Government has approved a Rs 4,000-crore Nanaji Deshmukh
Krishi Sanjivani Yojna project to promote climate-resilient agriculture. It will be
implemented in 5,142 villages across 15 districts. The purpose of the project is to
improve soil quality, develop foodgrain varieties which can sustain climate
variations and effect necessary changes in the crop pattern as per the availability of
water in a particular region. The scheme would cover small- and medium- scale
farmers, who are more vulnerable to the impact of climate change. About 70% of
the project’s cost will be borne by the World Bank while the state will contribute
30% over six years. The project will roll out in the upcoming financial year.
3.
Which of the following countries has recently joined the Australia Group export
control regime?
[A] South Africa
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] India
Hide Answer
Explanation:

India has become the 43rd member of the Australia Group export control regime
on January 19, 2018. The inclusion is expected to raise India’s stature in the field
of non-proliferation and help in acquiring critical technologies. With this, India has
managed entry into Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar
Arrangement and Australia Group despite not being a signatory to the Non-
Proliferation Treaty (NPT).The Australia Group is an informal forum which seeks
to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or
biological weapons.
4.
The 13th Raising Day of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has celebrated
on which date?
[A] January 18
[B] January 16
[C] January 19
[D] January 15
Hide Answer
Explanation:
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has celebrated its 13th Raising Day
on January 19, 2018 in New Delhi. The NDRF raised on January 19, 2006, is a
specialised force capable of responding to any type of disaster in the country and
abroad. It is strategically deployed across the nation as per the vulnerability profile
of the country.
5.
Which union minister has recently launched 100 accessible websites for Divyangs?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Alphons Kannanthanam
[C] Thaawarchand Gehlot
[D] Narendra Singh Tomar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Thaawarchand Gehlot]
Explanation:
Thaawarchand Gehlot, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment,
has launched 100 accessible websites for Divyangs on January 19, 2018. These
100 government websites are now divyang friendly. The Accessible Websites are
those websites into which Persons with Disabilities can perceive, understand,
navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. The
divyang-friendly websites, especially for visually impaired, use features such as
screen readers and screen magnifiers, which can relay website content to the user
in audio format. Approx, 900 such websites will be launched in a phased manner.

6.
The Union Government will set up how much amount of Solar Development Fund
(SDF) for financing solar projects?
[A] $350 million
[B] $450 million
[C] $550 million
[D] $650 million
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [$350 million]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) will set up a $350 million Solar Development
Fund (SDF) for financing solar projects to achieve its ambitious target of adding
175 Giga Watts (GW) in renewable energy by 2022. This announcement was made
by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and Renewable Energy, Raj
Kumar Singh during the Future World Energy Summit (WFES) 2018. The WFES
was organized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The
ISA is an alliance of sunshine-rich countries set up jointly by India and France on
the sidelines of the historic Paris meeting on climate change in November 2015. So
far, 19 countries have ratified and 48 signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
7.
Who has been appointed as new CMD of Security Printing and Minting
Corporation of India Ltd (SPMCIL)?
[A] Anurag Agarwal
[B] S Selvakumar
[C] Pradeep Singh Kharola
[D] S Bhattacharya
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [S Selvakumar]
Explanation:
S Selvakumar, the senior IAS officer, has been appointed as new Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) of Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India
Ltd (SPMCIL) with effect from January 16, 2018. Selvakumar succeeded Anurag
Agarwal. The state-owned SPMCIL produces bank notes, coins, postage stamps,
non-judicial stamps and other official documents.
8.
Pt Buddhadev Dasgupta, who passed away recently, was a well-known maestro of
which musical instrument?
[A] Sarod
[B] Tabla

[C] Sarangi
[D] Bansuri
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarod]
Explanation:
Pt Buddhadev Dasgupta (84), the renowned Sarod maestro, has passed away in
Kolkata, West Bengal on January 15, 2018. He will be remembered for his
scholarly approach to music without getting dourly regimented. The doyen of the
Senia Shahjahanpur gharana was born in Bhagalpur in Bihar on 1st February 1933.
Dasgupta was one of the artists featured in Nimbus Records’ The Raga Guide.
9.
Who has led Indian delegation at the 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) military cooperation meeting?
[A] Yogesh Kumar Shukla
[B] Dinesh Kumar
[C] Ajay Seth
[D] Akansha Ranjan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajay Seth]
Explanation:
The 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) military cooperation meeting
was held in Beijing, China on January 15. An Indian delegation led by Major
General Ajay Seth participated in the meeting, which discussed issues of practical
cooperation among SCO nations. This is the first meeting attended by India in the
field of defense cooperation under the SCO framework. India and Pakistan were
admitted in 2017 into the grouping in which China plays an influential role. The
SCO is comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.
10.
The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) is located in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Lucknow
[C] Pune
[D] Hyderabad
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pune]
Explanation:
The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) is located in Pune, Maharashtra. It
was established in 1967 on the joint initiative of the Ministry of Shipping &

Transport & the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASTRU). It is
a nodal agency, known to be only one of its kind, providing a platform for higher
research and training on road transportation and assists in testing, guidance and
consultancy in the field.
1.
Who will lead the Indian delegation at the 48th annual meeting of the World
Economic Forum (WEF-2018)?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Suresh Prabhu
[C] Arun Jaitley
[D] Sushma Swaraj
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narendra Modi]
Explanation:
The 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-2018) will be held
in Davos, Switzerland on January 22, 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
lead the largest-ever Indian delegation. The delegation will comprise of Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu among
others. The theme of the 2018 summit is “Creating a shared future in a Fractured
World”, which ams to set an agenda to address political, economic and Social
challenges of recent times. This year, over 3,000 global leaders from business,
government, politics, academia and social sectors are participating at the Summit
which will conclude on 26th of January. The purpose of the WEF is to improve the
state of the world. WEF is an international organization for public-private
cooperation which brings together global leaders from different sectors including
business, politics, academia and journalism to discuss the most pressing issues
facing the world.
2.
Which country’s team has won the 5th edition of Blind Cricket World Cup 2018?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] India
Hide Answer
Explanation:
Indian cricket team has won the 5th edition of Blind Cricket World Cup 2018 by
defeating Pakistan in the final by two wickets at Sharjah in United Arab Emirates

(UAE). With this, India has retained the World Cup for the Blind. In the final,
Pakistan batted first and managed to score 308/8 after being put into bat by India.
India chased down the target of 309 with 16 balls to spare to clinch the title. Thus,
India maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament.
3.
Who has become the new Governor of Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Rameshwar Thakur
[B] Kizhekethil Chandy
[C] Anandiben Patel
[D] Vajubhai Vala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Anandiben Patel]
Explanation:
Anandiben Patel, the former Gujarat chief minister, has become the new Governor
of Madhya Pradesh on January 19, 2018. She succeeded Om Prakash Kohli, who
was holding the additional charge of the office of MP Governor along with the
office of Gujarat Governor.
4.
Which city is hosting the Ramayana Festival of ASEAN Countries?
[A] Lucknow
[B] New Delhi
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Hyderabad
Hide Answer
Explanation:
The Ramayana Festival of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
countries has started in New Delhi at the Kamani Auditorium from January 20.
The 5-day fest is organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and is
marking 25 years of the Indo-ASEAN ties. Cultural groups from the 10 member-
nations of the ASEAN will stage musicals and plays based on the epic at the
festival celebrating the India-ASEAN dialogue. Troupes from ASEAN countries
will display the shared heritage also at Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow,
Ayodhya and Kolkata. The festival seeks to underline the common cultural
heritage and India’s friendship with ASEAN nations.
5.
Which city to host the 4th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF-
2018)?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Lucknow
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lucknow]
Explanation:
The fourth edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) will be held in
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The exact dates and other details will be decided later.
The 1st IISF was held at IIT New Delhi in December, 2015. The mega S&T expo
attracted more than 3 lakh people. India had also set a Guinness Book of World
Records, when 2000 school students performed two experiments at the Festival.
The 2nd Festival at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi in December
2016 showcased Indian achievements in various fields of science and technology.
The third in the series was held in October 2017 in Chennai.
6.
Chandi Lahiri, the iconic cartoonist has passed away. He hailed from which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Karnataka
[C] Punjab
[D] Haryana
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [West Bengal]
Explanation:
Chandi Lahiri (84), the iconic cartoonist, has passed away in Kolkata, West
Bengal. He started his career as a journalist and entertained the readers for more
than five decades with his cartoons published in various English and Bengali
newspapers and magazines. He is also called the creator of ‘pocket cartoons’ in
Bengal. The famous cartoonist also wrote a few books like “Catoon er itibritto (the
history of cartoons)” and “Scene’s Freedom: a history in cartoons 1947-1993”, that
are rich in knowledge and observations about the art form.
7.
Jo Jo White, the renowned basketball player has passed away. He hailed from
which country?
[A] France
[B] United States
[C] United Kingdom
[D] Germany
Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [United States]
Explanation:
Joseph Henry (JoJo) White (71), an American professional basketball player, has
passed away in Boston, Massachusetts on January 16, 2018. White was inducted
into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. As a professional, he
is best known for his ten-year stint with the Boston Celtics of the NBA, where he
led the team towards two NBA championships and set a franchise record of 488
consecutive games played.
8.
Which Union minister has launched National CSR Data Portal & Corporate Data
Portal?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Rajnath Singh
[C] Prakash Javadekar
[D] Arun Jaitley
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arun Jaitley]
Explanation:
Arun Jaitley, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, has launched
the National CSR Data Portal & Corporate Data Portal in New Delhi on January
19, 2018. The National CSR Data Portal will capture information on CSR activities
carried out by eligible companies, filed on the MCA21 registry in their financial
statements. The filed information provides a snap shot of CSR activities carried out
by companies. The CSR portal contains all filed information, which can generate
pre-defined reports with respect to expenditure across states, districts, development
sectors, etc. The Portal also provides for feedback on projects to be given by
registered users. The open access to data is expected to help researchers, improve
quality of data filed by companies, as well as involve intended beneficiaries in
giving valuable feedback to companies. While the Corporate Data Portal aims at
making all the financial and non-financial information of the companies available
in a user friendly format to the general public. It also has facility to generate pre-
defined reports and also customised reports.
9.
Who is the author of the book “The Heartfulness Way”?
[A] Nandan Banerjee
[B] Chetan Bhagat
[C] Sushant Gupta
[D] Kamlesh Patel
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kamlesh Patel]

Explanation:
President Ram Nath Kovind has unveiled a book on heartfulness techniques and
principles titled ‘The Heartfulness Way’. It was authored by Kamlesh Patel &
Joshua Pollock. The books reflects the essence of prayer and yogic transmission
aimed at deconstructing and demystifying the act of meditation based on
meditation tips. It will enable us to live beyond the filters of our sensory limitations
and discover unity within ourselves. To practise heartfulness is to seek the essence
beyond the form, the reality behind the ritual. It is to centre oneself at the core of
one’s heart and find true meaning and contentment there. Heartfulness is an
approach to the Raja Yoga system of meditation called Sahaj Marg or the Natural
Path, founded at the turn of the twentieth century and formalised into the Shri Ram
Chandra Mission in 1945 in India. The book was launched by Commerce and
Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu.
10.
The Jakham Dam is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan]
Explanation:
The Jakham Dam is located in Pratapgarh District in Rajasthan. It is built on the
Jakham river, which originates from a small village Jakhamia in Chhoti Sadrisub
division. The length of the Dam is 253 meters, out of which spill way is in 90 m in
length.

1.
Which state hosted the 8th edition of the International Conference on Wild Silk
Moths?
[A] Mizoram
[B] West Bengal
[C] Tripura
[D] Assam
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Assam ]
Explanation:
The 8th edition of the International Conference on Wild Silk Moths has started in
Guwahati, Assam on January 22, 2018. The conference would help in increasing
income of the people of the region who are involved with silk industry. India is
holding the event for the second time with an aim to explore latest research and
development. The conference is being organized by the Central Silk Board and
International Society for Wild Silk Moths.
2.
What is the India’s rank among emerging economies at the WEF’s Inclusive
Development Index (IDI-2018)?
[A] 47th
[B] 26th
[C] 71st
[D] 62nd
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [62nd ]
Explanation:
India has been ranked at the 62nd place among emerging economies on an
Inclusive Development Index (IDI-2018) released by World Economic Forum
(WEF). India’s position is much below China (26th) and Pakistan (47th). The 2018
index, which measures the progress of 103 economies on three individual pillars –
growth and development; inclusion; and inter-generational equity – has been
divided into two parts. The first part covers 29 advanced economies and the second
74 emerging economies. Norway remains the world’s most inclusive advanced
economy, while Lithuania again tops the list of emerging economies. The index
takes into account the living standards, environmental sustainability and protection
of future generations from further indebtedness.
3.
Soloman Deksisa has won the 15th edition of Mumbai Marathon 2018. He hails
from which country?

[A] Kenya
[B] Australia
[C] Ethiopia
[D] South Africa
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ethiopia ]
Explanation:
Soloman Deksisa from Ethiopia has won the 15th edition of Tata Mumbai
Marathon in men’s category on January 22, 2018. It is the richest race in India with
a prize money worth 4 lakh 5,000 dollars. Another Ethiopian, Shumit Akalnaw
became the first runner-up, while Joshua Kipkorir from Kenya came second.
Meanwhile, Indian Olympic athlete T Gopi won the Mumbai Marathon in the
Indian Elite category and Sudha Singh of Central Railways won in the Indian Elite
Women category. Beside this, Amane Gobena from Ethiopia has won the Mumbai
Marathon in women’s category.
4.
India’s first garbage fest ’Kachra Mahotsav 2018’ has organized by which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Assam
[D] Punjab
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chhattisgarh ]
Explanation:
The garbage festival ’Kachra Mahotsav’ was organized by the Raipur Municipal
Corporation in Chhattisgarh from January 19 to 21, 2018. This unique fest was
organized by the Raipur Municipal Corporation. According to the municipal
corporation, it was the India’s first such festival. The purpose of this Garbage
festival was to increase awareness, to guide people on waste management and to
showcase multiple techniques for reusing things that are labelled as garbage.
During the 3-day festival, talks, competitions and cultural performances were
organized. In addition, different types of workshops were held to educate people
on how effectively they can start managing their waste. In this fest, there were
different stalls of utility items made out of waste.
5.
Which state has recently inaugurated the World War II Memorial Museum?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, has inaugurated the
World War II Memorial Museum in Jairampur in Changlang District on January
21, 2018. The war memorial has the collection of the remnants of World War 2,
personal belongings of the soldiers and other persons involved. The museum also
showcases traditional items from local Tangsa community. The memorial is a
cemetery site where about 833 graves including mass graves have been discovered.
The museum is built through funding from Union Ministry of Culture for Rs 2.25
crores and executed by state PWD.
6.
Who has been appointed as the new DG of National Security Guard (NSG)?
[A] S P Singh
[B] Kirti Kumar
[C] Sudeep Lakhtakia
[D] Prabhat Jain
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sudeep Lakhtakia]
Explanation:
Sudeep Lakhtakia, the 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been
appointed as the new DG of National Security Guard (NSG) and will hold the post
till July 2019. He will take over from S P Singh, the current chief of the elite
counter terror force, who retires on January 31, 2018. Currently, Lakhtakia is
serving as a Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
headquarters in New Delhi.
7.
Who has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)?
[A] Y S Reddy
[B] Om Prakash Rawat
[C] Ashok Lavasa
[D] Sunil Arora
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Om Prakash Rawat]
Explanation:
Om Prakash Rawat, the senior-most Election Commissioner, has been appointed as
the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He will succeed A.K. Joti on
January 23, 2018 and will have tenure of almost a year till his retirement in
December 2018. Mr Rawat will oversee elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and

Nagaland scheduled next month. Crucial States like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh will also go to the polls under his watch. Election
Commissioners have a fixed term of six years but have to step down if they reach
65 years of age before their term expires.
8.
Which country was the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India
in FY17, according to recent census by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
[A] Singapore
[B] Japan
[C] Mauritius
[D] Netherlands
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mauritius ]
Explanation:
Mauritius was the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India in
FY17, according to recent census by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It has 21.8%
share at market value. As per RBI’s data on Census on Foreign Liabilities and
Assets of Indian Direct Investment Companies 2016-17, United States has acquired
2nd position followed by UK, Singapore and Japan. Beside this, Singapore (19.7%
was the major FDI destination, followed by the Netherlands, Mauritius, and the
USA. According to the data, manufacturing sector accounted for nearly half of the
total FDI at market prices. Information and communication services, and financial
and insurance activities were the other major sectors that attracted FDI.
9.
Which of the following has won the best film award at the 63rd Jio Filmfare
Awards 2018?
[A] Bareilly Ki Barfi
[B] Newton
[C] Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
[D] Hindi Medium
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hindi Medium]
Explanation:
‘Hindi Medium’, directed by Saket Chaudhary, has bagged honours in the
categories of Best Film and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for Irrfan Khan’s
impeccable performance at the 63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018. Vidya Balan won
her career’s 6th Filmfare award for her passionate portrayal of a middle-aged
homemaker who turns into a radio jockey in ‘Tumhari Sulu’ as she claimed the
Black Lady for the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female). Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

has won the Best Director award for ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’. The ceremony was held
on 20 January 2018 and hosted by Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar.
10.
The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) is located in which city?
[A] Mysore
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Kochi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mysore]
Explanation:
The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) is located at Mysore
University Campus in Mysore, Karnataka. It is an autonomous institute under the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. AIISH provides clinical services for
speech, language, and hearing disorders through its clinical service program. The
therapy clinic provides assessment and intervention services, for variety of speech,
language, and hearing disorders, to individuals of all ages. It also offers public
education programs and conducts workshops for speech-language pathologists,
audiologists, educators for the hearing impaired, medical, and allied health
professionals.
1.
What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for 2018, as per IMF’s latest World
Economic Outlook (WEO) update?
[A] 7.4%
[B] 7.8%
[C] 6.6%
[D] 7.6%
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [7.4%]
Explanation:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently released its latest World
Economic Outlook (WEO) update in Davos, Switzerland on the sidelines of the
World Economic Forum. In it, India’s GDP growth forecast has projected to 7.4%
in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019. According to WEO update, China is expected to grow
at 6.6% and 6.4% for year 2018 and 2019, respectively.
2.
What is the theme of the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum
(WEF-2018)?
[A] Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution
[B] Responsive and Responsible Leadership
[C] Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World
[D] Together create a United World
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World]
Explanation:
The 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-2018) has started
in Davos, Switzerland on January 22, 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is
leading the largest-ever Indian delegation. The theme of the 5-day summit is
‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World’, which aims to set an agenda to
address political, economic and Social challenges of recent times. More than 3,000
world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society would be
participating in the summit and the Indian presence is the largest ever with over
130 participants.
3.
Which city is hosting the International Conference on dam safety?
[A] Kochi
[B] Thiruvananthapuram
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Chennai
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thiruvananthapuram]
Explanation:
The International Conference on dam safety has started in Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala on January 23, 2018. The two-day conference will be jointly inaugurated by
Union Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kerala
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The conference will see the participation of 550
delegates from over 20 countries. The dam safety conferences are organized as an
annual event under the Dam Safety Rehabilitation and Improvement Project being
run by the Water Resources Ministry. During the conference, dam safety
guidelines and manuals developed under DRIP will also be released for
implementation. Besides, a software programme – Dam Health and Rehabilitation
Monitoring Application – will also be launched during the event. DHARMA is a
web tool to digitize all dam related data effectively. It will help document authentic
asset and health information pertaining to the large dams in the country, enabling
appropriate actions to ensure need based rehabilitation.
4.
Which Indian shuttler has won the 2018 Swedish Open Junior International Series?

[A] Parupalli Kashyap
[B] B. Sai Praneeth
[C] Kidambi Srikanth
[D] Siddharth Pratap Singh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Siddharth Pratap Singh]
Explanation:
Young Indian shuttler Siddharth Pratap Singh has won the 2018 Swedish Open
Junior International Series by defeating Denmark’s Mads Christophersen in the
finals by 21-15, 21-11 in Uppsala in Sweden. It is his maiden international title.
Siddharth, who has never played outside Asia, will next play in the Iceland
International at Reykjavik to be held from January 25 to 28.
5.
Who has taken charge as the new Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
(VSSC)?
[A] S Somanath
[B] M.Y.S. Prasad
[C] K. Sivan
[D] Y S Reddy
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [S Somanath]
Explanation:
S Somanath, an Indian aerospace engineer and rocket technologist, has taken
charge as the new Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He
succeeded K Sivan, who has become the ISRO Chairman recently. Prior to this
post, he was director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala in
Thiruvananthapuram, the lead centre responsible for liquid engines and stages for
all launch vehicles and satellite programs of ISRO. Somanath is known for his
contributions to launch vehicle design, particularly in the areas of launch vehicle
systems engineering, structural design, structural dynamics, and pyrotechnics.
6.
Which country to host the ministerial meeting of International Energy Forum (IEF-
2018)?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Nepal
[C] India
[D] Indonesia
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [India]

Explanation:
India will host the Ministerial Meeting of International Energy Forum in New
Delhi from April 10 to 12, 2018. More than 60 Energy Ministers will participate in
the event and it will be the largest global gathering of Energy Ministers. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event and External Affairs Minister
Sushma Swaraj will deliver the concluding address. The International Energy
Forum (IEF), with a membership of 71 countries (both producers and consumers),
is the most representative international organization in the field of oil and gas.
India is the member of IEF and currently the Chair of its Executive Board.
7.
Which city is hosting the 2018 India-ASEAN Business & Investment Conference?
[A] Kochi
[B] Chandigarh
[C] New Delhi
[D] Lucknow
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi ]
Explanation:
To mark the silver jubilee of India-ASEAN partnership, the 2018 India-ASEAN
Business & Investment Conference was organized by the Ministry of Commerce &
Industry in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It was held in New Delhi on January 22-23
to promote mutual trade and investment for shared prosperity. This initiative was
held ahead of the landmark 2018 ASEAN-India commemorative summit on the
25th of January. India & ASEAN partnership began in 1992 completed 25 years in
2017. India adopted the Act East policy in 2014 which has led to ties with South
Asian nations reaching new highs. Top leaders of all 10 ASEAN nations would
also be guests of honour at the 2018 Republic Day celebrations. It would be the
first time that the Republic Day parade would be graced by such a large number of
heads of state or govt.
8.
Which country to host the 6th edition of ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2018?
[A] Australia
[B] England
[C] New Zealand
[D] West Indies
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [West Indies]
Explanation:

The 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 will be hosted by West Indies from 9 to
24 November 2018. The preliminary round matches will be held at the Guyana
National Stadium and Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, while Sir Vivian
Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda will stage the two semi-finals and the
final. Hosts Windies will defend the title they won with an eight-wicket victory
over Australia in Kolkata in 2016.
9.
Which state government has launched a health assurance scheme “Chief Minister-
gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT)” for the poor and disabled people?
[A] Tripura
[B] Nagaland
[C] Mizoram
[D] Manipur
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manipur]
Explanation:
N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, has launched a pioneering health
assurance scheme “Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT)” for the poor
and disabled people on January 21, 2018. The CMHT will provide cashless
treatment to the poor at government hospitals, health centres and other empanelled
selected private hospitals. The scheme will provide cover up to Rs 2 lakh per
eligible family identified from the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) in the
treatment of seven critical identified critical ailments – cardiovascular diseases,
kidney ailments, neurological conditions, liver ailments, cancer, neo-natal diseases
and burns per year. The beneficiaries may get themselves enrolled for the scheme
with the help of ASHA workers at the kiosks opened in nearby PHCs, CHCs and
District Hospitals.
10.
Which Union ministry has launched the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free
Cities’?
[A] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[B] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Law and Justice
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Explanation:
Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing and Urban Affairs has
launched the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities’ in Goa along with
the Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar in order to fulfill India’s biggest
dream of being a clean nation by October 2, 2019. . The star-rating initiative has
been developed by the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban. It will rate cities on a 7-
star rating system based on multiple cleanliness indicators for solid waste
management, which will include Door to Door Collection, bulk generator
compliance, source segregation, sweeping, scientific processing of waste, scientific
land filling, plastic waste management, construction and demolition management,
dump remediation & citizen grievance redressal system etc.
1.
Who has created a national record in the 63kg women’s category at the 33rd
Women Senior National Weightlifting Championships?
[A] Amandeep Kaur
[B] S Thasana Chanu
[C] Karnam Malleswari
[D] Rakhi Halder
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rakhi Halder]
Explanation:
Lifter Rakhi Halder of Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) has created a
new national record in clean and jerk en route to a gold medal in the 63kg
women’s category in the 33rd Women Senior National Weightlifting
Championships, in Mangaluru, Karnataka on January 24, 2018. She lifted 128kgs
in the clean and jerk for a total of 230kgs to create a new national record, bettering
Karnam Malleswari’s feat (127kg) created in Athens in 1999. The silver in this
category went to S Thasana Chanu of Karnataka (202kg) while the bronze was
clinched by AIPSCB’s Amandeep Kaur (191kg). The day concluded with a gold
medal for RV Rahul of RSPB in 85kg men’s division of the 70th Men National
Weightlifting Championships.
2.
The cultural extravaganza “2018 Bharat Parv” will organise from which Indian
monument?
[A] India Gate
[B] Jantar mantar
[C] Red Fort
[D] Gateway of India
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Red Fort ]
Explanation:

As part of the 2018 Republic Day celebrations, cultural extravaganza Bharat Parv
will organize by the Union Ministry of Tourism at the Red Fort in Delhi from
January 26 to 31, 2018. The prime objective of the 3-day event is to generate a
patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and to ensure
wider participation of the general public. The event includes display of Republic
Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by the Armed Forces Bands, a Multi-Cuisine
Food Court, Craft Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the
country and Photo Exhibition by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual
Publicity (DAVP). The Cultural Performances include choreographed Folk and
Tribal Dances and Music arranged through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well
as performances by cultural troupes from the different States and Union
Territories. Bharat Parv will be open for public from 12 Noon to 10 PM. The event
is open for public and entry is free. However, identity proof is to be carried for
entry to the event.
3.
Hugh Masekela, the legendary jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist has passed
away. He hailed from which country?
[A] France
[B] South Africa
[C] Israel
[D] Brazil
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [South Africa]
Explanation:
Hugh Masekela (78), the legendary jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist, has
passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 23, 2018. He was also
known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs
such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”. He also had a number 1 US
pop hit in 1968 with his version of “Grazing in the Grass”.
4.
The 2018 National Girl Child Day (NGCD) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] January 24
[B] January 25
[C] January 23
[D] January 26
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [January 24]
Explanation:

The National Girl Child Day (NGCD) is celebrated every year on January 24 with
an aim to raise awareness about sex ratio levels and promote the empowerment of
girls.
5.
Who has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)?
[A] Kumar Manish
[B] Sanjaya Baru
[C] Shyamal Mukherjee
[D] Dilip Chenoy
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dilip Chenoy]
Explanation:
Dilip Chenoy has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of Federation
of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Currently, Chenoy is
Chairman of Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (IILM).
Earlier, he was MD & CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation
(NSDC), Director General of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers
(SIAM) and Deputy Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII).
6.
Which Bollywood personality has been honoured with the 24th Crystal Award at
the World Economic Forum (WEF-2018)?
[A] Deepika Padukone
[B] Aamir Khan
[C] Shah Rukh Khan
[D] Priyanka Chopra
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shah Rukh Khan]
Explanation:
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the 24th Crystal Award
at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He received the award for
his leadership in championing children’s and women’s rights in India. Shahrukh
received the award alongside Elton John and Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett.
7.
Which country has acquired the top spot for global investment, as per latest PwC
21st CEO Survey 2018?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Japan

[C] United States
[D] India
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Explanation:
As per latest PwC 21st CEO Survey 2018, the United States has acquired the top
spot for global investment, followed by China, Germany, United Kingdom (UK),
India and Japan. The survey reveals surprising faith and optimism among CEOs in
the economic and business environment worldwide, at least over the next 12
months As per the survey, 54% of the CEOs plan to increase their headcount in
2018 while only 18% expect to reduce their staff. The sectors having the highest
demand for new recruits are health care (71%), technology (70%), business
services (67%), communications (60%), hospitality and leisure (59%).
8.
Which state government has signed sister-state agreement with Canton of Zurich?
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Explanation:
The Andhra Pradesh government has signed a sister-state agreement with the
Canton of Zurich in a bid to strengthen the friendly ties and promote mutual
understanding. The Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed by Finance Minister
Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and Zurich Councillor and Head of the Department for
Economic Affairs Carmen Walker Späh in the presence of Chief Minister
Chandrababu Naidu. The purpose of LOI is to achieve mutual prosperity and
development. The agreement will strengthen economic and scientific relations
between the two governments in the areas such as information and communication
technology, environmental technology, life sciences and urban and regional
Development.
9.
Rachel Morrison has become the first female cinematographer to be nominated for
Oscar 2018. She hails from which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Israel
Hide Answer
Explanation:
Rachel Morrison, an American cinematographer, has been nominated for the 90th
Academy Awards 2018 for her work in the film ‘Mudbound’. With this, she has
become the first female cinematographer to receive an Oscar nomination in the 89-
year-old history of the Awards.
10.
The Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) is located in which
city?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] New Delhi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chennai]
Explanation:
The Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) is the nodal agency for
catering to the needs of the brackish water aquaculture research in India. The
institute is headquartered at Chennai, Tamil Nadu and works under the Ministry of
Agriculture. It is one of the research institutes under Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) New Delhi.
1.
What is the India’s rank in the 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)?
[A] 168th
[B] 155th
[C] 135th
[D] 177th
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [177th ]
Explanation:
India has been ranked 177th out of 180 countries in the 2018 Environmental
Performance Index (EPI). The report was released on the sidelines of the ongoing
World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The Index stated that
deaths attributed to ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants have risen over the past decade and
are estimated at 1,640,113 annually in India. Switzerland has topped the index,
followed by France, Denmark, Malta and Sweden in the EPI, which found that air
quality is the leading environmental threat to public health. The 10th EPI report

ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across 10 categories covering
environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
2.
What is the theme of the 8th National Voters’ Day (NVD-2018)?
[A] Ethical Voting
[B] Empowering young and future events
[C] Accessible Elections
[D] Authentic Elections & Voting
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Accessible Elections]
Explanation:
The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed every year by India on January 25
with an aim to increase the enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible
ones. The day is also observed to mark the establishment of the Election
Commission on this day in 1950, a day before India became a republic. The
Election Commission of India (ECI) has celebrated the 8th National Voters’ Day
2018 with theme ‘Accessible Elections’ across the country, which will be used to
spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral
process.
3.
Which city is hosting the 2018 India-ASEAN commemorative summit?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kochi
[D] Chandigarh
Hide Answer
Explanation:
The 2018 India-ASEAN commemorative summit has started in New Delhi on
January 25 with theme “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. The focus of the
Summit, which marks the 25 years of Indo-ASEAN ties, will be counter-terrorism,
security, trade and connectivity. All 10 leaders of ASEAN countries will attend the
Summit. The 2018 summit will mark the conclusion of a series of events held over
the last one year to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership. The
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is comprised of Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam.
4.

Ursula K. Le Guin, the renowned science fiction author passed away. She hailed
from which country?
[A] United States
[B] Israel
[C] Italy
[D] United Kingdom
Hide Answer
Explanation:
Ursula K. Le Guin (88), the award-winning science fiction and American author,
has passed away in Portland, Oregon on January 22, 2018. She explored feminist
themes and her best-known works are the 1969 science fiction novel “Left Hand of
Darkness”, which explore themes of gender by featuring characters with no fixed
sex, and the 1968 coming-of-age story “A Wizard of Earthsea”.
5.
Which Indian bank has recently signed pact with National Housing Bank (NHB)
for Rural Housing Interest Subsidy Scheme (RHISS) scheme?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Punjab National Bank
[C] Bank of India
[D] Indian Overseas Bank
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indian Overseas Bank]
Explanation:
The Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has recently signed a MoU with National
Housing Bank (NHB) for implementing the Rural Housing Interest Subsidy
Scheme (RHISS) of the Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). The
purpose of the RHISS is to provide subsidy for housing loans taken by those living
in rural areas for construction and modifications of their dwelling units. The
interest subsidy under the scheme is 3% for a loan amount of Rs 2 lakh for 20-year
tenure. With this MoU, IOB will be able to extend the benefit of RHISS to its rural
home loan customers of its 923 rural branches spread across India.
6.
Which state to host the 7th Asia Steel International Conference (ASIC-2018)?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Hide Answer

Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Explanation:
The 7th Asia Steel International Conference (ASIC-2018) will be held in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 6 to 9.The announcement was made by Tata
Steel, in association with the Indian Institute of Metals. The conference is held
every three years and provides a platform for exchange of knowledge on various
aspects of the global steel industry. Around 70 keynote speakers, half of them from
overseas countries such as China, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US,
Germany, Belgium, Canada, etc. will address the conference. The 2018 conference
will address and focus on different challenges faced by the steel industry viz.,
optimising specific consumption of raw materials, especially coke and iron ore,
how to use low-grade raw materials, along with decreasing the energy
consumption in various iron-making and steel making operations. The last Asia
Steel conference was held in 2015 at Yokohama, Japan.
7.
India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with World Bank (WB) to
improve access to water supply in Uttarakhand?
[A] $220 million
[B] $120 million
[C] $320 million
[D] $420 million
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [$120 million ]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) has signed $120 million loan agreement with
World Bank (WB) that will help increase access to improved water supply services
in peri-urban areas in Uttarakhand. The Uttarakhand Water Supply Program for
Peri-Urban Areas will develop and implement a service-oriented and efficient
water supply policy for peri-urban areas, strengthen the current monitoring and
evaluation systems, and provide dedicated incentives for preparation and adoption
of water supply ‘master-plans’ in peri-urban areas. The program will focus on
increasing coverage, quality and reliability of water supply services in all peri-
urban areas of the state. The loan agreement has a grace period of 5-years and a
maturity of 17 years.
8.
Which Union ministry has launched Rapid Reporting System for Scheme for
Adolescent Girls (SAG)?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

[C] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Women and Child Development]
Explanation:
Rakesh Srivastava, Secretary of Union Ministry of Women and Child
Development (MoWCD), has launched the Phase -1 i.e. the beneficiary module of
the Rapid Reporting System for the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) in New
Delhi on January 24, 2018. It is a web based on line monitoring for the SAG. The
RRS will facilitate the monitoring of the scheme and taking corrective measures by
ensuring faster flow of information, accurate targeting of the beneficiaries and
reduction of leakages. This Portal has been developed in collaboration with
National Informatics Centre (NIC). The URL for the portal is http://sag-rrs.nic.in.
Presently, MoWCD is implementing the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) in
selected 508 districts across the country.
9.
Who has authored the book ‘Staniya Svasasan Mei Addhi Aabadhi’?
[A] V K Singh
[B] Inderjit Singh
[C] Thawar Chand Gehlot
[D] Sadhana Pandey
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sadhana Pandey]
Explanation:
The book ‘Staniya Svasasan Mei Addhi Aabadhi’ has been authored by Dr.
Sadhana Pandey, which is released by the Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah
Naidu, in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. Naidu stated that the book is an
empirical study that captures the voices of the rural women who are occupying
positions of authority at the local level. It can help the policy makers to understand
the perspectives of women representatives and address the key issues of education,
health, nutrition, information sharing, economic independence and empowerment.
10.
Jawai Dam, which is built across Luni river, is located in which of the following
states?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Hide Answer

Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Explanation:
The Jawai Bandh is a dam built across the Jawai river, a tributary of Luni river
near Sumerpur town in Pali District of Rajasthan. The dam has capacity of 7887.5
million cubic feet and covers an area of 102,315 acres of cultivable command area.
Its height is about 61.25 feet. Sei dam and Kalibor dam are the feeder dams of the
Jawai dam.
1.
Who has been honoured with the India’s highest peacetime military decoration
“Ashoka Chakra” at the 69th Republic Day?
[A] Khairnar Milind Kishor
[B] Nilesh Kumar Narayan
[C] Devendra Mehta
[D] Jyoti Prakash Nirala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jyoti Prakash Nirala]
Explanation:
Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala, an Indian Air Force Garud commando, has been
posthumously honoured with the India’s highest peacetime military decoration
“Ashoka Chakra” for service and exhibiting bravery in fighting the militants at the
69th Republic Day 2018. Nirala laid down his life while gunning down two
terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)’s Bandipora district in November 2017.
He is the first airman to receive the award for ground combat and only the third
one to receive it overall after Suhas Biswas and Rakesh Sharma. Corporal Nirala
was part of a Garud Special Forces Unit of the IAF, a detachment of which was
attached to a Rashtriya Rifles battalion under the aegis of ‘Op Rakshak’. Ashok
Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration for valour, courageous action
or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
2.
Which International organisation will launch a new Global Centre for
Cybersecurity to safeguard the world from hackers?
[A] World Economic Forum
[B] International Telecommunication Union
[C] UNICEF
[D] International Maritime Organization
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Economic Forum]
Explanation:
On 25 January 2018, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced to launch
a new Global Centre for Cybersecurity in a bid to safeguard the world from
hackers and growing data breaches — especially from nation-states. The centre
will be headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and will become operational from
March 2018. It will function as an autonomous organisation under the auspices of
WEF. The aim of the centre is to establish the first global platform for
governments, businesses, experts and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on
cybersecurity challenges. The global centre will be an excellent opportunity to
safeguard verticals like automotive and health care where wireless connectivity is
the key.
3.
Which state government has launched Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna
(MGSVY) for distressed sections?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Punjab
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab ]
Explanation:
The Punjab Government has launched Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna
(MGSVY) on the occasion of 69th Republic Day 2018 for the distressed sections
of the society across the state. The purpose of the programme is to give the
distressed sections of the society the help they need socially, economically and
psychologically. This scheme will be on the line of Antyodaya principles. The aim
of the programme is “Wipe every tear from every eye” as envisioned by Mahatma
Gandhiji. The main purpose of this scheme is to provide the benefit of welfare
schemes for debt stressed farmers, poor families that have a woman as sole bread
earner, families of AIDS patients, out-of-school children, martyred soldiers,
differently-abled, abandoned old persons, drug addicts among others.
4.
Who has taken charge as new Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems
Centre (LPSC)?
[A] P Y Ayyar
[B] J L Reddy
[C] V Narayanan
[D] V S Smaninathan
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [V Narayanan]
Explanation:
Dr V Narayanan, a rocket propulsion expert, has taken charge as new Director of
ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). He succeeded S Somanath,
who has been appointed Director of, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
Narayanan played a vital role in the successful launch of GSLV Mk III vehicle in
its maiden attempt in 2017 from the spaceport of ISRO “Satish Dhawan Space
Centre”. He is a Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering (FINAE) and
Member of Space Propulsion Committee of International Astronautical Federation
(IAF) and member in various national and international professional bodies. The
LPSC is the centre for design, development and realisation of liquid propulsion
stages for ISRO’s Launch Vehicles.
5.
What is the India’s rank in the 2018 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)?
[A] 81st
[B] 98th
[C] 102nd
[D] 88th
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [81st]
Explanation:
India has been ranked 81st out of 119 countries in the 2018 Global Talent
Competitiveness Index (GTCI). The list was developed by Yale and Columbia
Universities along with the World Economic Forum (WEF). The global index
measures how countries grow attract and retain talent. The list is topped by
Switzerland, followed by Singapore and United States. The 2018 report
investigates the theme of ‘diversity for competitiveness and explored the benefits
of diversity, such as how it can be leveraged for retention, talent development,
innovation and sustainability.
6.
Who has become first woman chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)?
[A] Archana Bhargava
[B] Usha Ananthasubramanian
[C] Arundhati Bhattacharya
[D] Shikha Sharma
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Usha Ananthasubramanian]
Explanation:
Usha Ananthasubramanian, MD and CEO of Allahabad Bank, has been elected the
first woman chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for the year 2017-18.
She succeeded Jatinder Bir Singh. Rajnish Kumar, Chairman of State Bank of
India, was elected Deputy Chairman of IBA for the year 2017-18. IBA is the
banking sector’s industry body, whose objective, among others, is to promote and
develop sound and progressive banking principles, practices and conventions and
to contribute to the developments of creative banking in the country.
7.
Which of the following has become the first Indian Metro to get a floating market?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Mumbai
[C] Delhi
[D] Chennai
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kolkata]
Explanation:
Kolkata has become the first Indian metro to get a floating market. The market will
be located on a water-body with boats doubling up as shops. It was inaugurated by
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 24, 2018. The purpose
of this floating market is to rehabilitate over 200 shopkeepers from a nearby
market that was demolished for the widening of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass
— an important road that connects the northern parts of the city to the eastern and
southern tips. According to government officials, the market will host at least 114
boats, each one accommodating two shops. Shops will sell regular or daily-use
items that include vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish and meat and poultry. Shoppers
will approach the boats through wooden walkways.
8.
Which of the following has become the India’s first indigenously developed
vaccine to be pre-qualified by World Health Organisation (WHO)?
[A] Rabishield
[B] Rotavac
[C] Elovac-B
[D] Abhay-Tag
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rotavac]
Explanation:
India’s first indigenously developed vaccine “Rotavac” has been pre-qualified by
the World Health Organisation (WHO). To be “pre-qualified” means that the
vaccine can be sold internationally to several countries in Africa and South
America. The vaccine was developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech
Limited (BBL) and was included in India’s national immunisation programme. The
Rotavac vaccine protects against childhood diarrhea caused by the rotavirus.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea and kills more than
200,000 children every year.
9.
The Union Government has recently allowed which scheme for Small Finance
Banks and Payments Banks?
[A] Midday Meal Scheme
[B] Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
[C] Soil Health Card Scheme
[D] Atal Pension Yojana
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Atal Pension Yojana]
Explanation:
The Union Government has allowed Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks to
offer Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Recently, 10 Small Finance Banks and 11
Payment Banks have got license from Reserve Bank of India to start banking
operations in the country. The Banks include Ujjivan Small Finance Bank,
Janalakshmi Small Finance Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, India Post
Payment Bank and Paytm Payment Bank. The social security scheme “APY” was
launched in 2015 and was the first ever dedicated Guaranteed Pension Product to
the people of the country. The scheme is available to the people in the age group of
18 to 40 years. Under the scheme, a subscriber would receive a minimum
guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000 to 5,000 per month from the age of 60 years
depending upon the contribution. At present, over 84 lacs subscribers are registered
under the APY scheme with an asset base of more than 3,194 crore rupees.
10.
Supriya Devi, the veteran film actress has passed away. She hailed from which
state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal ]
Explanation:
Supriya Devi, the veteran Bengali film actress and Padmashri awardee, has passed
away in Kolkata, West Bengal on January 26, 2018. She was best known for her
portrayal of Neeta in Ritwik Ghatak’s ‘Meghe Dhaka Tara’ (The Cloud-Capped
Star). During her over five-decade career in the Bengali film industry she delivered
hits and classics like Sonar Harin, Chowringhee, Bagh Bandi Khela, Meghe Dhaka
Tara, among others. Some of her other contemporaries and co-stars include
Soumitra Chatterjee and Sabitri Chattopadhyay.

1.
Which state’s tableau has won the best tableau award at the 69th Republic Day
Parade 2018?
[A] Assam
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Chhattisgarh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Explanation:
Maharashtra’s tableau titled “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj coronation” has won the
best tableau award at the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018. Assam’s tableau
depicting traditional “masks and sastras” bagged the second prize. The third prize
went to Chhattisgarh’s display of Ramgarh’s ancient amphitheatre and artistes
performing dance based on Kalidasa’s Meghadootam. Among the tableaux by
Union Ministries and departments, the first prize went to “Khelo India” of the
Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry. The Union Defence Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman gave away the awards at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment
on January 28, 2018. Apart from this, the Punjab Regiment has bagged the award
for the best marching contingent among the three services and the Indo-Tibetan
Border Police (ITBP) among the paramilitary and other auxiliary forces in the 69th
Republic Day parade.
2.
The documentary ‘Kailash’ has won the US Documentary Grand Jury Award at
Sundance Film Festival 2018. It is directed by whom?
[A] Purnima Raghunath
[B] Derek Doneen
[C] Sarah Anthony
[D] Davis Guggenheim
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Derek Doneen]
Explanation:
The documentary titled ‘Kailash’ has won the US Documentary Grand Jury Award
at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival at Park City in Utah on January 28. The
documentary, which is directed by Derek Doneen, traces the journey of Indian
Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi and his efforts to eliminate child trafficking and
child labour. The film has been produced by Davis Guggenheim and Sarah
Anthony, and co-produced by Purnima Raghunath.
3.
The 2018 National Immunisation Day (NID) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] January 29
[B] January 30
[C] January 28
[D] January 27
Hide Answer
Explanation:
President Ram Nath Kovind has launched the countrywide Pulse Polio programme
for 2018 by administering polio drops to children below five years at the
Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The programme will cover around 17 crore
children to maintain the country’s polio-free status. The president administered the
drops on the eve of 2018 National Immunisation Day (NID), which is observed on
January 28.
4.
Who has won the 2018 men’s Singles title in the Australian Open 2018?
[A] Marin Cilic
[B] Novak Djokovic
[C] Rafael Nadal
[D] Roger Federer
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Roger Federer]
Explanation:
Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, has won the 2018 men’s Singles
title in the Australian Open 2018. He successfully defended his title by defeating
6th seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia by 6-2,6-7, 6-3 3-6, 6-1. With this, Federer won
his sixth title at the Australian Open equalling the record held by Roy Emerson and
Novak Djokovic. The win has brought the Swiss to the elite group of Margaret
Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf, the only players to have won 20 or more
Grand Slam singles titles.
5.
Which union ministry to set up social media communication hubs in districts?
[A] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[B] Ministry of Law and Justice
[C] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[D] Ministry of Women and Child Development
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]

Explanation:
The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has planned to set up a ‘Social
Media Communication Hub’ that would help it keep a tab on trending news in
districts and gather feedback on the Centre’s flagship schemes. Under the project,
media persons would be employed on contractual basis in each district to be the
eyes and ears of the government and provide real-time updates from the ground.
They would also take the people’s feedback on the government’s policies and
follow the news trending in their areas. Experts would also be employed at the
central level to analyse the feedback. Recently, the Broadcast Engineering
Consultants India Limited (BECIL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the
ministry, had floated a tender to supply a software for the project. The tender
document stated the platform is expected to provide automated reports, tactical
insights and comprehensive work-flows to initiate engagement across digital
channels.
6.
Who has been sworn-in as the new President of the Republic of Honduras?
[A] Salvador Nasralla
[B] Juan Orlando Hernandez
[C] Luis Orlando Zelaya
[D] Xiomara Castro
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Juan Orlando Hernandez]
Explanation:
Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has been sworn-in for a second term
in capital Tegucigalpa with high security after a disputed presidential election
2017. President Hernández, has been in power since 2013, and is the first president
in Honduran running for a second term after the country’s Supreme Court lifted a
ban on re-election. It must be noted that, the country’s 1982 constitution bars
presidents from seeking a new term and conservative politicians deposed a leftist
president in 2009 for allegedly even considering re-election. But, Hernandez won a
Supreme Court ruling in 2015 to get around that prohibition.
7.
What is the India’s GDP growth prediction for FY19, according to 2018 Economic
Survey of India?
[A] 6.5 to 7.25%
[B] 7 to 7.5%
[C] 6.9 to 7.2%
[D] 7.5 to 8.0%
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [7 to 7.5%]
Explanation:
The Economic Survey 2017-18 has tabled by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
in Parliament on January 29, 2018. The survey has predicted 7 to 7.5% of India’s
GDP growth in FY 2018-19. It says that a series of major reforms undertaken over
the past year will allow real GDP growth to reach 6.75% this fiscal and will rise to
7.0 to 7.5% in 2018-19. It stated that the employment, education and agriculture
will be the focus areas in the midterm. The survey underlines that due to the launch
of transformational Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform, resolution of the long-
festering Twin Balance Sheet problem, implementing a major recapitalization
package to strengthen the public sector banks, further liberalization of FDI and the
export uplift from the global recovery, the economy began to accelerate in the
second half of the year and can clock 6.75% growth this year.
8.
Who has taken charge as the new Foreign Secretary of India?
[A] Baldev Singh Dhillon
[B] Manjit Singh Kang
[C] K P S Sharma
[D] Vijay Keshav Gokhale
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vijay Keshav Gokhale]
Explanation:
Vijay Keshav Gokhale, the 1981-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has
taken charge as the new Foreign Secretary of India on January 29, 2018. Prior to
this post, Gokhale was serving as the Secretary (Economic Relations) in the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He succeeded S Jaishankar and will have a
two-year tenure. Gokhale had played a key role in negotiations to resolve the
Doklam standoff between Indian and Chinese armies in 2017. He also served as
India’s Ambassador to China, Germany and worked in Indian missions in Hong
Kong, Hanoi and in New York. Beside this, he is the only IFS to have served as
India’s Representative both in Taiwan and China.
9.
Dr. Gurcharan Singh Kalkat, the noted Indian agricultural scientist has passed
away. He hailed from which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Punjab]
Explanation:
Dr. Gurcharan Singh Kalkat (91), the former agriculture commissioner of India and
Padam Shri and Padam Bhushan awardee, has passed away in Chandigarh, Punjab
on January 27, 2018. He was known for his contribution during the Green
Revolution era which led to a boom in the production of wheat and rice in the
country. He was the one who even ushered a soybean revolution in Punjab. Kalkat
was also the former vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (Ludhiana)
from 1998-2001.
10.
Who has been chosen for 5th edition of Yash Chopra Memorial Award 2018?
[A] Shah Rukh Khan
[B] Amitabh Bachchan
[C] Asha Bhosle
[D] Lata Mangeshkar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Asha Bhosle]
Explanation:
Asha Bhosle, the legendary playback singer, will be awarded with the 5th edition
of Yash Chopra Memorial Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution to the
Hindi film industry. The award will be presented to her on February 16. The
previous recipients are Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Shah
Rukh Khan. The award has been instituted by the TSR Foundation of T. Subbarami
Reddy in memory of producer-director Yash Chopra, who died in 2012. Asha
Bhosle has officially acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the
most recorded artist in music history. In her illustrious music career spanning
nearly seven decades she has recorded over 11,000 songs in 20 different languages.
The Government of India (GoI) has honoured her with the Dadasaheb Phalke
Award (2000) and the Padma Vibhushan (2008).
1.
India’s first ever ‘Khadi Haat’ has launched in which city?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Patna
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] New Delhi
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi ]
Explanation:
To mark the 69th Republic Day 2018, Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(KVIC) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have launched the India’s
first-ever ‘Khadi Haat’ in Connaught Place, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by
Union Minister of State Giriraj Singh. In this Khadi Haat, entrepreneurs under
Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) will get an
opportunity to display and sell their exquisite products. It will also provide a better
platform as well as source of earning for the artisans.
2.
Who has won the 2018 women’s singles title in the Australian Open 2018?
[A] Caroline Wozniack
[B] Serena Williams
[C] Elina Svitolina
[D] Simona Halep
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Caroline Wozniack]
Explanation:
Caroline Wozniack, a Danish professional tennis player, has won the 2018
women’s Singles title in the Australian Open 2018. With this, she became the first
Danish player to win a Grand Slam singles title by defeating Simona Halep in the
final by 7–6, 3–6, 6–4.
3.
Who has won the 2018 women’s singles Indonesia Masters badminton
tournament?
[A] Carolina Marín
[B] Tai Tzu-ying
[C] Saina Nehwal
[D] P. V. Sindhu
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tai Tzu-ying]
Explanation:
Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan has won the 2018 women’s singles Indonesia Masters
badminton tournament by defeating Saina Nehwal in the final by 9-21, 13-21 in
Jakarta. With this win, Tai Tzu has now defeated the former world No.1 nine times
in their last 10 meetings.
4.
Who has been appointed the Chef-de-Mission for the 21st Commonwealth Games
2018?
[A] Virendra Tawde
[B] Krishna S Reddy
[C] Vikram Singh Sisodia
[D] Uttam Singh Chauhan

Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vikram Singh Sisodia]
Explanation:
Vikram Singh Sisodia, the joint secretary of Indian Olympic Association (IOA),
has been appointed the Chef-de-Mission for the 21st Commonwealth Games 2018,
which is scheduled to be held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4 to 15. Sisodia
is also currently the president of Chhattisgarh State Tennis Association.
5.
The first-ever India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX-2018) has started
in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Gujarat
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Explanation:
The first-ever India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise, christened as ‘VINBAX-
2018″, has started in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on January 29, as part of joint
training undertaken with friendly foreign countries by Indian Army. It is the first-
ever military exercise between the two countries. The 6-day-long Table Top
military exercise has been especially designed to enable and train officers from
Vietnam in United Nations Peace Keeping Operations.
6.
The 2018 International Bird Festival will be held in which National park of India?
[A] Dudhwa National Park
[B] Kaziranga National Park
[C] Dudhwa National Park
[D] Bandhavgarh National Park
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dudhwa National Park]
Explanation:
The 2018 International Bird Festival will be held at the Dudhwa National Park in
Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh from February 9 to 11 with nearly 200 leading
ornithologists expected to attend. The purpose of the bird fest is to promote eco-
tourism in Dudhwa and to give it a distinct international identity besides
highlighting its traditional Tharu arts, culture, and heritage. Eminent documentary
maker Mike Pandey will be the brand ambassador of the festival. During the three-

day event, the bird experts would visit various parts of Dudhwa to gather
information about the 450 bird species existing there.
7.
Sandeep Lamichhane has become the first Nepal cricketer to get IPL contract. He
will play under which IPL team?
[A] Kolkata Knight Riders
[B] Kings XI Punjab
[C] Delhi Daredevils
[D] Chennai Super Kings
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [Delhi Daredevils ]
Explanation:
Sandeep Lamichhane, the leg-spinner, has become the first cricketer from Nepal to
sign for an IPL team. He was bought by Delhi Daredevils for his base price of Rs
20 lakh. He made his first impact at the 2016 U-19 World Cup, where he guided
Nepal to a creditable 8th place. He came to limelight by becoming the second-
highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 scalps in six innings at an average
of 17 and an economy of 4.67.
8.
Which state government has launched ‘Shakti’ app for women’s safety in the state?
[B] Punjab
[C] Haryana
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Explanation:
Jai Ram Thakur, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, has launched the
‘Shakti’ app to ensure safety and protection of women in the state. The app was
developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) of the Himachal Pradesh
government. It would be available in both Hindi and English languages and would
not require internet connectivity. The app, once triggered, would automatically
send a message to the nearest police control room and start recording audio and
video after 20 seconds. The state government has also launched the ‘GUDDIYA’
helpline number 1515 and the ‘Hoshiyar Singh’ helpline number 1090. The app
and the helpline were part of an initiative to fight crimes against women in the
state. The ‘Hoshiyar Singh’ helpline would be monitored by the CM’s office in a
24×7 basis, and the government would use information gathered on this helpline to
come down heavily on the drug, forest and mining mafias.

9.
Which state is hosting the 2018 National Handloom Expo (NHE)?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Jharkhand
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Assam ]
Explanation:
The National Handloom Expo (NHE) has been inaugurated by Assam Handloom
and Textile Minister Ranjit Dutta at Guwahati, Assam on January 29, 2018. The
event is sponsored by Development Commissioner of Handloom, Govt of India
and organized by ARTFED. Total 130 stalls have been set up. 12 states are
participating in the event, which will continue till 11 February.
10.
Which union minitry has launched “Stree Swabhiman” initiative?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[B] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has
launched “Stree Swabhiman” initiative. The aim of the initiative is to create a
sustainable model for providing adolescent girls and women an access to
affordable sanitary products by leveraging Common Services Centres (CSCs).
Under the ‘Stree Swabhiman’ project, sanitary napkin micro manufacturing units
are being set up at CSCs across India, particularly those operated by women
entrepreneurs. The initiative is driven by awareness and personalised outreach by
women entrepreneurs who produce and market sanitary napkins themselves.
1.
Which Indian-American personality has been elected as the Vice Chairman of the
US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF)?
[A] Shantanu Narayen
[B] Ajay Singh
[C] Mukesh Aghi
[D] Sayak Banerjee
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shantanu Narayen]
Explanation:
Shantanu Narayen, the Indian-American CEO of Adobe, has been elected as the
Vice Chairman of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF). The
USISPF is a new organisation that has been set up to enhance business relations
between India and the US. The purpose of the organisation is to promote bilateral
trade and work on creating meaningful opportunities that have the power to change
the lives of citizens. The USISPF now has 31 board members.
2.
India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with ADB for construction
of over 6,200-kilometre rural roads in five states?
[A] $550 million
[B] $450 million
[C] $250 million
[D] $750 million
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: C [$250 million]
Explanation:
The Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have
signed a $250 million loan agreement for the construction of over 6,200 kilometres
all-weather rural roads in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West
Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The program is
aimed at improving rural connectivity, facilitating safer and more efficient access
to livelihood and socio-economic opportunities for rural communities through
improvements to about 12 thousand kilometres Rural Roads across the 5 States.
3.
Kalamandalam Geethanandan, the acclaimed Ottanthullal artist has passed away.
He hailed from which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala ]
Explanation:
Kalamandalam Geethanandan (58), the acclaimed Ottanthullal artist, has passed
away while performing at Avittathur Mahavishnu Temple in Avittathur, Kerala on
January 28, 2018. He, who performed on more than 5,000 stages across the

country, was also a tutor of Ottanthullal at Kerala Kalamandalam for decades. He
had acted in many films, including Mohanlal’s Kamaladalam.
4.
Dharmasena Pathiraja, the renowned filmmaker has passed away. He hailed from
which country?
[A] Myanmar
[B] India
[C] Maldives
[D] Sri Lanka
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sri Lanka]
Explanation:
Dharmasena Pathiraja (74), the renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker, has passed away
in Kandy, Sri Lanka on January 28, 2018. He was fondly referred to as “a rebel
with a cause’ and acclaimed for his compelling portrayals of urban underclasses.
He is credited with making a critical intervention in Sinhala cinema, with themes
that served as social commentaries on the prevailing socio-economic and political
realities. He also taught film studies in various Sri Lankan universities.
5.
Who has won the men’s singles title at the 2018 11Even Sports National Senior
Table Tennis Championship?
[A] Sharath Kamal
[B] G. Sathiyan
[C] Manav Thakkar
[D] Anthony Amalraj
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sharath Kamal]
Explanation:
Achanta Sharath Kamal from Tamil Nadu has won the 79th edition of the 11Even
Sports National Senior Table Tennis Championship 2018 by defeating top-seed
Anthony Amalraj in the final by 4-1 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. With this, he lifted the
National men’s singles title for the 8th time and equaled the record of Kamlesh
Mehta. The winner received Rs 2 lakh as prize money. Suthirta Mukherjee from
West Bengal emerged the new women champion, beating Hyderabad Nationals
winner Manika Batra 4-3. Her maiden effort fetched Rs 1.5 lakh, while Manika
received 50% less in prize money.
6.
Who has been elected as the new President of Finland?

[A] Tuula Haatainen
[B] Sauli Niinisto
[C] Laura Huhtasaari
[D] Pekka Haavisto
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sauli Niinisto]
Explanation:
Sauli Niinisto, the current President of Finland, has won the 2018 Finnish
presidential election on January 28, 2018. He won his second 6-year term with an
overwhelming 62.7% of the vote. His closest rival, Pekka Haavisto of the Greens
of Finland, secured just 12.4% votes. The term will from 1st March 2018 to 1
March 2024. Mr. Niinisto, who is in office since 2012, is known for cultivating
good relations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. During his first term,
Mr. Niinisto was instrumental in maintaining relations with Moscow, despite the
country backing western economic sanctions against Russia over its 2014
annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Finland, which shares 1,340 km border and a
difficult history with Russia, has also developed closer ties with NATO but
stopped short of full membership in line with a tradition of avoiding confrontation
with Russia.
7.
Which union minister has launched the Rapid Detection Kits for adulterants in
fresh fish?
[A] Rajnath Singh
[C] Smriti Irani
[D] Radha Mohan Singh
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Radha Mohan Singh]
Explanation:
Radha Mohan Singh, the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, has
launched the Rapid Detection Kits for adulterants (ammonia and formaldehyde) in
fresh fish in New Delhi on January 30, 2018, which has been developed by Central
Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi. Ammonia helps in preventing ice
from melting and use of formaldehyde increases the shelf life of fish therefore
many people in the fisheries sector are using these chemicals. The kit helps in
detecting both the chemicals in the fish. Because, the continuous ingestion of
ammonia and formaldehyde can lead to many health issues including abdominal
pain, vomiting, unconsciousness, and sometimes even cause death.
8.

What is the India’s rank in the list of wealthiest countries, according to a new
report by New World Wealth?
[A] 11th
[B] 6th
[C] 9th
[D] 4th
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [6th ]
Explanation:
According to a report by New World Wealth, India has been ranked 6th in the list
of wealthiest countries with total wealth of $8,230 billion US dollars. As per
report, India was the best performing wealth market globally in 2017 as its total
wealth swelled from 6,584 billion dollars in 2016 to 8,230 billion dollars in 2017,
registering a 25% growth. The report noted that the United States is the wealthiest
country in the world as the total wealth held in 2017 amounted to $64,584 billion,
followed by China ($24,803 billion) and Japan ($19,522 billion). Total wealth
refers to the private wealth held by all the individuals living in each country. It
includes all their assets. However, the report excludes government funds from its
figures. Others in the list include United Kingdom (4th, $9,919 billion), Germany
(5th, $9,660 billion), France (7th, $6,649 billion), Canada (8th, $6,393 billion),
Australia (9th, $6,142 billion) and Italy (10th, $4,276 billion).
9.
Chintaman Wanaga, who passed away recently, was the MP from which
constituency of Maharashtra?
[A] Raigad
[B] Ahmednagar
[C] Buldhana
[D] Palghar
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: D [Palghar]
Explanation:
Chintaman Wanaga, the Member of Parliament (MP) of 16th Lok Sabha from
Palghar in Maharashtra, has passed away in New Delhi on January 30, 2018. An
advocate by profession, he served as the President of BJP’s Thane district office
from 1990 to 1996. He was elected to the Lok Sabha thrice and once as the
member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
10.
The Anti-Leprosy Day is observed on which date in India?
[A] January 28
[B] January 30
[C] January 29
[D] January 31
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: B [January 30]
Explanation:
The Anti-Leprosy Day is observed every year in India on the Martyrdom Day of
Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, remembers his selfless efforts and care for the
people affected by leprosy. The day aims to make people aware of the real need to
fight the infectious disease. On this day, a campaign named ‘Sparsh Leprosy
Awareness Campaign (SLAC)” has been organised in all the Gram Sabhas
throughout the country by the Central Leprosy Division of the Health Ministry.
The campaign carries important information about the disease to help affected
people. It includes free of cost multidrug therapy that is available at all government
dispensaries, health centres and hospitals to provide complete treatment. The
facility is given to all the affected people as only timely treatment prevents
disability caused due to the disease. Some important symptoms of leprosy are light
colour patches, redness, swelling and nodule formation over the skin.

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