1. Recently, the government of India has relaxed the norms for withdrawal of General Provident Fund (GPF). As per the new norms, the employees can withdraw the funds for select purposes after completing how many years in service?
[A] 5 years
[B] 8 years
[C] 10 years
[D] 12 years
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ 10 years ]
Notes:
The government has recently relaxed the norms for withdrawal of General Provident Fund (GPF) to enable the central government employees receive payments within 15 days. Employees can also withdraw the fund for select purposes after completing 10 years of service, as against 15 years of service earlier. This reform will help around 50 Lakh central government employees.
2. Which among the following country is India’s top trading partner?
[A] UAE
[B] USA
[C] Japan
[D] China
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
On 25-12-2017, India’s top 10 trade partners are China, USA, UAE, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Indonesia and Singapore.
3. Recently Cultivation of which of the following plants was in news it is a source of Methane?
[A] Barley
[B] Paddy
[C] Bajra
[D] Maize
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Paddy]
4. The 2018 International Tiger Day (ITD) is observed on which date?
[A] July 29
[B] July 28
[C] July 30
[D] July 31
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [July 29]
Notes:
The International Tiger Day (ITD) is celebrated every year on July 29 to spread the message to protect these endangered species and assist in maintaining ecological integrity. It was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia with the goal to bring worldwide attention to the dwindling numbers of tigers and their plight. According to World Wildlife Fund and Global Tiger Forum (GTF), the total number of wild tigers has risen to above 3,000 in 2016. The number is expected to increase in the new tiger counting, which started in January 2018. India is home to 70% of tigers in the world.
5. Recently, our scientists discovered that mucus secreted by the frog species Hydrophylax bahuvistara could be used as an anti-microbial drug to destroy bacteria and viruses responsible for the flu. The frog species “Hydrophylax bahuvistara” is found in which part of India?
[A] Eastern Himalayas
[B] Western Ghats
[C] Western Himalayas
[D] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Western Ghats]
Notes:
Recently, the scientists discovered that the skin mucus secreted by a colourful frog species Hydrophylax bahuvistara could be used as an anti-microbial drug to destroy kill bacteria and viruses responsible for the flu. The peptide or chain of amino acids, found in a frog species (Hydrophylax bahuvistara) can destroy many strains of human flu and protect mice against flu infection. The researchers named the newly identified peptide “urumin” after the urumi, a sword with a flexible blade that snaps and bends like a whip.
6. The “STRAND LB” test, which was recently in news, is used to detect:
[A] Cancer
[B] Tuberculosis (TB)
[C] HIV/AIDS
[D] Swine flu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cancer]
Notes:
Recently, Strand Life Sciences has launched a Liquid Biopsy test portfolio, called STRAND LB that provides highly sensitive detection of tumour traces from a simple blood draw. The test is helpful in detecting the wide variety of cancer types – including lung, colorectal, breast, and bladder cancer.
7. Recently, India became an Associate member of which organisation?
[A] North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
[B] European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)
[C] Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG)
[D] Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)]
Notes:
India became an Associate member of CERN on November 21, 2016 with the Indian government completing its internal approval procedures in respect of the agreement it had signed with CERN. As an Associate member India will have full access to all data generated at CERN.
8. Recently, Central Government envisaged for nationwide conduct of “Operation Nirbheek”. What is the operation all about?
[A] To trace missing children and reunite them with their parents
[B] To make the school and college girls aware about sexual crimes
[C] Providing training for self defense in government schools
[D] Encouraging entrepreneurship among women to raise the status of economically downtrodden families
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To make the school and college girls aware about sexual crimes]
Notes:
B is the correct option.
9. Prof. T N Srinivasan, who passed away recently, was the renowned personality of which field?
[A] Marine Science
[B] Economy
[C] Art
[D] Biology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Economy]
Notes:
Prof. Thirukodikaval Nilakanta Srinivasan (85), a distinguished Indian economist and a scholar, has passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on November 11, 2018. He was known for being one of the key advocates of the 1991 economic reforms. Srinivasan, who was a Professor of Economics and International Area Studies Emeritus at Yale University, had been a mentor of macroeconomics to current RBI governor, Urjit Patel. He held editorial positions in prominent business periodicals such as Economic Review, Journal of Asian Economics and World Journal of Quantitative Economics. Srinivasan also founded the Journal of Development Economics, a field journal with macroeconomist Lance Jerome Taylor in 1972. His famous books include India’s Economic Reforms with renowned economist Jagdish Bhagwati and Reintegrating India with World Economy with economist Suresh Tendulkar.
10. Who is the only Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the IAAF 2018 World U20 Championships?
[A] Mandeep Kaur
[B] Krishna Punia
[C] Hima Das
[D] Sini Jose
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hima Das ]
Notes:
Hima Das is the only Indian track athlete to win a medal at any IAAF global event. She won the gold medal in Women’s 400m at 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships at Tampere, Finlan
