1. The share of direct taxes in India’s tax kitty peaked in 2009-10 at 60% and thereafter, it has consistently fallen. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for the same?
[A] There was a substantial reduction in direct tax rates in the country
[B] The consumption pattern and economic growth were affected by economic recession
[C] The share of indirect taxes increased substantially
[D] None of the above is an appropriate reason
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The share of indirect taxes increased substantially ]
Notes:
In October 2018, a Time series data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) showed that the share of direct taxes in total taxes rose every year through the first decade of this century — going from 36.31% in 2000-01 to 60.78% in 2009-10. Thereafter it has fallen mainly because of rise of “service tax” collections in the country. Service Tax is now subsumed in GST.
Indirect taxes are said to be regressive in nature as they do not distinguish between poor and rich, and therefore, higher proportion of indirect taxes in total tax collection is not considered ideal.
2. Recently, Stock market regulator SEBI has imposed trade restrictions on 331 firms which are suspected of being “shell companies”. Which of the following is NOT an activity generally carried out using shell companies?
[A] Trade and normal business
[B] Financial manoevour for some unstated objectives
[C] Illegal financial activities
[D] Violation of intellectual rights and properties
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Trade and normal business ]
Notes:
Shell companies are created for unstated / hidden objectives of financial manoeuvres and not for normal trade.
3. On which among the following dates, World Forestry Dates is observed?
[A] March 21
[B] March 22
[C] March 23
[D] March 24
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [March 21]
Notes:
The International Day of Forests is observed every year on March 21 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests for the benefit of current and future generations. The 2017 theme is ‘Forests and Energy’. The theme highlights the importance of wood energy in improving people’s lives, powering sustainable development and mitigating climate change.
4. Hypersonic Flight Experiment conducted by ISRO in 2016 is part of which of the following programmes?
[A] GAGAN satellite navigation system
[B] Mars Orbiter Mission
[C] Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD)
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD)]
Notes:
The Hypersonic Flight Experiment, or HEX, was the first test-flight in the RLV Technology Demonstration Programme. The RLV-TD vehicle was launched from the first launchpad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 23 May 2016.
5. Recently, the first virology laboratory for conducting basic and fundamental research in homeopathy for viral diseases such as influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and swine flu has been established in India. It has been established in which of the following cities?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Pune
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kolkata]
Notes:
Recently, the AYUSH Ministry has inaugurated India’s first advanced Homoeopathy Virology lab in Kolkata. The cost of laboratory is Rs. 8 crore. Currently, it is the only one in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in homeopathy for viral diseases such as influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and swine flu.
6. The term “Base Movement”, sometimes seen in news, is associated to:
[A] Indian government’s initiative to fight extremism infected areas of Northeast
[B] newly formed terror group active in south India
[C] paramilitary forces action against the naxalites in Red Corridor area
[D] militant movement being carried out by insurgents and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [newly formed terror group active in south India]
Notes:
Base Movement is the newly formed little know terror group active in south India. It has extended its operations to Kerala from Tamil Nadu. Base Movement had suspected allegiance to Al Qaeda as the word ‘Al Qaeda” means base and the movement was said to be a South Indian outfit of Al Qaeda. This mysterious outfit has announced launch of its operations by sending letters and emails to various institutions in South India.
7. For which category, the Swedish Academy has postponed the 2018 Nobel Prize?
[A] Peace
[B] Literature
[C] Chemistry
[D] Medicine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Literature]
Notes:
The Swedish Academy has postponed the 2018 Nobel Prize for Literature. The academy will award the two Nobel Prizes in Literature, the 2018 prize and the 2019 prize, in 2019. The reason for the delay or postpone is the internal feud within the academy.
8. Agasthyarkoodam peak is located in which of the following states?
[A] Odisha
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
K Dhanya Sanal, a spokesperson for the defence ministry in Thiruvananthapuram, has created history by becoming the first woman to climb the peak of 1,868-metre-high Agasthyarkoodam in January 2019 after the High court removed traditional restrictions on women from scaling the peak. Agasthyarkoodam is a part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve which lies on the border between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Kani tribe that lives on the foothills opposes women attempting the trek. The mountain range is considered the holy abode of celibate sage Agastya Muni. The tribe has protested against letting women climb the peak, but has not stopped anyone. Over 100 of them sang folk songs as a mark of protest.
9. Where were the Commonwealth Games 2018 held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Auckland
[C] Gold Coast
[D] Manchester
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gold Coast ]
Notes:
The most recent Commonwealth Games were held in Gold Coast from 4-15 April, 2018.
10. Who was the best player in the 2018 Season of World Championships in Athletics in Discus Throw Men?
[A] Gerd Kanter
[B] Virgilijus Alekna
[C] Daniel Stahl
[D] Robert Harting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Daniel Stahl ]
Notes:
Daniel Stahl is a Swedish athlete and a discus thrower. He finished second in the 2018 season with a throw distance of 69.72m. Who were the top three men athletes in the Rio Olympics in the 400m relay event?
These questions are part of Daily Current Affairs 20 MCQs Series in GKToday Android Application. This series can be subscribed in the app only for Rs. 999/- for entire year.