1. Consider the following statements:
- Radon is the heaviest gas.
- Astatine is the rarest element on the earth.
- Graphite, which is a non-metal, is also an electrical conductor.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] 1 and 2
[C] 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Radon is the heaviest known noble gas and is radioactive. Astatine, with the atomic number 85, is the rarest naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust. Graphite, a form of carbon, is the only non-metal that conducts electricity due to its delocalised electrons. Thus, all the statements are correct.
2. Jiro Taniguchi, who passed away recently, was the legendary comic manga artist from which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Singapore
[C] Japan
[D] Swtizerland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Notes:
Jiro Taniguchi (69), a legendary comic manga artist of Japan, has recently passed away in Tokyo, Japan. He was known for his elegant line drawings and intricately-constructed landscapes. Taniguchi achieved an international following with works such as The Walking Man, The Summit of the Gods and The Magic Mountain.
3. Which city has hosted the 7th edition of Indian Seed Congress (ISC)-2017?
[A] Chennai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kochi
[D] Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kolkata]
Notes:
The 7th edition of Indian Seed Congress (ISC) has been organized by the National Seed Association of India (NSAI) in Kolkata, West Bengal on February 12-14, 2017. The theme of Seed Congress is “Seed of Joy” which is very much in line with vision of this government to bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of farmers by doubling their farm income by 2022. The ISC is an annual forum that provides a platform for the Seed Industry to interact closely with technology developers, sector development officials and policy makers. It also provides a chance to showcase new product ranges and services and network for better business development.
4. Which Indian-origin personality has been awarded the 2017 United Kingdom’s (UK) Outstanding Bravery of the Year Award?
[A] Jasleen Laghari
[B] Aaleyah Khan
[C] Shand Panesar
[D] Harikiran Sharma
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shand Panesar]
Notes:
Shand Panesar, an Indian-origin constable with Scotland Yard, has been awarded 2017 United Kingdom’s (UK) Outstanding Bravery of the Year Award for risking his life with a colleague to rescue a couple from a burning building in London in September 2016. Panesar and Craig Nicholson were jointly awarded after the public voted for them in the Total Excellence in Policing Awards, which were presented by Metropolitan Police police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe.
5. Who is the author of the book “Every Time It Rains”?
[A] Vikram Seth
[B] Nikitha Singh
[C] Mahi Jadon
[D] Amitav Ghosh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nikitha Singh]
Notes:
The book “Every Time It Rains” has been authored by Nikitha Singh. It is the sequel of author’s “Like a Love song” , in which Mahi and Laila were the protagonists with the story from Mahi’s perspective. The book “Every Time It Rains” revolves around Laila’s life, how she picks up the broken pieces of her shattered heart and whether she gives love another chance in her life remains a mystery till the end.
6. The International conference on ‘Bharat Bodh’ (Idea of Bharat) was held in which city?
[A] Pune
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] New Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated an International conference on ‘Bharat Bodh’ (Idea of Bharat) on February 23, 2017 in New Delhi. The 3-day conference is organized by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal (BSM).
7. Who has won silver in men’s double trap at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2017?
[A] Shapath Bharadwaj
[B] Ankur Mittal
[C] Sangram Dahiya
[D] Ankur Mittal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ankur Mittal]
Notes:
Ankur Mittal has won silver in men’s double trap at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi. Beside this, in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, the Indian pair of Heena Sidhu and Jitu Rai won the ‘gold badge’. The ISSF is expected to scrap men’s 50m free pistol, 50m rifle prone and double trap events from the Olympic Games and will announce so shortly.
8. Who has been appointed as new Chief Secretary of Maharashtra?
[A] Sumit Mullick
[B] Kashish Nandan
[C] Nirmal Gupta
[D] Swadheen Kshatriya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sumit Mullick]
Notes:
Sumit Mullick, the 1982 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as new Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. He succeeded Swadheen Kshatriya, who was due for retirement on 31st of January, but was given a month’s extension. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the Chief Protocol Officer in the General Administration department. He had earlier served as the Divisional Commissioner of Amravati and worked as Secretary of School Education. He was also Secretary to the Governor.
9. Tarak Mehta, who recently passed away, was the noted play writer of which language?
[A] Urdu
[B] Gujarati
[C] Marathi
[D] Odia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarati ]
Notes:
Tarak Mehta (87), the popular Gujarati writer and noted play writer, has recently passed away in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The famous humorist was best known for his column “Duniya Ne Undha Chasma” in Mumbai based Gujarati news weekly “Chitralekha”. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2015. His weekly column first featured in Chitralekha news weekly in March 1971. He has written around 80 books on various pressing issues. The popular comic television serial ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ is a television adaptation of Padma Shri Taarak Mehta’s column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chasma’.
10. Who has been appointed as India’s permanent representative to World Trade Organization (WTO)?
[A] J S Deepak
[B] G Latha Krishna Rao
[C] N K Sinha
[D] Pramila Lalan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [J S Deepak]
Notes:
Telecom Secretary J S Deepak, a 1982 batch IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed as India’s permanent representative to World Trade Organization (WTO) from June 1, 2017. According to the official order, he has been shifted from the telecom ministry and has made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Department of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce and Industries with immediate effect till May 31, 2017. The WTO is a global international organisation dealing with the rules of trade between nations.