1. Which Indian-origin British sculptor has won the 2017 Genesis Prize?
[A] Ram Sutar
[B] Srihari Bholekar
[C] Dhruva Mistry
[D] Anish Kapoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Anish Kapoor]
Notes:
Anish Kapoor, the well-known Indian-origin British sculptor, has won the prestigious $1 million Genesis Prize 2017 by Israel for his commitment to Jewish values. Kapoor’s work include ‘Turning the World Upside Down’ at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, ‘Cloud Gate’ in Chicago’s Millennium Park and the ‘Orbit’ in London. The Genesis Prize is also regarded as Jewish Nobel Prize and is given annually to those who have attained excellence and international renown in their chosen professional fields, and who inspire others through their engagement and dedication to the Jewish community and/or the State of Israel.
2. Which of the following are advantages of sodium-ion batteries over lithium-ion batteries?
- These can store more energy per unit weight.
- These are less likely to experience thermal runaway.
- The element is abundant in nature.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Sodium-ion batteries offer higher energy density, lower risk of thermal runaway compared to lithium-ion batteries, and sodium is abundant in nature. The Earth’s crust contains 2.9% sodium versus 0.01% lithium. Cost of sodium extraction is lower, and sodium is found in seawater and soda ash. They are non-flammable and suitable for diverse applications.
3. Consider the following statements regarding precautions in handling magnets:
- Magnets should be hit with a hammer to maintain their magnetism.
- Magnets should be stored properly when not in use.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
Hitting a magnet with a hammer can destroy its magnetic properties and is not recommended. Proper storage is essential to maintain the magnet's effectiveness and magnetism. Hence, only the second statement is correct while the first is incorrect.
4. Who has become the Pakistan’s first woman foreign secretary?
[A] Sabika Chaudhry
[B] Adilah Khan
[C] Bahameen Sharif
[D] Tehmina Janjua
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tehmina Janjua]
Notes:
Tehmina Janjua has become the Pakistan’s first woman foreign secretary. Currently, Janjua is serving as Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva. Janjua will succeed Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry in March 2017.
5. Which Indian movie has won the International Federation of Art Cinemas (CICAE) award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival?
[A] Chatrak
[B] Jal
[C] Titli
[D] Newton
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Newton]
Notes:
The political satire Indian film “Newton” has won the International Federation of Art Cinemas (CICAE) award at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival-2017 in Berlin, Germany. The film was directed by Amit Masurkar, which received a standing ovation at the festival, with a long and engaging Q and A post the screening. The film deals with the various issues of democracy and the fight for it during the elections in India. Apart from this, Indian short film “Aaba” has also won the Special Prize in the Generation Kplus International Jury section at the fest. The movie produced by filmmaker Onir and directed by Amar Kaushik. The movie has been co-produced by director Raj Kumar Gupta.
6. Which city to host the first edition of Gramin Khel Mahotsav (GKM)?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kolkata
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The first edition of Gramin Khel Mahotsav (GKM) will be held from March 25th to 31st, 2017 in New Delhi. The games will be held in five sports disciplines Athletics, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volley Ball and Wrestling. The festival will help participation of rural youth in large numbers in popular sports and encourage them to achieve excellence and adopt healthy life style. The purpose of this fest to promote sports in rural areas across the country and will be replicated in other States and UTs as well.
7. Which country has launched nationwide military operation ‘Radd-ul-Fasaad’ to eliminate terrorists?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] India
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pakistan]
Notes:
Pakistan army has recently launched nationwide military operation ‘Radd-ul-Fasaad’ to eliminate terrorists and consolidate gains of its counter-terrorism operations. The purpose of the operation is to eliminate residual and latent threat of terrorism and to ensure the security of Pakistan’s borders. The Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Civil Armed Forces as well as other security and law enforcement agencies will continue to actively participate and support the efforts of the Pakistan Army to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
8. India has signed MoU with which neighboring country for development of Sylhet city?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Nepal
[C] Bhutan
[D] Sri Lanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The Government of India (GoI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh for the development of Sylhet city. As per the MoU, the Indian government will provide financial aid for the construction of a five-storey Kinder Garten and High School Building, a six-storey cleaner colony building; and for some development work in Dhupa Dighirpar area at a total cost of around Taka 240 million.
9. Which country to build its’ first national under water observatory in disputed South China Sea?
[A] China
[B] Vietnam
[C] Malaysia
[D] Brunei
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China will build its first national underwater observatory in the disputed South China Sea. Such a platform will reportedly allow the country to keep a check on underwater physical, chemical, and geological dynamics in real time and will also be used for other purposes. The construction work on the platform will be done with the help of Shanghai’s Tongji University and the Institute of Acoustics. By building this underwater observation platform, China will become an active part of the international competition. China has maritime disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea. It claims almost all the waters, which carry a third of the world’s maritime traffic and has huge amounts of oil and natural gas. The waters are also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. China also contests Japan’s hold over the islands in the East China Sea.
10. The nationwide “Swachh Shakti Saptah” has been launched from which city?
[A] Gandhinagar
[B] Gurugram
[C] Ahmedabad
[D] Noida
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gurugram]
Notes:
Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Ministry of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation, has recently launched nationwide ‘Swachh Shakti Saptah’ from Gurugram, Haryana on March 1, 2017 to raise awareness on sanitation and cleanliness. Over 1,500 women sarpanches of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and all women sarpanches of Gurugram division are participating in this event. The ‘Swachh Shakti Saptah’ will observe across the country from March 1 to 8, 2017. PM Narendra Modi will take part in closing ceremony of the week long programme on 8th of March at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.