1. Which of the following states is hosting the 2017 International Coin Fair?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kerala ]
Notes:
The 3-day International Coin Fair has started at Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from February 13, 2017 and is hosted by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). More than 2,500 coins from around 500 regions, including those from the times of empires and princely states will be displayed in this fair. The coins on display will include those from the time of Alexander the Great, to various Mughal, Chera, Chola emperors and Kanishka, besides Persian, Roman and Islamic coins. Additionaly, the coin released by Subhash Chandra Bose during British rule and Somalian guitar-shaped coins, Princess Diana tribute coins, flower-inscribed coins, among other rare pieces, will be the major attractions.
2. Consider the following:
- Meghaduta is a work of Kalidasa
- Abhijyanashakuntalam is a work of Kalidasa
- Mrichchhkatikam is a work of Kalidasa
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All Are Correct Statements
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
Kalidasa is known as the greatest poet and dramatist in the Sanskrit language. Some of his notable works include Abhijyanashakuntalam and Meghaduta. However, Mrichchhkatikam was composed by Shudraka, not Kalidasa.
3. What is the theme of United Nations’ (UN) World Day of Social Justice-2017?
[A] Promote global justice & poverty eradication
[B] Promote global justice & poverty eradication
[C] A Just Transition – environmentally sustainable economies and societies
[D] Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work]
Notes:
The World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on February 20 to recognize the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment. The 2017 theme is “Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work”.
4. Who is the author of the book “Autoplay:Not-so Stories”?
[A] G Sampath
[B] Anita Desai
[C] Khushwant Singh
[D] Ruskin Bond
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [G Sampath]
Notes:
The book “Autoplay:Not-so Stories” has been authored by G Sampath. The book is an adventurous new fiction, exploring the themes of marriage, adolescence, love, terrorism, technology, consumerism and other familiars through feeling-eyes.
5. The Government of India (GoI) has recently approved investment proposal for generation component of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in which country?
[A] Myanmar
[B] Nepal
[C] Bhutan
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved investment proposal for generation component of Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in Nepal by SJVN Limited to promote clean and green energy in India and the sub continent. This project will generate 900 Megawatt of hydro power at an estimated cost of Rs. 5723.72 crore. The project is expected to achieve financial closure by September 2017 and be implemented in five years thereafter.
6. 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.
7. Who has been named as the “Captain of the Year” at 2017 ESPNcricinfo Awards?
[A] Virat Kohli
[B] Ben Stokes
[C] Faf du Plessis
[D] Steven Smith
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Virat Kohli]
Notes:
Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has been named as the ‘Captain of the Year’ at the 10th annual ESPNcricinfo Awards. Kohli led India to 9 wins out of 12 Tests in the year gone-by. Apart from this, Englishman Ben Stokes won the Test Batting Performance of the Year for his incredible counterattacking innings of 258 runs off 198 balls against South Africa in Cape Town.
8. Who is the author of the book “When Crime Pays – Money and Muscle in Indian Politics”?
[A] Milan Vaishnav
[B] Pankaj Mishra
[C] Parthasarathi Shome
[D] Vappala Balachandran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Milan Vaishnav]
Notes:
The book “When Crime Pays – Money and Muscle in Indian Politics” has been authored by Milan Vaishnav. It is the most systematic analysis of corruption and criminalization in Indian politics. The author shows that it is growing because of societal, political, and economic factors. This remarkable book will change readers’ view of democracy in India.
9. Which city to host the National conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Bhopal
[C] New Delhi
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The National conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan will be organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and River Development in New Delhi on March 7, 2017. About 700 participants representing various stakeholder groups such as farmers, panchayat members, NGOs and students will attend the daylong conference. The purpose of the Abhiyan is to strengthen grass root involvement of all stakeholders including panchayati raj institutions and local bodies for participatory irrigation management.
10. Which state government has launched “Tirtha Darshan” scheme for senior citizens?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haryana ]
Notes:
The Haryana government has recently launched “Tirtha Darshan” scheme for senior citizens. As per the scheme, senior citizens above 60 years of age and of Haryana domicile would be able to go on a pilgrimage within the country at government expense. Under the scheme, the government would bear the entire cost of the tour of senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The senior citizens would be selected for the pilgrimage on the basis of draw of lots. Over 400 destinations can be visited under the scheme.