1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. India’s first dedicated Heliport will be set up in which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] Kolkata
[C] New Delhi
[D] Chandigarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
India’s first dedicated Heliport, built by Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL), will be inaugurated by the Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju at Rohini area of New Delhi on February 28, 2017. It consists of terminal building having a capacity of 150 passengers, 4-hangers with parking capacity of 16 helicopters and nine parking bays. The helicopter services shall enable citizens to fly in and out of Delhi to nearby areas in choppers. The heliport will also be used for operating services for disaster management, emergency medical services, law and order surveillance as well as a centre for the skill development of pilots and engineers. Rohini heliport will also promote regional air connectivity through helicopters in the northern region.
5. Who has become new Secretary-General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
[A] Ahmed Saleem
[B] Abul Ahsan
[C] Amjad Hussain B Sial
[D] Arjun Bahadur Thapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Amjad Hussain B Sial]
Notes:
Amjad Hussain B Sial, a senior Pakistani diplomat, has become the new Secretary-General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He succeeded Arjun Bahadur Thapa of Nepal. Sial has 33 years of experience in Pakistan’s Foreign Service. He has also served at SAARC Secretariat as director in Kathmandu. The Secretary-General tenure is of three years and is the head of the SAARC Secretariat, which is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal. The SAARC Secretariat coordinates and monitors the implementation of activities, hosts meetings, and serves as a channel of communication between the Association and its member states as well as other regional organizations.
6. The Civil Accounts Day (CAD) is observed on which date in India?
[A] March 5
[B] March 2
[C] March 3
[D] March 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [March 1]
Notes:
The 41st edition of Civil Accounts Day (CAD) is celebrated on March 1, 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi to mark the 41st anniversary of the inception of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) on March 1, 1976. ICAS functions under the Department of Expenditure in the Union Ministry of Finance. The ICAS performs a key role in delivery of financial management services for the Government of India (GoI). The organisation provides payment services, supports the tax collection system, performs government wide accounting, financial reporting functions, preparation of budget estimates and carries out Internal Audit in civil ministries of the Union Government.
7. Who has been conferred with the 2017 Harvard Humanitarian of the Year award?
[A] Aung San Suu Kyi
[B] Robyn Rihanna Fenty
[C] Thorbjorn Jagland
[D] Bishop Desmond Tutu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Robyn Rihanna Fenty]
Notes:
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, a Barbadian singer and songwriter, has been conferred with the 2017 Harvard Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition for her work to improve cancer treatment in her home country of Barbados and for setting up a college scholarship to bring Caribbean students to study in the United States. The annual award by the prestigious university is given to an individual whose works and deeds have served to improve the quality of lives and have inspired people to greater heights.
8. Avani Lekhara is associated with which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Boxing
[C] Shooting
[D] Cricket
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shooting]
Notes:
Recently, para shooter Avani Lekhara (15) from India shot a junior world record 244.4 in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event (R2) to won the silver medal at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Al Ain, UAE. Beside this, para shooter Pooja Agarwal shot 228.4 in the final of the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 event (P2) to won a silver medal at the tournament. Notably, both Indian shooters were making their international debuts at the competition.
9. Which company has become the first Indian power utility to successfully deploy tele-protection service using Line-Differential Relay (LDR) over an IP/MPLS network?
[A] Tata Power-DDL
[B] Adani Power
[C] Jindal Steel and Power
[D] Reliance Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tata Power-DDL]
Notes:
The Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TATA Power-DDL) has become the first Indian power utility to successfully implement teleprotection service using Line-Differential Relay (LDR) over an IP/MPLS network because of the deal with Nokia. The Nokia IP/MPLS technology has improved the reliability, scalability, security and efficiency of power distribution. The Nokia’s enhanced system will allow Tata Power-DDL to receive nearly instant updates of any fault in its infrastructure and reroute power through alternative lines to minimize the disruption to the end consumer. The system connects all grid stations and ensures there is tele-protection and in case there is a fault, then it can be addressed immediately. Apart from the network upgradation, Nokia’s system also provides more traditional business applications such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and video surveillance systems.
10. Which state government has officially launched women safety application “Ammavin Aran”?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) IT wing has launched the first-of-its-kind women safety application ‘Ammavin Aran’ in Tamil Nadu. The app will give the user details about the nearest police station and hospital along with map details and phone number. There is an in-built whistle, which can manipulate the phone speaker to create a loud noise when pressed by anyone in distress. The app also carries an in-built call recorder and ‘Tips’ icon to provide life saving information. The meaning of ‘Ammavin Aran’ is “mother’s fortress”. Currently, AIADMK is in power in Tamil Nadu and is the third largest party in the Indian Parliament.