IPO Exam 2019: Current Affairs Q&A - November 2018 (Part III)

81. ‘Vajra Prahar’, a 12-day long joint military exercise between India and which country was started in Jaipur, on 19th November 2018?

1) Russia

2) France

3) United States

4) Japan

5) None of these.

Answer – 3) United States

Explanation:

On November 19 2018 ‘Vajra Prahar’,a 12-day long joint military exercise between India and the United States was started in Jaipur. US contingent comprises of an United States Pacific Commander and 10 other ranks from the Special Forces Group arrived at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on November 18 and informed Rajasthan Defence PRO Lt Col Sombhit Ghosh for undertaking Joint training with the Indian Special Forces. Both forces train on different aspects including hostage rescue, building intervention, desert survival, medical aid and combat firing and also undertake a three-day outdoor exercise to validate their practices.

82. Which country is rejoining Commonwealth after 2 years of withdrawal? 1) Mauritius

2) Maldives

3) Thailand

4) Indonesia

5)  None of these Answer – 2) Maldives

Explanation:

On 19th November 2018, Maldives new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the announcement that Maldives Cabinet approves re-joining of Commonwealth after 2 year of withdrawal. Maldives had left commonwealth in 2016 under the leadership of former President Abdulla Yameen amid speculations of corruption and fraud. The Proposal has been sent to the Maldives parliament for ratification.

83. Name the first Indian golfer who won Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the year in DP World Tour Championship held in Dubai, on 18thNovember 2018?

1) Akshay Goel

2) Shubhankar Sharma

3) Rajeev Singhania

4) Krish Patil

5) None of these.

Answer – 2) Shubhankar Sharma

Explanation:

On 18th November 2018, Chandigarh based Young Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma became the first Indian to win Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the year in DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP held in Dubai.

84. Name the independent director of Yes Bank who resigned from his position, on 19th November 2018?

1)  R. Chandrashekhar

2)  Arun Kumar S

3)  Viddhanth Shukla

4)  Pramod Banerjee

5)  None of these.

Answer – 1) R. Chandrashekhar

Explanation:

On 19th November 2018, R. Chandrashekhar, an independent director at Yes Bank, resigned from his position. R. Chandrashekhar is the third person to resign from Yes Bank, in the recent time. Non-executive Chairman Ashok Chawla resigned on November 14, 2018. O.P. Bhatt, resigned from the panel set up to find a new CEO, on 15th November 2018. Yes Bank is in the process of finding a new CEO to replace the incumbent CEO, Rana Kapoor.

85. According to World malaria Report released by World Health Organisation (WHO) India(only Country) had Reduced the number of Malaria Cases in the year 2017 from that of 2016 Sharply,by how much Percentage?

1) 24%

2) 35%

3) 14%

4)  40%

5)   None of these. Answer – 1) 24%

Explanation:

World malaria report by World Health Organisation (WHO) states that, India is the only country to have achieved a substantial decrease in malaria cases in 2017 out of the 11 highest burden countries throughout the world. As per the report, India accounted for 4 % of global malaria cases in 2017. India has registered a 24 % reduction in cases over 2016, mainly due to its reduction in the highly malaria infected state of Odisha. In 2018, WHO certified Paraguay as malaria-free, becoming the first country in the American continent to receive this status in 45 years.

86.As a commemoration of 550th birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru,Guru Nanak,Union Government has decided to set up a first-of-its-kind institute of Inter-Faith Studies to promote brotherhood and diversity in which city?

1)  Pune,Maharashtra

2)  Jaipur,Rajasthan

3)  Amritsar, Punjab

4)  Varanasi,UttarPradesh

5)  None of these.

Answer – 3) Amritsar, Punjab

Explanation:

On November 21, 2018, the Union Minister of Culture, Shri Mahesh Sharma, announced centre’s proposal to set up a first-of-its-kind institute of Inter-Faith Studies in Amritsar, Punjab as a part of the year-long activities to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in 2019. To promote brotherhood and diversity. The government will also develop Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent most of his life. It will be developed as a heritage city incorporating ‘Pind Babe Nanak Da’ and a high powered telescope will be installed in Indian territory to view Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan where spent his last days.UNESCO will be requested to publish Shri Guru Nanak Devji’s writings in world languages.Ministry of Railways will run a special train passing through the various holy places associated with Shri Guru Nanak Devji, for pilgrims and tourists.

87.Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the term of the Commission examining the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (in the Central List) for 6 months till 31st May 2019. Who is the head of the Commission?

1)  Justice G Rohini

2)  Justice Motilal Singh

3)  Justice Praneeth Reddy

4)  Justice Vinay Mittal

5)  None of these

Answer – 1) Justice G Rohini

Explanation:

On November 22, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the extension of the term of the Commission examining the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (in the Central List) for six months beyond 30th November, 2018 and till 31st May 2019. The commission consists of a five-member panel headed by Justice G Rohini (retd), which was formed in October 11, 2017. Based on the processed data, the Commission suggested a round of

discussion be had with the States and their Backward Classes Commission before finalizing the sub-categorized lists and the Report.

88.Which has become the first small finance bank to introduce a personal loan scheme for salaried individuals, through which Rs 50,000 to Rs 15 lakhs personal loan will be offered to individuals earning a monthly salary of above Rs 15, 000?

1)  AU Small Finance Bank

2)  Ujjivan Small Finance Bank

3)  Muthoot Small Finance Bank

4)  Jana Small Finance Bank

5)  None of these.

Answer – 2) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank

Explanation:

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ujjivan Financial Services Limited introduced a new personal loan scheme for salaried individuals. By this offer, it became the first small finance bank to introduce this type of facility. The 14 tier I and tier II locations where the product will be launched are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Surat, Mumbai, Mysuru, Ankaleshwar, Coimbatore, Kochi, Chennai and Vadodara. Personal loans starting from Rs 50,000up toRs 15 lakhs will be offered to salaried professionals who are earning a monthly salary above Rs 15, 000. Key features of the product include, loan without any collateral or deposit of any asset and its attractive interest rate with complete digital processing. However the credit history of the individual will be considered while passing the loan. To pay EMI, a flexible time frame of 12 to 60 months will be provided by the bank.

89.Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has partnered with which digital payments service provider to offer online insurance premium payments on its platform?

1)  PayPal

2)  Paytm

3)  MobiKwik

4)  CitrusPay

5)  None of these Answer – 2) Paytm

Explanation:

Softbank-backed, digital payments service provider, Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited) has partnered with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to offer online insurance premium payments on its platform. Paytm now has 30 insurance companies on its platform including LIC, ICICI Prudential Life, Reliance Life, Max Life Insurance, HDFC Life, TATA AIA, SBI Life, Aditya Birla Sun Life, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, Shri Ram Life and Star Health among others. A simpler and faster method of premium payments will be offered through the Paytm appwith the freedom of paying premium through debit card, credit card, net banking and Paytm Wallet, besides availing the benefit of several deals and offers. Life insurance sector in India is the biggestin the world in terms of policy count with about 360 millionpolicies. It is expected to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12-15 % over the next five years. The insurance market is also expected to quadruple over the next decade from its current size of US$ 50 billion.

90. Who was appointed as acting Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), on 22ndNovember 2018?

1)  Joyce Msuya

2)  Paul Erik Hoyer

3)  Erik Solheim

4)  Soloman Hodge

5)  None of these

Answer – 1) Joyce Msuya

Explanation:

On 22nd November, Tanzanian biologist Joyce Msuya has been appointed as acting Executive Director of

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) after the resignation of Erik Solheim resigned from the

post of Executive director of UNEP following an internal audit report that said he had gobbled up

$500,000 in unnecessary and budgeted travel expenses in just 22 months. Joyce Msuya had previously

worked with World Bank and she is consistently advocating for conservation of the planet. UNEP is the

leading global environment authority that works with wide range of partners including UN entities,

international organization, national government and non-governmental organizations to promote

sustainable development of global environment.

91.What is the theme of the 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health,which is to be held next year in Hyderabad,India?

1)  A New Agenda: Lung Health beyond 2015

2)  Accelerating toward elimination

3)  Declaring Our Rights: Social and Political Solutions

4)  Ending the Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action

5)  None of these.

Answer – 4) Ending the Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action Explanation:

On November 23, 2018, the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) released the agenda to host the 4-day 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Hyderabad on 30 October – 2 November 2019. The conference theme will be: “Ending the Emergency: Science, Leadership, Action”.It would be held after the first ever United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting on TB and the third UN High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases.The Indian government has committed to eliminate TB in India by 2025.This year the conference held in The Hague,Netherlands.

92.European Investment Bank (EIB) had agreed to cooperate with Which Bank for EUR 600 million renewable energy financing programme for supporting large-scale solar investment across the country?

1)  State Bank of India

2)  HDFC Bank

3)  ICICI Bank

4)  Axis Bank

5)  None of these.

Answer –1) State Bank of India

Explanation:

On November 23, 2018,1st offshore wind investment conference held in New Delhi,During which the European Investment Bank (EIB) and State Bank of India (SBI) agreed to cooperate on financing renewable energy and wind energy projects across India.This collaboration will be under the dedicated EUR 600 million renewable energy financing programme which supports large-scale solar investment across the country.EIB also approved a new line of credit worth USD 100 million to Yes Bank to boost private investment in clean energy projects.

93. United Nation Environment awarded which entity with Asia Environment Enforcement

Awards, 2018 for combating transboundary environmental crime?

1)  National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

2)  Indian Board for Wildlife(IBWL)

3)  Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

4)  Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

5)  None of these.

Answer – 4) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

Explanation:

On November 22, 2018, United Nation Environment awarded Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India with the 3rd Asia Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018 for combating transboundary environmental crime.Decided by a selection panel set up by the UN Environment, this is the second time in a row India is the recipient of the awards are being given by UN Environment.The 2018 Awards are presented by UN Environment in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, USAID, Freeland Foundation, and the Government of Sweden.It publicly recognizes and celebrates excellence in enforcement by government officials and institutions/teams combating transboundary environmental crime in Asia.The 2018 edition had the theme of “Fighting Transboundary environmental crime”.Overall 9 winners were selected for various categories.

94. UNICEF appointed Popular Assamese Singer as the first ‘Youth Advocate’ of the north eastern region,What is the name of the Person?

1) Hima Das

2) Nahid Afrin

3) Miryam Cunduri

4) Millie Bobby Brown

5)  None of these Answer – 2) Nahid Afrin

Explanation:

On 22nd November, 2018 popular Assamese singer, Nahid Afrin was appointed as the first ‘Youth Advocate’ of the north eastern region by the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) to fight for child rights at an event held in Guwahati. Nahid Afrin from Biswanath Chariali, Assam made her playback debut in 2016 in the Bollywood film Akira, starring Sonakshi Sinha and won several awards.The 17-year-old Nahid received the best female playback singer award at the Assam state Film Award 2018.UNICEF India also appointed Hima Das as India’s Youth Ambassador on 15th Nov 2018.

95. Who is appointed as the MD and CEO of State Bank of Mauritius (SBM)? 1) Sidharth Rath

2) Chandra Shekhar Ghosh

3) Sandeep Bakhshi

4) Shyam Srinivasan

5) None of these

Answer – 1) Sidharth Rath

Explanation:

On 21st November 2018,State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) has appointed Sidharth Rath as the Managing Director & CEO of SBM Bank (India). Before this he was working with Axis Bank as Group Executive and Head of Corporate, Transaction Banking and International Banking.SBM Bank (India) has been recently granted licence by the RBI to carry on business as a scheduled commercial bank under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, with effect from 1st December.It claims to be the first foreign bank to have been granted a universal banking licence under RBI’s wholly-owned subsidiary scheme. Currently SBM Bank has a total of four branches across Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ramachandrapuram.

96. Which country will host the Laureus World Sports Awards 2019 which is also known as the ‘Oscars of sports’, on February 18, 2019?

1) Morocco

2) Monaco

3) Spain

4) Egypt

5)  None of these Answer – 2) Monaco

Explanation:

The ‘Oscars of sports’, the Laureus World Sports Awards 2019 will be held in Monaco on February 18 next year. Sport’s premier global awards ceremony will celebrate the best of 2018 across eight individual and team categories, with the winners collecting a prized Laureus Statuette. Sports fans around the world will also get to play their part by voting for the Laureus Sporting Moment of the Year Award. Former India cricket captains Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar are members of the Laureus Academy. Last year, tennis Player Roger Federer won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award for a record fifth time, while Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year recognition for the fourth time.

97. Which pharmaceutical company launched ‘ANYA’, which is India’s first chatbot for patients, to provide information on their ailments, at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes, in Bengaluru, on 24th November 2018?

1) Budamate

2) Lupin

3) Cipla

4) Dr Reddys

5)  None of these

Answer – 2) Lupin

Explanation:

On November 24, 2018, Pharma Company Lupin launched a chatbot named ‘ANYA’ to provide medically verified information for health-related queries, at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes, in Bengaluru. This is India’s first chatbot for patients, to provide information on their ailments. ANYA is chatbot trained to help patients with health-related concerns as part of their disease-management. At its initial stage it would address queries related to diabetes and eventually the scope will increase. In its disease management journey, it would partner with doctors to manage ailments and give ready access to medically verified information, for their queries at any given time.

98. ‘Jhiri Mela’, a week long annual festival, was inaugurated on November 23, 2018, in Jhiri village of which state?

1) Arunachal Pradesh

2) Himachal Pradesh

3) Meghalaya

4) Jammu and Kashmir

5) None of these

Answer – 4) Jammu and Kashmir

Explanation:

On November 23, 2018, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik inaugurated a week long annual ‘Jhiri Mela’ festival at village Jhiri in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. The governor announced the construction of a ‘Sarai’ (inn) at village Jhiri for the devotees. The annual fair is celebrated as a commemoration to the memory of a martyred farmer named, ‘Baba Jittoo’. A cultural programme comprising folk songs and a Dogri dance was presented by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages on the occasion.

99. Jolly Grant airport located in which city will be renamed after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee?

1) Rajgir, Bihar

2) Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

3) Dehradun, Uttarakhand

4) Raipur, Chhattisgarh

5) None of these.

Answer – 3) Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Explanation:

On November 24, 2018, the Uttarakhand government chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, approved a total of 27 proposals including renaming the Dehradun airport after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As per the approved proposal, the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun,Uttarakhand will be renamed after Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The cabinet also gave its approval to the setting up of the Uttarakhand State Agency For Public Services to ensure time-bound delivery of services and redressal of complaints.

100. Which country won the 6th edition of International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20

World Cup, hosted by the West Indies from 9th November to 24th November 2018?

1)  India

2)  Australia

3)  Pakistan

4)  Bangladesh

5)   None of these. Answer – 2) Australia

Explanation:

From 9th November to 24th November, The Sixth Edition of International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup was hosted by the defending champion West Indies. It was the second ICC Women’s World Twenty20 hosted was West Indies after 2010 edition. 10 Countries participated and total 23 matches were played in the event. Australia defeated England by eight wickets in the final held in Antigua to secure their fourth Women’s World Twenty20 title. England scored 105 in the final which was easily chased by Australia with the loss of only 2 wickets in 15.1 Overs. Australia’s Alyssa Healy was named the player of the tournament. India’s quest for a maiden ICC Women’s World T20 title ended with an eight-wicket defeat against England in the Semi-Finals of the ICC Women’s World T20.

101. Name the Indian player who became the 1st ever woman boxer to win 6 world championship titles, by winning gold in Women’s Light Fly (45-48 kg) Category, of AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship 2018, held in New Delhi, from 15th to 24th November 2018?

1)  Sonia Chahal

2)  Mary Kom

3)  Sarita Devi

4)  Pinki Rani

5)   None of these. Answer – 2) Mary Kom

Explanation:

15th to 24th November 2018, International Boxing Association (AIBA) Organized Women’s World Boxing Championship 2018 at Indira Gandhi Sport Complex in New Delhi. India ended the Championship at 3rd position with 4 medals including 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze. China topped the medal tally with 5 medals including 4 gold and Chinese Taipei ranked at second position with 2 medals (2 Gold). On 24th November 2018, India’s MC Mary Kom won the Gold in the Women’s Boxing championship 2018 by defeating Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota by 5-0 in Women’s Light Fly (45-48 kg) Category. Mary Kom became the 1st ever woman boxer to win 6 world championship titles.

102. Where was the 70-feet tall statue of Lord Buddha,the second tallest statue of Buddha in

India, unveiled on 25th November 2018?

1)  Philibit, Uttar Pradesh

2)  Rajgir, Bihar

3)  Shillong, Meghalaya

4)  Kohima, Nagaland

5)  None of these.

Answer – 2) Rajgir, Bihar

Explanation:

On November 25, 2018, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a 70-feet tall statue of Lord Buddha at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar. He also inaugurated a three-day Rajgir Mahotsava. This is the second tallest statue of Buddha in India. The statue is made of 45,000 cubic foot pink sandstone and has been installed above a 16-metre radius pedestal in the middle of Lake Ghora Katora.

103. Which state emerged as the top performing state under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, according to the National Health Agency, on 23rd November 2018?

1) Tamil Nadu

2) Chhattisgarh

3) Gujarat

4) Maharashtra

5)  None of these.

Answer – 3) Gujarat Explanation:

On November 25, 2018, according to the National Health Agency, after 2 months of launch of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Gujarat has emerged as the top performer among the states under the scheme. As of November 23, Gujarat accounts for 26% of the total number of sanctioned hospital admissions under the scheme. Around 76,000 hospital admissions have been cleared in Gujarat since September 23, Tamil Nadu ranked second at 54,273 and Chhattisgarh third at 53,180 sanctioned hospitals. One reason behind Gujarat’s success is that it has already been implementing a similar scheme, known as the Mukhyamantri Amrutam ‘MA’ Yojana, since 2012. Karnataka and Maharashtra rank 4th and 5th closing off the top 5 ranks under the scheme.

104. Noida and ______ are the two Indian cities that have been selected to participate in United Nations Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative in the “University City” category?

1) Kolkata

2) New Delhi

3) Greater Noida

4) Lucknow

5) None of these

Answer – 3) Greater Noida

Explanation:

On 25th November, 2018 the United Nations selected Noida and Greater Noida, twin cities in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh,adjoining NewDelhi to participate in its Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative in the “University City” category ahead of Mumbai and Bengaluru which were also under UN’s consideration for the initiative, as the only invitee from India. The initiative aims to create 25 model cities across the world in five categories that will be fully compliant with the sustainable development goals by 2025. The twin cities have been formally invited to participate in the showcase ‘Race to Sustainability’ among 25 global cities which will be competing with elite university cities such as Cambridge, Palo Alto and Heidelberg. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted in September 2015, by the UN General Assembly.

105. Name the Indian player who won the Men’s singles title in the Syed Modi International Badminton Championship 2018 held in Lucknow from 20th to 25th November 2018?

1) Sameer Verma

2) Satwik Sairaj

3) Ranki Reddy

4) Anup Kumar

5) None of these.

Answer – 1) Sameer Verma

Explanation:

From 20th to 25th November 2018, Badminton World Federation (BWF) Organized Syed Modi International Badminton Championship at the Babu Banaras Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, India with the total prize of $150,000. Syed Modi International is HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 tournament named in the memory of the 1982 Commonwealth Games men’s singles Champion Syed Modi. On 25th November 2018, India’s 24 years old Sameer Verma won the Men’s single title by defeating China’s Lu Guangzu in the final to retain the title. One of the India’s greatest Badminton player, Saina Nehwal missed an opportunity to get Gold after her defeat against China’s Han Yue in Women’s Singles event. She has to satisfy with Silver Medal. India’s Satwiksairaj and Rankireddy got silver medal in the Men’s double event. They were defeated by Indonesia’s Men’s Pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in the finals. In the Women’s double event India continues its good performance as India’s Women’s pair Ashwini Ponnappa and Reddy N. Sikki won Silver. They missed an opportunity of Gold with the defeat against Malaysia’s Chow Mei Kuan and Lee Meng Yean in the finals. India’s pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa has to settle with Bronze medal in the mixed double event.

106. Name the state government that released lexicons of 21 tribal languages for multilingual education (MLE) purposes for elementary schools in tribal dominated districts, on 27th November 2018?

1) Himachal Pradesh

2) Arunachal Pradesh

3) Odisha

4) Assam

5)  None of these Answer – 3) Odisha

Explanation:

On November 27, 2018, Odisha government released lexicons of 21 tribal languages for multilingual education (MLE) purposes for elementary schools in tribal dominated districts. It aims to bring back the tribal languages in circulation and prevent them from vanishing. This initiative has been prepared by Special Development council which will further enhance proficiency in tribal languages. Thus, this step towards tribal proficiency will help in better connection between the government functionaries and the tribal communities. Furthermore, the CM of Odisha,Shri. Naveen Patnaik, announced upgradation of the tribal museum as the Odisha State Tribal Museum.

107. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the government of India, reduced the mandatory hedging provision to ____ % from 100 %, on 27th November 2018?

1) 80 %

2) 70 %

3) 60 %

4) 90 %

5)  None of these. Answer – 2) 70 %

Explanation:

On November 27, 2018, central bank of India, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the government of India, reduced the mandatory hedging provision to 70 per cent from 100 per cent. Its objective is to ease the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms. This move would enable Indian companies to borrow foreign currency-denominated ECBs for better liquidity as they don’t have to have a 100% hedge coverage. However, the ECBs thus raised should be ECBs under Track I, which refers to medium-term borrowings with average maturity between three and five years.

108. Government of India and which bank signed a $75 million loan to fund projects under

Karnataka Integrated Urban Water Management Investment Program, on 27th November 2018?

1)  State Bank of India (SBI)

2)  SoftBank

3)  Asian Development Bank (ADB)

4)  World Bank

5)  None of these

Answer – 3) Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Explanation:

On November 27, 2018, Government of India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $75 million loan in New Delhi to fund projects under Karnataka Integrated Urban Water Management Investment Program. Its objective is to provide 24 x7 water supply in 4 coastal towns of Karnataka and improve sanitation infrastructure for Mangalore town. The 4 towns of Karnataka to have 24×7 water supply are: Kundapura, Mangalore Puttur and Udupi. The signatories to the tranche 2 loan agreement of were

•  Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary (Fund Bank and ADB), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, who signed for the Government of India, and

•  Mr. Sabyasachi Mitra,Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.

109. Who were selected for Swarnajayanti fellowship award instituted by the Department of

Science and Technology, for 2017-18, under Earth and atmospheric sciences category?

1)  Sripada S V Rama Sastry

2)  Sebastian C Peter

3)  Saket Saurabh

4)  Ramananda Chakrabarti and Punyasloke Bhadury

5)  None of these

Answer – 4) Ramananda Chakrabarti and Punyasloke Bhadury Explanation:

On November 27, 2018, 14 scientists have been selected for the prestigious Swarnajayanti fellowship award instituted by the Department of Science and Technology, for the year 2017-18. The awards were given in the areas of: Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Earth &

Atmospheric Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences. Following shows the list of awardees:

•  Sripada S V Rama Sastry, Sebastian C Peter in Chemical Sciences

•  KG Arun, GV Pavan Kumar in Physical Science

•  Girdhari Lal, Chandrima Das, Arun Kumar Shukla in Life Sciences.

•  Mayank Vatsa, Yogesh Singh Chauhan and Ashish Kumar Sen in Engineering Sciences

•  Saket Saurabh and Parthanil Roy in Mathematical Sciences.

•  Ramananda Chakrabarti and Punyasloke Bhadury in Earth and atmospheric sciences.

110. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) with effect from 2nd

December 2018?

1)  Sunil Arora

2)  Mahesh Reddy

3)  Karan Shukla

4)  Rajat Veer

5)   None of these. Answer – 1) Sunil Arora

Explanation:

On 26th November, 2018 Sunil Arora, who is the senior-most commissioner in the poll panel, has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) by President Ram Nath Kovind. Arora will take charge as the CEC on December 2 by replacing current CEC OP Rawat, who retires on December 1. Mr Arora was appointed to the election body in September last year. A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Arora was the skill development secretary before he was appointed as the top bureaucrat in the I&B Ministry. He has also worked in ministries and departments such as Finance, Textiles and Planning Commission and was also CMD of Indian Airlines for five years besides working as the principal secretary to the CM of Rajasthan from 2005-2008.

111. Name NASA’s spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, that touched down safely on the surface of Mars, on 26th November 2018?

1) Orbiter

2) InSight

3) InOrbit

4) RedRider

5)  None of these Answer – 2) InSight

Explanation:

On 26th November, 2018 NASA’s InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars after a six-month long and about 300 million-mile (548 million-kilometre) journey. It was NASA’s ninth attempt to land at Mars since the 1976 Viking probes with 8 of them successfully landing on the Mars. InSight spacecraft is on a two-year mission. The InSight has carried with itself, the instruments that detect planetary heat and seismic rumblings never measured anywhere else but Earth.

112. Where did Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launch ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’ to provide a boost to Intellectual Property Right (IPR) culture in indigenous defence industry, on 27th November 2018?

1) Hyderabad

2) New Delhi

3) Chennai

4) Cuttack

5)  None of these. Answer – 2) New Delhi

Explanation:

On November 27, 2018, Defence Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’ in New Delhi. Its objective is to provide a boost to the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) culture in indigenous defence industry. The event showcased the successful outcomes of adopting and utilizing the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) applications which enhanced inventions and innovations among Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Department of Defence Production and Directorate General Quality Assurance (DGQA) had a significant role in spreading awareness about the benefits of creating the Intellectual Property culture in the defence sector. Thus, the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) was further entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and implementing the programme to fulfill its objective.

113. Which entity launched a Survey on India’s Startup Sector (SISS) to create a profile of the startup sector in India consisting of dimensions relating to turnover, profitability and workforce, on 27th November 2018?

1) NITI Aayog

2) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

3) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

4) Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

5) None of these

Answer – 3) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Explanation:

On November 27, 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a Survey on India’s Startup Sector (SISS) to create a profile of the startup sector in India consisting of dimensions relating to turnover, profitability and workforce. Its objective is to understand the problems faced by the startup sector. The details of the start-up entities were made available by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in March 2018.

114. The first copy of the book “Making of New India: Transformation under Modi Government” was received by _____ from Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi, on 27th November 2018?

1) Vice President Venkiah Naidu

2) President Ram Nath Kovind

3) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

4) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj

5) None of these.

Answer – 2) President Ram Nath Kovind

Explanation:

On 27th November, 2018 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, received the first copy of the book “Making of New India: Transformation under Modi Government”, from Arun Jaitley, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The book is edited by the nationalist think tank Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF) and members of the Niti Aayog: Dr Bibek Debroy, Dr Anirban Ganguly and Shri Kishore Desai. The book contains 51 essays on themes ranging from economy to diplomacy, education to public health. The book endeavours to elaborate on how the government has set out to realise the vision of a New India. Recently Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had also unveiled a curated coffee table book titled ‘The Illustrated History of Indian Hockey: A Saga of Triumph, Pain and Dreams’ on 22nd November 2018.

115. KONKAN 2018, the bilateral naval exercise between India and which country started off at

Goa, on 28th December 2018?

1)  Russia

2)  France

3)  Germany

4)  United Kingdom

5)  None of these

Answer – 4) United Kingdom

Explanation:

On 28th November2018, the bilateral KONKAN exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom started off at Goa. KONKAN-2018 will be conducted from 28 Nov to 06 Dec 2018. The Bilateral KONKAN exercise provides a platform for the two Navies to periodically exercise at sea and in harbour, so as to build interoperability and share best practices. The harbour phase is scheduled from 28 Nov to 30 Nov 18, followed by the sea phase from 02 to 06 Dec 18. The Royal Navy will be represented by HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Class Destroyer equipped with an integral Wildcat helicopter. The Indian Navy will field INS Kolkata, the first ship of latest Kolkata class destroyers; equipped with integral seaking, besides IN submarine and maritime patrol aircraft, Dornier. Besides exercises at sea, KONKAN-2018 will also incorporate professional interactions and sports fixtures. The 10th edition of Indo-Russian joint military exercise EX INDRA- 2018 concluded on 28 November 2018.

116. _____ became the first Indian state to launch a single emergency number “112”, connecting police, fire, health and other helplines through an Emergency Response Centre (ERC) in the state, on 28th November 2018?

1) Karnataka

2) Telangana

3) Himachal Pradesh

4) Madhya Pradesh

5) None of these

Answer – 3) Himachal Pradesh

Explanation:

On November 28, 2018, Himachal Pradesh became the first Indian state to launch a single emergency number “112”, connecting police, fire, health and other helplines through an Emergency Response Centre (ERC) in the state. Central government provided financial assistance of Rs. 4.71 crore and 13 vehicles for the implementation of the project in the state. One ERC has been established in Shimla and 12 District Command Centres have been made available across the state. The ERC has been integrated with police

(100), fire (101), health (108) and women helpline (1090) services via single emergency number 112. The service is part of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) under which ‘112 India’ mobile app is available and has been integrated with panic button of smartphones and ERSS state website.

Additionally, a ‘SHOUT’ feature has been introduced in ‘112 India’ mobile app, exclusively for women, to seek immediate assistance.

117. Name the Indian who was conferred with the highest French Civilian Award “Chevalier del la Legion d’Honneur” which means “Knight of the Legion of Honour” by the French Ambassador to India Mr. Alexandre Ziegler, on 28th November 2018?

1)  Mukesh Ambani

2)  S Narayanamoorthy

3)  Azim Premji

4)  Ritesh Banerjee

5)  None of these

Answer – 3) Azim Premji

Explanation:

On 28th November 2018, Global Software Major Wipro’s Chairman Azim Premji was conferred with Highest French Civilian Award “Chevalier del la Legion d’Honneur” which means “Knight of the Legion of Honour” by the French Ambassador to India Mr. Alexandre Ziegler. The award is presented the Azim Premji for his Contribution towards developing Information Technology (IT) industry in India, his economic outreach in France and his contribution towards society through Azim Premji Foundation and University.

118. Best Film in IFFI 2018 award was given to ____ movie at the 49th International Film Festival of

India (IFFI) 2018 that concluded in Panaji, Goa, on 28th November 2018?

1)  Donbass (Ukraine)

2)  Walking with the Wind (India)

3)  The Aspern Papers (United States)

4)  Sealed Lips (United Kingdom)

5)  None of these

Answer – 1) Donbass (Ukraine)

Explanation:

On November 28, 2018, the nine day long 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2018 concluded in Panaji, Goa. The Awards given out in the 49th IFFI are as follows:

			Award category		Description of Award		Winner
			IFFI Special Award		Lifetime contribution to		Salim Khan
					Cinema
			Best Film in IFFI		Golden Peacock trophy,		Donbass (Ukraine)
			2018		certificate and a cash
					prize amount of Rs.
					40,00,000.
			Best Director award		Silver Peacock Trophy		Lijo Jose Pellissery
					and a cash prize of Rs.		for the film ‘Ee.
					15,00,000		Ma. Yau.’,
			Best Actor (Female)		Silver Peacock Trophy		Anastasiia
					and cash Prize of Rs		Pustovit for the
					10,00,000.		Ukrainian film
							“When the Trees
							Fall”.
		Best Actor (Male)			Silver Peacock Trophy		Chemban Vinod
					and cash Prize of Rs		for the film ‘Ee.
					10,00,000		Ma. Yau’
		Special Jury award			Silver Peacock Award		Milko Lazarov for
					and a cash prize of Rs.		movie ‘Aga’
					15,00,000
		Centenary award for			Silver Peacock, a		Alberto Monteras
		‘Best Debut Feature			certificate and a cash		II for his Filipino
		Film of a Director’			prize of Rs. 10 lakh		Movie ‘Respeto’.
		ICFT –UNESCO					Ladakhi Movie
		Gandhi Medal					‘Walking with the
							Wind, directed by
							Praveen
							Morchhale.
		Lifetime					Veteran Israeli
		Achievement Award					filmmaker Dan
							Wolman

119.Who was appointed as the Chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 28th November 2018?

1)  S Ramesh

2)  Sushil Kumar

3)  Arvind Saxena

4)  Ram Pillai

5)  None of these

Answer – 3) Arvind Saxena

Explanation:

On November 28, 2018, the President appointed Shri Arvind Saxena as Chairman, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) till 07. 08.2020, i.e., until he attains the age of 65 years. Prior to joining UPSC as Member, Shri Saxena was working as Director of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC). He is a recipient of Awards for Meritorious Services (2005) and Distinguished Services (2012).

120. Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) launched India’s First ___________ Satellite along with 30 other Foreign Satellite in Orbit by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C43) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC),Sriharikota on 29th November,2018?

1) OCEANSAT-2

2) Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS)

3) NovaSAR

4) RESOURCESAT-1

5) None of these

Answer – 2) Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS)

Explanation:

On 29th November 2018, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C43) successfully launched 31 satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The rocket injected the country’s first Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS), dubbed ‘Sharp Eye’, in its intended orbit besides 30 small commercial satellites from various countries into the orbits requested by the customers. HysIS is an earth observation satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite-2 (IMS-2) bus weighing about 380kg. The mission life of the satellite is five years. The HysIS satellite will be used for a wide range of applications including agriculture, forestry, soil/geological environments, coastal zones and inland waters, etc. The 30 satellites are one each from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Finland, Malaysia, Netherlands and Spain, and 23 from the USA and the total weight of these satellites was about 261.50 kg. The next big event for the Indian space organisation will be its awaited mission to the moon – Chandrayaan-2 – in early 2019.