Current Affairs Quiz
1. The air Indians breathe is turning more toxic by the day and an average of _____ deaths take place daily due to air pollution
a) One
b) Two
c) Five
d) Ten
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Answer b) Two. The air Indians breathe is turning more toxic by the day and an average of two deaths take place daily due to air pollution. According to medical journal The Lancet, over a million Indians die every year due to air pollution and some of the worst polluted cities of the world are in India. The smog over northern India is extracting a heavy toll.
2. The United Arab Emirates’ main state oil company has signed a deal giving _______ National Petroleum Company for onshore oil project
a) India
b) Bangladesh
c) China
d) Pakistan
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Answer c) China. The United Arab Emirates’ main state oil company has signed a deal giving China National Petroleum Company an 8 per cent stake in a major onshore oil project. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company says CNPC will pay an initial $1.77 billion for the concession operated by the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations, also known as ADCO.
3. Elon Musk-led space exploration startup SpaceX has successfully launched its ______________ which will deliver nearly 2,500 kg of cargo to International Space Station for NASA
a) Dragon spacecraft
b) Lion spacecraft
c) Tiger spacecraft
d) None of these
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Answer a) Dragon spacecraft. Elon Musk-led space exploration startup SpaceX has successfully launched its Dragon spacecraft which will deliver nearly 2,500 kg of cargo to International Space Station for NASA. Dragon spacecraft is also carrying strains of the MRSA superbug to study its behaviour in microgravity.
4. ____________scientists announced the discovery of a 6,000-kilometre river about four kilometres under the Amazon River in South America in 2011
a) Japan
b) USA
c) Russia
d) Brazil
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Answer d) Brazil. Brazilian scientists announced the discovery of a 6,000-kilometre river about four kilometres under the Amazon River in South America in 2011. The river is called Rio Hamza, after the head of the team of researchers who found the underground river.
5. The Government of India has launched another efficient and smart way of making cashless transactions viable to general public, with the launch of ___________
a) RupayQR
b) BharatQR
c) DigitalQR
d) PaytmQR
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Answer b) BharatQR. BharatQR, another e-payment medium which has been termed the world’s first interoperable and low cost acceptance solution, was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India, MasterCard and Visa. This is another step in the direction of making India a less-cash economy, said a joint press release by the companies.
6. ISRO has successfully tested its indigenously developed cryogenic engine in a major step forward for its landmark ____________
a) GSLV Mk I
b) GSLV Mk II
c) GSLV Mk III
d) GSLV Mk IV
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Answer c) GSLV Mk III. Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO has successful tested the country’s largest cryogenic engine for a full 10 minutes. The engine will power its mammoth Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III rocket capable of propelling a 4-ton class satellites into geo-synchronous orbit – the altitude where satellites revolve in sync with the Earth’s rotation.
7. World Day of Social Justice is observed on?
a) February 19
b) February 20
c) February 21
d) February 22
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Answer b) February 20. World Day of Social Justice is a day recognizing the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment. Many organizations, including the UN and the International Labour Office, make statements on the importance of social justice for people. Many organizations also present plans for greater social justice by tackling poverty, social and economic exclusion and unemployment. Theme: Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work.
8. The Indian Navy’s second ocean-going sailboat _____________ was inducted into the Indian Navy
a) INSV Tarini
b) INSV Mhadei
c) INSV Bharat
d) None of these
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Answer a) INSV Tarini. The Indian Navy’s second ocean-going sailboat INSV Tarini was inducted into the Indian Navy. Built by Goa-based M/s Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd, INSV Tarini is a sloop, which is slated to be the platform for first Indian all-women circumnavigation of the globe expedition of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy is operating four sailing vessels — Tarangini, Sudarshini, Mhadei and Tarini — capable of open ocean deployments and all the four have been built in shipyards at Goa.
9. Tata Consultancy Services announced the appointment of ________________ as its Chief Financial Officer effective February 21
a) N Chandrasekaran
b) V Ramakrishnan
c) Suprakash Mukhopadhyay
d) Vijay Kelkar
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Answer b) V Ramakrishnan. IT services major Tata Consultancy Services announced the appointment of V Ramakrishnan as its Chief Financial Officer effective February 21. Ramakrishnan takes over from Rajesh Gopinathan, who has been appointed as the CEO and MD of TCS. Notably, Ramakrishnan has been a key member of the TCS Finance team for more than 17 years.
10. India has committed soft loans amounting to $340 million (around ₹2,280 crore) to __________ for infrastructure projects
a) Sri Lanka
b) China
c) Nepal
d) Bangladesh
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Answer c) Nepal. India has committed soft loans amounting to $340 million (around ₹2,280 crore) to Nepal for infrastructure projects. Through these loans, India committed itself towards a bridge project and 15 road projects in the neighbouring country. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, during his visit to Nepal, signed a letter of exchange with Nepalese Minister Ramesh Lekhak in this regard.
11. Which state government has approved Rs. 250 crore Cloud Seeding Programme during 2017 monsoon season to produce sufficient rain?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Karnataka
c) West Bengal
d) Maharashtra
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Answer d) Maharashtra. Maharashtra Government has approved Rs. 250 crore Cloud Seeding Programme during 2017 monsoon season to produce sufficient rain. Under this programme, weather scientists using aircrafts will spray chemicals (silver iodide) over clouds clouds hovering above Solapur district, a rain shadow region of Western Ghats in the state.
12. The world famous Khajuraho Dance Festival began in ____________
a) Madya Pradesh
b) Punjab
c) Rajasthan
d) Gujarat
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Answer a) Madya Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh, the world famous Khajuraho Dance Festival began on February 20. AIR correspondent reports that eminent Indian classical dancers will perform during the seven day event. “This Dance Festival presents colourful and brilliant Indian dances in the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples. Live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Mohniattam will be major attraction this time. The festival will begin with presentation of Anuj Mishra, Sanchita Bhattacharya and Jayshree Acharya.
13. Which state government announced the closure of 500 state-run retail liquor outlets recently?
a) Bihar
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Kerala
d) Assam
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Answer b) Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government announced the closure of 500 state-run retail liquor outlets, making it the first set of orders signed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. The announcement was to honour former Chief Minister Late J Jayalalithaa’s promise to bring in prohibition in a phased manner in the state, said Palaniswami, who formally assumed office.
14. Which country won ‘The International Fashion Showcase Country Award’ at the London Fashion Week?
a) China
b) USA
c) India
d) Japan
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Answer c) India. India beat 25 other countries to win ‘The International Fashion Showcase Country Award’ at the London Fashion Week for its exhibition ‘The Indian Pastoralists’. India’s exhibit consisted of garments showcased by the Indian labels p.e.l.l.a, Kaleekal, Ka-Sha, ikai and Antar-Agni. Notably, this was the first time that India participated in the competition.
15. Which of the following states celebrated Statehood Day on February 20?
a) Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
b) Andra Pradesh and Nagaland
c) Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya
d) Haryana and Assam
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Answer a) Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20 greeted the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram on their Statehood Day. He wished the states to scale new heights of development and progress immensely in the years to come. Notably, both Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram were granted statehood in 1987. Both the states were Union Territories before being granted statehood.
16. Who is the new Chief Minister of Nagaland?
a) Neiphiu Rio
b) Shurhozelie Liezeitsu
c) T. R. Zeliang
d) Vamuzo Phesao
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Answer b) Shurhozelie Liezeitsu. The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party has elected veteran leader and party president Shurhozelie Liezeitsu as its new leader. Shurhozelie would be sworn in as chief minister. Zeliang had to resign after a series of incidents rocked the state when his government wanted to hold municipal elections with 33 per cent reservation for women.
17. Cash purchases of jewellery will attract 1% tax collected at source (TCS) from April 1 if the amount exceeds ____________
a) 5 lakhs
b) 3 lakh
c) 2.5 lakh
d) 2 lakh
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Answer d) 2 lakh Cash purchases of jewellery will attract 1% tax collected at source (TCS) from April 1 if the amount exceeds ₹2 lakh, as against the current threshold of ₹5 lakh. Once the Finance Bill 2017 is passed, jewellery will be treated on par with general goods. This comes amid the government’s decision banning cash transactions above ₹3 lakh from April 1.
18. The maximum cash withdrawal limit from savings account has been increased to _________ a week from 24,000 from February 20
a) 50000
b) 75000
c) 100000
d) No limit
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Answer a) 50000. The maximum cash withdrawal limit from savings account has been increased to ₹50,000 a week from ₹24,000. The relaxation is followed by an RBI notification issued on January 30, announcing the changes in the weekly withdrawal limits effective from February 20. The limits on cash withdrawals from savings bank account will be withdrawn completely from March 13.
19. __________ is the world’s largest importer of major arms in the last five years
a) China
b) Saudi Arabia
c) India
d) Pakistan
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Answer c) India . India is the world’s largest importer of major arms in the last five years and its overseas procurement is far greater than that of China and Pakistan. As per latest report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for 13% of the total global arms import 2012–16 which is highest among all the countries. Saudi Arabia was the second largest arms importer in 2012-16, with an increase of 212% compared with 2007–11. Arms imports by Qatar went up by 245%.
20. ___________ has become the first Indian athlete to sign a deal worth over ₹100 crore with a brand, after signing up with Puma
a) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
b) Ravichandran Ashwin
c) Rohit Sharma
d) Virat Kohli
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Answer d) Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli has become the first Indian athlete to sign a deal worth over ₹100 crore with a brand, after signing up with Puma. With the reportedly eight-year-long deal, Kohli will join Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Thierry Henry as Puma’s global ambassador.
21. Who has become the first Afghanistan player to play in the Indian Premier League?
a) Mohammad Shahzad
b) Mohammad Nabi
c) Najibullah Zadran
d) Hameed Hassan
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Answer b) Mohammad Nabi. All-rounder Mohammad Nabi has became the first Afghanistan player in the Indian Premier League when he was sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for a base price of Rs. 30 lakh in the IPL Auction at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Bengaluru. After an aggressive bidding between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), England’s fast bowling sensation Tymal Mills was eventually sold to RCB for a whopping Rs. 12 crore.
22. Shahid Afridi has announced retirement form international cricket, he associated with __________________
a) Afghanistan Cricket Team
b) Bangladesh Cricket Team
c) Australian Cricket Team
d) Pakistan Cricket Team
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Answer d) Pakistan Cricket Team. One of the most flamboyant and controversial cricketers of his generation, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has finally called time on his international career. The decision, announced after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final here on Sunday night, put an end to an illustrious and colour 21-year career. The 36-year-old however, will continue to play in the PSL for the next two years.
23. The Indian women’s rugby team won a __________ at the Asian Women’s Rugby Sevens Trophy in Laos
a) Gold
b) Silver
c) Bronze
d) None of these
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Answer b) Silver. The Indian women’s rugby team won a silver medal at the Asian Women’s Rugby Sevens Trophy in Laos. India won five matches and lost one in the two-day tournament, which included a 5-0 victory over Pakistan on the second day. Seven Asian countries, including South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, India and hosts Laos participated in the tournament.
24. Who won the Rotterdam tennis title 2017?
a) David Goffin
b) Rafael Nadal
c) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
d) Novak Djokovic
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Answer c) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has claimed the Rotterdam tennis title. In the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament final in Rotterdam, sixth seeded Tsonga defeated third seeded David Goffin of Belgium 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
25. Altamas Kabir who passed away recently was a/an
a) Chief Justice of India
b) Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army
c) Commander-in-Chief, Indian Navy
d) None of these
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Answer a) Chief Justice of India. Former Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir has passed away due to kidney ailment and related complications. Kabir was appointed as the Chief Justice of India on 29 September 2012. He retired on 19 July 2013. Born on 19 July 1948, Kabir was enrolled as an advocate in 1973 and practised in the district court and the Calcutta high court in civil and criminal sides.
