1. Kush Bhagat is associated with which sports? [A]Chess [B]Badminton [C]Tennis [D]Wushu Hide Answer Chess Kush Bhagat has recently won three gold medals in the 1st Western Asia Youth Chess Championships at Al Ain Chess Club in United Arab Emirates (UAE) in all the three categories – rapid, blitz and standard. With this, he became the only Indian to bag all the crowns in the competition. Bhagat is the 2nd standard student of the NSS Hill Spring International School in Mumbai, Maharashtra. .

2. Who is the new Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army? [A]Vikram Singh Rathore [B]Bipin Rawat [C]Velu Nair [D]Birender Singh Hide Answer Bipin Rawat General Bipin Rawat has become the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army. He has tremendous experience in serving in combat areas and at various functional levels in the Indian Army over the last three decades. He has handled various operational responsibilities in many areas, including along the LoC with , the LoC with China and in the North-East. He is known for his balanced approach towards soldiering, compassion, and connect with civil society. Beside him, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa has also become the new Air Force chief. The new Air Chief Marshal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1978. He has served in various squadrons and in the Intelligence Directorate of Air Headquarters. .

3. Who has been named as the new Prime Minister of ? [A] [B]Sevil Shhaideh [C] [D] Hide Answer Sorin Grindeanu Sorin Grindeanu, a member of the Social Democratic Party, has been officially appointed as the new Prime Minister of Romania. Now, he will face a confidence vote in parliament on his programme and cabinet nominees. He is expected to take office on January 4, 2017. .

4. Eknathrao Vikhe-Pati, who passed away recently, was the well-known politician of which state? [A]Rajasthan [B]Uttar Pradesh [C]Gujarat [D]Maharashtra Hide Answer Maharashtra Eknathrao Vikhe-Patil (84), the veteran Congress leader and former Union minister, has recently passed away in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Patil was popularly known as Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil. He was 8-time MP and became Minister of State for Finance in the NDA government in 1999. He returned to the Congress fold in 2004. .

5. Where is the headquarters of the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS)? [A]United States [B]France [C]Germany [D]Switzerland Hide Answer Switzerland Recently, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has named as the 2016 World’s Best Playmaker for the 2nd consecutive year by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). The IFFHS is an organization that chronicles the history and records of association football and its’ headquarters is located at Lausanne, Switzerland. . 6. India’s first transgender school “Sahaj International” has started in which state? [A]Tamil Ndau [B]Kerala [C]Karnataka [D]Andhra Pradesh Hide Answer Kerala India’s first transgender school “Sahaj International” has started at Thrikkakara in Kerala’s Ernakulam district. It was inaugurated by transgender activist, writer and actor Kalki Subramaniam. The purpose of Transgender School is to provide transgenders security, salvation and sustainability. The new learning centre will help them continue their education and appear for Class X and XII examinations.This alternative learning centre works in collaboration with National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). .

7. Which state government has recently declared 50% reservation in judicial services for OBCs, SCs, STs and EBCs? [A]Odisha [B]Madhya Pradesh [C]Bihar [D]Assam Hide Answer Bihar The Bihar government has recently declared 50% reservation in all judicial services for aspirants belonging to the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The reservation will be in both Superior Judicial Services and Subordinate Judicial Services. According to the Bihar Cabinet, aspirants belonging to EBCs will get 21% reservation, OBCs will have 12 % reservations, SCs will have 16 % reservation and STs will be provided 1% reservation in all judicial services of the State. Beside this, there will be 35% horizontal reservation for women and 1% reservation for disabled persons. Currently, there is a provision for only 27% reservation in subordinate services while no quota in superior services. .

8. Who of the following have been chosen for the 2016 Navlekhan Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith? [A]Yogita Yadav and Arunabh Saurav [B]Om Naagar and Tasneem Khan [C]Shraddha and Ghyansham Kumar Devansh [D]Amlendu Tiwari and Balram Kawant Hide Answer Shraddha and Ghyansham Kumar Devansh The two Hindi writers Shraddha and Ghyansham Kumar Devansh have been chosen for 2016 Navlekhan Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith. The award conferred to Shraddha for her short story ‘Hawa Mein Phadphadati Chitthi’ and on Devansh for his poem ‘Akash Mein Deh’. The award, which is given to young authors in Hindi for their first creations, consists of a statue of Goddess Saraswati, a citation and a cash prize each. .

9. Which of the following banks has tied up with online portal “magicbricks.com” to conduct joint marketing activities? [A]ICICI Bank [B]Punjab National Bank [C]HDFC Bank [D]State Bank of India Hide Answer State Bank of India The State Bank of India (SBI) has tied up with online classifieds portal magicbricks.com to conduct joint marketing activities and help rejuvenate the real estate sector. To kick start the MOU, SBI and Magicbrickshas launched the “Seal the Deal” campaign. The campaign will showcase SBI approved projects on the Magicbricks platform. This mega online property show will be the first housing carnival in the industry at this scale. . 10. The book “The Secret Chord” has been authored by whom? [A]Alice Hoffman [B]Geraldine Brooks [C]T D Ramakrishnan [D]Tishani Doshi Hide Answer Geraldine Brooks The book “The Secret Chord” has been authored by Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author. It is a historical novel that traces the life of King David. http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-1-2017/

1. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)? [A]S R Hashim [B]Deepak Gupta [C]Alka Sirohi [D]David Syiemlieh Hide Answer David Syiemlieh Prof. David R. Syiemlieh has been appointed as the new chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). He is from Meghalaya and was a UPSC member. Syiemlieh will assume charge on January 4, 2017 and retire on January 21, 2018. He will succeed Alka Sirohi, a retired IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. .

2. Which Indian-origin British professor has been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Knighthood? [A]Nandini Koel [B]Kamaldeep Begol [C]Shankar Balasubramanian [D]Mandeep Singh Bhui Hide Answer Shankar Balasubramanian Prof. Shankar Balasubramanian, an Indian-origin British professor of chemistry and DNA expert at Cambridge University, has been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Knighthood for his work as a co-inventor of Next Generation DNA sequencing, described as the most transformational advance in biology and medicine for decades. .

3. Who is the newly elected Chief Justice of Pakistan? [A]Nasir-ul-Mulk [B]Mian Saqib Nisar [C]Jawwad S. Khawaja [D]Anwar Zaheer Jamali Hide Answer Mian Saqib Nisar Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has been sworn-in as the new chief justice of Pakistan. He succeeded Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali. Prior to this appointment, Nisar was the judge of High Court. .

4. The Bargarh Dhanua Jatra festival has started in which of the following states? [A]Odisha [B]Kerala [C]Assam [D]Manipur Hide Answer Odisha The world-famous Bargarh Dhanua Jatra festival has started in Bargarh, the western Odisha town, as all the rituals were performed before Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of the event. The 11-day gala event will set the stage for all mythological places related to Lord Krishna based in the ancient city itself. Bargarh becomes the Mathuranagari and Ambapalli area is staged as Gopapur, the parenting place of Krishna. Jeera River is considered as river Yamuna and Hatapada mandap is taken as the Raj darbar of king Kansa. The Dhanu Jatra is an annual drama-based open air theatrical performance celebrated within a 6 km radius in and around the Bargarh municipality. It is considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatrical festival. .

5. The book “Scattered Souls” has been authored by whom? [A]Basharat Pee [B]Fazlur Rahman [C]Agha Shahid Ali [D]Shahnaj Bashir Hide Answer Shahnaj Bashir The book “Scattered Souls” has been authored by Shahnaj Bashir. It is a powerful collection of stories focuses on life loss and death in the Kashmir Valley. .

6. Who has been awarded ‘Scroll of Honor’ by Government of India (GoI) to promote cashless transactions? [A]Manish Jadon [B]Khusbu Gupta [C]Surbhi Kapoor [D]Gaurav Goyal Hide Answer Gaurav Goyal Gaurav Goyal, the district collector of Ajmer, has been awarded ‘Scroll of Honor’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for encouraging cashless transactions in the district. The award was given for plethora of measures taken by the collector post demonetization to encourage cashless transactions and ensure law and order. Ajmer topped the 5 best districts to promote cashless transactions.The award was jointly given by Ministry of Information and Technology and Niti Ayog. .

7. The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) is the statutory body of which union ministry? [A]Ministry of Home Affairs [B]Ministry of Minority Affairs [C]Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions [D]Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Hide Answer Ministry of Minority Affairs The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) is a statutory body of Union Ministry of Minority Affairs constituted under the Haj Committee Act, 2002 ( Act 35 of 2002). It makes arrangements for the Haj pilgrimage of Muslims in India. Recently, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has launched Haj Committee of India Mobile App at Haj House in Mumbai to encourage online applications to ensure fair opportunity for 2017 Haj pilgrimage with complete transparency and comfort. The features of the mobile app are such as applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e- payment. .

8. Which of the following state governments have signed MoU to prepare State Resident Data Base (SRDB)? [A]Haryana and Assam [B]Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh [C]Haryana and Andhra Pradesh [D]Maharashtra and Assam Hide Answer Haryana and Andhra Pradesh The Haryana government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Andhra Pradesh to prepare centralized State Resident Data Base (SRDB) of its population to ensure efficient and effective implementation of welfare programmes. .

9. Tyrus Wong, who passed away recently, was the legendary Disney artist of which country? [A]Germany [B]France [C]United States [D]United Kingdom Hide Answer United States Tyrus Wong (106), the legendary Disney artist, has recently passed away in United States. He was best known for his sketches for the Walt Disney animated feature “Bambi”. Wong was a Chinese-born American artist, whose vibrant paintings captured Walt Disney’s eye and became the basis of the film’s distinct style. . 10. Who is the newly appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs? [A]Anoop Srivastava [B]Sanjeevanee Kutty [C]Susheel Kumar [D]Seema Bahuguna Hide Answer Anoop Srivastava Anoop Kumar Srivastava, an IAS officer of 1981 batch of Assam- Meghalaya Cadre, has recently taken over charge of the Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Prior to this appointment, he was the Officer on Special Duty in the same Ministry. http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-2-2017/

1. Where is the headquarters of the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI)? [A]Hyderabad [B]New Delhi [C]Pune [D]Chennai Hide Answer Hyderabad Rajen Habib Khwaja, an IAS officer of 1976 batch, has recently took charge as the new Director General of the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) at a ceremony in Bella Vista, Hyderabad. Khwaja, who superannuated from service on February 2014, had held key positions such as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministries of Tourism and Mines and Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). The ASCI is the prestigious institute in training managers since 1956 and its headquarters is located at Hyderabad, Telangana. .

2. Which committee has been constituted by the Union Government to suggest improvements in National Sports Development Code (NSDC)? [A]Sathish Kumar committee [B]Injeti Srinivas committee [C]N M Sinha committee [D]K S Rathore committee Hide Answer Injeti Srinivas committee The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recently constituted a committee to suggest improvements in the National Sports Development Code (NSDC) and functioning of Indian Sports Federation. The committee will be headed by Injeti Srinivas, which will suggest improvements in the present NSDC on the basis of suggestions and feedback given in these meetings and submit a report within a month so that Sports Bodies work as per the public expectations for the promotion of sports in India. .

3. “NTR Arogya Raksha” a new health scheme has been launched by which state government? [A]Haryana [B]Odisha [C]Karnataka [D]Andhra Pradesh Hide Answer Andhra Pradesh The Andhra Pradesh Government has recently launched a new health scheme “NTR Arogya Raksha” in Vijayawada to offer medical insurance to those who were not covered under any of the existing health schemes of the state government. The health scheme will provide the medical treatment to the people below Above Poverty Line (APL) at Rs.1200 premium per annum. Under it, Rs.2 lakh worth medical treatment would be provided free of cost in any 432 corporate hospitals in the state. .

4. The 104th Indian Science Congress (ISC) has started in which state? [A]Kerala [B]Assam [C]Andhra Pradesh [D]Manipur Hide Answer Andhra Pradesh The 104th Indian Science Congress (ISC) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3, 2017 at the Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The focal theme of 5-day annual ISC is “Science and Technology for National Development”. .

5. India’s first laser technology-based advanced AVMS RTO check post has set up at which state? [A]Gujarat [B]Madhya Pradesh [C]Rajasthan [D]Punjab Hide Answer Gujarat India’s first laser technology-based advanced Automatic Vechime Monitoring System (AVMS) RTO check-post has set up at Shamlaji of Aravalli district in Gujarat. The check-post is equipped with advanced ray technology with a cost of Rs 4.72 crore, which will help to eliminate irregularities and interventions done by middle-men. The advanced AVMS RTO check-post will provide transparent, sensitive, decisive and progressive government to the people. .

6. Who is the newly appointed Controller General of Accounts? [A]S S Sahu [B]Archana Nigam [C]Sushil Singh [D]M J Joseph Hide Answer Archana Nigam Archana Nigam, an officer of the 1981 batch of the Indian Civil Accounts Service, is the newly appointed Controller General of Accounts in the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance. She succeeded M.J.Joseph. Prior to this appointment, Nigam was involved in the critical task of setting up of the accounting framework for the GST regime to be launched by Government in FY 17. .

7. Who has won the 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championship? [A]Kevin Anderson [B]Stan Wawrinka [C]Milos Raonic [D]Rafael Nadal Hide Answer Rafael Nadal Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player, has won the 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championship by defeating David Goffin in the final by 6–4 and 7–6 at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex in United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was the 8th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship with the world’s top players competing in the event, which was held in a knockout format. The winner received a purse of $250,000. .

8. , who passed away recently, was the former cricketer of which country? [A]India [B]Bangladesh [C]Pakistan [D]South Africa Hide Answer Pakistan Imtiaz Ahmed (88), a member of Pakistan’s first-ever Test team, has recently passed away in Lahore. He was known as an aggressive batsman who had a variety of strokes, most notably the hook and the pull shot. He scored 2,079 Test runs for Pakistan with a career best of 209 against New Zealand in Lahore in 1955. The death of Imtiaz leaves former batsman Waqar Hasan, who now lives in London, as the lone survivor from the Pakistan team’s first Test tour to India in 1952-53. .

9. John Berger, who passed away recently, was the renowned author of which country? [A]United Kingdom [B]Germany [C]United States [D]Malaysia Hide Answer United Kingdom John Berger (90), the British art critic and prodigious author,has recently passed away in Paris, France. He was best-known work for his work BBC series “Ways of Seeing”, a criticism of western cultural aesthetics and also won the Man Booker Prize for his novel G and donated half the prize money to the radical African-American movement, the Black Panthers. Berger was born in Hackney, north London and began his career as a painter. .

10. The book “Just Another Jihadi Jane” has been authored by whom? [A]Ananth Padmanabhan [B]Kanishka Gupta [C]Mita Kapur [D]Tabish Khair Hide Answer Tabish Khair The book “Just Another Jihadi Jane” has been authored by Denmark-based an Indian English author Tabish Khair. The novel is about friendship, faith and alienation that tell the tale of Islamist radicalization from the inside. It reminds a new generation that heroism and sacrifice are not limited to one side in a conflict, and that the first victims of a murderous regime are those who live within it. http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-3-2017/

1. Who has been sworn-in as the new Chief Justice of India (CJI)? [A]J S Khehar [B]Madan Lokur [C]Kamlesh Khehar [D]T S Patil Hide Answer J S Khehar Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, who led the five-judge constitution bench in the Supreme Court which had struck down the controversial NJAC Act for appointment of judges, has been sworn-in as the 44th Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will remain on the post till August 27, 2017. He is the first Chief Justice from the Sikh community, who succeeded Justice TS Thakur. .

2. Which country has become the first in the world to pay basic income to randomly picked citizens on national level? [A]Indonesia [B]Finland [C]France [D]Sri Lanka Hide Answer Finland Finland has become the first country in the world to pay a basic income to randomly picked citizens on a national level. The aim of 2-year nationwide pilot scheme is to reduce poverty, motivate people to join work force and boost employment. For this, two thousand unemployed participants between the ages of 25 and 58 have been randomly picked from different parts of the country and will receive an unconditional monthly tax-free basic income of €560. The income will replace their existing social benefits and will be paid even if they find work. .

3. The World Braille Day (WBD) is observed on which date? [A]January 3 [B]January 5 [C]January 2 [D]January 4 Hide Answer January 4 The World Braille Day (WBD) is observed every year on January 4 to create importance of braille for those who are blind and to commemorate the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the French educator who invented Braille script or Braille code in 1821. .

4. H S Mahadeva Prasad, who passed away recently, was the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of which constituency? [A]Dharwad constituency [B]Chikkodi constituency [C]Bagalkot constituency [D]Gundlupet constituency Hide Answer Gundlupet constituency Halahalli Shreekantha Shetti Mahadeva Prasad (58), who was the incumbent state minister for Cooperation and Sugar in the Government of Karnataka, has recently passed away at Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka. He was the 5- time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Gundlupet constituency of the Chamarajanagar district. .

5. Who has won the 2016 World Blitz Chess Championship? [A]Sergey Karjakin [B]Anna Muzychuk [C]Magnus Carlsen [D]Daniil Dubov Hide Answer Sergey Karjakin Sergey Karjakin of Russia has recently won gold in the 2016 World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, Qatar by defeating Norway’s Magnus Carlsen in a tie-break. This was Karjakin’s first world title in blitz chess. .

6. K V Pusa, who passed away recently, was the noted politician of which state? [A]Manipur [B]Arunachal Pradesh [C]Tripura [D]Nagaland Hide Answer Nagaland K V Pusa, the former President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and veteran Congress leader, has recently passed away at Kohima, Nagaland. Other than his political career, Pusa was associated with social activities which include spearheading various students, farmers and sports organizations. He was also the chairman of Mezhür Higher Secondary School Kohima and a founding member of the Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union. .

7. What is the India’s rank in offering highest salaries to expats, as per 2016 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey? [A]11th [B]31st [C]23rd [D]3rd Hide Answer 3rd India has been ranked 3rd out of 190 countries to offer the highest average annual salary to expatriates, as per 2016 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey. It is the 9th edition of HSBC in which approx 27,000 expats from 190 countries and territories shared their thoughts and experiences of expat life. The list is topped by Switzerland, which offers an average salary of $188,275 a year to expats i.e. almost twice the global average. Beside this, Hong Kong was listed third in the survey. .

8. Who has been appointed as an Adviser (policy & planning) in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)? [A]Sandip Ray Chaudhury [B]V Thiruppugazh [C]P K Mishra [D]Manoj Kumar Sahoo Hide Answer V Thiruppugazh V Thiruppugazh, the IAS officer of 1991 batch Gujarat cadre, has been appointed as an Adviser (policy & planning) in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and will remain on post till September 20, 2020. Thiruppugazh worked on various assignments in Gujarat, including in the State Disaster Management Authority, before he joined the administration at the Centre in 2015. He has also worked with Dr. P.K. Mishra, the Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Both, Mr.Thirupuggazh and Dr. Mishra have experience in disaster-management fields in Gujarat and at the Centre. .

9. “OnChat” a chatbot service has been launched by which bank to allow users to make payments through Facebook Messenger? [A]State Bank of India [B]HDFC Bank [C]ICICI Bank [D]Axis Bank Hide Answer HDFC Bank The HDFC Bank has recently launched a chatbot service “HDFC OnChat” to allow users to make payments through Facebook Messenger.The chatbot will allow users to recharge their phones, pay electricity, water, gas and landline and DTH bills and even a cab from Ola or Uber from the app itself. The service is available to non-HDFC bank users as well. .

10. The book “Death Under The Deodars: The Adventures of Miss Ripley-Bean” has been authored by whom? [A]Vikram Seth [B]Amitav Ghosh [C]Jumpa Lahiri [D]Ruskin Bond Hide Answer Ruskin Bond The book “Death Under The Deodars: The Adventures of Miss Ripley-Bean” has been authored by Ruskin Bond, is recently published by Penguin India. The 8-stories in the book are classic Ruskin style – full of wit and memorable characters and will enthrall and delight children as well as adults. http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-4-2017/

1. Which country’s women football team has won the 2016 SAFF Women’s Championship? [A]India [B]Pakistan [C]Nepal [D]Bangladesh Hide Answer India The Indian women football team has won the 2016 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Football Championship title by defeating Bangladesh in the final by 3-1 in Siliguri, West Bengal. This is India’s 4th consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship title. The SAFF Women’s Championship is held in every two years and it is first time that India had hosted the tournament. .

2. The 2017 National Ice Skating Championship has started in which of the following states? [A]Himachal Pradesh [B]Haryana [C]Sikkim [D]Jammu Kashmir Hide Answer Haryana The 13th edition of National Ice Skating Championship 2017 has started in Gurugram, Haryana on January 5, 2017. Approx 300 ice skaters across the country will participate in the 2-day event i.e. being organized by the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI). The championship has been divided into two major disciplines – Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating with two separate competitions for boys and girls in different age categories. The winners of the competitions will receive medals and certificates along with cash prizes and for the first time, girl speed skaters will be conferred with the Vasudha trophy. .

3. Who has been appointed as the new Executive Director (ED) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)? [A]Deepa Mailk [B]Rajeswar Rao [C]Surekha Marandi [D]U S Paliwal Hide Answer Surekha Marandi Surekha Marandi has been appointed as the new Executive Director (ED) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). She succeeded U S Paliwal, who retired on December 31, 2016. Marandi will look after Consumer Education and Protection Department, Financial Inclusion and Development Department, and Secretary’s Department. Prior to this appointment, she was the Principal Chief General Manager and Chief Vigilance Officer in the RBI. . 4. Who has won the 2016 Presidential election of Haiti? [A]Maryse Narcisse [B]Jovenel Moise [C]Jude Celestin [D]Jean-Charles Moise Hide Answer Jovenel Moise Jovenel Moise, a Haitian businessman and the member of Haitian Tet Kale Party (HTKP), has won the 2016 Presidential election of Haiti. Moise is expected to take office by February 7, 2017. .

5. India’s first bus to run on biogas will start from which of the following cities? [A]Kolkata [B]Dehradun [C]New Delhi [D]Pune Hide Answer Kolkata India’s first bus to run on human and animal waste is set to make debut on the Ultadanga to Garia route in Kolkata in March, 2017. A nominal fare of Rs. 1 would be charged for ferrying passengers on the 17.5km-long Ultadanga-Garia route, irrespective of the distance covered. The 12 biogas buses are expected to run on 12 routes in the city, including Ultadanga-Tollygunge and Ultadanga-Sector V (Salt Lake). The other 9 routes are yet to be finalized. The biogas is a mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic substances in the absence of oxygen. It is a renewable energy source and is produced from raw materials like animal and plant waste. It is non-toxic, colorless and flammable and can be used as fuel, for generating electricity and in cooking. .

6. Arthur Morris, who has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, was the legendary cricketer of which country? [A]England [B]West Indies [C]Australia [D]South Africa Hide Answer Australia Arthur Morris, the legendary cricketer of Australia, has been inducted into the International Council (ICC) Hall of Fame posthumously. With this, he became the 82nd player to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. He was known for his key role in Don Bradman’s Invincibles side with an exceptional average, especially for an opening batsman. .

7. Which country has recently hosted the Chitwan Elephant Festival to promote tourism? [A]India [B]China [C]Myanmar [D]Nepal Hide Answer Nepal The 13th edition of Chitwan Elephant Festival was held at the Chitwan National Park in Kathmandu, Nepal from December 26-30, 2016 to promote tourism with the participation of over 50 elephants. The festival attracted about 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists.The 5-day event showcased elephant walk, elephant polo, elephant calf football, elephant beauty contest, elephant picnic and elephant painting. The annual event was organised by Regional Hotel Association Chitwan in order to bring humans closer with elephants, to encourage wildlife protection and conservation and to promote tourism in the region. .

8. Which of the following companies has launched “Digital Unlocked” the training program for Indian small businesses? [A]Microsoft [B]Facebook [C]Google [D]Twitter Hide Answer Google Google global CEO Sundar Pichai has recently launched “Digital Unlocked” a training program for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and startups to go digital in India in partnership with Ministry of Information and Technology and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at a Google event in New Delhi.The purpose of the program is to empower upcoming and existing Indian SMBs with essential digital skills which will help them to get online and use internet so as to grow their business. Apart from this, Primer app and My Business Website were also launched to help SMEs to learn digital marketing skills. .

9. Who has been appointed as the new President of the Rockefeller Foundation? [A]Rajiv Shah [B]Kanti Mehta [C]Arun Chattopadhyay [D]John Dgeio Hide Answer Rajiv Shah Rajiv J Shah, the former head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been appointed as the new President of Rockefeller Foundation. He will succeed Judith Rodin, who has been President for 12 years. With this, Shah has become the youngest person and the first Indian-American to lead the group. The Rockefeller foundation donates $200 million every year towards improving health and well-being in Africa and aid economic development in impoverished areas and developing strategies to combat climate change. It was set up in 1913 by the oil tycoon John D Rockefeller in New York, United States. .

10. Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan, who passed away recently, was the famous musician of which musical instrument? [A]Flute [B]Tabla [C]Sarangi [D]Sitar Hide Answer Sitar Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan, the well-known sitar musician, has recently passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was regarded as one of the ‘Sitar Trinity’ of India along with Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan. He was known for his “Jafferkhani Baaj” style of performance and was hailed from Indore Gharana. His work was featured in several Hindi films such as Mughal-E-Azam, Kohinoor, Goonj Uthi Shehnai and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje. http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-5-2017/

1. The 2017 Assam International Agri-Horiculture show has started in which city? [A]Bongaigaon [B]Bilasipara [C]Guwahati [D]Goalpara Hide Answer Guwahati The 4th Assam International Agri-Horiculture show has started in Guwahati from January 6 and will continue till January 9, 2017. In it, nearly 600 farmers from Assam will be trained on doubling farmers’ income, more crops per drop and agri-entrepreneurship development. More than 200 organizations from India and 10 foreign countries will take part in the show. .

2. Veteran actor Om Puri, who passed away recently, was belonged to which state? [A]Punjab [B]Haryana [C]Uttar Pradesh [D]Madhya Pradesh Hide Answer Haryana Veteran actor Om Puri (66) has recently passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The noted actor was known for his versatility from Bollywood to Hollywood and from independent to art films. He was born in Ambala, Haryana and graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. He was also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama. He made his film debut in the 1976 Marathi film “Ghashiram Kotwal”. Some of his most notable films include Bhavni Bhavai, Ardh Satya, Dharavi, Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Agneepath, Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and others. He earned international fame in many British films, such as “My Son the Fanatic”, “East Is East”, “The Parole Officer” and others. .

3. What is the theme of the 2017 New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF)? [A]Vivid Bharat – Diverse India [B]Manushi – Books Written on and by Women [C]Kathasagara: Celebrating Children’s Literature [D]Suryodaya: Emerging voices from North East India Hide Answer Manushi – Books Written on and by Women The 25th New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) will be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from January 7-15, 2017. The 2017 theme is “Manushi – Books Written on and by Women”, which will exhibit the rich tradition of women writings from ancient times till present. The focus of the Book Fair is on the ‘Culture of Reading’. The book fair is organized by National Book Trust (NBT), India. The highlights of the fair will include 60 years of NBT history in the theme pavilion & children activities in the Children Pavilion including activities to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary as ‘National Youth Day’ on January 12, 2017. It will also include number of activities such as seminars, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, etc. About 20 countries including China, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan and Iran are participating in the Foreign Pavilion. .

4. The 2017 Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) will be hosted by which city? [A]New Delhi [B]Gurugram [C]Chennai [D]Bengaluru Hide Answer Bengaluru The 14th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) will be held in Bengaluru , Karnataka from January 7 to 9, 2017 on theme “Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora”. The Indian-origin Portugal Prime Minister, Dr. Antonio Costa will be the chief guest in the PBD convention. The PBD Convention is a very important platform for engagement of the Government of India (GoI) and the state governments with the overseas Indian community. The PBD has been held traditionally on 9th January every year to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi as a Pravasi from South Africa to India. .

5. Which international organization has declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development”? [A]World Trade Organization (WTO) [B]United Nations (UN) [C]International Monetary Fund (IMF) [D]Asian Development Bank (ADB) Hide Answer United Nations (UN) The United Nations (UN) has declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” to celebrate and promote the contribution of the tourism sector to building a better world. The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). .

6. “Good Samaritan Policy” has been launched by which state / union territory government? [A]Odisha [B]Karnataka [C]Delhi [D]Kerala Hide Answer Delhi The Delhi government has recently approved ‘Good Samaritan Policy’ under which monetary incentive of Rs 2,000 and appreciation certificate will be given to people who help road accident victims in the national capital. The scheme is intended to encourage people to take accident victims in emergency situation to hospitals so that someone’s life could be saved. .

7. Gangmumei Kamei, who passed away recently, was the noted historian of which state? [A]Manipur [B]Odisha [C]Jammu & Kashmir [D]Himachal Pradesh Hide Answer Manipur Gangmumei Kamei (77), the noted Manipur-based historian, litterateur and scholar, has recently passed away in Imphal, Manipur. He hailed from the Zeliangrong community which is spread across Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. He was also active in the politics and public life and founded the Federal Party of Manipur in 1993. The excerpts of the well-known books of Kamei are: A History of Modern Manipur (1826- 2000), History of Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu, etc. .

8. The 2017 Island tourism Festival has started in which state / union territory? [A]Andaman and Nicobar [B]Gujarat [C]Rajasthan [D]Lakshadweep Hide Answer Andaman and Nicobar The 2017 Island tourism Festival has started at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar on January 6 and will continue till January 14 is to promote tourism and entertainment for islanders. The mega event has been inaugurated by Lt. Governor Jagdish Mukhi at ITF Ground in Port Blair. The festival provides a common platform where one and all irrespective of colour, caste and religion participate with equal dedication and gaiety promoting and strengthening the spirit of brotherhood. During the 10-day event, performances by the cultural troupes from mainland will help the Islanders renew their cultural ties with mainland India. An International Cultural Group from Khazkhistan will also perform the ITF Ground. Beside this, a band of artists from mainland will also perform during the festival at North & Middle Andaman and also at Nicobar Group of Islands, besides South Andaman. The other attractions will be the food courts, fun games and handicrafts etc. .

9. The International Conference on “Yoga for diabetes” has been held in which city? [A]New Delhi [B]Chennai [C]Pune [D]Bhopal Hide Answer New Delhi The International Conference on “Yoga for diabetes” has been held in New Delhi from January 4-6, 2017. The 3-day conference was inaugurated by Shripad Yesso Naik, the minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge). The purpose of the conference is to generate discussions on the role of Yoga in the prevention and management of Diabetes and to draw up a roadmap to be adopted for the control of Diabetes through Yoga. It will provide a common platform for the Allopathy and AYUSH practitioners, Researchers, Academicians, Policy makers and students to come together in the fight against diabetes. .

10. The International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) will be started from which of the following states? [A]Odisha [B]Rajasthan [C]Gujarat [D]Assam Hide Answer Gujarat The 30th International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) will be held in Gujarat from January 8 to 13, 2017. Apart from this, three other international kite festivals will be held in different parts of India viz. Telangana International Kite Festival will be held in Hyderabad on January 14 and 15, the Delhi International Kite Festival from January 16 to 17 and the Belgaum International Kite Festival from January 18 to 22. The festivals are organised by the State governments of Gujarat, Telangana, Delhi and Karnataka in association with India Tourism. Approx 35 international teams and five national teams will participate in both national and international categories in events such as kite making workshops, kite flying competitions, exhibition of huge kites and competition of sports and stunt kites. http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-6-2017/

1. Who has won the 2017 Qatar Open Men’s singles tennis tournament? [A]Novak Djokovic [B]Andy Murray [C]Rafael Nadal [D]Stefan Edberg Hide Answer Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic, a Serbian professional tennis, has won the Qatar Open Men’s singles tennis tournament by defeating Andy Murray in the final by 6-3 5-7 6-4 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar. It was the 36th contest between the two and Murray lost for the 25th time against his old rival. .

2. Who has been sworn-in as the new President of Ghana? [A]Kwesi Amissah-Arthur [B]Nana Akufo-Addo [C]Mahamudu Bawumia [D]John Mahama Hide Answer Nana Akufo-Addo Nana Akufo-Addo has been sworn-in as the new president of Ghana on January 7, 2017. Earlier, Akufo-Addo served as attorney general and then as foreign minister in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, which held power in 2001. .

3. Which tennis pair has won the 2017 WTA Brisbane International Women’s doubles Tennis trophy? [A]Elena Vesnina and Sania Mirza [B]Elena Vesnina and Martina Hingis [C]Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands [D]Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis Hide Answer Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands The top-seeded Indo-American duo, Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands have won the 2017 WTA Brisbane International Women’s doubles Tennis trophy by defeating Russian team of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the final by 6-2 6-3 at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia. .

4. The book “The Untold Vajpayee: Politician and Paradox” has been authored by whom? [A]Arun Shourie [B]Chaudhary Devi Lal [C]Lal Krishna Advani [D]Ullekh NP Hide Answer Ullekh NP The book “The Untold Vajpayee: Politician and Paradox” has been authored by journalist Ullekh NP. It is in news because of making controversial statements about Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani. The book also provides some additional details on a significant moment in the party’s and the nation’s history — the aftermath of the Gujarat riots of 2002. According to the book, Vajpayee, after the Godhra train burning and the riots that followed, was resolute that (then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra) “Modi has to go” but Advani said that Gujarat would descend into chaos if that happened. .

5. Where is the headquarters of the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism (IMAFT)? [A]Riyadh [B]Tehran [C]Lahore [D]Ankara Hide Answer Riyadh The Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism (IMAFT) is an intergovernmental military alliance of 39 muslim countries, united around military intervention against ISIL and other counter- terrorist activities. Recently, it is in news because General Raheel Sharif , the recently retired Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of Pakistan, has been appointed the new chief of IMAFT. The headquarters of the military alliance is at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .

6. Which country will become the world’s first country to switch off FM radio? [A]United Kingdom [B]Switzerland [C]Norway [D]Finland Hide Answer Norway Norway will become the world’s first country to switch off FM radio network. The shutdown of the Frequency Modulation (FM) network, which was introduced in the 1950s, will begin on January 11, 2017 in the northern city of Bodo. By the end of the year, all national FM broadcasts will cease. According to the Norwegian government, the switch to radio digital will save money and allow national radio stations to invest more in radio content. The digitization will also improve the emergency preparedness system, facilitate increased competition and offer new opportunities for innovation and development. .

7. Who has been honoured with the Life Time Achievement (LTA) award at the 2017 Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF)? [A]Om Puri [B]Amitabh Bachchan [C]Nasruddin Shah [D]Ramesh Prasad Hide Answer Ramesh Prasad The 9th edition of Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) has started in Jaipur on January 7, 2017.The purpose of the 5-day event is to promote emerging directors, encourage exchange of knowledge, information, ideas and culture between India and the participating nations. The festival will witness participation by 250 filmmakers and artistes from the fraternity. The festival will have 17 workshops and seminars on various aspects of cinema. This year’s Life Time Achievement Award was presented to internationally acclaimed cine- visionary Ramesh Prasad, who is said to have created specialized post production facilities and established the Prasad Film Laboratory with advanced equipment. .

8. Which insurance company has tied up with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for capital support to enterprises? [A]National Insurance Company Ltd (NICL) [B]Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) [C]Oriental Insurance Company Ltd (OICL) [D]New India Assurance Company Ltd (NIACL) Hide Answer Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has recently tied up with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) for augmenting capital support to enterprises in India. The purpose of the MoU is to give a boost to the venture capital ecosystem for MSMEs. . 9. The 2017 All India Conference of Waqf Boards has started in which city? [A]Lucknow [B]New Delhi [C]Jaipur [D]Nagpur Hide Answer New Delhi The 2017 All India Conference of Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of State/UT Waqf Boards has started in New Delhi on January 8, 2017. The conference was inaugurated by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minister of State (I/C), Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. Various relevant issues including review of progress under the schemes relating to grant of financial assistance to the State Waqf Boards for computerization of waqf properties, strengthening of waqf boards and development of waqf properties by National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd. .

10. The Chitwan National Park is located in which country? [A]India [B]Nepal [C]Bangladesh [D]Myanmar Hide Answer Nepal The Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal, and covers an area of 932 km2. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile. It was in news recently because the park hosted the 13th edition of Chitwan Elephant Festival from December 26-30, 2016 to promote tourism. The festival attracted about 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists. The 5-day event showcased elephant walk, elephant polo, elephant calf football, elephant beauty contest, elephant picnic and elephant painting http://www.gktoday.in/gk-current-affairs-january-7-8-2017/