– Current Affairs – March 2017
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Krishi Unnati Mela 2017 inaugurated in New Delhi
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Radha Mohan Singh on 15 March 2017 inaugurated the Krishi Unnati Mela 2017 in New Delhi. The mela is jointly Organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s welfare. During the mela, technical sessions on various themes are planned to educate farmers on various Agricultural technologies and govt schemes for agricultural development.
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Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Jayakumar Presents tax-free budget for 2017-18
The Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D Jayakumar presented a tax free and revenue deficit budget for the fiscal 2017-18 on March 16, 2017 in the state Legislative Assembly.It is the first Budget presented by the state Finance Minister as well as the first budget of the AIADMK government headed by E. Palaniswami.
Salient Feature of the State Budget i. Total Revenue Receipts (TRR): Rs 1,59,363 crore ii. Total Expenditure: Rs 1,75,293 crore iii. Revenue Deficit: Rs 15,930 crore iv. Fiscal Deficit: Rs 41,977 core (2.79 percent of GDP)
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Indrani Das wins “Junior Nobel Prize for Science
Indian – American teenager Indrani das won the top prize- $250,000 in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search Competition for her research on treating brain injuries and diseases. Another Indian-American. Arjun Ramani, took the third place, which carries a prize of $150,000 for his project on networks using the mathematical field of graph theory and computer programming.
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Demands for Grants of Ministry of Defence for 2017-18 Passed in Lok Sabha i. The Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants of Ministry of Defence for 2017-18 on March 17, 2017 after negotiating with the opposition. ii. In 2017-18, the Ministry of Defence has been allocated Rs 3,59,854 crore (including pensions) for expenditure across the various services, production establishments and research and development organisations. iii. This allocation is the highest from all other departments and represents 16.8% of the central government’s budget of 2017-18 and 2.1% of India’s estimated GDP. iv. Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre assured the House that money will never be a constraint in strengthening the country’s security and that the Indian Armed Forces are well prepared to meet any challenge against national security. v. Besides, he said that more funds will be provided to Border Roads Organisation to create road infrastructure. vi. Several steps have been taken by the government to modernize the defence forces with the latest equipment and meet all the critical requirements of the defence forces to further enhance its capabilities.
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World’s Oldest Red Algae Fossils Found in India
A group of scientists in India unearthed a pair of 1.6 billion years – old fossils that appear to contain red algae. It is estimated that it may be the oldest plant like life discovered on Earth. As per the records until now, the oldest red algae were 1.2 billion years old. But present found algae were more old that these algae. The preserved fossils came from phosphorite deposits at Jankikund, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.
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Labour Ministry Proposes Labour Code to Provide Social Security Cover to All Workers i. The Union Ministry of Labour & Employment has proposed a preliminary draft of Labour Code on March 16, 2017 to provide social security cover to the entire workforce in the country including self- employed and agricultural workers. ii. The Code on Social Security & Welfare 2017 seeks to simplify, rationalize, consolidate, and amend the laws relating to social security of workforce so as to make them less complex for easier comprehension, implementation and enforcement. iii. Preliminary draft of the Code on Social Security & Welfare has been prepared by amalgamating all existing Labour Laws related to Social Security (total 15 Labour Laws including EPF Act, ESI Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Employees Compensation Act, Unorganised Social Security Act, and various Welfare Cess /Fund Acts).
iv. This is for the first time that the ministry has formulated a code to cover agricultural workers along with self-employed people and target to provide social security benefits to 45 crore workers.
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Punjab Govt gives 33% reservation for Women in State Jobs
In a major decision, the Punjab Cabinet has decided to provide 33% reservation for women in all govt jobs. Women will be given the reservation also in the contractual appointments of the state government. The decision was taken in the first cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in Chandigarh.
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2017 International Buddhist Conference Held in Bihar i. The three days International Buddhist Conference was held at the Rajgir International Convention Center (RICC) of Nav Nalanda Mahavira Deemed University, Rajgir, Bihar from March 17-19, 2017. ii. The conference was inaugurated by His Holiness, The Dalai Lama jointly with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Mahesh Sharma by lighting a ceremonial lamp. iii. The event was organized by Ministry of Culture and Nava Nalanda Mahaviahra Deemed University. iv. Theme: The main theme of the conference was: Buddhism in the 21st Century – Perspectives and Responses to Global Challenges and Crises. v. One of the main highlight of the conference was the release 41-volume of the Pali Tripitaka by His Holiness the Dalai lama, reprinted by the Nava Nalanda University in Devanagri script. vi. Besides, he also inaugurated the Nava Nalanda University’s new department of the Buddhist Science, first of its kind in Asia.
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Mumbai lose its permanent status in BCCI
Mumbai on 19 March 2017 lost its permanent status in the Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Mumbai lost the voting rights in accordance with the new constitution of the Indian cricket Board. The board was finalized by the committee of Administrators (COA) appointed by the Supreme Court of India. The new rules of Memorandum of Associations (MOA) and Rules & Regulations of BCCI clearly state, there could be only one full member from a state.
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Union Cabinet Clears 4 GST Supplementary Legislations for Introduction to Parliament i. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the four supporting GST legislations on March 20, 2017.
ii .The four supporting legislations are the Compensation Law, the Central-GST (C-GST), Integrated- GST (I-GST) and Union Territory-GST (UT-GST). iii. These legislations would be introduced as Money Bills in Parliament this week. iv. Once the Parliament approves the Bill, the states would start taking their SGST bill for discussion and passage in the respective state assemblies. v. Passage of all the legislations would pave the way for introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 1. vi. Once the new GST regime is into effect it will subsume central taxes like excise and service tax and state levies like VAT. vii. A composite GST will be charged on sale of goods or rendering of services while the revenue would be shared between the Centre and the states in almost equal proportion.
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94 Out Of 500 Cities Rated By AMRUT i. As insisted by our Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu, 500 cities and towns that account for the 65% of India’s urban population are to be credit rated by Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Out of these 500 cities, 94 cities got its rating from AMRUT. ii. Based on the report released by the Minister, 55 out of 94 cities have got Investment grade ratings which account 59% of the rated cities spread across 14 states. These 500 cities are included in Smart city mission. iii. The cities which got AA+ rating are NDMC, Navi Mumbai and Pune followed by Ahmadabad, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad with AA rating.
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Union Government to launch Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
Union Govt, is going to launch Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) scheme for providing physical aids and assisted living devices for senior citizens belonging to BPL category. It will be launched in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh on 1st April, 2017. The physical aids and assisted living devices for senior citizens will be distributed in camp mode and the scheme will be implemented through the sole implementing agency, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO)
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GST Bill Tabled By Arun Jaitely In Lok Sabha
The Finance Minister of India, Mr. Arun Jaitely introduced four bills on Goods and Service Tax (GST) on March 27, 2017. These bills mainly focus on the Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) bill which will amalgamate all the indirect central government levies.
The four bills are
1.Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) Bill,
2.Union Territory GST Bill,
3.Integrated-GST Bill and
4.GST (Compensation to States) Bill
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Pawan Hans ties up with HAL to train Helicopter Pilots
State run Pawan Hans has tied up with public sector helicopter maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to train Helicopter Pilots. This is first in the country as there is no training facility for chopper pilots. The company presently depends on defence pilots to operate its fleet of 46 helicopters. Its is the biggest dealing to Pawan Hans Company
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Govt signs deal for Hydrocarbon project in Neduvasal i. Once again, the protest against hydrocarbons exploration in Tamil Nadu’s Neduvasal village is grabbing media attention. Following the signing of contract by Government of India with GEM Laboratories on 27th March 2017, the local villagers have intensified their protest which started a few months ago. ii. Under the Discovered Small Fields (DSF) bidding round in 2016, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) awarded 31 mining leases across the state of Tamil Nadu. Contract signed with GEM Laboratories for Neduvasal Village is one of such mining leases. iii. As per information provided by Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, contract area of Neduvasal along with other contract area in Karaikal, Puducherry have an in-place volume of four lakh thirty thousand metric tonnes of oil and oil equivalent gas.
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Eminent Jurist T.R. andhyarujina Passes away
T.R. Andhyarujina was an Indian lawyer and Jurist. He was a designated senior advocate and Practiced at the Supreme Court of India. He was the Solicitor General of India from 1996 to 1998. Prior to that he was the Advocate General of Maharashtra from 1993 to 1995. He specialized in the field of constitutional law, human rights, public law and commercial law. He was the chairman of the committee on Banking Laws appointed by Govt of India in 1998.
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SC Bans Non-Compliant BS-IV Emission Vehicles from April 1 i. The Supreme Court of India has also ruled out on March 29, 2017 that no vehicles which are Bharat Stage-IV emission non-compliant will be registered or sold in the country after April 1, 2017.
ii. The order passed by the bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta has prohibited all the vehicle-registering authorities from registering BS-IV non-compliant vehicles from April 1. iii .However, the court has permitted the registration to such vehicles if it furnishes the proof of being purchased before April 1. iv. The decision was taken keeping in mind the health of the people
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UN appoints David Beasley to head World Food Programme
United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres has appointed former South Carolina Governor David Beasley to head the Rome based World Food Programme (WFP). Beasley will run the affairs of the World’s largest humanitarian organization, serving more than 90 million beneficiaries in 80 countries. He will replace another American, Ertharin Cousin, who has been the WFP executive director since 2012.
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Centre to build 1 crore houses under PMAY-G by 2019 i. In a written reply to question raised in Lok Sabha, Ram Kripal Yadav – Minister of State for Rural Development mentioned that Central Govt. has approved the construction of 1 crore houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G) with the financial outlay of Rs 81,975 crore during the period of 2016-17 to 2018-19. ii. This decision is a part of Govt. efforts to achieve ‘Housing For All by 2022’ mission set by PM Modi. iii. This approval to build 1 crore houses under PMAY-G by 2019 constitutes the first phase of action plan.
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Kerala Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh Joined UDAY
Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) is a center’s power distributed company debt relief scheme. Recently the three states Kerala, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh have joined the scheme. With this, 26 states joined the scheme. The government estimates that Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura will gain net benefit of approximately Rs.4,178 crore, Rs.309 crore and Rs.810 crore respectively.
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Himachal Pradesh Assembly passes Annual Budget 2017-18 i. The Himachal Pradesh State Assembly on 30th March 2017 passed the annual budget for the financial year 2017-18 and the related Appropriation Bill. Owing to this, the state govt. is authorised to spend Rs 37,939 crore from the consolidated fund. ii. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh, who also holds the finance portfolio of state cabinet, presented the budget in Legislative Assembly on 10th March 2017
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President inaugurates Namini Brahmaputra Festival
President Pranab Mukherjee on 31st March Inaugurated the River festival Namimi Brahmaputra in Guwahati today (31st March). The festival tagged as “India’s largest river festival” is being organised across 21 districts of the state and will show case trade, tourism and cultural possibilities of along Brahmaputra river. Nobel Laureate and Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai. Lama, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Mahesh Sharma along with tourists from across the globe are expected to attend the meeting.
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India – Israel celebrates Silver Jubilee for their diplomatic relations
India and Israel celebrated 25 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations on February 28,2017 in New Delhi. Making the occasion a logo was unveiled by Amarsinha and Daniel Carmon, Israeli Ambassador to India, at the Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts in New Delhi. These include exchange of high-level political visits and visits by business delegations.
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National Family Health Survey-4 Shows Improved Sex Ratio, Decline In Infant Mortality Rate in India i. As per the latest health survey by the government, India’s health index has shown a notable improvement over the last decade including an improvement in sex ratio at birth and a decline in infant mortality rate. ii. The latest National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) conducted for year 2015-16 was unveiled by Health Ministry in New Delhi. iii. As per the survey report, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) saw a decline from 57 to 41 per 1,000 live births between NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4 iv. As per the survey, the sex ratio at birth (number of females per 1,000 males) improved from 914 to 919 at the national level over the last decade with the highest in Kerala (1,047), followed by Meghalaya (1,009) and Chhattisgarh (977). v. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined to 2.2 children per woman from 2.7 in NFHS-3. This rate shows that the country is moving closer to target level of 2.1. vi. The report stated that the Children within the age of 12-23 months have been fully immunized (BCG, measles and 3 doses each of polio).
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Panneerselvam Inaugurates “Amma Kalviyagam”
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam launched a portal which will be a “hub of learning, interaction, opportunity and connection”, The “Ammakalviyagam in” named after late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The portal was launched by Panneerselvam as part of her 69 birth anniversary celebrations. Jayalalithaa is fondly addressed as “Amma” by her supporters. The initiative was based on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) model.
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PM Modi addresses International Yoga Festival i. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand via Video Conferencing and voiced that there is ample substantiation that practicing ancient yoga to keep the fight against stress and life-style related issues. ii. The PM asserted that Yuga instils togetherness & harmony through Yoga and termed perfect way to achieve not only a healthy body, as well as produces disciplines among people and has the strength to combat climate change. iii. The PM also went on to emphasize that Indian tradition not only puts on cleanliness of individuals but also on his surroundings.
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Kripa Bishnoi Appointed as International Match Referee
Kripa Shankar Bishnoi, a former Indian Wrestler has been appointed as an International Match Referee by United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body. Bishnoi Joined the long list of Indian referees at the international panel after clearing the examination for the Referees Courses, which was held in 2016 by UWW at Dortmund, Germany, Bishnoi was selected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for the annual training course for match referees conducted by the UWW.
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Government approves 4,000 PG seats in medical colleges i. Union Health Ministry led by J P Nadda announced that it had approved 4000 Post Graduate seats in medical colleges and hospitals across the country for the academic session 2017-18. ii. This increased intake in medical institutions will take the total number of Post Graduate (PG) seats to 35,117. iii. The minster also stated that centre had decided to amend the teacher student ratio in clinical subjects in government medical colleges with the need to increase PG seats in clinical subjects. iv. Earlier Centre had announced the creation of additional 5,000 PG medical seats every year during this year’s budget to strengthen the availability of specialist doctors at secondary and tertiary levels.
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Thiruvananthapuram Ranks Best city in Urban Governance Survey
According to the fourth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s city systems 2016 Thiruvananthapuram ranks best city. The survey by Bengaluru based advocacy group Janaagraha centre for Citizenship and Democracy. Thiruvananthapuram Capital of Kerala has been ranked as the top Indian city to manage urban governance. It was also ranked No.1 in 2015 was evaluated against 21 major cities across 18 states of India.
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Punjab, J&K seal fresh deal on Shahpur Kandi project i. A renewed agreement between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir has been sealed for the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project, work on which was halted two years ago following a dispute. ii. This move comes days before its annual Indus Water Commission meeting with Pakistan in Lahore later this month. The dam will help India utilize its share of waters under Indus Water Treaty. iii. The 55.5-metre high Shahpur Kandi dam in Punjab, will help in providing irrigation facility to 5000 hectares of land in Punjab and 32173 hectares in J&K, besides generation of 206 MW power iv. The pact will pave the way for completion of the dam also would stop the Ravi waters from flowing into Pakistan.
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SERB Fellowship Award to Lalji Singh
Lalji Singh, former Director,the center for cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has been selected for the award of SERB Fellowship. It is given by the science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) which is a statutory body of the Government of India. The Award supports research of scientists who are active and performing even after superannuation.
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India to supply additional 60 MW power to Bangladesh i. North Eastern state Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 60 MW to Bangladesh over the 100 MW of power the north-eastern state is supplying to the neighbouring country. ii. This development comes after Bangladesh sought 100 MW electricity from India to solve its power crisis in the eastern part of the nation. They have no transmission facility to receive their entire request of 100 MW now. iii. The Country has been receiving 100 MW since March 23, 2016, besides it has also been provided 500 MW by the West Bengal government.
Bangladesh:
♦ Capital: Dhaka
♦ Currency: Bangladeshi taka
♦ Prime minister: Sheikh Hasina
♦ President: Abdul Hamid
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CBSE mandates six subjects for Class 10 boards from 2017-18 i. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made six subjects mandatory for class 10th standard board exams from 2017-18 instead of five subjects which includes two languages, social science, mathematics and science. ii. The CBSE also make vocational subject as an additional course for class 10th students under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). iii. 13 vocational subjects are Dynamics of Retailing, Information Technology, Security, Automobile Technology, Introduction to Financial Market, Introduction to Tourism, Beauty and Wellness, Basic Agriculture, Food Production, Front Office Operations, Banking and Insurance, Marketing and Sales, and Health Care Services iv. The marks obtained in the vocational subject will be considered when the student failed in any one of the three elective subjects
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Pradeep Nair as Regional Director for India, Nepal and Sri Lanka to Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation appointed Pradeep Nair as regional director for India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. As regional director, Nair will guide the foundation’s operations out of New Delhi. He will assume his new position at the end of March, Succeeding David Hulse. Nair holds an MBA in Finance from Karnataka University, an engineering degree in electronics form Bharathiar University.
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Central Railway unveils India’s first air-conditioned rail ambulance i. Central Railway zone of Indian Railway unveiled India’s first air-conditioned rail ambulance on 9 March 2017. The four-coach air conditioned ambulance will be station at Kaylan (Maharashtra) and has been made by modifying AC coaches used for passenger services. ii. The idea for this rail ambulance came after the Diva-Sawantwadi train got derailed in Raigad district of Maharashtra in May 2014. iii. This rail ambulance which has been designed at the rail workshop at Matunga in Mumbai, can carry and treat 50 patients at one time. It will prove beneficial as it can carry accident victims to hospital in a short time. It also has an in house operation theatre to carry out minor surgeries and provide immediate relief. iv. When not in use for accident purpose the rail ambulance will also be used for providing medical facilities in large congregations.
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India’s 1st AC rail ambulance launched at Mumbai
The Four coach air conditioned (AC) ambulance has been unveiled by the central Railway. This is India’s first air conditioned rail ambulance. CR is the lifeline of Mumbai and other nearby areas as a
large number of patents travel in local train. But due to lack of emergency medical care, the critically injured patients succumb to death. That why this rail ambulance would provide timely treatment and save lives.
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According to the THE’s Asia University Rankings 2017 released on March 16, 2017, which Indian University has emerged as the top ranked among other Indian Universities?
A.Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
B.Veltech University, Tamil Nadu
C.Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
D.Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
Explanation :
The Times Higher Education (THE) released its Asia University Rankings 2017 on March 16, 2017.The top rank in the Asia University Rankings was attained by the National University of Singapore (NUS) for the second consecutive year. According to the 2017 ranking, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has been ranked best Indian University and has been placed at 27th position among the universities in Asia. Besides, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was another Indian university among top 50 placed at 42 position followed by Chennai-based private institute Veltech University at 43.
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Which Airport has won the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards on March 14, 2017?
A.Hong Kong International Airport
B.Incheon International Airport
C.Changi Airport, Singapore
D.Tokyo International Airport
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Changi Airport, Singapore
Explanation :
Singapore based Changi Airport was named as the World’s Best Airport for the fifth consecutive year at the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards on March 14, 2017 held at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The award was received by Mr Lee Seow Hiang, CEO of Changi
Airport Group from Mr Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax. Besides, this is the eighth time that Changi Airport has been awarded the top international title at the World Airport Awards since it was introduced in 2000. Changi Airport was also named the Best Airport in Asia and the Best Airport for Leisure Amenities which it has held since the award category was introduced in 2009.
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Where was the 2017 G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meet held?
A.Italy
B.Indonesia
C.Germany
D.South Korea
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Germany
Explanation :
The two day G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meet began in Baden-Baden, Germany on March 17, 2017. Focus: the meeting will focus on strengthening economic resilience in finance, digitalization and promote investment in Africa. The meetings between finance ministers and central bank governors will provide a preliminary discussion platform ahead the G20 Summit of heads of state and government, which will be held in Hamburg on July 7-8, 2017.
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How much amount has been approved by the World Bank on March 15, 2017 for the National Hydrology Project of India?
A.$ 200 million
B.$ 97 million
C.$ 155 million
D.$ 175 million
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.$ 175 million
Explanation :
The World Bank has approved a $175 million loan on March 15, 2017 to India for the National Hydrology Project to improve India’s ability to forecast floods and reduce the recurring chances of floods and droughts. The loan would be disbursed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD). The loan has a six-year grace period in which no interest payments will be due and will mature in 23 years.
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The first edition of the three day Haryana Sahitya Sangam was held in which city of Haryana?
A.Panipat
B.rohtak
C.Panchkula
D.Kurukshetra
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Panchkula
Explanation :
The first edition of the Haryana Sahitya Sangam began on March 17, 2017 at Indradhanush Auditorium, Panchkula in Haryana. The three day event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and has been organized as a part of the Haryana Swarna Jayanti celebrations. The aim of the festival is to highlight the contribution of Haryana in the field of literature and culture and to provide a platform for young and budding writers to get genuine and wide range of guidance. Governor of Haryana Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki will attend the closing ceremony of Haryana Sahitya Sangam on 19th March 2017.
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India and Russia has inked two pacts on March 17, 2017 for long-term maintenance support for Sukhoi-30MKI jets at an estimated cost of $ ______million.
A.$ 510 million
B.$ 300 million
C.$ 290 million
D.$ 405 million
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.$ 300 million
Explanation :
India and Russia have inked two pacts for long-term maintenance support for Sukhoi-30MKI jets on March 17, 2017 during the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by UAC President Yuri Slyusar, UEC Director General Alexander Artyukhov and HAL Chairman Suvarna Raju in presence of Finance-Cum-Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Russian
Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov. The objective of having long-term supply agreements is to increase the efficiency of aircraft maintenance support and to ensure licensed production and strengthen the operational availability of the Sukhois. The agreement involves long-term supply of spares and rendering technical assistance for five years for Su-30 MKI aircraft at an expected cost of $300 million. The agreement will include the after-sales service of 200 Su-30MKI which may be extended to the full contracted 272.
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According to US based non-profit organization, As You Sow, an Indian-American CEO named ______has been ranked fourth among 25 overpaid CEOs of the country.
A.Bharat Desai
B.Sandeep Matharani
C.Sundar Pichai
D.Indra Nooy
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Sandeep Matharani
Explanation :
An Indian-American CEO, Sandeep Matharani, has been ranked 4th on a list of top 25 overpaid CEOs in the United States, as per the report by US based NGO ‘As You Sow’. Sandeep Matharani, CEO of General Growth Properties, Chicago was paid a total compensation of USD 39.2 million in 2016. According to the report, he was overpaid by USD 26 million. The list was topped by Leslie Moonves, CEO of CBS. Moonves earned compensation worth USD 56.7 million in 2016. As You Sow is a non- profit organisation that promotes environmental and social corporate responsibility and takes a close look at CEO’s pay.
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A four-member Committee of Administrators finalized and uploaded new constitution for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 18, 2017. Who among the given is not a member of the committee?
A.Anurag Thakur
B.Vikram Limaye
C.Ramchandra Guha
D.Vinod Rai
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Anurag Thakur
Explanation :
The Committee of Administrators, constituted by the Supreme Court to manage the affairs of the cricket board, finalized and uploaded a new constitution for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 18, 2017. However, the constitution prepared is not permanent.The new constitution has removed the 41-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai as its Full Member and has given all north-eastern states the Full Membership status. The Mumbai Cricket Association and the Saurashtra Cricket Association which were Full Members earlier were downgraded to Associate membership. The 4 member Committee of Administrators was constituted on January 30, 2017 by the Supreme Court to manage the affairs of the cricket board and report on whether it has complied with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. The panel comprises of Vinod Rai, Ramchandra Guha, Vikram Limaye and Diana Edulji.
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The Solar Energy Scheme approved by the government for small powerloom units on March 16, 2017 will come into effect from which date?
A.April 30,2017
B.March 31, 2017
C.April 1, 2017
D.May 1, 2017
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.April 1, 2017
Explanation :
The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta informed the Lok Sabha on March 16, 2017 that the Government has approved a new scheme, Solar Energy Scheme, to provide financial assistance/capital subsidy to small powerloom units, for installation of Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) plant. The Scheme is meant for Units having 04, 06 & 08 powerlooms and subsidies for different SPV plants will be given in the range of Rs 2,25,000 to Rs 8,55,000 depending upon the capacity of the SPV plant (4KWP, 6KWP, 8 KWP). The Scheme will come into force with effect from April 1, 2017.
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The Reliance Communications has got the approval of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to merge with which telecom company to create a combined entity.
A.Tata Docomo
B.Vodafone India
C.Airtel
D.Aircel
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Aircel
Explanation :
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of wireless operations of Reliance Communications and Aircel to create a combined entity with assets worth Rs 65,000 crore. Reliance and Aircel have announced its merger operation in September 2016. Both the companies will transfer Rs 14,000 crore of debt each to the joint venture, taking the total debt of the new company to Rs 28,000 crore. RCom and Aircel Ltd will hold 50 per cent each in the merged entity, with equal representation on the board and committees.
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What is the rank of HDFC’s MD, Aditya Puri in the 2017 World’s 30 Best CEOs List?
A.15
B.23
C.28
D.30
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.23
Explanation :
Aditya Puri, HDFC Bank Managing Director has made it to the list of the world’s 30 best chief executive officers (CEO), published by American financial magazine Barron’s. The 66-year-old Puri has been placed at 23rd position in the list beating social media giant Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg who is listed on the 30th spot. The top position has been secured by Mary Barra of General Motors, Gary Dickerson of Applied Materials is on the second spot, Stephen Hemsley on third.
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The 105th Indian Science Congress will be held in which Indian University?
A.Cochin University of Science and Technology
B.Hans Raj College, Delhi
C.Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar
D.Osmania University (OU), Hyderabad
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Osmania University (OU), Hyderabad
Explanation :
As per the information given by the officials of Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), 105th Indian Science Congress is to be hosted by Osmania University (OU), Hyderabad from January 3 to 7 next year. This is the sixth time; Osmania University (OU) will be hosting this congress. In the mean time, University is celebrating its centenary (100th) this year. The reason for conducting this congress is to make advancement of science in India and raise funds for the promotion of it.
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Which public sector bank has inked a MoU with Italian vehicles manufacturer Piaggio Vehicles, for providing financial support for the purchase of vehicles under Small Road Transport Operators (SRTO) scheme in Bengaluru?
A.Vijaya Bank
B.Canara Bank
C.Corporation
D.Syndicate Bank
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A. Vijaya Bank
Explanation :
Under the MoU, the first round of the vehicle was flagged off by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Vijaya Bank Dr Kishore Sansi in the presence of Executive Directors B S Rama Rao, Y Nageswara Rao, and Piaggio Vehicles Vice-President Praveen Nagpal among others.
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‘World Theatre Day’ is celebrated on which date every year?
A.27th March
B.28th March
C.29th March
D.30th March
Answer & Explanation
Answer A.27th March–
Explanation :
The World Theatre Day was created on 27 March, 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), to spread the news about theatre and stage. Every year, a message for the occasion is formulated on the day which is circulated all over the world for the noted figures of world to share their reflections
on the theme of theatre. This year, the message has been written by Isabelle Huppert – the French theatre and movie actress which follows as: ‘We do not make theatre exist; it is rather thanks to theatre that we exist’.
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Recently Mr. Arun Jaitley cleared major military reforms proposal. These reforms are based on recommendations of which committee?
A.Ajay Mathur Committee
B.DB Shekatkar Committee
C.Rakesh Singh Committee
D.Manoj Sinha Committee
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.DB Shekatkar Committee
Explanation :
Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, who currently holds additional charge of the defence ministry, has given approval for implementing comprehensive military reforms. The approval comes after Mr. Jaitley reviewed a presentation on 18th March 2017, which was primarily based on a recommendations made by the Lt General (retired) DB Shekatkar committee.
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What is the title of the book on Rashtriya Rifles which has been recently released by Indian army?
A.’Brave Warriors’
B.’Home of the Brave’
C.’Bravehearts’
D.’Tribute to the Brave’
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.‘Home of the Brave’
Explanation :
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Bipin Rawat released a book titled ‘Home of the Brave’ on March 27, 2017 in New Delhi. The book highlights the history of the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Counter Insurgency Force of the Indian Army. The book has been authored by Mr Nitin A Gokhale, Defence & Security Analyst and Brig S K Chatterji (Retired)
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Kerala, Tripura & Arunachal Pradesh have become the part of the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY). Including these, total how many states have now joined UDAY?
A.26 states
B.25 states
C.24 states
D.23 states
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A. 26 states
Explanation :
The power ministry has informed that a total of 26 states have now become the part of the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) with the recent entry of Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura for the revival of debt stressed Discoms. UDAY scheme was announced by Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal, in November 2015.
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Name the Indian-origin British Cabinet Minister, who received Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)on 28th March 2017
A.Smita Shah
B.Priti Patel
C.Vibha Parikh
D.Neela Joshi
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Priti Patel
Explanation :
The PBSA was conferred on Priti Patel by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in January 2017 during the 14th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Bengaluru. This award was given to Priti Patel for her outstanding contribution to national and international politics, her role in strengthening relation between United Kingdom (UK) and India, and for her support to Indian Diaspora in the UK.
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Which private sector bank has launched an innovative account opening system on March 29, 2017 under the name 8-11which can be used from anywhere and anytime?
A.Kotak Mahindra Bank
B.Bandhan Bank
C.Karur Vysya Bank
D.IDFC Bank
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Kotak Mahindra Bank
Explanation :
The app 8-11 was launched by bank’s Vice-President Uday Kotak in New Delhi. The name 8-11 is inspired from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s November 8 demonetization move. The aim of launching the 8-11 app is to increase the customer base of the bank within 18 months from existing 8 million.
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Tamilnadu State cricket team won the ______on March 29, 2017and thus became first state team to win all the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior level matches
A.Vijay Hazare Trophy
B.Irani Cup
C.Deodhar Trophy
D.Ranji Trophy
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C. Deodhar Trophy
Explanation :
Tamilnadu State cricket team is a domestic cricket team representing the state of Tamil Nadu which is run by Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. Founded in 1930, the team was known as Madras till the year 1970-71.
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Telangana Finance Minister Presents Revenue Surplus Budget Estimate 2017-18 i. The Telangana State Finance Minister Etala Rajender presented the budget estimate of Rs. 1,49,646-crore for 2017-18 on March 13, 2017 in the state assembly. ii. The Rs 4,471.30 crore revenue surplus budget mainly focuses on the development and welfare measures. iii. The 2017-18 budget is Rs 15 lakh crore more when compared to Rs 130 lakh crore in the 2016-17 Budget.
iv. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth at constant prices in 2016-17 is likely to be 10.1 percent as against expected national GDP growth of 7.1 per cent v. State’s Per Capita Income in 2016-17 is estimated to increase to Rs 1,58,360 from Rs 1,40,683 in 2015-16. This is significantly higher than national average of Rs 1,03,818. vi. Committed expenditure in 2017-18 has been pegged at Rs 61,607.20 crore while the Revenue Expenditure at Rs 50,954.61 crore
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Manohar Parrikar appointed as Goa new Chief Minister
BJP leader Manohar Parrikar resigned as the Defence Minister of India and will be taking oath as the Goa new Chief Minister at 5 PM on 14 March. Goa governor Mridula Sinha on 12 March appointed Parrikar as the new Chief Minister of Goa. It is still not clear who will be replacing him as the Defence Minister of India. Parrikar is not yet a member of legislative assembly, and hence, has to contest a poll in the next six months.
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Government Establishes Banana Research Centre in Vaishali District of Bihar i. The Union Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh laid the foundation stone of the Banana Research Centre at Gorole, Vaishali, Bihar Centre on March 11, 2017 to fulfill the aspirations of the local banana growers. ii. Bihar and particularly the Vaishali district is very suitable for the cultivation of bananas at large scale because of its ecological conditions which can change the fate of farmers. iii. The new centre will work to find reasons behind less production in banana, enhancement in acreage for cultivation, suitable utilization of the various parts of the plants, different products, marketing and value addition. iv. Besides this, Bihar already has Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University in Pusa that got the status of Central Agriculture University in October, 2016 and has already started the research work for doubling the income from banana cultivation. v. The new research centre at Vaishali will let the research work to get more momentum to bring anew era of banana cultivation in Bihar and surrounding states vi. India is the largest producer of banana in the world. Among the states, Maharashtra is the largest producer followed by Tamil Nadu. The total production of banana in the India is around 14.2 million tons. Productivity of banana in Maharashtra is 65.7 ton/ha which is more than the average national production of 34.1 ton/ha.
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Noted Malayalam Film Director Diphan Dies at 45
Well known Malayalam film director Diphan passed away on 13 March, 2017 in Kochi. He was died after suffering from liver ailment. He was 45. Diphan has directed seven films including puthiya mukham, D Company, Hero and Leader, Dolphins and SIM, His latest film, Sathya, featuring Jayaram and Roma in the lead role, is yet to be released.
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Centre Launches New Scheme TIES for Developing Export Linked Infrastructure i. The Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a new scheme named Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) on March 15, 2017 for developing export linked infrastructure and boost the competitiveness of India’s shipments. ii. Aim: TIES aims to bridge the infrastructure gap in India to ensure smoother movement of export cargo and also ensure quality standards and certification measures to promote outbound shipment. iii. The scheme will have a total budgetary allocation of Rs 600 crore for three years with an annual outlay of Rs 200 crore. iv. It will be implemented from April 1, 2017 and span from 2017-18 till 2019-20. v. An inter-ministerial empowered committee under the chairmanship of commerce secretary Rita Teaotia has been constituted for sanctioning and monitoring of the project.
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KCR Kit Scheme in Telangana for Pregnant Women & Newborn
The state government of Telangana has proposed a new scheme named as “KCR Kit” focusing on women welfare and newborn. The Chief Minister has come out with Rs.605 crore innovative scheme “KCR Kit” for the pregnant women and newborn. The scheme will help to manage the complications during the time of pregnancy and help to reduce the infant mortality rate in the state.
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Tribal festival ‘Bhagoria’ Begins in Jhabua i. Bhagoria Festival, also known as Bhagoria Haat Festival, celebrated by the tribal people of the Indian state Madhya Pradesh began on March 6, 2017 in Jhabua district. ii. The festival which has been organized at 34 places in the state is celebrated in the month of March before the Holi Festival by the local tribes called Bhils and Bhilalas. iii. The week-long festival is organised at different Bhagoria haats (local markets) in the form of Svayamvara or Marriage Ceremony located in Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Khargone and Barwani districts in western Madhya Pradesh. iv. During this festival, young boys and girls of Bhils and Bhilalas tribe are allowed to run away after choosing their partners and are later on accepted as husband and wife by the society through pre- arranged customs.
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Sam Querrey beats Rafael Nadal in Mexico Open Final
Sam Querrey beat a 14-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal in straight sets to claim the ATP Mexico Open hold on 4th March. The American Clinched the final 6-3, 7-6 to secure the title despite being unseeded and ranked No 40 in the World Querrey 29, beat Nadal for the first time in five meetings between the pair.
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High Court Declares Over 4 Month Long Economic Blockade in Manipur as Illegal i. The High Court of Manipur on March 3, 2017 declared the economic blockade in Manipur called by United Naga Council (UNC) as illegal. ii. The order was passed by a bench of three judges Chief Justice R R Prasad, Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Kh Nobin Singh on public interest litigation. iii. Besides, the court has also directed the authorities to deal with those supporting the blockade according to the law. iv. The high court ruled out that the persons and organisation imposing the economic blockade is violating the fundamental rights of the citizens. v. The UNC is charged with imposing indefinite economic blockade in the state since November 1, 2016 causing hardships to the people. vi. The Centre has been trying to bring about a negotiated settlement between the UNC and the Manipur government by holding tripartite talks. vii .The UNC called the blockade to protest against the creation of seven new districts. According to the UNC, the creation of new districts out of Naga territory without their consent suppressed the rights of Nagas in the state.
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MP Veerendra Kumar presented Moortidevi Award
Eminent Malayalam Author and Journalist, M.P. Veerendra Kumar was presented the 30th Moortidevi Award by Bharatiya Jnanpith organisation. Kumar was chosen for the prestigious award for his Malayalam Travelogue “Hymavatha Bhoovi” It dwells upon ancient trails of Indian culture, myth, literature, and people strewn in the plains, valleys, and mountains of India.
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International Yoga Fest Began in New Delhi on March 8, 2017
The International Yoga Festival was inaugurated on March 8, 2017 by the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi.
♦ The two-day long event has been organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in association with the Indian Yoga Associations.
Key Highlights of the Festival i. More than 3,500 participants including eminent yoga gurus, yoga masters, scholars, policy makers and representatives from 15-18 countries are participating in the mega event. ii. It will include parallel yoga workshop, lectures, Satsang, cultural programmes and yoga demos. iii. Besides, exhibition will be held consisting of more than 50 stalls to showcase books, DVDs, yoga appliances and other yoga related products. iv. A half-day seminar will also be conducted on Life Sketch and contributions of two Yoga gurus namely Swami Ved Bharati and T.K.V. Desikachar for the promotion and development of Yoga.
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Cuevas Wins Third Straight Brazil Open Title
Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas has won his third straight Brazil Open tennis title by defeating Albert Ramos Vinolas of Spain 6-7 (7-3), 6-4, 6-4 in a rain affected final. The match eventually finished more than 24 hours late after successive rain delays. Cuevas took control immediately after the restart before wrapping up the match. It was Cuevas sixth ATP single title, all of which have been on clay.
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Vasundhara Raje Presented Rs.1,66,000-crore Rajasthan Budget 2017-18
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje who also holds the Finance portfolio, presentedRs.1,66,000-crore state budget for 2017-18 in the Legislative Assembly on March 8, 2017 with focus on aiding farmers and promoting tourism in the state.
♦ The Budget is based on the government’s vision document mission 2020. It aims at a happy Rajasthan and a happy Rajasthani.
Salient Features of the State Budget 2017-18 i. Estimated Revenue Deficit for 2017-18 without effect of UDAY is Rs. 1528 crore. And with effect of UDAY is Rs. 13528 crore. ii. Estimated Fiscal Deficit for 2017-18 is Rs. 24753.53 crore which is 2.99% of GSDP. iii. Estimated total revenue receipts for 2017-18 Rs. 130162 crore. iv. Estimated own tax revenue for 2017-18 Rs. 59455 crore which is higher by 16.16% v. Estimated own tax revenue for 2017-18 was 8.34% of GSDP
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IDFC Bank launches Aadhar Pay system
IDFC Bank on 8th March launched the Biometric based Aadhaar Pay Payment system. Aaadhaar pay service is for merchants which will enable them to receive Aaadhaar-enable payments by passing credit and debit cards, Pin and Password. The Biometric reader is currently available for Rs.2,000. With the introduction of first of its kind, the bank targets to bring around 50,000, 75,000 merchants on board by 2019 and total touching 1 lakh merchants in three years.
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Lok Sabha Clears Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Bill, 2016 To Raise Maternity Leave to 26 Weeks i. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Lok Sabha by voice vote on March 10, 2017 that will benefit about 1.8 million women working in organized sector. ii. The bill seeks to increase the maternity leaves to 26 weeks by amending the Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 that provides for 12 weeks of maternity leave. iii. The Bill will be applicable to the establishments that hire at least 10 or more people. The entitlement will be for only up to first 2 children. For third child, the entitlement will be for only 12 weeks. iv. The Labour and Employment Minister Bandaru Dattatreya moved the bill for consideration and passage in Lower House.
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Chief Minister of which state recently announced to implement the Seventh Central Pay Commission for the state government employees from April 1, 2017?
A.Jharkhand
B.Punjab
C.Haryana
D.Chhattisgarh
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D. Chhattisgarh
Explanation :
The implementation is expected to benefit 2.5 lakh state government employees of Chhattisgarh. Haryana was the first state to implement the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to give the benefit of hiked pay to its employees with effect from January 1, 2016.
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Which cricketer has launched an Android and iOS based app named ‘100MB Cricket’, calling it as his digital inning?
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Sachin Tendulkar
Explanation :
India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar launched an Android and iOS based app named 100MB Cricket on March 30, 2017 in Mumbai, which is dedicated to the Master Blaster himself. The app has been developed by Pune- based technology firm JetSynthesys.
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How much amount of Financing Agreement has been signed between India and World bank for the project Tejaswini on February 23, 2017?
A.USD 76 million
B.USD 45 million
C.USD 63 million
D.USD 52 million
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.USD 63 million
Explanation :
India has signed a financing agreement of USD 63 million(equivalent) with World Bank on 23rd February, 2017 in Jharkhand for its Socio-Economic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women Project named “Tejaswini”. The World Bank will finance the project through its arm International Development Association (IDA). The project will be valid till June 30, 2021.
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What is the theme of the 2017 World Civil Defence Day?
A.Disaster Medicine
B.Civil Defence And The New Information Technologies
C.Together With Civil Defence Against Disasters
D.Civil Defence, Disaster Reduction And Sustainable Development
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Together with Civil Defence Against Disasters
Explanation :
World Civil Defence Day is celebrated on 1st March every year across the world to commemorates the entry into force of the ICDO Constitution as an intergovernmental organisation in 1972. The day was created by decision of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) General Assembly in 1990. 2017 Theme: “Together with civil defence against disasters”.
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The week long 29th International Yoga Festival has been organized in which state?
A.Karnataka
B.West Bengal
C.Uttarakhand
D.Himachal Pradesh
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Uttarakhand
Explanation :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 29th International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand via Video Conferencing and voiced that there is ample substantiation that practicing ancient yoga to keep the fight against stress and life-style related issues. The PM asserted that Yuga instils togetherness & harmony through Yoga and termed perfect way to achieve not only a healthy body, as well as produces disciplines among people and has the strength to combat climate change. The PM also went on to emphasize that Indian tradition not only puts on cleanliness of individuals but also on his surroundings.
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The former Indian wrestler Kripa Shankar Bishnoi who has been appointed as an international match referee by United World Wrestling (UWW) belongs to which state?
A.Bihar
B.Himachal Pradesh
C.Assam
D.Madhya Pradesh
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Madhya Pradesh
Explanation :
Kripa Shankar Bishnoi, a former Indian wrestler has been appointed as an international match referee by United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body. Bishnoi joined the long list of Indian referees at the international panel after clearing the examination for the Referees’ Courses, which was held in 2016 by UWW at Dortmund, Germany. Bishnoi was selected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for the annual training course for match referees conducted by the UWW. The Arjuna awardee Bishnoi is the first international match referee from Madhya Pradesh.
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What is the currency of United Kingdom?
A.Euro
B.Dollar
C.Pound sterling
D.Krone
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Pound sterling
Explanation :
UK is the fourth biggest investor country with Foreign Direct Investment of $24.37 billion since April 2000. It is India’s 14th biggest trading partner; exports and imports totaled $8 billion during April- November 2016. India is now the 3rd biggest investor and 2nd biggest creator of jobs in the UK. On the other hand, UK is the biggest investor in India from G -20 nations and plays a vital role in developing skills in India’s workforce. Capital: London, Prime minister: Theresa May, Currency: Pound sterling
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Who has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Sudan on March 1, 2017?
A.Hassan Saleh
B.Kosti Manibe Ngai
C.Aggrey Tisa Sabuni
D.Salva Kiir
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Hassan Saleh
Explanation :
North Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir appointed his first vice president Hassan Saleh to the newly created post of prime minister on 1 March 2017. The Prime Minister post which was abolished in 1989 after National Umma Party administration that governed then. This appointment makes first time Sudan has had a prime minister since Bashir came to power. Saleh a long-time ally of the President took over office immediately also initiated negotiations on forming a new cabinet.
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What is the capital of Sweden?
A.Amsterdam
B.Ouagadougou
C.Stockholm
D.Damascus
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Stockholm
Explanation :
Prime Minister:Stefan Lofven, Capital: Stockholm, Currency: Swedish krona. Sweden’s coalition government of Social Democrats and Greens instituted a military draft for both men and women to tackle the deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden. The country has abolished compulsory military service for men in 2010 because there were enough volunteers to meet its military needs.
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India has completed fencing half of the 4,096 km border area which it shares with Bangladesh, the rest half is targeted to be completed by which year?
A.2018
B.2020
C.2017
D.2019
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.2019
Explanation :
As per the report by the Border Security Force (BSF), India has completed the process of fencing half of the 4,096 km of border area which it shares with Bangladesh and expects to finish fencing the rest by 2019. The aim of fencing is to curb infiltration and smuggling of cattle and fake Indian currency notes. BSF has also identified the plots and sent the proposal to the government for fencing the remaining area but land acquisition is a major challenge for completing the work by the 2019 deadline.
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Which state has launched the Tirtha Darshan Scheme on March 3, 2017 to enable the senior citizens belonging to BPL to go on pilgrimage at government expenses?
A.Uttar Pradesh
B.Bihar
C.Haryana
D.Sikkim
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Haryana
Explanation :
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced Tirtha Darshan Scheme on March 3, 2017 during the ongoing budget session of the Haryana Assembly.Under the scheme, senior citizens of Haryana domicile above the age of 60 years will be able to go on a Pilgrimage within the country at government expense. The government would bear the entire cost of the tour of senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. In case of a couple, the expenses of the spouse belonging to BPL family would also be borne by the government. They would also be allowed to take an assistant along with them.In case of senior citizens of non-BPL families, the government would bear only 70 percent of the cost.
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Who won the gold medal in the 10 m pistol mixed double event at the 2017 ISSF Shooting World Cup in New Delhi?
A.Lao Jiajie and Eva Roeksen
B.Naphaswan Yangpaiboon and Kevin Venta
C.Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu
D.Yukari Konishi and Tomoyuki Matsud
Answer & Explanation
Answer –C.Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu
Explanation :
Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu bagged the first ever gold medal in the newly included 10m pistol mixed event at the ISSF Shooting World Cup. The Indian pair beat Japan’s Yukari Konishi and Tomoyuki Matsuda 5-3 in the final. Slovenia’s Naphaswan Yangpaiboon and Kevin Venta were placed third. This is the first time that mixed event has been included at a World Cup. The recommendations to include mixed gender event was given by the Abhinav Bindra-led ISSF Athletes Committee and the world governing body soon approved the proposal.
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India Successfully tested the extended version of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos on March 11, 2017. The strike range of the missile has been extended from 290 km to _____ km.
A.550 KM
B.450 KM
C.300 KM
D.800 KM
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.450 KM
Explanation :
India successfully test-fired an extended range version of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from a test range off the Odisha coast on March 11, 2017. The land attack version of the cruise missile was test fired from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The strike range of the missile has been enhanced from 290 km to 450 km and is capable of carrying a warhead of 300 kg.
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The Arunachal Pradesh Finance Minister presented Rs. ______crore deficit budget estimate for the fiscal 2017-18 on March 10, 2017.
A.Rs. 285 crore
B.Rs. 210 crore
C.Rs. 320 crore
D.Rs. 275 crore
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Rs 285 crore
Explanation :
The Arunachal Pradesh Finance Minister Chowna Mein presented a Rs 285 crore deficit budget for the 2017-18 fiscal in the state Assembly on March 10, 2017 with focus on women empowerment, infrastructure development and law & order. The budget mainly focuses on infrastructure development particularly road, health and education sectors, employment and skill development, law and order, rural economy, women empowerment.
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Who has been crowned Miss International Queen 2016 on March 10, 2017 in the beauty pageant event in Thailand?
A.Nathalie Oliveira
B.Tanyarat Jirapatpakon
C.Jiratchaya Sirimongkolnawin
D.Andrea Collazo
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.Jiratchaya Sirimongkolnawin
Explanation :
Thailand’s Model, Jiratchaya Sirimongkolnawin was crowned Miss International Queen 2016 on March 10, 2017 in the 12th edition of the beauty pageant event in Pattaya City, Thailand. Miss International Queen began in the year 2004 and has been held annually in Pattya City since then and is considered the largest and the most popular transgender pageant of the world. The 12th edition of the show was to be held in November 2016 but was postponed due to the national mourning of the death of Thailand’s king.
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Who has been appointed to be the new Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court?
A.Pradip Kumar Mohanty
B.Rajendra Menon
C.Hemant Gupta
D.Navaniti Prasad Singh
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Pradip Kumar Mohanty
Explanation :
Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, Judge of Jharkhand High Court has been appointed to be the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court with effect from the date he assumes charges of his office.
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Who has been named to be the next Chairman of the HSBC Holdings Plc with effect from October 1, 2017?
A.Stuart Gulliver
B.Mark Tucker
C.Douglas Flint
D.Victor Bernard
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Mark Tucker
Explanation :
Europe’s biggest bank HSBC Holdings Plc. has appointed Mark Tucker as its Chairman on March 13, 2017. AIA Group Ltd Chief Executive, Mark Tucker will take over on October 1, 2017, succeeding Douglas Flint who has been in the role since 2010.The appointment of trucker breaks an HSBC tradition of appointing insiders to the chairmanship. After assuming the charge, one of his first jobs will be to find a replacement for Stuart Gulliver, the chief executive of HSBC, who plans to step down next year.
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The Santosh Trophy is associated with which sports?
A.Tennis
B.Basketball
C.Cricket
D.Football
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Football
Explanation :
The Santosh Trophy is an association football knock-out competition contested by the regional state associations and government institutions under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the sport’s governing body in India. The 2016–17 Santosh Trophy will be the 71st edition of the Santosh Trophy, the main state competition for football in India.
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Name the Russian Doping Doctor on whom the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld a lifetime ban on March 13, 2017.
A.Grigory Rodchenkov
B.Sergei Portugalov
C.Dick Pound
D.Vitaly Mutko
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Sergei Portugalov
Explanation :
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on March 13, 2017 confirmed a lifetime ban on Sergei Portugalov from sports for his role in providing illicit substances to Russian athletes. Sergei Portugalov is a former chief of the Russian Athletics Federation’s Medical Commission (Swimming). The Lausanne-based CAS upheld the ban as part of an arbitration involving the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and the Russian Athletics Federation.
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Which state has launched KCR Kit scheme for the welfare of pregnant women and new born babies in the state?
A.Telangana
B.Kerala
C.Haryana
D.Assam
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Telangana
Explanation :
The state government of Telangana has proposed a new scheme named as KCR Kit focusing on women welfare and new born. The chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has come out with a Rs. 605 Crore innovative scheme “KCR Kit” for the pregnant women and new born. The scheme will help manage the complications during the time of pregnancy and help reduce infant mortality rate. KCR Kit scheme is aimed at providing all essentials for a pregnant women and new born baby thus helping to manage the pregnancy complications. The main objective of the KCR Kit scheme is to reduce the infant mortality rate and encourage institutional deliveries in the state. The KCR Kit consists of 16 essential things needed for a new-born and will be useful for up to three months.
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Asa part of the clean Ganga Mission, the Centre has approved additional 20 projects worth over Rs. ______crore in March 2017.
A.Rs. 1,500 crore
B.Rs. 1,900 crore
C.Rs. 2,000 crore
D.Rs. 2,500 crore
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Rs 1,900 crore
Explanation :
The Executive Committee (EC) of National Mission for Clean Ganga has given approval for 20 new projects worth nearly Rs 1,900 crore during a meeting held on March 2, 2017. Out of the 20 projects, 13 are in Uttarakhand, and rest in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. All these projects will be fully funded by the Central Government, including even the expenditure on operation and maintenance of these projects.
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Odisha government launches helpline for distressed women
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently inaugurated a 24×7 toll free helpline number 181 for distressed women in Bhubaneswar. The helpline will facilitate quick response of various services including lodging police complaint to provide medical, legal and counselling to women victims. Naveen also said our govt has instituted 50% reservation for women in Panchayat Raj Institutions and Govt jobs.
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Snapdeal Names Jason Kothari as new Free Charge CEO
Jason Kothari was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Free charge by Indian e-commerce company Snapdeal CEO, Kunal Bahl on March 20, 2017. Kothari is succeder of Govind Rajan who resign his job last month. He is currently working as the Chief Strategy Officer of Snapdeal since January 2017. Prior to this he has worked in Housing. Com.
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Assam Government approves recommendation of 7th Pay Commission i. The Assam state government lead by Sarbananda Sonowal has approved the recommendation of the Seventh Pay Commission and also decided to give the six months’ arrear salary to its employees before the ensuing Bohag Bihu. ii. This new pay structure would be effective from April 1, 2016. iii. It will make Assam exchequer bear an additional burden of over three thousand crore rupees in FY 2018
7th Pay Commission :
♦ The 7th Central Pay Commission (7CPC) was constituted in February 2014.
♦ Chairman: AK Mathur
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Rajya Sabha passes HIV, AIDS Bill, 2017 by Voice Vote
The Upper House of Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha passed the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS prevention and control Bill, 2014 by voice vote on 21 March 2017. The bill, which includes provisions that ensure equal rights to people affiliated by HIV and AIDS in getting treatment and admission in educational institutions and jobs, was introduced in the house on the same day.
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High level committee to examine working of CCIM, CCH and their governing legislation i. The high level Committee has been formed to examine the working of the regulatory bodies Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and Central Council of Homoeopathy(CCH) said by Yesso Naik, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH. ii. The committee will be headed by Arvind Panagariya,Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. iii. Other members of the committee are Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog and Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH iv. Both the council will be inspected by the new committee and will suggest suitable reforms.
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Ankur Khanna appointed as Chief Financial Officer of ICC
Ankur Khanna was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of International Cricket Council (ICC). Khanna will join the ICC by the end of March 2017. He will relocate to the ICC headquarters in Dubai. Presently he is serving Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Airasia India, the post he had held for the last 12 months.
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Cabinet Approvals on March 22, 2017 i. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for development of 403 kms of National Highways in Meghalaya and Mizoram and also approved the Deepening and Widening of Mumbai Harbour Channel and JN Port Channel (Phase-II) project with fresh estimates. ii.Government has decided to amend the Constitution for setting up the National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (NSEBC) as a constitutional body for socially and economically backward classes.
iii. The Union Cabinet approved the following proposals with regards to NABARD Act, 1981 during the cabinet meeting. iv. The cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-ln) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the US Homeland Security Department on cooperation in the field of Cyber Security. v. The government gave its approval to amend the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 on March 22, 2017. vi. Central also approved the following proposals with regard to the Fund of Funds of Start-ups (FFS) which was established in June 2016 with a corpus of Rs. 10000 crores.
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Ankur Mittal bags Gold in ISSF World Cup Mexico
Indian shooter Ankur Mittal won the gold medal at the International shooting sport Federation (ISSF) shotgun World Cup in the men’s double trap event at Acapulco, Mexico on March 23, 2017. Mittal beats Australia’s James Willett with a score of 75 out of 80 while Willett managed 73. With this, India got its first medal of the competition where it has sent a nine member squad.
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CBDT Constitutes Committee to Check Absconding I-T Dept Officers i. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has constituted a 3 member committee on March 20, 2017 to identify those Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers and other junior-rank officers of the Income Tax department who are on unauthorised leave or are absconding, so that strict disciplinary action could be initiated against them. ii. The committee is headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General (ADG) and will carry out a one-time count of all the officers working in the department and identify the Group ‘A’ IRS officers who are presently on unauthorized leave or are absconding. iii. The Committee is authorised to obtain information or certificate from controlling officers regarding any IRS officer found to be absconding or on unauthorised leave to find out whether such officers are still in service and/or on authorised leave and what action has been initiated against these officers. iv. The committee has been directed to submit the report within 2 months to the CBDT Board after which it will initiate strict disciplinary action as prescribed under service rules. v. The CBDT has also asked all the regional chiefs to conduct a similar exercise in respect of the Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ officials of the tax department.
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Six Indian Americans Named for 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honour
Six Indian Americans individuals have been nominated among a total of 88 recipients for the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour, the highest civilian award in the US for immigrants. Besides, a Pakistani – American Dr. Adil Haider has also been named for the Prestigious Award. The 2017 recipients will be honoured on May 13, 2017 at an event on Ellis Island in New York. The were Indra Nooyi, Fareed Zakaria, Dinesh Paliwal, Dr. Annapoorna, Yashvant Patel, Mohan H Patel.
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Who has been appointed as the new administrator of the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services by the US Senate on March 13, 2017?
A.Andrie Bera
B.Seema Verma
C.Disha Shahni
D.Pramila Jayapal
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Seema Verma
Explanation :
Indian-American Seema Verma is appointed for a top healthcare position in the Trump administration. Her appointment was confirmed by the US Senate after 43 votes out of 55 has secured by Verma. Verma is expected to play a key role in the government’s bid to “repeal and replace” Obamacare. She would head the US $1 trillion Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services that provides health services to 130 million people. She is known as the architect of healthcare reforms in several states, including Indiana.
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According to a report by researchers on March 1, 2017, the world’s oldest known fossil has been discovered by scientists in which country?
A.United States of America
B.Canada
C.China
D.Australia
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Canada
Explanation :
According to research published in the journal Nature on March 1, 2017, scientists have discovered the oldest known fossil in Canada which is believed to be as old as 3.7 billion years old or even 4.3 billion years old. The study was conducted in northern Quebec’s Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (NSB) of Canada by University College London (UCL) including researchers from the University of Ottawa. The scientists have not found fossils of the bacteria themselves; instead, they found small tubes or filaments of iron oxide that would have been given off by the bacteria over time.
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What is the capital of Myanmar?
A.Belmopan
B.Ouagadougou
C.Prague
D.Naypyidaw
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Naypyidaw
Explanation :
Capital: Naypyidaw, Currency: Burmese kyat, President: Htin Kyaw.
Indian Navy will set up meteorological facilities and impart training for the Myanmar Navy, which will help offset increasing Chinese presence in its neighbourhood. This development comes days after a recent visit of a Myanmar delegation to Kochi. This fits into India’s overall effort to boost strategic cooperation under the ‘Act East’ policy. The visit by the Myanmar delegation is primarily aimed at training and expertising the officers on Indian Naval Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) operational/training facilities and exploring avenues for defence co-operation in the field.
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The new Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) has been announced by the government of India to boost the output of which of the following?
A.Cotton
B.Oil & Gas
C.Solar Energy
D.Distilled Water
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Oil & Gas
Explanation :
India has announced an Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) on March 7, 2017 for conducting oil and gas exploration in India. The new OALP policy will allow the bidder to select the exploration areas on their own and carve out areas where they want to drill. This will allow pricing and marketing freedom to operators and shifts to a revenue sharing model. The auction of oil and gas blocks under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) will be conducted twice a year with the first round being held in July 2017.
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Which Indian actress has won the best actress award at the 2017 International Film Festival and Awards of Australia (IFFAA)?
A.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
B.Priyanka Chopra
C.Deepika Padukone
D.Alia Bhatt
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Explanation :
Bollywood Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has won the best actress award at the International Film Festival and Awards of Australia (IFFAA) for her movie Sarabjit. Directed by Omung Kumar, Sarabjit was the biopic on Sarabjit Singh who was an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism and spying in Pakistan and was sentenced to death. He was attacked by inmates at a prison in Lahore in April 2013 and died a few days later.
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The ESAF Microfinance Company issued A1 rated Commercial Papers (CP) worth Rs.______crore to meet the short term funding needs of the organization.
A.Rs.290 crore
B.Rs.330 crore
C.Rs.175 crore
D.Rs. 410 crore
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Rs.330 crore
Explanation :
ESAF Microfinance Company has issued Commercial Papers (CP) worth Rs.330 crore. Private Sector Banks and NBFCs can subscribe for the CP.. The papers are rated A1 by CARE ratings. The proceeds from CP will be used for short term funding needs of the organization.. ESAF Microfinance is also the first company from Kerala to receive the license to open the small finance bank. ESAF Small Finance Bank will be opened on March 17, 2017.. The bank will give loans for farming, small businesses, housing and education. It will also have a spectrum of deposit options for all customers including non-resident Indians
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The Peace in the Home initiative has been launched by which organization on March 8, 2017 to tackle the menace of domestic violence against women?
A.Commonwealth Organisation
B.United Nation Security Council
C.World Health Organsiation
D.UNESCO
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Commonwealth Organzation
Explanation :
On the occasion of the International Women’s day, the Commonwealth has launched an initiative “Peace in the Home” to help the member states to deal with domestic violence that impacts the life of women. The “Peace in the home” programme includes a toolkits to help governments across the Commonwealth to deal with the menace. .The toolkit will enable the governments to involve multiple agencies such as schools, doctors and hospitals as well as government and law enforcement agencies to work together effectively by highlighting and sharing details of initiatives that had been particularly successful at dealing with domestic violence.
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The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu K Palaniswami launched a Housing Scheme on March 9, 2017 for construction of houses for poor. What is the total cost of the project?
A.Rs.2,110 crore
B.Rs.1,580 crore
C.Rs.1,750 crore
D.Rs.950 crore
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Rs.1,580 crore
Explanation :
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami launched a Housing Scheme on March 9, 2017 for construction of concrete houses for the economically poor section of the society. The project is estimated at Rs 1,580 crore and will be implemented by the state government with financial assistance from the Center. While launching the scheme, CM Palaniswami gave away work orders to five beneficiaries. For the current fiscal 2016-17, concrete houses will be constructed for 50,170 beneficiaries in town panchayat limits.
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Which is the currency of Belgium ?
A.Dollar
B.Euro
C.Peso
D.Ngultrum
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Euro
Explanation :
♦ Capital: City of Brussels
♦ Currency: Euro
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Iran successfully test fired its second ballistic missile ______from naval vessel on March 9, 2017.
A.Fateh-2
B.Hormuz-2
C.Shahab-2
D.Soumar-2
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Hormuz-2
Explanation :
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran successfully test-fired a domestically produced ballistic missile Hormuz-2 from a navy vessel on March 9, 2017. The Hormuz-2 ballistic missile was test-fired off the coast of Iran and successfully destroyed a floating target about 250 kilometers (155
miles) away. The latest ballistic missile is designed to destroy moving targets at sea at ranges up to 300 km (186 miles) while maintaining remarkable accuracy. Earlier on March 6, 2017, advanced S- 300 air defense system of Iran, delivered by Russia following the July 2015 nuclear deal after years of delay became operational
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The two day 12th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership was held in which city?
A.Bangaluru
B.New Delhi
C.Pune
D.Shimla
Answer & Explanation
Answer –B.New Delhi
Explanation :
President Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the two day 12th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership on March 9, 2017 in New Delhi. The first conclave has held in 2005. The Conclave was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the EXIM Bank of India with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Objective : To discuss cooperation in Trade, Regional Integration & Infrastructure Development, Finance & Consultancy, Mining & Minerals, Agriculture & Agro- Processing, Power & Alternative Energy, Healthcare, Small & Medium Enterprises, Human Capital Development and People-to-People Contacts
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When is the World Poetry Day observed?
A.March 20
B.March 21
C.March 22
D.March 19
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.March 21
Explanation :
UNESCO designated World Poetry Day is observed on 21st March to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry. Aim : To support linguistic diversity
through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities. The day was recognised by UNSECO, specialized agency of the UN. It was adopted during UNESCO’s 30th session held in Paris in 1999.
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The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) celebrated its ______foundation day on March 20-21, 2017.
A.Seventh
B.Fifth
C.Sixth
D.Ninth
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Fifth
Explanation :
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has celebrated it’s fifth foundation day on March 20-21, 2017 with the theme “BIRAC@5: Impacting the Biotech Ecosystem”. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences was the Chief Guest of 2017 foundation day while Y S Chowdary Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences was the Guest of Honour. The foundation day celebration was followed by Grand Challenges India Meeting 2017 which was organized by the BIRAC – PMU of DBT – BMGF and Wellcome Trust.
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Who has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on March 20, 2017?
A.Ankur Khanna
B.Subhash Rathore
C.Jayesh Pundit
D.Gurdeep Singh
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Ankur Khanna
Explanation :
Air Asia’s Chief Financial Officer, Ankur Khanna has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer(CFO) of International Cricket Council(ICC). This was officially announced by ICC Chief Executive, David Richardson on March 20, 2017. Ankur will relocate to Dubai will take charge by the end of March,
2017. He has worked in senior roles at Air France / KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and ITC, an associate company of British American Tobacco.
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Which Country has been given the first rank in the 2016 Human Development Index by UNDP?
A.New Zealand
B.Australia
C.Switzerland
D.Norway
Answer & Explanation
Answer – D.Norway
Explanation :
Norway has been ranked at the top spot in the UN Development Programme’s Human Development Index 2016, released on March 21, 2017 in Stockholm. Norway has HDI of 0.949, followed by Australia at second with HDI of 0.939 and Switzerland at third place with HDI of 0.939. The HDI report also showed that almost 1.5 billion people in developing countries live in multi-dimensional poverty. Of this, 54%, or 800 million people, are in South Asia while 34% are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Name the Aadhar-based UPI mobile application launched by the South Indian Bank on March 23, 2017.
A.SIB Aadhaar M-Pay
B.SIB Aadhaar Pay
C.SIB M-Pay
D.Aadhaar Pay
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.SIB M-Pay
Explanation :
Kerala based South Indian Bank has introduced Aadhar-based UPI mobile application SIB M-Pay on March 23, 2017 to promote cashless digital transactions. SIB M-Pay will enables all bank account holders to send and receive money from their Smartphone without bank account information simply through Aadhaar number.
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What is the new deadline set by the government under the amended Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 for the teachers to acquire the minimum qualifications?
A.March 31, 2020
B.March 31, 2018
C.March 31, 2019
D.March 31, 2021
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.March 31, 2019
Explanation :
The government also gave its approval to amend the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 on March 22, 2017. The amendment is to ensure that all teachers, in service as on March 31, 2015, acquire the minimum qualifications prescribed by the academic authority to extend the period for such training for four years up to 31st March, 2019.
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Which ministry has issued an advisory on March 22, 2017 for strict compliance of the provisions in the Flag Code of India, 2002 and The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971?
A.Ministry of Human Resource Developement
B.Ministry of Home Affairs
C.Ministry of Economic Affairs
D.Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Ministry of Home Affairs
Explanation :
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an advisory on March 22, 2017 to the chief secretaries, administrators of all state governments, UT administrations and secretaries of all ministries to ensure strict compliance of the provisions contained in the ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’ and ‘The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’. The advisory directs to carry out mass awareness programmes and also wide publicity through advertisements in both the electronic and print media for compliance.
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The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched MoPNG e-Seva on March 24, 2017 for which purpose?
A.Redress the Grievance of Oil and Gas Sector Through Social Media
B.Register Oil and Gas Connection Application
C.Online Gas Bookings
D.Linking of LPG Consumer for Direct Benefit Transfer
Answer & Explanation
Answer – A.Redress the Grievance of Oil and Gas Sector Through Social Media
Explanation :
The Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched MoPNG e-Seva, a dedicated grievances redressal platform across Social Media on March 24, 2017. The MOPNG e-Seva is an integrated grievances redressal platform to address all queries and grievances relating to Oil and Gas Sector via social media (Facebook, Twitter). It will also deliver 24 x 7 support for consumers and will aim at addressing complaints within 48 hours.
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What was the theme of the two day Houston India Conference organized by Asia Society Texas Center in Houston from march 25-26, 2017?
A.Make in India-Rotoscope Growth Opportunities
B.Make in India- The Inside Story
C.Make in India-Inclusive Growth
D.Make in India-Global Initiative
Answer & Explanation
Answer – B.Make in India- The Inside Story
Explanation :
Several conferences and committees are made to achieve this dream but the recent highlight is the first-ever Houston India Conference, hosted by Asia Society Texas Center in Houston. This conference is conducted on 25th March, 2017 for two days with the theme “Make in India- The Inside Story”. The conference is chaired by Jiten Agarwal and India’s Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna is also present.
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When is the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members was observed?
A.March 26
B.March 27
C.March 25
D.March 24
Answer & Explanation
Answer – C.March 25
Explanation :
The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members was observed by the United Nation on March 25, 2017..Each year, the day is marked to commemorate the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Aim: To mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen the resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as the colleagues in the non- governmental community and the press.
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