Oct 2017 – Part -4

General Awareness Oct 2017 – Part -4

Answer the following question by choosing the best option from the choices given.

1. With which nation did India carry INDRA 2017 tri-services military exercise? 1. Russia 4. Singapore 2. US 5. Israel 3. France Ans: 1 Solution: Exercise INDRA 2017, the first ever tri services joint exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces, began on 19 October 2017 in the Eastern Military District of Russia. The exercise will be held till 29 October 2017. Previously, Exercise INDRA has been conducted as a single service exercise alternately between the two countries. This year, the exercise has been upgraded to involve all the three Services of the Armed Forces- Army, Navy & Air Force. Exercise INDRA-2017 is being conducted at the 249th Combined Army Range Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok.

2. Which state will organize the International Gita Mahotsav? 1. Uttar Pradesh 4. Maharashtra 2. Haryana 5. None of the above 3. Gujarat Ans: 2 Solution: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced to organise International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The inauguration of the Mahotsav will be done by President Ram Nath Kovind. The event will be organised in collaboration with Mauritius. Moreover, Uttar Pradesh will be also associated with it. The objective behind the Mahotsav is to spread the message of Gita to the world. Vaishvik Path of Bhagvad Gita will also be held at Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar, the birthplace of Bhagvad Gita. This is the first International Gita Mahotsav which will also see the launch of two coffee table books named ‘Incredible Kurukshetra’ in English and ‘Atulya Kurukshetra’ in Hindi.

3. Which award was conferred on the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Gandhi Jayanti? 1. Inter-Ministerial Award 4. Swachh Samman Inter-Ministerial Award 2. Swachh Seva 5. None of the above 3. Swachh Bharat Inter-Ministerial Award

Ans: 3 Solution: The Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) was conferred with Swachh Bharat Inter- Ministerial Award 2017. The event marked the third anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission on Gandhi Jayanti. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas received the award on the basis of the various innovative and developmental activities it undertook over a period of 3 years. The initiatives include Project Saraswati, Unique zero energy, Bio-Toilets, Swachhta Apps and Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan.

4. Where did the Prime Minister inaugurate the All India Institute of Ayurveda? 1. Andhra Pradesh 4. Delhi 2. Bihar 5. Uttar Pradesh 3. Gujarat Ans: 4 Solution: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 dedicated the All India Institute of Ayurveda to the nation on the occasion of National Ayurveda Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) at Delhi’s Sarita Vihar. On the same occasion, Prime Minister released the “Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines”. developed by the Ministry of AYUSH. The Prime Minister also gave away the Yoga Award to the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, which was announced on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. The first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) is set up along the lines of AIIMS and has an NABH Accredited Hospital and an Academic Block. It has been set up with a total campus area of 10.015 acres with a budget of Rs. 157 Crore.

5. How many Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan were awarded the UN Medal for their professionalism and service? 1. 10 4. 45 2. 0 5. 50 3. 30 Ans: 5 Solution: Fifty Indian peacekeepers stationed in South Sudan were on 17 October 2017 awarded with the UN Medal for their professionalism and service in protecting civilians and building durable peace in the conflict- ridden country. The peacekeepers were presented with the award by UNMISS Force Commander General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi. These Indian peacekeepers are part of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Indian peacekeepers were deployed with the Indian battalion stationed at Bor in the Jonglei region of South Sudan.

6. Recently, what did the Ministry of Women and Child Development launch? 1. Women for Women 4. Women and India 2. Men for Women 5. Women, India, Equality 3. Women for Men Ans: 1 Solution: The Ministry of Women and Child Development in October 2017 launched an online campaign on ‘women for women’: #IamThatWoman in an attempt to end gender bias in women against women. The WCD Ministry aims to highlight through the campaign, the various aspects of women standing by and for other women. The Ministry has also urged people to shun stereotypes associated with women harming other women.

7. What is the full form of FDDI which was declared as an Institute of National Importance? 1. Fashion Design and Development Institute 3. Fashion Design and Development India 2. Footwear Design and Development 4. Footwear Design and Development India Institute 5. None of the above Ans: 2 Solution: The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in October 2017 declared as an ‘Institute of National Importance’ under the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry by the virtue of the Footwear Design & Development Institute Act, 2017. The provisions of the FDDI Act came into force with effect from 16 October 2017. With this, the institute can now award degrees to the students. Moreover, Union Government will also undertake upgradation of FDDI to a position of eminence to enable the Institute to effectively serve the industry.

8. Who has been honoured with the third American Bazaar Philanthropy Award? 1. Anand Shikar 4. Vijay Kumar 2. Bibli Mathur 5. Elangon Dasari 3. Ajay Raju Ans: 3 Solution: Noted Indian-American attorney Ajay Raju has been honoured with the third American Bazaar Philanthropy award in recognition of his philanthropic activities in the United States. Raju was honoured for his commitment to revive Philadelphia through the Germination Project. The Germination project is a signature initiative of the Pamela and Ajay Raju Foundation that recruits talented teenagers and prepares them to be tomorrow’s leaders. Previous recipients of the award include, Indian-American philanthropist Frank Islam and Suri Sehgal, founder of the SM Sehgal Foundation.

9. Recently, who won the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration? 1. A K Gandhi 4. T M Krishna 2. B K Arun 5. A M Rama 3. C K Prahalad Ans: 4 Solution: Carnatic music vocalist, T M Krishna would be honoured with the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for 2015 -16 on 31 October 2017, on Indira Gandhi’s death anniversary. He would be conferred the award by Sonia Gandhi, President of Indian National Congress Party. He is being awarded for his services in promoting and preserving national integration in the country. He also previously won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award for bringing ‘social inclusiveness in culture’ in 2016. He has written and talked about a wide range of socio-political issues, including women’s rights, children’s needs, issues that make a society civil or un-civil and the dangers of the mentality of war and narrow nationalism.

10. Which player became the first Indian woman to win the World Wrestling Entertainment? 1. Alandar Samyuka 4. Dari Singh 2. Banyan Streemar 5. Kavita Devi 3. Cayan Silka Ans: 5 Solution: Kavita Devi in October 2017 became the first Indian woman to tie-up with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Besides, Shadia Bseiso became the first Arab woman from the Middle East to sign a WWE developmental contract. Devi, a former competitive powerlifter, took training from Dalip Singh Rana popularly known as The Great Khali. The 2016 South Asian Games gold medalist, Kavita shot to fame when her video of wrestling in a salwar kameez against woman wrestler B Bull Bull went viral on social media. She is expected to begin training at the WWE Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida in January 2018.

11. When is the International Day of Rural Women observed? 1. 15th October 4. 3rd December 2. 20th October 5. None of the above 3. 1st November Ans: 1

Solution: The International Day of Rural Women was celebrated across the world on 15 October 2017 with the theme 'Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls'. The Day recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. The Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through its resolution 62/136 dated 18 December 2007. It was first celebrated on 15 October 2008.

12. Where was the NCCRD inaugurated? 1. IIT Delhi 4. IIT Kanpur 2. IIT Madras 5. New Delhi 3. IISc Bangalore Ans: 2 Solution: National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) was inaugurated at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras in Tamil Nadu. It is world’s largest combustion research centre and one of best diagnostic centres in the country to understand combustion. National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) is supported by state-run Science and Engineering Research Board (SERN) of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology. NCCRD’s research interests will cover automotive, thermal power and aerospace propulsion, besides fire research and microgravity combustion to minor extent. It will provide impetus to research in ‘Alternative Energy and Environmental Protection’ by focusing on effective utilisation of combustion as means of thermo-chemical energy conversion.

13. Recently, where was APPICON organized? 1. AIIMS 4. Chennai 2. New Delhi 5. None of the above 3. JIPMER Ans: 3 Solution: APPICON 2017, 63rd Annual National Conference of Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India, was hosted by the Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER).

14. Recently, which conference of Governors of India was presided by the President, Ram Nath Kovind? 1. 20th 4. 48th 2. 50th 5. None of the above 3. 25th Ans: 4 Solution: The two-day 48th Conference of Governors concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In his closing remarks, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, expressed satisfaction at the exchange of ideas on issues of national importance that had taken place at the Conference. The President said that Governors can give direction to the younger generation and can play an important role in shaping the future of the country by constantly engaging with students and teachers. They can inspire Universities in their States to develop as innovation centres. The role of the Governors becomes even more important in ensuring education and development in tribal areas.

15. Recently, which state engineering students have been selected for the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge? 1. Gujarat 4. Andhra Pradesh 2. West Bengal 5. Telangana 3. Maharashtra Ans: 5 Solution: Five students from a private engineering college in Telangana have been selected for the prestigious NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. The five-member team of students from the SR Engineering College in Warangal will now take part in the 5th annual NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge to be held in April 2018 in the US. The students qualified for the final challenge after overcoming the selection criteria - to prepare a moon buggy, design, report and submit their idea that make their buggy work on the surface of moon, ensuring the safety of its passengers, according to the SR Engineering College. The team, which will be led at the event by faculty Manoj Chaudhary, comprises P Paul Vineeth (final year ECE) Prakash Raineni (final mech), P Sravan Rao (final year ECE), R Dilip Reddy (final mech) and V Sneha (final civil), it said.

16. Who was nominated for the first Centenary National Award for Literature? 1. Nimita Gokhale 4. Kishan Bhai 2. Bala Tripura 5. Rama Swamy Iyenger 3. Sangeet Sagar Ans: 1

Solution: Eminent writer and TOI Write India author Namita Gokhale has been nominated for the first Centenary National Award for Literature, to be conferred by one of the most prestigious literary bodies in India -- the Asam Sahitya Sabha - for her outstanding literary contributions as well as her service to the nation in supporting and showcasing literary talent and creating a literary environment in the country. Asam Sahitya Sabha is a non-government, non-profit, literary organisation of Assam. It was founded in December 1917 to promote the culture of Assam and Assamese literature. Presently it has about 1,000 branches within and outside the state.

17. Recently, how many new secretaries were appointed to various government departments? 1. 10 4. 13 2. 11 5. 14 3. 12 Ans: 2 Solution: The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet appointed 11 new secretaries to various government departments, months ahead of the Union Budget 2018 to be presented on 1 February. Environment secretary Ajay Narayan Jha will succeed Ashok Lavasa as the secretary in the expenditure department in the finance ministry. An IAS officer of the 1982 Manipur-Tripura cadre, Jha will immediately join as officer on special duty in the department and take charge as secretary after Lavasa retires later in October. Health and family welfare secretary C.K. Mishra will replace Jha as the new secretary in charge of environment, forests and climate change. The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet also appointed sports secretary Injeti Srinivas as the new corporate affairs secretary in the finance ministry. Gopal Krishna, currently serving in his home cadre of West Bengal, has been appointed as the shipping secretary. Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar will be the new sports secretary. Preeti Sudan, secretary of department of food and public distribution, has been assigned the charge of health and family welfare. Current shipping secretary Ravi Kant will take up her role in the food ministry. Alok Shrivastava, currently special secretary in the shipping ministry, has been appointed as the new secretary in the department of justice. Other cabinet secretary appointments include K.V. Eapen (department of administrative reforms & public grievances and pensions & pensioners’ welfare), Shakuntala Gamlin (department of empowerment of persons with disabilities) and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha (AYUSH ministry).

18. When is the World Standards Day? 1. April 1st 4. October 3rd 2. January 1st 5. None of the above 3. October 14th Ans: 3 Solution: Each year on 14 October, the members of the IEC, ISO and ITU celebrate World Standards Day, which is a means of paying tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide who develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as international standards. The theme 2017 is Smart Buildings and Homes, Security Solutions and Energy efficiency.

19. Who is the head of the Parliamentary panel on operation preparedness of the armed forces? 1. A K Anthony 4. B C Khanduri 2. Rajnath Singh 5. None of the above 3. Narendra Modi Ans: 4 Solution: A parliamentary panel will examine the operational preparedness of the armed forces and review the accidents involving strategic defence assets. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, headed by BJP MP B C Khanduri, will also assess the procurement policy relating to defence equipment. The committee has also decided to "critically review" the accidents involving strategic defence assets and look into the quality of ration given to the forces especially in border areas, according to a Lok Sabha bulletin.

20. Which state became the first to pass motions online in state assembly? 1. Andhra Pradesh 4. Gujarat 2. West Bengal 5. Rajasthan 3. Maharashtra Ans: 5 Solution: Going digital, the Rajasthan assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and proposals online from legislators to send them to the state government, an official said. Speaker Kailash Meghwal inaugurated the new system by sending a call for an attention motion to the state government with a click of mouse, assembly secretary Prithvi Raj said. The system is expected to save time, labour and use of paper in the functioning of the assembly, and also help legislators in bringing attention to urgent public issues. It will also streamline exchange of information and reports among respective departments.

21. Which nation opened the first negative carbon emissions plant? 1. Iceland 4. India 2. France 5. Italy 3. China Ans: 1 Solution: Climeworks just proved the cynics wrong. On Oct. 11, at a geothermal power plant in Iceland, the startup inaugurated the first system that does direct air capture and verifiably achieves negative carbon emissions. Although it’s still at pilot scale—capturing only 50 metric tons CO2 from the air each year, about the same emitted by a single US household or 10 Indian households—it’s the first system to convert the emissions into stone, thus ensuring they don’t escape back into the atmosphere for the next millions of years.

22. Recently, who won the Shangai Masters? 1. Rafael Nadal 4. Cilian Murphy 2. Roger Federer 5. None of the above 3. Andy Murray Ans: 2 Solution: Roger Federer got one over his old rival Rafael Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday in a showdown between the two best players on the planet. It was a 94th title for the Swiss legend, drawing him level with the great Ivan Lendl, and closes the gap on world number one Nadal at the top of the rankings as the season reaches its conclusion. In-form Nadal was ahead in their overall record down the years, with 23 wins to Federer's 14, but he was up against it almost right away.

23. Recently, in which game did Selena Selvakumar put an impressive performance in? 1. Tennis 4. Swimming 2. Golf 5. Cricket 3. Table Tennis Ans: 3 Solution: India's young paddler Selena Selvakumar put up an impressive show in the Junior Girls' Team event to annex the 2017 Egypt Junior and Cadet Table-Tennis Open title. The 17-year-old Chennai girl teamed up with local duo of Riman Hesham and Waad Ibrahim to upset the top seeded Egypt A team 3-2.

24. Recently, Satish Chandra departed. Who was he? 1. Author 4. Historian 2. Sportsperson 5. None of the above 3. Poet Ans: 4 Solution: Veteran and one of the India’s eminent historian Satish Chandra passed away on Friday evening at the age of 95. Satish’s important works include Mughal Empire and its downfall. He was also the author of NCERT’s leading history book ‘History of Medieval India’ which is widely preferred in schools and colleges around India. Chandra has founded JNU’s Centre for Historical Studies and was one of the stalwart professor along with Bipan Chandra and Romila Thapar. He was also the chairman and vice chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India during 1970s.

25. Who is the author of the book The Coalition Years 1996-2012? 1. Malatar Mohar 4. Sonia Gandhi 2. Rahul Gandhi 5. Pranab Mukherjee 3. C K Prahalad Ans: 5 Solution: If anyone wants a top-echelon insider’s take on parliamentary politics and how and why successive governments at the Centre did what they did — a rare behind-the-scenes peek into high statecraft — the book to pick up is ‘The Coalition Years 1996-2012’, the third volume of Pranab Mukherjee’s political autobiography. It’s a tell-all memoir without slipping into a salacious vein. Mukherjee instead mines his memoirs to provide an analysis only his “elephantine” mind could give. “The memory of two elephants” is how Sonia Gandhi had laughingly described Mukherjee’s knack for remembering every detail.

26. Which day is the World Students' Day? 1. October 15th 4. November 3rd 2. April 23rd 5. None of the above 3. May 1st Ans: 1 Solution: Unarguably the most loved President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam was a scientist who made India proud with his missile defence programme. But his favourite job was teaching and that’s how he wanted the world to remember him. Due to his love for students and focus on promoting education, the United Nations declared his birthday (October 15) as ‘World Student’s Day’ in 2010.

27. Recently, with whom did Union Textile Ministry collaborate under CSR initiative? 1. Flipkart 4. Andhra Pradesh 2. Myntra 5. Maharashtra 3. Amazon Ans: 2 Solution: E-commerce major Myntra launched its CSR initiative in association with the Union Textile Ministry, to work directly with weavers and elevate their economic stature. With an initiative to provide impetus to the Government's agenda to transform and revive demand for arts and handloom products in India, the company is committing itself along with some of its partner brands to bring artisans and their products online, providing them access to new customers and opportunities. These products will retail on Myntra via a dedicated online store, thereby creating a one-stop shop for all handloom products.

28. Recently, who was chosen for the Kalakar Puraskar? 1. Mandh Shoban 4. Dandhera Sukumar 2. Bala Sri Kumar 5. None of the above 3. Gopal Gowda Ans: 3 Solution: Renowned Konkani folk artiste Gopal Gowda has been chosen for this year's 'Kalakar Puraskar' instituted by Mandd Sobhann, an organisation with the aim of protecting Konkani identity. The award is given annually by Mandd Sobhann to Konkani artistes from the fields of folk arts, theatre, music and dance.

29. Recently, who has been selected for the Padma Prabha Puraskaram? 1. Alankar Matru 4. Prabha Varma 2. Bhandar Sainath 5. None of the above 3. C K Gyanendra Ans: 4 Solution: Eminent poet, lyricist and journalist Prabha Varma has been selected for the Padma Prabha Puraskaram 2017. A jury headed by ace novelist M Mukundan chose Varma for the prestigious award, considering his contribution to Malayalam literature, he said. The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 75,000, a plaque and a citation, was instituted by the Padma Prabha Memorial Trust, he said. Veerendra Kumar, a Rajya Sabha member, served thrice as Press Trust of India (PTI) chairman and is at present a director in the premier news agency.

30. What is the name of the first Olympics swimmer of India who departed recently? 1. Anand Bhaitar 4. Shah Badhshah 2. Bihari Strikar 5. Shamsher Khan 3. Elangon Mashri Ans: 5 Solution: Shamsher Khan, the country’s first swimmer who had participated in the 1956 Summer Olympics, died at his native village Repalle. Mr. Khan, 92, died of heart attack, his eldest son Babu said. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Leader of the Opposition Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Principal Secretary L.V. Subramanyam condoled the death of Mr. Kahn.

31. Recently, which brand comes at the top in the Authentic Brands Study? 1. Google 4. Nokia 2. Microsoft 5. Tata 3. Samsung Ans: 1 Solution: Indian consumers regard Google as the most authentic brand, even though Amazon.com tops the list globally, reveal results of a new survey on Tuesday. In India, Google is followed by Microsoft, Amazon.com, Maruti Suzuki and Apple. Globally, Apple takes the second spot after Amazon in the authenticity race, according to the results revealed by Cohn & Wolfe. The global authenticity index puts Microsoft, Google and PayPal at third, fourth and fifth places respectively -- all technology brands said the 2017 "Authentic Brands Study".

32. Recently, which nations signed the IBSA Trust Fund Agreement? 1. Brazil, Pakistan and China 4. India, China and UK 2. India, Brazil and South Africa 5. None of the above 3. India and Brazil Ans: 2 Solution: India, Brazil and South Africa signed the IBSA Trust Fund Agreement that seeks to fight poverty in developing countries. The agreement was signed by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh who led the Indian side at the 8th IBSA trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting in Durban. The IBSA Trust Fund brings together the three emerging economies of India, Brazil and South Africa to combat poverty in other developing countries. Each country contributes USD 1 million annually to this fund which is managed by the UN Development Programme's (UNDP) Special Unit for South-South Cooperation.

33. Recently, which organization won the Customer Service Excellence Award from NASSCOM? 1. Infosys 4. Wipro 2. TCS 5. Big Bazaar 3. CSS Corp Ans: 3 Solution: CSS Corp, a new-age IT services and technology support company, has been named as the winner of the Customer Service Excellence Award 2017 by NASSCOM, India's premier IT industry body. CSS Corp emerged as a leader in the transformation category for its proven capabilities in creating additional revenue generation opportunities for clients globally through its proprietary tech support and analytics platforms. The NASSCOM Customer Service Excellence Awards - 2017 were given out on October 12th, 2017 at their prestigious BPM Summit 2017 to recognize innovations by organizations that deliver highly personalized, outcome driven and revenue focused services to their customers.

34. Recently, who was awarded with the Blue Planet Prize? 1. Bucky Barnes Schindler 4. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber 2. Bachan James 5. None of the above 3. Johnson Jack Ans: 4 Solution: The world's most prestigious award for pioneers in environmental science was given to Hans Joachim Schellnhuber this week in Tokyo. He is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), a member of the Leibniz Association. The Blue Planet Prize, coming along with 50 million yen, honors outstanding thinkers who help to meet challenges of planetary dimensions. It is awarded by the Asahi Glass Foundation and handed over in presence of Japan's Imperial Prince and Princess. Schellnhuber received the prize for establishing a new field of science, Earth System Analysis, and introducing most influential concepts including the notion of tipping elements in the climate system.

35. Recently, who was appointed as the Chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development? 1. Anand Mishra 4. Olam Jacob 2. Bihari Madhavan 5. Sunny Verghese 3. Virat Sarkar Ans: 5

Solution: The World Business Council for Sustainable Development has appointed NRI businessman Sunny Verghese, co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based Olam International as the new chairman of the organisation from 2018. Sunny is the first ever Asian CEO to be appointed as Chair in World Business Council for Sustainable Development's (WBCSD) 25 years of history. WBCSD is a global network of more than 200 CEOs who are responsible for a combined revenue of more than USD 8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Sunny will take over from Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, whose chairmanship term ends on 31 December 2017.

36. Which bank launched the Paymint? 1. Kotak Mahindra Bank 4. Dena Bank 2. SBI 5. None of the above 3. ICICI Bank Ans: 1 Solution: Kotak Mahindra Bank and Zeta, a fintech pioneer, announced the launch of Paymint – a comprehensive digital platform to manage multiple employee benefits. A multi-wallet digital prepaid solutions platform, Paymint enables corporates to offer a host of benefits to its employees including meal vouchers, medical reimbursements, leave travel allowances, gift cards, conveyance, fuel allowances, driver salaries and so on to maximise tax benefits for employees and optimise the process of making claims. ***